Playlist:
1. Bastl Kalimba: An Expressive Instrument for Intuitive Electronic Music Exploration
2. Bastl Kalimba - Demo Overview
3. Bastl Kalimba is such a fever dream - HAINBACH
4. WTF did they make? Bastl Kalimba! - ANDREW HUANG
Press release follows:
Bastl Instruments are very proud to announce the release of their new instrument - Bastl Kalimba, a unique desktop instrument that combines microphones, touch sensors, and an accelerometer, with a user interface inspired by the traditional kalimba and its main interaction element: the tines.
We believe that this combination of features and physical interface leads to intuitive creativity and easy musical expression.
"I commissioned this absolutely wild device from Love Hultén and I'm very excited to show it to you!
https://www.lovehulten.com/"
Chapters
0:00 Hello! What should we name it?
0:39 How this sausage is made
2:33 First use case
3:09 Second use case
3:32 Third use case
4:13 Fourth use case
4:28 Fifth use case & new song!
"The Fieldtone Weaver is a two-second sampler with a single knob, no undo, and no going back. Now it's in eurorack.
Weaver captures two seconds of audio - via the built-in microphone or audio input - and instantly randomises it into evolving loops, rhythms, and textures. Every turn of the knob generates a completely new variation. Nothing saves, nothing recalls. It's the ultimate happy accidents machine.
The modular version adds individual level control for three loop elements, trigger outputs that double as a random rhythm generator, a pitch switch, clock sync, and CV control - which works differently to what you might expect. I go into detail on all of this.
🔗 LINKS
Fieldtone Instruments: https://fieldtone.uk
Soundgas interview with Hugh Jones: • The Gas Club, Episode 1 - Hugh Jones, Fiel... [below]
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
01:56 - Panel walkthrough
15:27 - Synth patch
16:25 - Weaving my voice!
17:04 - Granular textures, duet with Bunker Archaeology
18:21 - While my guitar gently weaves
20:42 - Claps and finger clicks on the contact mic
22:30 - CV controlled synth washes
23:06 - Pacifica weaves
24:36 - FInal thoughts and a closing Plaits patch.
"Welcome to our new series, The Gas Club. Where we meet people who make things - be that music, recording devices, or instruments.
In the first episode Tony meets Hugh Jones of Fieldtone Instruments at the Soundgas HQ to explore the history of Fieldtone's celebration creations. They take a deep dive into Hugh's journey from musician/engineer to designer/builder of the Box of Uncertainty, The Weaver one knob handheld sampler and brand new Weaver Module plus a sneak peak at what to expect next from Fieldtone in 2026.
Tony and Hugh discuss the joy of sonic adventure and gear designed to produce happy accidents and the experiences of bringing new creations to the world."
A few pics and details on Weaver Eurorack:
Weaver Modular from Fieldtone is a Eurorack format version of the highly in demand Weaver handheld sampler that featured in music tech tastemaker Andrew Huang’s year round up as his Favourite Desktop FX module of 2024. The modular edition builds on the functionality of the original by adding a variety of additional control.
The Weaver is no ordinary audio sampler, it is a meditation on impermanence and chance. With a single, enigmatic knob, it embraces randomness as an artistic principle, reconfiguring two-second sound bites into hypnotic loops and evolving textures. There is no undo button, no way back once a sound is captured; the Weaver insists that you move forward, shaping the unpredictable into rhythm or texture with nothing more than a twist of the wrist or control voltage change.
New functionality on the device includes separate level controls of different elements of the loop, as well as 3 x trigger outputs which turns the device into a random rhythm generator for which you don't even need to be using the sampling capabilities. You can trigger the Recording start via CV, allowing you to keep replacing the sample whilst the loop continuously plays - something that works beautifully with acoustic sound sources such as guitar or voice, as well as electronics. A switch has also been added to select between Random or Root note sympathetic pitch playback.
Features:
Single-knob audio sampler focussed on randomness and exploration
Capture sound via built-in microphone or input jack
Fixed two-second sample time
No undo function, every knob movement generates a new loop
External sync via Clock input
Stereo output on separate L&R sockets with rich spatial movement
Separate level controls for 3 different elements of the loop
3 x gate outputs for triggering other sources
Toggle to switch between Texture and Rhythm modes
Toggle to switch between Root or Random pitch
Gate/trigger input to control Recording start
Gate/trigger input to control Weaver knob
Can be used as random rhythm generator without needing to use the sampler
"2024 is soon drawing to a close—so, we're taking a look back at the year, and taking account of all of the weird and wonderful instruments that gave us some inspiration this year. Synthesizers, drum machines, and Eurorack modules to samplers and effects, this year had no shortage of inspiring instruments.
So, we reached out to some of our friends and content creators to fill us in on their year, asking one simple question: what was the coolest piece of gear YOU got this year? For some, that meant brand-new releases, but for others, it meant sitting down and digging into classic instruments.
In this video, we hear from:
0:05 Andrew Huang on the Elektron Digitakt II
1:36 Starsky Carr on the Pittsburgh Voltage Lab 2
6:30 Molten Music Tech on the Gamechanger Plasma Voice
11:36 Cyberattack on the Vongon Replay
13:48 The Unperson on the Melbourne Delia
Mark Johnston on the UA Apollo x8p Gen 2
Intuitive Instruments announces an extraordinary partnership with renowned developers of plugins optimized for the Exquis keyboard.
Exquis, winner of the 2023 MIDI Innovation Awards
Named «Best Hardware of the Year 2023» by a distinguished jury including Jean-Michel Jarre and Roger Linn, Exquis is an expressive and intuitive MPE controller. Each key provides independent gestural control over four dimensions: velocity, pressure, horizontal tilt, and vertical tilt.
Thanks to its MPE compatibility, Exquis enables seamless and natural interaction with virtual synthesizers, delivering pre-cise and dynamic gestural control. It becomes a direct extension of the artist’s creativity, allowing full exploitation of the plugins’ sonic potential with unprecedented freedom and spontaneity.
Renowned MPE Plugins Designed for Expressiveness
Intuitive Instruments offers an exclusive bundle of plugins, carefully selected for their synergy with Exquis’s expressive ca-pabilities:
Atoms (BABY Audio) : A synthesizer based on physical modeling, Atoms creates organic and unique sounds. Per-fect for crafting original soundscapes, it excels in productions requiring realistic and atmospheric textures. Baby Audio is especially known for its collaboration with YouTuber Andrew Huang. Demo: Exquis+Atoms
RANDOM (BEATSURFING) : Leveraging a neural network, RANDOM delivers unique sound design pos-sibilities. It includes various controls for navigating through distinctive sounds using synthesis and resonance systems, ideal for creating unpredictable sonic textures. RANDOM was ranked #2 in Andrew Huang’s Top 10 Plugins of 2023.
Abyss (Dawesome) : Abyss is an MPE synthesizer perfect for crafting evolving and immersive sounds. Ideal for composing rich textures, cinematic pads, and deep drones, it evolves under your fingertips on Exquis’s keys.
SOUNDBOX (Audiomodern) : A fully customizable MPE sampler, SOUNDBOX features a complete audio editor, a vector engine, and effects. The bundle includes three exclusive sound packs: Voxmotive, Kromium, and Cosmo.
Formats and Compatibility
The plugins are available in standard formats (standalone, VST, VST3, AU, AAX), ensuring seamless compatibility with leading digital audio workstations (DAWs) on macOS and Windows.
Pricing and Availability Intuitive Instruments offers two bundles including Exquis and one option without the keyboard:
Exquis Pure + 2 plug-ins of your choice: 359€ / $359
Exquis Deluxe + 2 plug-ins of your choice: 399€ / $399
2 plug-ins of your choice: 99€ / $99
These offers are available exclusively on the dualo.com website in limited quantities until December 31, 2024.
"In our first episode of Novation Connects, we demonstrate how to sequence the Pulsar 23 and Fireball via midi with our Launchpad Pro, in a DAWless approach to music production.
Here's how to sequence external gear with your Launchpad Pro, using a DAWless setup. The Pulsar 23 and Fireball are connected to the Launchpad Pro via midi, allowing the user to send midi notes and cc parameters to both the Fireball and Pulsar 23. This allows you to sequence and control each instrument. The Launchpad Pro is mapped to send midi to each drum track on the Pulsar 23, and another midi channel on the Launchpad Pro is mapped to sequence the Fireball. This DAWless setup is great for both music production and live performance.
Novation Connects Episode 1 - Chapters:
0:00 - Using Launchpad's drum grid to sequence a pattern
0:41 - Creating variation with the Launchpad probability settings
0:52 - Sequencing with the Launchpad note mode and Mutate function
1:21 - Using Launchpad mute buttons to create variation
1:41 - Modifying pattern length to build tension
2:06 - Jamming with Launchpad's Sequence mode"
Novation Connects Episode 2:
We went DAWless with an AFX Station and Endorphin.es Pedals - it sounds BONKERS
video upload by Novation
In Novation Connects episode two, we show you how to use our epic AFX Station in a DAWless setup with Circuit Rhythm, the Endorphin.es Ghost pedal and Endorphin.es Golden Master.
This setup brings together the minds of Aphex Twin, who collaborated with us on the AFX Station, and Andrew Huang, who helped design the Endorphin.es Ghost pedal, to create a brilliant DAWless workflow.
Chapters:
0:00 - AFX Station - Endorphin.es Ghost - Circuit Rhythm - Endorphin.es Golden Master
0:37 - Manipulating sounds with the Endorphin.es Ghost
01:02 - Activating AFX Overlays
01:50 - What is AFX Mode?
02:37 - DAWless jam"
"Did you catch the mystery synth in Usher's Super Bowl halftime show? Well...I've got it in my studio now. Thanks Moog Music for giving me some early play time with it. Excited to share more when it launches - I think people are gonna flip over this!"
Update: two screen shots of the setup below. All of the gear appears to be clad in white.
"I just recently received a package with the Polygogo from E-RM and the Ghost module from Endorphin.es x Andrew Huang in it, and I thought why not explore them patched together? I got excited pretty quickly about the sonic results, so I decided to turn on the camera and take you with me while exploring it further.
"We're thrilled to unveil the GHOST PEDAL: a collaborative masterpiece born from our ongoing synergy with Andrew Huang.
AVAILABLE NOW from ENDORPHIN.ES directly and worldwide retailers: [see the dealers on the right]
Tailored for audacious sound designers and electrifying live performers, the GHOST PEDAL embarks on an odyssey of multi-dimensional audio effects.
Prepare to be captivated by its arsenal of effects, including distortion, cabinet simulation, bitcrushing, and a trio of reverbs that span from lush halls with infinite freeze and shimmer to reverberating springs and ethereal reverses. A distinctive delay section takes centre stage, featuring a single delay line that can be harnessed for looping, stereo choruses and resonant textures.
The Ghost Pedal's expansive filter suite offers three distinct types – state-variable LP/HP, Band Pass, and a comb filter that morphs into a resonator with high resonance settings. Immerse yourself in sonic exploration as you modulate effects using the built-in multi-shape LFO or external sources such as the envelope follower, expression pedal or MIDI.
But what truly sets the Ghost Pedal apart is its Routing Matrix, providing six versatile routing options that redefine the sonic journey. With a simple button press, you can reshape the order of effects in the audio processing chain, from cataclysmic subharmonics to celestial shimmer
reverbs.
The Ghost Pedal is a haven for creative expression, offering 9 presets that can be seamlessly morphed and recalled on the fly. Sharing and evolving your sound is effortless, as presets can be exchanged between users via SysEx messages opening the doors to endless sonic horizons.
The Ghost Pedal redefines convenience with its compact design, offering also an all-in-one solution for both pedal boards and multi-effect processors.
It boasts a carefully chosen selection of intuitive hands-on controls that eliminate the need for cumbersome menu diving, steep learning curve or connectivity overkill."
I asked them what the platform would be based on. They replied:
"The web-based interface will be an adapted version of Patatap to which we’ll add a video feed and other interactions that will be possible to trigger inside the space capsule (i,e agitate the marble by turning on a fan, LED array, microphone, speaker, etc).
The space capsule has a set of different elements that allows to change the position of the physical marble floating inside the zero-gravity chamber (a set of sensors that calculates the position, a fan that agitates the position of the marble, a microphone that records those interactions, etc). All that data is then being sent back to us on earth (or in reverse sent to the capsule from earth using the Live mode). In other words, the web-interface receives data/interactions from the capsule and the Live mode allows to send data/interactions directly to the capsule. Lastly we’re building a VST plug-in allowing to receive MIDI and hook up data directly into your DAW or other synth."
In short the interactive hardware controller w/ microphone to capture audio is in space, while the synth engine and processing is done on earth.
Addtional details from the Kickstarter/Press Release follows.
The Blue Marble Synthesizer is the first-ever music synthesizer that can only work in space and that is playable from here on earth. It’s a synthesizer for making music and experimenting with sound. The system consists of a pressurized capsule in a low earth orbit satellite, a network of sensors, and a web-based interface for people to play with here on earth.
1. The Blue Marble Synthesizer Capsule consists of a pressurized CubeSat module configured with a control computer, camera, sensor array, fan, LED array, a microphone, and a speaker. It measures the behavior of a marble floating in a zero gravity synth capsule and sends sensor data, audio feed, and video feed back to us on earth.
2. The Web-Based Interface is an interactive and self-contained web audio synthesizer designed for everyone. Through a collaboration with the creator of Patatap, this application blends interactions from the Blue marble Synthesizer Capsule data with a traditional interactive music synthesizer. This web-based interface is a way to explore the interactions between the Blue Marble Synthesizer Capsule and people’s own musical creativity.
● When does the space mission start? The Kickstarter campaign is set to start on Wednesday, October 4 for 30 days until the rocket launch which is set for Wednesday November 1 aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket. Once in orbit, the Blue Marble Synthesizer Space Capsule will be rotating around earth every 90 minutes.
● Why does this project matter? The Blue Marble Synth Project is intended for all those who share a passion for space, music, and the intersection of science and art. Music has always been a universal language that transcends cultural barriers, connecting people on a deeply emotional level. By introducing a music synthesizer to space, we expand the horizons of artistic expression and create a new dimension for human creative endeavors off-planet.
● What is the experience like for supporters?
1. Two primary ways: people will have the chance to make music with the audio and the data captured by the Blue Marble Synthesizer in two primary ways: through an interactive web-interface or via a VST-plug-in. Some supporters may also have the chance to play and interact with the system directly in space.
2. The Blue Marble Web-Interface: is a self-contained web based application that works from here on Earth. Inspired by Patatap, this application blends interactions from the Blue Marble Synth Capsule Data with a traditional interactive music synthesizer.
3. The Blue Marble VST Plug in: this feature allows to receive MIDI and control data from the Blue Marble Synth Capsule to use with other digital synthesizers and digital audio workstations such as Ableton LIVE, FL Studio, Presonus Studio 1, etc.
● Who are the artists involved? Andrew Huang, Benn Jordan, Trovarsi, and MAYSUN, are invited artists who will compose original music with the Blue Marble Synthesizer during this orbital mission. They each possess the adventurer's spirit that we believe is at the heart of this project.
Andrew Huang We are thrilled to have Andrew Huang, the YouTube phenom and Toronto-based artist join the Blue Marble Synth Project. As a highly acclaimed music and video producer, Andrew's unique ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles with captivating visuals aligns perfectly with the innovative vision we seek to bring to life. His creativity, coupled with his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, makes him an invaluable addition to this project
These 4 artists will compose original music using the Blue Marble Synthesizer and the resulting tracks will be released for project supporters on an exclusive LP post-mission.
● What else can supporters get by supporting? Beyond accessing the Web-Based interface and Artist Album, supporters also get access to a range of branded Blue Marble Synthesizer merchandise designed by Physical Synthesis. The collection features a sticker and mission patch, hoodie, t-shirt, cap, tote bag, and more.
● What goes inside the Blue Marble Synthesizer? Technical Breakdown The Blue Marble Synthesizer Capsule consists of a pressurized CubeSat module configured with a control computer, camera, sensor array, fan, LED array, a microphone, and a speaker. The module allows supporters to receive data so they can control other synths and interfaces as well as initiate actions that affect what happens inside the capsule
1. Zero Gravity Dynamics: to make the Blue Marble Synthesizer an instrument that can truly work in space, it requires harnessing the power of zero-gravity. To do this, the synthesizer relies on interactions between a spherical piece of glass – the blue marble – and an array of accurate laser sensors that measure the distance and location of the marble as it floats around a small pressurized chamber.
"The autumn is here and we are preparing to unveil the very first sound examples from our GHOST effect pedal routed into the GOLDEN MASTER pedal with different sound sources: from dreamy guitars to fluted ambient textures and to cocky breakcore loops.
All summer, we were testing and improving, and improving and improving to make sure we delivered the best quality.
The features of GHOST Pedal - multi-dimensional effect processor - will open up the infinite world of sonic variation with a bunch of cool presets and a sublime interface design created in synergy with ANDREW HUANG @andrewhuang
GOLDEN MASTER Pedal is a unique multiband processor consisting of EQ, Compressor, and Mid/Side processor, all three available at the same time.
Save the date!
The very first batch is already in assembly awaiting to be available worldwide on the 17th of October."
"We spoke to Ivan from Endorphin.es about their Ghost and Golden Master pedals at Superbooth 2023. The Ghost pedal is inspired by the Ghost module designed in collaboration with Andrew Huang, and offers six routing options, three filters, three reverbs, and onboard modulation with various shapes including smooth, random, and envelope followers. The pedal also includes MIDI connectivity and nine different presets that can be controlled with MIDI CC values. Users can achieve different effects by changing the routing options and modulation, which can be easily done by pressing the mode assign button and tweaking the knob.
The Golden Master pedal, is a compressor that can be used to adjust the Q value or compress the signal. It also includes a multiband compressor and a stereo widening tool. Users can adjust the equalization settings, compressors, and presets, and mute or boost the low, mid, and high bands.
"Andreas from Endorphine.es introduced us to two new pedals - the Golden Master and the Ghost . Ghost is a pedal that's developed from their original Eurorack module. It's a multi-dimensional effect processor designed for guitars and synthesizers. With three footswitches and nine presets. The pedal has primary and secondary values each with its own settings that are shown on a second page with different colour LEDs. Modulation can be assigned to any parameter, including the distortion or the filter, enabling multiple modulations. The pedal has full MIDI I/O, with every knob having a CC value and the delay able to receive or send MIDI clock.
The Golden Master has a multiband processor with compressor, EQ and mid-side processing with a similar sound to the original Eurorack module. With six routing sequences and a stereo enhancer for each of the three bands, the module has full MIDI I/O, with the delay able to receive or send MIDI clock. With nine presets and the ability to save quickly. The Golden Master is easy to operate, and Ghost was designed with the collaboration of Andrew Huang.
"Endorphin.es have released an expansive pedal version of their Ghost Eurorack module, a collaboration with Andrew Huang, as well as the Golden Master, a powerful multi-band compressor that is a rare bird in the pedal world. Both of these pedal adaptations have deep functionality and features, and are built with the highest quality in mind."
We're pleased to present the new Pulsar-23 Andrew Huang Edition: a vibrant yellow version of the one-of-a-kind, organismic semi-modular drum machine made in collaboration between SOMA and the producer and YouTuber himself. SOMA's Pulsar-23 has become a go-to instrument for subverting the expectations of what a drum machine can or should do, attracting the interest of curious musicians looking for something a little bit different out of their drum synthesizer. With this version finished in a vibrant yellow personally chosen by Andrew Huang, the Pulsar-23 has become a favorite part of Andrew's studio due to its open-ended patching structure and rejection of standard drum machine tropes. The results may not always be what you expect, but like many other SOMA devices, Pulsar-23 creates a seemingly organic connection between the musician and instrument, tapping into the deeper parts of your subconscious mind to rely on instinct and reaction rather than conscious decision-making.
