At SynthFest France 2025, NRSynth unveiled new analog synthesizers (Moog Modular clone, Retro One MK2 desktop, Solo), and made a Berlin School performance.
Every year, SynthFest France brings the French synth community together. It’s an excellent opportunity to see boutique developers who are either too small for Superbooth or do it as a hobby in their spare time. The latter applies to Stephen Ingrand.
As NRSynth, he develops and builds analog synthesizers in his spare time, selling them only on demand. At SynthFest France, Stephen showcased his latest Synthesizer developments.
NRSynth SynthFest France 2025
Stephen brought three new developments to SynthFest France 2025. Last year, the developer showcased the Solo at SFF 2024, a clone of the Oberheim SEM made from through-hole components and featuring modified elements.
Besides modified analog envelopes, you can find a digital syncable LFO with eight waveforms, a sample and hold generator, and a modular patch bay.
Then, NRSynth unveiled a new 5U modular synth based on the Moog Modular Model 15 at SynthFest France 2025. It’s an authentic clone of the Moog Modular circuitry except for a few changes.
For example, it comes with a raw-sounding Steiner Parker analog filter, giving it a different sound design option than the original Model 15. Plus, it offers an advanced built-in MIDI interface for sending out velocity and aftertouch data.
And the third new release is the desktop version of its Retro One Mk2 analog Synthesizer. He initially released the non-desktop version at SynthFest France 2023. It’s a semi-modular Synthesizer based on the Moog Minimoog structure and circuitry. However, it’s not a 1:1 Minimoog clone in terms of features.
One big difference is visible in the oscillators. The three Retro One MK2 desktop oscillators are based on the Sequential Prophet synthesizers and offer three waveforms, PWM, and sync options.
Then, the famous external feedback function isn’t included. Instead, Stephen decided on a ring modulator in the mixer section. There is also a multi-wave LFO with symmetry control and a sample-and-hold generator, both of which are clockable to MIDI.
Like the regular Retro One MK2, the desktop also features a solid patch bay, turning it into a semi-modular analog synth.
To put the last two into musical focus, the French musician Kurtz Mindfiends and Stephen gave me a Berlin School performance of a track from their new album, “Flying Again,” now available on Bandcamp.
First Impression
Stephen from NRSynth showcased three excellent-sounding analog synths at SynthFest France 2025. Because they’re hand-made, not industrial, they’re more expensive and out of many people’s budgets. Mine, too. There are alternatives on the market.
But I’m always happy to see that there are people like NRSynth who realize such projects in their spare time. Great job.
The new NRSynth synthesizers are available now on demand and are handmade. Moog Modular clone (Model 15) for around 4000€, the Retro One Mk2 desktop for 1800€, and the Solo for 1400€.
More information here: official website
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