In Summary

With no shortage of small desktop synths out there, IK Multimedia have just added a new one to the mix looking for a parking place on your desk. We check out the UNO Synth PRO X to see how its size compares with its sound…

Going Deeper

Big Synth, Big Sound?

The early room-filling synths from the middle of last century took their form for one reason only: they were as small as they could be. As designs were refined and wires and components gave way to chips and PCBs, instruments got smaller to the point of only needing a corner of the room instead of their own floor! Right now, the producing musician has access to loads of smaller ‘full size’ instruments ranging from homages to classic analogue keyboards through to new digital and hybrid designs that deliver the look and feel of ‘real’ synths.

Any studio with more than one instrument (in hardware or software) usually has a useable keybed gathering dust even if it is just that plasticky old controller with tacky buttons and creaky keys. With an emphasis on getting real sounds with a tactile experience, the desktop synth delivers from something the size of a box of chocolates… Just fire some MIDI in and you’re away. Or jump on its sequencer for classic pattern performances with or without a computer.

IK Multimedia UNO Synth PRO X

Recently added to IK Multimedia’s stable of synths is UNO Synth PRO X (USPX). This gives a refreshed take on the older UNO Synth PRO Desktop (USPD) with a similar feature set; the key difference for USPX is its jettisoning of USPD’s tiny keyboard. It looks very much like IK realised that they could fit a lot more useful knobs and buttons in its place, and the result looks promising.

In the video we take USPX for a spin to show how its meagre footprint serves up big sounds via its digitally-controlled analogue paraphonic design. Having tried out sequences programmed onboard, as well as some externally-fired leads and basses, we show how new features such as analogue distortion and the new Bassline mode can all be easily ‘played’ directly on USPX. We also show its Editor which not only manages presets, but also realises full DAW store and recall for USPX’s analogue goodness.

IK Multimedia UNO Synth PRO X Features

• Dual filter paraphonic analogue synth, with three oscillators sharing the same filters and amplifiers.

• Digitally controlled analogue audio path.

• Swaps out the mini keyboard of the UNO Synth PRO Desktop to give you a lot more hands-on control.

• Dual Filter design featuring an OTA based multimode filter.

• Advanced Paraphonic 64-step sequencer and 10-mode arpeggiator.

• Stores 256 user-editable presets with Editor/Librarian software.

• Connectivity including 3.5mm audio input and 6.35mm output, full-size MIDI, 2 CV Gate throughputs; data on USB-C.

• New Bassline mode.

• 10 stereo effects in 3 slots plus new analog overdrive.

• Small footprint.

Final Thoughts

Taking the desktop synth further, IK Multimedia have slotted the UNO Synth PRO X in alongside their other mini wavemaker. Although they have much in common with the same MO and similar specs, the form factor is a big improvement. After all, other than for sequencing did the old keyboard have any serious uses beyond trying out sounds?

IK have traded semi-redundant key-shaped things with more of what creators want, and that is more buttons, lights, and knobs to play with. Music makers love more hands-on control and this for many will be the whole point of not using a VI in the first place. UNO Synth PRO X lets you do more away from the screen and still leaves room on the desk for your coffee and maybe even a glow-stick or two.

A Word About This Article

As the Experts team considered how we could better help the community we thought that some of you are time poor and don’t have the time to read a long article or a watch a long video. In 2023 we are going to be trying out articles that have the fast takeaway right at the start and then an opportunity to go deeper if you wish. Let us know if you like this idea in the comments.