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Genki Instruments 'Katla': A Voice-Rotating Polyphonic Synth Inspired by Iceland's Volcanic Power
Genki Instruments 'Katla': A Voice-Rotating Polyphonic Synth Inspired by Iceland's Volcanic Power
Reykjavík-based developer Genki Instruments has officially announced the availability of 'Katla', a voice-rotating polyphonic synthesizer inspired by Iceland's largest subglacial volcano. After generating strong buzz at events such as SUPERBOOTH25 in Berlin, Machina Bristronica 2025 in Bristol, and Buchla & Friends 2026 in Los Angeles, Katla marks the company's first entry into analog synthesis—one that blends traditional architecture with bold, experimental design.
Katla's design draws directly from its natural namesake. Each unit features side panels and knobs crafted from authentic Icelandic lava, giving the instrument a tangible connection to volcanic forces. This aesthetic is matched by its sonic identity, which emphasizes dynamic, evolving textures where each note develops with its own character.
To reinforce its aggressive and organic sound, Katla includes four independent distortion stages. Among them is a stereo CMOS drive circuit, capable of delivering everything from warm saturation to harsh, fragmented tones.
At the core of Katla is its voice-rotating engine, which distributes notes across five independent analog voices. Each voice has its own adjustable parameters, enabling complex, layered sound design.
The instrument offers six voice allocation modes:
This system allows Katla to produce rich, evolving textures with a high degree of variation and movement.
One of Katla's most distinctive features is its set of "KATLA" wildcard parameters, designed to introduce controlled unpredictability:
Together, these controls create sounds that feel alive, unstable, and highly expressive.
Katla's five voices each include a dedicated sub-oscillator, filter, amplifier, and LFO. A global sub control allows adjustment of waveform and octave. The synth also features stereo effects, including a lush digital reverb inspired by 1980s hardware.
Loopable envelopes blur the line between traditional envelopes and LFOs, enabling rhythmic modulation and evolving patterns. The instrument can sync to a DAW or external clock, with timing quantized to musical divisions such as quarter notes, eighth notes, and triplets.
Katla enhances performance through advanced control features:
The synth includes five external inputs, each routed to a corresponding voice. This allows users to process external audio through Katla's analog signal path, adding warmth, distortion, and character. Each unit is meticulously hand-assembled, emphasizing both sonic quality and craftsmanship.
CEO Ólafur Bjarki Bogason commented: "Beyond the volcanic concept, we wanted to create an instrument with real character and presence. From the physical design to the tactile feel and sound, every detail was carefully considered. We hope Katla inspires a new generation of musicians."
With Katla, Genki Instruments delivers a bold and distinctive entry into the world of analog synthesis. By combining voice rotation, experimental modulation, and expressive performance features, the instrument stands out as a powerful tool for creating evolving, organic soundscapes.
Price €4,990.00 EUR (including VAT and free delivery)
For more information on 'Katla'
Demo Video
About 'Genki Instruments' (https://genki.is/) Genki Instruments is a Reykjavik-based instrument developer founded in 2015. It is dedicated to exploring new ways of making music feel immediate and expressive. Entering its second decade, the company has earned recognition for designing tools that invite curiosity and creativity. As a Voice Rotating Polyphonic Synthesizer inspired by its natural namesake — namely, Iceland's largest subglacial volcano, Katla readily represents the company's first foray into analogue synthesis; a natural next step after creating Cosmos, a softsynth known for its playful interface, and Wave, the trailblazing motion controller that introduced a new form of gestural performance. Together, these projects reflect an ongoing mission to create instruments that feel alive, intuitive, and inspiring.
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