Yeah - this is always a dilemma similar to how much “audio” demo clip to include. I know most of my viewers are causal so I try to keep the demos as more of a “first impression” type thing. If I do a super deep dive one a new synth, not sure how well received it’d be, considering there are huge synth-tubers that does it so much better. But yeah, thanks for the reminder!
Great video! I want one so bad! Sounds amazing. Don’t understand all the hate people are giving it but that’s fine. At least I won’t sell out and I’ll get a hold of one.
It's also possible to control the matrix using the joystick I think. Maybe that would be a bit more smooth than turning those knobs. I've got one on order, expecting it tomorrow. Excited!
Really insightful video - firstly the matrix for a small(ish) number of modules it is way more efficient to use than patch cables and encourages you to think laterally rather than in a linear fashion. The original VCS3 had pins to make the connections on the matrix and whilst this didn't allow you to save routing patches as you can on the Syntrx it was arguably quicker to set up a patch. I have used the matrix on the micro freak which is like a very cut down version of the matrix on the Syntrx and yes after a while it becomes mildly annoying entering a connection. The best of all worlds is when you have a software version of the matrix and can simply click your mouse on the point. Several software versions of the VCS3 have thsi but of course you don't have the tactile knobs.
I bought the Syntrx I a couple of years ago, had it for a week and got cold feet and sent it back. I had spent £2600 so that kind of scared me a bit. I think I was expecting to hear bells and whistles for the money but since then, I have always regretted it because my love of experimental sound has grown massively since. I have a few Makenoise modules and the Pulsar 23, Lyra 8 but I loved the Syntrx II when I saw the demo. Like others here, the sound didn't blow me away from most of the demos, but its a slow and sure burner that wins the race and time taken will reap rewards. You certainly wouldn't buy this to make Techno, basslines etc. I have already captured some nice moments and saved onto my pc for further development (as I do with my other modules) I have no regrets buying this, especially as I got it new for just over £1750 which is a bargain (always barter with your dealer) and look forward to the journey. The only thing I would change would be to have the old knobs from the Syntrx I but I am sure you can customise it with bespoke knobs out there. Look forward to hearing more samples here.
I own that gear and to be honest for the size of it I expected something heavier, the switches also seems looking very delicate. Anyway thanks for your review.
The build quality isn’t bad, but yeah I hear what you mean. It’s not luxurious by any means. It’s a tough spot cause putting machined metal components and heavier metals would be pure cosmetic and raise costs without necessarily making the synth sound “better”. The synth maker’s dilemma!
Modern hardware synths are also not immune to software related obsolescence. I have a Roland V-Synth XT. When originally released, during the rein of Windows 10, there was a USB connection driver that allowed communication between the synth and the PC. Roland never updated the driver for compatibility with Win 11 (I've never had any luck getting such software to work in "emulation" mode). The synth is still useful, it has a great emulation of a D-50. I had a D-50 back in the day and I like the sound. You mentioned you wish this product had a USB MIDI interface. That is exactly the kind of thing that will become obsolete because it requires a software driver specific to the O/S. Just a regular MIDI cable connection will not.
Mostly Im attracted to the general look, size and knobs. I like knobs. Can't tell if it would be a worthwhile addition at the moment to my already somewhat absurd collection, or a distraction.
Nice sound examples here. I also just got this synth recently and it just keeps getting deeper. It can sound quite biting and beautiful ... and also can create wonderfully weird rhythmic noise patches. The ability to instantly mult and mix everything is pretty unique and awesome. I hope you post some more examples as you get deeper into it. Cheers. :)
One thing is rarely mentioned is that this thing is a closed system. For instance say you want to use the joystick to control other VCO etc. you cant. So if you were to buy actual ES modules these would have these inputs and outputs and yes is going to cost more. Right now I need modulation sources and a voltage mixer which is not a feature this toy offers. I understand where this is coming from and in of itself is great but not for me. Another thing to make clear this does not store the actual knob positions nor does it have any display to tell you what patch memory. And the knobs are not pleasant to play with. The VU meter is pure BS. Great vid.🎉
Great point about the closed modular system aspect. A few patch points could have been immense. Maybe Erica had to make certain decisions to keep the price point from skyrocketing?
They both are similar with their patch matrix, so I think it comes down (and in the end should always come down) to how they sound. I can definitely hear the difference. Choosing one? Hmmm... I'd have to choose both. And throw a Empress Zoia with them to have even more fx options. While we're at it add a Perkons to that.. sure, why not? Put it all on my card. GAS issues? Nah, I can quit anytime.
Cool box but IMO the sound just isn't there. Whenever I watch a sound only demo of this thing and close my eyes... it just sounds a bit hollow and flat. I'm a huge fan of erica synths (have their techno system and a ton of their other modules), but this one for me misses the mark. Maybe I it could actually recall full presets it would be worth it, but as it stands there are too many interface hoops to jump through just to be rewarded with mediocre sound. Just one man's opinion of course. Thanks for the video!
I think you buy this for the workflow and how it allows you to approach sound design differently, similar to the way the Pulsar 23 just gave me a different look.
@@stephanrewind I agree that owning this synth and demoing it for a few hours is totally different. It has a lot of depth and potential to explore. I felt like I took a risk buying it, but the sound and the depth have been quite compelling so far.
A lot of the issues I've noticed is that a lot of people set the filter mod knob to control both HPF and LPF with the envelope. When this happens it's more like a band pass and some of the bass doesn't get through. That's just something I've seen.
Thanks! Great video. I find the knobs great across the synth. I would love to see another video by you covering some advanced patch ideas.
Yeah - this is always a dilemma similar to how much “audio” demo clip to include. I know most of my viewers are causal so I try to keep the demos as more of a “first impression” type thing. If I do a super deep dive one a new synth, not sure how well received it’d be, considering there are huge synth-tubers that does it so much better. But yeah, thanks for the reminder!
also, I should say I enjoy your content, perspective and commentary and look forward to hearing from you.
great review and modular in a box
Great video! I want one so bad! Sounds amazing. Don’t understand all the hate people are giving it but that’s fine. At least I won’t sell out and I’ll get a hold of one.
Definitely my next synth purchase - can't keep my hands off the Perkons! Great to hear your thoughts on Syntrx II. Subbed.
It's also possible to control the matrix using the joystick I think. Maybe that would be a bit more smooth than turning those knobs. I've got one on order, expecting it tomorrow. Excited!
Right on! Let me know what you think of it!
@@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE First impression - it's huge! Feels good and sturdy. Really need to find my way around, it's not your standard mono 😂
Really insightful video - firstly the matrix for a small(ish) number of modules it is way more efficient to use than patch cables and encourages you to think laterally rather than in a linear fashion. The original VCS3 had pins to make the connections on the matrix and whilst this didn't allow you to save routing patches as you can on the Syntrx it was arguably quicker to set up a patch. I have used the matrix on the micro freak which is like a very cut down version of the matrix on the Syntrx and yes after a while it becomes mildly annoying entering a connection. The best of all worlds is when you have a software version of the matrix and can simply click your mouse on the point. Several software versions of the VCS3 have thsi but of course you don't have the tactile knobs.
Amazing sound . Woe great friend
I bought the Syntrx I a couple of years ago, had it for a week and got cold feet and sent it back. I had spent £2600 so that kind of scared me a bit. I think I was expecting to hear bells and whistles for the money but since then, I have always regretted it because my love of experimental sound has grown massively since. I have a few Makenoise modules and the Pulsar 23, Lyra 8 but I loved the Syntrx II when I saw the demo. Like others here, the sound didn't blow me away from most of the demos, but its a slow and sure burner that wins the race and time taken will reap rewards. You certainly wouldn't buy this to make Techno, basslines etc. I have already captured some nice moments and saved onto my pc for further development (as I do with my other modules) I have no regrets buying this, especially as I got it new for just over £1750 which is a bargain (always barter with your dealer) and look forward to the journey. The only thing I would change would be to have the old knobs from the Syntrx I but I am sure you can customise it with bespoke knobs out there. Look forward to hearing more samples here.
Well said! Exactly this!
I own that gear and to be honest for the size of it I expected something heavier, the switches also seems looking very delicate. Anyway thanks for your review.
The build quality isn’t bad, but yeah I hear what you mean. It’s not luxurious by any means. It’s a tough spot cause putting machined metal components and heavier metals would be pure cosmetic and raise costs without necessarily making the synth sound “better”. The synth maker’s dilemma!
Modern hardware synths are also not immune to software related obsolescence. I have a Roland V-Synth XT. When originally released, during the rein of Windows 10, there was a USB connection driver that allowed communication between the synth and the PC. Roland never updated the driver for compatibility with Win 11 (I've never had any luck getting such software to work in "emulation" mode). The synth is still useful, it has a great emulation of a D-50. I had a D-50 back in the day and I like the sound. You mentioned you wish this product had a USB MIDI interface. That is exactly the kind of thing that will become obsolete because it requires a software driver specific to the O/S. Just a regular MIDI cable connection will not.
Right on! Thanks for the feedback!
Mostly Im attracted to the general look, size and knobs. I like knobs. Can't tell if it would be a worthwhile addition at the moment to my already somewhat absurd collection, or a distraction.
The synth is absolutely gorgeous for sure
Nice One 🎉😂❤
Nice sound examples here. I also just got this synth recently and it just keeps getting deeper. It can sound quite biting and beautiful ... and also can create wonderfully weird rhythmic noise patches. The ability to instantly mult and mix everything is pretty unique and awesome. I hope you post some more examples as you get deeper into it. Cheers. :)
Bought it and sold it. It was a huge let down.
bummer! what were some reasons?
@@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE you have to be a mad scientist to understand it. Not intuitive at all.
One thing is rarely mentioned is that this thing is a closed system. For instance say you want to use the joystick to control other VCO etc. you cant. So if you were to buy actual ES modules these would have these inputs and outputs and yes is going to cost more. Right now I need modulation sources and a voltage mixer which is not a feature this toy offers. I understand where this is coming from and in of itself is great but not for me. Another thing to make clear this does not store the actual knob positions nor does it have any display to tell you what patch memory. And the knobs are not pleasant to play with. The VU meter is pure BS. Great vid.🎉
Great point about the closed modular system aspect. A few patch points could have been immense. Maybe Erica had to make certain decisions to keep the price point from skyrocketing?
another Super cool very tempting Mono Synth. Darn!!! why!!?
I know!!!! I forget to mention how handsome this synth is. It’s gorgeously made! :)
@@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE thats cruel, man!
(this might be my 9th mono Synth. Calling Sweetwater)
Love Erica Synths...But I think my Matrix Brute is more "powerful" than this and slightly cheaper. Same style of patch matrix as well.
They both are similar with their patch matrix, so I think it comes down (and in the end should always come down) to how they sound. I can definitely hear the difference. Choosing one? Hmmm... I'd have to choose both. And throw a Empress Zoia with them to have even more fx options. While we're at it add a Perkons to that.. sure, why not? Put it all on my card. GAS issues? Nah, I can quit anytime.
@@LAZ-org I really have to stop my self with the GAS!
yeah tell me about it! :)
Cool box but IMO the sound just isn't there. Whenever I watch a sound only demo of this thing and close my eyes... it just sounds a bit hollow and flat. I'm a huge fan of erica synths (have their techno system and a ton of their other modules), but this one for me misses the mark. Maybe I it could actually recall full presets it would be worth it, but as it stands there are too many interface hoops to jump through just to be rewarded with mediocre sound. Just one man's opinion of course. Thanks for the video!
I think you buy this for the workflow and how it allows you to approach sound design differently, similar to the way the Pulsar 23 just gave me a different look.
@@stephanrewind I agree that owning this synth and demoing it for a few hours is totally different. It has a lot of depth and potential to explore. I felt like I took a risk buying it, but the sound and the depth have been quite compelling so far.
A lot of the issues I've noticed is that a lot of people set the filter mod knob to control both HPF and LPF with the envelope. When this happens it's more like a band pass and some of the bass doesn't get through. That's just something I've seen.