Synthesis Section

The Persephone has all the functions of a synthesizer with signal processing sections with an oscillator (and its common functions tune, finetune, sinus to sawtooth waveforms, velocity, volume), an analogue 6dB low-pass filter which modulates the oscillator (modulation, filter freq), a LFO. The synthesis section is 100% analogue.

Control Section

Ribbon The ribbon responds to changes in voltage or resistance caused by changing the finger position along its surface. The Persephone ribbon controller is also able to record pressure or velocity. The ribbon is a linear potentiometer that generates different control voltages depending on where it is touched. These changes in voltage are applied to the voltage-controlled oscillator and the filter. The voltage fluctuations are also translated into binary data and used to control digital modulation. Scale : allows scaling the Persephone's ribbon from 1, 2, 5 to 10 octaves. The Persephone can generate sounds beyond the frequencies human beings can hear . Your pets may be very sensitive to some high frequencies...   Position : the position of your finger will determine the pitch of the note played. Pressure : the pressure of your finger will control the velocity (mode A) or the amplitude (mode B, C, D) of the note played. In all the modes A, B, C and D, the position on the ribbon will always determine the pitch. In mode A, the pressure on the ribbon will control the velocity of the note, (the filter frequency being controlled by the pressure).   In all other modes, the pressure controls the amplitude of the note.
Expression key The wenge expression key controls the filter. Its optical sensor is able to reproduce the slightest move of the key. A great control tool for tremolos. In mode A, the expression key will control the amplitude of the note, reminding of Les Ondes Martenot expression key. In mode B, the expression key will control the filter frequency for the velocity. In mode C, the expression key will control the modulation amount of the LFO depth on the amplitude of the note to modulate a tremolo. In mode D, the expression key will control the modulation amount of the LFO depth on the pitch of the note to modulate a vibrato.
Expression pedal A n expression pedal can be connected to the Pedal in at the rear side of the Persephone to control the volume (modes A and B) or the LFO speed (modes C and D). In modes A and B, the expression pedal will control the volume of the note. In mode C, the expression pedal will control the modulation amount of the LFO speed on the amplitude of the note to modulate a tremolo. In mode D, the expression key will control the modulation amount of the LFO speed on the pitch of the note to modulate a vibrato.

Hierarchy Of Controls

In mode A, the Persephone will play the 'classical way' with the right hand controlling the pitch via the position on the ribbon and the filter frequency via the pressure on the ribbon. The left hand on the expression key plays on the amplitude of the note while the pedal controls the volume.
In mode B, the pitch is determined by the position of the fingers on the ribbon. The pressure on the ribbon will determine the amplitude of the note. The expression key will control the filter frequency while the pedal controls the volume.
Mode C is the tremolo reproduced by the action of the LFO on the amplitude of the note. The tremolo parameters (depth and speed) will be controlled by the expression key (tremolo depth) and the pedal (for the tremolo speed).
Mode D is the vibrato made by the action of the LFO on the pitch of the note. The vibrato parameters (depth and speed) will be controlled by the expression key (vibrato depth) and the pedal (for the vibrato speed).

Connections

220V/110V
on/off
Fuse
Pedal in
audio out
MIDI in/out
CV out


Manual

 

Download the Persephone manual
Téléchargez le manuel du Persephone
Die deutsche Handbuch runterladen

 
FAQs

Can I change the range of the ribbon ? Set it to 3 octaves for example?
Yes, the range of the ribbon can be set from a multi turn trim pot inside the Persephone.

Why the 5 octaves range is not really 5 octaves ?
The Persephone, in its factory setting is set to 1V per octave with 10cm par octave. The ribbon being not accurately 50 cm, we don't get the full 5 octaves. If this is a problem for you, you may set it with the internal multi turn trim pot inside of the instrument.

Why is there no keyboard?
Well, people are so used to control music with keyboard that they forgot there were other ways. Ribbons are one among many. The advantage of ribbons is that they allow continuous pitches.

Why are the Persephone all different?
The Persephone are handmade. This is why one can differ from another.

How many voices of polyphony?
The Persephone is a monophonic instrument - like many analogue synths.

Are there any preset?
No, there is no presets. The Persephone is an analogue synths and has no memory.

Are there any technical difference between the desktop version and the suitcase version?
No, the two models are technically the same.