In this video, via Sonic State, designer Eduard Berens introduces the Quray performative spatial instrument, one of the more unique new instruments introduced at Superbooth 2026.
The Quray looks like a glowing sci-fi space rock and is played gesturally. You can map your gestures to MIDI and CV to control synthesizers and other gear.
I/O:
1 MIDI IN
16 MIDI OUT
4 CV outputs
1 Audio Out
The Quray is expected to be available in Summer of 2026, priced at approximately €600.
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.
