Intuitive Instruments Exquis Hexagonal Keyboard

video uploads by dualo by Intuitive Instruments

Playlist:
Exquis - The smartest way to create expressive music
Loïc, accordeonist and du-touch player, is testing Exquis
Knarf, synthfluencer at LesSondiers.com testing Exquis

Currently on Kickstarter

"Making music is all about finding the right notes and assembling them in rhythm. But whatever the instrument, device or software, it still takes time and effort to master theory and technique.

At Intuitive Instruments, we have figured out a smarter way to play and compose today’s music, that makes it intuitive and logical for anyone.


Explore, have fun, surprise yourself, find inspiration. Above all, composing music is about emotion. Exquis provides an intuitive way to lead you to the right path, still allowing you to play out of it. No need to think: just choose a scale and follow its illuminated path.

Thanks to our patented layout, making chords is easy; Exquis puts notes that sound well together right next to one another. You’ll be amazed how harmony falls under your fingers.

Your notes, your chords, your music

Beginner, amateur or professional musicians, we all want to shorten the time between an idea and its execution. Exquis gives you the fastest access to the rules of harmony, so you can improvise with or without any theoretical background.

Then, thanks to Exquis’s unique and spontaneous creative workflow, just pick a sound, play, record your own loops and create a full song in minutes!

Expressivity at your fingertips

There is no need to play lots of notes when you can bring them to life. Exquis’s expressive keys are designed to be mastered in minutes while offering a huge potential for expert gestures. Inspired by the finesse of acoustic instruments, Exquis keys are both firm enough to play percussion and short notes with precision, and soft enough to modulate long notes with sensibility.

Sculpt your music with emotion; hit, press, and bend the keys independently thanks to the MIDI Polyphonic Expression protocol (MPE).

And in addition, use the 4 clickable potentiometers and the touch slider to increase the possibilities of sound and music control: effects, note/beat repeat,...

The Exquis multi-platform app is the perfect companion for the keyboard, as well as an autonomous MIDI-compatible DAW. Compose entire songs within seconds thanks to a unique workflow we have been perfecting for 15 years, which is approved today by thousands of musicians worldwide for its spontaneity and efficiency.

The app and the controller work in symbiosis to provide an easy and chronological music production logic. From left to right, pilot the essential actions with simple gestures, directly on the keyboard and/or in the app:

Settings : prepare your song (tempo, scale, default quantization…)
Sounds : pick a sound plugin and preset to create a new “track”
Record : record “clips” and preset the recording behavior (start condition, length, overdub)
Tracks : just like a director in an orchestra, decide which clips to launch and stop in real time
Scenes : save and launch states of your song (e.g: intro, verse, chorus…)
Play/Stop : play/stop your song, and select another project"

We designed the Exquis’s workflow by taking into consideration two temporalities: you can both play live safely and take your time to create in your bubble. Most usual actions only require handling the keyboard, whereas advanced actions taking more time like programming (clip/scene duration, follow actions…) are to be made via the app.

The interface of the app is designed following the same logic, turning your device into a customizable heads-up display and an alternative interface to all your actions, especially if you play with another MIDI controller.

In order to allow musicians to create new rhythms and moods, the Exquis app natively includes exclusive functionalities never seen in a DAW before. For example, as we were inspired by the workshops of Jacob Collier, the app provides an easy way to play with tuplets: uncommon beat divisions such as 1/5 or 1/7, useful to create grooves with a drunk feel."

See the kickstarter campaign for additional details.

Introducing TZM Creative Lab's Motus – Creative Motion Enhancer

Motus – Creative Motion Enhancer from TZM Creative Lab on Vimeo.

"Motus allows users to literally play music in the air. No keys, buttons or knobs. While holding Motus in hand, you can play the note and at the same time change its timbre by using different motion gestures."

See https://motusmotus.com for additional details including their crowdfunding campaign for the Motus.

The following is pulled from their press release where you'll find additional pics:

"Bow without strings, play synths without pressing the keys. An exciting and simple, yet intelligent wireless musical instrument converts motion gestures to sounds

TZM Creative Lab introduces their first product, Motus – Creative Motion Enhancer. A wireless device converting motion to sound, a creative tool for professional musicians, dancers and artists, an intelligent toy for kids and grown-ups. Available on crowdfunding campaign now, for less than $100.

Motus is a mobile wireless device that turns motion to sound. In human’s language, it allows users to literally play music in the air. No keys, buttons or knobs. While holding Motus in hand, user can play the note and at the same time change it’s timbre by using different motion gestures. Instead of defining single way to play Motus, we simply offer different interaction rules. While loading a different Motus instrument, you’re redefining what it will be – shaker, air drums, violin or something else. Use each instrument just as you would in reality. Motus technology tracks user’s free movements, extracts the most important motion features (e.g. velocity, dynamics, displacement) and maps them to different sounds. It can be a real-time generated sounds, prerecorded material or even sound and light effects. The size of Motus is optimal for easy handling and excellent control.

Motus technology tracks user’s free movements, extracts the most important motion features and maps them to different sounds.

New possibilities in music
Music

“By developing Motus we are keen to engage more people to explore new possibilities of being creative. It started as a tool that expands musical performance, however later we saw it has very broad use cases, e.g. dance, performing arts, or just having fun for people that have no connection with music at all. Anyone who is willing to experiment with digital sound is hindered by the process. Therefore, we did reverse the whole thing and made it approachable in a simple and exciting way, by using motion as a natural input into digital sound synthesis. The space around you becomes a touchless surface, a canvas you can interact with and explore. Motion with Motus turns the air into a keyboard, fret board, djembe skin, drum pads, violin bow, etc. The movement is a key to play and experiment with sound in real-time whether during casual time outdoors or on stage.” – said Mindaugas Badokas founder of TZM Creative Lab. “Motus is also, in part, about community. We seek to empower motion to open up more possibilities of creativity in sound exploration and gather the whole community which keeps that alive. Where anyone can take part from professional musicians to dancers, from grown-ups to kids (even 30 years-old kids).”

Motion with Motus turns the air into a keyboard, fret board, djembe skin, drum pads, violin bow, etc. The movement is a key to play and experiment with sound in real-time.

Three different Motus versions

Motus Classic is out-of-the-box device and can be explored instantly by anyone. It provides full Motus experience, however it should not be used for professional applications.

Motus Pro is made for professional performers, it comes with an external Bridg receiver and precision sensors, its connectivity rage is up to 30 meters and possibility to connect up to 12 devices simultaneously. It is a perfect fit for using on stage and demanding tasks of any performance.

Motus Hacker is offered for the adventurous DIY enthusiasts seeking to make their own customized device, it comes without usual body and each part has to be soldered together by the user. Depending on added elements it may be used on stage, however this is highly variable, therefore it is not recommended for professional application but more for the experimentalists.

Connectivity
Motus comes together with its software, where users are able to select Motus instruments and play them instantly. It as well can be used as a controller with any DAW of choice—it is compatible with MIDI, OSC and ReWire. Ableton Live users will be provided with M4L device to make the set-up easier. Max users will be offered a pack of externals and abstractions.

In contemporary dance scene for 2 years
Usually dancer follows the music and technicians follows the dancer to implement the image and audible atmosphere of the show. Motus enables dancers to directly control and improvise with sound, live visuals or lighting. Dance troupe Aura has been using Motus prototype for the past three seasons in the play “Make a Switch from me”, which was premiered in Italy, Lithuania and Poland. Composer found Motus being a versatile tool. “Motus helps to communicate message faster and gives an opportunity to expand your fantasy but still keep the audience in it.”, explained Antanas Jasenka, Composer.

Motus not only provided an immersive experience for the audience but as well for the dancers. Francesco Dalmasso, dancer at Aura Dance Theatre said “You have really close connection that you’re actually creating the choreography yourself and at the same time creating the music, sounds, so you’re both – choreographer and composer and a dancer. It’s very rich.”

Dance troupe Aura has been using Motus prototype for the past three seasons in the play “Make a Switch from me”

Coolgarden – the app store for Motus
TZM Creative Lab will be opening a standardized platform, Coolgarden – app store for Motus. Coolgarden is a place where Motus users will be able to find all Motus instruments and creative applications. Therefore, developers are invited to develop Motus instruments and offer them for Motus users through Coolgarden. Developers can offer everything from synths, audio effects, visual generators or interactive games which can be monetized or free for users.

Embedding latest technologies
In the last years scientific approaches to human-computer interfaces and interactions for musical performance gained increasing attention from scholars. Some of the reasons for this are computational speed progress and microcontrollers price drop, which have opened new possibilities in the realm of real-time musical interactions. Motus is an outcome of many experiments and scientific endeavors. We’re bringing cutting edge technologies straight to the user. By doing this we can exit alpha stage faster and implement exciting features found only in scientific papers and research facilities.

Available on crowdfunding
Motus was launched on a self-starter crowdfunding campaign on 21th of October. The company seeks to reach its crowdfunding goal of $28,000 in 30-day period until the 20th of November. During a campaign Motus devices are offered for an introductory price starting from $80. First supporters will be able to purchase a limited number of devices for even more discounted price. The collected funds will be used for securing first batch of production: finalizing the product, setting up manufacturing and future development."

Roland MSQ-700

via this auction
"The MSQ-700 is an 8-track sequencer that holds up to 6,500 notes that can be stored. Several functions of the MSQ-700 include a chain function, multi-track function, overdubbing and a merge function. Use it to control your TR-909, or Juno-60 or any other MIDI equipment. The MSQ-700 is compatible with both MIDI and Roland's proprietary DCB sync methods (although it can't do both at the same time).

Recording
The MSQ may load notes in real time or step time into any of the units 8 tracks. The unit offers 1-6 and 8 beats per measure. Step time allows you to enter notes step by step. The note is selected by an external keyboard and the duration is selected by a slider. While the slider seems relatively sturdy moving this slider back and forth over and over again can¡¯t be to helpful to slider¡¯s longevity. I find the slider a little awkward to use. The slider offers 1/64, 1/32, 1/16, 1/12, 1/8, ¼, ½ notes to be selected. Longer notes may be created with ties. There is rest key with is used to input rests with duration selected by the slider. You may record data at the beginning of a track or identify a beginning of a measure in to insert data into.

Interfacing
The MSQ has both MIDI in and out ports and well as a DCB interface. However the machine can only use on these interfaces at once. So it will not act as a DCB to MIDI converter which is a shame. This means you cant send the unit midi data and have it send out the DCB interface. DCB is found on the Roland Juno 60 and more importantly later Jupiter 8s. The MSQ may be controlled by its internal clock or controlled by external midi clock, tape sync, or din sync. The MSQ can write tape sync and can control other units (i.e. TR909, TR606, MC4, etc..) using din sync. The ability to sync and control using all these different formats is one of the MSQ main strengths. The unit can be controlled by its own or external midi clock and send din sync signals at the same time or vice versa. So the MSQ700 will function as a midi clock to din sync converter and this is one of its primary use today.

Playback/Control
To playback what has been recorded you simply select the track you wish to play and hit the play key. The sequence will run to its end and then stop or you make select ¡®continue play¡¯ and it will repeat over and over. You may stop the sequence during playback and then hit the stop/continue key and the sequence will start at the point it was stopped or you may scroll forward or backward to the applicable measure. More than track may be played at once. You may program the machine to play up to 78 tracks in any combination which is known as chain play.

Editing or Lack of Editing
An erase function allows you erase a complete track but there is no way to erase a measure or an individual step which is a tremendous short fall of the machine. So if you make a mistake at some part of the track you either live with it or erase the entire track. A merge command allows you to mix up to seven tracks of data onto one track. A ¡®time correct¡¯ or quantize function is available which essentially decrease the units timing resolution. I¡¯m not to big of a fan of this type of error correction. Overdub is also available which allows you to enter data in real time playing along with existing data. When using DCB, the existing data and the overdub is loaded into a new track. When using MIDI, only the new data is loaded into the new track. If you like the overdub you may merge it with the original data. No other functions are offered, no step time edit or anything else.

Other
A cassette interface is provided to store and load data. The unit uses ¼ audio cables to connect with your tape recorder. The unit offers save, load and verify to test the save. The entire memory of the MSQ or selected tracks may be saved. The data may be reloaded into the unit as it was saved or interestingly enough the track data may be loaded into empty tracks without affecting tracks with data on it. Also worth noting is that the MSQ offers a level test to help you determine the appropriate level of playback that should be used for best results when loading data."

Akai Introduces MPK mini play Keyboard & MIDI Controller

video upload by AkaiProVideo

MPK mini play mk3 | Play Music Anywhere


How To Setup Your MPK mini play


Billie Eilish 'Bad Guy' Cover on MPK mini Play


"Whether you're a good girl or a bad guy, MPK mini play is the battery-powered mini keyboard that lets you play all your favorite songs anywhere."

MSRP of $149.99

And the press release followed by hi-res pics:

AKAI PROFESSIONAL® ANNOUNCES THE MPK MINI PLAY MK3

WITH IMPROVED BATTERY LIFE, A LOUDER SPEAKER AND SUPERIOR GEN 2 KEYBED

MPK mini Play mk3 keyboard controller combines playing mobility with serious production tools for music creation anywhere

Ft Lauderdale, FL USA (22nd March, 2022) — Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, is proud to announce MPK mini Play mk3 keyboard controller. The MPK mini Play mk3 combines incredible portability with powerful music making features and software for beginners, pros, and all music fans.

Play Music Anywhere
Musical inspiration can happen anywhere and MPK mini Play mk3 is the perfect portable companion to capture those melodies and harmonies, anytime and anywhere. With battery-operated performance of over 14+ hours, MPK mini Play mk3 users do not have to worry about power adapters, chargers, or cables when it is time to play music. The upgraded built-in speaker delivers increased output and added low-end response, making for more enjoyable jamming and playing. With an improved listening experience, users can dive into the 128 onboard instruments and drum kits including acoustic and electric pianos, synth leads and pads, and more. When using the speaker is not practical, MPK mini Play also houses a 1/8-inch headphone output jack for quiet practicing or songwriting without disturbing others.
Professional Performance

At the heart of the MPK mini Play mk3 is the new Gen 2 keybed delivering a dynamic performance and accurate velocity response, with a feel users will certainly appreciate. While it maintains its sleek, compact footprint, MPK mini Play mk3 is more playable and comfortable than ever and ready for hours of playing. The 8 drum pads have been upgraded to real, velocity sensitive MPC drum pads, offering optimal feel and response for even the most percussive drum parts. With Class Compliant, plug-and-play capability, MPK mini Play mk3 doubles as a powerful MIDI controller and instantly connects to your favorite DAW for immediate music production duties. 4 assignable rotary encoder knobs offer versatile control of MIDI parameters like Pan or Automation for super-precise editing. With its sturdy construction and build, MPK mini Play mk3 is ready to travel securely alongside any favorite music production items in backpacks or bags.

Limitless Creativity with MPC Beats Software DAW - Effects and Instruments Included
The MPK mini Play mk3 comes bundled with MPC Beats, the powerful music-making and recording desktop software DAW for Mac and PC based on iconic MPC hardware. Featuring a full array of musical instrument plugins, effect plugins, and audio and drum samples, MPC Beats is the best way to start making great-sounding music quickly. In addition to MPC Beats Desktop Software DAW, MPK mini Play mk3 also includes multiple world-class plugin instruments from award-winning sound design company AIR Music Technology. Available in both AU and VST are Hybrid 3 — a powerful polyphonic analog synth, Mini Grand – an acoustic piano instrument, and Velvet – a vintage electric piano instrument.
All information subject to change akaipro.com

Educational Software Included
MPK mini Play mk3 comes with a Melodics educational package. Available as both a desktop and iPad app, Melodics features instruction for MIDI keyboard, pad controllers, and e-drums, offering tailored cross-genre lessons and real- time feedback designed to help refine necessary music creation skills. The free Melodics download includes 60 lessons to get started and with plug and play support, no extensive set-up is required.

MPK mini Play mk3 Key Features
• Battery powered mini keyboard instrument
• Over 100 internal drum and instrument sounds
• New, larger built-in speaker with increased volume and low-end response
• Premium 25-key Gen 2 dynamic keybed
• (8) real MPC drum pads for durable performance
• (4) assignable knobs to control MIDI parameters
• Assignable Joystick
• OLED display for visual feedback
• 1/8-inch headphone output jack
• USB port for Class Compliant MIDI controller functionality

“MPK mini has come to define how a generation makes music, and the MPK mini Play mk3 embodies every experience Akai Professional has amassed over the years into a single product anyone can enjoy.” Said Dan Gill, Senior Product Manager of Akai Professional. “A beginner has the gratification of instant music creation with access to dozens of built- in sounds. The aspiring music producer has a versatile battery-powered musical Swiss-army Knife to capture creativity at a moment’s notice, whether in a production studio or a public park. Even the professional can count on the reliability of real MPC drum pads. Every detail has been thought of to ensure users will always enjoy a truly exceptional and inspired music-making process.”

The MPK mini Play mk3 will ship with an MSRP of $149.99
For more information on MPK mini Play mk3, visit akaipro.com.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Future Retro Introduces the 512 Touch Keyboard Playing the Arp 2600 & Buchla Music Easel

Future Retro 512 Touch Keyboard Playing the Arp 2600

Published on Jun 2, 2016 FutureRetroSynths

"Simple test to show the Future Retro 512 keyboard controlling the Arp 2600 modular synthesizer."

Update: New video with the Buchla Music Easel added:

Future Retro 512 touch keyboard playing Buchla Music Easel:

Published on Jun 2, 2016

"Simple demo of the Future Retro 512 keyboard controlling the Buchla Easel. The 512 has an adjustable CV output so you can achieve .469V to 1.34V per octave control voltages to control a wide variety of synths including the common 1V/Oct synthesizers, and this 1.2V/Oct Buchla. Works with EML and EMS synthesizers too!"

New demos here: Future Retro 512 touch keyboard plays the EMS Putney, Minimoog Model D, EML 101, & Eurorack

Previous posts featured the assembly of the new 512 Touch Keyboard from Future Retro. We now have details and what it looks like completed.

Details via Future Retro

"The 512 is a capacitive touch keyboard, packed with a unique blend of truly musical features to enhance your creative experience. The 512 is available with or without the optional rack ears that allow it to fit in a standard 19" rack enclosure, taking up only 4u spaces.

Why is capacitive touch better? Quite simply, eliminating mechanical moving parts found in traditional keyboards makes a product that will never wear out, as mechanical keyboards do. No more intermittent key contacts, or failed aftertouch circuits to worry about! In addition, capacitive touch provides a much faster response time for playing notes, and allows multiple forms of expression to be executed by the performer.

There are five main functions of the 512. It can act as a keyboard, arpeggiator, sequencer, MIDI to CV converter, and MIDI to MIDI converter. The 512 can control both MIDI and CV/Gate synthesizers simultaneously. Pitch, Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel, Gate, Velocity, Aftertouch, and Clock are all available in both their MIDI and CV form. CV's follow the 1V/Oct standard with positive polarity Gate signals, allowing the 512 to control the majority of analog synthesizers both past and present.

KEYBOARD
The 512 provides 9 octave ranges for the 29 full-sized keys (although shorter in length than typical keys) with response to Velocity and Aftertouch. Users can define one of five different Velocity and Aftertouch curves to apply to the keyboard, and dial in the range for each curve to customize the response. The Pitch Bend provides positive and negative pitch bends, and the bend range can be adjusted for full or half range. Mod Wheel is also provided as a modulation source.

ARPEGGIATOR

CLICK FOR MORE »

Kilpatrick Audio CARBON Sequencer Crowdfunding Campaign

Published on Nov 5, 2015 KilpatrickAudio

"Learn about CARBON and our crowdfunding campaign to support the development of this exciting project!"

http://store.kilpatrickaudio.com/carbon

See the CARBON sneak peak video here.

Details for the archives because we all know they tend to disappear over time:

"Ever since the K4815 Pattern Generator module was released to great praise in 2010
we have been planning a follow-up product that would take the Pattern Generator concept to a whole new level.
After five years of planning and exploration we are proud to present: CARBON

CARBON offers several distinct and powerful functions that will change the way you compose and perform.
FEATURES

Sequencer, performance control system and USB interface.
Ever since the K4815 Pattern Generator module was released to great praise in 2010 we have been planning a follow-up product that would take the Pattern Generator concept to a whole new level. After five years of planning and exploration we are proud to present: CARBON

CARBON offers several distinct and powerful functions that will change the way you compose and perform.

Sequencer
CARBON is primarily designed as a pattern-based sequencer. It has six tracks which can each hold 64 steps. Steps can be generated randomly, edited interactively, or recorded from a MIDI keyboard one step at a time, or in realtime while the sequencer is running. Polyphony and CC recording is supported so each step can contain chords or other performance data.

The fun begins once you've got some notes playing back on a track. Choose a region to play back, say, the first 8 steps. The track will play those same 8 steps over and over. Now move to another track and record a new sequence. This sequence can be a different length, or play back at a different speed. It can even play backwards while the other sequence plays forwards.

Remix with Patterns and Scenes!
The real power of CARBON is how variations of sequences can be made. By simply turning the PATTERN control, different steps in the sequence can be enabled and disabled. The patterns will surprise and inspire you by creating new rhythms and motifs with a simple twist of a knob. These are all based on your original sequence and can be changed at any time.

Adding in the concept of scenes lets you quickly switch between different parts of a song or different variations. Scenes can store the range of steps to play, the pattern, track mute state and a number of other parameters. Switching back and forth between scenes offers endless performance potential without ever missing a beat.

The best part of the CARBON sequencer is that all the recording and editing can be done in real-time without ever stopping the sequencer.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New KORG LittleBits Introduction & Demo Videos

Playlist:

littleBits Synth Kit - Published on Nov 8, 2013
"The littleBits synth kit is an incredibly powerful, easy to use modular synthesizer in the world. The Synth Kit enables amateur and professional musicians to easily explore the iconic synthesizer instrument, allowing you to build your own sound machines (with signal generators, modifiers, modulators and controllers) and put on your own performances - all with little to no engineering or musical knowledge.

Developed to inspire innovation in hardware, littleBits lets users create circuits in seconds, with no soldering, no programming and no wiring required. littleBits has been recognized as "LEGO for the iPad generation" and has been heralded as the most extensive, modular and accessible electronics platform in the world. The brand's Bits™ modules revolutionize the way people interact with technology by breaking down electronics into their very basic parts (lights, sounds, sensors, motors, programmable circuits), and making engineering fun and accessible to "non experts" of all ages including children , teachers, artists, designers, makers, hobbyists and tech-enthusiasts.

littleBits makes an open source library of electronic modules that snap together with magnets for prototyping, learning, and fun.
Find out more at littleBits.cc
Credit: Reggie Watts: youtube.com/reggiewattsjash"

Keytar - Published on Nov 8, 2013
"Create your own electronic instrument!"

Play a Song: Row Row Row Your Boat - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Serenade your friends! Go to littleBits.cc/synth for color coded instructions on how to play this song and others!

Pressure Sensitive Pitch Sweeps (Basic) - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Create a sound generator the responds to your applied pressure.

Pressure Sensitive Pitch Sweeps (Advanced) - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Create a sound generator that responds to your applied pressure.

Play A Song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Serenade your friends! Go to littleBits.cc/synth for color coded instructions on how to play this song and others!

Percussion Party - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Dance to the beat of your own drums!

Note: Noise is an un-pitched sound. It is often used as a way to create percussion sounds because most drums are un-pitched instruments.

Metal Music - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Recreate metallic sounds with the envelope!

Light Sensitive Sound - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Use a light sensor to change the pitch of the oscillator.

Spooky Sounds - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Create a supernatural soundtrack.

In this circuit, the peak knob has a large effect on what the cutoff knob does. It emphasizes certain frequencies and creates a "peak" at these frequencies. If the peak is turned all the way up, the emphasis can be strong enough to increase the loudness of the sound and in some cases create an oscillation.

Tuning - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Tuning is the relationship between the pitches in a musical instrument. Instruments need to be "tuned" and a synthesizer is no different. by tuning instruments, you can create "melodies" that are recognizable.
The tuning dial on the oscillator bits module will alter the relationship between pitches. This will be important when using the keyboard and micro sequencer.

Beats and Base - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Create a bass line with LFO filter sweeps and a drum beat.

8 Step Sequence - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Using additional modules from the littleBits library such as the latch and inverter, two micro sequencers can be used to create an 8 step sequence.

Filtering Noise: Create a unique sound using the filter module - Published on Nov 8, 2013
The filter is known as a low-pass filter. This means that frequencies higher than a certain point will be reduced or filtered out. When the peak is increased and the cutoff is adjusted the timbral effect can sounds like a person making vowel like sounds.

Key Player: Learn how to play notes on the keyboard - Published on Nov 8, 2013
A synthesizer is commonly controlled with a keyboard similar to a piano. Each key creates a voltage that represents a note. Since a synthesizer is electronic, it is not limited to the same notes a piano can play.

Frequency Modulation: Discover how two oscillators interact - Published on Nov 8, 2013
An oscillator can produce a frequency that is too low to be perceived as a pitch. In this case it is known as an LFO or low frequency oscillator. Because the oscillator in your kit can be both low frequency or audio range, you can turn up the frequency of one oscillator and feed it into another oscillator to create "frequency modulation".

Synthesizer with the works - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Create one monster synth with all of these modules!

Play a Song: When the saints go marching in - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Serenade your friends! Go to littleBits.cc/synth for color coded instructions on how to play this song and others!

White Noise: Experience the random module - Published on Nov 8, 2013
The random module has two modes and one of them is called "noise". Un-pitched sound is generally categorized as noise or a collection of many frequencies that are not distinguishable from one another. Unlike a waveform, noise has no repeating pattern.

Synth Band - Published on Nov 8, 2013
Learn how to play a melody with accompaniment.

Echo and Delay: Learn how to make infinite repeating sounds with the delay - Published on Nov 8, 2013
The delay affects the sound but unlike the filter, its primary function is not to add or subtract from the original sound but to reproduce it. Think of it as an echo in a large room or cave. You make a sound, and that sound gets repeated for some amount of time depending on how big the space is.

Shape Your Sounds: Experiment with the envelope - Published on Nov 8, 2013
The envelope of a sound has a big effect on the character of the sound. The controls on the envelope Bits module are "attack" and "decay".

ATTACK - Attack is how long it takes the sound to get to its loudest point
DECAY - Decay is how long it takes the sound to fade to silence.

Roland's AIRA Officially Unveiled - Massive Pic Gallery, Details, Videos

AIRA — Artists make first contact with AIRA

Published on Feb 13, 2014 RolandChannel·835 videos

"Groundbreaking artists talk about their experiences with Roland instruments and make first contact with the AIRA gear. Artists appearing are: Arthur Baker, Ricardo Villalobos, A Guy Called Gerald, Rain Man, Netsky, Oscar Burnside, Boys Noize, Dr Meaker, Hardfloor, John Heckle, Hisashi Saito, and Akkord."

This post might take a bit to load. :)

Update3: You can find a write-up on Novamusik here.

Update2: You can find comments and discussion on this post on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge here. I also added a page break for this post on the main site so it doesn't slow the site down for new posts. Click the "Click for more" link to get to the full post.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Hataken Interview

Back on March 31, I put up a post on Hataken, a Japanese DJ artist who primarily uses analog synths. At the time, Shane Chisolm, the manager of Don Juan Dracula mentioned Hataken was working on a remix version of DJD's "Take Me Home". Shane asked me if I'd be interested in doing an interview with Hataken, and I thought why not. It would be interesting to hear his perspective on the world of synths as a live DJ artist. The following is the result of that interview. Note, this is a long one. You will want to use page down to scroll through. If it is too long for you, I recommend reading one or two questions each time you visit the site. Each DIY item below would typically have been a separate post. There is a lot of interesting stuff here. That said, I start with an introduction followed by asking Hataken how it all started for him. Note the focus is primarily on synths as this site is about everything synth, and Hataken delivers. The gear he has both worked with and designed to meet his specific needs is overwhelming. There's also an interesting interlude on experimenting with frequency counters to produce specific frequencies of sound known to have healing properties, and of course there is a bit of the age old discussion of digital and analog.

Before we start the interview, I want to thank Hataken for taking the time out for this, and I want to thank Shane for suggesting it. It's a fascinating history of a DJ synth artist with interesting perspectives that I'm sure I will come back to over time. Be sure to check out the video and link to more at the end. And of course be sure to check out Hataken's website.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

CLICK FOR MORE »

Exclusive Moog Minitaur Review - All the Bass & More for Less

This is a MATRIXSYNTH review...

A brand new Moog Minitaur will set you back $599, a Slim Phatty, $795, an RME Voyager, $2695. So how does the Minitaur sound compared to its siblings? Pretty darn incredible.

For this review I had access to both a Minimoog Voyager and a vintage Minimoog Model D for comparison, and the Minitaur more than held its own. Actually it was capable of sounding identical to the Voyager with roughly equivalent settings. The Model D, whether due to age or physical design, has a brighter, fizzier, more unstable characteristic to it compared to both. It's kind of like the original Minimoog has a wild beast inside it while the Voyager and Minitaur have managed to keep that beast under control. I used to think of an analogy where the Model D sounds like it has a Tasmanian Devil inside it, while the Voyager has Darth Vader. Well, the Minitaur adds a massive fat bull. All three are extremely powerful sounding synths. The bass the Minitaur produces is as full as it gets and the filter gets wide open. It was a bit shocking when I first heard it. The Minitaur might be slimmed down in price, but sonically it has all the fat you will ever need.

As the Voyager sounded closest to the Minitaur, I primarily focused on it for comparison. For the most part I could get the Minitaur to sound identical, but there were subtle differences. An interesting thing I noticed was that the filter on the Minitaur seemed to open more than the Voyager, but then I realized that on the Voyager the filter opens up more if you apply the envelope to it. Once I adjusted the envelope on the Voyager, they sounded nearly identical. The saw waves were identical and the pulse waves varied a little, but I believe this was likely due to additional pulse width settings on the Voyager that the Minitaur does not have. I found myself spending more time attempting to get the Voyager to sound like the Minitaur vs. the other way around. This was clearly due to the extra parameters on the Voyager, and it reminded me that sometimes less can be more. With pulse waves, the Minitaur sounded a little more rounded, smooth and fuller. In many cases where I couldn't sonically hear a difference, I could feel it. A funny side note is I have an overhead lamp in the studio I did my testing in. The lamp has a metal hood over a small glass dome for the bulb enclosure that rattles with significant bass. It rarely happens but I noticed it happening quite a bit with the Minitaur. I decided to take the Minitaur, Voyager and Model D to town with a rattle test. The Minitaur won. It consistently produced the most intense lamp rattle. :) This is not too surprising considering Moog's reputation for bass, and that the Minitaur is based on the Moog Taurus 3 bass pedals, which in turn was based on the original Taurus I released back in 1975 (note the Taurus II unlike the I & 3 was based on the Moog Rogue - this is significant, and I'll comment on this in the summary). It's worth noting that although there are other dedicated bass synthesizers out there, there are essentially two types - TB-303 emulators and thundering bass pedals. The Minitaur of course is based on the latter, and few synths sound as full. The Novation BassStation keyboard which is also analog, for example, was geared more towards TB-303 emulation and does not really compare to the Minitaur.

Before we get into specs and finally the summary, there are a few things you need to know off the bat regarding the Minitaur:

CLICK FOR MORE »

MATRIXSYNTH Review and Overview of the Novation UltraNova

Hi everyone, you might remember, back in July I posted some pics of my newly acquired UltraNova, and mentioned that review posts would eventually follow. Well, I’m happy to tell you the first post is here. The UltraNova is one powerful synth, so to make the overall review a bit more consumable, it will be broken up over time. This first section includes an Overview, the Oscillators, and the Mixer sections. When new sections go up, I will be sure to let you know via a new post.

As with most of my reviews, I will say this one goes pretty deep into the synth engine and all editable parameters. If you are the type of person that likes to dissect and explore all of the available parameters on a synth, then this post is for you. I will touch on what each parameter does and will call out any interesting features and limitations as I do so. There are some pretty special parameters on the UltraNova that give you control beyond most other synths. Hopefully this review will give you some insight into what makes the UltraNova special.

Overview & Quick Comparison to Previous Nova Synths

The Novation UltraNova, released back in 2010, is a 20 voice virtual analog & wavetable synth with three oscillators, two ring modulators and one noise source per voice. The UltraNova also features two audio ins that can be assigned to the oscillator section and/or a 12-band vocoder. It’s worth noting that the Novation Nova from 1999 featured a 40-band vocoder, while the Supernova II from 2000 featured a 42-band vocoder. The UltraNova is a monotimbral synth while the 12 voice Nova was six part multitimbral and the Supernova II (24, 36, or 48 voice) was eight part multitimbral. The UltraNova supports up to 5 simultaneous effects per patch. The Nova supported 42 simultaneous effects, while the Supernova II supported up to 56. The Supernova II also supported FM synthesis while the Nova and UltraNova omit it.

The UltraNova, however, is the first Nova synth to feature wavetable synthesis. An interesting side note is that all of the oscillators on the UltraNova are actually stored as wavetables, including the standard waveforms. According to Novation, “The wavetables in the Supernova series are all calculated. The wavetables in the UltraNova, even the standard analogue waves are wavetable oscillators. This change in oscillator generation was first used on the A-Station and K-Station and subsequently in the KS series, X-Station and Xio.” This allows the UltraNova to have some advanced tricks when it comes to the oscillator section, which will be covered in detail below.

I asked Novation about the lack of FM synthesis and they told me, “FM would have been a lovely addition to the UltraNova, but it would have been asking too much of the DSP to be able to run everything the UltraNova can do and also add in FM. The wavetables were a really good way to introduce a new (to Novation) type of synthesis that is able to cater for some of the synth sounds that FM is known for and also to be able to create lush evolving pads.”

The UltraNova features two routable filters per voice with a total of 14 filter types to chose from including 6dB (no resonance), 12dB, 18dB, and 24dB with Lowpass, Bandpass and Hi-pass modes. The Nova and Supernova II lacked a 6dB mode.

As for hardware, although the UltraNova may have fewer knobs per function than its predecessors, it is extremely well laid out and super intuitive to use. Along with both keyboard velocity and aftertouch, the UltraNova has touch sensitive knobs. They literally respond to touch and can be assigned to various parameters. Worth noting, velocity is configurable, however, aftertouch is not. I found the aftertouch to be good, but it does require a little extra force than I prefer; it’s good for not accidentally triggering it, but not so good for subtle, natural performance.

Please note the above comparisons with the Nova and Supernova II were only for quick reference. The UltraNova of course is its own synth with a few tricks up its sleeves that are lacking in the original Nova line, including a level of control over the synth engine often only found in the modular realm. It sounds incredible, and for the price, currently only $599 new, it is an extremely flexible and powerful synth. You get the current top-of-the-line Novation Nova synth engine with new wavetables and more. The UltraNova is both a performance oriented synth as well as a synth programmers dream. It can be configured for easy access to specific parameters for a live situation, or you can dig as deep as you want with a clearly well thought out interface.

That said, let’s dig in.

The following review and overview will essentially go over the signal flow of the UltraNova followed by performance controls including the arpeggiator and the hardware interface. I’ll go into a little detail on what each feature can and cannot do in an attempt to give you a detailed idea of what the synth is capable of. Because my reviews tend to be a bit on the longer side, I will be posting the sections in chunks over time to make it easier on you to consume and for me to compose.

First we start with…

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Roland FA-06 & FA-08 Music Workstations

Published on Jan 14, 2014 RolandChannel·828 videos

"Featuring a huge selection of Roland's best sounds, a 16-track sequencer, seamless DAW integration, an easy-to-use sampler, and much more, the new FA series completely reimagines the music workstation for effortless real-time power, ultra-fast workflow, and maximum versatility."

Description via Roland:

"Roland’s new FA series completely reimagines the music workstation, streamlining it for effortless real-time power, ultra-fast workflow, and maximum versatility. Ready to support any type of music you play, the FA-06 and FA-08 come packed with a massive sound collection inherited from the flagship INTEGRA-7, a ton of studio-quality effects, and expressive real-time controls, plus onboard sampling with zero load time for instant audio playback from the 16 backlit pads. The sequencer features simple operation and non-stop loop recording, letting you capture songs and ideas as they come and export them as multitrack data to use with your DAW. Flowing seamlessly into every part of your creative world, the FA series morphs instantly from standalone use to become the command center of your computer music studio, with USB audio/MIDI interfacing, powerful real-time controllers, DAW transport controls, and much more.

Reimagined music workstation designed to maximize your creative flow
Light, mobile body with 61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard (FA-06) or 88-note Ivory Feel-G Keyboard (FA-08)
Over 2000 sounds from the flagship INTEGRA-7 sound module, including SuperNATURAL synth and acoustic tones and drums; add even more tones via internal wave sound expansion slots
SuperNATURAL synth engine is fully compatible with the expansive collection of free INTEGRA-7 synth tones available from Roland’s Axial sound library site
16-track sequencer with non-stop loop recording makes it easy to build songs quickly; export your sequencer tracks to an SDHC card as a complete stereo mix, or as multitrack audio or MIDI data for use in your DAW
Onboard sampler based on the SP-404SX features 16 pads x 4 banks and direct recording/playback via SDHC cards
Polish your sounds with a multitude of studio-quality effects, including 16 independent MFX engines, six COMP+EQ processors for drums, unique TFX (total effects), and global EQ, chorus, and reverb
Tweak tones, effects, and external MIDI devices in real time with six user-assignable Sound Modify knobs
Intuitive, streamlined interface with large color LCD
Press one button to instantly configure the FA-06/FA-08 for use with your DAW via USB
D-Beam, Rhythm Pattern, Arpeggiator, and Chord Memory functions to expand your creative palette
Guitar/Mic and Line input jacks for performing, sampling, and DAW audio recording; dedicated input reverb provides ambience for performing/recording
USB ports for sound expansion data, updates, and audio/MIDI interfacing with a computer; MIDI communication with the iPad is possible when using Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit
No Work, All Play
Music workstations play an important role for keyboardists in a wide range of creative activities, from live performance to song development to production in the studio. However, they can often be complicated and difficult to use to their full potential, bogging down the creative process and inhibiting the flow of ideas. In developing the FA series, Roland has completely reimagined the music workstation to provide musicians an inspiring platform that’s extremely powerful and versatile, yet simple and intuitive at the same time. With a streamlined interface and focused, practical features that maximize your creative flow, the FA series allows you to experience newfound freedom to deeply explore and develop your musical ideas with less effort than ever before.

Perform and Record with a Massive Selection of Roland’s Very Best Sounds
The true measure of any music workstation lies with the quality and diversity of its sounds. Filled with over 2000 tones directly inherited from the INTEGRA-7, Roland’s flagship pro sound module, the FA series truly delivers in this area and then some. All of the INTEGRA-7’s SuperNATURAL synth and XV-5080 PCM tones are onboard, plus an essential collection of ultra-expressive SuperNATURAL acoustic tones that includes pianos, organs, drums, bass, strings, and more. The sound engine in the FA-06/FA-08 is fully compatible with the large, growing collection of INTEGRA-7 synth tones available as free downloads from Roland’s Axial sound library site, and it’s also possible to expand the onboard sound set with FA-series wave sound expansion collections.

Capture Ideas and Create Songs Without Interruption
Simple yet powerful, the intuitive 16-track sequencer in the FA series has been designed to let you capture your inspiration as it happens—recording is always just a simple button press away, ensuring that you’ll never lose an idea. In a flash, you can build a full arrangement with the workstation’s huge array of sounds, and with continuous recording in loop mode, you’re able to fill up all 16 tracks without ever stopping! In addition to real-time capture, step recording is also possible, and you have complete control to edit and mix your tracks as you go and save your song to an SDHC card as a stereo audio file. It’s also possible to export your tracks as individual WAV audio files and/or MIDI data for further development in your DAW, making the FA-06/FA-08 a powerful sketchpad for capturing initial sparks that will form the basis for your full-scale computer music productions.

Seamless Hardware Integration with Your DAW
In addition to standalone use as a performance instrument and composing workstation, the FA-06/FA-08 transitions into your computer-based music production world with ease. A simple press of the dedicated DAW Control button instantly sets up the workstation to communicate with your computer via USB*, letting you use the keyboard and knobs to send MIDI data to your DAW for playing software synths, controlling plug-in effects, and more. The FA series also includes control maps for popular DAWs, providing a quick and easy setup to control transport functions and more in your specific software. You can even use the FA-06/FA-08 as a USB audio interface to record a variety of different sources directly into your DAW, including a mic, guitar, or stereo line level device connected to the rear-panel input jacks, and you can capture the workstation’s internal sounds and sampler playback as well. Sound output is also supported, allowing you to monitor the DAW output through the stereo output and headphones jacks on the FA-06/FA-08.

* USB communication requires installation of the FA-series USB driver on your computer.

Instant-Access Performance Sampler Onboard
Based on Roland’s mega-popular SP-404SX, the sampler in the FA series features fun, fast, hands-on operation and sampling/playback via convenient SDHC cards. You can play audio samples directly from the 16 pads on the panel, making it easy to expand your performances with loops, backing tracks, one-shots, vocal phrases, sound FX, and more. Thanks to SDHC flash memory, your samples load instantly with no wait time, and you can use the four pad banks and clipboard function to rearrange your samples as needed for any performance. It’s super-easy to sample the workstation’s own sounds or external sources via the Mic/Guitar and Line inputs, and you can even play WAV, AIFF, or MP3 samples that you’ve transferred from your computer. A variety of editing features allow you to tweak your samples to taste, including quick adjustment of playback position and level. In addition to sample triggering, the pads can be used for numerous functions such as muting parts, entering numeric values in the display, and more.

Enhance Your Sounds with a Wide Range of Simultaneous Effects
With its large selection of pro effects, the FA series provides numerous options for polishing your sounds and sequencer tracks to studio-level perfection. Independent MFX engines are available for all 16 parts of a Studio Set, giving you an enormous level of sound shaping for both live playing and song mixing. Each MFX engine contains 67 different effects types to choose from, with an additional option of a vocoder when MFX are used with Part 1. Six separate COMP+EQ processors are dedicated for individual drum sounds, while global EQ, chorus, and reverb are on tap to add a finishing touch to any of your parts as needed. With the unique TFX (total effects), you also have the ability to process the entire output of the workstation with dramatic effects such as DJ FX Looper, Isolator, and many others. All the effects can be tweaked in real time via the Sound Modify knobs, making it simple to enhance your keyboard playing, sampling, and sequencer tracks with dynamic sonic textures.

Fast Workflow and Intuitive Real-Time Control
You can feel the speed of this new breed of instrument the moment you hit the power switch—unlike many workstations that can take a minute or more to boot, the FA series is ready to play in seconds. The panel is logically organized into dedicated sections, and the large color LCD presents a gorgeous look with inviting hi-res graphics for selecting tones, working with the sequencer, and adjusting various settings. It’s easy to navigate through the workstation’s large sound selection by category and assign favorites for fast recall, while dedicated buttons deliver instant access to often-used functions such as transpose, octave range, and many others. With six knobs and a powerful yet easy-to-use assignment matrix, the Sound Modify section lets you control a wide range of parameters in real time for maximum expression while performing live and working in the studio."

http://www.rolandconnect.com/product.php?p=fa-08

Updates:

Sonicstate Exclusive: Roland FA-06 preview

Published on Jan 15, 2014 sonicstate·594 videos

"Roland popped down a couple of days ago to give us the skinny on a new product which was released today. Taking the legacy of the Fantom workstations and combining the pallette of the sonically stuffed Integra-7 sound module, and performance chops from the recent Junos and Jupiters,plus a large colour display, the FA06 and FA08 (88 weighted keys) are Roland's new take on the keyboard workstation.
With 128 voice polyphony, 16 part sequencer (each with dedicated FX plus a total FX), it's got enough voices to handle some complex productions.
The all new (ground up design) sequencer integrates with the on-board sampler to create a flexible workflow as far as we can see."

Roland FA-08 Workstation First Look - Keyboard Magazine

Published on Jan 15, 2014 keyboardmag1·330 videos

"Dave Bryce checks out Roland's first new workstation since the Fantom-G, the FA series."

Roland FA-08 Workstation First Look 2 of 2

Published on Jan 15, 2014

Rob Papen Introduces BIT-2 Analogue Synthesis-Modelled Virtual Instrument

video upload by Rob Papen

Update:

Rob Papen Live Stream 27 April 2023 BIT-2 & how the introduction video was created


Press release follows:

Rob Papen takes trip back in time to boost BIT-2 beyond namesake plug-in predecessor as analogue synthesis-modelled virtual instrument

ECHT, THE NETHERLANDS: virtual instrument and effect plug-in developer Rob Papen Inspiration Soundware is proud to announce availability of BIT-2 as an analogue synthesis-modelled virtual instrument — with which it takes another trip back in time to take its namesake plug-in predecessor (released in 2019 to widespread critical acclaim with outstanding audio quality) to the next level with numerous new and creative features — as of April 27…

As an apt acronym if ever there was one, BIT stands for ‘Back In Time’. This alludes to the fact that the BIT-2 virtual instrument plug- in — like its namesake predecessor — mainly focuses on modelling analogue synthesis from a pre-digital era that has a still-sought- after charm of its own, one which had not been covered before BIT by the Rob Papen brand, whose virtual instrument products previously combined the best of analogue modelling with hybrid synthesis so successfully. Since self-confessed synth freak and world- renowned sound designer Rob Papen himself had started working with synthesizers at the tender age of 15 when purchasing an analogue Korg MS-20 semi-modular monosynth and accompanying analogue SQ-10 sequencer way back when, taking this trip back in time — and now a second time — makes perfect sense, both business-wise and otherwise.

On the face of it, BIT-2 has no (virtual) patch cables, but make no mistake: it is modular in nature. Indeed, its MOD (modulation) MATRIX is used for patching, though several connections — such as LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) and ENV (envelope) to the OSC 1 and OSC 2 parameters — can quickly be made when switching on the smart ADV (advanced) panel below the oscillators.

Oscillators are actually where boosting BIT-2 begins, with additional Super Saw (1/2/3) and Super Square (1/2/3) waveforms generating a three-oscillator sound within one oscillator to provide even more flexibility for sound creation. Conversely, though, it made sense to leave BIT’s ability to modulate OSC 2 with OSC 1 in several ways — expanding the sound palette profusely with PM (Phase Modulation), FM (Frequency Modulation), and RING (modulation) — as before. But boosting BIT-2 further still are its two top- notch analogue-modelled filters — FILTER 1 and FILTER 2 — expanded to include new types and modes for further enhancing its sound-shaping capabilities, while its AMP (amplifier) section has also been expanded to include multiple distortion types that are all at a ‘per voice’ level to make them much more usable — avoiding any ‘ugliness’ if playing chords, for instance.

Additions are also to be found in BIT-2’s ARP (arpeggiator)/sequencer section, including an ability to dynamically change the start STEP and end STEP number, resulting in interesting patterns that can be changed in real time, as well as the MAGIC MODE parameter that adds musical variation to the active ARP or sequencer. Saying that, the ARP/sequencer can now also work as a modulator, thanks to an additional FREE row that can be used to modulate other parts of BIT-2 in conjunction with the MOD MATRIX.

BIT-2 benefits from the addition of the RIBBON CONTROLLER section located at the bottom of its GUI (Graphical User Interface). It allows users to control several parameters at once using a mouse or external MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) controller, and — unlike a hardware ribbon controller — also has a tempo-based SPRING BACK feature with QUANTIZE and BIPOLAR mode. Performance-wise, PLAY MODE now features a LOCK PLAY function — helpful if using an MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) keyboard.

Expanded effects really represent the finishing touch to BIT-2 with some superb-sounding additions alongside other improvements, including Rob Papen’s proprietary REVERB that sounds superb, so no need — necessarily — to add reverb externally.

Ending where we began, BIT stands for ‘Back In Time’ but when working with the boosted BIT-2 it could just as well be taken to mean ‘Be Inspired Today’ — thanks to the analogue synthesis-modelled virtual instrument’s improvements and additions. As Rob Papen proudly points out by way of ending on a hands-on high note, “We now have animated dials in BIT-2, more modulation slots and modulation options, and last, but not least, many new presets by both myself and others have been included in this update... enjoy!”


BIT-2 is available as a 64-bit AAX-, AU-, VST- and VST3-compatible virtual instrument plug-in for Mac (OS X 10.13 or higher) and as a 32- and 64-bit VST- and VST3-compatible virtual instrument plug-in for PC (Windows 7 or higher) — with 64-bit AAX compatibility available for PT 12 or higher (PC) — at an introductory promo price of €74.00 EUR/$74.00 USD until June 1, 2023 — rising thereafter to its regular price of €99.00 EUR/$99.00 USD — from authorised Rob Papen resellers worldwide or as a download directly from Rob Papen itself for the same pricing from here: https://www.robpapen.com/bit2.html (Owners of BIT can upgrade to BIT-2 at an introductory promo price of €26.00 EUR/$26.00 USD until June 1, 2023, rising thereafter to its regular price of €35.00 EUR/$35.00 USD.)

BIT-2 is included in the latest version of Rob Papen’s all-encompassing eXplorer-8 bundle (https://www.robpapen.com/explorer-8.html) at no additional cost, so existing owners only have to download the latest installer and run it to add BIT-2 to their Rob Papen virtual instrument and effect plug-in collection.

For more in-depth info, including some superb-sounding audio demos, please visit the dedicated BIT-2 webpage here: https://www.robpapen.com/bit2.html

New Casio Casiotone CT-S1000V - First Look

video upload by Kraft Music

Update: new videos, pics, and details added below.

"Find exclusive Casiotone CT-S1000V BUNDLES at Kraft Music: https://www.kraftmusic.com/brands/cas...

Adam Berzowski gets a first look at the Casio CT-S1000V Portable Keyboard.

The Casio Casiotone CT-S1000V gives your music a brand new voice: Its own. In addition to hundreds of AiX-powered Tones and full accompaniment Rhythms, CT-S1000V features Vocal Synthesis technology that lets you play your lyrics in real time. Speak or type your lyrics into the free Lyric Creator app for iOS/Android, transfer them to the CT-S1000V, and play the keys to hear your words come alive. Other features include 61 full-size touch response keys, pitch bend wheel, assignable modulation/effects knobs, a powerful speaker system, audio sampler and 6-track MIDI recorder, and strap pins for playing anywhere. CT-S1000V also offers MIDI over USB and an included WU-BT01 Bluetooth MIDI/Audio adapter.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Casio Casiotone CT-S1000V portable keyboard bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new keyboard, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please contact us. Our knowledgeable sales advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

Update: two videos from Casio:


video upload by Casio Music UK

Casiotone CT-S1000V Introduction

video upload by Casio Music Gear

Additional details via Kraft Music

Since 1980, Casio's mission has been to help musicians find their voice. Now, Casiotone CT-S1000V gives your music a brand new voice: its own. Along with 800 stunning Tones and many other features, CT-S1000V features vocal synthesis technology that lets you play your lyrics in real time.

61 full-size touch response keys plus pitch bend wheel
Bright backlit LCD display with easy, intuitive interface
3 assignable knobs for controlling modulation, effects, filters and much more
800 AiX-powered Tones and 243 full accompaniment Rhythms
Vocal synthesis with personalized lyrics via the free Lyric Creator app for iOS/Android
Powerful, editable DSP effects
Powerful bass-reflex stereo speaker system with surround effect
Audio sampler and 6-track MIDI recorder
Strap pins for playing anywhere
1/4" line outputs to connect to mixers, PA systems, etc.
Class-compliant USB-MIDI connects to free Lyric Creator app
Includes WU-BT01 Bluetooth MIDI/Audio adapter
Optional 6×AA battery power

Innovative vocal synthesis
Boldly defying convention, Casiotone CT-S1000V does what no other keyboard can do: speak or type your lyrics into the free Lyric Creator app for iOS/Android, transfer them to CT-S1000V and play the keys to hear your words come alive. Choose from multiple vocalist models and adjust age, vibrato, portamento and other parameters in real time. It can produce choirs, robotic sounds, vocoder-like textures and more. You can even create a custom vocalist based on an audio recording.

Keys to the kingdom
Casiotone CT-S1000V features 61 full-size touch responsive keys in a sleek, stylish case that weighs less than ten pounds. The easy-to-read LCD display and intuitive controls give you everything you need to perform and create. Use the pitch bend wheel and modulation knob to add natural (or supernatural) expression to your playing, and use the two assignable knobs to tweak EQ, filter, effects and many other settings on the fly.

The heart of a champion
Casio's AiX Sound Source delivers sound quality that you'd expect from a keyboard costing hundreds, if not thousands more. Power on CT-S1000V and you'll be presented with a dynamic, expressive German concert grand piano placed in a virtual concert hall. The huge collection of 800 Tones also has stellar examples of electric pianos, organs, strings, synths and so much more, with Advanced Tones adding complex layers that react to your playing. A collection of vintage keyboard sounds is also included, featuring recreations of timeless, sought-after keyboard instruments, even classic Casio sounds from its VL, VZ and CZ series.

A world of music to explore
CT-S1000V's 243 full-accompaniment Rhythms make it a perfect jamming partner. Simply play a few notes and it creates an entire backing band that reacts effortlessly to the way you play. The variety of Rhythms spans the globe as well as the history of recorded music, so no matter what kind of mood you're in, your Casiotone is always ready to back you up with vibrant acoustic drums, vintage drum machines, global percussion instruments, rock-solid basslines, horn ensembles, rhythm guitars and much more.

Small size, huge sound
There are four ways to experience CT-S1000V's amazing sound quality at its best. First, the bass-ported stereo speaker system delivers eyebrow-raising punch and clarity throughout the entire volume range. Second, plug in a good set of headphones for personal play. Third, connect the 1/4" line outputs to any amplifier, PA system or mixer. Fourth, push the SURROUND button and the speakers will place you right in the middle of your music.

Production power
Make the world your instrument by using the built-in audio sampler to create custom Tones and drum kits. You can even sample from incoming Bluetooth audio. A 6-track sequencer is always on hand to capture and build your creations.

Free play enabled
Casiotone CT-S1000V fits perfectly into your everyday life. It's also gig-ready, with 1/4" line outputs to connect to amps and PA systems. If you're tired of being tied down, just put in 6 AA batteries, attach a strap and play anywhere. Use the included WU-BT10 Bluetooth MIDI/audio adapter to control other gear remotely, giving you the freedom to take center stage.

Own your sound
CT-S1000V makes it easy to create your own signature sounds. You can layer, split and customize the versatile DSP effects, then save your setups as Registrations for easy recall at the touch of a button.

Connected to your world
The microUSB port connects your CT-S1000V to any Mac, PC, iOS or Android device with no drivers or installation needed. Use the free Casio Music Space app for iOS/Android to learn to learn MIDI songs, play and extract chords from audio files, view PDF scores and more. With the included WU-BT10 Bluetooth MIDI/audio adapter, you can even connect wirelessly to your favorite devices to control them via MIDI, or to use the CT-S1000V as a Bluetooth speaker.

SDS Digital Reflex LiveLoop & ModEM-1 LFO & ADSR Eurorack Modules

Published on Sep 14, 2016 freshnelly

The above is a playlist of all the videos currently featured on the freshnelly channel. The first 29 are on the SDS Digital Reflex LiveLoop eurorack module, followed by four on the ModEM-1 LFO & ADSR, followed by a few DIY videos.

The following is some info on SDS Digital Reflex Liveloop module via freshnelly.com. I couldn't find additional info on the ModEM-1 LFO & ADSR as the home page requires Flash which I do not have installed.

"Introducing the Reflex LiveLoop! The tradition of sampling in the modular world has always been guitar pedal loopers, offering no external control, or a large complex external box, or modules with only 3 or 4 seconds of sample time. The Reflex LiveLoop breaks all of these barriers by gracing your rack with only 16HP, but sporting a full 174 seconds of sampling time @48KHz 16 bits, in stereo! This is better than CD quality sound, ready to manipulate with CV's and triggers in multiple layers, and record all at the same time.

The Reflex can slice up a long sample using the unique "peak slicing" algorithm, a trigger, or just a button. The power of these slices is then accessible via CV and trigger. Furthermore, they can be modified with the PlayFX button to tune the start and end points for each slice. These slices, or even samples, can also be Granulized into a micro loop, which then can move reverse or forward at varying rates up to 2 times. This also allows for pitch shifting a sample without changing the beat, or changing the speed without changing the pitch.

With 3 different Modes, Record/Play, Echo, and Layer, all with the ability to sync to an external clock, almost every sampler /looper requirement can be realised. Imagine an echo, synced by a trigger/ clock/ foot switch/ Record button, with controlled feedback and even a 3 band EQ. Then imagine it being 30 seconds or 8 bars long! The echo can be switched to an infinite echo that will continue forever, or can degrade according to feedback settings, EQ settings, or a feedback insert that can run through any filter or FX that you can imagine!

The Reflex LiveLoop can take you intuitively on a sonic voyage you don't want to miss!

CLICK FOR MORE »