The UDO Audio Super 6 represents a masterful fusion of classic analog synthesizer design with cutting-edge digital technology. This 12-voice polyphonic synthesizer pays homage to iconic 1980s polysynths like the Roland Jupiter 6 and Juno 6 while introducing revolutionary features that bring electronic music production firmly into the 21st century.

Key Features & Design Philosophy

Binaural Synthesis Engine: The Super 6's standout feature is its true stereo signal path in Binaural mode. The instrument's 12 voices are paired to create 6 stereo "super voices," where each ear receives its own complete synthesizer voice. This creates an exceptionally wide, spacious, almost "record-ready" sound with rich stereo imaging capabilities.

FPGA Digital Oscillators: At the heart of the Super 6 are ultra-precision FPGA-based digital oscillators running at 50MHz, delivering alias-free sound generation with the clarity and depth of analog oscillators but without the instability. This modern approach eliminates the telltale aliasing of older digital synths while enabling complex audio-rate frequency modulation.

Classic Interface, Modern Capabilities: The synthesizer features a deliberately retro design with no screens, no menus, and mostly one-knob-per-function operation. The front panel showcases vertical faders, tri-position switches, and clicky retro buttons reminiscent of classic Roland designs, making it immediately familiar yet offering new creative possibilities.

Premium Build Quality: Available in both blue and black (grey) finishes, the Super 6 features a high-quality 49-key Fatar keybed with velocity and aftertouch, solid responsive controls throughout, and a robust, compact form factor that invites hands-on interaction.

Sound Character

The Super 6 delivers what can be described as a "classy" sound - sophisticated, elegant, and carefully engineered to prevent unmusical outcomes. It excels at creating buttery smooth pads, epic dance plucks, resonant leads, massive unison stabs, and everything from Berlin school sequences to modern IDM basslines. The synthesis engine is intricate and flexible while rarely feeling complex, thanks to thoughtful interface design.

Technical Specifications

Oscillators

• DDS 1 (Oscillator 1)

  • FPGA-based Super-wave oscillator core sampled at 50MHz
  • Centroid oscillator with 6 sister oscillators for dynamic stereo de-phasing
  • Waveforms: sine, sawtooth, square, triangle, noise, 16 user-downloadable single-cycle waveforms
  • 6-octave range control
  • Super mode: half or full unison with variable detune and modulation

• DDS 2 (Oscillator 2)

  • FPGA-based algorithmic oscillator core sampled at 50MHz
  • Waveforms: sine, sawtooth, square, triangle, noise, pulse with PWM
  • Hard-sync capability to DDS 1
  • ±6 semitone tuning range
  • LFO mode and sub-oscillator mode
  • Cross-modulation (exponential FM) of DDS 1

Filter

• Analog 4-pole (24dB/octave) low-pass filter
• SSI2144 chip (revival of classic SSM2044 design by Dave Rossum)
• Self-resonant with two levels of overdrive
• High-pass filter: off/fixed 500Hz/tracking modes
• Keyboard tracking: off/half/full modes
• Modulation sources: ENV 1, ENV 2, LFO 1, DDS 2

Modulation

• LFO 1: 0.05Hz - 20kHz (50Hz in LF mode), syncable, stereo phase control
• LFO 2: 0.05Hz - 50Hz with delay control
• ENV 1: Hold-Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release with invert and loop modes
• ENV 2: Standard ADSR envelope
• Modulation Matrix: 20x audio-rate modulation computation with LED feedback

Effects

• Dual-mode stereo chorus (24-bit 192kHz processing)
• Stereo delay with sync and modulation (24-bit 192kHz processing)
• BBD-style elastic time changes

Voice Architecture

• 12 voices total (6 in Binaural mode)
• Voice modes: Poly 1, Poly 2, Solo, Legato, Unison (5 presets)
• MPE MIDI compliance support
• Polyphonic aftertouch response

Sequencer & Arpeggiator

• 64-step polyphonic sequencer with programmable notes, rests, slides, accents
• Multi-mode arpeggiator with smart-hold and swing
• 16 rewriteable sequence memory locations
• MIDI sync capability
• Tempo range: 30-300 BPM

Memory & Storage

• 128 patch memory locations (64 factory, 64 user)
• 16 custom waveform slots for DDS 1
• USB "memory stick" interface for patch/sequence/waveform management
• No additional drivers required

Keyboard:

• 49-key Fatar
• Velocity-sensitive
• Channel aftertouch

Connectivity

• MIDI In/Out/Thru (5-pin DIN)
• USB Type-B for MIDI and file management
• Stereo audio input (1/4" jack)
• Main L/R outputs (unbalanced 1/4" jacks)
• High-quality stereo headphone output
• Expression pedal and sustain pedal inputs

Control Interface

• Menu-free operation with dedicated controls
• Two-axis pitch/modulation stick
• Vertical faders and tri-position switches
• 16 illuminated patch/function buttons
• Spring-lever keyboard octave selector
• Manual mode for direct front-panel control

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 845mm (W) × 360mm (L) × 105mm (H)
• Weight: 9.2kg
• Finish Options: Blue or Black (grey)
• Power: IEC cable connection