At SM Mastering, we are constantly tracking the evolution of analog hardware and its integration into modern hybrid workflows. When evaluating the sonic character of electronic music, the unique harmonics generated by boutique hardware synthesizers often make the difference between a flat mix and a dimensional, warm master. In this technical deep-dive, we analyze the impact of the reon – drift box, wizlink & loci ii – superbooth 2019 presentation on modern electronic music production and how these unique Japanese boutique instruments translate in a high-end mastering environment.
REON has carved a niche for itself by producing synthesizers that do not merely emulate vintage classics, but instead introduce unpredictable, highly interactive modulation routings. When looking back at the reon – drift box, wizlink & loci ii – superbooth 2019 announcement, the refinement of the Drift box lineup was clearly a major highlight for analog enthusiasts seeking gritty, organic tones that stand out in a dense mix. Let’s break down the technical specifications of these units and how their circuits behave under forensic audio analysis.
Exploring the Innovative Architecture of reon – drift box, wizlink & loci ii – superbooth 2019
The core of the REON philosophy lies in tactile, chaotic control, which was prominently displayed during their showcase. The updated Drift box range featured three primary variations, each serving a distinct synthesis role. The Drift box R acts as a classic analog voice featuring MIDI/CV integration, making it the most straightforward to sequence. However, the true chaos starts with the Drift box S and SE models, which utilize a 4-axis joystick control to dynamically morph parameters. The S model features dual VCOs, while the paraphonic SE boasts dual DCOs, allowing for lush, unstable chords that add incredible stereo depth to electronic music tracks.
The introduction of these prototypes under the reon – drift box, wizlink & loci ii – superbooth 2019 banner showcased a forward-thinking hybrid approach to Eurorack design. Particularly, the Wizlink modular system bridged the gap between analog purity and digital convenience by offering built-in virtual patching. This feature allows producers to recall complex patch configurations—a historic pain point for modular synthesis in professional studio workflows. On the other end of the spectrum, the Loci II MicroSinger FM synthesizer brought portable, digital FM capabilities to the table, proving that REON is equally comfortable designing compact digital sound generators as they are building wild analog circuits.
Technical Specifications and Overview
To better understand how these instruments compare and fit into a production setup, here is an overview of the gear showcased by REON:
| Product Name | Primary Use / Type | Estimated Price (At Launch) | SM Mastering Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drift box R | Analogue Monophonic Synth (MIDI/CV) | $349 | 4.2 / 5.0 |
| Drift box S | Dual VCO Desktop Synth (Joystick Control) | $399 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| Drift box SE | Dual DCO 4-Voice Paraphonic Synth | $449 | 4.6 / 5.0 |
| Wizlink | Modular System with Virtual Recall (Prototype) | N/A | 4.4 / 5.0 |
| Loci II MicroSinger | Pocket-size FM Synthesizer (Prototype) | N/A | 4.0 / 5.0 |
Integrating REON Instruments into a Professional Studio Workflow
Recording wild analog instruments like the Drift box range requires careful attention to gain staging and dynamic control. Because the joystick modulations on the Drift box S and SE can cause sudden, massive spikes in resonance and low-frequency energy, we highly recommend inserting a high-headroom leveling amplifier or a fast peak limiter in your recording chain. Using outboard gear from manufacturers like Universal Audio can help tame these transience fluctuations before they hit your analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).
To achieve the best mastering results with signals recorded from the reon – drift box, wizlink & loci ii – superbooth 2019 devices, proper gain staging is critical. The rich, non-linear odd harmonics generated by the Drift box’s filters react beautifully to analog tape emulation and bus compression. If you want to learn more about how to optimize your analog synth tracks for the mastering stage, feel free to explore our guides on the SM Mastering Audio Articles page.
Practical Studio Tips for Tracking REON Synthesizers:
- Control the Sub-Bass: The Drift box’s dual oscillators can generate extreme sub-harmonics. Use a high-pass filter (HPF) at around 20-30Hz to prevent subsonic mud from eating up your mix’s headroom.
- Automate the Joystick Movements: Record your physical interactions with the 4-axis joystick on the S and SE models as audio, then chop and layer the best sweeps to create unique transitions.
- Utilize the Wizlink’s Recall: If you are lucky enough to use the virtual patching modular ecosystem, save your patches alongside your DAW project files for seamless recall during mix revisions.
Conclusion
The showcase of the reon – drift box, wizlink & loci ii – superbooth 2019 product range remains a testament to boutique Japanese synth design. By offering a mix of chaotic joystick-controlled analog engines, hybrid virtual-recall modular patching, and ultra-portable FM synthesis, REON provided electronic musicians with invaluable tools for sound design. At SM Mastering, we appreciate how these instruments break away from predictable digital grids, giving our mastering engineers rich, organic textures to polish and bring to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Drift box S and the Drift box SE?
The Drift box S is a dual VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) desktop analog synthesizer featuring a 4-axis joystick for real-time parameter morphing. The Drift box SE is a dual DCO (Digitally Controlled Oscillator) paraphonic synthesizer capable of 4-voice paraphonyn, offering more stable pitch tracking and chord capabilities while retaining the iconic joystick controller.
Can the REON Wizlink recall patch cables physically?
No, the Wizlink does not physically move patch cables. Instead, it utilizes a sophisticated virtual routing system internally that allows the user to save and recall patch configurations electronically, eliminating the need to manually document cable positions between studio sessions.
How do I handle the wild frequency swings of REON synths during mastering?
The best approach is to manage them during the recording and mixing stages. Use a dynamic equalizer or a multiband compressor to target specific resonant build-ups (often in the 800Hz – 2kHz range) that occur when twisting the filter knobs or using the joystick controllers. This preserves the overall tone of the synth without letting rogue frequencies ruin the master’s tonal balance.
Written by SM Mastering
Official content on sound engineering, mixing, mastering, and advanced electronic production by SM Mastering.