Erica Synths has announced the availability of the SYNTRX II.
Introduced at Superbooth 2022, the Syntrx II is an update to their Syntrx synth that takes the EMS Synthi AKS concept into the future.
While the Syntrx II is inspired by the classic EMS Synthi AKS design, it features stable oscillators, new synthesis options, a digital patch matrix, patch recall, a built-in sequencer, effects and more.
Here’s an in-depth overview from Loopop‘s Ziv Eliraz:
Features:
- Two 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
- Ringmodulator 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
- Recordable Joystick Analogue patch matrix with 3 attenuation levels in each patch point
- 254 patch memory
- Piano roll sequencer
- Two CV inputs
- Gate input
- DIN5 MIDI Input (CV and Gate) and MIDI Thru
- Two assignable outputs
- Headphone output
Pricing and Availability
The Erica Synths Syntrx II available now, priced at 1800 EUR (VAT excl.)/ $2179 USD.
This is my dream monosynth
Had a Synthi AKS in my studio from 1972 until 1985. Oddly, I have never missed it after I sold it for something like $400 in 1985. However, I am surprised at how remarkably low Erica has priced this. In an era of $5k Minimoog clones, this coming in at about $2k appears to be quite the bargain.
“In an era of $5k Minimoog clones. . .”
I think you’re referring to Moog’s Minimoog reissue, which is a Minimoog, not a Minimoog clone. Technically we’re living in an era of $350 Minimoog clones with the Behringer Model D.
Further, the SYNTRX (and the SYNTRX II) are not Synthai AKS clones, they are a synth that “is inspired by the classic EMS Synthi AKS design,” per the article you’re commenting on.
In my head – the minimoog reissues are clones. I cannot find any reason to deem them like anyhting else.
“In my head – the minimoog reissues are clones. I cannot find any reason to deem them like anyhting else.”
If the fact that the same company is making the Model D reissue isn’t enough of a reason (can the original maker/designer even “clone” their own product?), perhaps the fact that they themselves are calling it a “reissue” ought to be reason enough to call it a reissue and not a clone:
“This reissue features the identical sound engine and signal path of the 1970s Model D plus a series of popular modifications.”
https://www.moogmusic.com/products/minimoog-model-d
I take it you’re unfamiliar with the Jurassic Park franchise? Since the original Minimoog has been extinct for about 40 years, any attempt to revive it (especially to make it an exact replica with all those nasty improvements), any attempt to revive it in hardware would be a clone!
Exactly. The only true Minimoog was the first copy they made. Then they ruined it by making more and selling them to people!
Granted, I have not yet personally played with the new Moog Minimoog clone (it is a clone, BTW, of an instrument that went extinct about 40 years ago). But, if it isn’t still isn’t any better at “cloning” the actual sound of a vintage Minimoog than was the 2016 “reissue” (clone) than is the Behringer Model D (not so perfect a clone, cosmetically), then I I think I’ll save my $5k.
keep telling this to yourself, it will makes you feel better.
The minimum wage in Latvia is 430 EUR/month. Even professional salaries are low.
So, why don’t you move to a country that offers better wages? I’m not sure what the economy of Latvia has to do with my comment. All I did was compare two monosynths that are “currently” available. Both are, pretty much, clones of two of the most successful monosynths ever produced (and at the time they were in production cost about the same). One costs $5k the other $2k. Given that the originals of both cost about $1.5k in the 70s, it would seem to me that my comparison is a valid one, independently of the minimum wage in Latvia.
I think the inference is that because Erica Synths operate out of Latvia, low wages is how they are able keep the prices low.
OK. I didn’t get that from the comment. However, it would be very hard to convince me that the difference in price between the Moog and the Erica is solely a matter of wages being so much higher on the US.
the moog uses NOS through hole parts, you know, giant 1 inch resistors that were manufactured in the US in the 70’s and 80’s. it’s probably the only brand new synth that can be purchased where uyghurs didn’t die or get tortured mining the silicon. $5,000 might be the going price for a fair trade monosynth, until some other manufacturer proves otherwise.
What? Bullshitometer banging in the red!!! 70s & 80s resistors, indeed. I assume these have been carefully tested and offset, somehow, to provide correction for the passive deterioration that has occurred over the past 40-50 years? “Giant 1-resistors”? As far as changes in the appearance of resistors over the past 50 years goes, mounting resistors have not appreciably changed in at least that amount of time (i.e., resistors you buy today look identical to resistors purchased in 1971, including the ones on the Mini reissue’s main board). Also, you are aware that the through-the-hole mounting is nothing more more than a gimmick, right?
It will also be rental costs for the factory/workshop etc. Surely you are aware that far east overall costs are less too and that’s not just down to wages.
As Jason pointed out, the cost of doing business in Latvia is much lower than the United States. That said, my Moog Subsequent 37 cost under $2000 and it’s possible to get excellent Moog instruments for half of that. I’m not sure why you’re trotting out the $5,000 Minimoog reissue as if it’s a typical product. It’s a hand-made collector’s item and priced accordingly.
The Erica Syntrx II has a mod matrix that’s reminiscent of the Synthi. It does not share the same circuitry or attempt to reproduce the sound of the original.
Feature list not mentioning that analog parameters are saved now.
Erica Synths makes wonderful products but it never has patch memory. They just favour the implementation of old school instruments in that way, hope that will change because for users like me that makes them really unusable. When they start implementing patch memory in a good way i will be all over there products.
Silly comment. They’re a modular company, and their matrix patcher here follows up on this concept; the Syntrx is semi-modular without the hassle of cables and splitters. The demographic they cater to is a large one, even though it doesn’t contain the likes of you. 🙂
silly reply. the matrix is digitally controlled so preferring the synth to be fully digitally controlled is obvious (like the arturia ones) there are many benefits, non of them should effect the “large demographic”
I don’t think it is silly to wish for things but you are right they are modular company.
They are making also non modular products for a while now that are also appealing to others. Desktop synths and drums, let these be able to save a patch like the competition.
its beautiful.
Their website says shipping March 6, 2023. In my book, that is the date it is actually “available.”
Word on the street is that this won’t ship for a while. Late February at best. Pretty tough for those of us who pre-ordered in May of last year. I’m sympathetic to chip/labor shortages, but I’d rather hear nothing until it actuall ships.
I would like to see a comparison between this and the Arturia Matrixbrute as they seem to share some functionality as far as the matrix itself is concerned. This appears to almost be like a module version of that synthesizer.
I’m glad things like this exist again.
if you only consider the looks, i guess so.
they are similar in terms of how you controlling the matrix but you will get a “matrix” functionality from most synths.