Sonic LAB: Dreadbox Erebus 3 Synthesizer Review

We take a look at the latest incarnation of the Erebus Analogue Synthesizer - its the Dreadbox Erebus V3 from Greece. We loved the V2 so how does this stack up?
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[@CaidicusProductions]

Whatever your reasons, you're worth waiting for Nick. Love your reviews. Merry late Christmas and Happy late new year.

[@0neirogen]

Nick Batt; a constant threat to my wallet...

[@SPAZZOID100]

Blake839 That’s the exception, not the norm.

[@russellthompson8186]

Way to go patch on the right bbq heaven

[@dualtrx]

I'm glad that Dreadbox made it semi modular. Everything should have CVs this days. :)

[@Beautyoutofruin]

Dualtrx 🙌🏻

[@ModularLanding]

Fantastic sounding synth, and a great value. Dreadbox make such interesting stuff and deserve more attention, IMO.

[@zerix01]

The Greek Minimoog.

[@richardfarabaugh7604]

I just need to say that over the years that I have been watching your reviews and other channel content, your planting and overall artistry with synth sound design is growing at an exponential rate. Not to say you couldn’t play say four years ago. You just never fail to impress. Thank you for your content and Lord willing it will continue.

[@lardosian]

That patch at the start is lovely.

[@trev-sb2bk]

happy new year, thanks for this review! so many great synthesizers, released the last years. Medusa, Erebus v3 and hopefully this year too

[@ConwayBob]

Thanks, Nick, for another great review. So glad to see you back in the saddle.

[@dr.getter7118]

The envelope retrigger can be set by changing play mode via the dip switches on the back, for anyone wondering (or so it says in the manual at least): Duophonic mode -> envelopes will always retrigger with new key presses Monophonic mode -> retrigger turned off, so you can play legato if you want

[@Sonakinesis]

Thanks Nick! Your reviews are always incredibly helpful.

[@Oatmeal1400]

A new Sonic state video! It's like Christmas all over :) Thanks for your awesome channel Nick! It's such a big influence for my fascination with synths!

[@ProckGnosis]

Good summary Nick...and you coax some great stuff out of your patches...

[@mCKENIC]

Wonderful sounds Nick! You two were made for each other!

[@solaryzer]

The Cello patch (and the others you created ) sound great ! Fab review and a great sounding synth . I hope you get to review the dreadbox hypnosis reverb/chorus box soon !!

[@PaulBoos]

SJ ditto

[@dancoffeyuk]

The first cello patch is beautiful!

[@synriser6742]

Sounds great! Tip top review as ever showing all the capabilities of a great synth.

[@wurlinnawurl]

We really missed you Nick! Welcome back to you tube!

[@thedrumunkey8582]

Great vid! Happy new year! Stay healthy at NAMM!

[@PaulBoos]

So glad I preordered this and got it shortly before Xmas. This thing sounds lovely...

[@josettes8892]

Another great review. Thanks Nick!

[@TheoVoidTV]

Im so drawn to this synth. Definitely need this.

[@davidgeppert5763]

You are making the best tests! Greetings from Bremen, Germany

[@Djpuzzle]

Got mine a couple days ago and it's really really nice. Thanks for the tips.

[@_Thorsten]

The sound is absolutely stunning.

[@AaronFerenc]

Dang that filter sounds awesome! Nice review!

[@theirrationalmediasociety7993]

loved the interruptions to play the sounds, we know you have to record it or lose it, more vids of you jamming please :)

[@arnieworkihard2885]

good review.thx. i learned a lot from you and used this nice versatile synth a lot in my recordings

[@lucasj7577]

Welcome back Nick!

[@johnpenguin9188]

I really like the design of this thing! Big knobs and intuitive layout. Very nice.

[@inthefade]

That jam at the end was sublime.

[@PCB-]

I immediately watched this again just for the two musical examples. Nicely done.

[@devmiles]

This thing sounds really good!

[@elliotdavidson7137]

just the best reviews ever, Mr Batt humble legend :D

[@bioglassmusic]

I have the V2. They make beautiful sounding synths. That filter goes directly into my most inner self. Sooo buttery smooth.

[@TheSlowGrowth]

Holy moly, does it sound good!

[@maxmatson1578]

Missed you guys!🎹 you guys should do the "Moog one" next¿?

[@DailyChillout]

sounds pretty amazing to me!

[@c.fanger5083]

I just got one of these and it is so cool. Really recommended if you like experimenting with weird sounds, as I do. It just sounds so high quality.

[@konradzubrzycki5056]

Stunning tool! Nice metalwork:)

[@thewakz]

Nice demo, great sounding synth.

[@kek23k]

Sounds lovely :)

[@VCVRackIdeas]

such a cool design

[@Jason75913]

sweet vid, man Don't forget to photograph or jot down settings that you end up liking.

[@Jason75913]

@sbmphr sounds like a sissy excuse =p

[@richardfarabaugh7604]

Licinius Varrus I am sure he does. Actually all Nick has to do is look at his video footage for the sounds in his demos anyway. I cAnt tell you how many pics I have in my iPad or iPhone of various patches. Lol.

[@petrusbarbatusberolinensis2102]

Dreadbox rocks! - I honestly hope there’ll also be a NYX V2 with that new form factor (and a slower LFO)! ❤️

[@StolTechInc]

…and you saw the future :)

[@rodrigolaporte274]

Beautiful instrument. Definitely on my short list

[@RegularDude00]

Really cool sounds

[@fabbrismidnight]

Great demo. Considering this for my main mono/bass synth. Can always save patches with a quick photo. ;-)

[@MichaelRohaly]

Charisma is the right word for this. It just sounds really warm and good and I wound up with one.

[@bionicle141197]

Awesome review like always! Is there still a way to process external audio through the V3 or did they ditch that altogether?

[@MichaelRohaly]

You can add things in various ways, the most obvious being the filter in and the amp in.

[@Gillesmassin]

Cheers nick! Functionality wise, v3 clearly beats v2. But which one would you pick soundwise?

[@devonhansen7705]

can't tell from the brief demonstration of the filter envelope, does the filter res + env seem capable of doing strong kick drums or does it not quite get a high enough peak?

[@Chevytravelleruk]

Another great review Nick.. I think my Neutron will be up for sale shortly

[@HazeAnderson]

You'll be making someone else very happy by doing that! xD

[@KeirMurphy]

What did you see here that influenced you to consider selling it?

[@designhappens8444]

@@KeirMurphy I would also like to know some more about that...

[@richardfarabaugh7604]

Technomadic The Neutron is so reasonably priced that if it was me I’d just be patient and keep it and just save the loot for the Erebus 3. Then you’d have two semi modular synths which would definitely increase your patching potential.

[@skyreadersociety6183]

the greek can be proud of the dreadbox guys!

[@markolijus]

ooo finally erebus 3 review... been a long wait.. And it sounds very nice...but im not as excited as with v2 demo...

[@ztkspace5885]

Brilliant!

[@sonicneutronic]

That thing sounds splendid. Watched a couple of other review, and it didn't sound that great - I guess it just needed to be programmed by the right person. That Ring Mod sounds amazing the first time you bring it in around 3 mins. I guess my question now is "how much more monophonic charisma do I need?" - especially when I have one eye on Namm and SynthPlex.

[@stephenjames4937]

Wouldn't the plural of Erebus be Erebi? Thank you for another great review, Mr Batt. What a groovy little synth.

[@AngryOscillator]

I love that ring mod

[@InkyDaCaT]

The only synth the neighbours complained about 😂 😂 thanks Nick, might have to get one!

[@joelcorelitzmusic]

Is the resonance on the V3 pre-fed like the V2? That's one of the things that gives the 2 so much of its character and I'm not sure I heard it as much here with no resonance dialed in, although it still sounds great! Sometimes on the 2 though, I wish I could take it off because all sounds are a bit resonant. So maybe this is the best of both?

[@drum2one93]

yep, pre-fed like v3

[@FredF78]

Cool! The filter resonance sounds very SID 8580-esque.

[@projectnemesi5950]

Nick, always testing out the most important attributes 5:08

[@wildaudiosociety]

luv it! ... ps. who makes that midi cable you're using?

[@sonicstate]

Its designed for pedal boards I think allows for angling the cable out at the four compass points - the brand is: OneControl

[@rexcellencemagee6729]

I’d sure like some video with the Erebus 3 and the Hades!

[@TheTituane]

I've been eyeballing the Behringer Neutron and Beatstep Pro to have some fun 'noodlin' around' with the analog gear. But seeing Nick's enthusiasm for the Erebus I think this combo is much more hands on fun...

[@Claidheambmor]

Neutron is amazing value for money but the Erebus has such a creamy and satisfying timbre which I found the Neutron kinda lacked. Plus it really does feel premium. Not that the Neutron feels cheap or anything... I dunno. Hard to explain. The knobs feel better to turn and the sound is really buttery.

[@Ogma3bandcamp]

Thank you.

[@incompetentlogistics]

Nick, I'm curious as to why the tuning knobs of the two main oscillators were set to around 2 o'clock throughout most of the video?

[@sonicstate]

No particular reason, just happened to tune them together at that point.

[@fiddlestickzmuzik]

What is that connector at the MIDI ports on your keystep..?

[@vangeliskostoxenakis]

so so so good

[@bigmanlizard7326]

sounds seriously good, been wanting a dreadbox nyx for a while but im leaning towards this instead now.. few more weeks and ill have the money for either maybe soon they will make a dreadbox nyx v2 who knows

[@Alaska1925]

Which is what I'm hoping, too :)

[@davej8119]

I've always wanted the Nyx. I agree, if a verson 2 comes along that addresses a few of the minor things and/or expand it a little - I'll be jumping at it. Till than this E3 looks nice.

[@ednasdiscomachine6049]

I have a Nyx :) It's the one synth I'd never sell. I use it primarily for bass with my modular set-up. It's so addictive shaping the modulators and filter! I have a similar story to Nick's, in that my Nyx is also the first and only time my neighbours complained about the noise.

[@VesiustheBoneCruncher]

4 pole ladder filters don’t *have* to loose the bottom end with the resonance up - they just need a high pass filter in the resonance feedback.

[@andyq9669]

I don't think the problem is a loose bottom end, it's the loss of the bottom end. A loose bottom end could be messy.

[@MichaelRohaly]

What's on the back of the machine? Been a while for the hardware reviews I think!

[@Alaska1925]

Midi in and through on 5 pin sockets Audio out and headphones out Well, power socket and switch And some dip switches, so you can select the midi channel, turn autotune on or off, and change between unison and duophonic modes.

[@Essjay88]

Great review and nice use of IKEA laptop stand :-) Have been waiting quite a while for the V3. Very keen to get one and support Dreadbox. Silly nube question (As I don't have experience of modular or semi modular) is there much/any risk of causing damage while patching or can you experiment pretty freely? Thanks for the review and any responses S

[@Alaska1925]

Well the golden rule would be "never patch an input with another input, or an output with another output". Maybe getting confused won't happen with such a small patchbay, but when taking cables from elsewhere in a larger modular setup.. yeah, double-check, one can never be too sure. Another thing, less worrying but preferably to be kept in mind as well, is how much voltage a certain input can take, and then how much an output can produce. Even if you exceed the recommended maximum there should be no problems, as long as you are careful and don't exaggerate. Again, within 1 system everything should be compatible with anything else, but when in doubt check the manual, I think it lists all of these things 👍🏻 Edit: reworded the first paragraph a bit.

[@Alaska1925]

I reworded the first paragraph a bit, just in case. I wanted to be as clear as possible.

[@Essjay88]

@@Alaska1925 thanks for the comments. Generally makes sense. Another question relates to adding and removing patch cables. Should keys not be pressed on the controller and/or should the volume be turned down... like when connected disconnecting an audio cable? thanks again. Steve

[@Alaska1925]

@@Essjay88 the analogy to the audio cables has some truth behind it. You'd want to be careful with volume spikes in order to not damage the speakers. That's a good habit when dealing with speakers and monitors, but circuits usually have no problems dealing with voltage spikes and whatnot (again, only when said voltages are within the extremes specified by the synth manufacturer). So you don't need to worry about that. Connecting and disconnecting controllers while holding down keys.. I know that if you use midi, that can lead to frozen notes. Easily fixable anyway, and nothing to worry about. I have no direct experience with modular gear, but I believe that even whilst using CV and gate signals there should be no problem in relocating patch cords while signals are going through them. That's certainly obvious for modulation and audio signals, people do that all the time, so I don't see why cv and gate should be any different. I believe cv is always sent, even when you're not pressing down any keys (could be wrong about this though) and gate signals, by their nature, always jump immediately from 0 to 5 volts and viceversa. Doing so by pressing keys or by plugging and unplugging patch cables should make no difference to the circuit, so don't worry about that either 👌🏻 I think the only way you can damage a synth via patching is via the 2 methods I described in my first comment. Don't worry about anything else haha. One last note: remember that the small multi in the lower right part of the patchbay does NOT work as a summing mixer, so don't feed it more than one signal. Some other multiples do on the other hand (like the one in the Moog Grandmother) but not all, so always best to check the manual and look for those bits of info.

[@Jason75913]

I'll be keeping this stuff in mind, guys, thanks

[@nataroonytrontime3976]

Thinking about using this as a few more oscillators for my microbrute. How would I patch it up to controll it with the keyboard as it dosent have a trigger input?

[@sonicstate]

Works with Midi too and does have an envelope trigger in I believe

[@suga4all]

OMG! What a fat sounding synth and even some semi modular feeling coming with it... now I need one!

[@444levels9]

Which sounds better to you Nick, the Erebus v3 or the Medusa?

[@sonicstate]

Erebus 3 but the medusa is way more complex

[@benasaro1043]

Great review! Do I spy dip switches on the back?

[@Alaska1925]

Yep, they moved them to the back, much more easily accessible (v1 and v2 had internal dip switches). They're used to set midi channel, change between unison and duophonic modes, and turn the autotune system on or off 👌🏻

[@benasaro1043]

Alaska1925 Thanks!

[@jacobbrown1690]

perfect filter to run a casio cz through

[@User173]

I bought the Erebus V3 and was sorely disappointed in it. The LFO made a constant whistle in my mix with everything turned down, and the oscillators sounded metallic even without the Ring mod engaged. I could get some decent tones out of it, but the filter never sounded as fat as the videos I saw of v2. So I sent it back, ordered a v2 used and WOW, what a difference. There is something about the v2 that just sounds FAT and squelchy in a way that v3 could not touch. So if you are like me and want the v3, may I recommend buying a v2 used instead, you won't be disappointed.

[@The_Invisible_Man]

Question, can you turn the echo completely off? Worried about a noisy signal flow.

[@sonicstate]

Yes absolutely

[@thepeacetimebookclub3029]

Can I feed samples into it and manipulate them?

[@77advanced]

So after a year i finaly sold my erebus 3 and bought erebus v2 again), because of sound. V3 is just too smooth and its buggy autotune always drives me crazy.

[@myshelby500gt]

Sounds from 18.10 wouldn't sound out of place on stranger things tv series. Bloody hell i'm going to have to buy this now.

[@SorchaSublime]

I wish the special edition wasnt a sweetwater exclusive. It just looks phenomenal

[@dr.getter7118]

If you're into the Hypnosis look, then yeah they match perfectly haha. I like it too, but am more a fan of the classic Dreadbox design, ya know, 2 main colors for the panel. It's easy on the eyes without being boring, Demetria is a talented artist =) I would've considered the Sweetwater variant though, if I lived in the states. But I don't, and transport + import taxes would make the thing much more expensive than the regular version.. yeah, I think I'll go vanilla haha.

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

Love the sound of this wee beastie. Fab review, as usual. BTW: Who does your makeup? You look 3 years younger! :D

[@jasonmoyer]

I hope they make an SMT Abyss v2 so I can actually own one.

[@philmakesnoise]

I wonder if you could route a legato mode like an Arp Odyssey

[@johnadams5489]

Impressive. I like the fact that this is a 3 Osc synth. Great filter harmonics, this is a serious piece of equipment. I had thought about getting a Behringer Model D for a great Mini Moog sound. However, I've been reading end user Posts concerning the amount of drifting that synth produces as time goes on. I don't know how reliable this company is, I supposed we have to expect some drift with Analog synths. However you should be able to check the tuning before starting a song and expect it to be in tune for a 3 minutes song, otherwise a pure analog synth is worthless. This looks like a solid unit and it sounds great. Its better to pay a little more and get a robust sounding synth for leads and great sound effects. Sweetwater his this synth for $599.00. That's the MAP price.

[@Alaska1925]

This Erebus also has autotune, so if your worried about tuning then this is for you 👍🏻

[@HazeAnderson]

The Neutron has auto-tuning as well. For the price of this one synth you can get a Model D and a Neutron.

[@azagedon]

I have a model D, like any hardware you turn it on make a cup of tea come back then its warmed up. I use a tuning VST (Gtune) to dial it in and then its good to go for the session. It isnt "Great for a mini moog", its damn right identical, I still pinch myself how epic it sounds and how little I paid for it. With any analogue gear you can always use the previously mentioned VST before you record/commit to tape to check it's still in tune, it doesn't drift but I always double check for consistency. Ignore the old outdated and preconceived opinions on Behringer, its a really well made piece of kit, the only reason it's so cheap is because it isnt handmade, dont be fooled. :-)

[@Zinfidel1]

It sounds like you want some type of analog/digital synth with perfect tuning. It's reasonable to expect analog synths to drift somewhat. The others make solid points. I also have Behringer's D and azagedon is correct. There is some drift but it's not horrible or often. The D also has a digital oscillator as a tuning reference. I always wait about 10 minutes for gear to warm up, tune, and it's good to go. It literally takes like 5 seconds to pull out a tuner a correct it.

[@Zinfidel1]

Haze, that's correct. Also, if using MIDI control on the Neutron, holding down the Scale button turns the LFO leds into a tuning guide. Which is super neat. Though it appears this doesn't work if using CV/gate control. Either way John Adams, Erebus or Model D, you can't really go wrong.

[@MatheusLeston]

what those dip switches in the back do? midi channel config?

[@sonicstate]

yep

[@Alaska1925]

As far as I remember, they are used for midi channel selection, duophonic/unison selection (Which I believe also determines the retriggering of the envelopes) and autotune on/off.

[@pipster1001]

It does that thing :)

[@ROEGIBI]

3:05 is reason enough to get one!

[@Dan2Hibiki]

Hot take: this sounds better than a minimoog

[@HotStrange]

I mean I’m finding it hard to disagree. I have one in the post so I’ll know personally soon but based on the demos I’ve seen the Dreadbox team has just perfected their oscillator/filter combo so that everything just sounds fantastic.

[@aster6000]

This and the Behringer Neutron would be magical..

[@Glazed4Dayz]

I was jist thinking that too, but since I already own a Neutron... I would buy another one and a pedal to get the ring. Have 4 osc and still save money.

[@hiddenagenda1779]

excellentNick!!

[@fonitronik]

Surface mount technology (SMT) vs through hole technology (THT) does not make any difference in sound. It is the quality of parts used that can make a difference (i.e. which capacitor you use for what task). Just saying.

[@HazeAnderson]

Thru hole is great for DIYers like myself. Nothing inherently different about SMD ... it's what you do when you go from hand building to mass production. Now VACUUM TUBES ... that's where the difference is, but those have TONS of cons about them as well.

[@johnpenguin9188]

Haze Anderson nope no cons at all! My entire computer is built out of them and it sounds great 😂😂😂

[@andyq9669]

SMD is only a problem when you have to fix something..

[@galaxodronoriginal7775]

Nice look Galaxodron Monster Synth. Hii..

[@Stadsjaap]

Haha, sucked into the patch halfway through the review... 'nuff said!

[@alexanderscott6332]

I have to choose between the Erebus and the Nyx purely for budgetary reasons... I need help to decide, can anyone advise ?

[@gladtobeangry]

Depends on what you're looking for, and what you already own. I think the Nyx is a great synth for dark pads, ambient drones, plus it has that huge and characterful reverb on it. The Erebus seems a bit more versatile, great for leads, basses, and all sorts of other monophonic tones. I've always had more of a need for echos/delays than for reverbs. An echo can be utilised to create ambience, but it also can be used in a rhythmic way. To me that makes it more versatile. For me the Erebus seems more useful, but it really hinges on what kind of music you want to make with it.

[@bigkingsha]

All those patch points yet, can't rack it. What a damn shame.