Melbourne Instruments DELIA 6-Voice Motorized Morphing Synthesizer – 49 Key
DELIA is a bi-timbral polysynth inspired by the motorized control panel and voice architecture of the original Melbourne Instruments’ NINA. Delia introduces a 49-key velocity and aftertouch sensitive keyboard, new multi-mode analog filters, high pass & low pass resonance control, 3-stage overdrive and endless modulation possibilities.
Analog Soul With A Computerized Brain
Using a combination of true analog filters and virtual analog modelling, DELIA retains the vital sound of massively overdriveable analog ladder filters, while using a digital front end to run modelled VCOs, wavetables, high pass filters and more.
The powerful combination of analog plus digital is harnessed by Delia’s unique 12 note mode, using 12 complete oscillator banks into the 6 filters, limiting note stealing without compromising the sound, and fully unleashing Delia’s bi-timbral operation.
Discrete Multi-Mode Filters
DELIA’s true analog low pass filter is the heart and soul of the sound engine — warm, full and sweet or fearfully aggressive. It is complemented with a high-pass modelled ladder filter which can be linked for bandpass and notch operation. With 12 and 24dB slopes and separate high/low pass resonance control, there is huge scope when shaping sounds.
Analog LP + Digital HP Filters
DELIA’s filter is Multi-mode with 3 ways to configure it. The High Pass and Low Pass cut-off frequencies are separately controlled with two knobs, so overall operation can be High Pass, Low Pass or Bandpass. The assignable HP and LP resonance control offers flexibility to shape new sounds such as vocal-style formants.
Delia’s ‘LINK’ function locks the distance between the High Pass and Low Pass knobs, setting a constant width Bandpass for both manual control and sweeps using the VCF envelope or other Modulation Matrix controls.
DELIA’s filters have an analog and a digital section per voice. The analog filter is the classic discrete transistor ladder filter offering a choice of 24dB or 12dB per octave operation. Prior to this filter is an analog variable overdrive circuit that can push the filter from normal operation to complete distorted collapse of the transistor ladder. Therefore, adding richness, aggression and body to your sound.
The HP filter is a digital transistor-level mathematical model of a 24dB ladder filter. It is based on the gold-standard Ebers-Moll transistor equations. This gives an almost perfect match to the response of the analog circuit. This includes the overdrive response, resonance and natural filter frequency variations.
Total Recall. It’s Not A Dream!
The motorized journey doesn’t end at Patch Recall and Morph. Delia’s ‘MOD MODE’ automates the Modulation Matrix setup.
As you move between the 20 MOD sources, every knob changes position to display the active modulation amount. There’s no need to tweak the panel every time you switch sources or destinations, no matter how many modulations or slots are active. You can make your ideas a reality in a matter of seconds, literally shaping a sound as fast as you can think it.
Delia gives you a sound design workflow that truly flows. It combines the flexibility of a soft synth with the tactile experience of a hardware synth.
Morph Every Parameter, Then Mod It!
DELIA’s A/B Morph function lets you explore and sweep through timbres like no other. The A/B Morph sound is an actively calculated change in parameters between the A and B patches including the entire modulation matrix. This provides the ability to instantly create a new preset based on the Morph position that is neither the A or B patch, but instead a totally new sound.
Morph is also a ‘MOD destination’, giving you even more creative control via Aftertouch, Mod Wheel and Expression.
DELIA’s Phrase Looping & Sequencing
DELIA’s built-in Sequencer offers two modes of operation. In Step Sequencer mode, DELIA allows bi-timbral operation of up to 16 steps. This is with control of note-values, step count, hold and MIDI assignment.
DELIA’s Phrase Looper can loop & layer up to 2000 notes, with no additional time or overdub limits. Just like in Step Mode, bi-timbral operation allows you to control two layers independently. With DELIA’s A/B Morph, you have four timbres at your fingertips. Craft ideas using simple keyboard splits, or lose yourself in evolving stacked layers and sweeping morphs across vastly different sounds.
Building On Innovation
DELIA inherits many of the acclaimed features of NINA. This includes the 4-Quadrant Analog VCAs, Patch Morphing, Digital Effects and Digital Wavetable Oscillator. Additionally, there is the inclusion of Sequencer Phrase Looping and Overdubbing. Furthermore, there is the ability to assign your favourite effects parameter to the Effects Macro control.
Under the hood Delia is a beast! Virtual Analog Oscillators model Nina’s discrete circuitry but add cross-modulation. Furthermore, Delia’s 20 MOD sources and 40+ MOD destinations with unlimited slots give sound designers an almost endless spectrum of sounds. Additionally, two digital effects processors paired with classic effects presets and the option to run in series or parallel offer creative freedom.
Combine all of this with the ability to save more than 16,000 presets! Now, inspiration and artistry will never be limited by available memory or slots.
DELIA’s Waveform, Wavetable and Envelope Visualizers
Delia’s high-definition LCD also provides useful Waveform and Wavetable visualizers. Also, it has instant feedback and displays for almost every function as you interact with the control panel.
Our Favourite Highlights:
- Instant Preset Recall – every knob moves to position.
- Separate High Pass and Low Pass Resonance control with HP/LP filter ‘LINK’ mode for Band Pass/Notch control
- Selectable 12dB and 24dB slope for LP Filter