Flash Zero - Trans-Mission

video upload by Mecanica Records

This one is in via Ivan Trajkovic aka deejayiwan.

Yamaha DX7 x 2 & Simmons drums. That's some fast fingerplay. I like their ARP Odyssey PPC style badges.

"Live on TV, 1989. Original audio.

Flash Zero - Conspiracy LP / CD
Order: http://goo.gl/qBSAIN

Repress of the second album by this Spanish act originally released in 1989. After their debut “1988” the band experienced some changes in their name, line-up, language and tendencies. Flash Zero moved from techno-pop to Electronic Body Music influenced by Front 242 and the Belgian music explosion of the late 80s.

Vinyl includes all tracks from the original version and a download code with some extra tracks. CD format is expanded also with some bonus and live studio outtakes.

All tracks have been carefully restored and remastered."

Korg PS-3100 - sample and hold determining if release is zero or max #analogiapl #korgps3100

video upload by analogia pl

"Sometimes one patch cord can take us to a totally new dimension and force new ways to play. I patched the output from the sample and hold into the VCA release input, and as a result I never knew whether the next note that I (or the sequencer) would play would stop abruptly or have a long release. You can hear that clearly when I play notes on the keyboard – even when pressing the same one, I just don’t know what I’ll get.

I used @madeinpolyend Play to play a sequence over MIDI with evolving, random notes."

MadKidsEmpire: 8-Key Polyphonic Synth & Seofon: - Beijing Modular 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Xam from MadKidsEmpire about the 8-key polyphonic synthesizer and the Sifong [Seofon and Seofon Mini] noise instrument.

The 8-key synth is polyphonic and uses eight analogue VCOs, each producing a sine wave. The keys activate the voices by touch. A global pitch control sets the overall frequency range, while individual sliders tune each oscillator, giving the instrument an additive-style structure. Twelve star buttons provide quantisation by note name, with four octaves available per selected note, and custom scales can be set up for chord playing.

Xam also explained the ripple mode. It triggers the voices in a spread or strum-like pattern, with controls for spread speed and range, and the motion can return while a key is held.

Sifong is a touch-point noise instrument with three oscillators, three LFOs and a subtractive section. Its filter outputs low-pass and band-pass signals. A smaller handheld version keeps the noise section, places touchpads on both sides, and accepts audio input for fuzz-pedal-style processing."

See the Mad Kid Empire label below for additional posts.

Wear Your Eurorack Case: Mini Audio - Beijing Modular 26

video upload by sonicstate

This is the first post to feature Mini Audio.

"Mini Audio were showing a Eurorack case very much designed for mobile use .

The case supports 68HP and uses a guitar strap fitting, so any standard guitar strap works for carrying it. Power comes via USB-C (PD at 20 volts) and it runs from a compatible power bank or USB-C power supply. The enclosure uses 1.2mm aluminium, which keeps the case light while remaining durable.

The case includes built-in multiple patch points, passive I/O and a passive phone jack. Optional upgrades include amplified I/O, power-supply options and balanced I/O for an extra charge. The internal layout includes the power supply and patching hardware.

Mini Audio also showed an Induction Mixer. It has 12 audio inputs and uses internal antennas and sensors to transfer audio through an electromagnetic field, operating like a matrix mixer.

International shipping is possible via direct contact (see the QR code for details)"

YOLA: GMXE Instruments - Beijing Modular 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Shawn from GMXE Instruments about *YOLA*, a new modular MPE controller system built around a desktop control unit and interchangeable modules.

YOLA uses capacitive multi-touch control for up to eight fingers, with movement available across multiple directions. The desktop unit works with different module types, including CV output modules for banana or Eurorack connections, plus a synth voice module with its own display. The voice uses its own algorithm and includes effects, with FX1 and FX2 offering choices such as delay and reverb. Routing can be changed from the unit.

A sequencer module records sequences, and the controller can work with modular hardware via CV or with software via MPE MIDI, including Ableton Live. A pin-out system connects the modules, and a later cable setup is planned for connecting up to five different modules.

YOLA is expected around December, with worldwide sales planned. The main unit is expected to cost around $700, with modules roughly between $100 and $150.

More Info: https://gmxe.org"

See the GM XE label below for additional posts.

Toy leader - 'Cosmic Isle Pad' - Beijing Modular 26

video upload by sonicstate

This is the first post to feature Toyleader on the site.

"We spoke to Mr Wu from Toyleader about Cosmic Isle Pad a visual instrument developed with students from the Conservatory of Xinhai in Guangzhou. He explained that the group focused on software synthesizer design, and that the project formed part of an education programme covering instruments, effects and complete product development.

He said the course was new, and described a set of student-built tools. Cosmic Isle Pad focuses on pad sounds and contains 10 instruments. Its main synth page uses FM synthesis with three FM sections: two operators for modulation and one carrier. Each section offers selectable waveforms, including sine, and includes automation-style ball controls for effects.

A second page adds a sequencer. Sounds created on the first page can be inserted into the sequence and played step by step. A modulation page gives control over different FM oscillators, while another section handles levels, EQ and effects.

He also showed a bass synthesizer, a vocal effect that adds air-style sound, and a control system that uses a joystick to move stereo material into a surround field."

Knucon: Retrograde Future - Beijing Modular 26

video upload by sonicstate

This is the fist post to feature Knucon on the site.

"Couldn't resist finding out more about these 'knuckleduster' style motion controllers from Retrograde Future - knucon is a prototype multi-sensor MIDI controller built around hand movement, proximity and pressure control. Seyesnuts explained that the unit is still in development, with manufacturing decisions unresolved because some internal components are difficult to source.

Knucon sends MIDI over USB MIDI and works with a receiver system. One receiver handles USB MIDI, while another outputs USB MIDI plus four CV outputs and two gates for modular systems. The controller includes a gyrometer position sensor, a 3D magneto sensor, a distance sensor, three buttons and a linear pressure sensor. It also includes sound-related RMS and PG functions, with a button to disable the more power-hungry mode.

He demonstrated the position sensor controlling computer visuals, and used the display to show magneto sensor response. Configuration happens from an onboard menu, where MIDI channels and CC numbers are assigned. The distance sensor range maps from short movements up to around two or three metres.

The hardware is currently 3D printed, with nylon and UV-printed test housings. Availability and pricing are not confirmed."

Sample Boy: Donner - Beijing Modular 26

video upload by sonicstate

This is the first post to feature Sample Boy.

"Logan from Donner gave us a look at *Sample Boy*, an in-development handheld sample workstation. He described it as a brand-new prototype, with the hardware close to completion while the software was still being developed.

Sample Boy has a 2.8-inch colour IPS LCD, four clickable colour-coded encoders, six touch points, 16 backlit buttons, a jog wheel, crossfader, D-pads and function keys. It includes a built-in speaker and microphone, MIDI, sync in and out, USB for charging, data transfer and USB audio in/out, plus a microSD card slot.

The current specification supports up to 32 voices, with a seven-track sequencer. Sampling runs at 48kHz/24-bit, with 480 seconds available in stereo and double that in mono. Sources include the microphone, USB audio and master sampling. Input effects include filter, EQ, compressor and distortion, and processing is recorded into the audio file. After recording, start and end points can be set, quick slicing can chop material automatically, and slices can be adjusted, zoomed and saved.

Availability is aimed for next year, with a detailed release date still to be confirmed."

Essential B1: Donner Music - Beijing Modular 26

video upload by sonicstate

"Logan from Donner Music showed us the Essential B1 firmware update for the 303-style synth voice and sequencer. He explained that the update is scheduled for release on October 28 and includes pattern randomisation, expanded song mode memory, onboard sync settings, minor improvements and bug fixes.

The randomisation page is accessible with play and record. It lets pitch, rests, gate length, accents, switches and slides be edited independently. Pitch randomisation includes scale and key selection, with options including chromatic, modes, whole tone, pentatonic, melodic minor, harmonic minor and phrygian dominant. Rests, slides and accents can use selected steps and probability values, while gate length also has minimum and maximum settings.

Song mode now offers seven banks, expanding memory up to 112 slots. Patterns have a 16-step maximum, but they can be chained, transposed in semitones in real time, and assigned different lengths. MIDI input, MIDI output, clock source, division and sync polarity are now selectable directly on the unit. The B1 also includes delay, saturation and sawtooth operation."

SOMA Enigma - aptly named! - Beijing Modular 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Tim from SOMA about *Enigma*, an instrument controlled with metal objects rather than conventional knobs. Enigma has eight engines, including drum engines, noise-based sounds, arpeggiated parts, tonal material and preset-specific effects.

The surface responds to coins or other metal objects, and parameter changes happen at various points covering the surface, often where the printed lines cross.

In theory, the same object position produces the same result, though finding that point can be a challenge ;-) Metal size matters: smaller pieces may not drive a parameter to its full range, while larger pieces can affect several parameters at once.

He demonstrated objects used as physical presets. Markers or templates can help return coins to fixed positions, and starting with more metal pieces, then subtracting them, is one suggested workflow.
There is no manual... it truly is a bit of a mystery, but it's the kind of instrument that rewards exploration"