Samarkanda

Samarkanda: Time Manipulation Station by Xaoc Devices

Samarkanda is Xaoc’s answer to the ultimate delay module. Four independent channels with delay times from microsonic 0.5ms to expansive 15 seconds per channel. Stack all four for a full minute of pristine delay time.

Two distinct processing modes give you complete control over time manipulation. Analog mode delivers classic tape/BBD-style pitch shifts when changing delay time. Digital mode provides clean, granular-like crossfading between buffer positions without pitch artifacts. Simple switching between modes lets you adapt to different materials on the fly.

A quick glance at the panel and you realize how well suited this interface is for performance — giant knobs very welcome, thank you. Each channel features direct control knobs for all parameters with corresponding CV inputs for external modulation. Link buttons effortlessly combine channels into synchronized pairs or groups with master/secondary parameter relationships. The tap tempo button glows different colors to indicate operation mode: continuous, tap-tempo, or clock-synchronized.

Samarkanda’s signal path is based on clear-sounding 24-bit AKM converters and 32-bit internal processing. Digital normalization ensures lossless signal transfer between stacked channels. Create complex echoes where each delay layer interacts with others, building sophisticated rhythmic patterns without unnecessary conversion artifacts.

Beyond standard delay duties, Samarkanda transforms into a tuned resonator, real-time granulator, or even an FDN-style reverb (Feedback Delay Network) with external patching. The hold function freezes buffers for looping, while the reverse function creates backwards textures. The purge button instantly clears all buffers when your feedback gets out of hand. Here you get 42hp of rack space that pays for itself with versatility. Your delay workhorse for years to come!

Features:

• Four independent delay channels (0.5ms-15s each)
• Switchable analog or digital delay behavior
• Lossless channel chaining through digital normalization
• Three operation modes: continuous, tap-tempo, or clock-synchronized
• Clock division/multiplication from 1:8 to 8:1
• Buffer freeze function with 1V/oct playback control
• Reverse delay with adjustable feedback polarity
• Channel linking with master/secondary parameter relationships
• External feedback path processing via separate I/O
• 24-bit conversion with 32-bit internal processing