At Superbooth 2023, Erica Synths is introducing Steampipe. Erica Synths is offering something different with Steampipe,created in collaboration with Dutch company 112.dB. The physical modelling synth with eight voices of polyphony and no conventional oscillators.
Steampipe is designed to mimic the way that sound is generated by wind instruments, strings, pipe organs and more, and has three major sections – STEAM, PIPE and REVERBERATOR
First up, there’s Steam, it simulates airflow, with the envelope section determining the force with which air is blown out. DC/noise refers to the sound that is generated when ‘blowing out’ – this can be replaced with an external audio source if you wish.
The Pipe section is akin to a flute. It’s here that the tone is formed, with the delay box subsection adjusting the tuning and shape. Finally, we have the Reverberator, which is used to add space and ambience.
Steampipe has been optimised for use with MIDI wind controllers but can also be played using a conventional MIDI keyboard. There are several of “organic and rich” presets, and you can create all kinds of “sonic imagery” that ranges “from wisps of cloud to fairground band organs, then to industrial horns of the railroad and finally, to massive, otherworldly ambiences.”
The Erica Synths Steampipe is currently in development, so details on pricing and availability are to be announced, but it is expected to be available later this year.
