Superbooth 2026: Apæron AFOUR is a new knobby polyphonic desktop Synthesizer with two oscillators from Sweden.
There was great interest in the Afour synthesizer from the new Swedish company, Apæron. I had the opportunity to speak with the developers and learn more details.
The three developers (on the booth) are newcomers to the synth world, having come from the field of smartphone development. This could be why the display UI stands out so much with its colors, layout, etc.
Apæron Afour
As I already noted in the article published on the day of the visit, it is a 4-layer digital Synthesizer with up to 35 voices. Its synthesis engine blends wavescan and wavetable synthesis, which is beautifully visualized on the display.
And the developers place a strong emphasis on the digital aspect. It is designed to sound like a digital synth—so aliasing, a slightly grittier character, and so on—it’s all on board.
The synth has 27 mechanical keys that interestingly support velocity, aftertouch, and polyphonic aftertouch. Instead of a sequencer, they decided on a 4-channel looper.
This could still change down the road—depending on how things evolve—but the aim here is to offer a slightly different approach.
The interface takes a different approach as well, featuring LEDs on every knob. These visualize not only the knob’s position but also its automation—and not just that, but in the correct color, too.
There is also a mixer with delay, reverb, drive, comp, ducker, an “afourus, and a 3-band parametric EQ.
On the back, you have MIDI connectivity via a 3.5mm jack, stereo output via small jacks, and a USB-C port for audio, MIDI, and power.
It is also possible that a modification may be required here—specifically, utilizing a second USB port for power.
Apæron Afour will be available in the Spring 2026 for an estimated price of between 1500 and 2000€.
Article from May 8, 2026
Teenage Engineering, like other companies, will not be exhibiting at Superbooth 2026 this year, as previously reported. However, their spots will be filled by other Swedish company newcomers.
One is AUXY with the Svensson 49 looper keyboard. The other is the new company Apæron, which will be showcasing the AFOUR polysynth.
Apæron AFOUR
According to the website, Apæron is a new company based in Malmö, southern Sweden. The first product of Apæron will be the new AFOUR Synthesizer.
AFOUR is a new A4-sized digital desktop polyphonic Synthesizer with many knobs. It has 44 knobs and comes with 27 velocity-sensitive keys.
It features 35-voice polyphony that lowers when you go crazy in swarm mode, letting you modulate any and all synth parameters across the warm. Allocate up to 8 voices es per note for instant fatness.
The interface shows that the knobs cover the main features, including VCOs, filter, etc, making the synth very hands-on and immediate. It’s nice that each knob has its own LED ring. Plus, there is a large LED display that provides visual feedback on the parameters.
The synthesis method is synthesis, with 4 channels/4 layers. A look at the user interface reveals some details of the synthesis.
It has two multi-wave oscillators with xfade, drive, and drive per oscillator. Then, it has a multimode filter with cutoff and resonance controls, and pre-/post-filter drive.
On the right, you can see the modulation with two ADSR envelopes and two LFOs, each with frequency, waveform, phase, and amplitude controls. A modulation matrix is also onboard alongside an arpeggiator and a built-in looper.
The latter is a four-channel looper, making it easy to catch ideas without the need for external software.
First Impression
It’s official now: it’s a 4-layer digital Synthesizer. At first glance, the AFOUR appears to have a very classic engine architecture.
The four-part looper, however, could prove to be an interesting feature here—one that allows for a great deal of creative expression, in a way distinct from a sequencer. And I stand by this: the AFOUR’s interface looks super hands-on and inviting. Looking forward to trying it tomorrow or Saturday.
Apæron AFOUR price and availability are TBA. You can visit the developers at Superbooth 2026 at booth B059.
More information here: Apæron
This seems interesting because it looks very hands-on. The reality is that most synths sound very similar to one another, so what really matters now is user interface. With that layout and with that generous screen real estate, it potentially could be a winner if the price is competitive.
pity about the enclosure. no one likes a wooden enclosure. should be all metal. wood makes it look like a it is from the 70’s
no one likes a wooden enclosure? mmmh
He was being sarcastic I think.
Personally I like the look but would change the knob caps. I hope we get to see a black version as well.
Not sarcasm at all. Wood enclosures make synths look old.
Nonsense, look at the aftermarket for wooden synth stands and side panels…
I like wooden enclosure. 🙂 I hope we will have demo of AFOUR at Superbooth.
You can hear it in action on YouTube.
thanks those fresh, wasn’t available yesterday
Looks lovely – especially its hands on nature…. and wood enclosure. Hope to hear about its price soon.
Seems to be interesting. I hope, it’s not another 4 VOICE synthesizer.
It would look so much cleaner and focused with simple round knobs instead of the fluted knobs. Fortunately, those are usually easy to replace. Other than that, it’s a promising synth with a lot of features on a relatively small footprint. Let’s hear it.
To me it seems most likely to be a digital synthesis engine (not that it’s bad). Especially in the 2. video with the high pitched arpeggio sound, i think i can hear some aliasing (faint lower frequencies).
Beutiful Minimalism Design – finally a synth with endless encoders and led rings again!
… waiting for more specs and sound demos …
Beauty is in the mind of the beholder. Unlike many cemmentators here I think this panel design is pitiful. There’s no flow of controls, no relative weighting of large and small knobs, no groupings. It’s just a panel with as many knobs crammed on as possible. Just awful.
I agree too jumbled, good observation.
So many people here and on the various synth forums obsess about knobs, it’s so weird. Who cares what the knobs look like?
The panel is extremely cramped but it sounds and appears to have the features I would be looking for in a modern replacement for the old Access Virus line.