Love Hultén’s RGB 2.0 Synthesizer Blends Reel-to-Reel Aesthetics with Custom Wood Design

The article highlights RGB 2.0, a custom-built synthesizer created by designer Love Hultén, known for blending retro aesthetics with modern technology. Inspired by the visual calm and mechanical rhythm of classic reel-to-reel tape machines, the instrument reinterprets that analog geometry into a contemporary electronic format. Rather than simply mimicking vintage equipment, Hultén translates the iconic dual-reel layout into three visible red, green, and blue discs positioned at the top of the device. These discs rotate via stepper motors, providing both functional and visual feedback that reinforces the connection between motion and sound.

Encased in a finely crafted wooden cabinet, RGB 2.0 resembles a piece of mid-century furniture as much as a musical instrument. The wood construction gives it warmth and presence, distinguishing it from the plastic and metal enclosures common in modern synthesizers. The faceplate design remains minimal and precise, featuring thin graphic lines that organize the controls in a clear, diagram-like layout. This approach keeps the interface readable while emphasizing craftsmanship.

Below the spinning discs, three stacked keyboards allow for performance, sequencing, and parameter adjustments in a compact format. The configuration makes the instrument feel like a tightly integrated workstation rather than a purely decorative showpiece. However, the article notes that RGB 2.0 was created as a one-off commission, underscoring its exclusivity and collectible nature. Even when powered off, the synthesizer functions as a sculptural object; when activated, it combines visual motion and sound production into a unified artistic experience. The project reflects Hultén’s broader philosophy of transforming functional electronics into tactile, design-forward works of art.