Xena 6 Voice Polyphonic Digital OSC / Analog VCF Desktop SynthesizerXena is a rework of the legendary Mutable Instruments Ambika DIY synthesizer. Now fully machine assembled with an updated layout and an improved modern power supply. Available with all original 3 voice cards and compatible with 3rd part operating systems as well as a new AS3109 (modern reissue of the original Roland filter chip) filter Xena Features: 6 voices with individual outputs, one Mix output (Mono) 2 digital oscillators per voice, with 36

Xena is a rework of the legendary Mutable Instruments Ambika DIY synthesizer.   Now fully machine assembled with an updated layout and an improved modern power supply.  Available with all original 3 voice cards and compatible with 3rd part operating systems as well as a new AS3109 (modern reissue of the original Roland filter chip) filter

Xena Features:

• 6 voices with individual outputs, one Mix output (Mono)
• 2 digital oscillators per voice, with 36 oscillator algorithms/wavetables.
• 1 sub-oscillator, also configurable as a transient generator.
• Pre-filter overdrive and bit-crushing effect.
• Analog 4-pole filter (or 2-pole multimode filter depending on the type of voicecard used) and VCA.
• 3 ADSR envelopes, 3 patch-level LFOs, 1 voice-level LFO.
• Modulation matrix with 14 slots and 4 modulation modifiers.
• 1 arpeggiator, 1 note sequencer and 2 step sequencers per part.
• Flexible mapping of the 6 voices. A single patch with 6 voice-polyphony, 6 independent mono parts, 2 layered patches with 3-voices polyphony, a 3-voice unison bass line on the lower half of the keyboard with a 3-voice unison lead on the upper half... all are possible!
• MicroSD storage allows the storing of a life-long of patches, programs and multis, along with the history of editing operations for undo/redo.
• Easy to change voice cards
• Case size: 10.5"x6.5"x1.75"

Filter Options:

The device is available with the original 3 Mutable voice cards (more will be added later one). Mixing voice cards is possible but not recommended.

SMR Filter: This filter uses the same topology as the Shruthi SMR4mkII. It is a low pass 4 pole OTA-C filter. Its a smooth "Rolandish" type filter
4P Filter: This filter uses the same core as the Shruhti 4-Pole Mission but only offers the LP4 output. I would characterize the 4P filter as a a bit fuzzier than the SMR type
SVF Filter: This filter board features a 2-pole state variable filter with low-pass, band-pass and high-pass modes. It is half of the Shruthi SVF Filter

Original Ambika Manual

Xena 3109:

 SMR-4 Ambika Demo:

4P vs SMR Demo:

 SVF Demo:

General Amibika Usage Demo:

Includes:

Xena Desktop Synth
12V DC universal (100-240V) Power Supply
Preformatted SD card

Derivative PCB & Schematic provided by Michigan Synth Works under creative commons CC-BY-SA-3.0 license.

Original CAD file, PCB & Schematic and original design elements provided by Mutable Instruments under creative commons CC-BY-SA-3.0 license.