The concept
PERfourMER MKII combines four discrete built monophonic analogue synthesizers into a single rackmountable desktop unit. What sounds simple will surprise you with its large sound variety. The individual synthesizer channels can be coupled in different ways and be played monophonically and polyphonically. At the same time, the synthesizer channels can interact by using oscillator synchronization or frequency modulation.
The synthesizer channel
All four synthesizer channels are based upon the classic structure of VCO, VCF and VCA. The oscillator offers sine, triangle, square and sawtooth waveforms or a noise generator. In addition, the square waveforms’ pulse width can be modulated using a LFO or MIDI control data.
The resonant lowpass filter that follows offers a steepness of 24 dB per octave and is followed by the voltage controlled amplifier (VCA).
A flexible LFO and an ADSR envelope generator allow for modulations of the oscillator’s pitch as well as the filter’s cutoff frequency.
FM and sync
PERfourMER MKII’s synthesizer channels can interact. For example, a frequency modulation of oscillator or filter will significantly expand the available spectrum of sounds. Another possible interaction is the synchronization of adjacent oscillators. SYNC and FM can even be used at the same time.
However, not only the oscillators can be synchronized. In addition, the LFOs can be synced either to each other or to an internal or external (MIDI clock) clock source.
Play modes
PERfourMER MKII’s clever voice assignment allows choosing between six operational modes. Coupled synthesizer channels can either be played polyphonically, duophonically or monophonically. This way, you achieve expressive, lively sequences that may use a rotating voice assignment where each note addresses an individual synthesizer channel.
Filter bank
Each synthesizer channel offers its individual input that replaces the oscillator waveform as sound source. This way, PERfourMER MKII also makes a versatile and complex filter bank with four filter sections, four VCAs, four envelopes and LFOs.
Besides its immense flexibility, PERfourMER MKII was carefully designed to be used effortlessly and in a straightforward way. Its no-compromise direct-access design to all relevant parameters has been imperative for the development team at Vermona.
- CV/Gate version adds 1V/octave CV/gate inputs for each synthesizer voice
- Synthesis engine: analog, subtractive
- Single output/insert per channel
- VCO output and external input per channel
- 6 different play modes: 2 x monophonic, 2 x duophonic and 2 x polyphonic
- 24 dB resonant low pass filters
- External inputs for each individual voice for use as filterbank
- MIDI in and thru
- LFO sync to internal or external MIDI clock
- Individual output per voice and stereo output with pan control
- Advanced editing menu for even more possibilities
Vermona’s original PERfourMER has always been admired being a convincing synthesizer concept as well as offering unique sound quality. With a few added ingredients and a little further spicing, we proudly present PERfourMER MKII—give it try!