Dato DUO Synthesizer for Two Launches on Kickstarter

A desktop synth with two two front panel interfaces. One dedicated to the sequencer and one to the synthesizer. Dato just started a Kickstarter campaign to fund it here. An early bird DUO runs $301 or €269.

"Dato DUO synthesizer for two launches on Kickstarter

A synthesizer and a sequencer in one package – for two players. Starts at €269.

Today, Dutch synthesizer startup Dato launches their Kickstarter campaign for the Dato DUO. Designed to be played by two, the DUO combines a synthesizer and sequencer into one electronic instrument that is aimed at children and adults alike.

"We believe synthesizers are too much fun to be left to grown-ups alone", says Dato co-founder David Menting. Musicians and non-musicians of all ages were involved in the design process, resulting in a unique and robust instrument. Co-founder Toon Welling: "We put all the things we liked most about other synths into one instrument".

The wedge-shaped electronic instrument houses a synthesizer on one side and a sequencer on the other. The eight-step circular sequencer has a pentatonic keyboard to play melodies into it, with further buttons and knobs to change those melodies on the fly. David: "We chose to limit the keyboard to five notes per octave so that any melody you play will sound in harmony.”

The other side of the instrument controls the synthesizer. Two large sliders control the two digital oscillators and the filter-cutoff frequency, with basic envelope controls to shape the sound. Effects and percussion can be added using two touch pads, making for a robust and versatile instrument even beginners can use. Toon: “You can’t do anything wrong on the DUO!"

The Kickstarter campaign runs from 27 May until 26 June. The first 100 early-bird backers can pre-order the synth for €269 (approx. $300), with regular Dato DUOs going for €299. Additional rewards include a limited all-black edition and a Kickstarter-only poster that can be folded into a paper Dato DUO model named the “Dato Acapella”.

About Dato
Based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, Dato creates musical instruments for future generations. Starting from the belief that making music is fun and should be so from the first time you try it, a Dato instrument is always out of the ordinary, yet easy to use.

While the DUO is Dato's first product, founders Toon and David have a few years of experience under their belt in the Dutch design landscape. Toon was recently selected by the Dutch Association of Designers (BNO) to participate in their Driving Dutch Design program for talented young Dutch designers. And David has run a successful consultancy bureau for interactive product design for the past six years."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing The Mune Open Source Wireless MIDI Touch Controller Instrument

Published on Aug 22, 2015 Mune

A new wireless controller with included software featuring control apps and an FM synthesizer.  The video description and official press release follow below.  No word on whether this can be paired with an iOS or Android device or whether it supports OSC as well as MIDI.  I reached out to them and will post a follow-up if I hear back.

Update: I heard back.
1. Sysex support is being tested but may end up as a stretch goal in their kickstarter campaign along with OSC support.
2. The Mune will pair wirelessly with iOS and Android.
3. And... specs on the FM synth are forthcoming, however, regarding the drum synth: "the drum machine is a pairing of a 16 step sequencer plus a fairly straightforward sample-based playback system"
4.  This is a the evolution of the arc instruments controller posted earlier here.

Video description:
"www.munemusic.com
Demo videos coming shortly...
Music by Biathlon: https://wil-ru.bandcamp.com/album/bac...

The Mune is a new instrument that combines the power of digital with the soul of an acoustic instrument. It's wireless, incredibly expressive and flexible.

'Mune' comes from the word 'commune' - because a new instrument should live up to today's open and collaborative standards. If you're interested - please join us in designing and pushing this device out into the world!"

And the official press release:


"THE FLEXIBILTY OF A DIGITAL CONTROLLER + THE SOUL OF A TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENT

CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHING IN JULY 2016

The Mune story began four years ago when Scott Stevenson met Andrew Staniland, a Canadian composer and music professor. Andrew had been composing “electroacoustic” music, combining the instrumentation of classical music with digital sounds and effects. Andrew had found that performing using current digital interfaces left him and his audiences unsatisfied.

'I FOUND THAT I WAS AT A DISADVANTAGE MAKING MUSIC ELECTRONICALLY, BECAUSE WHILE I WAS DOING A LOT OF THINGS
ON STAGE LIKE THE OTHER MUSICIANS, THERE WAS NO VISIBLE CAUSE-AND-EFFECT BETWEEN MY ACTIONS AND THE SOUND' - ANDREW STANILAND

With that, Andrew began a research project with the objective of creating a more satisfying electronic music performance instrument. Andrew and Scott initially focused on the problem of creating an interface that could face towards the audience and make interactions fully visible - but along the way they learned that there were other core elements that desktop interfaces were lacking. Attempting to match the expressiveness and sensitivity of an acoustic instrument became an integral part of our mission while developing a solution.

The rst prototype of the Mune, (called the “Arc”) was so successful that it was decided to produce the instrument commercially. Four prototypes and many performances later, the Mune team is proud to emerge with a device which is truly a hybrid between a classical instrument and a digital controller.

WHAT IS THE MUNE?
The Mune is a new electronic music instrument. It combines the functionality of a MIDI controller (used by DJs and producers) with the expressiveness and simplicity of an acoustic instrument.

Unlike a traditional DJ controller, the Mune can be held by the performer to face the audience, allowing the audience to view the musician’s interactions with sound. The built-in wireless technology allows the musician to step far away from the glow of their laptop.

The Mune offers an expanding variety of “apps” that run on a laptop and connect to the Mune. The Mune also includes an expansion port to allow the connection of future onboard sound processing modules. Like any MIDI controller, it can be used to control virtually any audio software, like Ableton Live, Reason, Logic and Max.

BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE
Take your performance off the table and show the world that electronic musicians do more than 'push play'. The Mune makes your interactions with sound expressive and visible to your audience.

BEYOND MELODY AND RHYTHM
The Mune is designed to be equally proficient at traditional performance and digital production: play melodies, shape sound, program loops, control effects and mix tracks.

MUNE COMMUNE
The Mune instrument is just the beginning. Further development and design decisions of the Mune will be driven by our community, the Commune. The Commune will also offer a simple platform for software developers to share new apps they’ve created with Mune musicians.

Future: New Touch Panels
The Mune hardware is built to be as exible as its software. It’s hardware interface allows completely new control panels to be designed and connected.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Noise Reap Eurorack Votlage Sequencer Module

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Note this appears to be the first Noise Reap post on the site.

Details:

"9 step voltage sequencer with hold and reset functions. Patch-able gate outputs. Loops at 9 steps if no information is given to the RST or HLD inputs.

specifications:

eurorack 22hp
skiff friendly
reverse voltage protected
In/Outs:

CLK - clock input (for square wave LFO, dedicated clock module, etc)
HLD - a positive voltage here will cause the clock input to be ignored, therefore holding on the current step
RST - a positive voltage here will return the sequencer to step one ( clock will not start counting again until RST voltage is low again)
CV out - voltage output corresponding to knob position (+/- 2 volts, noon is 0 volts)
HLD@ - same as HLD (note: if a cable is patched form 5 to HLD@, the sequence will be 5 steps long and stop at step 5)
RST@ - same as RST (note: if a cable is patched from 5 to RST@, the sequence will be 4 steps long and loop)
outputs 2-9 - any given ouput will be high (+5 volts) for as long as the corresponding step is active."

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Eurorack Maker Svarog Audio Introduces the Aspid Eurorack Module

Published on May 19, 2016 rpocc

Note: this is the first post to officially feature Svarog Audio on the site. The Aspid is their first module. Previous videos by rpocc primarily featured SSSR Labs.

Video description followed by full details on the new Aspid module:

"Eurorack module from Russia!

The Aspid Analog fuzz module by Svarog Audio was made especially for working with bass synthesizers and modules as well as kick, electro and bass-guitars. It is assembled by hand in accordance with the classic analog scheme. Only the best quality parts have been used, such as the original circuit LM308N and EPCOS film capacitors."

Playlist:

Aspid Processing Synthetic Bass Line
Svarog Aspid: Processing Dubstep mix
Svarog Aspid: Processing Electro Groove
Svarog Aspid processing Analog Kick Drum
Aspid Processing Oscillator

via Svarog Audio:

"Analog fuzz 'Aspid' by Svarog Audio was made specially for working with bass synthesizers and modules, 'kick' and also electro and bass-guitars. It's assembled by hand in accordance with the classic analog scheme. Only the best quality parts have been used, such as the original circuit LM308N and film capacitors EPCOS. It is screened to avoid interference.

The MIXING knob is used for mixing raw and processed incoming signals. This knob is meant for processing bass pieces and kicks. It's common knowledge that the overload effect reduces low frequencies to a certain extent. To avoid trapping of sound waves take advantage of the knob.

The VOLUME knob is the volume of effects. At its original position the mixing handle works as volume of the initial signal.

Tone enables you to regulate the quantity of a high frequency spectrum in the effect's sound.

GAIN is the degree of distortion.

FAT adds 'richness' to the sound structure.

CLIP MODE changes the structure of distortions.
The first mode gives a softer sound typical of vintage distortion effects. The second mode is meant for hard distortions, the sound acquires a lot of harmonics.

The 'GAIN' knob works together with 'fat' and 'clip mode'. Each of them affects the other two. It allows to obtain different variations of sounding the module."

The SH-2016 Mini Music Synthesizer Keyboard by Pat Morrissey in Ireland

IT Sligo Expo 2016 Video SH-2016

Published on Apr 30, 2016 Pat Morrissey

"My Engineering Project for IT Sligo 2016"

This one in via Brian O'Malley. I'll let you know if more info comes in on this one. If you know feel free to comment or shoot me an email.

Ece 362 'UPTON FUNK' next level synthesizer

Published on Apr 29, 2016 Nick Upton

And so it begins... This is how it all starts folks. Curious if we will see any creations from him or his team mates in the future. I remember the first posts on MATRIXSYNTH featuring a once unknown Tony Rolando and numerous other makers who went on to form their own companies. Many have become super successful in the synth world. There's some amazing history captured here and this is why I post things like this. You never know...

New Ornaments & Crimes Polymorphic CV Generator Euorack Module

Uploaded on Apr 23, 2016 Tim Churches

"This video provides a very brief overview of version 1.0.0 of the Ornaments & Crimes firmware for the ornament & Crime DIY eurorack synthesier module by Max Stadler (mxmxmx). This enhanced firmware has been a collaborative effort by Patrick Dowling (pld) (who did a great deal of the work, and all the heavy lifting), Max Stadler (mxmxmx) (who designed the module and wrote all of the original firmware) and Tim Churches (bennelong.bicyclist)."

via GitHub:

"ornaments & crimes is a collaborative project by Patrick Dowling (aka pld), mxmxmx and Tim Churches (aka bennelong.bicyclist) (though mostly by pld and bennelong.bicyclist). it (considerably) extends the original firmware for the o_C / ASR eurorack module, designed by mxmxmx."

And additional details via mxmxmx:

"it can now be found here. and it runs on the (almost) eponymous module.

huge props go to pld and bennelong.bicyclist who've basically rewritten the firmware from scratch and mutated the thing beyond recognition, both in terms of functionality and performance.

everything is, of course, open source and we've even made a little schematic for you (NB: post-hoc). speaking of: special thanks must also to the ever-generous olivier gillet, on whose code much of this new functionality builds. (and the hardware, too, gradually gravitated towards being fairly MI-esque). not so much the user interface, which does everything the one-knob-per-function doctrine interdicts: displays, menus, encoders ... the payoff is that you get a polymorphic module that can serve several functions somewhat more transparently:

there is still a improved and enhanced quantising ASR (analogue shift register) function in ornaments & crimes, now named CopierMaschine, but several other "apps" have been added. these "apps" are selectable on-the-fly, without having to reboot the module or power-cycle.

The apps currently available in ornaments & crimes are:

CLICK FOR MORE »

test of drum sequencer that uses a raspberry pi and launchpad

Published on Apr 25, 2016 NoizeHack

"Testing the sequencer I wrote in node.js that runs on a raspberry pi and uses a novation launchpad as a control interface. You do not need to use a desktop or laptop computer, just the raspberry pi that is inside a metal box the size of a guitar pedal. It can send trigger pulses out to trigger modular synths and drum machines and can also send midi over usb to trigger drum machines with usb midi.

This project is completely open source and you can build your own hardware and download the code and build your own. This is using a raspberry pi 3 and launchpad mk 2. There is more detailed info in the github readme file.

software here at github:
https://github.com/noizehack/Launchpa..."

THE PATCHULATOR 8000 MINI PATCHBAY

Sounds From The Patch Lab: Semi-Modular Synth Injection

Published on Dec 22, 2015 Boredbrain Music

"A series of musical experiments is performed with the PATCHULATOR 8000 MINI PATCHBAY to route audio and control voltage modulation signals between two semi-modular synthesizers, a drum synth pad, an analog step sequencer, and two analog effects pedals with CV inputs. By simply patching the mini cables, the effects are easily rearranged and modulation signals are routed directly into and out of the outboard gear."

Playing with Control Voltage using the Patchulator 8000

Published on Mar 1, 2016

"Experimenting with a semi modular synthesizer and FX by routing audio and control voltage through the Patchulator 8000 for quick and flexible modulation."

VISIT BOREDBRAINMUSIC.COM TO PURCHASE OR FOR MORE INFO!
http://www.boredbrainmusic.com"

"ABOUT THE PATCHULATOR 8000 8-CHANNEL MINI PATCHBAY:

The Patchulator 8000 8-Channel Mini Patchbay, Boredbrain's solution to pedalboard and desktop instrument signal routing, lets users re-order audio effects easily, swap effects between instruments, and experiment with signal flow. The compact octagonal design houses 16 1/4' jacks on the perimeter and 16 1/8" jacks on top, which allow the patching of 8 independent send/return loops.

OTHER GEAR USED: Moog Mother-32, Arturia MicroBrute, Circuit Bent Boss Dr. Pad, Electro-harmonix 8-Step Sequencer, Moog Moogerfooger MF-102 Ring Modulator, Moog Moogerfooger MF-107 FreqBox, Moog MF-Delay, and Boss BX-40 4-Channel Mixer. Video edited using Reaper 5.

ORIGINAL SOUND EFFECTS: Korg Monotron, Monotron Duo, Monotron Delay, Red Panda Bitmap"

The Vintage Toy Synthesizer by Liam Lacey

Published on Apr 9, 2016 Liam Lacey

"A complete hands-on walkthrough/guide on how to use the Vintage Toy Synthesiser. This is one of four videos talking and and demoing the final state of the synth.

This synth has been developed for the Element14 Music Tech design challenge, in which I have converted a wooden vintage toy piano into a standalone digital synth. See more about my project at https://www.element14.com/community/c..."

Playlist:
Vintage Toy Synthesiser - Specification Overview
Vintage Toy Synthesiser - A Complete Hands-On Guide
Vintage Toy Synthesiser - Sound/Patch Demos
Vintage Toy Synthesiser - Using the Device as a MIDI Controller
Vintage toy piano keyboard MIDI controller
Vintage toy piano keyboard MIDI controller (velocity and poly-pressure sensitive)

Primary features of the synth:

2-voice digital synthesiser with true polyphony
5 oscillators with dedicated waveforms
State-Varible-Filter with independent LP, HP, BP and Notch mix controls
Amplitude and Filter ADSR envelopes
Two modulation sources (LFO and keyboard velocity) with three destinations, each with independent bipolar depth controls
Digital distortion FX
Changeable scales on the keyboard
‘Vintage’ parameter for replicating old/broken analogue synth voices
Full MIDI I/O integration
Polyphonic Aftertouch expression (MIDI-out only)
Charming miniature grand piano form
Development specs:

Brain of the synth is running on a BeagleBone Black board running Linux
Voice engine was developed using the C++ audio DSP library Maximilian
Keyboard mechanism uses homemade pressure sensors made out of Velostat
Completely open-source

via Ask.Audio

The ArduTouch Arduino-compatible Music Synthesizer Kit by Mitch Altman & Bill Alessi

This one in via Skot Wiedman, the man behind Motus Mavis and the recent Hyve touch synthesizer.

"Last month my friend Mitch Altman came to Champaign-Urbana and he debuted his ArduTouch synthesizer kit as well as his other cool projects for a guest lecture in the Interactivity II class I am teaching here at the University of Illinois.

Here we are in a photo taken by Mitch with the ArduTouch in front of the computer.

I didn't see you cover this cool little instrument yet so I thought to send it in. Here is the build instructions with a closer look at the project.

Enjoy!"

You'll find build notes at Cornfield Electronics here.

"This is a brand new kit as of March-2016 -- still a work in progress.

Solder the kit together, and it works!

Hack the Arduino sketch, and make your own cool synthesizers.

Soon, the documentation will be good enough to learn how to use Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to make your own sounds for your own projects.

The Arduino sketch for this project was mostly written by my friend Bill Alessi."

Update: videos added below.


Published on Aug 26, 2018 mitch altman

Playlist:
ArduTouch: Xoid synthesizer Demo
ArduTouch: Arplogy synthesizer Demo
ArduTouch: Arplogy synthesizer Auto-Improvise Demo
ArduTouch: Thick synthesizer Demo
ArduTouch: Mantra synthesizer Drone A Demo
ArduTouch: Mantra synthesizer Drone B Demo
ArduTouch: Beatitude synthesizer Demo
ArduTouch: DuoPoly synthesizer preset 0 "(Hive) Demo
ArduTouch: DuoPoly synthesizer preset 2 (Industry) Demo
ArduTouch: DuoPoly synthesizer preset 3 (Omission) Demo
ArduTouch: DuoPoly synthesizer preset 4 (Cadiz) Demo
ArduTouch: jamming

The OCS-2 One Chip Dual VCO Synthesizer with 15 Different Waveforms

OCS-2 VCF_demo from chnry on Vimeo.

The OSC-2 is in eurorack format but can be used as a stand alone desktop synth. Four versions are planned, two stand alone and two eurorack. It's based on the Arduino due and can actually run off of a 9V battery for portability.  You'll find additional details with the pics further below.   Directly below is the description for the video above, followed by a second video and description.

"Sound of the VCF OCS-2 synthesizer. A sawtooth waveform at constant frequency is pass throw the VCF. The VCF cutoff is changed via a LFO.

the resonance factor (Q) is manually adjusted during the recording."


OCS-2 VCO_demo from chnry on Vimeo.
This video demonstrate the sound of one VCO of the OCS-2 synthesizer. The sound did not pass throw the VCF,VCA.

Warning: There are some super high frequencies in this one so be careful with your audio levels. It's left channel only as well.

"The frequency is changed thanks to a LFO.

the 15 waveforms of this VCO are demonstrated one after the other."

And some info via http://chnry.net/ocs/ where you'll find additional pics, info and audio demos:

"OCS-2 is an analogue style synthesizer. Small, but very powerful and flexible, it provide an incredible sound quality.

Dedicated to both keyboard player and knob addict, this synthesizer is full of feature that define it’s own unique sound.

Why is it so special?

First, the sound quality is impressive : this is not a cheap 8 or 16 bits synthesizer : it implement state of the art audio synthesis algorithm.

OCS-2 provide lot’s more than the essential of a modern dual oscillator monosynth. Original waveform, shape morphing LFO, there is a lot of unique feature :

30 control knobs
Few atypical waveform with incredible fat sound
LFO that can continuously change waveform
A CV GENERATOR with different algorithm to generate random to rhythmic modulation
4 audio effects
A very powerful digital connection matrix
A light sensor to control sound with hand gesture
Customizable and possibility for software update
Very compact
Incredible sound quality
What is inside?
2 VCO providing 15 different waveform
1 VCF (multi-mode, including a 24db/Octave low pass resonant filter)
1 VCA
1 ADSR
3 LFO (2 with configurable waveform, 1 with CV frequency control)
1 custom CV GENERATOR with 4 different algorithms (Attack Release, dual LFO, Random, Non Linear)
1 audio effects processor with 4 different effect (Distortion, delay, bitcrush, waveshaper)
1 ring modulator
1 CV controlled MIX (for VCO1 and VCO2)
2 octaves keyboard with portamento
1 digital matrix to connect CV to modulation fader
1 Stereo line-IN with envelope follower and gate control
1 MIDI input (note / velocity / pitch wheel / modulation wheel / control change)
3 analog CV IN and 1 GATE IN
1 light sensor

Why will you love it?
Since it is very small, you can carry this synthesizer everywhere. You can even use a 9V battery as power supply. With an embedded audio multi-effect, you don’t need anything else!

But this synthesizer can also adapt to your setup: add a midi keyboard and your ready for endless jam.

OCS-2 is also perfect as a computer complement : prepare some midi loop and use them in combination with the modulation faders as CV controls.

With a line audio input, 3 analogue Control Voltage In, and one 0/5V Gate IN, OCS-2 can also be a great addition to your modular setup.

The extensive number of physical control allow an easy and effective sound tuning. 30 faders intent a direct access to all sound parameters, so you can only focus on the music.

The light sensors is also a great for music expressiveness : use the shade of your hand to control your sound! Your performance on stage will never be the same thanks to this feature. This is also attractive for studio work since it introduce a very different control than a fader rotation."

SnapClap DIY handclap synthesizer demo

Published on Apr 10, 2016 ktozjadlciastka

"This is a final version of my SnapClap synthesizer designed only for handclap sounds. This one is build in eurorack format module, 12HP width. The sound is made from CLAP part (series of pulses) and NOISE part (decaying white noise).

Controls:
- clap pitch (pot) - pitch of series of pulses,
- clap decay (pot) - density of pulses,
- clap variation (switch) - causes each pulse to have different lenght,
- noise pitch (pot) - cutoff frequency of BP filter, changes noise color,
- noise decay (pot) - noise envelope lenght,
- output level (pot),
- sensivity (pot) - of the sound triggering input,
- autotrigger speed (pot),
- autotrigger on/off (pot),
- humanizer on/off (switch).

Inputs / outputs:
- "synth" trigger input - for standars 10 ms pulse,
- "sound" trigger input - connected witch sensivity control, lets you trigger claps with any source,
- line output.

Power supply:
- max. 50 mA @ +12 V,
- max. 10 mA @ -12 V,
- works well with +/- 15 V.

PCB:
- double sided,
- 100 x 80 mm,
- no very rare parts."

The Jasper EDP Wasp Clone

Jasper Synthesizer Demo Published on Apr 9, 2016 LektroiD

"This is my build of The Jasper; an EDP Wasp Clone, originally designed by Wagner & Hugget. The current design is by Jason L of the Muffwiggler forum. This was a limited PCB set of only 100 units."

MESSE 2016: Lab4Music Sapario - Advanced MIDI Router

Published on Apr 9, 2016 sonicstate

"Turns your keyboard into a MIDI powerhouse"

http://www.lab4music.it

MESSE 2016: Theresyn - One Unique Theremin Inspired Instrument!

Published on Apr 7, 2016

"MESSE 2016: Theresyn - One Unique Theremin Inspired Instrument! Nori Ubukota takes us through his instrument"

Update: I did a little digging and it turns out the circuit design of the Theresyn is from none other than Yves Usson, of YuSynth and of course the Arturia MiniBrute, MicroBrute and MaxiBrute.

via ETHERMIN.COM

Project conceptor : Nori Ubukata (left)
Circuits’ design & developement : Yves Usson (right)
Wood craft : Chris Dubier (middle)

"You love theremins and synthesizers? Then, you’re bound to love the Thérésyn, a new hybrid instrument !

As stated in the name, the Thérésyn is a mixture of a theremin and a synthesizer. To be more specific, it is an analog theremin, with various synthesizers adds on, as well as other interesting functionalites.

The Thérésyn has been imagined by Nori Ubukata (Japanese sound designer, composer and thereminist, ex. ARTURIA sound and specification designer) and all the circuits has been designed and developped by Yves Usson (French scientist in cellular and molecular biology, well-known creator of the ARTURIA Minibrute synthesizer).

Originally, the theremin part of the Thérésyn was to be made with Theremin.Uno, but for technical reason, Yves Usson finally designed his own circuit, using the heterodyne principle.

Here is a small technical overview :
- 7 octaves range
- Foldable antennas
- Touch trigger pad with pressure sensor (inspired from Konstantin Kovalsky’s theremin)
- Resonator with Jawari (inspired from the Palm du diffuser of the Ondes Martenot)
- Built in speaker
- Power supply by AC outlet or battery
- Headphone output
- Tuner output
- Two audio outputs (one for the instrument and another one for the resonator)
- Mute switch
- Pitch tracking Multimode Filter
- Envelop generator (available in pad trigger mode)
- Possibility of mixing the Thérésyn OSC with VCO waves
- VCO with several waveforms (saw, square, pulse, white noise and tri-saw with metalizer)
- Volume antenna mode, pad trigger pressure mode and pad trigger EG mode are switchable"

Lumen: the Electro-Acoustic Handpan on Indiegogo

Published on Mar 29, 2016 Lumen Handpan

"What it is, what we're about, where we're going."

Tamzin on Lumen Handpan wrote in to let us know about their electronic Handpan. The video above will tell you what it is. Note it has MIDI output to control external gear. You can support the campaign on Indiegogo here.


"The Lumen is an electronic percussion instrument in the form of a handpan, which provides the unique playing experience of it's acoustic inspiration, with the added benefits that electronics bring. It features built-in amplified speakers, an advanced on-board audio processor and full velocity sensitivity.

We want artists around the world to be able to pick up the instrument, turn it on and play - no need to connect to any other equipment. Being an electronic instrument, you can of course output the audio signal or MIDI messages straight from the Lumen."

Superbooth 2016: Polyend Perc MIDI TO Physical Drum Strike

Published on Apr 5, 2016 sonicstate

"Superbooth 2016: Polyend Perc MIDI TO Physical Drum Strike MIDI up your drums with these aluminium balls"

Nr Synth Alligator & Caïman Analog Hardware Synthesizers with Vintage Oscillator & Filter Designs

Published on Mar 8, 2016 Nr Synth

This one in via Soviet Space Child. Above are demos for the Alligator and below for the Caïman. Each offers three oscillators and two filters. You can select between vintage Moog 921, ARP 2600 (4027-1), or ARP Odyssey oscillators.  For the two filters you can chose any combination of Moog 904A, Minimoog, ARP 4072, Stiener, EMS, SEM, and ARP 4023 (Odyssey) filters. The Alligator offers a "Moog Trio" option which they claim to be the equivalent of a Moog System 33/55, including the 904B (HPF), 904C (HPF), and 904C (coupler). The oscillators and filters are analog so you have to make your choice when ordering similar to Studio Electronic synths which feature different filters for their Boomstar, ATC and SE synths. Both the Alligator & Caïman feature a clone of the Moog 902 VCA. See the full specs for each below.

Details on the Alligater here: http://www.nrsynth.com/crbst_8_en.html

Nr Synth Caïman + Beatstep

Published on Mar 24, 2016 Nr Synth

Details on the Caïman here: http://www.nrsynth.com/crbst_9_en.html

Details also captured below for the archives.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Future Artist MIDI Looper at Superbooth 16

Published on Apr 4, 2016 Ask.Audio

Note this is the first post to feature Future Artist. The MIDI Looper comes in three colors: black, sky blue, and purple (not pictured below).

Some details via Future Artist:

"The MIDI Looper serves as the automated helping hand for the electric piano, synthesizer or accordion player. It helps performing live sessions as well as producing complex melodies.

To play acurately to the beat and to record a perfectly played note sequence is a challenge for beginners but also for professionals. By using the MIDI Looper the musician is able to record MIDI note sequence and quantize note patterns dynamically.

The high polyphony allows complex melodic and tonal variations by parallel processing of MIDI note and controller data
By using an additional foot switch, the musician can entirely concentrate playing the instrument with both hands

Features:
Recording and simultaneous playback of MIDI music notes as well as MIDI Controller data
Visual feedback at recordings and playbacks (display of music notes activities and clock speed)
4 independent operable tracks with individual length (1…64 beats)
Record of up to 1000 music notes and 1000 controller values (maximum 250 music notes + 250 controller values per track)
64 times polyphony
Quantization of note positions during play is adjustable every time (Steps: 1/96, 1/32, 1/24, 1/16, 1/12, 1/8, 1/6, 1/4 beat)
Clock speed is adjustable at every time (60…210bpm)
Output of MIDI Clock via MIDI OUT and USB as MIDI Clock Master (configuration of time base = "internal“)
Can be synchronized to MIDI Clock via MIDI IN and USB as MIDI Clock Slave (configuration of time base = "external MIDI“ or "external USB“)
Controls:
2 multi colored illuminated buttons
2 encoders with push button
optional: foot switch connectable
Connections:
USB (power supply, optional connection to PC)
MIDI input (Processing of: note on / off, Midi Control, Midi Clock)
MIDI output (output of: note on / off, Midi Control, Midi Clock)
3.5mm jack for foot switch
Housing:
Size: approx 121mm x 66mm x 40mm
case powder coated and optional lackered (black, sky blue, purple)"