Dreadbox Nyx Reissue

NYX Reissue
Analogue Synthesizer

NYX is back in its original form—a versatile, compact, semi-modular synthesizer with an epic reverb. This all-analog paraphonic synthesizer is a faithful reproduction of the Nyx V1, offering an astonishing and spectacular semi-modular experience.

NYX excels at producing richly harmonic sounds, thanks to its warm-sounding oscillators, classic Dreadbox dual filter, snappy loopable envelope generators, and lush reverb effect. These features create dynamic movement in the sound and dramatically enhance its timbre.Designed in a compact and Eurorack compatible format (42HP), it is powered via USB, providing an effortless setup for endless sonic exploration.

Long before the world was shaped, there existed only a vast and silent void—the formless expanse known as Chaos. From this endless abyss arose Nyx, the primordial goddess of the night, cloaked in shadow and mystery. Her breathtaking beauty and immense power commanded reverence, even among the gods yet to be born. With every step she took, the darkness stirred and rippled, weaving the fabric of the night around her. From her emerged the quiet and enigmatic realm of the night, where stars would shine and dreams would soar.

Features:

• Pure Analog Engine: Faithful reissue of the classic Nyx V1 sound.
  
• Cinematic Reverb: Huge, ambient spacing designed by Crazy Tube Circuits.
  
• 2-Note Paraphony: Dual oscillators with independent note glide controls.
  
• Dual Flexible Filters: Configurable in series, parallel, 12dB, or 24dB modes.
  
• 3 Loopable Modulators: Rise/Fall envelopes that double as custom LFOs.
  
• Smart Routing Switches: Change complex internal modulation without patch cables.
  
• Eurorack Conversion: Removable desktop case fits 42HP modular systems.
  
• Solder-less DIY Kit: Easy-to-assemble hardware kit built in 20 minutes.

Controls:

Oscillators
NYX oscillators need about 2 to 3 minutes to warm up. You can just turn on the synth and play, but the tuning will change during that time. They work with the classic 1V/Oct CV or Midi controllers. Keep in mind that the Osc2 triangle wave will have the feeling of a lower volume due to less harmonics.

OSC 1

1. OSC 1 WAVE - Selection switch (Sawtooth/Square).
2. LVL - Oscillator 1 Volume control.
3. PW - Sets the width of the pulse wave, creating a Square wave (50% duty) in zero position.
4. GLD - Sets the Glide Rate (portamento) of Oscillator 1 .
5. OCT SELECTION - Switch over 3 octaves(32/16/8).

OSC 2

6. OSC 2 WAVE - Selection switch (Sawtooth/Triangle).
7. LVL - Oscillator 2 Volume control.
8. DTN - Control for Oscillator 2 only. Detunes one octave above in mid position.
9. GLD - Sets the Glide Rate (portamento) of Oscillator 2.
10. OCT SELECTION - Switch over 3 octaves(16/8/4).
11. TUNE - For both oscillators. Set it around mid position for a precise tuning.
12. SYNC - Hard syncs Oscillator 2 to Oscillator 1.
13. Vibrato RATE - LFO frequency speed.
14. Vibrato LVL - Pitch modulation depth.

Filters
NYX uses two filters, in order to achieve various timbres. Both of the filters are 2-pole (12dB/oct), but combined in series can achieve 24dB/oct filtering.

1. CUT OFF - Sets the Cutoff frequency of both filters.
2. POST - Sets the Cutoff frequency of Filter 2. As CUTOFF knob also sets the cutoff frequency of Filter 2, Post works essentially as an offset to cutoff of Filter 2. In some routing combinations, it may work best around mid position.
3. RES - Resonance control for both filters.

Amplifier
The NYX VCA has a modulator with identical functions to the 2 filter modulators (modulator 1 & 2). For more info on how to use this one, please refer to the "modulators" section.

1. LEVEL - Master Volume of the Synthesizer.
2. RISE - Sets the Attack Time.
3. FALL - Sets the Decay or Release Time, depending on the position of the Hold switch.
4. HOLD - When Hold is On, the Fall functions as a Release instead of a Decay.
5. LFO - When selecting LFO, the envelope cycles (retriggers) and acts as an LFO instead of a standard envelope. Rise and Fall settings affect the rate and wave shape of the LFO.

Modulators
The Nyx three modulators have identical controls and range times:

• Rise: 1ms to 5sec
• Fall: 10ms to 15sec

REVERB
NYX is equipped with a digital Reverb algorithm.

1. TIME - Sets the Pre-delay Time. This will also affect the brightness of the Reverb. The higher the Time the brighter the Reverb sound.
2. DECAY - Reverb's decay time. At max it's infinite.
3. MIX - Blends between dry and wet Reverb sound.

Routing
There are 3 rotary switches that will determine how NYX will sound and behave.

VCO ROUTING:

1. NOR - Both Oscillators are being routed to Filter1.
2. SPLIT - Oscillator 1 is routed to Filter 1 and Oscillator 2 is routed to Filter 2.
3. HALF - Both Oscillators are being routed to Filter 2.
4. VCA - Both Oscillators are being routed directly to VCA, bypassing the Filters.

VCF ROUTING:

1. LPF - Filter 1 is set to LOW PASS and in series with Filter 2 which is also set to LOW PASS.
2. HPF - Filter 1 is set to HIGH PASS and in series with Filter 2 which is also set to HIGH PASS.
3. EVEN - Both Filters are set to LOW PASS and are set in Parallel.
4. ODD - Filter 1 is set to LOW PASS and Filter 2 is set to HIGH PASS and they are set in Parallel.

MOD ROUTING:

1. SINGLE - Modulator 1 controls both Filters.
2. DUAL - Both Modulators 1 and 2 routed to both Filters.
3. SPLIT - Modulator 1 controls Filter 1 and Modulator 2 controls Filter 2.
4. ODD - Modulator 1 controls both Filters and Modulator 2 controls Filter 2 only.

Patching
The NYX right section is dedicated to patching. Learning to patch needs lots of experimentation. We strongly suggest spending lots of time and trying to make as much connections as possible. You will find out that half the possibilities of the synth comes from it.

Patching is divided in 3 areas:

• OUTPUTS: Those patches only send voltage. You can send their CV to CV inputs or other devices, but first be sure that the receiver can accept such a voltage.
  
• INPUTS: Those patches can only receive voltage. It’s safe to send more than the recommended voltage but it won’t always have results.
  
• MIDI/AUDIO INTERFACE: Those patches are for MIDI and Audio handling.

OUTPUTS:

1. VCO 2 - Outputs the pure Oscillator 2 selected wave. Max Level (+/-5V), can be adjusted through the attenuator knob above.
2. M2 - Modulator 2 Output (0-8V).
3. NOISE - White Noise output with level attenuator knob.
4. MOD - Modulation Wheel. Sends 0-5V and it can be controlled by a Midi Keyboard’s modulation wheel.
5. GATE - Sends note on/off from a midi keyboard in the analog form of 0V (off) or 5V (on).
6. CV - Sends midi notes as CV (1V/oct).

INPUTS:

1. CV 1 - Controls Oscillator 1 Pitch at 1V/Oct. Max +/-12V.
2. CV 2 - Controls Oscillator 2 Pitch at 1V/Oct. Max +/-12V.
3. CUT - Controls Cutoff frequency of both Filters. Best operated at +/-5V. Max +/-12V.
4. CV - Controls both Oscillators Pitch at 1V/Oct. Max +/-12V.
5. GATE - Triggers the Modulators.
6. POST - Controls Cutoff frequency of Filter 2 only. Best operated at +/-5V. Max +/-12V.
7. PW - Controls Pulse Width of the Oscillator 1 square wave. Works best at +/-5V and accepts +/-10V.
8. VCA - Controls the amplitude modulation of the Amp. Works best at +/-5V and accepts max +/-10V.

MIDI/AUDIO INTERFACE:

1. OUT - Master Output of NYX. It can also be connected to headphones.
2. IN 1 - Mono input to the Filter 2. If the synth is not triggered, the sound will not pass through.
3. IN 2 - Mono input to the Filter 1. If the synth is not triggered, the sound will not pass through.
4. MIDI - Midi input. Use only the type-A dedicated Midi adapter included in the box.

Specifications:

• Type: Duophonic Synthesizer
  
• Analog/Digital: Analog
  
• Oscillators: 2 x VCOs 
  
• Effects Types: Reverb
  
• Analog Inputs: 2 x 1/8" (1, 2)
  
• Analog Outputs: 1 x 1/4" TRS (main), 1 x 1/8"
  
• MIDI I/O: 1 x 1/8" TRS In
  
• USB: 1 x Type B
  
• Power Supply: USB powered (5V/1000mA, 1.5 W)
  
• Eurorack Draw: 200mA @ +12V / 110mA @ -12V.
  
• HP Size: 42HP
  
• Height: 2.36" (60mm)
  
• Width: 8.46" (215mm)
  
• Depth: 5.12" (130mm)
• Weight: 1.0 kg (2.20 lbs)
  
• included in the box: 1x DIN5 to 3.5mm adapter, 1x Ribbon cable