Erica Synths has recently introduced a new 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer developed in collaboration with 112dB. Steampipe uses physical modeling to mimic the rich, organic overtones of wind and string instruments – with no conventional oscillators.
Without any conventional oscillators, Steampipe mimics the way sound is created in wind instruments and it is fine-tuned to create a wide range of sounds: everything from wind instruments, to strings, and pipe organs and much more. It can also conjure sonic imagery ranging from from wisps of clouds to fairground band organs, to industrial horns of the railroad, and finally, to massive, otherworldly ambiences.
Steampipe is optimized for performance with wind MIDI controllers and is perfectly suitable with any MIDI keyboard. It also comes with great-sounding presets, and the overtones the Steampipe produces are very organic and rich.Due to detailed controls over multiple physical modeling parameters, the Steampipe is capable of generating very organic emulations of real instruments, but it goes well beyond the pitch and dynamic ranges conventional instruments can produce – for instance, imagine how a flute or clarinet would sound in C1 or C7.
Steampipe features
- 8-voice polyphony.
- Physical modeling engine with 32 adjustable parameters.
- 5 assignable LFOs with delay and sync.
- Extensive modulation matrix with MIDI controller-specific configurations.
- 64 factory presets and 192 user preset memory.
- Preset export and import via USB.
- DIN5 MIDI Input.
- MIDI Thru/Out.
- All parameters are MIDI CC controllable.
- Stereo line level output.
- Headphone output.
- Dimensions:45.5cm x 27cm x 7cm.
- Weight: 3kg.
Steampipe is available to purchase for €990 EUR.
Erica Synths has also announced the latest member of its new Megarack family of Eurorack cases. Sporting a slightly smaller size than its larger sibling, Megarack S is a highly capable rack offering 6 rows of 126 HP, and exceptional value for the money. It is a classically-shaped, all-aluminium case with side panels, featuring Erica Synths custom rails with threaded inserts, that provide 9A@+12V, 4.5A@-12V and 1A@+5V.
The new Megarack S will provide ample housing for your modules, all while retaining a sleek elegance not commonly found in cases of this size.
The beauty of Eurorack is that you are not limited to a specific synthesizer form factor. This can vary anywhere from super-compact, specialized performance systems to huge studio installations. While there are plenty of options on the market for smaller cases, it is much harder to source larger cases for more complex studio installations. Erica Synths is now proud to offer an extended lineup of Eurorack cases that provides exceptional value for money.
The new Megarack S case, which boasts plenty of power, also features two 4-pole XLR connectors for gooseneck lamps (not included), making sufficient lighting an added convenience.
Cases are available now, priced at €1,350 EUR.
More information: Erica Synths
