NAMM 2020: Erica Synths Pack Their Signature Dark Tone into the Bassline DB-01

Erica synths continue their expansion into standalone units, this time packing the monstrous gritty tones of their big analogue modular systems into a small, more affordable bass line sequencer dubbed the DB-01. 

Featuring 16 buttons along the bottom for sequencing and secondary functions, its sound engine consists of a single oscillator with controls for a frequency modulation, a noise source and a great big drive knob that really gives you a solid hint on how they expect you to use this thing. Something we haven’t seen before though, is their unique Detune control — usually that’d be for detuning two oscillators against each other for a thicker sound. But DB-01 only has one oscillator, so what’s the go? Well they’ve cleverly employed a  (Bridge Brigade Device) circuit with a very quick delay time to mimic a second oscillator. Nifty!

Filter wise, they’ve pulled their aggressive low pass + band pass filter design from their Acidbox III synth module with envelope control and an LFO for good measure. It really feels like they’ve used the Korg Volca Bass concept as a starting point here and brought their own strengths and premiums to the table.

Feature rundown:

• Polivoks core stereo lowpass/bandpass VCF with the original programmable opamps
• Unique audio overdrive circuit
• Versatile syncable LFO with 8 waveforms
• Tap tempo button
• Envelope follower with modulation level attenuverter
• Master modulation control
• Manual and CV control over cutoff frequency
• Configurable control input for footswitch, expression pedal and external LFO/cutoff control
• Adjustable input gain

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Check out the demo below: