At Knobcon 2024 – held in Chicagoland September 6-8, 2024 – Texas Euro maker Synthesis Technology announced that it’s back in business and shipping their first new module.
Founder Paul Schreiber had announced in 2024 that, after 27 years, he was retiring from the modular synth business and shutting down Synthesis Technology. That lasted 8 months.
We talked to Schreiber at Knobcon, and he told us that Analogue Haven basically gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He plans to release a series of limited edition modules, with AH handling sales and distribution.
“I have been nudged by Shawn at Analogue Haven to get back into Eurorack modules design and limited production,” he explains. “Today, we are announcing the E490 Ladder VCF, a design I first did on the MOTM-490, then the Frac 1490, and now for Euro. This new implementation is based on new dual and quad matched transistors and WIMA polypropylene capacitors. Even though new, careful attention was given to matching all the quirks of the original Moog 904A.”
The Synthesis Technology E490 Ladder VCF is a 10hp, Moog 904a inspired 4-pole lowpass filter using modern transistors, but exactly matching the characteristics of the original. Using new, matched dual and quad transistors allows the E490 to have lower noise and better tracking than the 904a, without changing the ‘quirks’ in the sound.
Audio Demo:
Schreiber already has plans that go beyond E490. He told us that he’s working on the E430 Morphing State-Variable Filter, an evolution of his SEM-inspired filter for the MOTM platform.
He’s also considering creating a new version of the Synth Tech E520 Hyperion Effects Processor that would essentially pack all of the original’s effects into a module that’s half the size and cost of the original.
Pricing and Availability:
The Synthesis Technology E490 Ladder VCF is available now, via Analogue Haven, for $249 USD. See the SynthTech site for more info.
See this is game changing shit right here. I wish I could read about Paul every day. Or maybe that would get on my nerves. But he’s an absolute genius who has pushed music tech forward consistently, and done so ethically.
While he has made some cracking modules, releasing a clone of a 60 year old circuit is hardly ‘game changing shit’.
Put down the pipe bro
I still have my E350
He was mostly ahead of the curve on that one
ON the face of it this may not look too interesting but I would guarantee it will be a top notch go-to filter. Plain and simple. And for €249 it’s quite reasonable
None of us really think another Moog filter is a game-changer for synthesis, but Synth Tech getting back in business IS sort of a game-changer, because Paul engineers his modules as such a high level.
After using Synth Tech modules, and great designs from companies like Mutable Instruments, it’s obvious why people dump on Behringer’s build quality. Paul’s oscillators aren’t just built great, but they are arguably some of the best analog oscillator designs ever. His filter series (MOTM) is also exceptional across the board.
I’m tempted to get the E490 module, because Synth Tech modules are built to outlast Twinkies and cockroaches. The pots are always buttery smooth and the ‘feel’ of their modules is great.
If Paul ends up making that a $400 Hyperion effects processor, that will be a game-changer for Euro, too. The Hyperion is a multi-effects module that has true studio quality effects and processing. It has a great selection of effects and sounds fantastic, really as good as anything in Euro. The original is a big module and was something like $800, though, so that kept it out of people’s racks. If Paul makes the smaller version, I’d probably pick up one, even though I have the original, because it’s such a great module.
Er.. not really. The Hyperion has been about for years. Very nicely it is too, but both inside and out the rack there are numerous alternatives. Good to see them back in the game, but let’s not go for the loose my mind on crack behaviour please
I too am thrilled to read this. His modules rule and are of exceptional quality and incredibly innovative. Also they just look so good. This is great news.
Agreed!
Many years back I built an MOTM-490, along with other modules. Paul was very patient and helpful with my questions as a first time builder. Excellent sound. The MOTM oscillators are first class.
This is great news!
Although my current problem is whether to buy a hyperion e520 or wait for the new one!!!! And if I wait I would like to know when the magic will happen…