Archive for May, 2026

Prelude + Fugue For Korg ER-1 Drum Machine


Synthesist Hank Mason shared this live performance of his original composition, Prelude and Fugue for the ER-1.

Here’s what Mason has to say about it:

“The Korg Electribe ER-1 has 4 voltage-controlled oscillators — the exact number needed for a 4-voice fugue. So I wrote one. Because it seemed like one of the dumbest things I could do with a drum machine.

This is a Prelude and Fugue for the ER-1, performed live with piano accompaniment on an early 1900s Krakauer Bros. grand piano.”


Gear Used:

  • Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer
  • ‘Krakauer Bros. Grand Piano

ECHON 6 BBD Resonator Synthesizer Debuts At Superbooth 2026


At Superbooth 2026, Morphor debuted the ECHON 6, the world’s first polyphonic synthesizer based around BBD (Bucket-Brigade Delay) resonators.

Each of its six voices features a discrete BBD delay-line resonator that tracks the keyboard, producing organic overtones and complex harmonic depth. The Morphor ECHON 6 will generate anything from plucked and bowed strings, to leads and basses, to big pads and evolving soundscapes.

Other features include comprehensive multi-timbral capabilities, a 9×32 modulation matrix, an analog signal path and a one-knob-per-function design.

Features:

  • Feedback system with full analogue audio path
  • 6-part multi-timbral architecture
  • 6× Full analogue BBD resonators
  • 6× True analogue VCO exciters
  • 4× LFOs per voice (24 in total)
  • 4× Random generators per voice (24 in total)
  • Custom voice grouping (up to 6 groups)
  • Comprehensive unison control
  • Extensive modulation matrix (9 sources × 32 destination parameters)
  • Global modulation attenuverters
  • 216 user presets (6 × 6 × 6 structure)
  • 1× 1/4″ mono jack external input
  • 2× 1/4″ jack main outputs (L/R)
  • 6× 1/4″ stereo jack voice outputs
  • 1× 1/4″ stereo jack headphone output (independent level, pre-master monitoring)
  • MIDI DIN In/Out/Thru ports
  • MIDI USB-C (class-compliant device, no bus power)
  • MIDI fully-remote controllable
  • MIDI SysEx support
  • Firmware update via USB-C
  • 19″ rack-mountable (black aluminum rack ears included)
  • VESA-mount compatible
  • Kensington security slot
  • No display — 100% tactile operation

Audio Demos:

The ECHON 6 is available to pre-order, priced at $2,999 USD.

 

Analog Sweden Swen 2 Synthesizer Debuts At Superbooth 2026


At Superbooth 2026, Analog Sweden debuted the Swen 2 synthesizer, an evolution of their swENIGISER.

Here’s a video overview and demo of the Swen 2 from Superbooth, via Sonic State.

The Analog Sweden Swen 2 is a monosynth, featuring a generative sequencer that offers real-time pattern creation and manipulation.

“While the original design from 1996 still holds its ground,” they say, “the SWEN2 is a child of 2026.”

Here’s what’s new in the Swen 2:

  • Ghost OSC2/noise
  • 12 mode Proto VCF/A – same as in our eurorack module
  • Octave selector
  • Fine/coarse tune toggle
  • Analog -1 SUB OSC
  • Clip drive toggle
  • GSEQ generative sequencer
  • VCO-VCF source mixer
  • VCO/VCF auto calibration/tune
  • LFO1 hi/lo, trig & wave toggle
  • LFO2 hi/lo, trig, clock sync
  • ENV:s trig toggles
  • No need for gate converters
  • Revised eurorack patchbay
  • Dedicated headphone out
  • More knobs & switches
  • Travel friendly size 20x25x5 cm
  • Weight 1.5 kg vs 3 kg

The Swen 2 is expected to be available in June 2026, priced at €699 / $699 USD.