BALSAM

✨THANK YOU FOR THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE.✨
The BALSAM presale sold out in 12 hours and all tornado-felled walnut units have been claimed. Please join the waitlist to be notified when the next batch becomes available in late spring 2026.

BALSAM is an 8-voice modal synthesizer which allows players to pitch bend and manipulate voices using an array of sliders. A reimagining of the classic polysynth, BALSAM encourages players to explore novel forms of harmonic, timbral, and rhythmic expression.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does BALSAM cost? +

BALSAM's retail price is $2249 USD. For customers outside North America, pricing will be set by our international distribution partners and will vary by region.

How can I get one? +

North America: Join the waitlist. This reserves your place in the queue, and you'll receive an email with ordering information when the next batch becomes available.

International: BALSAM will be available through select distributors and retailers outside North America starting in late spring 2026. Join the waitlist to receive updates about international availability in your region.

When will the next batch be available? +

The next production run will be available in late spring 2026. Waitlist members will receive advance notification before units go on sale to the general public.

What happened to the presale? +

The presale was fully claimed within 12 hours. Thank you to everyone who supported this first run! Everyone who submitted a presale request will hear from me this week. The next batch is scheduled for production in late spring 2026.

FEATURE LIST

8-VOICE VIRTUAL-ANALOG POLYPHONY (DIGITAL)
STEREO ANALOG STATE VARIABLE TONE FILTER
STEREO ANALOG VCA
LFO + MOD MATRIX + MOD ENVELOPES
SLIDERTRACKED / KEYTRACKED MODULATION SECTION
SLIDERTRACKED STEREO PANNING
GLIDE + VISCOSITY W/ INDIVIDUAL OSCILLATOR ARTICULATION
MIDI POLYPHONIC EXPRESSION OUTPUT
8-CHANNEL POLYRHYTHM SEQUENCER
USB-C MIDI IN / OUT
5-PIN MIDI IN / OUT
3.5MM ANALOG CLOCK SYNC IN / OUT
EXPRESSION PEDAL INPUT
EXTERNAL AUDIO INPUT
L/R LINE OUTS + HEADPHONE OUT
JUST AND EQUAL INTONATION MODES
BROWSER-BASED TUNING / SETTINGS / FIRMWARE UPDATER

TESTIMONIALS

"Not only does this synth provide a plethora of inspiring sounds and textures, it encourages me to explore music in new ways. BALSAM both simplifies and widens (yes it’s stereo) my sonic horizons- simple enough for anyone to stumble upon something magical and unique enough for fellow synth freaks to feel that old familiar rush. I love the core intention and idea behind it and been using it in sessions ever since I got my hands on it. 10/10"

- Magic Al

"Mid-2022, Matthew generously let me borrow a proto version of this synth he built out in Durham. Its wonderfulness will keep you up all night and inspire composition like a tuned piano in a good room does."

- Drake Ritter

ABOUT

GLX Audio workshop and office in Durham, NC

GLX is a boutique electronic instrument manufacturer based in Durham, North Carolina. The company is run by designer and musician Matthew O'Connell (contributor Chorusing, Elephant Micah, Joseph Decosimo, Skylar Gudasz, Lean Year, Small Sur and others) and a rotating cast of contributors.

FRIENDS OF GLX

MIKE NEWINS / MAKE NICE INFRASONIC AUDIO

CONTACT

MAILING LIST

WAITLIST

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Demand for the first run was overwhelming - all 15 units claimed within 12 hours. The next batch will be available in late spring 2026. Please join the waitlist below for early notification when ordering opens.

NEXT PRODUCTION RUN: Late Spring 2026

PRICE: $2249 MSRP

UPDATES: Waitlist members will receive early notification when ordering opens