Bristronica 25 - Circle Instruments - the Circle Guitar & MIDI Controller

video upload by Stromkult

"Join us at Bristronica 2025 as we explore the innovative Circle Guitar with Anthony from Circle Instruments. Discover how this self-strumming, MIDI-enabled guitar opens up new creative possibilities ."

https://circleinstruments.com/

"The player can sequence the wheel's movement with a DAW or MIDI controller such as the Morningstar MC6 Pro and MC8 Pro. All external MIDI-enabled devices and effects can be synced to the wheel's speed to adjust dynamically together."


video uploads by Circle Instruments

Playlist:

1. Circle Guitar at Distillery 2 - Episode 2 - Medley
2. An introduction to Circle Guitar
3. Circle Guitar at Distillery 2 - Episode 1 - Theme Tune
4. Circle Guitar - Promo

Machina Bristronica 25: RYK Modular Time Slice

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"RYK Modular are about to release the Time Slice, a quad-channel looper and sampler module that features a comprehensive set of onboard effects."

"Quad-channel Looper and Sampling Laboratory



Want to F**K with the fabric of time ? In four dimensions ?

Now you can, with TIME SLICE the new quad-channel Eurorack audio looper and sampling machine

Four channels of audio I/O with big fat rolling buffers for each channel, plus a dedicated Stereo Mix Output
Classic H3000 style Pitch-shifters to f**K with time, sculpt your audio

Overtly generous amount of FX, with dedicated Pitch-shift, Delay, Reverb, Tilt Filter, Wave Fold and more on every track

Keep your dreams, or re-use the dreams of others with Internal and USB storage support for Loading and Saving WAV files, including embedded WAV Markers for multi-sample instruments

More jacks than you can shake a stick at, assignable CV inputs, and Trigger INs and OUT on each track
1-Shot Loop mode for sampler style playback with MIDI support for keyboard control and MIDI CC for modulations

Unique retrospective loop mode for the performance challenged musician, plus traditional style loop mode for the old timers

All sources catered for with Line Level, Euro Level, and HOT EURO !
Ping-pong like a 4-track, Time Slice lets you resample other tracks, and even record the Stereo Mix Output as a new track

Keeps impeccable time, and can play friends with MIDI and clock-sync.

Includes exciting funky red circle display thing at no extra cost, plus a big retro scroll wheel !"

Introducing Circular – expressive polyphonic sequencer by Native Instruments

video uploads by Native Instruments

"Introducing Circular – an expressive polyphonic sequencer that transforms simple chords into evolving, cinematic textures. With four fully independent layers and deep modulation control, Circular brings rhythm, movement, and emotion to every note.

Import your own samples, or explore over 100 experimental sound sources, from felted pianos to bowed metals, all designed to move, shift, and unfold in real time."

Playlist:
1. Introducing Circular – expressive polyphonic sequencer | Native Instruments
2. Circular walkthrough – cinematic sequencing | Native Instruments
3. The sounds of Circular | Native Instruments

Press release follows:


Berlin, May 15, 2025 – Native Instruments today released Circular, a mesmerizing polyphonic sequencer that transforms a single note or chord progression into breathtaking rhythmic soundscapes. Announced at Superbooth 25 in Berlin last week, Circular can jump from sketch to score in seconds, drawing out rich and emotive cinematic sequences.

Go full circle

Starting with a single note, Circular utilizes four independent layers, each a canvas for modulation. Control pitch, filter, and effects in real-time, creating motion-rich scores with unparalleled speed and depth. Every sound was designed with polyphonic aftertouch in mind, making for an extremely expressive experience on Kontrol keyboards, and other controllers that support poly AT.

Dive into a vast library of over 160 sound sources, ranging from felted pianos and prepared guitars to hybrid synths and bowed metal. Circular's diverse palette encourages exploration, blending soft and harsh textures, acoustic and synthetic elements, and familiar and strange sounds. Add your own samples to transform them into evolving sequences.

CLICK FOR MORE »

An In-Depth Look at the Hi Five CV Controllers

video upload by Biopower Audio

"This is a full overview and video manual for the Hi Five system of remote CV controllers for Eurorack synthesizer.

For more info and purchase: https://www.biopoweraudio.com/hifive.

Chapters

00:00 Intro Jams
01:32 Features of the Hi Five
02:49 Patch breakdown with Dig It! and Manual Override controllers
05:34 Duet Jam with Astrid!

HI FIVE works with DIG IT! or MANUAL OVERRIDE as a remote CV controller system that expands the expressive and social range of your Eurorack modular synthesizer. Turn your solo jam into a playtime with kids, a modular synthesis tutorial, or a drum circle with friends by passing the controller around!

HI FIVE sends +12V and receives five analog CV signals over an ethernet cable from a (potentially) infinite variety of CV controllers.

Each CV channel can be attenuverted +/-10V and offset +/-5V before its output.

RJ45 development PCBs are available, and included in every HI FIVE DIY kit. Design your own dream controller!

DIG IT! controls its five CV channels with a joystick, FSR pressure point, a bright arcade-style LED solo button and a LED button and 45mm fader pair. The buttons have on-momentary off and off-momentary on settings.

In this video, DIG IT! is modulating parameters on a Mutable Instruments Plaits module in 2-op FM mode, as well as a generative analog algorithm passing through a quantizer that is producing its melodic line.

MANUAL OVERRIDE controls CV with 60 mm faders and LED button pairs similar to channel E of DIG IT! on all five channels. It's controlling a Mutable Instruments Grids module and several drum sounds.

Standard color schemes for LEDs, buttons and fader caps are Rainbow (red-orange-yellow-green-blue), and Biopower Green. For an extra charge, we will build custom any combination of these colors (and white with black faders).

HI FIVE is 8 hp and 38mm deep.

Peak current:
35mA with MANUAL OVERRIDE
80mA with DIG IT!"

Machina Bristronica 2024

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist:

1. Bristronica 24: MyVolts The Silent Alchemist Nears Shipping

We caught up with Caroline who gave us the latest update to the *Silent Alchemist*, a versatile power hub designed for musicians. Featuring five isolated USB-C outputs and a high-wattage sixth output capable of delivering 100 watts, the device can power a Mac with the remaining outputs providing 20 watts each. Its independent circuits ensure noise-free operation, catering to a variety of devices including the Dreadbox module and Sysmo slope generator.

The Silent Alchemist uses innovative step-up power tips to convert USB-C input to the correct voltage for various devices. There's also new feature: an uninterruptible power supply allowing seamless transition between wall and power bank sources. Also introduced were updated cables, such as silver candy cords and floating ring TRS to TS cables, expanding connection flexibility. The Silent Alchemist is expected to be available in December with a competitive pricing strategy.

More Info:
https://myvolts.com/

2. Bristronica 24: Circuit Happy ML2M Clock Sync module updates

At Bristronica 2024, we caught up with the creator of the *ML2M*, who introduced us to the latest version. The ML2M is a compact Eurorack module with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and iOS music apps using Ableton Link without the need for cables. It either connects to an existing network or creates its own, ensuring robust sync even in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. The module, which retains its 2HP size, now features MIDI integration through TRS jacks. Users can access a web interface to configure each output for different clock divisions and reset triggers, making setup straightforward and flexible.

Alongside the ML2M, there's also the Missing Link Junior. This desktop version offers the same functionality but in a box format, complete with MIDI and CV clock outputs. Both products are now accessible, with a starting price of $250.

3. Bristronica 24: Archaea Exchange Patching Module

At Machina Bristronica 2024, we caught up with Arran from ‪@archaea_modular_synthesis‬ who presented the *Exchange Module*. This programmable patcher, a year in the making, evolved from its early prototype stage to a fully functional module. Arran explained how the Exchange can route synth voices via a beam controller and three exchange modules installed within the skiff, allowing for versatile patching. Operating like a matrix patchbay, it enables users to select inputs and outputs with the push of a button, create presets, and chain multiple modules for synchronized patching.

Communication between the modules occurs over the Eurorack power bus as well as over MIDI via the USB-C connection. The Exchange maintains analog integrity, ensuring there’s no conversion latency. The forthcoming release expected in late November 2024, includes a USB-driven editor for enhanced control capabilities.

CLICK FOR MORE »

HAINBACH & JORANALOGUE Introduce COLLIDE 4 - The Sonic Power Of Nuclear Test Equipment

video upload by HAINBACH

"I teamed up with Belgian Eurorack module manufacturer Joranalogue to solve one of the biggest problem I had with my wall of test equipment: I could use it in the studio, but not play it live. It is just too heavy and fragile, being about 50 years. So that part of my music remained unperformed. With our new module Collide 4 I and everyone else can now take the wonderful textures and sonic possibilities of nuclear research equipment on the road.

It is based on a lock-in amplifier, a tool made to sniff out tiny fluctuations of a frequency in vast amount of noise. But Joran took the concept further and added a frequency shifter. It is module with vast possibilities, and I can only give you a small overview and intro in this video. Check out Collide 4 at your trusted modular dealer in person now."

User videos:



Playlist:
1. FANTASTIC FILTH from COLLIDE 4 (Joranalogue & Hainbach) // my first patch + your questions! - DivKid
2. Joranalogue Audio Design X HAINBACH / COLLIDE 4 / first experiments / a lot of 'aha' moments - BRiES
3. Joranalogue Audio Design x Hainbach / COLLIDE 4 / dissonance and drones / JUST SOUND SERIES (1/4)
4. Joranalogue Audio Design x Hainbach / COLLIDE 4 / music and melodies / JUST SOUND SERIES (2/4)
5. Joranalogue Audio Design x Hainbach / COLLIDE 4 / slew, ringmod, cv / JUST SOUND SERIES (3/4)
6. Joranalogue Audio Design x Hainbach / COLLIDE 4 / audio processing / JUST SOUND SERIES (4/4)



The origins of electronic music are found within the early works of a small group of forward-thinking mid-century composers, harnessing electronic test gear to create strange new sounds. Building upon this heritage, today everything comes full circle again through Collide 4.

The first hardware release to be co-developed by acclaimed musician and YouTube sensation Hainbach, Collide 4 builds upon the lock-in amplifier concept, and brings it into the Eurorack world. These atomic age physics research instruments are known for their raw power when used in musical applications. Now, any synthesist can experience this for themselves, at a fraction of the size and weight of a vintage unit, and with full voltage control.

The result is a wholly new kind of analogue synth voice and audio processor, with capabilities far beyond what the avant-garde pioneers could have imagined. Collide 4 is an expression of Hainbach's extensive experience in exploring the deepest musical realms contained within vintage test equipment, and the Joranalogue philosophy of electronic instrument design.

Honouring its innovative dual-phase architecture, this new kind of musical generator and processor has been christened the ‘quadrature spectral computer’. The sound? Quite simply: it's smashing!

Modern, fully analogue Eurorack format re-imagining of the lock-in amplifier concept, expanded to new heights.
Pingable variable bandwidth filter with self-oscillation capability.
Pre- and post-filter gain stages, for a total of up to 130 dB of amplification!
Through-zero sine/cosine quadrature oscillator.
Hilbert transform network for frequency shifter use.
Dual ring modulators with output lowpass filters.
Extensive output section, including magnitude and phase analogue computing outputs.
Unique X/Y quadrature topology, ideal for stereo use.
Handsome (and useful) signal level/overload LED indicator.
CV control over everything, with temperature compensation and excellent volt/octave pitch tracking.
20 HP, 30 mm deep. Over 600 components, yet a fraction of the weight and size of a vintage Model 124A lock-in amplifier unit.
Impedance-compensated outputs with dual-colour LEDs.
Trim potentiometers accessible from the front panel.
Precision-milled 2 mm anodised aluminium front panel with high-resolution, non-erasable graphics.
Bullet-proof design: polarised power header and MOSFET protection circuit.
Includes 16-to-10-pin Eurorack power ribbon cable.
Premium mounting hardware: black screws, black nylon washers and matching hex key.
Supplied with fold-out signal flow and front panel diagram.
High-quality components and assembly; designed and made in Belgium.

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

DSI Poly Evolver keys PE (Orbital)

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

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"Does it have PSU now??? Classic analogue / digital synth from Dave Smith Instruments, from Orbital's studio. This version has the lovely Prophet 5 knobs, and a mix of potentiometers and endless rotary encoders. The panel graphics clearly show which are which: if the lines go full circle it is an encoder, if they are horseshoe-shaped, the control is a pot. Plus if the control is a pot, it has a position marker line.

This seems to be the best solution to the well-documented problems with earlier versions. ***We are sourcing a 15V DC 1300mA pin positive 220V external power supply, which will be included.*** This is in really nice cosmetic condition and will come with Orbital's written provenance. Packing 24GBP"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oberheim OB-Xa 61-Key 8-Voice Synthesizer SN 820317

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

via this listing

"Very clean vintage Oberheim OBXa from the early 1980s. This is an 8-voice model that is completely fully functional and loaded with the original factory presets. It was just serviced which included:

-Recapping the power supply + new bridge rectifiers.
-Replaced J wires where necessary.
-Key buss polishing.
-All new bushings + key chassi alignment.
-Calibration.

The cosmetic condition is impressive for its age. It is not dead mint, but certainly one of the cleaner ones I’ve seen over the years. These are considered to be in the circle of the best poly-synths ever made and with good reason. They sound incredible and are endlessly inspiring instruments."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Brinta | Grain Circle Granular Sampler | by Error x TiNRS

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Brinta marks the second collaboration module between Error Instruments and This Is Not RocketScience - with more to come. The name 'Brinta' comes from a classic Dutch oatmeal breakfast (a nightmare when I was young expecially when it cooled down and it tasted like concrete or plaster). But it obviously refers to granular synthesis. It's been done before in Eurorack but it has its own distinct sound and the 'grain circle' is a functional beauty.
For most of us, just one is more than enough. But I just had to test with two of them."

Brinta granular sampler in Eurorack

video upload by errorinstruments paul tas

"Proud to present BRINTA.

made whit love in Amsterdam

Developing something special together TINRS

BRINTA – golden grain circle - granular sampler

Circle of sound – spilling the Brinta – follow the white dot – banged grain.

Samples three-and-a-half seconds of audio (one moment) cuts it into thousands of pieces. Little grains of sound. You can mix the sound grains in speed and order. You re-arrangement it.

When the red dot is running around the circle it is recording. Your sample becomes the circle. Blue for high frequency, green for mid and red for low. Colours mix accordingly and when they all come together in white-light, you have white-noise. Once your sample is recorded the white dot can run around the circle, spawning little golden heads playing your sample. The size of the grain is how long your play head exists.

Record: push to start and to stop
12HP

42mA +12V

4mA -12V

5V 0

Skiff friendly

to goood PRICE 250 ex"

Also see Error Instruments & TINRS BRINTA & BUBBLES Eurorack Modules

Error Instruments & TINRS BRINTA & BUBBLES Eurorack Modules

video upload by errorinstruments paul tas

"BRINTA . GRAIN circle GRANULA sampler of errorinstruments / TINRS.

This model will be released in the beginning of September for interest, and make a reservation email studiopaultas@hotmail.com
Under subject BRINTA reservation
More information www.errorinstruments.com"

BUBBLES experimental filter

video upload by errorinstruments paul tas

"This experimental filter made by TINRS and errorinstruments  will be in pre-sale for interest contac studiopaultas@hotmail.com
And September available www.errorinstruments.com"

Alias Zone: Shipwrecked (performed by Chris Meyer of Learning Modular)

video upload by Learning Modular

"This piece was created for the August 7 edition of Franck Martin's Live From the Studio [below], which includes an interview with Chris along with the premiere of this piece. It was also shown as the opening performance in the Chill Out Room at Knobcon 2021.

This piece was inspired by the actual Edro III shipwreck. Instruments Chris used include The Monster (his studio modular synth), the Vector Synth, Waldorf Iridium, and SoundIron Circle Bells."

Franck Martin - Live From the Studio 2021-08-07 - Chris Meyer/Alias Zone

video upload by Franck Martin

"Modular Synthesizer music and chat every other Saturday at 11am with a performance from the guest around 11:30am

With: Chris Meyer / Alias Zone - https://learningmodular.com/

00:00:00 Musical Intro
00:05:12 Intro
00:06:04 News
00:12:37 Who are you?
00:36:22 Performance
00:51:12 About the Performance
01:13:47 News"

Sequential Re-Introduces the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Synthesizers

"The new Prophet-5 is Dave Smith's return to the analog poly synth that changed the world. It embodies all three revisions of the legendary synth — Rev1, Rev2, Rev3 — and now, the Rev4. History never sounded better.

Soundtrack exclusively by Prophet-5. Yes, even the drums."

Both models will be available in October. The Prophet-5 has a US MAP of $3,499. The Prophet-10 has a US MAP of $4,299. Note there is an additional video demo by INHALT further below.

Sequential · Prophet-5 Audio Demos

And the press release (pics below):

"Sequential Reintroduces the Prophet®-5, the Synth that Revolutionized an Industry

San Francisco, CA—Oct 1, 2020—After months of clandestine development, Sequential today announced the reintroduction of its most famous and beloved instrument: the Prophet-5. Timed to coincide with founder Dave Smith’s 70th year, the instrument revisits a landmark era in American analog synthesizer design and marks an authentic and authoritative return to roots for the legendary pioneer of electronic instruments.

“It’s not often that you get to revisit your past, retrieve some of its magic, and give it new life,” said Dave Smith. “The Prophet-5 was one of the most exciting instruments to appear in an equally exciting time for music and technology. It’s gratifying to rediscover that its sound and aesthetics are just as appealing now as they were then.”

Faithful to the original, the new Prophet-5 features five voices with two multi-waveform analog oscillators, resonant analog low-pass filters and amplifiers, and a filter and amplifier envelope per voice. Modulation is provided by a multi-waveshape LFO and Poly Mod, a ground-breaking modulation scheme for its time that allowed the filter envelope and oscillator B to be routed to a variety of destinations including filter cutoff frequency, oscillator A frequency, and oscillator A pulse width.

The new Prophet-5 features original, genuine Curtis VCOs and filters as used in the Prophet-5 Rev3, as well as the Dave Rossum-designed SSI 2140 filter, the modern counterpart of the original SSM 2040 Rossum designed in the Prophet-5 Rev1 and Rev2. “We made the new Prophet-5 the best of all Prophets by embodying all three revisions of the original. We did this by adding a Rev switch to the front panel, so you can choose your preferred filter.”

Smith continued, “We also researched what made the original P-5 sound the way it did — organic and alive — and found that a lot of that desirable character was due to fluctuations and differences in the response times and frequencies of the individual oscillators, filters, and envelopes from voice to voice. So we also added a Vintage knob that loosens all of them up like they were in the old days. You can dial in progressively more vintage character as you go from a very stable “4,” as in Prophet-5 Rev4, all the way to “1,” as in Prophet-5 Rev1, which was the most temperamental of all Prophet-5s. We’ve even included the original factory sound set for the full vintage experience.”

Other modern enhancements include velocity sensitivity and aftertouch to increase expressiveness, as well as MIDI and USB connectivity. Control voltage and gate ins/outs are also present for connecting modular synths and other gear. The new Prophet-5 is housed in a collector-worthy, premium-quality, steel and hand-oiled sustainable black walnut heartwood body, with a full, five-octave, semi-weighted Fatar keybed.

Sequential is simultaneously offering the Prophet-10, a ten-voice version of the synthesizer with the same sound engine and collector-worthy design. “I originally designed the first Prophet in both five-voice and ten-voice versions. But the five-voice model was the one that achieved mass production. We thought it would be fun and fitting to reintroduce the ten-voice as well, to make the circle complete.” Sequential Circuits’ later product, the dual-manual, bi-timbral Prophet-10, was a different instrument in both concept and execution.

Both models will be available in October. The Prophet-5 has a US MAP of $3,499. The Prophet-10 has a US MAP of $4,299."

Sequential Prophet 5 Rev4 INHALT Sound Design of Factory Patches Demo


"There are few synthesizers that spark deep emotions and reverence. The Prophet 5 is one of them. Its history is marked by both the counter and the dominant cultural works; wether listening to the independent outings of New Musik and Skinny Puppy, the art of Japan and Sakamoto, the disco of Cowely, the soundtracks of Carpenter or the pop of McCartney and Madonna, it collectively becomes clear that the Prophet 5 is the great enabler of the modern musical expression. If the Model D is the left hand the Prophet 5 is the right. And rightly so, as its genius and genuineness transitioned the 5 from "tool of novelty" firmly into the place of an exuberant enabler of the creative expression. From decade to decade, its design and purity allowed it to slot into a music production unweathered and unbiased by whatever style is in vogue. Yet, it's always fashionable and it always sits right where it's supposed to. Put simply, it's a workhorse that inspires. Whatever the revision. And now, that story, that lineage continues with the Rev 4.

It's with absolute honor, gratitude, and exhilaration that I accepted the offer to work on the factory patches for Sequential's latest chapter in the story of the Prophet 5. Sound designing alongside the superb voicing team has been a wonderful collaboration with a company I consider family and my way to give thanks for the career that the Prophet 5 has helped me build. Unlike other projects I've done in the past, part of my testing of the Rev 4 included putting it through an actual studio music production. I'm currently in the middle of producing two LP's (the artists Some Ember and Patriarchy) and the Rev 4 got used heavily on both. The main question I sought to answer: "does it handle the same as a vintage unit". What became abundantly clear: the Rev 4 isn't like a Prophet 5, isn't inspired by a Prophet 5, ins't referencing a Prophet 5; it is a Prophet 5. Through and through in every sense of the very defining characteristics of the 5. It's a Prophet 5. Period. And in many regards it's better. Why?

Rapid fire MIDI, Fatar keybed, both genuine SSM (SSI) filters and VCAs, genuine Curtis filters and oscillators, a perfectly tuned LFO and envelopes, the ability to actually save LFO amount settings, velocity, aftertouch, the same voice allocation as the original ... and zero repairs needed with no sacrifice to the soul of what makes the 5 the 5. It looks the same with minor additions that can be completely ignored if you choose. You can play it like the original and you can expect it to do exactly what the original does. Or you can take advantage of all of the modern facilities. I also made a set of patches that were the same sounds on both a vintage 5 and the Rev 4 and quickly cycling playing the same passage on the 2 instruments, for all in the room, it was impossible to tell what's what and who's who.

The amount of care, attention to detail, and workmanship that has gone into the Rev 4 is remarkable and I am honored to have been a part of the team putting it through the paces. Sequential is a special company. It's marked by integrity, friendship, care, and carries on a tradition of producing musical instruments from that platform. The Rev 4 is a Prophet 5 and ONLY Sequential can make that.

Please note, the Rev 4 in the video is a prototype unit and I recorded this with a beta firmware. As such, while the synth was largely done there are some changes both to the panel and to the OS that are in the final shipping version (obviously). The Prophet 5 was recorded straight into Pro Tools HD and no post processing or fx were added. What you're hearing is the raw Rev 4."

All the press pics:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Suzuki TES-371S (WARAKU III) Electronic Taishogoto / Koto Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"This instrument is beautiful, although it has some minor fine scratches on the instrument.

A photo-copy of user manual written in Japanese language will be provided.
An AC100V to DC 10V adapter with center negative will be provided.

Technical information:
Dimensions: 72 × 22 × 9 cm.
Weight: Instrument Wt : Approx. 2.716 kg, Case: 2.390 kg, Total : 5.106 kg.
Package Weight : 7 to 8 Kg.
Accessories: Pick, AC100V to DC10V power adaptor and a semi-hard case.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Native Instruments announces MASCHINE+ Standalone Performance and Production System

Native Instruments

"MASCHINE+ is a standalone synth, sequencer, groovebox, stage and studio superpower, and sampler.
Jam with your other gear, sketch beats, arrange entire tracks, and create with a huge array of onboard synths, effects, and sounds – no computer necessary."

And the press release:

September 8, 2020, Berlin – Native Instruments today announced MASCHINE+, an entirely standalone system that embeds the iconic MASCHINE workflow into a powerful, flexible groovebox that can be used without a computer.

“This release marks a pivotal moment in Native’s history,” says CIO and President, Mate Galic, “and it’s something that’s been highly requested by the MASCHINE community. Since day one, MASCHINE has been about combining the power of modern computers with a fast, fun, hardware-based workflow. Today we come full circle by combining those key elements – together with some of the most iconic sounds from KOMPLETE – in a powerful standalone instrument. Not only is MASCHINE+ a new flagship for our range, it also sets a new benchmark for exciting future products and continued development.”

MASCHINE+ brings new freedom to the same fast, fun, and flexible approach to making music inherent to the rest of the MASCHINE line. Musicians can plug in, power up, and sketch beats in seconds, as well as develop fledgling ideas into performance-ready pieces with arranging and mixing tools – both with or without a computer.

As a studio centerpiece, it provides the same powerful sequencing, sampling, and synthesis Native Instruments users have come to know and love, with endless options for integrating outboard gear across a broad spectrum of setups and styles.

On-stage, MASCHINE+ provides expressive, hands-on control over every element in a performance, with both high-impact macros and in-depth tweaking just a knob twist away.

In addition to its classic groovebox workflow, MASCHINE+ packs an industry-leading collection of instruments, effects, and thousands of sounds with MASCHINE+ Selection. Heavyweight synths like MASSIVE, MONARK, PRISM, and FM8 join a lineup that includes the MASCHINE Factory Library, RAUM, PHASIS, and five Expansions, plus a voucher for two more.

Every instrument and effect in MASCHINE+ Selection has been optimized to make the system’s standalone workflow smooth and seamless, and users can expand their sound libraries with a wide array of Native’s Expansions, as well as their own samples via SD and USB storage.

Under the hood, a quad-core processor and 4 GB dual-channel DDR3L RAM power fast, spontaneous creation, to deliver a huge amount of freedom and flexibility when making music.

MASCHINE+ will hit stores on October 1, 2020, and pre-orders are open now at the Native Instruments website.

Pricing and Availability
MASCHINE+ will be available online and in stores on October 1, 2020."

Formant Synth Dream

Update as of 9:26 PDT: I made a couple of minor updates in case you read it before then. Sorry!

A quick note on posts like this: I hope you enjoy them. If not, just skip them. When I first started the site I used to share my synth dreams but stopped. Personally I get a kick out of them. I won't share every one, just some of the stand outs. The last one stood out for the humor, this one stood out for the design of the instrument. It reminds me of different makers and their approach. As a maker, do you set out to design a synthesizer, an instrument, or both? Are you locked in by the tools, components, and paradigms of what makes a synth? In my dream both the musician and the maker (who never made an appearance BTW) didn't really know what a synth even was. The maker just designed an instrument and the musician just played it. This reminds me of Don Buchla's original designs and specifically the Buchla Music Easel. This was at the birth of synthesis as we know it. What's interesting is his designs weren't meant to be what they are commonly perceived as today. They were meant to be unique instruments, palettes for sound, hence the Music Easel. I heard even his modular systems weren't meant to be complete fixed instruments, they weren't meant to be mixed and matched. Think about that for a bit. They were modular in design, but they weren't meant to be modular in nature. They were meant to be wholly formed instruments. In the following dream the musician reminded me of Marc-Henri and Barry Schrader to an extent. Marc-Henri almost exclusively uses an Access Virus Ti as a music easel for his compositions. Barry Schrader started with Buchla and then moved to FM synthesis for his compositions. You can find an extensive interview with him here.


And the dream...

I had another synth dream last night. In this one I was at an ensemble event held in kind of a classroom/workshop/gym-type of open space at what felt like an old English or New England boarding school - lots of wood, flat tall ceilings, and windows along the length of the far wall. The ensemble consisted of maybe 18 people in a semi-circle with a small audience in front of them, mainly standing, which I was one of. The instructor had each member of the ensemble introduce their instruments. I was in front towards the left of the ensemble and noticed the last two instruments to be electronic desktop boxes sitting on a card table (synth gathering anywone?), both vintage and almost DIY looking in style. I remember thinking, "I know what these boxes are. They are synths! I can't wait to talk shop with the owners and check them out." Well the instructor starts going around the ensemble starting on the opposite side. Each member introduces their instrument and talks a little bit about them and their technique. There were some interesting brass-like instruments. I think there was one based on an alto trombone, but it was just a flat pipe and no horn at the end. Funny side note is my daughter is currently learning to play piccolo. She plays flute in high school band and decided to finally give the piccolo a try as a stretch goal. If you don't know what a piccolo is, it's a tiny flute for super high notes. She said there were tiny versions of most instruments including the trombone. I looked one up and sure enough there is. A tiny trombone not much longer than a foot exists. The instrument in my dream also bore a resemblance to the ribbon controller featured in the Nunomo QUN post, so I'm guessing that's where it came from - some bizarre mix of the two. Anyway, when the instructor/host got around to the last two instruments, it turned out the first was a theremin based synth minus the antennas. It was made of wood and looked vintage. It would have been interesting if not for the next box. That was something. It was black with white and silver sliders, levers, buttons, and knobs. It was a unique instrument custom made for the owner who knew the maker. The interesting thing was the musician wasn't familiar with synths and didn't even see the instrument as a synth. The maker also wasn't into synths. In the dream he was more like a luthier, more of an artist instrument maker than a synth maker. No offense to synth makers! :) Anyway, it was about the size of an EMS SYNTHI and was black with white levers and sliders and had a bunch of esoteric control blocks with non standard names/labels; similar to something like the Hartmann Neuron where controls are familiar but the names are completely different. For some reason it reminded me of a black Lassence uVentury, Modor NF-1, mixed with some MacBeth and Folktek in design, but again completely different. Again, this maker wasn't into synths. This was a unique instrument. After the talk was over the musician gave a little demo. The sound of it. It was like formant analog but the timbers coming out of it were rich and full, not thin or glossy like most formant synthesis. It sounded like nothing I've ever heard before. After the talks were over I walked over to it to check out the controls and design. I wondered if I could touch it and play with it a little and for some reason, as happens in dreams, I knew it was OK so I started playing with it. There was a thin ivory white reed-like lever about an inch and a half long that controlled a female formant timbre. It was amazing. There was an group of lever-type sliders that controlled a multi band formant filter block and I remember thinking, "Oh this is a filter!" There were envelop sliders and other familiar groups that I now forget, but there were a bunch of interesting controls on it that didn't quite match up to common synths. There were additional effects and shaping tools built into the design and everything just flowed like a natural instrument. Again it kind of reminded me in concept to a Hartman Neuron and Modor NF-1, with maybe a bit of Folktek, but it was more vintage and simplistic in design - just a sold black block with white and silver controls. It was definitely designed as a work of art instrument vs. a synth. Similar in concept to the Buchla music Easel as I mentioned in the intro to this dream above. So after checking it out a little and talking to the owner I realized I should take a video of it for the site! I got the OK to film it, pulled out my iPhone, and started trying to capture some of the controls and timbres it was capable of. When I got to that formant female slider it was gone! I couldn't remember what I did to get that sound and I couldn't find the control again. Damn dreams.... And as in many real world sessions I wasn't getting those rich timbres again. I got lost between timbres! I thought my readers would be disappointed in my programming chops for a split second, but then I reminded myself anyone into programming synths will understand and not care, so I kept tweaking. Well, right then, a foster kid boarding at the school distracted me and started talking to me. I hand gestured to him (no I did not flick him off) to hold off for a second because I was in the middle of filming the synth and trying to capture audio. He understood for like five seconds and started talking again. I asked him to give me a sec but he got upset and said I should be there more for people. I felt bad and wasn't getting anywhere with the instrument at that point, so I stopped filming to talk to him before he left.

And that was it! Everything felt right with the kid so that was good, but that instrument! It's gone forever...

Error Instruments Cloudbusting Eurorack Drum?

Published on Feb 8, 2020 paul tas

Does more than drums of course. You can find a stand alone version in wood panel case here.

"Cloudbusting is a full Modular experimental synthesiser .It has 11 points that can be patched . 6 modes .Modulation points but also Audio with experimental sounds . Most famous sounds that are used for experimental purposes. as deep Drones .And also the Inspired sound of the plum . The sound of ciat lonbarde plumbutter / Rolls5 Also some weird frequency modulation . And a lot more . every knob control voltage .To play When you’re eurorack

FOR PATCHING! USE: ALLIGATOR CLIPS OR METAL WIRE. THE CIRCLE HAS 11 POLES, SPLIT INTO TWO PARTS: INPUTS ON TOP AND OUTPUTS ON THE BOTTOM. THE OUTPUTS ALL HAVE A WEATHER SYMBOL, THE MASTER IS THE SUN. THE SUN IS THE MODE SELECTOR, PATCH THIS FIRST. IN EVERY MODE, THE OTHER OUTPUTS ARE DIFFERENT PARAMETERS DEPENDING ON THE MODE. PATCH AS MANY COMBINATIONS AS YOU WANT, AS LONG AS ITS FROM OUTPUT TO INPUT, CREATE CRAZY PATCHES:

VOODOO PATCHING. CONNECT ONE POLE TO ANOTHER WITH WIRE OR ALLIGATOR CLIPS. IF YOU WANT TO MEMORIZE A PATCH YOU CAN DRAW IT ON THE TEMPLATE INCLUDED WITH THE MODULE.

inc 4 x ALLIGATOR CLIPS+ WIRE

what is in the box?
manual cloud busting
eurorack module cloudbusting 18 hp skiff
10 to 16 pin connector
4 x screw
iron wire for voodoo patching
4x aligator clip for paching
voodoo patching. memory cart
the smell of. chanel nr 5 and love"

via Error Instruments

Moog Subsequent 25 | Flying Lotus + Julian House | Building Your World

Published on Jan 16, 2020 Moog Music Inc

"To illuminate the enhanced sonic vocabulary of the new Subsequent 25 synthesizer, Moog Music collaborated with prolific producer Flying Lotus and renowned graphic designer Julian House. The resulting film, Building Your World, animated by House and scored by Flying Lotus using the Subsequent 25, invites the viewer to slip into the mysterious and magical sci-fi world of analog circuits and waveforms.

Building Your World brings the journey from Sub Phatty to Subsequent 25 full circle, evoking 2013’s New Machine For Living, the animated film scored by Flying Lotus to celebrate the release of the original Sub Phatty synthesizer.

The Subsequent 25 is a new 2-note paraphonic analog synthesizer that implements upgraded sonic modifications and functional improvements from the Subsequent series of instruments. It builds on the success of the Sub Phatty by implementing the ultra-popular paraphonic functionality of Duo Mode, upgrading to wood side pieces, and featuring familiar Subsequent series of user-requested performance adjustments."

Moog Subsequent 25

Blind noise Experimental Touchable Synthesiser

Published on Oct 9, 2019 paul tas

"The sound has also a small delay effect you can use Guitar pedal"

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Thomas Dimuzio & Buchla Modular [Episode 157]

Published on Jul 9, 2019 CatSynth TV

"While filming the rehearsal Polly Moller Springhorn's Tomography Fortunae, we had a chance to talk with Thomas Dimuzio about the Buchla modular synthesizer he will be using in the performance. His system is based around modules from the Buchla 200e system (including 259e and 258e oscillators and an FM radio tuner) along with clones by Mark Verbos and Mike Peak.

Tomography Fortunae will be premiered at the Outsound New Music Summit on July 26, 2019, at the Community Music Center, 544 Capp Street, San Francisco. (Pre-concert talk at 7:30PM, show at 8PM.)

From thomasdimuzio.com:
'omposer, collaborator, experimental electronic musician, multi-instrumentalist, improvisor, sound designer and mastering engineer - Dimuzio has been busy doing his thing(s) since the late 1980's, but is still only known to a small circle of electronic music enthusiasts. A true sonic alchemist who can seemingly create music events out of almost anything, Dimuzio's listed sound sources on his various releases include everything from "modified 10 speed bicycle" and "resonating water pipe" to short-wave radios, field recordings, loops, samplers and even normal instruments such as clarinet and trumpet. And while his wide range of musical interests make it impossible to pin a label on him, Dimuzio clearly has an insider's knowledge of older experimental musical forms such as musique concrete and electroacoustic, as well as more current dark ambient, noise and post-techno styles.'

For more synthesizer tours and experimental music, please subscribe to this channel and visit www.catsynth.com.

Background music by Amanda Chaudhary, using the FM tuner on the KOMA Field Kit, Arturia Buchla Easel V software synthesizer, and EastWest concrete tank reverb."