"ACDGEN – Hardware Edition is a limited edition hardware version of our ACDGEN Max for Live device. ACDGEN is a MIDI Pattern generator which lets you use different algorithms to create 16th-note, acid-style, basslines and melodies with a push of a button and manipulate them live using the different parameters available. You can use ACDGEN to create anything from acid house basslines to lush synth arpeggios.
Besides including the same parameters available on the software version (Key, Scale, Density, Length, etc), the hardware version also includes additional features such as random MIDI velocity, Keyboard Shift, MIDI CC sequencing, Shift modes, Swing modes and more.
The hardware edition is designed and handcrafted in Brazil by Spektro Audio and Vinicius Brazil, the creator of the Vinicius Electrik Eurorack modules."
"The update includes two new virtual modules ("MIDI to CV" and "CV Quantizer”), native SMUX support (Mac only), and many other improvements and fixes to already existing modules.
You guys can finally use CV Toolkit to calibrate your VCOs and play them in tune!
Check out the blog post to read more this first update for CV Toolkit!"
"This video demonstrates how you can create sequences by sending MIDI notes from Ableton Live to CV Toolkit using MIDI controllers, MIDI Clips or even MaxforLive devices.
It also shows you how to use the built-in Step Sequencer together with the CV Quantizer in order to create sequences in a specific key / scale.
CV Toolkit (Standalone Version) 1.1 - MIDI to CV / How to calibrate your VCO
Published on Feb 17, 2014 Spektro Audio·5 videos
"This video demonstrates how you can use the new "MIDI to CV" virtual module in order to calibrate your VCOs and play them in tune.
Once you've calibrated your VCO, you can use the MIDI to CV virtual module together with the CV Quantizer to send quantized sequences to your VCO."
"In this video, we're using Cubasis to send MIDI over WI-FI (Network Session) to CV Toolkit.
CV Toolkit receives the MIDI notes, convert them to control voltages (using the new 'MIDI to CV' virtual module) and send them to the Eurorack modular synth via the ES-3 module.
In the second part of this video, we add the iElectribe app to the formula, sync it via MIDI clock and route it back into Cubasis via Audiobus. In other words, Cubasis is acting as our DAW, iElectribe as our drum machine and CV Toolkit + Eurorack Synth as our synth."
"NGEN – Algorithmic MIDI Workstation is a unique 16-track MIDI sequencer created by Spektro Audio that lets you combine 12 different algorithmic generators and 10 MIDI FXs to sequence multiple hardware or software MIDI instruments.
It offers a completely new way of creating and performing music by abstracting the composition process. Instead of writing sequences from scratch, NGEN lets you quickly generate a new sequence for your drums, basslines, melodies, and chord progressions with a push of a button.
NGEN is a 16-track MIDI sequencer that lets you combine 12 different generators and 10 MIDI FXs to algorithmically generate drum / percussive patterns, basslines, melodies, chord progression, arpeggios, and much more.
Besides our already released generators (ACDGEN and Polyform), NGEN also includes completely new Generators such as Drumgen, Samba, Arper, POP, and MARP and MIDI FXs like Humanizer, Glitch, Chord, and Shaper.
You can use NGEN to generate a MIDI sequence to a single track in your DAW, multiple tracks, multiple hardware MIDI instruments, or anything in between.
It's easy to get started with NGEN but you're always invited to explore and take things deeper.
Combine different generators and MIDI FXs, route tracks internally (to get Polyform to react to ACDGEN, for example), set specific MIDI program changes per track, set generators to auto-variate automatically, save and recall different patterns, change the key and scale of all tracks in real time, save projects to the microSD, or control multiple tracks via the Performance mode.
After releasing the first Spektro Audio hardware product ACDGEN – Hardware Edition, a standalone MIDI sequencer based on our algorithmic MIDI generator ACDGEN, I started working on my next idea: a new hardware platform that could host multiple generators so they could be combined to create and perform an entire song / music idea algorithmically.
So after working for over 3 years on 6 different prototypes, experimenting with different feature sets and hardware layouts, the NGEN is finally ready.
"This video demonstrates how you can use CV Toolkit and a Eurorack modular synthesizer to create a basic sequence / melody.
CV Toolkit is a standalone application that can be used to control modular synthesizers by sending CV signals through any DC-coupled audio interface or Expert Sleeper's module.
The 1.0 version ships with 13 virtual modules that offer different modulation options such as LFO, sequencer, envelope generators, etc.
You can route the output of any of any module to analog outputs, analyzers (LED / Oscilloscope) or even to the input of certain modules (S&H / Biased Switcher / Slew).
"This video demonstrates the CV Toolkit + Lemur integration.
After setting it up (takes less than 2 minutes), you can put your iPad next to your modular synth, fire up the Lemur app and play around with CV Toolkit without having to reach for your mouse or keyboard.
The Lemur integration is based on OpenSoundControl aka OSC which means that, unlike MIDI, you can control every parameter with full resolution without having to manually map them.
Read more about CV Toolkit (Standalone Version) at spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone/"
"Hey everybody! I've just released the standalone version (for both Mac and PC) of the Spektro Audio CV Toolkit software
It ships with 13 virtual modules, 8 analog outputs, routing matrix, native Lemur integration (via OSC), MIDI Clock sync, ScanGraph, Biased Switcher and many other features.
If you haven't heard about it yet, CV Toolkit can be used to control analog synths by sending CV signals through any DC-coupled audio interface or Expert Sleeper's module.
The main idea for CV Toolkit was to make something that could be used together with already existing solutions such as the Expert Sleepers' Silent Way and Motu Volta.
"Demo of the new CV Toolkit Pro and Voltage Pads MaxforLive devices that are part of the Spektro CV Devices bundle (http://spektroaudio.com/cvdevices).
These devices were made to control analog / modular synths in many different ways.
In this demo, the Voltage Pads (controlled by the iPad via Lemur / OSC) is sending pitch to the VCO and triggering the other CV Toolkit Pro devices.
The CV signals are being outputted to the modular synth via an Expert Sleepers ES-3 module."
"Hey guys, I've just release a new collection of MaxforLive devices that can be used to control analog / modular synths in many different ways, it's called Spektro CV Devices. They work similarly to Motu's Volta and Expert Sleepers' Silent Way plugins but offer different functionalities.
The collection comes with 5 devices: CV Toolkit Pro, Voltage Pads, Biased Switcher, CV Crossfader and CV Splitter. Check out the link for full description of each of the devices.
The Voltage Pads (device inspired by MakeNoise's Pressure Points module) also comes with Lemur templates that you can use to control the device via OSC (no need to MIDI map anything).
"Video demo of the new Spektro Nucleation 2.0 update.
The 2.0 update uses the gen~ technology to process sound sample-by-sample. This new processing method results in less digital artifacts, less aliasing and a more pleasing timbre for your sound.
There are 2 new controls for you to shape your sound even further: offset and shift! Even tho the Offset control already existed in the previous versions, it now works differently due to the new gen~ processing method. The new Shift control allows you to shift the waveform forward in time, completely changing the sound.
"I’ve been using this new 2.0 version together with my eurorack modular and I gotta say I’ve been really pleased with the results. BTW, if you’ve already bought Nucleation in the past, you’ll get this update for free."
"Check out the new features available in the new 1.2 update for CV Toolkit - Standalone Version.
CV Toolkit - Standalone Version is available at http://www.spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone/
CV Toolkit is a standalone application that can be used to control analog synthesizers by sending CV signals through any DC-coupled audio interface or Expert Sleeper's ES-3 module.
"The new CV Toolkit 2.6 update brings many new features such as support for Ableton Link, re-designed MIDI Clock sync, 2 new virtual modules (ADSR and Input), Keyboard Representation for the global Quantizer, Auto-Slide for the Sequencer module and many others."
Started streaming 13 minutes ago Voltage Control Lab
"This Friday, August 26th, we welcome Icaro Ferre as our guest on Additive Voices! Icaro is the maker of the awesome CV Toolkit app from his company Spektro Audio, who is visiting LA from Brazil!
"Nucleation is a Max for Live device that combines wave-shaping and digital distortion. MK2 is a complete re-write and re-design which eliminates many friction points that existed in previous versions and includes many new features such as: on-the-fly waveform generation, advanced built-in editor, 2 new digital distortion algorithms, Drive (saturation), and 4X Oversampling mode.
Check out Nucleation MK2 at http://spektroaudio.com/nucleation"
"We have some exciting news to share about NGEN, our Algorithmic MIDI Workstation, including a new batch, a new hardware revision, and the new 1.1 firmware update!
NGEN – Algorithmic MIDI Workstation is a unique 16-track MIDI sequencer created by Spektro Audio that lets you combine 13 different generators and 10 MIDI FXs to create MIDI sequences algorithmically and modify them in real time.
After months in the making, we finally have a new batch of NGEN units along with a new hardware revision. This new revision was designed to let us improve NGEN's availability going forward and it includes improvements such as USB C, internal storage, and improved CV outputs.
Pre-orders for the new batch of NGEN units start on December 15th. More information about the pre-order is available at https://spektroaudio.com/blog/2023/12...
The new 1.1 firmware update for NGEN is now available and it includes a new framework, new features such as dynamic pattern generation and a new programmable generator called NSL, improvements to the UI, pattern and project management, clocks, and menu navigation, and updates to existing generators such as ACDGEN and Polyform.
For more information about the new batch, hardware revision, and 1.1 firmware update for NGEN, check out our latest blog post at: https://spektroaudio.com/blog/
"Spektro Komplex is a MaxforLive polyphonic synthesizer designed to create complex and unique sounds.
Like the Buchla 261e module, Komplex uses two oscillators to produce FM sounds. What really makes this synth stand out is it's habilities to morph the waveform of the first oscillator (carrier) and use a different waveform for the second oscillator (modulator).
Check out Komplex at http://spektroaudio.com/komplex"
What a busy year it has been in the world of synths.
This is going to be one doozy of a post, so bear with me. This post is a review of the year in synths for 2013. We begin with Tributes to Those We Lost This Year, followed by New Manufacturers & Makers, Older Manufacturers Added to the Site, New Gear Announcements, Top 10 Posts by Traffic, My Standout Posts for the Year, and finally This Years' Synth Events. I did my best to keep things as short and concise as possible.
All missed and never to be forgotten. Take a moment to remember them.
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New Manufacturers & Makers
Starting last January, I decided to keep a running list of every new manufacturer and maker introduced to the site during the year. This is something I haven't done before and I thought it would be interesting to see how many there were in the year. It's easy to focus on the big synth announcements throughout the year, but what about all the new makers and brands? I shouln't have to go considerably into the significance of new designers on the scene, so I'll just say two things regarding them. One, the number of new makers is a direct reflection on the interest in our scene, and two, these are the creators of new gear which directly translate into new designs not previously available to us. Think about that for a moment. These are makers and designs that did not exist before. They are part of our synth history. So what is the total count of new synth designers for the year? A whopping 113. Think about that a bit. One hundred and thirteen new synth designers and brands this year alone.
Here they are (note a handful date back to 2012, but 2013 marked their momentum and availability):
You might remember the hardware version from previous posts.
"ACDGEN is an advanced MIDI pattern generator that can generate effective basslines and monophonic melodies. Instead of generating random sequences, ACDGEN features 8 different algorithms designed around effective music production techniques.
The new AU / VST3 Edition lets you experience ACDGEN with any DAW compatible with VST3 or Audio Unit MIDI FX plug-ins on both Windows and macOS.
ACDGEN AU / VST3 Edition is available at http://spektroaudio.com/acdgen for the introductory price of U$29.99 until February 23rd, 2022 (list price U$39.99). The Max for Live Edition continues to be available (sold separately) for U$14.99.
Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:36 What is ACDGEN 1:16 Getting Started with ACDGEN in Logic 1:52 Pattern generation 2:09 Algorithms 2:41 Variations 3:18 Pattern modifications 4:35 MIDI Drag & Drop 5:03 Additional Features 5:28 Keyboard Shift 5:44 Pattern Shifter 6:09 ACDGEN in Reaper (Windows) 7:08 Outro"
"CV Toolkit is a software that lets you many different virtual modules to control, modulate and sequence your synthesizers via control voltage (CV). These virtual modules can work independently or can bet set to influence and modulate each other via the Routing Matrix.
With CV Toolkit 2, you can create anything from multi-channel rhythmic sequences to complete polyphonic patches.
In order you CV Toolkit with your synth, you'll need a DC-coupled audio interface or an Expert Sleeper's ES-3, ES-4, ES-40, ESX-4CV, and ESX-8CV modules*.
The new 2.0 version was to design to be both easy for beginners and extremely flexible for more advanced users. We want the users to feel comfortable while taking their first steps with the program but also have enough different tools to help to go further and deeper as they get more familiar with CV Toolkit.
"This video focuses on introducing CV Toolkit to littleBits users as well as demonstrating how you could use CV Toolkit together with one littleBits USB i/o module to create a simple sequenced patch."
"The new 2.0 update for GrainFlux, our granular / hybrid Max for Live synthesizer, is now available and it includes new features, enhancements and bug fixes.
GrainFlux is a MaxforLive synthesizer that combines different synthesis techniques such as granular, wavetable, and subtractive synthesis to create unique and distinctive sounds. It works by using audio samples to create two different waveforms which can be morphed and modulated. While GrainFlux has a modern and simple to use design, it still offers many powerful and creative ways for you to manipulate its sound.
"The new CV Toolkit 2.5 update adds many of the most requested features such as:
• Themes - CV Toolkit now includes 7 new themes: Tech, Forest, Red Velvet, GrayScale, NightLife (specially designed for people with deuteranopia), Anachrome (specially designed for people with Tritanopia), and High Contrast.
• OSC Integration - CV Toolkit can now be controlled via TouchOSC or Lemur.
• Improved Layouts - Layouts can now store which modules are currently loaded into the 12 slots, all the settings for each of the slots, internal CV buses assingments, custom titles, Routing Matrix routings, as well the the settings for the BPM, global quantizer, and voice mode.
• Custom Titles - Users can now assign custom titles to any of the 12 slot in CV Toolkit. This is an great feature for managing more complex patches.
• Reset module - CV Toolkit now includes a Reset module for resetting analog sequencers according to CV Toolkit’s transport.
• Misc Bug Fixes & Minor Enhancements
"The new 2.2 update for CV Toolkit adds many new features, enhancements and bug fixes such as:
- Ability to save and restore calibration files from the Notes module.
- New Layouts design.
- Ability to easily save and delete custom Scales.
- Re-designed CV to MIDI CC Converters.
For more information about this update, visit http://spektroaudio.com"
"I love integrating software and hardware so, even since I've started learning ChucK, one of my main goals was to write a program that I could use to control my modular synth.
This video shows one of my experiments using both technologies to create some very interesting glitchy patterns.
Here's a super nerdy explanation of what's going on in this video:
The ChucK program basically sends, per note, 2 triggers and 4 random CV offsets based on an auto-generated pattern. It generates these patterns by dividing a 1 bar measure by a random number (which you can define the maximum amount) and sending a trigger for each division. In other words: if it randomly selects to divide it by 8, you'll get a bar of eight notes/triggers.
The 2 triggers are being used to generate AD envelopes using the MakeNoise Maths MK2 and the 4 CV offsets control the Z3000 pitch (via Linear FM), the WMD Geiger Counter WaveTable (via the WaveTable CV input), the uVCA CV A (pre-Geiger Counter) and the Maths CH. 1 decay. By using these random CV offsets, you can get a different sound for each note/hit.
