Clank - Uranograph

Clank's Uranograph looks like no other synth. It's like some sort of relic from the future found at an alien crash-site. Clank themselves describe it as "a musical instrument that merges the expressive depth of classical instruments with the limitless possibilities of synthesis" and that seems to sum it pretty nicely. This highly unique oddity of an instrument features a dual keyboard-layout with responsive stainless steel touch plates that detect velocity and pressure. These plates feel alive under your fingers, and respond to delicate gestures with nuance and precision, very different from your typical MPE-synth.

For all fans of microtonality — time to rejoice, this device delivers it in spades and offers you a a new way to interact with your custom microtonal scales. With 50+ built-in tuning systems and the ability to assign any frequency to any key, it frees you from standard Western scales. The additive sound engine transforms simple sine waves through Size, Tilt, and Fold parameters, creating everything from bell-like tones to harsh textures. The Tilt parameter brings that distinctive Casio CZ-style phase distortion character – those metallic, vocal-like sounds that have become cult classics in their own right. Though monophonic by design, its 5-voice architecture creates surprisingly rich sounds through its harmonizer, sub-oscillator, and modulation systems.

The built-in Frippertronics-style double-tape looper is another interesting curiosity. Unlike basic loopers, it captures two independent, continuous loops that create evolving compositions. Paired with the morphing delay (from resonator to rhythmic echoes) and expansive reverb, it's a complete sound design ecosystem with no additional gear needed, a great toolkit for some serious sound journeys.

Uranograph is what happens when designers stop recreating the past and start imagining new possibilities. It won't replace your workhorse polysynth, but for sound explorers, microtonal enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a genuinely different approach, it offers something refreshingly original.

Features:

• Dual pressure-sensitive keyboard layout with velocity and aftertouch
• Additional control keyboard section for articulation, transposition, and modulation
• 50+ built-in keyboard layouts for different tuning systems
• Custom keyboard layout creation with pitch/frequency assignment per key
• 5-voice synthesis architecture based on additive and phase morphing
• Core oscillator with Size (Phase Warping & Spectral Expansion), Tilt (Asymmetric Amplitude Distortion) and Fold (Wave Folding) parameters
• Three-voice harmonizer function for chord-like sounds
• Dedicated sub-oscillator with selectable waveforms
• VCA/Low Pass Gate hybrid with resonance control
• Flexible stereo delay with resonator and BPM-sync modes
• One-knob reverb from room to ethereal textures
• Frippertronics-style double-reel tape looper with independent recording paths
• Built-in highpass and lowpass filtering
• Six assignable modulation slots (VariMode)
• High-quality 24-bit audio processing
• 96 preset locations (8 banks × 12 presets)
• XLR input for external audio processing
• Dual balanced TRS outputs plus 3.5mm stereo headphone output
• TRS MIDI in/out and clock sync connections
• CNC-machined aluminum construction
• 12-15V DC power supply