Erica Synths have built an amazing reputation over the last 10 years designing electronic music instruments that inspire creativity. Always supporting musicians in new ways to make music through their exciting innovative designs. Girts Ozolinš and his company of creative visionaries and engineers in Latvia are consistently designing new Eurorack modules around solving creative problems which musicians didn’t even know they had.
One of Erica Synths superpowers is their Eurorack modular synths: a selection of pre-built systems that have been thoughtfully put together for different applications and possibilities- everything from ambient soundscapes, techno bangers, experimental environments, to industrial noise and everything in between. They also come in different sizes, starting from the world’s smallest modular synthesizer. Erica Synths modular systems are fantastic electronic eco-systems that work well on their own or paired with other studio gear. They’re also a great way to begin your modular synth journey. Here is an overview of their systems:
In cooperation with the Liquid Sky Artist collective the new Dada Noise System II – a modular synth-lab which is dedicated to create all kind of abstract organic analog noise / ambient soundscapes / industrial noise / bad ass bass / spheric atmospheres / experimental unheard drones / sonic glitches and of course all kind of thrilling horror- and sci-fi sounds for the professionals. Every single module of the system is already a sound source of its own, therefore the possibilities for sound-, noise- and atmo-experiments are endless.
Featured modules:
• Fusion VCO2
• Fusion VCF3
• Fusion Modulator
• Black Stereo Delay
• Black Joystick2 – one of the main elements of the Dada Noise System II which allow automations in sound and effects, positioning in the quadraphonic room, or can function as experimental sequencer and sound source.
• Black VC Clock
• Black Modulator
• Black Dual VCF
• Black Quad VCA
• Black Spring Reverb
• Black Output
The Quadraphonic Surround Panner is expander row of modules for the Dada Noise System II.
Featured modules:
• 2x Black Joystick2
• 2x Black Mixer/Splitter
• 2x Black VCA2
• 2x Black Stereo Delay
Quadraphonic Surround Panner integrated with Dada Noise System II makes it the perfect tool for film postproduction, installation works, game-sound design or quadraphonic performances.
The Erica Synths Black System III is a self-contained & performance oriented system, featuring well-considered collection of the best sounding and the most versatile Black Series modules. It will be a reliable companion for experienced musicians and unlimited source of inspiration for any eurorack enthusiast.
Featured modules:
• Black Wavetable VCO
• 2x Black VCO2
• Black Multimode VCF
• Black LPG
• Black EG
• 2x Black Quad VCA2 (you can not have too many VCAs
• Black Stereo Delay
• Black Output V2
• Black Joystick 2
• Black Modulator V2
• Black Mixer/Splitter V2
• Black Hole DSP 2
• Black CV Tools
• Black Sequencer
• 2x104HP Aluminum Travel Case with Lid
Erica Synths Black Series modules are recognized for their build quality, which makes this instrument a lasting investment. Black System III comes in Erica Synths 2x104HP Aluminum Travel Case with Lid (universal PSU included) and with 30 patch cables of different length.
Vacuum tube based eurorack modular synthesizer for sounds of unprecedented pressure. Erica Synths is one of the few manufacturers that use vacuum tubes in eurorack modules, and those, who are familiar with tube-based modules, know that tubes can push the sound to extremes or turn it deep, saturated and complete. They have come up with three new Fusion series modules – Fusion VCF3, Fusion Modulator (already available) and Fusion VCA/Waveshaper/Ringmodulator – to create the Erica Synths Fusion System II – a modular synthesiser for sounds of unprecedented pressure, unconventional modulations and creativity-inspiring patching. A 104HP system has 63 patchpoints for extensive experiments in sound design, all analogue signal and CV path; it’s a system for those, who take sound design seriously.
Fusion System II includes:
• Two Fusion VCO2s – fully analogue sound source with three simultaneously available waveforms, transistor-based suboscillator and detune function – two BBD delay lines that make frequency shifter that is mixed back to the principal oscillator in order to emulate two detuned VCOs. Tube crunch – distinct tube overdrive – is added on the top of the mix.
• Fusion VCF3 – resonant 24dB/oct lowpass filter of unique design that combines vacuum tubes and vactrols, providing distinct, soft filtering. For more versatility a CV recorder, that records motion of the potentiometer, is incorporated in the module, so you can design advanced modulation patterns.
• Fusion Modulator – complex, all analogue CV source that consists of several blocks – two EMS Synthi functionality inspired looping envelope generators with simultaneous unipolar (0V-10V) and bipolar (-5V-+5V), VCA, Noise generator and Sample&Hold.
• Fusion VCA/Waveshaper/Ringmodulator – a modulation source based on two miniature pentodes that operates as VCA, waveshaper and ringmodulator. With two CVs applied simultaneously to different stages of the VCA, audio rate modulations, using ringmodulator as a waveshaper it becomes surprisingly versatile sound shaping module.
• Fusion Delay/Flanger/Vintage Ensemble – a distinct multifunctional analogue effects module that combines BBD chip based effects with an adjustable tube overdrive in the delay output and a feedback path for extra thickness of the sound.
This is a younger sibling of our Fusion System II – a vacuum tube based eurorack modular synthesizer for sounds of unprecedented pressure. Das Kleine Fusion is intended to use with an external FXes therefore we omitted Fusion Delay module and made the system more compact and affordable.
Das Kleine Fusion includes:
• Two Fusion VCO2s – fully analogue sound source with three simultaneously available waveforms, transistor-based suboscillator and detune function – two BBD delay lines that make frequency shifter that is mixed back to the principal oscillator in order to emulate two detuned VCOs. Tube crunch – distinct tube overdrive – is added on the top of the mix.
• Fusion VCF3 – resonant 24dB/oct lowpass filter of unique design that combines vacuum tubes and vactrols, providing distinct, soft filtering. For more versatility a CV recorder, that records motion of the potentiometer, is incorporated in the module, so you can design advanced modulation patterns.
• Fusion Modulator – complex, all analogue CV source that consists of several blocks – two EMS Synthi functionality inspired looping envelope generators with simultaneous unipolar (0V-10V) and bipolar (-5V-+5V), VCA, Noise generator and Sample&Hold.
• Fusion VCA/Waveshaper/Ringmodulator – a modulation source based on two miniature pentodes that operates as VCA, waveshaper and ringmodulator. With two CVs applied simultaneously to different stages of the VCA, audio rate modulations, using ringmodulator as a waveshaper it becomes surprisingly versatile sound shaping module.
Erica Synths Techno System is the ultimate tool for rhythm based music production, live performances and sound design. The drum modules are internally patched to the sequencer, so they receive trigger and accent signals even without patching relevant patch cables therefore allowing you to fully focus on the audio signal patching. With a bit of imagination you’ll find that it’s not limited to specific music genres — it just depends on your creativity in patching and settings of modules. The potential is unlimited!
Featured modules:
• Sample Drum – is 14HP eurorack sample player module with straight-forward, intuitive interface, functionality and great sound quality, designed with live performance use in mind.
• Bassline – fully analogue synth voice module for ultimate basslines and leads. It features AS3340 VCO with three waveforms, a filter inspired by Erica Synths Acidbox andunique features – transistor-based suboscillator and two BBDs that emulate VCO detune.
• Bass Drum2 – takes classical drum machine kick drum sounds to the next level with a modular functionality – more parameters and CV control.
• Snare Drum – 909 inspired sound with with modular functionality in mind – CV controls and Accents will add lot of expression to your performance.
• Toms – the module contains Low Tom, Mid Tom and High Tom, each with individual Pitch and Decay controls and outputs plus CV control over pitch.
• Clap – brings classical drum machine sounds in eurorack. Accent and CV control over tune adds more versatility in sound.
• Hi-Hats D – classical Hi-Hats samples are passed thru AS3330 based VCA with adjustable shape and controlled via envelope generators of unique design. Extra feature is Open HiHat looping – when it’s on, a certain part of the sample is looped while the envelope decay is on, thus creating distinct, delay-like effect.
• Cymbals – distinct topology digital/analogue module, where cymbal samples are passed thru AS3330 based VCA and controlled via envelope generators of unique design. The module features 10 sets of custom Crash and Ride cymbal samples with Tune control and individual Decay control.
• Modulator features two identical syncable to the BPM LFOs/noise sources with selectable morphing waveshapes. LFO frequency can be manually adjusted or CV controled, as well as they provide frequency divisions and multiplications in Sync mode. Each LFO has two outputs — main one and secondary one with adjustable phase, so you can create evolving modulations
• Drum Sequencer is an ultimate modular drum sequencer with 16x trigger outputs, 12x Accent outputs, 1x CV and Gate track and 2x Synced or free running LFO outputs.
• Mixer Lite is a compact 6 input version of a Drum Mixer. Built in vactrol based compressor settings can be adjusted to a taste via trimpots through the front panel.
• Dual Drive features two independent distortion circuits with gain and overdrive parameters, each with three overdrive flavours. Thanks to CV inputs, it is possible to create very lively distortion and great stereo effects.
• Dual FX combines two Spin FV-1 chips in one module, each filled with eight custom effect programs with two adjustable and CV controlled parameters per effect and analogue dry/wet circuit. The effects repertoire of the Dual FX has been specially tailored to drum sounds and all parameter settings can be saved with the effect.
• Drum Mixer – compact, 7 input mixer of unique design provides greater dynamic range and built in vactrol based compressor for high clarity of each drum sound in the mix. The first three inputs have selectable allocation – to the Main output or Main output + Aux Send
• Stereo Mixer comes equipped with four channel strips, each containing two inputs (L/R). Thanks to some clever routing options, mono signals can be placed nicely in the panorama as well. All four stereo channel strips feature a level potentiometer and a limiter provides protection against very hot signals. LINK is the module that bridges eurorack to stage mixers — it has 5 sections that attenuate eurorack signals to line level signals and send them to 6.3mm jack.
Erica Synths Pico System II is the world’s smallest modular synthesizer. In its functionality this system is as good as the Pico System I, however, as there have been several additions to the Pico Series, for example, the significant Pico Voice, we decided to upgrade the Pico System to make it even more multifarious. There are two new modules in the system: the Pico Voice – a sound source, which gives quite a big timbral diversity, and the Pico Modulator, which replaces the Pico EG and the Pico VCA. That gives us a 3HP free space which we have filled with one more Pico A MIX for more handy control of the sound sources in live performances. Pico System II comes with external PSU, Pico Drum Programmer, wrench key and 20 patch cables.
Pico modules included in the system are:
• SEQ – powerful 16 step sequencer with 16 pattern memory
• VCO – 32 custom waves in 2 banks, great 1V/oct tracking and LFO mode
• VOICE – sound source with 8 sound generation algorithms
• VCF1 – Polivoks-inspired LP/BP VCF, ideal for acid-like basslines
• TRIGG – 4 trigger pattern generator that also serves as a master clock for the system. Web-based pattern designer app allows user to upload own patterns
• 2x DRUMS – 64 sample player with 3 adjustable parameters and CV control over them. Web-based app and Pico Programmer (included) allows the user to upload their own sound samples
• MULTI2 – buffered audio/CV/clock signal splitter
• RND – sine/pulse LFO and random events (random trigger, S&H and noise) generator
• MOD – lin/log ASR envelope generator and linear VCA
• 2x MIX – 3 input audio mixer
• DSP – stereo effects processor with 8 great sounding custom effects
• OUTPUT – stereo output module with headphone amplifier
Erica Synths Pico System III is affordable, compact, yet powerful sounding, full analogue modular system. It comes in two formats – eurorack and desktop.
Featured modules:
• 2-3-4 step sequencer
• 2x VCOs
• VCO controller/VCA module
• several mixers that work both with CV and audio signals
• Modulator (syncable LFO, random CV and noise source)
• 2x voltage controlled ASR envelope generators
• 2x resonant lowpass gates
• BBD delay
Pico System III brings modular synthesis back to the basics – the system has multi functional (instead of single-function, like Pico Drums or Pico Trigger in the Pico System II) analogue modules and is intended to encourage creativity in modular patching. The system has 31 inputs and 20 outputs (master output is duplicated) + 7 switches; if you have enough patch cables at your disposal, you can patch the system in 121000931215044250740178662400 or 1.21×1029 variations (we ignored the possibility to adjust potentiometers here). Even though only 0,0001% of all patches will sound more-less enjoyable, you and all your future generations can spend a lifetime only patching the Pico System III.
Voice-cards with preset patches set it apart from other eurorack systems – they allow user to change patches instantly and radically, which makes the system well suited for experimental live performances. The system comes with 5 great sounding “factory preset” voice-cards, and 5 DIY voice-cards that are empty and users can develop their own patches. More voice-cards will be available from Erica Synths shop. Pico System III comes both as a desktop unit and a eurorack module. It features a set of modules for advanced sound design, experiments in modular patching and educational purposes.
For more on Erica’s Modular Systems please visit Erica Synths Eurorack Systems page
