In the video, synthesist Davide Puxeddu shares an exploration of the ambient and cinematic side of the Erica Synths Steampipe.
The Erica Synths Steampipe is a physical modelling synthesizer, developed in collaboration with Dutch company 112.dB. It’s an 8-voice polyphonic instrument that can mimic the rich, organic sounds of wind and string instruments, using physical modeling.
The results of physical modeling synthesis can be very different than other types of synthesis, especially for creating realistic acoustic type sounds and sounds that get into ‘uncanny valley’ territory.
Watch the demo, and share your thoughts on the Erica Synths Steampipe in the comments!
At the 2026 Buchla & Friends show, Buchla & Associates’ Nick Kwas spoke with designer Thomas Adam Billings of Terraphones about his new instrument, the Nymira.
Nymira is a standalone harmony instrument designed around the circle of fifths. Its sonic engine draws from the overtone series, offering detailed timbral control across seven individual partials.
Three distinct models explore different synthesis methods; one rooted in additive FM synthesis, another in classic subtractive design, and one based on granular synthesis.
Terraphones Nymira Synthesizer Overview:
Terraphones Nymira synthesizer is available now for $1200 USD.
At the 2026 NAMM Show, Eventide Audio announced that it is working with electronic music composer Laurie Spiegel to bring back Music Mouse – an algorithmic musical composition application and performance instrument – after 40 years.
“Music Mouse is an intelligent instrument,” notes Spiegel. “It’s like having a composer as your partner.” Music Mouse translates mouse-controlled cursor movements into notes, harmonies and more.
Here’s an example of Music Mouse in action, via jonmerel:
Eventide says that it plans to re-release Music Mouse later this year, “carefully preserved and prepared for modern systems, without changing what made it special.”
The application was originally released in the mid-’80s for Mac, Amiga & Atari systems. Spiegel’s vintage Music Mouse site is still available via the Wayback Machine.
Here’s a reaction video from the NAMM Show floor, via guitarist and synthesist Andre Cholmondeley:
