Neutral Labs let us know that they’ve introduced the Elmyra 2, a major upgrade over the first version, which was originally conceived a purely open-source project.

The Elmyra 2 is described as “a full-blown semi-modular microtonal workstation for drones and experimental sounds”.

The new instrument can be used as a desktop synthesizer, or as a 42 HP Eurorack module. It features 41 patch points and 31 modulation targets, 4 voices with up to 12 oscillators total, 9-per voice effects, VCF switchable between 4 types (on top of the per-voice LPF and HPF filters), 4 sequencers, a delay, a unique analog shaping/distortion circuit, 2 LFOs, a bunch of utilities, a lo-fi reverb and more.

There is an option to adjust the specific sound characteristics using preset cards (a set of 4 included). In addition, individual components, like diodes or capacitors, can be plugged directly into the front panel to change the sonic characteristics of the synth.

Features:

• 4 independent voices activated by touch or CV
• Wavetable-based complex oscillator engine, up to 12 oscillators in total, 1V/octave compatible
• Chromatic mode makes chords and harmonic sounds possible, microtonal scales supported
• 41 patch points
• 31 modulation targets
• Touchpads with analog envelopes that can be used as modulation sources
• Resonant filter switchable between:
  • “Boomy and aggressive” multimode 2-pole state variable filter (low-pass, band-pass, high-pass)
  • “Creamy” 4-pole low-pass ladder filter
• Delay with unhealthy amounts of feedback
• lo-fi reverb
• Analog OUCH circuit: a unique combination of destructive distortion, waveshaping and filtering
• Sonic character can be customized by using special preset cards (set of 4 included) or components like diodes that can be plugged into the front panel
• Preset cards can be used with other Neutral Labs modules
• External audio can be processed via audio input
• 9 per-voice modulations and effects:
  • Unison detune
  • Dual sub-oscillators
  • Saturation
  • Bitmangler
  • Sample rate reduction
  • Noise
  • High-pass filter
  • Low-pass filter
• 2 LFOs: 1 sine, 1 complex morphable
• 4 sequencers with arbitrary step length per voice (up to 128), allows polymetric structures
• Delay time and LFOs can be clock-synced or unsynced (tap tempo is also possible)
• Utilities
• Dual attenuator/buffered multiple/voltage generator
• CV summing circuit
• Case made of plant-based bioplastic and native German oak wood
• Boutique synth handmade in Germany

Pricing and Availability:

Elmyra 2 is available as a DIY kit for £277, and assembled as a Eurorack module for $529 USD. See the Neutral Labs site for details.