Loopstyler, sequencer (live recording mode)

video upload by Gecho Loopsynth

"This is a quick intro into how the sequencer works. There are two modes, this is the first (default) one, where track starts running and then note events are added in real time (as opposed to step sequencing, where you enter all notes and rests one by one)."

Update:

Loopstyler, sequencer (step sequencing mode)


"The sequencer can also work in step sequencing mode, where you enter all notes and rests one by one (as opposed to live recording, where the track runs and events are added in real time). This demo only shows the very basic functionality, but there is more: you can enter multiple events at the same position, to create chords or combine samples. Also you can navigate back and forth and fix incorrectly entered notes. And these two modes can be used alternatively in one song, to help recording each track in the most suitable way, for example step sequencing for drums and live recording for leads."

NONO Modular / Major Tom: Polyrhythmic Performance Sequencer

video uploads by NONO MODULAR

Update: pic of the NONO in a throwback, retro-styled, wooden drum machine case added below.

Currently on Kickstarter here

Press release follows:

Major Tom is a eurorack sequencer designed for percussive synthesis in eurorack modular context.
Technically it is a 4 track cv-gate sequencer (expandable up to 12 tracks with expanders modules) and with some unique features focused on rhythmic and polyrhythmic aspects.

In 1972, EKO COMPUTERHYTHM introduced the first programmable drum machine to the market and invented the 16 STEP writing, which would become a standard for all subsequent programmable drum machines and step sequencer and has remained unchanged until now.

50 years later, NONO MODULAR with his Major Tom, introduces a small but fundamental modification to this standard, that allows for easily creating more complex and groovier rhythms without losing the ease and immediacy of the classic system, thus expanding the possibilities we have had so far with hardware sequencers.

MAJOR TOM presents itself as a classic 16-step CV/gate sequencer but also implements triplet steps in parallel (the outer orbits of the 16-step circle), making it the only hardware step sequencer to offer this possibility and, above all, in such an immediate way.

It is a 4-track Eurorack CV/gate sequencer (expandable up to 12 tracks with 2-channel expansions) with a focus on writing rhythmic and polyrhythmic parts and on treating the width, length, and fragmentation of the gate for each step.

All these features are extremely useful for creating more dynamic rhythms, easily creating burst effects, rolls, ratcheting, and for precise work on percussive synthesis in the Eurorack modular context (for example, working with ping/ring techniques with low-pass gates and filters of West Coast systems or stimulating delays and resonators).

A quantized CV for each track allows you to tune or modulate your patches.
Of course, the sequencer also allows you to work with drum modules and create classic melodic sequences like any other CV/gate sequencer.

ROUND COLOR DISPLAY
A large round display allows you to keep track of everything that happens. For clarity, each track has its own color (white, yellow, blue, red, and white and green for expansions).

There are very few submenus in this sequencer, which presents itself with a very analog and "one button, one function" philosophy that helps with orientation and provides great immediacy in live performances.

Underneath what you see directly with your eyes, there are only quantization and clock dividing parameters, sequence group saving banks that are saved directly on microSD (to facilitate export, management, and backup), and various copy/paste/freeze tricks that are essential for both fast programming and performance/variation.

EXPANSIONS
Each expansion adds two channels with all their respective controls and allows for expanding the sequencer tracks according to the need, up to 12 total channels tops, connecting by 4 expansions.

Expandability is not the only advantage of this structure because, in addition to expanding the available channels, it allows us to keep the project open and develop other types of expansions with different characteristics and different controls to meet other needs.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

• 4 CV/Gate tracks (expandable up to 12 with expansions)
• 16-step sequencer with the addition of triplet steps (total of 24 steps)
• 4 independent parameters per step, adjustable via dedicated button and encoder (3 for gate and 1 for CV)
• LEVEL (gate amplitude, from 0V to 10V)
• LENGTH (gate length, from a very short trigger of 1% of the gate to a full gate step)
• SPACER/FRAGMENTER (gate fragmentation up to 10 parts and application of dynamic masks to the impulse group, such as increasing, decreasing, linear, random, alternating, etc.)
• CV (Quantized voltage in different scales)

A large part of the module is dedicated to sequence controls in order to have direct and immediate contact and maximum playability.

3 performance controls and a colored button for each track:
• LARGE VAR SWITCH KNOB with 10 positions switch where you can save 10 different sequences instantly switchable for use as variations.
• LAST STEP SWITCH KNOB, allowing independent change of the LAST STEP of the individual track from 16 STEPS to 1, easily creating polyrhythms.
• SHIFT KNOB to finely delay the entire sequence independently from others.
• COLORED BUTTON, colored button to select the track to program. Other functions are associated with this button such as pattern copy/paste and track reset.

Additional features include:
• Encoder for sequence speed
• Start/Stop button and Reset button (general reset and individual track resets in combination with the colored track button)
• CLOCK OUT and RESET OUT
• CLOCK IN, RESET IN, and CV IN
• MAJOR TOM is 42HP, expander IS 14HP , DEPTH is 3,5cm
• MEMORY: hundreads and hundreads of “LIVE SCENE” can be saved and reorganized on SD (LIVE SCENE is the set of 10 patterns saved in the large knob of each of the tracks)

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oberheim Two Voice System

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

via this auction

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"Oberheim Two Voice System with mini sequencer. It has been fully refurbished at great expense ($1,300 total) with a few mods that make it easy to integrate in a modern setup. The mini sequencer is clockable from an external clock by connecting it at the back and lifting the clock rotary button. The two SEM voices are also controllable separately by CV/gate connections at the back. Finally, a regular IEC Prong is replacing the old one for ease of use with any standard prong cable.

Fully restored by SynthCity in Chicago for a new bill of health, it sounds amazing, and I am only letting it go because I got my Four Voice back from service. Great cosmetic condition for a close to 50 year old synth. The Rolex has a few scratches here and there. They are visible on the pictures I provided. Of note, one of the 4 rubber feet is missing."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Demon Seed - Noise Apocalypse

video upload by circuitbenders.co.uk

"Every year we make a pedal to donate to the raffle prize fund for the local Christmas Covers Southsea gig, where various idiots play ridiculous cover versions to raise money for Rowans Hospice and Music Fusion. This year its the Demon Seed!

The circuitbenders.co.uk Demon Seed is a fuzz / distortion / frequency shifting / 8-bit / lo-fi / filth pedal that makes noise in industrial quantities more than sufficient to made deaf people weep.
It utilises the Holtek HT8950 voice changer chip that was designed specifically for use in toy robot voice changer megaphones. The HT8950 converts the analogue guitar signal to 8-bit digital, applies 6 selectable types of frequency shifting or a weird robot arpeggio effect, and then converts the digital signal back to analogue again.
Before someone points it out, yes this pedal was to some degree inspired by the excellent Death By Audio 'Robot' pedal, but with the addition of several features that the HT8950 chip offers but the Robot pedal doesn't use. The Robot is the original HT8950 pedal. All hail Death By Audio!

This demo was recorded using just the Demon Seed pedal and and a clean amp simulator. You'll have to forgive the inability to play the guitar.

We may well have some of these available in the new year."

Shakmat Battering Ram: Demo

video upload by Shakmat

"The Battering Ram is a bass drum synthesizer based on an original design by Marc Nostromo. This module offers precise control over various parameters, including decay, tuning, depth, click amount, and drive. These controls have been thoughtfully mapped to provide sweet spots at every combination of potentiometer settings. The drive section can seamlessly transition between two distinct wave-shaping modes, ranging from smooth drive/compression to hard-clipping distortion for core music lovers. For smooth modular integration, there's an additional output that mirrors the amplitude envelope or its inverted shape.

The module also boasts other convenient features, such as storing and recalling potentiometer settings, a 3-pole high-pass filter, and the option to use gates instead of triggers. Despite its compact size, the Battering Ram delivers a diverse range of bass drum sounds, from long sub-bass drums to aggressive techno kicks.


CHAPTERS
---------------------------------------------------
0:00 Intro
0:20 Sonic Insights
1:47 Basics
6:45 Level & Velocity
9:06 Envelope Out
11:10 Gate Mode
12:52 HiPass Filter
13:30 Store & Recall
14:52 Select Bus
16:46 Advanced Parameters"

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field Update

video upload by teenage engineering

"introducing a new effect for OP–1 field: terminal. a bit crusher effect that lets you travel seamlessly through the bit and sample rate ages. use the soothing anti-aliasing filter to get just the right amount of lo-fi goodness. we’ve also added a new feature: merge drop. now you can drop all your lifted takes onto the active track so you can continue building your song, forever."

via Teenage Engineering

new fx: terminal introducing a new effect for OP-1 field: terminal. a bit crusher effect with an anti-aliasing filter to get just the right amount of lo-fi goodness.

new teature: merge drop we've also added a new feature: merge drop. drop all your lifted takes onto the active track with one key command (shift + drop) - freeing up tracks to keep building your song.

ARTURIA V Collection X | Reference Instruments For Music Makers

video upload by Arturia

Playthrough | V Collection X | ARTURIA

video upload by Arturia

"Follow Matt Paul as he explores the entirely new and rebuilt titles in V Collection X; from the timeless lead & bass tones of Mini V and iconic stage sound of CP-70, to the innovative composition textures of Augmented WOODWINDS and gravelly funk keys of Wurli V. Don't forget, long-awaited hybrid synths and augmented sounds have also been added to V Collection X."

Update: new videos above from Arturia.

Arturia V Collection X | No Talking | #Vcollection #vcollectionX #arturiavcollectionX

video upload by DKS SYNTH LAB

Arturia CP-70 V - a detailed demo and tutorial of a classic piano

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We explore the CP-70 V, a new instrument from Arturia released as part of V Collection X. It's a recreation of Yamaha's classic CP-70 electro-acoustic piano that combined customized piano strings and hammer action with piezoelectric pickups, a pre-amp, and other electronic processing. It's compact size made it a "portable piano" and a popular instrument for touring artists in the 1970s and beyond.

We go over the CP-70 V's features, including the main panel that recreates the look and feel of the original, the advanced panel that allows finer control over the acoustic and electric aspects of the instrument, the effects panel, and some factory presets.

To find out more, please visit arturia.com

00:00 Introduction
00:25 History of the Yamaha CP-70
01:17 Overview of the Arturia CP-70 V
02:32 The main panel
04:44 The advanced panel
10:30 Controlling timbre, pre-amp, and microphone with macros and MIDI
12:50 The FX panel
21:09 Factory presets
24:29 Conclusion"

via Arturia

"Introducing V Collection X: Reference instruments for music makers

V collection X is a premium suite of software instruments for unparalleled sonic exploration; from evocative emulations and hybrid synth engines, to authentically modeled keyboards and beautifully captured acoustic sounds.

It is the most expansive and feature-dense suite yet, combining timeless sonic craft and expert engineering with cutting-edge enhancements that seamlessly integrate with demanding production workflows - for endless inspiration, vivid composition and boundless play.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Error Instruments Introduces The Passive Operator - One-of-a-Kind Passive Drum Synthesizer

video uploads by errorinstruments paul tas

Update: explanation video added to the start of the playlist above.

"The Passive Operator is a one-of-a-kind drum synthesizer that operates without the need for an external power supply. Instead, it relies on triggers, gates, and Control Voltage (CV) signals, making it compatible with Eurorack modular systems or standalone setups. Developed as part of the Tropical Noise platform, this drum synthesizer offers experimental sounds and a truly unique sonic experience. In this article, we will explore the features and capabilities of the Passive Operator, highlighting its design, functionality, and the potential for creative sound manipulation.

1. Design and Construction:
The Passive Operator is housed in a sturdy bricky format box made of solid aluminum. Its robust construction ensures durability and reliability, making it suitable for both studio and live performances. The device features different compartments, each serving a specific purpose in shaping the sound.

2. Input Compartments:
The Passive Operator boasts two input compartments, labeled "WTF in 2x." These inputs are located on the left side of the device and accept CV, gate, trigger, and even audio signals. The sensitivity of these inputs allows for precise control and modulation, enabling users to create intricate rhythmic patterns and dynamic soundscapes.

3. Mix Compartment:
The mix compartment serves as a central hub for signal routing. By connecting the mix output to the matrix, users can explore various combinations of triggers and CV signals, resulting in unique rhythms and tonal variations. The mix compartment enhances the versatility of the Passive Operator, allowing for seamless integration with other modular gear or audio equipment.

4. Patch Matrix in and Outputs:
The patch matrix provides multiple outputs for triggers and Control Voltage, expanding the creative possibilities of the Passive Operator. Users can experiment with different patching configurations, both internally within the matrix and externally to other jacks. Additionally, the matrix offers control over the potential meters, enabling users to fine-tune their sound by finding sweet spots and manipulating the tonal characteristics.

5. Customization and Expansion:
One notable feature of the Passive Operator is its ability to accommodate electronica compartments. This unique design aspect allows users to swap out compartments, effectively changing the sound characteristics of the device. Furthermore, the addition of a touchpad offers an alternative control method, enabling users to interact with the synthesizer using their fingers, adding a tactile and expressive dimension to their performances.

Conclusion:
The Passive Operator is a remarkable drum synthesizer that defies convention by operating without the need for external power. Its unique design, experimental sounds, and versatile functionality make it a standout option for musicians and sound enthusiasts. The combination of triggers, gates, and Control Voltage signals opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing users to sculpt their own unique rhythms and tones. With its solid aluminum construction, intuitive interface, and the potential for customization and expansion, the Passive Operator is a must-have tool for those seeking to push the boundaries of electronic music production. Watch the demonstration video to see the Passive Operator in action and discover the endless sonic possibilities it offers.

Remember to check out the Passive Operator and experience the innovative world of drum synthesis without the need for power supply limitations. More demo www.errorinstruments.con
Available from 15 December"

New Minifreak Firmware 2.0 - Wavetables, Super Unison and More!

video upload by Arturia

"Firmware 2.0 take your MiniFreak further with new ways to sculpt, accentuate and shape your sound. This update delivers a significant dose of new features and sonic possibilities for existing Mini Freak hardware and software users. With a new wavetable engine, Super Unison effect, Favourites Panel, LFO modulation and more."


video upload by Oscillator Sink

"Merry Minifreak 2.0 Firmware Day! In this video we'll be taking a look at the new features in this firmware including the new Wavetable oscillator type and Super Unison FX and building a patch using these new featrues.

Transparency Notice: Arturia kinda provided this unit to me for free for the purposes of making videos. They have not asked for, neither have they been given, any editorial oversight into the contents of this video.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:54 Sound Store
01:46 New Effect - Super Unison
02:48 Super Unison - Controls
07:19 Super Unison - Sub Types
12:19 Super Unison - Compared to other FX
14:14 Mod Matrix Macros
17:25 LFO Waveshaper Improvements
20:24 Wavetable Oscillaor
20:35 Wavetable Oscillator - Caveats
21:42 Wavetable Oscillator - Controls
24:09 Selecting Wavetables
24:48 Auditioning the Wavetables
30:39 Building a patch with the new features
44:32 Outro"

MiniFreak V2 // Wavetables, Superunison. and other delights!

video upload by Starsky Carr

0:00 intro
0:58 Superunison
4:30 Wavetable Oscillator
10:40 LFO Shaper
12:45 Favourites Panel
14:01 Assigning Mod Matrix to Macros

Arturia Minifreak OS V2.0 Update! FREE UPDATE! | No Talking | #minifreak #minifreak2

video upload by DKS SYNTH LAB

_Introducing MiniFreak firmware 2.0 and MiniFreak V 2.0

MiniFreak update delivers a significant dose of new features and sonic possibilities for existing hardware and software users, with an expanded sonic palette, new FX and more.

Here’s what’s included:

New engine: Wavetable
Including 32 wavetables and 64 new patches to extend the raw potential of your sound, this update brings one of the most powerful engines to MiniFreak (available for Oscillator 1 only).

New FX: Super Unison
Transform a simple patch into a Supersaw monster with Super Unison FX. This chorus-type effect can stack up to 6 copies of a sound on top of a dry signal, for unmistakable width.

Enhanced Custom LFO Users can now decide if the LFO rate corresponds to a single step, or the entire Shaper curve, empowering you to create more nuanced, evolving, and expressive modulations.

A favorites panel for hardware user
Save up to 64 of your favorite presets and access them with ease. Enter the favorites panel by pressing shift + save, store a patch by pressing save + selecting a sequencer slot and recall a saved patch with a step button press.

New sound store for MiniFreak V
Software users can make the most of a brand new Sound Store with two paid banks with 64 patches and three free banks with 32 patches at launch.

And more
Minifreak update also comes with additional enhancements to Macro Edit mode for greater real-time control over modulation amounts. As well as Osc Freerun OFF, which now apply to Bass, Harm and SawX. Clock Send and Transport Send for hardware users, which can now be toggled on and off. Finally, you can now control the instrument volume with MIDI CC7"

Discover more

Introducing Chipsynth C64

video uploads by Plogue Art et Technologie, Inc.

Playlist:

1. Introducing chipsynth C64 - "great overview of OPS7 from @tssf"
2. chipsynth C64 launch demo (PAL C64C capture)

"The great chipsynth C64 launch demo from 4mat!
Running on an ACTUAL PAL C64 and captured using a RetroTINK 2X-Pro and generic HDMI capture for video. Audio was captured using our reference M-Audio M-Track then manually resynched.

Code and Music: 4Mat
Graphics and concept: 4Mat and Plogue.
The actauly binary is shipped with the product, but should (and can) be spread outside no worry!
Enjoy!"

3. Exhausted dev noodles with the "EMU" tab in chipsynth C64.

As is now customary each time we release something, an exhausted David tries to show some of the product's feature candidly and without filter (pun indented)

Emulating the SID the HARD way.

video upload by plgDavid

"emulation SID 6581 8580
chipresearch episode 0x08

00:00 Intro
01:04 What's a SID?
01:56 "Fake SIDs" and sidbench
02:46 Reading OSC3/ENV3 registers
04:11 "Old" bank: Monitoring filter capacitor voltages
04:31 "New" bank: gigabytes of DC recordings per chip
06:20 Listening test preliminaries
07:23 Advanced SID Engine issues
08:11 QA Song Choice
10:21 The "Unicorn" R1
10:45 MDFourier C64 edition

Get chipsynth C64 here {SOON}

Listening test songs are a mix and match of PAL and NTSC speeds we know.
(our emulation can do both)

Tracks used:
chipsynth C64 - 4Mat.
From the official old-school C64 "chipsynth C64" demo from 4Mat"

via https://plogue.com/...

"The new reference for SID emulation

FASTLOAD chipsynth C64 into your music software and RUN the biggest, baddest sound of the 8-bit generation!

Put a tantalizing cascade of thick pulse width modulation, smashing digital drums, soaring arpeggios, and unidentifiable twerky groaning warbly dins under your giddy fingertips.

Skip over the need for obscure tools full of big columns of hexadecimal numbers, and instead load up your favorite music software with the easiest way to get the C64 sound. A vast preset library will fill your heart with an infinite tessellation of big tones that twist and turn and tumble.

Want to make patches with deep, unusual modulations hitting any parameter you can think of? Perhaps you want to modulate pulse width at audio rate? Do it all using our intuitive chipsynth graphical modulation system, which lets you do all of this without needing an engineering degree and easily join the culture of extremely animated sounds found in SID music!

CHIPSYNTH C64

Plogue chipsynth C64 brings forward the deepest SID sound chip emulation ever. The fruit of years of laborious research, it bears our legendary desire for emulation perfection. Real chips in the field vary wildly in sound - every slight deviation in silicon composition radically changes the character of the filter - and we went all out on capturing this.

We reproduced no less than 32 different SID chips in excruciating detail, covering the full rainbow spectrum of SIDs: every revision of 6581 and 8580 from R1 to R5, every tone from warm to bright to clean to distorted and gnarly.

This is a full, REAL emulator that can actually play original songs natively and accurately, with a full-featured SID file player capable of playing even exotic songs with multiple-SID setups, sample playback and hard filter overdrive.

They said it was all bleep bloops. But it's GOOD bleep and bloops! And we couldn’t be happier. And, as always, no samples are used, it's all true emulation!"

Polivoks FAEMI-M Soviet Vintage Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Universal Audio

via this auction

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

Update: The listing has the FAEMI-M as being from 1968. It seemed a little early to me so I checked my copy of Peter Forest's The A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers. It's listed but without a production date. Right before the entry for the FAEMI-M is the FAEMI children's keyboard which was released in 1972. I then checked http://www.ruskeys.net, but no date is given either. Previous posts refer to the FAEMI-M being from the 1970s. Sound on Sound's article on the Polivoks mentions the FAEMI-M but w/o a date. If anyone defininitively knows, feel free to leave a comment. A couple of interesting comments from that Sound on Sound article:

"The Polivoks is a duophonic synthesizer designed by Vladimir Kuzmin, an electronics engineer who had been the bass player and sound engineer in his student band. Having graduated in 1976, he was inspired to apply for work at the Urals Vector Company by the inventor of the FAEMI, the first commercially successful Russian electronic keyboard. That man was Vladimir Lugovetz, the Director of the bureau that controlled development of electronic instruments at the Vector company, and the father of Kuzmin's future wife."

Followed by "Interviewed by Polish synthesizer enthusiast and supplier Maciej Polak, in 2003, Kuzmin explained: "My first task was to design the spring reverberator, but I also tried to improve the design of FAEMI‑M in order to obtain some modern effects such as portamento and filtering."

Auction details:

"So, the good news: All four oscillator generators are working; I have cleaned the potentiometers, and only one couldn't be fixed, and just one is slightly crackling on movement. I replaced the output jacks with the standard 1/4" jack.

Things I couldn't fix: The vibrato section is not working. Several keys are not working at all, and some of them work when pressed harder.

The external original power supply is unusual – it is combined with the scale pedal in one housing. The pedal works, but it also has a slight crackle on movement.

To see and understand the objective condition, I recorded a video. Please watch below, where I aim to show the specific condition of the device. Despite the problems, it is still alive, and I believe you can either repair, sample, or simply enjoy the time with such an old and unusual synthesizer, even in its current state. Of course, due to these reasons, I have also objectively reduced the price.

The package is fully loaded: synthesizer, original power supply/volume pedal, original 5-Din cable to connect the pedal to the synth, power cable for the power supply, original wooden hard case

Here is some official spoecifications:

Specifications:

Keyboard volume - 4 octaves.

Full sound range (all the registers are switched on) - from F in the controctave to E in the fifth octave.

Output voltage at the load of 100 kOhm - not less than 0.1 V.

Power supply:
-from an external DC source - 12 V +10\-20 %;

Power consumption from AC mains - not more than 15 W.

Current consumed from the battery of dry elements - 350 mA.

Overall dimensions - 610*280*110 mm.

Weight - not more than 10 kg."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing Mariana | A New Bass Synthesizer from Moog Music

video upload by Moog Music Inc

"From the iconic Minimoog Model D to the Taurus Bass Pedals, Sub Phatty, and Minitaur, bass has been the foundation for the sound and power of Moog instruments for decades. With Mariana, we are proud to continue this tradition.

In a new video narrated by actor, writer, producer, and comedian H. Jon Benjamin, we invite you to journey through moments of the past and into the future of bass with a soundtrack built using all sounds from Mariana."

Update: playlist with new videos added to the player above with the following videos:

1. Introducing Mariana | A New Bass Synthesizer from Moog Music
2. Mariana | Gain Staging Overview
3. Mariana | Using Virtual Control Voltage
4. Mariana | Modulation Editor
5. Sound Design with Mariana | Bass Patch | Thavius Beck
6. Sound Design with Mariana | Drum Synth | Thavius Beck
7. Sound Design with Mariana | Synth Pad | Thavius Beck

"Made for Your Studio: Mariana's Key Sound Design Features

Mariana includes all the tools necessary for creating deep, pulsating, professional bass sounds and more. Tone layering, parallel filtering, cross-over control, doubling and detune, compression, dynamic saturation, and surgical stereo placement are all built into Mariana for streamlined, recallable access to your favorite bass chain—without needing to load up additional processors.

Powerful, modern Moog bass sound in an accessible format

Dual layers for complementary sound stacks or independent duophonic playing

Deep, complex modulation sources, destinations, controllers, and functions

A beautiful, resizable, and user-friendly interface for effortless control

Built-in effects, compression, and metering

Seamless interconnectivity with Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins via virtual CV

Flexibility as a plug-in within your DAW or standalone use via MIDI

More than 200 professionally designed presets covering a wide range of musical styles and genres"

https://software.moogmusic.com/store/mariana

Arturia Introduces the KeyStep Pro Chroma w/ KeyStep Pro Firmware 2.5

video upload by Arturia

What's New? | KeyStep Pro - Firmware 2.5

video upload by Arturia

Andreas Tilliander aka TM404 | Analog symphony with KeyStep Pro Chroma

video upload by Arturia

Press release follows.

KeyStep Pro Chroma combines new aesthetic elements, including a sleek dark gray exterior, striking blue LEDs and other expressive features that allow users to customize their track colors. These additions are added to the already-impressive list of features of 2019’s KeyStep Pro, the polyphonic controller that remains a benchmark for creative hardware & software sequencing.

With the release of KeyStep Pro Chroma comes a significant new firmware update (2.5), delivering useful new features and long-awaited enhancements, free for existing KeyStep Pro users. The update will be available to download via MIDI Control Center & arturia.com from November 30th, with full release notes viewable on Arturia’s KeyStep Pro web page.

KeyStep Pro Chroma will be available to order from November 30th in the US & Asia, and from mid December in Europe. Customers should contact their preferred dealer for availability information.

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Highlights:

Sleek dark exterior
An alluring dark gray gives KeyStep Pro an edgy, industrial look.

Vibrant blue LEDs
In perfect contrast to the dark casing, bright blue LEDs illuminate your setup.

New stylish knob caps
Great-feeling knob caps all round to complement KeyStep Pro Chroma’s fresh design.

Customizable track colors
Exclusive for KeyStep Pro Chroma, users can now choose from a range of colors for their tracks.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Intellijel SeaLegs | One of the best delays out there.

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Anything I'd say about SeaLegs would come out as a sales pitch. What I can say is that I am a happy customer and it will give a lot of existing delays a hard time if this were a competition. But it's not. A typical Rabbit Hole has a lot of delays to choose the best one for the right job. If you still need to pick your very first delay module, you can safely put it on your shortlist."

Update:

Sealegs Firmware 1.1 Update


"A quick addendum to my Sealegs video. Firmware 1.1 was released while I was making my video and repairing my ShapeShifter so I totally missed it and forgot to check. It adds two important features: Drive can now be set to different positions in the signal path. The Digital mode doesn't shift pitch anymore when you change clock divisions (slider) or trigger Clk with a pattern. So it now comes a bit closer to a Mimeophon."

Teenage Engineering Introduces EP-133, K.O.II

EP-133 K.O. II by teenage engineering - performance demo

video upload by djpho

Update: video added. Don't miss Cuckoo's overview video below.

via Teenage Engineering

THE CHAMP IS HERE

A versatile machine with an impressive set of features, K.O.ii is the new champion in and outside the studio.

UNRIVALED BY ANYTHING IN ITS CLASS, this is the sampler you've always wanted at THE incredible price of just $299

Get ready for round 2

Meet the evolution of the world's most sold sampler. based on the legendary PO-33 K.O!, the new EP–133 K.O.II adds more power, more sampling capabilities, a fully reworked sequencer and brand new punch-in 2.0™ effects. introducing a workflow that lets you go from idea to TRACK faster than ever.

It's pocket operators gone pro.

Knock out features

9 projects each with 80,000 notes

projects contain 4 groups, each with 99 patterns

patterns have 12 TRACKS for samples and MIDI

variable pattern length per group (1 to 99 bars)

12 mono / 6 stereo voice polyphony

use groups to mix and match patterns on the fly

record and automate all 12 fader assignments

sequence in free time or quantized with swing

assign any pad to one of 16 MIDI channels

loop mode from OB-4 with length AND slide

12 pressure and velocity sensitive pads

instantaneous timE correction and erase

slice samples LIVE OR AUTOmatically

stereo / mono sampling at 46.875 kHz / 16-bit

punch-in 2.0™ effects (PRESSURE SENSITIVE)

arrange quickly using the instant commit feature

32-bit float signal chain, 24-bit ADC / DAC

SYNC IO FOR EXT. GEAR. 8TH, 16TH NOTE OR SYNC24

6 built-in send fx and a master compressor

drag and drop samples using the sample tool

Get started with the new EP-133, K.O.II by Teenage Engineering (Tutorial)

video upload by True Cuckoo

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:58 Hardware overview
02:19 Assign sounds to pads
03:08 Navigate sounds by typing
04:01 A quick glance at the "menus"
04:33 Live recording a beat
04:52 Setting pattern length in bars
05:16 Start recording from any bar
05:34 Recording "free" unquantised
06:20 Erasing a track
07:05 Quantising an unquantised recording
08:12 Step sequencer
08:54 Edit sound envelope
09:27 Edit sound amplitude
09:46 Replace a sound
09:59 Sample from the built in mic
11:23 Trim a sound
12:01 Punch-in record
12:13 Sample a vinyl form the line input
13:01 Chop a sample
13:47 Groups
14:20 Layers
14:35 Play chromatically with Keys mode
15:18 Edit sound play mode
15:48 Use a MIDI keyboard
15:47 Record a longer pattern, unquantised
17:32 Punch-in quantisation
18:13 The fader
19:52 FX
22:30 Punch-in FX
25:00 Looper
25:47 Setting the tempo
26:03 Having fun
26:20 Patterns
26:56 Commit and duplicate "scene"
27:48 Edit a duplicate pattern
29:08 Getting lost in the music
30:44 Recording the fader - jamming on
31:00 Jamming on…
31:36 The KO 2000
31:49 9 Projects
32:17 MIDI sequence an external synth
35:47 Looper affects MIDI out
36:19 Yeah!

Behringer's UB-Xa Arrives

video upload by Behringer

"The long wait is over. The UB-Xa is ready to be unleashed.

After 6 years of intense development, what started as a labor of love morphed into a development of the most complex and versatile platform to serve not only the UB-Xa but all our polyphonic synthesizers we have planned.

'A special thank you goes to all our engineers and beta testers who spent years with us designing, engineering, testing, and fine tuning this beautiful instrument. We are immensely grateful for all your contribution.' - Uli

Music and Video created by Patrick with the UB-Xa."

Update: "List Price: $1,499 (stay tuned for a little surprise)"

Behringer notes it will be available on Amazon of all places.

"Classic Analog 16-Voice Multi-Timbral Polyphonic Synthesizer with 8 Vintage Modes, Dual VCFs and 61-Key Poly After-Touch Keyboard

Embrace the legacy and make your mark on history with the UB-Xa from Behringer. More than just a recreation of a classic synthesizer, we’ve made sure that the UB-Xa has all the bells, whistles and characteristics that came with the original, but it’s also filled to the brim with modern features such as velocity and after-touch, 512 user program memories and comprehensive MIDI implementation. This makes for a well-rounded synth that’ll make friends with anything in your setup.

Faithful Recreation and More
To recreate its iconic growl and sizzle, we dove deep into the inner workings of the original OB-Xa and brought them into the 21st century including all its original factory patches that made the 80s roar. Thanks to its VCOs and VCFs heavily based on the original 3340 and 3320 chip designs, 16 voices and the ability to split its keyboard so you can layer 2 different sounds, the UB-Xa is capable of conjuring up massive sounding riffs.

An Icon for the Icons
The UB-Xa is a synth like no other that stands on the shoulders of giants! Its legacy is what gave birth to the 80s most iconic hits from the world’s most famous artists! From Rush’s Geddy Lee, The Police, Prince to Van Halen, and even the iconic Terminator theme composed by Brad Fiedel, the UB-Xa’s lineage is filled only with the greats and now you can make your own mark on history as well."

Soon to be available on Amazon.

Rare birds: Elka Wilgamat 1 / analog drum machine and accompaniment unit

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"Here is another "one man band" from the 70s I just serviced. Many dead CMOS chipsets, lots of bad connections on the motherboard daughterboards sockets (broken pins, bad solder joint) and a dying voltage regulator, among other things. Custom built keyboard to trigger the accompaniment unit, with jack socket input for pedal that introduce drum breaks. A different flavor than the Welson Ritmo I recently demoed but definitely in the same mood.
Recorded through a Teisco 120 to add some reverb."

This appears to be the first post to feature the Elka Wilgamat 1. Note the "1" on the right. The Elka Wilgamat minus the "1" has been featured on the site before in previous posts here. Which came first? :) You can find additional Elka Wilgamat models here.

Update: according to Ohm Studio: "Electronics are exactly the same. I think this one is later and was an add for some Elka organ, maybe Concorde or something. The black color is I think factory since it’s all over the case even inside. It’s clearly the same fake wood as the original but painted black, probably to better match the organ aesthetics. I definitely remember seeing auctions with Elka organ and this wilgamat unit bundle. Also the complete wilgamat electronics and controls are fitted in some Elka organ, spinet and combo. Don’t remember which model but I did scavenged à spinet one to retrieve all the pcbs."

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YAMAHA GENOS 2 - All New Features Revealed!

video upload by Woody Piano Shack

"I attended the press launch of the new YAMAHA GENOS 2 WORKSTATION ARRANGER KEYBOARD and had the privilege of meeting the people that designed and created this new keyboard and watching the Martin Harris demo. Here are my insights from speaking with the team on the best new features, styles and sounds on this exciting new instruments.

Many more demo, review and tutorial videos to come over the coming weeks when I receive my own GENOS 2!"

Update:

And via Yamaha:


video upload by Yamaha Global

Playlist:
Genos2 - Your Next Masterpiece
What is FM Synthesis
Genos2 Voice and Style Demo
What is MIDI Song to Style
What is REVelation Reverb
What is Style Dynamics Control
Genos2 Compatibility Video

Mini press release:

"The new Genos2 is the ultimate arranger workstation for you. Genos2 represents an evolution in innovation with even more capabilities, including the highest quality Voice & Style content. Now you can lead the ultimate ‘cover band’ like never before by playing and performing your favorite songs by your favorite artists with:

Innovative content and technology, featuring exclusive new Real Ambient Drums
All-new Genos2 Real FM Sound Engine
Live Control Surface featuring assignable knobs and sliders with LED indicators
Updated Playlist function for a better-than-ever playing experience

Inspiring Voices & Styles
Genos2 is loaded with expanded Voices & Styles functionality designed to unleash your creativity, including:

Widest range of genres to choose from
Downloadable Playlist offering versatile functionality and easy access to your favorite songs
Instrument Sampling/Vertical Integration that ensures consistency and quality of music samples

Confidence, Control & Performance
Confidence, Control & Performance
Genos2 allows you to change the intensity of the musicians with the Style Dynamics Control feature, while the AI Chord Mode offers intuitive control of instruments and Voices & Styles. More features include:

Real Ambient Drums that bring Styles to life in a variety of environments
Microphone Input that makes you sound like a pro
On-screen Karaoke Lyrics"

Buchla Simple Tests

video upload by Todd Barton

"Testing, testing . . ."

Update:

Patch Breakdown

video upload by

"This is an unfolding of one of the patches I posted yesterday: Five, Seven, Nine

Enjoy!
My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd

Xaoc Devices strikes back with Batumi II

Update via Xaoc Devices: "Unfortunately, we had made an error in the Batumi II description you received suggesting the assign waveform selection was performed on a per-channel basis even without the Poti II expander. That is not the case."

Updated press release follows:

Xaoc Devices presents Batumi II – a greatly improved and enhanced new iteration of the modern day classic that is/was the original Batumi, preserving its layout and form factor. The premise remains the same: four LFO’s with individual outputs for sine, assign and rectangle waves. The channels can operate independently or they can be linked – phase shifted, divided or multiplied (new mode alert) with regard to the first channel. Multiple major and minor improvements have been implemented, e.g. when synced to an external clock source, each channel’s frequency slider selects a clock division for that channel’s outputs.

We have managed to incorporate the features of the original expander into Batumi II (sync mode switching and assign waveform selection) without changing the size of the module which opened up new possibilities for the new optional expander. The Poti II expander for Batumi II adds multi destination inputs for sine wavefolding, assign output waveform selection or rectangle pulse modulation with the destination set for each channel independently. Poti II also features frequency input attenuation as well as sine and assign output attenuation. All adjustments may be performed separately for each individual channel or for all channels simultaneously.

The Batumi II software has been rewritten from scratch to ensure best performance. The hardware has also been updated to allow for V/oct tracking and stable operation up to audio rates (more powerful CPU, precise, wideband converters, antialiased waveforms).


Batumi II notable features:

– 4 LFO’s
– redesigned from scratch – both the hardware and software
– new waveforms for the assign output (including random)
– new frequency multiplication mode
– all features of the Poti expander incorporated into the main module
– very wide frequency range well into audio rate
– 1V/oct tracking = so can be used as 4 VCO’s
– in the Phase/Divide/Mult modes the random waves at the ASGN output follow the values available in the master/A channel
– 10HP
– +90/-50mA


PRICE: 330 EUR MSRP

Poti II expander notable features:
– per-channel input and output attenuation for the SINE and ASSGN outputs
– per-channel shape modulation with switchable destination (wave folding, shape switching, PWM)
– stores settings during a power cycle
– LED indication of the discrepancy between the stored setting and current pot position
– 4HP
– +10/-0mA from Batumi II

PRICE: 90 EUR MSRP

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