Catoff FAT

video upload by temaniak

"Multiwave Analog VCO"

Catoff FAT

Voltage controlled analog oscillator with advanced features

True-analog core

Built-in sub-bass octaver

Controlled noise source inside

Wave-shaper onboard

Eight types of mutable waveforms

Moddict Phonemer Speaks - Festival of Modular (Tokyo)

video upload by True Cuckoo

via Moddict

"Phonemer is a speech computer for the Eurorack format. It reimagines classic text-to-speech technology, featuring a real-time synthesis engine, algorithms for shaping intonation and emotion, a built-in pronunciation dictionary of 144,000 words, and a powerful, versatile effects suite. It offers exceptional flexibility, with CV inputs and macro knobs that allow a single modulation source to control up to eight destinations—each with its own dedicated attenuverter. Complete with USB keyboard support, a refined audio path, an array of intuitive physical controls, and a smooth, immersive GUI—all integrated with buttons and encoders—Phonemer is designed for a truly engaging and fluid creative experience!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

SpectraPad - Pre-Release Preview for iOS

video upload by Paul the MusicMan

"SpectraPad is a powerful spectral synthesizer designed for creating rich pads, evolving textures, shimmering atmospheres, and sounds that sit somewhere between the familiar and the completely unexpected.

Rather than relying on conventional oscillator shapes alone, SpectraPad lets you build sounds from their harmonic structure. You can shape the balance and character of individual partials, spread energy across the spectrum, introduce formant-like qualities, add movement and modulation, and transform relatively simple harmonic material into complex, evolving instruments.

With a conventional synthesizer you often begin by choosing a waveform. With SpectraPad, the waveform is effectively the result of everything you do to the spectrum.

That makes sound design far less predictable — and considerably more interesting.

You can start with a familiar harmonic structure, pull energy towards the lower or upper harmonics, introduce unusual frequency relationships, change the spectral character, add formants and movement, and very quickly arrive somewhere completely different.

SpectraPad has been designed so that you don't need to understand spectral synthesis to enjoy it. You can simply explore the controls and listen. But for those who want to dig deeper, the individual harmonic and spectral controls provide an enormous amount of sound-design potential.

Whether you're looking for a warm pad behind a mix, an evolving cinematic atmosphere, a delicate bell, a synthetic string ensemble, or something you have never heard before, SpectraPad gives you the tools to create it.

SpectraPad features a built in stereo arpeggiator and gate effects, as well as well as stereo delay, stereo echo and cloud effects. Many parameters can be automated to create an even more complex presets."

INARA Brings Modern Control and Expanded Capabilities to Classic Synthesizers

Press release follows:

Troy, Illinois — November 11, 2026 — Five Lined Engineering, LLC announces INARA, a line of purpose-built MIDI controllers that bring modern capabilities to classic synthesizers.

INARA combines hands-on controls, expanded patch storage, and modern MIDI connectivity for musicians who want to get more from their existing instruments.

Far more than a generalized surface controller, each INARA model is designed specifically for the synthesizer it supports. Features include a customized control surface, real-time MIDI Control Change (CC) control, generously expanded patch storage through virtual cartridges, and USB-MIDI connectivity. Custom firmware enhancements also improve the experience of using vintage instruments; for example, optimizing the Yamaha DX7’s keyboard velocity response.

INARA eliminates the need for drivers, control-surface templates, and manual MIDI message editing: connect it and start playing. For hands-on operation, it features ergonomically spaced, full-size tactile buttons, 45mm long-throw faders, and a large LCD display. Its compact, lightweight design combines solid construction with rubber feet for secure placement on a synthesizer or other equipment.

“Five Lined Engineering is excited to introduce INARA to musicians who are as passionate about their vintage synthesizers as we are, ” said Gary Sommer, Managing Director of Five Lined Engineering. “It is striking how inspiring, accessible, and fun these synthesizers are when partnered with INARA.”

INARA models are available for the Yamaha DX7, Korg DW-8000, and Roland Alpha Juno.

Additional models are planned. For USB-MIDI connectivity, INARA is class-compliant and compatible with operating systems that support class-compliant USB-MIDI devices.

INARA is available immediately in the United States with each model priced at $299 through www.fivelined.com/inara/. Visit www.fivelined.com for more information.

CLICK FOR MORE »

IFAH Instruments Introduces TONEHOLD Instrument 01

video upload by Ifah Instruments

"Introducing TONEHOLD Instrument 01.

Studio-crafted sound, ready to play.

A first glimpse into the instrument, its textures, and its possibilities.



Every sound was recorded in the studio from analog synths (Moog, Prophet V, Polysix) and a Rhodes, then run through guitar pedals and compressors.

39 presets at launch, a new kit recorded in the studio every month."

Discover TONEHOLD:
https://tonehold.ifahinstruments.com/...

Euclidean Rhythm Sequencer: Student Project - Music China 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Lorrain from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music at M-China26 about two projects developed for her undergraduate coursework. Euclidean rhythm sequencer is a browser-based piece that lets you tap to change the sequence and record your own sound. It uses web technologies, including WebAudio and WebMidi, and was running on a local network rather than as a public web service.

The second project is a visual and sound piece based around a pet cat. It uses wave terrain synthesis, with the cat chasing a light across changing terrain. The terrain height defines the waveform, and the cat's movement changes the resulting sound.

This is coursework rather than a commercial product, we wish Lorrain well in her chosen career once she graduates.

More Info:
https://en.shcmusic.edu.cn/"

Orbiton One | SynthFest UK 2026

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"Orbiton are at SynthFest UK with an ambitious debut product: the Orbiton One is an acoustic synthesizer that will be available in early 2027."

https://orbitonsynth.com/

"We are developing an acoustic synthesizer built around physical lamellas that are set into vibration when a key is pressed. This gives musicians a richly tactile way to shape sound, beyond the limits of velocity-based keys.

Each key sets a thin steel reed vibrating — acoustically silent by design; it is captured by sensors that turn its motion into sound.

Physical oscillators
Each key sets a thin steel reed vibrating — acoustically silent by design; it is captured by sensors that turn its motion into sound. By pressing a key, the vibrations are felt haptically against the finger while the lamella decays at its natural rate.

Continuous control
Each lamella generates a continuous analog signal that modulates the synth engine directly. Press, pluck or strike — the gesture keeps shaping the sound for as long as the lamella rings.

Sensor array
Each lamella has its own sensor and its own signal path. The engine reads all of them at once, so every key stays live and independent."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Wonkystuff FluxMemory | SynthFest UK 2026

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"Wonkystuff have just announced the launch of the fluxMEMORY AE, a compact device that offers a modern take on tape-loop processing."

Cool case!

via https://wonkystuff.co.uk/

Note it's also available as a eurorack module.

"A tape loop studio in the palm of your hand…"

Become a real sonic explorer by combining and layering up to four wav files to produce new audio landscapes:

Manipulate and mix four independent sound loops;
apply onboard EQ and delay effects;
process and mix external audio through the EQ and effects;
easy firmware updates over USB-C;
battery- or USB-powered (batteries not included);
fits inside a real compact-cassette case!
fluxMEMORY is an evocation of the old tape studios from the 50s and 60s, emulating 4 concurrent tape-loops by streaming audio files from a microSD card — it is not a sampler!

fluxMEMORY creates nothing by itself. It is up to you — the musician — to load the memory card with your own personal audio-fingerprints, whatever they might be.

The streamed audio files loop continuously, so using files of differing lengths means that a composition will evolve, with new connections tumbling over each other in a bid to be heard. It is up to the musician to carve these audio streams into a meaningful shape.

(This is the handheld version of the fluxMEMORY AE Module)"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rainbow Looper, a looper for Ableton Move

video upload by KrazyBaldhead

"I created an 8 track looper for Move with the RNBO Move Takeover

Download it here: https://github.com/KBLiveSolutions/ra...

#abletonmove #RNBO #cycling74 #cycling74rnbo #ableton #livelooping #musicproducers #fenderrhodes"

How it works

The 8 loopers

Each looper is controlled by a column of 4 pads (bottom to top):

Red — Rec
Green — Play
White — Stop
Rainbow color — Select (also opens the looper's parameter page)
The first looper sets the base loop length. Every other looper is quantized to it: recording can start freely at any time, but playback always launches on a multiple of the first looper's length, so all 8 loopers stay in sync.

Step sequencing

Each looper has its own step pattern, controlled with Move's step buttons. Turning a step off mutes the looper's output at that point in the loop — the volume envelope for muting is shaped by the Attack and Release parameters.

CLICK FOR MORE »

DIY Eurorack Modules: Tin Man Synths - Music China 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Andrew from Tin Man Synths about his range of DIY Eurorack Modules, a set of simple through-hole designs built around accessible analogue and digital circuits.

The context was China's DIY synth scene, where importing synth brands and beginner kits can be difficult or expensive. Tin Man Synths focuses partly on making local DIY resources more available, alongside carrying other brands.

The range includes a transposing sequencer, which allows one sequence to transpose another, and clocking the two parts out of sync creates a longer rolling pattern of 32 to 64 steps. Other modules include dual attack-release envelopes, a side-chain VCA, matrix mixer, output stages, a semitone voltage-offset processor, the Radius 2164-based filter, voltage-controlled slew, a 40106 VCO, a voltage-controlled LFO, and Daisy Seed-based delay and granular effects.

The modules use through-hole construction, with bare PCBs around $10 and full kits around 400–500 RMB, or roughly $50–60.

Availability is currently mainly China and Southeast Asia."

DOREMiDi Has MIDI Covered - Music China 2026

video upload by sonicstate

DOREMiDi on Amazon

"Eric from DOREMiDi gave us a look at MIDI Interfaces and utility boxes at M-China26, covering a wide range of compact devices for routing, converting and syncing MIDI signals.

The range includes the Merge 5, which merges up to five MIDI inputs and provides MIDI output and thru connections. A USB MIDI host handles communication between USB MIDI devices and traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI gear, while a Bluetooth MIDI unit connects DIN MIDI equipment to wireless MIDI systems.

Other devices in the range focus on routing and conversion. The MIDI stream controller allows MIDI connections to be customised, with filtering and routing functions. A MIDI timecode box handles sync between MIDI devices, music and video, including audio timecode sync. There is also a MIDI-to-DMX unit, which receives MIDI signals and converts them to DMX for lighting control.

The products are available through DOREMiDi's online store and Amazon."

Add MPE-like Actions by Twiddle AI PEEK - Music China 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"We had a chat with Huang from Twiddle AI who showed us Twiddle PEEK a camera-based MIDI controller add-on that converts a conventional MIDI keyboard into an MPE-like controller.

Processing happens inside the unit, so it does not need a connected computer. It works standalone with a MIDI keyboard, controller, or synthesizer. Connectivity includes USB-A input, MIDI in, and MIDI out, with both MPE and standard MIDI modes available.

Twiddle PEEK adds two extra gesture dimensions beyond note on/off and velocity. Its computer-vision expression engine tracks hand position and supports up to ten fingers. Gestures can be assigned to different MIDI functions. A long press on the front button re-learns the keyboard view, while a short press activates bypass.

The camera field of view supports around 25 to 50 or 60 keys, depending on module height. Infrared lighting and camera exposure/gain adjustment allow operation in dark or bright conditions. A Kickstarter launch is planned in about a month, with pricing expected below $200.

More Info: https://twiddle-ai.com"

A small monster from Berlin

video upload by TheGrimRapper

"Dark beats and slightly ridiculous music tools for Halloween.

Monster Maker is a browser beat machine for dark, Memphis-inspired beats, built just for fun. It's free and will stay free.

Have a play:
https://thehumants.com/monster-maker/

Runs in desktop Chrome, Edge or Brave.
For personal, non-commercial projects and experiments.

Questions or feedback:
thegrimrapper@thehumants.com

Keep cookin'."

Additional details via the developer:

"You can build a whole track in it: lay down drums and 808s, play or draw melodies with the Horror Keys, record your voice and chop your own samples. There's a song arranger, mixer, live vocal FX with a talkbox mode, tape echo, reverb and a step-sequenced glitch rack. MIDI keyboard input and clock sync are in there too, and you can record or render the result to WAV.

I also added a few skins and hid some Easter eggs. Curious if you'll find them."

Viral FM1 - An Access Virus Based Big Synth Engine for M-Wave FM-1 - First Showdown

video upload by J0kerpack

You can find the M-VAVE FM-1 on Amazon.

"This are the first tests of my new viral FM1 synth engine on my new FM1. It is still in a very early state. The first sign of life and it sounds very promising

The video is not so great, but you get an impression of the sound quality.
This engine was made with high fidelity in mind pushing the device to its max 😀

After the very long measurement and matching phase of the synth sections i still need a lot of tweaking for the perfect virus like sonic character. My goal is to make this thing patch compatible to the original..
I do my best to make this synth a main reason to buy an FM1..or 3😉

Note: this is not a Osirus based approach. No original firmware involved ( beside the legal aspects this alone would eat up 512 Kb of the FM1s rom leaving only a few Kb for the Rest)
That’s why everything is done from scratch trying to come as close to the original s as possible.

Features:

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Hidden Sounds of an Arcade | Photon Smasher Nano Listening Walk

video upload by Clip Sound and Music CIC and Frazer Merrick



"What does an arcade sound like when you listen to its light?

🔊 Music by Dayshade

Join us for an electromagnetic listening walk through Walton Pier Arcade, exploring the hidden rhythms and unexpected sounds of its colourful machines, flashing lights and illuminated displays using the **Photon Smasher Nano**.

The Photon Smasher Nano is a small, highly directional device that transforms changing light into sound. Unlike a conventional microphone, it listens to light rather than vibrations in the air, revealing a hidden world of pulses, patterns, rhythms and textures that would otherwise go unheard.

Over this 11-minute soundwalk, we get curious with the electromagnetic landscape of the arcade, moving between machines and discovering how different light sources create their own distinctive sonic signatures.

*Explore more about the Photon Smasher Nano:* https://www.shop.clipsoundandmusic.uk/

Created by CLIP Sound and Music, a social enterprise developing curious tools for creative exploration through sound, technology and play.

#PhotonSmasher #Soundwalk #ElectromagneticListening #SoundArt #FieldRecording"

Synthesizer V, Instrument X & VocalFlex: Dreamtonics - Music China 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Kanru from Dreamtonics gave us a look at Synthesizer V, Instrument X and VocalFlex at Music China 2026. Synthesizer V is a vocal synthesis system rather than a prompt-based generator. It runs completely offline and converts MIDI notes with typed lyrics into audio.

Since our previous coverage at ADC in Brisatol, the Synthesizer V 2.3.0 beta adds Portuguese, French, German and Italian support. It also includes detailed phoneme editing, so vowel and pronunciation choices can be adjusted per note. Language selection is handled from a dropdown, but the software does not translate lyrics.

Instrument X is the instrumental counterpart, with a launch collection of 15 orchestral and jazz instruments. It uses neural network synthesis combined with physics modelling, runs offline on CPU, and supports Mac and Windows. Articulations replace lyrics in the editor, with staccato, slurs, accents, portamento and pitch curves available. It works as an instrument plug-in and via ARA.

VocalFlex is a real-time voice transformation plug-in with morphing between reference timbres. All three products are one-time purchases, with the Trilogy bundle priced at around $299.

More Info: https://dreamtonics.com/"

Can you build a playable synthesizer in a single afternoon?

video upload by Illegal State Of Mind

"Can you build a playable synthesizer in a single afternoon? Here's my attempt: a DIY synth built from a basic ESP32 I had lying around.

At its heart is a DCO: a digitally controlled oscillator. The waveform isn't generated in code. It comes straight from the PWM outputs, while the code only sets the pitch, pulse width and modulation. The result is a fat, raw, monophonic sound with accurate notes and no tuning headaches.

How this ESP32 synth works:
• Two PWM signals from GPIO 18 and 19
• A simple resistor mixer and a capacitor on the output
• MIDI input built around a 6N137 optocoupler, three resistors and a socket (powered from the ESP32 board)
• Pitch Bend and Modulation over MIDI
• Pulse width and detune of the second oscillator controlled by knobs

What this synthesizer doesn't have (yet): an envelope, polyphony and a filter. They can all be added later in the analog part of the signal path, and I'll start working on them soon."

diceFriend is absolute madness 👹 watch your volume knob! 🔥

video upload by Richard Devine

"@sigilinstruments diceFriend is absolute madness 👹 watch your volume knob! 🔥"

Note, this appears to be the first post to feature diceFriend.



Pics and details via Perfect Circuit

"Experimental by design, diceFriend by Sigil Instruments is a compact standalone synthesizer with manifold personalities that will be particularly appreciated by those who enjoy adventurous instruments. Stripped of screens and menus, diceFriend centers intuitive gesture and listening as the core of the music-making experience. The sound and behavior of diceFriend are entirely determined by the installed OS, and there are already more than a dozen varieties, ranging from pulsar and modal synthesis to engines inspired by Rob Hordijk's Blippoo Box and Peter Blasser's chaotic instruments.

Each enclosure is a hand-crafted wood piece, so every unit has its own unique look. Control-wise, it features three brass touchpads and six unlabeled knobs that, together with a SHIFT layer, provide direct access to twelve parameters. The namesake DICE button is a randomizer driven by a PRNG combined with thermal noise. Pressing it randomizes all twelve parameters as well as internal synth variables, setting the instrument into an entirely new state—and with 281 trillion possible states, you can be sure never to exhaust the options. Cleverly, after a roll, the knobs pick up from their randomized values only once moved, so nothing jumps abruptly.

A long press of the DICE button switches between two OS-contingent modes. AS (Autonomous State) typically treats diceFriend as a generative playground, with chaotic attractors and Rungler-style shift registers driving the algorithm. TS (Touch Synthesis) mode activates the three brass pads for tactile interaction, where pressure and hold time shape dynamics and timbre.

Lastly, a 3.5mm stereo line output sits alongside two CV inputs on banana jacks that act as clock, trigger, or modulation sources depending on the OS. Over USB-C, diceFriend appears as a class-compliant MIDI device with clock send and receive, and it can double as a CV-to-MIDI interface for other gear. Boasting plentiful stochastic adventures for sonic explorers of all stripes, diceFriend from Sigil Instruments is a musical companion you want to roll with again and again.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Beijing Modular 10/26/26 Videos

video uploads by sonicstate

Latest videos for the day. See the Modular Commune label for more.

Playlist:

1. Heisenberg Zynthian Workstation- Beijing Modular 26

Jarrod from Heisenberg told us about the OFAI Music Workstation and a handmade wooden MIDI controller.

The workstation is a custom small Linux-based unit with audio outputs and MIDI. It runs open-source software from the Zynthian platform, with additional presets made by Jarrod. The hardware is a a custom development by the team, and it supports MIDI synths, plug-ins and multi-timbral sequencing.

The wooden controller works as a generic control surface and is not for sale, more just as a DIY project by Jarrod. Parameters are assigned with MIDI Learn, so knobs and buttons can control selected synth or effect parameters. In the demo, a USB MIDI cable connects the controller to the workstation. The system can run drums, hi-hats and riffs on separate tracks, and selecting a track gives access to further parameters. A MIDI latch function holds notes while parameters are adjusted.

The OFAI Workstation is sold in China for 3,700 RMB. The wooden controller is handmade and is not for sale. More Info: https://zynthian.org

2. 30k - Nyoka - Magnetic Field Noise Generator - Beijing Modular 26

Yang from 30K told us about their NYOKA Magnetic Field Noise Generator, a small experimental sound device that turns electromagnetic interference into audio control signals.

The unit senses magnetic field signals and uses them to modulate an internal oscillator. It can also be played by touch, with fingers routing signals to different points in the circuit. The device includes multiple switches for changing operating modes, selecting oscillator or inductor output, choosing where the magnetic field signal routes, and altering routing inside the oscillator.

The unit runs from USB-C power and outputs audio via a 3.5mm TRS jack. It responds strongly to nearby power sources, with different electrical equipment producing different responses. Yang also mentioned that it works well with external reverb and delay.

The device is available for 229 RMB.
He also showed a magnetic field amplifier with 1000x gain and a small Meow Box synthesizer that produces cat sounds - I mean, why not?

3. 203 Systems - Mystrix 2 MPE Grid, Cardenza - tiny hackable music computer- Beijing Modular 26

Nengzhuo Cai from 203 Systems had some pretty cool units to show, first up is about Mystrix 2, a wireless MPE grid controller, and two compact music devices. Mystrix 2 is the latest generation and runs its own OS, so applications can be installed directly on the hardware without a computer.

Mystrix 2 acts as a MIDI and control-data source. It includes MPE keyboard apps, chord, arpeggiator, scale and custom scale tools, split-screen operation, an eight-track sequencer, clip mode and a mixer. The sequencer supports 16 patterns with 16 steps. It has three full-feature USB-C ports for charging, computer connection or accessory boxes, plus CV and MIDI adapters. A hidden side touch slider supports functions such as strumming.

Next up is *Cardenza, *a $20 open-source ESP32 S3 music computer with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, microphone, SD card, app installation and web coding support. You can run your own programs on it, and even browse the web (assuming you can code your own browser!)

Then the NULLperator is a tiny eight-track tracker with audio I/O, TRS MIDI I/O, microphone, speaker and battery. Mystrix 2 is expected for Kickstarter at around $500, while NULLperator is expected around $300, with free iOS and Android apps available.

More Info: https://203.io/ |--------|

4. SPI1: Mini Multi-function Game-style Modules - Beijing Modular 26

We spoke to Lei and the team behind *SPI1*, a compact modular music workstation built around a “micro universe” concept. They explained that the project uses a game-like interface for creating music, with visual design, touch controls and interchangeable hardware modules forming part of the workflow. SPI1 features a square-format touch bar with 12 control keys. Projects can start from blank templates or preset styles, and the system supports user-made templates. The team plans to release an SDK for third-party development, covering modules and internal software. The instrument includes a DSP synth system where timbres are organised as “plants”, with scale selection, generative music modes and four-channel pattern recording. A map-style interface contains sound machines, including chord and wave-based devices. External interaction comes through probes for wind, magnetic signals, audio signals and other inputs. The modular hardware includes interfaces such as joystick, DJ turntable, drum pad, fader and marble-based controllers. An audio sequencer module can trigger external devices and lights. SPI1 is currently a prototype, with a Kickstarter planned for spring next year. Pricing has not yet been confirmed.

5. Erica Synths: Graphic Sequencer - Beijing Modular 26

Ģirts from Erica Synths gave us a look at the Graphic Sequencer a new Eurorack module currently in production.

The Graphic Sequencer is a compact hub for sequencing and modulation. It has 10 steps (with a planned 16-step expander) plus CV and gate outputs and three modulation outputs. Those outputs support envelopes, delay-based envelope types, user-drawn multistage envelopes, LFOs, random walk, Euclidean sequencing and chord CV duties across multiple oscillators.

Magic mode changes an existing sequence in real time, with controls for note variation, octaves, density, gates and slides. Returning from that mode clears the edit buffer. The Euclidean section works with an 8-channel expander, and hits can be added manually with the encoder.

The module is expected in about a month, priced around €300.

6. Theresyn - Beijing Modular 26

We spoke to Nori about Theresyn, a handmade fully analogue theremin synthesizer. He explained that it uses the familiar theremin approach, with the left hand controlling amplitude and the right hand controlling pitch, but adds extra control and acoustic elements.

Xin then demo'd the pressure-sensitive touch pad, which controls oscillator amplitude and can also trigger an ADSR envelope. Theresyn has two oscillators, with mixing between the theremin voice and an internal oscillator. Antenna tracking can be set to none, partial or full, allowing one oscillator to act as a drone or follow the pitch hand.

The synth also includes selectable waveforms, filter modes including low-pass, resonance, pitch-to-filter tracking and amplitude modulation of the cutoff. Its speaker system includes a front loudspeaker and rear resonating strings, with a pickup for the string output. There is no pitch quantizer, and pitch remains continuous. The pitch range can be tuned to the player's body capacitance.

Theresyn is handmade, available to order from the website, and the full version with bag costs €3,000.

More Info: https://theresyn.com/

7. PUFF Eurorack Breath Controller - Beijing Modular 26

We spoke to the team behind Puff V3 about the Puff breath controller project, which began in 2024. They explained that the current wired V2 has the same core functions as the planned V3, while the V3 moves to wireless operation.

Puff converts breath into control voltage for modular systems and synthesizers. It can control pitch, cutoff, resonance and other modulation destinations, depending on the patch. The system supports up to four CV outputs and one MIDI output. USB-C connects to a computer or laptop for MIDI, so it can control software and hardware at the same time.

The controller is held in the mouth, leaving both hands free for instruments such as guitar or piano. The team also discussed a future mouth ring or bite control for sustain-style input. The prototype is built, with release planned for June next year, and the project launches on Kickstarter.

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."