XPO

XPO is broader, wider, deeper – Make Noise analog stereo oscillator has, in addition to five mono waveforms, Stereo Vari-Shape (STO/Buchla), Stereo Wavefolding (DPO) and Stereo PWM (brand new!).

There is no such thing as stereo PWM in synthesizers! Based on this startling discovery, Tony Rolando set out to make this a reality, “stereoizing” other timbre modifications along the way – namely Vari-Shape (STO) and Wavefolding (DPO). All this led (after countless tests) to the XPO.

Thus, the Make Noise XPO is equipped with three stereo outputs and five mono outputs. Even though this module has references to the DPO and STO, it is an independent development. The mono waveforms, especially the sawtooth, have been optimized. The stereo circuits have been adjusted so that timbral changes do not come at the expense of spatial (L/R) modulation.

The interface has a lot of normalizations that simplify (stereo) patching. Center is another parameter added to give the Vari-Shape and Wavefolding circuits an extra push on left and right simultaneously. The PWM remains unaffected by this, which in turn brings new sound shaping possibilities.

There are a total of five CV-Ins, each with attenuator and two (!) v/oct inputs. The latter is practical, as it provides yet another calibrated input, e.g. for transpositions.

There are some more useful details:

The SUB output is normalized to the linear FM input. This feedback creates again quite different, grumpy sounds.

All stereo waveforms can also be output in adjusted mono when only the left jack is patched. Dual waveshaping or dual PWM in mono is of course also “nice to have”.

All this fits into Makenoise portfolio, in which there are already some stereo modules (including QPAS, Mimeophon, XPAN). So the XPO is not only a good addition here, but forms the analog stereo sound generation basis. But this not only in tandem with Makenoise modules, but also with all other stereo filters, VCAs, effect devices, etc.

Overview:

• Stereo Analog VCO with  five mono outs and three stereo pairs (L=Mono)
• Unique Mono versions of all Stereo Waveforms via Left output normalizations
• Modulate Timbre via Stereo Pulse-Width Modulation, Stereo Vari-Timbre, and Stereo Wavefolding
• Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Spike, and SUB mono outs
• Modulate Left and Right channels together or separately thanks to normalization and attenuverters
• Center parameter adds additional timbre control to both sides of Vari-Timbre and Wavefolded outputs
• Linear FM Bus features voltage-control over FM depth and a normalization of SUB to FM input
• Hard SYNC circuit
• Two 1v/oct inputs for transposition, melody stacking, or richest FM
• All CV Ins have attenuverters