The Dreadbox Nymphes is a compact six-voice polyphonic analogue synthesizer that delivers impressive sonic capabilities in a remarkably small form factor. Named after the wild chthonic demi-goddesses of ancient Greek mythology, this Athens-based manufacturer's latest creation continues their tradition of mythologically-inspired instruments alongside the Typhon and Erebus.
Developed during the pandemic, the Nymphes features a striking dark lavender finish and measures just 240 × 125 × 38mm, making it perfect for desktop use without sacrificing build quality. The sturdy metal chassis houses 14 ergonomically arranged sliders that recall classic synth designs like the Roland Juno, representing a departure from previous Dreadbox aesthetics.
At its heart lies a high-quality variable waveform oscillator capable of producing sawtooth, square, and triangle waves, complemented by noise generation, sub-oscillator, and detune functions. The synthesis architecture centers around a detailed filter section featuring both 24dB/oct low-pass and 6dB/oct high-pass filters with smooth key tracking, punchy envelopes, and whistling resonant peaks.
The Nymphes truly shines in its modulation capabilities, offering extensive routing options with four modulation sources (LFO 2, mod wheel, velocity, and aftertouch) that can be directed to 24 different destinations across the panel. This flexibility allows for tremendous sound-sculpting potential, from thick basses and sub frequencies to sparkling, harmonically rich lead lines.
A characterful digital reverb processor adds another dimension to the sound palette. Rather than attempting to emulate studio-quality reverb, this effect is designed to augment the instrument's inherent character with resonant harmonic responses and unusual size/decay interactions that can transform sounds entirely.
The Nymphes operates across six voice modes including polyphonic, two unison modes, triphonic, duophonic, and monophonic, plus a custom auto-chord builder. Navigation relies heavily on a shift button system that doubles the functionality of most controls, though this can require some learning curve for optimal workflow.
Technical Specifications
Synthesis Engine
- Type: Analogue synthesis with digital reverb
- Polyphony: 6 voices
- Voice Modes: Polyphonic, Unison A, Unison B, Triphonic, Duophonic, Monophonic, Auto-chord
Oscillator Section
- Oscillators: 1 × Variable waveform oscillator per voice
- Waveforms: Sawtooth, Square, Triangle
- Additional: Sub-oscillator, Noise generator, Detune function
- Tuning: Automatic self-tuning procedure
Filter Section
- Low-pass Filter: 24dB/octave slope
- High-pass Filter: 6dB/octave slope
- Features: Resonance, Key tracking, Envelope amount control
Modulation
- LFOs: 2 × Low Frequency Oscillators
- LFO 1: Polyphonic, routable to oscillator or filter cutoff
- LFO 2: More flexible routing options
- Modulation Sources: LFO 1, LFO 2, Mod wheel, Velocity, Aftertouch
- Modulation Destinations: 24 destinations across all parameters
- Envelopes: Filter envelope (primary), VCA envelope (shift function)
Effects
- Reverb: Digital reverb processor
- Controls: Size, Decay, Filtering, Mix
- Character: Resonant, harmonically interactive
Interface
- Controls: 14 sliders with shift functions
- Menu System: Preset control knob with selector button
- Preset Storage: 49 user presets + 49 factory presets
- Additional: Shift button for secondary functions, panic button for modulation reset
Connectivity
- MIDI Input: 3.5mm TRS
- Audio Output: 1/4" TS (mono)
- Headphone Output: 3.5mm TRS
- Power/Data: USB port (power and potential future updates)
Additional Features
- Portamento: Available via shift function
- Auto-chord Generator: Custom chord building capability
- Parameter Modulation Kill: Panic function to reset all modulation from selected sources
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: 240 × 125 × 38mm (9.4" × 4.9" × 1.5")
- Finish: Dark lavender
- Build Quality: Metal chassis, sturdy construction with firm-feeling controls
