DreadBox Erebus Analog Synthesizer Review

In the latest Sonic Lab video, host Nick Batt takes a look at the new Greek synth, the DreadBox Erebus.

The DreadBox Erebus offers what is essentially a monophonic synth architecture, but that allows for independent control of its two oscillators. This means you can play (or sequence) two different pitches, but the pitches will go through a shared VCF, VCA, etc. 

dreadbox-erebus-synthesizerFeatures:

  • Full Analog Paraphonic Synthesizer
  • Full Analog 2-voice Paraphony or Unison sounds
  • 2 x VCO with separate glide controls
  • Two pole (12dB/ocv) resonating VC Low Pass Filter
  • VC LFO with additional VC Depth
  • 2 x Envelope Generators (1xADSR and 1xAR dedicated to the AMP)
  • VC Delay/Echo
  • 14 patches for an astonishing Modular experience
  • CV Outputs: LFO, Envelope, Modulation Wheel, Gate, Osc1 pitch (1V/ocv), Osc2 pitch (1V/ocv)
  • CV Inputs: Osc1, Osc2, Echo time, VCF, LFO rate, LFO depth, CV/Gate
  • MIDI interface: Pitch note/gate on-off, retrigger function (on-board), Mod wheel (patched on-board), Pitch wheel, MIDI Channel select 1-7 or Omni (DIP switch)
  • Paraphony CV/GATE outputs allows you to turn monophonic devices into Paraphonic, or even combine 2 monosynths into a paraphony orgy

The Dreadbox Erebus is priced at US $539. See the Dreadbox site for details.

29 thoughts on “DreadBox Erebus Analog Synthesizer Review

  1. Looks like a great companion to my Minibrute. I like the features, sound, form, and price. I’d been considering adding something like a Mopho, Tetra, or Pulse 2 to my setup. Now, this is at the top of my list…

    1. Great minds do think alike! I was thinking pretty much the same thing, “This little box would be a great teammate for my Microbrute.”

      This little guy also would be great interfaced to an outboard CV sequencer.

    2. First let me say, I’m a beginner to the semi-modular analog synth world. Up to this point my primary focus and love has been for keyboard synths, Analog, VA etc. I have a MiniBrute, a MFB Dominion 1 and the DSI PRO2. I’d like to know beyond midi how do I connect the patches and what size patch cables do I need?

  2. Nice little synth!

    Somehow I’ve arrived at a place where I will eagerly watch any review that Nick @ SonicState does because I love his content so much. If I’m considering a new piece of kit I’ll watch his review 5x over. I don’t know of another reviewer that even comes close! He’s like the Jimi Hendrix of talking about gear.

    1. Hey Hux, very kind words, I might print that out an put on the loo wall…

      Great little machine, really connected with this one.

    2. Totally agree! Nick has become quite the cult hero for we synth geeks here in the States. There’s nothing I never look for without Nick’s reviews. Although I’m often surprised he doesn’t receive more from DSI?

    1. why? what makes it so terrible?
      I’m always curious what others find to be terrible compared to my own tastes
      what other poor sounding synths would you say it’s worse than?

  3. Wow! Substantially impressed by this little box. Some lovely sounds. Have to say I hate the distortion of the echo when the feedback goes crazy – just sounds a bit harsh. But the modulated echo speed is awesome. Love the sound of the filter on its own too. Will be keeping my eye out for one of these.

  4. When the neighbours complain about the bass, you know it’s all good. Now can someone please come punch me in the face, I have an Erebus on my shelf which has been sitting here for months without ever being used!

  5. analog done right at superb price point.
    no keys, no filler, no bs.
    other companies need to take notice, this is what they should be aiming for.

    formfactor, connections and all

  6. Reading the price here really scared me at first sight, but luckily in euros it’s quite reasonable (not all synthtopia readers think in US dollars).
    Nice synth! I’d even say it’s quite a monster!

    1. The GF, originally from Ethiopia but most of her life in Athena before moving to the U.S., still LOLs and yells “STOP Babe!” when I walk in the house after work and yell….
      Spanakopita!!!

  7. the erebus…i love it! it is affordable, well build and you can get phat sound out of it! The option of patching and the build in echo/delay makes it very versatile and fun to play with… a great analog synthesizer!…
    …and handmade in greece…
    i´m already thinking about getting into the upcoming modules of dreadbox…yummy.

  8. I’ve had this little thing for two months now. I’m a huge fan of vintage gear and I tend to complain about all the new analogs for sounding too neutral or sterile. The Erebus is totally different and sounds so much like the old ones. Don’t know why that is or how they do it. But it’s absolutely fantastic sounding. I mainly use it for funky basslines and it excels in this department. The paraphony sounds better and more detailed than on the Karp Odyssey. The Echo is a wonderful addition. The only complaint I would mention is the drifting at times. But you have the same problem with a Minimoog, so not really a deal breaker. This thing is fantastic and worth every cent. If you need that old fat analog bass and those funky leads and don’t need presets, just get this.

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