create a track in 50 seconds with OP–XY

video upload by teenage engineering

"OP–XY is a powerful sequencer, synthesizer, and sampler. stack sounds on a 64-step grid, and create thousands of projects. tactile 24-key keyboard and a multi-out jack that lets you select one of four outputs. 8 unique synth engines, two send effect slots, plus brain™ for transposition—it’s a complete studio in the palm of your hand."

New Teenage Engineering OP–XY Details & Pics

video uploads by teenage engineering

"it's here. it's real. it's black. and it's got so much more than you've wished for. a no-compromise, dual-cpu boosted and fully rebuilt sequencer, sampler, and performance instrument, built on the much-loved workflow of the OP–Z. now including built-in cv, effect sends, and a best-in-class dac. with 8 individual instrument tracks and 8 auxiliary tracks for controlling any external synthesizer, modular or otherwise, and adding effects."

User videos:

OP-XY (The Dark Flagship)

video upload by True Cuckoo

"Teenage Engineering has a new DARK flagship. And it's called OP-XY. It's s huge step up in sound quality, workflow, storage capacity, performability etc. compared to something like the OP-Z. And as with all flagships by TE, it's safe to assume there will be many years of quality updates over the years."

OP-XY Review - Funky but Functional?

video upload by Ricky Tinez

00:00 It’s Here!
00:50 The MAIN gripe I have with the OP-XY
02:40 Laying Down Drums
04:09 Adjusting the velocity can be a bit tricky…
05:15 Parameter locking the effects sends
06:48 I wish there was more sound design…
08:15 Laying down the chords
09:00 Bassline time!
10:33 The Step Components are CRAZY sick
12:15 The “Intelligent Transpose” is kind of crazy…
12:46 Using the onboard microphone
14:02 Adding another element to show off the effects
14:52 Tracks 9-16 are not what you think
15:25 Tape Beat Repeat effect
17:15 Punch-In Effects are super unique
19:00 Then combined with the Transposer?!
19:51 Compressor time
21:18 Lost in the sauce
22:44 Jam it out
23:21 But what makes the OP-XY special?
25:45 But…

MSRP of $2299 (check with dealers on the right)

the new evolution of sequencing. OP–XY is a powerful sequencer, synthesizer, and sampler. stack sounds on a 64-step grid, and create thousands of projects. tactile 24-key keyboard and a multi-out jack that lets you select one of four outputs. 8 unique synth engines, two send effect slots, plus brain™ for transposition—it’s a complete studio in the palm of your hand.

sequencer, synthesizer and sampler
built-in speaker for room-filling sound
16 hours usb-c rechargeable battery
multi-out port
thousands of user projects
8 unique synth engines
usb-c audio/midi host
dimensions: 288 x 102 x 29 mm | 11.4 x 4 x 1.2 in
weight: 900 g | 31.7 oz


das sequenzer.
experience the ultra fast sequencing workflow. punch-in FX™ lets you add quick, rapid-firing, unique, live variations and adding individual step components creates an extra dimension and deep rhythmic patterns. randomize note timing, velocity and pitch, or use live automation to alter filters. use brain™ to create chord progressions, generating tracks that reinvent themselves. literally.

schritt-sequenzen.
run every track, independently, at different speeds and lengths to form powerful polyrhythms. create new sequences every time with step components, variations that can be added to any step on the sequencer, controlling everything from altering pitch to bending, skipping or even multiplying steps.

alles verbinden.
the 2 Vrms main output drives any sound system, real loud. keep everything locked in sync and sequenced with the multi-out and take control with midi-in. process and sample external audio with the audio-in. control, record and charge with the audio/midi host over usb-c, plus a complete wireless experience with midi over bluetooth le—keine bedingungen [no strings attached].

länger, weiter, stärker.

compose your album, head off to the gig, plug and play immediately, then keep everything locked-in with all the i/o you could ask for. 16-hour, battery-powered freedom lets you perform for hours on-end. create, produce and perform anywhere. mit allen bedingungen [all strings attached].

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland Aira Compact with Zeale - Overview

video upload by Kraft Music

Also see Roland Aira Compact Series with Zeale - All Playing, No Talking

"Great bundle deals on the Roland Aira Compact series: https://kraftmusic.com/collections/ro...

Feestyle specialist and creative producer Zeale visits Kraft Music and gives us a detailed look at the Roland Aira Compact series.

00:29 Intro
01:18 Meet the family
02:18 Connectivity
03:10 Setup with T-8, S-1, and P-6
06:01 Sampling line input into P-6
09:40 Sampling with P-6 internal mic
13:31 Controlling P-6 granular engine with S-1
14:58 External MIDI control with A-49
16:30 Setup with T-8, S-1, and E-4
17:41 Vocal effects from E-4
19:45 Setup with E-4, J-6, and P-6
21:08 Audio over USB-C on the P-6
22:45 Signing off and Bundles at Kraft Music!

Aira Compact puts Roland's legendary creative magic in the palm of your hand. Jam, perform, and develop ideas anywhere with genre-defining sounds. Chain Aira Compact instruments together to extend your palette – or connect with MIDI gear, computers, and music apps to expand your existing rig. Fun, affordable, and easy to learn, Aira Compact brings serious musical power to creators on the move.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Roland Aira Compact bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new compact synthesizer, sampler, processor, or drum machine, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please contact us. Our knowledgeable Sales Advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

Roland Aira Compact Series with Zeale - All Playing, No Talking

video upload by Kraft Music

"Great bundle deals on the Roland Aira Compact series: https://kraftmusic.com/collections/ro...

Feestyle specialist and creative producer Zeale visits Kraft Music for some jams on the Roland Aira Compact series.
https://www.instagram.com/zeale/
https://www.facebook.com/zeale.rapz/
https://soundcloud.com/zeale

Aira Compact puts Roland's legendary creative magic in the palm of your hand. Jam, perform, and develop ideas anywhere with genre-defining sounds. Chain Aira Compact instruments together to extend your palette – or connect with MIDI gear, computers, and music apps to expand your existing rig. Fun, affordable, and easy to learn, Aira Compact brings serious musical power to creators on the move.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Roland Aira Compact bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new compact synthesizer, sampler, processor, or drum machine, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please contact us. Our knowledgeable Sales Advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

Waldorf Introduces Microwave 1 Plugin

video uploads by WaldorfMusicChannel. Last two videos in the playlist above by Martin Stürtzer and James Dyson.

"Waldorf just released the Microwave 1 - as software! I am happy to present the plugin and compare it to my original Microwave 1 Rev A.
https://waldorfmusic.com/microwave/"

"35 years ago Waldorf Music released its first instrument, the Microwave, which took the hearts of the leading musicians and producers of the nineties by storm. Its vibrate and distinctive sound transported the early wavetable sounds of the eighties into the rising electronic dance music of the following decade. Massive base lines, enigmatic wavetable modulations, brutal attacks and pads smooth like silk have been inspired generations of musicians. Microwave’s unique interpretation of wavetable synthesis combined with analogue filters defined what hybrid synthesis is at its best.

Now’s the time to bring back this magical instrument in a software form to the digital workstations of producers and musicians world-wide. The Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin was painstakingly recreated from the original hardware with all its idiosyncrasies and wonderful singularities.

A multi-year effort and a labor of love which analyzed and modeled the original instruments down to the finest sonic details of every aspect of the hardware. Only the first generation of the Microwave and also the Waldorf Wave were based on a custom developed integrated circuit called the Waldorf ASIC. In combination with the legendary Curtis filter chips and a very unique 68k CPU based controller software the ASIC defined a very special flavor of wavetable sound unparalleled to none. No one else than the inventor of Wavetable Synthesis of the eighties, Wolfgang Palm, helped to design this unique chip. Waldorf took a huge effort to analyze and recreate this integrated circuit within the plug-in. As the original, the plug-in runs the internal synthesis with the ultra high sampling rate of 250 kHz regardless of the DAW sampling rate. The recreated digital waveforms have been bit-by-bit compared with the original to be 100% identical.

Even the old-school digital-to-analogue converters of the original hardware were modeled with their non-linearities and tone shaping color which were leading into the two Curtis filter chips variants used for the revisions A and B of the original hardware. The plug-in allows further for artificially detuning and recalibrating of the analogue components. Brutal attacks, snappy decays and a plethora of wonderful transients define the sound of the first generation Microwave. But the Microwave 1 Plug-In goes one step further: Its modern and inviting graphical user-interface reveals many aspects of the synthesis engine which were hidden before in the original hardware by its sparse hard to use interface.

Its livelihood never sounding mechanical but always different was based on a very unique architecture to create the envelopes, LFOs and modulations which was painstakingly recreated by the plug-in down to the finest grains.

A fully scalable modern interface with readable high-contrast fonts supports an intuitive sound editing process with many graphical representations of the wavetables, envelopes and filter response curves using animations for modulations and playing positions. The Microwave 1 was never as close as this under your finger tips. A joy to edit sounds with.

But we stopped not here, for the first time the inner makings of the Microwave have been put to the surface. Based on the internal control tables the user can now easily edit existing wavetables and create new ones in a very unique and intuitive process. All the original wavetables are available with their control structures and the full original waveform catalogue. In addition to user wavetables, also user waveforms can be created within the plug-in. Additional randomization modes make wavetable editing fun and sonically surprising as experienced never before. The multi-mode becomes now a weapon of its own for sound design. Originally hard to edit from the panel, the plug-in UI allows now for quickly layering of single sounds to create the most complex and exciting sonic structures.

An easy to use mixer page lets you fine tune their sonic relationships. Even the more exotic feature like tuning and velocity tables have been implemented and can be edited in the UI. All the original factory single and multi-mode sounds are contained in the plug-in in combination with new and modern sound presets. Original MIDI and Sys-Ex dump files can be imported such you can load your favorites from the past. Moreover, the plug-in can be used to control the original hardware are a graphical editor. If you a lucky owner of an Microwave first generation, the plug-in allows you to take your beloved hardware virtually with you where-ever you like and keeping its magical sound. The Microwave 1 plug-in comes as VST, VST3, AU and AAX for macOS and Windows supporting the major digital audio workstations."

3rd Wave Analog Core Synth Soundset

video upload by Creative Spiral

"This sound set includes 100 new synth patches for the 3rd Wave, focused on the hybrid analog capabilities of the synth. Lots of classic/vintage synth inspired sounds, famous song patches, binaural stereo stacks and modern analog designs. https://sounddesign.sellfy.store/p/3r...

I've made hundreds of sound designs on this great synth, using all the various engines, including PPG, modern wavetables and the new sample engine -- but this sound set is focused entirely on the hybrid analog / VA capabilities of the synth. Dozens of famous song tone patches are included, and classic analog sounds inspired by legendary vintage synths: Sequential Prophets, Oberheim OBs, Roland Jupiters, Yamaha GX and CS, and Moogs,plus modern sound designs that take advantage of the extensive capabilities of the 3rd Wave.

The sound set is available here:
https://sounddesign.sellfy.store/p/3r...

The patches inspired by famous artists/songs include ones by: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, MUSE, Tears for Fears, Toto, The Cars, Boards of Canada, Prince, RUSH, Daft Punk, M83, Stranger Things, Blade Runner, Harold Faltermeyer, Foreigner, Journey, Duran Duran, Simple Minds, Talk Talk, Van Halen, Thom Yorke, Radiohead, Steven Wilson, Adam Holzman, Michael Jackson and more.

The demo video features about half the patches included in the soundset... there are 50+ more patches as well! The sound in the demo video is direct from the synth, using only onboard 3rd Wave effects, and no external effects added. The drums in a few of the demos are from a Roland TR-8S.

0:00 PAD Analog Core Intro
0:32 SYN Subdivisions (Rush)
1:32 BAS LED Around the World (Daft Punk)
2:08 LED Uniglare Arp
3:05 PAD M83 Outro (M83)
4:07 SYN Any Colour (Pink Floyd)
4:28 BRS All My Love (Led Zeppelin)
4:52 SPL Stranger Things (Stranger Things)
5:36 KEY No Quarter (Led Zeppelin)
5:55 SPL Noisy Planet Arp
7:00 SYN BAS KEY Axel F (Beverly Hills Cop)
7:51 SYN Waiting for a Girl (Foreigner)
8:13 SYN Welcome Machine (Pink Floyd)
8:40 LED Pink Dogs (Pink Floyd)
9:15 STR Supersaw Strings
9:41 BRS Blade Runner (Vangelis)
10:53 SYN Separate Ways (Journey)
11:25 SYN Rule The World (Tears for Fears)
11:59 SYN Mays Prophet (Lyle Mays)
12:21 SYN Muse Uprising (MUSE)
12:53 SPL PadBass Split Stack
14:05 SYN Just What I Needed (The Cars)
14:37 BRS Toto Africa (Toto)
15:14 SYN Save a Prayer (Duran Duran)
15:34 STR Orchestra Binaural
15:58 LED Lets Go (The Cars)
16:35 BAS BoC ROYGBIV (Boards of Canada)
17:03 BRS Don't Forget About Me (Simple Minds)
17:30 SPL Arp Split Stack
18:52 BRS Camera Eye (Rush)
19:55 SYN Tom Sawyer (Rush)
20:23 BRS Vital Signs (Rush)
20:38 KEY EP Pluck Pad
21:08 BRS 1999 (Prince)
21:26 SYN Doves Cry (Prince)
21:34 SPL Arpple Pad
22:29 BRS VH Jump (Van Halen)
23:03 LED CreativeSpiral Lead
23:33 KEY Yorkeything
24:16 LED Take On Me (A-ha)
24:35 BRS It's My Life (Talk Talk)
24:54 SPL Guitar Palm Pulse
25:40 KEY Dawn Chorus (Thom Yorke)
26:39 BRS Concert Brass
27:01 LED Robot Rock (Daft Punk)
27:20 LED Holzman Regret (Steven Wilson)
27:51 BAS Punchit
28:33 SPL Ticking Clock
29:33 STR Smooth Stack
30:13 KEY Everything Right (Radiohead)
31:00 PAD Slop Hop Outro

Latest Firmware - Optimized for Analog Sounds
Update to Latest Firmware Before installing the patches on your 3rd Wave, make sure you have the latest release of the 3rd Wave firmware installed. (v1.8d as of time of release of this sound set) There have been several important firmware updates since launch including addition of vintage voice modeling, free running oscillators, adjustments to the VA oscillators, new envelope retrigger modes and unison glide settings. You can download the firmware updates from the official Groove Synthesis website, here: https://www.groovesynthesis.com/support/"

PPG Wave 3.V synthesizer by Waldorf (NoTalking)

video upload by Elektronick Musick

"The reincarnation of the legendary PPG Wave Synthesizer

https://waldorfmusic.com/ppg-wave-3-v...

Waldorf PPG Wave 3.V is the reincarnation of the legendary PPG Wave Synthesizer, which no doubt is considered one of the most respected high-end synthesizers of the 80s. Developed by Wolfgang Palm, this instrument is featured on countless records, and it inspired a whole generation of producers, composers and listeners. While back then it was your choice to spent your money either for a vehicle or the PPG, the new PPG Wave 3.V renders this breathtaking sonic character very affordable, comfortably to use for every VST or AU Host.

Up to 256 voices per instance (depending on available CPU power)
8 part Multimode
8 Stereo Outputs
Host automation of most parameters
MIDI Controller automation of most parameters
More than 100 new Wavetables created by Wolfgang Palm
Original Waveterm B Factory Sample Library
Original PPG Wave Factory Sounds"

Randomwaves Introduces Drumboy & Synthgirl

video uploads by Randomwaves

Update: Launching on Kickstarter 20/09/2024.

"Unleash your creativity and explore the world of sound with Randomwaves. Our new handheld instruments, Drumboy and Synthgirl, put the power of music-making in the palm of your hand.

www.randomwaves.io"

Drumboy packs a powerful punch in a compact design. Featuring an ARM processor and intuitive controls, you can create dynamic beats and percussion patterns with ease.

10 Instrument Layers

Mix and match to build unique rhythmic textures

Parametric EQ

Sculp your sound with precision for perfect beats

2 Effect Channels

Add depth, texture, and character to your grooves

Reverb Engine

Create immersive and atmospheric soundscapes

---

Synthgirl is a powerful wavetable synthesizer that empowers you to craft a vast sonic palette. With 2 versatile oscillators, you can explore a world of evolving sounds and textures with just your fingertips.

2 Wavetable OSCs

Craft unique and evolving sonic creations

4 LFOs

Explore endless modulation possibilities

2 Effect Channels

Add depth, texture, and character to your sounds

Reverb Engine

Create immersive and atmospheric soundscapes

KORG Introduces Nu:Tekt NTS-1 mkII digital kit

video upload by Korg

"Experience hands-on, fun music-making with this DIY, easy-to-assemble synthesizer and effects generator. The compact and incredibly powerful NTS-1 mkII now offers an array of new features: refreshed interface, more customization options, new keyboard, built-in sequencer, fresh sounds, expanded MIDI capabilities all in the palm of your hand. (Tool included, no soldering needed)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Epic sounds of Waldorf Microwave I - Drone Ambient NO FX DEMO (no talking)

video upload by brainhack musicbox

"NO FX - all sounds are produced by Waldorf Microwave synth and captured straight into PC.

Digital oscillator and analog filter, just 8 voices, no onboard effects - but it can sound like an orchestra. I always wanted to make a long, self-evolving patch - and this demo is supposed to show the incredible power of mighty Microwave.

Okay, if a big (by modern standards) 2 rack units box is a Micro, what about Macro? It all started in 1978 with Wavecomputer 360 by PPG (Palm Products GmbH) - the first instrument to offer 30 different wavetables (64 waves each) opposing to the usual minimum of the day (sine, saw, pulse). With added analog filters, it later became known as PPG Wave.

In the late 1980s #wavetable was still a groundbreaking concept - when single-cycle waveforms of differing harmonic spectra were stored in adjacent memory slots. Dynamic spectral shifts were achieved by scanning through the waveforms, with interpolation used to avoid noticeable 'jumps' between the adjacent waveforms (extensively used in this demo).

With the end of the #PPG company, some of its employees moved to the newly-created #Waldorf to make their first rockstar - the Microwave which is essentially PPG Wave 2.3 with original wavetables and analog filters.

Korg keyboard is used just as a MIDI controller, with a sustain pedal.
Programming the machine is in fact easier than it seems at first glance - but more #MIDI knobs and faders would be helpful anyway."

OMBOT's Phantom Hand - Experimental Sound Machine

video uploads by OmBotCult

via Etsy

"Phantom Hand. Touch based noise instrument an experimental sound machine. 12 oscillators per finger. 24 in palm. 1 knob to control the pitch. Oscillators go from tone to rhythm. Palm oscillators are controlled all by touch alone. It has an Echo/delay/reverb /low pass filter effect built in control by 2 Knobs at the top. Great for horror and sci-fi sounds. Drone away in to other dimensions."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing Roland AIRA Compact | T-8 Beat Machine, J-6 Chord Synthesizer, E-4 Voice Tweaker

video upload by

$199.99 each. Additional videos below. Press release and pics below them.

"AIRA Compact puts Roland’s legendary creative magic in the palm of your hand. Easily play and perform with these highly jammable instruments—anywhere, anytime. Chain them together to catalyze your creativity or connect with MIDI gear, computers, and music apps to expand your setup. Just power on and go with the flow.

About the T-8 Beat Machine

The T-8 Beat Machine is a mini rhythm factory with six tracks of pristine TR drums plus a TB-303 bass track. Embodying decades of modern musical sound, the T-8 gives you the power to create infectious tracks in seconds flat. Craft on-the-fly acid jams or trap bangers with the intuitive 16-step sequencer, shape sounds with onboard controls, and flip and dice beats with simple, yet powerful tools.

About the J-6 Chord Synthesizer

The J-6 is a portable synth toolbox with all the building blocks you'll need to bring harmonic substance to your jams. Pairing a powerfully unique chord sequencer with lavish JUNO-60 synth tones, J-6 packs a versatile feature set into a highly jammable format. Generate soul-stirring song ideas with the turn of a knob and explore 100 chord sets over a variety of genres. Experiment with styles and variations to coax dancing lines and rhythmic patterns from your chords. Add lush chorus, reverb, or delay to frost your sound.

About the E-4 Voice Tweaker

Harmonize, auto-pitch, vocode, loop, and glitch your voice all from the portable E-4 Voice Tweaker. Want hands-on control? Connect a mic or input a feed and easily explore effects using the sliders, function buttons, and scatter knob. From looping live jams to livestreaming or tightening up and expanding performances, the E-4 will transform your voice into your new favorite instrument.

Chapter Breakdown
0:00 – Series Introduction
1:50 – T-8 Beat Machine
2:22 – T-8 Patterns, Sounds, and Tracks
3:22 – T-8 Hands-On Controls and Performance Tools
4:19 – T-8 Create a Drumbeat
4:41 – T-8 Create a Bassline
5:40 – T-8 Advance Programming and Effects
6:25 – J-6 Chord Synth
6:52 – J-6 Playback and Genres (Chord Sets)
7:13 – J-6 Sound
7:52 – J-6 Style and Variation
8:22 – J-6 Chord Sequencer
9:14 – J-6 Connect to DAW
9:39 – E-4 Voice Tweaker
10:14 – E-4 Hands-On Controls
10:29 – E-4 Auto Pitch, Harmony, Vocoder
11:09 – E-4 Looper
11:26 – E-4 Scatter
11:50 – Connectivity"

Roland AIRA Compact J-6 / T-8 / E-4 - DEMO by gattobus

video upload by gattobus

"Roland's birthday party it's not over!
A few days ago they sent me these little magic boxes to try them out and in less than an hour of tweaking, I came out with this song!!!
The song title "A Big Tiny World" is because they are BIG sounding TINY boxes indeed! :D
They are:

- J-6 Chord Synthesizer
- T-8 Beat Machine
- E-4 Voice Tweaker

Their sound quality is astonishing! It's amazing to have the power of ACB technology in such a small form factor...
Everything you hear in this video was played and recorded in real time, no post processing or FX was added.
I had so much fun, I hope you like it!"

Roland Aira Compact : T-8 / J-6 / E-4 : Portable Drum Machine, Polyphonic Synth, & Vocal Effects

video upload by Perfect Circuit

T-8 Drum Machine & Acid Style Bass Synth
J-6 Polyphonic Synth
E-4 Vocal Transformer

"Join our pal Dustin for the debut of the AIRA COMPACT line of synthesizers ! These three desktop style devices combine some of Roland's most recognizable and powerful sound palettes into a portable, affordable, and outrageously fun package!

Check out our in-depth Signal article for more details - https://bit.ly/3L08Msr

0:00 - Intro jam
1:07 - Overview of Aira Compact Line
2:54 - T-8 Drum Machine & Bass Synthesizer
5:50 - J-6 Four Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer
9:50 - E-4 Vocal Processor, Looper, & Effects
11:57 - Robot Acid BOPS !"

AIRA Compact- First Look at the new Range

video upload by sonicstate

Roland T-8 J-6 E-4 Compacts Review: Here's what makes them special // Full Tutorial

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE
0:00 Intro
1:05 Overview
2:05 Connectivity
5:15 T-8 OVERVIEW
8:30 Drum sounds
11:55 Bass synth
14:00 Sequencing
19:20 Effects
20:15 Drive
22:05 Sidechain
24:55 Performance
26:20 T-8 Pros, cons
28:10 J-6 OVERVIEW
29:20 Synth
31:15 Effects
32:55 Keys, chords
33:50 Phrases/arp
36:10 Sequencer
39:50 Step length
40:20 Menu misc
41:40 J-6 Pros & cons
45:10 E-4 OVERVIEW
46:00 Eight things it does
50:00 Interface
50:50 MIDI control
51:20 Vocoder
52:00 Looper
53:20 Scatter
56:25 E-4 Pros & cons
58:25 T-8 Patterns
1:07:10 J-6 Patterns

How fun is the Aira Compact series?

video upload by True Cuckoo

And the press release:

Fun, Pocket-Size Instruments with Innovative Creative Features, Authentic Roland Sounds, and Class-Leading Connectivity

Los Angeles, CA, May 10, 2022 — Roland announces AIRA Compact, an all-new series of ultra-portable instruments with free-flowing features for creative exploration and authentic Roland sounds. Fun, affordable, and easy to learn, the T-8 Beat Machine, J-6 Chord Synthesizer, and E-4 Voice Tweaker bring serious musical power to everyone from hobbyists and gadget collectors to tech-savvy pros.

AIRA Compact instruments let anyone jam, perform, and develop ideas on the go with friendly controls, inspiring sounds, and loads of intuitive music tools. Users can realize complete compositions with a single unit or expand their possibilities by connecting and synchronizing with other AIRA Compact models. From one master unit, multiple AIRA Compacts can be mixed and monitored with headphones or an external speaker system. It’s also possible to interface with computer DAWS, mobile music apps, and hardware instruments via USB-C or MIDI.

Driven by Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) and other advanced technologies found in top-line Roland instruments, AIRA Compact delivers the real-deal sounds behind decades of hit music. Users can create with the genuine voices of Roland icons, including TR rhythms, TB basses, JUNO synths, VT effects, and more.

Driven by Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) and other advanced technologies found in top-line Roland instruments, AIRA Compact delivers the real-deal sounds behind decades of hit music. Users can create with the genuine voices of Roland icons, including TR rhythms, TB basses, JUNO synths, VT effects, and more.

AIRA Compact strikes the perfect balance between portability and power. Each model is small enough to slip into a pocket and features an inviting panel to jump-start the creative flow for immediate results. Onboard lithium-ion batteries provide hours of continuous use per charge, while Roland’s famous build quality will support musical adventures for years to come.

T-8 Beat Machine
The T-8 Beat Machine combines iconic Roland drum and bass sounds in a go-everywhere rhythm factory. Beatmakers can build tracks with legendary sounds from the TR-808, TR-909, and TR-606 drum machines, paired with the shapeshifting low end of the dynamic TB-303 Bass Line. The six-track drum sequencer features the famous TR-REC workflow, enhanced with deep tools like step loop, pattern shift, probability, and others to generate dynamic performances with constantly evolving grooves. The T-8 also provides an authentic TB-303 bass experience, including the tactile power to squeeze, squelch, and mangle sounds in the moment.

J-6 Chord Synthesizer
The J-6 Chord Synthesizer is an endless well of musical inspiration, pairing a powerful chord sequencer with the lavish tones of the renowned JUNO-60 synth. Creators don’t need to know chords or theory to make music—they can simply call up one of 100 chords sets and build compelling chord progressions with one-touch presses on the built-in keyboard. Styles and variations are also available to coax dancing lines and rhythmic patterns from chords. Users can quickly string progressions together via step input, tweak the sound with dedicated filter and envelope controls, and add polish with customizable delay and reverb effects.

E-4 Voice Tweaker
The E-4 Voice Tweaker combines advanced voice transformer tools and standard vocal effects with a hands-on interface that’s meant to be played. Performers can go from traditional vocal enhancements to punchy beatboxed grooves to striking alien soundscapes—all in a single tune. Pitch and formant sliders are available to instantly change the vocal gender, create robot voices, and more. Auto Pitch, automatic harmony, and vocoder processors are included, along with reverb, delay, and other effects. There’s also a built-in 24-second looper for capturing performances on the fly, plus a unique Scatter function for slicing and dicing the sound via a dedicated panel knob.

Availability & Pricing

The Roland AIRA Compact series is now available in the U.S. for $199.99 each."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Tiny Synthesizers Huge Sounds: 1010 Lemond Drop and Fireball

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this video Drew from Patchwerks goes over the new 1010 Lemondrop, a granular synthesizer and the 1010 Fireball, a wavetable synthesizer.

About the Lemondrop Granular Synthesizer: "Explore a freshly squeezed approach to granular synthesis with nanobox | lemondrop, a polyphonic granular mini synthesizer with intuitive touchscreen control. Four voice polyphony, two granulators and an oscillator provide a wide sonic palette—from lush environmental pads to rugged and glitched-out textures. Instantly morph and shape sounds with the swipe of a finger using touchscreen X/Y control. Choose from hundreds of professionally designed presets and wav files, or quickly create your own patches with deep parameter control via the 2” touchscreen. Integrate lemondrop seamlessly with your existing tabletop gear—or create on-the-go thanks to a compact design that fits in the palm of your hand." -1010 Music

About the Fireball Wavetable Synthesizer: 'Bring some heat to your music creation workflow with nanobox | fireball, a polyphonic wavetable mini synthesizer with intuitive touchscreen control. Featuring eight voice polyphony, two wavetables and an oscillator, Fireball unlocks a huge array of sounds—from punchy and aggressive leads to atmospheric pads. Touchscreen X/Y control allows you to instantly morph and shape sounds with the swipe of a finger. Choose from hundreds of professionally designed presets and wav files, or quickly create your own patches with deep parameter control via the 2” touchscreen. Integrate fireball seamlessly with your existing tabletop gear—or create on-the-go thanks to a compact design that fits in the palm of your hand.' -1010 Music

Order the 1010 Lemondrop Granular Synthesizer here: https://bit.ly/1010_lemondrop
Order the 1010 Fireball Wavetable Synthesizer here: https://bit.ly/1010_fireball

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Drew
Video by: Matthew Piecora
https://www.ezbot.live"

See the main announcement post here for additional videos.

New Nanobox Mini Synths Coming from 1010Music

video upload by 1010music

Looks like the price will be $399 for each. Note the Line In for each for processing external gear. Curious if sampling will come to the lemondrop.

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Bob Moog Fondation 2022 - 2023 18 Month Calendar

via Signal Sounds, available here

The Bob Moog Fondation is a charitable organisation, based in Anaheim, North Carolina, just a few streets away from the current Moog factory. It acts both as a archive for Bob's work over the years, a museum to show the timeline of his inventions (and more general synth developement) and an educational resource for schools providing hands on experience for children and adults.

Imgaine you had to do all those things? It's pretty certain you'd quickly lose track of what day it is, what week it is or even what month it is (signs of recognition and enthusiastic ndoding from fellow COVID brain fog peepz at the back of the crowd)?

What you would need in that case is.....a calendar! Obviously you can get calendars with amazing inspritation quotes, beautifull sunsets and cute animals but what if you could get an unbelievalbe nerdy synth related calander featuring 18 of the world's most influential synth designers? That would be pretty freakin' cool, no?

"We are proud to announce the release of our epic 2022 Synthesizer Pioneers 18-month calendar, which honors 18 innovators in the field of synthesis from the past 60 years. This is the fifth calendar released by the Foundation focusing on the rich history of Bob Moog’s legacy and the web of innovation in synthesis to which he was connected.

This calendar is the first to bring to the fore the historic achievements of synthesizer pioneers from all over the world. It features:

Harry Olsen and Herbert Belar (RCA)
Harald Bode
Raymond Scott
Bob Moog
Don Buchla
Peter Zinovieff (EMS)
Alan R. Pearlman (ARP)
Ikutaro Kakehashi (Roland)
Fumio Mieda (KORG)
Tom Oberheim
Dave Smith
Roger Linn
Wolfgang Palm (PPG)
Dave Rossum
Peter Vogel and Kim Ryrie (Fairlight)
Ray Kurzweil
Felix Visser (Synton)
Makoto Fukuda (Casio)
Many of the pioneers have contributed historic photos of themselves, with their hallmark inventions from their private archives. Also included within the calendar are scores of dates of particular historic importance provided by the pioneers. A brief narrative is included with each photo.

The 18-month calendar also weaves together connections between Bob Moog and many of the featured pioneers. His relationships with them ranged from inspiration to friends to colleagues to business associates. Secondary photos on many of the pages highlight that connection, showing Bob with his fellow pioneers.

The 18-month calendar is printed on #80 stock paper, making the images suitable for framing after the year is over!

This is the first time any of the Moog Foundation's products have been availabe outside of the USA so we're pretty happy to be able to bring it to you, and a portion of the profits are re-invested in the Bob Moog Foundation so it's a win/win situation.

The calander runs from Jan 2022 until May 2023 (and before you ask, we have no idea why it's an 18 month calendar...maybe they're just relaly indecisive and couldn't cut the list of synth pioneers down from 18 to 12?) and is available right now, right here.

Chamber of Sounds Droneulator 2013

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Discontinued Chamber of Sounds 'Droneulator' 3 Oscillator Palm Synth. 4 knobs, 3 switches plus an Opto Cell. No instructions, no labels, plug it in and freak out. Awesome little noise box."

You can find demos in previous posts here.

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Hermann Seib Joins Behringer/Music Tribe Wave Synthesizer Development Team

The official announcement:

PPG and its Wave synthesizers have been the brain child of the industry icon Wolfgang Palm and have graced the stages of artists like David Bowie, Jean Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, Stevie Nicks, Pet Shop Boys, Mike and the Mechanics, and Stevie Wonder just to name a few.

After the announcement of Behringer and Music Tribe to look for collaboration partners for the development of the next generation Wave hybrid synthesizer, we have been fortunate to gain a legendary engineer to the team – Hermann Seib who has been deeply involved in the PPG Wave history. But hear from the man himself:

About Hermann Seib

“I'm a software programmer/analyst living in Vienna, Austria and have loved playing and creating music throughout all my life. I started playing guitar at age 12 and when the Roland SH-101 became available, I got one and was instantly hooked. But as for most people, there came a point where I had to decide whether I want to become a musician or a programmer. Computers won hands down so I never became a great guitar player and instead I practiced my programming skills instead. These shiny new home computers that just became available were simply too fascinating – and they sustained my life ever since.

PPG and I have a rather long common history. I first saw the original press release for the Waveterm A in 1982 and immediately wanted one. Unfortunately, I also couldn’t afford it as I was at just starting my career.

Around 1987, I was finally able to buy a used Wave 2.2/Waveterm set. Since that time, I have become a fan of these machines and know pretty well how they work. However I'm much more of an engineer than a musician and to me, the Wave synthesizers are "computers with attached tone generation circuits". Around 2000, I started to reverse engineering their operating system, so that I could understand how they work from a computer perspective. It took me quite a while to understand the sound generation side of the things and while I still wouldn't say that I've fully mastered every detail, my understanding was good enough to create an upgrade to the original V6 software. The result was version 8.3, which is a commercially available upgrade.

Around 2000, I became involved with Paula Maddox and Dave Forward in a project called "Waveterm C". The idea was to recreate the Waveterm in a more modern PC running Windows version and use a USB interface to communicate to the Waves/EVUs/PRKs. Well, we got the software side up and running, for which I was responsible for and it worked to a point where you could create wavetables and transient sounds. The USB-based hardware interface worked quite well, too, but unfortunately the project never became mature enough to be launched.

https://www.hermannseib.com/waveterm/

I also created WaveSim, my simulation of the famous Wave/EVU, which was first only as a standalone Windows program and later available as VSTi as well. Wolfgang Palm was aware of these activities for quite a while and in 2008, he contacted me. We exchanged ideas and he helped me understand some details of the Wave synthesizers, which resulted in further WaveSim improvements. Wolfgang then went on to create lots of new, vastly improved wavetables that could be loaded into WaveSim which can be found here.

https://www.hermannseib.com/english/synths/ppg/wavesim.htm#palm

Later in 2012, Wolfgang became interested in porting his PPG WaveGenerator, which was only available as iOS Plugin, to VST and Audio Unit on Windows and Mac OS - a project I was heavily involved in. Subsequently I entered similar collaborations on Wolfgang’s other PlugIn creations such as the PPG Wavemapper 2, PPG Phonem, and PPG Infinite.”

Why did you decide to join the Behringer Wave project?

“My main motivation is to help recreate the Wave to ensure it gets as close as possible to the original, as the legacy and “soul” of this synthesizer is very dear to me. And because it’s blue 🙂. I am very much looking forward to collaborating with the Behringer engineering team and participate in the testing and comparison with the original unit since I have a deep understanding of the original code the makeup of the unit. We’re currently discussing the development of an app for wavetable management. I am very excited to be part of the Behringer Wave synthesizer project to make sure the legacy of this legendary synthesizer will live on.”

PPG Wave 2.2

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This is one of my most prized and cared for possessions. If we weren't in the middle of an unprecedented financial crisis, I would prefer have this beauty buried with me. ;) It's the absolute king of wavetable synthesizers, the first and only of its kind if you ask me (and virtually anyone else who's had the privilege to use one). I've had this particular one for the better part of 20 years, and she's never let me down (unlike multiple new synths where I find myself flustered when firmware corrupts or memory erroneously wipes out); she's just been steadfast and true for her treasured time with me. Always kept in a non-smoking studio, voltage regulated and on battery backup. When I bought this beauty some 20 years ago I was under the impression the previous owner had a good working relationship with PPG when they were still in business and this was one of the first editions in circulation. This beauty was exported to the UK and found a home with one of the curators of the early 2000 (UK) PPG Conferences. With the help and guidance of PPG connoisseur, H. Seib, she was gone through with a fine tooth comb and had been swapped out with new bushings, keys and factory formatted. Since my acquisition of this unit (3rd owner by my understanding) I had created and sculpted custom waves with the Waveterm A (When it still functioned, but sadly that is now a very distant memory) and a wide range of factory sounds which are still in place. I had considered the upgrade to V8.3 to save much of the library I had created but wouldn't attempt it without the expertise and assistance of a few friends in Toronto who had years of experience working on these, but sadly that never did come to fruition. Time is always the greatest enemy, isn't she? ;) I also have the entire factory soundset from the floppy disk of the 2.3, Waveterm A and B as well as many wavetables shared on the old PPG forum so the update would probably be worth it. It's a fairly easy upgrade and still available to purchase if you're considering using the SYSEX features of V8.3. There was discussion some years ago about a virtual waveterm being available at some point (Waveterm C), perhaps a gentle nudge in the PPG discussion forum and it will eventually materialize with those DIY monowaves. ;) Until then, I leave you with one of the worlds finest synthesizers ever imagined. This is the stuff dreams are made of, not kidding. Serious inquiries only, thanks!

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New Yamaha YC61 Stage Keyboard

Published on Jan 9, 2020 Yamaha Synths Official

Playlist:
Yamaha YC61 | Overview
Yamaha YC61 Sound Demo
Stefan Jernståhl | Artist Profile | YC61 Stage Keyboard
Jonas Gröning | Artist Profile | YC61 Stage Keyboard

"Yamaha YC61 Stage Keyboard Brings Classic Organ and Vintage Keys Back to the Stage

BUENA PARK, Calif. (January 9, 2020) — Yamaha today introduced the YC61 Stage Keyboard, a new organ-focused instrument combining the sought-after organ sounds of popular music with the sonic versatility and real-time control today’s keyboardists demand, all backed by legendary Yamaha quality.

Reproducing authentic organ sound, control and expressiveness in a compact package has been elusive for keyboard players. Using proprietary Yamaha technology, the YC61 provides an authentic and expressive playing experience.
The YC61 employs a newly developed Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) Organ engine. VCM models the behavior of vintage electronics at the component level. This allows realistic organ character sound along with familiar and modern controls organ players will appreciate. Authenticity is further enhanced by a new VCM Rotary Speaker effect, capturing the two-speed, physically spinning speaker that’s as much a part of the organ sound as a guitar amp is to an electric guitar.

As on the original instruments, the musician has full command of the sound via drawbars, percussion, rotary speaker speed and more for an expressive and unique sound. Organ aficionados will appreciate the ability to personalize “under the hood” organ and rotary speaker settings like drawbar leakage, key click, rotor speed up and more. An all-new 61-note waterfall keyboard is true to the organ legacy and makes for smooth rock and jazz playing techniques such as “palm smears.”

The YC61 goes beyond organ sounds. Two comprehensive “Keys” sections offer authentic acoustic pianos, soulful electric pianos, realistic strings and brass, analog-style synths, and more. Dedicated effects like delay, chorus, distortion and more give keyboardists the ability to quickly create new, inspiring sounds on the fly. This means the YC61 could take the place of two or more other instruments, simplifying keyboardists’ setups and reducing load-in time.

Thanks to its aluminum construction, the YC61 is as rugged and roadworthy as it is lightweight (under 7kg/16 pounds!) and compact.

“The organ is the original keyboard, and in some ways, the original synthesizer,” said Nate Tschetter, manager, Synthesizer Marketing, Yamaha. “It always adds a soulful sound to the music, regardless of genre. We hope YC61 provides that essence of soulfulness to keyboard players through its sound and controls.”

Pricing and Availability

The Yamaha YC61 Stage Keyboard (MSRP: $2,499) will ship to retailers in June 2020. For more information, visit Yamaha.io/yc61"

Wolfgang Palm - PPG Infinite Realtime 3D Spectrum Display

Published on Nov 18, 2019 WPalmWT

"Originally this was just a 3D performance test. But when I checked out different sounds, I thought it might be interesting for musicians and especially 'PPG Infinite' users.
http://wolfgangpalm.com"