Advertisement

Dreadbox's portable Typhon analog synth is loaded with effects

It's also friendly to newcomers.

Dreadbox

It’s not hard to find portable synths, but they typically have one or two effects at most — even larger models (with some exceptions) tend to only have a few. You won’t have that issue with Dreadbox’s just-introduced Typhon, however. As Synth Anatomy notes, the USB-powered analog mono synth includes 12 DSP stereo effects, such as a bit crusher, distortion, flanger and reverb. You might not have much trouble producing a favorite sound wherever you’re playing.

There’s also a 32-note step sequencer that can be used for pitch and modulation, not just for notes. This isn’t absolutely essential when other instruments can often automate parameters without using a sequencer, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to have the option in this class. The design is also relatively newcomer-friendly with a clear layout.

The Typhon’s price may be compelling. Dreadbox will ship the synth in July for €349 (about $392). Although that’s not a trivial expense, its’s inexpensive enough that you might justify it if you’re either just getting started or want to fill a hole in your electronic music setup.