It's taken a while - it was announced last year - but Erica Synths' Syntrx, a new synth that pays tribute to the classic Synthi AKS, is finally shipping.
This isn’t a clone - it’s a completely original analogue synthesizer with a digitally controlled patch matrix - but the interface does bear the hallmarks of the Synthi. There’s no mechanical connection of signals; the 16x16 matrix uses 32 16-channel analogue switch ICs instead.
Sound shaping features include three VCOs that work across eight octaves, a noise generator with ‘colour’ filter, resonant VCF, ring modulator, spring reverb, looping envelope generator, joystick controller, input amplifier with adjustable gain, three VCAs, an output signal filter, analogue CV/audio signal level indicator and built-in speakers. Phew.
There are additional features that go beyond the scope of the Synthi, too: a Sample & Hold circuit with individual clock, an octave switch for VCO1, synchronisation of VCO2, an AD mode on the envelope generator, and MIDI that accepts CV, Gate, modulation wheel messages and program change messages for the matrix control.
Designed with sonic experimentalists in mind, the Syntrx costs €/£/€2,500. Find out more on the Erica Synths website.
