TL;DR: DecadeBridge has resurrected its Entomo, a 6-oscillator analog drone synth from its early days, in a limited-edition run. Hand-built in England, this compact box swaps conventional controls for jumper-wire patching and cross-modulation, all for €167. We at Noxal think it’s a charmingly chaotic little beast for drone enthusiasts who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
- Six analog oscillators with individual pitch and tone controls, each routable to audio output or external input.
- No on/off switches or volume knobs for oscillators — patch bay uses jumper wires to activate them, encouraging experimental patching.
- Cross-modulation matrix per oscillator via vertical switch row, enabling drones, noise, rhythmic chatter, and glitching.
- Limited-edition reissue of DecadeBridge’s first synth, priced at €167, hand-built in Cheshire, England.
- Powered by 9V battery or center-positive wall adapter — portable and studio-friendly.
Reading time: 4 min
Want more synth news before your next coffee break? Join the Noxal newsletter — no spam, just gear worth knowing about.
Entomo Returns from the Vault
We at Noxal have a soft spot for the weird and wonderful corners of synth history, especially when they resurface unannounced. DecadeBridge’s Entomo is exactly that kind of ghost: a 6-oscillator analog drone synth that first buzzed into existence years ago, only to vanish into the annals of experimental gear lore. Now, founder Steven has stumbled upon old stock and decided to give it a limited-edition encore.
This isn’t a reissue with bells and whistles — it’s the same raw, uncompromising design that made it a cult object. Hand-built in Cheshire, England, the Entomo feels like a relic from a time when synths were less about menus and more about wires. I’ve always admired DecadeBridge’s commitment to the tactile, and this little box is a testament to that philosophy. At €167, it’s an affordable ticket to a world of analog drone mayhem.
Six Oscillators and a Patch Bay of Mystery
The Entomo’s front panel is a study in minimalist aggression: six oscillators, each with dedicated pitch and tone controls, plus a vertical row of switches for cross-modulation. But here’s the kicker — there are no on/off switches or volume knobs for the oscillators. Instead, you get a patch bay where jumper wires act as the activation mechanism. It’s a deliberate nod to modular patching, but condensed into a self-contained unit.
Each channel can route its oscillator to the audio output or accept an external signal, meaning you can inject your own sounds into the drone ecosystem. This transforms the Entomo from a simple oscillator bank into a processing tool, capable of mangling external audio with the same analog grit. Personally, I find this approach refreshingly honest — it forces you to engage with the instrument physically, not just scroll through presets. The global volume control is your only safety net, and that’s exactly how it should be.
Cross-Modulation and Chaos
The cross-modulation matrix is where the Entomo earns its keep. A vertical row of switches per oscillator lets you enable cross-modulation between any of the six voices, creating a web of interactions that can produce everything from serene drones to glitching, rhythmic chatter. The manual doesn’t promise subtlety — it promises disruption, and it delivers.
I’ve spent a few hours with this beast (albeit virtually, through demos) and the range is genuinely surprising. At low settings, you get the kind of warm, evolving drone that pads out a mix. Crank the cross-modulation, and you’re in territory that sounds like a malfunctioning fax machine having a seizure. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those of us who crave unpredictability, it’s pure gold. The lack of volume control per oscillator means you have to embrace the mix — a reminder that drone synths are about texture, not precision.
Who Is This For, and Should You Care?
The Entomo is a niche instrument for a specific breed of synth enthusiast. If you’re a drone aficionado who craves analog warmth without the spaghetti of a full modular rig, this might be your next obsession. It’s also ideal for noise artists, experimental musicians, or anyone who finds joy in coaxing chaos from a battery-powered box. The limited-edition nature adds urgency, but at 167€, it’s a reasonable gamble for a hand-built piece of hardware.
That said, this isn’t a synth for everyone. If you need MIDI, presets, or a straightforward workflow, look elsewhere. The Entomo demands patience and a willingness to explore. We at Noxal appreciate its unapologetic simplicity — a counterpoint to the feature-bloated flagships dominating the market. For the price of a decent pedal, you get six analog oscillators and the freedom to ruin them in beautiful ways. What’s not to love?
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Entomo powered?
It runs on a single 9V battery or a 9V center-positive wall adapter. Perfect for portable sessions or stationary chaos — just remember to bring spares.
Can I modulate the oscillators with external CV?
The Entomo doesn’t include standard CV inputs, but the patch bay allows you to route external signals into each channel. This isn’t a Eurorack module, but it plays well with other gear via audio-rate patching.
Is the reissue identical to the original?
Yes, as far as we can tell. DecadeBridge hasn’t added new features — it’s the same design, built from leftover stock. This is a faithful revival, not a remaster.
The Entomo is now sitting on my desk, begging for coffee-stained fingers and jumper wires. I’ll oblige, but only after my third espresso — some rituals demand patience.