Strymon SuperKar+

The Strymon SuperKar+ is a Eurorack voice module that takes Karplus-Strong synthesis to a new level. This technique, based on delay feedback, mimics the sound of string and tube sounds with stunning realism. The result is an instrument that is always in motion: small changes in attack, decay and damping create an endless variety of timbres - from subtle and organic to distinctly experimental.

What is Karplus-Strong synthesis?
Karplus-Strong synthesis is a digital method that sends a short pulse or noise through a delay line with feedback. The returning signal is attenuated and filtered slightly each time, creating a tone similar to a struck string. With longer excitation, you get sounds reminiscent of strung strings. Reverse the feedback to produce hollow tube or pipe sounds. With short attack and decay settings, even percussive sounds are possible. Because each parameter subtly intervenes in the feedback structure, the instrument responds very vividly and organically - almost as if a real musician is playing.

Two Voices, Endless Possibilities
The module is built around two independent voices: the Solo Voice and the Chord Voice. Both can be played simultaneously and independently. Controllable via both CV and MIDI, the Solo Voice provides up to 16-voice polyphony with stable tuning over eight octaves. The Chord Voice also provides 16 voices and can generate harmonies and chords based on a root note and chosen scale. This creates rich harmonic structures or solid bass lines with octave-doubling.

Karplus-Strong synthesis, lively and expressive
SuperKar+ is particularly expressive in its response. The Vapor control affects not only the timbre, but also the resonance of the virtual string or tube. Combined with Attack and Decay, it creates sounds that range from tightly percussive to broadly resonant. Via CV control, add lively nuances such as realistic per-note detuning, glissandos with Glide, or complex chords with the smart Harmony and Scale settings.

Compact but Full
Thanks to the integrated mixer and envelope sections, no additional VCA or separate envelope generator is needed. The module features multiple stereo and mono outputs, including Wide Stereo, Narrow Stereo, Split Outputs and Mono Sum. This allows you to process voices separately or, alternatively, merge them into a wide stereo image.

Strymon SuperKar+ features:

• 32-voice Karplus-Strong synthesis
• two independent voices (Solo Voice and Chord Voice), each up to 16-voice
• MIDI input for polyphonic control of the Solo Voice
• tuning stability: 6 octaves via CV, 8 octaves via MIDI (Solo), 5 octaves (Chord)
• internal mixer with independent volume control per voice
• 12HP wide, depth 38mm
• power supply: +12V 120mA, -12V 120mA
• 520 MHz ARM Superscalar processor, 32-bit floating point processing
• designed and built in the USA