North Carolina-based synth maker GLX Audio shared this preview of the Balsam 8-Voice Modal Synthesizer.
Balsam is designed to let you pitch bend and manipulate voices using an array of sliders. According to the company, “BALSAM encourages players to explore novel forms of harmonic, timbral, and rhythmic expression.”
Features:
- 8-voice virtual-analog polyphony (digital)
- Stereo analog state variable tone filter
- Stereo analog VCA
- Experimental slider interface
- 8-channel polyrhythm sequencer
- LFO + mod matrix + mod envelopes
- Slider-tracked / key-tracked modulation section
- Slider-tracked stereo panning
- Glide + viscosity w/ individual oscillator articulation
- MIDI polyphonic expression output
- USB-C midi in / out
- 5-pin MIDI in / out
- 3.5mm analog clock sync in / out
- Expression pedal input
- External audio input
- L/R line outs + headphone out
- Just and equal intonation modes
- Browser-based tuning / settings / firmware updater
Pricing and Availability:
Balsam is expected to be available in late Spring 2026, priced at $2249 USD. You can sign up for updates at the site.
I see spaced long faders like that and think E-mu SP-1200 for some reason haha
This is cool. I like the interface. Looks Like a poly easel only nothing like that at the same time.