Ahead of Superbooth 2024, being held May 16-18 in Berlin, Befaco has introduced Oneiroi, a live performance-oriented digital synth that they say is designed for ambient pads and drone-like soundscapes.
The name comes from Greek mythology. Oneiroi are dark-winged creatures that, each night, emerge from their cave to deliver dreams and nightmares.
The Befaco Oneiroi features a full stereo signal path: Stereo input, 2 oscillators , 4 effects, and a looper. It also includes LFO self-modulation and a randomizer.
Oneiroi Video Demo:
Features:
Powered by the latest OWL revision (mk3), with 24-bit 48 kHz stereo audio (32-bit internal processing)
Stereo input with three switchable gain levels and a two-coloured LED for monitoring
Stereo output
5-second looper with continuous speed control (from 2x in reverse direction to 2x in forward direction) and pre and post looping selector.
Sine oscillator
Stereo Supersaw oscillator with detune control, inspired by the JP-8000
2048-sample dynamic wavetable oscillator (aliased) that uses the looper buffer, with offset control
Single v/oct input for the three oscillators and unison control
Filtering unit with four different types: low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, and comb filter. The filter can be freely positioned along the effects chain
3-band resonator with tune and feedback controls
A 2-tap echo with controls over time and density
Reverb with macro control for size, filtering, and direction
Eight short-throw faders for controlling volumes (exponential) and effects amount (constant power), with relative CV inputs
Eight CV controls for the primary parameters, four of them can be dynamically assigned to the secondary ones as well
Possibility to record either the stereo input or the module’s output
Various types of self-modulation with configurable routing and control over level and speed
External synchronization via sync input (supported clock speed from 30 BPM to 300 BPM)
Powerful randomizer with four different targets, three levels of intensity and undo/redo
Soft take-over functionality for re-coupling parameters’ positions and values after randomization, with LEDs for showing where the value is in relation to the position of the control.
Oneiroi is expected to be available in early summer, with an estimated price of 400€+TAX for the assembled unit.
Ahead of Superbooth 2024, Erica Synths and Richie Hawtin have introduced the Bullfrog XL, an educational electronic music instrument designed specifically for teachers to use in front of the classroom.
Erica says that the “Bullfrog XL expands the concept of the regular Bullfrog by inflating its size by a factor of three. With its expanded size and built-in oscilloscope, Bullfrog XL isn’t just for classrooms but is sure to be a great addition to any studio.”
When the original was announced, Hawtin said “We 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.”
The newly inflated version, Bullfrog XL, is 3 times the size of its predecessor, measuring 820mmx505x65 (250 with the side panels) and weighing in at just over 8kg, and adds a few key educational features, including the oscilloscope you see at the top of the unit.
Bullfrog XL key features:
Fully analog design
Highly accurate voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) that tracks great over 8 octaves
Manually adjustable and voltage controlled waveshapes – sine-shark fin and pulse wave with pulse width modulation (PWM)
Zener diode-based noise generator
Resonant lowpass voltage controlled filter (VCF)
Voltage controlled amplifier (VCA) 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
Attenuverter and two buffered splitter circuits
Slew processor with adjustable slew time
Two channel oscilloscope
3 mm jack sockets
Manual gate button, Gate and Trigger out
Voice card slot
Built in speakers
DIN5 MIDI input and USB connector
Dimensions (mm): 820 x 505 x 65 (250 with the side panels)
Bullfrog XL is available direct from Erica Synths now, priced €1,700
