In the latest Sonic Lab review, Edd Butterworth takes a look at the new Erica Synths Techno System – a complete Eurorack modular synthesizer system, designed with techno music in mind.

Butterworth says that the Techno System is “A pricey piece of gear, but if you’re gonna jump into the modular game and want to make some gnarly hard dance tunes, then this could be your best weapon…”

We talked with Erica Synths head Girts Ozolins about the new system at Superbooth 2018, and got a sneak preview, with special help from KODEK:

Here’s what they have to say about the modules:

• Bassline – fully analogue synth voice module for ultimate basslines and leads. It features AS3340 VCO with three waveforms, a filter inspired by Erica Synths Acidbox and unique features – transistor-based suboscillator and two BBDs that emulate VCO detune.
• Bass Drum – takes classical drum machine kick drum sounds to the next level with a modular functionality – more parameters and CV control.
• Snare Drum – 909 inspired sound with with modular functionality in mind – CV controls and Accents will add lot of expression to your performance
• Toms – the module contains Low Tom, Mid Tom and High Tom, each with individual Pitch and Decay controls and outputs plus CV control over pitch.
• Clap – brings classical drum machine sounds in eurorack. Accent and CV control over tune adds more versatility in sound.
• Hi-Hats D – classical Hi-Hats samples are passed thru AS3330 based VCA with adjustable shape and controlled via envelope generators of unique design. Extra feature is Open HiHat looping – when it’s on, a certain part of the sample is looped while the envelope decay is on, thus creating distinct, delay-like effect.
• Cymbals – distinct topology digital/analogue module, where cymbal samples are passed thru AS3330 based VCA and controlled via envelope generators of unique design. The module features 10 sets of custom Crash and Ride cymbal samples with Tune control and individual Decay control.
• Modulator features two identical syncable to the BPM LFOs/noise sources with selectable morphing waveshapes. LFO frequency can be manually adjusted or CV controlled, as well as they provide frequency divisions and multiplications in
• Sync mode. Each LFO has two outputs — main one and secondary one with adjustable phase, so you can create evolving modulations
• Drum Sequencer is an ultimate modular drum sequencer with 16x trigger outputs, 12x Accent outputs, 1x CV and Gate track and 2x Synced or free running LFO outputs.
• Mixer Lite is a compact 6 input version of a Drum Mixer. Built in vactrol based compressor settings can be adjusted to a taste via trimpots through the front panel.
• Dual Drive features two independent distortion circuits with gain and overdrive parameters, each with three overdrive flavors. Thanks to CV inputs, it is possible to create very lively distortion and great stereo effects.
• Dual FX combines two Spin FV-1 chips in one module, each filled with eight custom effect programs with two adjustable and CV controlled parameters per effect and analogue dry/wet circuit. The effects repertoire of the Dual FX has been specially tailored to drum sounds and all parameter settings can be saved with the effect.
• Drum Mixer – compact, 7 input mixer of unique design provides greater dynamic range and built in vactrol based compressor for high clarity of each drum sound in the mix. The first three inputs have selectable allocation – to the Main output or Main output + Aux Send
• Stereo Mixer comes equipped with four channel strips, each containing two inputs (L / R).Thanks to some clever routing options, mono signals can be placed nicely in the panorama as well. All four stereo channel strips feature a level potentiometer and a limiter provides protection against very hot signals.
• LINK is the module that bridges eurorack to stage mixers — it has 5 sections that attenuate eurorack signals to line level signals and send them to 6,3mm jacks for quality connection to the performance mixer.

Pricing and Availability

The Erica Synths Techno System is available now for at £3690/$4199/€3799.