The Future Retro Vectra, a new installment of the 4-joystick hybrid Vector synthesizer, can now be pre-ordered from retailers, and the new 2.0 firmware adds new features.
Already in the summer of 2023, Future Retro announced that its Vectra compound would return to production. Today, there is good news as units have been shipped to several retailers around the world, including Europe.
To celebrate this availability, it has also published a 2.0 firmware update for the Vectra.
Future Retro Vectra 2.0
With Vectra firmware 2.0, the developers have added a new randomization function to the built-in step sequencer. You can randomize parameters and create endless new sequences. Plus, you can now control it using MIDI CC. There is also a new reset function in the sequencer.
Users also benefit from major improvements to the sequencer, making real-time parameter adjustment and keyboard operation much smoother. Another great addition can be found in the four controllers that now send and receive MIDI CC data.
Finally, they fixed several bugs and added three new audio sets.
I'm glad to see that the Vectra is back and finally available to buy in Europe. For example, it will soon be available at Schneidersladen in Berlin.
According to Future Retro, it will cost €1,899 outside the US or $1,599 + shipping + import fees in the US.
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Updated as of August 31, 2023
In July 2022, Future Retro from the USA ceased operations. But it was then taken over and they returned in October under new management. The announcement at the time also stated that synths would be produced again.
The latest vehicle from Future Retro, the Vectra is now back in production and will begin shipping in late 2023 (November/December). Price to be determined later. This is great news. The Vectra is a very exciting hybrid that we're sure to hear more about in the future.
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Article from November 9, 2021
After the new boutique synths that Roland introduced today, I also have something a little more experimental and unique. In September, I reported on Vectra, a new vector synthesizer in development.
Today, Future Retro has published all the details, with the possibility of pre-ordering it. It's a special festival, be curious
Future Retro Vectra
Vectra is a new hybrid vector synthesizer that offers both analogue and digital elements. The core is semi-modular and can be played in mono or in 8 paraphonic modes. There are four full-featured digital oscillators on board featuring 500 traditional virtual analog digital waveforms. You get a wide range of oscillator features with which you can dive deep into sound generators.
On board are oscillator sync, PWM, an innovative wave phase chip, fade-in features, continuous tempo detuning, FM, AM, loop modulation per OSC, and more. Tons of configuration options. You get dedicated LFOs, envelopes, and VCAs for each oscillator, making these oscillators super flexible. The four-channel built-in mixer is special. Besides classic mixing, it offers automated vector mixing, mixing adjustment and even balance when mixing multiple sources.
We turn to the analogue of the filter. It is a multi-mode analogue filter that offers six basic filter types including. 4-pole low pass, 2-pole low pass, 1-pole low pass, 2-pole band pass, 2-pole high pass, and 2-pole slit. In addition, you can adjust the self-resonant resonance of the filter with the ability to recreate the modulation characteristic of the EMS VCS type filter. Also, the filter has its own modulation sources including. Custom LFO, Envelope…and can track notes. The VCA section is also analog and has a dedicated conversion envelope.
Versatile adjustment
The Vectra's modulation engine is very impressive with five multi-band LFOs and six shifting envelopes. Starting with LFOs that offer over 500 waveforms to choose from. Yes, it won't be boring here. Each LFO can operate with sub-voice modulators, and can have a fixed frequency or a frequency tracked by keyboard notes. It also features sync, FM, and more. So they can act as LFOs, complex envelopes, or audio modulator oscillators.
Besides, you have six fast and shifting DAHDSR envelopes with loop function. Each envelope provides different types including one-shot and multiple selections of envelope curve, looping, and transforming. The latter goes deeper as you can modify between two individual values for each phase of the envelope. And with 500 internal signal routing, you have a lot to discover.
The effects aren't on board, which is a shame.
Playability
Future Retro attaches great importance to expression. Classic keyboard is not available. Alternatively, Vectra offers a newly designed 29-note capacitive keyboard with note on/off, pitch, velocity, and aftertouch. Then, you get auto-slide features, pitch controls, an adjustment wheel, as well as support for advanced scales with linear and scale transport.
It also comes with a sequencer and sequencer that can be linked together. So you can seamlessly switch from one to another. You can program it in real time or play notes momentarily. There are also a lot of functions with which you can modify both very extensively. Great, the sequencer also offers scale support, 29 selectable playback directions, adjustable loop points, multiple time signatures, and an auto-fill mode. There is no motion recording of parameters according to current information, which is a shame for this smart sequencer.
Its most notable feature is its interface, which consists of four XY joysticks for changing multiple parameters simultaneously. The first is for the pitch bend/modulation wheel, the other for the 4-channel mixer, the third for filter cut/resonance and the last can be freely assigned to multiple parameters. A very interesting style where you can twist parameters or entire sounds very quickly and intuitively. What's more, you'll get 8 fully customizable encoders with an easy-to-use mapping mode. So you can greatly customize the interface for your workflow.
Connection
The back is very simple. Full MIDI (in, out, through) plus mono output. MIDI lets you use your keyboard, synthesizer, or sequencer as an expressive controller with other synthesizers.
According to the developer, the synth is capable of creating a wide range of sounds. From analogue style to clear digital sounds, traditional to experimental, bass, solo sounds, percussion, effects, drones, ambient sounds and those yet to be discovered. On the features sheet, a very interesting and quite unique compound. I also like the different and refreshing design of it with the four joysticks and touch keyboard. Eye-catching to me. But whether the Vectra stands out in terms of sound and workflow can only be seen later in tests.
Retro Future Vectra is now available for pre-order. The unit will cost $1,100 plus shipping and the developer will begin shipping in Spring 2022. A $550 deposit is required to pre-order this unit
More info here: Retro Future
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