The Elevata is a virtual analog poly-synth with a back-to-basic's interface and big analog sounds. The same DSP analog modeling synthesizer technology used in the DarkStar has been beefed up for this sound module. The front panel swivels 90 degrees to facilitate rack-mounting or desktop use. Several hands-on knobs are plainly laid out for the oscillator, filter, envelope, and LFO sections in a simple, streamlined and intuitive interface.

It is 16-voice polyphonic and has 8 multi-timbral parts. There are two analog modeling oscillators per voice with square, sawtooth, sine & formant waveforms. The filter is a 2-pole (12dB/oct) with switchable low-, high-, or band-pass modes. There are ADSR envelopes for the filter and VCA sections and two syncable LFOs with multiple waveforms. You will also find portamento, a basic arpeggiator, chorus and flange effects, and a joystick controller assignable to any modulatable parameter. There are no reverb or delay effects unfortunately.

Every parameter has a knob or switch just a hand-grab away, so creating sounds is quick and easy on the Elevata. The Sound Wizard is a cool function that randomizes various parameters. This allows you to experiment with creating random sounds, hopefully leading to some happy accidents! Your custom creations can be stored in any of 127 user patches. There are also 127 preset patches and 90 multi-patches (aka performances). The Multi-patches can have up to eight different patches for creating some very lush arrangements.

The Elevata is also upgradeable via EPROMs you can buy for a little over $100 each and install yourself. The Vocoda EPROM adds vocoder capability. Additional EPROMS are on the way and there is room for up to 3 EPROMs. With multiple (6) outputs, stereo inputs for processing external audio, and full MIDI implementation, the Elevata's at home in any studio environment. It makes an interesting alternative to other virtual analogs in its price range such as the Nord Leads and Novation SuperNovas.

Audiophonixs

December 31, 2011 @ 2:26 am

I own one too.. not bad for a british instrument(vs Novation) - it can emulate moog,oberheim sounds in seconds.I love its charakter,it elevates frequencies from paradise straight to hell.The interface is full power/ the only negative is the output level,youll need to gain this beast with some preamp. cheer's].

matt

December 20, 2011 @ 3:36 am

@deepnoia - You are not correct about that. From the eleVAta manual section on Accessories/Troubleshooting: "eleVAta’s sonic power can be dramatically increased by installing optional conversion kits such as the Vocoda"

There is even a built-in Vocoder input in the rear that, according to the manual, "Use this socket to connect the microphone input/control signal to eleVAta ONLY when the optional VOCODA conversion is installed."

deepnoia

April 3, 2011 @ 5:38 pm

There never was a "vocoda eprom" for the Elevata - the only redsound vocoda eprom made is for the original Darkstar (not even for the Darkstar XP2).

djlace

March 3, 2011 @ 2:10 pm

Redsound did not go under. They just stopped making synths. Now they make dj loopers, bpm analyzers and accessories.

relic

November 7, 2010 @ 3:05 am

and....This is a real analogue emulator. Does not sound at all like a Nova, Virus, or JP8000, but those are virtual analogues that are voiced to sound similar to rompler workstations ('cause that's what people are used to). This sounds like analogue- raw. It has no effects save a crappy global chorus/flanger (just like the real thing). The presets [beep] (just like the real thing). The interface RULES (just like the real thing). The tiltable front panel is awesome, the knobs are waldorf-style continious controllers, the multi mode is as easy to get to as the single patch mode, the LED interface is visible across the room, etc. If you have any analogue experience you'll be flying in no time and programming your own patches. it's gonna be my secret weapon for sure.

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