Sirkut Electronics Synth Noise Box


User Reviews of the Sirkut Electronics Synth Noise Box

  • Submitted by Ferox from Los Altos, CA (432 points) on Aug 22, 2010
  • BLIPBLIPBLIPBLIPBLOOOPBLOOOPBLOOOPBLOOP
  • Good Points: Amazingly complex synth. Full of weird synth sounds

    that are perfect for starting any chain or to be

    plugged into a feedback loop. The three osc knobs

    really give you good control over the device. The

    multiple filter switches are a bit harder to

    control, but if you use them right you can really

    make some beautiful noise.
  • Bad Points: Sometimes easy to get stuck in that "electronic fart"

    sound. Hard to control.
  • Price Paid: US$200.00
  • Purchased At: Trade
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  • Submitted by silith from Naperville, IL (8 points) on May 8, 2008
  • ive had my snb for about two years now, and im still finding new sounds. i love this thing! not much else i can say that hasnt already been said, but i think theyre all slightly different. for instance: the toggle switch on the bottom row, second column is a trinary swith for me instead of a binary. for some reason if i balance that switch in the middle, it makes everything else sound different. love it, love it, love it!
  • Good Points: rugged, clean construction; completely dynamic (self modulates in the proper setting); and its LOUD!
  • Bad Points: wish i got the snb+ model instead, so i had the input option as well.
  • Price Paid: US$150.00
  • Purchased At: sirkut electronics
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  • Submitted by ralph from San Francisco, CA (114 points) on Jul 3, 2007
  • i love you snb!
  • Good Points: all noise all the time!
  • Bad Points: none
  • Price Paid: US$285.00
  • Purchased At: noisefx
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  • Submitted by dallas from Harrison Township, MI (48 points) on Feb 18, 2007
  • nice nice noise generator. great tool. solid, noisy, and well fairly easy 2 use.
  • Good Points: everything
  • Bad Points: nothing
  • Price Paid: US$0.00
  • Purchased At:
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  • Submitted by Emanuele from Italy (64 points) on Jun 17, 2006
  • This mini synth kick your ass. I find it as a must if you are looking for playing power electronics...for harsh noise i should prefer other sound sources but i use it sometimes. The things i like much more of this beast are the abrasive high frequency you can have with some switch and knobs combinations...really fantastic!
  • Good Points: -great and varied range of heavy and noisy sounds -built by a great noisician -good and honest price -solid and compact -nice look -easy to use -standard power adapter
  • Bad Points:
  • Price Paid: US$265.00
  • Purchased At: NoiseFX
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  • Submitted by Ed from Malverne, NY (104 points) on Nov 2, 2005
  • Had this a long while now, so might as well post a quick review. The SNB is, obviously, a great tool for noise -- that's what it's designed for, after all. A weird combo of oscillators and filters and such interacting as you turn the three knobs and flick the array of switches. You'd think a synth with this relatively small number of controls would be somewhat limited, but the way the controls all interact ensure that the SNB continually retains its capacity to surprise by drawing out new sounds. Everything from droning high pitched squeals to thick bassy rhythms is possible here, and it's very difficult to predict what will happen next. The SNB has a very distinctive sound, and its popularity has ensured that it shows up everywhere, so it's probably best to use it in combination with other gear and pedals -- I tend to use my sparingly and in different combinations, and it adds a lot in this way. This thing will really shine when the SNB Ultra (with an INPUT!) comes into being.
  • Good Points: the sound, tons of controls, huge variety of unpredictable noises, great in many contexts.
  • Bad Points: beats me.
  • Price Paid: US$120.00
  • Purchased At: Sirkut Electronics
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  • Submitted by Emil from Lyngby (46 points) on Jul 14, 2005
  • kinda hard to say something that hasn't already been said... but I'm gonna try... THIS THING RULES! hehe... no serious, this thing is some of the best things I've spend money on lately... it has SO many options and possibilities... never sounds the same.. new day, new sounds... pulsing harsh bonecrushing noise/hypnotic low droning ambient/thick walls of pure doom/high ear shredding bleeps that will make your enemies beg for mercy.... :)everything is possible with this thing... get one while you can... or regret it the day you realize what a great oportunity you missed out on... I can barely wait any longer on the SNB ULTRA... BOOOING, I just got all happy in my pants...
  • Good Points: everything... this thing is mandatory for all noisicians/noisers whatever...
  • Bad Points: .....uhm.... I only have one?
  • Price Paid: US$160.00
  • Purchased At: sirkut electronics
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  • Submitted by Prenna from Manchester (6 points) on Apr 2, 2005
  • What else can I say that hasn't already been said? I got my SNB just after xmas but due to moving around a lot I didn't get to try it out till last night. I set it up, plugged in some heaphones and waited to hear what it could do. Seconds later I was sat there with a huge smile on my face as this thing buzzed, whirred, wailed, a variety of amazing sounds. With ever flick of a switch and turn of a knob there came a wave of fresh new noise. I spent about an hour with it and I had so much fun. I can see where this is going to fit into my own music projects perfectly. I have even begun to stretch this things capabilities yet and that's before running it through any fx. I can't imagine a more effective, better value, tool for the noisician. Whether is power electronics, Industrial, or experimental noise, this box has got what it takes. Now a mention of the service. Shawn was an absolute pleasure to deal with. He was patient with my incessant e-mails asking if it was built yet. He delivered it quickly and at the cheapest price he could. He was also happy to give advice after the sale was completed. I'm definitely buying from him again, especially if I can get my hands on one of his "Moribuleizer"'s. Oh yeah, and one last thing. The SNB is built like a tank. It has survived the postal system between the US and Australia, and the baggage handlers between Australia and the UK! Nothing can kill this machine!
  • Good Points: Everything! -Fantastic range of sounds -Affordable and great value for $ -Sturdy -noisy as f**k
  • Bad Points: There's not more than 24 hours in a day to play with it.
  • Price Paid: US$140.00
  • Purchased At: http://sirkut.sinkhole.net/
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  • Submitted by Mia from Butler, NJ (6 points) on Jan 4, 2005
  • After I obtained a bent SK-1, I found out about the Sirkut Electronics Sirkut Noise Box. I placed an order and waited some long weeks but when it finally arrived and I turned on this little gadget, the room exploded. Blips, pops, screams, howls, sheer walls of static buzz blasted forth (it's LOUD). I hardly ever use it through any effects pedals. It's one of those perfect inventions that you can just plug in and play with.
  • Good Points: The SNB knows no bounds. There seem to be endless combinations of switch postions and with a few turns of the knobs, you can create noise that annoys or soothes depending on your preference. I use the Godlyke power supply that Sirkut recommends.
  • Bad Points: Volume switch doesn't really work so well...there seems to only be one position.
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: http://sirkut.sinkhole.net/
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  • Submitted by Michael from Audubon, NJ (10 points) on Dec 15, 2004
  • As this piece of gear has been reviewed numerous times, this review won't tell much that you already haven't read before. Needless to say, this little black box is as cool as you've heard. A bunch of switches and 3 knobs to "control" the chaos. Screeching, buzzing, pulsing, and throbbing are par for the course here. Sounds can be changed dramitically with a flick of a switch or the turn of a knob. The perfect tool to annoy anyone and everyone. Fun!
  • Good Points: Totally sturdy construction, great "audition" button for quick blasts, a bunch of cool toogle switches, small size, cool, useful sounds with ease, affordable price!
  • Bad Points: None, really. Does what it does well. Not an EMS synthi, but extremely cool for the price!
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: Sirkut Electronics website
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  • Submitted by kevin from Dayton, OH (2 points) on Oct 25, 2004
  • what a hellish wall of sound from such a tiny little box. either by itself or drowned in effects, this thing is a nice little bundle of controlled chaos. after years of relying solely on wherever the random tones of a standard effects loop took me, this device has increased my noise capabilities ten fold. the range of sounds is amazing, the construction very durable, and the service from shawn was top notch. i have certainly been made a believer in sirkut electronics and i am confident that if any noise freak tries anything from this company, they will be as well.
  • Good Points: huge range of sounds, solid construction and an overall harshness in sound that cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Bad Points: the anticipation of waiting for the unit to arrive was the only complaint i had, but it was certainly worth it.
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: sirkut electronics website
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  • Submitted by rougeux from Middlebury, VT (18 points) on Oct 7, 2004
  • I have had this box for so long. It has lived here and there, and impressed so many people... (Charlie Ward loves it!)... It reminds me of that box that the Japanese 'john' brings to the house in 'Belle du jour': Scary, mysterious + very pleasing... Sitting at a table in a darkened room, this 'box' and a chain of effects (or on it's own) with people sitting-- eyes closed, or staring is what it's all about. No one knows what is in this thing-- it's a channel for possibilities...
  • Good Points: Visually erotic. Aurally bottomless.
  • Bad Points: Quiet! I'm dreaming.
  • Price Paid: US$0.00
  • Purchased At: Sirkut
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  • Submitted by Benjamin from Boston, MA (38 points) on Aug 30, 2004
  • pretty much everything has been said about this. sounds awesome right out of the box. if you want to really learn how to control this thing though it takes a bit of practice like any good gear
  • Good Points: destroys
  • Bad Points: volume control may be handy, but you really don't want to buy this thing if you are looking for tame sounds anyway
  • Price Paid: US$0.00
  • Purchased At: direct
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  • Submitted by Richard from Brooklyn, NY (2 points) on Aug 21, 2004
  • Like everyone else, I've got nothing but praise for this beast. From low end rumbles to high screeches, this thing will fit in with any noise set up. Can't wait to see what else Shawn comes up with.
  • Good Points: solid construction incredible range of sound
  • Bad Points: nothing
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: Sirkut
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  • Submitted by Jeffrey from Salt Lake City, UT (12 points) on Aug 15, 2004
  • I had been wanting a piece of equipment to fill in my sound live, particularly with driving pulses and frequencies. The SNB fits that bill perfectly. With twelve switches (one of which is on/off) and three knobs, there are a wealth of combinations. From fat solid bass sounds to thick high speed pulse driven sirens and chirps to clicks and pops, this beast does it all, and can stand well on its own.
  • Good Points: - Solid simple construction. - A lot of power and sound for a great price.
  • Bad Points:
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: Sirkut
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  • Submitted by Gustavo from Florianopolis (2 points) on Jul 9, 2004
  • I just got today my SNB and a White Noise Generator. About the SNB, I have to say I am very happy with this little beast. What wonderful noisemaker it is!! You can change your noise completaly just with a click. This is a must for noise and power electronics freaks, probably one of the best itens in my setup. Get one right now!!!
  • Good Points: - Very well built; - Easy to make sounds, just plug and play to have hours of fun; - Great for make fast and deep changes in your noise; - A must have for power electronics freaks; - Shawn Royal, the iventor of this beauty, is a great guy. You will be happy to deal with him.
  • Bad Points: Not a bad point, but I would like to have a volume control, like someone already wrote about it in his review.
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: Sirkut Electronics
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  • Submitted by Steve from London (44 points) on Jun 5, 2004
  • I can't really add much to what everyone else has said. This little beauty makes all manner of noises, extreme highs and lows, screeching, snarling, beeping, sweeping... Huge variety, sometimes completely unpredictable. Awesome direct to amp or through effects (try Sirkut's rmod!). God knows what the snb ultra is gonna sound like. Hours of fun.
  • Good Points: Solid construction. Compact size. Fabulous range of sounds.
  • Bad Points: I sometimes turn the unit off when frenziedly flicking switches. Poor me.
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: from shawn via noiseboard433
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  • Submitted by daniel from Danbury, CT (6 points) on Jun 2, 2004
  • nicest dude ever/ also made one of the most amazing components of my noise arsenal. no limits. absolute chaos.
  • Good Points: everything on this is a good point
  • Bad Points: nada
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At:
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  • Submitted by SPIKE from Houston, TX (116 points) on May 29, 2004
  • From rumble clicks to screeching assaults. this thing does it all. All in one and a nice random assortment of constant sound. No directions. Just flip it on and go for it. There is a momentary power switch if you want to flip the switches and turn the knobs before seeing what it will vomit forth. Of course you can just power it on and chase off the cattle. Tons of variations of sound attacks! Extremely keen noiz thing!!
  • Good Points: Runs on a 9 volt power supply. Nice and easy to obtain. Lot's of switches. The three knobs tweek to the extreme. Solid metal housing. Very clean wiring and extremely well built!
  • Bad Points: I will have to nit pick here. There is not really anything bad about this beast. The only thing i would suggest is a more comfortable momentary sritch. The one i have is a small post and it's a but uncormfortable to quickly hit. The creature needs some little rubber feet.
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: cyber space
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  • Submitted by Brandon from Collinsville, IL (100 points) on May 18, 2004
  • Welcome to flavor country.... Quite simply the craziest sound generating device I've ever laid hands on. All manner of chirps, burps, farts, drones, screeches, squalls, squeals, outright noise, and so much more are possible with this thing. Takes a bit of time to figure it all out, but it's definitely worth it because the sky's the limit here, lads.
  • Good Points: powerful, ungodly wide sound palette, sturdy construction.
  • Bad Points: ^^ LOLZ!!
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: a liquor store
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  • Submitted by Rob from Rochester, NY (6 points) on May 15, 2004
  • amazing. i'm not even a noise artist, i mainly produce drum and bass. but this has got to be one of the most fun synths i've ever played with. endless options, some of the coolest sounds you'll ever get, the highest highs and the lowest lows. this beast is nasty, and is definitely worth the wait. do yourself a favor and get one asap!
  • Good Points: tons of options, great sounds, uber harsh, insanely fun, and not a lot of money.
  • Bad Points: i don't find the lack of volume control to be a bad point, personally. i don't really find anything bad about this.
  • Price Paid: US$140.00
  • Purchased At: sinkhole.net/lackthereof
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  • Submitted by Paul from Branford, CT (8 points) on May 12, 2004
  • Like everyone else I am blown away by this unit. There was another unit similar to this one made by another boutique company (I won't mention any names) that retails for around 0 AND UP. I can't imagine the SNB not being able to produce and of the sounds the other unit can for alot less dough. This thing is a noisemaker dream. I am constantlyt finding new uses for it. A little secret: put this baby in front of a whammy pedal...thank me later. Shawn Royal is a great guy and goes the distance to make a killer product. Go to his site to hear soundclips.
  • Good Points: Great value! A noisemakers dream unit.
  • Bad Points: VERY, VERY LOUD. That's right. this things only flaw is the lack of a volume knob. I literally have to keep my am ALL THE WAY TURNED DOWN for this thing to not peel the paint off my walls. Looking forward to shawn making an updated version that's a bit more tame.
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: sirkut electronics website
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  • Submitted by Mark from Arlington, TX (26 points) on May 10, 2004
  • This unit can get everything from high pitched static to low throbbing drones to pulsing sci-fi sounds. It's amazing there are so many possibilities for tweaking the sound. The design is excellent.
  • Good Points: The range of sounds available. Price. Build quality.
  • Bad Points: Nothing.
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: http://www.sinkhole.net/lackther
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  • Submitted by gr-eh? from Detroit, MI (398 points) on Apr 20, 2004
  • insanity. total insanity in a small black box. ripping bass, gross highs, rapid changes and killer sweeps. this puppy was hand-delivered to me this weekend along with some other Sirkut Electronics gear and I'm nothin' but pleased. Build quality is top-notch and the SNB is easy to use (though possibly made even easier by realtime instruction.. maybe he should make a video?!) and the variety of sounds is amazing. three knobs and SIXTEEN switches.. intense mini-synth useful for anything you want synth textures from, tons of control to really nail the sound you want. there will be plenty of time spent delving into its secrets after the initial tweaking frenzy has been exhausted.. i spent hours playing with it when i got it and used it for a gig 2 days later, coaxing some entirely new sounds of out it.. Shawn @ Sirkut Electronics told me it sounds different with everyone who uses it. awesome!
  • Good Points: MEAN! well built, killer range of sounds, good layout.. could even draw up some patch sheets for if looking for more controlled styles.
  • Bad Points: nothin' wrong with this thing at all! just waitin' for the SNB ULTRA to be released!!
  • Price Paid: US$0.00
  • Purchased At: http://sirkut.sinkhole.net/
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  • Submitted by luke from Iowa City, IA (32 points) on Jan 4, 2004
  • i got this thing in the mail at two o'clock today and now it is 1:30 in the morning. i had to post a positive revue just to take a break from playing with it. if you want one and can handle waiting a little bit to get it, you will be happy!
  • Good Points: does a lot for such a small and affordable unit.
  • Bad Points: no volume knob.
  • Price Paid: US$140.00
  • Purchased At: the official website
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  • Submitted by Doug from Austin, TX (40 points) on Dec 5, 2003
  • Each oscillator can modulator the other. The switches effect tone, range, and how the modulations interact. You can create really amazing chaos with this box! I really dig the endulations that can be created when the oscillators are close in pitch. It is almost like the oscillators get into a fist fight!
  • Good Points: Build Well. Construction values are high. I opened the unit up and the inside is done well too. High calibre stuff! He even put smiley faces inside! I enjoy playing this pedal alot!
  • Bad Points: I wish it had a volume control as it can really throw out some juice. You can also get this thing to where it stops making sound. usually when the pots are maxed out in any given direction. No a big deal, just watch out for this one!
  • Price Paid: US$130.00
  • Purchased At: DIRECT
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