Tangible Waves AE Solina-16 Brings Solina String Machine to Modular

TL;DR: Tangible Waves has unveiled the AE Solina-16 at Superbooth 2026, a 16-voice polyphonic module that faithfully emulates the classic Solina string machine for the AE Modular system. Developed in collaboration with Jan Ostman, it builds on a previous single-voice module with full polyphony, a new chorus, and a switchable 4/8-stage phaser, plus CV/gate integration and iMIDI connectivity. No price or release date yet, but sound demos suggest it’s a serious string machine for modular enthusiasts.

• 16-voice polyphonic emulation of the Solina string machine, using detuned sawtooth oscillators and an ensemble effect.
• Includes a new chorus effect and a switchable 4- or 8-stage phaser, both with three tweakable parameters.
• Full AE Modular integration with CV/gate patch matrix, iMIDI, and stereo L/R outputs.
• Successor to the earlier single-voice AE Solina module, now offering true polyphony.
• Available and pricing to be announced (TBA) – keep your coffee warm and your eyes open.

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Solina Returns to the Modular Stage

If you’ve ever found yourself humming along to a 1970s progressive rock record and wondered, “What is that lush, slightly wobbly string sound?” – you were likely hearing a Solina string machine. It’s the kind of sound that defined an era, and for years, recreating it has been a holy grail for many synth enthusiasts. Tangible Waves, the clever folks behind the AE Modular system, have decided that 2026 is the year to give us back that magic, albeit in a compact, patchable form.

Announced at Superbooth 2026, the AE Solina-16 is a 16-voice polyphonic module that emulates the Solina’s signature sound. The original Solina used several slightly detuned sawtooth oscillators per note, run through a distinctive ensemble effect that added that unmistakable chorusing and movement. Tangible Waves has replicated this with digital precision, but they haven’t stopped there. They’ve added a new chorus and a phaser, making this more than just a nostalgic rehash – it’s a modern string machine for modular enthusiasts.

From Monophonic to 16-Voice Glory

The AE Solina-16 is not the first attempt at a Solina module from Tangible Waves. Earlier, they released the AE Solina module, developed in collaboration with Jan Ostman, which offered a taste of that string machine goodness but lacked full polyphony. It was a tease, really – a single voice that could only hint at the lush chords we all crave. The new module corrects that oversight with a vengeance. Sixteen voices of polyphony mean you can play full, rich chords without worrying about voice stealing or notes cutting off prematurely.

That’s a significant upgrade. In a modular system, polyphony is often a luxury, requiring multiple modules and careful patching. Here, it’s baked in. The AE Solina-16 gives you full control over core parameters: major/minor voicings, bass selection, pitch, spread, and chord options. It’s designed to be played, not just programmed. And for those of us who prefer to keep our hands on the panel rather than buried in menus, this is a welcome relief.

Ensemble, Chorus, Phaser: The Trifecta of Warmth

The original Solina’s ensemble effect is legendary, but it was also somewhat limited. Tangible Waves has expanded the sonic palette by including a new chorus effect and a switchable 4- or 8-stage phaser. Both sit in the middle section of the module, alongside the ensemble effect, and each offers three tweakable parameters. For the phaser, you can adjust rate, depth, positive or negative feedback, and a width parameter – giving you everything from subtle movement to full-on, psychedelic swooshes.

This is where the module really shines. The combination of detuned sawtooths, ensemble, chorus, and phaser creates a texture that is both familiar and fresh. You can dial in classic string machine pads, or push the phaser into more aggressive territory for leads and basses. The stereo L/R outputs ensure that all this width and movement is preserved in your mix. It’s a clever design choice that acknowledges the Solina’s heritage while giving modern producers something to sink their teeth into.

Who Should Buy the AE Solina-16?

If you’re already invested in the AE Modular system, this is a no-brainer. The AE Solina-16 integrates seamlessly with CV/gate patch matrix, iMIDI connectivity, and all the other goodies that Tangible Waves has built into their ecosystem. It’s a complete synth voice in a single module, requiring no additional modules to get that classic string machine sound. For newcomers, this might be the module that justifies building a small AE Modular rig – especially if you’re after lush, polyphonic textures without the headache of traditional modular patching.

But let’s be honest: this is a niche product. It’s for people who love the sound of the Solina and want it in a modular format. If you’re looking for a general-purpose polysynth, there are cheaper and more flexible options. But if you’ve ever felt that your Eurorack setup is missing that warm, slightly imperfect string machine vibe, the AE Solina-16 might be exactly what you need. Just be prepared to wait – pricing and availability are still TBA.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go pour another cup of coffee and figure out how to fit this module into my already-overstuffed AE Modular case. Priorities, people.