Just wanna say as a person who’s been impacted by how thorough your reviews are, and how detailed and transparent you are in each video helped me with choosing gear for my studio! Whenever someone asks me a question over any piece of gear I just send them a link to your channel, love you man and keep up the amazing work!
Aesthetically, that Syntrx I could be an intercom system to other planets Walter Gropius designed at the Bauhaus. I’d miss that. Although the big amber VU meter on the II makes my ‘70s Aquarian heart smile, so that’s a plus.
As others have already mentioned, it would be an instabuy if it could save knob positions (and have a 'pass through' option for live tweaking) as part of patches. But it doesn't, so back to the cumbersome (but far more practical) Matrixbrute I go :-(
Super video, comme d’habitude! This is an incredible update, so many creative possibilities… I really do, however, miss the lovely Vernier knobs of the original.
You really set the standard for doing reviews. This must be one of the hardest synths to do justice in a review. It's very difficult to convey the magic of working with the synthi. On the surface it looks so simple; a handful modules. But no other synth can match the magic of circular patching the matrix. And it's the circular thing that enables you to create such surprising sounds. Learning happens in a very indirect surprising way by backtracking the miracles you create, often without understanding what happens. Working with this synth is so compelling/addictive that you have no alternative; you just have to continue until you understand what happens and gradually this understanding becomes the basis for understanding most other synths and synthesis in general. I still regret selling my first synthi and ordered one to relive the good old times. p.s. One thing that puzzles me whether it will be possible to upgrade the firmware. It would be an essential feature for me and there's no mention of it in the manual or in this review..
Started with the Apr 2600 and Korg MS-20. Love the cordless patchbay. I know people who grew up with computers to make noise may not get this. The most important thing about the destination is the journey.
I ended up buying this last week and I'm taking the time to get to know this as it's different from any synth I've ever played beyond modular. Also, I think the 5 seconds delay time is possible now with the newer firmware as there's a setting in the menu for short or long delay. It really does work like a looper.
I NEED this in my life, but Perkons is thundering on nicely, thank you for the comprehensive tutorial. This is the walled garden of modular that my cable-phobic self needs.
Got one today. Initial thoughts after half an hour - at first I thought it was broken. The first sign of a great synth. The controls are very sensitive and I had one a little too high and it was clipping. So I got that under control. I have never played anything quite like the Syntrx II. I don't know how close it is to a genuine Synthi but this thing is nuts. Nothing does what you think it will do. The numbers around the knobs are suggestions at best. Turn a knob and then put it back where it was before you turned it and it doesn't sound the same. Then there are knobs that theoretically shouldn't do anything, such as knobs for the inputs when no inputs are connected, that do all kinds of things anyway. Channel two knobs change sounds even though I only have channel one out at the moment. I feel like Alice in Wonderland because nothing is what it appears to be. All this after the first half hour. I am actually reading the manual now. Everything you know about synthesizers goes out the window with this one.
Is that a good thing or bad thing for you ? I am having the same experience but I thrive on happy accidents so I have bought into it. Shame about the lack of spring reverb but I can live with that.
When initially the Syntrx 11 was trailed I wasn't sure that Erica weren't losing some of the essence of what made the EMS Synthi so good but the video really makes the case for the new model and all the added features even if one or two things have been forsaken. The EMS Synthi/VCS3 which is still being made in Cornwall hasn't really changed in 50 years and it is nice to see somebody playing with the paradigm rather than making a clone. Price wise it is more than most of us can afford though it is less than the Syntrx 1 and the Synthi clones are all around £5000. The Behringer if and when it is released will probably be at least £500 and is a clone with Behringer slightly bizarrely using the VCS3 case format which is rather clunky for any live work. So well done to Erica and thanks for the video.
When I first heard about this synth I I just bought a Syntrx was super pissed off, I thought they made a Syntryx for almost a 1k less and it was better. Nope, it’s not a VCS clone it’s different. After all that shade, I like this thing. If you like weird this is somewhere between Buchla and Moog, sort of a triangle.
Awesome review and walkthrough as always loopop! Really would love to try this along with Perkons, Analogue Solutions Ample, and the new Buchla Music Easel next year.
The pulsing drones and BIG growling sound has me interested. Just put off by the price. And I guess from experience these things become wacky toys rather than serious go to devices. The iPad and the Arturia VCSs just don’t do the FM properly, the rubbery weird stuff that is so satisfying but otherwise pure self indulgence.
One simple thing that I wish companies would do…put a hold switch on these things so you can turn knobs with two hands instead of having to hold down a key or switch. At least the button is small enough that I can put a small weight on it.
If the synth does not store the knob positions (e.g. the Bassline DB01 or Moog Mother 32, etc. does) it is difficult for live performances. You do not have enough time to take a patch sheet and to reprogram knob positions.
What I kind of dont like about the concept in general is that the Matrix has almost no benifit to it since it doesnt save knob positions. Like for example the Matrix-/Polybrute seems just better in almost every way
The trade-off is that when you can't save the knobs settings, they are connected to the circuits instead of a converter. It always gives a lovelier different sound, much more alive sounding but both have trade-offs. Lots of synth's have full parameter control though that have great matrixes so you can get either.
There's a typo in my answer. It should be you can't do circular patching on a matrixbrute On the synthi the patched signal comes out in the top of the matrix and you can insert it again on the left side of the matrix, this allows you to string modules. You can't do that on a matrix brute. I sold my matrixbrute and am super happy to have a synthi again.
It weird but I can not make square wave of osc 3 as a B ringmodulator. The sawtooth works, mixed waveforms works but if you wanna use just the square wave it doesnt.
I think I’m right in saying that on the ems synthi there is built in slew on the filter which when self oscillating and modulated allowed for a smooth liquid quality to it.
Based on my experiences with the original, it's very hard to make anything but noise if you patch every point. There's just too much feedback, even if you turn most of the outputs way down, it's just chaotic.
40:56 As good as it gets review wise -had a Synthi A years ago after becoming a Hawkwind nut ! Regrettably sold it -now times are easier financially-I will soon have to purchase this as a replacement!
I think a good alternative (that I have) is the Erica Synths Matrix Mixer plus a Eurorack but the equivalent set of modules would likely cost more than the Syntrx II. As always a great review though. The real feature I wish Erica Synths synths would have added to this and the Matrix Mixer would have been infinitely controllable attenuation and possibly inversion at each of the matrix connection points rather than 100%, 66% and 33% but that clearly would have greatly added to the cost.
If you have time do a list or products that would build this in modular I am interested if you could achieve this or the original I I am quite new to modular
According to google images the back panel has a Gate in and two CV ins in 6.35mm. Would probably work with eurorack just fine with TS 3.5- 6.35mm cables or adaptors. That's what I plan to do
Man, not saving the knob postions is not only inconsistent with the Perkons (which does save the positions) but also obviously makes saving patches a broken feature. So sad.
Great, informative video. Thank you for helping me get up and running. Side note: maybe you noticed your horizontal and vertical on the matrix was backwards.
@@loopop at 4:56 you say "Module outputs are listed here horizontally and module inputs are listed here vertically." You pointed correctly but the words 'horizontally' and 'vertically' should be reversed (unless I'm terribly wrong, in which case I apologize). I don't tend to point things like this out, but I thought you seemed like you might appreciate it. I'm a big fan. Thanks. [edit: Looking at it again, I kind of see what you mean. The words themselves listing the inputs are horizontal and the words listing the outputs are vertical. I was thinking of the list of inputs as a whole being vertical and the list of outputs being horizontal, like the X and Y axis of the matrix.]
Great review, gate length and delay sync would be crucial quality of life updates I’d need before pulling the trigger, otherwise sounds really fun to noodle on, definitely wont be replacing my Pro3 with one of these anytime soon
First off: I love your videos. Clear, thorough, and a lot of very useful perspective, which I appreciate! I have been obsessing over Syntrx II for a while now - I have 3 major points of curiosity: 1) I would really love to see more on what is possible with the envelope follower and processing external audio sources, such as a drum machine. 2) Your comparison to the DFAM intrigued me - obviously two very different beasts, but as a DFAM owner I would be curious to see where exactly the overlap is for you, and how easily (or not) Syntrx II can work as a rhythmic/percussive instrument. 3) I am curious about what your experience is with patch recall. I hear you saying that since it doesn't recall knob positions it is only so useful, but how hard is it to get back to points in the same ballpark as the original patch? Does the patch recall feature actually feel useful, or does it feel like chaos every time you load a saved patch with the knobs all in different positions? I have an idea to run drums into this (maybe Syntakt or TR-8S) and maybe running all of that through my SP-404MKII as a simple live set up for more improvised/experimental gigs. Also considering selling my DFAM to help fund this endeavor.
Thanks! For now I'm not planning any additional content about SYNTRX II. The DFAM trick is just that, until they add short triggers in the sequencer it's not going to replace a DFAM... regarding how hard it is to get back to a patch, it depends on how much it relies on specific knob positions for certain effects
@@loopop I was wondering if you can run a guitar or a drum machine through this? Cause you cant with the DFAM I think ? And if you have the MPC X , is this or the DFAM the best companion? Thank you for some of the best content on this internet thing
I'm not even 10% through the video and I know is another brilliant review by Loopop. I'm pretty sure though, I'll never have the necessary GAS surplus for any Erica toy. I'm a poor VST'er.
Thank you for this excellent tour through the machine. It actually saved me from buying the Mk 2. The more limited and less controllable version 1 which was always up for surprises for the operator now has turned into an actually playable monosynth equipped with some digital effects and tricks for the kids. And then again, Mk2 still has this noisy LED matrix. The DAW/VSt kids won't love it.
killer video man, signing up for your patreon now. big fan! . so is there no way to sync clock/reset for sequencer or anything else to external modular gear? also no way to sync delay tempo/reverb reflections, etc?
Thanks - I appreciate it! Clock should sync to MIDI but I haven't tried it, I don't know if it will reset. No automatic sync for delay/verb - you'll have to do it manually
Hey man thx a lot for this review! Could you explain the DFAM patch a little bit further? What kind of inputmaterial do you use? And how does the whole patch work exactly? Would be super nice:) merry Xmas:)
My pleasure! The input waveform is different LFO shapes from NTS-2 (or you could use any other LFO). Beyond that I started typing up an answer as I was watching the video but everything I wanted to write is said there :/
This thing sounds incredible - and looks incredible with the Cold War military knobs and analog meter glowing yellow. That Etch-A-Sketch style menu kills it for me though. I always hated those things as a kid, and seeing that navigation style brought into synth is a hard pass for me personally. Great review as always.
Not making knobs' positions into a preset is a big con! I don't think it's impossible. Of course, its a matter of additional components but I think even with 12-bit ADCs it would be not that hard. Yeah, more complex PCB. Or plus another PCB for all this stuff. But it looks like a half-way to that "ideal Synthi" synth! I hope that these guys will come to the "let's make synthi-kits and everything included" state :)
As I've googled for about 10 minutes: here is a solution (not the expensive as I understand). You take 74HC4052 multiplexers (one can serve 8 potentiometers at a moment) and feed them with pot's values through not a complex setup of low level components (capacitors mostly). Thus making a data stream which then will be served with few components and few (or maybe one) ADCs at the end. As I understand it's a pretty well-known task, so I'm not going to investigate a lot.
if you want stereo effect than you don't understand the concept of the matrix, effects here aren't necessary end of line, and the rest in mono, otherwise you need everything in stereo
Sounds great, but for the same price one can build an equivalent, more flexible, and expandable modular system, although not as clean and stylish as this device.
Really could spend days with this in a blitz of creative shenanigans, but it needs to offer a bit more for the RRP that’s being announced. I don’t know exactly where I’d start-maybe a deeper, larger, FX chaining capability with a programmable interface, more memory capacity for FX like a sequencer/arp function and reverb, and so forth. A bit of a nit, but there you are. Ultimately, if I could afford it-relatively speaking, I buy it. 👍😎🤟
What we should all be asking ourselves is if the Behringer remake of the Synthi VCS3 WITH the actual pegs, will be better than this thing Erica Synths is charging 4X as much for (I know, rnd and whatever and...).
@@loopop I disagree, I think most synth nerds, like to put things into holes to make sounds over turning knobs.... at least modular people. It will be equally good as the vcs3 minus a difference in audio that is maybe 1% off and something less than 10% of people would notice.
No one knows if there will actually be a Behringer VCS3, nor how much it will cost. Based on the history, it's likely to put a man on Mars sooner. If there is, I will buy one, and it will probably be my first Behringer branded instrument. "Better" and the Behringer name rarely go together.
Lacking knob recall is a feature. Id much rather live in the moment than having knobs that dont indicate their true value. Knob recall needs motorized pots.
MatrixBrute has many things this doesn't (presets, arp, sequencer, etc), but its matrix is mainly a "CV"/control matrix, as opposed to this one which also has plenty of audio rate/audio sources. This is also fully stereo, and has effects (which ironically aren't stereo), and a few modules the MB doesn't.
So, using the third oscillator in a conventional way, tuning will be almost impossible? I guess it is the kinda synth you should not try to use in a conventional way, lol.
design-wise I have to say that the old-school look of the knobs of the syntrax 1 is just mouthwatering.
Just wanna say as a person who’s been impacted by how thorough your reviews are, and how detailed and transparent you are in each video helped me with choosing gear for my studio! Whenever someone asks me a question over any piece of gear I just send them a link to your channel, love you man and keep up the amazing work!
Thanks very much for the kind words and taking the time to write!
I was healing from GAS when I saw this. Now I have to start my recovery process over since I ordered this today. Great video!
Aesthetically, that Syntrx I could be an intercom system to other planets Walter Gropius designed at the Bauhaus. I’d miss that. Although the big amber VU meter on the II makes my ‘70s Aquarian heart smile, so that’s a plus.
The loss of the amazing looking tune knobs is a bummer, but the new style and vu meter makes up for it. The randomize seems fantastic too.
I concur. The lack of those lovely tune knobs are a deal breaker for me. However, perhaps they can be added at a later date ?
This is one of the most beautiful Synthesisers that I've ever seen. What a gorgeous instrument!
As others have already mentioned, it would be an instabuy if it could save knob positions (and have a 'pass through' option for live tweaking) as part of patches. But it doesn't, so back to the cumbersome (but far more practical) Matrixbrute I go :-(
Super video, comme d’habitude! This is an incredible update, so many creative possibilities… I really do, however, miss the lovely Vernier knobs of the original.
You really set the standard for doing reviews. This must be one of the hardest synths to do justice in a review. It's very difficult to convey the magic of working with the synthi. On the surface it looks so simple; a handful modules. But no other synth can match the magic of circular patching the matrix. And it's the circular thing that enables you to create such surprising sounds. Learning happens in a very indirect surprising way by backtracking the miracles you create, often without understanding what happens. Working with this synth is so compelling/addictive that you have no alternative; you just have to continue until you understand what happens and gradually this understanding becomes the basis for understanding most other synths and synthesis in general. I still regret selling my first synthi and ordered one to relive the good old times.
p.s. One thing that puzzles me whether it will be possible to upgrade the firmware. It would be an essential feature for me and there's no mention of it in the manual or in this review..
Thank you. Indeed I don't know if they'll allow firmware upgrades - I hope so, but can't confirm
Biggest Con: the loss of those epic soviet space age oscillator tuning knobs from Syntrx I.
They were on the VCS3 too…
epic slur typo 😭
Those knobs were luscious.
Nobody stops you to buy such ones and replace OGs.
@@Bork_In_Volcanic What is replacing OG? (cocks AK)
Thanks for doing this, I was wondering what the differences were between the two. I can always rely on you!
Totally.
Started with the Apr 2600 and Korg MS-20. Love the cordless patchbay. I know people who grew up with computers to make noise may not get this. The most important thing about the destination is the journey.
I ended up buying this last week and I'm taking the time to get to know this as it's different from any synth I've ever played beyond modular. Also, I think the 5 seconds delay time is possible now with the newer firmware as there's a setting in the menu for short or long delay. It really does work like a looper.
15:35 looks like the return of my beloved old Korg 'traveler' filter trick😍👏
I can definitely see myself using this. This would ba amazing with my Moog Matriarch and modular gear and some field recordings.
I NEED this in my life, but Perkons is thundering on nicely, thank you for the comprehensive tutorial. This is the walled garden of modular that my cable-phobic self needs.
This is wild. I imagine it could be great to give basic tracks a lot of depth by adding interesting effects and textures.
I'm glad each time there is a synth im interested in, you have a detailed review to watch :)
This thing sound fantastik. Awesome analog sound and patch matrix in combination with a great user interface. Big like!
I suppose you could take a photo of each patch when something is good, recall it and recreate the knob positions from image.
Happy it's finally coming out. Have had mine on preorder since it was announced.
Me, too. It's been months. It's been tough to be patient!
Got one today. Initial thoughts after half an hour - at first I thought it was broken. The first sign of a great synth. The controls are very sensitive and I had one a little too high and it was clipping. So I got that under control. I have never played anything quite like the Syntrx II. I don't know how close it is to a genuine Synthi but this thing is nuts. Nothing does what you think it will do. The numbers around the knobs are suggestions at best. Turn a knob and then put it back where it was before you turned it and it doesn't sound the same. Then there are knobs that theoretically shouldn't do anything, such as knobs for the inputs when no inputs are connected, that do all kinds of things anyway. Channel two knobs change sounds even though I only have channel one out at the moment. I feel like Alice in Wonderland because nothing is what it appears to be. All this after the first half hour. I am actually reading the manual now. Everything you know about synthesizers goes out the window with this one.
Is that a good thing or bad thing for you ? I am having the same experience but I thrive on happy accidents so I have bought into it. Shame about the lack of spring reverb but I can live with that.
@Ian-gw2vx Definitely a good thing for me!
That is possibly my favourite synth review ever
@lukewarm5356 Thanks! I'm flattered. Glad you like it.
When initially the Syntrx 11 was trailed I wasn't sure that Erica weren't losing some of the essence of what made the EMS Synthi so good but the video really makes the case for the new model and all the added features even if one or two things have been forsaken. The EMS Synthi/VCS3 which is still being made in Cornwall hasn't really changed in 50 years and it is nice to see somebody playing with the paradigm rather than making a clone. Price wise it is more than most of us can afford though it is less than the Syntrx 1 and the Synthi clones are all around £5000. The Behringer if and when it is released will probably be at least £500 and is a clone with Behringer slightly bizarrely using the VCS3 case format which is rather clunky for any live work. So well done to Erica and thanks for the video.
Your reviews really are the best out there
When I first heard about this synth I I just bought a Syntrx was super pissed off, I thought they made a Syntryx for almost a 1k less and it was better.
Nope, it’s not a VCS clone it’s different.
After all that shade, I like this thing. If you like weird this is somewhere between Buchla and Moog, sort of a triangle.
Still not quite fully baked: If they add POT memory in the patches I think it’d be a seriously interesting GAS trigger.
Yeah, is not the 70's any more. This new synths should had the capacity of storing patches.
@@fjfrancois Exactly!
Looks very expensive, thanks for the review.
I don't know what I can do with it, but I would like to have it. 😁🔥😁
Hey... its got a JOYSTICK. I'm sold! 😁 Seriously fun instrument; thanks for the review. Exceptional control over patch and manual action memory.
Awesome review and walkthrough as always loopop! Really would love to try this along with Perkons, Analogue Solutions Ample, and the new Buchla Music Easel next year.
Thanks! What top 3 synths do you own and what are on your wishlist? 😊
Visually and sonically beautiful
Very cool synthesizer!
The pulsing drones and BIG growling sound has me interested. Just put off by the price. And I guess from experience these things become wacky toys rather than serious go to devices. The iPad and the Arturia VCSs just don’t do the FM properly, the rubbery weird stuff that is so satisfying but otherwise pure self indulgence.
Hello, this unit reminds me its grandfather, the *EMS VCS3* or the *Synthy AKS* , 50 years ago !!! : Joystick, Matrix, Scope, etc....
Love morning videos. Makes my breakfast so interesting ❤️❤️❤️
One simple thing that I wish companies would do…put a hold switch on these things so you can turn knobs with two hands instead of having to hold down a key or switch. At least the button is small enough that I can put a small weight on it.
If the synth does not store the knob positions (e.g. the Bassline DB01 or Moog Mother 32, etc. does) it is difficult for live performances. You do not have enough time to take a patch sheet and to reprogram knob positions.
I want one so I can join a Hawkwind or Ozrics tribute band.
Hawkwind in a box👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁
What I kind of dont like about the concept in general is that the Matrix has almost no benifit to it since it doesnt save knob positions. Like for example the Matrix-/Polybrute seems just better in almost every way
There's a big difference. You can do circular patching on a Matrixbrute. That 's the very thing that makes this synth unique.
The trade-off is that when you can't save the knobs settings, they are connected to the circuits instead of a converter. It always gives a lovelier different sound, much more alive sounding but both have trade-offs. Lots of synth's have full parameter control though that have great matrixes so you can get either.
@@AI-Heaven-Hell what do you mean by circular patching?
There's a typo in my answer. It should be you can't do circular patching on a matrixbrute
On the synthi the patched signal comes out in the top of the matrix and you can insert it again on the left side of the matrix, this allows you to string modules. You can't do that on a matrix brute. I sold my matrixbrute and am super happy to have a synthi again.
Neither the matrixbrute or the synthy can save knob positions. But that is part of the charm, that s how you create happy accidents.
The new one is definitely an upgrade but the old one had a cool vibe.
It weird but I can not make square wave of osc 3 as a B ringmodulator. The sawtooth works, mixed waveforms works but if you wanna use just the square wave it doesnt.
Immediately reminded me of those 50s sci fi movie soundtracks. 😁
Amazing review. Also, 2 points for Yars' Revenge @10:05 👍
One of my top 5 faves. Ok maybe top 10
I think I’m right in saying that on the ems synthi there is built in slew on the filter which when self oscillating and modulated allowed for a smooth liquid quality to it.
This looks like a marked improvement from the first one.
The First one is a great synth, this one is very different, right down to the matrix.
But, it’s a great synth, might even get one.
I'd love to hear what it does if you patch every available position in the matrix. 🤔
Based on my experiences with the original, it's very hard to make anything but noise if you patch every point. There's just too much feedback, even if you turn most of the outputs way down, it's just chaotic.
40:56 As good as it gets review wise -had a Synthi A years ago after becoming a Hawkwind nut ! Regrettably sold it -now times are easier financially-I will soon have to purchase this as a replacement!
I think a good alternative (that I have) is the Erica Synths Matrix Mixer plus a Eurorack but the equivalent set of modules would likely cost more than the Syntrx II. As always a great review though. The real feature I wish Erica Synths synths would have added to this and the Matrix Mixer would have been infinitely controllable attenuation and possibly inversion at each of the matrix connection points rather than 100%, 66% and 33% but that clearly would have greatly added to the cost.
If you have time do a list or products that would build this in modular I am interested if you could achieve this or the original I I am quite new to modular
Great review from very special device!
Beautiful
But the cost and adding Perkons I can't help think your better off with the lovely techno system 3
Looks like a lot of fun.
can you use it with an eurorack like.. it doesnt have cv out (/in ) does it?
According to google images the back panel has a Gate in and two CV ins in 6.35mm. Would probably work with eurorack just fine with TS 3.5- 6.35mm cables or adaptors. That's what I plan to do
@@RobKaiser_SQuest but no cv out right ?
@@YOUrDEAlerwiThHell Right not as far as I understand
Man, not saving the knob postions is not only inconsistent with the Perkons (which does save the positions) but also obviously makes saving patches a broken feature. So sad.
Oh man that looks amazing. I want it just for the looks 😅.
Great, informative video. Thank you for helping me get up and running. Side note: maybe you noticed your horizontal and vertical on the matrix was backwards.
Thanks! What do you mean they were backward? At which point in the video?
@@loopop at 4:56 you say "Module outputs are listed here horizontally and module inputs are listed here vertically." You pointed correctly but the words 'horizontally' and 'vertically' should be reversed (unless I'm terribly wrong, in which case I apologize). I don't tend to point things like this out, but I thought you seemed like you might appreciate it. I'm a big fan. Thanks. [edit: Looking at it again, I kind of see what you mean. The words themselves listing the inputs are horizontal and the words listing the outputs are vertical. I was thinking of the list of inputs as a whole being vertical and the list of outputs being horizontal, like the X and Y axis of the matrix.]
@@dangerbird64 yes indeed I meant what said - btw always happy to get constructive comments/corrections so no worries and thanks again!
Nice. Looks like that would have been a better choice than spending 15 K for Eurorack stuff and not really getting the results i wanted.
Great video (as per usual), can you get your hands on a Erica Sythns TechnoBox for an in-depth review one of these days?
Thanks! Seems like a fun system, I haven't considered it but maybe one day...
It's really good
Great review, gate length and delay sync would be crucial quality of life updates I’d need before pulling the trigger, otherwise sounds really fun to noodle on, definitely wont be replacing my Pro3 with one of these anytime soon
Outstanding demo as always thank you 💪Hard to ignore this beauty and beast 😍🖤🔥🔥🔥
now what to do with my OG syntrx...
First off: I love your videos. Clear, thorough, and a lot of very useful perspective, which I appreciate! I have been obsessing over Syntrx II for a while now - I have 3 major points of curiosity:
1) I would really love to see more on what is possible with the envelope follower and processing external audio sources, such as a drum machine.
2) Your comparison to the DFAM intrigued me - obviously two very different beasts, but as a DFAM owner I would be curious to see where exactly the overlap is for you, and how easily (or not) Syntrx II can work as a rhythmic/percussive instrument.
3) I am curious about what your experience is with patch recall. I hear you saying that since it doesn't recall knob positions it is only so useful, but how hard is it to get back to points in the same ballpark as the original patch? Does the patch recall feature actually feel useful, or does it feel like chaos every time you load a saved patch with the knobs all in different positions?
I have an idea to run drums into this (maybe Syntakt or TR-8S) and maybe running all of that through my SP-404MKII as a simple live set up for more improvised/experimental gigs. Also considering selling my DFAM to help fund this endeavor.
Thanks! For now I'm not planning any additional content about SYNTRX II. The DFAM trick is just that, until they add short triggers in the sequencer it's not going to replace a DFAM... regarding how hard it is to get back to a patch, it depends on how much it relies on specific knob positions for certain effects
@@loopop I was wondering if you can run a guitar or a drum machine through this? Cause you cant with the DFAM I think ? And if you have the MPC X , is this or the DFAM the best companion?
Thank you for some of the best content on this internet thing
@@joaquinhino So that Input 1 is a dedicated input for guitar, synth, line level input, anything with an envelope follower.
I'm not even 10% through the video and I know is another brilliant review by Loopop. I'm pretty sure though, I'll never have the necessary GAS surplus for any Erica toy. I'm a poor VST'er.
Thanks! Arturia's Synthi V gives a similar workflow experience and I think there's a free emulation too
Vsts aren't all chepo
Is there a place for patches for this beauty?
It's so cool that I'll most likely never own it.
Thank you for this excellent tour through the machine. It actually saved me from buying the Mk 2. The more limited and less controllable version 1 which was always up for surprises for the operator now has turned into an actually playable monosynth equipped with some digital effects and tricks for the kids.
And then again, Mk2 still has this noisy LED matrix. The DAW/VSt kids won't love it.
Thanks! You can turn off the matrix to stop the noise btw
But which is the alternative to save all preset in a analogue synth? is there any analogue synth that you could save any knob preset? Thanx!
It only makes sense if you have motorised knob control. I have not seen this in an analogue synthesizer, but I only know of the NINA in a hybrid.
killer video man, signing up for your patreon now. big fan! . so is there no way to sync clock/reset for sequencer or anything else to external modular gear? also no way to sync delay tempo/reverb reflections, etc?
Thanks - I appreciate it! Clock should sync to MIDI but I haven't tried it, I don't know if it will reset. No automatic sync for delay/verb - you'll have to do it manually
Hey man thx a lot for this review!
Could you explain the DFAM patch a little bit further? What kind of inputmaterial do you use? And how does the whole patch work exactly? Would be super nice:) merry Xmas:)
My pleasure! The input waveform is different LFO shapes from NTS-2 (or you could use any other LFO). Beyond that I started typing up an answer as I was watching the video but everything I wanted to write is said there :/
I am eight minutes into your review and my head hurts!
This is gonna be a good one!
This thing sounds incredible - and looks incredible with the Cold War military knobs and analog meter glowing yellow. That Etch-A-Sketch style menu kills it for me though. I always hated those things as a kid, and seeing that navigation style brought into synth is a hard pass for me personally. Great review as always.
This is the only synth in 20 years that is interesting to me .
Hi thank you very much for this review, I have two questions about the sequencer: can I create silent notes and ratchet notes please ?
I like it lots. I miss the old look and color. They could have done better than black. And the old knobs!
Oh well.
I love my 2600 and would bet I'd love this, but at $2200.00, it'll never happen for me.
On order!!
Meldahas a Free plugin Mosc -after few clicks we could achieve sounds like theese ones :D , Great Video however!
Not making knobs' positions into a preset is a big con! I don't think it's impossible. Of course, its a matter of additional components but I think even with 12-bit ADCs it would be not that hard. Yeah, more complex PCB. Or plus another PCB for all this stuff. But it looks like a half-way to that "ideal Synthi" synth!
I hope that these guys will come to the "let's make synthi-kits and everything included" state :)
As I've googled for about 10 minutes: here is a solution (not the expensive as I understand). You take 74HC4052 multiplexers (one can serve 8 potentiometers at a moment) and feed them with pot's values through not a complex setup of low level components (capacitors mostly). Thus making a data stream which then will be served with few components and few (or maybe one) ADCs at the end.
As I understand it's a pretty well-known task, so I'm not going to investigate a lot.
Excellent ❤
if you want stereo effect than you don't understand the concept of the matrix, effects here aren't necessary end of line, and the rest in mono, otherwise you need everything in stereo
Hmmm, shall I get this thing or wait for Behringer's VCS3 clone...
Good luck with that as it has been due for years now.
Can you input sequence notes via MIDI keyboard, or is the ONLY way to do this through turning knobs?
Just the interface in a studio would look cool.
Sounds great. Sonic noise maker.
would it be cool to have both? I just bought the first Syntrx ?
another one???
Sounds great, but for the same price one can build an equivalent, more flexible, and expandable modular system, although not as clean and stylish as this device.
The noise interference from LED lights is a no go 😢
Then you are missing out because it isn't an issue with me. Anyway you can turn the matrix off.
There is no noise, it is possible that the first batch had such a manufacturing defect. Mine has no such problem.
Really could spend days with this in a blitz of creative shenanigans, but it needs to offer a bit more for the RRP that’s being announced. I don’t know exactly where I’d start-maybe a deeper, larger, FX chaining capability with a programmable interface, more memory capacity for FX like a sequencer/arp function and reverb, and so forth. A bit of a nit, but there you are. Ultimately, if I could afford it-relatively speaking, I buy it. 👍😎🤟
When you say noise increases with the red LED´s do you mean noise comes from the LED´s or noise increases on the Line Out output?
The more LEDs are on, the more noise on the line outputs
@@loopop Thank you very much for clarifying
You could always patch it back into the input for a feedback loop
Danke!
What we should all be asking ourselves is if the Behringer remake of the Synthi VCS3 WITH the actual pegs, will be better than this thing Erica Synths is charging 4X as much for (I know, rnd and whatever and...).
Pegs aren't a good thing, they're a disadvantage, not to mention all the other features this has, so better it won't be, but cheaper - likely.
@@loopop I disagree, I think most synth nerds, like to put things into holes to make sounds over turning knobs.... at least modular people. It will be equally good as the vcs3 minus a difference in audio that is maybe 1% off and something less than 10% of people would notice.
No one knows if there will actually be a Behringer VCS3, nor how much it will cost. Based on the history, it's likely to put a man on Mars sooner. If there is, I will buy one, and it will probably be my first Behringer branded instrument. "Better" and the Behringer name rarely go together.
@@dr.donath pretty sure they're close.
some people are awesome. loopop is one of them
Lacking knob recall is a feature. Id much rather live in the moment than having knobs that dont indicate their true value. Knob recall needs motorized pots.
I hit like because it was useful.
Tell Erica I want one. 😂
What does this offer vs a MatrixBrute ?
MatrixBrute has many things this doesn't (presets, arp, sequencer, etc), but its matrix is mainly a "CV"/control matrix, as opposed to this one which also has plenty of audio rate/audio sources. This is also fully stereo, and has effects (which ironically aren't stereo), and a few modules the MB doesn't.
So, using the third oscillator in a conventional way, tuning will be almost impossible? I guess it is the kinda synth you should not try to use in a conventional way, lol.
you can if you want, it's just harder to tune (like all three oscillators in the previous one)
@@loopop It does not seem to be much of a problem indeed. Sounds classy! I really like the way Erica developed in the past years.
Now shipped in 2024, lol