The Rise of Boutique Synthesis in South America
From the city of San Miguel de Tucumán, in northern Argentina, the musical hardware laboratory Los Aparatos has managed to position its instruments in the global market. Led by inventor and designer Mateo Carabajal, this project specializes in the creation of experimental synthesizers and educational devices assembled by hand in small batches. Its most recent development, the Auduina MK2, has marked a turning point in the brand's trajectory by launching its official international distribution in the middle of this year.
Auduina MK2: Granular Architecture and Sensory Control
The Auduina MK2 is a pentatonic granular desktop synthesizer designed for musicians, sound designers, and audio explorers. Technically, the device stands out for its tactile and visual approach: it incorporates optical sensors, contact surfaces via cables, and control voltage (CV) inputs. Granular synthesis, a technique that breaks sound down into micro-fragments or 'grains' of just a few milliseconds, is processed in the Auduina MK2 using digital microcontrollers combined with analog circuits.
This configuration allows users to manipulate synthesis parameters through movement and light, generating a stream of lo-fi sound grains that, when densified, emulate textures typical of virtual analog synthesis. Recently, at the beginning of August 2026, Los Aparatos released a limited stock of five units of this model, reaffirming its philosophy of artisanal production. The instrument's interface, characterized by striking controls and a playful aesthetic, underscores Carabajal's intention to demystify the technical complexity of electronic music and make it more accessible through an interactive approach.
Los Aparatos designs and builds electronic instruments that invite the exploration of sound through light, touch, movement, and control voltage.
— Official Manifesto of Los Aparatos
Hardware Ecosystem: From CoyuyoC to Drawdio
The Argentine firm's catalog is not limited to the Auduina MK2. Among its most notable previous developments is the CoyuyoC, an analog drone-type synthesizer. This equipment features two triangle oscillators, a low-frequency oscillator (LFO) that reaches 800 Hz, and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) of up to 3000 Hz. This model includes patchable input and output connections, an integrated light sensor, and wing-style potentiometers, allowing for cross-modulation where the oscillators excite each other to create dense and evolving soundscapes.
The industrial design of the CoyuyoC was the result of a collaboration with visual artist Verónica Corrales, a member of the muralist duo Ruido, which evidences the project's strong connection to the local art scene. In the educational field, Los Aparatos promotes DIY (do-it-yourself) culture through tools like the Drawdio, a sound pencil based on electrical conductivity, and the Theremingo-A, a friendly version of the classic theremin. These devices function not only as musical instruments but as didactic material to introduce concepts of physics and analog electronics.
International Logistics and Technological Democratization
At the beginning of July 2026, the company confirmed the availability of its first international batch. To overcome traditional logistical barriers in South America, Los Aparatos has established sales channels through global platforms such as Tindie, Reverb, and Etsy, guaranteeing worldwide shipping via DHL Express. This distribution strategy has allowed its instruments to reach studios in Europe and the United States.
Hardware manufacturing in Argentina faces constant challenges due to economic fluctuations and obstacles to the import of electronic components. However, projects like Los Aparatos manage to circumvent these difficulties through ingenuity in printed circuit board (PCB) design and the optimization of local resources. By offering technical documentation in Spanish and maintaining competitive prices against major brands, Carabajal demonstrates that innovation in sound design does not depend exclusively on the technological hubs of the northern hemisphere, but can flourish successfully through independent production.
