Groove Synthesis Announces 3rd Wave 8M 8-Voice Desktop Synthesizer


Superbooth 2025: Groove Synthesis today announced the 3rd Wave 8M – a compact desktop synthesizer they say brings the Groove Synthesis sound to a more accessible price point, without compromising on sound quality or core features.

“We created the 8M to bring the distinct 3rd Wave sonic character and sound design capabilities to more musicians and producers,” said Bob Coover, co-founder of Groove Synthesis. “This isn’t a watered-down version of our flagship 24-voice models. The signal processing chain, analog electronics, and the sound are the same as on the 24. The 8M just makes the 3rd Wave experience accessible to musicians, sound designers, and producers who don’t need the full scale system.”

The 3rd Wave 8M maintains complete patch compatibility with the 24-voice 3rd Wave models, allowing users to seamlessly integrate the 8M into existing setups or upgrade to larger models in the future. The streamlined user interface focuses on performance-oriented controls while utilizing a larger, more intuitive display for deep sound design capabilities.

“The 8M has the full DNA of our flagship models,” reassures Andrew Silverman, the other Groove Synthesis co-founder. “We’ve carefully considered what matters most to musicians and sound designers, preserving the elements that define our sound while creating a more accessible entry point to the 3rd Wave sonic universe.”

The 3rd Wave 8M continues the Groove Synthesis tradition of combining vintage inspiration with modern capabilities. While the 3rd Wave has roots in the classic digital wavetable synths of the past, it takes that concept into the 21st century with a sound that’s a product of its expanded wavetables and warm, organic analog filters. The performance-focused interface avoids menu diving for a natural control flow, preserving and adapting the vital parts of the keyboard’s controls in a compact format.

Features:

  • 8-Voice Polyphony: Full 3rd Wave sound engine with 8 voices and three oscillators per voice
  • Complete Synthesis Toolset: Wavetable synthesis, analog-style synthesis, FM, and sampling
  • Bi-timbral: Two independent parts for layering and splitting
  • Complete Patch Compatibility: Seamless integration with 24-voice 3rd Wave models
  • 8 Analog Filters and Output Stage: The same premium analog filters and output circuit design as flagship 24-voice models, 24K and 24M
  • Streamlined Interface: Performance-oriented, expressive control set with larger display
  • Multiple Outputs: 4 balanced outputs for flexible studio integration
  • Compact Design: Smaller footprint ideal for desktop or touring setups

The 3rd Wave 8M is expected to be available and shipping in July 2025 for $1,999

If you are attending Superbooth, you can meet them at booth #O246 for some serious synth talk, inspiring demos, and a glimpse into what’s next from Groove Synthesis.

 

Instruō Introduces Seashell Compact Modular System At Superbooth 2025


Ahead of Superbooth 2025 in Berlin, Instruō has launched Seashell, an analog semi-modular desktop synth with a modern edge.

At Superbooth 2025, being held May 8-10 at the FEZ-Berlin, Instruō today has introduced Seashell.

They say that the Seashell pairs hands-on hardware with expansive control and configuration of dedicated software. Seashell offers seamless integration of their hardware into existing workflows for professional sound design, music production, and live performance.

A dedicated control app, above, is available for Linux, macOS + Windows.

The official intro video:

Topics covered:

00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:41 Getting Started (init patch setup)
00:07:53 DIFFUSE
00:14:35 Software/DAW integration
00:25:44 Filter Source Routing
00:29:26 GATE to VCA
00:32:54 Filter Controls
00:41:09 Oscillator 2 Low Frequency Mode (LF)
00:44:06 F.M. Routing
00:47:41 Analogue FM
00:53:42 Complex Oscillator (Circular) FM
00:57:00 WAVEFOLD
01:12:11 Pulse Width Modulation
01:19:15 Envelope Modes
01:26:33 Pitch Control Routing (1V/OCT)
01:30:04 TRANSPOSE
01:38:12 Oscillator Sync
01:50:40 EXTEND
02:12:52 MIDI Mapping

The Instruō Seashell Compact Modular System is priced at £649. Visit their site for availability details.

Befaco Debuting Oneiroi Pod, New 1U Modules At Superbooth 2025


At Superbooth 2025, being held May 8-10 at the FEZ-Berlin, Befaco is debuting several new products.

The custom 42HP Oneiroi Pod is designed to let you create a small and portable modular system around their Oneiroi synth voice.

Features:

  • Standard M3 threaded holes
  • 100% lightweight anodized aluminum
  • Built-in 4 sockets power supply
  • Can be daisy-chained with other 4ms Pods
  • Blank panels included

The Oneiroi POD Assembled Module is available now for €623.15.

Befaco is also showcasing three new 1U modules. These include a pair of pedal integration modules: Pedal Pow and Pedal S/R: A power supply for pedals and a send return interface. As well as a Phono pre amp to connect your vinyl player.

Pricing and release data are to be announced, but they say “we aim for cheap range at the end of summer.”