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One Voice, Countless Features, Endless Potential





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Intellijel may be known for its impressive array of Eurorack modules, but its expertise has arguably never been as masterfully and comprehensively distilled as its latest instrumental offering: Cascadia. A monophonic, semi-modular analog synth, Cascadia expertly bridges the gaps between numerous aspects of synthesis with East and West Coast-style offerings, full Eurorack compatibility with more than 100 patch points, MIDI control via USB-C or 5-pin connectors, all-analog sound with plenty of digital accommodation, and there’s even an expression output. LFO, envelope generation, sample & hold, and various modulation opportunities abound, with numerous sound-shaping tools available at any time, fully modulatable. Synthesists at Sweetwater are aghast by the sheer scope of tools, features, and opportunities possible with Cascadia, and we’re barely scratching the surface.





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Sound out in any style with premier analog architecture





You don’t need to be a professional synthesist to take one look at Cascadia and know that it means serious business. Thanks to the normalized connections, its dual-VCO architecture allows for near-endless possibilities, with even more possibilities available for those daring to take the patch-point plunge. These precision VCOs include flexible interactivity, with the primary VCO capable of thru-zero FM synthesis with an index VCA, pulse-width modulation, and soft and hard synch options. VCO-B combines VCO and LFO, armed with four simultaneous outputs for extensive modulation. West Coast-style wave folding can be used with the sub-oscillator, analog ring modulator, and FM for complex, harmonic-rich synth lines. At the same time, the white and pink noise can add the perfect amount of ambience or snarling crackle. Use the global overdrive circuit to crank up the heat, with further shaping available from the bypassable, asymmetrical soft clipping. For even more inspiring complexity, a 6-channel waveform mixer is available, also featuring optional, asymmetrical soft clipping and multiple noise-generator algorithms.





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Unmatched fluidity with unique sonic shaping





As with any great synth, Cascadia’s sculpting tools ensure a truly individual sound with multi-operative functions that beg to be explored. For starters, the cascaded 4-pole multimode filter is outfitted with eight modes, including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, notch, and phazor options, as well as specific outputs for LP4 and HP4 modes, complementing this robust filter with even greater modular possibilities. Precision control of the filter input means fine adjustment to resonance balance, as well as pushing more drive into the circuits. Further filter control is attainable with the multiple FM inputs, as well as a QM input, all of which feature their own attenuators for unmatched control.





Comprehensive utilities for any mode of operation





Like every other part of this synth, Intellijel pulled no punches in crafting an extensive utilities section. A sample & hold circuit, slew/envelope follower, and mixuverter ? a simultaneous attenuverter and mixer ? enable deep control, and the opportunity to delve deeper with its various patch points. You’ll also find a 3-stage, analog, triangle LFO, with rate control, rate input, and divided outputs, letting you carefully craft your modulation and tone-shaping possibilities. Triple-buffed mults, a signal inverter, a signal summer, and a bi-polar > unity level shifter can be used to dazzling affect, especially through CV operation. Last in the row are the ring modulator and dual-operation VCA and LPF, perfect for exploring the more-esoteric side of timbral possibilities.





The ins and outs of true, bi-coastal synthesis





While the “West Coast/East Coast” debate serves more as an indicator of features than anything else, there’s a reason these denominations are still used: we simply don’t typically see too many fully-fledged, bi-coastal synths as they’re difficult to successfully integrate into a single instrument. The “dual citizenship” characteristics are found in virtually every aspect of Cascadia, a true semi-modular synth with complete Eurorack compatibility, as evidenced by its numerous CV-capable jacks and controls. Onboard 5-pin MIDI in, out, and thru ports allow for uncompromising MIDI operation of virtually any function, with the added possibility of MIDI over USB-C for simultaneous MIDI and CV operation. Plus, with the aid of Intellijel’s Config App, you can go even deeper, configuring divisible clock functions, gate/trigger outputs, and multimode LFO management alongside learnable and assignable modulation and MIDI CC with any channel. A balanced, 1/4-inch stereo I/O is accompanied by a headphone jack and 1/4-inch send and return jacks for TS pedal FX and a 1/4-inch TRS expression output. The latter allows you to integrate expression controls to elevate the inherent performance possibilities afforded by Cascadia.





Intellijel Cascadia Monophonic Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer Features:


101 patch points, 36 LEDs, 34 sliders, 28 switches, 16 knobs, and 5 push buttons ensure plenty of real-time feedback with unencumbered operation


Semi-modular design means normalled circuitry for immediate operation, but greater depths of exploration await those willing to utilize the full potential of the numerous patch points


Dual-VCO analog architecture elicits rich, powerful, monophonic synth lines


Index VCA, PWM, soft/hard sync, and sub-oscillator possibilities accompany thru-zero FM design for unmatched sonic flexibility


6-channel waveform mixer includes multiple noise-generation algorithms and optional, asymmetrical soft clipping


Cascaded 4-pole multimode filter has 8 operating modes, with dedicated LP4 and HP4 outputs for deeply-integrated modulation


Filter includes several FM inputs, as well as a QM input, all with attenuators for unbridled control


West Coast-style wave folding circuitry yields evocative, harmonic-rich timbres


2 envelopes deliver ADSR/ADHSR envelope generators, AS/ASR/cycling AR multifunction generators, tempo-syncable LFO, and burst generator modes


Comprehensive utilities section ensures extensive patching options with reactive, inviting sound design, ring modulation, signal inversion, 4-pole diode ladder VCF, and more


S&H circuitry, white/pink noise generation, and slew/envelope follower mean unmatched textural control


Deep MIDI integration includes 5-pin MIDI in/out/thru, as well as USB-C MIDI to manage virtually any parameter, as well as assignable MIDI CC


FX send/return loop is accompanied by wet/dry control and a phase inversion to increase opportunities for nuanced FX integration


Global overdrive circuit serves up plenty of character, from subtle to searing


Eurorack level main output accommodates streamlined integration and interfacing with further modular gear


Expression output allows for the inclusion of an additional expression pedal to optimize performance possibilities


14 included patch cables are color-coded with 10, 15, 3-, and 45cm lengths for instant patching out of the box


USB-C to A cable is included for immediate connectivity


International AC adapter ensures you’re always able to power up