ALM TV’s MCO (mkII): Digital Synthesis Reimagined in 6HP

The MCO (mkII) from ALM TV is pitched as a compact, highly versatile digital VCO and multi-synth voice module, drawing direct inspiration from the digital synthesizers of the 1990s and early 2000s. In just 6HP, it promises a broad palette of sounds and workflows that recall the era’s iconic machines, but with a modern, modular twist. The video wastes no time establishing the MCO as a tool for creative sound generation, making it clear that this isn’t just a basic oscillator but a platform for digital synthesis in Eurorack.

ALM’s presentation style is, as always, focused on practical demonstration rather than hype. The walkthrough begins with the DigiWave wavetable engine, immediately showing how voices are selected and activated from the main screen. This sets the tone for a module that aims to be both approachable and deep, inviting users to explore its architecture without being buried in menu-diving.

One of the MCO mkII’s standout features is its collection of unique synth voices, each with its own set of customizable parameters. The module doesn’t just offer a single synthesis method; instead, it includes engines ranging from multi-dimensional wavetable synthesis to complex additive, JP-style digital, vocoder, virtual analog, bass, and even a SID GUTs chip emulation. Each voice brings its own flavor and parameter set, which can be tweaked in real time for a wide spectrum of sonic results.

The video demonstrates how parameters are organized, with global settings clearly marked and accessible via a stacked menu system. For example, adjusting pitch involves cycling through octave, key, and sense, while chord selection offers both standard and user-defined shapes, complete with inversion options. This modularity extends to each voice’s unique sound-shaping controls, making the MCO a flexible tool for both conventional and experimental synthesis.

The MCO mkII doesn’t just stop at offering multiple voices—it’s built for performance and integration. The module supports four-voice chords, with options for unison detune and user-defined chord shapes, all of which can be transposed via incoming pitch CV. This is further enhanced by assignable modulation, allowing both external CV and three onboard LFOs to be routed to nearly any parameter, including those that support audio-rate modulation like FM and sync.

Dual audio outputs provide either stereo widening or distinct timbral layers, depending on the selected voice. The video shows how, for the DigiWave engine, output B functions as a sub-oscillator with selectable waveforms. External input and a multifunction trigger/gate/CV input expand the MCO’s role from oscillator to full synth voice, with flexible envelope and VCA options that can be internal or externally patched. This architecture positions the MCO as a hub for complex, performance-oriented patches.

User interface design is a clear priority for the MCO mkII, with a high-resolution color display and a menu system that emphasizes speed and clarity. Navigating parameters is streamlined: scrolling past minimum values brings up modulation assignment options, making it easy to patch in CV or LFOs without deep menu-diving. Modulation assignments are visually represented, and holding the encoder reveals digital attenuation and offset controls for precise modulation scaling.

The global menu provides quick access to LFO settings—rate, shape, and mode—allowing users to tailor modulation sources to their patch. Saving and recalling presets is straightforward, with up to 32 user slots available. The video demonstrates naming and storing a preset, underscoring the MCO’s suitability for both studio and live workflows where rapid recall and flexibility are essential.