Future Sound Systems Intros Cric Analog Pin Matrix Synthesizer

Future Sound Systems has introduced Cric, a fully-analog patchable synthesizer that they say is “designed to showcase our approach and attitude towards subtractive sound synthesis.”

Cric is an original design that’s not based on pre-existing instruments or the company’s Eurorack modules. It has been designed as a fully-fledged, standalone instrument. Here’s what they have to say about it:

“Rock solid voltage-controlled oscillators give the user both pitch precision and FM flexibility. A comprehensive filter section affords timbral sculpting from basic filtering to total transformation of incoming tones. Four cyclical function generators can be used as envelopes, LFOs or even audible VCOs.

in matrix patching allows for the synthesizer to be configured as a standard triple-VCO subtractive synth, or a paraphonic synth, or a drum machine, or a noise box, and so the list goes on.

Four inputs and outputs allow for audio processing, external CV control, feedback routing and more – there’s even a microphone pre-amp on input 1.

Steel casing, Mirrl-clad HIMACS end-cheeks and hand assembly and testing ensure a rugged and durable build quality.”

Cric Audio Demos:

Technical Specifications:

  • Oscillators : Three SSI2131-based analogue VCOs in Recombination configuration, white noise generator
  • Filter : SSI2164-based 18dB/octave state-mixable analogue VCF, with wave-folding, based on the Timbral Sculptor
  • Dynamics : SSI2164-based VCAs present in DNA oscillators, filter section and as a standalone VCA
  • Modulation : Sample and hold + four cyclical function generators offering AD and ASD envelope configuation, cycle mode, and slope and pulse sources
  • Routing : 24 source x 32 destination active pin matrix allowing for splitting and summing of all signals
  • I/O : Four DC-coupled inputs and outputs for multi-channel audio and CV use. Microphone pre-amplifier assigned to In 1. Headphone amplifier on Out 1
  • Dimensions : 550 x 310 x 80 mm, 5.3 kg
  • Power : +12VDC (centre positive, 2.1mm barrel jack connector), 2.5A, PSU included

Pricing and Availability:

The Future Sound Systems Cric synthesizer is priced at RRP: £2,499.00, and is expected to be available 7th November 2024.

14 thoughts on “Future Sound Systems Intros Cric Analog Pin Matrix Synthesizer”

  2. Glad to see pin matrices coming back into fashion. This is a bit more than I want to spend on a monosynth, but it’s a very nice design and has a distinctive sound.

    1. its not a very effective design
      its a waste of multiples
      lets say u have a “heavy” patch and have 4 pins in a raw
      20 unused multiples per raw = 20×26 =
      520 multiples (!!!) you dont need at all (!)

    2. and there is no amount thingy per pin , how much of this goes into that …
      its static pins …
      these things are not as flexible as they suggest 😉

  7. Pin matrix is cool but I’m too stupid to DIY. Also it’s too cheap and therefor not good enough for me. If it had MAKENOISE written on it and was reassuringly expensive (say $3000+) I would have ordered immediately

    1. I know you just try to be funny and all, but in your example the “Make Noise” version would be actually the cheaper one (say $260+). You know £2,499.00 = $3264.00 (as of writing, rounded)

  8. “a waste of multiples”? Are you saying that you use all the knobs ,sliders and inputs and outputs on your non matrix synth all at the same time?

  9. “a waste of multiples”? Are you saying that you use all the knobs ,sliders and inputs and outputs on your non matrix synth all at the same time?

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