Noah Synthesizer Makes Winter NAMM Debut
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Artist's Rendering
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Lightwave Instrument
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January 16, 2003
CreamWare is presenting the Noah hardware synthesizer at this
winter's NAMM show in Anaheim. Noah was announced for the first time at the
2002 music fair in Frankfurt and is now nearly ready to ship. Because this
synthesizer is based on software plug-in technology it offers unique
features and more flexibility. Further Noah
highlights include extensive integration with audio computers via editing
software and a USB interface (for audio and MIDI), and the ability to serve
as an effects processor for external signal sources.
Compared to the fixed architecture of conventional synthesizers, Noah is
extremely flexible and can be configured with various instruments and
synthesis methods via software (plug-ins). Instruments are not based simply
on static samples; they are modelled with the help of advanced DSP technology. At the same time, completely new
synthesis techniques can be realized as well. Through the ability to extend
Noah via software plug-ins the synthesizer always remains state-of-the-art
and is constantly evolving.
The following instruments are included with Noah:
- Minimax - The first truly accurate reproduction of the legendary Moog Minimoog. Already released to critical acclaim as a plug-in for the CreamWare DSP systems.
- B-2003 - Model of a drawbar organ in the tradition of the Hammond B3.
- Vectron Player - Inspired by the legendary Prophet VS, vector synthesis produces breathtaking sounds.
- Lightwave - Wavetable synthesizer with 128 waveforms, two integrated filters and a flexible modulation matrix.
- Six-String - Thanks to a new physical modelling technique, Six-String produces string instrument sounds with a degree of realism unparalleled by any previous algorithm (see the separate "Six-String" press release).
As a special offer until June 30, 2003, the Sequential Circuits
Pro-One is included for free. This is a 1:1 port of the analog cult
synthesizer engineered by the original developers in co-operation with
CreamWare.
All Noah instruments are fully polyphonic and supplied with sounds created
by top professional sound designers. Even in its basic version Noah already
offers well over 1000 sounds. Users can edit the sounds directly in the
synthesizer, or, with the help of the included software, graphically at the
computer.
Noah features an extensive effects section. More than 30 32-bit algorithms,
including a high-quality reverb, the vocoder Vocodizer, a filter bank with
Moog filters, as well as modulation and dynamic effects, are provided. An
onboard sequencer and arpeggiator go yet further to provide musical motion.
And thanks to its audio inputs users can also employ Noah as an effects
processor for external signals - even while using it in parallel to produce
its own sounds.
Although Noah does not require a computer to operate effectively, it can be
seamlessly integrated into a PC or Mac (editing software for Mac projected to be available in the middle of 2003) environment through its onboard USB
interface and the included editing software. The USB interface transfers
both MIDI and eight simultaneous audio channels. It also functions as the
interface to the Noah editing software. All Noah instruments can be edited
graphically with the software. Complete configurations can be created
conveniently on screen, and new instruments or sounds can be transferred
directly from the Internet through the PC to Noah and played immediately.
Initially Noah is available as a rack module. It features a 2x40 character
display and is equipped with four combination
continuous-control/push-button performance controllers. Noah provides
connections for a stereo input and output, 8 individual outs in ADAT
format, a headphone output, MIDI In/Out/Thru, a USB interface and a slot
for Compact Flash data storage.
In addition to the standard version, a Noah EX version with double the
power for the synthesis engine is available. This extension can also be
added to the standard version. Noah EX can play up to four instruments at a
time, the standard version two.
Noah will be available in April, 2003. Projected list price for the
standard version is US$ 2,075 net, and US$ 2,525 net for the EX version.
For more information, visit their web site at www.creamware.com. | 
