The Melbourne Instruments Delia is a revolutionary hybrid polyphonic synthesizer that represents the next evolution in the company's groundbreaking motorized control technology. Named after the legendary Delia Derbyshire, this 6-voice keyboard synthesizer seamlessly blends digital and analog technologies to create a powerful sound design instrument with exceptional tactile control.
At the heart of the Delia's innovation are its motorized knobs featuring brushless motors with lightning-fast responsiveness and incredible torque. These motors can accurately assume any position at the push of a button, move at variable speeds for automation, and even take on steps or detents to suit particular functions. This technology eliminates the common problem of unrepresentative physical values when switching presets, providing true knob-per-function playability regardless of the synth's complexity.
The Delia features a hybrid architecture combining a digital front-end with analog soul. Two DCOs per voice handle basic waveform generation, while Oscillator 3 provides high-resolution wavetable synthesis with support for up to 256 waveforms of 2048 samples each. Oscillator 4 offers color-editable noise, external signal processing, and XOR ring modulation. The signal path flows through a digital high-pass filter, then into an analog overdrive circuit, and finally through an analog low-pass ladder filter with switchable 12 or 24 dB/octave slopes.
The instrument excels in its morphing capabilities, allowing each preset to exist between two poles (A and B) with seamless interpolation between them. Combined with bi-timbral operation, this means each preset can effectively operate between four distinct sounds. The 12 Note Mode cleverly doubles the voice count by sharing the six filters across 12 oscillator banks, reducing note-stealing while maintaining sonic integrity.
Measuring 810 x 320 x 140mm and weighing 8.7kg, the Delia presents a retro-futuristic aesthetic with shining metal side panels and customizable soft-key button caps. Despite having 11 fewer knobs than its predecessor Nina (22 total), the Delia maintains full functionality through intelligent multi-function controls and the revolutionary motorized knob system.
Technical Specifications
Voice Architecture
- Polyphony: 6 voices (12 Note Mode doubles to 12 voices sharing 6 filters)
- Oscillators per voice: 4 total
- OSC 1 & 2: Digital Controlled Oscillators (DCOs) with triangle, saw, square, and pulse waves
- OSC 3: Wavetable synthesis (up to 256 waveforms, 2048 samples each, supports 127 custom WAV wavetables)
- OSC 4: Color-editable noise, external signal processing, XOR ring modulation
- Sub-oscillator: Yes
- Hard sync: Yes
- Loop feature: Analog output feedback routing
- Vintage Level control: Analog unreliability modeling
- Custom wavetable loading: WAV format support
Filter Section
- High-pass filter: Digital, resonant
- Low-pass filter: Analog ladder filter with switchable 12/24 dB per octave slopes
- Filter linking: Rubber band-pass mode with motorized knob coupling
- Overdrive: Analog drive circuit between HP and LP filters
Modulation System
- LFOs: 3 total
- Envelopes: VCF, VCA, plus auxiliary envelope with Slow mode (10x slower response)
- Modulation sources: 20 total
- Modulation destinations: 40+
- Modulation slots: Unlimited
- Modulation workflow: MOD MODE with motorized knob automation
Control Panel
- Total knobs: 22 motorized knobs with brushless motors
- Response: Lightning-fast with incredible torque
- Features: Variable speed movement, stepped/detent modes, position recall
- Buttons: Soft-key buttons with interchangeable colored key caps
Patch Management & Morphing
- Bi-timbral operation: 2 layers per preset (stack or split)
- A/B Morph: Seamless morphing between two parameter states
- Morph modes: DJ Mode (no knob movement), Dance Mode (physical knob representation)
- Morph as mod destination: Yes
Sequencing & Looping
- Step Sequencer: Up to 16 steps, bi-timbral operation, note values, step count, hold, MIDI assignment
- Phrase Looper: Up to 2000 notes, unlimited time/overdub, bi-timbral layering
Effects
- Processors: 2 digital effects processors
- Routing: Series or parallel operation
- Types: Multi-mode chorus, delay, reverb
- Control: Effects macro control available
Display & Visualization
- Screen: High definition LCD
- Visualizers: Waveform, wavetable, and envelope displays
- Additional displays: X/Y goniometer, oscilloscope
- Real-time feedback: Parameter values and function status
Keyboard
- Keys: 49-key velocity-sensitive with aftertouch
- Aftertouch: Yes, assignable as modulation source
Connectivity
- Audio outputs: Quarter-inch jack sockets (stereo)
- Audio inputs: External L/R inputs (quarter-inch)
- MIDI: Full-size MIDI In, Out, and Thru ports
- USB: USB-C port, 2x USB-A ports
- Pedal inputs: Expression and sustain pedal inputs (quarter-inch)
- Power: External power supply input
Computer Integration
- USB connectivity: Yes (USB-C)
- MIDI over USB: Yes
- Software integration: Standard MIDI compatibility
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: 810 x 320 x 140mm (31.9" x 12.6" x 5.5")
- Weight: 8.7kg (19.2 lbs)
- Build: Metal side panels, professional construction
