Published
Mon, Sep 30, 2019, 09:23
- The Synthi's famous patch matrix gets new life in the Latvia company's next all-in-one instrument.
Erica Synths has a new synth called SYNTRX.
The standalone analogue design takes heavy cues from 1972's EMS Synthi AKS, particularly its signature pin patch matrix. Designed together with Riga Technical University, Erica points out that while the interface is inspired by the Synthi, the circuitry under the hood is a bespoke design. For instance, the SYNTRX's 16x16 patch matrix uses 32 serial-controlled analogue switches to build patches, which can then be stored in 256 memory slots and switched on the fly during performance. Other departures include a sample & hold generator with its own clock, oscillator sync and MIDI implementation.
Built around three VCOs and a noise generator, the SYNTRX's sound can be further coloured by a pair of filters, ring modulator and spring reverb, with modulation sources such as the Synthi's joystick, three VCAs and a looping envelope generator available to animate a patch.
Erica says the SYNTRX will be available only in a limited run at the end of 2019 and cost €2500. You can email the company now to get on the waiting list.