True Cuckoo’s Chat with Instruo: A Seashell Symphony

Dive into the quirky and creative world of True Cuckoo as he chats with Jason from Instruo at Superbooth 2025. Discover the story behind the innovative Seashell, a hybrid oscillator that’s breaking new ground in modular synthesis.

Meeting the Pirate at Superbooth

True Cuckoo kicked off his conversation at Superbooth 2025 with Jason, the mastermind behind Instruo, who once moonlighted as a pirate fiddler on Edinburgh’s streets. Jason’s musical journey is as diverse as it is intriguing, with roots in street performance and traditional instruments before venturing into the world of synthesizer design. The camaraderie between Cuckoo and Jason is apparent as they dive into the nitty-gritty of modular synths. It’s a testament to Jason’s eclectic background and how his knack for vibrant design and unique soundscapes has shaped Instruo’s identity.

The Artistic Thread of Instruo

Instruo is not just about creating modules; it’s about crafting a coherent design language that speaks to the soul of modular synthesis. Jason captures our attention with his process, which can only be described as a blend of artistry and engineering. The inception of Instruo was a time-lapsed journey starting with the Troika, the triple oscillator module. There’s no strict grid to his designs, just a vision that evolves as modules come to life. Each component is meticulously placed not by rigid standards but by an intuitive sense of what feels ‘just right.’ This approach, while chaotic, epitomises the punk ethos where things don’t have to be perfect; they just need to work. The design philosophy at Instruo reflects a kind of beautiful disorder. Jason talks about laying out footprints and starting to draw connections, squinting at the screen until everything feels harmonised. There’s no formula but rather an ongoing evolution where modules like puzzle pieces fit into a grander scheme, even if some never see the light of day. It’s like a punk gig where sometimes the best tracks are the ones left unrecorded.

"But everything's just a bit wonky between all the modules. If it fits, it fits."

Creating a System Symphony

The magic of Instruo is in creating systems that are as visually captivating as they are sonically rich. When you gather a set of Instruo modules, each piece looks designed to belong together, like a band jamming in perfect synchronicity. Jason describes the modules as both advanced and deep, touching on their complex and interconnected nature. True Cuckoo appreciates this aesthetic coherence, noting how a single module naturally complements another, tempting users to go all out in crafting a complete Instruo system. At Superbooth, Instruo’s step beyond the traditional modular with their latest creation, the Seashell, marks a shift towards standalone instruments. It’s the culmination of a decade-long journey, a testament to Instruo’s consistent vision and evolution in synthesizer design.

The Seashell Unveiled: A Hybrid Wonder

"But it's kind of evolved into being essentially a semi modular system."

Instruo’s latest innovation, the Seashell, was the star of the show at Superbooth 2025. While its name might not be emblazoned across the device, the Seashell’s impact is undeniable. It’s a complex oscillator encased within a standalone box, a true hybrid instrument blending both analogue and digital realms. The Seashell features dual analogue oscillators, an analogue wave folder, and an analogue filter, making it a full analogue voice. Yet, this is complemented by DSP-driven stereo enhancements and diffusion networks which contribute to a polished stereo output. The device offers USB connectivity, audio, and MIDI capabilities, allowing users not only to power it via USB but also to interact seamlessly with digital workstations. Described by Instruo as a physical plug-in, the Seashell bridges worlds, utilising VST interfaces to reveal its potential more fully. The development process involved a dedicated team that pushed boundaries to integrate this ambitious hybridisation. As Jason reveals, the concept has been in the making since 2022, with a design that was refined over countless iterations, leading to this groundbreaking product’s recent debut. Its competitive pricing at £649 underscores its accessibility, inviting synthesis enthusiasts to experience its expansive capabilities firsthand.

Behind the Scenes: The Team and Vision

The engine driving Instruo’s innovation is its passionate team based in Glasgow. With about 20 members divided between assembly and development, Instruo has grown from a one-man show to a collaborative force in the synth world. Jason reminisces about the origins and growth of the team, with members as far-flung as Boston contributing to the brand’s signature offerings. This decentralised yet unified approach highlights a vision focused on pushing the limits of what modular systems can achieve. With the Seashell now in the hands of users, Instruo is gearing up for more innovative creations, promising to continue their journey of audio exploration. The enthusiasm and dedication of this team reflect the rebellious spirit and experimental drive that have become synonymous with Instruo’s identity.