Supercritical Synthesizers have announced that the desktop synth they were showing off at 2024’s Superbooth and Machina Bristronica shows is now shipping. Bringing together the technology behind their Demon Core Oscillator and Neutron Flux Filter Eurorack modules, Redshift 6 is said to be a versatile instrument that’s capable of delivering everything from classic analogue polysynth sounds to modern digital tones.
As its name implies, the Redshift 6 is a six-voice synth, and allows users to configure the voices in a variety of different ways. As well as ‘standard’ six-voice polyphony, the instrument includes a dual-layer mode that combines a pair of independent three-voice layers, as well as an option that allows each voice to be allocated with its own patch and physical output — it’s also possible to create any combination of the different modes.
All six voices are generated by the same oscillator design found in the company’s Demon Core Oscillator. Users are able to choose between traditional twin-oscillator supersaw, flanging phase-sync and transistor organ engines, with everything in the analogue signal path benefitting from precise digital control. The filter — which is also derived from Supercritical’s Eurorack range — is a four-pole state-variable design, and is said to be capable of emulating the behaviour of just about any vintage synth filter.
Everything comes housed in a compact desktop-format enclosure that sports a 2.7-inch colour display. An assortment of dedicated hands-on controls offer immediate access to the instrument’s key parameters, and are joined by a selection of shortcut buttons that allow sections to be assigned to a set of rotary encoders that surround the built-in screen. a wealth of modulation options are joined by a stereo DSP effects module (the signal path remains entirely analogue until it reaches the input of the effects section), and the instrument also boasts MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support.
As for I/O, the Redshift 6 is equipped with three stereo line-level outputs (Main, Aux 1 and Aux 2), along with a headphone output, MIDI I/O on five-pin DIN sockets and USB. Power is supplied by an external 12V DC PSU.
Supercritical Synthesizers say that they will be continuing to develop new features for the instrument which will be made available via a series of planned updates. For the first six months following the launch, they will be focusing on user experience, before introducing new features that take full advantage of the flexible hardware system. a roadmap document detailing what’s in store is already available on the company’s website, and there will be public beta versions available for those wishing to test out new features before their official release.
Pricing & Availability
The Redshift 6 is available now, priced at $1349£1099 including VAT / €1259.