Erica Synths Formant, the legendary magazine-only modular analog synth, is making a comeback as a modern DIY kit.
After much teasing, it is now officially here. Erica Synths has just released a DIY-friendly and extended version of the Elektor Formant modular Synthesizer.
They created this new modular system based on the Elektor Formant designs in collaboration with Harald Antes of haraldswerk.de and extended it in features.
Erica Synths Elektor Formant
According to Erica Synths, they kept the unique internal wiring of the modules so the system can also be played without patching, exactly as described in the original manuals.
It features 27 modules capable of producing the original sounds and much more. It includes:
- SEQ – a sequencer (new module, not found in the original system)
- 3 x VCO
- 12 dB/Oct VCF
- 24 dB/Oct VCF
- RFM – formant filter module
- FX module (new module, based on DSP found on Erica Synths FX modules)
- COM – an updated Output module
- INTERFACE module – MIDI-CV module
- EF/RING – envelope follower and ringmodulator module
- NOISE – noise and random voltage generators
- DIVIDER – frequency divider module
- WAVEPROC – waveshaper
- 2 x VCA
- PHASER – an 8-stage optical phaser
- 2 x MIXER
- DISPATCH – buffered gate and CV multiple
- LFO
- 2 x VC LFO
- 2 x ADSR
- ADSR CONTROLLER
- DUAL S&H
Part of this is a new PSU distribution board with an external 12V@3.3A PSU and an enclosure with rails and thraded inserts.
All modules are designed to be DIY friendly (35mm deep); however, as the modules are complex, the system is intended for advanced DIYers who have extensive experience in DIY electronics and have all the necessary tools for calibration and troubleshooting.
Also important to note is that Erica Synths cannot provide support with this project, and builders must rely on their experience and/or information on the build thread on Modwiggler.
As remarkable as I find the system, I’m unfortunately out of the DIY game. I’m left-handed, but it’s excellent that Erica Synths has designed a modern version of it with significant improvements like MIDI, a sequencer, and more.
The Elektor Formant System is available now as a Partial Kit for 2300€ + VAT + shipping or a Full Kit for 3000€ + VAT + shipping on the official Erica Synths website. Shipping starts on August 21, 2025.
Update from August 7, 2025
At the end of July, Sam Battle, aka Look Mum No Computer, hosted a 24-hour DIY event at his This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete, where people soldered the Elektor Formant. Not the original, but a soon-to-be-available reissue from Erica Synths.
Today, Look Mum No Computer released a new video about it.
Article from July 28, 2025
British YouTuber and musician Look Mum No Computer has a passion for vintage synths, particularly the rare and unique releases. In his “This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete in Kent, he makes the synths accessible to visitors.
Here you will find many fascinating synths that are very rare to find, for example, the Formant Synthesizer, which you could only build yourself with the help of circuit diagrams from a monthly Elektor magazine from the 1970s. Soon, there will be another option to get it.
The Formant is coming back soon as Erica Synth’s DIY project. A preview was given at an event at Look Mum No Computer’s museum last weekend.
Erica Synths Formant
A special DIY event took place in Look Mum No Computer’s space. Erica Synths, This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete, artist Jacqnoise, and a handful of synth soldering fans embarked on a mission to solder a Formant Synthesizer within 24 hours.
The participants had not created the synth from scratch using the magazine, but with newly made DIY kits from Erica Synths. Yes, the team managed it with passionate, hardcore soldering and no sleep; however, not within the 24-hour timeframe, but within 25 hours.
The good news is that it won’t be a one-off thing. According to Jacqnoise’s Instagram post, Erica Synths will soon release the complete Formant system as a DIY project.
Jacqnoise also shared in her post that the OG design has been upgraded with MIDI, 12V, pitch and gate transfer, a new case, and easy back panel rewiring.
The exact module configuration in the final Erica Synths version is unknown. Still, you can already give an estimate if you look at the system from the event: sequencer, two VCOs, two filters, RFM, FX, EF/Ring, noise, divider, waveproc, two dual VCAs, ADSR envelopes, LFOs, and more.
First Impression
A lovely project, and I’m looking forward to the official release. If it’s a 100% DIY project, I won’t be getting a Formant, as my soldering skills are close to zero. But I’m sure it will trigger GAS in many solderers.
Erica Synths Formant will be available soon. Girts confirmed that it will be a kit for advanced builders. Reservations for the next DIY challenges or questions can be made via edu@ericasynths.lv
More information will follow here: Erica Synths
As an old man with bad eyes, I also hope they will sell assembled modules/system as well.
no just as an advanced DIY kit what I know from Erica Synths
as an old man with bad eyes, good ears, and a soldering iron, I hope the local synth collective wants to pitch in and build one together
Check Jos van Ras. He has been offering this for years now
http://www.josvanras.com/