Superlative Announces SB-1 Space Bee Rechargeable Synthesizer (Superbooth Sneak Preview)

At Superbooth 2019, Superlative will be introducing the SB-1/Space Bee synthesizer, described as ‘The sound of the past, crafted for the future.”

Full details are to come, but the SB-1/Space Bee combines a vintage analog synth voice with modern connectivity and a dual-channel sequencer that lets you sequence the synth plus external gear.

Superlative also says that the Space Bee is the “first rechargeable analog synthesizer”.

Features:

  • Replica 3340 voltage controlled oscillator and classic 4-pole OTA VCF with discrete envelope
  • USB, MIDI, and CV/gate input and output allow for simple musical interfacing with other synthesizers and modular gear.
  • The SB-1 utilizes a newly-developed full-size keyboard based on tactile rubber dome switches for a fast and responsive feel.
  • A precision engineered chassis enables a new form factor that is thinner than one inch, yet rugged enough for everyday portability and use.
  • The SB-1 is the first ever analog synthesizer to incorporate a rechargeable battery, allowing all-day playability between charges.
  • A new dual-layer sequencer allows for synchronized control of a second instrument via CV/gate or MIDI for a dynamic synth duet.

Pricing and Availability

Details on pricing and availability are still to come at the Superlative site.

30 thoughts on “Superlative Announces SB-1 Space Bee Rechargeable Synthesizer (Superbooth Sneak Preview)

  1. I want this, because Behringer one needs a power supply. Why can’t more small synths support portable power solutions or batteries?

      1. battery means 1 less wire or one less piece of kit to go wireless on stage, with a moving stand or keytar 🙂 i dunno i think it’s kinda neat. less cords in the jam room is welcome to me anytime.

        I love the experimental keybed too. It’s always cool to see innovation, and sometimes they inspire good ideas to take off everywhere.

  2. this looks really cool, but it’s weird that they would say it is “the first synth with a rechargeable battery”. obviously that’s not true, what with the OP1 and IOS. Proba my others, no?

    1. Or you could just load an original SH-101 with rechargeable batteries? 😉
      I suppose their point is that it’s the first full-sized keys synth with a built-in battery, but I’m not sure about that either.

    2. I believe it says first ANALOG synth. And without having to recharge the batteries externally. Which might be accurate…nothing comes to mind for me.

  3. Oh look a Elon Musk synth, who cares? And have they sprayed it with ashpalt on the second pic? Space Bee, sounds like Toy Story, follow up model will be called Space Ranger and feature wireless charging for your inconvenience but still retaining that “sound of the past”.

  4. It seems to have: “Portamento off + auto + on”. – on as in “always on”.
    Not only “off + auto” like the behringer.

    This is not trivial – for some the 101 was all about soaring leads without reset to zero envelopes – where you could take your hands off the keyboard completely – then still continue playing portamento.

    Rolands own “sh-01a” was good but the faders had low resolution = no manual filter sweeps because stepping = meh.

    So the SB-1 most likely will be the 101 version for me. Also like the futuristic design.
    (My bet on the costs is about double the behringer – or will it rly be low cost & high value?)

  5. initially interested. then again, battery for portability, but full sized keys? the more i think about it, seems like a needless expense.

    1. Why have a portable synth that needs to be plugged in all the time?

      Behringer missed the point in remaking the SH-101. Literally no performer wants a keytar grip for a synth that requires a damn wall wart.

      This synth isn’t trying to be a 101 clone, it’s trying to be a hybrid studio/sofa synth, joining the likes of the Reface line. With the full size keys and cv connectivity, they’ve got me interested!

  6. If they really want to make a competitor, which can defend against Behringers then the next step would be to implement “preset memory” in these analog synthesizers with a “Preset on/off” mode.

    The clones are currently running in circles with the same features….< My opinion..

  7. Good Question.

    Why battery operated when the audio system needs to be plugged in anyway …
    … battery operated PA maybe?

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