Artemis

Dreadbox broke new ground with through-zero FM on a polysynth, a first for the brand that lets you sculpt dynamic bass tones and metallic edges right from the dual VCOs per voice.

This six-voice analog desktop delivers true subtractive synthesis with two voltage-controlled oscillators offering smooth waveshaping across sine, triangle, saw, square, plus PWM, FM, and per-oscillator sub or noise generators. A creamy resonant low-pass filter switches between 12dB and 24dB slopes, with keyboard tracking, drive, and FM from osc/noise, paired to a 12dB high-pass; two ADSR envelopes handle VCA and filter duties, while dual polyphonic LFOs per voice bring BPM-sync, fade-in, and cross-mod to pitch, cutoff, waveshape, and PWM. Sinevibes digital effects shine in four stereo slots—distortion/bit-crush, modulation like chorus/ensemble, delay, and reverb—with dedicated sliders for real-time tweaks, all spread across a variable stereo field. Hands-on controls include master volume, detune, glide, and per-voice fades, plus a 64-step polyphonic sequencer for live recording/editing with ties/rests, arpeggiator, and mod matrix feeding MPE, poly aftertouch, velocity, and CC74. At 375 x 185 x 55 mm and 2.3 kg, it connects via dual mono 1/4" outs, headphone jack, USB/DIN MIDI in/out.

Early players praise its vintage Dreadbox warmth fused with modern punch, especially the filter character and effects playability that elevate pads and sequences. Some note modulation could expand further, but the core sound hooks you fast.