Dreadbox Erebus (2014–2016)
A paraphonic semi-modular analog synthesizer handmade in Greece, known for its distinctive sound and patchable architecture.
Overview
The Dreadbox Erebus is a semi-modular analog synthesizer, produced from 2014 to 2016. It is handmade in Greece. The design is 2-voice paraphonic, with independent control of the two oscillators, so it gives layered tones from a compact box. Dreadbox markets it as 100% analog (excluding MIDI). It has a built-in lo-fi echo/delay effect with CV control, a 2-pole Dreadbox filter, ADSR and AR envelopes, and a wide-range LFO. It was reissued in 2022 as a faithful reproduction of the original v1, with minor improvements and better portability.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Dreadbox |
| Product type | Paraphonic semi-modular analogue synthesizer |
| Production years | 2014–2016 (original version) |
| Country of origin | Greece |
| Circuit type | 100% analog (except MIDI) |
| Voicing | 2-Voice paraphonic |
| Oscillators | Two oscillators |
| Filter | 2-Pole Dreadbox Filter |
| Envelope | ADSR Envelope and AR Amp Envelope |
| LFO | Wide-Range LFO |
| VCA | OTA VCA |
| Effects | Lo-Fi Echo/Delay Effect with CV control |
| Patching | Various patching options via patch panel |
| MIDI | MIDI channel selectable via DIP switch; supports MIDI CCs and NRPNs |
| Power | USB Powered |
| Format | 42HP |
Design
The Erebus is a semi-modular analog design that is fundamentally monophonic, but it lets you control the two oscillators independently, which is what makes it paraphonic. All signal paths are analog except the MIDI circuitry. A dedicated patch panel handles CV/gate modulation and effect control.
Context
The Erebus is named after the primordial Greek god of darkness. The reissue came in 2022 after demand from users who praised its warm, snappy character. According to Dreadbox, it is their most unique-sounding analog synthesizer. The original version was discontinued around 2016, and production of the V2 ended by the close of 2017. The reissue was announced in November 2022 and discussed in user forums through 2023 and 2024.
Market
The Dreadbox Erebus Reissue has been listed at prices starting from $305 for B-stock units, with new models available from $359. A DIY kit version exists. Some users have reported MIDI channel configuration issues that need a manual DIP switch adjustment.
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