"The NI404 is an innovative, open-source sampler and sequencer from soundpauli - nspired by the classic Etch-A-Sketch, tailored for beginners and DIY enthusiasts. Designed around the Teensy Microcontroller and Audioboard from PJRC, this device offers an accessible entry point into the world of music creation.
The NI404 is more than just a musical instrument; it's a journey into the world of sound exploration, perfect for live performances, studio sessions, or simply having fun creating music. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a curious beginner, the NI404 is your gateway to an exciting world of musical possibilities."
THE OPEN SOURCE SAMPLE-SEQUENCER FOR EVERYONE.
The NI404 is an innovative, open-source DIY sample-sequencer from soundpauli - inspired by the classic Etch-A-Sketch, tailored for beginners and DIY enthusiasts. Designed around the Teensy Microcontroller and Audioboard from PJRC, this device offers an accessible entry point into the world of music creation.
The NI404 is more than just a musical instrument; it's a journey into the world of sound exploration, perfect for live performances, studio sessions, or simply having fun creating music. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a curious beginner, the NI404 is your gateway to an exciting world of musical possibilities.
KEY FEATURES
EASY TO USE. With its playful design, the NI404 lets users create complex sound patterns without any prior knowledge of musical instruments or equipment. It's perfect for beginners and makers alike.
DYNAMIC CONTROL DESPITE LESS BUTTONS. At the heart of the NI404 is a vivid 16x16 RGB LED panel display, paired with three intuitive rotary-push encoders. Navigate a cursor across the grid, where each row signifies a voice and each column a potential note, allowing for up to 16 pitches per note. This feature enables the mixing of up to 8 voices simultaneously.
REAL-TIME INTERACTION. Adjust samples, instruments, pitches, notes, volume, BPM, velocity, and effects in real-time without pausing. This seamless interaction makes the NI404 an ideal gadget for live performances.
CORE COMPONENTS. Teensy 4.1 Microcontroller and Teensy Audio board (4.0) 8MB PSRAM Flash Memory 3 Rotary-push encoders 16x16 RGB-LED Panel driven by FastLED 3.5mm audio jack and removable SD Microcard slot CREATIVE FLEXIBILITY. Etch-A-Sketch style note drawing On-the-fly note deletion and sample muting Adjustable volume, BPM (40 - 200), pattern, and note velocity Up to 30-second sample length with seamless looping Use your own samples on the SD-Card - in a simple file structure Load up to 8 voices / samples (Wav format) plus an additional onboard synth voice 16-bar patterns across 8 pages, totaling 128 bars per song Save and load up to 100 patterns / songs on the SD card Autosave and autoload functions SAMPLES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: THE BUILT-IN SAMPLE BROWSER. Access and manage samples while playing, with support for up to 999 samples on the SD card and the ability to predefine multiple voices as a SampleSet.
FULLY INDEPENDENT. Operates without a computer, generating all sounds on the device itself. USB powered (5V) and Arduino code is published under the MIT License.
Important: The NI404 does not include speakers or Bluetooth connectivity; headphones are recommended. Because of licensing: please use your own sample files (folder structure is included).
READY FOR MORE. Potential updates include USB-MIDI In & Out, AI-powered song / pattern generation, WiFi connectivity, and a new aluminium casing.
HARDWARE LIST Custom PCB - to connect the encoders to the Teensy (but you can also hard wire everything): see Downloads
"Noise Engineering’s Kris Kaiser and Stephen McCaul on building their eurorack modular synth company after leaving jobs in sound engineering and biology academia. What makes this process unique? How do they manage a squad of dedicated people? What is the best thing about being your own boss?
This video is NOT sponsored by Noise Engineering or anyone else
00:00 - Intro 00:39 - Why modular synthesizers? 02:43 - How is a modular synthesizer different from a more traditional synth? 04:18 - What does your job look like in 5 years? 05:51 - Does that uncertainty create a lot of stress? How do you deal with it? 07:13 - How did you decide to change careers to start Noise Engineering? What factors went into that? 09:08 - How did you know it was time to grow your company? What were you looking for? 11:00 - What are the pros and cons, in your opinion, for starting your own business? 12:46 - What are some major hurdles you and other eurorack companies are dealing with right now? 14:51 - How have these factors affected pricing? What goes into pricing your modules? 16:28 - What are some of your most important lessons from being in business all these years? 17:23 - What's one thing you did, or decision you made, that greatly helped you, your company, or your career? 18:25 - In your opinion, what are the keys to building and maintaining great relationships? 19:20 - When you have disagreements, or when things go wrong, how do you deal with that? 24:29 - What are your core values that you don't want to compromise? 27:52 - Walk us through your process from Idea to Creation? 33:41 - What's it like to finally release something (Xer Mixa) that you've been working on for years? 35:23 - So what happened to the Iteritas line (BIA etc) Why did it retire? 40:20 - Is the Versio line now the most popular product? 41:42 - What can be done about the lack of diversity in the Eurorack and modular synth community? 43:45 - What advice would you give a young person or someone seriously considering starting their own creative business?
Meet The Makers is a series of interviews and discussions about the creative forces behind small maker industries. These questions were created to help young artists and people new to the modular synth community discover more about the people who make the tools, their challenges, successes and lessons. Coming up 12/2/2023 we'll be live streaming a discussion with Steady State Fate founder Andrew Morelli.
Thanks Kris and Stephen for generously giving time to this project. And to Patrick O'Brien for providing amazing samples of Noise Engineering modules in action."
"Happy and excited to be part of @modulardaybarcelona tomorrow - it's a super nice #modular #meet in Barcelona, Spain, with DIY #workshops, lots of great #synth makers and performances. We will be showing our #Stolperbeats drum trigger sequencer as well as the #Befaco FXboy, a #collab module between @Befacosynth @tesseractmodular3149 @MakingSoundMachines @touellskouarn6916 @xorelectronics @instruo and @feedbackmodules9902.
The module has a slot that takes cartridges in the same form factor as the @NintendoJP #gameboy, but with an #audio #effect circuit on it. This allows you to hot-swap #fx #circuits on you eurorack #modular #synth on the go, taking one cartridge out and replacing it with another as you jam. Our cart has an #analog #waveshaper on it, and provides you with #visual #feedback on the incoming CV with #colorful #LEDs shining through the translucent case.
Today's video is a little jam that happened when packing for Modular Day! Stolperbeats is seen here sequencing the #CycloneAnalogic TT-78, a drum machine inspired by the #classic #Roland CR-78 analog drum synth. The individual outputs are processed with the #FXboy, as well as our Farbhighpass transistor ladder highpass filter.
If you've been eyeing one of our #eurorack #DIY #kits and you want to build it together with us, Modular Day will be the the #perfect #opportunity! Hang out with us and build a Farbfolder, Farbshaper, Farbhighpass or TausenddB and Multiplikand with us.
Modular Day Barcelona September 23rd 2023 Hangar, Carrer Emilia Coranty, 8-16 08018 Barcelona Spain
"Super excited to be part of Dutch Modular Fest @dutchmodularfest4609 today - a super nice one day modular meet in Utrecht NL with workshops, lots of great synth makers and concerts. We will be showing our #Stolperbeats drum trigger sequencer and a handful of rare unreleased prototypes.
If you've been eyeing one of our Eurorack DIY kits and you want to build it together with us, today is the perfect opportunity! Hang out with us and build a Farbfolder, Farbshaper, Farbhighpass or TausenddB and Multiplikand with us.
Our friends Stijn and Priscilla from TiNRS @thisisnotrocketscience3942 will be showing their awesome new collaborations with Paul Error Instruments@paultasbeeb: Brinta, a lovely granular module for live recording and processing audio, and White Rabbit, a fantastic reverb and delay ranging from etheral to glitchy.
Lauri @vaski will show off his beautiful new 2HP Lights Stereo Visualizer audio visualisation module and a handful of other incredibly clever utilities like the ECS-4 Triggered Switch and his AM-3/3 Triple Attenuverter Matrix.
We've been playing with prototypes of these modules for a while and it's super exciting to see them being released now!
Today's video is a little jam that happened when packing for Dutch Modular Fest. Stolperbeats is seen here sequencing Mutable Instruments awesome physical modelling synths #Elements as well as #Rings through their Streams dual dynamics gate with percussion from our own secret modular drum prototype.
The reverb in this sketch is @Befacosynth Lich, a great programmable multi-function module based on the @RebelTechnologies OWL platform. If you are into PureData, Max or Faust, you should give this one a whirl!
Dutch Modular Fest Pieter Baan Centrum Gansstraat 164 Utrecht (NL)
Market and Workshops from 11:00 Music program from 15:00 - 23:00
Details follow. Video of an editor created for the Deluge below.
"TLDR: We're going open-source from June 5th.
Since launching our beloved Deluge, we’ve added a ton of functionality, made it more versatile and packed it full of ground-breaking features. Our arranger, looper, advanced sequencing and MPE implementation are still industry leading.
At Synthstrom, we’re devoted to sustainability and want our Deluge to continue being the centre of our users' musical excursions for many years to come. Late last year we started retrofitting older Deluge variations with the OLED screen featuring in our new units. The next step we're taking has been even longer in development - waiting until we knew we had a community full of talented coders who were as passionate about the Deluge as we are. We know now the time is right - it’s time to take software development into overdrive - we’re going open-source!
What is open-source? Open-source means we're opening our software code to the community; our users who know how to write code can now develop their own Deluge features, make refinements to the existing code and contribute to a Community version for all users.
Before the speculation even starts, this isn't us working on a new model, there are currently no plans for that. We've employed a team to manage the open-source project so we can focus our energies into ramping up the building of new OLED Deluges to meet demand, speeding up the retrofitting and refurbishing off older units, and just maybe, finally getting the Deluge into limited retail - though don't hold your breath on that last part :)
Synthstrom will continue to maintain and update the main “Official” repository, including all official Deluge Firmware releases going forward.
Alongside there will also be a “Community” repository (for both the OLED & non-OLED versions), forked from the Official repository, as a central place for community code contributions to be merged together, so long as they don’t appear to break anything and represent complete features ready for use. And of course all future updates to the Official branch can be merged in, too.
And of course, you can fork either branch and make your own changes and share these with others, irrespective of what’s happening in the Official or Community repository.
Installing Community or other firmware builds is 100% compatible with your Deluge's hardware warranty. However, if you use a non-official community build, we won't be able to provide software support.
Our open-source project manager will initially oversee and maintain the Community repository, though this will probably change in the longer term, particularly if or when open-source development branches in multiple different directions. We’ve created thorough documentation and Rohan will also be on hand at the launch, to offer guidance and assistance to those getting involved - including open video Q&A sessions.
Rohan has always been eager to give back to the global community of makers and tinkerers that helped him as a beginner, we just had to make sure the time was right, we had the right people involved and that we had a system that aided those taking part.
We’re also launching a Patreon to help support those contributing to the 'Community' repository. This will allow the entire community to show their gratitude to those developing, testing and refining code by making a monthly financial contribution, from just $1. Though administered by Synthstrom, 100% of these payments (less Patreon fees and tax) will be distributed only amongst those coders contributing to the Community repository - distributed in accordance with how much each individual contributed.
We have re-opened the epic feature suggestion threads on our forums where coders can find ideas to work on and where users can discuss their desired features: https://forums.synthstrom.com/categories/deluge-suggestions
In special cases, the Official repository may consider submissions from the Community repository*, where features and their UI have proven universal appeal. However, Synthstrom needs to continue to provide our customers with a stable and high-performance official firmware version, so we need to be responsible for every line of code in this branch.
Deluge Firmware will be released under the GPLv3 license. There are no restrictions on personal use and this license allows for code to also be used in commercial projects - however, if even one line of code from this is used in a commercial project, the entire piece of code for that project must also be made open-source under this same license.
The newly open source Deluge Firmware source code will live in GitHub. We will be launching this project in June though you can follow our GitHub now and be alerted when it's live. https://github.com/SynthstromAudible
* If a Community feature is to be accepted into the official repository this will be negotiated and licensed on a case by case basis with its developer(s)
Key dates & details:
Monday, June 5, 7pm EDT - Codebase made available, documentation released and Patreon launched.
Wednesday, June 7, 7pm EDT - Open Group video Q&A session with Rohan. Will be recorded and made available on GitHub following.
Saturday, June 10, 11am, CEST - Open Group Zoom session with Rohan. Will be recorded and made available on the GitHub following.
Following these Q&A sessions. Rohan and/or our Open Source team will be responsive in answering questions on the GitHub. Please try not to flood forums with questions until after these sessions as we anticipate much will be answered therein.
Open-source Project Manager: Jamie Fenton
An experienced games, audio and multimedia production tool engineer, Jamie Fenton is known in the Deluge community for developing the Downrush application. Downrush is used for transferring, viewing and editing of Deluge songs, patches, and media assets using a Wi-Fi SD card and your mobile device."
Deluge Downrush demo - Wireless editor/browser for the Synthstrom Deluge
Downrush works via the Toshiba FlashAir SD card, which has built-in WiFi, and allows wireless browsing/ uploading/ downloading.
With this it's possible to access the card without removing it from the Deluge, by connecting to it just like you'd connect to any wifi network, and simply opening it in a web browser (I've used firefox, ecosia and chrome). This means it's also possible to do it with a smartphone or other device with wifi-access!
"Downrush is a simple FlashAir file manager for Synthstrom Deluge. Expect improvements."
---- Things it can do that I've found really useful:
* Browse, upload and download files without removing the card!
* Move and delete files to keep things more organized - f.ex. get rid of failed/ useless samples, unwanted songs etc.
* Rename samples and resamples as soon as you make them and before putting them into a project and saving! Especially handy with a smartphone when in the zone with the Deluge.
(It's almost like an external screen, just not 100% real-time.)
* XML editing (it has a built-in editor now) - get an overview of KITS/SYNTHS/SONGS, copy tracks between songs (!), copy and multiply kit sounds without having to make the same adjustments from scratch several times, and other such things not currently possible directly on the Deluge.
* Ability to use Downrush on a smartphone/pad as a kind of preview/cue-out with headphones, to preview samples etc. without it coming thru the main outs
Creds to Jamie Fenton !
EDIT: The browser has now been updated so that when clicking on a kit, song or synth's name, it opens the Downrush main editor (not XML view). Click EDIT to get to the plain text XML viewer."
"In celebration of Novation’s 30 year anniversary we have a very special edition of the Novation Livestream.
Novation’s longest serving engineer (and total synth legend!) Nick Bookman joins CALC for a conversation about the past 30 years of designing and building synths and controllers. We’ll be looking at the old and the new and also have a few nice old synths to play around with too. Sharing some incredible memories all along the way.
"Excited to be part of Modular Day Barcelona tomorrow - a super nice one day modular meet with DIY workshops, lots of great synth makers and concerts. It is hosted by the awesome people of Befaco at their creative makerspace, Hangar, in the middle of Barcelona.
We will be showing our Stolperbeats drum trigger sequencer and as per your request have been recording a little sketch integrating it with Ableton Live, a small modular skiff and some pedals.
#Stolperbeats is seen here sequencing an #Ableton drum rack via MIDI, running the fantastic Extended Sounds Pack by #Modeselektor and Felix Zoepf - they recorded a ton of studio gear from Roland to Jomox machines, and then made some inspired FX patches within Live that are absolutely worth exploring.
Stolperbeats' trigger outs drive our own secret modular drum prototype, with delay from one of our favourite guitar pedals, the Electro-Harmonix Stereo Memory Man with Hazarai. The module in turn receives MIDI from the lovely, super portable OMX27 keyboard by Denki Oto (with backlit linear Cherry keys).
Stolperbeats, roughly translating to "beats tripping over themselves", is our drum trigger sequencer designed to create shuffled beats influenced by the gritty push-and-pull grooves from the golden age of Hiphop. We've always been fascinated by taking our #beats #offgrid to give them more fluidity and life. This module allows you to easily dial in and seamlessly switch between all the shuffle, feeling and groove we would, in the past, painstakingly nudge together in a #DAW.
We have had a couple of days to soak in the city's wonderful art and culture, hanging out at the Museum of Contemporary Art MACBA and the wonderful Miro foundation (Fundacio Miro) to get inspired for our next modular endeavours, and jump back into soldering modules when we're back home!"
Introducing the Roland JUNO-X Synthesizer | Three JUNOs in One (JUNO-60, JUNO-106, and JUNO-X)
video upload by RolandChannel
"Watch David Ahlund introduce the JUNO-X synthesizer’s wide range of sounds and features. This three-in-one synth contains the vintage JUNO-60 and JUNO-106 engines from the legendary JUNO lineup plus the modern JUNO-X sound engine. Combine and layer up to four parts and bring the warm vintage sounds of the ‘80s into the future.
Enhance your performance with three additional Roland classics—XV-5080, RD-Piano, and Vocoder. From the built-in chorus to the forward-thinking I-Arpeggio, JUNO-X combines classic effects with modern musical muscle for an unmatched JUNO experience.
Not only is JUNO-X packed with unrivaled sounds, but it also features a familiar panel with responsive controls and a full-sized keyboard for immersive performance. Plus, you can tweak tones, build scenes, and swap parameters easily using the free JUNO-X Editor for Windows and Mac OS available on Roland Cloud.
0:00 Introduction
1:11 JUNO-X Engine
3:08 JUNO-60 Model
4:14 JUNO-106 Model
5:49 XV-5080 Model
6:21 RD-Piano Model
6:40 ZEN-Core Sounds
7:32 Designing Sounds—Synth Bass
8:39 Designing Sounds—Pad
9:33 Designing Sounds—Organ
10:18 Designing Sounds—Lead
11:14 Vocoder
12:10 Scenes
14:25 I-Arpeggio
15:49 Drum Step Sequencing
17:32 Roland Cloud Connect
18:13 Performance"
Roland Juno-X Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer - First Look with Scott Berry
"My friends--- I can finally say it: The Juno-X is HERE.
What an honour to be a part of the launch campaign with my friends at Roland. I am a huge advocate for the original Jupiter-X and all of its amazing capabilities, and the new Juno-X does EVERYTHING the Jupiter does in a more accessible and more inexpensive package--- it even has stereo speakers under the hood!
Here is my day 1 review of this awesome synthesizer.
Chapters:
0:00 - The NEW Juno-X
1:17 - Creating sounds from scratch with the Juno-X model
6:26 - Detuning oscillators
7:32 - Juno Chorus I, II, & III
10:29 - Filter modes: Roland, Moog, Sequential
12:12 - Changing parts, adding in part 2: Juno-106 model
16:10 - Stacking sounds
16:53 - Adding in part 3: RD Piano model
17:49 - 3 layer super stack!!!
19:30 - Adding in a rhythm/arpeggio
21:11 - Exploring some scenes
27:07 - Feature rundown
29:09 - Comparison with Jupiter-X
30:26 - Closing Thoughts
Roland JUNO-X - DEMO by gattobus: "Distant Memories"
"Here is the new Roland JUNO-X!!!
Every sound you hear in this video comes from this instrument, no overdubs, everything's been played in real time using the 5 internal parts, iArpeggio and the step sequencer.
Inside of each unit that you will find in the stores, there's also a piece of me as I had the privilege to create a lot of factory tones, scenes and the new iArpeggio 2.0 patterns!
I put a lot of love into it and I'm so happy with the final result. I have never felt so good with a synth since System-8, my first real job for Roland. It's a great honour for me to collaborate with them.
This simple song that I played, is not just a demo, it's a declaration of love towards life, for the fact that it led me to do (at least for me) the most beautiful job in the world.
I would like to thank president Jun-Ichi Miki, Hisakazu Yamasato, Akihiro Nagata, Yoshinori Iwamoto, Gota Miyabashira and all the amazing people in Roland I've been in contact with during the last 5 years. You are like superheroes to me, you're really making my dreams come true.
I hope this is only the beginning.
Happy 50th Anniversary Roland!!! 🧡"
And the press release (click the pics to zoom in):
The Legendary JUNO Experience Reimagined with the Power of Roland’s ZEN-Core Synthesis System
Los Angeles, CA, April 26, 2022 — Roland announces JUNO-X, a new polyphonic synthesizer driven by the next-generation ZEN-Core Synthesis System. JUNO-X brings the best of the past together with Roland’s latest technologies, reimagining the vintage JUNO experience with vastly expanded sound possibilities and free-flowing tools tuned for today’s music. It delivers the full capabilities of the native ZEN-Core engine, along with genuine recreations of the JUNO-60 and JUNO-106 synths plus other legacy Roland instruments.
Standing among the greatest analog synthesizers ever created, Roland’s iconic JUNO lineup has had a massive impact on music for over four decades. The warm, organic sounds of the JUNO-60 and JUNO-106 defined countless ’80s pop hits and played a huge role in the emergence of techno, house, synthwave, and other electronic styles. JUNO-X delivers the vintage JUNO spirit that continues to inspire leading music makers, coupled with the power and versatility needed for modern workflows.
JUNO-X includes JUNO-60 and JUNO-106 Models, plus an all-new JUNO-X engine with a Super Saw waveform, velocity sensitivity, pitch envelope control, and other evolved features. The two beloved chorus modes from the originals are also available, plus a third mode with even more fatness and swirl. Users can combine them to create seven different chorus effects for use with any JUNO-X tone.
JUNO-X features additional Models from the historic Roland canon, including the PCM-based XV-5080, acoustic pianos from the RD series, and an expressive Vocoder. Model Expansions from Roland Cloud are supported as well, giving players the ability to load optional titles such as the JUPITER-8, JD-800, SH-101, Vocal Designer, and others.
Roland Cloud is also home to a growing range of Wave Expansions, Sound Packs, Sample Packs, and other creative tools, and ten free Sound Packs are available with a JUNO-X purchase. Additionally, JUNO-X provides integrated support for Roland Cloud Connect, a powerful option that includes the WC-1 wireless adapter and one year of Roland Cloud Pro membership. This allows users to browse, audition, and load Model Expansion titles and other Pro membership content directly to the keyboard via Wi-Fi.
A key element of the JUNO’s appeal was a straightforward interface that made it easy to craft inspiring sounds and evolving textures in the heat of the moment. With a familiar hands-on panel inspired by the original 1980s synths, JUNO-X invites players to fully immerse in the music and create without limits. Up to four tones can be layered together, and a wide selection of modern effects are available for enhancing sounds. First introduced with JUPITER-X, the powerful I-Arpeggio function offers both traditional arpeggio sounds and organic, inspiring movement driven by intelligent algorithms.
JUNO-X comes equipped with an expressive 61-note keyboard with aftertouch and loads of connectivity for every musical workflow, including balanced and unbalanced audio outputs, a stereo audio input, and MIDI I/O. There’s also a mic input for vocal performing or feeding the onboard Vocoder. USB is available for data backup, audio/MIDI communication with DAWS, and remote editing with the free JUNO-X Editor for macOS and Windows. A high-quality stereo speaker system provides built-in sound monitoring, and Bluetooth® is available for streaming music from a mobile device.
Availability & Pricing
The Roland JUNO-X Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer will be available in the U.S. in May for $1999.99."
--- Original post prior to the above follows (pics replaced with hi res versions - click them for the full size shots) ---
This is just breaking - no press release or info on Roland's site yet. Until then, some pics and features. As you can see this one is based on the Juno-106 design. The UI is as important as the engine and it looks like Roland may have nailed this one. The one problem with the original Juno-106 are those BA662A voice chips that fail over time. I've had a couple go and they are not simple to replace. You have to unsolder multiple pins on them to remove them.
What's interesting is it appears Roland is releasing classic physical designs with overlapping synth engines. The JUPITER-X has the JUPITER-8, JX-8P, JUNO-106, SH-101, XV-5080, RD, Vocoder, and ZEN-Core engines. The Juno-X has JUNO-106, Juno-60, XV-5080, RD, Vocoder, and ZEN-Core. So the X adds the Juno-60 but is missing the Jupiter-8, JX-8P, and SH-101? The Juno-X adds built-in speakers like the Jupiter-Xm. Interesting they note the speakers were inspired by the Juno-60 below. The Juno-60 did not have built-in speakers. The Juno-106S and SynthPlus 60 did.
Features:
Over 4,000 presets from historic Roland products including the JUNO-106, Juno-60, XV-5080, RD series of pianos, and classic vocoder model
Model Expansions incorporate even more Roland history and sound-design technology to offer nearly endless options for sonic exploration
Newly engineered Super Saw oscillator, Chorus III effect, and more use ZEN-core Synthesis to deliver a worthy holder of the Juno gauntlet
Layer up to 4 different sounds for unparalleled tone design opportunities
Intuitive interface enables straightforward sound design and modification
Ergonomic arrangements encourage breezy workflow, setup recall, and preset management with Scenes (up to 256 global setup presets)
Free Juno-X Editor software is included to give you even deeper access to making your sounds your own
Classic design and robust hardware seamlessly blend satisfying tactility with precision control
Aftertouch and assignable sliders and switches provide great range of expressivity
Retro arpeggiator and I-Arpeggiator can be freely toggled to allow for greater rhythmic flourish USB audio/MIDI interface and USB memory port for data backup, computer connection, and more
Onboard stereo speakers (inspired by the Juno-60) and Bluetooth compatibility make it easy to jam along to any accompanying track
Dedicated microphone input includes its own effects to model inputs and vocoded sounds
Multi-effects suite includes multiple forms of reverb, delay, chorus, EQ, compression, and overdrive
Output jacks for hold and control pedals allow for expansion of expressive control
3.5mm and 1/4-inch headphone outputs, L/Mono and R 1/4-inch main outs, and L/R XLR outs
The successful SUPERBOOTH21 has shown how musical instrument trade fairs can work even during a pandemic. Due to the circumstances, the plan to esta- blish a new guitar fair has been put on hold so far. This September, a handful of guitar makers have already presented themselves at SUPERBOOTH21. Next year, the time has finally come and SOOPERgrail22 will be organized as its own event, with separate access and also at the FEZ-Berlin.
The idea of „Superbooth“ was already born 20 years ago and was cultivated in the first years in Frankfurt, with always new ideas, to an extraordinary, unusual trade fair concept. Six years have passed since the realization of an independent event in Berlin. During this time, a very personal and individual fair format has been established in the FEZ-Berlin. This development and the 20th anniversary will be celebrated on the eve of SUPERBOOTH22 with an exclusive evening event for our companions of the last 20 years.
As a special welcome for the new exhibitors from the guitar sector, a collective get-together for exhibitors and invited guests will be offered on the evening of 12. May - an opportunity to get to know each other, exchange ideas and meet again.
2G instead of 3G*
The planning of SUPERBOOTH22 and SOOPERgrail22 is based on the current
status of the official Covid regulations. For this reason, the organizers already point out that access to SUPERBOOTH22 and SOOPERgrail22 will most likely be bound to the 2G regulations. This will allow for more indoor guests, the removal of time restrictions on indoor areas, and the prospect of possible reductions in mask requirements and minimum distances. A large number of exhibitors and visitors were already vac- cinated or recovered this year (2G). In order not to exclude anyone completely, it is expected that non-2G compatible visitors will still be allowed to attend with a daily PCR test.
*The so-called 3G rule (public spaces are only open to those that are vaccinated, recovered, or tested – in german: geimpft, genesen, getestet)
Here are the dates for SUPERBOOTH22 and SOOPERgrail22: SUPERBOOTH22: 12. - 14. May 2022
SOOPERgrail22: 13. - 14. May 2022
That is the short view into the future. But after 20 years of „Superbooth“, it‘s also worth taking a look back.
LOOKING BACK In 2002, during the Musikmesse in Frankfurt, a „Superbooth“ took place for the first time as an ambitious group exhibition and with its own concert event. This was the starting point for everything that followed. Again and again we hear how people involved at that time become enthusiastic when they think back to the first Superbooth stands. The Superbooth concept stood out from the normal tra- de fair routine even back then, just like the Superbooth events today in Berlin. HerrSchneider: „Many of the current participants such as Doepfer, (Bob) Moog, Elektron, Vermona, as well as currently involved artists like Mono- lake, Toktok and others are still connected to our events and activities and certainly like to celebrate with us. We are looking forward to the op- portunity to celebrate such a long-lasting development with each other once again!“
To take HerrSchneider at his word, the Superbooth Berlin GmbH celebrates the round anniversary with a special event in the context of SUPERBOOTH22. On the eve of SUPERBOOTH22 - on 11.5.2022 from 7 pm - the organizers will hold an ex- clusive anniversary celebration with exhibitors and invited guests. All this will of course take place at FEZ-Berlin.
PREVIEW
SOOPERgrail22 For the first time, SOOPERgrail22 will take place as a separately bookable, ca- sual event for electric guitar manufacturers at FEZ-Berlin. The new event will be presented by Superbooth Berlin GmbH on two days, 13.-14. May 2022, as part of SUPERBOOTH22. Exhibitors will showcase a selection of custom-made European electric and bass guitars in a separate area of the building around the K1 concert hall, in nearby rooms, on the Cinema presentation stage and in the open meeting areas. A variety of presentations and concerts await guests at SUPERBOOTH22 and SOOPERgrail22 on several stages, as well as a large, shared outdoor area for both events with the popular catering options.
SUPERBOOTH22 SUPERBOOTH22 will again be an open and broad experience at FEZ-Berlin. There will be up to 200 exhibitors and plenty of space and fresh air around the Seaside Stage (Seebühne) and in the park. The Hüttendorf and the Fuchsbau will also be integrated into the program again. Both are in close distance and offer a very unique atmosphere due to their location, which complement the event perfectly. Concerts and performances will take place on a total of four stages indoors and outdoors. Those who want to do more than just look and try things out can create something of their own in different DIY-workshops and take it home with them. School classes and other children can try out the numerous, age-appro- priate workshops and approach the topics of music creation and sound explora- tion with some guidance.
The exhibition can be visited daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the stage pro- gram continues into the evening. All those at home can keep their eyes and ears glued to the livestream and the trade fair radio.
THE TICKETS
SUPERBOOTH22: 1-day ticket* - 35 EUR (discounted 25 EUR) 3-day ticket* (THU, FRI, SAT) 90 EUR (discounted 70 EUR) * SUPERBOOTH22 tickets are valid for everything and everywhere, including the SOOPERgrail22 area.
SOOPERgrail22: 1-day tickets* 18 EUR (discounted 15 EUR) 2-day ticket* (FRI, SAT) 30 EUR (discounted 25 EUR) * SOOPERgrail tickets do not entitle the holder to access SUPERBOOTH22.
The discounted prices apply to the unemployed, students, pupils, physically or mentally impaired. Ticket sales will take place only in advance and online until further notice. All tickets will be personal and subject to compliance with the applicable regulations.
"We are excited to announce that The NAMM Show, the annual 'family reunion' of the global music, sound, and entertainment technology industry, will reconvene in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Convention Center on June 3–5, 2022.
Previously scheduled for January 20—23, the new dates will offer global industry leaders, buyers, sellers, music educators, artists, media, and music makers the opportunity to reconnect and renew their businesses while taking greater advantage of reimagined indoor and outdoor events, activations, professional development sessions, an expanded digital reach and more at the crossroads of business opportunity."
Left: Manfred Fricke (via Amazona.de) back in the day with his first creations, the MFB-501 drum machine (right), and MFB-601 digital sequencer (left).
2nd image is Manfred Fricke with the MFB SYNTH II at SUPERBOOTH (unknown source).
We lost another legend in the synth world. Sad news in via STROMKULT:
"'On June, 17th around 11am Manfred Fricke from Berlin alias MFB sadly passed away after having had a hard time with cancer for a while already. He left his wife Gloria and his son Jean-Marcel behind, we are all very sad having lost this partner, friend and father.'
HerrSchneider
Manfred Fricke was one of Berlins pioneers of analog synth and drum machine makers. He has been the weapon of choice for many (not only) starting musicians. Let’s be honest, who didn’t have one of his creations early in his or hers journey into electronic musical instruments – or at least thought about getting one – and why shouldn’t you? Manfred Fricke's machines always brought something unique to the table, they were mostly analog, affordable, in small plastic housings and just did the job. Manfred always focused on keeping his products affordable for his clients and the instruments quite often made their way to professional use later on, and the musicians often kept their first units as something almost holy, because it were these machines that paved the way into analog electronic music making.
But it would be too short-sighted to associate MFB only with budget entry-level products. Especially the drum machines Tanzbär and Tanzbär II, or the great Dominion 1 show that Manfred Fricke also built machines that met higher demands. The Tanzbär, in particular, is considered by many to be their favorite drum machine of the last few years, especially in terms of its amazing sound.
We hope that MFB will continue to exist and that it will continue to make it easier for many generations of musicians to enter the world of electronic sound production.
We wish Manfred Fricke's son Jean-Marcel continued success for the future of MFB and extend our condolences to him and his family. And lets hope that Manfred will finally meet up with all the other good guys on the other side.
MFB's Manfred Fricke's first procuct, the Fricke MFB-501 drum machine.
Description via this video:
"This little analog beatbox was developed in 1980 1979 by Manfred Fricke. It was offered at 380 DM. As a low-cost model on the market for analog rhythm generators the small black and white "Switch Box" quickly found a lot of friends, because its configuration could be compared to its expensive far east competitors: 64 patterns and as many fill-ins switchable via micro switches, speed control via potentiometer, 10 analog percussion instruments (activated by means of micro switches), combined mono/stereo outputs (jack), In & Out (5 Vss) and trigger footswitch inputs (jack) for start and fill-in
(retail price for the switch at 16 DM). An external wall power supply provides 12 volts.
Approx. 5000 units of the MFB-501 had been sold. Not so bad for a one-man company. So this drum machine is one of the top-selling devices in the history of the Berlin engineer offices M. Fricke . If you're lucky, this iconic device can still be found on the relevant internet sales platforms.
Today, maintenance of this tiny noise machine is still easily feasible, because Fricke employed only commercially available components. Therefore, 'presumedly dead 501's' can be reanimated without major problems."
MFB 601 Vintage Digital Sequencer, Teardown, Repair and partial analysis
Published on Feb 2, 2015 FPV Electronics
Note this video is FPV Electronics of course, and not Manfred Fricke.
"This device is exclusively built from 7400 and 4000 series basic logic ICs. Making it must have been so much more difficult than just programming a generic µController as we would do today."
1976: MFB was founded by engineer Manfred Fricke. So far there were more than some hundred products constructed and distributed. The first developments and products were primarly video games for industrial playmachines.
1979: A lowcost drummachine was introduced in 1979. (98 DM for the self construction kit). The legendary drumcomputer MFB-501 was finished and sold. Although it was not the most prominent drumcomputer of that time it surely was one of the best selling drum units in Germany. Some shops sold ten times more MFB-501s than Roland TR-808s. More products for the musician followed, such as the Digital-Sequencer MFB-601 and the digital drum machine MFB-512. All of these featured rich products were offered at exceptional low prices.
1984: The E-Drum module series 1000 and 2000 followed with corresponding pads.
1986: A new construction period started in 1986 with product launches of the MIDI-CV converter MFB-201 and the MIDI drummer MFB-SYNTH was finished in 1997, although its development dates back to the eighties. The machine never went into production since 2001, the year of the company´s 25th anniversary because of decreased interest in analogue synthesizer technology especially in the sales channels.
From 1986 Manfred Fricke specialized in products for video applications. Alone 20 different framegrabbers for the Apple II, C-64 und IBM compatible PCs were constructed. A very high percentage of these framegrabbers were and are still in use for special industrial purposes. Custom development is still done here, so these specialized tools are not available for other customers.
1994: MFB introduced the world´s first videomixer below 1.000 DM, the MFB-901. Its successor MFB-902 was available in 1995. Another important development in the video section was the model MFB-912, a digital video memory. This 1998 product was highly acclaimed by the press.
1999: The successor MFB-915 added sound and higher picture resolution. It´s available since October 1999. Another successor is the model MFB-920 with an integrated harddrive offering better options for nonlinear cutting and post processing of the recorded material.
2001: During this year, Manfred Fricke also developed another new MIDI drum-module. MFB-KULT, includes most of the famous sounds of the older machines. Both MFB-SYNTH and MFB-KULT are availabale since December 2001. Because of constant requests for the digital sequencer MFB-601 a successor MFB-602. was introduced in May 2002.
2002: Since August 2002 there´s also a little brother of the MFB-SYNTH, the MFB-SYNTH LITE
"Vlad is the force of nature behind Soma Laboratories, responsible for some of the most brilliantly eclectic and sonically awesome instruments of recent times - check out our look at the Lyra-8 and Pulsar-23, for example.
As well as creating instruments Vlad also is a pretty adventurous performer with them too, and he has a unique and philosophical view on the creative process and the interface between performer, instrument and music. We filmed some 'Meet the Makers' interviews with him at SuperBooth which are definitely worth a look if you haven't already seen them, and we were intrigued to hear his take on the 3 Big Questions."
11 video playlist above. You can use the controls in the player to skip around. In order of appearance:
1. KeyStep 37 | Controllers | ARTURIA Intro Video
2. Arturia Keystep 37: Overview and demo! from Patchwerks - Order your Arturia Keystep 37 here: http://bit.ly/pw-ks37
3. Keystep 37 — Still the King of Affordable Midi Keyboards?! - BoBeats
4. Easy Chords with one finger with Arturia "KeyStep 37" (Feat Novation Peak Synth) - Sound Provider
5. Arturia Keystep 37 Controller - Sonic LAB Review - sonicstate
6. Arturia KeyStep 37 Review and tutorial // 6 tips and generative ideas - loopop
7. Arturia KeyStep 37 controller and sequencer review - Molten Music Technology
8. Why Arturia KeyStep 37 is amazing. - mylarmelodies
9. Tutorials | KeyStep 37 - Episode 1: Overview - Arturia
10. Tutorials | KeyStep 37 - Episode 2: Sequencing & Playing - Arturia
11. Tutorials | KeyStep 37 - Episode 3: Connectivity & Settings - Arturia
And the press release:
"Arturia releases KeyStep 37 - available now
KeyStep 37 is a controller evolved to meet the creative needs of musicians across the board. Intuitive appointments like Chord mode, Scale mode, and real-time LED note feedback make it the perfect option for beginner beat-makers and composers. Instant MIDI CC control, advanced connectivity and a high-end compact keybed make it a reliable solution for professionals.
KeyStep 37 is a controller built to inspire, designed to let users interact and experiment with their music like never before - the new core of your setup.
_The standout features
The unique interplay between KeyStep 37’s features is designed to unlock and connect musical ideas in real-time. It encourages spontaneity and experimentation, letting musicians and producers savor the creative process. Let’s take a closer look at the features:
37-note Slimkey keyboard
With velocity, aftertouch and real-time RGB LED indicators for a comfortable, responsive performance.
Creative sequencer and arpeggiator
Sequence up to 64-steps with 8-note polyphony and 8 custom pattern slots, or explore 8 modes of arpeggiation.
Supercharged Chord mode
Generate instant chord sequences that respond to your velocity, with 12 chord types, and animate your chords with the articulate instrument-like strum control.
Scale mode
Quantize the keyboard and never play a wrong note. Choose from 5 scales, including a user-defined scale, to set your own musical terms.
Assignable MIDI CC controls
Interact with your hardware and software with 16 assignable MIDI CC parameters across 4 switchable banks, accessible via a new control panel and screen.
Versatile connectivity
Connect to your computer, your desktop MIDI synths, or your CV & modular gear for simultaneous control over hardware and software.
_About the Step range
Universal sequencing controllers
Uniquely combining the familiarity of MIDI controllers with the complexities of step sequencing, the Step range puts you in command of your software and hardware instruments. Just at home on stage as they are in the home studio, these sequencers are designed to enhance your ability to perform, improvise, write, and create.
Each member of the Step range features a combination of USB, MIDI and CV connections, and a variety of workflows to suit any sequencing needs. All your instruments, marching to the same beat."
This one was spotted and sent in via Steve. You can find the article on TechCrunch here. It's pretty amazing to think how far the modular resurgence has come. Pictured is the father of eurorack himself, Dieter Dopfer.
"When Dieter Döpfer, the founder of music instrument manufacturer Doepfer, decided to launch a brand new modular synthesiser system in 1995, no one could have predicted what would follow. Today, his “Eurorack” format supports an ecosystem of hundreds of manufacturers that have collectively produced thousands of compatible modules used by famous musicians, such as Radiohead, Chemical Brothers and Aphex Twin, and hobbyists alike.
Fuelled by passion not venture capital, most companies in the Eurorack space are neither startups nor established OEMs. Instead – and quite remarkably – the industry remains a long tail of boutique manufacturers, with some of the best-sellers still operating as one-person shops. Inspired by technology that is almost half a century old, and intentionally designed not to scale, these businesses might well be considered the anti-Crunch..."
Update: mention of new designs coming from Access gets a brief mention starting at 25:25. Their last synth of course was the Access Virus Ti2. Axel does state it might not be what people are hoping for, striking out the notion of a new Access Virus.
Fascinating history on the start of both Axel Hartmmann's career designing synths and Waldorf. The first synth he designed? The Waldorf Microwave, followed by the massive Waldorf Wave - two Microwaves with full control panel and keyboard.
"While we were in Berlin for the Superbooth show, we had the chance to talk to some interesting folks as part of our Meet The Makers Series:
So as part of this Meet the Makers EXTRA series, Gaz Williams talks with Axel Hartmann about his work and and challenges of synthesizer interface design. Axel is responsible for the design of many successful synthesizers and music technology - probably more than you think...
"While we were in Berlin for the Superbooth show, we had the chance to talk to some interesting folks as part of our Meet The Makers Series:
Here, Gaz Williams talks to Dave Smith (Sequential.com) and one of the main inventors of the MIDI standard about music."
The following is the initial press release announcing partnerships, a new location, and what to expect from this year's event:
"Soundmit is the international trade fair specialized in electronic musical instruments and new audio technologies that takes place annually in Turin.
The event, with a history of eight ever-growing editions, hosted exhibitors from 11 countries in 2018, welcoming over 800 visitors and 170 operators in the field in the two days of the event.
It has obtained the patronage of the Italian Trade Agency (www.ice.it), the Polytechnic of Turin, the Polytechnic of Milan, the University of Rome Tor Vergata, the DAMS of the University of Turin and ARDUINO.
In addition to the exhibition part, the programme includes the inclusion of workshops and training sessions in collaboration with major international schools and companies in the sector.
The programme is enriched with talks and panels with the sponsoring Universities and international guests of the sector.
Soundmit is also a chance for visitors to meet sector companies and apply for job opportunities. Engineers, software developers and graphic designers are currently among the most requested profiles in the music sector and the presence of universities and performers such as Arduino exponentially increases the possibilities of developments in this direction. Soundmit has also the support of 17 international media industry partners who will cover the event with articles, interviews and reports.
Soundmit is among the founders, together with the SynthFest France, of E.M.E.A. - Electronic Music Events Associations (www.emea.club), a European consortium created to support events similar to the Soundmit, to provide a quality brand to participating companies and the public, as well as to coordinate similar events and thus avoid overlapping and guarantee always the highest quality standards.
2019 EDITION
New Location
Soundmit 2019 returns to the centre of the city of Turin in a breath-taking historic location: over 1000 square meters of exhibition space within the ARSENALE DELLA PACE, a building from the 1700s that housed the military industry of the First World War, now a point of multicultural meeting and Italian headquarters of Sermig - Youth Missionary Service.
The Programme
The strength of the Soundmit is the rich programme that will characterize the two days.
The timeline of the event is being defined but we can anticipate that it will be full of appointments, among which we point out:
- Awarding of the international contest "Soundmit & Hackability Music Prize"
- Presentation of the University courses related to the world of technology and sound - Workshop: Sound Design with Microphonic Soundbox
- Workshop: Sound Design with Ableton Live
and more:
- Showcase and previews with companies and with the best endorsers and product specialists. - Workshops and seminars made with our content partners
- Talk & panel with international guests, the protagonists of the sector talk about themselves at Border Radio, our media partner, with a series of unmissable interviews.
"Dave Rossum is one of those people who's influence is easy to miss.
His early involvement in electronic music instrument design started with the E-mu systems modular and quickly developed into the early digital systems where he was a pioneer.
His engineering and design work went on to bring us some real classics that shaped entire genres and generations of music: Emulator Samplers, SP12 and SP1200 being the most well-known.
We caught up with Dave at Superbooth this year and had a great chat.
As well as his own Rossum-Electro.com products, Dave also has a lot of input in other products, also being a technical consultant for Universal Audio amongst other things."
This one is in via Soviet Space Child. It appears the old Creamware Minimax, Pro12 and Prodyssey emulations have a new home.
"Introducing the Dino Park – The World’s first Top-End Modelling Synthesizer as affordable DIY Kit
Play with the Dinosaurs
For makers. For musicians. For everyone seeking the big sound! When you enter Dino Park, you will meet three staggering creatures from the past! Once before, these legends shook the earth. CreamWare’s absolutely faithful emulations set the standard for analog modelling in late 90s and their quality is unsurpassed today. Now they are back – in a new exciting form!
Every Dino Park comes with the legendary Minimax, Pro12 and Prodyssey pre-installed!"
