Deluge – The Portable Synth, Sequencer And Sampler Is Almost Here

At MusicTechFest this year we were particularly impressed by a new electronic instrument called Deluge, created by the New Zealand-based Rohan Hill (see our MTF 2016 impressions).
We’re now glad to announce that this portable all-in-one ‘beast’ (Deluge is a synthesizer, sequencer and sampler!) is ready for preorder.

Why it matters

The Deluge has the potential to be the inspiring modern instrument that many electronic and DAWless musicians (a.k.a. those who create and perform without a computer) need.

According to Rohan “the Deluge has been designed from the ground up without influence from any other hardware device to present a totally unique, intuitive and simple interface – one that a user can immediately begin creating amazing pieces of music.”
Ok, maybe the ‘without influence’ part is a bit of a stretch (monome, anyone?) but you know how these things go 😉

We’re really looking forward to checking the Deluge out. Its feature list is mind-blowing – pads, SD card for samples, polyphonic, FX section, microphone, speaker, battery, CV outputs and much more (see below) – and if the designer nailed the usability, we’re all in for a treat!

Features

• Piano-roll-style sequencing on 128 full RGB pads (16×8) with scrolling and zooming.
• Full-featured Internal synthesizer engine (subtractive and FM).
• Plays samples from SD card (up to 32GB SDHC).
• Sequencing limited only by device RAM (many thousands of notes).
• Polyphony limited only by CPU. Typically around 48 synth voices or 64 unaffected sample voices may play.
• 64MB of sample ram – work with up to 12 minutes (if mono) of CD-quality samples at once.
• Live adjustment of synth and effect parameters with two endless-turn encoders with LED level-meters. Easy buttons to select the functions these control.
• Advanced syncing capabilities. Weird time signatures supported. Adjustable swing.
• Dedicated volume and tempo knobs.
• LFOs and envelopes on each synth / sample. Highly customizable patching matrix.
• Synthesizer engine features LPF / HPF, arpeggiator, portamento, oscillator sync, ring modulation, unison detune, and more. Four basic waveforms, or select any WAV file from the SD card.
• FX including delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, bitcrushing, sidechain effect, live stutter, and more.
• Keyboard mode, where the pads become a live instrument on a 2d grid.
• Internal speaker, rechargeable Li-ion battery, and microphone.
• Mic and line inputs.
• Two ¼” line outputs, and 3.5mm headphone output.
• 2x CV outputs. 0 – 10V, individually configurable to 1, 1.2, 0.26 or 0.32 volts per octave, or to hertz per volt.
• 4x gate / trigger outputs individually configurable to v-trig or s-trig, with shared voltage switchable between 5V and 12V. Trigger clock output configurable, up to 192 PPQN.
• Trigger clock input, also with adjustable PPQN.
• MIDI input and output via hardware connectors or USB.
• Powered via USB or 9 – 12V centre-negative (pedal-style) power supply (500mA) (not included).
• User-upgradeable firmware – expect updates from Synthstrom Audible.
• Dimensions: 305mm x 208mm x 46mm (12 x 8.2 x 1.8 inches).

Price and Availability
UPDATE: Deluge is now available for preorder.
You must pay before November 25th, 2016 to lock in this price.
Your Deluge will take four months (plus shipping) from November 25th.

USA: $780 USD + $55USD shipping
You won’t be required to pay any local taxes as this amount comes under the threshold.

EUROPE: €720 + local taxes + €50 Shipping

UK: £640 + local taxes + £45 Shipping

For European users worrying about VAT, the company is offering a special deal: if you photograph your Deluge with your receipt for your taxes, they will reimburse you 50% of those costs!*
* To Paypal accounts only.

AUSTRALIA: $990 AUD + $70AUD Shipping
You won’t be required to pay any local taxes as this amount comes under the threshold.

NEW ZEALAND: $1050 NZD includes GST and courier.

REST OF THE WORLD: $780 USD + $55USD shipping