Introducing drumlogue, the first hybrid drum machine from Korg

video upload by Korg

Update: two new user videos by Honeysmack and Marcus Schmahl added below.

"Combining the rich power of analog with the flexibility of digital, drumlogue provides the ultimate analog sound for your beats.

Featuring newly developed analog circuitry, drumlogue builds a solid foundation for your track; it also helps you stand out with an elevated harmonic richness and thick low end.

Important parameters for each part have dedicated controls on the front panel for quick and intuitive changes – without diving into menus. For even more creative potential, each part has a wealth of further parameters accessible through a powerful onboard editing suite. Even mixing is simple, with dedicated volume controls for the analogue and digital parts.

The track you hear in this video is by Dean Forrest"

Korg Drumlogue: New Hybrid Drum Machine - First Look- Just Sounds video upload by Korg Australia


New Korg Hybrid Drum Machine Drumlogue - Honeysmack's first encounter video upload by Honeysmack



"Get ready for a super nerd session, no talking just me tinkering with the Korg drumlogue for the very first time. Korg Australia were kind enough to give me a play with a sneak preview pre-production model of the drumlogue. Unfortunately I had no manual at the time, so please excuse me in advance. Hopefully this video provides some context to its sound. I feel this will be a winner for Korg, well done! Great sound, neat size, this could be a monster of a machine.

All the sounds and effects in this video are from the drumlogue, there are no external sounds or effects. Simple stereo output from the drum machine. No other drum machines were hurt in the making of this video.

0:00 Does this suit me? Oh what does this do?
2:23 Omph omph omph, ah I see, me likey the kick drum
5:59 Electro ratchets - why not take your time and build a track
9:30 Start with speed carnivale - exploring more latin percussion then I try to break the machine!"

Korg drumlogue drum machine & synthesizer demo - no talking - video upload by Marcus Schmahl

00:00 building drum sounds & a pattern
06:13 switching through preset patterns & sounds

Korg Drumlogue Sound Demo (no talking) video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers


Korg Drumlogue Sound Demo No Talking - no external effects or processing video upload by Limbic Bits


Korg DRUMLOGUE Review // Top Pros & Cons and All 64 Factory Patterns // Full Tutorial video upload by loopop


TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:20 Overview
6:15 Connectivity
7:15 Sample parts
11:40 Analog parts
14:25 Multi engine
15:05 VPM
17:15 Noise
17:55 Nano
21:30 Sequencing
22:10 Live rec
22:50 Motion rec
24:45 Step seq
25:10 Groove
26:10 Probability
27:10 Ratchets
28:00 Ties
28:30 Motion seq
30:20 Shift buttons
31:00 Polymeters
31:35 Send FX
33:35 Master FX
34:45 Sidechain
36:25 Loop
37:10 Select
38:25 Randomize
39:00 Chains
39:35 Audio in and out
41:50 Misc settings
43:45 Pros & cons
49:10 All 64 patterns



Details and pics:

A paradigm shift in drum machines.

drumlogue marks a paradigm shift in drum machines. It offers the raw power and rich sounds of Analog, the flexibility of Digital voices, and drumlogue’s SDK for fully customizable User Custom Synthesizers.

On top of that, its heavy-duty, dynamic sequencer, customizable effects, and intuitive controls will make drumlogue a must-have in your studio to create music for any genre or style.

It’s time to take your beats and entire musical process to a whole new creative level with incredible sounds, effects, customization, and sequencing. Let drumlogue support your craft on your musical journey!

Raw Analog Power

drumlogue was conceived to provide the ultimate analog sound for your beats, and delivers fantastically; featuring completely newly developed analog circuits by legendary Korg analog synth team engineer Junichi Ikeuchi (ARP 2600 M, MS-20 mini, ARP Odyssey…) , the depth and richness of its sound is on a whole new level.

These new analog circuits - (Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Low Tom and High Tom) - will not just provide a solid foundation for your track, but make it stand out with an elevated harmonic richness and a thick low end.

Blending simplicity and ease of use, the most important controls for each of these parts have dedicated knobs on the front panel that can be tweaked at any time without any menu diving necessary, so you can quickly and intuitively fine tune your sound on the fly.
For further sound exploration, each part provides many more parameters accessible through the powerful onboard sound editing system.

Last but not least, each part on drumlogue - analog or digital - has a dedicated volume knob that will make your mixing process incredibly smooth and easy.

Digital Flexibility

As the perfect partner for its analog section, drumlogue provides 7 digital parts; 6 sample based and 1 synthesis based (Multi-Engine). The sample based parts can play any of the preloaded PCM banks on drumlogue. You can also import your own User Samples to its memory, making drumlogue an extremely versatile machine with virtually limitless sonic possibilities.

To start with, the 64 preloaded drum kits of drumlogue will provide you with a wide variety of sounds spanning several genres so you can easily kick-start your tracks.

For additional sounds, samples can easily be easily loaded into the drumlogue just by connecting your drumlogue to your computer via USB and simply drag-dropping your samples onto the main memory.

Multi-Engine and logue SDK

The popular Multi Engine from prologue and minilogue xd is now more powerful than ever. In addition to the Variable Phase Modulation (VPM) and Noise generator engines, the Multi Engine features a new User Custom slot that can play full-fledged synth voices that provide vast sonic possibilities, never before heard on a drum machine.

Custom Synths

drumlogue’s synth voices are not simply static waveforms. Custom synths can be built to not only generate sound, even implementing built in filters, LFOs, MIDI controlled polyphony or other parameters is now possible The only restriction for third party developers is their creativity (and CPU usage!), giving you unbound sound exploration.

Exclusive Sinevibes Synth Plugin “Nano”

Korg has collaborated with popular logueSDK plugin developer “Sinevibes” to include a brand new synth plugin “Nano” as a factory preset on drumlogue. This exclusive plugin explores the power behind the expanded Multi Engine and will give all drumlogue users a taste of this new platform.

“Nano” is a full-fledged virtual analog synth with a wide array of features and plenty of customizable parameters. The synth engine has dual oscillators with optional ring modulation, a 4-pole state-variable filter with soft clipping distortion, built-in EG and built-in multi-waveform LFO.

Leads, basses, percussive sounds or cinematic effects, you decide how to use this incredible sonic potential!

A True Sequencing Powerhouse

drumlogue harnesses all of its sonic power to an extremely powerful internal sequencer that is flexible and easy to use.

Tired of the same old beats? drumlogue's heavy duty 64 step sequencer makes it easy and intuitive to create complex rhythm patterns and polyrhythms that elevate your music creation process with innovative features such as per-step probability, per-step alternate trigger patterns, per-step micro offsets, per-track groove patterns and much more.

Thanks to its clear OLED display, it is also very easy to visually follow and edit your sequences.

drumlogue is both great in the studio and playing live. With its Chain mode, creating long and interesting patterns is straightforward and clearly displayed. In Loop mode you can switch between several variations to play your sequence in new and interesting ways. The Motion and Accent recording functions are intuitive and fast and if you want to try new things on your track, the Randomization function is there to help you. These functions and many more on the drumlogue will support and spice up your live performances!

Effects and customization

drumlogue includes several high-quality effects across three categories that can be used simultaneously: Delay, Reverb and Master effects.

The send amounts for delay and reverb effects can be set independently for each part, and multiple return points are available.
The master effects allow you to add that final polish to your sound and bring it all together. Master effects can be bypassed on a per-part basis, making it possible to send the effect to specific audio parts. A sidechain bus is also available to master effects which can make use of it.

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Musicrow Vintage Strings MkIII

"Vintage Strings MkIII is a new super realistic virtual string machine that perfectly recreates the lush sound of analog string machines.

The string machine (also called string ensemble or string synth) was invented by ken freeman in 1970 as an attempt to replicate the sound of orchestral strings. It was so successful that it shortly became beloved instrument in its own right.

The distinctive sound of vintage string machines like the Arp Solina or the Crumer Performer can be heard on numerous music productions. It has been used by various musicians like: Pink Floyd, Air, Beck, The Eagles, Kraftwerk, The Cure, Joy Division, Josh Wink, Morrisey, Tangerine Dream, Keane, Japan, and New Order to name few.

Like these old machines, Vintage Strings MkIII is a synthesizer that was especially designed to produce rich warm string pads. It make no use samples, so any of its presets can be tweaked, and new ones can be easily created, making Vintage Strings MkIII as user friendly as it is toneful.

And now, The third version of Vintage Strings presents various new features that expand its sound capabilities and make it even better:

- The color control in the timbre section enables the creation of new beautiful choirs and pad sounds.
- In the envelope section you can now choose the analog envelope mode, for an accurate emulation of vintage string machines envelopes.
- The reverb section was completely revamped and now enables you to select between a smooth studio reverb and an authentic spring reverb.
- The new 7th buttons enables each strings section to play seven notes above the original pitch, for thicker string sounds.
- New user interface.

If you desire the classic sound of analog strings machines, don't miss Vintage Strings MkIII!"

Roland Announces the TR-8S Rhythm Performer - A TR-8 w/ Samples

Published on Mar 4, 2018

Roland has announced a new TR-8 with sample playback and sample import (no live sampling), available this month for $699 / €699 (with VAT). Note the included classic TR engines are still ACB modeled and not sample based. You can mix and match kits. Details follow.

Playlist:
Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer [Performance by Maika Loubté]
Roland TR-8S: Overview
Roland TR-8S: Sound Design
Roland TR-8S: Sequencing
Roland Aira TR-8S Sampler quick workflow with custom sample Demo by Sound Provider

"Introducing the Roland AIRA TR-8S: Rhythm Performer Meets Sound Designer.

The performance-tuned TR-8S combines stereo sample playback with iconic Roland TR- drum sounds and deep editing parameters to allow you to craft your dream drum kits. New sequencer, motion-recording, and increased variations, effects, and outputs are some of the features that have evolved the TR- drum machine to set a new standard in sound design and live performance."

"Born of the most famous and influential drum machines ever made, the TR-8S combines the best of its Roland heritage with modern production techniques and professional sound design.
The result? A forward-thinking, performance-tuned instrument unlike any other. Build your dream kit from the most iconic drum sounds of all time,
plus the finest selection of samples from our vast library—or import your own custom samples. Tap, tune, and tweak with hands-on controls and production tools that make your patterns move and groove. And why keep this kind of percussive power confined to the studio? The TR-8S was literally made to play live.

Design Kits with Authentic TR Drums,Sampled Sounds, and Effects

The TR-8S comes loaded with the largest, most authentic collection of TR drum machines available. The powerful new processor gives our next-generation ACB models a whole new level of detail and nuance, giving you that classic Roland boom, snap, and sizzle. And now you can incorporate preset and custom samples, creating unique hybrid and layered kits, and enhance them with specialized effects that inject professional sound design into the TR formula.

Transistor Rhythms

The TR-8S has every sound from the most sought-after TR drum machines, with detailed circuit-models of the 808, 606, 909, 707, 727, and even several modified versions. These are not sound-alike sample-packs or mere recordings of TR drum sounds. Each machine is a detailed, down-to-the-circuit-model that sounds and behaves exactly like the original hardware. All these sounds are yours, at your fingertips, and ready to use in your own productions and performances.

CLICK FOR MORE »

An Interview with ERRORINSTRUMENTS' Paul Tas & New Product Announcements

The following is a fascinating look at the man behind ERRORINSTRUMENTS, Paul Tas. Note the questions are not mine, but were sent in with the full interview by inmar lsbtv grtz sleep good.

So how did all start? What was your life before "error instruments"?

- my life before error instruments can be described as a life of an artist in making sculptures and paintings. I was making sculptures from robots, called "the beeb" collection. It is a wooden robot with the concept that in the 50's, we have thought that robots will replace our jobs. However, with the influence of the media, and the medicines we take against emotions, figuratively we can say that we are the robot, and we get programmed by commercials and news. This robot has been a big succes due to the fact that it has been bought by numerous art collectors from different countries such as Japan and the United States. Furthermore, the collections had been sold also at auctions houses Christie's. Later on, I have started to work more in fashion and art and making moveable sculptures with electronics, I made also a traditional Dutch blue sculptures, big horse heads with the intention of giving a controversial thoughts and ideas. Moreover, sculptures about religion, which was a mix between Jesus and the corporate companies in the world with the meaning behind it, that they use the same propaganda to control people's mindset. I was also threatened by religious groups from Germany and Belgium during the time of exposition, not only me, but also the other people in the gallery. This situation has got to a point where i had to go to the court, but in the end I was free to go. Later i have done a project for Damian Hurst and made some installations together with BitMove for the "Love of God" exposition in the "RijksMuseum Amsterdam". As a result, more and more technical and electrical equipments got involved.

When did you have the idea for error instruments and what did the first steps look like?

- First of all, it is important that you know that as a child, i was not able to read, thus it was difficult to go to a normal school, and i have attended a special school, which allowed me to use my creativity, furthermore my writing was always full of mistakes and because in the 80's we used "Commodore 64", and every time i was writing something, a text appeared " Syntax ERROR". Therefore, the kids at my school, gave a nickname to me , called "Error". As a result, i got a fascination about the things that go wrong with machines, such as glitches or accidentally algoritmes and of course the sound of noises. By exploring the art of circuit bending and hardware hacking, i have found out that many people miss this, because the commercial products were created as a mainstream products, with a result for mainstream music. Thus, with the money that i have earned from art, I have started the shop, "ERROR INSTRUMENTS".

Do you have artistic projects beside error instruments?

- Yes, I perform under the name "ERROR EMPIRE", on several festivals. I have also some conceptional sound projects, called "Pink data". The idea of "Pink Data" is that is not controlled by humans, thus all the music is created by accidental algoritmes. I also make sculptures, with acoustic and electronic purposes. Furthermore, I am busy working on the modelar synthesizer and exploring control voltage. design eurorack modules for and special audience

What is the error philosophy?

CLICK FOR MORE »

Ampify & Novation Release Groovebox - Beats & Synths Music Studio for iOS

Groovebox for iOS // A Beats & Synths Studio from Ampify on Vimeo.

iTunes: Groovebox - Beats & Synths Music Studio - Novation

"If you love making electronic music, you’ll love Groovebox. Enter an inspiring world of music production on your iPhone & iPad.

Groovebox is a free, beautifully designed music studio app packed with inspiring synths and drum machines. In minutes you’ll be making beats, melodies, and playing with world-class instruments. Expand your own collection with more sounds and instruments available in the store. From the creators of Launchpad, Groovebox helps you produce music on iPhone & iPad.

A Beats & Synth Music Studio

Play with touchable instruments to quickly create your own beats and melodies, or draw in notes. Need inspiration? Groovebox has hundreds of patterns and sounds to get you started. Two powerful synthesisers, designed in partnership with Novation, deliver deep retro basslines and analogue harmonic melodies. The modern drum machine, with expanding drumkit library, will turn Groovebox into your go-to beat production studio.

Synths Designed in Partnership with Novation

Designed in partnership with Novation, legendary synth pioneers, Groovebox packs a world-class sound. Each instrument uses a new powerful synth engine capable of recreating classic warm analogue sounds and rich modern harmonics

Easy to start, Deep Enough to Master

Groovebox is designed to kick-start ideas, but it has serious features for artists and producers too. The advanced synth parameters* let you sculpt your own sounds. Included iPad mixer, note sequencer, key and scale modes let you control your sound. Export your sounds easily to a laptop to produce further. Sync to other apps or a laptop with Ableton Link. Connect using Audiobus, Inter-App Audio and even Export to Ableton Live seamlessly.

Features

• Three powerful instruments - Drumbox, Retrobass and Poly-8
• Discover and build ideas - Quickly explore sounds with hundreds of melody and rhythm patterns
• Play touchable instruments - Create your own melodies and beats
• Build beats - Play drum pads or keys, sequence notes or use patterns
• Sound innovation - Synths developed in partnership with legendary Novation
• Expand your sounds - Regular, fresh-content drumpacks, presets and patterns*
• Production-ready sounds - Crafted by world-class sound designers and artists
• Extendable Instruments - Expose more tweakable synth controls
• Sequence your music - Draw notes and build patterns instead of playing them
• Stay in time and key - Choose from any tempo, key or musical scale
• Mix your music - 8-track mixer on iPad. Instrument focus mixer on iPhone.
• Share your music - Easily create a mix of your music to share with others

*Requires In-App Purchase

Advanced Features

• Jam with others - Audiobus, Inter-App Audio, Ableton Link and Ableton Export
• Ableton Export - Easily send your project to Ableton Live
• Full scale support - All keys and major, minor and modes supported
• Project management - Rename, duplicate and delete
• iPad Pro support - Optimised to use the entire iPad Pro screen
• Send your ideas to a laptop - Batch export your pads as a .zip file, or use Ableton Export
• Bluetooth speaker supported

Ampify x Novation

We are Ampify, a unique innovative team formed from Novation, world-renowned music instrument pioneers. We’re responsible for some of the most popular music creation and remixing apps on Apple’s App Store. Launchpad for iOS has nearly 7 million downloads, and Blocs Wave for iOS won a number of prestigious awards. Our team, originally called Blocs, is now known as Ampify.

Supported Devices

Groovebox is compatible with iPad 4th Generation, iPad Air 1/2, iPad Pro 9.7/12.9, iPad Mini 2/3/4, iPod Touch 6th Generation, iPhone 5/5C/5S, iPhone 6/6S, iPhone 6S/6S Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus. Requires iOS 10."

And the descriptions and screenshots from iTunes:

iTunes: Groovebox - Beats & Synths Music Studio - Novation

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Vintage Synth Patches

Published on Sep 14, 2019 Vintage Synth Patches

Playlist:

1. Processed Vintage Drum Machines Loops Volume 1

Download here: https://payhip.com/b/j1bF

40% off with code: OR6BY6AU1G Expires: Sep 20th 2019

250 minimal techno loops ready to use in your productions.

Style: Techno/Minimal/Vintage
Category: Loops
Pack size: 280 MB
Format: 24 bit/44KHz wav files

Sample pack content:
60 kicks loops
20 snares loops
130 top loops (no kick)
40 demo loops

Loops are based on classic and rare vintage drum machines including Ace Tone, Boss, Casio, Eko, Emu, Ensoniq, Keio, Korg, Solton, Electro Harmonix, Vermona and Roland machines. They have been carefully processed through a bunch of effects for a modern minimal techno sound.

Enjoy making music!

2. Moog Sub Phatty Vintage Soundset

230 custom analog vintage patches for the Moog Sub Phatty.

Inspired by the old classic vintage analog synths like Moogs, Roland SH09, SH101, Sequential Pro-One, Korg MS20, etc.

All sounds are recorded without any external fx or mastering. Just pure Moog Sub Phatty into the audio Interface and DAW.

Download here: https://payhip.com/b/gAt7

The patches are provided as one rar file containing 230 sysex files.

By purchasing this soundset you get the right to use these sounds in your music. Sharing, reselling, making sample packs, including them in commercial patch collections, etc. is not allowed.

Enjoy making music!

3. BASS STATION 2 Analog Soundpack

100 custom analog classics patches for the Novation Bass Station II.

Inspired by the old classic vintage analog synths like Moogs, Roland SH09, SH101, Sequential Pro-One, Korg MS20, etc.

All sounds are recorded without any external fx or mastering. Just pure Bass Station II into the audio Interface and DAW.

Download here: https://payhip.com/b/v72C

The patches are provided as one sysex file.

By purchasing this soundset you get the right to use these sounds in your music. Sharing, reselling, making sample packs, including them in commercial patch collections, etc. is not allowed.

Enjoy making music!

4. Korg Prologue Vintage Soundset

120 custom vintage classic patches for the Korg Prologue.

Inspired by the old classic vintage analog synths like Roland Junos & Jupiters, Sequential Prophet 5 & Pro-One, Oberheims, Korg Polysix & Mono/Poly, Solina, Crumar, PPG, etc.

All sounds are recorded without any external fx or mastering. Just pure Prologue into the audio Interface and DAW.

Download here: https://payhip.com/b/zx2A

The patches are provided as one PRLGLIB file to be used with the Korg Prologue Sound Librarian.

Please note it will overwrite all original Patches so backup your data first or use
the Korg librairian tool !!

By purchasing this soundset you get the right to use these sounds in your music. Sharing, reselling, making sample packs, including them in commercial patch collections, etc. is not allowed.

Enjoy making music!

Interview with Hexfix93 of VAC

The following is an interview I just wrapped up with hexfix93 of Velvet Acid Christ. As you know, this site is about the gear, namely synths, and the gear that helps drive and enhance synths, but ultimately the focus is on synths.

I was chatting a bit with hexfix93 and asked him if he would be interested in a slightly different take on an interview, one focused on synths and their impact to his world. We all have our story regarding how our obsession with synths first started, how we see and approach synths and what they mean to us. I thought it would be interesting to hear his story. The following is the interview.

Before it begins, I want to thank hexfix93 for taking the time out for this. We all have a different approach and a different story when it comes to our synths. This is his. For more of his music check out VAC and don't miss Toxic Coma. Cheers, matrix.


1. What was your first synthesizer, how old were you when you picked it up, and why did you pick it up?

"It was some kind of old yamaha cheap thing. i got it for my atari st, so when i played games like leisure suit larry that the music wouldn't come from the wimpy fm built in sound, but a general midi synth instead. it really didn't sound all that great. i wasn’t really a keyboard player at this point.

The first synth i got as a keyboard player was a roland w30 sampler workstation. And we made like 3 records with that keyboard. i remember gary slaughter an x vac member, spilled orange vodka drink on it. and i had to take it apart and clean every part of it by hand slowly, it took weeks. it was a pure nightmare.

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Waldorf Streichfett plug-in trailer

video upload by WaldorfMusicChannel

"Trailer for our brandnew Waldorf Streichfett plug-in.
As a special introductory offer for Waldorf Music's 33rd anniversary, the plug-in is available on Waldorf’s website for 33 EUR, but only for a strictly limited time.
https://waldorfmusic.com/en/streichfe..."

"Streichfett Plugin

The String Machine as a Plug-In

The sound engine of the legendary Waldorf Streichfett hardware is now available as a plug-in for your DAW, fat sound for a very affordable price supporting all common formats (VST3, VST2, AU, AAX).

streichfett soft 400x215The clearly structured user interface offers direct access to all important sound shaping parameters. Making and playing music is the main focus here. With a few clicks, drastic sound changes are easily made and can be saved as your favourite presets.

The UI is continuously scalable. Whether you use a 5K monitor or the FHD screen of your laptop, whether viewing in full size or as a small status display – the plug-in always remains in focus.

The Streichfett takes you back to the days of the legendary String Machines. In the old days, there was no choice – to create a massive wall of sound, you simply needed a String Machine.

These keyboard instruments mastered sound layering perfectly long before the advent of polyphonic synthesizers.

It was the time when composing contemporary music had no resemblance to doing your annual tax return on a PC. It was the golden years of rock and pop, when even keyboard players simply plugged their instrument into the amp and started playing, instead of labouring over endless preset lists in search of the perfect sound.

Now there is Streichfett – and the good old days are coming back. Experience what a real String Synthesizer sounds like. Experience how a homogeneous, extremely dense, floating web of sounds can be created from a raw, basic electronic sound in just a few simple steps.

Streichfett combines the best of the previously extinct species of String Synthesizers of the 70s and early 80s. Its dual sound engine features a fully polyphonic String Section and an eight voice Solo Section, which is essential for recreating classic movie sounds from the 70s and 80s. The Ensemble Effect provides depth and movement to the String Section, while the Effects Section adds adjustable Phaser and Reverb effects. Additionally, the Animate Effect can be used to modulate the Strings Registration, allowing spectacular sound morphs.

The Solo Section offers presets named Bass, E-Piano or Clavi, and just like with a typical String Machine, the sound has little to do with that name. Instead, these are shimmering and slightly percussive sounds that blend well with the String Section. Although the User Interface is simple and easy to comprehend, it controls a rather complex sound engine which is capable of delivering rich and creamy pads unlike any other instrument."

Sound of Machines - RELOAD - Sound Sleep Remix

Published on Dec 10, 2017 RELOAD

"RELOAD Sound of Machines
Remix du titre 'Sound Sleep' extrait de l'EP Find The Way
sorti sur le Label Psykedream Music

Remix avec Dr Lecheul, captation sonore de sons mécaniques réinjectés ensuite dans le synthétiseur modulaire

Tourné à la Chapellerie de Montazels
http://chapeauxdefrance.com
Un grand merci à toute l'équipe de la Chapellerie de Montazels qui nous a ouvert ses portes avec une grande générosité.....merci de nous avoir fait découvrir ce lieu magique rempli d'histoire et encore bien vivant aujourd'hui !!!"

Googlish:

"RELOAD Sound of Machines
Remix of 'Sound Sleep' from EP Find The Way
released on the Psykedream Music Label

Remix with Dr Lecheul, sound recording of mechanical sounds reinjected later in the modular synthesizer

Shot at the Montazels hat
http://chapeauxdefrance.com
A big thank you to all the team of the Chapellerie de Montazels who opened our doors with great generosity ..... thank you for making us discover this magical place full of history and still alive today!"

Tiptop Audio Officially Introduces “ONE” Sample Playback Eurorack Module

Tiptop Audio "ONE" from Tiptop Audio on Vimeo.

"ONE brings organic sound and super low latency sample playback to the modular. It differs from other sample players in that it handles the digital audio bits as a continuously manipulated electrical flow, a feature inspired by our analog knowhow. This unique core makes ONE truly integral within the Tiptop percussive modular ecosystem thanks to a lightweight and responsive digital circuit with a very analog feel.

ONE brings a world of colors to the modular right out of the package. We have invited some of the best sound designers in the Industry to create professional sound libraries with content tailored to the unique sonic framework of the modular synthesizer and that fully takes advantage of ONE’s unique qualities. To start with, ONE comes with a SD card loaded with a free set of 60 sounds designed by Glitchmachines. More cards are available to purchase separately each containing carefully selected material with up to 256 sound files. Using your own sample libraries or recordings is easy too, just copy 16 or 24bit mono WAV files onto the SD card, pop the card into ONE and go.

ONE offers several modes of operation, with the primary being the super low latency Trigger mode that retrieves audio data off the SD card adding no artificial processing such as click removal, crossfading, eq or gain normalization. In this mode, it’s a highly transparent player up to 24 bit 96kHz with no interpolation of the audio data: what you put in is what you get out. With a delay as low as 0.25ms from the moment the trigger hits, ONE offers harmonically dense, clear and detailed audio with a great rhythmic feel.

ONE handles external CV through a user selectable multifunction jack. Pitch is the main control with two modes available: Free pitch allows for fine tuning of the playback rate, great for adding subtle vibrato or wild tape speed effects; Quantized pitch maps CV to the standard 12 tone system over 3.5 octaves and is ideal for melodic content. CV can also be used to sequence through files off the SD card allowing far more varied sounds from a single source; almost like an entire percussion section behind the slim panel.

Although originally designed to play tightly with our analog drums and envelopes, ONE’s rich sound quality encouraged us to make it work in a variety of other applications that are less demanding of sub millisecond timing response. The extra headroom at the core level allows features such as Gated playback, Looping, and Triggering with fades in and out to accommodate different types of sound sources from drum loops to polysynth chords to noise sources and other yet unimagined uses.

ONE offers another useful dimension since it can play CV signals too. Drop in a card with LFO signals, random CV, slopes and envelopes for a whole set of new control and modulation possibilities.

ONE is as simple to use as it is affordable and plays extremely well with it’s analog cousins - our vision for bringing samples into the modular world.

**********************************

VCTRS: Lets Get Started

Type: One Shot

Character: Mixed material

ONE includes a card called VCTRS featuring 60 carefully chosen sounds from the 5 sound banks developed by Glitchmachines. We have included some of the most compelling material from each bank in order to showcase ONE’s strengths and demonstrate the broad range of sounds available on the PERC, SBSTRT, KERNL, HYBRD and BENT cards which are available separately from Eurorack retailers.

VCTRS and the other Glitchmachines cards include the entire sound set sampled at 48kHz, 64 kHz and 96kHz. The 48k rate allows for easy pitching up of one octave, 64k offers some pitch upward while maintaining much of the fidelity of the 96k source and full 96k offers the purity of the source as well as the lowest latency possible for great performance.

Forthcoming cards from a wide array of sound designers, artists and producers will expand the range to include poly and mono synth tones, field recordings and even CV source material."

Update: cards added below:

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New Sibilla Stereo Digital Oscillator Eurorack Module from Clatters Machines

video upload by Clatters Machines

"Clatters Machines moves mountains with Sibilla stereo digital oscillator module acting as an ever-evolving sound machine for soundscapes, melodies, and drones

SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO, ITALY: small town lovers of music and electronic instruments Clatters Machines is proud to announce (website-only) availability of its Sibilla stereo digital oscillator — translating the beauty and harshness of a semi-barren mountain into a 10HP Eurorack module that sculpts sound with various saw and sine waves running through intricate delay networks altered by LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) and white noise to create constructive and destructive interferences, enabling ever-evolving soundscapes that can be both droning and/or melodic in nature — as of April 15…

Inspired by a mountain, designed by the sea. So few words, with so much meaning; those eight words that so subtly make an appearance on the Sibilla module’s rear represent its backstory, what inspired its creators, and where they are based. But, for clarity’s sake, the company collectively calls it: An ever-evolving sound machine for soundscapes, melodies, and drones.

It is fair to say, though, that there is more to that Sibilla backstory than meets the eye. “Living by the sea can be peaceful and inspiring, but also quite stressful as the tourist season reaches its peak and, all of a sudden, a small town doubles its number of citizens,” continues Clatters Machines Co-founder, engineer, electronic designer Michelangelo Nasso. “Those are the moments in which we’re constantly looking for air and a new space that is able to inspire us while calming our nerves! Luckily, we live in a weird region in which a 40-minute drive means the difference between swimming in the sea and hiking at 2000m above sea level, surrounded by semi-barren lands which actually make you forget for a moment that you’re still on planet Earth. One of those magical places is called Monte Sibilla — Sibella Mountain, and our new module tries to pay tribute to it.”

As a stereo digital oscillator, Sibilla’s L/M (left/mono) and R (right) channels are the output stages of two audio feedback loops, each of which is made up of a main sub-sinusoidal wave oscillator and two saw and sine waves with frequencies affected by the generation of (right-channel) harmonics and (left-channel) sub-harmonics. Saying that, though, all of those waves have different phases with respective offsets constantly affected by minor variations created by two pairs of GRAINS randomly fluctuating within the waves’ amplitude spectrum and being sampled at a certain speed.

Thereafter, the waves meet each other at a so-called ‘common point’ — where everything happens and changes continuously — together with two white noise sources, creating constructive and destructive interferences that are affected constantly by two LFO movements. Moreover, such interferences are then run into a resonant low-pass filter and distributed to four different delay lines from where they are finally fed back into the audio loops at different time intervals, depending on the GRAINS movement.

Making it to Sibilla’s summit as an ever-evolving sound machine for soundscapes, melodies, and drones translated from the beauty and harshness of a semi-barren mountain is destined to be a long-lasting musical journey that is as adventurous as it is inspirational in and of itself."

Details on the Pittsburgh Modular Fragments Generator

video posted here

Full details via Pittsburgh Modular

"The 'Fragments' are a set of pings, or short bursts of sound created by a trio of Twin-T filters. The Twin-T filter circuit was used by some classic analog drum machines to create percussion sounds. Realistic tom-toms, congas, and kick drums can all be made using this method. The Twin-T filters included in the Fragments Generator have been adapted and optimized for a specific purpose. The idea was to create an analogue method of generating sounds at the level of individual "grains" or "fragments" similar to a traditional digital Granular synthesizer. By approaching the process from another angle we have come up with an entirely new sub-genre of synthesis.

The sound produced by the basic Twin-T filter is quite close to the idealized grain, a decaying sine-like waveform that can easily be varied in amplitude, frequency, and position. Typically, the Twin-T filter produces a single sound up to a few times a second. What would happen if that occured a thousand or more times per second? The Fragments Generator creates a constant tone that consists of overlapping and interacting fragments which can be manipulated in a number of ways.

Amplitude
The amplitude of each fragment is set at its initiation. This is important as just creating a variable mix of "full strength" tones would not relize a wide enough scope of fragment-to-fragment variability.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Arturia Introduces iSpark for iPad

Published on Feb 18, 2016 ARTURIA

iTunes: Arturia iSpark - Arturia

And a set of Tutorials, including some by SYNTH ANATOMY.

iTunes: Arturia iSpark - Arturia

"iSpark is an all-inclusive beat-making solution allowing to create rich tracks from A to Z while experiencing an unequaled workflow. It includes a large variety of drum kits and individual instruments based on the most renowned drum machines and top-notch sound design.
It is the result of a simple recipe, care for rhythm, innovation and uncompromising ergonomics combined with the personality of the greatest drum machines.

What you can do with iSpark:
iSpark allows you to play drum patterns in-real time and to tweak your sound on-the-fly. Its optimized and performance-oriented layout gives you a direct access to an extended range of sonic parameters.
It also integrates a powerful and flexible 64-step sequencer enhancing your creative freedom and effectiveness.

iSpark unites our multi-rewarded TAE® technology coupled with a modular engine and crystal-clear multi-layered samples. Beyond drum and percussive sounds, iSpark blasts the frontiers of beat-making through a range of singular sonic effects, warm analog synth textures and melodic elements.

Details:
Main screen
The main screen is all about performance. Its layout, inspired by our SparkLE controller, gives you immediate access to a comprehensive set of fundamental controls and parameters. Its lower part allows you to play and record your drum patterns in real-time, step by step, to jump between your patterns and to set their length.

Mixer
In the mixer, you can adjust the volume and panorama of your instruments, set two individual effects for each of them, and modify the sending levels to the return effects. The VU meters help you to balance effectively your instruments.

Studio
The Studio is the iSpark laboratory of sound. This is where you will customize your kits and all the instruments that compose it. For each instrument, you can choose the samples that are used and adjust a comprehensive list of parameters.

Sequencer
In the sequencer screen, all the steps of your different instruments are right in front of you. You can thus create your sequences in a flash. Besides, the automation tool allows you drawing modulation curves with a simple glide of your fingertip.

Song
The Song mode gives you the possibility to chain your pattern in order to create a whole performance. Organizing your song is as easy as a drag-and-drop. Switch to “Perform” and discover two large XY modulation touchpads that will bring your songs to life.

Connectivity:
iSpark offers a total and seamless compatibility with the existing Spark environment. Maintain continuously your creative flow by transferring in a heartbeat your projects, patterns, your kits and individual instruments between Spark 2 and iSpark.
Connect the dedicated SparkLE controller to iSpark and associate the flexibility of an app-based instrument to the effectiveness and comfort of hardware.
The compatibility with AudioBus and Inter-App Audio offers a smooth integration of iSpark in you iPad-based setup.
With iSpark, your mobile setup found its beat-making solution.


Main features:
Pristine quality sound engines including: TAE® analog synthesis, physical modeling, and multi-layered samples provided by our top-tier development partners
· 640 Instruments / 40 kits
- Classic drum machines
- Electronic kits
- Acoustic kits
· Shuffle and shift modes to humanize grooves
· Choke groups to mute instruments naturally
· Song mode with 16 segments
· Song segment triggering from hardware
· Performance master effects: repeat, tape, reverse, strobe, pan, mix, bit crusher, 8-mode filter and Roller
· 16-track mixer with high-quality effects: multiband compressor, bit crusher, multiband EQ, chorus, delay, reverb, distortion, phaser, plate reverb, destroyer, flanger, space pan, limiter, sub generator
· Real-time automation on all parameters
· Compatible with SparkLE controller
· Ableton Link integration
· Possibility to share projects, kits and instruments between iSpark and the desktop version of Spark 2."

Elektron Spotlight: Introvert

via the Elektron newsletter
Audio embed below - you might want to start the player first and then come back and read the interview while it's playing.

"Happy and careless 8-bit Nintendo sounds and ever-evolving and intricate compositions. When Introvert operates his machines, these contrasting types of expressions are welded together with ease. The uniqueness of the music gives the impression of listening to something deeply personal.

Why do you think the chip sound is so compelling?

I guess mostly because of the nostalgia of the sound. I mean I think that it is something that most people from my generation grew up hearing on almost a daily basis. It's almost like this minuscule part of our childhood that we can all relate to. Chiptune music to me is just so much fun and those familiar sounds can be made fresh again with modern machines like the Octatrack. I just use the Octatrack MIDI sequencer and my Wayfar MidiNES and go at it.

I also love that even people that I know, who don't really care for what I do musically, can't help but smile when they hear chiptune music. They seem to understand my excitement when they hear that 8-bit grit. It just tickles parts of your brain like a familiar scent from the past. It takes me back to a place when we were all kids and when life was more simple, fun and laidback.

Some of your songs, like»Chicago Dreaming«, are very complex. What is your approach when creating such intricate pieces?

Well, when composing some of the more complex tracks I do, I usually don't have that much of an idea of a finished product and I really don't have a set technique for composing. But what I have found with myself is that I'm usually most productive if I just focus on only one thing at a time. Whether it's beats, synths, Eurorack or just noises for backgrounds, concentrating on just one small piece, rather than the whole picture at once, is really important to me.

I usually take just a Monomachine or a Machinedrum or my Octatrack into a room, away from all of my other gear, so I can just focus on that one machine. That way I can get as lost in that single element as possible. I will usually do that with several machines and then when I can get a large chunk of time to zone out and experiment, I bring all of my machines together and start to layer sounds.

I have an Allen and Heath ZED 22FX so I can run everything all at once and sort of let things build themselves. I currently only use Ableton Live 8 when recording. No other software, no plugins and almost no post edits or software effects. I try to just get things as tight and as formulated as possible before I go into Ableton.

Needless to say the copy and paste features in all of my Elektron boxes get used an insane amount. If a groove really connects with me I will make 10 or 20 different copies and variations of that same groove with different swells, retrigs and lengths. This helps me to have as many variations as possible of a single thought.

Once I have done that, it is possible for me to apply my favorite Elektron trick. It is implemented in the Machinedrum and as far as I know, nothing else out there lets you do this. The trick is the Control All feature. When I found this trick my musical life changed for the better. What I do is I will have one straight groove running on one of my machines (usually my Octatrack or my MK1 SPS-1 chaining tons of patterns together). On my UW I just freak out with another groove by holding function and turning a knob so it will turn that knob consistently for every sound across your entire machine. But the cool thing is that it does not map the same for every machine. So if you are using internal machines or ROM machines parameters will be mapped differently, causing crazy cool things to happen! And when you are done "freaking out", just hold your function key and press the classic button and the saved kit will be reloaded. WOW! Ok, now run that through your Octatrack Echo Freeze delay and your electronic life will be changed.

Which aspects of song writing do you find the most rewarding? And which do you find the most tedious?

For me I honestly think the most tedious and stressful part of the writing process is the recording phase. And it's not really recording per se, it's finding the time to really be able to sit down and fully immerse myself in my machines. I think I have the tendency to over think things and that can be really impairing when it comes to completing things.

But I find the most rewarding part of making music is getting positive words and feedback from people I don't even know, or people that I really respect (like you wonderful people at Elektron or the guys at Trash_Audio). When I get nods from fellow synth geeks or professionals out there in the world, it really makes me happy in a way I can't really explain. I don't get to play out very often but it always makes me feel great when there are music geeks that I have never met who are personally effected and inspired by my music and says how much they enjoy my noises. So I guess what I find the most rewarding is people connecting with and enjoying my musical thoughts on a personal level.

Does acquiring new gear change your approach to producing music?

Oh, without a doubt! I think new gear always sparks excitement and confusion, which forces you to work out of your comfort zone. Every piece of gear inspires a unique spark of creativity that, I believe, can be attributed to the creators of the product and their personal background as musicians. That said, I usually just use new gear to create samples and sample banks for my Octatrack and Machinedrum. So while new things can severely change my approach to my creative process, new gear also helps me find new love and inspiration in current familiar machines like my Octatrack and UW. I recently have really been getting into Eurorack and there is a whole world of possibilities and noises out there that I never could have even imagined of. I have created tons and tons of personalized oneshot drum sounds, drones and swells and dumped them into my Octatrack to be mangled. This works great, because by using the Octatrack, and especially the chromatic function, an unfamiliar instrument can become familiar.

I also play Monomachine, Octatrack and guitar with a full, instrumental, band called Karass and I absolutely love to use my Elektron machines in that context. They are so flexible and enable us to keep things 100% live. While I would love to be able to take my Analogue Solutions Vostok or my Metasonix boxes with me to every practice and gig, I rather keep them safe at home. With the Octatrack we can still have access to all of those noises in a live environment and even expand on those thoughts in a really fun and LIVE way.

Check out Introvert on Facebook and SoundCloud"



via Introvert on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

オリジナル曲「LONELY RIDER」 Fujitsu FM77AV Version

Published on Mar 25, 2020 NozMusic

"2014年10月に発表したオリジナル曲「LONELY RIDER」を、2020年3月にFujitsuパソコンFM77AVでリメイクしました。
音楽制作にあたり、標準のF-BASICをOH!FMの拡張PLAY文「EDPLAY」に拡張しました。
これにより、自作音色を自由に切り替える事ができまして、貴重なFM音源3音を有効活用出来ました。
PSG音源も、ソフトエンベロープが追加されてるので、エンベロープを切り換えながら演奏させてます。
更にパートデチューンも使えるので、PSG音源2音を重ねてコーラス感あるサウンドを作れます。
32年ぶりにFM77AVでMMLを打ちましたけど、まだまだ出来るものですね♪"

Googlish:

"The original song 'LONELY RIDER' announced in October 2014 was remade in March 2020 with the Fujitsu PC FM77AV.
For music production, the standard F-BASIC has been extended to OH! FM's extended PLAY statement 'EDPLAY'.
This made it possible to freely switch between self-made sounds, and effectively used three precious FM sound sources.

The PSG sound source also has a soft envelope added, so we play while switching the envelope.
In addition, part detune can be used, so you can create a chorus-like sound by layering two PSG sound sources.
I wrote MML with FM77AV for the first time in 32 years, but I can still do it ♪"

via Wikipedia:

"The FM-7 ('Fujitsu Micro 7') is a home computer created by Fujitsu. It was first released in 1982 and was sold in Japan and Spain. It is a stripped-down version of Fujitsu's earlier FM-8 computer, and during development it was referred to as the 'FM-8 Jr.'.

Although it was designed to be a cut-down version of the FM-8, most notably removing the (expensive) bubble memory technology, the FM-7 was given a more advanced AY-3-8910 sound chip capable of three voice sound synthesis, leading to a strong uptake among the hobbyist computer market in Japan and making it a more popular system than the FM-8."

And via Wikipedia here:

"The AY-3-8910 is a 3-voice programmable sound generator (PSG) designed by General Instrument in 1978, initially for use with their 16-bit CP1610 or one of the PIC1650 series of 8-bit microcomputers. The AY-3-8910 and its variants were used in many arcade games—Konami's Gyruss contains five[1]—and pinball machines as well as being the sound chip in the Intellivision and Vectrex video game consoles, and the Amstrad CPC, Oric-1, Colour Genie, Elektor TV Games Computer, MSX, and later ZX Spectrum home computers. It was also used in the Mockingboard and Cricket sound cards for the Apple II and the Speech/Sound Cartridge[2] for the TRS-80 Color Computer."

Meska's 32 presets for Plinky

video upload by Meska

Here a sound demo of the 32 preset i have made for plinky, they are mostly on the 'noise' & 'wonky' side of plinky Plinky website : https://plinkysynth.com/
Linck to the preset : https://plinkysynth.com/presets/Meska... "

Explore the dark side of Plinky - 32 free presets by Meska

video upload by Making Sound Machines

"New sounds for your Plinky! This awesome new bank of 32 presets by @Meska_Statik draws focus to the "dark" side of #Plinky, exploring lush delay, cavernous reverb, pitch drift and gnarly saturation.

The bank includes the #preset file, 8 samples and individual links for the browser-based patch editor. It works for all generations of Plinky and is a #free download at https://plinkysynth.com/presets

We already gave a little sneak peek of these sounds at @superboothberlin, so for this little snippet we broke our #Superbooth setup back out to give you a little musical demo showcasing one of the sounds, Preset 4: Footstep. We recorded a couple of clips showing one sound each in musical context, as a companion to Meska's overview of all sounds at • My 32 presets for Plinky [Meska's video above]

In this patch, Plinky plays back a recorded sequence and is synched via MIDI clock to our Stolperbeats drum trigger sequencer for Eurorack. Enrica plays the touch surface to insert individual notes into the arpeggio, and tweaks the A knob to adjust sensitivity on the touch grid to get a grittier sound.

Plinky's pitch CV drives a @Befacosynth evenVCO through their clever A*B+C VCA for a warm, subdued bassline.

The drum sounds from the GRRL x Made of Oak Configuration sample pack on @splice - check out their EP GXM Inertia, and the 10 year @sylvanesso anniversary release for some amazing music.

The samples are played using the Samples II module by @soundforce_nicolas and processed through our Farbshaper and Farbhighpass modules. The shaper adds some extra dirt, the transistor ladder highpass is used with the kick envelope to get a ducking effect by modulating its cutoff.

The metering tool at the top right is the incredibly clever and beautiful @vaskiembedded 2HP Lights Stereo Visualizer #audio #visualisation module, engineered by our friend Lauri. The Eurorack case itself is a beautifully crafted FenixIV case made by our friends @thisisnotrocketscience3942 from Amsterdam.

Plinky is an #expressive #polyphonic #touch #synthesizer, designed by mmalex and available as a #DIY kit from @ThonkSynthDIY"

New Elektron Syntakt SY Swarm and SY Raw machines // Syntakt 1.20 upgrade

video upload by Elektron

"New Machines for your machine! We have added, SY Swarm and SY Raw, to the #Syntakt to help you reach new levels of sonic possibilities. With this sweet duo, the OS 1.20 upgrade is focusing on the melodic side of the Syntakt and expanding its already vast sound design capability.

Taking a leaf from the famed supersaw waveform but re-imagining in Elektron-style, the digital Machine, SY Swarm, is all about that sawtooth waveform which gives you seven of them in one mighty swarm. Use it to create everything from a fat lead to an insane buzzing texture

SY Raw puts all the classic analog waveforms at your fingertips in not only one but two oscillators, to be used as building blocks for your musical endeavors. Add a pinch of noise and a spoonful of ring modulation to the mix, and you have everything you need to create everything from low, low bass to cutting leads, and melodic percussion.

The music in this video is created by only using these two new Machines. Go download this new OS here: https://bit.ly/3tU4Bbt"

Syntakt SY Raw machine overview // Creating a patch from scratch using the Syntakt 1.20 upgrade

video upload by

"In this Syntakt 1.20 upgrade overview, we show you how to use the SY Raw machine and what its parameters can do. We'll also cover how to create a big bouncy analog bass sound and how to save a sound on Syntakt."

00:00 Hello!
00:08 SY Raw Sounds
00:24 SY Raw tutorial
02:00 Syntakt patch from scratch
06:00 How to save a sound on Syntakt
06:26 Where to learn more

Syntakt SY Swarm machine overview // Creating a patch from scratch using the Syntakt 1.20 upgrade

video upload by Elektron

"In this Syntakt 1.20 upgrade overview, we show you how to use the SY Swarm machine to create a unique and melodic lead. We'll also cover what its parameters can do and how to save a sound on Syntakt.

Upgrade your Syntakt here: https://bit.ly/3tU4Bbt
Explore Syntakt: https://bit.ly/3guomDn

00:00 Hello!
00:05 SY Swarm Sounds
00:24 SY Swarm tutorial
02:13 Syntakt patch from scratch
05:56 How to save a sound on Syntakt
06:30 Where to learn more"

Syntakt 1.2 Firmware: A Musical Exploration

video upload by

"Let's make some music with the new Syntakt synth engines: Swam and Raw.

00:00 intro
1:00 making the beat
10:50 performance"

New KORG GROOVEBOX Renders

This one in via Chrome. Likely not real and just a rumor, as KORG has been focused on the new KORG MS20 Mini and KingKORG synths. The design is more a throwback to the Roland TB series which KORG has not done in the past.   Why copy Roland when they have their own vintage designs. There are no teasers on the KORG site. You can find the latest KORG press releases here.

New pics:















Pics are via techhouse.sk - technika pre DJs a producentov za najlepšie ceny on Facebook

And more:




So we have the the Volca Keys, Volca Bass, and Volca Beats. The style is definitely looking more KORG than Roland in these new pics. Electribe and Monotron knobs, black cases and vintage orange KORG logo on the Volca Beats, & gold on black keys.  Could these actually be real?  If so, KORG have been some very busy bees...

Update 4/10/2013:  They are real and only $150 each:

KORG volca series - 3 analogue synthesizers for the ultimate leads, basses, and rhythms

Published on Apr 10, 2013 KORGINC·352 videos

Brand new Korg Volca Series.

Published on Apr 10, 2013 Boris Pipiorke-Arndt·4 videos

Full Details:

"volca Keys - Analogue Loop Synth　

volca Bass - Analogue Bass Machine

volca Beats - Analogue Rhythm Machine

Three true-analog synthesizers with built-in sequencers to generate the ultimate analog leads, basses, and rhythms

Following in the footsteps of the monotron, monotribe, and MS-20 Mini analog synthesizers, Korg announces the volca series. volca is a new lineup of EDM production tools comprised of three distinct models: the volca Keys lead synthesizer, the volca Bass synthesizer, and the volca Beats rhythm machine. These powerful and fun-to-use true-analog devices deliver a diverse array of fat sounds that can be obtained only from an analog synthesizer. Each is also equipped with sequencing/recording capabilities for intuitively generating performances. Multiple volcas can be used in tandem via the vintage-style sync in/out, and with your favorite DAW software or MIDI keyboard via MIDI In. Battery operation and built-in speakers mean that you can conveniently play anywhere and anytime. These are the next-generation analog synthesizers, bringing you the ultimate sounds and grooves with ease and depth. Whether used together or by themselves, the volca series is poised to inject true analog power into any performance or studio setup!

SYNC jack and MIDI IN connector allow synchronized performance with multiple units or with your DAW
By using the sync jack you can enjoy synchronized playback with multiple volcas or with a monotribe. You can also use the "SyncKontrol" iPhone app to wirelessly control tap tempo, swing settings, and synchronized playback with iOS music apps via WIST.

The MIDI IN connector lets you synchronize with other devices, as well as play the volca from any MIDI keyboard. You can also send note messages from your DAW and use the volca as an analog sound module.

Self-tuning function (volca Bass and Keys only)
Until now, the problem with analog synthesizers has been that the pitch would drift over time, or because of changes in temperature. Volca solves this by providing a Self-tuning function that constantly tunes the oscillators. You'll never need to tune during a performance, or wait for the pitch to stabilize after turning the power on.

Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere
With its compact size, battery operation, and built-in speaker, it's easy to take the volca anywhere and perform any time.

volca Keys Analogue Loop Synth

The ideal introductory synthesizer, with a simple – yet powerful – polyphonic analog sound engine and loop sequencer

The polyphonic synthesizer you've been waiting for
Three note true analogue synthesis
Voicing function lets anyone create sounds easily
Delay effect for even more sonic possibilities

Simple loop sequencer
Loop sequencer lets you record phases just as you play them
Motion Sequencer records knob edits in real time
Active Step function and Flux function to add dynamic change to your sequences

Convenient functions for tremendous ease of use
Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere

Volca Keys is a long-awaited synthesizer that adds a new chapter to the long and storied history of Korg's analog synthesizers. This 27-key analog lead synth delivers unbelievably powerful sound in a compact body. Starting with a filter section that uses the circuitry of the legendary miniKORG700S (1974), it delivers astonishing sound that takes full advantage of Korg's half-century of know-how in circuit design.

With a simple structure that includes delay effect and a sequencer, it's also an ideal choice for a first analog synth. It offers the richly expressive sounds that are distinctive of analog, providing the enjoyment of simple yet deep sound-creation. The possibilities are endless; you can use the three oscillators to play chords, use them in unison with detune to produce solid lead lines, or apply ring modulation to create far-out metallic sounds.

volca Bass Analogue Bass Machine

Powerful analog bass sound creation and an Electribe-inspired sequencer for the ultimate bass lines

Powerful analog bass sound
Three analogue oscillators for thick, huge bass line
Newly designed analog filter for crisp, bright response
Simple structure with single VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG
Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series
Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
Slide function that’s indispensable for acid and other types of electronic music
Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps
Convenient functions for ease of use
Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power
Aggressive sounds that stand up to the drums; fat sounds that support the rhythm; funky sounds that generate a groove - the volca Bass is an analog groove box that has what you need for a wide range of bass lines.

Although simple in structure, the analog sound engine has an unmistakable presence with subtle nuances that cannot be reproduced by a digital simulation; it's a great choice for acid house and many other styles of music. The step sequencer distilled from the Electribe is not only visually intuitive; it's also a powerful way to generate "free form" bass loops that will stimulate your inspiration.

volca Beats Analogue Rhythm Machine

Peerless beats generated by solid analog drum sounds and an Electribe-style sequencer

Powerful analog drum sounds
Real analog sounds created with reference to classic rhythm machines
Six editable analogue parts with one knob per function for easy editing
Maximum effect from minimal parameters - a unique advantage of analog
PCM sound engine expands possibilities when used with analog sounds
Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series
Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
Stutter function generates repeated triggers that dramatically change the sequence
Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps.
Step Jump function instantly plays only the step you're pressing
Convenient functions for incredible ease of use
Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
MIDI In for note entry, plus external sync and control from your DAW
Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power
Even today, more than thirty years after the age dominated by analog synthesizers, we just can't let go of the sound of analog rhythm machines. Those thick sounds have the power to stand up to guitar and acoustic drums, and are still indispensable for track-making or live performance. The volca Beats gives you those analog drums plus the easy-to-use step sequencer of the Electribe; it lets you turn your inspiration into reality and generate beats with the best high quality sounds.

Specifications

volca Keys : SPECIFICATIONS

Keyboard
Multi-touch Keyboard

Synthesizer

Type :
Analog synthesis

Maximum Polyphony:
3 voices

Structure:
3VCO, 1VCF, 1VCA, 1LFO, 1EG

VCO:
Octave, Ring Modulation, Detune, Portamento, EG Intensity

VCO Waves:
Sawtooth, Square

VCF:
Cutoff, Peak, EG Intensity

VCF Type:
Low Pass Filter, 12 dB/oct

LFO:
Rate, Pitch Int, Cutoff Int, Wave (Sawtooth, Triangle, Square)

EG:
Attack, Decay/Release, Sustain

Effects
Delay: Time, Feedback, Temp Sync

Sequencer

Number of parts:
1

Number of Steps:
16

Number of Recording Patterns:
8

Connectors

Audio Output:
Headphones (1/8” stereo mini jack)

Sync:
Sync In (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V)
Sync Out (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)

MIDI:
In

Power

Power supply:
6 AA alkaline or AA nickel-metal hydride batteries
or KA-350 AC adapter (optional)

Battery Life:
Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)

Dimensions (W x D x H)
193 × 115 ×46 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.81 inches

Weight
377 g / 0.83 lbs (Excluding batteries)

Others

Options:
KA-350 AC adapter

Accessories:
AA alkaline battery ×6 (for verifying operation)

* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

volca Bass : SPECIFICATIONS

Keyboard
Multi touch Keyboard / step key

Synthesizer

Type:
Analog synthesis

Structure:
3VCO, 1VCF, 1VCA, 1LFO, 1EG

VCO Waves:
Saw, Square

VCF:
Cutoff, Peak, EG Intensity

VCF Type:
Low Pass Filter, 12 dB/oct

VCA:
EG on/of, Sustain on/off

LFO:
Rate, Intensity, Target (Amp, Pitch, Cutoff), Wave (Triangle, Square)

EG:
Attack, Decay/Release, Sustain

Sequencer

Number of parts:
3

Number of Steps:
16

Number of Recording Patterns:
8

Connectors

Audio Output:
Headphones (1/8” stereo mini jack)

Sync:
Sync In (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V)
Sync Out (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)

MIDI:
In

Power

Power supply:
6 AA alkaline or AA nickel-metal hydride batteries
or KA-350 AC adapter (optional)

Battery Life:
Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)

Dimensions (W x D x H)
193 × 115 × 46 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.82 inches

Weight
370 g / 0.82 lbs (Excluding batteries)

Others

Options:
KA-350 AC adapter

Accessories:
AA alkaline battery ×6 (for verifying operation)

Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

volca Beats : SPECIFICATIONS

Keyboard
Multi touch trigger pad / step key

Synthesizer

Type:
Analog synthesis (Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat/Open Hi Hat)
PCM synthesis (Clap, Claves, Agogo, Crash)

Kick:
Click, Pitch, Decay, Part Level

Snare:
Snappy, Pitch, Decay, Part Level

Tom:
Hi Pitch, Lo Pitch, Decay, Part Level

Hi Hat:
Closed Decay, Open Decay, Grain, Part Level

PCM:
PCM Speed, Part Level

Sequencer

Number of Parts:
10

Number of Ssteps:
16

Number of Recording Patterns:
8

Connectors

Audio Output:
Headphones (3.5mm stereo mini jack)

Sync:
Sync In (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V)
Sync Out (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)

MIDI:
In

Power

Power supply:
6 AA alkaline or AA nickel-metal hydride batteries
or KA-350 AC adapter (optional)

Battery Life:
Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)

Dimensions (W x D x H)
193 × 115 ×45 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.78 inches

Weight
372 g / 0.82lbs (Excluding batteries)

Others

Options:
KA-350 AC adapter

Accessories:
AA alkaline battery ×6 (for verifying operation)

Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement."

Update2 1/10/2013: The official Press Release:

"Korg Announces the Volca Series of Analog Synthesizers

-True-analog synthesizers with built-in sequencers are designed
to generate the ultimate analog leads, basses, or rhythms-

Musikmesse, Frankfurt, Germany, April 10th, 2013 - Korg USA has announced the Volca series of portable, true-analog synthesizers. Following in the footsteps of the Korg Monotron, Monotribe, and the MS-20 Mini synth, these next-generation true-analog instruments offer on-the-go sounds and grooves along with MIDI functionality. The series is comprised of three models: the Volca Keys lead synthesizer; the Volca Bass synthesizer; and the Volca Beats rhythm machine.

All models provide carefully selected parameters that allow users to create the distinctive, massive sounds that can only come from a true analog synthesizer. Each instrument features a loop sequencer for intuitively generating and recalling phrase-based performances. Multiple Volcas can be used in tandem thanks to vintage-style sync in/out, or with the user's DAW software via MIDI In. Convenient, optional battery operation and built-in speakers provide the ability to play anywhere at any time.

The Volca Keys represents a new chapter in Korg's long history of analog synthesizers. This 27-key analog lead synth generates sound that's more powerful than its compact, low-profile body would suggest. Its three oscillators can be tuned against each other in a variety of ways-from one part unison to three-part chords-to provide the versatility needed to create a diversity of sounds. With a filter section that utilizes the circuitry of the classic miniKORG700S (1974) plus an easy-to-use interface that includes delay effects and a 16-step sequencer, Volca Keys offers the richly expressive sounds that are distinctive of an analog synth, and combines the enjoyment of basic sound creation with deep functionality.

The Volca Bass is an analog bass line groove box that's capable of generating a wide range of bass lines. Though basic in structure, the analog sound engine has an unmistakable presence with subtle nuances that cannot be reproduced by a digital simulation, making it ideally-suited for acid house and many other styles of electronic music. Its step sequencer-distilled from Korg's Electribe series-offers a convenient, visually intuitive way to generate "free form" bass loops to stimulate inspiration. The three oscillators can be combined in several ways via a voicing function, to generate a variety of thick and modulated bass sounds.

The Volca Beats offers six fat analog drum sounds: Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat, and Open Hi Hat. It contains a wide array of sound variations that could not be produced by any means other than analog, with special emphasis on the sounds that are considered indispensable for dance music. A PCM sound engine is also included for generating clap, crash and others sounds that are better suited for PCM. Simple knob-based parameters can be used to quickly create a variety of drum sounds. For example, simply by using the three knobs (Click, Pitch, and Decay), a variety of kick sounds can be crafted, ranging from rough sounds that dominate the low range to tight sounds that keep a precise beat. In addition, a 16-part sequencer is included to easily add or remove parts.

The Volca series will be available in July 2013 for a U.S. street price of $149.99 each. Additional product information is available at Korg.com"

Update3 4/10/2013: The first set of new Volca videos:

Musikmesse 2013: Korg Volca analogue grooveboxes

Published on Apr 10, 2013 FutureMusicMagazine·266 videos

"At Musikmesse 2013, Korg show us Volca Beats, Volca Bass and Volca keys - their new range of analogue grooveboxes."

Korg Volca Grooveboxes Video at Musik Messe

Published on Apr 10, 2013 sonicstate·462 videos

"MESSE13: Korg Volca Grooveboxes Vide0 Drums, B-line and analog poly - yes poly"


Musikmesse 2013 - Korg Volca Bass, Keys und Beats

Published on Apr 10, 2013 musotalk·858 videos

Update4:


Published on Apr 10, 2013 Steelberry·33 videos

"The three new groove boxes from KORG - the Volga boxes - featured at MusikMesse
Run through of the capabilities and features

Steelberry Clones at MusikMesse
Copyright Stereoklang Produktion"

Update5:

Musikmesse 2013: Korg Volca Serie angespielt!

Published on Apr 11, 2013 justmusicvideo·70 videos

"Mehr News von der Musikmesse 2013: http://blog.justmusic.de

Boris Pipiorke-Arndt stellt auf der Musikmesse 2013 drei neue Miniatur Synthesizer vor: Volca Keys, Volca Bass und Volca Beats."

Musikmesse 2013: Korg Volca Serie


Update6:

Musikmesse 2013: Korg Volca Keys

Published on Apr 10, 2013 DeBugVideo·6 videos

"Trying out the Korg Volca Keys at Musikmesse 2013"

Udpate7:

Messe13: Korg Volca Keys - Direct sound recording

Published on Apr 12, 2013 FrequencyTestSystem·70 videos

"Sound impression of the Korg Volca Keys. Recorded directly from the Volca Input. Not mastered or FXed."

messe13: Korg Volca Beats - Direct Recording

Published on Apr 12, 2013 FrequencyTestSystem·70 videos

"Korg Volca Beats - Sound impression recorded directly from the output. I don't know if this is only with THIS model at Messe but the volume was really low. In the video the volume was raised by 6.4dB, no other mastering or FX took place."

MESSE13: Korg Volca Bass

Published on Apr 12, 2013 FrequencyTestSystem·71 videos

"Korg Volca Bass - Direct Sound Recording - Sound impression not mastered or FXed."

Update8:

MESSE13: Korg Volca Bass sound impressions (sound corrected version)

Published on Apr 14, 2013 FrequencyTestSystem·73 videos

"Korg Volca Bass (protoype) - recorded directly from the input (for real this time, sorry for the earlier mistake). I took the liberty to raise the recorded volume by +4db, no other mastering or FX took place."

Korg Volca series - Musikmesse 2013

Published on Apr 14, 2013 soundonsoundvideo·586 videos

"Korg have built on the success of their Monotron and Monotribe with a new family of analogue boxes. There are three new units: Volca Beats, a rhythm station with TB808-style drum sounds; Volca Bass, a TR303-style bass synth/sequencer; and Volca Keys, a three voice polyphonic lead synth. All include an in-built Electribe sequencer, effects, MIDI input (including MIDI sync) and analogue sync for synchronising with each other, and with Korg's hugely popular Monotribe units."

Update9:

Musikmesse 2013: Korg Volca Serie angetestet und erklärt

Published on Apr 16, 2013 DJlabde·72 videos
Jump to 3:15 for the jam demo.

"Mehr News von der Musikmesse 2013: http://www.dj-lab.de/

Boris Pipiorke-Arndt demonstriert auf der Musikmesse 2013 die drei neuen Miniatur Synthesizer Volca Keys, Volca Bass und Volca Beats von Korg."