Buchla and Friends 2026: Studio Electronics CODE Luxe is an 8-voice rack-format polyphonic Synthesizer that is available now, plus a new MS-20 filter card.
Almost exactly a year ago, I reported on the new Studio Electronics CODE Luxe. This is a further development of the impressive Code polyphonic analog Synthesizer. One highlight is the ability to exchange filter cards, thereby drastically changing the sound character.
This feature is rarely found on modern polysynths. One year after its announcement, the Code Luxe is now going into production and is ready for pre-order. You can get it in various faceplates. At Buchla and Friends 2026, they showcase it in the green finish.
What’s New In The CODE Luxe?
As a reminder, the Studio Electronics CODE Luxe is an 8-voice polyphonic analog Synthesizer with interchangeable filter cards. There is also a four-voice version available.
Last year, not everything was clear about the additions to the CODE Luxe. Good news, they are now available:
- Waving Folding circuit on oscillator 1 triangle; sine waveform is present when the folding circuit is off.
- Feedback Circuit that loops the output of the filter back into itself.
- Overdrive Circuit now programmable per patch.
- 6db/24 dB modes of the Jupiter filter are programmable per patch.
- Panelized Control of the high-pass frequency and resonance controls.
- Modulation Destinations now include Feedback, Hi-Pass Frequency/ Resonance and Folding Circuit.
- Updated ROM Banks—new feature infused.
- Discrete Op Amps for the stereo and mono outputs.
You can read about the other features in the section from last year. Alongside the availability, Studio Electronics also announced that the Boomstar MS20 filter will be available for the Code Luxe.
Here’s a look inside a Code Luxe, which looks very impressive, especially if you’re familiar with the insides of modern, budget synths.
A fantastic polyphonic analog Synthesizer with beautiful, massive sounds. However, it’s worlds out of my budget. It’s great that such premium synths exist. And I live to say: you don’t have to own everything; looking at and listening to them is fun, too.
Studio Electronics CODE Luxe is available for order on demand for $8795 with two filter versions (Minimoog, Oberheim) or for $10595 with four filter versions (Minimoog, Oberheim, Roland Jupiter/Juno, and CS80). The 4-voice is available for $6895.
More info here: Studio Electronics
Article from January 26, 2025
It’s Sunday, the second day of Buchla & Friends 2025. The synthesizer trade show that runs parallel to NAMM is currently in Los Angeles. Among the big exhibitor list are many well-known companies you have seen in the Anaheim halls, including Dreadbox, 1010music, 4ms, and more.
Also on site is Studio Electronics, the US-based Boutique company with the new CODE Luxe polyphonic analog Synthesizer.
The new CODE Luxe is a new version of its best-known CODE (C.O.D.E) analog discrete Circuited nova Omega Dynamic filtered Expandable Synthesizer/filterbank. Compared to the previous CODE synthesizer, the Luxe version offers some changes.
According to an Instagram video, the new Studio Electronics CODE Luxe will feature feedback and wave folder circuits that we can find in the LUXE section on the right side. It has the control feedback functions, a highpass filter, resonance, and a wave folder.
It is unknown whether the new Studio Electronics Synthesizer is based on the well-known CODE circuit design.
Original Studio Electronics CODE
The original CODE is an eight-part (8 voices) multitimbrality with options to split and layer them. It offers two voltage-controlled discrete Minimoog-based analog multi-wave oscillators, a sub-wave oscillator on oscillator 1, a noise generator, PWM, and a sync option. Plus, it gives you up to 8-voice unison.
The analog filter circuit is a highlight. It uses a hardwired SEM-inspired 12dB filter with various 12dB filter modes (lowpass, bandpass, highpass, and band-reject) and features three replaceable filter slots.
One of these host a 24dB classic Moog-style ladder filter. Alternatively, you can buy more filter cards, including the Roland TB-303, ARP 2600, Roland Jupiter, and Yamaha CS-80. Besides this, it offers three multi-stage envelope generators with advanced features and three multi-wave LFOs.
The CODE also offers a built-in overdrive per voice and patch memory.
I will stay on the topic and update it when there is more information
Studio Electronics CODE Luxe availability and price are TBA.
More information here: Studio Electronics
I’ve always thought the Omega and Code were really interesting. Rare and expensive beasts. Great to see them enhance the synth again.