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Analog’s Dark Horse Rides Again





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Erica Synths forged the first Syntrx flames as a reinvention of synth legend Peter Zinovieff’s Synthi AKS, with a stamp of approval from the synth maven himself. Armed with the experience and know-how to embark on an ambitious analog odyssey, Sweetwater’s synthesizer scholars agree that the Syntrx II is more than worthy of taking up the mantle. Powered by ultra-powerful analog sound-design circuits, three VCOs pump out rich wave-shapable riffs alongside a multimode filter and an envelope follower to integrate external instrument inputs. The classically designed analog patch matrix features a trio of attenuation levels per patch point, with a 254-patch memory. A piano roll sequencer and a recordable joystick unlock numerous possibilities for navigating these sonic waters. The Syntrx II isn’t just a return to form ? it’s a reimagining that improves on every precision-engineered feature that placed its predecessor on the map.





Related Videos: Syntrx II Analog Synthesizer


Vintage-sounding voltage, contemporary engineering





Three ultra-fat voltage-controlled oscillators are built on state-of-the-art design circuits to produce a formidable array of analog action. Sync the first and second oscillators (or don’t), and dial in anything from lush leads to screeching basses with wave-shaping, ±3 octave-range, shape adjustments, and fine-tuning pitch controls. Shape from PWM and sine waves on the first oscillator, and PWM to sawtooth on the second, opening a wide range of blending options. The variable-waveform third oscillator self-regulates to target modulation of the first pair, toggling between free-form and key-following modes. Use it to further refine the shape of the VCOs, or treat it like an LFO.





Reshaping your sound





The Syntrx II’s trapezoid looping envelope generator module is inspired by and modeled after the EMS Synthi AKS. The 3-stage envelope generator module functions with two modes: Attack/Decay (AD) and Attack/Sustain/Release (ASR). Create anything from snappy, percussive sounds with the AD mode; or cast a wider net of control with the ASR portion. Moreover, the trapezoid module has a built-in VCA, which can be outputted as a CV signal to modulate other areas of the synth. Take advantage of the highpass and lowpass filters alongside two dedicated VCAs for the master output filter. Plus, a powerful, world-class DSP platform delivers robust effects with exceptional delay and reverb.





Painting noisescapes with multi-colored modulation





Erica Synths set out to challenge synthesists’ approaches to sound creation, and the Syntrx II includes a multi-color Noise Generator, adding unexpected textures to patches by emphasizing high and low frequencies within the signal. Use this to craft percussive patches or crashing waves of noise ? its lush construction is a wonderful foundation to be further refined. Utilize the Sample & Hold module to generate staircase modulations or randomized chaos, depending on whether you’re synched to the VCOs or the Noise Generator. Either path can elicit a world of possibilities with the addition of the gate-synched option. Round it out with the rich Ring Modulator, with variable control for a secondary source, allowing for a varied dynamic influence.





Digitally navigating an analog matrix





The Syntrx II brings back its noteworthy analog patch matrix, which features 256 total points, with three attenuation levels at each patch point. Capable of saving up to 254 patches, the possibilities for mind-bogglingly complex routing are just the beginning. The inclusion of the X/Y joystick allows for programmable and real-time control of nearly every onboard parameter, as well as pitch and mod wheels of a MIDI keyboard, thanks to the DIN5 MIDI in/thru. This makes the Syntrx II as much of hands-on live-performance powerhouse as it is an exploratory tool for sonic sculpting.





Erica Synths Syntrx II Features:


Fully modular analog synth designed for experimentation


3 ultra-fat analog VCOs with adjustable wave shapes, hard-sync, and paraphonic capabilities


Lush diode-based resonant VCF with self-oscillation


Looping trapezoid envelope generator and VCA allow for complex sound sculpting


Add the final touch to a patch with tilt-EQ-style output filters


Go mad with modulation using Noise Generation, Sample & Hold, and Ring Modulation


Dual-mode envelope generator with audio and CV signal output


256-point patch matrix with recallable routing and 254 user memory slots, featuring 3 attenuation levels per patch point


Advanced DSP provides robust FX suite


DIN5 MIDI input (CV and gate) and MIDI Thru


Control numerous parameters with assignable X/Y joystick


External audio input for processing vocals, drums, guitars, samples, and more


Audio and CV analog VU metering