From Magazines to MASSIVE MODULAR // Erica Synths Elektor Formant

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The legendary Elektor Formant DIY modular synth from the 1970s is back — and this time it’s beautifully recreated by Erica Synths. In this in-depth demo and review, I explore the history of the original magazine-built Formant, the DIY ethos behind it, and how this modern recreation captures that vintage analogue modular magic.

Originally released as a self-build project through Elektor magazine, the Formant required builders to etch their own PCBs, source components, and assemble modules like the VCO, VCF, envelopes and more. It was true synth-nerd dedication. Now, Erica Synths has made that iconic system accessible again — without the UV PCB lab in your garage.

In this video:

🎛 Overview of the Erica Synths Formant system
📖 The history of the original 1970s Elektor DIY kit
🔊 Sound demos: VCOs, filter tones, modulation & patching
🎚 Performance insights (including Synth East)
🤔 Is this the ultimate vintage modular revival?"