Первые впечатления
It’s not every day you stumble across a synthesizer that looks like it was carved from a tree trunk, but that’s exactly what the Daydreamer Synth 1 feels like at first glance.
Its unique design philosophy makes an immediate impression—and one that sets it apart from everything else on the market. It’s a fully functioning analog synthesizer with an enclosure almost entirely made from wood.
Nearly every external component, from the case to the knobs and switches (save for a few plastic ports and the rear power switch), is crafted from wood. Even the labeling is pyrographed—burned into the surface with a heated tool—giving the entire piece a rustic, handmade vibe.
And yet, it doesn’t feel cheap. Quite the opposite. With warm yellow огни that glow to indicate which oscillators are engaged—offering small but meaningful visual feedback—it gives off the aura of a long-forgotten vintage instrument, like a dusty treasure found in a relative’s attic.
Sound & Sonic Character
The Synth 1 offers 6-voice polyphony, which is remarkable for an analog synth at this price point ($299).
Sonically, it leans warm and slightly gritty. There’s a faint hum in the signal path—likely related to the digital-to-analog conversion in the LFO section—but rather than feeling like a flaw, it adds a layer of character. This isn’t a pristine, sterile synthesizer. It’s alive with quirks, and those quirks are part of its charm.
Where it truly excels is in ambient soundscapes. One patch I created, “Barnabas In The Woods,” felt ripped straight from the eerie atmosphere of the original Dark Shadows. Time-stretched, bell-like tones echo and shimmer. Even the synth’s creator admitted surprise when he heard it: “I didn’t know it could make that noise.”
But the Synth 1 isn’t limited to ambient. With careful tweaking, it can produce warbly leads, nostalgic pads, and even punchy mono lines that cut through a mix.
Interface & Workflow
Architecturally, the Synth 1 features six analog VCOs routed through a VCF and an analog-style delay, with a global ADSR envelope shaping amplitude.
Designed for immediacy, everything is set by what you dial in. There’s no digital patch memory, no screen—just knobs, switches, and a minimalist wooden panel. If you want to save a patch before moving on to the next, your best bet is snapping a photo. It’s refreshingly simple and beginner-friendly. There’s no shift-layered interface, no modulation matrix, no deep menu diving. Everything is laid out clearly, in an almost teachable manner.
The wooden knobs glide smoothly, and while the switches can feel slightly stiff (a byproduct of the wood-on-wood construction), they work reliably. Pressing down on the chassis while flipping the switches can help.
Creative Flow & Studio Integration
The Synth 1 is small enough that you can take it almost anywhere. As a desktop module, it has no onboard keyboard, but connects easily to any MIDI controller via 5-pin DIN. I tested it with a Novation Launchkey MK4, an Arturia MiniLab 3, and the Midicake ARP—all performed flawlessly. You’ll need a stereo breakout cable for the Line Out, and it runs on an included 6VAC power adapter.
From the moment it’s powered on, the Daydreamer is ready to play. There’s no special programming—just immediate access to warm, character-rich sound.
Essential Considerations
The wood casing is intentionally left unfinished to encourage user customization. You can paint it, stain it, or modify it to suit your style. Extra side panels are available for $39 if you want to experiment with the look.
That said, untreated wood can be vulnerable. If you plan to travel or gig with it, applying a protective finish is strongly advised to preserve the casing over time.
Final Vibe Check
One of the most admirable aspects of the Daydreamer Synth 1 is the philosophy behind it. Creator Jonathan designed it with accessibility and affordability in mind—not just in price, but in every detail. By avoiding cost-heavy components like screens or metal chassis, and embracing all-wood construction, he’s managed to deliver an analog synth that feels boutique without the boutique markup.
This is a synth that welcomes everyone. Even if you’ve never touched analog gear before, its intuitive layout and immediate playability make it inviting. For seasoned synth heads, it offers a refreshing break from complexity without sacrificing tone. At $299, it bridges the gap between price and accessibility, making it a tempting proposition even for newcomers.
The open-source schematics, hosted on GitHub, make it especially appealing to DIY modders and curious minds. Whether you’re looking to hack, repair, or learn, the Daydreamer invites you in.
Would I buy another Daydreamer product? Absolutely. If this is what Jonathan delivers with his first major offering, I can’t wait to see where his legacy goes next.
