Superbooth 2026: Error Instruments x TINRS SmartLab is a new experimental Synthesizer where physical modeling meets granular synthesis.
The Dutch developer Error Instruments is known for its experimental synthesizers produced in small batches. Two of their newest Eurorack modules, made in collaboration with This Is Not Rocket Science, are very popular and remain in their product line: the Kharper string synthesizer voice and the Brinta sampler/processor
Two now become one. At Superbooth 2026, Error Instruments and TINRS presented the SmartLab, a Synthesizer that merges both modules into a single expressive instrument.
Error Instruments TINRS SmartLab
SmartLab is different. It’s not a Eurorack module like Brinta or Kharper, but a desktop synth. No worries, there are some patch points on the unit, giving you Eurorack connectivity.
The SmartLab combines two Kharper and one Brinta module from Error Instruments TINRS, along with a White Rabbit FX processor.
On the left and right sides, you have the Kharper engines, each with three touch strips. Each Kharper has three voices, giving you a total of six-string synthesizer that uses physical modeling and Karplus-Strong synthesis.
Unlike the standalone Kharper module with 9, the SmartLab offers space for 36 engines/interactions. Some of them are reserved for the granular sampler that lets you play with the touch strips.
In the middle, you have the Brinta, a granular sampler/processor with the same feature set as the Eurorack version.
You can either capture and granulate the physical modeling sounds directly in Brinta thanks to the direct pipeline, or feed other signals into Brinta via the external input. This allows Brinta to remain highly independent.
Playability & More Processing
The SmartLab is played by touching the six vertically arranged, effectively illuminated strips. To take this concept further, Error Instruments TINRS has added a dedicated looper for each Kharper strip.
This enables you to record and loop what you create with the touch strip. As a bonus, there is a built-in microphone that lets you record and feed the recordings into the Brinta granular engine.
To round off the synth, SmartLab also added an effects processor based on their White Rabbit Eurorack module.
On the connection side, each touch strip has its own CV output, so you can use it to control other gear. There is stereo in-and-out connectivity via 3.5mm L+R mono sockets, a headphone socket, and other CV inputs.
USB-C power will be added in the release version. A first look is available in the Synth News video.
First Impression
As a big fan of granular and physical modeling synthesizers, the SmartLab has sparked a lot of interest in me. It looks like a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to the final release.
Error Instruments TINRS SmartLab will be available later this year for 600-700€.
More information here: Error Instruments
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