# Hybrid Retro Instruments Love Hultén Builds a Working Atari Into a One-Off Synth for Trent Reznor By Adam Harrie | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-11-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-retro-instruments References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2026/11/01/trent-reznors-custom-synth-has-an-atari-2600-built-into-it)  Love Hultén built a one-off hybrid synth cabinet for Trent Reznor that combines an analog sound station with a working '[Atari 2600+](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-intellivision-sprint)' console. The setup gives the musician a single place to play keys, shape tones and switch into game mode without leaving the cabinet. The instrument features an 'Analogue Solutions Ample,' a handmade desktop synth priced at $2,499, with circuitry that remains analog except for the MIDI chip. Hultén carried the pin matrix to the front panel, added orange markers for active routes and integrated a small monitor, a cartridge slot and a joystick into the same hardwood shell. The Atari side runs original 2600 and 7800 cartridges, while the synth side keeps patching tactile and visible. Love Hultén shows how a commission can turn two [nostalgic formats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/c64-1) into a single studio object, broadening the appeal of [instrument design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moogs-theremini) beyond sound alone. Image Credit: Love Hultén ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.3/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Hybrid Retro Instruments:** Nostalgic gaming hardware and analog music tools are converging into collectible studio objects that blend play, performance and display value. - **Tactile Interface Design:** Visible patching, physical controls and embedded screens create opportunities for premium devices that counterbalance software-heavy creative workflows. - **Commissioned Creator Hardware:** One-off instruments for high-profile artists signal growing demand for bespoke electronics that function as both creative tools and cultural artifacts. ### Where This Applies - **Music Technology:** Analog synthesis paired with unexpected interactive features expands the market for instruments that offer distinct sensory and aesthetic experiences. - **Gaming Hardware:** Classic cartridge-based systems gain renewed relevance when integrated into functional lifestyle products beyond conventional consoles. - **Luxury Design:** Handcrafted cabinets that merge entertainment, utility and nostalgia position custom electronics as high-end collectible furniture. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Screen Retro Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hommemade-1.md) - [Retro Audio Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trettitre.md) - [Custom Creative Workstations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toybox-2.md) - [Transparent Synth Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clear-orchid-arctic.md) - [Retro Audio Cabinets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-hultn.md) - [Modular Music Controller](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/synth.md) - [Prism Synth Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magicos2.md) - [Sustainable Hand-Crafted Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/working-synth.md) - [Illustrated Analog Synthesizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/madkids-empire.md)