Erica Synths

acting as a dry/wet control,
blending the driven output with the
clean signal. As you’d expect from
Erica Synths, it’s a nicely gritty
effect and, when coupled with the
already aggressive fi lter resonance,
can result in some brilliantly
rough-edged sounds.
Sequencer
The sound engine itself is only one
half of the whole story here though,
as much of the DB-01’s distinctive
character comes from its
sequencer. Programming is handled
via the 16 buttons along the unit’s
lower edge, with a pair of bar
selection buttons allowing 16-step
patterns to be easily copied across
32, 48 or 64-steps. Notes can be
recorded live, making use of the
sequencer as a keyboard or input
step-by-step, using the two central
selection rotaries to adjust pitch
and gate length. The sequencer can
do a bit more than just note-
sequencing though, with individual
percussive sounds [see More Than
Bass, below].
The modulation track lets users
program CV changes to the cutoff
position for each step. Like with
sequencing notes, this can either
be input step-by-step or recorded
live by hitting record and tweaking
the cutoff knob. Any sequenced
modulation works in conjunction
with the other modulation inputs
and in relation to the current
position of the cutoff rotary,
meaning it’s possible to, for
channels for programming slides,
accents, pitch envelope sweeps and
fi lter modulation.
Accents and slides work as you
would expect them to, offering up
nice tools to add a little emphasis
and movement to spice up simple
bass patterns. Pitch envelope
sequencing is possibly the most
interesting sequencer feature.
Using the two central rotaries to
adjust the level and length of a
pitch sweep for each step, which is
a really handy tool for programming
MORE THAN BASS
While it might clearly say Bassline along the top of the synth, there’s more
to Erica’s latest instrument than just bass. Much like Moog’s Mother
instruments, there are handy tools here for sequencing percussive parts as
well as bass sounds. As well as the punchy envelope generators, the really
handy tool here is the sequencer’s pitch envelope track. This allows users
to program and fi ne-tune pitch sweeps on specifi c sequence steps, which
is great for creating patterns that alternate between punchy kick drum
sounds and more traditional bass notes. Throw in some white noise and
modulation of the
fi lter cutoff, and the
DB-01 can do a
decent line in electro-
style snares and
hi-hats too.
The DB-01 is a lot
of fun to use as a
drone machine too.
Fully opening up the
amp decay creates an
endless sustained
note, and engaging
detune, plus LFO
modulation of the
cutoff and pitch is a
great tool for
experimental tones.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Behringer TD-3
£129
For a more
straightforward
analogue 303
emulation, it’s pretty
tough to beat
Behringer’s wallet-
friendly version .
behringer.com
Kor g Monologue
£229
A simpler mono
synth than the
DB-01, Korg’s
Monologue also
packs a sequencer
with microtonal
capabilities .
korg.com
Moog DFAM
£539
Like the DB-01, the
DFAM features
percussive envelopes
and some handy
tools for creating
both percussive and
bass sounds.
moogmusic.com
The marriage of analogue
oscillators, Polivoks fi lter and
gritty detune and drive make
this an absolute beast
Reviews | Erica Synths Bassline DB-01
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FMU359.rev_erica.indd 70 13/06/2020 13:51