Morphor ECHON 6: Analog Polyphonic BBD Resonator Synth

The electronic music production scene recently welcomed an innovative new instrument: the Morphor ECHON 6. This synthesizer marks a significant development as the world’s first polyphonic instrument built around analog BBD (Bucket-Brigade Delay) resonators. Indeed, unveiled and now available, the ECHON 6 promises to bridge experimental sound design with classic polyphony, offering producers a unique sonic palette for their tracks.

Unique BBD Resonator Core

At the heart of the ECHON 6 lies its distinctive sound engine. Each of its six voices features a discrete analog BBD delay-line resonator. Crucially, these resonators track the keyboard, which allows them to produce organic overtones and complex harmonic depth. Consequently, the synthesizer can generate a wide array of sounds. These range from plucked and bowed strings to robust leads, deep basses, expansive pads, and evolving soundscapes. This innovative approach to sound generation provides a refreshing alternative to traditional synthesis methods. For example, it moves beyond typical subtractive or FM synthesis.

Exciter Section and Sound Shaping

The journey of sound within the ECHON 6 begins in its exciter section. Here, users can combine fully analog VCO waveforms—including sine, triangle, ramp, and square—with optional external audio input. Moreover, an analog noise source is also available. It ranges from continuous white noise to sample-and-hold, shaped by a loopable ADSR envelope with adjustable onset delay. This comprehensive control over the initial sound allows for diverse textures. Producers can create anything from sharp percussive transients to slowly emerging harmonic swells. Furthermore, the morphing sound controls and wide range of quantised noise enable detailed timbral sculpting even before the sound reaches the filters.

Resonator Dynamics and Modulation Power

Following the exciter, the sound feeds into the resonator section. Each resonator incorporates a pitched delay-feedback network, complemented by analog low-pass filters in both the input and feedback paths. This design facilitates dynamic control over tone, texture, and decay. In addition, features such as fine feedback control, polarity selection, panning, and a wet/dry mix transform each voice into a distinct acoustic space within the stereo field. The ECHON 6 boasts a powerful 9×32 modulation matrix. It links various sources like envelopes, LFOs, the modwheel, velocity, polyphonic aftertouch, and key tracking to virtually any destination parameter. Global modulation attenuverters offer precise control over depth and polarity. For instance, modulation depth can be easily assigned by holding a source key and adjusting the target. Dedicated buttons also allow for instant muting, inverting, or setting modulation to maximum depth. This innovative, on-the-fly assignment system consequently encourages extensive exploration and modularity in sound design. Therefore, producers can quickly experiment with complex patches.

Designed for Performance and Integration

Built with both the studio and stage in mind, the ECHON 6 offers versatile voice grouping and unison modes. These features extend its capabilities beyond a traditional polyphonic configuration, enabling layered, multi-timbral, and personally optimized setups. With six independent stereo voice outputs, full MIDI control, and a robust aluminum enclosure, it integrates seamlessly into various environments. The unit can be used as a tabletop device, mounted in a 19-inch rack, or VESA-mounted. Significantly, the ECHON 6 operates without a display, promoting a fully tactile, hands-on control experience that invites musicians to play, perform, and explore sound directly.Features

  • Feedback system with full analogue audio path
  • 6-part multi-timbral architecture
  • 6× Full analogue BBD resonators
  • 6× True analogue VCO exciters (Sine, triangle, ramp, square)
  • 6× Quad LFO + Random generators per voice (24 in total)
  • Custom voice grouping (up to 6 groups)
  • Comprehensive unison control
  • Extensive modulation matrix (9 sources × 32 destination parameters)
  • Global modulation attenuverters
  • 216 user presets (6 × 6 × 6 structure)
  • 1× 1/4″ jack external input (mono)
  • 2× 1/4″ jack balanced main outputs (L/R)
  • 6× 1/4″ jack voice outputs (stereo)
  • 1× 1/4″ jack headphone output (stereo)
  • MIDI DIN In/Out/Thru ports
  • MIDI USB-C (class-compliant device, no bus power)
  • MIDI fully-remote controllable & SysEx support
  • Firmware update via USB-C
  • 19″ rack-mountable (black aluminum rack ears included)
  • VESA-mount compatible
  • Kensington security slot
  • No display — 100% tactile operation

👍 Pros

  • World's first polyphonic synthesizer based on analog BBD resonators
  • Extensive 9×32 modulation matrix with intuitive assignment
  • Multi-timbral architecture with six independent stereo voice outputs

👎 Cons

  • Lack of a display might complicate detailed parameter editing for some users
  • No mention of integrated effects like reverb or delay


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