"Sometimes all you have is a simple beat, a dry synth or a handful of found sounds. MIDGAR takes a few minimal sounds and turns them into moving, multilayered sound carpets or a dirty barrage of shimmering glitchy delays.
MIDGAR features a chain of cleverly interacting effect sections (each one can be dialled in separately) which can be used for intricately glitched drums, massive lush ambient shimmer reverbs, and lots of creative stuff in between.
- The Phrase Delay records rhythmic snippets of your sound, plays them back at various speeds and bounces them across the stereo field, optionally introducing stuttery glitches.
- DS-1 then dirties up the resulting stacked sound with a modified guitar effect (if you want).
"Using 3 out of the 4 Nina layers here despite there being 4 voices (2 are shared in one patch). Sequencing from Dorico using the u6Midi Pro in between (though not really necessary at all).
The words are written by Paul Gerhardt, and this chorale prelude would use the words from the first half of verse 1 and all of verse 2, shown below.
Why should cross and trial grieve me?
Christ is near with His cheer;
Never will He leave me.
When life’s troubles rise to meet me,
Though their weight may be great,
They will not defeat me.
God, my loving Savior sends them;
He who knows all my woes
Knows how best to end them.
#synthesizer #analogsynth #dorico"
"The All-New U-He Diva Presets by Best-Selling Ultimate Patches (no talking).
Available Now (FREE or paid) only at https://www.ultimatepatches.com"
"Ultimate Patches, creators of well-received factory presets (JN-80 Banks A-E, Polyeight Bank A, UB-1, Pro-VS-Mini, Uno Synth etc.) has unleashed a total refresh of the U-he Diva synth: U-he Diva Ultimate Patches — Volumes 1+2 is the all-new collection of high-quality Diva presets that bring the synth new life with vintage and modern polys, leads, and basses — plus classic non-synth instruments including electric guitars, electric basses, string sections, brass, percussion, acoustic pianos, wurly and rhodes electric pianos, organs including B3 and farfisa, voices, orchestral, and world instruments.
The new collection spans the genres of 70s, 80s & 90s synth classics, plus vintage pop & rock, modern pop, retrowave, R&B, orchestral, cinematic, hiphop, vaporwave, trance, retrocade, latin, reggae, jazz, chiptune, reggaeton, tech house and deep house.
Pricing & Availability:
Available now as an instant digital download at ultimatepatches.com with Black Friday prices of $14.99 per volume or $24.99 for all 150 Patches.
"We had a chat with Pete from InMusic about the MPC OS , an update that opens the platform to external plug-in development and adds a set of optional enhancement features.
Thats right folks, vibe coding is being embraced here.
The update follows recent community work around extending MPC products. External plug-in support now appears in the MPC plug-in menu, with VST2-ish formatted plug-ins installable via an SDK. The SDK can create plug-ins, generate interfaces and place them on the MPC, and the demo included an AI-generated felt-piano instrument with added effects.
Enhancements also include USB mouse support, screenshots, unlimited audio tracks, unlimited plug-in tracks and removable plug-in limits, with CPU management left to the project. Developer tools include a Linux terminal, SSH access, system logs, CPU and memory views, voice counters, render-time monitoring, audio overrun reporting and external VST management.
A remote screen feature mirrors the MPC display on a computer and includes audio and video recording. The SDK supports main MPCs, including Gen 1 and Gen 2 models, with fuller OS access planned later."
Akai’s MPC Is Officially Open // Here’s How to Make the Most of It
"MPC 3.10.1 takes standalone music production further, giving you more freedom to create, experiment, and bring your ideas to life. https://inmusic.to/4tht34ya
Discover new sounds with custom plugins built using our free official Software Development Kit (SDK). Build more ambitious projects with expanded track and plugin capabilities, streamline your workflow with mouse support, and share your creative process with remote screen and audio streaming.
We invite you to join Akai Pro's Andy Mac in this exciting new overview of MPC 3.10.1."
"The Nord Lead 2 from 1997, running on Nordic 2, a clean-room C++ recreation by discoDSP that needs no firmware or ROM data. It follows Nord Lead 2 OS 1.04 as measured on the unit and as its manual describes, with 64 voices in place of the unit's 16, Performance mode with four slots, the Shift functions and kits.
Nord Lead 2 and N2X banks load as they are, and its own editor shows below the rack. With a Retromulator license, Engine Oversampling runs the oscillators at 2x or 4x for playback and bounce, as on Nordic. Sessions made with the earlier N2X core open in Nordic 2."
Retromulator 2.4 - Nordic 2 Nord Lead 2X Factory Audio Demo
"The Nord Lead 2 from 1997, running on Nordic 2, a clean-room C++ recreation by discoDSP that needs no firmware or ROM data. It follows Nord Lead 2 OS 1.04 as measured on the unit and as its manual describes, with 64 voices in place of the unit's 16, Performance mode with four slots, the Shift functions and kits.
Nord Lead 2 and N2X banks load as they are, and its own editor shows below the rack. With a Retromulator license, Engine Oversampling runs the oscillators at 2x or 4x for playback and bounce, as on Nordic. Sessions made with the earlier N2X core open in Nordic 2."
"Skiff 2.5 is out: free, open-source firmware that turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a six-track groovebox, and M-VAVE's SMK-37 Pro keyboard too. With 2.5, Skiff is nearly feature complete. This video builds one lo-fi song from a new project, press by press, and shows every new feature on the way: two cores and 16 voices, FREE TAKE (play first, keep it after), STRUM, a pad and a pluck made from scratch and saved with their sends, the true-stereo delay with PAN reaching it, FX › DELAY and FX › REVERB, NOTES: DELETE, FILTR, a song you can follow and start from any entry, KEEP SENDS, CLEAR SONG and CLEAR TRACKS, HOME's new views, LARGE keeping the names, 2.2's voices against 2.5's, REMOTE's knobs, and the same Skiff on the SMK-37 Pro, each combination as it is printed.
How it was made: Skiff's screens and sound are Skiff 2.5.1's own code, the firmware's source run on a computer, so the sound and the screens line up to the frame. Every key, button and knob shown is a press performed in the firmware, step by step; the takes are scripted to play like hands, a slip included. The sounds are factory sounds, apart from the three made in the video: TAPE PAD, RAIN PLUCK and DUSTY KIT. REMOTE's CCs are sent from a computer, as a controller would send them. The sound is the firmware's own, only levelled for YouTube. The FM-1 is drawn in 3D and the SMK-37 Pro flat, their screens Skiff's own display.
▶ Get Skiff (free, GPL-3.0): https://github.com/illuminus5/skiff
▶ From 2.2: every FM-1 moves to MENU › SYSTEM › CPU 2 CORES once (16 voices); songs keep a mono delay; undo keeps 6 levels.
"Millie from Synido showed us their products - W25 Play, TempoKey K32 Play, Scale Pocket, Gaming A7 and LiveDock A20 Pro. Synido is a Shenzhen-based company with a focus on compact music tools, MIDI controllers and small audio interfaces.
W25 Play works without a computer for setup. It includes scale mode, chord mode, an arpeggiator, MIDI, and MIDI In, Out and Thru. It costs $169.
TempoKey K32 Play includes 128 sounds, 10 drum keys, a speaker, battery, 32 MIDI keys, eight knobs, eight pads, Bluetooth MIDI and USB-C. It costs $149 and is released in mainland China, with overseas release planned through the website and Amazon.
Scale Pocket includes 132 scales, 12 sounds, a speaker, headphone jack, USB-C MIDI and 24 velocity-sensitive keys. Gaming A7 is a low-latency gaming audio interface due in December at $53. LiveDock A20 Pro includes instrument input, mic, output and Type-C, and costs $60."
X-Max And Many New Products: MIDIPLUS - Music China 2026
"YK from MIDI Plus gave us a tour of the massive booth they had in hall N1 covering products across many areas. YK showed us the flagship X-Max keyboard, and several new products in the company's range. We heard about the brand's history, including early Chinese digital keyboard development, portable MIDI keyboards for personal computers, and MIDI-to-USB work with MIDI Man. They collaborate with many brands to bring products to us.
*X-Max *is the flagship keyboard. It comes in an 88-key Fatar-touch version, with three semi-weighted versions also available. It includes hundreds of sounds, supports split mode, and offers DAW control for Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Pro Tools, Live and others. Features include Chinese instruments, velocity-switched sample layers, expression control, smart scales, a learning mode, arpeggiator mutation and chord pads. Pricing is over RMB 6,000.
The Titan Q4F audio interface is a new 8-in/8-out model with a self-developed FPGA platform, screen metering, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX HD and LDAC, plus Dante, ADAT, S/PDIF and OTG support.
Portal is a broadcast-focused interface with EQ, effects, pads, sampling, presets, mix-minus and loopback. We also saw a *folding AI smart guitar*, a Bluetooth MIDI wind instrument, and an expandable DAW controller with up to 32 channels.
More Info: https://www.midiplus.com.tw/"
"Marie from Topping Pro gave us a look at KB22, a mechanical keyboard with a built-in 2-in/2-out audio interface, alongside the portable M62 interface. The KB22 is a recent release from the Guangzhou company, which has its roots in hi-fi products and is now moving further into pro audio. This while at first glance might seem like a gimmick, actually makes a lot of sense.
The KB22 includes mic and high-impedance instrument inputs, line output, USB hub, OTG for phone connection, and 6.35mm headphone output with monitor volume control. The keyboard comes in two switch-feel options, and a small screen shows basic data.
Its control panel offers three modes: pro audio, gaming and hi-fi. Pro audio mode includes 80 dB gain, six loopback channels, DSP effects, noise reduction, reverb and ducking. Gaming mode includes voice boost and monitoring tools, while hi-fi mode includes EQ adjustment for playback tuning.
The M62 offers similar functions in a portable format, with a built-in battery rated at about 6.5 hours, dual mic inputs, aux input, headphone output, charge, OTG and USB-C ports. It supports phone and computer connection, including two-phone live streaming, and comes in seven colours. KB22 is priced at $269, while M62 is $249, with availability via Topping's global store, distributors and Amazon.
"Nick's video of a quick visit to the show floor before the opening of Music China 2026 got a load of interest, primarily because Nick & Tami X ended up having a sneaky peek under the wraps at the Behringer stand...
Today the show officially started, so one of the first visits was a whilstle-stop tour of some of the new items - Kevin from Behringer gave us a look at Pro-16, RD-765 and several other early units at Music China 2026.
The Pro-16 is a 16-voice synth based on the Prophet-5 voice architecture. It supports poly aftertouch and includes a split mode with separate left and right parts. The unit is in final form, with global release already underway and China availability expected soon.
The RD-765 is a new drum machine with a layout that references Linndrum and classic Roland-style boxes. It includes classic FX routing, separate outputs, three trigger outputs, MIDI in and out, sync, and an input for sampling. It currently contains basic samples across 16 voices, stores kits, and allows different sounds to be assigned to pads.
We also saw the BCR-32, which includes a sequencer and four pairs of CV outputs. Other early units included a Polyvox-style synth, the JT-2 Mutator envelope follower, Mini Pops-style rhythm hardware, several controllers, and monophonic D-Mini, AKS-Mini and CS-Mini units.
Pricing, details and release dates for many of these remain a bit of a mystery though - I'm sure we'll find out more soon."
"Skiff 2.0 is out: free, open-source firmware that turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a six-track groovebox, and M-VAVE's SMK-37 Pro keyboard too. This video shows what's new in 2.0 and 2.0.1, set to one song made on it: a new sequencer (notes that overlap, NOTES and FEEL on a selection, copy and paste), songs that chain, play once and change sounds, drum lanes panned and your own drum kits, one mute, one MOD page and one shaper, new save formats with a converter, and 2.0.1's fixes.
Everything you hear is Skiff 2.0.1's own code playing that song: the firmware's source, run on a computer, so the sound and the screens line up to the frame. Every sound comes from its engines and two user sample kits, and every key, button and knob shown is a player's, performed in the firmware at its bar. Nothing was added afterwards; only the overall level was set. The song is played with MENU › SYSTEM › CPU on 2 CORES (BETA): 12 voices. The FM-1 is drawn in 3D, its screen Skiff's own display. The editor and installer pages are the real 2.0.1 pages, the editor on its built-in demo device."
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
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.
"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
"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
"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.
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."
"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."
"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."
"🚧 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. 🎮🎹
"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
