synthanatomy Pushes Eurorack Boundaries with Bela Trails at Superbooth 2025

Superbooth 2025 has introduced us to yet another leap in Eurorack innovation with the debut of Bela Trails. This isn’t just any touch controller – it’s a 2D touch wizard capable of unleashing synth chaos in a way that feels as raw and lively as a punk gig. synthanatomy walks us through this prototype, set for an October release. With its XY controller and four independent tracks, Bela Trails is not just expanding the legacy of its predecessor, the Gliss, but setting the stage for something truly monumental in the synth community.

Bela Trails doesn’t hold back when it comes to capabilities. It offers four channel selectors, each decked with XY and gate outputs. Imagine a dodgy kebab, but instead of questionable meat, it’s stuffed with modulation signals ready for action. With synthanatomy, we see how each track is free-running, controlled by the duration your fingers linger on the touchpad. Modulation enthusiasts will revel in the polymorphic morphing of parameters, which turns the Bela Trails into a veritable playground of sonic possibilities. The module allows continuous CV, sample and hold, and even lets you choose voltage ranges, offering a customisable experience that feels downright revolutionary.

But the punk ethos of Bela Trails doesn’t stop at touch control; it extends to a heart-thumping two-dimensional sequencer. Here, synthanatomy shows us how sample and hold divides paths into steps, each step firing off gate signals like fired-up punks at a mosh pit. This module’s ability to quantize and sync to different clock divisions lets you craft crazy polyrhythms and phasing patterns that would send any rave into overdrive. It’s a device that breaks the mould, letting musicians innovate with a gritty edge that aligns well with its punk roots.

For those who thrive on the thrill of live performance, Bela Trails is a game changer. synthanatomy reveals that this module comes with 16 memory slots for saving complex phasing and modulating masterpieces, making it perfect for gigs where spontaneity is key. The touch controller, evolving from the smaller Gliss module, now spans a broader two-dimensional plane. We see how phase shifting and the vivid representation of channels can add new depths to performances. The price might be a bit steeper than its predecessor at around 400 euros, but as with all things in life, you get what you pay for – in this case, a powerhouse of modulation that rocks like a blown speaker.