Ploytec is proud to introduce its latest (V2.1) firmware update for its πλ2 MIDI- and πλ2 Leukos USB-powered, super-small footprint, software editing-enabled duophonic synthesizers.
As implied by their shared PI L Squared alternative appellation, πλ2 and πλ2 Leuko
But beneath those tiny black (πλ2) and white (πλ2 Leukos) square-shaped exteriors — living in perfect harmony with Ploytec’s PI L Squared alternative appellation — lie a wonderful world of options for further sound-sculpting and manipulative performance possibilities, like LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) modulation, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelope, plus play modes to make music performance more playful, whatever your musical leanings — LFO and envelope speed synchronise automatically to an external MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) clock, whereby both πλ2 and πλ2 Leukos adjust accordingly to suit song tempo, for example.
Extended operation comes courtesy of a free software editor for Mac and PC — perfect for sending realtime tweaks to/from πλ2 or πλ2 Leukos as MIDI CC (Continuous Controller) messages. Modules onscreen offer even easier user interaction with πλ2 or πλ2 Leukos while future features can conveniently be integrated into πλ2 or πλ2 Leukos by updating the firmware.
Which brings us neatly to the here and now… now, for instance, it is possible to assign all 128 MIDI controllers to πλ2 and πλ2 Leukos’ currently-available controllers, courtesy of firmware V2.1. Users can conveniently save, load, and also share them with others. Other notable advances include HQF (High-Quality Filter) mode, doubling the digital filter’s resolution, resulting in a higher quality sound experience; Legato Playing possible — if ‘note priority’ is set and program is monophonic then the lowest key triggers when holding down multiple keys and only the highest one will trigger the ADSR envelope attack phase again upon releasing further keys; even when portamento is switched off, it is now possible to activate it for a single note with MIDI Portamento Control — portamento time is used for the glide effect; when no MIDI clock is available, it is now possible to select one of 12 different default speeds for πλ2 and πλ2 Leukos’ respective internal clocks and also store the value, together with MIDI channel, note limit, and startup program. Speaking of which, two new presets — both benefitting from HQF mode enhancements — replace the originals stored in ROM (Read-Only Memory) while leaving the 32 user presets unchanged.
Ultimately, then, thanks to the V2.1 firmware, the world’s smallest synths have changed considerably. Come check them out at Musikmesse 2015, April 15-18, in Frankfurt, Germany, where Ploytec is showcasing them for all to see and hear in Hall 5.1, Stand C53. Some say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but πλ2 or πλ2 Leukos likely prove once and for all that small is, indeed, beautiful.