After selling out their initial two limited runs in just minutes, Telepathic Instruments have revealed that the latest batch of their innovative hardware instrument is set for launch on 10 October 2025. Originally conceived as a personal songwriting tool by Kevin Parker (Tame Impala), the Orchid has gone on to become one of the most talked-about new instruments in the music tech industry, as well as finding its way into the hands of big-name artists including Kid Cudi, Don Toliver, Fred Again, Diplo, Madison Beer, Mark Hoppus and many more.
Described as an “ideas machine”, the Orchid has been designed to provide songwriters and producers with a simple and intuitive playing experience. It sports a single-octave keybed, which pairs up with a set of push buttons and two encoders that allow players to trigger all manner of different chord types and voicings. After gathering user feedback from the instrument’s 4000 early adopters, Orchid Instruments have been hard at work implementing an array of new features and functions, and the latest version is just about to hit the shelves.
What’s New?
The latest iteration of the Orchid brings with it a whole host of new features, including:
- Beats: Exclusive pre-programmed beats by Kevin Parker.
- Filter: a dedicated cutoff frequency filter for shaping sound precisely.
- Quantisation: Keeps loops locked in time.
- Save Sounds: Modify and save your own User Sounds directly on the Orchid.
- Loop Save & Recall: Capture spontaneous ideas and bring them back instantly.
- Drum FX: New rhythmic controls for Orchid’s beat engine.
- 10 New Sounds: All designed by Kevin Parker.
Pistil Plug-in
Another headline feature of the release is the introduction of Pistil, a new plug-in based around the synth engine that powers the hardware instrument’s onboard sounds. As well as functioning as a comprehensive sound editor for the Orchid — sounds created in the plug-in can be loaded directly onto the hardware — it also functions as a standalone plug-in that provides DAW users with a virtual Orchid.
How-To Video
To celebrate the release, Telepathic Instruments have teamed up with comedians Matt Berry and Jemaine Clement to create an instructional video. Described as “equal parts Orchid tutorial and comedy sketch” the video is said to serve as a playful love letter to chords, synthesis and the joy of making music. Check it out below!
Pricing & Availability
The latest batch of Orchids will be available to order on 10 October 2025, priced at $699. The new Pistil plug-in will be bundled with the instrument, and is also available separately for $129. In the lead-up to the launch, Telepathic Instruments will be opening a Flower Shop for people to come and try the Orchid in Los Angeles between 2–5 October, followed by a pop-up at Amsterdam Dance Event, where they will take over Filling Pieces in the heart of the city between 22–26 October.
