Last Updated on October 3, 2024 by IDS Team
What is the Erica Synths Bullfrog? This new, educational synth takes a break from the regular pattern of the Erica Synths catalog, but comes with the intriguing addition of voice cards, making it a synth with a difference. We take a deeper look here…
Introduction to the Erica Synths Bullfrog
Erica Synths specialises in minimalist, relatively austere looking synths in sleek silver and black. Their trademark machines cover a creative new frontier in synthesis with a focus on modern genres, yet still feel timeless. They also straddle a sweet spot between technical and educational, offering plenty of material to challenge and inspire a seasoned sound designer whilst still offering models that are accessible to the general public.
However, the Erica Synths Bullfrog bucks this trend slightly in that it’s designed especially for classrooms. Is it going to be too simplistic for the average producer? Or is it just right if you want to get started with hardware synthesis from your bedroom? We explore the pros and cons of this new addition here in this Erica Synths bullfrog review, as well as update you on the erica synths nightverb, the second new offering from the company.Â
Is The Bullfrog Any Good?
Overall, yes. Of course, it depends what you are looking for, but to expand, this is not just a cheap-and-cheerful educational synth for music colleges or classrooms. It is a powerful and modern, analog, semi modular synth that comes in two varieties – regular and XL. One of the main benefits we can say is it’s probably one of the most ideal machines to get to grips with modular on.
It is a proper working desktop synthesiser that has all the options a professional producer would need to create tracks in genres ranging from EDM to house or even to program some beats.
In terms of sound, the Bullfrog has a surprising amount of versatility compared with what you would expect from its relatively basic set up. It is overall modern and crisp, but it’s capable of making a variety of subtler sounds, and includes the ability to sound slightly vintage or lo-fi if you want it to. Yet, at the same time, it’s powerful and capable of creating modern, driving beats and complex arrangements with a sparklingly clear tone.
Erica synths developed the bullfrog synthesiser with Richie Hawtins, also known as Plastikman, whose work in the Detroit techno scene is audible in the Bullfrog’s attention to detail and crisp, sleek sound. What’s more, Erica Synths mastermind Girts Ozolins actually has a background in education, so this synth has both the usage process and the musical creativity in great hands.
Is The Erica Synths Bullfrog Just for Education?
We have to reiterate, don’t be put off by the branding and bright colors of this synth. It may look a bit different from the rest of the Erica synths catalogue, but you’ll find that it more than makes up for it in hitting the sweet spot between education and innovation.
At this stage it would also be pointless to avoid mentioning the voice cards. These are a feature that was first introduced by Erica Synths with the PIco System II. But what are they, what do they actually do, and what do they add to the bullfrog?
Erica Synths Bullfrog Voice Cards
By far one of the biggest draws of the Bullfrog is its selection of Voice Cards, which come in a set of 5 that includes 3 presets and 2 blank cards for you to create yourself.
Essentially, these are small but relatively high tech pieces of machinery that contain all the data needed to get your synth to sound a certain way. You can slot them into your synth and control it like that, sometimes without having to even turn a knob, patch any of the modules, or similar.
With the two blank voice cards, Erica Synths allows you to make your own custom presets with the bullfrog. You can patch the synth in whichever way you like, and then transfer this setup to the voice card for future reference.
The one criticism we would have of the voice cards system is that two probably isn’t enough to account for the potential of beginner mistakes, or even you changing your mind. Therefore we would suggest that before transferring any synth setup to a voice card, you make sure you’re got every parameter just right. That said, you can purchase blank voice cards online.
As of yet the main voice cards are:
- Electric Organ
- Highpass VC
- Wind and Stars
- Acid Bassline
- Sequencer
- Sampler/Looper
Does Erica Synths’ Bullfrog Contain Nightverb?
In short, the answer is no, Bullfrog is not affiliated with and does not contain Nightverb Instead, Nightverb is the newest invention from Erica Synths and is a ‘musical’ long tail reverb where the trailing sounds are sculpted to create noise in their own right.
It’s mesmerising and beautiful, but although the two have both seen plenty of hype, there is no connection between the two in any way.
Erica Synths Bullfrog Price
Currently, the Bullfrog sits at 500 EUR, however, it is now part of a wider ecosystem that also contains Bullfrog Drums, which is set for release late in 2024.
Therefore, if you want the whole set, you may need to shell out a higher price once Bullfrog Drums comes around.
Lastly, there is also a Bullfrog XL version, which, apart from its sise, doesn’t differ considerably from the regular bullfrog, but comes at a much steeper cost of 1700 Eur. You can purchase the bullfrog classic here, the XL here, and spare Voice Cards here.
Is the Bullfrog worth its cost?
If you’re an educator or work in school or music college, the Bullfrog is absolutely worth its cost. It may be that the creators intend it with the budget of institutions in mind, as for a beginner synth it is relatively on the expensive side.
However, is the bullfrog cost worth it if you’re a standalone producer? In this case, we would actually still say yes. Although sound wise it is simply a classic subtractive synth and doesn’t have that many bells or whistles, the high quality of the sounds, accessibility, and voice cards system make it worth your while investing in if you’re a committed beginner or even an intermediate sound designer who wants to get more hands on with your production.
Final Thoughts
The Bullfrog is, in short, fully usable as a synth in its own right. It’s got high quality sound, it’s not too simplistic, and it has plenty of features for a beginner or intermediate sound designer to get their teeth into.
Some of the biggest draws that it has may not be relevant to more experienced producers, however. It also doesn’t have any massively unique selling point outside of the fact that it’s educational, so if you’re looking for it to fulfil a specific role that goes beyond this to a certain extent, it may not be for you.
However, it really isn’t often that educational synths – or beginner synths, for that matter – come from a company such as Erica Synths. Many first timers may prefer to go with a safer brand such as Korg or Behringer for their first synth without breaking the bank. However, if your tastes lean a little outside the mainstream, but you still want something accessible, Erica Synths has you covered with the bullfrog, and we have to thank them for this.
Overall, the bullfrog is definitely worth a mention – and if you’re the kind of producer who wants to jump in a little deeper, but still ensure you gain the necessary skill set along the way, it’s probably one of the best options out there.
If you liked this article, take a look at our further hardware section here. And, if you’re interested in more gear from Erica synths, check out our article here.