Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $290

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

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Standard

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

Is the Critter & Guitari Organelle polyphonic or monophonic?

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.

What are the connectivity options available on the Critter & Guitari Organelle?

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.

Can the Critter & Guitari Organelle be used with external MIDI controllers?

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.

What makes the Critter & Guitari Organelle unique compared to other synthesizers?

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.

Does the Critter & Guitari Organelle require a power adapter or can it run on batteries?

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

  • Highly versatile: synth, sampler, effects processor, looper, and more

  • Encourages creativity with a broad range of sounds and effects

  • Strong community support and constantly added new patches

  • Portable and powerful for on-the-road music creation

  • Unique home recording "secret sauce" for guitars

  • Built-in speaker, MIDI, and microphone for extensive connectivity

  • Infinite possibilities once you understand its operation

  • Inspiring for those interested in home brew computing and sound processing

CONS

  • Steep learning curve; not intuitive for beginners

  • Requires time and patience to fully understand and utilize

  • Creating own patches in Pure Data can be challenging for many users

  • Some may find its lo-fi sound quality limiting

  • 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

  • The Organelle can function as a synth, MIDI sequencer, FX box, and sampler, but typically not all at once without ORAC.

    Source
  • The Organelle's small screen and limited controls can feel cramped, affecting workflow, especially with community-created patches.

    Source
  • Organelle M features a built-in speaker and battery power, while Organelle S requires wired power and lacks a speaker.

    Source
  • Owners find the Organelle effective for replicating FX pedals, with numerous patches available that mimic large combo FX setups for guitarists.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Organelle patches tend to be more "instrument" focused, unlike Norns scripts which are more conceptual due to their one-script limit.

    Source
  • Organelle's synthesis is described as lo-fi, reminiscent of 90s kid synths, and not comparable to analog synths.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Organelle shines in sampling and granular synthesis, with numerous creative community patches available.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The Organelle is highly recommended for users interested in programming DSP and Pure Data, offering a creative platform for generative beats and unique effects.

    Source
  • The Organelle is noted for its synergy with the OP-1, as both devices complement each other in creating diverse and portable music setups.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • ORAC allows the Organelle to be used in complex configurations, supporting multiple audio and MIDI routing.

    Source
  • There's a repository of user-made patches and programs specifically for the Organelle, enhancing its versatility and customization for unique sound design.

    Source

Build quality

  • The wooden buttons are noted for their charming aesthetic, adding a unique tactile experience that appeals to owners despite the Organelle's price point.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • ORAC is frequently recommended as an essential addition to unlock the Organelle's full potential, significantly enhancing functionality and versatility.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 20 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
cosmichorror

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.

moogbadger

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!

cosmichorror

Exactly

marcusloeberloeber

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 !!

elements

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
See how John Dwyer uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

John Dwyer

Singer, Guitarist

Thee OhSees

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:34 in this video a Critter & Guitari Organelle can be seen amongst John's Pocket Piano and Teenage Enginering OP-1.

See how Ben Howard uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Ben Howard

Guitarist, Singer

A Blaze of Feather

...
Verified via YouTube

Live performance of Towing the Line at Jools Holland. You can clearly see him play one and he uses it for voice-harmonizing effects

See how Ela Minus uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Ela Minus

Singer, Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

She talks about the Organelle at 2:54 in the video.

See how Binkbeats uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Binkbeats

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see the Organelle at around 00:08.

See how Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter

Guitarist, Composer

The Voidz

...
Verified via Twitter

In this tweet, Jeramy shows his Critter & Guitari Organelle machine.

See how Ben Bridwell uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Ben Bridwell

Guitarist

Band of Horses

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of Bridwell's studio, one of the items that can be seen is the Critter and Guitari Organelle.

See how Bad Snacks uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Bad Snacks

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 4:50, Bad Snacks can be seen using the Organelle in a beat breakdown.

See how David Longstreth uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

David Longstreth

Singer, Guitarist

Dirty Projectors

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Anthony Pirog uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Anthony Pirog

Guitarist

The Messthetics

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Nicola Cruz uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Nicola Cruz

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video at :37 you can see a Critter & Guitari Organelle on the desk in the studio of Nicola Cruz.

See how Sarah, The !llstrumentalist uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Sarah, The !llstrumentalist

Music Producer

...
Verified via Native Instruments Blog

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.

See how Dan Whitford uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Dan Whitford

Singer, Guitarist

Cut Copy

...
Verified via Happy Mag

In an interview with Happy Mag, Dan Whitford of Cut Copy discusses using the Critter & Guitari Organelle, highlighting its role in the band's Scandinavian-inspired album, "Freeze, Melt."

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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