"What's new in the new 1.02 firmware release of Protein?
→ New Ring Mod 'Dirt' type which adds ring modulation from Osc1 & Osc2.
→ Expanded Pitch Details: aside to pitch bend range you can now also put Osc 1 and/or Osc 2 to fixed pitch not reacting to notes.
→ Startup firmware version display.
→ Support for MIDI Bank Select (LSB aka CC32) across all 360 slots.
→ Bug fixes.
You can access the update from the „Hardware OS Updates & Files“ section within your my-waldorf account."
"I was skeptical when @melbourneinstruments sent me Roto-Control for Logic Pro. I've owned plenty of MIDI controllers that ended up collecting dust. But after using this for the past month, I actually reach for it.
What makes it different? Eight fully motorized control knobs with haptic feedback that adapt to whatever you're focused on in Logic Pro. You don't just see parameters change on screen - you FEEL them. End stops on a filter cutoff, notches on discrete values, center indents for faders, pans, and more.
In this review, I walk through the Logic Pro integration, the haptic feedback system, and what it's actually like to use day-to-day. I also cover the real limitations - manual plugin mapping and limited storage - that you need to know before buying."
Press release follows:
Melbourne Instruments announces advanced Logic Pro integration for ROTO-CONTROL motorised software and hardware MIDI controller
MELBOURNE, VIC, AUSTRALIA: Melbourne Instruments is proud to announce availability of advanced Logic Pro integration for its ROTO-CONTROL motorised software and hardware MIDI controller — creatively expanding upon its successful integration with Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio, demand for integration with Apple’s popular professional DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for Mac having been strong since said controller launched to widespread critical acclaim a year ago — as of January 15, 2026…
ROTO-CONTROL readily packs eight touch-sensitive motorised knobs — brushless drone motors with Melbourne Instruments’ patented ultra-high-resolution contactless optical sensors offering a lifetime rating in excess of 50 million cycles that equates to 500 times more than conventional pots, precisely — alongside nine high-resolution IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays) and 16 backlit RGB (Red, Green, Blue) LED (Light-Emitting Diode) buttons into its classy, compact — 341mm/13.4” (W) x 112mm/4.4” (D) x 44mm/1.7” (H) — form factor to duly deliver haptic feedback and instant parameter recall, communicating with the outside world via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) over USB (Universal Serial Bus) and 5-pin MIDI DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) IN/OUT/THRU connections. Constructed out of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and metal, it robustly weighs in at only 715g/1.58lb, making it the perfect portable production partner for encouraging artists to use sound and music in new and exciting ways — wherever their journey might end up taking them, both creatively and geographically. Get this, though: ROTO-CONTROL now introduces a fully-tactile, motorised workflow to Logic Pro, delivering fast, hands-on control of tracks, plug-ins, Smart Controls, and automation — all thanks to a new firmware update.
MIX mode mirrors Logic Pro’s session track names, colours, and order automatically, while providing high-resolution control of volume, pan, sends, and automation alongside instant access to track selection, paging, mute/solo/arm switching, and dedicated TRACK FOCUS.
Fast, powerful plug-in control comes courtesy of PLUGIN mode, allowing users to browse and select Logic Pro instrument and effect plug-ins instantly from ROTO-CONTROL using simple touch-and-learn mapping for any parameter, with up to eight pages of controls per plug-in stored directly on the device ready for any projects, plus bypass/select controls — all mappings being saved on ROTO-CONTROL and usable across all Logic Pro projects on any computer.
Cutting-edge control continues with Logic Pro’s Smart Controls being automatically mapped to ROTO-CONTROL, controlling up to 16 Smart Control parameters instantly — perfect for working with instruments, macros, and MIDI effects, available in both PLUGIN mode and the dedicated SMART mode itself.
And as if all that was not enough to be getting on with, ROTO-CONTROL can be used to customise labels, colours, haptics, and steps for each control, while integrated transport — play, stop, record, cycle, auto-punch, and playhead — controls are all accessible from any mode.
It is fair to say, then, that Logic Pro users owe it to themselves — and, ultimately, their sound and music — to consider making some space in their creative and physical world for ROTO-CONTROL. After all, motorised and morphing controls, instant recall, and intuitive hardware are only the beginning of their journeying.
ROTO-CONTROL is available to buy at its new North American price of $399.00 USD (excluding tax) in the USA and Canada, while its RRP (Recommended Retail Price) in Australia of $619.00 AU (including GST) and MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) in the EU of €372.35 EUR (excluding VAT), MSRP in Japan/Asia of $469.00 USD, and MSRP in the UK of £389.00 GBP remains unchanged — all via Melbourne Instruments’ growing global network of dealers here: https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/dealers [check with dealers on the right here on MATRIXSYNTH]
"🥁 Arturia Drumbrute Impact – Poly Rhythms is a collection of 64 polyrhythmic patterns suitable for experimental genres: IDM, techno, dubsteb, trip-hop, industrial, breakbeat, breaks, downtempo, and others.
🎛 In this soundset, I worked in Polyrhythm mode to experiment with complex patterns. In this mode, the percussion becomes almost generative, with no repeating cycles. At the same time, I aimed to preserve the “readability” of the sequences and keep simple core elements, so the sequences don’t turn into a mess.
The patterns are meticulously crafted: Accents and Color Steps are all carefully programmed.
The sequences are self-sufficient by default, but I recommend interacting with the drum machine for a more interesting and expressive live performance: use Mute and Solo to build your arrangement, Roller for fills, and adjust instrument parameters — especially Decay. The combination of long and short hits always has a strong impact on the groove.
🕹 You can also bring more variation by using Swing and Random, either globally or per instrument. ⚙️ The collection covers a wide BPM range: 90–154. You can set BPM manually in Internal Clock mode or sync to any external source and its tempo.
💡 The soundset includes only patterns — no sounds/presets/timbre settings. I added synth parts to the demos to put the drums into a musical context. These synth parts are not included in the soundset. ‼️ Not compatible with the original/first Drumbrute ‼️
"(c)2007-26 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi
Whenever I turn on my old E-MU samplers and dig through the many sample disks, I feel like a teenager in the mid- 80s. Something between a sci-fi movie, a computer game, and outer space immediately comes to mind.
Today, we're taking a nostalgic trip back to the 80s with some sample disks from the E-MU library. Enjoy!
"Feeling a bit of 80’s nostalgia ('Stranger Things' anyone?) I thought the time had finally come to try and give this classic electro-pop anthem the Circuit Tracks treatment. Released in 1984 (40+ years!) it’s too easy to forget how ground-breaking the song (and it’s subject) was in the political climate of the Eighties.
The song itself is a simple but almost perfect pop song. It was programmed on an MC-202 Microcomposer and is reputed to have started life as an electronic disco version of the Sex Pistol’s 'Pretty Vacant'!
Yamaha DX7 is used heavily on the track (notably the presets ‘Harp1’ and ‘Bass1’), and additional Sequential Pro-One, Memorymoog and Linn drums. I managed to simplify the arrangement to program everything and the vocals into a single Novation Circuit Tracks. Everything you hear is being played and recorded live from the Tracks.
I'm pleased at how close to the spirit of the original I managed to get this time. I hope you enjoy the track and it brings back some memories for you too."
"More details for synth nerds
BPM 135
I don’t own a DX7 (sadly!) but the closest thing I have is emulation. The repeated ‘Harp1’ DX7 line (and the ‘Marimba’ break) was sequenced on the Tracks MIDI 1 and sampled as 4-bar loops from the internal MicroDEXED emulator in an M-Vave SMK-37 Pro keyboard. Each sample was then triggered (like a drum sound) at the required point in the song using the Drum 3 track.
The JN-80 is a modern reinterpretation of the iconic sound of 1980s synthesizers, designed to evoke the timbral magic of the legendary Roland Juno-60 at a very competitive price. With eight voices of polyphony, dual oscillators per voice and a sub-oscillator, a Juno-style analog filter, analog chorus, and a 4-octave keyboard with aftertouch, this instrument offers typical vintage warmth along with modern features such as patch memory, MIDI/USB control, and stereo output. Thanks to its intuitive layout and comprehensive control panel, the JN-80 is ideal for studio sessions and live performances, allowing you to create powerful basses, enveloping pads, incisive leads, and rich, characterful textural soundscapes. Features
"A complete walkthrough of Chompi and its recently released Tape 2.0 firmware, providing an in-depth demo and tutorial on all its features. Following the structure of Chompi's manual, it’s organized like a video game that gradually builds up your understanding of Chompi, starting at level 0 and going to level 8 (plus a bonus level). If you already have a Chompi, you can use this video as a reference guide/video manual. If you don't have one, you can use it to learn about this chromatic sampler from Chase Bliss and Chompi Club.
Table of contents:
0:00 - Intro / Preview
1:24 - Level 00: Hardware 1. Summarize Chompi in one sentence 2. Identify the external parts 3. Connect cables 4. Power up
CALGARY, Alberta – January 13, 2025 – iConnectivity today announces the highly anticipated follow-up to the industry-standard PlayAUDIO1U, the new PlayAUDIO2U. Building on a reputation of made-to-tour live performance solutions, the PlayAUDIO2U sets a new benchmark for professional touring rigs with a powerful 24 balanced XLR output configuration and four pristine, ultra-low noise microphone preamps. The PlayAUDIO2U interface maintains and improves upon iConnectivity's famous redundancy failover protection for touring musicians, production companies, and any live event where failure is not an option.
The PlayAUDIO2U introduces not only an expanded output count of 24 panel-reinforced XLR outs but also integrates versatile new concepts into iConnectivity's PlayAUDIO range. Four pristine, studio-quality inputs are perfect for injecting vocals, guitars, synths, and other instruments for live processing—all while enjoying iConnectivity's famous redundancy protection.
iConnectivity has always been known for robust MIDI integration. The PlayAUDIO2U is the first of iConnectivity's interfaces to feature built-in MIDI control via integrated control buttons on the front panel of the interface, allowing convenient, hands-on control of your performance.
The physical build of the PlayAUDIO2U might be its most revolutionary innovation, combining extensive inputs, outputs, and extreme MIDI connectivity into one rugged 2U rackable enclosure. All I/O ports are specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of daily touring—designed to be plugged directly into stage boxes and house sound systems every day. You can say goodbye to complex, fragile setups. Now building a reliable touring rig is as simple as installing a single PlayAUDIO2U in a rack.
"Obsidian is a track that emerged through working with the Digitakt II.
In this video, I break down the elements of the track, but more importantly how the ideas took shape. Not just what is happening, but how the Digitakt II actively shaped the music.
All synth sounds are sampled from the Arturia AstroLab 37. Rather than sequencing notes directly, full phrases and musical ideas were recorded into Digitakt II and then explored, reshaped and refined from there.
Drum sounds come from Digitone II, sampled and processed inside Digitakt II as part of the same workflow.
This isn’t just a track breakdown. It’s also the starting point for a short series of videos about how Digitakt II has changed the way I approach sample based music production, composition, and discovery. More on that very soon.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:31 Start of track breakdown
00:51 The arp track
02:02 Using the macros for performance
03:26 Wireless MIDI
03:57 The lead tracks
05:22 The bass track
06:38 Faster control breath control macros
07:36 How to make samples behave more like a synth
08:19 The pad tracks
09:26 How to make a chord wider
10:03 Sharing two sounds on the same track
10:57 Turning a loop into a granular pluck
13:32 The 303 track
14:30 Generating new ideas with random locks
16:37 Repurposing a drum loop from Digitone II
18:08 The kick track
18:21 A couple of stock samples to fill out the drums
18:51 Some momentary buttons for performance
20:05 Some AstroLab ear candy
21:49 Noise for atmosphere
23:19 Bringing it all together for the performance"
"Work in progress sequenced with Max. Most of the drum DSP is done in Max, with additional midi sequencing being sent to VSTs and a couple external synths. Also showing off my JSUI mtr editor that was developed alongside building the track."
"This music was intended for a different format (and still will be) but while I was fooling around in Logic I really liked how it was sounding so I went with it and this is the result.
I found time for a quick Jamuary jam today with two Stylophone CPM DS-2s and DF-8s. I make a bit of content for them so I've had these a while and I've been meaning to upload something using them. They're producing all the sound here including the percussion and the effects. The two Korg SQ-1 are both running in 2x 8 step mode for 4 full channels of sequencing. It's a bit restrictive with the SQ-1 but still fun!
I have an mmMidi module in my eurorack that has two CV and Gate outputs and is also expandable with an extra module to add drum style gates on a third midi channel. that would be an excellent way to sequence this with something like a Lofi-12 XT, but I don't have the expander yet, it's on the list 😅"
"If you'd like to support the channel you can grab a 'Pay What You Want' album from my Bandcamp.
https://chrislody.bandcamp.com
Chat to me on:
@chrislodymusic.bsky.social
Listen on:
/ chrislody"
"Oberheim DMX Drum Machine w/ MIDI, Upgraded OS, MRAM Upgrade, External CV Tuning Box, Walnut Side Panels, New Thumbscrews, Serviced By Electrongate January 2023
"Legendary Drum Machine with multiple big upgrades installed by Electrongate
Overall fantastic condition with some cosmetic wear as shown in photos
Includes an External CV Tuning Box, custom built by Electrongate which grants the user easy, real-time control of the pitch of each instrument without having to open up the unit. Big thumbs up!
This DMX has the DMX MIDI Expansion with upgraded Walnut Side Panels which boasts an updated, and much more capable Operating System. Printed Manual included for this new operating system.
Another big upgrade performed to this DMX is the MRAM Upgrade which doubles the memory and eliminates the need for a battery. No need to replace a battery ever again!
Please refer to the Electrongate website for more details about these upgrades
New Thumbscrews were installed at the time of service
Installations and repairs performed by DMX guru Paul White at Electrongate January 2023. Paul upgraded this DMX to the max, replaced some parts, cleaned the unit, and got everything running great."
Click CC at the bottom of the player for subtitles, followed by the gear icon and and your language of choice if needed.
"ITALIAN In questo video mostro come suonare contemporaneamente due sintetizzatori KETRON-SOLTON PROGRAMMER 24 sincronizzati tra loro e poi come far suonare la linea di basso di un PROGRAMMER 24 da un sintetizzatore MINIMOOG DODEL D
Il Solton Programmer 24, lanciato nel 1985, è riconosciuto come uno dei primissimi strumenti a introdurre il concetto di arranger automatico nel mercato delle tastiere, tanto da essere spesso definito 'l'apripista' dell'intero settore. Questo strumento, prodotto dall'azienda italiana Ketron (con il marchio Solton), è considerato una pietra miliare nell'evoluzione delle tastiere arranger.
Impatto Culturale: è stato soprannominato 'Italian Disco Machine' per il suo ruolo nel plasmare il suono della musica Italo Disco. Il Programmer 24 non è solo un pezzo di storia per gli appassionati, ma è anche al centro di iniziative come 'Arranger Legacy', un progetto web che mira a preservare la memoria di questi strumenti iconici e dei loro creatori.
Il Solton Programmer 24 è una workstation analogica italiana del 1985, famosa per il suo suono Italo Disco, che combina una sezione ritmica PCM a 8 bit (con uscite separate), bassi analogici, arrangiamenti automatici e sequencer, offrendo un suono vintage caldo e funzionale per produzione musicale. Include funzionalità avanzate per l'arrangiamento, sequencer polifonici e monofonici, MIDI, e interfaccia a nastro, rendendolo un pezzo da collezione apprezzato per il suo 'carattere anni '80'.
Soundplant 59 beat demo: Only2x video upload by Marcel Blum
"Making a beat from a chopped up spy theme with Soundplant, the computer keyboard sample triggering software for Windows & Mac. Version 59 now available for free download at: https://soundplant.org/"
Press release follows:
Caldwell, NJ, USA - Independent developer Marcel Blum has released Soundplant® 59 for Windows and Mac, a major update to the long running sample triggering software for QWERTY keyboards and MIDI devices. Version 59 brings MIDI CC support for customizable control of Soundplant knobs, infinite undo for editing convenience and a/b testing between different effect settings, a master output limiter-compressor for fine tuning dynamics processing, increased sound loading speed with improved multithreading, and other optimizations and fixes.
Soundplant is a standalone software sampler prioritizing low latency and stability for live use, enabling instant playback of any format sound files from standard computer keyboard keys or MIDI. An invaluable tool for sound designers, theater techs, DJs, producers, podcasters, gamers, and streamers, it can mix tons of sounds at once, queue playlists, trigger in the background with global hotkeys while using other apps, record its own output or any input (or both at the same time), and more, all with a powerfully simple drag and drop interface allowing users to create professional soundboards with the ease of dropping sound files onto onscreen keys.
Discussing his Oscar-nominated work on acclaimed biopic A Complete Unknown, sound mixer Terence McCormack Maitland said, "On set when possible, we create a realistic soundscape for the cast. In order to do this we used Soundplant, a deceptively capable app which helped a ton."
Availability & Pricing
Soundplant is available as a free download at https://soundplant.org/ with a 25-launch trial of the paid features. It is free for non-commercial use. A Single User License costs USD $69. Version 59 is a free upgrade for existing license holders who bought in 2023 or later, or a $34.50 upgrade for older license owners. The registered version unlocks professional features including output device selection, expanded sound file format support, output sample rates up to 384 kHz, recording, MIDI, and 'background key input' for global hotkey triggering. Soundplant 59 requires minimum Windows 10 or macOS 10.14.
"The Aion Modular Model 15 provides everything you need for a Moog-style modular system in a Eurorack format. The filter section, the backbone of the Moog modular, includes both the classic low pass filter, passive lowpass and high pass, and a fixed filter bank, providing a myriad of sound sculpting possibilities. Three oscillators are available, two from the voltage controlled oscillator bank and another from the wide ranging voltage controlled oscillator. In addition, two noise sources, white and pink are present for adding texture or a touch of unpredictability. Two classic ADSR envelopes provide modulation and are perfectly paired with the two VCAs or with the filters. Two four channel CP-1 mixers are present at the bottom of the Model 15, which can be used to both mix channels and add pleasant warmth to them. In addition to all this analog goodness, a MIDI to CV/gate converter is included to sequence the Model 15 from external MIDI devices. The Model 15 brings the classic parts of a modular synthesizer into one package that sounds just as rich as the original
Model 15 Features
Modular system Moog-style design Two 902 VCAs 907A Fixed Filter Bank 904A Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter Two 911 Envelope Generators 921ABB Voltage Controlled Oscillator Bank 921 Voltage Controlled Oscillator 955 Attenuators 923 Noise/Filters Two CP3 Mixers MIDI to CV converter Case includes lid and carrying handle"
"Discover the gritty soul of classic wavetable synthesis in this in-depth review and sound demo of the Waldorf Protein. Drawing direct lineage from the legendary PPG and *Waldorf Microwave*, the Protein combines authentic 8-bit, 128-sample wavetables with a modern, streamlined workflow — delivering that unmistakable lo-fi digital bite without the complexity of vintage machines.
In this video, I explore how the Protein’s 8-voice / 4-part multitimbral engine lets a single patch handle basslines, arpeggios, leads and textures simultaneously. You’ll hear how the stepped wavetable movement, classic aliasing artefacts and digital filters create tones that newer, smoother wavetable synths simply can’t replicate.
I also break down:
• How classic PPG-style wavetables actually work
• Why 8-bit waves sound so alive and musical
• Digital filters, drive modes & modulation
• Multitimbral layering for complete tracks
• Why this isn’t a Microwave clone — but something new
Whether you’re into *90s trance, industrial, ambient, IDM, synthwave, techno, or just love characterful digital hardware*, the Waldorf Protein offers a uniquely inspiring take on modern wavetable synthesis."
"Musyc2 is a fun and innovative music app using physics to create organic and unique generative song.
No need for piano keyboard or music scores, just draw shapes and create stunning visual music!
Musyc2 is the sequel of our famous app Musyc. Built with a modern audio-engine, Musyc2 has all Musyc features plus many new features: Midi In & Out, AudioUnit, MacOS support, new sound kits, new FX modules and many more!
Test, experiment, and create a new kind of music with 55 sound kits and all the physic objects and features.
Musyc2 is universal for iPad, iPhone and Mac with no in-app in it, once you bought it, you got it all!
In this video, we share the first real world tests of Concrete, without aiming for a polished or final demonstration.
We explore how the device works as the final stage in the signal chain, as a master effect, and within a mix on an individual instrument. Throughout the video, moments where bypass is engaged are clearly marked, so it’s easy to hear exactly when Concrete is affecting the signal.
Special attention is given to saturation. We’re exploring how different drive modes interact with dynamics, not as an obvious effect, but as an integral part of the signal path.
We also demonstrate sync mode and stereo operation. The filter reveals a particularly interesting character in stereo, where the interaction between channels adds depth, movement, and a sense of space that is difficult to achieve in mono.
Preorders for Concrete are now open on our website at a reduced price for the first drop. The price will increase for future batches.
"Concrete is a next generation compact effects processor that combines digital sound engines with a true analog filter.
Each channel features its own analog high pass and low pass filters, designed for precise and musical sound shaping.
Several drive types come preloaded, while additional engines can be downloaded from our website and loaded into free slots, allowing users to build a truly personal sound.
Channels can be used independently or linked together for cohesive stereo processing.
Concrete supports full MIDI control and naturally pairs with Monolit as part of a unified studio and performance ecosystem.
During the preorder phase, Concrete is available at a reduced price for those who want to support the project from the start.
The price will increase at release.
The first Concrete drop is planned for the first half of 2026."
