Hi everyone! As you know Barry Schrader will be giving his farewell concert at CalArts on September 26. The following is the beginning of my interview with him. I opted to post the questions and answers as they come in. New QAs will get a new post so you do not miss them and they will be added to this post so we have one central post for the full interview. This should make it easier for all of us to consume in our busy lives, and it will allow you to send in any questions that may come to mind during the interview process. If you have anything you'd like to ask Barry, feel free to send it in to matrixsynth@gmail.com. This is a rare opportunity for us to get insight on a significant bit of synthesizer history, specifically with early Buchla systems, and I'd like to thank Barry for this opportunity. Thank you Barry!
"MAX49 from Akai Professional places revolutionary MIDI and CV control at your fingertips. With an intuitive layout and included AkaiConnect automatic-mapping software, MAX49 offers an instant, fully immersive experience with your favorite music software and virtually all VST plugins. From its 49 semi-weighted keys and 12 real MPC pads, to its groundbreaking LED touch faders and vintage CV & Gate outputs, MAX49 combines cutting-edge Akai Pro technology with classic capability to give you an unprecedented music-making experience.
"This set of recordings was conceived as a spontaneous improvisation inspired by the sound of Moog Modular systems in all their infinite possibilities. The idea is to use these wonderful vintage instruments in an open way to make immediate and compelling music. Modern technology offers unlimited possibilities, but it is precisely the apparent limitations of these "electronic dinosaurs" that unfold endless tonal resources and effects to produce boundless and novel solutions. I want to thank the great drummer Davide Pettirossi for the fantastic groove in the songs Slow Cat and B. Groove.
Questo insieme di registrazioni è stato concepito come una spontanea improvvisazione ispirata dal suono del Moog Modular e di tutte le sue infinite possibilità. L'idea è proprio quella di utilizzare questi meravigliosi strumenti vintage in modo aperto per fare musica immediata ed urgente. La tecnologia attuale offre illimitate possibilità, ma proprio nell'apparente limite di questi "dinosauri elettronici" si svelano continue risorse timbriche ed effettistiche, che possono essere usate all'infinito trovando sempre nuove soluzioni. Voglio ringraziare il grande batterista Davide Pettirossi per il fantastico groove nei brani Slow Cat e B. Groove.
Instruments:
Moog 12 Modular, Moog 35 Custom Unit, Roland System 700 Lab, Modular Custom Unit with Cynthia Zeroscillator - Moog 921 Oscillators - Bode Frequency Shifter (by Mike Bucki) - MOTM Filters, R. A. Moog Minimoog N° 1110 from Trumansburg Factory, Arturia Drumbrute drum machine. Master Keyboard Korg Krome with Kenton Pro 2000 Midi to CV Converter.
Special Guest:
Davide Pettirossi - drums on track 3 and track 8
Special thanks:
Max Costa - Ryanrecording (audio)
Tom Konno - Aritak Productions (video)"
Playlist:
01. MODULAR DREAM - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Sessions
02. DOCTOR MOOG - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Sessions (R. A. Moog MINIMOOG)
03. SLOW CAT - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Sessions
04. LIKE THE WIND - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Sessions (R. A. Moog MINIMOOG)
05. MODULAR SOLO - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Session
06. FOR HAROLD BODE - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Sessions (R. A. Moog MINIMOOG)
07. MINIMOOG'S CADENZA - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Sessions (R. A. Moog MINIMOOG)
08. B. GROOVE - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Sessions
09. BASS MOOG PIECE - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Sessions (R. A. Moog MINIMOOG)
10. MODULAR LANDSCAPE - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Session
11. ANALOG REFLECTIONS - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Sessions (R. A. Moog MINIMOOG)
12. MODULAR IN THE DARK - Riccardo Fassi Modular Moog Analog Sessions
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:00 Similarities
2:40 MPC X vs SE
3:40 Q-Links knobs
7:30 Connectivity
10:05 Battery/speaker
10:30 More buttons
12:25 Screen
13:45 Pads
14:15 Touch strip
14:45 Keys
15:20 Storage
15:50 Pros & cons
18:25 Outro
Press Release follows:
AKAI PROFESSIONAL® CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF MPC WITH THE NEW MPC X SPECIAL EDITION- THE MOST POWERFUL MPC EVER!
The MPC X Special Edition commemorates 35 years of innovative sampling, sound, and sequencing technology from AKAI, the premier name in music production.
Ft Lauderdale, FL USA (April 26, 2023) – Akai Professional, a leading musical equipment and computer software manufacturer for performers and producers, is proud to unveil MPC X Special Edition. MPC X SE steps into the spotlight with more internal storage and memory than ever. Additionally, MPC X SE boasts flagship tactile control to make it the most powerful MPC system ever. With a stylish retro color way, MPC X SE culminates as the high point of the leading name in music production.
35 Years of sampling and Innovation.
MPC has pushed the limits of hardware music creation time and time again. In every generation, leading music makers need technology that can keep up with the speed of their inspiration and the needs of their creativity. MPC continues to lead the way with innovative features and advancements, magically bringing music to life. From Note Repeat and 16 Levels for the hip-hop heads to the infectious Swing for electronic drum grooves and patterns. MPC has been at the ground level of hit song after hit song thanks to its powerfully capable technology.
Today, the standalone MPC platform continues to build on that legacy with seamless touchscreen technology, more I/O than ever to tie an entire production suite together, along with wireless integration like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ableton Link 3 allowing you to make music without any constraint.
The Most Powerful MPC Ever
The rock-solid quad-core processor cements MPC X SE as the leading modern music-making device enhanced with an impressive 4GB of RAM onboard. This delivers more sampling and recording power than ever before. Instantly load instruments, samples to large projects with ease thanks to the increased memory, perfect for studio sessions or on stage between songs. Save large projects, sequences, drum programs to your beats instantly with the expanded 48GB of internal storage without ever interrupting your workflow.
MPC X SE is the only MPC with 2 In/4 Out MIDI to connect all your synths, keyboards, modules and more. The massive 10” adjustable touch screen is the perfect display for those long creative sessions. 16 assignable Q Link knobs with OLEDs provide immediate visual feedback and to any program, instrument, or insert effect parameter for instant hands-on control of your sound. For the high-pace creators tied to a busy schedule, MPC workflow keeps you ahead of the game with an intuitive and efficient creative process.
Legendary Hardware, Cutting-Edge Software
Through the years, the 16-pad MPC grid has been the default input method for MPC. Revel in the nostalgic gray pad color of these new-generation pads that feature RGB backlit edges and pressure-sensitive response. Tap out rhythms, melodies, or chords with ease thanks to the Notes and Chords modes, perfect for playing the thousands of built-in instruments. MPC X SE features a premier collection of instruments including the award-winning flagship “Fabric XL” power-synth, Stage Piano, OPx4 FM synth and much more. MPC has evolved with the contemporary music-maker by adding not only sounds and functionality but also world-class insert effects for processing. Explore a wide collection of plugins like Stutter, Granulator, Half Speed, the AIR Vocal Effects suite, MotherDucker, AMP Sim and so much more. When you need to expand your palate, browse the MPC store and update your MPC X SE with new plugin instruments like Mini D synthesizer or Flavor Pro multi-effects processing unit to breathe new life into your machine. Thanks to the enabled WiFi, update your device wirelessly in mere moments.
Senior Akai Professional product manager Dan Gill shared “The journey for MPC has been a labor of love. We strive every day to deliver the tools that will empower all music-makers, from our life-long MPC users who trust and rely on their MPCs to keep up with their daily music grind, down to the newest members of the MPC community who look to the MPC legend as they foray into their nascent musical endeavors. MPC X Special Edition is a tribute to where we’ve come from, what we’ve accomplished, and marker of the next chapter of innovatory, ground-breaking music product development.”
Key Feature Bullets
• Standalone MPC - No computer required
• MPC Plugin Collection- 20+ MPC Instruments
• 48GB Internal Storage (over 16GB for User Storage)
• 4GB RAM for Sampling and Audio Recording
• 100+ Insert Effects from AIR Music Tech
• Adjustable 10.1” Multi-Gesture Touch Screen
• 16 Assignable Q Link Knobs
• Iconic ‘Retro’ MPC Colorway
• Includes MPC 2 Desktop software for Mac and PC.
Launch Info
MPC X Special Edition will be available worldwide on Wednesday April 26, 2023 for $2499. Visit akaipro.com to learn more.
"The versatility of this powerful instrument extends even further with the ZEN-Core Synthesis System, the same advanced sound engine found in pro Roland keyboards like FANTOM and JUPITER-X. Explore everything from traditional analog synths to modern digital voices, all carefully curated for the unique articulations and extended dynamic range of a wind instrument."
The "Aerophone also supports USB-MIDI, giving you an incredibly powerful controller for creation with your favorite music production apps."
Press release follows:
Los Angeles, CA, January 6, 2022 — Roland announces Aerophone AE-20, the latest member of the company’s innovative family of digital wind instruments. Aerophone AE-20 delivers all the playability and expression of the flagship Aerophone Pro in a more compact and streamlined design. Offering a rich musical experience with premium details and Roland’s most advanced sound engines, this inspiring instrument brings next-level power and versatility to wind players everywhere.
Developed in collaboration with leading wind synth artists, Aerophone AE-20 is a top-flight instrument with uncompromising musical response. It features the core sounds and expressive control of Aerophone Pro, along with the premier model’s acclaimed key touch, refined playability, and go-everywhere design.
Aerophone AE-20 provides a wide range of stunningly authentic acoustic instrument sounds at the touch of a button. Soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxes are on hand, plus clarinet, flute, trumpet, and more. Violin, cello, and other string instruments are also included, along with world instruments like erhu, shakuhachi, and bagpipes. Backed by Roland’s SuperNATURAL technology, every playing nuance is fully translated with lifelike dynamics, articulations, and overtones.
The versatility of Aerophone AE-20 extends even further with the ZEN-Core Synthesis System, the same advanced sound engine found in professional Roland keyboards like FANTOM and JUPITER-X. Everything from traditional analog synths to modern digital voices are available, all carefully curated for the unique articulations and extended dynamic range of a wind instrument.
Aerophone AE-20 lets wind players step right into their musical flow with a familiar reed-style mouthpiece, immediate response, and natural pitch and vibrato control. The breath and bite sensors are customizable and ultra-sensitive, and it’s possible to reconfigure the fingering for sax, clarinet, flute, recorder, or a personal setup. Instant transposition and a five-octave range enable players to cover any style without the range limits found with traditional acoustic instruments.
Aerophone AE-20 features an onboard speaker for grab-and-go playing, as well as a headphones jack for quiet practice sessions. There’s also a line output for connecting to a stage amp or PA while performing, plus USB-MIDI for music creation with popular MIDI production apps.
Aerophone AE-20 comes with onboard Bluetooth® connectivity for wireless integration with mobile music apps from Roland and others. The Aerophone Lesson app helps users get started right away, even if they’ve never played a wind instrument. The Aerophone Pro Editor unlocks the full potential of Aerophone with deep customization of sound and performance settings. And with Bluetooth audio streaming, users can play along with music and instructional videos through the Aerophone’s sound system.
Winter Lounge Compilation via intercorni "Winter Lounge Compilation
Urania Man released 3 new tracks on the Winter Lounge Compilation.
Synthesizer: PPG Wave2.2 PPG Waveterm A PPG Prozessorkeyboard PPG 360A Roland Jupiter-8 Roland Jupiter-6 Roland JX10 Waldorf Microwave I Casio VZ10M Oberheim Matrix6 Sequential Pro One KORG DW-8000 an many many digital Stuff (Native Instruments) iTune Link"
. . .
Live Streaming New Years Eve 2009 electro-music.com event via ocp "We did it in 2006 and 2008 (I think we missed 2007) so why not do it again? Lets have an online electro-music.com international New Year's Eve party and electro-jam. Almost all cultures celebrate the January 1st New Year so this is sure not to offend too many people.
A floating concert is like a floating crap game, it moves around from location to location.
A shoutcast server will be set up to run all day Dec 31 through Jan 1. People in their studios are welcome to set up live streaming of performances, jam sessions, or any kind of musical expression for streaming. The electro-music.com members and lurkers can tune in and share the experience. Hopefully, people will be volunteering from all over the world to sign up for a time slot. Pick a time convenient for you - it doesn't have to be Midnight in your time zone, but that would be cool.
For those that haven't done live streaming, it is a lot easier than you might imagine. To do the streaming, all you need is a PC with Oddcast (now called Edcast), a free program. If you have a Mac, you can use the Nicecast program (free demo works for a month the last time we tried it) to stream.
If you are are interested in participating, a test server will be set up just for you to experiment on to make sure you can get it to work.
Once you get your own server assignment, you can test stream all you want. When your time comes up on New Years Eve, the radio.electro-music.com server will be switched to reflect you server. You have nothing to do.
If you are interested, please let us know. We'll pass out times on a first come basis. Why don't you join in? Don't worry about being polished and super professional, this is for fun. Hopefully, we can give some of our DIY synth builders a chance to have their music heard direct from their studios.
"The Crow Hill Company creates POCKET STRINGS as no-barrier-to-entry-styled string library plug-in produced without compromise… with added ‘synthy spice’
EDINBURGH, UK: having recently rebranded itself with an aesthetic that truly realises company co-founder and composer Christian Henson’s heartfelt dream of encouraging people to make music and help them on their journey, regardless of whatever point they were at and wherever their journey began, The Crow Hill Company continues its journeying into ‘Season Two’ as a producer of resources and tools to protect, inspire, support, and provide opportunities for music-makers the world over, believing that music is, and should remain, a wholly human experience, one that is by far one of the most powerful forms of expression, escape, comfort, and remembrance, of which its newly-created POCKET STRINGS — styled as a definitive string library plug-in that opens the doors to collaboration between anyone anywhere, creatively combining live cinematic orchestral recordings with some rarefied vintage synth classics made to measure for added body, depth, and character — readily represents the cornerstone of this ethos, as of July 10…
“A string library that’s accessible to all without compromise — a distillation of the last 25, nearly 30, years that I’ve been working as a media composer, which means that I write music for film, TV, and computer games, giving you the very basic necessities to write pro-end string arrangements. Whether that be adding to productions, songs, collaborating with others, or, indeed, creating professional film scores — whether that be to demo for an orchestra to play, or, indeed, to go to broadcast, there’s been no compromises here. But accessibility is the key — not just with the price point, but with usability.” So says Christian Henson himself, perfectly positioned — as The Crow Hill Company’s original founder, forging forward by building upon his extensive experience gained from founding Spitfire Audio to originally offer a palette of sounds he had created for his own use as a professional composer to his film world colleagues by invitation only, though the rest, as they say, is history — to proudly introduce POCKET STRINGS as a never-tried-before strings library plug-in that aims to bring broadcast-grade string possibilities to everyone.
Just a heads up, the lineup for Moogfest 2017 has been announced. As always, check out moogfest.com for full details on the event. The following is a small capture for the archives via the Moogfest newsletter.
"Hailed as 'the most adventurous and cutting edge' festival of 2016, Moogfest returns with a commitment to futurist conversations and performances that wrestle with our historic moment, and reflect on the festival’s home in North Carolina.
In celebration of its 11th iteration, Moogfest will unveil its lineup over the next 11 weeks through their weekly “Future Thought Future Sound” email newsletter, inviting the Moogfest community to explore program themes like Transhumanism, Techno-shamanism and Protest.
Download the wav/mp3: https://gum.co/mpsclair
Sounds from the @Korg Minilogue
Modulation effects from the @strymon Mobius
Reverb from the @strymon Bigsky
"Introducing Flavor Pro, a powerful effects processor engine adds character and feel to your music. Process your sounds with distortion, flutter, saturation, and more. Make your samples gritty and bring all of your tracks to life with a unique flavor."
"Join us as we dive into the AIR Flavor Pro plugin. Watch as we uncover this powerful new plugin that brings cutting-edge processing to your samples, sounds, and MPC project sessions.
"Inspired by some electronic music performances on the Superbooth 2017 (a very famous synth fair in Berlin) I tried to create some similar stuff, meaning creating music without using a keyboard, without a melody, without harmonies. I never did this before and therefore I'm just a mere amateur. I recorded four sessions each around 6 to 9 minutes. As no normal human being will be able to stand such a challenge, I compiled some minutes of the four sessions in one video. The complete Session #4 is available for the hard ones of you on YouTube [below]. Equipment used: Doepfer A100, GRP A4, AJH MiniMod, RI Swarm Oscillator, MI Braids and Peaks, Roland System 500, DSI Pro 2, Koma Komplex Sequencer"
What's the Noise? Live Modular Jams by Kaiboard. Session #4 full version
Published on May 6, 2017
"Inspired by some electronic music performances on the Superbooth 2017 I tried to create some similar stuff, meaning creating music without using a keyboard. I never did this before and therefore I'm just a mere amateur. I recorded four session, a compilation of the four is available on www.fandalism.com/kaiboard. As electronic music lives from small changes over a longer period I decided to upload session'4 in full length. Equipment used: Doepfer A100, GRP A4, AJH MiniMod, RI Swarm Oscillator, MI Braids and Peaks, Roland System 500, DSI Pro 2, Koma Komplex Sequencer"
Be sure to see the MATRIXSYNTH exclusive further below!
FM EXPLORATIONS AND MICROTONAL DRONES FROM NYZ (AKA DAVE NOYZE, DAVID BURRASTON, NOYZELAB, BRYEN TELKO)
This is the first release by NYZ and is a superb musical collection of research areas classified to internal Noyzelab operations. Not even .MEDS label were informed of the secret processes underlying its creation, excepting that we know it involved Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis! We have not been given any information regarding when this work was recorded, but we suspect the material spans at least a decade of David's FM algorithm research on numerous synthesizers, as well his own custom built ear deceiving gear...
According to one reviewer of David's previous musical output he "gleefully disrupts just about every standard convention of musical form you could think of, including those of so-called experimental musics."
Other reviewers have written that :
"His music is a bizarre, yet compelling journey investigating the outer realms of music generated on ancient & contemporary machines." "It's strikingly original audio that doesn't really sound like anything else I can think of." "Utterly sublime. So there you go, a life-affirming slab of mind-altering sound to reawaken you to the terrifying possibilities of creation."
MATRIXSYNTH recently asked NYZ why he put together this new album of FM synthesis based explorations, and whether he would discuss some of the process behind it. The declassified information below has been put together by NYZ especially for a MATRIXSYNTH exclusive.
***BEGIN NYZ DRN4 DECLASSIFICATION REPORT***
DC REPORT STATUS: PARTIAL DECLASSIFICATION ONLY
PARTIAL DC STATUS: INCOMPLETE CELLULAR BINARY SPACETIME
PARTIAL DC LEVEL: SEMI-PICTORIAL_TEXTUAL_HIGHLIGHTS
FUTURE DC STATUS: _PENDING
The main reasons for making this album were an interest in FM synthesis in both analogue modular and MIDI/digital mediums. I had worked with digital FM synthesis since getting a Yamaha TX81Z when they came out back in 1987 (which I still have, along with another backup machine with a very hummy mains transformer which bleeds onto the outs). How me and another synth friend used to cry with drunken laughter at preset D11 Hole in 1... :) But after initially wondering whether I had just wasted about 350 UK pounds on an utter piece of shit... I quickly warmed to its better presets, and its very different approach to synthesis yielded enough interesting results early on for it not to get outed.
Playlist:
Novation // SL MkIII Overview - NovationTV
Novation // SL MkIII - Performance - NovationTV
Novation // SL MkIII & Ableton Overview - NovationTV
Novation // SL MkIII & Hardware Overview - NovationTV
Novation // SL MKIII - Deep Dive - NovationTV
Novation SL MkIII Sequencer & MIDI keyboard - How good is it for synthesizer setups? - BoBeats
Exclusive: Novation SL MKIII MIDI Controller - Presentation - Sonicstate
Novation SL MkIII Review: Is it a gamechanging controller? (49SL MK3/61SL MK3) - loopop
Novation SL MkIII with Eurorack Modular Synths // Sequencer, keyboard & controller - DivKidVideo
Novation SL MkIII Controller Overview - Sound On Sound magazine
"MIDI and CV-equipped keyboard controller with eight-track sequencer
Novation today announces the next generation of SL keyboard controllers. SL MkIII is far from your typical keyboard controller. It’s an all sequencing, all dancing hub for all of your music-making tools. A centrepiece to connect, control and create with your entire setup. Computer or not. Create quickly and easily with your MIDI hardware and CV/Gate synths. Build your tracks in the eight-track polyphonic sequencer: everything in time; everything in key; every control at your fingertips.
Novation worked with Ableton® to create an unprecedented integration with Live™. SL MkIII truly pulls your sessions out of the box. The full colour LCD screens give you full visibility of your parameters, while the pads, buttons, eight faders and eight knobs get you hands-on with your music – and in any major music software, using InControl. Deep integrations with Logic® and Reason – plus HUI compatibility with Cubase, Pro Tools® and Reason – mean SL MkIII can follow you away from Ableton®, too.
SL MkIII boasts Novation's finest, most playable and expressive synth-style semi-weighted keybed, with a sprung action and Novation's highest scan rate, all tuned to the needs of the experienced player.
Key features
Absolute hardware control, taking total control directly from the internal eight-track polyphonic pattern-based sequencer
Easy integration with Ableton® Live™ or any other HUI-compatible DAW. Controlling software is made easy by recording productions from a studio centrepiece
Whether in the box or outside the box, the MIDI and analogue clock and transport controls keep everything running in time
Highly customisable mappings for hardware and software easily control everything
USB; MIDI In, Out, Out 2/Thru; three pedal inputs; Analogue Clock Out; and two CV Pitch, Gate, and Mod outputs can be used to route anything anywhere
SL MkIII's pads, buttons, eight faders and eight knobs take control of all major music software using InControl
The SL MkIII has an exceptionally high scan rate of 10kHz, giving the keyboard a huge dynamic range for expressive keyboard performance
SL MkIII's velocity-sensitive RGB pads have multiple functions: they can be used for launching clips, as steps in the sequencer, they are perfect for the finger drummer, and have polyphonic aftertouch
Components allows templates and sessions to be backed up and restored in the cloud, enabling access from anywhere in the world. All content can also be saved locally"
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.
via Myagi: "Finger Pro Bassline in the app store now packaged with 20 presets created by Myagi.
So those of you who know me even a little all know I'm a bit of a techie, and that my love of computers and music tech is pretty deeply rooted. Those who know me well also know of my love for 303 style acid lines.
The Finger-Pro Bassline is my favourite 303 emulator for the iphone / iOS - not only does it have a fluid LFO and some nice fx, but it can export its audio via email and sync to a wireless midi network - it also now comes with 20 Myagi acid lines to get you started."
"With the latest update for MoDrum (v1.1) and BassLine (v3.2), Finger is the first to fully exhaust the opportunities provided by Apple’s CoreMIDI API. Tempo-sync apps on your multitasking-capable device, or get the ultimate band experience by syncing several iOS devices with each other or your favorite DAW!
-- Turn your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad into a Bass Synthesizer and start rolling your own grooves with the unique sound of the legendary TB-303, the trademark of Acid House that influenced many different styles of electronic music!
BassLine is a virtual analog bass synthesizer with built-in step sequencer and on-board effects. Its unique low-pass filter allows to produce the well known high-resonance filter sweeps, that are typical for vintage synths like the legendary TB-303...
MoDrum is a drum machine for your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, that produces authentic drum loops without the use of sampled sounds; its five-voice synthesis engine generates them in real-time.
Quickly modify templates or create new beats using MoDrum's built-in step sequencer. Add accents and rhythmic shuffle to your grooves, or make them more aggressive with the tube amp section.
Tweak sounds while performing live: The real-time operating synthesis engine offers a range of parameters to let you control sound characteristics.
Share completed beats using the built-in audio export function: MoDrum supports WAVE file export via Pasteboard, E-Mail or iTunes File Sharing.
MIDI SUPPORT
MoDrum connects to virtual CoreMIDI ports, network sessions, and on the iPad also to class-compliant USB MIDI hardware via the Camera Connection Kit. This allows you to exchange MIDI timing clock, start, stop and note/trigger events..."
BassLine Changelog: Version 3.3
- Added 20 templates by Myagi (www.popandlockrecords.com) - Ability to switch between sessions without stopping - Opt-out from background audio - Support for MAPI/ACP pasteboard history
MoDrum ChangeLog: Version 2.0
- Several new sound sculpting parameters - Dotted 8th Delay effect unit - Hard Knee Compressor - Ability to program patterns by dragging - Step sequencer undo/redo - Support for AudioCopy by Sonoma Wire Works - Opt-out from background audio - Allow MIDI note output - Various improvements and bug fixes
The Roland FANTOM-0 synthesizer keyboard series will be available in the U.S. in April for the following prices:
● FANTOM-06: $1,499.99
● FANTOM-07: $1,799.99
● FANTOM-08: $1,999.99
"Discover the FANTOM-0 Series synthesizer lineup added to the FANTOM family. The three models offer the sonic power and fluid workflow of the flagship FANTOM series with a lightweight design and more affordable price. Choose from the 61-note FANTOM-06, 76-note FANTOM-07, or 88-note FANTOM-08. You’ll have everything you need to capture your creative vision and perform your pieces in one fluid instrument.
Take advantage of FANTOM-0’s powerful synth engine with instant access to ever-expanding Roland Cloud content, including Model Expansions, Sound Packs, Sample Packs, and more. And with features like hands-on knobs and sliders, color touchscreen, quick sampling features, and a clip-based sequencer, your production and performance processes will be smooth as silk. Plus, FANTOM-0 integrates with production software like Logic Pro, MainStage, and Ableton Live for a seamless setup.
Performers can easily carry FANTOM-0 instruments from the studio to the stage. Weighing significantly less than most other professional keyboards, just slide the synth into its gig bag and go wherever inspiration takes you.
In this video, learn about the impressive range of features and extraordinary sounds that make FANTOM-0 series synthesizers the creative hub of producers and performers alike.
0:00 Intro 1:37 SuperNATURAL Piano 2:39 SuperNATURAL EP 3:30 Virtual ToneWheel Organ 4:12 SuperNATURAL Strings 5:20 ZEN-Core Synthesizers 7:11 High-Resolution Filter 8:03 Step LFO 9:16 DSP Effects 9:38 Drums and Step-Sequencing 10:46 Sounds from Roland Cloud 12:37 Sample Pads 13:32 Multisamples 15:23 Scenes 16:19 Scene Chain 17:11 Pattern Sequencer 19:49 Piano Roll Editor 20:44 Song Arrangement 21:21 DAW Integration 26:14 MainStage Integration 28:01 FANTOM-0 Models"
Roland Fantom-0 Workstation Keyboard - First Look with Scott Berry
video upload by Kraft Music
"Here's a quick demo using multiple parts on the new Fantom 08.
Everything's been played in real time, no overdubs.
In the second part of the video I used the internal pattern sequencer playing along with a lead sound."
And the press release:
Streamlined Instruments with Advanced Sounds and Creative Features Directly Inherited from the Flagship FANTOM Series
Los Angeles, CA, March 15, 2022 — Roland introduces the FANTOM-0 series, a new lineup of synthesizer keyboards for performers, producers, and music creators. The FANTOM-06, FANTOM-07, and FANTOM-08 models combine the sonic power and fluid workflow of the top-of-the-line FANTOM series in light, streamlined instruments that flow smoothly into every musical situation, from studio production to high-level stage performances.
Unveiled in 2019, Roland’s reimagined FANTOM series has received worldwide acclaim for its advanced sound technologies and unique creative workflow that eliminates confusing modes and technical frustration. FANTOM-0 carries on this approach, offering core FANTOM features in highly portable instruments that weigh significantly less than most top-tier professional keyboards. Users can play and produce with thousands of Roland’s best sounds and unleash their musical vision with a color touchscreen, hands-on controls, and deep computer integration derived from the flagship models.
FANTOM-0 offers unlimited sound-making possibilities with Roland’s ZEN-Core, SuperNATURAL, and Virtual ToneWheel Organ technologies, with further expansion available through Roland Cloud. Musicians can create with synthesizers and rhythm sounds that have defined entire genres, build organic compositions with pianos and other acoustic instruments, or shape sounds of the future with next-generation synthesis tools.
Built for non-stop creation, FANTOM-0 lets users shape sounds and realize ideas as fast they come. Using custom creative spaces called Scenes, they can store sounds, patterns, performance layouts, song sections, and more and recall them seamlessly with no gaps or glitches. And with the free-flowing panel layout, RGB performance pads, quick sampling features, and clip-based sequencer, sessions with FANTOM-0 are inspiring, productive, and fun.
FANTOM-0 slides easily into modern production setups with a built-in 4x32 USB audio interface, and native integration with Logic Pro, MainStage, and Ableton Live provides an interactive experience with touchscreen and hardware control. It’s also possible to combine soft synths with FANTOM-0’s onboard sounds and interface with favorite MIDI hardware via the dedicated MIDI output.
FANTOM-0 instruments are easy to carry from a home studio setup to rehearsal rooms and performance stages, thanks to molded body designs that are sleek, attractive, and ultra-rugged. The 61-note FANTOM-06 and 76-note FANTOM-07 are equipped with newly developed synth-action keyboards, while the FANTOM-08 comes with 88 weighted-action keys. Other than the keyboards and physical specifications, all FANTOM-0 models offer identical features.
With Roland Cloud, players can dive deep into the historic and ever-evolving world of Roland synthesizers. Model Expansions infuse FANTOM-0 with the authentic sounds and unique characteristics of the JUPITER-8, JUNO-106, and other vintage icons. And with the growing selection of Wave Expansions, Sound Packs, Sample Packs, and more, there’s a steady stream of creative fuel for every musical journey.
Availability & Pricing
The Roland FANTOM-0 synthesizer keyboard series will be available in the U.S. in April for the following prices:
