Conductive Labs Terrain Synth: A New Dimension in Sound Design
Conductive Labs, known for their NDLR sequencer and MRCC MIDI router, has unveiled something truly innovative: the Terrain Synth. This new hardware instrument brings terrain synthesis to the market, offering sound designers a fresh way to create and shape audio.
What Makes Terrain Synthesis Different?
Traditional wavetable synthesis works by moving a playhead across waveforms in a straight line, left to right. Terrain synthesis adds a third dimension to this concept. Instead of just moving across waves, the playhead can cut through multiple waveforms at angles, follow circular or triangular paths, or trace complex shapes like Lissajous curves and flower petals.
Think of it as a wireframe landscape with hills and valleys. The playhead travels across this terrain following preset paths, generating everything from classic analog-style waveforms to wild, complex tones. You can create custom terrains from image files, load wavetables as terrains, or morph between different terrain shapes using color channels.
Sound Engine and Features
The Terrain Synth packs serious power under the hood. Each voice includes two morphable terrain oscillators with up to 7x unison and full polyphony. You also get two sub-oscillators and four noise types for added depth.
The digital filter section offers eight types—three Ladder variants, SEM, Diode, Comb, and two Formant filters—plus additional modifiers. The synth includes comprehensive modulation with LFOs and envelopes, onboard effects like delay and reverb, plus a built-in sequencer and arpeggiator.
As a four-part multitimbral instrument with up to 32 voices total (eight per layer), the Terrain Synth can handle complex arrangements. You can split or stack layers to build rich, evolving textures.
Hardware and Connectivity
The desktop unit features a large 7-inch display showing all your synthesis parameters in real time. Infinite encoders and a jog wheel make navigation smooth and intuitive.
Connectivity is comprehensive: five-pin DIN MIDI in/out, USB host and device ports, six CV/Gate inputs, three expression pedal jacks, balanced stereo outputs, and a headphone jack. This makes the Terrain Synth ready to integrate into any studio setup or live performance rig.
Who Will Benefit?
The Terrain Synth shines in several scenarios. Ambient and experimental musicians will love the evolving, organic textures that terrain synthesis naturally produces. Film composers and sound designers can craft unique atmospheres that stand out from typical wavetable sounds.
Electronic producers working with modular setups will appreciate the extensive CV/Gate connectivity, allowing the Terrain to become the centerpiece of a larger system. The multitimbral capabilities make it valuable for live performers who need multiple sounds from a single instrument.
Even traditional synthesists curious about new sonic territory will find the Terrain approachable—it includes familiar elements like filters and effects while offering fresh creative possibilities through its unique oscillator design.
Availability
The Terrain Synth launched on Kickstarter following its debut at Knobcon 2025. The campaign funded quickly, with Early Bird units selling out at $899. Regular pre-orders are available at $949, with shipping planned for May 2026.
