Instruo Seashell: Semi-Modular Desktop Synth with Total Recall
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Instruo Seashell is a semi-modular analog synth with total recall and DAW integration through a special plugin. Intriguing!
Instruo Seashell
Modular companies announcing their first complete synths is emerging as one of the trends of Superbooth 25, even before the event kicks off on Thursday of this week. Yesterday, Frap Tools had us on our toes with Magnolia. Today, Instruo follows suit with Seashell, an analog semi-modular desktop synth with a twist.
At first glance, Seashell looks similar to other semi-modular synths, and you can use it much in the same way, tweaking knobs and changing up the signal flow using patch cables.
Beneath the surface, however, is a digital control engine that enables precise control of the analog components with 14-bit resolution. This means that Seashell is not only fully MIDI-controllable but also offers direct DAW integration and total recall via a special plugin. As Instruo Seashell functions as a USB audio device, its audio output is seamlessly routed to the DAW. Instruo says that this opens up a new way of working with the analog synth voice.
The synth consists of dual analog VCOs with sync and cross modulation, a CV-controlled wavefolder, and a CV-controlled lowpass filter. For modulation, there’s an LFO and a multifunctional envelope generator. In addition, Seashell offers a stereo diffusion effect.
The plugin, which is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux, enables precise configuration, control, and recall of all parameters. It also offers a neat 4×4 matrix for modulation assignments.
An interesting concept that bridges the gap between semi-modular analog synthesis and the digital world. Will Seashell start a new trend of analog synths with software integration? I wouldn’t mind!
Price and Availability
Instruo Seashell is available now for £649.
More Information
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One response to “Instruo Seashell: Semi-Modular Desktop Synth with Total Recall”
Interesting device… but that’s way too expensive (and I usually defend smaller manufacturers’ prices). Also… import taxes because bloody brexit.