Erica Synths Steampipe

Start 360°

Desktop Synthesizer

Physical Modelling Desktop Synthesizer developed in collaboration with 112dB.com
8-voice polyphonic
Physical modelling engine with 32 adjustable parameters
Five assignable LFOs with delay and sync
Modulation matrix with MIDI controller-specific configurations
64 factory presets
192 user presets
Preset export and import via USB
All parameters can be controlled via MIDI CC
Including external power supply 12V DC

Connections:

One audio input: 6.3 mm jack
One sustain pedal input: 6.3 mm jack
Two line outputs: 6.3 mm jack
One stereo headphone output: 6.3 mm jack
One MIDI In: 5-pin DIN
One MIDI Thru / Out: 5-pin DIN
One USB type B
Dimensions (W x D x H): 455 x 270 x 70 mm
Weight: 3 kg

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since December 2024
Item number 606226
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Design Desktop
Polyphony 8
Sound Generation Modeling
Storage Medium Internal
USB-port Yes
Effects Yes
Arpeggiator No
Number of Analog Outputs 4
Digital Output No
Display Yes
Optional Expansions N/A
Special Features Modulation matrix with MIDI controller specific configurations

14.190 kr

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Sound Modules

Physical modelling made easy

Erica Synths Steampipe is an eight-voice polyphonic synthesizer based on physical modelling synthesis. While it primarily simulates wind, string, and percussion instruments, it excels at producing sounds far beyond the conventional. From playable acoustic-like tones to complex, futuristic textures, Steampipe offers an extraordinary sound palette – and one that's surprisingly intuitive to access. Designed in collaboration with Dutch developers 112dB, Steampipe features a focused and musical parameter set, onboard presets, MPE compatibility, and a highly playable interface that makes physical modelling synthesis as immediate as subtractive. With few direct hardware competitors, Steampipe currently stands as a rare example of a polyphonic physical modelling synthesizer in standalone format.

Intuitive hands-on control

The Steampipe's unique signal path is based on a dual-stage "Steam" and "Pipe" architecture. The "Steam" section acts as the exciter, producing raw sound material from white noise and DC signals, which is then shaped by a dedicated envelope and low-pass filter. This signal is passed to the "Pipe" section, where a tuned delay line with extensive feedback emulates the resonating body of an instrument. Here, a saturator, high- and low-pass filters, and a harmonics shaper with Splitpoint and Polarity controls allow for expressive, nuanced sound sculpting. A dedicated Feedback envelope and push control add dynamics, while the final signal passes through a richly voiced reverb circuit with stereo spread and size parameters – nicely complementing the instrument's physical character. All parameters are easily accessible via a crisp, high-resolution display, and sounds can be saved and recalled from 192 user preset slots.

For expressive performers and sonic explorers

Despite its novel approach, Steampipe is extremely playable and well suited to both experimental and performance contexts. Its streamlined panel layout, clear parameter set, and responsive controls ensure quick, expressive sound design. With full MPE and MIDI CC implementation, it's ideal for players using expressive controllers such as wind controllers, the Haken Continuum, or Expressive E's Touché. Thanks to its high dynamic range and subtle response curves, Steampipe shines in live performance – particularly for musicians looking to add acoustic expressivity to an electronic setup. Its robust metal housing and premium controls continue Erica Synths' tradition of durable, tour-ready instruments.

About Erica Synths

Founded in Riga in 2014 by Girts Ozolins, Erica Synths has quickly made a name for itself as a major player in the modular sector. Thanks to its close cooperation with musicians from the EDM scene, the company's modules and devices stand out for their musicality as well as their ease of use. The manufacturer markets several series of Eurorack modules, each tailored to different applications. The Fusion series is based on tube circuits; the Pico series consists of space-saving 3-TE modules; the Black series combines high-quality analogue and digital modules; whilst the Drum series can be assembled into a modular drum machine. At the same time, the range of performance-oriented stand-alone effect units and synthesizers is gradually being expanded.

Endless sound design potential

The Erica Synths Steampipe's versatility makes it suitable for everything from melodic lines to cinematic atmospheres. With eight voices and selectable mono, unison, or poly modes, it can produce intricate textures, bell-like tones, or richly modulated pads. The external audio input replaces the exciter with an envelope follower and lets the resonator be excited by vocals, contact mics, or any modular source – enabling vocoder-style processing, re-synthesis and more. The tuning system includes a gyroscopic tuner and filter trimmers, ensuring harmonic control even in unpredictable sonic territory. Whether used as a primary instrument or as a sound-design layer within a broader setup, Steampipe will expand the sonic vocabulary of any production or performance environment.

In the spotlight

Physical Modelling

Physical modelling synthesis doesn't rely on oscillators or samples. Instead, it recreates the acoustic principles behind how real instruments produce sound – from breath pressure in a wind instrument to the struck surface of a drum. In Steampipe, this begins with the exciter signal (Steam), which stimulates the tuned delay line (Pipe) into resonant motion. Like a Karplus-Strong algorithm, the resulting feedback creates a tone that is then shaped through filters, saturation, harmonic emphasis, and reverb. Key parameters such as Harmonics, Splitpoint, and Feedback shape the interaction between exciter and resonator, resulting in vivid, organic, and highly responsive sounds. Non-linearity and feedback interdependence mean that small tweaks can produce dramatic tonal changes. With extensive modulation, fine control, and a performance-oriented interface, the Erika Synths Steampipe brings the abstract concept of physical modelling into the realm of intuitive musicmaking.

This is what customers who viewed this product bought

8 Customer ratings

5 3 Customers 4 5 Customers 3 0 Customers 2 0 Customers 1 0 Customers

4.4 / 5

handling

features

sound

quality

Review guidelines

6 Reviews

I really wanted to love it but...

Cris71 10.02.2026

I had wanted a Physical Modelling synth with lots of hand-on controls for a long time and this seemed to check all the boxes on paper.
But after a while I have found it limited in the types of sounds it can generate and eventually I sold mine.

Pros:
- beautiful instrument
- solidly built
- beautiful reverb

Cons:
- too few presets (I'd like to have hundreds)
- too difficult to get a good sound (hard to find a sweet spot when moving controls)
- most presets sound basic (flute, single violin, percussion), I'd like to have more lush sounds or rich organic sounds.
- screen and menu are a pain to use, it could be better.

handling

features

sound

quality

Report

Do you believe this rating to be inaccurate or unacceptable for some reason? Please give us the reason for your assessment in the following text box and – if possible – your e-mail address for further questions.

Show translation

Show original

Unfortunately there was an error. Please try again later.

Mal was anderes.

Kurt Kistenmann 14.03.2025

Sehr interessante Klänge. Klingt sehr wertig und HiFi. Kann aber auch sehr krass und experimentell.
Die Bedienung ist etwas kryptisch und, wie natürlich für ein resultierende System angemessen, Sweat Spots sind nicht immer leicht zu finden. Manchmal schraubt man geniale Klänge hin und weiß gar nicht, wie man dort hingekommen ist. Die wohl klingenden Klänge fallen aber letztlich immer wieder in die selben Klangkategorien Xylophon, Orgel, Gitarre. Aber ein Potenzial steckt natürlich auch in den experimentellen Klängen, wenn man nur die Experimente ein bisschen mehr unter Kontrolle halten könnte. So entsteht die "Kunst" nicht von Können, sondern von Unvermögen, den Prozess zu kontrollieren. Zum Dampfpfeifen werde ich ihn nicht benutzen, experimentelle Klanglandschaften mit liegenden Akkorden werden wohl häufiger zum Einsatz kommen. Leider leider ist der Ausgang des Klangerzeugersmono und wird Erst durch das etwas kalt klingende Reverb verbreitert. Hier wäre ein schon trockenes Stereosignal (Voice Panning/Spread) schon gut gewesen, zumal das Reverb nicht ganz monokompatibel scheint.

handling

features

sound

quality

Report

Show translation

Show original

Unfortunately there was an error. Please try again later.

Den Sound habe ich gesucht

kla234 31.01.2025

Habe viel mit Delays mit sehr kurzen Feedbacks experimentiert und schließlich einen Synth gefunden, der das alles kann.
Super Sound und Verarbeitung.

Toll wäre noch eine Anzeige, wo die Parameter stehen, könnte aber in zukünftigen Update enthalten sein.

Physical modelling funktioniert anders als die üblichen subtraktiven Synths. Man findet sicher nicht gleich zum gewünschten Ergebnis und das Spektrum an Sounds ist relativ weit. Aber es finden sich immer sehr schöne Sweet Spots.

handling

features

sound

quality

Report

Show translation

Show original

Unfortunately there was an error. Please try again later.

Masterpiece

Nine9 11.02.2025

What can I say? A masterpiece of a synthesizer—every small change leads to new and interesting changes in sound, and the palette is huge.

handling

features

sound

quality

Report

Read all reviews

Erica Synths Steampipe

Desktop Synthesizer