SynTesla MegaHertz is the first commercial 5U modular synthesizer system based on Hans Zimmer’s Giorgio III monster synth.
In December, SynTesla announced the MegaHertz, a 5U modular synthesizer based on the Hans Zimmer Giorgio III, which the developers created from scratch in 10 months.
Pierre Jean Tardiveau and Yves Usson, the developers, were at SynthFest France 2026, where I met them for a long interview about their collaboration with Hans Zimmer. They also showed me the Syntesla Megahertz.
Article from December 1, 2025
In mid-October, with the start of the new The Next Level Tour, I reported on the SynTesla Giorgio III monster synth, which was specially developed and manufactured for Hans Zimmer’s latest tour.
The French duo Pierre Jean Tardiveau and analog specialist Yves Usson (Arturia MiniBrute…) are the masterminds of this monster. It was known that this wouldn’t remain solely a tool for Hans Zimmer. With the MegaHertz, SynTesla has released the first commercial product resulting from this recent collaboration.
SynTesla MegaHertz
The MegaHertz is the first 5U modular analog Synthesizer system based on Hans Zimmer’s Giorgio III. According to SynTesla, two more systems will follow: the GigaHertz model in the second half of 2026 and the TeraHertz model in 2027.
Like Hans Zimmer’s monster synth Giorgio III, the MegaHertz is handcrafted in France, in accordance with cabinetmaking standards. It features a beautiful, solid oak side carved and represents a total of 42 MU (Moog Units): 3 x 5U x 14 MU.
The cabinet components feature stained wood finishes (dark oak and satin black). You can customize the colours of the carved sides. MegaHertz features 20 distinct, newly developed modules.
At its core are two analog VCOs with sine, triangle, square, pulse, and an internal mix of saw+tri+pulse waveforms. You have PWM, through-zero phase mod (TZPM), frequency mod (TZFM), and soft and hard sync. Each VCO also features an eye-catching VU meter.
A dedicated wavefolder module also brings West Coast flavors into the MegaHertz sound spectrum. A C.L.O. mixer module gives you a constant output level and lets you perfectly mix the signals.
The filter section consists of two distinct filter modules: a diode-ladder filter with three modes (LP, BP, HP) and a 6-24 dB lowpass filter.
Modulation
In terms of modulation, it offers four DADSR envelope generators and one super LFO module with an expander. The LFO is aptly named “Super” because it is packed with features.
It offers 16 waveforms divided into two banks with built-in waveform (distortion), smooth filter, and the ability to create waveform sequences. The additional expander provides two direct outputs, two inverted outputs, and plenty of CV.
Further, it includes dual VCAs and a 3-band resonator. There are also plenty of utility modules that enrich the patch workflow: dual attenuators/boosters, a buffered multiplier, a triple logic module, a quadruple attenuator with mixer, and a 4-2 mixer.
Pierre Jean Tardiveau of SynTesla says that each cabinet features a newly-designed power supply for its modules (compatible with 110V/60Hz and 230V/50Hz). They offer a particularly efficient power filter and a 32-slot distribution board.
Alongside these, SynTesla also released its first three Eurorack modules based on these 5U modules: Toolbox STBX-10 MKII, SLFO-16, and Diode Ladder Filter DLF-V1.
First Impression
SynTesla MegaHertz is available now for 6800€ (ex VAT) and 8160€ including tax.
I wouldn’t even want that as a gift, it’s an imposition. It’s basically a 300 pound stage prop that glows in the dark to distract you from the fact that it has nothing new to say. You could pack that entire thing into 120 HP of a 3U Rack and still have room for a blank panel. Next please!
haha I think you’re right! looks fun though for sure. in a kind of silly why does it look like this way.
it’s sort of what non synthesizer people think synthesizers look like. like it’s from close encounters or something.
I’d love 5u for the space buts it’s always unnecessarily expensive.
come on Behringer… do it….
@Nammed : you can pack it on a laptop and jam with your mouse and a cheap midi controller from a random chinese factory too. But…
You’re completely missing the most important aspects of this instrument: the visual and tactile feedback, as well as the joy of playing an instrument with a soul. Putting your hands on this machine provides a sense of satisfaction you can’t get from a 120/3U (I know, I’m on Eurorack).
It’s like playing a real luthier-made guitar rather than a mass-produced board from a low-cost manufacturer.
You’re probably just not the target audience, that’s all.
That’s actually way cheaper than I would expect. …cheaper than a Buchla Skylab.