Blukac Fractalist

FRACTALIST is a waveform and rhythm generation machine. It brings a long-forgotten synthesis method, originally coined as "fractal interpolation," back to life.

When one of the two cores (triangle or trapezoid) is selected, it acts like a seed from which the waveform grows. With each iteration, each line of a waveform is self-replicated, growing more and more complex. Growth can further be directed with a warp control that alters the shape of replications.

This provides a rich sound source for typical synthesis, but it is only part of the story. Fractalist shines in the low-frequency range. When the frequency is set to what is usually an LFO range (and thus inaudible), you can still hear it. The reason is that, with a sufficiently high iteration number, the resulting waveforms are extremely complex. There are many hidden repeating patterns, so it is essentially a rhythm generator; by tweaking controls, one has much to search for.

On the opposite side of the frequency range, increased waveform complexity usually leads to severe aliasing. This could be used as an effect itself, though when not desired, it can be suppressed with a dedicated anti-aliasing switch.

The frequency selector enables rapid shifts between tones. Depending on one of the three available modes, one can move in octaves, semitones, or cents.

The output signal can be further saturated with a boost control, which will, at the same time, increase the amplitude.

• Width: 12HP
• Depth: 42mm (Including Power Adapter)
• Power: 125mA @ +12V / 10mA @ -12V

Features:

• 12HP digital oscillator and rhythm generator
• Fractal interpolation synthesis for evolving, self-replicating waveforms
• Two core waveforms: Triangle and Trapezoid
• Variable Iteration control to generate increasingly complex waveforms
• Warp control for shaping fractal growth and timbre
• 1V/Oct tracking with Octave, Semitone, and Cent tuning modes
• Audio-rate and LFO operation, producing both tones and complex rhythmic patterns
• Boost control for saturation and increased output level (up to ±10V)
• Switchable anti-aliasing for clean tones or digital aliasing effects
• Linear FM input with modulation amount control
• Hard Sync input for harmonic synchronization or rhythmic waveform resets
• Dedicated CV inputs for Core, Iteration, Warp, Boost, and Frequency
• Attenuverters on Iteration and Warp CV inputs
• Independent sine LFO output (-5V to +5V) for modulation and self-patching
• Ideal for experimental synthesis, evolving textures, rhythmic modulation, and digital sound design