Erica Synths

Notes: Erica Pico VC EG is versatile looping AD/ASR envelope generator with voltage control over attack and decay times. It has automatic Trigger/Gate detection, as well as "drone mode" - at full CW setting of the Decay knob, the envelope is full open. In the LOOP mode you can re-trigger envelopes for even more interesting modulations.

Features

AD/ASR envelope
Automatic Trigger/Gate detection
Manual and voltage control over
Attack and Decay time
Manual trigger button
Input protection against over-voltage
Protection against reverse PSU connection
Output amplitude 0V - 10V
Attack time 5ms - 1s
Decay time 5ms - 50s
CV level (Full span) -5V - +5V
Power consumption +17MA, -13MA
Module width 3 HP
Module depth 35 mm

Notes: Erica Pico VCF1, is a younger brother of Erica Black Polivoks VCF, designed on the similar topology using rare Russian op amps. As result you get a filter great for acid bass lines, screaming resonance sweeps and deep wobbles.

Features:
- Lowpass and bandpass modes
- Self oscillation
- Rare russian opamps used
- Input protection against overvoltage

Dimensions
3 HP
35 mm deep

Current Draw
12 mA +12V
11 mA -12V

Notes: Erica Synths Pico VCO is a great, deep sounding VCO with 32 selected waves: classical, fattened with sub-oscillator, FM synth and others.

Features
2 banks, 16 waves each
VCO/LFO mode
Voltage controlled wavesurfing
Wave morphing in LFO setting
Typically you would need several rather expensive modules to generate similar sounds, besides there's an extra feature: flip a switch, and you have a versatile LFO.

With Pico Series we challenged ourselves - can we make ANY superior functionality synth module 3HP wide and affordable? Yes, we can.


Technical specification:

VCO frequency range: 30Hz - 5kHz
LFO frequency range: 0,1Hz - 20Hz
1V/Oct input signal amplitude: 0V - +10V;
Output amplitude: 10V ptp
Power consumption: +26 mA, -4 mA
Module width: 3HP
Module depth: 35 mm

Notes: Erica Pico Voice is amazingly versatile sound source in just 3HP. It features 8 sound generation algorithms: Karplus Strong, Chords, Wavetable, TB303 bassline emulation, PWM, Supersaw, Wavefold and Harmonic saturation, with three adjustable parameters per algorithm and CV control over one user defined parameter. Despite the small size, Pico Voice sounds bigger than it is!

Dimensions
3 HP
35 mm deep

Current Draw
30 mA +12V
20 mA -12V

Notes: Everything sounds better with compression - whether you need a bit of extra pressure for your drum sounds or just that extra touch to make your modular mix more nimble and tight, the Erica Synths Stereo Compressor will make your live performances a joy. The module is optimized for percussion sounds and will be a great addition to any Erica Synths Drum module rig. The Stereo sidechain can be used to animate melodic layers on the beat and to truly bring your Basslines to life.

Features

THAT chip-based stereo compressor
DC coupled sidechain
Gain, Threshold and Compression Amount (Ratio) settings
Stereo Link for level detectors
Bypass switch
8 segment output level VU meter

Specs

Audio input level -5...+5V
Threshold -40dB to +10dB
Makeup gain -12dB to +12dB
Ratio 1:1 to 8
Power consumption +60mA, -22mA
Module width 10HP
Module depth 35mm

INPUT LVL; Adjust the input signal level to your taste
GAIN; This knob adjusts the makeup gain of the compressor
THRESHOLD; Set the compressor threshold
COMP. AMT;This knob adjusts the compression ratio
STEREO LINK; Sending hard-panned or significantly different audio levels on the left and right channels into the audio inputs may result in undesired left-right panning on the output of the compressor, because the level detectors on each channel will ensure a different amount of compression. With the STEREO LINK switch on, the level detectors on both channels are merged and the min/max function is engaged. This ensures equal compression on both channels.
PROCESS; The bypass switch allows for turning off the compressor instantly
8 SEGMENT VU METER; 8 segment VU meter gives a visual reference of the output signal
IN L / IN R; These are the L and R audio inputs
OUT L / OUT R; These are the L and R outputs of the module
SIDE IN L / SIDE IN R; These are L and R sidechain inputs. You can process each channel individually
SIDE OUT L / SIDEOUT R; These are the sidechain signal outputs - they are buffered copies of the sidechain inputs

Notes: The STEREO FX module brings hi-fi stereo effects into the Erica Synths Drum Series. Based on Erica Synths' new DSP engine, the module provides a wide range of custom delay and reverb effects. CV control over various parameters and the ability to save up to 10 presets will make this module an integral part of any performance rack.

Features

Hi-Fi stereo FX module
3 delay and 3 reverb effects
Tap and clock synchronization of delay time
Delay time divisions and multiplications in sync mode
10 preset patches
CV control over delay time, feedback, and preset selection
The FX is developed in collaboration with the Dutch company 112dB which offers some of the best-sounding VST instruments.

Technical specifications:

Audio input level: -5V - +5V
Delay time: 3ms - 3s
CV level (full span): -5 - +5V
Power consumption: +123mA, -40mA
Module width: 10HP
Module depth: 35mm

Notes: Updated version of Erica's superb EMS-inspired synth, featuring a powerful dual oscillator synth architecture, piano roll sequencer, modulation matrix and recordable joystick.

Supplier's Notes:
Based on lessons learned from the SYNTRX, Erica Synths decided to create an instrument that would integrate even deeper into contemporary electronic and experimental music setups and cover sonic territory from daunting drones to powerful basslines and glitched noisescapes - the SYNTRX II is a new dark horse for experimental sonic rides.

The SYNTRX II is the culmination of Erica Synths' analogue sound design circuits - two perfectly stable main oscillators with waveshapers, a modulation oscillator with 1V/oct tracking, a versatile multimode filter, supercharged external instrument inputs with an envelope follower, a unique, great-sounding ring modulator, a recordable joystick, built-in piano roll sequencer and stepped modulation sources, all arranged around Erica Synths' signature matrix mixer and topped off with powerful FX on their new DSP platform.

"The SYNTRX 2 is awesome, a very different instrument from V1. My first synths were the VCS3 and the AKS and are still among my favorites today. The Syntrx 2 is pushing the boundaries of possibilities & experimentations much beyond the original analogue version. The Syntrx 2 is an instant classic". - Jean Michel Jarre

Features

Two perfectly stable main oscillators with CV-controlled waveforms
Modulation oscillator with variable waveforms
Highpass and Lowpass filters in series
Free running or gate synced sample and hold circuit
Multi-colour noise generator
DC coupled instrument inputs with signal inversion and envelope follower
Ring modulator of unique design
Looping trapezoid envelope generator and VCA
Two output VCAs
Signal meter with a dedicated audio/CV output
FX section with great sounding Delay and Reverb developed in collaboration with 112db.com
Recordable Joystick
Analogue patch matrix with 3 attenuation levels in each patch point
254 patch memory
Piano roll sequencer and two stepper modulation sources
DIN5 MIDI Input and MIDI Thru
Two assignable outputs
Headphone output
Dimensions: 309mm x 457mm x 115mm (with the joystick in centre position)
Weight: 3.9 kg

Notes: Voice cards expand the functionality of the Bullfrog and make it even more versatile. Some voice cards replace patch cables - they connect the "modules* of the Bullfrog internally, while others have built-in mixers, signal generators, and advanced electrical circuits to control the synthesizer, for example, the Sequencer sends CV to control pitch and gate to start events on the synthesizer and the Sampler/Looper emulates reel to reel tape recorder functionality.

The ADSR voice card adds a full four-stage attack/decay/sustain/release envelope that can be triggered by the Bullfrog's GATE button (or notes played on a connected MIDI keyboard). It is internally routed to the VCA once connected and features a RELEASE CV input, as well as a seperate OUTPUT to get another copy of the ADSR envelope that can be patched elsewhere.

Notes: You may wonder - what's that strange connector on the top of the Bullfrog? This is the VOICECARD slot. Voicecards expand functionality of the Bullfrog and make it even more versatile. Essentially, the voicecards replace patch cables - they connect the "modules" of the Bullfrog internally. But that's not all about them - some voicecards have built in mixers, signal generators and advanced electrical circuits to control the synthesiser, for example, sequencer that sends CV to control pitch and gate to start events on the synthesiser.

When inserting voicecards, make sure, the front panel of the voicecard faces the main interface of the Bullfrog. It is recommend that you turn off the Bullfrog when inserting a new voicecard.

The ELECTRIC ORGAN voicecard makes internal connections of the Bullfrog to emulate pipe organ, when several notes are played together. It also illustrates the principles of ADDITIVE SYNTHESIS. In additive synthesis several simpler waveforms are mixed together to generate more complex sounds. On this voicecard the pulsewave is sent to the DIVIDER and all outputs of the divider are mixed together with the original pulsewave and sent to the VCF and then to the VCA. Both ENVELOPE GENERATORS are involved in the same way as on the Acid Bassline voicecard. The DIVIDER divides an original frequency by even numbers and as result produces a pitch that is even octaves down form the original pitch. Faders on the voicecard determine an amplitude of each suboctave. Set the VCA OFFSET all way counter clockwise, PULSE OUT to the max. Push the MANUAL GATE button to check the sound. Tweak settings of the faders and observe the difference in the sound. Tweak CUTOFF and RESONANCE knobs. Add some echo by setting the DRY/WET knob to 12:00 and find the best DELAY TIME and FEEDBACK settings. Now, connect the keyboard and you are ready to perform Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

Notes: Voice cards expand the functionality of the Bullfrog and make it even more versatile. Some voice cards replace patch cables - they connect the "modules* of the Bullfrog internally, while others have built-in mixers, signal generators, and advanced electrical circuits to control the synthesizer, for example, the Sequencer sends CV to control pitch and gate to start events on the synthesizer and the Sampler/Looper emulates reel to reel tape recorder functionality.

The Gesture Controller voice card gives a new type of control over the Bullfrog, allowing for it to be played like a Theremin, with some handy extras. The PITCH and VCA/VCF sensors of the Gesture Controller are internally routed to the VCO pitch and VCA level/VCF cutoff parameters of the Bullfrog once connected. The card also features a built-in pitch quantizer that can be turned on or off as desired, an adjustable pitch range for the sensors (1V, 3V or 5V) and another toggle switch for an additional internal connection which allows for sending gates to the Bullfrog's EG's from the VCA/VCF sensor. Besides the internal connections, the card also has separate outputs for PITCH CV and VCA/VCF CV from the sensors that can be patched elsewhere.

Notes: You may wonder - what's that strange connector on the top of the Bullfrog? This is the VOICECARD slot. Voicecards expand functionality of the Bullfrog and make it even more versatile. Essentially, the voicecards replace patch cables - they connect the "modules" of the Bullfrog internally. But that's not all about them - some voicecards have built in mixers, signal generators and advanced electrical circuits to control the synthesiser, for example, sequencer that sends CV to control pitch and gate to start events on the synthesizer (Figure 40).

When inserting voicecards, make sure, the front panel of the voicecard faces the main interface of the Bullfrog. It is recommended that you turn off the Bullfrog when inserting a new voicecard.

As it's name suggests, the HIGHPASS VCF voicecard expands the sound treatment capabilities of the Bullfrog by bringing a highpass filter into the game. This allows for exploring highpass and bandpass filtering. The voice card features typical VCF controls - CUTOFF frequency, RESONANCE and CV LEVEL. The CV source switch allows for selecting between three CV sources - envelope generator 2, Sample & Hold LFO, which is a pulsewave generator in the Sample&Hold "module". The voice card features internal audio connections - the output from the MIXER is patched into the highpass VCF, the output of the highpass VCF goes into the input of the onboard lowpass VCF which is then connected to the VCA. For more flexibility, no CV connections for the Bullfrog are present on the voice card, so you have to do the patching yourself.

Notes: You may wonder - what's that strange connector on the top of the Bullfrog? This is the VOICECARD slot. Voicecards expand functionality of the Bullfrog and make it even more versatile. Essentially, the voicecards replace patch cables - they connect the "modules" of the Bullfrog internally. But that's not all about them - some voicecards have built in mixers, signal generators and advanced electrical circuits to control the synthesiser, for example, sequencer that sends CV to control pitch and gate to start events on the synthesizer (Figure 40).

When inserting voicecards, make sure, the front panel of the voicecard faces the main interface of the Bullfrog. It is recommended that you turn off the Bullfrog when inserting a new voicecard.

The WIND AND STARS voicecard makes internal connections of the Bullfrog so that it automatically emulates randomly evolving wind sound and blinking stars are controlled by the divider. Toddlers fall asleep better when they hear sounds like these.

The NOISE is patched into VCF and the VCF is patched to VCA. Set the VCA OFFSET to 12:00, ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1 to LOOP mode, NOISE LVL all way clockwise. Then manipulate SAMPLE & HOLD RATE setting, VCF CUTOFF, RESONANCE and CV 1 LVL settings, and well as ATTACK 1 and RELEASE 1 settings. Add some echo by setting the DRY/WET knob to 12:00 and find the best DELAY TIME and FEEDBACK settings.

Enjoy and goodnight!

Notes: A collaborative effort between the techno icon and one of the best synth brands around, the Bullfrog is designed to encourage newcomers to analogue synths while secretly packing killer sound and some innovative features.

Supplier's Notes:
Introducing Erica Synths X Richie Hawtin Bullfrog

Learn. Produce. Perform

Created by Erica Synths & Richie Hawtin, Bullfrog is an educational electronic music instrument designed to captivate and inspire both youth and professionals alike. Bullfrog invites you to unlock musicality while combining the thrill of electronic music production with a comprehensive learning experience.
Bullfrog is a classical subtractive synthesiser - it consists of several "modules" for sound generation - VCO, NOISE GENERATOR - and treatment - VCF, VCA/DELAY, as well as "modules" that generate control and modulation signals to control them - ENVELOPE GENERATORS and SAMPLE & HOLD. The Bullfrog will not make the sound on its own unless it is patched - using eurorack patch cables to interconnect the "modules" or by inserting voice cards that create internal connections between the "modules" in a specific way and add extra functionality, like sampler/looper, sequencer, groovebox, etc. This approach better helps to understand functionality of a subtractive synthesizer and the principles of sound design with instruments like these.

In order to provide a well rounded understanding of the functionality of this synthesizer and sound synthesis in general, a comprehensive user manual is created to accompany the learning process.

Electronic music with its rich traditions and innate sense of exploration at core is ever popular, with artists and fans stretching around the globe. For me, one of the most exciting parts of creating electronic music is the playful exploration that leads one deep into their own imagination. Whether the intention to create completely imagined or real-life inspired sounds, the route one takes to create is always personal and often surprising. It is within these experiments where the beauty of synthesis really comes alive and which often unlocks a new sense of creativity and purpose.

Whether someone's experience with Bullfrog points them down a career in electronic music or not, the goal is to both nurture the love for electronically produced sounds and promote the accessibility of learning and understanding the basics of sound synthesis.

Erica Synths believe that the hands-on approach and problem solving that is innate to synthesis on a semi-modular synth like the Bullfrog, contains life lessons that go beyond what we can hear.

Bullfrog encapsulates the foundations of synthesis and is built with an immediate, intuitive design and a unique expandable architecture that grows and expands together with the user's imagination. This instrument feels at home anywhere - as an educational tool in music and physics classes, as an addition to your basement studio or even as a tool for performance on a stage.

What's included:

BULLFROG synthesizer
Universal 12VDC wall wart adapter
User manual
10 patch notes stencils
10 patch cables
3 pre-patched voice cards
3 DIY voice cards with adjustable offset
Delay effect with adjustable delay time and feedback amount
Two looping attack-sustain-release envelope generators (EG)
Sample & Hold circuit with an individual clock
Manual gate button
Voicecard slot
Built in speaker
DIN5 MIDI input
USB connector

What's included

BULLFROG synthesizer
Universal 12VDC wall wart adapter
User manual
10 patch notes stencils
10 patch cables
3 pre-patched voice cards
3 DIY voice cards

Notes: Based on the excellent LXR-02 drum machine, the LXR Eurorack module is a percussion all-round, with six voices, trigger inputs and CV modulation, plus the ability to generate synth parts. Versatile.

Supplier's Notes:
LXR eurorack module is a compact and great-sounding percussion synthesizer based on the sound engine of the LXR-02 drum machine. While retaining the core interface of the LXR-02, this module adds the essential eurorack ingredient - assignable CV control over parameters and many more tweaks in the user interface for better integration in any eurorack system

Features

6 drum/percussion voices
7 trigger inputs with accents
5 assignable CV inputs
4 assignable outputs
3 voices can be used as basslines due to 1V/oct tuning
Over 30 adjustable parameters per voice
Insert FX section
Kit memory
SD card for Kit exchange and easy firmware updates
Kits compatible with the LXR-02

Dimensions
28 HP
35 mm deep

Current Draw
88 mA +12V
10 mA -12V
0 mA 5V

Notes: Not just a drum machine but a drum synth, the LXR-02 combines the best analogue and digital sound design options to great effect. Six drum voices each with over 30 adjustable parameters.

Supplier's Notes:
Two companies - Sonic Potions and Erica Synths joined efforts to develop a drum machine that would stand apart from the masses and the LXR-02 was born. The LXR is a full-fledged digital drum machine with an integrated sequencer. Its sound engine provides 6 different instruments, each with over 30 parameters to tweak, producing sounds from classic analog emulations to crunchy digital mayhem, thus offering some of the most extensive sound design capabilities found on a drum synthesizer. Its compact, durable design and clear user interface make it ideal for live gigs.

Features
6 drum voices
Powerful sound design engine
Over 30 adjustable parameters per voice
Voice volume sliders
Insert FX section
4 assignable 6,3" jack outputs (2x stereo or 4x mono)
Full-size MIDI in/out
Flexible, performance-oriented 64 step sequencer
Performance mode with mutes, rolls, master bitcrush, and kit morphing
Kit, Pattern, Performance, and Song memory
SD card for easy FW updates and Project backup
USB MIDI
Headphone output
Extensive MIDI implementation
Durable and compact aluminum casing