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Erica Synths Steampipe

£879.00 GBP

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The Steampipe is an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer, but it has no conventional oscillators. Instead, it mimics the way sound is created in wind and string instruments and it is fine-tuned to create a wide range of sounds. The Steampipe is optimized for performance with wind MIDI controllers and it works great with any MIDI keyboard. The overtones the Steampipe produces are very organic and rich. It also comes with great-sounding presets.
The Steampipe is quite versatile and allows for nuanced sonic exploration, conjuring sonic imagery ranging from from wisps of cloud to fairground band organs, then to industrial horns of the railroad and finally, to massive, otherworldly ambiences. Due to detailed controls over multiple physical modeling parameters, the Steampipe is capable of generating very organic emulations of real instruments, but it goes well beyond the conventional pitch and dynamic ranges they can produce – imagine how a flute or clarinet would sound in C1 or C7!

The Breath of the Machine: Erica Synths Steampipe Physical Modeling Synthesizer

The Erica Synths Steampipe is a rare beast in the hardware world: a dedicated 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer that completely abandons traditional oscillators. Developed in collaboration with 112dB, it uses advanced physical modeling to simulate the way sound is born in wind and string instruments. From delicate, ethereal flutes to brutal industrial horns and massive cinematic drones, the Steampipe is an instrument that feels alive.

Why the Steampipe is a Game-Changer:

No Oscillators, Pure Resonance: Sound begins in the Steam section (the exciter), where a noise generator mimics a musician's breath. It then travels to the Pipe (the resonator), a tuned delay line that emulates the body of an instrument.

8-Voice Polyphony: Unlike most physical modeling units which are monophonic, the Steampipe allows for rich chords and complex polyphonic textures that sound incredibly organic.

MPE & Wind Controller Optimized: While it works with any MIDI keyboard, the Steampipe shines when used with MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) or wind controllers, reacting with the nuance of an acoustic instrument.

Tactile Modulation: With 32 adjustable parameters, 5 assignable LFOs, and a high-resolution display, you can dive deep into sound design without ever touching a computer.

External Excitation: Use the External Audio Input to replace the internal noise burst. This allows you to "excite" the Pipe with your own samples or voice for unconventional, hybrid textures.

FAQs

Q: What is "Physical Modeling" synthesis?

A: Unlike traditional synths that use oscillators, the Steampipe uses physical modeling to mimic the way air flows through a pipe or wind instrument. This creates incredibly organic, "breathing" textures that range from eerie flutes and horns to industrial, metallic shrieks.

Q: Is the Steampipe difficult to play if I'm used to standard synths?

A: Not at all. While the internal engine is complex, Erica Synths designed it with a very "sweet-spot" heavy interface. It responds beautifully to MIDI velocity and aftertouch, making it feel more like a living instrument than a static machine.

Q: Can it create traditional "synth" sounds?

A: While it excels at unique, experimental textures, the Steampipe can certainly produce rich pads and lead sounds. However, its true power lies in its ability to create sounds that feel "acoustic" and "physical," adding a unique character that standard subtractive synths can't achieve.

Specifications

Type: 8-Voice Polyphonic Physical Modeling Synthesizer

Architecture: Dual-stage "Steam" (Exciter) and "Pipe" (Resonator)

Presets: 192 user preset slots

Connectivity:

Inputs: 1 x 6.3mm Audio In, 1 x 6.3mm Sustain Pedal In

Outputs: 2 x 6.3mm Line Out (Stereo), 1 x 6.3mm Headphone Out

MIDI: 5-pin DIN In, 5-pin DIN Thru/Out, USB-B

Compatibility: Full MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support

Power: 12V DC (included)

Features

Physical Modeling Synthesis: Mimics the acoustic properties of wind and string instruments for highly organic, expressive sounds.

No Conventional Oscillators: Generates sound from white noise and DC signals shaped by complex tuned delay lines.

MPE Optimized: Designed for use with expressive controllers (Haken Continuum, Roli, Wind Controllers) to translate subtle touch into tonal changes.

Steam/Pipe Workflow: "Steam" controls the initial blow/strike; "Pipe" controls the resonance, harmonics, and body of the simulated instrument.

Built-in Reverb: Richly voiced stereo reverb tailored to complement physical modeled textures.

Returns & Refunds

If you decide a product is not suitable within 14 days of delivery, you can return it to us for a replacement or refund. Returns must be unused and in their original, undamaged packaging.

Some items are excluded from our money back guarantee:
- Computer software that has been unsealed or registered
- Any item that comes directly into contact with the nose, ears or mouth

To arrange a return, just contact our customer service via our customer support form.

Warranty

Every product at Blip comes with a full manufacturer's warranty for long-term peace of mind. As a specialist UK retailer, we fully support your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If your gear arrives faulty or develops an inherent problem in the first 30 days, we will provide a full refund or replacement. For faults developing after 30 days, we will facilitate a swift repair or replacement through the manufacturer's official service channels to ensure your gear is back in the studio as quickly as possible.