Puremagnetik Introduces Etches Soundscape Palette Hardware Instrument
Puremagnetik has introduced Etches, a new hardware instrument designed for soundscape creation and performance-based sound design.
It combines a monophonic synthesis engine with a built-in recording and layering system, allowing users to build evolving textures from real-time input and overdubbed audio.
The sound engine is centered on a monophonic voice generator paired with a splice-based recorder. Incoming audio can be captured into short loops, which can then be layered and modulated over time. An internal LFO influences splice behavior by altering playback start and end points, introducing variation in repeated material.
Control is designed around direct performance interaction rather than traditional synthesis parameters such as envelopes or filters. Four touch pads provide primary control over articulation, contour, and timbral movement, while a touch keyboard provides note input. Musical scales and modes can be selected so that performance remains constrained to a defined key.
A built-in effects section provides spatial processing, including delay and reverb, integrated into the instrument’s output stage. The system is intended to operate as a self-contained performance tool for generating and manipulating evolving sound material.
Features:
- Sound engine
- Monophonic voice generator
- Complex oscillator design with continuous timbral control
- Built-in splice recorder with overdub capability
- Layered audio playback system for evolving textures
- Recording and sequencing
- 80-second internal recording buffer
- Multi-splice looping system for layered sound construction
- Overdub functionality for building composite textures
- Internal modulation of splice start and end positions via LFO
- Performance controls
- Four touch-sensitive articulation pads for timbre and contour shaping
- Touch keyboard interface for note input
- Scale and mode selection with key locking
- Real-time performance-based sound shaping without traditional envelope/filter structure
- Effects and output
- Stereo signal output
- Integrated tape-style delay
- Built-in stereo reverb/space processing
- Musical overdrive stage with soft clipping behavior
- Hardware and connectivity
- Runs on standard 9V DC power supply (center-negative)
- Stereo output via 3.5mm jack
- External audio connection requires appropriate adapter or splitter cable depending on setup
- Compact, exposed PCB-based hardware design
Etches is available now for pre-order, priced at $350 USD with shipping of the first batch expected to start in early June, 2026.
