Host Ziv Eliraz – in his latest loopop video – shares his in-depth review of the Erica Synths Steampipe, a new physical modeling synthesizer.
Steampipe is an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer that uses physical modeling to mimic the sounds of wind and string instruments – with no conventional oscillators. Physical modeling synthesis is great for creating realistic acoustic type sounds and sounds that get into ‘uncanny valley’ territory, by modeling physical instruments that might not be practical to build.
Topics covered:
0:00 Intro
1:50 Overview
3:50 Connectivity
4:15 Build
5:15 Steam
6:00 Exciter LPF
6:30 Steam env
7:00 Pipe
7:20 Feedback
7:50 Polarity
8:10 Push
9:45 Tuning
10:10 Harmonics
11:15 Split
12:10 Saturation
13:15 HPF/LPF
14:10 Overblow
15:30 Reverb
16:40 LFOs
17:50 LFO as env
18:55 MIDI devices
20:10 MIDI mod
21:00 EXT audio
22:10 Misc
24:00 Pros & cons
27:50 Presets
Ziv Eliraz says that this is the most hands-on physical modeling synth that he’s ever used, which makes it easy to learn. He also praises the sonic possibilities of the Steampipe, and how it integrates with expressive controllers.
On the cons side, he says that he didn’t find any significant hardware flaws, but he notes some competitive hardware and software synths that you might want to also consider.
Check out the review, and share your thoughts on the Erica Synths Steampipe in the comments!
Today, Erica Synths has announced the availability of Steampipe, a new physical modelling synthesizer, developed in collaboration with Dutch company 112.dB
Steampipe is an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer that uses physical modeling to mimic the rich, organic overtones of wind and string instruments – with no conventional oscillators.
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, by modeling physical instruments that might not be practical to build.
What Erica Synths has to say about Steampipe:
“Without any conventional oscillators, Steampipe mimics the way sound is created in wind instruments and it is fine-tuned to create a wide range of sounds: everything from wind instruments, to strings, and pipe organs and much more. It can also conjure sonic imagery ranging from from wisps of clouds to fairground band organs, to industrial horns of the railroad, and finally, to massive, otherworldly ambiences.
Steampipe is optimized for performance with wind MIDI controllers and is perfectly suitable with any MIDI keyboard. It also comes with great-sounding presets, and the overtones the Steampipe produces are very organic and rich.
Due to detailed controls over multiple physical modeling parameters, the Steampipe is capable of generating very organic emulations of real instruments, but it goes well beyond the pitch and dynamic ranges conventional instruments can produce – for instance, imagine how a flute or clarinet would sound in C1 or C7.”
Features:
8-voice polyphony
Physical modeling engine with 32 adjustable parameters
5 assignable LFOs with delay and sync
Extensive modulation matrix with MIDI controller-specific configurations
64 factory presets and 192 user preset memory
Preset export and import via USB
DIN5 MIDI Input
MIDI Thru/Out
All parameters are MIDI CC controllable
Stereo line level output
Headphone output
Erica Synths Steampipe Video Demo:
Timeline:
00:00 – Take 1 / MPE drone with Linnstrument
00:54 – Take 2 / Intro theme played with MIDI keyboard
01:10 – Take 3 / Performance with AKAI EWI wind controller
01:57 – Take 4 / Steampipe sequenced with Ableton Live and played along with drum machine
03:01 – Take 5 / Stockhausenpipe MPE with Linnstrument
03:39 – Take 6 / Ta da daaa played with MIDI
03:56 – Take 7 / Percussive patch played with Sylphyo wind controller
04:24 – Take 8 / Percussions played with Linnstrument
05:33 – Take 9 / Pipewave played with MIDI
06:24 – Take 10 / Steda 909 processed with the Steampipe
07:08 – Take 11 / Sandstorm patch played with MIDI keyboard with extensive pitch modulation
07:34 – Take 12 / The Bells played with MIDI keyboard
08:18 – Take 13 / Utilizing the Sylphyos tilt CC output to modulate the patch
09:21 – Take 14 / Synthesizing textures
09:51 – Take 15 / The “Auto Play” patch
The Erica Synths Steampipe is available to pre-order at a price of €990.00, with shipping planned to start Dec 17, 2024.
Expressive E let us know that they’ve released the Legend HZ Expressive Suite – a bundle including The Legend HZ – a software synth created by Synapse Audio and composer Hans Zimmer – plus 300 free premium MPE presets.
Expressive E says that the presets perfectly pair with the Osmose, and work with any MPE controller.
Legend HZ Expressive Suite MPE Preset Demo Video:
The Legend HZ Expressive Suite in a nutshell:
300 premium MPE presets made by Expressive E for The Legend HZ
Tailor-made for Osmose, works with any MPE controller
Formed of 3 individual 100-MPE preset packs: Horizons (cinématique), Obsidian (urban/drill), Blur (modern/dream pop).
For non-Legend HZ owners: as a bundle including Legend HZ + 300 free MPE presets at $/€169
For Legend HZ owners: as a sound expansion pack for $/€39.99 instead of $/€59.99, as 3 separate 100-preset packs for $/€17.99 per pack instead of $/€29.99
