Erica Synths SYNTRX II (EU) Synthesizer

General

The Erica Synths SYNTRX II is the follow-up to the first-gen SYNTRX, which was directly inspired by the old EMS Synthi: an insanely experimental yet primal synthesizer. The SYNTRX II still has clear links to the Synthi but here, comes wrapped in its own unique black paint-job, and because they probably won't be missed, the built-in speakers of the original SYNTRX have been removed, making more room in the cockpit for even more controls.

What's New with the Erica Synths SYNTRX II?

There was a time when the elites of the synthesizer realm considered on-board effects cheating, and resisted the models that featured more and more effects. Having to invest in some expensive reverb units to give an otherwise dry synth-sound some life might have left a bitter taste in their mouth, but luckily, contemporary sound designers aren't quite so precious and welcome the effects sections of models like the SYNTRX II, which unlike the spring reverb of the previous edition, features both reverb and delay. Another nice tweak is the more visual sequencer that takes up a 16 by 16 pixel grid. A patch memory has also been added alongside an expanded filter which can now put an HPF and LPF in series. A few other little upgrades have been included as a direct response to user feedback, completing a synthesizer that's simply better from every angle - and that's even endorsed by perhaps the most qualified vintage Synthi user (and therefore SYNTRX II user) of all time, Jean Michel Jarre.

Who's This Synth For?

This is not the most affordable synth on the planet and not everyone will be able to stick one on their bucket list, so you can't really call the SYNTRX II a mainstream model. This is an experimental wonder built for the more experienced sound designer that's hunting for less conventional sounds. If you are looking for more conventional sounds, then there are plenty of other synthesizers that will do it for you. Basically, if you invest in this chunk of hardware, then what you get in return is an imposing desktop synth that will inject masses of potential into your setup. Everything is navigated via a tactile army of buttons and encoders as well as a satisfying mini-joystick, polishing off a modern fix for anyone seeking out an old Synthi but just can't find one for love nor money.