After Part 1 and a detour to Buchla’s Ziggi synthesizer, we now find ourselves in southern Europe…
THE GREAT ROMAN
Paolo Groppioni of GRP personally introduced his new GRP A10. A distinctive feature of this synthesizer—which is more than generously equipped with oscillators, filters, and CV/Gate generators—is the stereo configuration of all audio signal paths, including analog stereo effects.
ENDLESS
Last year, ROLAND set the bar with its TR-1000 groove workstation; now, the Polish manufacturer POLYEND has responded with the Drums. It’s similarly priced at the high end of the market and generously equipped with a variety of analog and digital sound generators. A rhythm instrument in a class of its own. In addition, the manufacturer has also been active in the pedal market for some time now. The latest addition is called Endless. The name says it all: The metal stompbox serves as a mainframe for currently 69 effect algorithms—ranging from modulation to reverb—with a corresponding number of plug-ins. And that number is growing, because with the included AI tool, users can easily create their own effects using text descriptions.
VOLCANIC ROCK AND MINIMAL
Black is still the dominant color for synthesizers and outboard gear. The SONICWARE Minimal groovebox and the GENKI Katla synth expander from Iceland are no exceptions. Not only is the latter named after a volcano in its country of origin, but the side panels of this expensive “boutique” expander are also carved from jet-black volcanic rock. After the death of Wowa CWEJMAN, production of the coveted Eurorack modules initially came to a halt; however, for about two years now, they have been produced again by Maho Cwejman—not only in eggshell and gray, but now also in uniform black.
SCHMIDT IN THE (virtual) BOX
The Schmidt Synthesizer, a gray eminence that has now seen better days, is on the verge of being discontinued due to a lack of components and will live on in the future only in digital form (as a plugin). According to Axel Fischer, given the enormous processing power of modern computer processors, you can hardly hear any difference anymore—a fact he was able to confirm for himself last year while overseeing the plugin’s development. Another analog powerhouse, the Bode Frequency Shifter, is now being built by SYNTH-WERK based on the original schematics in the MK2 version, which offers greater tuning stability.
UNDER CONTROL
BASTL INSTRUMENTS’ Kalimba caused quite a stir in the run-up to its release. Interest in the electronically enhanced thumb piano was correspondingly high. ELEKTRON is now releasing the Outbox 8. This provides eight analog outputs for all Elektron machines that are Overbridge-compatible.
MAKE NOISE Phonehack is a long-awaited successor to the Erbeverb. Depending on the firmware, PLINKY functions as a synthesizer, chord generator, or CV/Gate/MIDI sequencer. Custom overlays are available for each function to improve navigation on the touch panel. The JOMOX Transcendor combines elements of Mod FM with the T-Resonator. However, it is reportedly still unclear whether and how this synth will ultimately go into production. The RELIQ INSTRUMENTS Matrix Mixer and Sequencer presents an interesting matrix-based concept. In addition to the main unit, the package includes a fully remote-controllable patchbay.
LYDIA
Although ROLAND wasn’t present at the SB, RFDL (Roland Future Design Lab + Neutone) presented the LYDIA project in the Bungalow Village. Reportedly, it incorporates AI and is a filter-resonator-envelope follower that interacts with the input material. It comes in pedal format. Across from it is the SPACEDRUM, a groove machine styled after 1960s hi-fi design, featuring a polished metal surface and stylish wooden side panels.
TUBESYNTH MODULAR
All fans of the Knifonium tube synthesizer—which is no longer available—have something to look forward to, as the Finnish manufacturer KNIF is working on a complete 5U tube-based modular system. Although many modules are already complete (some of which can be seen in the photos), only the BBD is currently available as a standalone unit. The manufacturer plans to release everything together. They’re asking for a little patience, as the keyboard is still causing some issues. The eagerly anticipated release of the VERMONA Drumding will also be delayed until the end of the year.
RUSSIAN NOS TUBES
Elsewhere, the long wait will likely come to an end soon: CATALYST AUDIO’s Eurorack modules are finally set to hit stores in a few weeks. The incredibly rich sound is produced exclusively using highly durable and energy-efficient Russian NOS mini-tubes. The lineup includes VCOs with wavefolders and FM, VCAs, VCFs, noise generators, and mixers.
MISCELLANEOUS
RR JANKO Isomorphe Keyboards, NONLINEAR LABS C25, stylish AUXY Svenson 49, KOMA Monoplex Sequencer and the electromagnetic Chromaplane, YAMAHA Montage M8X, CHASE BLISS Big Time Boutique Delay, DADAMACHINES TBD-16 compact drum machine …
E-Osmose, an MPE synthesizer and keyboard in one, is now also available in a 61-key version in white and black.
Let’s wrap up the tour with a few final impressions…
So, how did it go after three days? I have to admit, I’m kind of out of breath. My Irish friend Marcus would roll his eyes and say, “Too much, like!” And I didn’t even manage to do half of it. I guess that’s just not possible. “Too much, like!” Still, “It was good!” as they say here. I’m looking forward to next year!
x
