Macbeth M5N | New Features

M5N Alterations from specifications of original M5

The designation VCF1/VCA1 and VCF2/VCA2 have been reversed. The State Variable Filter and its VCA are now Designated VCF1/VCA1, the Transistor Ladder Filter and its VCA are now designated VCF2/VCA2.

Electronically, The VCF1 (see above) has had a cleaner dual operational transconductant amplifier stage replacing the two separate operational amplifier stages in the previous model. The result is a cleaner and smoother linear response as both OTAs reside on the same ‘die’, i.e. silicon chip. The device used also features linearising diodes to achieve a slightly better figure noise to distortion figure.

VCA1 (see above) has a further operational amplifier output stage included causing less current ‘drag’ on the OTA stage as in the previous model. The out put stage of VCF1 is now balanced to the output stage of VCA2.

The Ring Modulator has now received a similar ‘buffering’ to its output stage and delivers a quieter signal to noise output.

The pre-patched, or ‘normalized’ routing to both the VCF1 and the Ring Modulator has changed. Previously, Oscillator 1 and Oscillator 2 were directly pre-patched into the VCF1 mixer and to the Ring Modulator. Having now used that configuration myself on my own personal unit- I have found myself regularly connecting the output from the VCF2 main audio mixer into one socket of the VCF2 mixer. The result is rich and bold. All the audio sources going into the Transistor Ladder Filter can now be processed by the State Variable Filter without a patchcord as the signal is now hard wired there. Also this signal is now hard wired to the Ring Modulator- once again minimizing the use of patchcords. The Front Panel designations are altered in accordance with the above changes.

The Envelope Generators have undergone slight but significant changes too. Of the three settings: ‘Fast’ ‘Std’ ‘Slow’ , Both Fast and Slow have had their timing elements changed. The fast is significantly faster on the zero attack end and when all ADSR sliders are closed, ie in the down position, the operation of the EG can barely be heard. On the contrary, the Slow setting now features maximum rise and fall times of around 5 minutes which is considerably longer than the previous model. The Std. (Standard) setting has undergone no changes.

The LFOs on the M5N now feature an external master Voltage Control ranging from 0V to around 5V positive. This has replaced the original function of just controlling the speed of the Sample and Hold 2 function. This considerably adds to the flexibility of the dual LFOs.

Cosmetically, the M5N is different to the original M5. The Front Panel is now a warm ‘off white’ colour, has black graphics on white. The LFOs now feature red LEDs, the Oscillators feature Orange LEDs and the Envelope Generators feature soft blue LEDs. The slider covers/knobs have been changed from the mixing desk type to a type more associated with synthesizer equipment. The overall effect is very pleasing and eyecatching!