In this video, via Sonic State, Paul Barker of Din Sync talks about his latest project, the R-101 synthesizer.
Din Sync specializes in replica synths, which are designed to be as close to the original as possible. They sell parts you can use to fix original x0x devices and kits for building new replicas.
The R-101 is based on their RE-101 replica, which is a 1-to-1 recreation of the original Roland SH-101. It was difficult to make the big case for the RE-101, though, so the R-101 uses a standard rack-mount format.
“This is most authentic 101 in existence,” Barker says. “No compromises.”
Superbooth 2026: Error Instruments founder Paul Tas shared this sneak preview of the SmartLAB, a new synthesizer, created in collaboration with This Is Not Rocket Science (TINRC).
The SmartLAB is a new standalone hybrid synthesizer, designed for experimental sound design and performance. It offers multiple synthesis approaches in a single touch-based device.
At its core, Smart Lab features advanced granular synthesis, alongside more than 36 physical modelling engines, distributed across two powerful sound engines.
The expressive touch interface includes motion recording, allowing you to capture gestures and replay them as evolving modulation—similar to a looper, but for movement and sound shaping.
Smart Lab also functions as a versatile sound processor, offering over 15 effects, including delays and textures inspired by organic, fluid soundscapes. Tas describes it as “somewhere between an ambient machine and the playful unpredictability of a bubble-based synthesizer in the spirit of Rob Hordijk.”
Features:
Standalone touch interface with motion control and gesture memory
Dual synthesis engines with granular and physical modelling capabilities
36+ physical modelling sound engines
Experimental delay and effects processor (15+ types)
External LFO input and audio input support
Built-in microphone for instant sound capture
Easy sound saving and recall
Smart Lab is currently in prototype stage, with a planned release in July–August. For more information, visit the Error Instruments site.
Audio Wanderer has introduced Noise Maker, described as an “ultra-niche synth created for those who want to make awful digital noise that would terrorize the neighborhood and make the cops go to your place several times a week”.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
“A non-idiomatic synth made not to be controlled or understood in any manner, but to be experienced. Based on poor signal-to-noise ratio transmissions and glitch aesthetics. The key to playing with this noisy device isn’t to reach perfection in its operation or to try to predict the way it is going to work to achieve similar results every time we use it.
No, the idea is to abandon ourselves to the noise and be freed by the chaos… and then the noise will set you free.”
The Noise Maker synth is expected to be available soon, priced under $50.
