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Erica Synths X Richie Hawtin: Synthesis for All





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International DJ phenom Richie Hawtin has spent over three decades playing the world’s biggest clubs, venues, and festivals. However, most may not know about his passion for inspiring music in others. In being tapped by Erica Synths founder Girts Ozolins, Richie led the charge on masterminding a new horizon of electronic possibilities for fellow musicians: Bullfrog. This semi-modular, subtractive analog synthesizer was born from a desire to bring synthesis to the masses without compromising aural integrity. It’s uniquely outfitted to inspire and educate new synthesists while remaining a powerful tool for even the most seasoned DJs and producers. Synth heads at Sweetwater appreciate the intuitive design and use of voice cards, allowing you to quickly begin tone crafting and write your own patches with the versatile, CV-controlled waveshapes of its analog VCO, audio mixer, looping envelope generators, and more! Whether you’re just beginning your sonic odyssey or you’re seeking an inventive avenue for tonal discovery, Bullfrog does it all.





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Sound crafting from scratch to patch





While Bullfrog won’t generate sound the moment you turn it on, its module-like design makes for a painless process of patching together sounds of your own. Through subtractive synthesis, its analog oscillator can be shaped manually or via CV, with a separate option for additional modulation via FM. To take it a step further, each of the dual envelope generators can operate in either free-running or looping modes, individually toggled, with voltage-controllable attack and release parameters. Sample and hold functions provide additional sound-shaping possibilities, with the VCA including a delay capability for instant spatialization. Six voice cards are included to unlock even more sound design options or to write your own: three are blank, while the other three include acid bass line, sampler-looper, and groovebox. Each functional voice card is outfitted with additional circuitry and control points to expand your suite of sonic opportunities.





Richie Hawtin with Erica Synths founder Girts Ozolins. Photo: Liam Simmons


Richie Hawtin: inspired by a legacy of sound





In addition to his innovative work as a DJ, Richie Hawtin’s illustrious 30-plus-year tenure includes numerous solo and collaborative productions under multiple monikers. As his career has grown alongside the technology that powers his work, it’s only natural that Richie’s developed an affinity for implementing countless technological developments for a broad swath of artistic advancements, from education and seed-funding music tech startups to developing apps and instruments to bring his creative perspectives to the masses. Partnering with Erica Synths was a natural extension of his interest in building a more inclusive community of synthesists, producers, DJs, and musicians, harkening back to his childhood when his father’s interest in burgeoning electronic acts like Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream inspired Richie’s foray into techno, DJing, and music technology. Bullfrog is a culmination of Richie’s and Erica Synths founder Girts Ozolins’s shared passion for making synthesis, music production, and sound design an art form available to everyone.





Erica Synths Bullfrog Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer Features:


Collaborative design with international DJ legend Richie Hawtin


Ergonomic form factor and streamlined interface make for intuitive, educational use without compromising production possibilities for seasoned synthesists


Analog architecture utilizes subtractive synthesis for indelible tone-crafting and CV-controlled wave shaping


Deep modulation possibilities abound with FM, as well as two envelope generators that can be individually toggled to run freely or loop indefinitely


Module-style design means straightforward patch-building


Onboard mixer lets you introduce noise signal and more for diverse texturizing opportunities


Dual-function VCA and delay, sample & hold circuit, and VCF expand sound design with deep CV and audio integration


Onboard clock divider means painless rhythmic management


Voice cards are included to introduce new sonic possibilities while expanding functionality unique to each card: 3 blank for DIY, acid bass line, sampler-looper, and groovebox


Flexible connectivity suite includes USB-C, 5-pin DIN MIDI input, gate input, CV input, 3.5mm headphone output, and 1/4-inch audio output for versatile interoperative integration