Superbooth is always a hotspot for the latest developments in music technology and electronic music instruments and effects. Here are our top 10 picks from Superbooth 2024, in no particular order:
And the Awards Go To…
1. Oberheim TEO-5
Oberheim is showing the TEO-5, a five-voice analog poly synthesizer. This new model fits into the affordable and compact form factor of the Sequential Take 5, making the classic Oberheim sound (relatively) more accessible.
Price: $1499/€1699.
Key Takeaways: timeless sound, in a more compact form, with plenty of hands-on controls. You’ll have to decide if the 3.5 octave keybed is an acceptable trade-off or not (my take is, it can be great for live players who want to travel light, much less for studio players). The 5-note polyphony might be limiting for some, but if Suzanne Ciani, Richard Barbieri, and Ryūichi Sakamoto (to name a few) created magic with a Prophet 5, it might not be the end of the world.
Learn more here.
2. UDO Audio Super 8
UDO Audio unveiled the Super 8, a 16-voice hybrid analog synthesizer. Following the legacy of the Super 6 and Super Gemini, the Super 8 combines analog warmth with digital versatility for rich, complex soundscapes.
Price: $3749/£2995/€3669.
Key Takeaways: a real polyphonic beast with the best of both worlds and priced accordingly. Minimalist classic Roland-inspired design, not exactly inspiring but functional.
Learn more here.
3. Erica Synths Nightverb and Bullfrog XL
Erica Synths presented some new products: the Nightverb, a tabletop reverb unit developed in collaboration with 112db, is an interesting digital stereo effect with long decays and save/recall functions for all parameters. We’re big fans of their previous tabletop effects, so we confide in the company’s track record!
Price TBA.
Then there’s the Bullfrog XL, developed in collaboration with Richie Hawtin. This one is for the teacher in you. According to the company “Bullfrog invites you to unlock musicality while combining the thrill of electronic music production with a comprehensive learning experience”.
Price €1700.
Key Takeaways: nothing revolutionary this time from the Latvian company, but both the Nightverb and the Bullfrog XL can find their place in various contexts. Maybe talk to the principal of your school, it might be time to ditch those flutes and play some synths!
Learn more here.
4. Dreadbox Murmux Adept Edition
Dreadbox Murmux Adept Edition is an 8-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer is a new edition of the “classic” Dreadbox synth in an enhanced limited edition of 300 units. It stays true to the “vintage sound with a modern twist” concept and ticks many boxes for analog poly synth lovers.
Price: €2,180 + VAT
Key Takeaways: the Dreadbox sound, albeit quite classic, never disappoints. This Murmux edition might not have as many hands on controls of other big poly synths, but it has plenty of mojo (sorry for the lack of better words) and comes with some great sounding retro effects. It’s not as affordable as you probably would like, but you might feel better thinking it’s sweatshop-free.
Learn more here.
5. Vermona Bass-Drum
The Vermona Bass-Drum is a new Eurorack module that brings the popular kick drum sound from Vermona’s DRM1 MKIV analog drum synthesizer to the modular format, with hands-on control over decay, pitch with low/high settings, etc. and all important parameters which can be modulated via CV inputs. Also, the oscillator now tracks over several octaves, making it suitable for tuned percussion and bass lines in addition to kicks.
Price: TBA
Key Takeaways: it’s from Vermona, it’s the modular son of the glorious DRM1 kick, so you can’t go wrong with it. Editor’s note: yes, we’re biased, we have a PERfourMER MkII and we f***in’ love it!
Learn more here.
6. Polyend Tracker+
Polyend is showcasing the Tracker+, an upgraded/updated version of their popular Tracker. It offers the same unique workflow with most if not all the improvements users have requested (four synth engines and a versatile new drum engine, 16 Tracks, USB audio and storage, stereo sampling and playback, and more).
Price: €799
Key Takeaways: if you’re into tracker music and workflow, there’s nothing like this in the hardware world. Personally, I am not, BUT one of my best friends during my teen years was a huge computer tracker fan, and I will always have fond memories of those fun bedroom music moments. Now, why would you care about my personal story? I don’t know, but I just wanted to share something that might inspire you to check out the new Polyend Tracker+, as it’s heaps of fun!
Learn more here.
7. Arturia PolyBrute 12
As we wrote in our PolyBrute 12 feature, this new iteration boasts an impressive 12 voices of polyphony, a groundbreaking new keybed, and a host of other features that are sure to inspire sound designers and performers alike.
Price: €/$3999
Key Takeaways: Plenty of voices, ribbon controller, MPE-friendly keyboard, quality sounds and effects, what’s not to like? Arturia joined the big analog poly-synth league with this substantial upgrade of their classic PolyBrute synth. Time will tell, but I feel this PolyBrute 12 will become a modern classic.
Learn more here.
8. Bastl Instruments THYME+
Bastl Instruments has relaunched their THYME tape delay robot with new hardware improvements. Alongside improved connectivity, a better audio codec, and a few firmware tweaks and refinements, the new version’s hardware is enhanced with a compact metal enclosure, larger, more spaced-out knobs, and a sleeker faceplate.
Price: €600
Key Takeaways: a sensible upgrade for one of the quirkiest and unique desktop effect units of the past 10 years. If you love modulated delay effects and experimental sound design, you should add Thyme+ to your shopping list. I just wish it was more affordable.
Learn more here:
9. Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab 2
Voltage Lab 2 is a a standalone dual oscillator analog synthesizer synthesis laboratory with a unique integrated touch-sensitive performance controller. It’s a natural follow-up of the company’s previous releases and is rightly defined as “a playground of new analog synthesis tools”.
Price: €2150/$1999
Key Takeaways: it’s beautifully and thoughtfully designed, sounds fantastic, and invites you to experiment with sound. Voltage Lab 2 is one of the best things seen this year at Superbooth. Pittsburgh Modular kicked it out of the park and it’s time they get the recognition they deserve. The instrument is fairly priced for what it is, I just wish it was more affordable so that more people could experience it.
Learn more here.
10. Moog Spectravox
Spectravox is a semi-analogue 10-band vocoder synth that allows you to process your voice or any other audio source through its analog filters, creating classic vocoder sounds as well as more experimental textures.
Price: €699
Key Takeaways: it has vintage analog vibes in spades, and it can go way beyond the classic vocoder sound you might be used to. It doesn’t come with a keyboard and it does NOT support MIDI signals (CV-only). If you’re setting up a Daft Punk tribute band Spectravox might not be what you’re looking for, but if you love organic electronic sounds it’s definitely worth a closer look.
Learn more here.
Final Thoughts – A Healthy Industry
These highlights from Superbooth 2024 are just the tip of the iceberg and showcase the diversity and innovation within the music technology industry. From new synthesizers to cool effects units, this year’s event has something for every musician and producer. And if these picks are too mainstream for you, check out our 5 crazy picks from Superbooth 2024!
