ZETA Music Systems Introduces
the Synthony IIThe inventors of the electric ZETA violin present Synthony II -- the next generation of MIDI processors for bowed strings -
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The Synthony II MIDI Controller
(Click for a close-up) |
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The ZETA MIDI Controller Family
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September 12, 2000The world's only dedicated MIDI controller for bowed strings violin, viola,
cello, and upright bass - the Synthony II is capable of translating the
unique dynamics produced by bowed strings into MIDI signals. With
near-instantaneous tracking speed, the Synthony II opens a new world of
sonic possibilities for bowed string players - synthesizer sounds, digital
effects, drum sequencing, and the ability to control and communicate with
any MIDI device - all using a ZETA violin, viola, cello or uprite bass as
the MIDI controller.
Bowed stringed instruments are capable of producing an entire range of
dynamics which other MIDI processors, designed for guitar or bass, simply do
not understand. Crescendo, decrescendo, spicatto, marcato, glissando,
détaché, martelé - the unique voice of bowed strings created by these
dynamics are simply lost in the translation with other MIDI processors.
Dynamics define tone - especially for bowed stringed instrument players.
Only the ZETA Synthony II MIDI processor can translate the analog signal
from a ZETA MIDI capable violin, viola, cello or bass into a MIDI signal -
complete with the rich dynamics which clearly distinguish the bowed strings'
sound from other stringed instruments.
The Synthony II offers a broad palette of 480 built-in GM and XG MIDI
sounds, each of which can be fully customized by the user, and saved into
one of 256 user presets. The on-board digital effects processor features 11
types of reverb, 11 types of chorus, and 42 "variations" effects, which
include delay, flanger, rotary, tremolo, distortion, EQ, auto-wah, and more.
Each digital effect is user programmable, and up to 3 digital effects can be
assigned to each MIDI sound.
Complex arrangements and accompaniments can be achieved with the Synthony
II's on-board Arpeggiator. Up to 32 notes can be sequenced in real-time, set
to tempo, quantized, and looped in a wide variety of patterns and musical
styles.
Augment performances, practices and rehearsals with the Synthony II's
built-in drum sequencer. Complete with 11 drum kits and 32 sequences, the
on-board drum sequencer can replace the click of the metronome in practices
and rehearsals, or fill-in for the drummer in performances. Used in
conjunction with the Synthony II's Arpeggiator, extremely effective
accompaniments can be created.
The Synthony II is fully compatible with all ZETA MIDI capable violins,
violas, cellos, and basses, from ZETA's Educator, Performer, and Signature
Series lines of instruments. Representing a significant improvement over
existing string instrument MIDI controllers, the Synthony II permits the
user to custom-define how the analog notes are read by the processor,
allowing near-instantaneous tracking speeds to be achieved.
Hardware features such as the rugged 1-rack space steel chassis, back-lit
LCD screen, dedicated control panel buttons, MIDI In / Out / Thru ports,
stereo and mono 1/4" outputs, and inputs for 2 expression pedals and 2
footswitches make programming and playing through the Synthony II
effortless.
The Synthony II MIDI Controller / Synthesizer has a retail price of $2,495,
and is backed by ZETA's 90 day Limited Warranty. An 18'
instrument-to-processor cable, footswitch and power supply are included. For
a demonstration of the ZETA Synthony II, please visit a local Authorized
ZETA Dealer. For more information, visit their web site at www.zetamusic.com. |
