Cherry Audio Introduces ODC 2800 Synthesizer

video uploads by Cherry Audio

"Cherry Audio’s ODC 2800 is an exceptional three-in-one virtual instrument that pays tribute to the legendary synth pioneer Alan R. Pearlman on the momentous 100th anniversary of his birth. This powerful synthesizer plugin draws inspiration from the revolutionary Odyssey analog duophonic synthesizer, launched by ARP Instruments in 1972. ODC 2800 not only provides an authentic reproduction of the sound and appearance of all three versions of the original hardware, but also enhances the experience with expanded polyphony, an additional oscillator and LFO, extensive modulation options, and support for both velocity and polyphonic aftertouch.

Get ODC 2800 now at https://cherryaudio.com/products/odc-...

ODC 2800 also features a redesigned and intuitive integrated effects suite that simplifies the sound design process and improves usability. ODC 2800 offers the ultimate sonic journey through time, connecting the past of synthesis innovation with today's essential tools for music production!"

Playlist:

1. Cherry Audio | ODC 2800 Synthesizer
2. Cherry Audio | Centennial Sounds for ODC 2800 Preset Pack

100 additional presets for Cherry Audio's ODC 2800 synthesizer by James Dyson that showcase its more atmospheric side in nine categories. Dive deep into advanced modulations, integrated effects, rhythmic arpeggiations, and aftertouch performance features.

3. Jezz Woodroffe Presents "Alan's Pearls & Gems" with Cherry Audio's ODC 2800

Film composer and keyboardist Jezz Woodroffe (Black Sabbath, Robert Plant) on Cherry Audio's new ODC 2800 synthesizer: "As soon as I knew Mark Barton was working on this, I knew it was going to be sound perfection. What's so brilliant about this is the extra oscillator, the three fabulous lockable UIs, the fantastic effects section, and the expanded panel for it and the keys. Without a doubt, it's a real classic updated design that Alan Pearlman would be thrilled to have seen and heard."

And the press release:


Cherry Audio is thrilled to announce the release of ODC 2800 synthesizer, a dazzling three-in-one virtual instrument inspired by the groundbreaking Odyssey synthesizer and a tribute to the legendary Alan R. Pearlman on the centennial of his birth. ODC 2800 expands upon the sound and capabilities of the original hardware by merging the classic innovations of the past with the tools and features essential for modern music production.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing Anthem Analog Synthesizer | UAD Instruments

video upload by Universal Audio

"Meet Anthem Analog Synthesizer — a bold new synth plug-in. With a crunchy analog-modeled filter, lo-fi effects, and expressive step sequencer, Anthem puts the biggest, baddest analog sounds at your fingertips."

Anthem Analog Synthesizer | Tutorial & Walkthrough

video upload by Universal Audio

"In this tutorial, Matt Petersen walks you through Anthem Analog Synthesizer. Learn how to shape thick bass, powerful leads, and expressive sequences using Anthem’s intuitive layout, analog-modeled filter, and lo-fi effects.

Explore oscillator shaping, pitch modulation, voice modes, step sequencing, and onboard analog-modeled effects — with real-world examples and sound design tricks throughout.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:24 Sound Examples & Presets
01:46 Oscillators, Pitch Modulation & Voice Modes
03:53 Filter Deep Dive
06:40 Sequencer & Effects
09:17 Outro"

Universal Audio Anthem Synthesizer Demo

video upload by Nicolas Melis

"Exploring the presets of the UAD Anthem Analog Synthesizer"

0:00 Anthem Start
0:19 Mars Needs Bass
0:36. Astral Saws
0:58 Broken Dx
1:06 The Majestic
1:27 Seventh Heaven
1:46 Holding on
2:12 Feedbag
2:30 Motor City Bass
2:48 Dark Square Pulse
3:09 Noodle Maker
3:21 Stereo Sub Bass
3:39 Axoloti
4:09 Cassette Strings
4:32 Ambient Drive
5:10 One Brain

Learn more here: https://www.uaudio.com/products/anthe...

X-FLOW FM SYNTH DEMO SONG #synth #reaktor

video upload by Synthesizer Studio Berlin

See SSB at SUPERBOOTH here.

"SSB X-Flow FM Synthesizer Demo Song
All Sounds Made With X-FLOW & X-FLOW MPE +SSB SUPERNOVA FX

available at:
https://www.synthesizerstudioberlin.c...

A Revolution in Visual FM Synthesis

Experience FM synthesis like never before with the SSB X-Flow, a groundbreaking instrument for Native Instruments Reaktor.

X Flow reimagines FM with an innovative visual approach, replacing complex matrices with intuitive XY fields, putting the power of FM directly at your fingertips.

Key Features:

Visual FM Matrix:Ditch the confusing charts! X-Flow uses four XY fields to represent the FM matrix, providing a clear and direct way to shape your sound. Each operator's modulation source is visually displayed, making FM synthesis more accessible and creative.

Expressive Performance: X-Flow is designed for performance. Modulate your FM creations live with your mouse, MIDI controllers, or even with the nuanced control of Mono-, Poly-Aftertouch or MPE, for unparalleled sonic expression.

Deep Modulation Capabilities: Dive into a world of intricate sound design with extensive modulation options. X-Flow features 4 FM Envelopes per voice, 2 LFOs per voice (which can be polyphonic, monophonic, key synced or one-shot) for Pitch, Amp, and Filter modulation, and 8 XY LFOs per voice to further animate the FM matrix.

Powerful Sound Engine: X-Flow boasts a 24-voice engine with 4 operators, each offering 5 selectable waveforms (Sine, Tri, Saw, Pulse, Square). Shape your sound further with a dedicated filter section (including Low Pass and High Pass options) and an Overdrive effect for added grit and character.
(16 Voices for the MPE version)

Advanced Control: Fine-tune your sound with detailed controls including individual operator Pitch and Level, voice panning with randomization, and comprehensive Voice Mode options for polyphony, monophony, unison, and detuning.
Presets are mapped for Komplete Kontrol and Maschine

CLICK FOR MORE »

ARTURIA Introduces the AstroLab 88 Avant-Garde Stage Keyboard & 1.4 Update

video upload by Arturia

"Introducing AstroLab 88 - designed for the live musician, it puts impeccable performance sounds at your fingertips with a premium hammer-action keybed and powerful software ecosystem, letting you take your signature sounds to the stage without anything standing between you and your creative expression."

AstroLab Update 1.4 | Avant-garde Stage Keyboard | ARTURIA

video upload by Arturia

"AstroLab Update 1.4 brings your rig up-to-spec with some of Arturia’s newest engines, adding full support for Pigments 6 and MiniFreak V3, tighter Analog Lab mirroring, and a round of stability fixes to keep every session running smooth."

🎹 Arturia ASTROLAB 88 – Exclusive MUSIC DEMO at Superbooth 2025 (w Pierre Pfister)

video upload by FutureMusic.es

"Join us in this exclusive hands-on music demo straight from Superbooth 2025, where we explore the full expressive power of the ASTROLAB 88 with Arturia’s Product Manager, Pierre Pfister.

"Súmate a esta exclusiva 'music demo' directamente desde Superbooth 2025, donde exploramos todo el poder expresivo de ASTROLAB 88 con el Gerente de Productos en Arturia, Pierre Pfister."

Press release follow:


The new AstroLab has landed - with elevated performance and 88 weighted keys.

Engineered for liftoff, AstroLab redefines what a stage keyboard is all about. Combining an unrivaled sound palette with intuitive controls and seamless studio-to-stage experience, it empowers musicians to perform with confidence and limitless sonic freedom.

On May 27th we’re introducing AstroLab 88, which unites a responsive hammer-action keybed (Fatar TP-40L) with 40 onboard instruments, 1,600+ presets, updated CPU and the same forward-thinking ecosystem that lets artists perform with all their signature sounds - laptop-free.

Future-proof by design, AstroLab receives regular firmware upgrades that deepen its power and enhance the user experience. This continues with our next major update due by July 17th, which will bring new & updated V Collection 11 instruments, playlist transfer between Arturia’s Analog Lab Pro and AstroLab and the ability to send program changes to external devices and more.

_Premium hammer-action keybed
Perform with piano-size keys and piano-like response. AstroLab 88’s weighted keybed is built for demanding musicians who need that exceptional feel and control.

Studio → Stage continuum
Prepare sounds in Analog Lab Pro, organise setlists in the AstroLab Connect app, then play live without a laptop. Navigation wheel & screen

Browse presets and playlists effortlessly and monitor parameters at a glance - no menu diving mid-gig. 40 reference instruments

From Piano V realism to Pigments’ modern engine; 1,600 presets on board, 10 000+ more via V Collection & sound banks.

Navigation wheel & screen

Modern connectivity
MIDI I/O, USB-C, USB-A host, audio input, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi, plus four pedal inputs.

Creative toolset
Arpeggiator, Chord & Scale modes, hands-on Macros, built-in Looper, up to 12 insert FX per preset."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Discovering Wildwood Soundworks at Superbooth 2025 | Handcrafted Innovation with Tony Stewart

video upload by Jonathan Knightsnare

"At Superbooth 2025, I stumbled upon one of the most refreshing and inspiring booths of the weekend: Wildwood Soundworks.

Created by Tony Stewart—truly one of the nicest, chillest geniuses you'll ever meet—Wildwood Soundworks is a boutique company based in Penn Valley, California, dedicated to making electronic music gear that’s as expressive as it is innovative.

Tony’s gear is built for playability, tactile creativity, and pure musical joy. His instruments feel like something between a synth, a sculpture, and a philosophy on music-making. Every detail has intention, and every interaction feels like a performance.

At the booth, Tony demoed his two latest inventions:

Wildwood Express – a beautifully handcrafted sampler/synth/sequencer with a capacitive touch interface and all-in-one design for real-time creation.

Wildwood Lightning – an equally expressive device that swaps the keyboard for a circular note wheel, bringing intuitive scale-based performance to your fingertips.

Both units are loaded with sample-based and FM synthesis, USB MIDI/audio, sequencing across 16 channels, and a super intuitive display and menu system. Even cooler? They update over the air, and yes—they’re just as fun as they look.

This was one of my favorite finds of the show—not only because of the gear, but because of Tony’s energy and vision."

SSB X-Flow FM Synthesizer

video uploads by Synthesizer Studio Berlin

Playlist (use the player controls to skip around):

1. Gnossienne no 1 X FLOW EDIT
2. X FLOW DEEP DIVE INTO XY FM
3. X FLOW TUTORIAL
4. THE POWER OF X FLOW MPE

SSB X-Flow FM Synthesizer
available at:
https://www.synthesizerstudioberlin.c...

A Revolution in Visual FM Synthesis

Experience FM synthesis like never before with the SSB X-Flow, a groundbreaking instrument for Native Instruments Reaktor.

X Flow reimagines FM with an innovative visual approach, replacing complex matrices with intuitive XY fields, putting the power of FM directly at your fingertips.

Key Features:

Visual FM Matrix:Ditch the confusing charts! X-Flow uses four XY fields to represent the FM matrix, providing a clear and direct way to shape your sound. Each operator's modulation source is visually displayed, making FM synthesis more accessible and creative.

Expressive Performance: X-Flow is designed for performance. Modulate your FM creations live with your mouse, MIDI controllers, or even with the nuanced control of Mono-, Poly-Aftertouch or MPE, for unparalleled sonic expression.

Deep Modulation Capabilities: Dive into a world of intricate sound design with extensive modulation options. X-Flow features 4 FM Envelopes per voice, 2 LFOs per voice (which can be polyphonic, monophonic, key synced or one-shot) for Pitch, Amp, and Filter modulation, and 8 XY LFOs per voice to further animate the FM matrix.

Powerful Sound Engine: X-Flow boasts a 24-voice engine with 4 operators, each offering 5 selectable waveforms (Sine, Tri, Saw, Pulse, Square). Shape your sound further with a dedicated filter section (including Low Pass and High Pass options) and an Overdrive effect for added grit and character.
(16 Voices for the MPE version)

Advanced Control: Fine-tune your sound with detailed controls including individual operator Pitch and Level, voice panning with randomization, and comprehensive Voice Mode options for polyphony, monophony, unison, and detuning.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Elastic OSC iOS App Release Video

video upload by Oliver Greschke

"Elastic OSC is a synthesizer app based on the DSP code of the Mutable Instruments Plaits hardware oscillator module, one of the most beloved (and cloned) oscillator module in the Eurorack modular scene!
While Plaits is monophonic, Elastic OSC can also be used in 8-voice polyphonic mode. This means you can use it either as a sophisticated, experimental monophonic sound source — like the original — or as a regular polyphonic keyboard with a wide variety of great sounds. Of course, you can also combine both approaches!

Elastic OSC is designed for playability and simplicity – similar to the Plaits hardware, which has 4 Main Knobs for all essential Synth Parameters. Elastic OSC is essentially a one-screen app with no menu diving. It features two XY pads for intuitive sound manipulation of the OSC engine and the effects. Despite the simplicity of the clean interface, the sound possibilities are vast. Under the surface you’ll find 24 different oscillator models and the ability to automate parameter changes, as it is possible in all Elastic apps.

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/elastic..."

Erica Synths Steampipe + Intuitive Instruments Exquis

video upload by The Green Man(TGM) + sound.report by Heiner Kruse

"Those two can work together very well.
The video mainly focusses on Steampipe's sound generation and is played in between via Exquis and MPE and Exquis own Arpeggiator"

Timestamps
00:00-00:45 Intro + playing via Exquis
00:45-01:18 MPE On/Off/ internal Play Button
01:19-05:22 Playing around with the Default Sound
05:22-07:08 Playing other presets
07:08-10:36 Different Saturation Symmetry Modes + Summary

Melbourne Instruments Announces New Firmware for NINA and ROTO-CONTROL

New NINA Multi-Track Sequencer Feature Overview: Melbourne Instruments Polyphonic Synth video upload by Melbourne Instruments

"All sounds are generated and sequenced by NINA in this video, no other gear used!

A public beta of the multi-track sequencer firmware update is free for all NINA users and now available at http://www.melbourneinstruments.com/s..."

00:00 Intro
01:35 Accessing Multi-Track Sequencer Mode
01:54 New Overlay and Button Function
02:09 Key Concepts and Overview
02:47 PATTERN Mode
04:20 TRACK Mode
06:11 Parameter Locking & Step Settings
09:03 Live Automation Recording
11:18 Copy/Paste Steps
11:57 Performing and Playing Front Panel
12:50 TRACK Mute
13:18 TRACK Select
13:55 Page Select (REC)
14:41 New NOISE Types
15:16 Parameter Locking Noise Types
16:36 Outro

Press release follows:

May 2, 2025, Superbooth Edition

Melbourne Instruments announce new firmware for ROTO-CONTROL and NINA

Visit Melbourne Instruments at Superbooth, May 8-10, FEZ-Berlin Germany, Booth H220

Melbourne Instruments announce BITWIG STUDIO integration for ROTO-CONTROL

MELBOURNE, Australia, May 2, 2025: Melbourne Instruments continue to build on the success of their motorized synths, NINA and DELIA, and MIDI controller ROTO-CONTROL launched in January this year. Melbourne Instruments is pleased to announce BITWIG STUDIO integration for Roto-Control is now available as a public beta. This adds to Roto-Control’s acclaimed Ableton Live integration, and now Bitwig Studio users can take full advantage of Roto-Control features with their Bitwig projects.


Melbourne Instruments bring their revolutionary touch sensitive, motorized knob technology along with high-res screens and haptic control to Bitwig Studio users.

Powerful, compact, and portable, Roto-Control features three main modes of operation: MIX, PLUGIN and MIDI with Motion Recorder. MIX Mode will automatically sync Bitwig with all track names and colors instantly appearing on Roto-Control displays. Roto-Control will update track names and colors when connected to an active Bitwig session. No need to save or edit labels – all data is taken directly from the active Bitwig session.

In PLUGIN Mode, plugin parameters and labels are taken directly from Bitwig with one touch, one-time, intuitive easy setup. Learn plugin parameters once and Roto-Control will remember learnt parameters anytime you use Bitwig. All learnt plugin parameters are stored locally on Roto-Control, making it quick and easy to use with any computer setup. Roto-Control is a truly unique motorized MIDI controller that is highly customizable with internal storage for thousands of assignments.

Bitwig Studio users can streamline their creative workflow and quickly evolve ideas with responsive physical control of Bitwig Studio through Roto-Control’s MIX and PLUGIN Modes. This new integration is a collaboration between Bitwig and Melbourne Instruments, responding to the overwhelming demand for Roto-Control support for Bitwig Studio.

Bitwig Studio integration marks the second DAW support for Roto-Control with additional DAW integration currently in the works.

Bitwig Studio integration for Roto-Control is a public beta, please see link for more info and to download the beta firmware. www.melbourneinstruments.com/roto

CLICK FOR MORE »

Elastic OSC Jam with Red Sky Lullaby Presets

video upload by Oliver Greschke

"Elastic OSC will get released 5.5.25 !! 🥳
In this short noodle, I play with the presets created by Red Sky Lullaby. The Arturia MicroFreak is used only as a MIDI keyboard, all sounds and effects are generated by Elastic OSC itself.

Elastic OSC is a synthesizer app based on the DSP code of the Mutable Instruments Plaits hardware oscillator module, one of the most beloved (and cloned) oscillator module in the Eurorack modular scene! While Plaits is monophonic, Elastic OSC can also be used in 8-voice polyphonic mode. This means you can use it either as a sophisticated, experimental monophonic sound source — like the original — or as a regular polyphonic keyboard with a wide variety of great sounds. Of course, you can also combine both approaches!

Elastic OSC is designed for playability and simplicity – similar to the Plaits hardware, which has 4 Main Knobs for all essential Synth Parameters. Elastic OSC is essentially a one-screen app with no menu diving. It features two XY pads for intuitive sound manipulation of the OSC engine and the effects. Despite the simplicity of the clean interface, the sound possibilities are vast. Under the surface you’ll find 24 different oscillator models and the ability to automate parameter changes, as it is possible in all Elastic apps."

Dance'n May ~ Osmose ~ Iridium ~ ContinuuMini ~ HM 5 Scale

video upload by Ebotronix

Dance'n May² ~ Osmose ~ Iridium ~ ContinuuMini ~ Phrygian Scale

video upload by Ebotronix

Expressive E Osmose,
Waldorf Iridium,
Haken Audio ContinuuMini,
Intuitive Instruments - Exquis, V2.01,
Bastle Bestie,
Eventide , H90,
Bode Frequency Shifter ,(2x),
ADDAC Foot Control, with ,Boss EV 30,
Strymon Big Sky MX,controlled by,
ATO Faderbank 16 n , with Midi CC,
Phrygian Dim Scale, HM 5th Mode, 0,1,4,5,7,8,10,
01.05.2024
video # 2516 & 2517

1968 RA Moog Modular IIIC

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"A 3-cabinet authentic, period correct all RA Moog modules system that dates from 1968.

This instrument forms a part of the RL Music Vintage Synthesizer Collection. We have managed to keep some of the very best examples of Vintage Synthesizers that have come through our business over the last 22 years which we kept for our pleasure and interest. Whilst having a privileged position as a specialist dealer in this genre of equipment, we managed to hang on to particular instruments that were interesting and inspiring. The RA Moog Modular IIIC is one of 40 instruments we have, but is the oldest and most historically important.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Neuzeit Instruments Introduces DROP - Snapshot-based MIDI Control Center for Live Performance

Details follow:

"Which live performer doesn't know this situation: You build the tension to immeasurable heights, add another filter here, three more effects there, hands go up in the air, everyone's waiting for the big drop... and then you realize: You can't find your way out of the chaos you've created!

The sweat on your forehead drips onto your equipment, and in a firework of spraying sparks, your devices and your fans say goodbye forever...

CLICK FOR MORE »

Waldorf Iridium ~ Haken Audio ContinuuMini ~ Byzantine Scale

video upload by Ebotronix

Waldorf Iridium,
Haken Audio ContinuuMini,
Roland Aira J-6,
Iconnectivity Mio,
Intuitive Instruments - Exquis,V2.01,
Doepfer R2m , Ribbon Controller,
Mutable Instruments Midipal ,
Bastle Bestie,
Yamaha MCS 2,
Eventide , H90,
Bode Frequency Shifter ,(2x),
ADDAC Foot Control, with ,Boss EV 30,
Strymon Big Sky MX,controlled by,
ATO Faderbank 16 n , with Midi CC,
Byzantine Scale,
29.04.2024
video # 2515

Exquis v2.1 Update Now Optimised for Ableton Live

🇬🇧 Exquis - Ableton Live 12 Suite Remote Script
video upload by Intuitive Instruments

0:00 - Intro and installation
1:13 - Note Mode
1:36 - Settings (1)
2:13 - Settings (2) and favorite presets
2:34 - Devices and Tracks
3:17 - Session Mode
5:00 - Outro

🇬🇧 Exquis - Tutorials


Press release follows:

Exquis: expressive, MPE, intuitive, affordable, now optimised for Ableton Live

[Superbooth25] Intuitive Instruments, the French company behind the award‑winning Exquis ex‑pressive MPE keyboard, unveils a triple update that turns its flagship instrument into the ultimate, lightweight and compact creative hub for Ableton Live users

Unlike pad‑centric grid controllers optimised for finger‑drumming and loop triggering, Exquis responds like a real acoustic instrument: its 61 soft silicone keys, each with independent five‑dimension MPE control, provide the nuanced touch and emotional depth needed for flowing melodies and harmonically rich chords.

Exquis Remote‑Control Script for Ableton Live

The brand‑new Python‑based Remote Script integrates Exquis seamlessly into Live’s native controller family, delivering Launchpad‑style Session control and an instrument‑grade expressive touch—courtesy of its MPE twist—that makes playing melodies and chords feel effortlessly natural:

• Session view – create, launch and delete clips or scenes without touching the mouse.

• Track mastery – arm, select, mute and solo any track, and get immediate access to volume, pan and aux sends

• Expressive performance – chords, melodies and drum racks flow through all 61 soft silicone keys with independant and
polyphonic 5 dimensions controls.

• Hands‑on transport & harmony – set Live’s tempo, root note and scale directly from Exquis.

• Per‑track note layouts – recall any of the keyboard’s eight onboard layouts (or your own customs) automatically when you change tracks — instantly reconfiguring Exquis into a specific instrument for every track, be it a bass, a percussive grid, or a soaring solo lead.

• One‑touch Favourites – call up Live racks or plugin presets in a heartbeat via Exquis’ exclusive favourites system.

• Device & mix control – tweak any parameter on any device and any track with using four push encoders and ten action buttons.

The script installs like any official Ableton controller template and requires Live 12.

Firmware v2.1 — Poly‑Hold Sustain & Developer Mode

In keeping with Intuitive Instruments’ drive for constant refinement, firmware v2.1 delivers two
headline additions:

• Poly‑Hold Sustain – let chords ring out indefinitely while the onboard arpeggiator conti‑ nues to evolve.

• Developer Mode – an open MIDI API that exposes every hardware element—keys, en‑ coders, action buttons, RGB LEDs and even onboard memory—so developers can remap behaviours, write custom DAW scripts or integrate Exquis into bespoke performance setups.

The update also packs an array of stability improvements for an even smoother playing expe‑rience.

Exquis App v2 — New factory preset list and 1 500 Curated Presets

The companion software for macOS/Windows receives new factory preset list featuring hand‑picked, layout‑optimised patches for Surge XT, Vital and Decent Samplerand a vast sound‑library expansion bringing 1 250 new sounds tuned for Surge XT, Vital, Decent Sampler, Baby Audio Atom, Beatsurfing Random, Dawesome Abyss, Zyklus, Audiomodern Soun‑ dbox and Newfangled Audio Pendulate — now 1 500 presets in total.

Superbooth 2025 and Embodme.

Intuitive Instruments will attend the Superbooth 2025: booth O134, in the mezzanine of the main hall, side to Expressivee and Embodme.

Introducing Pipo Interfaces

A Sneak Peak into Pipo modules video upload by Pipo Interfaces

"Video produced by Tom Bouchet

Music: "Transition" by Alex-Productions (CC BY 3.0)"

Press release follows:


Pipo Interfaces brings a new versatile toolkit for creative sensing and audiovisual interactions in real-time.

Developed by creative technologist Rupert Renevier, Pipo is a range of electronics modules that connect sensors to computers, and are meant to simplify creative interactivity between people, real-world objects, and digital creation.

Whether you're performing, designing experimental MIDI instruments, or interested in making installations, Pipo builds the foundations of an accessible and adaptable open source toolkit.

When digital experiences become sensible and tangible, they allow for greater engagement and connection. The idea of using sensors for audiovisual applications and arts is far from being new, but still requires building custom solutions on Arduino or Raspberry Pi, which tends to be complex, time-consuming, and therefore not easily accessible to most.

Pipo wants to unlock the creative potential of real-time sensing, and lower the technical barrier to it, by proposing tools that connect the physical world to the digital in a straightforward fashion.

The Pipo recipe is simple: small affordable modules, wireless capabilities, and an intuitive yet powerful user interface. All Pipo modules can be used alone or in combination, fixed, worn on the body, embedded in objects, etc... All Pipo modules have mounting holes to augment all kind of projects and casing will be made available.

The first 3 modules of the family are Pipo Motion, Pipo Range and Pipo Analog.

Pipo Motion is dedicated to sensing movement: orientation, acceleration and magnetic field, thanks to an advanced 9 axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). It allows for relative and absolute orientation.

Pipo Range is an accurate distance sensing unit which can be used to detect hands, obstacles, objects, or people (up to 3m). It can be used the same way as a theremin, or as a people proximity sensor for eg.

Finally, Pipo Analog, a versatile Input/Output device. On one side it has 8 capacitive touch inputs to create original touch buttons (for eg: with wires, metallic tape, vegetables, conductive paint, etc...)

On the other side it has multiple analog voltage inputs/outputs (up to 8). With these you can acquire and use any external buttons, specialized analog sensors modules, knobs or control servo motors, drivers, etc...

Beyond these three first sensing modules, Pipo Interfaces carries a vision for a whole creative ecosystem for many more input and also output modules. It has a strong anchor towards open source development and wants to create a strong user community connection.

Pipo modules can all send standard MIDI and/or OSC data wirelessly for maximum compatibility.

The connectivity is made through WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy, or USB and every module has an onboard battery charger, so that whatever idea you have, you can test it quickly and have it communicate to your audiovisual software in a matter of seconds (no matter your operating system).

All the settings can be tuned in the field through a web interface hosted on every module.
No need for an app or software, just open any web browser on your mobile. This interface allows you to set various settings like sensing parameters, ranges, and to adapt the incoming and outgoing data streams to your needs, quickly and easily.

You can for example eg fine tune the midi output, choose a note scale, channel, etc...

On a technical level, the project is developed with PlatformIO and the Arduino framework to make it easy for people to hack, modify, upgrade their pipos, or build their own custom Pipos. The software is open source, and the project runs on the Esp32-s3, one of the most versatile and powerful IoT chips around.

Pipo will launch as a pre-order campaign to fund the first production run. If you like Pipo, you can support it by entering your email address on the campaign page, it means a lot ! By doing so, you will also be notified of the launch date, so that you can be among the first people to get yours.

The launch date is pending on gathering a critical mass of people who want to see the project going live, so subscribing helps the project move forward.

All this happens on CrowdSupply, a platform dedicated to launching open source projects:

https://www.crowdsupply.com/pipo-interfaces/pipo

Void & Vista: FRAMES

video upload by VOID & VISTA

Press release follows:

LONDON, UK: VOID & VISTA is proud to announce availability of FRAMES as its latest bold virtual instrument for contemporary music creation — crafted for Native Instruments’ KONTAKT platform, pairing characterful, expressive, and unique sampling with powerful sound design features and an inspiring interface rendering it ideal for media composers, production music writers, and (obviously) sound designers, as well as also expanding the toolbox of artists and producers across multiple genres thanks to its variety of emotive sounds and textures — as of April 23…

Being built around 40 sound sources made from capturing unique, unrepeatable sonic moments, FRAMES readily represents a bespoke collection of specially curated samples created using prepared instruments, resonated sound objects, and aleatoric performances using experimental techniques. These are all recorded at 96kHz using specialist microphones to capture sound beyond the range of human hearing, ready to pitch down and explore.

Such sound sources are split into five categories: INSTRUMENTS — traditional instruments captured using extended techniques and aleatoric performances; OBJECTS — uniquely prepared objects and instruments played in experimental ways; EFFECTED — heavily effected, processed sounds, and resonated objects; TEXTURES — tonal, textural, and found sounds that are perfect for blending; and WAVES — sampled synth waveforms taken from an analogue hardware collection.

Above and beyond that, the new ZONE SHIFT feature vastly expands the timbres of each sound source, enabling immediate dynamic exploration of the movement and detail found within them. Thanks to shifting samples from different registers, sounds can shift from slow and muted to frantic and urgent with each key press.

But better still, those 40 sound sources can be layered, sculpted, and effected using the deep two-layer sound design engine, featuring multimode FILTERS; two MOTION LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) — LFO 1 and LFO 2; six envelopes; LOFI effects; an ENSEMBLE page for blending additional voices; parallel CHARACTER insert effects; and dedicated SPACE send effects. And all of this sound design power is available from an inspiring and intuitive interface, designed to keep users focused on making music.

Music-making or otherwise, users ultimately benefit from FRAMES coming complete with a colossal collection of preset snapshots organised logically for ease of use, with pre-assigned mod wheel modulation mappings for jaw-dropping sound manipulation.

FRAMES is initially available to purchase at a 20%-discounted price until June 4, 2025 — rising thereafter to its regular price of £129.00 GBP — as a KONTAKT PLAYER-compatible/NKS (NATIVE KONTROL STANDARD®)-ready AAX-, AU-, and VST-formatted virtual instrument plug-in featuring 16 GB of samples that works with all major DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) running on macOS 12 or above — natively compatible with Apple Silicon — and Windows 10/11 directly from the dedicated product webpage here: https://www.voidandvista.com/products/frames

To function, FRAMES needs Native Instruments KONTAKT 7.10 or higher via the Native Access 2 administration tool for music creation software available from here: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/specials/native-access-2/

Intuitive Instruments Exquis | SynthFest 2025

video upload by SynthFest France

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"L'exquis, de Intuitive Instruments, est un instrument de musique qui communique en MIDI avec une application. Proposant une autre approche du geste musical, l'Exquis communique avec une application dédiée. En exclusivité, Bruno nous fait part d'une toute nouvelle fonctionnalité permettant d'en faire un contrôleur pour Ableton Live."

"The Exquis, from Intuitive Instruments, is a musical instrument that communicates via MIDI with an app. Offering a different approach to musical gestures, the Exquis communicates with a dedicated app. Bruno shares an exclusive with us about a brand new feature that allows it to be used as a controller for Ableton Live."

Introducing ALICE by Acustica Audio

video upload by Acustica Audio

From the makers of Thing 8.

"What if your synth reshaped reality?
Alice-9 is the next-generation sample-based synthesizer forged from the chaos of the unknown and built for creators who refuse to follow.

Powered by SCO technology, and infused with analog soul, AL9 isn’t here to emulate.
It’s here to change the rules.

🎛 Real movement, deep stereo placement, aging imperfection, and punchy compression.
🎶 Every preset is a twist. Every sound a move. Every session, your next breakthrough.

This isn’t just another synth.
This is the edge of synthesis.

Choose your sound. Be the one who rewrite the rules.

Alice-9 has just entered the game."

ALICE9 | Live preview!

video upload by Acustica Audio

Acustica Audio - Alice-9 (AL9) is a next-generation sample-based synthesizer in the digital domain.
video upload by 23dB Productions

ALICE: https://www.acustica-audio.com/shop/p...



Alice-9 (AL9) is a next-generation sample-based synthesizer in the digital domain, part of the Marea virtual instrument series, and powered by the innovative MUST (Modular Unified Synthesis Technology). Early testers have described it as an instrument with a deeply organic and varied sound palette — evocative of iconic synthesizers from the 1990s and early 2000s. AL9 redefines what a sample-based synth can be, merging analog realism, playable feel, and modern digital power into a single instrument. Available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats, ensuring integration with all major DAWs.
Use code: ALICESPECIAL at checkout for 41% off until August 31, 2025!

The first users compared AL9 to walking into a music store in the 1990s, hearing a synth that delivers something new and inspiring with each preset. That rare sensation of immediacy, depth, and musicality — the feeling of a “real instrument” — is the essence of AL9.

Made to Inspire
The architecture of AL9 goes far beyond sample playback or wavetable synthesis. Its sound engine is built around SCO (Sample-Controlled Oscillator), a high-resolution resampling system capable of reproducing natural analog behaviors such as frequency drift and evolving dynamics. Unlike typical static samplers or rigid waveforms, AL9’s oscillators breathe and shift like their analog ancestors.

This realism is further enhanced by the proprietary Superstereo system for natural stereo placement , the Age control that adds subtle imperfections, emulating the warmth of aged hardware and Integrated multiband dynamics processor inspired by the popular OTT compression paradigm, delivering musical glue and energetic punch.

Whether you're chasing nostalgia or forging new paths in sound design, AL9 provides an inspiring playground that rewards musicianship and creativity.

Beyond Emulation
The idea for THING originated during the development of Thing (TH8 – TH5) — an emulation of a classic 1980s DCO synth. During that process, a question arose: what if, instead of replicating digital waveforms, we could capture and reproduce the actual behavior of an analog VCO? What if we could push timbral diversity beyond the limitations of traditional synthesis methods?

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Introducing Scene: Nightshade | Native Instruments

video upload by Native Instruments

"Meet Nightshade, part of the Scene series – a collection of lightweight, cinematic tools crafted for media composers. Featuring over 100 horror-inspired presets, Nightshade blends eerie synths, droning strings, and haunting choir textures to summon unsettling soundscapes. From ghostly whispers to deep, cinematic swells, it’s perfect for effortless scoring of fear, tension, and suspense."

The sounds of Scene: Nightshade | Native Instruments

video upload by Native Instruments

"Join product specialist Matt Lara as he dives into the eerie world of Scene: Nightshade. Explore how this compact cinematic instrument blends haunting choirs, droning strings, and spectral synths into one intuitive XY pad interface."

Press release follows:

Berlin, April 17, 2025 – Native Instruments today released Scene: Nightshade, a powerful virtual instrument designed to create immersive horror and moody soundtracks, and the latest addition to their Scene series. Nightshade delivers a sinister fusion of deep strings, haunting vocal pads, eerie plucks, and ominous synth textures, wrapped in a streamlined interface for effortless sound exploration. At the heart of Nightshade is an XY pad, enabling composers to morph between 16 ghostly sound layers, creating evolving soundscapes instantly.

Designed to evoke the full spectrum of cinematic horror, Nightshade vividly conjures feelings from creeping tension to overwhelming dread with unsettling plucks and shimmering overtones. Nightshade empowers artists to design truly chilling soundscapes that will captivate audiences.

Key Features:

· Sinister Palette: Haunting synths, droning strings, and eerie plucks crafted for cinematic horror soundtracks.

· XY Pad Control: Quickly morph between 16 hybrid sound sources for dynamic sound manipulation.

· Scales and Modes: Easily stay in key with a wide selection of scales and modes.

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