MATRIXSYNTH: Thursday, July 3, 2025

Thursday, July 03, 2025

Roto-Control Motorized MIDI Controller 2.0 firmware update overview Melbourne Instruments

video upload by Melbourne Instruments

"Melbourne Instruments is excited to release Roto-Control Firmware 2.0 — the next evolution of their groundbreaking motorized MIDI controller. Following the success of their acclaimed motorized synths, NINA and DELIA, Roto-Control brings the same tactile precision to software and hardware control, redefining hands-on workflow for modern music creators.

New 2.0 firmware features include:
Send MIDI Notes via Roto-Control buttons in MIDI Mode.
Send Program Change with Bank Select via Roto-Control buttons in MIDI Mode.
Group tracks with fold/unfold actions via Roto-Control supported in Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio.
Manual mapping and customization of Ableton Live racks and macros now possible.
Roto-Control knobs now have a centre indent haptic option in MIDI Mode.
Roto-Control Setup App now compatible with both Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio.
Roto-Control now compatible with Linux for use with Bitwig Studio.
Please see release notes for more info.

Grab Roto-Control Firmware 2.0 here: https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/...
More info on Roto-Control here: https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/...

_____________________________________________________

ABOUT ROTO-CONTROL

Designed for a fast, intuitive workflow, Roto-Control features three powerful modes: MIX, PLUGIN, and MIDI with Motion Recorder.

In MIX Mode, Roto-Control syncs automatically with Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio, instantly displaying track names and colors pulled live from the session—no need to manually label anything. Track updates happen in real time with zero setup.

In PLUGIN Mode, parameters are learned once and saved locally, making recall instant across any system. One-touch setup and direct label mapping from Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio ensures a seamless experience every time.

With thousands of assignable parameters stored internally, Roto-Control is the only motorized MIDI controller that offers this level of portability, flexibility, and precision."

Follow-up to this post.

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave TouchOSC Bidirectional Editor v5.0

Click the images for full size shots.

Details via synth_nyc:

"We can be grateful that Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave has a full MIDI SYSEX implementation and documentation: [Google doc link]

This is getting rare these days.

I was provided with 3rd Wave firmware v1.8gRC25 for testing purposes so that’s why you may notice some features in the editor, new compared to 1.8f (the current official release).

GENERIC FEATURES:

- Display parameter Name and Value
- Double click a slider or button to reset it to a default value
- MIDI data rate efficient: only sends a MIDI message if the parameter value is incremented or decremented by 1

SPECIFIC FEATURES (FW v1.8gRC25):
- 2 Editor Pages per 3rd Wave Multi parameters (total of eight Pages for the four 3rd Wave Parts)
- 1 Editor Page for 3rd Wave Single parameters
- 1 Editor Page for 3rd Wave Sequencer parameters
- All 1385 Program (All 4 Parts Multi + All Single + All Sequencer) parameters implemented in the editor. Program parameters are bidirectional using NRPN and SYSEX
- MIDI Channel selection slider
- Bank (change) + Program (change) selection slider + buttons
- Buffer Request, Buffer Init, Buffer Write and Program Write buttons using SYSEX

WORKFLOW 1 EDITING FROM PATCH (starting at 00:05 in the video above):
- Select a Bank & Program
- Press Buffer Request to load it to the editor
- Start editing (the loaded patch) on the editor (the Patch is edited in the synth buffer)
- Naming
- Press Buffer Request to record it in your DAW / SYSEX librarian; or save it manually in the synth
- Select a Bank & Program (Optional)
- Press Program Write to save it in the synth

WORKFLOW 2 EDITING FROM SCRATCH (starting at 02:20 in the video above):
- Press Buffer Init to send an init patch to the synth buffer
- Start editing (the init patch) on the editor (the Patch is edited in the synth buffer)
- Naming
- Select a Bank & Program (Optional)
- Press Program Write to save it to the synth

FEATURE REQUESTS / BUG FIXES:
- Go to the video Description on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/1098612319

MOTIVATION:

- Consistent User Experience (no skeuomorphism): Color coding of synth blocks (VCO1 in blue, VCO2 in green, VCF in orange, etc..) which makes it extremely efficient and consistent across synths (rather than using different synth UI or dedicated editors).

- No 'Shift' Button: All parameters are laid out in one page if possible, on the editors.

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TANDY TRIP

video upload by NOYSTOISE

"speed run through some functions of handmade drone machine. Sounds better through speakers.."

via https://www.noystoise.com

"The TRIP is an experimental drum machine made from a dual-voice drum chip. The drum chip has 8 pre-programmed rhythms. Only the sound chip was used for this mod. The rest of the circuit and enclosure are built from scratch.

FEATURES

-Global Pitch modulation
-8 preprogrammed rhythms with start/stop, and tempo-up/down
-Two drum voices; "TONE" and "NOISE"
-Two independent Envelope generators(one per voice)
-Two independent resonant Filters(one per voice)
-Two independent VCA's(one per voice)
-PT2399 Echo circuit with two independent mix knobs(one per voice)
-Dual 8-step analog Sequencer with reversing clock inputs
-VARI SYNC variable Sequencer Clock
-ARG Attack/Release Generator
-8 Roll/Flam EG trigger inputs
-8 input multi-use capacitive-touch keys"

You can find additional details and pics at https://www.noystoise.com

Destiny + Programma 900 2.0

video upload by Richard Devine

"First experiment with the Programma 900 2.0 using the software editor."

Granulation

video upload by Ebotronix

"Arp Odyssey, controlled by ,
Doepfer R2m, Mutable Instruments MidiPal,to,
Eventide Pitch Factor,
Hologram Electronics Microcosm Special Edition 2024,
Lab 4 Enjoy, CME H4 midi wc,
Waldorf Iridium,
Intuitive Instruments Exquis,
Torso Electronics S4 ,with ,Udu Loop,
Haken Audio ContinuuMini,
Bastle Bestie,
Strymon Big Sky MX,
controlled by, Midi CC, 16n ATO Faderbank,
03.07.2024
video # 2552"

Ambient with Prophet-10, reface DX, Rainstick | Sweltering Heat 2025-07-03 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece for ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10, YAMAHA Reface DX, and rainstick. Airy synth layers float beneath the shimmering rush of multiple rainstick tracks.

Prophet-10: Played through ‪@strymon‬ blueSky with generous reverb.

Reface DX: Uses an electric-piano patch, processed by ‪@strymon‬ NIGHTSKY for additional reverb and filtering.

Rainstick: Recorded with a RØDE NT-4; several passes are layered together."

Create your own epic synth patches on Circuit Tracks with Components

video upload by Novation

"Discover Circuit Tracks here - https://bit.ly/_Circuit_Tracks

In this video, Dylan creates synth sounds and patchs with the Circuit Tracks using Components. This video explores just a fraction of what Circuit Track's powerful synth engine can do and the creative possibilities available within the Circuit workflow."

Chapters:
00:00 - Crafting synth sounds with Circuit Tracks
00:32 - Making a Patch in Components with Circuit Tracks
01:18 - Patch browsing and Macro layouts with Circuit Tracks
02:44 - Mapping the hardware Macro knobs on Circuit Tracks
04:25 - Create further mappings on Circuit Tracks
05:22 - Using the Patch in a tune
06:51 - Send Patch to Circuit, record a Pattern
08:17 - Final beat performance on Circuit Tracks

Watch more Circuit Tracks videos ▶

Tour De France/Kraftwerk - (Circuit Tracks & Rhythm Version)

video upload by Guinan

"I was listening to the 50th Anniversary version of the album, ‘Autobahn’ by Kraftwerk and it occurred to me to have a try at one of their tracks.

By far the most danceable of theirs is the 1983 song ‘Tour De France’ with the 2003 Francois Kevorkian mix the best fit for the Circuit Tracks treatment. It also should be noted that the band were complete cycling fanatics even hosting some of their concerts in velodromes!

With the real Tour De France just about to kick off (5th July in Lille) I couldn’t think of a more suitable track, and I want to dedicate this with love to my cycling-loving father-in-law, Bernard.

Having influenced early 80’s electro music such as Afrika Bambaataa’s ‘Planet Rock’ the influences went in the other direction for this track. Hiring the famous New York electro producer Kevorkian to do the remix made for a fantastic combination. Francois was responsible for many of the greatest New York electro productions and remixes.

(a big shout out too to anyone who's here because they love the broom scene from the movie, 'Breakdance' !)

This era of Kraftwerk was notable in introducing sampling to the normally analogue instrumentation they used. For this reason, I’ve drafted in my Circuit Rhythm again in the same way as my recent version of Robert Mile’s ‘Children’. See here;

• Children/Robert Miles - (Novation Circuits... [posted here]

Everything you hear is coming from just these two machines (Circuit Tracks & Rhythm). The Tracks is programmed with the musical parts and is playing the Rhythm on two tracks. There are in addition some rhythm tracks playing on this machine to thicken out the sound. No other synths were used (apart from the sampled instruments mentioned below) and you’re hearing the straight audio direct out from the machines.

I loved the challenge of putting this together (see below for details!)
I hope you enjoy it too and check in soon for more tunes.

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Yamaha CS 60 & CS70m - like you’ve probably never heard them before

video upload by The Synth King

"Hi,
I’ve really enjoyed playing these great synthesizers (Yamaha CS60 and CS70m). The CS70m has extra long envelopes for VCF and VCA (5x longer than CS50/60/&80) enabling you to play super wide pads and sweeps. The Valhalla super massive reverb helps quite a lot as well. The CS60 expressiveness is amazing !
Enjoy the music!
Bernd"

Alan R Pearlman Foundation Summer Sale - Stay Cool with new ARP Gear!

via The Alan R Pearlman Foundation

"Keep cool with hot summer items from our ARPstore AND Help our Foundation Stay Afloat! All purchases from our ARPstore help fund the Alan R Pearlman Foundation's projects including our ARPs for All Studio in Boston, Residency Project hosting musicians to play and record on our rare synths including a 2500 Wing Cabinet, ongoing archives and Centennial Celebrations."

Garden session

video upload by Grain Blanc

"Little session in the garden.
.
.
#ambient #exploresound #plinkysynth #belagliss #bib #buzzrito #blueberry #ochd #sonora #distingmk4 #candycords #stepup"

Sonicware Liven Evoke as Reverb & Granular Effects Processor | w/ Ambient Ø + Violin | Demo

video upload by Sonic Cartography

"A live performance/demo of me using the Sonicware Liven Evoke as a reverb and granular effects processor with the Ambient Ø, my violin, and a little bit of my voice. I wrote lots of on-screen notes, so I won't say much more here. If anyone doesn't understand English and wants me to write them out here so they can auto-translate them, let me know!"

The Ultimate Workstation Returns – KRONOS

video upload by Korg

"Since its debut in 2011, KRONOS has been the benchmark for keyboard performance and workstation versatility. Trusted by top artists around the world, it’s powered countless performances, productions, and compositions.

Now, KRONOS returns, refreshed and refined for a new generation of creators.

What’s New in KRONOS
• 256 new programs
– 128 brand-new sounds (including Italian Grand, Tine EP I Early)
– 128 curated from KRONOS Sound Libraries
• Faster, more responsive TouchView display
• 60% faster startup time
• New chassis with powder-coated metal and black wood side panels

Core Features
• 9 sound engines including SGX-2 (acoustic piano), EP-1 (electric piano), MOD-7 (FM), and more
• Enhanced SGX-2 engine with Berlin and Italian grand pianos
• 8" TouchView display with drag-and-drop, parameter search, and improved response
• Set List Mode with color-coded presets, real-time notes, and built-in EQ
• Seamless Sound Transitions (SST) for smooth patch changes
• 16-track MIDI + audio recorder with 48 kHz audio and editing tools
• Advanced control surface: sliders, knobs, vector joystick
• Available in 61, 73, or 88 keys with semi-weighted or RH3 fully weighted keybeds"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Lyle Mays and the Oberheim Synthesizer 🎹

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

One of my favorite tracks from the early 80s
September Fifteenth by the Pat Metheny Group with the wonderful keyboard player Lyle Mays from the album As Falls Wichita, so Falls Wichita Falls
Written by Lyle Mays

Featured the Oberheim OB-X Analog Synthesizer (1979)
landscape video sequence: RetroSound"

U-He Diva Dark Ambient Cinematic Presets. No Talk Sound Demo

video upload by Anton Anru

"🌌 Bleak Matter is a collection of 60 presets for the U-He Diva virtual synthesizer.
It features 7 drones, 18 pads, 17 strings, and 18 textures.
The soundset is built around the idea of imperfection—gritty, lo-fi textures shaped by evolving modulation, resulting in timbres that are expressive, alive, and full of character. These sounds bring a strong atmospheric identity to any track, performance, or visual project.

📦 Get these sounds: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/p/diva...

📻 A major focus of this collection was to explore Diva’s ability to emulate vintage tone. To achieve this, extensive use was made of the Trimmers section in each preset, introducing subtle randomness and instability. Combined with modulation techniques that evoke analog circuitry and retro coloration, the result is a soundset with warmth, depth, and an organic, nostalgic feel.

🎛 Each preset is performance-ready, with velocity sensitivity and ModWheel assignments mapped for expressive control. The ModWheel introduces additional modulations — such as brightness, tonal shifts, or dynamic movement — offering creative flexibility for both studio production and live performance.

🎆 The bank covers a wide range of timbral colors: dark, noisy, lo-fi, retro, romantic, melancholic, nostalgic, soundscapes, atmospheric, detuned, cold, distant, dull, massive, epic, bright, orchestral, distorted, metallic, tense, atonal, non-harmonic, FX-like, evolving, and sweeping.
Whether you're producing ambient, techno, cinematic, IDM, industrial, drum and bass, retrowave, or any genre that embraces dark atmospheres and emotional textures, this soundset provides sonic depth and a distinct aesthetics.

Technical Info – How to Import Presets
Open the Diva plugin.
Go to the Presets tab.
On the left panel, find the User folder.
Drag and drop the folder Anton Anru – Bleak Matter from your computer into the User folder inside Diva.
Restart the plugin or refresh the presets list if needed.
The presets should now appear under User in the Diva browser.

Make sure you are using the latest vst-plugin version."

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