Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $290
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
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Budget
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High-end
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Description
The Critter & Guitari Organelle synthesizer is a sonic experimenter's dream come true. This instrument is more than just a synthesizer; it is a creative hub that offers synthesis, processing, and sampling capabilities. A standout feature is its endless customization potential. This is no ordinary synth, it's a playground for those who love to tinker, create, and push boundaries. The Organelle, using the Pure Data programming language, allows you to build and upload your own patches, unleashing a world of limitless sonic possibilities. If you can dream it, the Organelle can bring it to life.
Key Features:
- Synthesis, processing, and sampling capabilities
- Endless customization with the ability to build and upload your own patches
- Uses Pure Data programming language for sound design
- Offers limitless sonic possibilities
- Ideal for creative tinkerers and sound experimenters
Product specs
| Brand | Critter & Guitari |
| Model | Organelle |
| Finish | Blue |
| Year | 2016 - 2019 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
FAQs
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Is the Critter & Guitari Organelle polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Critter & Guitari Organelle is capable of both polyphonic and monophonic operation, depending on the patch loaded. Users can create or load patches that allow for multiple simultaneous notes or single-note play.
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What are the connectivity options available on the Critter & Guitari Organelle?
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The Organelle features a 1/4" stereo output, a 1/4" stereo input, USB ports for MIDI and storage, and a 3.5mm headphone output, providing versatile connectivity for various setups.
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Can the Critter & Guitari Organelle be used with external MIDI controllers?
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Yes, the Organelle can be connected to external MIDI controllers via its USB port, allowing for expanded control and integration with other MIDI-capable devices.
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What makes the Critter & Guitari Organelle unique compared to other synthesizers?
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The Organelle stands out due to its open-source nature, allowing users to create and share custom patches. Its versatility in sound design and community-driven patch library make it a unique instrument.
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Does the Critter & Guitari Organelle require a power adapter or can it run on batteries?
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The Organelle can be powered using an included power adapter or by inserting AA batteries, offering flexibility for both studio and portable use.
Reviews
PROS
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Highly versatile: synth, sampler, effects processor, looper, and more
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Encourages creativity with a broad range of sounds and effects
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Strong community support and constantly added new patches
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Portable and powerful for on-the-road music creation
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Unique home recording "secret sauce" for guitars
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Built-in speaker, MIDI, and microphone for extensive connectivity
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Infinite possibilities once you understand its operation
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Inspiring for those interested in home brew computing and sound processing
CONS
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Steep learning curve; not intuitive for beginners
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Requires time and patience to fully understand and utilize
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Creating own patches in Pure Data can be challenging for many users
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Some may find its lo-fi sound quality limiting
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Advertised ease of learning may feel misleading to some
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Critter & Guitari Organelle.
Features and functionality
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The Organelle can function as a synth, MIDI sequencer, FX box, and sampler, but typically not all at once without ORAC.
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The Organelle's small screen and limited controls can feel cramped, affecting workflow, especially with community-created patches.
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Organelle M features a built-in speaker and battery power, while Organelle S requires wired power and lacks a speaker.
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Owners find the Organelle effective for replicating FX pedals, with numerous patches available that mimic large combo FX setups for guitarists.
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Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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The Organelle shines in sampling and granular synthesis, with numerous creative community patches available.
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The Organelle M's compact size and headphone capability make it ideal for travel, fitting easily in small bags for use on planes or trains.
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The Organelle is highly recommended for users interested in programming DSP and Pure Data, offering a creative platform for generative beats and unique effects.
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The Organelle is noted for its synergy with the OP-1, as both devices complement each other in creating diverse and portable music setups.
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Software and compatibility
Build quality
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The wooden buttons are noted for their charming aesthetic, adding a unique tactile experience that appeals to owners despite the Organelle's price point.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 20 Ratings
126
overrated but still bretty cool
Making your own patches for the Organelle in puredata is unrealistic for a large part of their users. It's not impossible, but its just not realistic. It's advertised as an easy to learn thing, but is it not. Being restricted to pre-made patches kinda sucks when I paid $750 for this but whatever I guess.
It can still do a lot, but the advertising is a bit manipulative.
3982
Pure Data is just as deep as Max/MSP, but even less user-friendly than Max; it's Miller Puckette's 'no frills' version, and as such, it takes years to learn in depth. I think it would indeed help if Critter and Guitarri's marketing was less 'cutesy' and more, 'you know this is for nerds, don't you?' orientated!
126
Exactly
My wonder- machine
What is an organelle? It is almost anything you want to have. Just change the preset and you have a sampler, an effects unit, a synth, a looper or somekind of recording- hack-loop- restyle- unit. I will get the new organelle, soon. Midi, microphone and a built in speaker !!
169
Portable computer for running Pure Data
If you don't care mind its lo-fi sound quality, it is super useful for running PD midi controller patches without a desktop or laptop
Artist usage
Add artist
At 3:34 in this video a Critter & Guitari Organelle can be seen amongst John's Pocket Piano and Teenage Enginering OP-1.
Live performance of Towing the Line at Jools Holland. You can clearly see him play one and he uses it for voice-harmonizing effects
In this photo of Bridwell's studio, one of the items that can be seen is the Critter and Guitari Organelle.
In this YouTube video at 4:50, Bad Snacks can be seen using the Organelle in a beat breakdown.
During a performance on May 15, 2018, David Longstreth of Dirty Projectors is seen using the Critter & Guitari Organelle for songs such as "Cool Your Heart," as captured in an Instagram post.
An Organelle is included in this photo, which was featured in a Guitar Moderne Zine feature interview with Anthony Pirog on playing in The Messthetics with Fugazi legend bandmates Joe Lally and Brendan Canty.
https://www.guitarmoderne.com/artists/spotlight-the-messthetics
In this Youtube video at :37 you can see a Critter & Guitari Organelle on the desk in the studio of Nicola Cruz.
Mentioned in this March 11, 2019 Native Instruments blog interview.
You’ve actually acquired quite a lot of gear, albeit using MASCHINE as a focal point for your productions?
I have a bedroom studio and there’s quite a lot of equipment now. I use the MASCHINE. on a daily basis and other hardware like my Roland SP-404SX sampler, a Moog Sub Phatty and something called an Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1, which is a MIDI guitar with a keyboard. I also have a Critter & Guitar [sic] Organelle, which is a really cool synthesizer with a whole bunch of sounds you can preload into it.
I have two MIDI keyboards by M-Audio – one has 61 keys and the other 32, and the KOMPLETE KONTROL A25. For recording, I use a MacBook Pro with a Scarlett Focusrite audio interface.
Album Usage
The Critter & Guitari Organelle has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Critter & Guitari Organelle, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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