[27 September 2024] Aodyo Instruments has updated its Kickstarter: looks like the future is uncertain for the Anyma Omega. Did you buy one?
Anyma Omega Developer Aodyo Instruments on Brink of Bankruptcy
Aodyo Instruments, the developer behind the exciting-sounding physical modeling synth Anyma Omega, has posted to the instrument’s Kickstarter page with some bad news.
“Over the past months, we’ve encountered significant difficulties with both the Loom and Omega projects, which have severely impacted our financial situation,” the company wrote. “We had hoped to raise additional funds by leveraging the campaign’s momentum, but unfortunately, this effort has not been successful. As a result, we are now in a difficult financial position and have been unable to secure the working capital necessary to move forward.”
What this means is that the future of the Anyma Omega synth and Loom controller is very much up in the air, with bankruptcy now a very real possibility if the company cannot secure investments.
“Given that the funds have been used entirely to advance (the Loom and Omega) projects,” it stated, “we regret to inform you that a refund of your contributions is unfortunately impossible at this stage.”
Check the Kickstarter page (link below) for more information.
The revenue from sales of existing Aodyo Instruments helps keep the company going. Sylphyo and Anyma Phi are currently available at Thomann*.
Did you back this campaign? What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comments.
Anyma Omega: Polyphonic physical modelling hybrid synthesizer
[14 November 2022] Aodyo takes hardware-based physical modelling synthesis to the next level with 16-voice polyphony in Anyma Omega.
Physical Modelling
Physical modelling is a bit thin on the ground when it comes to hardware. I’m thinking of the 2-voice Yamaha VL1, the monophonic Korg Prophecy and the Z1 12-voice version. I do recall The Technics WSA1 was something mad like 64-voice, but it was largely incomprehensible. But all of these synths are ancient.
Physical modelling tends to be complex, which is why we often find it as a monophonic algorithm knocking around in Eurorack modules or hybrid synths that don’t give you more than a parameter or two to play with. It’s the sort of synthesis that lends itself to software, and that’s where it tends to reside.
Until a couple of years ago when Aodyo unleashed the Anyma Phi onto Kickstarter. It was a monophonic physical modelling synth that aimed to make the manipulation of those models the centrepiece of the synthesis engine. It achieved nearly twice the original goal and delivered a decent physical modelling experience. But, you know, the box wasn’t very pretty, the matrix-style editor wasn’t for everyone, and while it sounded great, it was still monophonic.
Anyma Omega
So here we are, with a new synthesizer and a new Kickstarter campaign (that’s already fully funded) to bring the evolution of the Anyma Phi to life. Anyma Omega is based on the same engine but pulls it into 16 voices of polyphony and 4 part multitimbrality. The knob count has been raised to give you all sorts of access to parameters without having to page about the place. Although it still works with a screen to help you through the complexity and the semi-modular makeup of the architecture.
Each voice has 3 oscillators which can run your choice of physical models, virtual analogue waveforms, wavetables, noise or external inputs. These can have their noodles messed about by up to 16 modulators and run through up to 5 effects.
Expression is also a big thing with this sort of synthesis. The Anyma Omega has a ribbon controller and touchpad (keyboard only) with sensitive wooden surfaces to give excitement to resonators and help you feel your way into the instrument. There’s a “Polymorph” function that gives depth and density to the sound through detuning, panning and oscillator spread.
Kickstarting
The synth is available in a desktop or keyboard version, and they are both already flying. If you’re quick, you can snatch up a desktop version for £632 and a keyboard for £868.