Introducing Plinky 12 Blocks, Chords and Toadstep

video upload by Making Sound Machines

Additional videos below.

"We are super excited to introduce 3 new instruments today! Plinky 12 is a family of expressive polyphonic touch synthesizers. The three instruments are built around a shared synth engine. Designed by mmalex, it evokes the unmistakable melancholic sounds of the original Plinky. https://plinky12.com

Each instrument is designed in collaboration with a different synth maker, lending each panel a distinct playability and unique character.

Plinky 12 Chords is a harmonic inspiration machine. It lets you improvise melodies and chords, with expressive control over voicings, progressions, and immediate musical play. Created by Making Sound Machines, Chords is the panel for finding beautiful harmonic movement quickly.

Plinky 12 Toadstep is a 4-track step sequencer built for super funky riffs, experimental self-generative melodies, and good ol' Acid. Created by Toadstool Tech, the designer behind the Ectocore Eurorack module, Toadstep is fun, immediate and easy to jam with!

Plinky 12 Blocks is an open panel built for experimentation, with monome-grid compatibility, Plinky style touch synthesis, and a browser-based coding environment just a click away. While it comes with a fully playable design out of the gate, creator mmalex invites you to build your own adventure with this panel. If you can imagine it, you can make it!

In this video, Enrica and Roland from Making Sound Machines explore the three new Plinky 12 instruments: Blocks, Chords and Toadstep from left to right.

The track builds on a repeating loop created with the built-in sequencer on Plinky 12 Toadstep. The short sequence uses rhythmic step repeats, track step length and animated synth parameters to create an ostinato that keeps sonically evolving over the length of the track.

As the piece continues, Roland plays a progression of harmonies from the rainbow chord palette on Plinky 12 Chords, before launching a sequence that reharmonizes the loop heard from Toadstep. Enrica joins in playing sparkling arpeggios with her fingertips on Plinky 12 Blocks, the surface with the sunset colour-fade print.

As the track progresses, Roland plays a melodic line on Chords, then Enrica takes over with a melody on blocks. The Plinky 12 polyphonic play surface reads both play position and pressure of the touch. It enables bends and glides on the horizontal axis, while allowing for discrete arps in the vertical direction.

They end the piece with a tempo transition showcasing the septuplet feature on the internal sequencer."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Ashun Sound Machines Introduces DIOSYNTH Wind Synthesizer

DIOSYNTH A Sonic Odyssey with Joe Berry by Exploredinary

video upload by ASM Ashun Sound Machines

"Diosynth - a powerful new wind synthesizer that combines the award winning Hydrasynth synthesis engine with new sample playback engine as well in an instantly familiar form factor utilizing mouthpiece with reed sensor for bite, breath sensor, gyroscope for positional sensing, true key action and a host of tactile controls . for more info please visit Ashunsoundmachines.com

Video by: @exploredinary
Starring/Original Music by: @joemarcelberry
Creative Direction: @danieltroberg
Product Specialist: @flux302
Product Design and Management: @glendarceyaudio
Animation by: @driensky_drawings
Styling and Movement Direction by: @toogiesaurus"

Welcome to Diosynth - Introduction Video

video upload by ASM Ashun Sound Machines

"Today at Ashun Sound Machines, we are proud to announce the Diosynth wind synthesizer.

The Diosynth is a new wind synthesizer designed for great playability and sound creation. With a real key action that is familier to most woodwind players it is easy to pick up and play. The Hydrasynth® based sound engine + the addition of a sample playback oscillator allows for deep synthesizer sounds as well as acoustic sound playing and processing.

In this video, CEO of Ashun Sound Machines, Glen Darcey, introduces you to the features of this amazing new electronic wind synthesizer instrument."

Introducing ASM Manager : Walkthrough Tutorial
video upload by ASM Ashun Sound Machines

"The ASM Manager is a software librarian designed to ease organization of your Hydrasynth patches as well as updating your Hydrasynth firmware.
For more information please head to Ashunsoundmachines.com
Download the new Firmware and manager here https://www.ashunsoundmachines.com/do...
The new ASM Manager is a dedicated desktop application designed to simplify how users interact with their Hydrasynth. It replaces the original Hydrasynth Manager with a refreshed interface and smoother workflow, making sound management more efficient and intuitive.

Features include:
• A redesigned, user-friendly UI
• List View for streamlined patch browsing
• Patch Sorting by name, category, and color
• Search by patch name
• Color tagging directly within the browser
• Organize Favorites
• Integrated Hydrasynth Updater for simplified firmware installation
• Export of patch banks as Microsoft Excel® list files for easy referencing

Whether organizing sound libraries, performing updates, or customizing Favorites, ASM Manager enhances everyday interaction with Hydrasynth."

Pic and additional details via Perfect Circuit

"The Diosynth from ASM brings powerful digital synthesis and sampling to a new generation of electronic wind performers, offering a deeply expressive wind synthesizer with a vast timbral range. Combining ASM's expansive synthesis engine design with sample playback, Diosynth is an electronic wind instrument that provides nuanced control over both acoustic and electronic sounds. Mechanical keys offer a premium playing experience that feels familiar for experienced wind players, with versatile fingering modes and quantization options to welcome players of any background. Over eight octaves of notes are provided for uncompromising range, with comprehensive expressive controls including breath and bite sensors, internal gyrometer, X/Y joystick, two pressure pads, and three programmable switches.

In your first moments with Diosynth, you can immediately immerse yourself in 384 patches including everything from traditional wind instruments, rare and unique sounds from around the world, and the vastly expansive internal synthesis engine based on ASM's acclaimed Hydrasynth. Wavescan oscillators and Diosynth's sample playback oscillator can be processed through the ultra-flexible 16-mode filter, providing vast sonic terrain to empower your creativity. Cultivate your own sound with up to 768 storable patch locations on hand, including the ability to create layered sounds that fuse acoustic and electric tones, multiple synth patches, and more. Diving deep into sound design is easy thanks to the Diosynth editor app, allowing for endless exploration into nuanced patch design.

An integrated speaker is available for easy, on-the-go performance, with optional battery power via two 18650 batteries that enables portable playing anywhere the music takes you. The 1/4" stereo output enables easy connectivity into a local amplifier or front of house mix, while the onboard headphone output with dedicated volume control is perfect for those long nights in the woodshed honking to your heart's content. The Diosynth also includes MIDI via 5-Pin DIN and USB connectivity, as well as Bluetooth MIDI input and audio input for wireless practice and performance. Built for a professional performance experience, Diosynth comes with a hardshell case and all necessary cables and accessories, providing a perfect foundation to craft your bespoke performance practice. Whether you're a wind player looking for new sounds or an electronic musician looking to bring nuanced expression to your productions, Diosynth from ASM is a breath of fresh air.


DIOSYNTH FEATURES

Electronic wind synthesizer
Combines both sampling engine and deep synthesizer engine based on ASM's Hydrasynth for both acoustic and electronic sounds
384 factory patches including traditional wind instruments, rare and exotic instruments, and expressive synth patches
128 meticulously sampled instrumental sounds
Use single patches or layer multiple sounds in a single patch
8+ octave range
Mechanical keys for premium and familiar feel
Multiple fingering modes
Scale / chord quantization locking modes
Breath and bite sensors, gyrometer, X/Y joystick, 2x pressure pads, and 3x programmable switches for expressive control
Up to 768 total patch locations for storing user creations
Mac/PC editor and iOS/Android app for simple patch editing and live performance control
MIDI via 5-PIN DIN and USB
Bluetooth MIDI input and audio input for wireless control and backing tracks
Built-in speaker, stereo 1/4" output, and headphone output with dedicated volume control
Powered via USB-C or 2x 18650 batteries (batteries not included)
Includes hard-shell case and all required cables / accessories
Included accessories:
Hard-shell travel case
folding stand
2x mouthpieces
neck strap
power supply with universal power adapters
USB A–C cable
USB C–C cable
USB power Y cord
spit scrunchy
cleaning cloth
printed User guide"

New Module: Making Sound Machines - Stolperbeats. Shuffled Beats in Eurorack!

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"Happy Easter everyone!

What started out as a tiny little seedling of a project, our secret pattern generator, has grown into its own and hatched as a full-grown Eurorack module! Stolperbeats, roughly translating to "beats tripping over themselves", is a drum trigger sequencer designed to create shuffled beats influenced by artists like FlyingLotus, HiatusKaiyote and JDilla. We've always been fascinated by taking our beats offgrid to give them more fluidity and life. This module allows you to easily dial in and seamlessly switch between all the shuffle, feeling and groove we would, in the past, painstakingly nudge together in a DAW.

Stolperbeats is heard here triggering Eurorack drum modules, including the fantastic Prok Drum available as a DIY kit from Thonk doing the obiwankenobi dragon call, Tiptopaudio’s One playing the @beatsbykabuki STRIKE audio card through @rocket_not FenixIV phaser and an unreleased Making Sound Machines prototype called PercussiveMaintenance, played through @serge_by_random_source 's wavemultiplier and with added oomph from @tomwhitwell's MusicThing Minidrive. The performance showcases switching from a nonuplet groove to a quintuplet shuffle in the blink of an eye.

Stolperbeats features CV and MIDI control over trigger patterns for Kick, Snare, open and closed Hihat and 2x Percussion, as well as control over the depth of shuffle applied. It outputs trigger signals for use with Eurorack drum modules, and MIDI suitable for drum machines and synthesizers.

The module is not in stores quite yet but you will be able to play it at @superbooth_berlin 2022. And you might have noticed a sneaky little peak of it in a @divkidvideo already : D"

Plinky 12 and Plinky v3

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"This video clip is a duet using a Plinky each from both generations: a Plinky 12 Chords providing glissandi and harmonies, and the original Plinky v3 from Thonk providing the main melody.

Enrica, engineer and musician of Düsseldorf-based synth maker Making Sound Machines, plays the original Plinky v3, with long melodic arcs and the characteristic melancholic sound at the touch of her fingertips.

Roland slides his fingertips along the rainbow coloured columns of Plinky 12 in Chordnotes view. The notes in this view are a stack of the chord notes for each of the harmonies from the chord palette at the bottom of the instrument.

This allows him to freely arpeggiate and transition from harmony to harmony. After the intro of the piece, Roland starts a harmonic sequence on Plinky 12 to accompany the notes Enrica plays on the original Plinky.

The lead synth in the beginning and throughout is captured directly from Plinky v3. All additional synth sounds and effects, the harp-like sound and glissandy in the accompaniment, are produced with Plinky 12's on-board synth engine.

Plinky 12 is a family of expressive polyphonic synthesizers. The three instruments are built around a shared polyphonic synth engine. Designed by mmalex, it evokes the unmistakable melancholic sounds of the original Plinky.

Each instrument is designed in collaboration with a different synth maker, lending each panel a distinct playability and unique character.

Plinky 12 Chords is a harmonic inspiration machine. It lets you improvise melodies and chords, with expressive control over voicings, progressions, and immediate musical play. Created by Making Sound Machines, Chords is the panel for finding beautiful harmonic movement quickly.

Plinky 12 Toadstep is a 4-track step sequencer built for super funky riffs, experimental self-generative melodies, and good ol' Acid. Created by Toadstool Tech, the designer behind the Ectocore Eurorack module, Toadstep is fun, immediate and easy to jam with!

Plinky 12 Blocks is an open panel built for experimentation, with monome-grid compatibility, Plinky style touch synthesis, and a browser-based coding environment just a click away. While it comes with a fully playable design out of the gate, creator mmalex invites you to build your own adventure with this panel. If you can imagine it, you can make it!"

Making Sound Machines - Farbshaper

video upload by John Schussler

"I covered the Making Sound Machines Farbfolder in a previous vid: [below]

The Farbshaper is similar, but not such a standard wavefolder design. It has a gain circuit that's unusually responsive to the amplitude of the input signal, giving it a very organic sound and variety of timbres you don't get on other folders.

The input signal is all sine wave from the Befaco Pony VCO.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Source audio
00:45 Sweeps
02:50 Sequence"

Making Sound Machines Farbfolder vs. Joranalogue Fold 6


"Just got the new Farbfolder in from thonk.co.uk and put it together (it's an easy build, just knobs and jacks). I must admit the sexy color LEDs at the top caught my eye. They've 3D printed a light guide and used a transparent panel, so it gives you an excellent show of das blinkenlights. (Die? Das? I've forgotten what little German I had.)

But of course there's always the real question, how does it sound? And how does it compare to others at its size? I figured I'd pair it against the Fold 6 from Joranalogue, which is also 4hp, for a head-to-head.

Source audio is a Befaco Pony VCO sine wave. Envelope from Zadar.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Farbfolder
08:19 Fold 6"

Introducing ASM Manager : Walkthrough Tutorial

video upload by ASM Ashun Sound Machines

"The ASM Manager is a software librarian designed to ease organization of your Hydrasynth patches as well as updating your Hydrasynth firmware.
For more information please head to Ashunsoundmachines.com
The new ASM Manager is a dedicated desktop application designed to simplify how users interact with their Hydrasynth. It replaces the original Hydrasynth Manager with a refreshed interface and smoother workflow, making sound management more efficient and intuitive.

Features include:
• A redesigned, user-friendly UI
• List View for streamlined patch browsing
• Patch Sorting by name, category, and color
• Search by patch name
• Color tagging directly within the browser
• Organize Favorites
• Integrated Hydrasynth Updater for simplified firmware installation
• Export of patch banks as Microsoft Excel® list files for easy referencing

Whether organizing sound libraries, performing updates, or customizing Favorites, ASM Manager enhances everyday interaction with Hydrasynth."

Update: press release follows:

Ashun Sound Machines heightens Hydrasynth experience with new ASM Manager app and Firmware 2.2 update

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA/HONG KONG, CHINA: music hardware brand Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) is proud to introduce the new interaction-simplifying ASM Manager desktop application alongside the stage and studio reliability-improving Firmware 2.2 update for its critically acclaimed line of Hydrasynth digital wave morphing synthesizers — effectively enhancing their performance and usability in the process of doing so — as of May 15…

As a dedicated desktop application designed to simplify how users interact with their Hydrasynth, ASM Manager replaces ASM’s original Hydrasynth Manager with a refreshed UI (User Interface) and smoother workflow, making sound management more efficient and intuitive. Incorporated features include LIST VIEW for streamlined patch browsing; sorting by Patch name, Category, and Color; searching by Patch name; color
tagging directly within the browser; organising by Favorites; integrated UPDATE DEVICE facility for simplified firmware installation; and EXPORT LIST of patch banks as Microsoft Excel® list files for easy referencing. It is fair to say, then, that ASM Manager enhances everyday interaction with Hydrasynth — whether organising sound libraries, performing updates, or customising Favorites.

Firmware 2.2 focuses on performance enhancements, improved system stability, and adding seamless compatibility with ASM Manager. Indeed, it ensures that every Hydrasynth model delivers consistent and reliable operation on stage and in the studio. Since the original Hydrasynth Keyboard and Hydrasynth Desktop debuted in 2019, followed by the flagship Hydrasynth Deluxe and compact Hydrasynth Explorer in 2021, the Hydrasynth family has earned a reputation for its sonic depth, expressive performance capabilities, and forward-thinking interface. Its latest updates continue to refine that foundation.

Acting as a fresh source of inspiration to accompany its introduction of the new interaction-simplifying ASM Manager desktop application alongside the stage and studio reliability-improving Firmware 2.2 update, ASM is offering Hydrasynth Special Edition Patch Bank as an exclusive collection of 128 new patches created by some of the top sound designers in the industry. It showcases the expressive power and versatility of the Hydrasynth engine, covering a wide range of sonic territory from ambient textures to bold, playable leads, and is available to download — from here: https://www.ashunsoundmachines.com/downloads — for free, ready to import into ASM Manager itself.


Hydrasynth Keyboard, Hydrasynth Desktop, Hydrasynth Deluxe, and Hydrasynth Explorer are available to purchase via ASM’s growing global network of dealers/distributors (http://www.ashunsoundmachines.com/dealers) at a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $1,299.00 USD; $799.00 USD; $1,799.00 USD; and $599.00 USD, respectively, and a MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of €1,899.00 EUR; €1,119.00 EUR; €2,499.00 EUR; and €789.00 EUR, respectively.

The Firmware 2.2 update is available for free for owners of all Hydrasynth models; for further information on installation and what is included, download the Firmware 2.2 Pack — including ASM Manager, a changelog, and a Quick Start Guide — from here: https://www.ashunsoundmachines.com/downloads

Making sound machines Farbfolder quick sound demo

video upload by Meska

"Quick sound demo of the making sound machines farbfolder

Thank you for watching.
My name is Meska of the statik collective . I've been making mostly 'dark and expérimental' music for more than ten years now, i'v learn so much online, now it's time for me to share my knoledge, my exploration and this channel is a place to talk about the tools, sound design and techniques to make music with.

You can stream my albums and EPs at https://statikwave.bandcamp.com/

If you'd like to support the channel​ consider buying music from bandcamp ;)
Contact/booking: meskastatik@gmail.com"

Making Sound Machines Coming to Dutch Modular Fest

Dreamy Shuffle, Lush Pads: Stolperbeats and Digitone
video upload by Making Sound Machines

"We're off to Berlin - excited to be hosting a workshop at Schneidersladen, tonight at 7:30 pm.

We will be playing a short modular live set, spill the beans on our setup and share our deepest and darkest secrets about deliciously bad timing in #Eurorack. You're invited to swing by, and we look forward to hanging out and chatting afterwards. You will have to sign up via mail - info@schneidersladen.de

We recorded this dreamy little sketch during the search for our live set - a very simple setup using the Elektron Digitone as a sound module for its lush synth pads and slick drum tones, sequenced and shuffled by our #Stolperbeats drum trigger sequencer via MIDI notes. The module in turn receives MIDI from the super portable OMX27 keyboard by Denki Oto (with backlit linear Cherry keys - love it!)

Stolperbeats, roughly translating to 'beats tripping over themselves', is our drum trigger sequencer designed to create shuffled beats influenced by the gritty push-and-pull grooves from the golden age of Hiphop. We've always been fascinated by taking our beats offgrid to give them more fluidity and life. This module allows you to easily dial in and seamlessly switch between all the shuffle, feeling and groove we would, in the past, painstakingly nudge together in a DAW.

Stolperbeats is used here in its 'MIDI Rec' mode, originally envisioned as a quick way to map pitch, channel and velocity from drum machines onto the modules instrument channels by matching the selected instrument to the incoming MIDI data. Turns out this is really fun to use as a transpose with an external keyboard to provide shuffled melodies to the Elektron #Digitone.

If you are in the Netherlands, come see us at Dutch Modular Fest 2022 in Utrecht on Saturday Sept 3rd - we'll have a booth there next to the lovely This is Not Rocket Science (TiNRS) and Vaski, who will both show amazing new stuff."

Taking our MIDI gear offgrid: Stolperbeats and Digitone

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"Finished a chilled weekend with a nice Sunday evening jam! Stolperbeats is heard here MIDI sequencing Elektron's Digitone 4 voice FM synth, a secret Making Sound Machines Eurorack prototype called Percussive Maintenance as well as Fred's Lab's cheeky little paraphonic voice called Zekit. If you haven't already, go check out the DIY workshops at Superbooth 2022 - where you can actually build a Zekit yourself!

Stolperbeats, roughly translating to 'beats tripping over themselves', is a drum trigger sequencer designed to create shuffled beats influenced by artists like Flying Lotus, Hiatus Kaiyote and J Dilla. We've always been fascinated by taking our beats offgrid to give them more fluidity and life. This module allows you to easily dial in and seamlessly switch between all the shuffle, feeling and groove we would, in the past, painstakingly nudge together in a DAW.

Stolperbeats' timing is set to Clave, a special mode where the accents in a 3:3:2 rhythm are fixed "on time" and the rest of the notes shuffle around that. The idea came when we chopped up some Modeselektor beats and started to add swing to them.

The Elektron Digitone acts as a sound module here, receiving Stolperbeats' triggers as MIDI notes - channel, pitch, velocity and note length can be adjusted per track to map to any MIDI capable drum machine or synth. The MIDI is split using the incredibly handy Meeblip cubit to target an extra bass voice on Fred's Lab Zekit. Of course, you can still patch the triggers into Eurorack at the same time, so we whipped out our Percussive Maintenance drum voice to add a kick and some hihats.

While Digitone's internal sequencer is not running in this sketch, Stolperbeats still sends a MIDI clock signal so the tempo synchronizes across the two machines. Enrica uses the built-in keys to live-transpose one of the tracks and play a shuffled melody on top of the sketch. We're very excited about Elektron 's new Syntakt by the way, that looks like a perfect match for Stolperbeats."

Making sound machines farbshaper quick demo/review

video upload by Meska

"quick demo of the Farbshaper by making sound machines
RTFM : https://makingsoundmachines.com/farbs...

Thank you for watching.
My name is Meska of the statik collective . I've been making mostly "dark and expérimental" music for more than ten years now, i'v learn so much online, now it's time for me to share my knoledge, my exploration and this channel is a place to talk about the tools, sound design and techniques to make music with.

You can stream my albums and EPs at https://statikwave.bandcamp.com/

If you'd like to support the channel​ consider buying music from bandcamp ;)
Contact/booking: meskastatik@gmail.com"

Meet DivSkip! A new multimode rhythmic powerhouse from DivKid & Making Sound Machines

video upload by DivKid

"It's my absolutely pleasure to introduce you to DivSkip! An 8 mode, trigger conditioning workhorse for playability, musicality and utility.

DivSkip is a 4 channel trigger and gate processor with multiple modes, dual outputs per channel, performance mute groups and alternate gate mode. Plug in triggers or gates from a clock, logic module or sequencer and generate new rhythms and variations.

DivSkip has 8 modes including Bernoulli Gates, Clock Division, Turing, Euclidean Split, Euclidean Classic, Ramp / Gate Length, Retrigger and Pattern. All provided musical performative rhythms for your modular system.

FEATURES
• 4 Channels of Triggers or Gates
• push-to-mute
• 8 modes per Channel
• LED rings for visualization

SPECS
• 8hp width
• Current draw +12V 45mA & -12V 15mA
• Depth 35mm"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.


video upload by Making Sound Machines

"DivSkip is a four channel trigger / gate processor for Eurorack. Eight modes on four independent channels make this 8HP module a Swiss Army Knife to chain behind clock utilities, trigger sequencers, and logic modules. Each channel can be muted and unmuted with a click of the push potentiometer.

In this patch, Enrica is using Bernoulli mode, adding weighted probability to a swung pattern generated with Stolperbeats. An incoming sixteenth note trigger is randomly sent to either Out A or B, with the position of the potentiometer determining whether an open or closed hihat is more likely to play. This allows her to generate lively rhythmic variation on the fly.

For the cymbal sound, the same mode is patched to set whether the sound is likely to play or not. A simple trigger on the upbeats is transformed into a burst and sent to the Snare module, using #DivSkip in Retrigger mode on channel 4.

All drum sounds are played with ‪@patchingpanda‬'s line of drum modules, with BD-Z on Kick, Hatz on Hihats, Punch and Shuby on Snare and NVHS on cymbals. The chords are played on the ‪@WeAreElektron‬ modelcycles, with all voices set to the same mode."

Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) Introduces Hydrasynth 1.5 Update

Press release below. First, some videos followed by a sound demo for some new patches from MajorOSC, also below.

Playlist / New Features:
1. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 1 Introduction
2. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 2 New Filter Types
3. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 3 Microtuning
4. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 4 Envelope Trigger Sources
5. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 5 Expanded LFO Steps & SemiLock
6. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 6 Direct Parameter Modulation Assignment
7. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 7 Modulating Macros & Voice Parameters
8. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 8 Random Percentage & Randomize from Patches
9. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 9 Distortion Effect
10. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 10 Latch Enhancement
11. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 11 MIDI CC Mode and Ribbon Output
12. Hydrasynth Firmware 1.5 – Part 12 Save State


ASM Hydrasynth 1.5 Update info and exploration Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit


Demo of a new sound set featuring the 1.5 update to be released today from MajorOSC:

James MajorOSC High · Ignition 2 Showcase

"Because of the new features, MajorOSC was able to completely reapproach the design process for sequencing and expressive interaction while playing a sequence. The results speak for themselves on this short demo"

And the official press release:

Ashun Sound Machines makes major strides in advancing Hydrasynth sensation with Version 1.5 feature-heavy firmware update

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA/HONG KONG, CHINA: musician-empowering musical instruments creator Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) is proud to make major strides in advancing its innovative Hydrasynth digital wave morphing synthesizer — launched late last year to widespread critical acclaim as its inaugural hardware product, produced as a keyboard variant (featuring a proprietary PolytouchTM 49-note polyphonic aftertouch keybed and a user- assignable ribbon controller) and desktop variant (with 24 velocity- and polyphonic aftertouch-sensitive pads, plus an included 19-inch rack-mount kit) — with a feature-heavy firmware update, as of August 6…

New arrivals Ashun Sound Machines made a huge splash when diving deep into the synthesizer world with the introduction of its Hydrasynth sensation in both keyboard and desktop variants late last year. Ultimately, users appreciated an unprecedented combination of sound generation methods and processing power — anchored around a unique digital wave morphing synthesis engine as an eight-voice polysynth whose three oscillators can all make use of any one of the 219 single-cycle waveforms available, while flexibly facilitating defining eight waveforms into a list and then morphing from one to the next using extensive movement-inducing modulation sources with Wave Scan mode (for OSC 1 and OSC 2 only) — potently coupled with hardware that is perfectly tailored for live interaction and real-time tweaking, all at a very affordable price. Perhaps best of all, a new generation of synth users were introduced to an amazingly expressive way to shape individual notes, thanks to that proprietary PolytouchTM 49-note polyphonic aftertouch keybed and a user-assignable ribbon controller.

Today, the release of the Version 1.5 firmware update for the Hydrasynth brings an amazing array of new features and behaviours to an already sensational synthesizer, starting with advancing its unique-sounding synthesis engine several steps further forward. Firstly, five new filter models are available in FILTER 1 — namely, LP Stn12, ASM’s version of a popular 12dB low-pass filter; LP 1 Pole, a gentle 6dB low-pass filter; and LP 8 Pole, a steep 48dB low-pass filter; alongside BP Stn12, a popular 12dB band-pass filter with dual 6dB slopes; and HP Stn12, a popular 12dB high-pass filter — expanding its total to 16 filter models. Meanwhile, that Version 1.5 firmware update also adds a second multi-mode filter type to FILTER 2, with an ability to switch between LP/BP/HP (low-pass/band-pass/high-pass) or LP/NOTCH/HP (low-pass/notch/high-pass) filter modes. Thereafter, the Hydrasynth now benefits from microtonal scale support, opening up a brave new world of musical expression beyond the 12 tones most prevalent in Western music to allow composition and performances from any culture or harmonic discipline with 32 custom scales loadable using MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) Tuning Standard files. Furthermore, envelopes can now be triggered from as many as four sources, including LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators), keyboard, ribbon, CV (Control Voltage) INPUTS, and PEDAL — EXPRESSION — input, whereas previously they were all triggered by the keyboard only. On top of that, the LFOs themselves have been upgraded to allow up to 64 steps when set to Step mode, with a new SemiLock feature to quantise those steps for pitch control of the oscillators.

MOD MATRIX improvements in the Version 1.5 firmware update makes creating modulation routings one step easier by allowing users to choose a specific parameter in a MODULE to be the modulation destination via direct selection, thereby creating a link between the source and destination in the fewest number of possible steps. Since the MOD MATRIX itself has been expanded to allow new modulation destinations with many more VOICE parameters and macros being added to the destinations, there are now many more sound design options available.

ASM has also updated the RANDOM page so users can set a percentage of how much randomisation takes place in each MODULE. Many more usable patches result from an added second patch randomisation option that generates a new patch by pulling in a random selection of values from other patches, which themselves are selected at random from every bank by combining various aspects of patches that are already known to be useful.

The PRE-FX and POST-FX modules both benefit from the addition of a new stereo Distortion effect, with controls for Drive, Tone, Asymmetry, and the Overdrive curve, as well as Output level.

LATCH mode moves things onwards and upwards, allowing users to press a key and have that key stay holding for as long as the LATCH button itself is enabled — ideal for ambient and generative patches.

System setup changes courtesy of the Version 1.5 firmware update include a Save System state, allowing users to boot up their Hydrasynth with a patch of choice; shorter timing options in Vegas mode; additional (Buchla®) 1.2V per octave support via the CV OUTPUTS; an option of selecting MIDI CC mode or NRPN (Non-Registered Parameter Number) modes, making automation in DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) that do not support NRPNs possible, while that all-important user-assignable ribbon controller can now send NRPN or pitchbend data — all aiding ASM in making major strides in advancing its Hydrasynth sensation... dive deeper than ever before!

New Module: Making Sound Machines - Farbshaper. Classic Analog Waveshaper in 4HP

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"Getting ready for #superbooth 2023! Really excited to see all our friends and fellow makers again!

This year, we will be introducing our brand new Farbfilter series, and the best thing is, we have a small batch of DIY kits packed! If you join our workshop at @superboothberlin, you can solder the DIY version with our lead engineer Enrica and be the first to get your hands on one of these modules!

In this video, Enrica is playing the #Farbshaper - a classic westcoast analog #waveshaper for Eurorack, designed to add overtones with two CV controlled stages. This module is a non-linear shaper, and it's perfect for electronic and acoustic sounds, ranging from gentle timbral transformation to colourful wavefolding in 4HP.

In this patch, we're sending a MIDI sequence from Stolperbeats to the @WeAreElektron Model:Cycles, with the audio from Model:Cycles processed through the left Farbshaper. The module gets some extra CV modulation from Stolperbeats' envelope out, generating velocity curves from the drum pattern.

The bassline is a pulse wave from @apolloview9305's fabulous Allscillator complex VCO (kits available from @ThonkSynthDIY ), its pitch sequenced with This is Not Rocket Science's @thisisnotrocketscience3942 Tuesday procedural sequencer - a fantastic module that keeps on cropping up in @DivKid clips. The pulse wave is folded using the righthand Farbshaper, with CV input from TiNRS Tuesday's velocity and accent out.

Enrica is tweaking Farbshaper's Gain, Fold and Pleat parameters. With CV patched, Farbshapers knobs become attenuators for the incoming voltage. The little oscilloscope is the awesome battery-driven Korg NTS-2, which came with a lovely book by @BJOOKS on @KorgOfficial synthesizers.

The Model:Cycles sounds are derived from a factory patch, so shout out to @sm0hm and the Elektron team for the lovely and inspiring FM synth they created and also check out Ess' awesome new max4live stuff at @ForsFM!

Find out more about the modules here: https://makingsoundmachines.com/farbf...

More info on the workshop:

Saturday 13.05.2023,
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Superbooth DIY Area
Berlin

https://www.superbooth.com/en/events/

Or join us on Sunday for the DIY afterparty:

Sunday 14.05.2023,
ca 5:00 pm
DIY Kit Day
Klunkerkranich
Berlin"

Farbfilter is a classic analog transistor ladder lowpass filter for Eurorack. It is a staple of subtractive synthesis and famous for its rich warm sound. We enhanced its palette with a colourful drive and CV controlled resonance.

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Signal Sounds and friends at Superbooth 2024

video upload by Signal Sounds

"We caught up with a few pals old and new for a quick chat to find out what they were showing and what they liked best about Superbooth 2024. They include ALM Busy Circuits, DivKid, Instruo, Making Sound Machines, Expert Sleepers, Modbap Modular, Xaoc Devices, Worng Electronics, WMD, RYK Modular, Animal Factory Amps, Dannysound/Tobinski, Knobula, Toadstool Tech, Thonk... and watch out for a brief appearance from none other than Steve Davis!

Apologies to anyone we spoke to but didn’t include here (we had a few technical gremlins) and everyone else we missed! And big thanks to Herr Schneider and everyone else involved in organising the show - it was a belter.

Some of the featured products & brands:
ALM Busy Circuits MFX Pedal: https://www.signalsounds.com/ALM-Busy...
Apollo View & DivKid Manic: https://www.signalsounds.com/apollo-v...
Instruo Dail: https://www.signalsounds.com/instruo-...
Xaoc Devices Berlin: https://www.signalsounds.com/Xaoc-Dev...
WORNG Electronics Sidecar: https://www.signalsounds.com/Worng-El...
RYK Modular Algo: https://www.signalsounds.com/RYK-Modu...

Making Sound Machines: https://www.signalsounds.com/making-s...
Expert Sleepers: https://www.signalsounds.com/expert-s...
Modbap Modular: https://www.signalsounds.com/modbap-m...
WMD: https://www.signalsounds.com/wmd
Animal Factory Amps: https://www.signalsounds.com/animal-f...
Dannysound: https://www.signalsounds.com/dannysound
Knobula: https://www.signalsounds.com/knobula

Music: Nano Kraft by Macleod Electronics / macleodelectronic
(Thanks Rob!)"

An intro to Stolperbeats by Making Sound Machines // Dilla style humanised beat sequencing (+ more!)

video upload by DivKidVideo

"Hello and welcome to this video on Stolperbeats from Making Sound Machines. This is a quick introductory overview to the module, some of the features and me making some beats and having fun with the module.

Stolper is German for ‘stumble’ with Stolperbeats meaning stumbling beats that cover the grooves and musical feels of drunk, wonky, lazy, off kilter hip hop rhythms with humanised timings, flams and custom shuffle and swing settings. With modes for DILLA, SHAKE, PUSH and CLAVE you can dial in the general musical feel and timings you’re going for then alter the amount of shuffle. At its core the module is a drum sequencer, offering both step sequencing and patterns for kick snare, 2 hi hats and 2 percussion lines as well as various sync and clock division outputs. So there’s plenty to go at for modular sequencing (and MIDI if that floats your boat).

A full demo video will come around the launch of the module, so ask questions in the comments and let chat about what you’d like to see from the module in the main demo video.

If you’d like to join my amazing community, gain access to exclusive videos, PDF booklets and more check out my Patreon at https://bit.ly/DK-patreon"

Plinky 12 Chords and Model:Samples

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"In this video, Enrica and Roland from Making Sound Machines play a melodic techno track, performing live with the built-in polyphonic arpeggiator and the sound modulation in Plinky 12 Chords.

Plinky 12 receives a MIDI clock signal from the Elektron Model:Samples, synchronizing tempo and transport between both devices. Model:Samples is a fantastic all-digital drum machine and provides the beats you hear in this clip. All synth sounds are produced with Plinky 12's internal synth engine.

Plinky 12's sequencer advances through a harmonic progression, while Roland performs on the touch surface, editing the polyphonic arpeggio. As the track progresses, he taps the touch surface to add or delete notes in the arp pattern.

Enrica operates the model cycles, bringing in layers of drums, while Roland manipulates the XY pad on Plinky 12, modulating the synth and effects setting. This allows them to build and adjust the arrangement on the fly.

This track was composed for a live set at Club Synth, an event our friends Stijn and Priscilla from This is Not Rocket Science are hosting and organizing quarterly at Ruigoord near Amsterdam. Thank you for inviting us and putting in the hard work to create such a lovely event!"

Plinky 12 Chords: 80s Brass

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"In this clip, Enrica from Making Sound Machines improvises on the Plinky 12 Chords play surface.

The internal sequencer advances through a progression of harmonies, playing and arpeggiating a new chord each bar. With her fingertips, Enrica improvises an expressive melody on the play surface.

The notes in this view are a stack of the chord notes for each of the harmonies from the rainbow chord palette at the bottom of the instrument. This allows Enrica to freely arpeggiate and transition from harmony to harmony, sometimes leading, sometimes trailing behind the chords launched from the sequence.

The polyphonic play surface reads both play position and pressure of the touch, allowing for an intuitive and nuanced play style. All sounds are produced with Plinky 12's internal synth engine."

SUPERBOOTH 2022 Stolper Beats - Wonky Shuffled Clocks

video upload by sonicstate

"Stolper means stumble in German and this module we featured on a Sonic TALK prior to the show - it was one of Robin Vincent's picks. Its a six track sequencer with a penchent for applying different degrees and algorithms of shuffle to a pattern. As well at the triggered voice outputs, you can also send the wonky clock on to other devices.

Available Mid June €400 inc VAT"

Also see: An intro to Stolperbeats by Making Sound Machines // Dilla style humanised beat sequencing (+ more!)

via Making Sound Machines

"Stolperbeats is a drum trigger sequencer designed to create shuffled beats influenced by the gritty push-and pull grooves from the golden age of Hiphop."

"Drum trigger sequencer designed to create shuffled offgrid beats

Stolperbeats, roughly translating to 'beats tripping over themselves', is a drum trigger sequencer designed to create shuffled beats influenced by the gritty push-and-pull grooves from the golden age of Hiphop.

We've always been fascinated by taking our beats offgrid to give them more fluidity and life. This module allows you to easily dial in and seamlessly switch between all the shuffle, feeling and groove you would, in the past, painstakingly nudge together in a DAW.

We will be introducing Stolperbeats at Superbooth in Berlin, 12-14 May 22.
The module will be be available mid June in select modular stores and directly from us."

Plinky 12 Chords: Ramp Arpeggios

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"On our way to #Superbooth 2026! Really excited to see all our friends and fellow makers again!

This year, we will be showing the Plinky 12 family of expressive polyphonic touch synthesizers.

In this video, Enrica, engineer and musician of Düsseldorf-based synth maker Making Sound Machines, explores the new Plinky 12 Chords play surface.

The built-in sequencer produces a calm pulse, triggering an Arpeggio ramp at the beginning of each bar. With her left hand, Enrica selects which harmonies to arpeggiate from the rainbow chord palette at the bottom of the instrument.

With her right hand, she plays an expressive melody on the polyphonic play surface. The notes in this view are arranged in a tetrachord layout and adapt automatically to each harmony selected.

All sounds are produced with Plinky 12's internal synth engine."

Taste the Analog Rainbow! // An intro to the Farbfilters from Making Sound Machines

video upload by DivKid

"READ THE RAINBOW //

Anyone ever wish their bright coloured teeth rotting treats were actually lovely characterful analog flavours of audio processing for you Eurorack system? Just me?

Here we have the Farbfilter series of modules from Making Sound Machines. The range includes the Farbfilter (Moog LPF + overdrive), Farbfolder (west coast classic wavefolding), Farbshaper (an absolute character machine) and the Farb Highpass (Moog style HPF + tilt EQ).

This video is an introduction to the range with a patch on each modules and some good fun bum wiggling patching with them create a thick and animated stereo image at the end.

As this is an introduction to the modules and we have plans for a future in depth demo (in my usual styley) you have the chance to ask questions, make requests and comments to say what you’d like to see and hear in the demo. Leave a comment below to get involved.

LINKS //
Manuals, info and less rainbow ramble // https://bit.ly/MakingSoundMachines"