Erica Synths SYNTRX Analog Synthesizer Offers Modern Take On Classic Synthi AKS

Erica Synths has introduced the SYNTRX, a new all-in-one analog synth, inspired by the classic Synthi AKS.

While it has design elements inspired by the classic Synthi AKS, the SYNTRX is a new design that offers an updated take on the original’s patch matrix that promises to not only offer more reliable connections, but to add patch memory.

Here’s what they have to say about it:Pricin

We teamed up with engineers from Riga Technical University to develop a synthesizer with a user interface inspired by Synthi AKS.

SYNTRX [sintrex] is developed from scratch all analogue synthesizer (no part of schematics is cloned from Synthi AKS) with digitally controlled patch matrix.

Unlike most of patch matrixes around, that mechanically connect signals, our 16×16 matrix utilizes 32 (!!!) 8 channel analogue switch ICs AS16M1 (made in Latvia, Alfa RPAR) and is a mixer/buffered multiple with 3 level attenuation (gain 1, 0,6 and 0,3) in connection points. It has 256 patch memory, automatic patch switching in performance mode or via MIDI messages.

SYNTRX has 3 highly accurate VCOs that track great over 8 octaves, noise generator with “colour” filter, resonant VCF, ring modulator, spring reverb, looping envelope generator, joystick controller, input amplifier with adjustable gain for microphone to line level signals, 3 VCAs, output signal filter, analogue CV/audio signal level indicator and built in speakers.

Extra features, not found on Synthi AKS, are Sample & Hold circuit with individual clock, octave switch for VCO1, synchronization of VCO2, AD mode on the envelope generator, as well as MIDI that accepts CV, Gate, Modulation wheel messages and program change messages for the matrix control.

The SYNTRX comes in aluminum enclosure with ash tree side panels.

We believe, it will inspire users to explore the space and travel to previously undiscovered audible realms.

Video Demo:

Pricing and Availability

Erica Synths plans a limited run of the SYNTRX at the end of 2019, priced at 2500EUR (VAT excluded). See their site for details.

17 thoughts on “Erica Synths SYNTRX Analog Synthesizer Offers Modern Take On Classic Synthi AKS

  1. I assume that if you have 2500 large to drop and you actually understand what this is, you are also able to calculate how much of your formerly free time will become utterly hypnotized time. Original players like Tim Blake & other Hawkwind members, the Floyd and David Vorhaus would have all but killed to have a stable mutant VCS3 like this. Its pretty Gear Lusty.

  2. The patch memory is a killer feature for a Synthi.

    Looks worth $2500 to me! Especially for Synthi fans, like seriously, what are our options.

  3. Hmm… I think they missed a trick here. Erica should’ve used their own Black Wavetable vco’s instead of the standard types (presuming they are just ‘standard’ oscillators?). So apart from the digital pin matrix, which is very cool, it isn’t that much of an advance on the original synthi, which is a bit out of date now, and of course there is already an excellent emulator on iOS.

  4. I am very curious about this. Would love to hear some demo audio. Especially Ring Mod (I’m all about Ring Mod). Spring reverb is a good sign. Patch storage is killer.

    Some audio demos and some photos of the rear panel please.

  5. Affordable. Well, yes. I suppose that all depends on your circumstance.

    But this thing is about $2,700 according to my Euro to US dollar convertor. The Pin Electronics Portabella is $6,500. There is an EMS Synthi AKS on Reverb for $20,000, and two VCS3s for $26,000 and $37,000 respectively.

    So the Syntrx starts to look very affordable by comparison.

  6. Had a Synthi A for a long time. Although soundwise this will not be the same thing, i think it very interesting. For people who
    don’t know what it takes to build such a thing: The price is really very reasonable.

    I’m not in the market for that now, but when i was i would consider the Matrixbrute as an alternative.

    What i’m missing here is external voltage and trigger in- and outputs. The Synthi A has those, and so does the Matrixbrute.

    1. the original synthi also had a 256 step sequencer and there’s no mention of it here.

      the speakers — just why?? i thought maybe it was the spring reverb, but synth anatomy says they are speakers. what a waste of space and materials.

  7. Had a Synthi A once, and although soundwise this will not be the same thing, it is very interesting. For people who
    don’t know what it takes to build such a thing: The price is really very reasonable. I’m not in the market for that now, but when i was i would consider the Matrixbrute as an alternative.

    What i’m missing here is external voltage and trigger in- and outputs. The Synthi A has those, and so does the Matrixbrute.

  8. “You won’t believe your eyes and ears” — from their website.

    Um, nope, I can believe silence. It makes no sense to advertise a new synthesizer without audio. Really, it’s not like they are promoting a new tuba.

    To paraphrase an old song, “where are the sounds? There should be sounds…”

    1. Yeah, but matrixbrute is big, clumsy and lacks the sexiness of this synth. Besides, Erika Synths has made a lot more interesting stuff than arturia, I bet these oscillators and filters sounds way better

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