The interesting part of this is the “push” feature, which if I understand it correctly works as a multiplication of the feedback loop on top of the additive element. That could really open up some pretty fucking batshit sounds, especially with 5 LFOs available.
What I like about it is how, unlike other physical modelling stuff that tries to link parameter adjustments to the sort of sounds most people are trying to make, it opens up the guts of it a bit with the interface, which makes approaching it in a less traditional way a lot easier. As much as it’s still pretty simple to make it sound like a clarinet, that isn’t getting in the way of making it sound like the end of the universe.
Its based on a reaktor patch, but damm it sounds and looks great. I stay with iridium, but i want a good looking Midi controller i think. A faderfox deluxe.
The parts which don’t try to mimic an instrument actually sound nice. Pretty clunky for a digital machine tho. And no parameter pickup/scaling in 2024. Really?
Awesome, my favourite Reaktor synth just got materialized. And I thought I don’t need any new synth.
Looking forward to what people will do with it. All the videos so far look like they are scratching the surface of possible sounds. Love the ratio of factory vs user patch slots!
This thing looks so fun. As others commented, I’m thinking it can go into really wild territory given the architecture. I’m a huge fan of physical modeling / Karplus-Strong , can mess around with it for hours. I also like the look and layout. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t really have a place in my “studio”, and the price is steep for my budget (I don’t think the price is bad, considering the makers and its uniqueness). As much as I want it, I’ll have to sit this one out
It sounds pretty cool and i love the layout. I’d like to hear some demos that show the weird and wonky side of it. I have the feeling it can go into more experimental areas but i’m not sure yet.
That’s also what i fear. Hard to say without a deep dive demo.
Don’t know if it will look good, but maybe wait till January until you buy something:
This Erica synth looks great, really cool they’re always coming up with new designs that aren’t just standard analog mono synths. How big or small is that thing though? I think manufacturers should always put something like a keystep next to their product in the announcement photo.
Full access to feedback parameters should suggest lots of room for experimenting but you’re right, it’s the modulation that makes or breaks it.
If the modulation is all set up around supporting the physical modelling aspect (which I guess it should be), it might slightly diminish the more esoteric modulation interactions I’m looking for.
Might have to just figure out building something like this in Max. Should be reasonably doable, but might take me a while to figure it out.
One of my favorite videos on it! Still on the fence of getting one just due to having enough gear already, but may pull the trigger. I don’t have a physical modeling synth…
The problem with modulation is that it’s linear whereas the effect of manipulating stuff in the feedback loop is so often nonlinear. Or, to put it another way, the controls are full of sweat spots and modulation sweeps right over them. So having physical controls for everything but mod destinations limited to “stable” values wouldn’t strike me as a bad thing, necessarily.
And modulation isn’t the only story for automation:
Every parameter on the Steampipe can be controlled via MIDI CC messages. The Steampipe comes with factory preset mapping, but you can personalize mapping in the MIDI CC MAP menu.
Hopefully that provides enough flexibility to keep anyone put out by mod destinations happy.
Almost certainly good enough. Or, like @Fin25 says, easy enough to build in Max, or Bitwig’s Grid, or anything that lets you feed back through some filters. This is literally all there is to it:
Like FM, Karplus-Strong is really simple. The thing we’re paying for is the interface to it. In the case of the Steampipe that’s the physical build, all those pots and glorious knobs, its ability to parse MIDI, and how it does modulation. Oh, and probably that reverb.
But if those things are a negative due to size or workflow or whatever, you’re not missing out on magic analog dust or something by going with a VST. Should sound the same — plus or minus the reverb.
