Akai Launches MPK Mini Plus II

video uploads by Akai Professional

Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability.

Playlist:

1. MPK Mini Plus II | Expressive Control, Expanded Possibilities
2. MPK Mini Plus II with Drumma Boy | Akai Professional
3. MPK Mini Plus II | Overview
4. MPK Mini Plus II | MPC Integration

Akai MPK Mini Plus MK2 // What's new, review and tutorial

video upload by

TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro 1:42 Overview 3:09 Keys & pads 4:27 Color screen 5:47 I/O 6:10 Chord modes 7:13 Mutate & strum 8:52 Chord types 10:02 Progressions 10:51 Arpeggiator 13:06 Overdub & follow 14:26 ARP patterns 16:09 DAW control 17:23 Pad modes 18:25 MPC 20:03 NKS plugins 22:08 Kontakt 22:41 Instrument Collection 23:27 User modes 24:18 Pros & cons 27:15 Jams

Press release follows:


AKAI PROFESSIONAL® INTRODUCES MPK® MINI PLUS II, THE NEXT GENERATION OF ITS 37-KEY MIDI KEYBOARD CONTROLLER

Upgraded keys and MPC pads meet new creative tools, deeper MPC and DAW integration, a full-color display, MIDI and CV connectivity in a compact 37-key controller.

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (October 22, 2026) – Akai Professional® today announced MPK® Mini Plus II, the next generation of its compact 37-key MIDI keyboard, designed for creators who want more performance and production control without moving to a full-size keyboard. MPK Mini Plus II combines an upgraded 37-key mini keybed, eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB MPC pads, a new full-color display, and creative tools including Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze, Chords, and Follow. Direct MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop integration brings deeper MPC control to the keyboard, while USB-C, five-pin MIDI, and CV/Gate connectivity allow MPK Mini Plus II to move easily between software instruments, hardware synthesizers, and modular setups.

CLICK FOR MORE »

FAC Gravity Spatial Frequency Shifter AUv3 Plugin

video upload by Fred Anton Corvest

"FAC Gravity AUv3 Plugin is a frequency shifter for creating Barberpole and Shepard style glissandos, spectral illusions, stereo rotation, chorusing, phasing, evolving echoes, infinite cosmic spaces, and all the combinations you’ll make.

0:00 Introduction
0:39 Presentation
1:39 Preset Demo: Shifted Space
1:57 Preset Demo: Ramping Tape Riser
2:15 Preset Demo: Synce Wobble Bass
2:30 Preset Demo: Frequency Shifter
2:49 Preset Demo: Synced Break II
3:09 Outro

Discover more presets in the AUv3 plugin.

More info on https://fredantoncorvest.com"

"FAC Gravity AUv3 Plugin is a frequency shifter for creating Barberpole and Shepard style glissandos, spectral illusions, stereo rotation, chorusing, phasing, evolving echoes, infinite cosmic spaces, and all the combinations you’ll make.

• Dual Frequency Shifting, or Mono Shifting with Quadrature Stereo Widening

• Organic Spiral Loop, from gentle feedback to pure analog self-oscillation

• Integrated delay, diffusion blur, and independent low/high filtering

• Modulation matrix, multi-source envelope follower

• LFO with classic waveforms and random spline

• Spinning modulation to rotate and animate the stereo field

• Tempo-synced or MIDI-driven Frequency Shift, LFO, and Delay

• Dry/Wet mix, optional limiting, and goniometer visualization

• Advanced Responsive Design, portrait and landscape views

• Universal Purchase: AUv3 for iOS (iPad/iPhone), macOS and Vision Pro"

Skiff 1.4: now on the M-VAVE SMK-37 Pro, plus your own colours (what's new)

video upload by Skiff

You can find the M-Vave SMK on Amazon.

You can find a set of tutorial videos for Skiff in this previous post.

"Skiff 1.4 is out: free, open-source firmware that turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a six-track groovebox, and now M-VAVE's SMK-37 Pro keyboard too. This video shows what's new since 1.3, set to one song made on it: Skiff on the SMK-37 Pro (37 velocity keys, the 16 pads as a step grid, four faders as a mixer, the wheels, MIDI OUT with clock), REST in SONG, your own theme colours from the web editor, each user sample's own level and sends, and the best of 1.3.1 to 1.3.3.

Everything you hear is Skiff 1.4's own code playing that song: the SMK-37 Pro build's source, run on a computer, so the sound and the screens line up to the frame. Every sound comes from its engines, and every key struck, pad tapped, fader, wheel and knob shown is performed in the firmware. Nothing was added afterwards; only the overall level was set. The SMK-37 Pro is drawn from that run: its screen is Skiff's own display, not a mock-up, and its pads and lights are the colors the firmware sent them. Track 6 plays a user sample kit: five drum sounds synthesized for this video. The editor pages are the real 1.4 web editor on its built-in demo device; the unit gets the same colors the way the editor sends them.

▶ Get Skiff (free, GPL-3.0): https://github.com/illuminus5/skiff
▶ What's new in 1.4: https://github.com/illuminus5/skiff/r...
▶ Install from the browser (Chrome or Edge, the FM-1 or SMK-37 Pro on USB): https://illuminus5.github.io/skiff/we...
▶ On an SMK-37 Pro, read this first (M-VAVE's V016, and a backup of the keyboard's flash): https://github.com/illuminus5/skiff/b...
▶ Try Skiff in your browser: https://illuminus5.github.io/skiff/try/
▶ New to Skiff? Learn Skiff, the manual with a video for every chapter: https://illuminus5.github.io/skiff/le...

Chapters
0:00 Skiff 1.4: now on the SMK-37 Pro, its velocity keys
0:19 SMK-37 Pro: the pads are the steps, the faders a mixer
0:35 SMK-37 Pro: KNOB BANK, K1, arrow left, arrow right, the wheels
0:59 SMK-37 Pro: MIDI OUT with clock; tested on one keyboard
1:14 REST in SONG (#28)
1:30 Your own colors: THEME › CUSTOM and PLAYHEAD LINE (#27)
1:54 Each sample's own level and sends (#21)
2:10 Since 1.3: a stereo HALL, a finer vibrato, 320 MHz, update mode, Try Skiff
2:33 QUARK's event display, and the fixes
2:57 Get Skiff 1.4

The SMK-37 Pro build is tested on one SMK-37 Pro. The SMK-37 Elite and MKE-P37 packages are built the same way but not tried on a keyboard yet."

Testing an old VCO - Livewire Audio Frequency Generator & a simple melodic drone

video upload by DreamsOfWires

"I've been tinkering with some of my older, discontinued and obscure modules recently, so I decided to share some of my experiences. Not technical or user guides, just self-indulgeance. This time it's the Livewire Audio Frequency Generator that gets the perpetual noob treatment, an huge, flexible, and pretty damn good saounding VCO with wave-shaping, sub oscillator (both square and triangle), and a bunch of fixed or variable waveforms.

Key features of this are the 'Animated Pulses' and 'Alien Saws', which are both affected by the 'animation section'. Each consist of two waves overlapping eachother, and the 8 pots to the right control the pulse width and phase position of both, but on the higher and lower portions of the waveforms separately... which of couse can all then be modulated! Bonkers! It sounds great though, and you could lose yourself for some considerable time just listening to how these 8 controls affect the timbre of the two waveform outputs.

As always, running the module through my AJH Synth modules never dissappoints - totally vintage charcter and warmth, with no shortage of functionality and physical control. A great-sounding VCF based on the Musonics (pre-Moog) Sonic V, and a VCA based on the early Minimoog, complete with amp-like overdrive when driven hard. The Ring SM is also based on the Moog CP-3 mixer, with -1 & -2 sub-octave generator, and 3-axis ring modulator based on the EMS Synthi/VCS3.

Gear used:
Livewire Audio Frequency Generator V2
AJH Synth Sonic XV diode filter, Dual LFO, Sample Hold & Noise, Ring SM, Discreet Cascaded VCA.
Cosmotronic Cosmix Pro
Happy Nerding FX Aid (as reverb)
Expert Sleepers Disting Mk4 (as WAV recorder)
CASA Modular acrylic case powered by Konstant Lab StrongPWR.
No post-processing, just the audio straight from the modular."

Sequential Pro-3 // Tweaking Factory Presets // PT 1 // No Talking

video upload by LESINDES

"Sequential Pro-3 // Tweaking Factory Presets // PT 1 // No Talking
Unpublished footage from 2020
TOC00:00 Intro
00:12 Titles + 1
01:22 2
01:41 3
03:17 4
04:33 5
05:05 6
09:30 7
11:05 8
11:24 Credits"

Gyro 1.2 Free Update - Global Key Lock, Chordset Generator & More - 10K Audio

video upload by 10K Audio

"Out now: Gyro 1.2 by 10K Audio
A free update for all existing Gyro users.

Limited-time launch offer: Save 30% on Gyro Pro and Play-to-Pro upgrades.
Get Gyro: https://10k.audio/gyro

0:00 Introduction to Gyro 1.2
0:14 Undo / Redo
0:32 Global Key Lock
1:15 Chordset Generator
2:02 Individual Chord Locks
2:31 NKS Support
2:47 ‘All Sounds’ Play Mode"

"What’s new in Gyro 1.2:

Global Key Lock: Keep presets and chord sets within a selected root note and scale.

Chordset Generator: Create complete chord sets from up to four user-selected chords. Available in Gyro Pro.

Undo / Redo: Move backward and forward through Gyro’s randomization history.

‘All Sounds’ Play Mode: Trigger all four sound engines together from a single MIDI note.

NKS Integration: Browse presets, control key parameters and use Light Guide integration with NKS 1 and NKS 2 hardware.

Expanded Preset Library: New full presets and subpresets for Gyro Play and Gyro Pro.

Reduced CPU Consumption: Muted sounds no longer consume unnecessary CPU resources."

Also see this previous post on v1.1.

SATURDAY: Elektron Digitone 2, Outbox 8, Analog 4 and Eventide Tricera Chorus.

video upload by Acid Gray

"Digitone 2 and Analog 4 on a melancholic IDM-jam building the first track for my next album.

Digitone 2 used for pads (Swarmer machines) plus Tricera Chorus and reverb. The other tracks are used for drums and percussion.

Here Outbox 8 really shines, as you now can use the DN as synth, drum machine and external sequencer - and still go for hardware recordings.

Analog 4:
T1: Lead
T2: Bass
T3: Additional Pad
T4: Pluck

Will use the DN2 / A4 combo definitely more frequently.

Had severe issues with my BlueBox today, as no separate FX tracks were recorded, although the option was selected, so I added reverb and delay in Logic X Pro this time."

Roland SC-88 Pro in VES — Preview

video upload by Autodafe

"🚧 Preview of an upcoming version of Vintage Emulator Studio!

Here’s a quick 30-second demo of the Roland Sound Canvas SC-88 Pro running inside VES.

This is from a new VES version currently in development, which should be released within the next 1–2 weeks.

MAME now officially has both the Roland SC-88 and SC-88 Pro marked as working, making these classic Sound Canvas modules available for proper emulation in VES.

For the demo I’m using a short open-source, ’90s-style videogame music track — a perfect fit for some classic Sound Canvas vibes. 🎮🎹

Download:
https://www.autodafe.net/vintage-emul..."

Also see:

The Usual Suspects Introduces the 88EmuPlayer Emulator

MAME Synths as Plugins?! Vintage Emulator Studio is Here

Diosynth Live: A New Companion App for Diosynth

video upload by ASM Ashun Sound Machines

"Diosynth Live is now available for iOS and Android, bringing fast access to your favorite patches, system settings, and MIDI settings directly on your mobile phone.

Find the Diosynth Live app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

0:00 intro
0:28 App organization
1:00 requirements
1:25 connecting to the app
1:40 USB connection
2:17 Bluetooth connection
3:00 Favorites
3:45 Setup tab

Learn more at ashunsoundmachines.com

#Windsynth #EWI #diosynthlive #diosynth #asm #Ashunsoundmachines"

Press release with additional details:

CLICK FOR MORE »

NINE INCH NAILS - That's What I Get (Sequential PRO 3 & Digitakt 2)

video upload by nicola neeco

"I tried to get as close as possible to the original bass sound from That’s What I Get by Nine Inch Nails, from their debut album Pretty Hate Machine, using the Sequential PRO 3.

I used the PRO 3’s third, digital oscillator to approximate the original character, which to my ears sounds like a sampled based sound (possibly played on an E-mu Emax).

At a certain point, though, I came across this slightly FM-like sound that I really liked, so I decided to use it. For the drums, I used the Elektron Digitakt, loaded with samples from the classic Roland R-70 drum machine.

#nineinchnails #trentreznor #nin #sequentialpro3 #prettyhatemachine #digitakt2"

Knock Out 🎚️(Teenage Engineering K.O.-Sidekick EP-136 // MFB Tanzbar // Roland S-1 // J-6)

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"A new little piece of gear joins the setup! 🎛️

This time, I'm introducing the Teenage Engineering KO II Sidekick EP-136 , a small but surprisingly powerful little mixer, and a very welcome addition to the setup.

And this one is a little different from my last jams: there's no external sequencers like the Squarp Hapax or Arturia Keystep Pro involved! 😄

Instead, I'm using the built-in sequencers of all 3 instruments in the setup: the MFB Tanzbär , Roland S-1 and *Roland J-6*. It's actually quite refreshing to let the instruments take care of their own sequences for once.

The Tanzbär is on Channel 1 , bringing its punchy analog drums to the party. Channel 2 is shared by the Roland S-1 and *Roland J-6*: the J-6 handles the bass and chords, while the S-1 also provides the lead chimes during the intro.

The problem? The Sidekick only has *2 stereo channels*.

So, naturally, I had to cheat a little. 😄

CLICK FOR MORE »

dawless techno - ROLLING BASS made with Novation's Bass Station 2

video upload by boite obscure

"dawless music
I used mainly one oscillator for the bass-patch.
instruments used: Novation Bass Station 2 (swifty edition), Arturia Keystep Pro, Sequential Prophet REV2, Hydrasynth Explorer, mopho x4, Roland TR8S

#rolling bass #melodic techno"

Watch Liquid Metal Dance to Dark Drones, VHIKK X

video upload by substatica drones

"Using a VHIKK X to charm a liquid metal/ferrofluid visualizer. A dark ambient exploration with the Forge TME VHIKK X. The VHIKK X is set to Bank 1, Algorithm 2.

VHIKK X - https://nightlife-electronics.com/pro...

3D Printed Eurorack Case - https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadge...

Vhikk X by Forge TME is a multi-algorithm experimental synth workshop specialising in [but not limited to] complex drones/basses, rich textures, and dynamic sfx. It combines sound generation and effects processing into one module with multiple different algorithms.

The nature of the Vhikk X makes it suitable for situations where a compact, ergonomic, and self-contained sound source/processor would be welcome - for example smaller modular systems, or large systems where a self-contained sound island with minimised cognitive overhead would be desirable."

NINE INCH NAILS - Head Like a Hole (Sequential PRO 3 & Elektron DIgitakt 2)

video upload by nicola neeco

"Playing the bassline and drums from Nine Inch Nails’ Head Like a Hole (Pretty Hate Machine).

Synth Bass: Sequential Pro 3 (my own sound design)
Drums: Elektron Digitakt 2, using samples from the Roland R8 drum machine

All performed and programmed by hand.

#nineinchnails #trentreznor #nin #sequentialpro3 #prettyhatemachine"

The Usual Suspects Introduces the 88EmuPlayer Emulator

Demo video upload by Numero Uno

Also see Retromulator 1.6 What's New

"Low-level Sound Canvas series emulator, running the original firmware. Every sound you hear is from the emulator, no additional processing applied.

theusualsuspects.io/downloads/88emuplayer
Join our Discord: discord.gg/WJ9cxySnsM

00:00 Overblow – Night Slave (SC-88Pro)
00:25 Myth – SC-88 Demos (SC-88)
01:26 Departure For Space – Gradius (MIDI Power Pro 5) (SC-88Pro)
02:40 Stellar – HaruMKT (POWER! SC-55) (SC-55mk2)
04:14 Within End's Reach – MelonadeM (SC-8850)
05:56 Plok! Breezy Beach – HaruMKT (SC-8850)
07:19 DANCE II – Idecs Hyper Groove (SC-88Pro)

08:46 WALL FIVE MIX – SC-8850 Demos (SC-8850)
09:59 Embarrassment – Policenauts (MIDI Power Pro 3) (SC-88Pro)
11:07 Jazz & Fusion 2 – Idecs Hyper Groove (SC-8850)
12:04 Six and Seven – Theme Hospital (SC-88)
13:23 passport.mid – Windows 3.0 (SC-88)

Thanks to HaruMKT and MelonadeM for contributing with their compositions!
All the emulators are original work by TUS, except the SC-55 emulation core which is originally based on the work of NukeYKT."

"88Emu emulates the hardware inside most Sound Canvas modules and related earlier sound generators, used for retro gaming and DTM. It runs the original firmware on emulated CPUs and sound chips, including the firmware’s instrument selection, voice allocation, effects, MIDI handling and front-panel behavior. You supply the ROM images; they are not included.

88EmuPlayer is NOT a DAW-compatible plugin, but instead a standalone application for playing MIDI files and using those devices from a MIDI keyboard, sequencer or game. 88EmuCli uses the same emulation to render files to WAV offline using a command line interface, without having to wait for the song to play in real time."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sequential Fourm - Ambient Kinda! An Ambient song made with Fourm Presets!

video upload by kgbirmingham media

"Sequential Fourm – Kinda Ambient
I have playing around with my new synthesizer the Sequential Fourm. I decided that I would create an Ambient style song using only presets on the Fourm.
I’m Not sure it really is all that Ambient, since it does have an identifiable lead line. Anyway, it was fun to create.
Enjoy!
For the Techies
Everything was recorded through an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 and into Fender Studio Pro 8.
Fourm: The signal chain is fairly straightforward: Fourm, into TC Electronic Plethora X3 (stereo output), into a pair of SSL SixChannels, into a Drawmer MQ-2 EQ/Compressor/Saturator, into a Lindell 77X Compressor and into an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 Interface/Mixer and recorded in stereo directly into my DAW (Fender Studio Pro).
I created five tracks, using five presets, which I messed around with, both on the Fourm and also by applying some effects in my DAW. I didn’t use the TC Electronic Plethora X3, since I wasn’t sure that I wanted to “bake in” the effects.
The Presets I used were all in Factory Bank 2:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Build Your Own Audio Plugins, No Code Required, With Amorph AI Driven Plugin Platform

Build Your Own Audio Plugins, No Code (Amorph v1 Beta) video upload by Artists in DSP

"Amorph is a free audio plugin. You build, play, and share your own tools inside the DAW — the sound, the knobs, and the code sit on your computer.

This is the full how-to. Install. The window. Three ways to build. Remote. Lock. Share.

A patch can be an instrument, an effect, or a MIDI processor.

Download Amorph v1 Beta:
https://artistsindsp.gumroad.com/l/am...

Getting started:
https://artistsindsp.com/get-started-..."

Modular Town : a synth hidden in a town (Amorph)

video upload by Bungle Society

"Modular Town — a synthesizer town, drawn by hand.

Modular Town is a single Amorph instrument: a hand-drawn village you scroll through, where every knob, step-sequencer and jack is mounted on a building facade wired by hand, just like real hardware. 🏭 Filter (Cutoff/Resonance) on the factoryVCO1 / VCO2 on the vending machinesDetune and Attack/Decay/Release tucked into the houses🥁 A 16-step drum machine (Drums Volume, Accent, Drive) running through its own sequencer🍜 Ramen Bass Shop, a mono bass synth with its own 16-step piano roll, playable live or sequenced. A day/night cycle you flip from a shop sign. Delay (Time/Feedback/Mix) on a canal-side wall. A full patch panel route LFO, ENV and random modulation across the whole village with real cables✨ Reverb, aged-paper texture and film grain for a sketchbook feel"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Grandmother VS Rogue Synthesizer Face Off (No Talking)

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2026

Both a Moog Rogue and Grandmother are in the studio. Let's do a comparison face off today. Oscillators, Sync, Filter, Envelopes, and Noise. Do they have the same basic Moog tone? Where there is feature overlap can I get them to sound the same? Which of them wins the day for you? Raw audio recorded direct via Roland GO:Mixer Pro-X, no post process eq or compression added. Listen w/ headphones or studio monitors to get the full experience!

I make cool Eurorack modules with mojo! Check out my Reverb Store https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

0:00 | Oscillators
1:53 | Oscillator Sync
2:26 | Filter
3:38 | Envelopes
5:32 | Noise"

G-Storm Electro:
MUSIC https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/
BLOG http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
LISTEN/DOWNLOAD http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
REVERB https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro

Collide 4 Swells

video upload by Ebotronix

Joranalogue Audio Design,
4x Cycle 5, 4x Filter 8, 4x Generate 3, 3x Fold 6, Pivot 2, Select 2,
4x Contour 1, 2x Collide 4, 2x Link 2, Enhance 2, Step 8, Orbit 3,
Morph 4, 4x Mix 3, Delay 1,Add 2, Walk4, Warp 1,Compare 2, Flow 3 ,
3x ,Ornament and Crime, Melody Minor Scale,
ALM, Pamela's Pro Workout,
ARC Serge TKB,
Flame 2x Q Slider,
Intelligel 2x Swells,
Mutable Instruments 4x Shades,
ADDAC 2x Floor Control, Boss 2x EV 30,
WMD 2x Time Warp,
4ms DLD,Peg,
Verbos Scan & Pan,
XAOC Batumi,
Befaco ST Mix,XAOC Batumi,
Doepfer R2m, Ribbon Controller,A 156,
13.09.2026
video# 2674

Sequential Fourm - Chaos - The Song!

video upload by kgbirmingham media

"I just recently purchased a Sequential Fourm and I wanted to create a “Song” using only Fourm Presets. So, I laid down six tracks, using six Fourm Presets. I ran the Fourm through a TC Electronic Plethora (Chorus, Delay, Reverb) and played around with the Filter, Noise, ARP and Amp Envelope.
This is the final 'Song' from a 'Making Of' type video. I put 'Song' into quotes, because it is rather cacophonous. Anyway, I like the variations of tone, structure and noises!
Enjoy!
For the Techies
There’s not much to say about the tech. I recorded the narration directly into my DAW - Fender Studio Pro 8. I used an AKG 414B microphone running through an ART TransX Preamp into an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 Interface/Mixer. I recorded six tracks all created on the Sequential Fourm using Factory Presets.
The signal chain is fairly straightforward: Fourm, into TC Electronic Plethora X3 (stereo output), into a pair of SSL SixChannels, into a Drawmer MQ-2 EQ/Compressor/Saturator, into a Lindell 77X Compressor and into an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 Interface/Mixer and recorded in stereo directly into my DAW (Fender Studio Pro).
Processing was limited to Waves L1 Limiter, Beyerdynamic Headphone Lab and UADx Manley Variable Mu Compressor. No Reverb. No Delay. Do Effects in the DAW
Everything was recorded through an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 and into Fender Studio Pro 8.
Video:
Fujifilm X-T3 camera with Fujifilm 10-24mm lens and iPhone 17. And, OBS studio for the screen shot. The final video was edited in DaVinci Resolve.
Recording and monitoring was through an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 with Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro and Beyerdynamic Headphone Lab.
©2026 kgbirmingham media"