Initially announced at Superbooth 23, Erica Synths Steampipe is a desktop physical modeling wind/string Synthesizer with hands-on control. It’s now available.
I’m a big physical modeling synthesis fan, and when Erica Synths announced the Steampipe at Superbooth 23, I was super interested to see the final result. There hasn’t been much news about synths lately, but just before the end of the year, there is now some good news for anyone interested.
Erica Synths has just released the Steampipe Synthesizer and shipping is starting in two weeks.
Erica Synths Steampipe Features
Steampipe is an 8-voice physical modeling Synthesizer that mimics how sound is created in wind and string instruments. Like the recent FX modules and the Nightverb reverb effect, it’s another collaboration with the developer 112dB.
I have already written a comprehensive report about the engine for Superbooth 23. Just scroll down in the article.
One of the highlights of the Steampipe synth is the hands-on character. Many hardware physical modeling synths are very dependent on deep menus with endless scrolling.
Erica Synths’s new synth has 32 adjustable hardware parameters, making it very direct. I’m pretty sure there are also parameters hidden in a menu.
The other features are:
- 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
- MPE support.
- 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
On the back, you have a power on/off switch, a power supply input, a stereo output, a headphone socket, MIDI in/out, USB, sustain pedal support, and an audio input. A pity it lacks a USB host port.
Second good news. I will test the device in very soon and make videos about it. So stay tuned. But from the sound demo, it sounds lovely and unique.
Erica Synths Steampipe is available now for 990€ + VAT + shipping and starts shipping on December 17, 2024.
Update From May 22, 2024
Last year, at Superbooth 23, Erica Synths unveiled the Steampipe, a new physical modeling Synthesizer that mimics how sound is created in wind instruments. Erica Synths did not provide an update to the Steampipe for Superbooth 24, nor news about the development status or an official release.
However, there is a new long sound demo of the Steampipe from Superbooth 24, which suggests that the synth will be ready soon.
Article From May 11, 2023
I’m sure my long-term followers know that I’m a big fan of physical modeling synths. That’s one reason why I instantly supported (pre-ordered) the Anyma Omega from Aodyo Instruments on Kickstarter last November. It’s a synthesis form that inspires me, whether hardware, plugin, or a cheap iOS app.
Physical modeling offers sounds that no classic Synthesizer can. Very organic and realistic. After the Korg Z1 etc., it became quiet around PM in hardware. The Anyma Phi was the first hardware synth with this synthesis in a long time. That’s probably what Erica Synths from Latvia thought too. For Superbooth 23, they introduce Steampipe, a new physical modeling Synthesizer in collaboration with the Dutch company 112. dB.
Erica Synths Steampipe
Steampipe is a new 8-voice hardware desktop physical modeling Synthesizer with a special engine. It mimics the way sound is created in wind instruments. However, it’s fine-tuned to create a wide range of sounds, says Erica Synths. You can create strings, pipe organs, wild effects, and beyond.
The synth consists of three sections: steam, pipe, and reverberator. Oh yes, there are no traditional oscillators onboard. So you don’t need to search for waveforms and the other tralala.
It starts with the steam section, which can be compared to the lungs and month of a musician. The generator creates the flow of air or “steam”, the envelope in this section determines the force with which it is blown out. Then, the DC/noise part is the noise you get when blowing out. Cool, you can replace this DC/Noise with an external audio source.
From here it goes into the pipe section that is comparable to a flute. Here, the tune is formed. Push (in feedback) bounces the steam like it does in a flute and generates the tone. The delay box subsection changes the flute’s tuning and shape.
The last section is the reverbeator which is basically a reverb adding space and ambiance to the sound.
Hands-On
On the interface, things look a little different. You have eleven sections: envelope, volume, generator, feedback, saturation, delay box, filter, voice, LFO, reverberator, and display. Each section has a variety of parameters, making Steampipe very hands-on to use.
According to Erica Synths, it is playable with wind MIDI controls and also any MIDI keyboard. But it is optimized for performances with wind instruments. Of course, you can also save your presets in the device. The hardware comes with great sounding presets that covers a wide sonic range, including accoustic, electronic, organic, to very rich.
First Impression
At first glance a very unusual Synthesizer that covers a rather unknown sound field. As a big fan of physical modeling synthesis, I’m curious how Steampipe sounds and how versatile it is. Desktop is an interesting choice. A keyboard with poly aftertouch would have suited the synth very well. Looking forward to get a demo on Superbooth 23.
Erica Synths Steampipe availability and price TBA.
More information here: Erica Synths
If we’re bringing NI Reaktor synths to physical life, please can Weedwacker be next?
Clearly scary movie is included. I like to potential for sound design if not the intended purpose.