At Machina Bristronica 2024, Future Sound Systems releases Cric, a new 3-oscillator analog Synthesizer with a 24×32 pin matrix.
This weekend, Machina Bristonica 2024, a Synthesizer event that brings together international developers and musicians, will take place in the heart of Bristol. The event is considered the UK’s equivalent to the Berlin Superbooth among synth insiders, and many new releases are expected for this weekend.
The Greek developers from Dreadbox have already released the NYX reissue paraphonic Synthesizer in advance. Many British developers will also be there, including Finlay Shakespeare from Future Sound Systems, who will bring an impressive new Synthesizer to the show, the Cric.
Future Sound Systems Cric
Pin matrix synthesizers are making a little comeback, judging by recent releases: Analogue Solutions TC5000, Cyma Forma, Analogue Solutions Ample, and others. The new Future Sound Systems Cric also fits in here.
Cric is a full analog patchable Synthesizer with a modern subtractive synthesis feature set. According to FSS, its designed to showcase their approach and attitude towards subtractive sound synthesis.
The developers emphasize that it is not a clone of a classic, a derivative of a pre-existing instrument, or a bundle of their existing modules. It’s a newly developed standalone Synthesizer with familiar and new concepts, including features from FSS modules.
Recombination Method Oscillators
Cric’s core consists of three SSI2131-based analog VCOs, which use the Recombination method from the Eurorack module of the same name. It employs its three VCOs in a unique master/positive-slave/negative-slave arrangement.
The master oscillator is the Scissor section, while the other two are the positive and negative DNA oscillators. It’s a novel method to generate harmonically rich sounds from traditional oscillator waveforms.
Each oscillator offers various stages of waveform mixing, and control over the fine-tuning, coarse, and FM. The signals are glued together in the built-in SSI2164-based VCA sections.
The filter section is also not traditional. Future Sound Systems Cric offers an SSI2164-based 18dB/octave state analog filter with mixable lowpass, bandpass, and highpass.
It also provides a built-in wave folder based on the Timbral Sculptor module, a unique timbered filter module that combines elements of West Coast, additive, and subtractive synthesis. This concept can also be found here, making the filter versatile and colorful.
You can control the filter section with cutoff and resonance controls and work with FM. Another special feature is the large number of VCAs in the Cric. In addition to these in the DNA oscillators, you can find them in the filter section and as a standalone VCA. All of them are based on the same SSI2164 chip.
Pin Matrix Modulation
In the lower field are the modulators. You get four cyclical function generators that can operate as AD and ASD envelope generators, LFOs, or even audible VCOs. They offer cycle mode (loop) and pulse & pulse sources. In addition, the attack and decay of the first two function generators are modulable.
The heart and big highlight of the new Future Sound System Cric Synthesizer is the 24 source x 32 destination pin matrix for audio and mod (CV) signals.
This matrix allows you to easily reroute audio, split or sum signals, or create modulation paths using colorful pins. Future Sound Systems promises that it can create standard triple-VCO subtractive synths, a paraphonic synth, a drum machine, a noise box, and more.
Connectivity
On the backside, you get four DC-coupled inputs and outputs for multi-channel audio and CV use. Input 1 has a microphone pre-amplifier, while output 1 has a headphone amplifier.
Further, you can find other connectivity on the top, including 1v/out, gate, four inputs, four outputs, three frequency CV ins, four trigger ins, and more. Plus, it offers a +12VDC/2.5A power supply input, and there is no MIDI or USB interface.
All this is packed in a steel casing with Mirrl-clad HIMACS end-cheeks and is hand-assembled and tested in the UK.
Future Sound Systems Cric First Impression
I really like the look of the Cir Synthesizer. It looks very high quality and solid in the photos. We don’t know what it sounds like yet. A comprehensive sound demo of the new Future Sound System Cir is still pending.
Since there are already module sound demos for some of the features, such as the oscillators or filters, we know where things are headed. We will see videos from the Machine Bristonnica event this weekend.
Future Sound Systems Cric will be available on November 7th, 2024 for £2,499
More information here: Future Sound Systems
No USB or midi? I already have paperweights that didn’t cost $2k.
Looks lovely, but ANOTHER mono synth for 2.5K ?!?!? For that money make it poly.
Sounds amazing, however for the outsized pricing, MIDI, an oscilloscope, and effects could have been implemented. Yes, I know….
Arturia PolyBrute, INSTEAD.
No sweat! This is destined for actual producers who thrive in CV.