Bella: Digital/Analog Hybrid Mono Synth

Bella is a monophonic synthesizer with an all-analog signal path, paired with a lo-fi digital drum synthesizer. These two sections are controlled by an on-board sequencer/arpeggiator, featuring generative drum pattern sequencing.  It is based on the Mutable Instruments Anushri designed by Émilie Gillet.

Bella’s audio generation and processing chain is analog. The main sound source is a VCO with sawtooth and pulse-width waveforms, coupled with a sub-oscillator. Following the VCO comes a multimode 12dB/octave VCF featuring low-pass, band-pass and high-pass modes.  A switchable fuzz circuit is inserted between the VCF and VCA for a heavy dose of distortion. 

Digital additions:

VCO is paired with an auxiliary digital oscillator, which can be used as a FM source, a sync signal generator, or an additional detuned audio source for fattening the VCO sound. 

Built-in sequencer and arpeggiator

A built-in arpeggiator easily transforms chords into complex basslines and acid patterns with accent and slides. But the real fun starts when you use the built-in sequencer. Its interface is refreshingly simple: press rec, input notes on the MIDI keyboard or press the rest/tie buttons, press rec to finish, then start. The sequence can even be transposed from the keyboard.

Built-in drum machine

Anushri comes with a truly original rhythmic section. Original in sound, using 8-bit analog-style synthesis with integrated bit-crusher. Original in interface, since it is “programmed”, or rather sculpted with knobs rather than x0x style switches and LEDs.  2 knobs control morphing through different structures of drum patterns, and 3 knobs control how sparse/dense the pattern is for bass dr