Erica Synths Techno System - SonicLAB Review

Techno System Eurorack modular from Erica Synths, designed for banging Techno use. With 10 Drum Modules and a bass voice plus mixers and FX and the Drum Sequencer.
Edd takes a look.
#soniclabreview #ericasynths #technosystem
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[@ajmccarthy3896]

I know this is old but thanks for making this video, I just got this system and a lot of what you went over in the video has helped me get past some of the initial learning curve. Really great video.

[@marcgourlay5277]

If it's what you want and you think it's worth it go for it. But its 90s techno in a nice polite case that screams "middle age crisis". I'll probably end up getting one!

[@geompon6505]

Interesting thoughts, that middle age crisis hit me hard m8! What I was thinking is that you get a hands on easy workflow, plus you get much more than a drum machine. Also let's be fair its sound is great! I think combined with ableton it's all you need (and 3800 euros of course!)

[@NineHellHeaven]

I think it's amazing and white I'm sure it can sound 90's I also think it sounds very current (and futuristic). The middle age crisis bit rings through though. I'm 40ish, have a decent job so am actually tempted. Not much more expensive than a Mini Moog but way cooler. I'd probably just cherry pick my favourite modules though.

[@CaveWay]

😂 so on point. On my way to 40 next year and totally want one.

[@marcgourlay5277]

Gee I didn't think a silly comment could be so controversial. This unit sounds awesome to my ears and the workflow looks well thought through. I'd use it for techno but that's because I'm an old fart. I have no doubts that in the right hands it's capable of way more than pretending to be Ritchie H. My personal MLC buy was a Matrixbrute and I've no regrets. But to those younger synth fans out there remember expensive gear is just that - expensive gear. It won't make you better (or worse) and in my experience cost have never really equaled extra inspiration. So, young uns - do as I say and not as I do -get the best you can get, learn it inside out and make some music (with other people if you can). All love :)

[@spaceman103]

Marc Gourlay That MLC remark ruined the sales figures 😄

[@johnpenguin9188]

This is the kind of equipment I like to see... not that I’m going to buy it or anything, I’d like to stay married.

[@NineHellHeaven]

My wife loves me using this stuff as if you have this kind of equipment, you don't have the time or money for other women. 😎😍

[@pablumpicasso9207]

My wife just told me I can sell her Analog Rytm so we can buy this.

[@gooneybird808]

Y’all are crazy this thing is dope as all hell! Beefy gritty monster...I want!!

[@saintnicholas5507]

OMG this is the best Drum Machine on the market

[@hulkslayer626]

Nice to see so many people in the comments that are new to Eurorack :)

[@ksqmusic]

Power to Erica for having the cahonas to make a product like this. The sticker shock was real but when you break it down to what you're actually getting- It's not too bad. Def something to consider though I would expect more from the hihat / cymbal engines. Something on par with what the Jomox Alpha Base or Analog Rytm in terms of actual synthesis.

[@inf0tr8r]

way more sweet spots with erica synths, which is important for live play

[@goodboid]

Only 50 euros per knob. It's a steal.

[@jefdamen2977]

Dials that sound like crickets :) cool

[@jacco1967]

As a lucky owner.... exactly what I was after for my live set up. 909 on steroids

[@outlier5844]

me too

[@Electrickbreadstick]

Its nice to see someone who tweaks with BOTH hands. I love 4 x 4 grids for sequencing. Pocket Operators and Maschines are great examples of this. Just for fun, Id love to hear this thing go head to head with a PO-12

[@sector328]

is cheaper than many racks out there. i got a 9u 84hp and that alone is 5000+. anybody in the modular world knows that the price is right for this rack. you can do the same in a less expensive way? of course you can, you can produce any kind of music with a pc. i basically play only modular ( i use my 9u 84hp to do both audio and visuals at the same time), but that won´t make me change my mind: the pc is the most powerful instrument ever created, cause it can do anything any other instrument can, and even more

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

correct and price in line with other systems like the Make Noise Shared System and this has lots of modular drums and FX and sequencer. I built my own eurorack setup and it was way more than what this system costs. But I also have lot more modulation and other stuff like better matrix mixer and better complex sequencers. The weak point of this techno system is the crappy sequencer and lack of modulation.

[@danielboen1397]

@@GuitarsAndSynths I have to say, the sequencer is absolutely terrific once you get to know it.

[@Wagoo]

Erica Synths modules usually seem pretty reasonably priced against other boutique eurorack modules, but when you lump them all together like this.. you do remember how expensive eurorack can be. I can't help but feel they could have halved the price if they unified the PCBs and had a patch bay etc. and made a dedicated machine out of their tech.. This is just a load of their modules lumped together at the end of the day.. I suppose the good aspect of that is if you really want this you can build it gradually over a few years

[@sunilsolanki]

Looks and sounds beautiful. I think its real power are the various areas of gain staging and overdriving. Needs a few extra Lfos for modulation and a 2nd synth voice. And it's a killer. What are the front patch points on the sequencer used for if the are already normaled from the rear? Can you duplicate the patterns with perhaps other modules you would attach them to? Great review.

[@ActualKaktus]

Sound and build quality aside, the workflow on this thing is the biggest selling point. You don't have to work hard to get killer sounds out of it.

[@rogerlegends166]

Maybe working hard is the point

[@ben-7403]

Sounds very thicc, I like it. The classic Erica sound.

[@YOGIGER]

Got it 2 weeks ago, thing is dope

[@moralrevulsionLive]

Can it do minimal techno oriented listenings or is functionality and worlflow revolves around the harder industrial techno side? Thanks You still have it? Quality? Thanks so much bro

[@ferryhelmich]

Nobody will admit it sucks after spending 4K ;) Not saying you don’t like it though haha

[@Digiphex]

A year on how is it?

[@Dolmens_Art]

Did you stick with it?

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Great sound. Great flexibility. Very performative and solid. You could easily do a long semi-improv set with this.

[@eighth_wave]

Ya it's expensive but the TR-808 was about $3800 when it came out and this does way more soooo 🤷

[@zipnone1996]

very cool. putting limits on how much gear you use makes room for more creativity, and in this regard i think this system is pretty great.

[@zipnone1996]

@Alastair Jackson thanks for contributing

[@baaaaaf]

buy this or an opel astra 2011 ?

[@MeatyController]

To keep from being an anachronism for the elite, a modular drum setup is better left custom. I'd rather put in work researching which noise generators, envelopes, mixers one prefers and are most suitable for personal style. I don't toms, rarely use claps.. As always, much respect, just not in the range of most musicians. Gorgeous sounding and looking no doubt!

[@TheBluehood23]

so what you saying is that is not really for making some minimal house, romanian minimal????? not into too much of industrial and aggressive elevating sound..

[@noisebleeder6096]

SOMA PULSAR-23 IS the next big thing :)

[@glenorpheus]

so what happened to the sampler they had with this originally ? i.e. the blank plate top left

[@paulskinback717]

what a bit of kit id literally spend hours on that hop i win the lottery . nice1 . happy new year

[@poeply]

Hey, how did you make the baseline sound so acidish around minute 23? Did you use some cv control on the module or just the drum sequencer? Happy for some shared insight :)

[@angstraum]

Sounds great. I preferred the white sequencer buttons of the prototype though. I'd pay 1500 EUR.

[@JacobPadlock]

That pattern you have programmed in the first section of this video SLAPS

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Reminds me a lot of a modular eurorack version of the Elektron Octatrack!

[@MarshalArnold]

man, this sounds great and looks beautiful!

[@continuummusic220]

That's fab. Sounds really good...WAIT WHAT? 3800 quid? LOL Nope.

[@girlinagale]

Business techno only.

[@MrQurutin]

Welcome to the wonderful world of modular synthesizers where you'll end up broke no matter your income level

[@spaceman103]

Bass Drum module and a lfo are all you need. Safes you 3500 quid.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

@@MrQurutin or out of space

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

just get Elektron or MFB drum synthesizer and save over 2k - thank me later. I know guys deep into expensive modular stuff that told me to do that and be happy. One guy has 20k plus in modular and even he uses an Elektron Digitakt for drums along his modular gear.

[@tehnik333]

nice! awesome sound. well done, Erica. I like the mixer and dual fx module, I will check these out. Edit: also, nice demo, thanks.

[@Mark_Ocain]

Oooo ..interesting. I like the 'twiddle-ability' but at that price I think this is more a studio box OR a really nice drum machine for the well to do muso that digs retro drum sounds in the mix. Kind of sounds like a Korg MS-20 with expansion.

[@barabanovainna]

Add 200 more for some patch cables. Nice bassline module

[@barabanovainna]

@Edd Butterworth so ill buy 2!

[@CaveWay]

Will trade an unopened OP-1 for the TS 🤗

[@OldHorn666]

LOL, good luck with that. 😊

[@sprungjitsu8465]

I wonder if you would buy volcas for that price what you could do with them

[@Techno0031]

How much does this complete system cost ?

[@BillyMcBride]

Though some may think that the first, middle and last sequence all sound the same, I am sure those of us who are more expertise with techno appreciate the sounds and type of music such a machine does. Myself, I would use it as a drum machine for synthesizer improvisations, but I don't know if I can yet take my own music I make there. Yet, it is tempting, if I could afford it, to imagine the sounds and music. I suppose you can build it up, piece by piece. My take on doing that is that one wishes to have a good sound, and one should shoot for quality when one can.

[@daxtonfleming]

Sorry if you covered this and I missed it, but what's with the blank panel at the top-left? Looks like there was a "Sample Drum" module there on the cover of the booklet?

[@sonicstate]

Yes its not available yet

[@iamhated1292]

Sounds very good to me. I'll ask Santa for one 🎅

[@sdskyle]

Why complaining about the price? I though modular was a haven for ppl who wanna spend thousands of dollars to be able to make a few basic synth voices? Also price is on par with silly overpriced vintage drum machines, anyways. Right? I don’t really see the problem. This is a big system in a nice case and it’s modular. Oooh!

[@HazeAnderson]

"Right? I don’t really see the problem." How about if we use YOUR money to buy it then? 😬

[@slipknotboy555]

@@HazeAnderson No one's forcing anyone to buy it, so that's kinda a ludicrous response. The most I've spent on a synth (or sampler, or drum machine) is $500, so I understand, and definitely won't be getting it, but the shit talking in the comments is ridiculous. It's Eurorack, of course it's gonna be expensive. And as OP pointed out, certain vintage drum machines go for similar prices, but don't have the versatility offered by all the i/o. Plus, you could just get a couple modules if you really want them. One thing that's kinda laughable in the OP, though - "a few basic synth voices." Are you joking? The possibilities offered by modular synths are immense.

[@sdskyle]

I meant that sarcastically. Lol

[@slipknotboy555]

@@sdskyle Oh, ok, that makes sense

[@JimOblon]

sdskyle 4K alone for a 909 now. Totally agree.

[@TJ-hs1qm]

edit: @15:05....I find it totally obnoxious that no one ever cares to properly demo the shuffle on a drum machine. It’s one of the most defining features and he goes on to demo the mute/solo button wtf?

[@Taketaketak]

Really like your reviews. The modular guy of sonic state.

[@inf0tr8r]

I'll take 2

[@pcuimac]

The great sounding madness that's modular!

[@davegetsspam]

My "middle age crisis" is that I cant afford a alesis drum machine let alone this monster

[@jasonmoyer]

The cv connectivity is nice, but otherwise I can't imagine why you'd go for one of these instead of a mkII Rytm which can do more for 1/3 of the money.

[@Noise-Maker]

This niche is about the kinesthetic experience. The more buttons and cables the better. Do not confuse capability (price) vs an expensive modular. Anyone seriously looking for a modular likely knows what they are getting vs price and other alternatives. Like you and I using Analog Rytm there is someone out there scratching there head as to why we spent all that money when we could just use Abletons Drum Rack. I would also wager you are here because you enjoy the kinesthetic experience and appreciate what Erica has done, its just out of our price range or (willing to part with 4k)and we are happy to settle for a less kinesthetic experience with our Rytm than a full 4k drum modular.

[@jasonmoyer]

I think part of my problem is the nature of the demos I've seen. Everyone's using it to make stuff you could do on any XoX drum synth. Once people start posting clips off odd generative rhythms using it my interest will probably be piqued.

[@knewy]

for that i guess you would only really need to look at the sequencer.. triggering many things in a modular rack, other than conventional drums and a bassline. so not the techno system @@jasonmoyer

[@Traumm9]

Great walk through. Thanks for sharing :-)

[@hunterjpierce4623]

how are you triggering the drums without having a a trig sent to them?0.o

[@sonicstate]

normalized internal routing I believe

[@yvesbajulaz]

Sounds awsome

[@clashclashbangbang]

I bought two. Because of Erica.

[@OldHorn666]

Damn, I need this in my life! Yes, it’s expensive, but who cares. I love those sounds!

[@evillain999]

how much?

[@space-skeleton]

It's expensive, but I gotta say that it sounds fantastic, check out some of their demo videos for some flexibility it has. Too bad I'd have to sell almost all my gear to cover the MSRP!

[@NineHellHeaven]

Definitely a few modules in here for me. Don't need the sequencer but it seems great.

[@LinaaaOfficial]

Sounds great, you can't deny that unless you're deaf. It's just expensive.

[@moralrevulsionLive]

Or get a flame mandèr and a rytm mk2 for 1/2 of a price? 🤔 but i understand the idea behind it and somepeople will really is all they will ever need. Price is way up of this now. Almost at 5k euros On a side note best demo ever. Proves is not made for dark or industrial only tech but once you get to know the system it can go bit deeper into oldschool minimal techno also

[@paulmski9564]

Comparing it to a vintage £3500 909 makes it seem not to bad , but when compared to the behringer £299 tr909 its not.

[@someone_else303]

If You want a TR909 or a clone, go and get one. If you want a modular drum machine, here you go! Compare 2 different machines and concepts is ridiculous.

[@paulmski9564]

@@someone_else303 same point i'm making, The guy reviewing it had made the comparison saying it reasonably priced compared to a vintage tr909. that was

[@someone_else303]

@@paulmski9564 Oh, i missed that part then.

[@geompon6505]

actually the it's the vintage 909 that is overpriced. If you look up module prices in generall you ll realise that erica is not that much more expensive. I think it's the hipster culture's fault that gave so much value on the oldies that now the companies (except behringer) can easily overprice anythig. See arturia with that shitty drum machine they released last year, totally not worth its money

[@Scyber_Official]

I want it. But I don't need it.

[@Superlover]

great looks & sounds! great review as well. is it worth 3500 GBP? i don´t think so

[@anonymit3379]

I'm in Audio-Love!!! Production would be AMAZING with this well-crafted synth. Possabilities are endless. Five Stacks is quite high American. Somehow, I got to get this from Europe though... This is another level with what I already have....

[@tonybucks5709]

5 Stacks in Europe too.

[@Kablehead]

Sounds dope! Unfortunately i'll never own one.

[@swordghoti]

Good overview. If I had one of these I'd have to become a hermit.

[@davidbetts2980]

When you think what a Avalon or original 303 would cost, it offers much more. Looks like I'll be working overtime for a long time due to my every growing synthesiser wish list 🤣

[@Digiphex]

Your demo tracks are killer.

[@elliotdavidson7137]

where me cow bell? :(

[@alexlewis5470]

just announced cowbell module i believe

[@craig_z]

It's cool... I want one... but no rim-shot? For that much money?

[@MusicToHelpYou]

Great, useful review. Thanks.

[@JonathanRCross]

8:01 oh yessss

[@zenzero1356]

There goes my savings

[@hoppy303]

The sound: \o/ The price: LOL

[@alfredgkj2495]

great review， thank you

[@OldManFifa]

Simon Cowells got one

[@tallgeese1]

On my shopping list.

[@fiddlestickzmuzik]

It desperately needs a second synth module or sample player.. sounds good and the effects are super nice.

[@Thediscdjstore]

For some reason its not in this vid but the one I've been playing on does have the Sample Drum module in the top left - which is also cool!

[@lovedeathdisco]

@@Thediscdjstore this one was probably a prototype. that unit adds a lot!

[@shawnkawa]

sounds good but yet umm yea so pricey for a drum machine that dosnt save presets. its so much money to buy it wonder how many they will sell. i like the sound of erica synths but this seems really really pricey.

[@Crypto2638]

The thing that it doesn’t have preset is what makes me buy it. I buy a Eurorack to make sounds and explore, otherwise if I use preset I can plug my XONE K2 to Ableton and I get billions of preset with midi control

[@grooveslave]

So sick...

[@RinatShaykhutdinov]

This is sick! But the price is sick too :(

[@cresshead]

how much?

[@RinatShaykhutdinov]

Starting from 3690 Euros: www.ericasynths.lv/shop/eurorack-systems/techno-system/

[@cresshead]

oh £3799 ha ha ha!

[@Lewp77]

dope

[@hannuthyvonen]

Hyvä Basso Saundi.

[@christoroppolo8742]

My drumbrute sounds a lot like this. And with effect and my Ants modular I’m pretty sure I can easily compete with this four thousand dollar beastie beauty. Just saying. Where’s the mono synth they said was coming out soon? Please tell me it too won’t cost four grand. Peace Christo 👽🐕🎶

[@ciatangallaghe2485]

Its going round 7.40

[@Dazzer1234567]

That's a lot of benjamins for a very limited sound pallet. Search KZbin for "Pulsar 23" for something a lot cheaper and more interesting.

[@nephildevil]

Sounds great for industrial/acid techno but as a stand-alone drum computer at +16x times the price of the Arturia Drumbrute Impact it's like the Ferrari of drum computers then 🤣

[@nephildevil]

+16x at current real prices in Belgium, not what it says on the vid

[@stacybigfoot4801]

its the new Timbrewolf

[@bwest6275]

Maybe I’m in the minority but I didn’t hear anything that sounded compelling, definitely nothing banging from this machine. And for that price, I think more can be had from a customized modular system for similar cost. Or maybe this demo doesn’t scratch the surface of its capability. I hope Erica Synths will produce an in-house demo to show some banging techno examples.

[@ZZKJ396]

Buy an EMX-1 + an ESX-1 on EBay and you’ve got the 90s techno sound completely covered. Nothing here that wasn’t possible on those machines. With a better sequencer and synth to boot.

[@terrestrialaccessnetwork8456]

I am a big fan of Erica synths but this is just way overkill. This really should be half the cost. You can buy a 909/303 clone for one-eighth of the price and make some crazy industrial stuff

[@77advanced]

$4200 for small 2 line modular?) This thing looks 2000 max

[@KeithCanisius]

Welcome to Eurorack mate

[@77advanced]

@@KeithCanisius i allready have modular system, but that one from erica is really overpriced. Some drum voices, mixers, fx. I dont know, maybe sequencer made of gold..

[@danpreston564]

No comments here yet?

[@Towly263]

Like the sounds but way to much money for me :|

[@Towly263]

DIV1NITAL :)

[@theallmightyanalog]

Bank acount zero,me,happy

[@Xakutor]

To everybody complaining about the price: Don't laugh at it's price... Rather, laugh at yourself for making bad life decisions that render you incapable of affording one.

[@foxholeartist]

Dave Smith Tempest costs less and does more.

[@gooneybird808]

Antony Ilyin false

[@telkmx]

Totally different beast 1/10 would not read this comment again

[@foxholeartist]

@@telkmx I never told they are the same. I've told that Tempest is capable of more and costs less

[@telkmx]

Antony Ilyin why the comparison if they arent the same ? Eurorack vs a drum machine Dude come on

[@richmc2024]

my car costs less and does more

[@undertheburnttrees5780]

for those who stuck in 90s

[@franciscojaenvelazquez9582]

I think the price is absolutely stupid. But, maybe it's me...

[@KNHSynths]

The machine seems very capable and it sounds ok, but the price is a joke... Take an Arturia Drumbrute and a Minibrute 2S, 1/4 the price and you've got 2 real sequencers, pressure sensitive touch pad, 2 VCO with patch bay synth.... And it is just an example, there are a lot of other combinations of these kind (0-coast make noise + Roland drum machine...). How can they thing such a highly priced machine can be sold ? A simple drum machine + korg volca bass for the price of a true Mini Moog ? Not serious guys.

[@Akira020281]

oh wait i can use a Pc and have it even cheaper then a Drumbrute and a Minibrute...but that's not the point. Erica Synths is a small company as you maybe know. Nearly every module in modular synths costs over 200 Euro. So 16 modules in a nice powered case. What people are expecting what the end price will be? No one says a Minimoog is overpriced but this sexy thing is it then? Common....

[@noobslayerr9732]

Nothing an alpha base with a sherman wont do.. but boy i want one so much...

[@bartmark5744]

A similar machine can be built with Hexinverter Mutant modules. It sounds better and it is cheaper. .

[@eddy_sonik]

👍I LOVE ! 💙⚪❤