IK Multimedia Introduces the UNO Synth Pro and UNO Synth Pro Desktop

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Back in late 2018, IK Multimedia surprised vintage synth lovers with their Uno Synth – a tiny monophonic device with capacitive buttons for the keys as well as numerous functions and a few knobs. The surprise was that while Uno Synth looked like a toy, it controlled and sounded like a pro-grade analog synth punching way above its price point. I have put dozens of hours into creating fun sounds with the Uno Synth, and so was thrilled to see IK announce the follow-up – the UNO Synth Pro and UNO Synth Pro Desktop.IK Multimedia Introduces the UNO Synth Pro and UNO Synth Pro Desktop

 

These new synths expand on the Uno Synth in nearly every section: more oscillators, more filters, more sequencer memory, more effects, more presets, more connections, and more programmability.

You also get two types of packages. The UNO Synth Pro Desktop has capacitive keys like the original, but they actually look like a keyboard rather than the drum pad layout of the original. The function buttons are also physical pushbuttons rather than the easily missed capacitive buttons on the Uno Synth.

UNO Synth Pro takes things even further with a rugged metal frame and a Fatar designed 37-note full-sized keyboard with aftertouch.

Both models share the UNO Synth Pro’s unique dual-filter, 3-oscillator paraphonic design that lets it create nearly any synth sound imaginable, and with 256 presets, a new 64-step sequencer, and expanded CV/Gate and audio connections, users will quickly find it’s the ideal creation station for any outboard rig.

Huge, real analog sound
Three analog oscillators offer continuously variable waveshape, including pulse-width modulation. Oscillators can be hard-synced for more harmonically-complex tones, and oscillator FM (frequency modulation) lets users shape everything from bell-like sounds to screaming industrial tones. UNO Synth Pro even includes ring modulation for wobbly, sci-fi sound and a white noise generator for a wide range of percussive sounds and epic rises.

Dual-filter design with 24 available modes
In addition to the original UNO Synth’s 2-pole OTA multimode filter, UNO Synth Pro adds a new SSI 2/4-pole LP filter with self-oscillation. The dual filters can be used in series or parallel, with invertible phase, for a total of 24 possible filter modes. This unique design offers nearly limitless tonal possibilities, from recreating classic vintage sounds or forging completely new, experimental sounds.

Massive sonic flexibility
UNO Synth Pro offers two full ADSR envelopes, one dedicated to the filter and the other to amplitude, with both available as sources to modulate everything from oscillator pitch and waveshape to LFO speed or even other envelope stages. Two LFOs (low-frequency oscillators) can create classic synth vibrato, wah, and tremolo as well as do more complex modulations, including audio range FM.

A 16-slot modulation matrix makes routing all these a breeze. Users can quickly and easily design even the most sophisticated modulation scheme, with both internal and external sources, including MIDI controllers.

Deep onboard effects
UNO Synth Pro offers four effect blocks: an analog overdrive circuit from the original UNO Synth, plus three new, custom-designed digital effects: modulation, delay, and reverb. External signals can also be routed through these effects, with pre-effects filtering for added flexibility.

Improved playability
UNO Synth Pro offers a premium 37-key synth-action keyboard made in Italy by Fatar; the UNO Synth Pro Desktop provides an enhanced version of the original’s long-lasting capacitance-sensing keys along with pitch and mod strips for enhanced expression. Both units add firm-touch rubber pads for the control sections, plus LED-backlit indicators and an LED display for key information, making it easier than ever to use live on stage or in deep programming sessions in the studio.

Powerful presets, sequencer, and arpeggiator
UNO Synth Pro offers 256 user-editable presets, each capturing the full state of the sound engine from oscillators to effects. An onboard 64-step sequencer offers both step and real-time recording, with the automation of over 80 parameters, letting users create incredibly intricate and evolving soundscapes and even write CV and gate automation.

And a 10-mode arpeggiator makes it easy to create intricate patterns and runs, while a new “chord mode” takes advantage of UNO Synth Pro’s paraphonic design, opening the door to triads and chord work.

Advanced connectivity
UNO Synth Pro offers two noiseless, balanced stereo outputs as well as a headphone out for superior audio quality in any situation. USB and 5-pin DIN MIDI In and Out make it easy to integrate with other synths, Mac/PC, and mobile devices. Its assignable CV/Gate connections lets UNO Synth Pro interact effortlessly with a Eurorack or other modular system.

And now, an audio input allows access to the filter and FX section for external signals, in addition to the original pass-through for daisy-chaining multiple units together without using a mixer.

Options, pricing, and availability
UNO Synth Pro and UNO Synth Pro Desktop will be arriving in Q1 2021 and are currently available for pre-order from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide for $649.99 and $399.99, respectively.

Head to IK Multimedia for more details and to pre-order Uno Synth Pro!

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About the Author

Michael Anderson
I have loved technology for as long as I can remember - and have been a computer gamer since the PDP-10! Mobile Technology has played a major role in my life - I have used an electronic companion since the HP95LX more than 20 years ago, and have been a 'Laptop First' person since my Compaq LTE Lite 3/20 and Powerbook 170 back in 1991! As an avid gamer and gadget-junkie I was constantly asked for my opinions on new technology, which led to writing small blurbs ... and eventually becoming a reviewer many years ago. My family is my biggest priority in life, and they alternate between loving and tolerating my gaming and gadget hobbies ... but ultimately benefits from the addition of technology to our lives!