Xaoc Devices Sofia

TRANSCENDENT WAVEFORM ANALOG OSCILLATOR
MODEL OF 1955

OPERATING PRINCIPLE

Sofia implements and extends the classic computer music method for synthesis of formant sounds called FOF (fonction d’onde formantique), which uses a combination of simple, time-domain components (decaying sinusoidal waves) to achieve desired spectral characteristics.
In Sofia, two of such ripple elements are added on top of a slightly saturated sinusoidal base tone. Each new cycle of the base tone spawns a new pair of ripple elements. The ripples’ density and decay rate may be adjusted over a wide range. Additionally, the elements may be warped so that their density accelerates or decelerates within the cycle. Finally, their basic waveform may be switched from sine-like to square-like for additional richness.
Despite the seemingly divergent frequencies present in the signal, it remains strictly harmonic due to how all elements are waveshaped from the core tone and therefore phase coherent. Thus, Sofia is not a complex oscillator in the Buchla sense; however, it goes beyond the traditional set of primary waves and wavetables, hence the name.

FEATURES

• Analog VCO with complex waveforms
• Extended FOF synthesis
• 3 frequency control inputs
• 8 parameter control inputs
• 6 signal outputs

TECHNICAL DETAILS

• 24hp, 30mm deep
• Current draw: +90mA/-80mA
• Reverse power protection