OBSIDIAN
A boutique analog semi-modular synthesizer forged for sound exploration.
OBSIDIAN.
Forged from fast-cooling lava, this volcanic stone becomes a black mirror that, when used with purpose, awakens and channels your creative energy.
OBSIDIAN is a unique semi-modular analog synthesizer with its own characteristic sound. Its analog circuitry combines different worlds of synthesis techniques, opening space for creative sound design and composition.
Inside OBSIDIAN.
- West-coast style oscillator section.
- Waveshaper, wavefolder and cross-modulation.
- 1V/oct tracking across eight octaves.
- Sub-oscillator for thick foundations.
- Two-channel mixer with optional external inputs.
- Multi-mode: low-pass, high-pass and band-pass.
- Continuous modulation between filter modes.
- Voltage controlled mode, cutoff and resonance (peak).
- Bipolar envelope modulation.
- Voltage controlled amplifier with CV inputs.
- ADSR envelope.
- AD(R) envelope.
- Gate and velocity input per envelope.
- Voltage controlled slew rates and levels.
- Inverted output.
LFO
- Saw, ramp, sine, pulse and random outputs.
- Frequency range from 0.01 Hz up to 100 Hz.
- Clock syncable to tap tempo, external (eurorack) clock and MIDI clock.
- Rhythmical clock divisions (¼, ⅓, ½, ¾, 1/16).
Tape-style digital delay
- Voltage controlled time and feedback.
- Clock syncable to tap tempo, external (eurorack) clock and MIDI clock.
- Rhythmical clock divisions (¼, ⅓, ½, ¾, 1/16).
- West-coast style five-step sequencer.
- Selectable 4 or 5 step sequence.
- External and manual sequence reset.
- Clock syncable to tap tempo, external (eurorack) clock and MIDI clock.
- Patchable to oscillators, filter and any CV destination.
Vannes Engineering.
Founded in 2017, Vannes Engineering has been dedicated to designing and developing high-quality synthesizers for artists, musicians and sound explorers. Koen, Co-Founder and former owner of Majella Audio, decided to pursue a solo path in Vannes Engineering. In 2026 the company introduced its first fully self-made instrument: OBSIDIAN.
The lava is cooling.
A great deal of time and effort has gone into the development of OBSIDIAN. While the instrument is approaching its final form, the lava hasn’t cooled… yet. What you’re seeing here is the first prototype. Final revisions to the printed circuit board, enclosure and embedded software are currently underway. From here on, the sound, look and feel will only continue to improve.
Get in touch.
As mentioned earlier, the lava hasn’t cooled yet. OBSIDIAN is nearing completion. For collaborations, future purchase inquiries or resale opportunities, feel free to get in touch.