Future Sound Systems built the Cric around a deceptively simple idea: what if you could patch a synthesizer like modular gear but in a compact desktop format that doesn't require a case, power supply hunting, or a second mortgage? The result is something that feels both retro in its analog circuitry and genuinely forward-thinking in how it approaches synthesis flexibility.
The heart of the Cric is three rock-solid voltage controlled oscillators with coarse and fine tuning, each capable of exponential or linear frequency modulation for classic FM textures. A comprehensive multimode filter section handles everything from straightforward lowpass filtering to aggressive timbral sculpting, while four cyclical function generators pull double duty as envelopes, LFOs, or audible oscillators depending on how you patch them. The pin matrix patching system is where things get interesting—it lets you reconfigure the synth from a traditional monophonic voice to paraphonic setups, drum machine, or pure drone and noise generator. Four DC-coupled audio inputs and outputs (including a microphone preamp on input one) open the door to external processing, CV control from other gear, and feedback routing. A built-in sequencer and mod matrix add another layer of modulation possibilities without requiring external controllers.
The Brunel Limited Edition comes in a steel enclosure measuring 550 x 310 x 80mm and weighing 5.3kg, making it genuinely portable while feeling substantial. The "signal black" finish and layout suggest serious intent without unnecessary flourishes. Since hitting the market in 2024, the Cric has earned respect from performers and producers who appreciate its combination of analog warmth and architectural flexibility—it's become known as a synth that rewards deep exploration and sounds equally at home in experimental electronic music, industrial, or ambient work.
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