SynthFest France 2026: Laguna Berlin is a new upcoming 5-track groovebox powered by 16 different all-synthesis-based engines
SynthFest France brings forth numerous new products each year. Mostly from small companies premiering a new product, which might get lost in the flood of news at Superbooth. A new young company from Berlin and Paris did this as well.
Laguna has showcased the Berlin prototype at SynthFest France 2026, a new all-synthesis groovebox.
Laguna Berlin
Berlin is a new standalone hardware groovebox. The device shown in the picture is a prototype. To me, it looks like a brick. According to Laguna, they will refine the look of the Berlin groovebox, but it will retain the same dimensions.
The operation and its associated interface are also unique, featuring a touch-screen, two macro-style rotary encoders, and 12 clicky retrocaps buttons. It’s a very minimal interface with no deep menu diving.
This will also be finely tuned and will likely look somewhat different in the final, commercial version.
Laguna describes its first product as a digital hyper groovebox. At its core are 16 all-synthesis groovemachines, each with a distinct set of features and sound. They use various synthesis methods, including chiptune or FM.
Once selected, the groove engine transforms the groovebox into a new instrument. Berlin has five voices: three synth voices and 2 drum voices. You can assign parameters to the hardware controls to use later in a performance.
Alongside the 16 groovemachines, it features multiple effects processors and modulation that can be applied to the voices.
Like every groovebox, Berlin also features a built-in sequencer. This has 32 steps with variable pattern lenghts, a song mode, and a unique pattern morphing functionality. 128 patterns can be saved in each groove machine.
On the connection side, it has a stereo output (2x 6.35mm sockets), a headphone socket, and MIDI in/out.
First Impression
An interesting concept for a groovebox. Sonically, it didn’t completely convince me at SynthFest; this could also be because it’s a convention where you’re surrounded by a lot of noise.
I think we need to re-evaluate everything once the Laguna Berlin is finished and new sound demos have been recorded. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to the final product.
Laguna Berlin will be available in Summer 2026 for around 360€, but will be under 400€ for sure.
More information here: Laguna
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