Erica Synths Bullfrog Eurorack Synthesizer

General

For complete beginners, it's safe to say that starting off with a Eurorack synth isn't the easiest route. Most big synthesizers hide away all the hard work and signal chain architecture and automate all of the high-level tech and processes that lie behind the sound while, at the other end of the spectrum, putting together and controlling a Eurorack can take quite a bit of knowhow. Luckily, there are synths emerging that offer the flexibility of a Eurorack while coming in a more familiar and easy-to-navigate box. The Erica Synths Bullfrog, for example, is a Eurorack-based smasher of a synth unit that lays out some more-than interesting options yet comes wrapped in a pretty familiar package. In terms of functions, you're essentially getting a Eurorack, but in terms of design, you're getting a standalone desktop module in place of an installation module. As flexible and complete as you'd expect, this synth has been developed with the help of Ritchie Hawtin and is a bit like a 'Best-of' album of basal synth modules, all neatly crammed inside one unit that's been built for synth-nut novices and veterans alike.

The Erica Synths Bullfrog

Just like a modular Eurorack, the sound of the Bullfrog is shaped by patching, which is why it comes bundled up with a pack of ten patch leads. By connecting, or patching sections and linking them to other sections, you're manually constructing the architecture of the synth which, with your average synthesizer, is usually pretty fixed. This setup already opens up your options, but when you add on the blue voice card slot mounted at the top of the control panel, the functionality is expanded even further. To start you off, Erica Synths has even included a stack of six voice cards and are releasing new ones all the time.

The Benefits

One of the biggest benefits that comes with the Bullfrog is the MIDI-IN port, so any standard MIDI keyboard can be hooked up - something that would normally demand a special CV/gate keyboard. Studio integration is fully supported by the USB-MIDI port and another special little feature comes in the form of a built-in speaker - something you rarely get with a standard synth, let alone a Eurorack. To expand the potential for more seasoned Eurorack fans, the Bullfrog can even be added to your existing Eurorack system.

The Sound

While named after the Bullfrog - a frog you'd never want to pick a fight with and bears a striking resemblance to one Jabba the Hut - this desktop synthesizer has a little more elegance than its namesake. However, this synth can really crush sound and, in terms of character, is extremely experimental. So, if you're looking for something that's able to create a subtle piano sound to voice a little Chopin, you should probably be looking elsewhere, but if you're looking for something you can really build a signature, custom sound with, then this is more like it.