About
Our History
We were founded in 2013 as KVgear, making accessories for Korg Volcas. Our first products were wooden skiffs to hold multiple Volcas, including versions with integrated power distribution and an audio jack panel. We followed this with daisy chain cables and power supplies for Volcas.
Next, we created separate lines of multi-tier desktop synth stands for Volcas, Elektrons, Roland Boutiques and the Roland Aira line. Later, we redesigned our stands for general purpose use and added metal shelves for holding small gear.
In 2017 we developed the KVgear Vixen mixer for Volcas and other small electronic music gear. Because of the small size of our company and our primary focus on synth stands, we discontinued the Vixen mixer in 2018.
Since 2019 we've added adjustability and expandability features to most of our stands. This has included telescoping tubes, movable gear hooks, add-on tiers, and mounting points for accessories.
We took things much further with our Adapt modular stand system, launched in mid 2024. The Adapt system offers the highest degree of adjustability and expandability of any desktop synth stand. Coinciding with the Adapt system reveal, we rebranded from KVgear to SynthRISE. We love our new name and hope you like it too!
See below for a timeline of how our products have evolved over the years.
| 2013 | KVgear is founded and launches with Volca power supplies and wood cases |
| 2014 |
New products launched: Key Dog, Volca daisy chain cable, Volca case with integrated power and audio jack panel.
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| 2015 |
New products launched: Lobe V3 and V4 stands, Model A stand and shelf. |
| 2016 |
New products launched: Utility M1/L1/L2/XL1, Volc 45 -2/3/4, Ramp Rack short/medium/long, Expansion Shelf Medium/Large, Stiletto Angled/Flat, Boo-1/2/3
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| 2017 |
New products launched: Vixen mixer, Utilility M2/M3/Mx0x, Volca Eurorack Mounting Kit
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| 2018 |
Both production batches of our Vixen mixer sell out.
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| 2019 |
New products launched: Captive B2/B3/B4/EK2/EK3/V2/V3/V4, Adapt L1/L2, Adapt Wings, Stand Risers
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| 2020 |
New products launched: Gear Rail, SubPiggy, EDS-1K/2/3 stands, EDS-UX add-on tier, Stand Risers.
Upgraded all stands to use extendable telescoping connectors.
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| 2021-2023 |
Sales of existing stands remain strong.
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Manufacturing and Distribution
From 2013 through mid 2024 all of our stands and all of our non-electrical accessories have been manufactured entirely in the USA. Beginning in mid 2024, all of our stands are assembled in the USA of components that are a majority from the USA and a minority from China.
Our tiny team of synth fanatics assembles and ships worldwide from our Chicago workshop. Distribution in the UK is through SME Music, in Europe and the EU through Unz Unz, and in Canada through Moog Audio. Distribution in Australia will soon be through Sounds Easy.
Copying and Patents
In our early years, we made a conscious decision to not seek patent protection for our unique products. As a tiny company exploring the needs of the synth community, we churned out a large number of new products until we eventually developed ones which were both useful and economical to manufacture. We could not afford to patent all of our designs along the way, and we didn't have the ability to predetermine which designs would stand the test of time.
As expected, this left a door open for competitors to copy our designs. While this is disappointing, we accept it. But what we don't accept is the poor product performance and false marketing claims of the most recent copycat, Analog Cases. Analog Cases XTS stands are copies of KVgear Utility M1 and Utility L1 stands, with design tweaks that result in multiple sources of instability. To make matters worse, Analog Cases falsely states that their knockoffs are innovative, game changing, the most versatile, and unique. We are concerned that poorly-performing knockoffs which closely resemble our stands will detract from the reputation which we've carefully cultivated since 2013. For this reason, we will continue to highlight the problems with Analog Cases XTS stands and the false marketing claims by Analog Cases.
Our new Adapt system is a major step forward for SynthRISE and we have chosen to invest in patent protection for it. Likewise, our updated Gear Rail system to be launched in early 2025 with patent protection.
Environmental Responsibility
We have enthusiastically run this business according to our environmental ethics since day one. We've adjusted our product designs to minimize scrap during production and to use the least amount of packaging possible. We reuse and refurbish materials as often as possible. From mid 2024 onward, we will use biodegradable paper-based packaging whenever possible.
Our Founder
SynthRISE was founded by Mike Rafferty, a mechanical engineer with 30+ years experience. Starting in the aerospace industry, he learned structural analysis and design techniques for high strength, lightweight structures. This was followed by jobs designing medical equipment and electric motor components. Since the late 90s and continuing through the present, he has worked as a consultant to develop dozens of products for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to startups. Areas of focus have been complex injection molded plastics, integration of electronics into wearable devices, refinement of designs for high volume production, locking mechanisms, and medical products. Mike currently holds 10 patents with 3 others in the pipeline.
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