Erica Synths

Notes: Performance oriented Sample Drum brings you two independent drum sounds or loops with plenty of manual and CV controlled parameters. Samples are stored on the microSD card, and OLED screen makes working with samples instant and easy.

Sample Drum allows you to slice up loops directly in your modular system and rearrange them to taste. For processing, there are tuning functions (including 1 v/octave pitch tracking) and virtual VCAs plus AD envelopes. Thanks to the module's dual-channel concept, two loops can be combined. It is also possible to load one-shot samples instead of entire rhythms, of course. A total of six CV inputs guarantees lively results.

Sample Drum is composed of two identical audio players. WAV files (including cue points) are fed to the module via a micro SD card. Loops can be cut into several sections using the Data, Start and End potentiometers. The resulting slices may be played back in any order imaginable. A tune control allows real-time pitch changes. Additionally, there is a virtual VCA plus AD envelope per slice. - But that's not all! There are three CV inputs per channel, which can be routed to any parameters. It is even possible to play sounds according to the 1 v / octave standard. Results are emitted via one output per player.

Dimensions
14 HP

Current Draw
95 mA +12V
2 mA -12V

Notes: No oscillators, 8 voice polyphony.

The Steampipe is a true physical modelling synthesizer developed in close collaboration with Dutch company 112.dB.

The Steampipe has no conventional oscillators. Instead, it mimics the way sound is created in wind instruments and it is fine-tuned to create a wide range of sounds - everything from wind instruments to strings, pipe organs, crazy effects and beyond. The Steampipe has three major sections - STEAM, PIPE and REVERBERATOR.

The STEAM section can be compared to the lungs and mouth of a musician. The generator creates the flow of air or "steam", the envelope in this section determines the force with which it is blown out. DC/noise is the noise you get when blowing out. DC/Noise on the Steampipe can also be replaced with an external audio source.

The PIPE section can be compared to a flute. In the pipe, the tune is formed. Push (in feedback) bounces the steam like it does in a flute and generates the tone. The delay box subsection changes the flute's tuning and shape.

The REVERBERATOR adds space and ambience to the sound.

The Steampipe is optimized for performance with wind MIDI controllers and it works great with any MIDI keyboard. The overtones the Steampipe produces are very organic and rich and it comes with great-sounding presets. The Steampipe is rather versatile and allows for nuanced sonic exploration, conjuring sonic imagery ranging from from wisps of cloud to fairground band organs, then to industrial horns of the railroad and finally, to massive, otherworldly ambiences.

Notes: Updated version of Erica's superb EMS-inspired synth, featuring a powerful dual oscillator synth architecture, piano roll sequencer, modulation matrix and recordable joystick.

Supplier's Notes:
Based on lessons learned from the SYNTRX, Erica Synths decided to create an instrument that would integrate even deeper into contemporary electronic and experimental music setups and cover sonic territory from daunting drones to powerful basslines and glitched noisescapes - the SYNTRX II is a new dark horse for experimental sonic rides.

The SYNTRX II is the culmination of Erica Synths' analogue sound design circuits - two perfectly stable main oscillators with waveshapers, a modulation oscillator with 1V/oct tracking, a versatile multimode filter, supercharged external instrument inputs with an envelope follower, a unique, great-sounding ring modulator, a recordable joystick, built-in piano roll sequencer and stepped modulation sources, all arranged around Erica Synths' signature matrix mixer and topped off with powerful FX on their new DSP platform.

"The SYNTRX 2 is awesome, a very different instrument from V1. My first synths were the VCS3 and the AKS and are still among my favorites today. The Syntrx 2 is pushing the boundaries of possibilities & experimentations much beyond the original analogue version. The Syntrx 2 is an instant classic". - Jean Michel Jarre

Features

Two perfectly stable main oscillators with CV-controlled waveforms
Modulation oscillator with variable waveforms
Highpass and Lowpass filters in series
Free running or gate synced sample and hold circuit
Multi-colour noise generator
DC coupled instrument inputs with signal inversion and envelope follower
Ring modulator of unique design
Looping trapezoid envelope generator and VCA
Two output VCAs
Signal meter with a dedicated audio/CV output
FX section with great sounding Delay and Reverb developed in collaboration with 112db.com
Recordable Joystick
Analogue patch matrix with 3 attenuation levels in each patch point
254 patch memory
Piano roll sequencer and two stepper modulation sources
DIN5 MIDI Input and MIDI Thru
Two assignable outputs
Headphone output
Dimensions: 309mm x 457mm x 115mm (with the joystick in centre position)
Weight: 3.9 kg

Notes: Classy stuff from the London label's debut collab with one of our favourite synth brands. Classy stereo delay with analogue filtering and creamy valve distortion. Perfect for studio or live use.

Supplier's Notes:
Ninja Tune - an English independent record label based in London and Erica Synths have teamed up to create a custom dub delay effects unit, the Zen Delay.

Features
Controls: delay time, feedback, delay mod (5 presets), tap button, dry/wet, bypass switch, filter cutoff, resonance, drive, input level, filter mode

Inputs
Stereo In: 2x standard jack

MIDI In: standard MIDI socket

CV In: standard jack

Outputs

Stereo Out: 2 x standard jack

Delay times: 1-5000ms with 1/8...x8 of clock/tap rate in beat mode

Inspired by a trip to Berlin's trailblazing music hardware trade show Superbooth, Coldcut's Matt Black and longtime friend Dr Walker (Liquid Sky artist collective / Air Liquide) envisaged the exciting possibilities of a custom hardware effects unit. The result is the creation of the Zen Delay i the first-ever hardware effects unit produced in collaboration with an electronic music label.

Bringing together the best of the digital and analogue worlds, the Zen Delay is a BPM-synced stereo delay line, combining extreme feedback ranges for dub and experimental lo-fi effects with a multi-mode 24 dB synth filter and valve overdrive.

Created and manufactured by Erica Synths, the unit is housed in a metal case with Erica Synths' signature bakelite knobs and a valve circuit for extra analogue warmth. While sonically versatile, it is incredibly easy to use each function has a physical knob that you can play around with without diving into manuals or scrolling through menus on a tiny screen.

Crafted in close collaboration with DJs and producers, the Zen Delay was uniquely developed with both live and studio use in mind and is suitable for many different performance situations, musical styles and instruments. While most delay devices are designed as 'stomp boxes' for guitarists, the device is equally powerful in the hands of electronic music producers, artists and DJs, adding a unique, warm and powerful sonic character to drum machines, loops, vocals, synths, samples or any other source. Even full tracks or a live stereo mix can be enhanced by the combination of analogue and digital circuitry, breathing new life into iPad performances and giving traditional digital synths and drum machines a huge kick.

The Zen Delay is a product of our expertise on vacuum tube designs, our powerful, custom DSP platform and the great sound of our filter ICs made and developed in Latvia. It by far exceeded expectations in terms of how it sounds and feels when played. - Girts Ozolin

The Zen Delay is the analogue delay unit I've been waiting for. Stereo warmth, tone and texture. Perfect for live abusage, and studio madness love it - The Bug

The Zen excels at the sort of extreme dub possibilities Coldcut love. Feed it back! - Matt Black

For years I have dreamed of a state-of-the-art stereo valve dub delay for my MPC that perfectly masters all sound aesthetics from "badass" to "psychedelic hypnotically trashed" and now, have a look! There it is... the Zen Delay! - Dr Walker

Power: 12v (power supply for worldwide use is included)
In/Out levels: 3.2v peak to peak
DAC
114 dB dynamic range

-100dB THD+N

ADC
108 dB dynamic range

-98 dB THD+N

Dimensions: 21 x 15 x 5 cm
Weight: 870g

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box damaged, product in perfect working order***


Classy stuff from the London label's debut collab with one of our favourite synth brands. Classy stereo delay with analogue filtering and creamy valve distortion. Perfect for studio or live use.

Supplier's Notes:
Ninja Tune - an English independent record label based in London and Erica Synths have teamed up to create a custom dub delay effects unit, the Zen Delay.

Features
Controls: delay time, feedback, delay mod (5 presets), tap button, dry/wet, bypass switch, filter cutoff, resonance, drive, input level, filter mode

Inputs
Stereo In: 2x standard jack

MIDI In: standard MIDI socket

CV In: standard jack

Outputs

Stereo Out: 2 x standard jack

Delay times: 1-5000ms with 1/8...x8 of clock/tap rate in beat mode

Inspired by a trip to Berlin's trailblazing music hardware trade show Superbooth, Coldcut's Matt Black and longtime friend Dr Walker (Liquid Sky artist collective / Air Liquide) envisaged the exciting possibilities of a custom hardware effects unit. The result is the creation of the Zen Delay i the first-ever hardware effects unit produced in collaboration with an electronic music label.

Bringing together the best of the digital and analogue worlds, the Zen Delay is a BPM-synced stereo delay line, combining extreme feedback ranges for dub and experimental lo-fi effects with a multi-mode 24 dB synth filter and valve overdrive.

Created and manufactured by Erica Synths, the unit is housed in a metal case with Erica Synths' signature bakelite knobs and a valve circuit for extra analogue warmth. While sonically versatile, it is incredibly easy to use each function has a physical knob that you can play around with without diving into manuals or scrolling through menus on a tiny screen.

Crafted in close collaboration with DJs and producers, the Zen Delay was uniquely developed with both live and studio use in mind and is suitable for many different performance situations, musical styles and instruments. While most delay devices are designed as 'stomp boxes' for guitarists, the device is equally powerful in the hands of electronic music producers, artists and DJs, adding a unique, warm and powerful sonic character to drum machines, loops, vocals, synths, samples or any other source. Even full tracks or a live stereo mix can be enhanced by the combination of analogue and digital circuitry, breathing new life into iPad performances and giving traditional digital synths and drum machines a huge kick.

The Zen Delay is a product of our expertise on vacuum tube designs, our powerful, custom DSP platform and the great sound of our filter ICs made and developed in Latvia. It by far exceeded expectations in terms of how it sounds and feels when played. - Girts Ozolin

The Zen Delay is the analogue delay unit I've been waiting for. Stereo warmth, tone and texture. Perfect for live abusage, and studio madness love it - The Bug

The Zen excels at the sort of extreme dub possibilities Coldcut love. Feed it back! - Matt Black

For years I have dreamed of a state-of-the-art stereo valve dub delay for my MPC that perfectly masters all sound aesthetics from "badass" to "psychedelic hypnotically trashed" and now, have a look! There it is... the Zen Delay! - Dr Walker

Power: 12v (power supply for worldwide use is included)
In/Out levels: 3.2v peak to peak
DAC
114 dB dynamic range

-100dB THD+N

ADC
108 dB dynamic range

-98 dB THD+N

Dimensions: 21 x 15 x 5 cm
Weight: 870g

Notes: Voice cards expand the functionality of the Bullfrog and make it even more versatile. Some voice cards replace patch cables - they connect the "modules* of the Bullfrog internally, while others have built-in mixers, signal generators, and advanced electrical circuits to control the synthesizer, for example, the Sequencer sends CV to control pitch and gate to start events on the synthesizer and the Sampler/Looper emulates reel to reel tape recorder functionality.

The ADSR voice card adds a full four-stage attack/decay/sustain/release envelope that can be triggered by the Bullfrog's GATE button (or notes played on a connected MIDI keyboard). It is internally routed to the VCA once connected and features a RELEASE CV input, as well as a seperate OUTPUT to get another copy of the ADSR envelope that can be patched elsewhere.

Notes: You may wonder - what's that strange connector on the top of the Bullfrog? This is the VOICECARD slot. Voicecards expand functionality of the Bullfrog and make it even more versatile. Essentially, the voicecards replace patch cables - they connect the "modules" of the Bullfrog internally. But that's not all about them - some voicecards have built in mixers, signal generators and advanced electrical circuits to control the synthesiser, for example, sequencer that sends CV to control pitch and gate to start events on the synthesiser.

When inserting voicecards, make sure, the front panel of the voicecard faces the main interface of the Bullfrog. It is recommend that you turn off the Bullfrog when inserting a new voicecard.

The ELECTRIC ORGAN voicecard makes internal connections of the Bullfrog to emulate pipe organ, when several notes are played together. It also illustrates the principles of ADDITIVE SYNTHESIS. In additive synthesis several simpler waveforms are mixed together to generate more complex sounds. On this voicecard the pulsewave is sent to the DIVIDER and all outputs of the divider are mixed together with the original pulsewave and sent to the VCF and then to the VCA. Both ENVELOPE GENERATORS are involved in the same way as on the Acid Bassline voicecard. The DIVIDER divides an original frequency by even numbers and as result produces a pitch that is even octaves down form the original pitch. Faders on the voicecard determine an amplitude of each suboctave. Set the VCA OFFSET all way counter clockwise, PULSE OUT to the max. Push the MANUAL GATE button to check the sound. Tweak settings of the faders and observe the difference in the sound. Tweak CUTOFF and RESONANCE knobs. Add some echo by setting the DRY/WET knob to 12:00 and find the best DELAY TIME and FEEDBACK settings. Now, connect the keyboard and you are ready to perform Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

Notes: Voice cards expand the functionality of the Bullfrog and make it even more versatile. Some voice cards replace patch cables - they connect the "modules* of the Bullfrog internally, while others have built-in mixers, signal generators, and advanced electrical circuits to control the synthesizer, for example, the Sequencer sends CV to control pitch and gate to start events on the synthesizer and the Sampler/Looper emulates reel to reel tape recorder functionality.

The Gesture Controller voice card gives a new type of control over the Bullfrog, allowing for it to be played like a Theremin, with some handy extras. The PITCH and VCA/VCF sensors of the Gesture Controller are internally routed to the VCO pitch and VCA level/VCF cutoff parameters of the Bullfrog once connected. The card also features a built-in pitch quantizer that can be turned on or off as desired, an adjustable pitch range for the sensors (1V, 3V or 5V) and another toggle switch for an additional internal connection which allows for sending gates to the Bullfrog's EG's from the VCA/VCF sensor. Besides the internal connections, the card also has separate outputs for PITCH CV and VCA/VCF CV from the sensors that can be patched elsewhere.

Notes: You may wonder - what's that strange connector on the top of the Bullfrog? This is the VOICECARD slot. Voicecards expand functionality of the Bullfrog and make it even more versatile. Essentially, the voicecards replace patch cables - they connect the "modules" of the Bullfrog internally. But that's not all about them - some voicecards have built in mixers, signal generators and advanced electrical circuits to control the synthesiser, for example, sequencer that sends CV to control pitch and gate to start events on the synthesizer (Figure 40).

When inserting voicecards, make sure, the front panel of the voicecard faces the main interface of the Bullfrog. It is recommended that you turn off the Bullfrog when inserting a new voicecard.

As it's name suggests, the HIGHPASS VCF voicecard expands the sound treatment capabilities of the Bullfrog by bringing a highpass filter into the game. This allows for exploring highpass and bandpass filtering. The voice card features typical VCF controls - CUTOFF frequency, RESONANCE and CV LEVEL. The CV source switch allows for selecting between three CV sources - envelope generator 2, Sample & Hold LFO, which is a pulsewave generator in the Sample&Hold "module". The voice card features internal audio connections - the output from the MIXER is patched into the highpass VCF, the output of the highpass VCF goes into the input of the onboard lowpass VCF which is then connected to the VCA. For more flexibility, no CV connections for the Bullfrog are present on the voice card, so you have to do the patching yourself.

Notes: You may wonder - what's that strange connector on the top of the Bullfrog? This is the VOICECARD slot. Voicecards expand functionality of the Bullfrog and make it even more versatile. Essentially, the voicecards replace patch cables - they connect the "modules" of the Bullfrog internally. But that's not all about them - some voicecards have built in mixers, signal generators and advanced electrical circuits to control the synthesiser, for example, sequencer that sends CV to control pitch and gate to start events on the synthesizer (Figure 40).

When inserting voicecards, make sure, the front panel of the voicecard faces the main interface of the Bullfrog. It is recommended that you turn off the Bullfrog when inserting a new voicecard.

The WIND AND STARS voicecard makes internal connections of the Bullfrog so that it automatically emulates randomly evolving wind sound and blinking stars are controlled by the divider. Toddlers fall asleep better when they hear sounds like these.

The NOISE is patched into VCF and the VCF is patched to VCA. Set the VCA OFFSET to 12:00, ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1 to LOOP mode, NOISE LVL all way clockwise. Then manipulate SAMPLE & HOLD RATE setting, VCF CUTOFF, RESONANCE and CV 1 LVL settings, and well as ATTACK 1 and RELEASE 1 settings. Add some echo by setting the DRY/WET knob to 12:00 and find the best DELAY TIME and FEEDBACK settings.

Enjoy and goodnight!

Notes: A collaborative effort between the techno icon and one of the best synth brands around, the Bullfrog is designed to encourage newcomers to analogue synths while secretly packing killer sound and some innovative features.

Supplier's Notes:
Introducing Erica Synths X Richie Hawtin Bullfrog

Learn. Produce. Perform

Created by Erica Synths & Richie Hawtin, Bullfrog is an educational electronic music instrument designed to captivate and inspire both youth and professionals alike. Bullfrog invites you to unlock musicality while combining the thrill of electronic music production with a comprehensive learning experience.
Bullfrog is a classical subtractive synthesiser - it consists of several "modules" for sound generation - VCO, NOISE GENERATOR - and treatment - VCF, VCA/DELAY, as well as "modules" that generate control and modulation signals to control them - ENVELOPE GENERATORS and SAMPLE & HOLD. The Bullfrog will not make the sound on its own unless it is patched - using eurorack patch cables to interconnect the "modules" or by inserting voice cards that create internal connections between the "modules" in a specific way and add extra functionality, like sampler/looper, sequencer, groovebox, etc. This approach better helps to understand functionality of a subtractive synthesizer and the principles of sound design with instruments like these.

In order to provide a well rounded understanding of the functionality of this synthesizer and sound synthesis in general, a comprehensive user manual is created to accompany the learning process.

Electronic music with its rich traditions and innate sense of exploration at core is ever popular, with artists and fans stretching around the globe. For me, one of the most exciting parts of creating electronic music is the playful exploration that leads one deep into their own imagination. Whether the intention to create completely imagined or real-life inspired sounds, the route one takes to create is always personal and often surprising. It is within these experiments where the beauty of synthesis really comes alive and which often unlocks a new sense of creativity and purpose.

Whether someone's experience with Bullfrog points them down a career in electronic music or not, the goal is to both nurture the love for electronically produced sounds and promote the accessibility of learning and understanding the basics of sound synthesis.

Erica Synths believe that the hands-on approach and problem solving that is innate to synthesis on a semi-modular synth like the Bullfrog, contains life lessons that go beyond what we can hear.

Bullfrog encapsulates the foundations of synthesis and is built with an immediate, intuitive design and a unique expandable architecture that grows and expands together with the user's imagination. This instrument feels at home anywhere - as an educational tool in music and physics classes, as an addition to your basement studio or even as a tool for performance on a stage.

What's included:

BULLFROG synthesizer
Universal 12VDC wall wart adapter
User manual
10 patch notes stencils
10 patch cables
3 pre-patched voice cards
3 DIY voice cards with adjustable offset
Delay effect with adjustable delay time and feedback amount
Two looping attack-sustain-release envelope generators (EG)
Sample & Hold circuit with an individual clock
Manual gate button
Voicecard slot
Built in speaker
DIN5 MIDI input
USB connector

What's included

BULLFROG synthesizer
Universal 12VDC wall wart adapter
User manual
10 patch notes stencils
10 patch cables
3 pre-patched voice cards
3 DIY voice cards

Notes: Based on the excellent LXR-02 drum machine, the LXR Eurorack module is a percussion all-round, with six voices, trigger inputs and CV modulation, plus the ability to generate synth parts. Versatile.

Supplier's Notes:
LXR eurorack module is a compact and great-sounding percussion synthesizer based on the sound engine of the LXR-02 drum machine. While retaining the core interface of the LXR-02, this module adds the essential eurorack ingredient - assignable CV control over parameters and many more tweaks in the user interface for better integration in any eurorack system

Features

6 drum/percussion voices
7 trigger inputs with accents
5 assignable CV inputs
4 assignable outputs
3 voices can be used as basslines due to 1V/oct tuning
Over 30 adjustable parameters per voice
Insert FX section
Kit memory
SD card for Kit exchange and easy firmware updates
Kits compatible with the LXR-02

Dimensions
28 HP
35 mm deep

Current Draw
88 mA +12V
10 mA -12V
0 mA 5V