Bananana Effects Quimera Pitch-Tracking Synthesizer Pedal 🍌

The Bananana Effects QUIMERA is a pitch-tracking synthesizer pedal that converts incoming instrument signals into synthesised sounds in real time. Rather than simply applying effects to the original audio, QUIMERA analyses the fundamental pitch and harmonic content of the input, using this information to control its internal synthesis engines while retaining the dynamics and expression of the performance.

Powered by an ARM Cortex-M7 processor, QUIMERA's tracking engine analyses incoming audio every 5ms, with a measured total processing latency of approximately 12.5ms. Independent fundamental and harmonic tracking allows the harmonic content of the original instrument to be incorporated into the synthesised output. Additional controls include tracking sensitivity, note-level compression, pitch quantisation, transposition and glide.

Two independent oscillators provide layered synthesis, with three available synthesis engines. The Basic engine offers conventional waveforms, including sawtooth, square and organ-like tones, alongside hard sync with adjustable ratios and modulation. Oscillator A also provides a morphing wavetable engine with 64 frames per table, and a sample-based oscillator with multiple playback modes. User wavetables and samples can be imported via computer, while the sample engine also supports direct recording from the pedal's input.

QUIMERA provides extensive modulation through two independent LFOs, three ADSR envelopes and an envelope follower that responds to the dynamics of the incoming instrument. Modulation can be assigned to oscillator parameters, pitch, volume, hard sync, wavetable position and other synthesis functions. Four effects categories provide a selection of 14 effects, allowing multiple effects to be combined within a single preset.

The pedal stores 128 presets, with nine assignable across three banks of three footswitches for immediate access. Footswitches support alternate and momentary operation, including temporary preset overrides. A built-in visualiser offers 11 display modes, with configurable colours for individual presets.

MIDI input allows QUIMERA to function as a synthesizer controlled by an external keyboard, sequencer or DAW, with support for pitch bend, MIDI CC parameter control, clock synchronisation and preset selection. MIDI output can transmit tracked note information, including detected harmonics, to external instruments or recording software.

Specifications

• Type: Real-Time Pitch-Tracking Synthesizer Pedal
• Processor: ARM Cortex-M7
• Pitch Tracking: Fundamental and Harmonic Detection
• Tracking Interval: 5ms
• Total Processing Latency: Approximately 12.5ms
• Oscillators: 2 Independent Oscillators
• Synthesis Engines: Basic, Wavetable and Sample
• Basic Oscillator: Multiple Waveforms with Hard Sync
• Hard Sync: Adjustable 1–4 Cycle Ratio
• Wavetable Engine: 64 Frames per Table, Morphing
• Wavetable Import: User-Importable Wavetables
• Sample Engine: Multiple Playback Modes
• Factory Samples: 30 Waveforms
• Sample Recording: Direct Recording from Audio Input
• Sample Editing: Playback Range and Pitch Adjustment
• LFOs: 2 Independent LFOs
• LFO Waveforms: 7
• LFO Synchronisation: MIDI Clock
• Envelopes: 3 Independent ADSR Envelopes
• Envelope Follower: Input-Level Tracking
• Tracking Controls: Sensitivity, Note Compression, Transpose, Pitch Quantisation and Glide
• Effects: 14 Effects Across 4 Categories
• Presets: 128 User-Storable Presets
• Footswitches: 3 Assignable Switches
• Preset Banks: 3 Banks of 3 Assignable Presets
• Footswitch Modes: Alternate, Momentary and Temporary Preset Override
• Visualiser: 11 Sound Scope Modes
• MIDI Input: Note Control, Pitch Bend, CC, Clock and Preset Selection
• MIDI Output: Tracked Note and Harmonic Data
• MIDI Thru: Not Supported

Requires 9 Volt DC Centre Negative power supply 500mA or higher.

Video: https://youtu.be/7DO8qC-YhEE

Product Specs

• Item Number: 44164
• Make: Bananana Effects
• Model: Quimera
• Condition: Brand New
• Finish: White
• Categories: effects-and-pedals ⇒ guitar-synths ⇒ pedal
• Function: Synth Voice Delay Dual/Stereo Multieffect Digital MIDI
• Made In: Japan
• MPN: BNNNA-QMRA
• Modular Grid: Pedals ⓘ ＋
• Dimensions*: 145 mm wide 119 mm high
• Power*: 400 mA / 9 V DC / Negative Center

* User contributed details