Euterpe Synthesizer Laboratories

Stefano, founder of the Euterpe Synthesizer Laboratories, shows the second generation of his analog filter bank Vertice at Superbooth 2018. The unit’s appearance alone will make many musicians’ mouth water. It is completely hand-made, using high-quality, Through Hole components only. The feel is excellent. Stefano gives each of his babies a different name. It is engraved on a plaque, which can be found on the back of each unit. Wooden side panels with engraving are optional. – These audio processors area not built with attention for detail, but with unconditional love!

The Vertice is composed of three voltage controllable multimode filters. In detail, high-pass, band-pass and low-pass modes are available. Each filter comes equipped with a cutoff and a resonance knob. In addition, there is a big Master cutoff potentiometer. The filters are based on the Sallen-Key topology. Therefore, the Vertice’s basic character might be more rough than you’d expect, considering the noble appearance. It sometimes sounds like a cleaner, classy version of the Korg MS-20 filter circuit. – At least with the smooth resonance path active. There is a second option, which can be activated on a per filter basis. These “psycho” resonance paths, as Stefano once called them, give the Vertice some erratic, brute character traits.

In front of each filter, there is a pre-amp. An overload circuit allows you to use the unit as a multichannel distortion effect with extremely beefy results. Thanks to several routing options and audio connectors, it is possible to combine the pre-amps and filters in various ways. For instance, you can use two of the circuits to process stereo material or chain all three filters in series to create complex, rhythmically moving results.

In terms of modulators, the Vertice features an ADSR envelope with loop and invert functions. It offers three timing ranges (percussive, smooth, slow). The envelope can be used to influence either the Master cutoff parameter or the final VCA. – By the way: The second, really large knob is the final volume control.

With driving one filter into self-oscillation, you can play the Vertice like an instrument. Thanks to all the audio inputs and outputs, it is possible to patch feedbacks and tie in external effects. – Very inspiring! If you don’t believe us, come by at Superbooth 18 or SchneidersLaden. We have a Vertice in our showroom, waiting to be ambitiously fondled.