Erica Synths Bullfrog XL Eurorack Synthesizer

General

Not so long ago, Erica Synths dropped the Bullfrog: a compact synthesizer designed to simplify those first tentative steps into the Eurorack synth-verse. If you found the original Bullfrog a bit too small, then meet the Bullfrog XL - and when Erica Synths says XL, they mean XL, because this synth is big! At 82 centimetres wide and 50 centimetres high, the main panel is built like a small brick wall.

The Erica Synths Bullfrog XL

Just like the smaller Bullfrog, the XL has a semi-modular design so, under the hood, a fixed selection of modules are provided that, with just a handful of patch leads, can be linked to dictate how they respond to one another. In a sense, this isn't a single synthesizer, but a whole stack of them, which is exactly where the charm of a semi-modular setup lies. At its heart, the Bullfrog XL is a subtractive synthesizer, making it a great tool for learning the basics and even a great tool for teaching the basics. The super-wide control panel, meanwhile, makes more space for comfortably grabbing the control pots and switches. All of that extra room has also allowed enough space to include an oscilloscope: an extremely useful feature if you want to really understand what it is you're doing. You can always just listen to the effect that a filter is having on a sound, but with an oscilloscope, you can actually see what's happening.

A Complete Package

The original Bullfrog already came with something pretty special: a set of voice cards. And, thankfully, a voice card slot is also featured in the design of the XL, meaning that this edition of the Bullfrog can also be expanded using the included six-pack of cards. Of course, you could always expand the potential of this model by linking it with other Eurorack modules or systems, but the option to simply slot in a voice card is irresistible, and helps completes a formidable bit of kit that brings all the fun as well as all the sound-sculpting widgets you could ever want. In short, this is the ideal synth for any sound-designers in training.

• Please note: While most Eurorack modules are patched using 3.5mm mini-jack cables, the Bullfrog XL is patched using 6.3mm jack cables. The Bullfrog XL can be connected to other Eurorack gear using a mini-jack to jack adapter cable.