The Synthony II is Zeta’s proprietary MIDI controller with a built-in sound synthesizer. The unit includes a pitch-to-MIDI converter that recognizes the analog notes generated by Zeta’s E-Series, Strados Series or Jazz Series pickups and converts the analog signal into digital MIDI information. This MIDI information allows the Synthony to create sounds, and/or send digital information to other MIDI devices, including the ability to access computer software programs such as music notation and publishing programs.

The Synthony II provides access to multitudes of instrument sounds including drums, horns, woodwinds, pianos, guitars, basses, and special effects. Volume control between the synthesizer and instrument is controlled entirely from the Zeta instrument- a mixing board or volume pedal is not needed.

Other control features include pitch bend, transpose, sensitivity, and dynamics mode. Careful setting of these various commands allows the Synthony II to adapt to any playing technique. Virtually instant frequency analysis provides fast and accurate pitch and amplitude information to the synthesizer, with continuous and smooth response to bowing subtleties. The Synthony II is a standard single-space rack-mountable unit with front panel controls, display panel and instrument input jack.

The Strados and Jazz pickup systems support one MIDI channel input per individual string, allowing separate sound settings and parameter preferences to be set for each string independent of the others. As an example, one string could be set to play flute, while another is set for piano and the third is set for trumpet, and so on.

In contrast, the E-Series pickup has a single, mono output and as such will support settings for only one MIDI channel. A front panel switch selects the input for “E-Series” when that pickup system is being used. The “E-Series” setting is also employed in use with the Educator Cello or Educator Uprite bass.

The Synthony II allows the string player to access the world of MIDI and digital information using their Zeta instrument as a MIDI controller. It is no longer necessary for the string player to use a piano keyboard or computer keyboard in order to access MIDI or create MIDI files. The string player can use the Zeta instruments to create MIDI music files with full bowing nuances and expression, opening the door to use of MIDI in education, studio recording, live performances, and in the exploding world of digital internet uses.

The Synthony II truly is…the Ultimate Sound Experience