Strymon SuperKar+ 32-Voice Karplus Strong Synth Module

Bring Strings, Tubes, and Textures to Life with the Strymon SuperKar+ 32-Voice Karplus Strong Synth Module 

SuperKar+ is a groundbreaking Eurorack voice module that harnesses advanced Karplus-Strong synthesis to create the sounds of plucked, bowed, or blown instruments—along with countless hybrid tones. From percussive attacks to evolving legato melodies and lush, harmonic chords, SuperKar+ transforms delay feedback synthesis into a living, breathing musical experience. Every tone exists in a state of tension, dynamically shifting with each subtle change in attack, decay, and damping. The result: a deeply expressive module that responds organically to performance and modulation.

• Authentic Karplus-Strong synthesis for string, tube, and percussive textures
• Two independent voices: Solo Voice and Chord Voice, each with individual outputs
• Play melodies and chords simultaneously—Solo Voice supports MIDI polyphony
• Up to 32 total voices (16-voice polyphonic Solo Voice + 16-voice Chord Voice)
• Smart Harmony system with selectable scales for dynamic chord creation
• Independent timbre, level, and routing controls for each voice
• Built-in envelope and damping control—no external VCAs or envelopes required
• Audio inputs for both voices allow for excitation or resonator-style processing
• Compact 12HP module with intuitive layout and expressive CV control

Two Instruments in One: Independent Melodies and Chords

SuperKar+ divides its synthesis engine into two flexible voices: a Solo Voice for monophonic or polyphonic performance and a Chord Voice for harmonically rich accompaniments. Both can run independently or in tandem, each with its own timbre, pitch control, and level. The Solo Voice supports full MIDI polyphony for keyboard-style performance, while the Chord Voice generates harmonies or basslines based on incoming CV, with selectable intervals and smart scale modes.

32-Voice Polyphony and Intelligent Harmony

With up to 16 voices per section, SuperKar+ can generate a massive 32-voice soundscape within a single module. The Chord Voice produces harmonies over five octaves with intelligent voicing, while the Solo Voice delivers stable tuning across six octaves via CV and eight octaves via MIDI. Whether you’re building thick harmonic layers, octave basslines, or smartly voiced chords, the results are rich, musical, and deeply nuanced.

Deep Control, Simple Interface

Despite its immense power, SuperKar+ features a clear and inviting interface. Each parameter—Attack, Decay, and Damp—interacts within the delay feedback structure to create endless tonal variety, from bright resonant plucks to muted percussive tones or bowed-string articulations. All key parameters can be modulated via CV for expressive, evolving sound design.

Performance and Expression Tools

• Damp: Shapes brightness and resonance, from open ringing tones to palm-muted textures
• Decay: Controls sustain and self-oscillation for percussive or sustained sounds
• Attack: Adjusts transient response—plucked, bowed, or blown behavior
• Detune: Adds lifelike variation with random per-note detuning
• Timbre: Choose between string-based (positive feedback) and tube-based (negative feedback) modes
• Glide: Adds portamento between notes for smooth transitions
• Harmony: Creates octave, fifth, and chordal harmonies with optional smart scale tracking
• Scale: Select from scales including Harmonic Minor, Major, Dorian, Lydian, Phrygian, and more

Immersive Output and Stereo Flexibility

SuperKar+ offers multiple output modes to suit any patching workflow. Choose between Wide Stereo, Narrow Stereo, Split Outputs (Solo to Left, Chord to Right), or Mono Sum for flexible routing and processing. The module’s internal mixer balances both voices independently, with built-in amplitude control and no need for external VCAs.

Creative Connectivity

Audio inputs on both voices allow SuperKar+ to act as a resonator or sound processor for other modules. Feed external sounds to excite its delay network or use it as a sympathetic resonator to create organic, evolving tonal interactions across your modular system.

Sound Design Inspiration

Developed by Strymon co-founder and DSP engineer Pete Celi, SuperKar+ represents years of refinement following the Karplus-Strong engine introduced in the StarLab module. Every pluck, strike, or breath feels alive—each interaction between feedback, damping, and decay creates subtle movement and realism. From bowed strings to clay-drum resonances, SuperKar+ invites you to explore infinite musical variation through a single module.

SPECIFICATIONS

Audio & Synthesis

• Karplus-Strong synthesis with 32-voice polyphony (16 per section)
• Stable tuning: 8 octaves (MIDI), 6 octaves (CV)
• Scale Modes: Harmonic Minor, Aeolian, Major, Expanded Voicing Major, Dorian, Lydian, Phrygian, All Major
• Output Modes: Wide Stereo, Narrow Stereo, Split Outputs, Mono Sum

Processing & Architecture

• 520 MHz ARM Superscalar processor
• 32-bit floating point DSP processing
• Independent control for Attack, Decay, Damp, Glide, Harmony, and Timbre per voice

Inputs & Outputs

• CV pitch input per voice (+/- 1 octave range)
• Dedicated CV inputs for Attack, Decay, Damp, Detune, and Harmony
• Audio inputs for Solo and Chord Voices
• Stereo/mono output configuration

Dimensions & Power

• Width: 12HP
• Power: +12V / -12V (exact draw TBD)
• Designed and built in the USA

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