MATRIXSYNTH: News

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Introducing KORG Collection - Filter Ark: A new world of classic and modern filter design


video upload by Korg

"Collection - Filter Ark is now available.

By combining faithfully modelled classic filters with newly developed modern designs, and giving you powerful ways to combine and modulate them, Filter Ark becomes a deep, expressive environment for contemporary sound design."



"A new world of classic and modern filter design

For decades, the KORG Collection series has recreated KORG’s most iconic instruments using CMT (Component Modeling Technology), preserving the sound and character that shaped generations of synthesis. Filter Ark builds on that foundation and takes it further, placing the filter at the centre of the creative process. By combining faithfully modelled classic filters with newly developed modern designs, and giving you powerful ways to combine and modulate them, Filter Ark becomes a deep, expressive environment for contemporary sound design.

Combine up to four legendary filters at once to unlock sound design possibilities that were previously out of reach. Stack multiple iconic filters, blend vintage character with newly designed filter types, and build complex signal paths that evolve over time. With a powerful modulation system including LFOs, an Envelope Follower, and a Step Sequencer, Filter Ark gives you the tools to create movement, depth, and expression far beyond traditional filtering.

Faithfully modeled legendary filters

At the heart of Filter Ark are the filters that helped define the sound of synthesizer history. From the raw drive of the MS-20 and the smooth sweeps of the Polysix, to the warm thickness of the miniKORG 700s and the sharp resonance of the ARP ODYSSEY, these iconic designs are faithfully recreated with exceptional accuracy.

Each filter features its original user interface, allowing you to shape classic tones intuitively while preserving the distinctive character and response of the instruments that made them legendary.


Innovative modern filter types

Filter Ark also introduces a new generation of modern filter designs. Newly developed types include physically modelled resonators and a vowel filter that simulates human vocal formants, expanding the creative possibilities far beyond classic approaches. These filters invite experimentation and open up distinctive new ways to shape sound, from subtle tonal colour to highly expressive and unconventional textures.


Flexible routing with up to four filters

Flexible routing sits at the core of Filter Ark’s design. Combine up to four filters in series, parallel, feedback, and other configurations to build signal paths that simply aren’t possible with conventional filter plug-ins. Whether you’re shaping subtle tonal detail or creating complex, evolving effects, the routing architecture encourages exploration and rewards experimentation. Ready-made routing templates are also included, providing a clear starting point while still leaving room to go deep.


A unique and powerful modulation system

Filter Ark features a flexible modulation system designed to bring movement and expression to your sound. It includes a morphable LFO, an Envelope Follower with side-chain input, a customisable Step Sequencer with adjustable steps and playback modes, and a Random Generator. Together, these modulation sources make it easy to create evolving textures, rhythmic motion, and dynamic response that go far beyond static filtering."

For more information:
https://www.korg.com/us/products/soft...

Purchase the new KORG Collection - Filter Ark at the KORG Shop:
https://korg.shop/korg-collection-fil..."

Weston Precision Audio Introduces Trivium Eurorack Module



"Compact analog multi-function back end

Trivium is a collaboration between Weston Precision Audio and modular/hybrid music performer and producer Trovarsi. At the most basic level, Trivium provides all that you need to make a versatile voice in your modular synthesizer with the addition of any signal source such as a VCO, all in a compact 12HP package.

The core functions inside Trivium are as follows: A discrete OTA state variable voltage-controlled filter, a VCA, a ADSR type envelope, a AD/AR envelope, and a routing section allowing assignment of the envelopes as well as the pre/post arrangement of the filter and VCA. Trivium’s discrete VCF provides a clean but warm sound. Coupled with the VCA’s overdrive section, a lot of sonic ground can be covered, from clean and precise to dirty and distorted."

Sinevibes Integer – lounge vibes (with JE-8086 synthesizer)


video upload by Sinevibes

"Integer is a digital-analog buffer device, designed and developed by Sinevibes. Available as an effect plugin for Mac, Windows and Linux. Product page: https://www.sinevibes.com/integer"



"Integer is a digital-analog buffer device effect plugin for Mac, Windows and Linux. At its core is a delay engine based on a variable sample rate technology: just like analog “bucket bridge device” chips, this algorithm produces different delay time values by varying the speed of its internal sample clock. The plugin offers multiple buffer size and output interpolation options, as well as an ultra-wide clock range – from just hundreds of Hz up to tens of MHz, making it possible to drastically vary the audio resolution and character. A flexible sine generator is also included for modulating the delay time, with optional stereo expansion and gradual chaotic randomization. Integer has a sophisticated bipolar feedback system with signal amplification, adjustable low-pass and high-pass filters, plus a brick-wall limiter that prevents overloads but lets the signal endlessly loop through the filters and the variable sample rate buffer. Thanks to its elastic, tape-like behavior, the pitch glide effects during delay time changes do not affect what’s in the feedback loop. With all these features combined, Integer is capable of a huge variety of effects – ranging from delay, chorus, flanger to charismatic loops and drones, brick-wall filtering, sample rate manipulation, and anything in between.

Chompi: a Complete Walkthrough | Tape 2.0


video upload by Sonic Cartography

"A complete walkthrough of Chompi and its recently released Tape 2.0 firmware, providing an in-depth demo and tutorial on all its features. Following the structure of Chompi's manual, it’s organized like a video game that gradually builds up your understanding of Chompi, starting at level 0 and going to level 8 (plus a bonus level). If you already have a Chompi, you can use this video as a reference guide/video manual. If you don't have one, you can use it to learn about this chromatic sampler from Chase Bliss and Chompi Club.

Table of contents:

0:00 - Intro / Preview

1:24 - Level 00: Hardware
1. Summarize Chompi in one sentence
2. Identify the external parts
3. Connect cables
4. Power up

Discovery Pro 8.13 released


video upload by discoDSP

"Discovery Pro 8.13 - Shadow Wave 3D Redesign + DSP enhancements
https://www.discodsp.com/discoverypro/

Discovery Pro receives its most dramatic visual transformation yet with the all-new Shadow Wave skin, plus enhanced analog filter behavior.

🎨 Shadow Wave 3D Redesign
Complete interface overhaul featuring premium 3D aesthetics with realistic depth, shadows, and dimensional shading. The flat vector design has been replaced with a modern, refined look while maintaining Discovery Pro's iconic workflow.

🔊 Moog Ladder Filter Enhancement
Smooth cubic blending for authentic resonant sounds and classic analog filter behavior at high resonance values higher than 95%.

✨ Key Improvements
Enhanced visual clarity and contrast
Refined knob rendering with dimensional depth
Updated typography and displays
Polished professional aesthetics
Display positioning fixes at fractional scales"

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Yamaha | SEQTRAK OS v2.0 update - w/ AI Overdub?


video upload by Yamaha Synths Official

The descriptive overdub sounds like AI to me. If anyone knows otherwise, feel free to comment. Thought it was interesting if so. This might be the first video from a synth manufacturer to feature an AI vocal description.

"SEQTRAK OS v2.0 brings new creative flexibility and faster workflows for music makers.
This update introduces new Track Types, expanded global controls, and improved app backup functionality to help you capture ideas, customise your setup, and stay focused on creativity.

Key features include:
New Track Types: Convert Drum Tracks into AWM2 Synth Tracks or combine multiple Drum Tracks into a single Drumkit Track.
Expanded BARLENGTH control: Now available on Drum Tracks for consistent phrase editing across your project.
Enhanced ALL knob functions: Make quick global adjustments to Volume, BPM, Swing, Scale, and more.
SEQTRAK APP v2.0: Improved backup and sound management for safer, more portable workflows.

SEQTRAK OS v2.0 is designed to keep your creative process fast, flexible, and performance-ready.

Download OS v2.0: https://yamaha.io/40aOqGn
Explore the Seqtrak here: https://www.yamaha.com/2/seqtrak"

ARPf returns to the West Coast!



via The Alan R Pearlman Foundation

ARPf returns to the West Coast!

Yep - we're headed back to California for NAMM - and more! Here's the scoop:

Events

Thursday January 22:
Registration opens for our NAMM giveaway!
Friday January 23:
Anthony Marinelli at our booth

Blue Meanie All Day: See the rarest ARP there is! Nicknamed the "Blue Marvin" after ARP's CFO, Marvin Cohen, due to its bright blue metal case and unique features - while the actual name was "Blue Marvin," the nickname "Blue Meanie" stuck! Only about 25 were made in 1971, making them highly sought after.

ARP 2600: Drew Schlesinger demonstrates patches using the 2600 software included in the Korg Collection VST
Saturday January 24
Artists at our booth - TBA

Giveaways at 4:00pm:

Poster signed by Martin Gore
Soul of the Machine CDs


And one lucky person will win the full Korg Collection 6:

Magical sounds, authentically re-created by KORG.
The ultimate synthesizer suite for the ages.

The KORG Collection is a suite of software synthesizers that methodically and accurately recreates the authentic sound and behavior of legendary KORG synthesizers for the present day and beyond. The KORG Collection project began with analogue synths such as the MS-20, Polysix and Mono/Poly, and has steadily evolved to include digital synths such as the world’s most popular synth, the legendary microKORG, the workstation classics M1 and TRITON, and physical modeling synthesis from the renowned Prophecy. The KORG Collection even includes the ARP ODYSSEY and ARP 2600, both revived for the 21st century by KORG.

In 2025, KORG added three legendary instruments to the KORG Collection – each an icon of its era, celebrated for their distinctive presence and heard over decades in countless classic tracks. The TRINITY, PS-3300 and SGX-2.


As if NAMM weren't enough all on its own - there's Buchla & Friends on Sunday, January 24.

Buchla & Friends is January’s biggest two-day collection of hands-on synths on the West Coast! If you love creative sound, you need to be here. With a pre-party on Thursday, afterparty on Saturday, and two days of exploring all the greatest gear, Buchla & Friends is an essential start to the new year.

They're gathering over 90 synth makers in one awesome Downtown Los Angeles location so you can learn, listen, and live the latest in electronic music sound production. This hands-on, headphones-only gathering gives you a chance to hear the best sounds science has ever created. From additive to subtractive, analog to digital, keyboards to breath, audio to visual, modular to full-size polyphonic, eurorack to Serge to Buchla, you’ll meet synth makers and synth enthusiasts alike.

Register on eventbrite: https://bnf26.eventbrite.com



NAMMSALE!

We're celebrating NAMM with a sale - up to 15% off everything in the shop!

Introducing PlayAUDIO2U: The Ultimate Live Performance AUDIO & MIDI Interface from iConnectivity


video upload by iConnectivity

Check with dealers on the right for availability.



Press releae follows:

CALGARY, Alberta – January 13, 2025 – iConnectivity today announces the highly anticipated follow-up to the industry-standard PlayAUDIO1U, the new PlayAUDIO2U. Building on a reputation of made-to-tour live performance solutions, the PlayAUDIO2U sets a new benchmark for professional touring rigs with a powerful 24 balanced XLR output configuration and four pristine, ultra-low noise microphone preamps. The PlayAUDIO2U interface maintains and improves upon iConnectivity's famous redundancy failover protection for touring musicians, production companies, and any live event where failure is not an option.

The PlayAUDIO2U introduces not only an expanded output count of 24 panel-reinforced XLR outs but also integrates versatile new concepts into iConnectivity's PlayAUDIO range. Four pristine, studio-quality inputs are perfect for injecting vocals, guitars, synths, and other instruments for live processing—all while enjoying iConnectivity's famous redundancy protection.

iConnectivity has always been known for robust MIDI integration. The PlayAUDIO2U is the first of iConnectivity's interfaces to feature built-in MIDI control via integrated control buttons on the front panel of the interface, allowing convenient, hands-on control of your performance.

The physical build of the PlayAUDIO2U might be its most revolutionary innovation, combining extensive inputs, outputs, and extreme MIDI connectivity into one rugged 2U rackable enclosure. All I/O ports are specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of daily touring—designed to be plugged directly into stage boxes and house sound systems every day. You can say goodbye to complex, fragile setups. Now building a reliable touring rig is as simple as installing a single PlayAUDIO2U in a rack.

Eplex7 DSP Releases Psylead SX4 Plugin Synthesizer


video uploads by Eplex7 DSP

Press release follows:


Eplex7 DSP releases Psylead SX4 plugin synthesizer

Stop sounding like everyone else – create your own original sonic dimension.

A new, Unique type of Sound. A sound that Cuts through your Mix.

If you want your track to have a true 3D space, you need different types of synthesizers for different colors and sound character.
Maybe you're thinking now... Why do I need another synth?

G-Sonique Introduces REAL Analog Modular synths FX1 VST /AU Plug-in Instrument


video upload by G-Sonique

Press release follows:


G-Sonique Analog Modular FX – VST / AU plug-in instrument.

Analog modular synthesizers are relatively expensive, take up quite a lot of space and creating sounds is a very lengthy process (plus it is complex and not every producer can master it).

However, their sound is unique. Compared to digital synthesizers, their sound is much more organic, expressive and punchy in the mix, even though it is often mono (unless you use some stereo parts and effect modules), it sounds 3D. Simply put, their sound is not static and cold like digital synthesizers, but constantly evolving/alive/warm - thanks to the fact that electronic components behave non-linearly and under the influence of various factors (such as heat, current) their sound modulates itself every millisecond. With digital you will probably never create such lively, organic and constantly changing sounds - such sharp, cutting filters and resonances, textures, metallic analog sounds or twisted twisted effects. The sound of modular analog synthesizers will give your songs a completely different dimension, analog color, warmth and character of something real/organic. It’s the essential tool for professional sound design and adding that sought-after vintage character to your mix.

Modular synthesizers excel mainly in the field of FX, soundscapes and experimental sounds. Producers often use them for unique tension builders and complex cinematic sound effects.

So if you don't have the space and possibilities and especially the time to spend long hours programming a single sound, don't despair. We have prepared for you a multi-octave VST / AU plug-in instrument full of banks created using analog modular synthesizers. This is your shortcut to authentic analogue synthesis, instantly available as high-quality modular samples / multi-octave multi-layer banks.

The combination of digital and modular analog is very interesting and gives tracks a completely new dimension, sound and atmosphere. Get the best of both worlds: digital workflow convenience with true analogue character.

Analog Modular FX1 is perfect for many genres from different branches of psytrance such as: darkpsy / forest psytrance, also full-on psytrance, experimental zenon style progressive psytrance, night psytrance, modern goatrance, but also hitech / hightech, psycore. However, these FX sounds can also be used in other genres, for example modern techno, which is mixing more and more with other elements. Also suitable for rave music, bolder tech house, breakbeat. Also great for experimental genres, glitch, dark ambient. Modular sounds and FX are perfect for futuristic cinematic music / video game music, thriller and horror music. The sounds can also be pre-effected, making them suitable for other genres, such as dark drum and bass, neurofunk intros/stoptimes/outros, hardcore techno, gabber, industrial techno, EBM. Use them as powerful risers, drops, and complex transitions.

Includes: Analog monster modular voices, Modular laboratory experimental bubbling experiments, Alien analog FX, Spirals, Twisters, Risers, Multidimensional resonators, Distorted screamers, Alien pipes, Analog underground pipes and tubes, Organic sweeps, High pitched howling sounds, Funky twisters, Metal FX, Acid analog rave sound FXs, analog modular textures and pads, Electrostatic pulsations, Mysterious modular atmospheres, Alchemical bubbling sounds, UFO analog patches, Extraterrestrial atmospheres, Dark atmospheric sounds, Extraterrestrial analog modular samples, Metal sounds, Nonlinear modulated twisted sounds, Short spirals and spring reverb sounds, Electron and quark sounds, Electrostatic discharges, Alien animal howling sounds and much more.

Perfect for producers looking for cinematic sound design, modular synth VST, organic analog textures, experimental plugin instruments, soundscape creation tools, psytrance sound packs, modular synth FX, atmospheric VST plugins, glitch & IDM tools, techno sound design instruments, professional sound libraries for electronic music, best vst instruments for edm, modular vst plugins for mac and windows, vst synth for ambient and cinematic music, experimental analog vst download, modular synth vst free/paid alternative.


All sounds/banks are created in a wide range of octaves, ranging from C3-C4-C5-C6-C7. This ensures maximum flexibility for your sound design needs in any DAW (e.g., FL Studio, Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic Pro, Reaper, Studio One and others).

Monday, January 12, 2026

Drone Scope by Tim Kaiser


video upload by Tim Kaiser

Synth South West - Pro Synth Network's First Live Event!


video upload by Pro Synth Network



"Pro Synth Network is proud to announce our very first live event, Synth South West, in the picturesque seaside town of Dawlish, on March 21st, 2026.

Nestled on the Devonshire coast, and easily accessible by both road and rail (or boat for the adventurous!). Dawlish will provide a beautiful backdrop to our maiden event.

During the day, there will be a synth expo at The Strand Centre, featuring synth manufacturers, enthusiasts and performers. In the evening, we move across the road to The Shaftsbury Theatre for an evening of electronic music with some of the most talented live performers within our community.

Our headline act is Dave Bessell, one quarter of synth supergroup NODE! We also have a rare performance from Film & TV composer, Ty Unwin and flying in from the USA, Mr Spiral, aka Dr Mike Metlay. And our very own Peter James Stephen will be kicking the evening off!

Visit https://www.synthsouthwest.com/ to book your tickets. The day and evening events are ticketed separately at £10 pp each, but buy both tickets and save £2!"

"Concert Line up:

Peter James-Stephen Breaking the Sound Barrier
Dr Mike Metlay Mr Spiral and Guess
Ty Unwin
and Dave Bessell from Node

Tickets £10 for Daytime Expo
£10 for Concert
or £18 for both"

Bob Moog Foundation to Showcase Keith Emerson Moog Modular System Reissue at NAMM 2026




via The Bob Moog Foundation

"The Bob Moog Foundation is excited for NAMM 2026 where we will be sharing a Keith Emerson Moog Modular System Reissue, on loan from Orange Coast Modular. This colossal synthesizer, valued at $150,000, is one of only five ever made. Demonstrations are scheduled with musicians Lisa Bella Donna, Andrew Colyer & Robert Berry, and Rachel Flowers, along with the reissue's co-developer, synth historian Brian Kehew. The appearance schedule is as follows [line-up image below]

Join us for these wonderful performances (on one epic synthesizer!) during the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Convention, at the Anaheim Convention Center, booth 10604! Find out more about NAMM HERE."


"TEC Tracks Panel: Honoring the Legacy of Keith Emerson

Be sure to attend what will surely be an engaging TEC Tracks panel, celebrating Keith Emerson's life and career, nearly 10 years after his passing. The panelists include Steve Porcaro (TOTO), Emerson's fianceé, Mari Kawaguchi, keyboard virtuosa Rachel Flowers, Moog historian Brian Kehew, and former Moog engineer and tech to Keith Emerson, Rich Walborn, with Michelle Moog-Koussa moderating. The panel is scheduled from 4pm to 5pm on Friday, January 23rd in Hilton California B.

See you in Anaheim!"

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Fasttracker II (FT2) Plugin


video upload by Blamstrain

"Fasttracker II as a VST3/AU/LV2 plugin. Download at https://github.com/juho/ft2-plugin"

This one is in via

Juho
Blamstrain
www.blamstrain.com

He had the following to say:

"I’ve been working on a VST3/AU/LV2 plugin port of the standalone Fasttracker II (from 1996) originally made by Triton Productions and now maintained by 8bitbubsy. It’s free and available for MacOS (both modern and 10.14+ (Mojave)), Windows and Linux. It is a complete rewrite of bubsy’s version, but is still a fork of his work."

Here's a tutorial series from Ocean View of the stand alone version from 8 years ago:

Fast Tracker 2 Complete Tutorial

video uploads by Ocean View

#JAMUARY2026: OUTGROWTH + MUSIKRAKEN HAND-TRACKING


video upload by Perplex On

"Love what @aqeelaadamsound and @blankfor.ms crafted with their awesome #outgrowth app ❤️❤️❤️ Here i‘m using it as a granular instrument hosted in #musikraken to use camera-tracked hand gestures to move through various waveforms. Left-right movement is mapped to sample/playback start while hand openness is mapped to grain window size. Going out of frame and back in triggers a new waveform using Outgrowth‘s round-robin playback feature. So much fun and yet so much more to explore there…"



Outgrowth is a sample-based instrument built collaboratively by Aqeel Aadam Sound and BlankFor.ms. Designed with creativity, flexibility, and performance in mind, Outgrowth provides unique, multifaceted ways to reimagine audio with your mouse or keyboard.

Outgrowth features five unique engines for processing samples:

Stem: A basic one-shot style player that repitches the sample
Retain: A granular stretching engine that sustains the sample indefinitely
Reflect: A looping algorithm that loops the sample at a consistent rate across all pitches
Radiate: An additive resynthesizer that maps each harmonic of the sample to a sine wave oscillator
Delve: A wavetable synthesizer in which the sample becomes the basis for a completely unique wavetable

Outgrowth also features five standout audio effects for shaping your sounds further:

Subvert: A unique shaper that flattens or inverts the sample’s volume
Submerge: A singular effect for adding dimensional realism to sample repitching
Strike: A dynamic control for adding an acoustic-like response to sample playback and performance
Ripple: A one-knob tape emulation handcrafted by BlankFor.ms that can be subtle, deconstructive, and anywhere in between
Smear: A pre-ADSR reverb for congealing notes and blurring boundaries between pitch and texture

And further still, Outgrowth offers a robust modulation matrix for generative or performative control over all parameters. Control every single parameter within Outgrowth via LFOs, unique random sources, velocity, note pitch, aftertouch, MPE control, and more.

Finally, Outgrowth offers a robust preset system, including more than 50 bespoke presets and over 100 samples by BlankFor.ms. Explore ethereal ambient pads, haunted lofi keys, shimmering tape-infused plucks, gnarled percussive textures, and more."

OUTGROWTH TAPE | OUTGROWTH LYRA8
video uploads by Aqeel Aadam

Outgrowth - Feature showcases

video uploads by Aqeel Aadam

Friday, January 09, 2026

Space Synth 8-bit Glitch Synthesizer




This one is in via Ivan Trajkovic aka dejayiwan

"I made a new online 'glitch synth' with seq, randomizer and slider controls"

You can find it here.

The Crow Hill Company Introduces VAULTS - TUNED GONGS


video upload by CROW HILL

"There is a cave, near Rome, Italy, and in that cave they make gongs. In this video Christian unveils the latest free offering as part of our vault range. An extraordinary quartet of tuned gongs, designed and used by meditation gurus as part of gong bath setups we decided, in this "first pancake" to leather them. Much to their sonic distress."

Press release follows:


The Crow Hill Company brings beautiful set of tuned gongs to free VAULTS… VI collection as …TUNED GONGS, a downloadable drop with a difference

EDINBURGH, UK: The Crow Hill Company is proud to bring a beautiful set of tuned gongs to its free VAULTS… VI (Virtual Instrument) collection as …TUNED GONGS — germinated as a downloadable drop with a difference, effectively enabling anyone to play an extraordinary quartet of harmonised gongs designed and used by meditation gurus as part of gong bath setups in a way that was never intended by their Italian creator after being bought and sampled by composer Christian Henson, original founder of the Edinburgh-based enterprise, abiding, as always, by its Make Music, Your Music motto — as of January 8…

It is sometimes said — quite often, truth be told — that All roads lead to Rome. And although that popular proverb does not apply to The Crow Hill Company’s VAULTS - TUNED GONGS in the true sense of those words’ intended meaning, Italy’s capital city could be said to have played a passing part in the VI in question’s road to reality. Composer Christian Henson picks up the tentative thread, teasing, “There is a cave, just outside Rome, and in that cave they make gongs; we’re not sponsored by them — they don’t even know we’re making this thing. They do more than you’d expect out of a big cymbal.”

Changing tact, Christian Henson clarifies: “Ask any member of The Crow Hill team about my attention span and they will say that whilst, like most of us musos, I have the capacity for hyper-focus, I’m also easily distracted — especially when it comes to something new. We’re meant to be working on a fascinating new addition to the Origins… series, but, unfortunately, I’m easy prey for an Instagram post featuring an instrument I hadn’t heard before. Correction: I’d heard gongs before; I’ve even had the chance to play one, but none that sounded like these ones. Or rather this one. The big one. So I bought a whole tree of them! That’s what’s so fulfilling about this Crow Hill project; we get to make investments on behalf of the composing fraternity, so we all get a go.”

Get this, though. “This VAULTS… features four incredible-sounding tuned gongs that were designed, I suspect, for gong bath therapy,” theorises The Crow Hill Company’s original founder, following up with some characteristically vibrant verbiage: “Beautiful, bold fundamentals; mystical, engaging harmonics; and also a bottom end that shakes the room. I very much get the feeling that these gongs are not designed to be whacked. They really do complain when they’re abused in this way. The big one… well, she growls like a distant dragon, while the smallest protests in the shape of a scoop up an entire perfect fifth before it reluctantly settles into its fundamental. We’ve basically overlapped them and layered them to give you a quite rudimentary piano-style, chromatic instrument.”

It is fair to say, then, that the sometimes badly behaving VAULTS - TUNED GONGS sounds somewhat different to any of its software siblings. Saying that, though, its intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface) is comfortingly familiar to anyone who has laid eyes on any VAULTS… release, identical in (almost) all aspects — bar its distinguishing background colour change — to all of The Crow Hill Company’s current collection. “Front end-wise, we’ve got EXPRESSION on CC11,” continues Christian Henson. “On the gongs that are higher in pitch you do get a kind of rumble, so I would recommend being very cautious about the SUB BASS control — particularly when you close the LPF [Low Pass Filter], when there’s a super-wide low end, which is so difficult to achieve; getting that kind of fatness, but also having that stereo width is pretty incredible. If you’re confident with your bass response in your studio or on your headphones, then go for it, but this thing really does shake the room. Then we’ve got some DELAY. You can make it even wider with the REVERB, and, because we’re naughty, there’s a little bit of CRYSTALLIZER in there, which is just incredible. As always with the VAULTS… macros, they’re designed so that you can’t make it sound terrible — everything has a subtle musical quality to it.”

Concludes Christian Henson: “We’re doing something incredibly exciting; a new way of sampling, but also treating these gongs with utmost respect, appreciating their soft, infinitely nuanced harmonics that change on every hit. The distraction has become a serious one, taking weeks as they’re not easy to record. When something is shaking the room and all the air inside it, what do you mic? So we needed a test recording. What better way of ushering in 2026 than with a shuddering tree of room-shaking gongs? There are some lower dynamics in there, which will give you a sense of where we’re headed with this project — a useful tuned metallophone that’s difficult to place, but, really, the purpose of this VAULTS… is to gong these! For that odd time you need a gong for a cue, these are pure class. I also found turning my speakers up and playing at full velocity to be an excellent way of getting my teenagers down for breakfast; they don’t like them at all.”

VAULTS… releases from The Crow Hill Company — including …TUNED GONGS — are free for all to download and make music with for the rest of their lives from here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/vaults/

For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated VAULTS - TUNED GONGS webpage here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/tuned-gongs/"

Thursday, January 08, 2026

Soundplant v.59 Released for Windows & Mac - Soft Sampler Adds MIDI CC, Infinite Undo, & More


Soundplant 59 beat demo: Only2x video upload by Marcel Blum

"Making a beat from a chopped up spy theme with Soundplant, the computer keyboard sample triggering software for Windows & Mac. Version 59 now available for free download at: https://soundplant.org/"



Press release follows:

Caldwell, NJ, USA - Independent developer Marcel Blum has released Soundplant® 59 for Windows and Mac, a major update to the long running sample triggering software for QWERTY keyboards and MIDI devices. Version 59 brings MIDI CC support for customizable control of Soundplant knobs, infinite undo for editing convenience and a/b testing between different effect settings, a master output limiter-compressor for fine tuning dynamics processing, increased sound loading speed with improved multithreading, and other optimizations and fixes.

Soundplant is a standalone software sampler prioritizing low latency and stability for live use, enabling instant playback of any format sound files from standard computer keyboard keys or MIDI. An invaluable tool for sound designers, theater techs, DJs, producers, podcasters, gamers, and streamers, it can mix tons of sounds at once, queue playlists, trigger in the background with global hotkeys while using other apps, record its own output or any input (or both at the same time), and more, all with a powerfully simple drag and drop interface allowing users to create professional soundboards with the ease of dropping sound files onto onscreen keys.

Discussing his Oscar-nominated work on acclaimed biopic A Complete Unknown, sound mixer Terence McCormack Maitland said, "On set when possible, we create a realistic soundscape for the cast. In order to do this we used Soundplant, a deceptively capable app which helped a ton."

Availability & Pricing

Soundplant is available as a free download at https://soundplant.org/ with a 25-launch trial of the paid features. It is free for non-commercial use. A Single User License costs USD $69. Version 59 is a free upgrade for existing license holders who bought in 2023 or later, or a $34.50 upgrade for older license owners. The registered version unlocks professional features including output device selection, expanded sound file format support, output sample rates up to 384 kHz, recording, MIDI, and 'background key input' for global hotkey triggering. Soundplant 59 requires minimum Windows 10 or macOS 10.14.

Doepfer 180-6 (sound.report) 1 to 3 Adjustable Buffer and Attenuator


video upload by Heiner Kruse - The Green Man(TGM) - sound.report

"a new Doepfer module coming soon.."

Wednesday, January 07, 2026

Musyc2 by Fingerlab - Teaser


video upload by Fingerlab

"Musyc2 is a fun and innovative music app using physics to create organic and unique generative song. No need for piano keyboard or music scores, just draw shapes and create stunning visual music!

Musyc2 is the sequel of our famous app Musyc. Built with a modern audio-engine, Musyc2 has all Musyc features plus many new features: Midi In & Out, AudioUnit, MacOS support, new sound kits, new FX modules and many more!

Musyc2 will be available on 1.15.2026.
You can pre-order it now on the AppStore!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musyc2/...

Test, experiment, and create a new kind of music with 55 sound kits and all the physic objects and features. Musyc2 is universal for iPad, iPhone and Mac with no in-app in it, once you bought it, you got it all!

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