Vongon, the US-based company renowned for its innovative pedal designs, has taken a bold step into the world of synthesizers with their latest creation: the Replay. Departing from the traditional norms of synthesizer design, the Replay offers a strikingly unique aesthetic coupled with a simplified yet powerful sound engine.
At first glance, the Replay’s design captivates with its seamless, one-piece construction and Cherry MX keybed, eschewing the typical black and white keys for a sleek, uniform appearance. However, while the design is undeniably eye-catching, one cannot overlook the practicality issue posed by the choice of white labeling against a white background, making it challenging to navigate in certain lighting conditions.
Delving into its sonic capabilities, the Vongon Replay is a 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer driven by a virtual analog engine, drawing inspiration from the beloved keyboard synths of the early 80s, such as the Roland Juno and Korg Polysix. The heart of its sound engine lies in a primary oscillator offering multiple selectable waveforms, including square, triangle, sine, and ramp modes, accompanied by a noise generator for added depth and texture.
The signal then passes through a 4-pole lowpass filter characterized by its high resonance and warm tonality, with modulation options from the primary envelope, keyboard tracking, and the LFO further shaping the sound. Modulation capabilities are rounded out by an organic ADSR envelope generator and a clockable LFO, providing ample opportunities for dynamic expression and movement in the sound.
One of the standout features of the Replay is its clockable arpeggiator, reminiscent of the Roland Juno’s engaging and fun arpeggio functions. Offering various polyphonic latched and keyed modes, including up/down, order, random, and more, the arpeggiator adds a layer of versatility and creativity to the instrument’s sonic palette.
Despite its simplicity in design and features, the Replay does not compromise on functionality. With the ability to save up to 31 presets directly on the unit, accessed via the keyboard keys, users can easily recall their favorite sounds without the need for cumbersome menu navigation. Additionally, a browser-based web editor provides an alternative means of sound editing and customization, catering to users who may struggle with the visibility of the labeling in certain lighting conditions. Navigating manually in broad daylight is impossible, which makes this equipment unfit for open air stages during daytime.
On the connectivity front, the Vongon Replay offers a 1/4″ TRS line-level input and output, a 3.5mm TRS MIDI in/out, and a micro USB port for MIDI connectivity and power supply, providing flexibility for integration into various setups.
Selling for roughly $900, the Vongon Replay is a synthesizer that prioritizes simplicity and playability. Its unique aesthetic and powerful sound engine make it a compelling choice for both newcomers to synthesis and seasoned professionals looking for a fresh take on classic analog sound.
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