Error Instruments Solar Installation Synthesizer pairs the experimental Cloud Bursting engine with a delay and light control.
There are traditional synthesizers (such as the Monologue, Minilogue, and Pro-800) or the developments by Paul Tas from Error Instruments. Crazy, noisy, unusual, experimental… these are the synths that come from this fascinating developer.
The results of these instruments are unpredictable; much happens through prolonged exploration, trial and error, or occurs through happy accidents. Error Instruments’ new Synthesizer Solar Installation is also a box full of colorful noise confetti.
Error Instruments Solar Installation
Solar Installation is a new experimental Synthesizer that, both in and outside, is anything but mainstream and classic. Visually, it’s reminiscent of a device that’s escaped from a wild sci-fi series.
Error Instruments has given the Solar Installation several black knobs, four red clicky buttons, and a circular array of patch points implemented using turrets. Additionally, there are many red lights in the middle section.
According to Paul Tas, the synth is a bridge between art, sound, and technology. It reimagines how we interact with music, offering a different and deeply artistic way to explore and create sounds.
At its core lies the same technology as in the Cloud Busting module, but with four oscillators and an added crunchy lo-fi delay.
It offers the same digital six operation modes, including sequence (4-step sequencer/ARP), drone (low oscillator bass), plume (filtered sounds with singing resonance), chords (4-voice chord), FM-style noise, and random, which switches randomly between the modes.
By patching the hardware matrix (modes with modulation, etc.), the absolute sonic madness starts. What emerges from these combinations is unpredictable. Many sounds arise from interesting patching or happy accidents.
Not A Cloud Busting
While the engine is based on the Error Instruments Cloud Bursting module, the other features make the synth a Solar Installation. It offers dual-mode oscillators where each of the four oscillators can be controlled in two unique ways.
In precision mode, you can use it traditionally with potentiometers to accurately manipulate parameters, just like a classic Synthesizer. The second option is the light interaction mode.
You can switch each of the oscillators to the built-in, highly sensitive, tunable light sensors (LDRs) that respond to movement and changes in illumination.
By placing your hand over the sensors or by opening and closing them irregularly, you can manipulate the sounds. It’s also the reason why it’s called solar installation, because with this playing mode, it becomes a sound installation.
Also onboard is a Lo-Fi crunchy delay with a dedicated external input, allowing you to use external gear with the delay. It features dry/wet controls, delay rate, and feedback controls, allowing you to wrap your sounds in Lo-Fi echoes, classic delays, and more atmospheric textures.
The red button switch also has different functions depending on the patched functions. A USB-C socket powers all this.
First Impression
Another fascinating experimental synth from Paul Tas. Okay, we’ve already seen the Cloud Bursting engine in several different forms, including a Eurorack module and a mini desktop synth from 2020.
So, using it again isn’t particularly creative, but I find the idea of expanding it with other performance options (light control…) interesting. This gives you more hands-on control over the always bleepy, noisy sounds and happy accidents that Solar Insallations creates.
Error Instruments Solar Installation is now available in a limited batch for 475€ and is handmade in the Netherlands.
More information here: Error Instruments
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