Back in 2014, the original Grendel RA-9 Grenadier burst onto the scene as a quirky semi-modular beast, and the RA-99 picks up that torch with a refined twist—exposing more hands-on controls for deeper sound sculpting without losing its raw, unpredictable edge.
This true analog monosynth centers around a single VCO pumping out thick tones, routed through a versatile lowpass/bandpass formant filter that delivers everything from vowel-like timbres to gritty sweeps. Patchbay with 14 points and full CV/Gate integration lets you reroute signals freely, while dedicated knobs for oscillator, filter cutoff, resonance, and dynamics give immediate tactile access—no menus, just pure knob-per-function bliss. Housed in a rugged metal chassis measuring 300 x 100 x 60 mm, complete with sturdy metal pots, roll bars for protection, and USB for power or MIDI-free sequencing, it slots perfectly as a compact sound mangler in Grendel's lineup of no-nonsense analog tools.
Owners love its bombproof build and the way it pairs with sequencers or external oscillators for wild, organic jams—though some note its monophonic focus demands creative patching to unlock poly vibes. It's a go-to for experimentalists craving that elusive Grendel growl in a desktop package that begs to be integrated into any modular rig.
