Olydian VC-01 Vocal Synthesizer - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"Kyle from Olydian Music gave us a look at VC-01 Voicecrafter - a hardware vocal synthesizer with 380 selectable syllables. A touchpad selects syllables, and the keyboard plays them, with MIDI functionality also included. The instrument has two engines: a sample engine based on recordings of sung syllables, and a synthesis engine that uses wavetables and filters to imitate the human voice. The engines can be blended, with reverb and delay available.

The mixer section controls synth/sample balance, consonant/vowel mix, and consonant length. ADSR controls apply to either engine, and glide handles portamento. The sequencer allows entry of notes, live syllable editing, octave and tempo changes, loop point adjustment, and rests.

Engine-specific effects include sample chop, filter, and an autotune crossfade between processed and unprocessed sample versions. Pre-orders are planned soon, with availability next year and pricing expected around $2,000–$2,500.

More Info:
https://www.olydianmusic.com/"

Regen - Synclavier - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"Michael from Synclavier gave us a quick history from the original New England Digital systems through Cameron Jones' continued development, the Arturia Synclavier V, Synclavier Go, and the current Regen hardware showing here.

Regen is based on the original Synclavier sound engine and is 12-part multi-timbral. Each timbre can contain up to 12 partials, and each partial can use additive synthesis, subtractive synthesis, samples, re-synthesised sample frames, or FM. The oscillator and modulator can both use edited harmonic content, so FM is not limited to sine-wave carriers and modulators.

The demo covered layered partials, stereo detuning, a supersaw-style subtractive layer, and direct sampling from a USB microphone. The sampling workflow includes pitch detection, normalisation, auto-start, manual stop, looping, and conversion into additive synthesis frames.

Regen is shipping at $2,499 USD.

The Knob controller is $349 USD, and the combo kit is $2,749 USD.

PSV-IO is due in Q1 2027 and adds audio I/O with R2R ladder DAC outputs.

More Info: https://www.synclavier.com"

Pulsar 1984 Voice Card and Enigma - Soma - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Noah from Soma about the Pulsar 1984 Voice Card, then Philippa gave us a look at Enigma.

The Pulsar 1984 edition includes a redesigned kick drum circuit based on an asymmetrically clipping triangle wave, with drive taking it into square-wave territory. It also includes a fuller ring-out and longer decay. The same replacement card adds a new bass synth filter based on the Polyvox filter, while the oscillator remains the same. The card fits the original Pulsar 23 with no soldering required; installation involves removing the back panel, unplugging the old sound card and plugging in the new one. It is available now for $250 US or €220.

Enigma is a synthesizer controlled by the position and movement of metal objects. Its buttons change algorithms and algorithm parameters, with melodic shifts including major/minor changes. Pitch changes wait until the end of the bar. It has stereo output, headphone output, MIDI input and CV input, and is available now for around $1,000 US. More Info: https://somasynths.com/"

Oxi One and Coral Updates - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Manuel and Gustavo from Oxi Instruments about updates for Oxi One and *Coral*. The Oxi One firmware adds microtonal scales, shared CV outputs for interconnected sequences, and a new pattern-editing view with variable zoom.

The updated pattern workflow supports note entry down to 128th-note triplets and patterns up to 64 bars. Each note keeps access to repeats, accumulator settings and trigger probability. MIDI file import also handles long files, with zooming, navigation and per-note editing available after import.

Coral firmware 3.0 is available now. It adds the polyphonic FMX7 engine, with six voices and DX7 preset loading from SD card, plus OBVA and an updated Acid 2 engine with four distortion types. Coral also includes an on-module settings menu and drone mode.

Oxi Coral and Oxi Meta are available for VCV Rack and VCV Plus. Oxi's free web tools include a waveform generator and an updated Coral preset manager with MIDI-connected real-time editing.

More Info: https://oxiinstruments.com"

Big Bento and Blackbox 2 Firmware Updates - 1010music - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"Steve from 1010music gave us a look at the new Bento and Blackbox 2 firmware update. He described it as the company's largest firmware release so far, with both devices updated side by side after around five months of development.

The sequencer now includes automation mode, with per-step automation and four lanes per track assignable to modulation targets. Song mode adds 16 scenes, while each track still has eight sequences. Completed arrangements can export as a stereo file or as stems per track to the microSD card, accessible directly or over USB disk mode.

Both devices add Shredder, a track type that combines slicing and granular processing. Hands-free control supports looping, playback, navigation, start, stop, clear and record from a foot pedal. DJ and performance effects are available on both units, while Bento also adds a shimmer reverb alongside its convolution reverb.

The updates are available now. Bento costs $899, and Blackbox 2 costs $699 in the US."

Third Wave Terminal - Groove Synthesis - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"Andrew from Groove Synthesis gave us a look at Third Wave Terminal, the new librarian and editor software for the Third Wave synth family. The range now includes the 24-voice desktop, 8-voice desktop and flagship keyboard versions. The software is planned for release very soon.

Third Wave Terminal includes a patch editor with many synth parameters visible at once. Edits made on the synth update on the computer, and edits made in the software update on the hardware. The editor also shows animated wavetable position movement across the three oscillators while notes play.

The librarian manages patch banks, downloads and transfers, with drag-and-drop loading to the synth and double-click auditioning. The wavetable editor includes visualisation, waveform drawing, interpolation and auditioning before transfer. The sample editor loads WAV files and edits start, stop, loop points and gain.

Third Wave Terminal is free for Third Wave owners after account creation and product registration on the Groove Synthesis website.
More Info: https://www.groovesynthesis.com"

Keystone Time Domain Pedals - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Ed from Keystone Musical Instruments about their line of stereo pedals, which focus on time domain processing. The system runs all effects in stereo and uses single TRS link between pedals for MIDI clock distribution, with an external MIDI source feeding the first pedal. These were demonstrated with the help of Fox playing on an iPhone app.

* Pedals:*
Karousel - Rotary / Drive
Kascade - Echo / Bender
Kavern - Plate Reverb / Freeze
Kliptor - Tremolo / Filter
Kontinuum - Delay
Kosmos - Multi Phaser
Kuttor - Slice Shaper

All pedals are available now from Keystone's website at $329 USD each.

More Info: https://www.keystonemusical.com/"

Cosmodio HoroscopeMad Pedals! Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Barton from Cosmodio Instruments about Horoscope, the company's newest pedal, with Steve May playing electric violin through the effects. The company now has five pedals, including Pet Yeti, Gravity Well, Glitch Witch and Splinter Twin, but the focus was the newly released Horoscope.

Horoscope is a stereo delay and reverb effect described as an echo sequencer. It turns echo trails into evolving rhythms and melodies by stretching and compressing them in time. It can work as a lush reverb or rhythmic delay, and its sequencer jumps between time divisions manually or at a chosen step rate. Patterns include arpeggiations, fixed 6, 8, 10, 12 or 16-step pseudo-random sequences, and drift, which mutates repeating patterns over time.

Horoscope includes presets, tap tempo, full stereo operation, and customisable CV or expression control over every parameter. It is available now for $349 USD.

More Info: https://cosmo.io"

Daydreamer Wooden Synth 1 - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"Jonathan from Daydreamer showed us Synth 1, an open-source homemade synth, and an early touchscreen visual-audio prototype scope.

Synth 1 uses a Baltic birch plywood case and is built around open-source code and schematics. It has six voices, velocity sensitivity, analog VCOs, an analog filter and analog VCA circuitry. The panel includes oscillator tuning, ADSR controls, global LFO controls, pitch bend support, mod-wheel routing switches, selectable oscillator shapes, noise, filter cutoff, resonance and delay.

The voice allocation depends on oscillator use. With one oscillator per note, it runs as a six-voice polyphonic synth. With two oscillators per note, it gives three notes before note stealing.

The prototype combines internal oscillators with a touchscreen oscilloscope-style display. The X-axis is on the left channel and the Y-axis is on the right, and an external input lets it work as a goniometer. Synth 1 costs $299. The prototype has no final price yet, with availability hoped for next year.

More Info: https://daydreamersynth.com"

Kanawa Music Filternator + Modules - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Scott from Kanawa Music about the company's Eurorack modules. Kanawa Music works from historic instruments and circuits. The filter is based on a 1940s Hammond Solovox design, using induction coils and capacitors that switch in and out. The chorus takes inspiration from Crumar string machines, with an all-analog circuit that stays close to the original architecture.

The oscillator uses early divide-down ideas, but it has 12 independent oscillators. Each oscillator is hand-tunable, so alternative tuning schemes such as Pythagorean tuning are possible. The system also includes filters, phasers, an LFO and a headphone amplifier. The LFO has adjustable bias and inverted outputs for both channels.

In the stereo layout, C through F sit on the left channel, while F-sharp through B sit on the right. A mono version is also available in a case. It uses one side of the system and includes the same phaser, filter and full 61-note polyphony. Pricing is listed on the company website.
More Info: https://kanawamusic.com"

SynthAccess - Tactile and Talking Synths - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to the SynthAccess team from NYU Tandon School of Engineering about SynthAccess*, a set of accessibility tools for electronic instruments. *Jason Dasent first ran us through MIDI-to-speech operation on a Novation Summit and an Oberheim TEO-5 synth setup, then Luke DuBois described how the system works.

SynthAccess listens to a synth’s MIDI output and uses JSON mapping files to translate controls, patch names and parameter values into spoken feedback. The mappings cover controls such as filter cutoff, LFO rate, effects levels, envelopes, patch changes and waveform selection. The files are open source, and the team has a GitHub API for creating new instrument definitions (link below).

Then Jason Wallach showed us some of the physical updates being introduced, such as Braille and tactile overlays for synth panels, plus some really cool modular jack identifiers, which use shape, colour and raised or flat surfaces to mark signal type and input/output status. Another haptic prototype uses small vibration motors to represent LFO movement by touch.

The team said support is available for manufacturers, studios and hobbyists working on accessible setups.

More Info: https://engineering.nyu.edu/

https://idmnyu.github.io/synthaccess/"

Cerebellum from Biopower Audio - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Eric from Biopower Audio about Cerebellum a Eurorack module for building complex gate patterns with Boolean logic, XOR and clock division. He also gave us a brief look at the prototype Micro Cerebellum expander and the Striatum sequencer.

Cerebellum uses a four-column, three-row matrix. The rows provide three complex gate outputs, while the columns include their own logic, clock-divider functions and outputs. Internal normalization means the module can run from a single clock at the In All input, while patching can break the normalization at any point. Columns one and three divide by powers of two up to 128, while columns two and four use integer divisions with odd values for polyrhythms. The latching switches select operations such as XOR and AND. XOR adds syncopation, while AND works as a subtractive process. External Euclidean patterns can also feed the inputs for further transformation.

Cerebellum is available now for $440 through Perfect Circuit and Biopower Audio's store.

Micro Cerebellum is expected early next year, with Striatum planned for mid-year.

*More Info*: https://www.biopoweraudio.com/modules |--------|"

Pre-Show Floor Tour - Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo 26

video upload by sonicstate

"Our intrepid reporter Matt took an early walk around Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo as exhibitors were still setting up, giving a first look at the layout before the main coverage began. The event coveres synths, drum machines, pedals, guitars, modular gear and related accessories across several rooms.

The event is headphones-only, so each stand can be auditioned without the usual show-floor volume buildup. Some exhibitors also offer purchasing options and show discounts."

Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo Returns with Over 100 Brands to Discover - October ‎17–18

video upload by Sanjay C

Video from last year's show above.

Press release follows:

"BROOKLYN, NY — The Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo, perhaps the biggest East Coast event dedicated to electric and electronic gear for musicians with over 100 brands on display, returns to Greenpoint on October ‎17–18, transforming a 7,000-square-foot warehouse into an immersive playground for music creators.

Presented in partnership with the legendary synth store Three Wave Music and local up-and-coming guitar shop Tonewolf, the Expo offers a strictly in-the-headphones experience — letting attendees demo the latest synthesizers, effects pedals, and modular gear from over 100 brands in a noise-friendly environment.

Nestled in one of Brooklyn's most vibrant musical corridors, the show is expected to draw more about 2,000 visitors, a mix of musicians, producers, and gear enthusiasts.

"Intro to Synthesis" Workshops
This year, the Expo expands beyond its large exhibition floor with a new lineup of educational workshops focused on synthesis — from hands-on patch-building sessions to deep dives into modular workflows, led by working artists and builders. A schedule of the workshops will be announced soon.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo Set for October ‎17–18

Press release follows:

BROOKLYN, NY — The Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo returns October ‎17–18, transforming a 7,000-square-foot Greenpoint warehouse into an immersive playground for electronic music creators.

Presented in partnership with the legendary Three Wave Music, the Expo offers a strictly in-the-headphones experience — letting attendees demo the latest synthesizers, effects pedals, and modular gear from over 100 brands in a noise-friendly environment.

Nestled in one of Brooklyn's most vibrant musical corridors, the show is expected to draw more about 2,000 visitors, a mix of musicians, producers, and gear enthusiasts.

"Intro to Synthesis" Workshops
This year, the Expo expands beyond its large exhibition floor with a new lineup of educational workshops focused on synthesis — from hands-on patch-building sessions to deep dives into modular workflows, led by working artists and builders. A schedule of the workshops will be announced soon.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo Returns on October 18/19

Details follow:

The Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo announces its return on October 18th and 19th, transforming the stylish 6,000-square-foot warehouse at 100 Sutton in Greenpoint into an immersive playground for electronic music creators. Once again presented in partnership with the legendary Three Wave Music, the Expo offers a unique, strictly in-the-headphones experience for attendees to interactively demo the latest synthesizers, effects pedals, and modular gear in a noise-friendly environment.

Nestled in one of Brooklyn's most vibrant musical corridors, the show is expected to draw over 1,500 musicians, producers, and gear enthusiasts. The 2024 Expo expands its programming to include educational workshops alongside its large exhibition floor.

Built for Discovery
This is an event built for discovery, and the headphone format creates a respectful space where you can truly hear the nuances of a boutique pedal or get lost in a massive modular patch without the noise of a typical convention. It's a focused, community-driven experience.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo Returns to Brooklyn on October 5-6

"The Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo, a free for all interactive display of synthesizers and pedals of all kinds, will return to Brooklyn on the weekend of October 5th and 6th at Greenpoint's stylish warehouse venue 100 Sutton.

Hosted in a 6k sq ft warehouse in the heart of one of Brooklyn’s most musical neighborhoods located between Williamsburg and Queens, this year's event is expected to be attended by around 2k visitors. Pictures from last year's edition can be found here.

Eurorack Classes and GSG.live workshops
The schedule of the presentations will be also integrated by two Eurorack classes hosted by Ben Atchouel of the New York Modular Society and two workshops about online performances curated by the team at GSG.live.

Confirmed Vendors
Visitors will find a varied mix of companies, over 80, with a nice assortment of heavyweight synth and pedal brands and smaller boutique builders, including several Eurorack companies. Full list below.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Morton Subotnick & Steve Horelick @ Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo (October 21-22)

Details follow:

"The Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo, a free for all interactive display of synthesizers and pedals of all kinds, will return to Brooklyn on the weekend of October 21st and 22nd in a new, larger venue in Greenpoint.

Hosted in a 6k sq ft warehouse in the heart of one of Brooklyn’s most musical neighborhoods located between Williamsburg and Queens, this year's event is expected to be attended by around 2k visitors. Pictures from previous editions can be found here [you can find some video coverage in previous posts here].

Morton Subotnick and Steve Horelick VIP Guest Speakers
The organizers are excited to announce the involvement in this year's expo of two legendary NY synthesists who will be hosting talks and a performance on Sunday 22 in the 70-seat theater embedded in the venue

"Buchla Focus" on Sunday October 22
The two presentations will be part of a 3 hour block from 12pm to 3pm on Sunday 10/22 dedicated to Buchla, which will also feature a Music Easel product presentation and an industry panel featuring the company owner Eric Fox among others.

The full program of talks and workshops can be found here.

Morton Subotnick, one of the pioneers in the development of electronic music and multi-media performance, is best known for his 1967 composition Silver Apples of the Moon, the first electronic work commissioned by a record company, and for his creative output linked to Buchla synths. He will host a talk about synthesis on Sunday October 22 in the early afternoon (schedule to be released soon). He will be the event's keynote speaker.

Steve Horellick is a tireless educator and acclaimed soundtrack composer (he wrote the Butterfly in the Sky song from PBS's Reading Rainbow). He is also known for his immersive, textural surround performances. At the Brooklyn event, he will perform using a hybrid setup of synth and pedals in surround sound. Steve will be hosting a talk/performance involving several synths (including Buchla) and some guitar pedals.

Eurorack Classes and GSG.live workshops
The schedule of the presentations will be also integrated by two Eurorack classes hosted by Ben Atchouel of the New York Modular Society and two workshops about online performances curated by the team at GSG.live.

Confirmed Vendors
Visitors will find a varied mix of companies, over 70, with almost all the heavyweight synth and pedal brands and several boutique builders, and also a selection of Eurorack and many pedal builders. Full list below.

Please find attached the event's flier.

This is a free event, anybody can RSVP here.

LIST OF PARTICIPATING MANUFACTURERS:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo returns on October 8-9

"The Deli and Delicious Audio are thrilled to host the first post-lockdown edition of the Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo, a free for all interactive display of synthesizers and pedals of all kinds that brings an average of 2k synth lovers to the core neighborhood of the NYC music scene.

The event, hosted in a large photo studio in East Williamsburg, is scheduled for this upcoming weekend (October 8-9) from 12 pm to 6 pm on Saturday and from 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday).

Visitors will find a varied mix of companies, with almost all the heavyweights, several boutique builders, and many pedal builders. New Jersey's legendary synth store Three Wave Music will also curate a Eurorack section featuring more than 20 builders.

This year there will be a room dedicated to workshops focused on specific synths and also some Eurorack classes hosted by STEM Modular."

Roland TR-8S Masterclass

Published on Jun 16, 2019 Synthtopia

"This video captures a Roland TR-8S drum machine masterclass, presented by Roland's Peter Brown at the 2019 Brooklyn Synth Expo.

In the video, Brown goes beyond traditional 808/909 style programming and digs into some of the more advanced capabilities of the TR-8S, including using custom samples, modulation sequencing, effects sequencing and polyrhythms.

From Synthtopia's coverage of the Brooklyn Synth Expo:

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/tag..."