Synclavier Launches Regen: First New Hardware Synth in Over Four Decades

Synclavier Digital, the American company known for its iconic Synclavier II from the 1980s, has unveiled their latest creation: the Regen. This desktop hardware synth combines additive and subtractive synthesis, paying homage to its predecessor while introducing innovative features.

The Regen marks Synclavier’s first foray into hardware synthesizers since the groundbreaking release of the Synclavier II in 1980. Like its predecessor, the Regen utilizes complex waveforms formed by stacking sine waves, offering a unique approach to sound creation.

During the 1980s, the Synclavier II gained immense popularity among electronic musicians, producers, and composers due to its advanced technology. It was one of the first digital synthesizers available on the market, with its capabilities showcased in the iconic opening sequence of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” The original composition, featured on the compilation album ‘The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II’ by Denny Jaeger, preceded the release of the ‘Thriller’ album by a year.

The Regen seamlessly blends additive synthesis, which combines frequencies to create rich tones, with subtractive synthesis, which deconstructs sounds using filters to shape the desired tone. Additionally, the synth incorporates attentive-subtractive multi-sample resynthesis, offering button generators for enhanced sound manipulation.

The device boasts an array of cutting-edge features, including MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support, which enables digital instruments to replicate the nuances of their acoustic counterparts. This allows for more expressive and dynamic control through polyphonic touch capabilities.

The Regen further includes a versatile multimode filter reminiscent of earlier analog modular systems, a built-in arpeggiator with pattern, stereo spread, speed, and chance controls, as well as a partial crossfader with input options for velocity, pressure, mod wheel, and keyboard.

To enhance the user experience, the synth comes preloaded with 500 tonal presets, over 2000 royalty-free samples, example mixes, beat-loops, and stacks, along with an extensive collection of sound-bags contributed by renowned artists such as Anthony Marinelli and Jamie Lidell.

With the Regen, Synclavier once again demonstrates its commitment to pushing the boundaries of synthesis technology, offering musicians and producers a powerful tool for crafting unique and captivating sounds.