Dreadbox unveil tiny Nymphes polysynth
Dreadbox have unveiled Nymphes, a six-voice analogue polysynth with a digital reverb. Each voice has a VCO with wave forming, a sub-oscillator and a noise generator. There’s also an LFO, two envelope generators, a 24dB/octave low-pass resonant filter and a 6dB/ octave high-pass non-resonant filter.
On a global level you’ll find one common LFO and seven active chords that you can edit, modulate and store with each preset (there’s space for 96 over USB or run for up to 50 hours using a 20,000mA portable power bank. Connectivity includes MIDI In via DIN and USB, a 1/4-inch mono TS jack out, and an 1/8-inch headphone out.
Dreadbox are also making a statement with the release of this synth, saying it’s “dedicated to all abused and oppressed women…
Each time you play a note on this synth, imagine that you soothe their pain away and you will become a better human being and synth player. Smash the patriarchy.”
It’s fair to say this statement has proved somewhat divisive online, with some viewing it as either clumsy or as an attempt to use a cause as a promotional tool. From what we can tell the message of support comes from a genuine place. Although the company aren’t dedicating any profits from the synth directly, they've latterly added a message to their website stating: “Support charities for abused women. We do the same.”
Nymphes will be available in November 2021 priced at €499.