Koma Elektronik Chromaplane Synthesizer

Koma Elektronik Chromaplane at a glance

The Chromaplane from Koma Elektronik is an experimental drone synthesizer that uses two electromagnetic pickup coils for performance. At the core of its analog sound generation are ten square-wave oscillators, arranged under the surface in three rows that cover bass, mid, and high frequency ranges. These oscillators are always active and support full polyphonic play. What makes this instrument truly unconventional is its method of control. Instead of a keyboard, pads, or MIDI input, two pickup coils are used to trigger the oscillators. The process relies on magnetism and is highly responsive to changes, even when the coils do not touch the surface directly. With some practice, it is possible to perform melodies within the selected range. The oscillator section is followed by a resonant 24 dB lowpass filter, allowing the overall sound to shift from bright to dark while emphasizing specific frequency bands. A distinctive LoFi delay effect rounds out the signal path, with delay times adjustable between 40 and 400 milliseconds. The feedback range extends to approximately 133 percent, ideal for creating evolving textures that seem to stretch indefinitely. Both the Time and Cutoff parameters feature dedicated control voltage inputs. Thanks to an integrated envelope follower, the Chromaplane is capable of self-modulation. The envelope follower detects level changes generated by playing the oscillators and converts them into variable control voltages, which can be routed to modulate the filter or delay time. Resembling a closed laptop in form, this synthesizer is truly one of a kind. Its unconventional performance method, the interplay of electromagnetic interaction with classic synthesis elements, and its unique approach to musical scales position the Chromaplane as a distinct instrument, especially suited for immersive drone soundscapes.