SOMA Laboratory Lyra-4 Analog Synthesizer, Orange

Full Description

Hands-on control of four distinct voices

The Lyra-4 includes four analog voices grouped into two pairs. These voices do not follow a standard VCO structure. Their tuning is based on continuous adjustment using custom variable resistors, allowing for fine steps across a wide frequency range. Voices 1 and 2 cover lower frequencies, useful for bass tones or drones, while voices 3 and 4 work in a higher range.

Each voice is triggered by a touch-sensitive sensor, which connects through the player’s skin. The amount of pressure and the speed of contact affect the envelope response. With gentle strokes, the attack is slower, while firmer contact produces a more immediate onset. Environmental conditions like humidity can influence how the sensors behave, especially during outdoor use.

The FAST switch adjusts the release time for each voice pair and affects sensor sensitivity. When engaged, voices require higher HOLD levels to sustain, which allows performers to control which voices stay active when using the HOLD function. The TUNE knobs offer accurate pitch setting for each voice, allowing for custom intervals and scales. The SHARP knob morphs waveforms between triangle and square shapes for timbral variation.

FM synthesis with flexible modulation options

Each voice pair can operate in FM mode. The MOD knob controls the depth of modulation, while switches select the modulation source. You can choose internal modulation from other voices, the Hyper LFO, the instrument's total output or an external CV signal. This makes it possible to move from subtle modulation to chaotic feedback systems.

The PITCH control transposes all voices while maintaining their relative intervals. HOLD keeps voices sounding continuously, working in tandem with the envelopes triggered by the sensors. The VIBRATO switch adds pitch movement, with each voice using an independent LFO for natural variation. The TOTAL FB switch reroutes the main output signal to replace the LFO as a modulation source, combining all elements of the synth into a feedback-based structure.

Hyper LFO and delay modulation

The Hyper LFO consists of two frequency controls, FREQ A and FREQ B, which generate square waves. You can combine these signals using addition or multiplication. A LINK switch introduces FM between the two, expanding the modulation complexity. The resulting signal can be routed to modulate voices or the delay. This allows smooth LFO patterns, pulsing effects or unstable modulations depending on the settings.

The delay section features a modulation input, adjustable feedback, and selectable waveforms. You can set the delay to be modulated either by the Hyper LFO or by its own output, allowing for pitch bending, rhythmic effects and self-oscillation. The feedback loop can become unstable at high settings, turning the delay into a sound generator in its own right. The MOD knob adjusts modulation depth, while the MIX control blends the dry and delayed signal. A CV input also allows external modulation of the delay time.

Distortion and integration with other gear

After the delay, the signal passes through a distortion stage. The DRIVE knob controls the amount, while the MIX knob sets the balance between clean and distorted signals. The distortion interacts with the delay output, providing more complexity in tone shaping. The VOL knob adjusts the final output level.

Lyra-4 has headphone and line outputs for monitoring or routing to other gear. Two CV inputs allow for external modulation of voices and delay. These inputs are not scaled for pitch tracking but respond well to step sequencers or audio signals for creative modulation. The compact size, rugged design and balanced sound output make the Lyra-4 well-suited for both live use and experimental studio work.

Features

• Compact, travel-ready version of the LYRA-8 with rugged design and unique sonic identity
• Four voice generators with non-linear architecture, inspired by vintage electric organ tone generation
• Selectable operation in electric organ mode or FM synthesis with decay-linked modulation depth
• Divided voice structure into two modifiable pairs for dynamic interaction and sonic layering
• HYPER LFO combines two LFOs via summation or multiplication for complex waveform modulation
• LFO modulation targets include voice pairs and MOD DELAY for evolving sound textures
• MOD DELAY section with feedback and self-modulation for time warping and textural effects
• DISTORTION stage placed post-delay for character-rich saturation and feedback interaction
• Balanced frequency response and output dynamics suitable for both studio and live performance
• Touch-sensitive sensors control envelopes for each voice, influenced by performer technique and skin conductivity
• FAST switches modify release times and sensor sensitivity for expressive playability control
• TUNE knobs for fine manual pitch control over a wide frequency range for microtonal exploration
• SHARP knobs shape waveform from triangle to square, influencing both tone and FM response
• MOD knobs control modulation depth, allowing intense FM interactions and self-oscillation
• FM modulation source switches with options for internal, LFO, total feedback, or external CV input
• HOLD knobs sustain voice output and combine with envelopes for continuous or dynamic sound control
• Individual vibrato generators per voice activated by the global VIBRATO switch for layered pitch movement
• TOTAL FB switch reroutes output signal as modulation for deep feedback and synthesis structures
• External CV inputs for voice pitch and delay modulation, including audio-rate modulation potential
• Dedicated outputs for headphones and unbalanced mono signal for flexible connectivity

Specifications

• Max Output Voltage: 2 V 0-To-Peak
• Output Connector: Mono 6.3 Mm TS Jack
• Output Resistance: 10 KOhm
• CV Delay: Unipolar, Range Of 0 To +5 Volt
• CV Delay Connector: 6.3 Mm TS Jack
• CV Voices: Unipolar, Range Of 0 To +5 Volt
• CV Voices Connector: 6.3 Mm TS Jack
• Power Supply: Stabilised, +12 V, 0.2 A, Centre Positive
• Power Consumption: 1.2 Watt
• Headphones Resistance: 6–64 Ohm
• Dimensions: 241 X 203 X 62 Mm
• Weight: 1.2 Kg (Without Power Supply And Packaging)
• Product Code: LYRA-4-ORANGE