Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $290

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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
3 star
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 Coin Locker Kid uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Coin Locker Kid

Singer, Rapper

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "C'est la key 5/22/2021" (originally from Instagram), Devyn is seen recording with a Critter & Guitari Organelle.

C

Cathy Lucas

Singer, Keyboardist

Vanishing Twin

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 2:40 you can see cathy playing the Organelle along with the moogerfooger ring modulator & eventide pitchfactor

See how Willoughby Morse uses Critter & Guitari Organelle

Willoughby Morse

Guitarist, Drummer

Madaila

...
Verified via Instagram

Featured in this Instagram post by Morse.

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.

More Critter & Guitari Synthesizers

Sequential Prophet-6

$3,283.92 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Mike Shinoda
168 artists using
Moog Grandmother

$999.00 - $1,084.00

# 4

Rank

Deadmau5 Dominic Fike Martin Garrix
52 artists using
Korg Minilogue

$411.00 - $699.99

# 12

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Misha Mansoor
133 artists using
Moog Subsequent 37

$1,470.85 - $1,899.00

# 14

Rank

Neil Halstead Skrillex Charlie Puth
68 artists using
Arturia MicroBrute

$299.29 - $652.00

# 15

Rank

John Dwyer Adrian Utley Jordan Rudess
64 artists using
Korg MicroKORG

$379.00 - $530.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Joe Duplantier Frank Iero
324 artists using
Korg MS-20 Mini

$493.48 - $899.99

# 19

Rank

Kevin Parker Mike Shinoda Deadmau5
93 artists using
Yamaha Reface DX

$279.00 - $449.99

# 20

Rank

Mac DeMarco Aphex Twin Taylor Swift
34 artists using
Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1

$289.66 - $1,763.18

# 21

Rank

Porter Robinson Nick Reinhart The Prodigy
53 artists using
Yamaha Reface CS

$57.95 - $495.44

# 22

Rank

Mac DeMarco Fred again.. Justin Vernon
48 artists using
Moog Matriarch

$1,709.10 - $1,899.00

# 24

Rank

Thom Yorke Fred again.. Kurt Vile
39 artists using
Roland AIRA TB-3

$309.99 - $915.00

# 27

Rank

David Guetta Jean Michel Jarre Richie Hawtin
52 artists using
Moog Minimoog Model D

$3,999.00 - $4,999.00

# 28

Rank

Mac DeMarco Kevin Parker Paul McCartney
333 artists using
Roland Boutique JU-06

$479.99 - $1,099.00

# 31

Rank

Mike Shinoda Damon Albarn Matthew Healy
35 artists using
Behringer Model D

$166.00 - $299.00

# 32

Rank

Mac DeMarco Clay Parton Merzbow
28 artists using
Novation Mininova

$383.00 - $449.99

# 34

Rank

Suga (Agust D) Bonobo Jean Michel Jarre
39 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides