WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

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WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by WMDevices »

Hi Everyone -- we're releasing a new oscillator finally, this one has been announced but it's finally finished and headed into production imminently.

Below is copied from the website: https://wmdevices.com/collections/new-p ... cts/legion

LIMITED RUN OF 600! Lead-time is currently 6-10 weeks.

A legion of waveforms await. Endless possibilities ahead.

Legion is a new breed of analog oscillator with tons of individual waveform outputs, a host of useful CV inputs, and a few never-been-done-before analog tricks.

First off, this oscilator means precision. Built-in digital calibration means once you tune, you'll stay in tune. The tune knob can be switched between a fine and coarse mode, and can be locked out to protect against unintentional movement during a performance. It also features octave switches for quick movement between registers.

Power in pairs. Legion is great on it's own but thrives when it has a twin sibling in the case. Thru-zero linear FM keeps your fundamental in-tact while modulating it with another oscillator and onboard attenuator lets you dial in the amount. Stay in-tune while adding harmonic content with the classic technique. Thru-zero FM also works well with the saw wave output, adding more colors to your sonic palette.

A separate exponential FM input with correlating attenuator allows for simultaneous "wobble" or could be used for more traditional FM effects, when that is desired and the easy tuning makes for lush. consistent FM sounds in a flash.

The Alpha in the pack. In addition to the traditional waveforms commonly found in analog oscillators, Legion has a unique saw wave section. Inspired by the oscillator in the Alpha Juno synthesizer, we've added what we call "windows" to the saw wave output. A window is essentially a negative pulse in the center of the saw wave, creating an overtone to the classic waveforms sound. Use the switch to add more windows, creating a more complex high end. Then, use pulse-width modulation to really bring this effect to life by increasing and decreasing the size of the windows with an external CV source such as an LFO. This effect really adds teeth to the waveform.

In addition to the above, Legion also has an output called Swarm, which is essentially an analog supersaw. For this output, we start with a saw wave and then use seven DAC LFOs to modulate the phase of multiple reset points within the original. What this does is create the illusion of multiple saws being stacked on top of eachother, slightly going in and out of tune with each other. Control the intensity of the unison effect with the detune knob, and switch on up to seven LFOs with the Timbre switch for a powerful, detuned supersaw effect that remains 100% analog.

Legion also hosts a sub-oscillator with switchable octave and Saw, Triangle, Square, and PW waveforms, a first in Eurorack in that it also fully reacts to Thru-Zero FM! A Thru-Zero sub oscillator that's not just a square wave.

The oscillator was designed around the SSI2130 TZFM oscillator chip, with a ton of WMD designed peripherals, waveshapers, digital control, etc. We found that all the extra stuff used a ton of power, so this took some serious engineering work on the internal power supplies. The result is a module that uses very little power and thus stays cool and consistent in temperature, meaning that it's incredibly stable for tuning. Far better than any other oscillator we've designed, and we're well known for stable oscillators. The downside is that these power supply parts and special opamps are entirely unavailable due to the world wide semiconductor shortage. We secured enough parts for 600 Legions, and that's it. Get it while you can, there isn't another run planned.

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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by starthief »

Very curious to hear this one in action...
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by Willy Naylor »

that sounds v interesting. esp the stacked supersaw swarm
Spesc says 4hp surely its 8
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by closedLoop »

Willy Naylor wrote: Tue Aug 09, 2022 1:56 am that sounds v interesting. esp the stacked supersaw swarm
Spesc says 4hp surely its 8
It definitely looks like it's 8hp.

The swarm out, especially in combination with TZFM, is a really interesting idea. I wonder if it's a similar analog process to what's used in Happy Nerding's Super Sawtor?
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by acidbob »

Hope for a video soon :)
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by BLogic12 »

Kent wrote: Wed Aug 10, 2022 5:41 am Digital tuning: Can this be scaled to 1.2V/Oct? :hyper:
Not the first time I’ve seen you ask that question :lol:
Disting has an algorithm that converts 1.2 to 1 v/oct
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by BLogic12 »

This looks like a great oscillator. Excited to hear some demos.
I’d probably be interested but I recently picked up the amazing Cosmotronic Vortex dual complex osc (and it’s less than $200 more than this), I think I’m covered.
Still would like to hear how it’s tzfm sounds!
The triangle option on the sub out is an interesting feature.
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by Kent »

BLogic12 wrote: Wed Aug 10, 2022 6:18 am
Kent wrote: Wed Aug 10, 2022 5:41 am Digital tuning: Can this be scaled to 1.2V/Oct? :hyper:
Not the first time I’ve seen you ask that question :lol:
Disting has an algorithm that converts 1.2 to 1 v/oct
Ha! Yes, indeed. I try to avoid outboard scalers if possible.
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by suthnear »

I have oscillators coming out of my arse but given the compelling feature set and size (and the send off to WMD), I couldn't resist...
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by hawkfuzz »

Truly ultimate. Best for anyone looking to spend too much money on a polphonic modular synth instead of getting a regular synth.

I hope I'm able to pick one up when I can...Spectrum was incredible and this looks to be the closest to an updated version. The amount of features you all pack while still allowing great UI is impressive!
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by bigtex »

I really want to pre-order one, but I really want to hear a demo first... I hope there are still pre-orders left by the time I get to hear a demo...
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by BLogic12 »

hawkfuzz wrote: Thu Aug 11, 2022 4:56 pm Truly ultimate. Best for anyone looking to spend too much money on a polphonic modular synth instead of getting a regular synth.

I hope I'm able to pick one up when I can...Spectrum was incredible and this looks to be the closest to an updated version. The amount of features you all pack while still allowing great UI is impressive!
There is also the new SSF zephyr oscillator. That’s actually the updated spectrum!

I’d think a lot of folks will comparing and deciding between this and zephyr.
PM vs TZFM. Both great.
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by hawkfuzz »

Both are updated Spectrums.

Same chip. I like both approaches. I REALLY like sub wave options.
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by BLogic12 »

hawkfuzz wrote: Thu Aug 11, 2022 5:40 pm Both are updated Spectrums.

Same chip. I like both approaches. I REALLY like sub wave options.
Word, I’m just saying, Andrew from SSF actually said himself he thought of it as an updated spectrum.

I think having both would probably be a great combo.
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by msegarra »

I’m scared that I’ll never get one of these with wmd going out of business
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by hawkfuzz »

I saw that. It's not like a claim to the throne. The combo would be pretty unbeatable though. Having oscillators with great tracking and tonal modulation will be fun.
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by muffdiver »

hawkfuzz wrote: Thu Aug 11, 2022 5:40 pm Both are updated Spectrums.

Same chip. I like both approaches. I REALLY like sub wave options.
I thought Spectrum was sawtooth core?

Zephyr and Legion are both Triangle Core AFAIK.
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by BLogic12 »

muffdiver wrote: Thu Aug 11, 2022 6:14 pm
hawkfuzz wrote: Thu Aug 11, 2022 5:40 pm Both are updated Spectrums.

Same chip. I like both approaches. I REALLY like sub wave options.
I thought Spectrum was sawtooth core?

Zephyr and Legion are both Triangle Core AFAIK.
Yeah, more of the spiritual successor maybe?
Doesn’t have to be the same core to be a updated version or idea or replacement. Spectrum is discontinued/ no longer being produced so it makes sense that Andrew would think of zephyr as the replacement in his current offerings.

My spectrum’s not going anywhere. Super solid vco. I have tzfm and pm available in other places in my rig.

Legion and Zephyr both look great though.
I would highly consider both if I was staring a new system.
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by albiedamned »

WMD posted this video yesterday, and I am blown away by the Legion!

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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by WMDevices »

Check out the growing number of WMD Demo Videos | WMD Website
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by northerntao »

Nice, preordered two of these along with two Javelins and a Carbon. Should be a great voice for a small case
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by closedLoop »

Has anyone received any word on when Legion might ship?
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by WMDevices »

closedLoop wrote: Fri Dec 09, 2022 9:13 am Has anyone received any word on when Legion might ship?
Legion is being assembled at the present time. Front panels are being put on. All the soldering is done. Units will then go to testing.

Subway is in the same assembly stage.

This is of course happening much more slowly than we anticipated. I wanted to ship this year, but it looks like the majority will be shipping in January / February.
Check out the growing number of WMD Demo Videos | WMD Website
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Re: WMD Legion - Ultimate Oscillator: TZFM, Swarm, Alpha, TZ-Sub Osc

Post by WubWuber »

WMDevices wrote: Fri Dec 09, 2022 11:11 am
closedLoop wrote: Fri Dec 09, 2022 9:13 am Has anyone received any word on when Legion might ship?
Legion is being assembled at the present time. Front panels are being put on. All the soldering is done. Units will then go to testing.

Subway is in the same assembly stage.

This is of course happening much more slowly than we anticipated. I wanted to ship this year, but it looks like the majority will be shipping in January / February.
Are they all spoken for already? If not, how can I order a couple?

I've been on a mad hunt to get another C4RBN & MSCL. Had to import from Canada.

I hope you guys will be back soon!
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