At Superbooth 2023, Erica Synths’ Girts Ozolins the Steampipe – an 8-voice physical modelling synthesizer, created in collaboration with Dutch company 112.dB.
The Steampipe has no conventional oscillators. Instead, it mimics the way sound is created in wind instruments, with three major sections – STEAM, PIPE and REVERBERATOR:
- The STEAM section can be compared to the lungs and mouth of a musician. The generator creates the flow of air or “steam”, the envelope in this section determines the force with which it is blown out. DC/noise is the noise you get when blowing out. DC/Noise on the Steampipe can also be replaced with an external audio source.
- The PIPE section can be compared to a flute. In the pipe, the tune is formed. Push (in feedback) bounces the steam like it does in a flute and generates the tone. The delay box subsection changes the flute’s tuning and shape.
- The REVERBERATOR adds space and ambience to the sound.
The Steampipe works with any MIDI keyboard, but is optimized for performance with wind MIDI controllers.
Pricing and Availability
The Erica Synths Steampipe is currently in development, so details on pricing and availability are to be announced, but it is expected to be available later this year.
Video: Superbooth Berlin
