arc*C is a 4-voice polytonal instrument in which each voice can continuously arc between two independent synthesis engines. fft based Spectral harmonic / phase distortion. Core system attributes include a 32-complex-envelope matrix, ×4 complex 3-D lattice sequencers, ×4 DSP algorithms,127 presets, a partnered drawing app to paint sound with Google Gemini API integration & a 1.91″ AMOLED display.
spectral core:
unique comb filter topologies
phase distortion core:
> 500 harmonics
for FFT stretching, warping, combing and morphing of odd / even partials.
2 large experimental LUTs each with scanning, 4-quadrant multiplication
& phase warping
Envelope matrix, 3-D Lattice Sequencers, DSP, Google Gemini API & arc*C app. This core is built around 32 complex envelopes and an envelope matrix for all points of control and modulation within the system. These envelopes can have up to 80 break-points and the ability to control segment count, segment looping, rate, amplitude, rate modulation and cycle / trigger source. Randomise envelopes individually or the entire envelope matrix at once.
3-D lattice ×4: arc*C also has ×4 X-Y-Z lattice Cartesian-like sequencers, represented by four mathematical shapes. Each one steers an invisible point through an 8 × 8 × 8 grid and is constrained by division, jitter, swing, stochastic ratchet/repeat subdivision, axis modulation, snake and orbit shape control, 16-scale index, and per-cell parameters (rest/ratchet %, gate %, probability). These can be the basis of chordal polymetric movements, complex spectral drum rhythms and more.
arc*C has ×4 unique DSP algorithms:
Gorbachev gas 2: 16-pole phaser with through-zero, per-stage coefficient offsets and feedback/resonance.
pnp=f: through-zero flanger.
lorax space 2: Hadamard-matrix reverb / FDN structure.
"Shallow Grave is a free filter effect for Windows and Mac.
it comes with a small bank of presets to get you started.
I find it works best with arpeggios and sequenced synth lines or full sounding synth chords but it can create a range of sounds including slow moving filter sweeps and glitchy, tripped out almost distorted sounds.
Jump to the time stamps below for examples.
Just spotted this one in the previous post featuring SICK FOR SYNTH, whose videos have been featured here on the site.
The book is available on Amazon (affiliate link that helps the site but not the reason for the post), and Amazon IT here. Note both versions are in Italian.
Description from Amazon:
"A simple and accessible journey into the world of synthesizers, driven by a passion for electronic music born in the late 80s and enriched by a lifetime of experience"
ARP: The Innovator, The Instruments, The Impact Opening August 9
We invite you to step into the world of innovation with our new exhibition "ARP: The Innovator, The Instruments, The Impact." The impact of ARP synthesizers and the legacy of their innovator Alan R. Pearlman (1925-2019) was vast and deeply influential. From progressive rock and jazz to pop, film, and experimental music, ARP instruments helped shape the sound of a generation and inspired countless artists.
Curated by Brian Kehew, the exhibition brings together a stunning array of instruments, vintage media, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Guest Curator: Brian Kehew
Brian Kehew is a Los Angeles-based producer, engineer, and co-author of Recording The Beatles. Kehew’s deep expertise as a synthesizer programmer and performer with artists such as The Who and The Moog Cookbook brings a uniquely informed perspective to this presentation.
Exhibition Events Day 1: Opening Reception and Concert Celebration Saturday, August 9 @ 6 pm Join guest curator Brian Kehew and Dina Pearlman-Ifil, daughter of Alan R. Pearlman, for an in-depth look at the exhibition. Stay for special performances by renowned synth artists Rupert Greenall, Robin Hatch, and Steve McQuarry. This event is free for museum members, and $30 for non-members.
"‘MUM M8 DSP’ is a low pass filter plug-in emulating the filter used in the classic Akai S950 12 bit sampler with the addition of resonance, saturation and bit depth reduction. This in turn emulates our MUM M8 eurorack module which uses a similar filter design.
In this video we take a quick look at the MUM M8 DSP processing multiple sources in Ableton Live.
The low pass filter gives the recognisable super smooth vacuum like tone sucking sound which works magic on complex sources. The addition of clipped overdrive and intentionally aggressive self oscillating resonance compliment the smooth filter core by juxtaposing it into more wasp like territory with acidic squeals and a more gritty sound.
Unique to the plug-in are a clock bleed switch, introducing audible artifacts into the filter path emulating some of the quirks of the original hardware, and a Bit Depth control for downsampling the input for a more character-rich output.
‘MUM M8 DSP’ offers an authentic digital emulation of the original hardware, recreating its distinct sonic character for use for use in your DAW.
"Ready to explore a new kind of resonance?
HALOS is a physical modeling synthesizer by Behringer, designed to bring strings, membranes, and tubes to life — right inside your Eurorack.
🎧 From deep organic tones to shimmering, evolving harmonics, HALOS turns any trigger, envelope, or noise source into rich, expressive soundscapes.
🚀 Why HALOS?
• Inspired by Mutable Instruments RINGS*
• Three resonator modes: Modal, Sympathetic Strings, Non-linear/Dispersion
• Advanced physical modeling algorithms for strings, membranes, and tubes
• Pseudo-polyphony up to 4 notes
• High-resolution CV control with 16-bit accuracy
• Compact 14 HP format — ideal for modular rigs
✨ Perfect for experimental artists, Eurorack enthusiasts, and sound designers looking to add realism and depth to their modular system.
🎬 Watch the video. Redefine your resonance.
🎶 HALOS is here — and it’s alive."
"Some great sound atmospheres and effects created by our new NOISE BANK Eurorack module.
It features 150 types of noise, various trigger options, and pitch control."
"Arpeggiation is an effect that's characteristic of 8-bit sound chips like the SID. MIDISID has been able to do this, but with no options. This has been on the enhancement list for some time and users have been asking about it."
"The clone is fully drop-in replaceable and is able to coexist with the original vintage chips in the same synthesizer. It can function as VCA and current source for envelope controller on M-cards, or control voltages for TRG boards (and on any other board that uses that chip). It has the same control voltage cutoff point and similar non-linear control curve as the original, so all the control sliders work the same."
Additional details follow:
"The iG00151AP is a replicant of the rare IG00151 Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) chip, which was used by Yamaha in their CS-series analog synthesizers and organs from the 1970s and 80s. The iG00151AP was carefully engineered from the original chip, retaining all of its characteristics and properties, including the peculiar non-linear control curve and cutoff, input and output impedances, and identical power consumption at the same gain setting. This makes the iG00151AP the only "clone" available today that is fully drop-in replaceable and is able to coexist with the original vintage chips in the same synthesizer. While the originals are getting more expensive and harder to find, the availability of the iG00151AP ensures that the CS-series analog synthesizers remain serviceable. One CS-80 synthesizer contains 210 of these chips!
INSTALLATION
To install the iG00151AP, ensure that the marked PIN 1 location on the part matches PIN 1 location on the circuit board. With the pins pointing down, PIN 1 on the original chip is on the left when facing the part number, while the iG00151AP has PIN 1 on the left when facing the component side (not the part number). Carefully orient the part properly and solder it to the circuit board. Clip excess leads as necessary.
WARNING: As with the original chip, a reverse installation will damage the part when power is applied!
CALIBRATION
After installing the part, allow the instrument to warm up and stabilize for at least 30 minutes, then recalibrate the circuit following the procedures of the original manufacturer. Similar to the original chip, the gain may vary from unit to unit. Proper calibration will ensure that the new part performs the same as the original.
As with the original chip, the iG00151AP may have a similar input offset that varies from unit to unit. This manifests itself as a control voltage (CV) feedthrough to the output. Depending on the application, it may be necessary to trim the offset, but this is usually provided in the vintage circuit, if required. No additional offset trim circuitry is necessary if it is installed in the original circuit.
The iG00151AP is compatible with Yamaha CS-80, CS-70m, CS-60, CS-50, CS-40m, CS-30, CS-20m, CS-15D, CS-15, CS-10, CS-5, and other synthesizers and organs that use the IG00151 VCA chip."
"Wolvap Metal Distortion effects pedal is designed using analog circuitry and precision high-quality components. It can produce a wide range of powerful sounds rich in harmonics to achieve distortion with high gain. Features three EQ bands – LOW, MID, HI. The METAL DISTORTION allows you to adjust the sound of your instruments over a wide range of spectrum.
Wolvap Metal Distortion
This effects pedal is designed using analog circuitry and precision high-quality components. The METAL DISTORTION can produce a wide range of powerful sounds rich in harmonics to achieve distortion with high gain. It features three powerful EQ bands – LOW, MID, HI. The METAL DISTORTION allows you to adjust the sound of your instruments over an extremely broad spectrum.
Main features:
LOW control - provides up to 15dB of cut and boost in the bass frequency range
MID control - provides up to 15dB of cut and boost in the middle frequency range
HI control - provides up to 10dB of cut and boost in the treble frequency range
"Experience Discovery Pro, the ultimate virtual analog synthesizer and sampler. With 4 layers, 12 oscillators, WAV and SoundFont support, PADSynth re-synthesis, and Nord Lead 2 SysEx import/export, Discovery Pro offers endless sound creation options. Its arpeggiator, 12 filter types (including Nord Lead 2 and Moog filters), panning modulation, stereo delay, gate and step modulation effects provide unmatched control. Discovery Pro is perfect for any music production."
"Bob Coover, one of the 3rd Wave creators, takes you through some of the new features in the new OS 1.9a update for the 3rd Wave 24 Voice Keyboard and Desktop. These features are also contained in the 3rd Wave 8M that is just being released. The features includes the new unified data import and export, which is a simple way to load and save sounds without needing to load samples or wavetables separately from the programs. Find the update and a bonus sample library on the support page of our website: https://groovesynthesis.com/support/"
0:00 - Loading the OS
2:55 - Current sampling and wavetables
4:49 - Unified data programs and loading a .pgdata program
7:00 - Stereo sample file ability
8:58 - Bulk loading multiple sample programs
11:52 - Examples of transient samples
15:31 - Loading 6 more sample programs
16:40 - Playing examples of two more transient programs
17:20 - Mono LFOs
18:49 - Modulating the sample start point - Drums
20:51 - Modulating the sample start point - Strings
22:34 - Return to Home Screen and Global Key
"This is a record of my performance at the TAM Club VI event held at Stadtwerkstatt in Linz, Austria, on May 14, 2025. Linz is a city that attaches great importance to electronic art, having hosted the Linz Electronic Arts Festival since 1979. This May performance will also be included in Linz's database. I didn’t want to leave anything subpar behind. During the performance, I used the first prototype of Skies, as well as Mannequins' Just Friends and Silhouette. The sound in the venue was unexpectedly wonderful, so that I couldn't help laughing several times during the performance... I recently received the recording of this performance and would like to share it with everyone."
"We are setting up Waldorf Pulse 2 Editor for Waldorf Pulse 2 and going thru the Global Settings that are recommended. This is all done in Ableton Live, so you can follow up how to setup Audio and MIDI tracks and the Editor itself.
Because of a significant raise in the pricings on some of the parts, used in the Little deFormer 3 (especially the casings), I had to do this redesign, in order to avoid raising my prices significantly.
Now, while I was redesigning anyway, some changes were made:
-New design with more comfortable push buttons.
-Push button keyboard and touch pitch bender were added.
-Adjustable RGB LEDs were added to the push buttons.
-Granular sample player were added.
-Wavetable oscillator with 2 warp parameters and 4 warp modes were added (Serum and Waveedit formats).
-Only 2 different models available: LD Zero Digital (no room for analog filter boards) and LD Zero Analog (room for 2 analog filter boards). No complicated analog options.
-Comes with 2 audio inputs and 4 audio outputs. No additional audio ins/outs are available. -Only CV in/out via AnaX USB. No internal CV's.
-The analog filter board connector has been changed to a straight type, to save some space. -It is not compatible with SpazeBoard2.
Production is expected to start early September 2025. Shipping is expected to start in middle September."
"I was doubtful whether sensors would be fun tools to create music with - beta-testing the Koma Elektronik Field Kit sensors taught me otherwise. They are ideal creative tools in that they make you think differently and far out of the box. Perfect for breaking writer's block or pure musical enjoyment."
Press release for the new Sensei module follows:
"Berlin-based synth makers KOMA Elektronik introduce Sensei, a new Eurorack module designed to connect your modular system with the world around you. Whether it's light, movement, heat, or touch, Sensei lets you patch your environment. "Originally based on the Sensor Interface from the KOMA Field Kit, Sensei is a standalone Eurorack module built for artists, experimental musicians, and installation creators who want to go „beyond the knob“. Two sensor inputs (one for continuous signals, one for triggers and switches) allow for expressive, non-traditional control over CV and gate signals. From subtle environmental fluctuations like heat or wind to pulsing club energy fired by strobe lights, Sensei makes your surroundings part of the music.
Users can choose from KOMA's established lineup of Field Kit Sensors currently available:
- Light - Temperature - Sound - Touch - Movement (Accelerometer) - A Micro Sequencer with three modes - Softpotentiometer - Ball Switch - Button / Jack Input or plug in their own Arduino / DIY sensors with standard three-pin connectors. And even without sensors, Sensei offers creative functionality: it doubles as a re-triggerable saw/triangle envelope, voltage processor with gain and offset, or a simple CV source. Key features:
2 sensor channels: one continuous, one switch/gate style Built-in analog processing (offset & gain) Re-triggerable envelope mode (saw & inverse saw, gate & inverse gate) Works with KOMA and standard 3-pin sensors Perfect for installations, generative patches & sound experiments
With Sensei, modular becomes tactile, responsive, and alive. Your modular just grew a few more senses! KOMA is currently running an introductory sale on their Sensors that you should grab if you are interested! Product page and more info: https://koma-elektronik.com/new/product/sensei MSRP: €169,- Available now through KOMA Elektronik and selected dealers."
XR22 VCO FT
VCO with Ring Modulation Input and FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)
Amplitude Modulation (AM) Input
Ring modulation
CV controllable sine/triangle volume
Advanced waveform generation by AM
Rgb-LED for optical control
FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)
Pulse and ramp generation
Switching between two different frequency CVs
Advanced waveform generation by FSK
LFO-, Bass-, High- Mode
Switchable Sync-Mode (from Rev.6)
The XR22 VCO FT is a VCO with amplitude modulation option – which can be used for volume control, or ring modulation of the oscillator’s sine/triangle output. The AM-input signal is added to a DC-voltage adjustable by knob ‘Gain’ (between ca. +/-5V) and the sum voltage is being internally multiplied with the sinewave/trianglewave The result is an oscillator amplitude depending on the ‘Gain’-DC plus AM-input signal.
The applied AM-input signal can be mixed to the VCO output signal (modulated or unmodulated) too – a kind of ‘dry/wet’ control with the mix provided on the sine/triangle output. With no AM-input, the XR22 VCO FT behaves like a normal sinewave/triangle VCO, then its volume is controlled by knob ‘Gain’. Whereas with the knob ‘Gain’ in center position, the oscillator tone is becoming almost muted, and the input signal on ‘AM in’ controls the amplitude of the wave completely; thus the VCO can be used as a ring modulator.
The FSK (frequency shift keying) option provides two internally switchable different oscillator frequencies F1 and F2; each controllable by the two big-sized knobs (and their respective fine-tuning knobs and CV inputs). Switching between F1 and F2 can be done manually or by a logic signal (e.g. a gate signal) applied on input ‘FSK in‘.
Further, it is possible to use the XR22 VCO FT‘s squarewave output for FSK switching. This will result in ramp or sawtooth (on the sine/triangle output) and pulse (on the squarewave output) waveforms. The falling and rising edges of the of the sine/triangle signal and the duty-cycle of the squarewave output are independently adjustable, and/or controllable via CVs of F1 and F2.
Furthermore, there is a switch for linking F1 to F2. In this case, the ratio between F1 and F2 is remaining the same, independently from the frequency, and ensuring properly 1V/oct. CV tracking.
A switch allowes to enable ‘sync mode’: An applied trigger will restart the wave always at the same point, useful for synced LFO applications and more.
For optical control, the XR22VCO FT has a full-color LED for AM visualization and a 2-color LED for FSK control.
"The CS-80 is renowned for its rich, expressive sound, and its filters play a crucial role in that. Here are the key characteristics of the CS-80's filters:
Dual Filter Design Per Voice
This is a standout feature. Each of the CS-80's eight voices boasts two independent filters:
1. High-Pass Filter (HPF): With adjustable cutoff frequency and resonance.
2.Low-Pass Filter (LPF): Also with adjustable cutoff frequency and resonance.
These two filters can be used simultaneously, enabling unique band-pass effects and exceptionally flexible sound shaping. The cascading of these filters results in a very characteristic, mid-range-focused sound."
"The Soundtoys V5.5 bundle has arrived, and there’s a lot to cover! From the new SpaceBlender experimental reverb in Effect Rack to resizable plug-in interfaces, our latest upgrade offers both enhanced creative possibilities and an improved user experience. This video walks you through the new features and shows off a handful of the 67 inspiring presets we’ve added to Effect Rack. Save 50% on bundle purchases and upgrades through August 5.
"Meet SpaceBlender, a new imaginary space machine from Soundtoys. It's an experimental reverb that create shapes, textures, and tones that don’t exist in the natural world.
In this video, we’ll walk you through SpaceBlender’s interface and demonstrate some cool ways to get started with the plug-in. From ambient soundscapes to reverse gated verbs, from skittering delays to wild pitch shifting– this deceptively simple plug-in has much to offer.
Soundtoys Releases Version 5.5 Bundle Featuring SpaceBlender, New Presets, and Resizable GUIs
July 22, 2025 (BURLINGTON, VT): Soundtoys is proud to announce the release of Soundtoys 5.5, a major update to its flagship effects bundle. The update introduces the new SpaceBlender plug-in, a suite of new factory presets, and resizable user interfaces across the collection of Soundtoys plug-ins.
In the Soundtoys V5.5 bundle, the new SpaceBlender experimental reverb integrates seamlessly into Effect Rack, giving users powerful possibilities to create multi-effect chains. This update adds a wide selection of 67 curated presets that showcase the creative potential of the full suite.
Effect Rack plug-in owners can now add SpaceBlender to Effect Rack by purchasing a SpaceBlender license and downloading the latest Effect Rack installer in their Soundtoys user account.
"Our latest plug-in, SpaceBlender, lets users explore experimental spaces and ambient effects in a fun, but musical way," said Ken Bogdanowicz, CEO and founder of Soundtoys.
"But when you drop SpaceBlender into Effect Rack, it opens up a whole new world – like using Tremolator to add pulsing rhythms to SpaceBlender’s long ambient swells, creating out-of-this-world psychedelic spaces with FilterFreak and PhaseMistress, or adding analog vibes with EchoBoy, Decapitator, and Radiator. Sound designers, producers, mixers, or anyone looking to push their sound in new directions will love this."
Soundtoys users who want to update their plug-ins with resizable UIs can do so (for free) to the V5 products they already own by downloading the installers from the My Products tab in their Soundtoys user accounts.
Soundtoys 5.5 bundle is available now at an introductory price of $599 $299, with 50% off upgrades for existing users. The Soundtoys 5.5 Academic bundle includes the same updates and is priced at $299 $149 for qualified students and educators.
The release of V5.5 also kicks off the Soundtoys Summer Sale, offering up to 75% off individual plug-ins for a limited time – including Little AlterBoy $99 $49, Decapitator $199 $69, and the creative standard, EchoBoy $199 $69. More deals are available at www.soundtoys.com. Intro and sale prices end August 5.
Current version 5 plug-in owners can unlock resizable UIs with the free 5.5 update, available now in Soundtoys user accounts. Log in to upgrade to the full Soundtoys 5.5 bundle.
Learn more and download the update at soundtoys.com.
"The Softpop SP2 has received a complete overhaul of its editing and recording workflow, offering an entirely new user experience and introducing exciting new features. We've also fixed various bugs and made numerous improvements under the Softpop's hood!
🫲 @soffter 🫱
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:36 Gate/Step Recording
01:15 Direct Step Edit Mode
04:26 Making New Patterns
7:22 Clock/Reset Enhancements
7:45 Other New Features & Improvements
8:46 How to update your SP2?"
spectral core:
