"Critter & Guitari’s rare and revered Septavox in a canary yellow aluminum enclosure is here for your consideration. And yes, those are the signature, C&G wooden buttons
A one-off collaboration between Critter & Guitari and Jack White’s Third Man Records, the Septavox is a portable synthesizer featuring 41 keys, 7 modes, 7 tones, and an internal 3-watt speaker powered by 9v DC center-positive power supply (or four AA batteries for playing on-the-go and jamming in unplugged group settings).
Enjoy MIDI in and out ports, as well as a quarter-inch, monophonic line-out jack for plugging into an amp or mixer/interface.
Conceptually, the Septavox is something like a more accessible, road-ready version of C&G‘s Organelle—designed for plug-and-play use, while rugged enough to be tossed into a backpack without a second thought. Each tone and mode corresponds to a dedicated knob and colored LED indicator. Simply note the color combo of a favorite mode and dial in the volume, tuning, and dual modulation parameters.
"In this video, we’ll walk through the ROM’s unique features, and hear how it pairs beautifully with the Stereo Dradd to create collapsing echoes, frozen tones, and artificial ambiences.
00:00 Introduction 01:51 Front Panel Walkthrough 04:46 Algorithm Walkthough 08:45 Nymphes Arp ➡ Grain 13:16 Guitar interlude 1 14:17 Elmyra 2 ➡ Hall 16:40 Guitar Interlude 2 17:48 Nymphes Keys ➡ Frame 20:07 Organelle (Plaits) ➡ Grain 22:44 Guitar Interlude 3 (The Simon Section) 24:41 Organelle (DX7) ➡ Frame 30:36 Nymphes Pad ➡ Frame 34:29 Final thoughts
🎛️ Gear featured: Pladask ROM Pladask Stereo Dradd Dreadbox Nymphes Torso S-4 Neutral Labs Elmyra 2 Critter & Guitari Organelle M Mutable Ears ALM / Busy Circuits Pamela's Pro Workout
"Pladask ROM is the Eurorack sibling of the Stereo Dradd — a reverb that doesn’t simulate real spaces, but invents new ones. Closely related to Pladask's DRAUME pedal. With three algorithms (HALL, FRAME, GRAIN), clock control, random modulation, and stereo unpredictability, ROM excels at turning static sounds into restless, living textures.
If you enjoy experimental sound design, modular weirdness, and reverb that goes beyond realism, ROM is a perfect tool for your rack."
"Jam at the lake with the new Organelle S2! Order today!
https://www.critterandguitari.com
This video was made with the Arp-II patch."
"The Organelle S2 has arrived! From the outside, the S2 features maple keys and sturdy black metal enclosure just like its predecessor, but the insides have been completely redesigned. It now runs on a 1.8GHz quad-core processor — 50% faster than the Organelle S!
There are lots of small improvements too: a new encoder with a smoother feel, easier WiFi settings, and even a redesigned SD card slot that prevents the card from slipping into the device.
The Organelle S2 runs all your favorite patches with ease — and has room to grow. We’re also excited to explore some more advanced possibilities."
"A/V jam using Critter & Guitari Eyesy into Melted Electronics Chroma Corrupter. Audio from Elektron Syntakt.
First time manually controlling audio and video devices simultaneously. A little challenging to say the least! Might have to sacrifice an Elektron MIDI track to control the Eyesy
"This is a demo of the Herbs & Stones Pathways. A powerful, hands-on matrix mixer that can transform your sound design process. From unique routing possibilities to dynamic feedback loops and CV modulation, Pathways opens up endless sonic opportunities."
"Fully functioning version of Ekkko Station on Organelle M.
Can be run without a MIDI controller (looses the oscillator but everything else including file system works great)
The 3 main live parameters are assigned to the first 3 knobs and the fourth is for choosing a preset to load. All presets across the versions are compatible as they are all full versions."
"The new Kaleidoloop can build layered loops! A selected recording will keep looping during a new recording - blend the old with the new with the volume knob. Change playback modes and their parameters during a new recording! In Stock!"
"Our recorder/looper with mic input, 3W output speaker, and battery power for portability is back with the following newness:
Now has six playback modes. It ships with three speed manipulation modes and three effects.
Playback / effect modes are customizable! Modes are coded in Pure Data. Users can create their own modes or upload modes shared with the community.
Looping continues during recording so you can build up layers of sound with just one Kaleidoloop.
Smaller form factor: just as fun, just as loud - but more portable.
USB-C Power
The new Kaleidoloop is perfect for all kinds of recording situations, exploration, and experimentation. Use it in the studio or on the go with battery power!
This animation from the original Kaleidoloop doesn’t show the new features such as different playback modes, additional controls, or the ability to re-record the playback, but the spirit is the same!"
Patchwerks is more than a synth shop. They host local synth events in the Seattle area, share performances online, publish tutorial videos, and help promote artists [many featured here on MATRIXSYNTH]. Now they need some help on their end. The following was sent my way via a friend, via Patchwerks's news letter. You'll of course find additional details on their GoFundMe.
"WE NEED YOUR HELP
We’ve proudly watched as the community that developed around Patchwerks has grown through a shared passion for the joy and magic of electronic instruments. All of our staff feel so much gratitude when people come to our store to play, learn, and connect with each other.
We’ve been so humbled by everyone who has come through our doors – whether you’ve been a first-time synth-curious explorer who trusted us to guide you, or whether you’ve been one of our own musical heroes who has consciously decided to purchase your instruments from an independently-owned and operated business.
Unfortunately, due to economic pressures beyond our control, the community we built at Patchwerks is at risk of losing its home… and we’re reaching out to ask for your help.
If you're willing to help us survive, a donation of as little as $25 can help Patchwerks continue our operations in a healthy way.
The years 2022 and 2023 made it difficult for us to operate, and now we're at the point where we need to ask for help or cease operations. We have a strong plan to get healthy, but we can't do it without you. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe campaign today."
"Join us for Showroom Sessions, a monthly series of curated electronic music. Hear some of the region's boldest voices in ambient, experimental, dance music, and more. Proudly presented by Patchwerks with generous support from the community. This month, we host the talents of Portland-based Limanjaya and local head Sherman.
Sherman / Selector Records on Capitol Hill in Seattle.
Sherman’s been dabbling with gear since around 1997, and after many years of trying out different pieces has settled on a couple Critter & Guitari Organelles running custom patches, running through a Memory Man (w/ Hazarai, of course) delay pedal, building bizarre polyrhythms that on occasion sound good. On the spot beats intricately twist around each other, get manipulated, finagled, and fade into more intricate grooves.
Sherman has releases on Telomere Plastic, iLLikoi, Basement Sounds, and new local label Basement State.
Limanjaya:
Joshua Limanjaya Lim is a modular synthesist and producer residing in Portland, OR. He uses sample flips, glitchy beat repeats, and infectious melodies to craft his sound. Whether he is performing ambient, hiphop, or house music, the goal is always to get people moving. His latest album, UNTITLED 2023, is out now on all streaming platforms.
"My first submission for #jamuary2024
Polyend Play Plus is providing all drums and sequencing the Korg Volca and Dreadbox Erebus. Also playing a few melodic samples and minimal use of the Play’s internal synths, which you can hear mostly at the beginning and end of the video.
Meris Mercury7 is in the the send of my mixer for some dub swells. Volca Keys is running through an Electro Harmonix Memory Man Deluxe and a Boss DC-2w chorus"
Dark ambient house w/ Polyend Play+, Critter Guitari Organelle, and Dreadbox Erebus & Nymphes
"Black Friday Sale! 20%-off now! https://www.critterandguitari.com/shop
Light up your sound with a 201 Pocket Piano! Here are three of the latest Synth Modes for 201. Get flavorful with RichAM. Jump through hoops with Ring Modulation Synth. Kick back and rock with Hammoth.
Check out more Modes and Patterns for 201 here: https://www.critterandguitari.com/blo..."
"Download: https://www.critterandguitari.com/blo...
Ring Mod Synth is a synth mode for your 201 Pocket Piano. Set the ring mod frequency, play some keys, and experiment with new notes and new frequencies to make unique textures. Dial in some detuning for a smooth modulation. Use your 201 to play another 201 via MIDI!
The knobs control the following:
Knob 1: Envelope
Knob 2: Ring Mod frequency
Knob 3: Detuning amount"
"Download: https://www.critterandguitari.com/blo...
Hammoth is an organ for your 201 Pocket Piano. Choose a preset, play some keys, and roll in that sweet, sweet leslie effect. This Synth Mode pairs great with other 201s!
The knobs control the following:
Knob 1: Envelope
Knob 2: Organ preset
Knob 3: Rotating speaker effect amount"
"What combinations will you find with your Critter & Guitari instruments? Play your 201 with a Rhythm Scope! Play your 5 Moons with a Microphone! Listen to the radio! Swing over to our shop to learn more!!"
"Download this mode here: https://www.critterandguitari.com/blo...
RichAM is an amplitude modulation synthesizer. It's great for bass sounds and plucky notes! Or drift into Lake Ethereal with a warbly pad. Use it in combination with 201's onboard sequencer and pattern generators to find your sound!"
"Download this mode here: https://www.critterandguitari.com/blo...
Segmenti is a sample player for 201! Select a sample and Segmenti chops it into 12 segments. Play the segments with the keys. New octaves transpose the segments. Layer segments, latch notes, or make sequences and twist some knobs for sliced fun!"
"Write custom patterns to make your 201 play notes however you want! Set arpeggiation/transposition and rhythm in a standard text editor and edit your pattern as you like. This tutorial will show you how to get started with text patterns and will show you what's possible in this realm. Please see the following manual section for more information: https://www.critterandguitari.com/man...
"https://critterandguitari.com/201
This is a pattern for the 201 Pocket Piano. It’s musical magic is found in its ability to simultaneously play both arpeggios and a steady note! So you get a solid note ringing out as long as you press a key (or keys) and then you get arpeggiated notes from that steady note too!
To make this pattern even better, the arpeggiated pattern is set by an easily edited text file! Create your own arpeggios/repeated notes!"
"Critter & Guitari’s rare and revered Septavox in a canary yellow aluminum enclosure is here for your consideration. And yes, those are the signature, C&G wooden buttons
