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Synthesist Starsky Carr – in his latest video – shares his take on the Erica Synths Syntrx II , the second generation of the three-voice synth that offers an original, modern take on the EMS VCS 3 concept.

“I want to bust two big myths,” notes Carr. “It’s not as complicated as it looks, and it’s not just a crazy sci-fi sound effects machine.”

If you like crazy sci-fi sound effects, though, the Syntrx II has you covered.

Watch the video and share your thoughts on the Erica Synths Syntrx II in the comments!

Topics covered:

Syntrx II vs the original EMS VCS3 / EMS Synthi — key similarities and differences

Syntrx II vs Syntrx I — what changed and why

The 16×16 digital pin matrix explained

Using the Syntrx II as a standard 3-oscillator monosynth

The trapezoid (looping) envelope in practice

All-analog signal path walkthrough

Onboard 3-channel sequencer, DSP reverb and delay, envelope follower

FM, self-oscillation, noise modulation, and filter techniques

Sample & hold circuit — how to set it up

The joystick as an LFO / recording modulation source

MIDI setup tips (offset fix, CC assignments for X and Y axes)

Patch saving — what it DOES and DOESN’T save, and why it matters

Pros and cons

In his latest Blush Response video, Joey Blush reviews the Erica Synths Syntrx II synthesizer – an original design that offers a modern take on the Synthi AKS.

The Syntrx II features stable main oscillators with waveshapers, a versatile multimode filter, external instrument inputs with an envelope follower, ringmodulator, recordable joystick, built-in piano roll sequencer, matrix mixer and DSP-based FX.

Blush calls the Syntrx II ‘F***ing Sick’. What do you think? Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments!

Erica Synths has announced the availability of their SYNTRX II.

Introduced at Superbooth 2022, the Syntrx II is an update to their Syntrx synth that takes the EMS Synthi AKS concept into the future.

While the Syntrx II is inspired by the classic EMS Synthi AKS design, it features stable oscillators, new synthesis options, a digital patch matrix, patch recall, a built-in sequencer, effects and more.

An in-depth overview from Loopop‘s Ziv Eliraz:

Features:

• Two stable main oscillators with CV controlled waveforms
• Modulation oscillator with variable waveforms
• Highpass and Lowpass filters in series
• Free running or gate synced sample and hold circuit
• Multi-colour noise generator
• DC coupled instrument inputs with signal inversion and envelope follower
• Ringmodulator of unique design
• Looping trapezoid envelope generator and VCA
• Two output VCAs
• Signal meter with a dedicated audio/CV output
• FX section with great sounding Delay and Reverb
• Recordable Joystick Analogue patch matrix with 3 attenuation levels in each patch point
• 254 patch memory
• Piano roll sequencer
• Two CV inputs
• Gate input
• DIN5 MIDI Input (CV and Gate) and MIDI Thru
• Two assignable outputs
• Headphone output

Erica Synths Syntrx II available now, priced at € 1800.00 (VAT excl.)/ $2179.