Body Synths Metal Fetishist Percussion Synthesizer - SonicLAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Extra sounds demo on our http://patreon.com/sonicstate

‪@midierror‬ takes look at the Body Synths Metal Fetishist - an unhinged noise box and percussion synthesizer, capable of making gut-wrenching beats, incendiary fx, and supercharged percussive elements.

It's a unique unit, which is the first release from Body Synths - a monophonic digital synthesizer with sequence generation, rather than a conventional step sequencer.

The combination of an oscillator, noise generator, filter, random modulation, and 2 on-board effects leads to many unexpected results and happy accidents - particularly if you like your sound dark and distorted.

It's available now for around £369.99 RRP
https://bodysynths.com/

midierror has just launched http://potatoaudio.com

Patreons have access to an EXTRA NOISE video, with 10 minutes of no talking, balls-to-the-wall noise explorations, and we'll be following up with some free loops in the new year - exclusively available at https://www.patreon.com/sonicstate

*Key Moments:*
00:00:00 - Introduction to Bodysynths Metal Fetishist
00:00:44 - Overview of Controls and Features
00:01:49 - Exploration of Oscillator and Noise Generator
00:03:50 - Filter Settings and Resonance Effects
00:05:41 - Distinctive Sound Effects: Rust and Corrosion
00:07:26 - Random Step Modulation and Skips
00:10:38 - Performance Insights and Use Cases
00:13:12 - Summary and Closing Remarks"

Machina Bristronica 2024

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist:

1. Bristronica 24: MyVolts The Silent Alchemist Nears Shipping

We caught up with Caroline who gave us the latest update to the *Silent Alchemist*, a versatile power hub designed for musicians. Featuring five isolated USB-C outputs and a high-wattage sixth output capable of delivering 100 watts, the device can power a Mac with the remaining outputs providing 20 watts each. Its independent circuits ensure noise-free operation, catering to a variety of devices including the Dreadbox module and Sysmo slope generator.

The Silent Alchemist uses innovative step-up power tips to convert USB-C input to the correct voltage for various devices. There's also new feature: an uninterruptible power supply allowing seamless transition between wall and power bank sources. Also introduced were updated cables, such as silver candy cords and floating ring TRS to TS cables, expanding connection flexibility. The Silent Alchemist is expected to be available in December with a competitive pricing strategy.

More Info:
https://myvolts.com/

2. Bristronica 24: Circuit Happy ML2M Clock Sync module updates

At Bristronica 2024, we caught up with the creator of the *ML2M*, who introduced us to the latest version. The ML2M is a compact Eurorack module with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and iOS music apps using Ableton Link without the need for cables. It either connects to an existing network or creates its own, ensuring robust sync even in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. The module, which retains its 2HP size, now features MIDI integration through TRS jacks. Users can access a web interface to configure each output for different clock divisions and reset triggers, making setup straightforward and flexible.

Alongside the ML2M, there's also the Missing Link Junior. This desktop version offers the same functionality but in a box format, complete with MIDI and CV clock outputs. Both products are now accessible, with a starting price of $250.

3. Bristronica 24: Archaea Exchange Patching Module

At Machina Bristronica 2024, we caught up with Arran from ‪@archaea_modular_synthesis‬ who presented the *Exchange Module*. This programmable patcher, a year in the making, evolved from its early prototype stage to a fully functional module. Arran explained how the Exchange can route synth voices via a beam controller and three exchange modules installed within the skiff, allowing for versatile patching. Operating like a matrix patchbay, it enables users to select inputs and outputs with the push of a button, create presets, and chain multiple modules for synchronized patching.

Communication between the modules occurs over the Eurorack power bus as well as over MIDI via the USB-C connection. The Exchange maintains analog integrity, ensuring there’s no conversion latency. The forthcoming release expected in late November 2024, includes a USB-driven editor for enhanced control capabilities.

CLICK FOR MORE »

5 MINUTES WITH: Korg Electribe ER-1 MKI

video upload by sonicstate

"38 Exclusive ER-1 Loops on our http://patreon.com/sonicstate

‪@midierror‬ Takes a trip down memory lane with the classic Korg Electribe ER-1 MKI from 1999 - a great unit for brutal, speedy beats. It can be found used for £150-200 - midierror totally recommends it."

Le Grand Strum - Melodic MIDI Instrument

video upload by midierror

"Sixty Four Pixels Le Grand Strum is great for live performance, MIDI compositions, and is a helpful song writing tool. It's a unique MIDI controller that functions something like a cross between an Omnichord and a Stylophone.

Le Grand Strum is available from the Sixty Four Pixels web site at
https://six4pix.com/grandstrum

To play MIDI notes, you hold down one of the chord buttons and touch the tip of the stylus to the strum plate. The 16 pad, gold plated main strum plate has a tapering layout which allows fast chord strums at the top and individual note picking at the bottom. Two new circular strum areas duplicate notes from the main pads and allow you to play continuous arpeggios by moving the stylus in a circular motion.

A keyboard built from large, high-quality, tactile switches gives you immediate access to 84 chords, and an additional set of extended chords. The chords can be voiced based on piano or guitar style fingerings and multiple playing options are available.

This video is made using a Le Grand Strum and Arturia Pigments."

MadLab Bleep-o-Tron DIY Synth! \\\ Patch Flip & Tweak ///

video upload by midierror

You might recognize the name from a 2016 incarnation posted here. See the MadLab label for additional creations.

"This phase modulation synth costs $45 !!?! Take a quick tour tweaking some patches for the excellent Bleep-o-Tron (Redux) from MadLab! This is a DIY kit you solder yourself, which has some pretty impressive features. It's a polyphonic synth with 5-Pin MIDI In, 3.5mm audio out and built in effects (Flanger, RingMod & Delay).

There is a superb editor for the synth, which not only alows you to control various elements of the synth, but also copy/paste them to different sections! The video does have audio glitches and held notes, due to the playback of multiple MIDI notes during the tweaking - these by no means affected my enjoyment, but are worth mentioning.

More info here: https://www.tindie.com/products/madla...

MadLab site: http://www.madlab.org/

The audio has light post-processing applied."

invisiSYNTH - The Worlds Most Invisible Synthesizer

video upload by midierror

"Introducing the world's first completely invisible synthesizer, 4 light years in the making.

The iconic invisiSYNTH seeks to reinvent how you see synthesizers, delivering an imperceptible aesthetic which blends seamlessly with it’s surroundings, in absolute harmony with your studio.

Made possible by particle phase cancellation, the finished unit is rendered from dark matter beyond the human visual spectrum, making it imperceptible to the naked eye, although bats, badgers, and bowie can somehow see it.

The game changing invisiSYNTH comes with 4 GTFO oscillators, 9 pitchfork filters, 3 XK8s, a proton beard, 4 vector STIs, digital CBDs, and a upturned trigonometry matrix, capable of outputting 16,974 crosswave prisms per nano-second.

Putting a lightweight keyboard with a heavyweight sound at your fingertips - its 100% non-tactile transparent keybed comes in two variations: with 49 key and 61 key versions, and a limited edition tabletop module available this time tonight.

All of the components and parts of the invisSYNTH have been responsibly sourced from the finest non-existent artisan craftspeople on the planet. Each environmentally friendly unit comes individually numbered with a certificate of authenticity - and a guarantee that Behringer won’t copy it, or your money back!

Offering an impalpable experience limited only by your imagination, the invisiSYNTH is sure to be one of the most invisible synths…. you've ever seen.

Voiceover by https://www.sashavoicemale.com/"

SOMA Rumble of Ancient Times - chiptune chaos - Sonic LAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Chris [midierror] takes a look at the new chiptune chaos machine - Rumble of Ancient Times is another unusual and unique sound generator from Soma Labs - who specialise in devices that are just that."

00:00 intro and structure
02:15 Voice control
03:20 Algorithms and randomization
05:32 Sequencer
09:30 More randomization and inversions
12:00 examples
13:50 Summary

Also see Rumble of Ancient Times (SOMA Lab main DEMO)

Arturia SQ80 V Sonic LAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Arturia's latest Software emulation is the SQ-80V which takes the classic Ensoniq SQ80 with its original waveforms and while it aims to be a faithful replication of the original adds several new features:
Total 400 waveforms, Arpeggiator, Unison, Multistage envelopes, Modulation Mixer and MPE capability.
As well as a selection of FX that can be loaded into four FX slots.

Exclusive Patches available on our patreon:
https://patreon.com/sonicstate

Chris [midierror] takes a look for us.
The SQ80 V is available in VST, VST3, AAX and AU formats priced at €199"

Sonic LAB Erica Synths LXR-02 Drum Machine Review

video upload by sonicstate

"@midierror takes a look at the @Erica Synths LXR-02 Digital drum machine. A 6 track drum synthesizer and sequencer with built in FX, automation and plenty of other features." 00:00 Intro
01:56 Connections and overview
03:50 Sound Interlude
4:15 Voice Mode and the kick
09:40 Routing and FX
10:50 Sounds interlue
11:22 Sequencing
12:25 Interlude
12:50 more voices + building a pattern
14:50 Perfomance mode and automation
16:40 Probability
17:56 LFO and modulation
20:40 Interlude
21:05 More performance functions
23:00 Interlude
23:40 Memories and Morphing
26:05 conclusions

Cherry Audio Voltage Modular - Sonic LAB Overview

video upload by sonicstate

"[midierror] takes a look at the Cherry Audio Voltage Modular - a software modular synthesis system which has a large number of modules available via bundles and add-ons.

Exclusive extra content on Patreon
https://patreon.com/sonicstate

The base system comes with 22 modules, with a couple more options:

Ignite ($50) comes with 45 modules and Core ($99) 105 modules. Plus the in-built store feature gives access to many more modules .

Mac OS Requirements: macOS 10.9 or above, 64-bit required. Compatible with M1 processors (via Rosetta 2). Quad-core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended. NOTE: Internet connection required for product activation.

Windows Requirements: Windows 7 or above, 64-bit required. Quad-core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended. NOTE: Internet connection required for product activation.

Cherry Audio Voltage Modular
https://cherryaudio.com/voltage-modular/"

Ratcheteer - Semi-Automatic MIDI Pattern Generator

midierror

"The RATCHETEER generates MIDI note patterns easily, working in sync with Ableton Live's transport with options for numerous time divisions and the ability to be performed using external MIDI controllers.

https://gumroad.com/l/ratcheteer

Assign a MIDI Note to ratchet and choose from 5 types of time division to hear the note re-triggered from a steady pace to rapid fire mayhem. Select an output velocity with fixed, random between a range or LFO controls.

Turn the knob or play your keyboard to play the ratcheteer at different speeds. It'll output expressive MIDI notes which can be recorded as clips and stored in your track.

The Ratcheteer is ideal for Trap Hi Hat petterns, but can be used on any drum or synth hit. It can also be used on multiple channels for entire rhythm track making.

Time divisions include triplets, whole notes, dotted notes, all combined and free (unclocked).

Use the MIDI Map function to change the ratchet using MIDI controller movements, from knobs, faders, mod wheels or pitchbend. You can also automate numerous elements to store within your track.

Send ratcheted MIDI notes to VSTs, Drum Racks or external MIDI Hardware using Ableton's extensive MIDI routings. Say goodbye to meticulous MIDI finessing and start performing hi-octane hi-hat patterns!

Please Note: Ableton Live 10 Suite is required to run this device."

Ratcheteer - Semi-Automatic MIDI Pattern Generator

midierror

"The Ratcheteer is a semi-automatic MIDI pattern generator for performing instead of programming notes. https://gumroad.com/l/ratcheteer

The RATCHETEER is designed to generate hi-hat - or any MIDI note - patterns easily, saving you the time consuming task of making repetitive MIDI edits! It works in sync with Ableton Live's transport with options for numerous time divisions and the ability to be performed using external MIDI controllers. Hurrah!

Assign a MIDI Note to ratchet, set the velocity and choose from 5 types of time division to hear the note re-triggered from a steady pace to rapid fire mayhem. Select from all time divisions combined, triplets, whole notes, dotted notes and free (unclocked).

Turn the knob to make the ratchet faster or slower and set it to 0 to stop all notes. The device will output your MIDI notes which can be recorded as clips and stored in your track.

Use the MIDI Map function to change the ratchet using MIDI controller movements, from knobs, faders, mod wheels or pitchbend. You can also automate it in the track, but why the heck would you do that?!

Send ratcheted MIDI notes to VSTs, Drum Racks or external MIDI Hardware using Ableton's extensive MIDI routings. Say goodbye to meticulous MIDI finessing and start performing hi-octane hi-hat patterns!

This is Version 1.0 and I am going to implement speed changes from MIDI notes, as requested by some users.

Please Note: Ableton Live 10 Suite is required to run this device.

I cannot offer refunds on software downloads, so please ask any questions you have before buying."

8BitM8 - Hardware Bit Crusher with Arcade Button

Published on Jun 4, 2020 midierror
Update: Re-Published on Jun 5, 2020

via tindie

"The 8BitM8 is a brand new bit-crusher pedal inspired by the tonal qualities of vintage samplers, MPCs and the love of lo-fi sounds. It comes hand made in a rugged metal enclosure packed with high quality components which include a genuine arcade button.

Hardware bit crushers are hard to come by and are often simply 'sample rate reducers' without any effect on the number of bits. The 8BitM8 is a fully digital bit crusher with settings for 4, 6 and 8-Bit - meaning the sounds of early samplers, lofi keyboards and digital effect units at your fingertips.

CLICK FOR MORE »

MadLab ScuttleBut - Melodic Tones [No Talking]

Published on Mar 24, 2020 midierror

"More messing woith the ScuttleBut, this time with some softer, mellow tones. The Scuttlebut is a super small DIY electronics synth you can make ourself.

Get the ScuttleBut on Tindie here: https://www.tindie.com/products/madla...


Running through some delicious Valhalla Delay https://valhalladsp.com"

"Scuttlebut is a simple noise generator with a built-in mini sequencer. It's an experiment in minimalism to see how much could be squeezed from a simple 8-pin 8-bit microcontroller with minimal audio circuitry. It's easy to build - designed in fact for a soldering workshop for beginners - and only uses through-hole components.

The user controls are a couple of rotary presets, a pair of pushbuttons, a touch pad and a light sensor. The presets control a pair of oscillators and the pushbuttons select waveforms (sine, triangle, sawtooth etc.) and modulation (frequency, amplitude, phase etc.). The touch pad activates the light sensor which then further modulates the sound.

Includes a record mode in which a sequence of different sounds can be recorded and then looped back.


Supplied as a kit of PCB and components. Power input is via a 9V PP3 battery snap and audio output is mono through a 3.5mm jack socket."

Roland TR-626 ROM Expansion - Oberheim DMX, LM-1, LinnDrum, TR-707 and TR-626 sounds

Published on Oct 29, 2019 midierror

"The ROM expansion from HKA Designs adds sounds form the Oberheim DMX, Roland TR 707, Linndrum and LM-1 Drum Machines - adding 60 sounds to the on board 626 sounds."

Available to buy as a kit here: https://hkadesign.org.uk/tr626expansi..."

SUPER SMASH BUTTON - Arcade Audio Gate

Published on Apr 25, 2019 midierror

"The Super Smash Button is an audio gate controlled by an arcade button! It works with anything you plug into it - synths, drum machines, radios, vocals, effects and more.

Available from Tindie here.

The Super Smash Button is an audio gate which allows you to pass any signal at the bash of the big arcade button! Trigger musical elements, vocals, synths, noise and drones through it for rhythmic stutters, jittered melodies and chopped up beats.

It works incredibly well with drones, circuit bent keyboards and weird effects machines - bringing a new dimension rhythm and melody combined. Plug in a radio or play some foley recordings for randomly accessed nuggets of sound to add unpredictability and serendipitous synchronicity to the proceedings.

It has a toggle switch to allow the signal to pass completely, for when your Track and Field skills have come a cropper. Use external effects after the pedal to expand its impact - a delay or loop pedal is the ideal output for an innovative way of making new textures, tones and soundscapes.

This is a hand-made, hard-wearing device in a strong aluminum enclosure, with a tried-and-tested arcade button for years of trigger finger raising. It ships from the UK with either Green, Blue or Yellow buttons and four rubber feet to grip to and protect your surfaces.

The Super Smash Button is 111mm x 31mm (47mm including switch) x 60mm and weights around 150g."

Noise-X by Madlab - Sci-fi Drone Synth with FX

Published on Apr 5, 2019 midierror

"The excellent Noise-X by Madlab, an odd looking device which makes insanely good sound effects, imposing drones and all kinds of sci-fi weirdness! It comes with 4 DCOs, Amp & Pitch LFOs, 7 Waveforms, PWM, Ring Modulation, Fuzz, Frequency Modulation and built in Reverb."

Rakit Baby8 sequencer controlling 2 Atari punk consoles!

Published on Mar 8, 2019 midierror

"The Rakit stuff is great, here the Baby8 sequencer is sending its output to two atari punk consoles set to different pitches. I made a little breadboard patchbay which allows the signal to be sent to two destinations for melodic richness and detuned madness.

In this quick vid I'm flicking between each of the atari punk consoles before finally playing them together."

Korg ER-1 Electribe - Max4Live Editor

Published on Mar 1, 2019 midierror

"A Max4Live Editor for the brilliant Korg ER1 Drum Machine from 1998, available now from my Gumroad store here: https://gumroad.com/l/er1 The software allows you to program sounds, automate parameters and store their movements in your track.

This is the first machine I ever had, so it's very dear to my heart as well as being a future classic."

Korg Volca FM - MIDI Feedback

Published on Dec 9, 2018 midierror

"Here is a Volca FM with a MIDI output modification, with the signal being sent back to itself via a MIDI breaker I made. It connects two cables and allows you to stop or allow data to flow between them.

100% inspired by mypandashall fly who discussed his amazing musical methods at CV Freqs in London earlier this month. It was a great event - with talks, live performances and modular stores showing their wares.

This video is cut from about 20 minutes of recording, and hopefully shows a bit of the random behaviour - as well as whats possible with this supremely unorthodox technique!

After attending CV Freqs in London -"