Erica Synths Steampipe Polyphonic Modeling Synthesizer

Sound does not begin with oscillators here, it begins with breath, pressure and resonance. Steampipe is an 8-voice polyphonic physical modeling synthesizer developed by Erica Synths in collaboration with 112dB, designed to recreate and extend how real wind and string instruments generate sound. Instead of traditional oscillators, Steampipe uses a deeply modified Karplus–Strong-based modeling engine to simulate pipes, strings, bells and resonant bodies with striking realism. Built for expressive performance and deep sound design, it excels with MIDI keyboards, wind controllers and MPE devices, delivering organic overtones, fluid dynamics and instrument-like responsiveness for studio production and live performance.

Physical Modeling Engine for Wind and String Behavior

At the core of Steampipe is a physical modeling synthesis engine with 32 adjustable parameters focused on how sound behaves inside pipes and resonant structures. A push-pull feedback mechanism allows the modeled pipe to oscillate rather than simply resonate, enabling realistic wind-instrument behaviors such as overblowing, pitch jumps and breath-driven harmonics. High-pass and low-pass filters within the feedback path shape resonance characteristics, while delay-based tuning and harmonic stretching support inharmonic sounds including bells, mallets and metallic percussion. The result is a sound engine that feels alive, reactive and far more expressive than conventional subtractive synthesis.

Advanced Modulation, LFOs and Expressive Control

Steampipe offers extensive modulation for evolving and performance-driven sound design. Five assignable LFOs provide delay, speed, morphing wave shapes, sync and depth control, allowing motion to be applied across nearly every synthesis parameter. A comprehensive modulation matrix enables multiple MIDI CC sources, including modulation wheels, breath controllers and MPE dimensions, to be routed to destinations such as generator behavior, feedback response, filter modulation, reverb mix and LFO depth. Velocity scaling, key tracking, legato behavior, glide, unison and polyphonic voice modes further enhance expressive control for dynamic real-time performance.

Integrated Saturation, Effects and Stereo Space

Sound shaping extends beyond synthesis through integrated saturation, feedback shaping and a dedicated stereo reverberator. Saturation can be applied symmetrically or asymmetrically to emphasize odd or even harmonics, supporting brass-like warmth or aggressive edge. The reverberator includes stereo spread, room size, bass and treble decay and modulation parameters, enabling everything from subtle spatial enhancement to expansive evolving ambiences. A voice-spread function distributes individual voices across the stereo field, creating wide immersive textures that enhance both solo playing and dense arrangements.

Preset Management, MIDI Integration and External Input

Steampipe includes 64 factory presets and 192 user preset locations, with USB-based export, import and backup for studio and live reliability. All parameters are fully MIDI CC controllable and the synth can be optimized for standard MIDI keyboards, wind controllers and MPE devices via a configurable MIDI device menu. DIN MIDI In, MIDI Thru and Out, USB MIDI, sustain pedal input and stereo line-level outputs ensure seamless integration into modern hybrid setups. An external audio input allows incoming signals to be injected into the modeling engine for unconventional sound design and experimental processing.

Expressive Physical Modeling Beyond Traditional Synthesis

Steampipe is not focused on recreating classic synthesizers, it is designed to rethink how electronic instruments behave. From lifelike flutes and clarinets to impossible registers, industrial horns, bells and evolving ambiences, it rewards expressive playing and deep exploration. Whether driven by breath, touch or automation, Steampipe delivers organic movement and realism rarely found in electronic instruments. For producers and performers seeking a physical, expressive alternative to oscillator-based synthesis, the Erica Synths Steampipe stands as a uniquely powerful creative tool.