Announced at this year’s Machina Bristronica show, UDO Audio’s latest instrument aims to merge the company’s signature hybrid sound with a new playful and performative control architecture. The DMNO is an eight-voice polysynth with dual binaural synth engines, and introduces a new per-voice dynamic multi-core stereo filter which the company say allows the instrument to produce everything from rich, organic-sounding analogue warmth to extreme, overdriven textures.
Dual Engines
Each of the two engines benefits from its own dedicated set of controls, and come equipped with UDO's FPGA-based digital oscillators. Much of the instrument’s character is defined by its Play Modes system: there are eight different modes on offer, with each one redefining how the timbres of the two engines interact with each other, offering a wealth of different tonal characters and performance capabilities. Traditional split and layer modes are joined by options for stacking and dividing the two engines in various ways — alternating between engines with each note press, or each engine being triggered at random, for example — as well as a Series mode that feeds the overall output from the first engine into the second’s oscillator mixer.
Filters & Effects
The company say that the newly introduced dynamic multi-core stereo filter is their most flexible filter design yet, and offers a “beautiful, warm sound” while providing users with a wealth of configuration possibilities. Filter pairs can be configured in series, parallel or stereo, all of which can be set to a wealth of different filter modes that range from classic, recognisable shapes to newer, more experimental options. There’s an onboard effects engine, too, which offers a selection of high-quality delay, reverb, EQ distortion and chorus effects.
I/O
Connectivity is equally comprehensive, with the DMNO boasting a build-in 2-in/2-out USB audio interface for direct connection to a DAW, while main and aux stereo outputs are joined by a stereo audio input and a headphone output. MIDI In, Out and Thru connections are provided on five-pin DIN sockets, and there’s plenty of scope for integrating the synth into larger setup thanks to volume, expression and footswitch pedal inputs, along with two gate and two CV outputs.
Key Features
- Eight-voice polyphony, with four ‘super’ voices when in Binaural mode. Binaural mode gives each channel (ear) a full synthesizer voice with independent detuning and modulation, creating an expansive, rich and texturally wide sound.
- Two-Part Multitimbral, comprising two independent hybrid synthesizers, each with its own dedicated set of front-panel controls.
- Eight selectable Play Modes that immediately reconfigure the DMNO’s signal flow, redefining how its two independent synth engines interact with one another.
- Dynamic multi-core stereo analogue VCF with parallel, series and stereo connection modes — featuring multiple filter modes for each connection type.
- Hybrid architecture: FPGA-based high-resolution digital oscillators paired with an analogue signal path and a high-quality DSP effects engine.
- 44-key FATAR keybed with aftertouch.
- 2-in 2-out 24-bit USB digital audio interface.
- Stereo external audio input with a variable-gain preamplifier, gate level detector and envelope-follower input to the modulation matrix.
- Stereo auxiliary output that can be assigned to either DMNO 1/2, USB digital audio from the connected host, or the effects send bus.
- Two individual user-assignable CV & gate/clock outputs via 3.5mm sockets.
- High quality long-lasting electroluminescent glass vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) with dedicated rotary controls. Designed for immediacy with no deep menus and limited hidden controls.
- 32-bit DSP digital effects chain including delay, reverb, EQ, overdrive, distortion and chorus.
- Onboard 64-step sequencer with intuitive control via built-in display.
Pricing & Availability
The DMNO will be available soon, priced at $3500£2499 including VAT / €2969.
