Hybrid synthesizer voice

The Ballista Blast is a hybrid synthesizer voice that packs a multi-engine digital oscillator and a full analog signal path into just 12HP. Three synthesis engines — classic subtractive, wavetable, and FM — feed into analog filters, a VCA/LPG and a distortion stage. With an assignable envelope, a randomizer, velocity routing and 256 presets on top, this is a surprisingly complete voice module that can shift character on the fly.

The engine concept is central to how the Ballista Blast operates. Switching engines changes not only the oscillator but also how the four main knobs (Harmonics, Emphasis, Parameter, Pitch) interact with the analog chain. In Classic mode, Harmonics and Emphasis control filter cutoff and resonance — straightforward subtractive territory with seven oscillator modes. Wavetable mode runs 32 banks of 8 morphable waveforms through the same analog filter path, with the option to import your own tables via SD card. The FM engine takes a different route — it bypasses the filters entirely and remaps those same knobs to FM depth, waveshaping, feedback and modulator tuning across seven multi-operator algorithms.

On the analog side, four filter types are available, including a four-pole low-pass with an acid-leaning resonance. Two distortion flavors follow — soft-clipping and an asymmetrical type generating odd and even harmonics. The built-in envelope, randomizer and velocity input can each target the main parameters independently with individual depth. These three modulation sources together give the module a liveliness that goes well beyond what you'd expect from a single voice.

256 presets in 16 banks, recallable via front panel, CV or Select Bus. Up to two optional expanders (4HP each) add further modulation sources whose settings are stored with the presets. This is a lot of synth in not a lot of HP!

Features:

• Three synthesis engines: Classic subtractive (7 modes), Wavetable (32 banks), FM (7 algorithms)
• Digital oscillator core (16-bit, 48 kHz) with full analog processing chain
• Four analog filter types: 2-pole LP, HP, BP and 4-pole LP
• VCA/LPG with selectable envelope, gate or drone mode
• Distortion stage with two types (soft-clipping and asymmetrical)
• Built-in assignable envelope (AR, AD, ASR, Loop) with linear/exponential shapes
• Gate-triggered randomizer with per-parameter depth
• Velocity input with independent per-parameter scaling
• 256 presets (16 banks × 16), recallable via CV or Select Bus
• User wavetable import via micro SD card (WaveEdit format)
• FM/AM input, V/Oct, Gate, and dedicated CV inputs for all main parameters
• Expandable with up to two Ballista Blast Expanders (4HP each)
• Pitch lock function converts pitch knob to octave switcher
• Skiff-friendly (29mm depth)