At Superbooth 2025, being held May 8-10 at the FEZ-Berlin, Erica Synths, in collaboration with Hexinverter, has introduced HexDrums, a hybrid analog/digital drum machine.
The HexDrum has 10 sound sources, mostly based on the Hexinverter Mutant series of percussion modules: two kick drums for different (or combined) flavors – the BD9 and Bass drum, an optimized Mutant Machine, Snare drum, Clap, Rimshot and HiHats. To complete the setup, Erica Synths Cymbals are added, featuring 10 sets of crash and ride cymbal samples.
All drums have individual outputs. For the master section, they are panned in the stereo field before being sent into the Compressor and Master Drive, derived from the Mutant Glue. A special feature is the kick drum-controlled sidechain that can be used to animate drum patterns on the beat.
A hands-on sequencer lets you create patterns up to 64-steps, with per-track accent, per-step microtiming, ratchets, rolls, per-step probability and a memory of 16 banks with 16 patterns each.
“Our plan was always to use the Mutant Drum DNA to create a next-level desktop drum machine. We began early work on one before the Pandemic,” explains Hexinverter’s Stacy Gaudreau. “I’m so glad that the Erica Synths crew was able to carry out the vision and finish the dream!”
HexDrums will be available for purchase later this year. Details are to come on Erica Synths site.
“How nice is this?” he asks, adding “I’ve had a little play with it myself, and it sounds gorgeous.”
Official specs are to be announced, but the desktop version of the BRee6 is a polyphonic analog synthesizer that features fully analog sound generation. It offers six voices of polyphony, each equipped with a single voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), and a sub oscillator.
The signal path includes a mixer, a 4-pole low-pass voltage-controlled ladder filter (VCF), and a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA). The control signals are digitally generated, incorporating one low-frequency oscillator (LFO) and two ADSR-type envelope generators. Additionally, the Bree6 integrates an effects processor with chorus and delay.
Details on pricing and availability are still to come at the GS Music site.
Superbooth 2025: Analogue Solutions has introduced AS Vocoder, a fully-analog vocoder that they say “blends authentic vintage inspiration with modern reliability.”
What they have to say about it:
“This vocoder is not a digital emulation—it’s the real deal, offering 100% analogue audio paths and modulation circuits. While the AS Vocoder draws design inspiration from vintage classics of the 1970s, such as iconic vocoder units used in groundbreaking electronic music, all circuits within the AS Vocoder are original Analogue Solutions designs.
The AS Vocoder analyses the spectral content of speech or any audio signal and uses it to modulate internal oscillators or external sound sources. It provides musicians, producers, and sound designers with the legendary vocoder effect, capable of generating harmonically rich, robotic, or melodic vocal textures.
There are no gimmicks, just pure, unadulterated analogue vocoding crafted in a rugged enclosure designed for studio integration and live performance reliability. With a premium build quality that includes a solid metal case and precision-engineered components, the AS Vocoder ensures durability and consistency for years to come.”
The AS Vocoder is designed to be used as a standalone unit or to integrate directly into the Colossus console.
Pricing and Availability for the AS Vocoder are to be announced.
