Sonicware announced the ELZ_1 core on 16 September, a desktop module built around the same synthesis engine as its ELZ_1 play. The keyboard and the four-track audio looper are gone, while the oscillator engines, the effects and the sequencer carry over.

The module runs 18 oscillator types. Among them are a 256-waveform wavetable engine that includes 16 Waldorf wavetables, a four-operator FM engine with 31 algorithms, the SiGRINDER granular engine, ZTRINGS physical modelling and a Super OSC with five detunable sub-oscillators. A patch can stack up to three oscillator layers, and polyphony reaches 20 voices. Sonicware says the wavetable engine also imports Serum wavetables.

Signals pass through a multimode filter and 49 effect algorithms spread across four slots: an insert, two effect modules and a master. A 128-step sequencer holds 128 patterns, and three performance macros each address up to three parameters. The unit ships with 256 presets and has a 2.4-inch display.

Connections

Audio leaves over a pair of quarter-inch outputs and a 3.5mm headphone socket, with a 3.5mm stereo input alongside them. There are 5-pin MIDI in and out, a USB-C port for audio and MIDI, and a USB-A host port that can bus-power a controller. Unlike the ELZ_1 play, the core has no sync in or out. It measures 234 by 103 by 57 mm, weighs 0.97 kg and runs from the included 9V adapter.

Price and availability

The ELZ_1 core costs $499, or £449 and €539 with VAT included. Sonicware is building it to order, saying that rising component costs and unstable supply have made it difficult to secure the quantities mass production would require. The first 50 units are due to ship in mid-October.

Via Sonicware, with additional detail from Synth Anatomy.