VAEMI have announced the upcoming launch of a new standalone ‘bio-interactive’ generative synthesizer. The Synterra analyses changing data from a wide range of sources including plants, fungi, fruits, organic materials, conductive surfaces, light and human touch, turning them into evolving musical structures.
At startup, the Synterra uses its internal coil to read the electromagnetic field of its surroundings and establish an initial reference point. This information influences the system’s initial note distribution and timing behaviour, meaning that even when working with the same source, the resulting musical behaviour remains continuously variable and non-repeating. Resistance variations detected through the instrument’s probes and changes in light captured by the onboard LDR are analysed and transformed into events, which are then processed through an internal quantiser and probability engine, generating notes, rhythmic movement and multi-layered structures within one of eight user-selectable scales.
The Synterra features adjustable polyphony that spans from one to five voices, and covers a note range of five octaves. Amount and Sensitivity controls allow the user to shape how strongly incoming data affects the system, influencing event density and the overall activity of the generative process. Nine synth patches wavetable and FM synthesis, resonant structures, Karplus–Strong physical modelling, drones, percussive synthesis, glitch and noise-based sound generation.
Although it can function as a standalone instrument, the Synterra isn’t restricted to its own internal engine. Its generative data can be passed on to other devices as MIDI information, with both USB and DIN connectivity provided. There’s also a MIDI Scale Mode, where notes received from an external keyboard, sequencer or DAW define the tonal material available to Synterra. The instrument continues generating music autonomously, but restricts its output to the incoming set of notes, allowing its generative output to follow the chords and harmonic movement of both existing compositions or live performances. A Full MIDI Mode then bypassed the generative system completely, allowing Synterra’s internal synth patches to be played directly over MIDI like a conventional synthesizer.
Pricing & Availability
The Synterra is available to pre-order now for $99 (reduced from its full cost of $119). The pre-order campaign will end on 31 August 2026, and the first units will be shipping in September 2026.
www.vaemi.net/product-page/synterra-bio-interactive-generative-synthesizer
