16 Music Lab Custom MIDI Interfaces for Yamaha CS Series

via 16 Music Lab:

Hello MatrixSynth readers,

I am Thierry Gerardeaux from 16 Music Lab, and I want to announce that my custom MIDI interfaces for the Yamaha CS series (covering everything from the CS-15 up to the legendary CS-80) are currently available.

To maintain the highest standard of quality and ensure these kits end up in the right hands (rather than with speculators), I operate strictly on a small-batch, built-to-order basis. I limit production to a maximum of 5 units per CS model at any given time. This is true boutique hardware designed for purists and demanding technicians.

The CS-80 Flagship Interface & MIDI OUT Capabilities

While I proudly cater to the entire CS line, I want to specifically highlight the interface designed for the Yamaha CS-80. Given the immense complexity and uncompromising architecture of this legendary synthesizer, retrofitting it requires absolute precision.

Crucially, this specific MIDI kit goes beyond basic connectivity by featuring a comprehensive and highly responsive MIDI OUT. It flawlessly transmits all 8 voices of polyphony, including velocity and the CS-80's signature polyphonic aftertouch, alongside real-time data from the iconic ribbon controller. This allows you to harness the CS-80's legendary expressive keyboard to control your modern DAW or other hardware seamlessly.

How it works:

Technical Validation: Before any transaction, I require a few macro photos of your synthesizer’s internals (connectors, board revisions). I personally evaluate these remotely to guarantee 100% compatibility with your specific machine.

Shipping / DIY Install: If you or your trusted local tech are handling the installation, a dedicated and highly trusted partner of mine takes care of the ultra-secure packing and worldwide shipping.

Custom Installation: For those who want absolute peace of mind, I also offer a complete, personalized installation service myself (for an additional fee).

These kits are built with uncompromising attention to detail to respect the original circuitry of these vintage masterpieces.

If you are looking to bring your Yamaha CS into the modern studio environment with a reliable, high-end MIDI retrofit, please feel free to reach out to me directly at: 16musiclab@gmail.com or visit www.16musiclab.fr

Musically,

Thierry Gerardeaux 16 Music Lab

Oberheim FVS-1 Custom Built for Ronnie Montrose, Vintage 4 SEMs & 2 Sequencers

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

via this eBay listing

"Bought this 27 years ago from the keyboardist, Gary Hull, who played keyboard on 2 Montrose albums and also toured with him 1990-94. Gary also modified this Oberheim Four voice for Montrose to add sequencer functions. This Oberheim has 4 great sounding late 70's SEM Units and 2 later model Sequencer modules that are quantized, and output 4 channels to the 4 SEMs. A remote keyboard controlled by the Keyboard Module allows spilts and 4 note polyphony and many options for control. A programmed Expressionist MIDI to CV interface is included so the four voice is also controllable polyphonically over MIDI.
--
The Four SEMs have been calibrated tuned and checked for complete noise free operation in 2026. The keyboard has been leveled and bushings replaced and plays perfectly. In 2026 the power module and output module were restored by Synth Smith, an analog repair specialist with over 30 years working on analog synths. I did not change much from what Montrose had done to this synthesizer. He was well known for his customization skills. I did add VCF controls and pots for all the SEMs so you can control from remote LFO's. The Programmer has never been connected in the Oberheim since I have owned it. In 2026 the Programmer battery was replaced and testing revealed it does work, but is not wired, and wiring it would be a lot of new wiring.

INCLUDES:
Oberheim FVS-1 in Custom Metal Case 27.5 wide, 23.75 High, 5 deep(inches)
49 Key Keyboard in Custom Metal Case
2 keyboard cables, power cable, Manual and Notes
MIDI to CV Rack Convertor Expressionist Programmed ($650 refund if not needed)
Hard Shell Pro Road Case for Main Unit

SHIPPING:
Only for Sale in North America due to size and weight
$500 Flat Fee for Shipping 3 Boxes, refund if less
Shipped Freight fully insured with tracking
Freight company will schedule delivery to your house
Box 1 - Main Unit 68 pounds 33 X 30 X 13 (Inches)
—
2 smaller boxes Shipped Fed Ex Ground
Box 2 - Keyboard 19 pounds 36 X 16 X 8
Box 3 - 18 pounds MIDI to CV, Manuals, Cables, Misc. 24 X 17 X 8"

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Latest MAFD (MIDI Adapter For DFAM) is your DFF (Drumming Friend Forever) / DFFMAFD Demo

video upload by Sonoclast Music

"Demonstrating how to sync a DFAM's sequencer with MIDI Notes and MIDI Clock using the DFFMAFD. Also, see here how to sync a DFAM to a live drummer (our friend Amir Ziv):"

Amir Ziv's custom Moog DFAM rig w/Sonoclast, Keith McMillen Instruments, Avi Ziv, and Bome Software

video upload by Amir Ziv

"Composer/Drummer/Educator Amir Ziv demos his custom Moog DFAM rig. This system was created for remotely controlling and manipulating the Moog DFAM sequencer and for remotely modulating the synthesizer's sounds while playing the drum-set. Rather than play along to a loop or a recording, the goal was to be able to get the synth (in real-time) to "lead-in/follow/respond to" whatever phrasing is played on the drum-set in an improvisation or in a through-composed composition.

The live performance at the end of this video as well as the intro/outro music are improvised compositions performed live in real-time on this custom DFAM rig and the acoustic drum-set.. There are no overdubs or edits in any of the music.

00:00 Custom DFAM rig description and demo
24:45 Live performance"

The New FLkey is here: the go-to controller for FL Studio

video upload by Novation and FL Studio

"Check out the New FLkey range here - https://novationmusic.com/flkey?utm_s...

Read the news story - https://novationmusic.com/articles/in...

"Introducing the new FLkey, the go-to controller for FL Studio. This video gives you a quick glimpse of what our new FLkey can do and how it integrates with FL Studio.

The next generation of FLkey is here, and this new iteration has been upgraded and refined to offer an even more seamless connection to your essential beatmaking workflows.

The new hardware introduces an array of upgrades including better-feeling keys and pads, continuous encoders, and a crisp OLED display that shows essential information about your project. In addition, FLkey now features inspiring built-in creative tools in the form of Scale and Chord Modes and a powerful arpeggiator.

We’ve also deepened FLkey’s connection to many of the most important FL Studio tools, including the Channel Rack, Mixer, and plugins. We’ve also added useful new workflow shortcuts and upgraded the pads’ sequencing capabilities.

From bedroom to studio, there’s an FLkey for every setup with four sizes to choose from:
FLkey Mini 25
FLkey 37
FLkey 49
FLkey 61"

New FL Studio Keyboards - Novation FL KEY MK2 First Look and Review

video upload by

"Today, Novation have released the FLkey 2 MIDI keyboards for FL Studio. It's a brilliant update to the incredibly popular FLkey range released in 2022. These new keyboards have now taken the top spot as the best MIDI device for FL Studio.

In this video, I share the important updates and give you a feel for the workflow and build quality of the new FLkey 2 in all sizes.

You can find out more about the FLkey MIDI keyboards and the included software here.
This is not an affiliate link: https://novationmusic.com/en/keys/flkey

This video is supported by Novation. I want to be transparent about this but I am genuinely glad to be showcasing the update to these keyboards. These MIDI keyboards are a brilliant pairing with FL Studio and are a joy to use.

0:00 - Intro
0:45 - 60 Second overview
1:45 - Build Quality
3:00 - Channel Rack Control
4:30 - Faders Controlling the Mixer
6:18 - My favourite features
9:40 - Don't make this mistake!

Prices (Rest of world excluding tax. Prices vary by location):

FLkey 2 MINI 25 = $119.99
FLkey 2 37 = $209.99
FLkey 2 49 = $249.99
FLkey 2 61 = $299.99

I don't mention the price during the video because it varies so much by location and I don't like to mislead anyone who expects a simple dollar conversion to their own currency!"

Novation's new FL KEY MK2 for FL Studio // Pros, cons & full tutorial for FLkey 2

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro 0:45 Overview 1:45 25 v 37 v 49/61 3:15 I/O 3:45 Build & keys 4:45 What’s similar 5:45 MK2 vs MK1 6:50 Pad modes 7:10 Patterns 7:30 Channel Rack 8:10 Drum 8:45 Sequencer 10:05 User chords 10:50 Chord maps 12:10 Fixed chord 12:35 Arp 14:50 Encoder modes 15:10 Plugin 15:30 Mixer 15:50 Insert FX 16:05 Channel mixer 16:25 Transport 16:45 Faders 17:35 Fader buttons 18:20 Custom modes 19:45 Components 20:35 Parts/Splits 21:00 Scales 21:40 Settings 22:10 Pros and cons

Arturia KeyLab mk3 | Firmware update 1.5

video uploads by

"Introducing KeyLab mk3 Update 1.5 — a free update for Arturia’s premium MIDI controller series, designed to make performance and production feel smoother, clearer and more controller-led. Featuring new Apple MainStage integration, enhanced Analog Lab control and focused workflow refinements, KeyLab mk3 continues to evolve in ways that make everyday music-making more seamless and intuitive."

"Join Matt for a look at KeyLab mk3 Update 1.5, a free performance-focused upgrade for Arturia’s flagship MIDI controller. Explore new Apple MainStage integration, redesigned Analog Lab Multi visuals, improved display navigation, updated icons, Arp randomization and a smoother hands-on workflow built for studio sessions, live performance and everything in between.

_CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:27 Sound Demo
02:07 Controlling Analog Lab
02:50 Controlling your DAW
03:44 Controlling Arturia Instruments
04:16 Chord Mode & Arpeggiator
05:48 MainStage Integration
08:05 New Analog Lab Multi-Workflow
09:27 Improved Display & Navigation
10:08 Build To Last"

One Synth, One Track - Waldorf Protein

video upload by GEOSynths

"As there are quite a lot of Reviews for the Waldorf Protein out there, I decided to make a complete Track, only using the Protein. I'd made a few Patches when I first got it and while it is very well thought out, I decided to make an Editor using Google Gemini to help with my workflow. It doesn't cover all Parameters, as it uses CC's which are limited to 128, some of which are reserved.

First thing I did was to make the Drum Sounds and then Sample them into Native Instruments Maschine and made a Kit (Which will be available on my Patreon for download) and then I put them through Logic Pro, I use Maschine as a Sound Module in Logic, so I can still change MIDI notes and route each sound to a dedicated fader.

Next, I tracked each Sound, all of which are Custom made and use the internal FX of the Protein. In the mix I added a touch of Room Reverb for the Drums and the Lead has some extra Delay, everything else is from the Protein."

Interview Tobias Münzer von Tubbutec

video upload by AMAZONA Music Mag

Click CC in the player once started for subtitles.

"Interview mit Tobias Münzer von Tubbutec zur Entstehungsgeschichte der Firma, zum utune-Modul, dem Brainstep und neuen Custom Controllern - geführt am Samstagabend und am Ende der Superbooth 26.

00:00-02:00 Intro und wie es bei Tobias anfing
02:00-04:50 Microtonale Stimmungen mit tune
04:50-09:32 Brainstep und 606
09:32-10:12 Neue Custrom MIDI Controller mit Configurator
10:12-11:46 Superbooth Lobpreisung und Ausblick"

Googlish:

"Interview with Tobias Münzer of Tubbutec covering the company's origins, the utune module, the Brainstep, and new custom controllers—conducted on Saturday evening at the conclusion of Superbooth 26.

00:00-02:00 Intro and how it all started for Tobias
02:00-04:50 Microtonal tunings with utune
04:50-09:32 Brainstep and the 606
09:32-10:12 New custom MIDI controllers with the Configurator
10:12-11:46 Praise for Superbooth and a look ahead"

Manuel Rodriguez von OXI Instruments auf der Superbooth 26

video upload by AMAZONA Music Mag

"Das ist ein Interview mit Manuel Rodriguez auf der Superbooth 26, dem Gründer von Oxi Instruments. Oxi Instruments entwickelt Eurorack-Module und den bekannten Oxi One Sequencer, der inzwischen in einer mk2-Version erhältlich ist. Manuel spricht über persönliche Themen, den Oxi Coral sowie neue Funktionen des Oxi One mk2.

This is an interview with Manuel Rodriguez at superbooth 26, the founder of Oxi Instruments. Oxi Instruments provides modules and the famous Oxi One sequencer, which is now out as an .mk2 version. Manuel talks about personal things, Oxi Coral and new Oxi One mk2 features.

Timestamps
00:00-02:00 Introduction
02:00-05:18 Oxi Coral
05:18-06:12 Oxi One mk2
06:28-08:20 Manuel’s history and Oxi's philosophy
08:20-10:36 New chord mode in Oxi One mk2
10:43-13:15 Oxi One mk2 update:Domino, Saga, MIDI player
13:15-14:01 Oxi future plans"

AMYboard - the $29 DIY modular synth running Python.

video upload by

via Brian Whitman of AMYboard

"Today, we’re launching a new music hardware platform! Meet the AMYboard, a 10HP modular-sized synthesizer brimming with inputs and outputs for digital and analog audio, MIDI, and two CV channels. The AMYboard firmware runs Micropython, and can be controlled and programmed over the web, where you can share your own creations with others. You can also use AMYboard in Arduino to create music devices of your own design. It’s only US$29.90 - a very inexpensive way to get started making your own modular-capable synths. It can be powered over USB or a 10-pin modular power cable, and comes with a 10HP laser-cut faceplate. You can buy one today!

AMYboard is powered by AMY, the synthesis and effects toolkit that DAn Ellis and I have been working on for the past few years. AMY is a beautiful-sounding, efficient re-creation of classic analog synths – like the Juno-6 – and FM synths – like the DX-7. It can also act as a sampler, play WAV files, or let you make your own synthesizer setups in code from bare oscillators, effects, and filters. AMY is open-source and runs on all sorts of hardware. It already powers some neat synths like the Diapasonix, the Spark, and our own Tulip Creative Computer. AMYboard is our “reference hardware” for AMY - running the same ESP32-S3 as Tulip with 8MB of RAM, but with new features including both analog and S/PDIF (digital) audio input and output, enabling live effects, sampling, and filters. We’ve also added an SD card for sample storage, and an I2C host port for connecting your own displays and knobs!"

AMYboard launches with AMYboard online – a web based simulator and control surface for the AMYboard. You can experience AMYboard online before even buying an AMYboard. AMYboard online runs the same core engine as the AMYboard hardware (ported to WebAssembly) so you can set up and interact with the synthesizer over the web. When you’re ready, you plug in your AMYboard, download your patch, or control it in real time over the web, including the capability to edit and store code on your hardware that will boot up the next time you turn it on. AMYboard’s default firmware allows anyone to code their synth creations in MicroPython running on the hardware; the AMY synthesis engine itself runs in bare-metal C, but you can load your own “sketches” onto the board to build complex environments. For example, here’s a generative house track with a Derrick May custom “WOODPIANO” FM patch. Or here’s a TB303 + 808 acid setup. Or add a filter and reverb to a DX7 patch. AMYboard online also comes with AMYboard World, an online community for AMYboard users to share sketches with each other. We’re really excited to see your cool creations, please do share them!

See Brian Whitman's full post on AMYboard for additional details and links.

Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums Review Demo and Manual

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums looks lie a toy but has hidden depths. In this video I give you a complete hands-on review, a live demo built from scratch, and a full manual walkthrough so you know exactly what this drum machine can do before you buy.

The Bullfrog Drums is the follow-up to the Bullfrog Synth — a collaboration between Erica Synths and Richie Hawtin, designed to be approachable for beginners but deep enough for professionals. Spoiler: it absolutely delivers on both fronts."

CLICK FOR MORE »

excerpt of Don Buchla's arrangement of Terry Riley InC as implemented by Joel Davel in 1993

video upload by Joel Davel

"This was an element of my first project with Don Buchla. The graphics and MIDI sequencing was programmed in HMSL-Forth. (Heirarchical Music Specification Language) and J-Forth that controlled two graphic sprites on an Amiga 3000 computer. The sprites act like two computer mouses, but they are controlled by two independent Buchla Lightning wands. This was installed at the Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco in 1993-1994 for two participants to drag instruments onto the phrases as they appear."

OXI One MK2 Update: New Sequencers Domino and Saga at Superbooth 2026

video upload by Insect O.

"At Superbooth I had to stop at the Oxi Instruments booth to say hello to Manu and his team and to check out the latest updates for the Oxi One sequencer. I got a closer look at the new sequencer modes Domino and Saga. The decoupling of trigger events from note events is a great idea.

The Oxi One has become the central sequencing hub in my studio. It allows me to combine CV and gate sequencing for modular synths with MIDI gear like the Prophet 6, Jomox Alphabase and the Access Virus A. A great surprise was discovering that someone from the Oxi community created a custom MIDI CC mapping for my very first synth — the Acces Virus A — which I bought more than 25 years ago."

Escape - Live hardware jam with Sequential Take 5 + Ableton Move

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"Back to another 2 minute jam (less or more ☺️).

This session features the Sequential Take 5 playing live chord progressions in real time through the Eventide H90: First section = Tape effect
Second section = + Aggravate distortion for a more industrial impact 😎🤘

The Ableton Move handles the Drums, Bass and Plucks.

There’s no MIDI sync or sequencing between the devices here as the Take 5 chords are performed live throughout the jam.

Hardware used:

// DRUMS, BASS, PLUCKS:
Ableton Move (Groovebox).
Track 1 🥁 = Drum Rack (homemade drum kit),
Track 2 🎸 = BASS Wavetable synth,
Track 3 🎹 = PLUCKS Wavetable synth,
Track 4 🥁 = Audio track (a couple of percussion loops)

// 🎹 PADS:
Sequential Take 5 (5-voice analog synth) + Eventide H90"

Meet the Demon Box: The Instrument That Channels the Unknown

video uploads by Eternal Research

"The Demon Box is more than an instrument. It’s a portal where DMX, MIDI, Eurorack, and built-in lighting converge, transforming hidden energy into real-time sound, light, and motion.

You’ve seen what the Demon Box can do, now it’s time to go deeper.This video shows how to unlock its full potential, bending these forces into a single living entity you can shape, route, and command."

Note the videos above are from 2025. The video below is new. You can find additional demos in previous posts. See dealers on the right for pricing and availability.

Behold the Unholy Power of the Demon Box

video upload by Metamyther

"Step into the dark, unpredictable world of the Demon Box — Eternal Research's brutal and experimental hardware synthesizer readymade for industrial techno, noise, drone, and underground electronic music. In this video, we explore the raw sonic power and chaos that make the Demon Box a unique tool for modular synth performers, sound designers, and hardware synth lovers."

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:16 - Features
03:17 - Moog Messenger
04:11 - Vhikk X + Lacrima
05:19 - Four Seas + Cosmic Debris
06:45 - Nord Drum
06:58 - Warp Core + Umbra + Desmodus

Pic and details via Perfect Circuit

Eternal Research Demon Box
Summon the sounds of electromagnetic oddities with Demon Box from Eternal Research, an innovative instrument that condenses the practice of using EMF for audio and control signals in a unified device. At the top surface of the Demon Box's triangular enclosure, a literal platform for audio experimentation awaits. Here, three channels of EMF inductor pickups are arranged in a nested spiral formation, which can be used to create unique tones and control signals by interacting with any object that produces EMF near the inductors. Power tools, FM radios, eBows, tuning forks, and other personal electronics become diverse sources for synthesizing tones, controlling modular synths, and even producing MIDI signals. Turning the inaudible waves of ambient and ubiquitous electro-ephemera into creative signal sources, the Demon Box offers a deep well of musical meaning-making waiting to be discovered.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tembo | Musical Beings | Superbooth 2026 | Voltage Labs

video upload by Voltage Labs

"Musical Beings’ Tembo is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive music tech releases of the year: a wooden drum machine and sampler that replaces traditional sequencing with a tactile grid of magnetic pieces designed for playful, hands-on beatmaking. Combining an approachable, almost toy-like interface with serious studio features such as sampling, effects and MIDI connectivity, Tembo positions itself somewhere between an educational instrument and a fully fledged creative tool."

Musical Beings made its first appearance on the site in this previous post.

Erica Synths Syntrx II Review and Demo // Not just for Bleeps, Fizzes and Ambient Soundscapes

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Erica Synths Syntrx II is one of the most talked-about synthesizers of recent years — but three years on from its release, is it still worth your money? In this in-depth review and demo, I finally get hands-on with this modern spiritual successor to the legendary EMS VCS3 and EMS Synthi, and I want to bust two big myths: it's NOT as complicated as it looks, and it's NOT just a crazy sci-fi sound effects machine.
🎹 What's covered in this video:

-Syntrx II vs the original EMS VCS3 / EMS Synthi — key similarities and differences
-Syntrx II vs Syntrx I — what changed and why
-The 16x16 digital pin matrix explained simply
-Using the Syntrx II as a standard 3-oscillator monosynth
-The trapezoid (looping) envelope in practice
-All-analog signal path walkthrough
-Onboard 3-channel sequencer, DSP reverb and delay, envelope follower
FM, self-oscillation, noise modulation, and filter techniques
-Sample & hold circuit — how to set it up
-The joystick as an LFO / recording modulation source
-MIDI setup tips (offset fix, CC assignments for X and Y axes)
-Patch saving — what it DOES and DOESN'T save, and why it matters
-Honest pros and cons

🎵 Extended drone demo — 5 minutes of the Syntrx II running a single live patch with the trapezoid looping envelope, FM, noise, filter modulation via joystick, and DSP effects. The full version was over 10 minutes — it really is that good.

💷 Price context: Original EMS Synthis now sell for £24,000+. The Syntrx II comes in under £2,000. If you've ever wanted that Synthi sound without selling a kidney, this might be your answer."

Melodic Techno V3 for Korg Minilogue XD by NatLife

video upload by NatLife Sounds

"Product Link: https://natlifesounds.com/product/mel...

Melodic Techno V3 is literally new creation of unique sequences, using only Korg Minilogue XD possibility, without external engines.

25 Presets with a 25 Sequences(MIDI) includes all sequencer possibility, where every patch have own history and deeply thought out motion sequences. From piercing Lead and Bass sequences to deep Pad atmospheres and non-standard synth sounds.

You will find the sounds in style of Ben Böhmer, Deadmau5, Trillucid, Martin Roth and to name a few. But it still has its own NatLife style.

Soundbank contains:

25 Minilogue XD Presets & Patches
25 Minilogue XD Sequences

mportant notes = Presets based in 24-49 slots."

MIDIPan : Introduction of 'basic audio' option and comparison with 'fluidsynth audio' option

video upload by MIDI IN

"Until now, audio on the MIDIPan has relied on a component which is expensive and has become increasingly difficult to obtain. Therefore I've had to develop an alternative and more sustainable way to provide the MIDIPan with audio. This video is for you if you need to know more about the new 'basic audio' option and hear how it performs.

MIDIPan's home page:
https://peacockmedia.software/drum/

00:00 intro
01:30 what drove me to make the new sound module?
2:31 pros of the new basic audio
3:22 compromises with the new basic audio
4:55 demo / comparison of sounds modules"

Ziggy is a desktop Buchla that has all the flexibility of a modular with no patching required – Demo

video upload by MusicRadar Tech

"Buchla’s Ziggy monosynth aims to bring the brand’s singular style of West Coast synthesis to a wider audience, both by dropping the price – at $999, Ziggy is a fifth of the price of the company’s Music Easel – and repackaging the sound engine in a non-modular, self-contained desktop instrument that’s intended to be more modern and accessible than its previous designs.

The format may have changed, but Ziggy still has the digitally-controlled analogue architecture of a classic Buchla: a complex oscillator with wavefolding, a modulation oscillator for FM and AM, and a low-pass gate in place of a conventional filter and VCA, inviting the kind of unconventional sound design that has earned the brand a place in the hearts of those looking for an experimental alternative to the traditional East Coast approach. What makes Ziggy different, though, are additions like browser-managed patch storage, digital effects, and extensive connectivity: alongside CV inputs for pitch, gate and modulation, you get an external audio input and 5-pin MIDI and USB-C connections, which allow for the kind of external control via the KeyStep that you can see here.

It’s fair to say that most music-makers won’t have had the chance to experiment with a Buchla before, and with Ziggy, the company is hoping to change that. While it’s clearly more approachable than a Music Easel or a Skylab, designing sounds with Ziggy will still take some getting used to, as we found out over at Buchla’s booth – but cycling through the instrument’s presets, which showcase the unique, often chaotic timbres that West Coast synthesis is known for, left us eager to dive deeper into the Buchla universe. Mission accomplished."

Understanding the Mask1/EX Slurred mode. Augmented keyboard playing!

video upload by Kodamo

"Synthesizers always have been pretty mechanical: you control when a note starts, its velocity, and when it ends. It usually stops there, while a few repond to aftertouch or other controllers, but it is still not enough to provide real musical phrasing like a woodwind instrument could do for example.

That's why we created the Slurred mode. It is found in all our Mask-series synthesizers. Amongst other modes, this one lets you choose if you want to tie (slur) notes during playing. Small intervals of two semitones or lower that you play legato will be slurred, with an optional glide/portamento effect. Notes that are more spread apart or played detache will play normally.

It is pretty easy to add to your keyboard playing skills, and larger intervals can also be slurred by quickly playing notes inbetween.

Here we showcased the Slurred mode with the Mask1EX MK2 sound module connected to an Arturia MIDI keyboard. These advanced play modes are compatible with all keyboards, DAWs or sequencers, allowing for greater expressivity in electronic music."