Erica Synths Perkons Keys turns the popular juicy-sounding hybrid drum Synthesizer into a full-fledged keyboard synth.
One of Erica Synths’ most popular products is undoubtedly the Perkons HD-01. It is a hybrid drum Synthesizer with four hands-on voices and complex sequencing. The Perkons update 1.1 introduced chromatic playing, which made the whole thing much more versatile.
But hey, playing chromatically without a keyboard is no fun. Erica Synths has also noticed this, which is why they are introducing the Perkons Keys today at the start of April.
Erica Synths Perkons Keys
Perkons Keys brings together everything everyone loves about the Perkons HD-01, but now with a keyboard. Interestingly, they’re reviving the brilliant and original concept Elektron introduced with the Monomachine in 2004 and continued with the Digitone Keys in 2019.
Erica Synths Perkons Keys has the same full-tweakable 4 hybrid voices (synthesis + samples), the same hardware controls, and the same sequencer.
The game-changing new feature here is undoubtedly the integrated keyboard. It’s a semi-weighted 37-key premium keyboard. I hope there will also be a 61-key or 88-key Fatar hammer action version in the future, so you can feel the sound down to the last detail.
Velocity and aftertouch are omitted here. I can understand the decision; they want to offer a precise, punchy sound experience with results that come straight from the engine, without any deviation in dynamics.
No mod wheel or pitch wheel. A keyboard virtuoso like Jordan Rudess might gasp for air. But keep in mind that Erica Synth’s target audience is likely XOX electronic music techno producers who are unlikely to perform pitch and mod bends live in the studio or on stage.
This feature is game-changing because you can now truly experience chromatic playing, introduced with firmware 1.1. Who hasn’t dreamed of playing banger melodic riffs with a kick, snare, or even a fart sample? This takes the Perkons to a new level of creativity.
I hope the next firmware update will enable simultaneous playback of all four voices, making Perkons a percussive polysynth.
Like the desktop version, it has no built-in battery and no screen. No casual jamming in the park next door or in the bus, but instead hands-on without endless staring at a screen. On the back side, it offers the same connectivity as the desktop Perkons.
First Impression
The decision makes perfect sense. Firstly, the decision was extremely well received by Elektron fans with the Digitone Keys, and secondly, the instrument can now be played fully chromatically. What more could I want? Okay, unfortunately, there isn’t a synthesizer that can make coffee yet.
Erica Synths Perkons Keys will be available soon. Rumors say it will be shipped on April 1st, 2027.
More information here: Erica Synths
They got me. I really wanted it.
They got me as well – of course! Come on, they’re reviving the brilliant and original concept Akai introduced with the Timbre Wolf in 2015.
No Pitch Bend?
is that a bösendorfer?
would never buy without pitchbend. 😎
true, i don’t make Techno 😀
My old Alesis drum machine also grew a keyboard overnight. It’s magic! Now I can play the bass alongside the drummer!
haha.
ohh, Just realise its a Joke…
haha
Nice try Tom!
Not Bad 🤣 it took me a Long Time 😎