Genki's CEO On How The €4990 KATLA Synthesizer Was Made

video upload by mylarmelodies

"Here's how KATLA was made - recorded at the Synth & Pedal Expo London (plus sounds at the end!). Katla is a unique synth - inspired by a titanic volcano in Iceland, with a huge gritty vibey sound. It literally has volcano in it(!) And after this interview, I thought about it a lot. Because behind the scenes, I've been working on a product and so much of what Óli said here resonated with my own experiences. I was really struck by how open, candid and frank Óli was, and I think there's huge value in learning from their journey. Hope you find this interesting!

Note that there was the Hackney half marathon happening in the background with people shouting and whooping constantly throughout the chat - but Izotope RX to the rescue!"

MORE ON KATLA
▶︎ It's since sold out, but there is a waitlist! https://genki.is/katla

VISIT THE LONDON SYNTH & PEDAL EXPO NEXT YEAR?
▶︎ https://synthandpedalexpo.com/london-...

CHAPTERS
0:00 A Volcano In A Synthesizer?
01:03 Depression, Iceland & A Big Idea
02:11 Nobody Knew What They Were Building
04:31 Fake Deadlines & Soccer Moms
06:09 The Godfather Of The Project
08:00 How Do You Sound Like A Volcano?
09:32 Spending Big & Hoping It Works
11:20 Linux, ARM Chips & Why Digital?
12:45 Who Actually Has Final Say?
15:50 4:30am Hack Sessions In Iceland
18:16 Trusting Creatives When Life Hits
21:28 We Were Beginners. We Didn't Know.
23:48 The Secret Ingredient: Grease
26:16 Where Does The Lava Come From?
29:23 Why Does This Cost £5,000?
34:11 Two Years, 100 Units, A Baby
36:50 Mylar Playing Katla Afterwards

Audio Computer Interview London Synth and Pedal Expo 2026

video upload by Take the Fear out the Gear

"Hi everybody this time we bring you the Audio.Computer Interview at the London Synth and Pedal Expo 2026 talking about the beat friend drum machine

Beat Friend is the first offering from audio.computer, a UK-based duo making ‘benevolent, semi-autonomous music machines’. Beat Friend is an analogue drum machine, using circuits based on the ‘twin-t’s from the legendary Roland CR-78. Each drum has a slider that changes the drum’s complexity within one of the 30+ preset patterns, which already allows hundreds of variations on any given beat.

But wait! There’s more! Turning the Enthusiasm knob allows Beat Friend to add or subtract notes from the pattern as it sees fit, either keeping the pulse of the pattern or going completely off piste. It's like having an enthusiastic robot Labrador playing a 70's electronic drum kit just for you.
All the sounds are routed through a Triforce of digital and analogue effects, which...well, you just have to turn knobs to find out what they do. If you’ve ever wanted to base a track on a 7/8 samba through a bit-and sample crusher, then this is the unit for you.
And, sure, if you’re a control freak who absolutely must design every bar, you can control the drums individually via MIDI. It even includes a letterpress-printed manual, numbered to match your unit.
Beat Friend plays in glorious mono and is powered by a universal 12V power supply (included in the box)."

Clacktronics Interview London Synth and Pedal Expo 2026

video upload by Take the Fear out the Gear

"Hi everybody this time we bring you the Clacktronics Interview London Synth and Pedal Expo 2026"

The London Synth & Pedal Expo Returns to Hackney Wick

video upload by Delicious Audio



"The London Synth & Pedal Expo Returns to Hackney Wick
A Celebratory Gear Showcase for the Community of Music Makers and Sound Explorers

LONDON, UK — Delicious Audio Events, in collaboration with KMR Audio and guitarguitar, proudly unveil the London Synth & Pedal Expo 2026, a weekend-long gathering dedicated to synthesizers, stompboxes, modular systems, and all electric and electronic creative sonic devices.

Taking place March 21–22, 2026, at Number 90, 90–94 Wallis Rd, London E9 5LN, this event invites musicians, producers, and gear aficionados to touch, try, and talk about the latest innovations in sound technology.

What Is the London Synth & Pedal Expo?
More than a typical trade show, the Expo is a gear party where the London community of musicians and tone chasers can explore an expansive, strictly-in-the-headphones playground of synths and pedals. Hosted in a 5,000 sq ft canal-side venue in Hackney marshes, the event blends hands-on demo rooms with a heated terrace featuring workshops, talks, and performances.

Dates + Hours

Saturday, March 21: 12:00–18:00

Sunday, March 22: 10:30–17:00

Tickets
Affordable ticketing tiers starting at £5 + fees, with free entry for attendees under 18.

Why Attend?

Try a massive selection of synths and pedals, all playable with headphones.
Save big with 10–30% off most gear on display.
Dive into DIY soldering workshops and creative talks on the terrace.
Discover new sounds and technologies directly from builders and brands.
Take home gear through giveaways, discounts, and promotions.

Confirmed Participants
The Expo brings together an exciting lineup of exhibitors spanning partner stores like guitarguitar and KMR Audio, top synth and pedal brands including Arturia, Elektron, Erica Synths, BOSS, Chase Bliss Audio, Walrus Audio, Eventide, Source Audio, and many more.

Community + Culture
Hosted by organisers rooted in the global Synth & Pedal Expo family—with events from Brooklyn to Montreal—the London edition continues a tradition of fostering hands-on interaction and creative collaboration within the musical instrument community.

Media + Partnerships
Supported by media outlets such as Syntopia, MATRIXSYNTH, and SonicState, the Expo is poised to be a highlight of the 2026 gear calendar.

Contact
For press inquiries, interviews, or exhibitor information:
Paolo De Gregorio — paolo.dg@thedelimag.com"

How Elektron design Instruments: Product Designer Interview

video upload by mylarmelodies

"I got a chance to sit down with Jean-Michel Pepin - a product designer at Elektron who worked on Syntakt, Digitakt II, Digitone II, Analog Heat+FX, Overbridge and much more - about how Elektron design & update products, his work there, and lessons learned.

This was recorded at the London Synth & Pedal Expo 2025!"

London Synth & Pedal EXPO 2025 - Walkabout With MATTHS

video upload by MATTHS

"I thought I would quickly grab a camera and go for a wonder around the London Synth and Pedal Expo 2025 - show you whats happening, who's there and what is going down. Sorry for the shaky camera action (I think my gimbal is broke).

Anyway - enjoy and thanks for watching as always.

https://www.matthsmatthsmatths.com
MUSIC - https://www.matths.bandcamp.com
PATREON - www.patreon.com/matths"

GS Music Bree6 Synthesizer - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"On a gentler Sunday morning at the show, Nick caught up with Paul who showed us the GS Music Bree6 synthesizer. Those familiar with the E7 will find the Bree6's layout and features familiar, though with some notable differences. This 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer houses one oscillator per voice, complemented by a sub-oscillator. Unlike its predecessor, it offers a more streamlined approach with one LFO instead of three. The Bree6 retains its analog roots but incorporates digital effects such as chorus and delay to enhance its sonic palette.

The Bree6 also features a 4-pole ladder filter with a 24dB/octave slope and two envelopes, offering you a broad range of sound sculpting options. It provides stereo voice panning, which adds depth, possibly enhanced by the delay. With eight banks of presets and a user-friendly interface, it's a straightforward option for those starting with polyphonic synthesis.

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

Emute uSeq - Live Coding & Modular Mashup - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"Emute Lab Instruments is a new project, based at the University of Sussex, and coming out of the Experimental Music Technologies Lab research group.

Nick spoke to Dimitris about their first creation, the uSeq module, which bridges live coding and modular synthesis.

Rather than relying on laptops, uSeq uses a Raspberry Pi Pico to handle code expressions, translating them into control voltage (CV) and gate signals. Its design emphasizes accessibility, featuring an open-source platform that's DIY and budget-friendly.

The module has three CV and three gate outputs, coupled with a user-friendly coding language called *ModuLisp*. This setup allows you to manage multiple code patches and switch between them using onboard controls. Aiming to move beyond traditional code interaction, Dimitris is exploring vocal control methods, aligning with live coding's evolving narrative.

Available both as a DIY kit and a ready-made module"

via Emute Lab Instruments

"uSEQ is a eurorack module that brings livecoding into your modular system. Fundamentally, it’s an extremely flexible voltage generator and processor. It has a set of CV and pulse inputs and outputs, but instead of having a fixed set of controls and functions, you can choose how voltages are generated by livecoding them. This means that you can control uSEQ’s behaviour with the vast possibilities of creative coding, using a simplified programming language specialised for music. uSEQ is great for sequencing, waveform generation, and waveform processing. You can use it as a live performance tool, or configure it for specific functions.

To use uSEQ, hook up a computer via the USB port, load up the editor in your browser and start playing."

Leaf Audio - Really Cool Audio Tools - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"Nick met Manuel from Leaf Audio at the LSPXPO 2025, showing the *Microphonic Soundbox*, a fascinating device designed to capture intimate sounds using a pair of contact microphones. Built on the concept of body sound transmission, the sound box allows you to isolate detailed audio elements, making it particularly appealing for sound designers in film and gaming.

Leaf Audio also presented their innovative Geophone*, which excels at picking up low-frequency rumbles from 15Hz, ideal for adding cinematic impact to your soundscapes. Newly released *contact microphones boast advanced mounting options, engineered in collaboration with sound designer Robert Dudzic. These microphones provide incredible sensitivity for capturing subtle environmental sounds.

The conversation highlighted the importance of using matched preamps to achieve optimal audio quality. With reasonable pricing and a focus on utility, Leaf Audio's offerings ensure high-quality sound experimentation for creators."

Chompi Now part of the Chase Bliss Club - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"Well this was unexpected, but seems like a great fit - Chompi are joining Chase Bliss.

Tyler unpacked a little of how and what this means for both companies going forward."

RYK Modular has an Envy Machine - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"Jake from RYK Modular was showing *the Envy Machine*, a 4-channel modulation powerhouse."

LSPXPO 2025: Erica Synths Echolocator - first look

video upload by sonicstate

"There was an Erica Synths stand at the show, but no one available to demo the newly-released *Echolocator*, so Matt bravely took on the task himself. The Echolocator is similar in layout to the *NightVerb*, but as the name suggests, is a delay-focused unit.

We'll be having a more in-depth look soon, this was very much a quick first impressions taster, but it sounds promising."

LSPXPO 2025: Chase Bliss - Onward and Clean demos

video upload by sonicstate

"Chase Bliss make interesting pedals - some are creative takes on existing ideas, others are full-on out-there bonkers weird & wonderful - but boring they are not. We have some ourselves, and if Chase Bliss are at a show, we try to check out what they've been working on, so we asked Tyler to demo a couple of their newcomers; Onward and *Clean*."

LSPXPO 2025: ALM Busy Circuits S.B.G-PRO

video upload by sonicstate

"Rupert from ALM showed us the upgraded MCO Mark II module, and the new *S.B.G-PRO*, designed for integrating Eurorack systems with external pro audio equipment. The S.B.G-PRO has quarter-inch jack inputs, dry/wet mix, input/output controls, and handles both balanced and unbalanced lines.

Ideal for using external effects, it simplified studio integration with modules like guitar pedals."

LSPXPO 2025: Synth Evolution's Vintage Synthesizer Illustrations

video upload by sonicstate

"At the LSPXPO 2025, we met Oli Freke from *Synth Evolution*, who shares his passion for synthesizers through his unique illustrated books and posters. They're great. (We have a poster on the wall at the Sonic office ;-)

More Info:
https://www.synthevolution.net/"

LSPXPO 2025: Music Thing Modular: Workshop System

video upload by sonicstate

"We've come across Music Thing Modular's Workshop System previously - the DIY only modular synth has a number of different sections, but one in particular allows for the addition of program cards to transform it into various functions, and apparently this has lead to a bit of a community, creating cards such as Backyard"

LSPXPO 2025: Venus Instruments Veno Orbit

video upload by sonicstate

"Adam from *Venus Instruments*, a London-based company, introduced us to the *Veno Orbit*, their upcoming experimental sampler. Formerly known as the Veno Looper, the Vino Orbit offered way more than just looping capabilities, so it got a hasty rename, just a couple of days ago.

With really gorgeous visual display of what's going on, The Veno Orbit allows you to modulate various parameters such as start, length, pitch, and direction, and has two channels with mirrored controls, providing an intuitive user interface."

LSPXPO 2025: Clacktronics: Flatpack Modular in a Ring Binder

video upload by sonicstate

"We've filmed this before, but it's such a cool idea we had to drop by again and see Ben*, who introduced us to the *Build Your Own Modular system. This Eurorack kit offers you the opportunity to construct your own modular synthesizer.

The kit arrives in a ring binder format, where the dividers themselves are the circuit boards. As Ben explained, the designs are open source, allowing you to modify or expand upon them.

The kit includes various modules like an LFO, envelope generator, VCOs, and more, and encourages a hands-on approach with simple through-hole components. A Discord community supports builders for troubleshooting and enhancements.

Ben also shared news about an upcoming non-DIY speaker module, designed with enhanced bass response. Fitting seamlessly into your rack, it is anticipated to be priced just over £100. Ben plans further developments and features, potentially unveiled at Superbooth in May."

LSPXPO 2025: Play Basslines on the Modor DR-2 Drum Machine

video upload by sonicstate

"It's been a little while since we caught up with Marcel from Modor, so it was great to see him again, bearing news of updates to the *DR2 6-channel drum machine*, recently adding baseline synthesis algorithms. This update enabled new possibilities like using parameter locks on pitch to program melodies with simple one oscillator synthesis models.

The DR2 features six instruments, each capable of utilizing distinct synthesis models out of the twenty available for creating various drum sounds, all generated through real-time synthesis. An on-board step sequencer and an optional menu for settings facilitate this. Despite numerous updates and features, frequent menu access is rarely required unless adjusting systems settings. Marcel also demonstrated how P-locks could be used creatively to alter pitch for melody creation, explaining that while one channel is dedicated to bass lines, it leaves five other channels for drum use."

LSPXPO 2025: Enjoy Electronics - DeFeel

video upload by sonicstate

"At the London Synth & Pedal Expo, we caught up with Luca Simone from *Enjoy Electronics*, who detailed the features of their *DeFeel *module. The device was introduced to sit between a sequencer and a synthesizer in a modular setup, allowing you to customize step-generated sequences and manage fill lengths.

The DeFeel includes multiple CV outputs, each with optional quantization, enabling you to independently set minimum and maximum CV values. An intuitive touch interface simplifies navigation, even allowing real-time recording of adjustments made directly on the device."