"Designed for performers who demand expressive sound, immediate control, and rock-solid reliability, the SP8 Stage Keyboard delivers Kurzweil’s legendary performance DNA in a powerful, streamlined instrument built for the modern stage. Built on Kurzweil’s legendary V.A.S.T. engine, the SP8 combines authentic acoustic realism, deep synthesis, and intuitive hands-on control—giving you everything you need to command the moment."
88-key fully weighted hammer-action keyboard 2 GB of factory sounds powered by FlashPlay® technology 1000 factory programs organized into 10 intuitive categories Over 200 factory Multis for complex splits and layers More than 4000 user locations to store your own Programs and Multis 256 Voice Polyphony German D and Triple Strike Pianos KSR – Kurzweil String Resonance, for rich, realistic piano response KB3 ToneReal™ organ modeling, with front-panel knobs acting as drawbars Classic 6-operator FM synthesis Classic tine electric pianos, clavinets, harpsichords, and celeste Bells, glockenspiel, bowed and hit crotales Vector Synthesis waveforms and classic Kurzweil textures Updated sounds drawn from the K2700, K2088/61, PC4, and iconic Kurzweil instruments 5 assignable knobs with 3-position Shift (15 virtual knobs total) 5 assignable buttons with 3-position Shift (15 virtual buttons total) Programmable Variation button Pitch wheel and assignable modulation wheel Tap Tempo with programmable tempo control Dedicated Transpose buttons (semitone or octave) 5-zone MIDI controller in Multi Mode for splits and layers Arpeggiator, CC Sequencers, and Riffs, with dedicated front-panel buttons Up to 5 simultaneous arpeggiators or CC sequences in Multi Mode Built-in Riff and Metronome—always ready when you are Audio input with FX for line, instrument, or mic sources Two assignable switch pedal jacks, supporting up to four switch pedals Half-damper pedal support for expressive piano techniques One assignable continuous (CC) pedal jack for volume, wah, and more More info coming soon!
"Nymira is a standalone harmony instrument designed around the circle of fifths. Its sonic engine draws from the overtone series, offering detailed timbral control across seven individual partials. Two distinct models explore different synthesis methods; one rooted in additive FM synthesis, the other in classic subtractive design. Together, they provide a new, expressive way to shape rich and complex harmonic textures."
Playlist:
1. Introducing Nymira
2. Nymira, by Terraphones
3. what we don't say... (ambient wooden electronic musical instrument performance)
Cheat Code for Chord Progressions • The Circle of Fifths with Terraphones Nymira
"Terraphones shows me Nymira, a new synthesizer and MIDI controller based on the Circle of Fifths that makes playing chords and advanced harmony feel like cheating."
✶ CHAPTERS ✶
00:00 – Intro
00:32 – Overview
01:22 – Learning Nymira
01:46 – Harmonic Map
02:40 – Combining Chords
03:37 – Open Voicings
03:58 – Terraphones Concept
04:19 – Additive Mode
04:53 – Subtractive Mode
05:33 – Sus Chords
06:16 – Granular Mode
06:56 – Latching Chords
07:14 – Granular Mode Jitter
07:46 – The Circle as a Path
08:27 – Resolving Chords
08:50 – Nymira as a MIDI Controller
10:22 – Relative Movement
11:21 – Free Play
11:42 – Advanced Harmonic Moves
12:47 – The Zones
17:03 – Eureka!
17:35 – Thank you
18:14 – Outro"
"Nymira is a standalone harmony instrument designed around the circle of fifths. Its sonic engine draws from the overtone series, offering detailed timbral control across seven individual partials. Three distinct models explore different synthesis methods; one rooted in additive FM synthesis, another in classic subtractive design, and one based on granular synthesis. Together, they provide a new, expressive way to shape rich and complex harmonic textures.
Nymira is the only instrument in the world that maps the Circle of Fifths to a physical interface. Nymira is designed with Western harmonic theory at the core, allowing you to discover beautiful chord progressions that are much harder to play on other instruments.
Like all Terraphones, Nymira is assembled by hand, and is housed in solid walnut. Underneath Nymira’s keys are Cherry MX Silent Red keyswitches that offer a clean, tactile experience. With the ability to run on four rechargeable AA batteries, Nymira lets you play anywhere. Inside Nymira are two surface transducers that turn the walnut enclosure into a speaker of its own. Playing Nymira in this mode allows you to hear its warm sonic engine played through the walls of its walnut housing. Nymira also excels in the studio. It is equipped with USB MIDI out, and a stereo 1/4" audio output. If you don’t want to use batteries, Nymira can be powered via USB-C with any device that supplies 4-17 volts.
~~~
Nymira is made by Thomas Adam Billings, the sole creator of Terraphones. Every part of Nymira is ethically sourced, assembled by hand, with solid walnut sourced and milled in the United States of America. By purchasing Nymira, you are directly funding the ongoing research and development of a new wave of natural, electroacoustic musical instruments.
– $1200 –
50 units available for pre-order. Expected lead time : 6-10 weeks
Shipping to North America, South America, the UK, the EU, and Australia."
"Aurelia is a wind instrument that bridges acoustic expression and electronic sound. It responds to both breath and touch, translating natural, human gestures into rich melodies. Aurelia’s key layout is unique to all other wind instruments, giving you the ability to play in every major and minor key with equal ease. Aurelia was created to feel as inviting to the novice as it is deeply expressive to the professional.
Aurelia’s keys use Cherry MX Silent Red keyswitches, giving you the accuracy and speed that can be found on the most well-tuned wind instruments. Housed in a handmade, solid walnut enclosure, Aurelia has a striking visual aesthetic that also feels extremely comfortable in the hands.
Aurelia has a unique sonic engine that uses warm, analog-modeled oscillators, creating a gradient of sound qualities that work well with both acoustic and electronic musical environments.
While playing solo melodies is at Aurelia’s core, it also has a Counterpoint Mode that will harmonize with you as you play. Just choose a key, and Aurelia will figure out the rest.
Aurelia is designed for portability. It can run on four rechargeable AA batteries, and has a built-in speaker. With USB MIDI out and a 1/4" stereo audio out, Aurelia excels in studio and live performance settings as well. Aurelia can be powered via USB-C with any device that supplies 4-17 volts.
~~~ Aurelia is made by Thomas Adam Billings, the sole creator of Terraphones. Every part of Aurelia is ethically sourced, assembled by hand, with solid walnut sourced and milled in the United States of America. By purchasing Aurelia, you are directly funding the ongoing research and development of a new wave of natural, electroacoustic musical instruments.
– $650 –
0 units available for pre-order. Expected lead time : 6-10 weeks
Shipping to North America, South America, the UK, the EU, and Australia."
"Have worked on this on and off for a couple of months. The basic outline of the track took shape fairly quickly, then the familiar self-doubts crept in and I spun for a while. Not seeing a way to move forward, I stopped working on it. The holidays came and went, and I left this project in stasis. But when I finally came back to it with fresh ears, I could sort of see a path forward. I reworked parts and found the groove again.
I think the bass in this is probably the most interesting part, it came about from experiments with MIDI FX on Hapax, using random LFOs to influence filter and amp settings on the OB6, creating this off-kilter wobbly sound with some funkiness. That then inspired the percussion.
The major players in this are: 3Rd Wave (the opening sound), OB-6 on bass, Prophet, Digitakt, Digitone doing background ambience, Minilogue, and a sprinkling of the Make Noise NUSS system."
🌌 "Fractured Atmospheres" is a collection of 50 atmospheric and experimental presets for Xfer Serum 2, made for producers who want emotional, evolving, and dark sounds with character. The soundset moves between soft and pleasant atmospheres and noisy, unstable, and abstract tones, making it suitable for both musical ideas and sound design.
💾 The bank of presets includes: 12 Pads, 12 Strings, 14 Textures, and 12 Drones.
📦 Get these presets: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/p/seru... 👤 The author of the soundset is Ilian. ❗️Compatible only with Serum 2. Not compatible with Serum 1.
💎 The soundset is built around contrast and imperfection, drawing inspiration from natural phenomena, mental states, and inner anomalies. Pads and strings blend smooth, emotional, and airy tones with subtle noise, creating fragile, lo-fi, and cinematic atmospheres, while textures and drones move into darker, noisier, and more atonal territory.
Shaped by slow or fast, evolving modulation, the presets feel expressive and alive, working as musical layers, background ambiences, or standalone soundscapes.
"The Roland CR-78 CompuRhythm is one of the most iconic drum machines ever made — and now it’s back as a stunningly accurate ACB emulation inside Roland Cloud. In this video I take a deep dive into the CR-78 plugin, exploring its legendary analog sound, programmable patterns, classic rhythms, and all the powerful new features that go far beyond the original 1978 hardware.
The original CR-78 was the world’s first programmable drum machine and became famous for its warm analog voices, signature presets and musical groove. It appeared on countless classic records — from Phil Collins and Blondie to early synth-pop, post-punk and electronic pioneers.
Sound shaping with decay, tuning, gain and metallic tone
MIDI CC control and DAW automation
Live performance workflow and pattern programming
Why this is so much more than just a retro drum machine
If you love vintage drum machines, classic analog rhythms, synthwave, post-punk, electronic music production or hardware-accurate software instruments, this is one you don’t want to miss.
🎛 Classic analog warmth
🥁 Programmable rhythms & fills
🎚 Deep sound design
🎹 Full MIDI control
🔥 Perfect for synthwave, electro, indie, pop & film scoring
The CR-78 may look simple — but it’s a seriously powerful creative tool once you start digging in."
"The Korg Phase8 has been present in the collective synth-nerd consciousness for a few years, as Korg’s Berlin skunkworks department have slowly released details and demo’d prototypes, most notably at the last two Superbooth events. An iconic, mainstream synth manufacturer like Korg, exploring and experimenting with an entirely new concept in how synthesis can be used was an exciting prospect, and captured a lot of people’s imaginations - mine included.
I was lucky enough to find time to explore those prototypes at the previous two Superbooths, and even more lucky to have Korg approach me with a completed production model to make a video about.
The final model is an impressive physical instrument, with Korg Berlin’s industrial design chops on display, but I’m here mostly to talk about the sound and the functionality of the Phase 8, so in this video I’ll explore how it operates solo, how it can be integrated into a larger setup, try out some “extended techniques” and discuss where I feel the Phase 8 could be pushed further.
Transparency notice: Korg kindly sent over the Phase8 to make videos about. They haven't requested or been granted any oversight of the contents of the videos. I haven't otherwise been paid, but I do get to keep the unit shown in this video."
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:04 What is Phase8? 03:36 Voices, Resonators and Tuning 06:17 The voice controls 07:58 The Air Control 09:03 The Mod Effects 12:44 The Sequencer 17:51 "Strum" 18:57 Control Voltage and Sync 22:13 MIDI control and CC 27:25 Can it DRONE? 29:35 Acoustic Feedback 31:53 Phase8's Untapped Potential 40:30 Final Thoughts
"Explore Phase8 at home with my multisamples on Patreon: ► / loopop"
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:45 Overview
3:15 Vel & env
3:55 Buttons
5:30 Air fader
6:00 Shift
6:20 Pluck
6:50 Drones
7:20 Drone jam
7:50 Build & IO
8:15 In the box
8:35 Mod left
8:55 Mod right
10:25 Mod center
10:50 Settings
11:25 Center #2
11:45 Step seq
12:35 Live seq
13:55 Automation
15:25 MIDI
15:45 Pros & cons
19:00 Three jams
The Phase8 has finally made it to market. Check with dealers on the right for availability.
Press release follows:
KORG Introduces phase8, an Eight-Voice Acoustic Synthesizer
MELVILLE, NY - KORG announces the phase8, an eight-voice acoustic synthesizer designed for musicians and creators who want sound that feels alive, immediate, and deeply responsive. Using Acoustic Synthesis technology developed at KORG, phase8 merges physically vibrating steel resonators with precise electronic control to deliver an instrument that behaves like an acoustic object while offering the creative flexibility of a synthesizer. It answers the need for a new kind of expressive electronic instrument by generating sound in the physical world, responding to touch and interaction, and integrating seamlessly into today’s creative setups through MIDI, USB-MIDI, Sync, and CV connectivity.
At the heart of phase8 are eight independent electromechanical voices driving steel resonators to produce genuinely acoustic vibration. KORG supplies 13 chromatically tuned resonators with the instrument, eight of which can be installed at a time, allowing players to customize the tuning, scale, and character of their setup. Through envelope control, these resonators can move from short, percussive hits to long, sustained tones, encouraging hands-on exploration and performance. The resonators are easily swappable and tunable, making the instrument adaptable to individual playing approaches and musical environments.
phase8 has been designed not only to sound organic, but to feel interactive in use. Players are invited to shape sound directly, touching, plucking, strumming, or tapping the resonators, or even experimenting with found objects to introduce new textures. An AIR slider lets users boost or quiet the acoustic response of what they bring into contact with the instrument, enhancing its tactile, haptic character and underscoring its role as a physical instrument as much as an electronic device.
For structured creativity, phase8 features an intuitive sequencer that supports both step programming and unquantized live recording, with step skip available per voice to enable complex polymetric rhythms. Sequences can be stored and recalled across eight memory slots, while all front-panel parameters can be automated using the record function, allowing evolving passages and detailed motion to be captured directly into performance. Three modulation modes are available, including tremolo and two pitch-dependent audio-rate modulation types, with the final mode offering optional harmonic quantization. A trigger delay, controllable via the instrument’s shift knob, allows delayed resonator triggers relative to the selected or synchronized tempo, further expanding rhythmic expression.
phase8 is designed to integrate effortlessly into modern creative workflows. External MIDI devices can trigger the Acoustic Synth, while the phase8 sequencer can, in turn, trigger external MIDI instruments over MIDI or USB-MIDI. Tempo synchronization is available over MIDI, USB-MIDI, and Sync, and CV input (±5V) allows parameter control from compatible analogue hardware. The instrument provides MIDI TRS-A In/Out, USB-C for USB-MIDI and firmware, Sync In/Out, a ¼-inch line audio output, and a 3.5mm headphone output.
Practical considerations match the innovation inside. phase8 runs on a 12V AC adaptor and consumes 4.8W of power. It measures 231 x 236.5 x 46 mm, weighs 1.71 kg, and ships with an AC adaptor, hex key, Quick Start Guide, Precautions Sheet, and five more resonators alongside the included chromatically tuned set.
phase8 is a new chapter in expressive instrument design, bringing together acoustic behavior, electronic precision, real-time interaction, and deep sequencing control in a compact, performance-ready form.
For more information, please visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.korg.com.
Small group shot further below. Be sure to see the full set for more.
P.S. Brian also had an iPad with the following to say:
"Had fun showing Textquencer app , it converts text to midi notes, quite the sequencer, the letter A is the root note. I used our mailing list as the source text 😁. It’s also good with foreign languages with a lot of vowels like Hawaiian or Native American sources.
I also think Igor Vasiliev’s GLITCHSCAPER app for percussion is great, certainly not an 808/909 cliche"
Also: "in that picture I did an a/b comparison between the $5k Easel and the $200 KORG [Volca] modular with midi hack, and IMHO the KORG did pretty good😛"
Check with dealers on the right for availability and price.
Playlist:
1. CITADEL ALCHEMIST & Kastle 2+Citadel DIY Kits & more NEWS from Bastl!
We built a fantasy world of magical music machines with the FX Wizard multi-effect, the Wave Bard sample player and the Alchemist synth that live in battery powered Kastle 2 format and the Citadel eurorack version. We are excited to not only announce the late arrival of the Citadel Alchemist Eurorack module to the party, but to let everyone know that all the instruments are now available as DIY kits and that we are partially open-sourcing it so the world we started could be expanded by many others."
2. Bastl CITADEL Alchemist - All Synth Modes preview
"A complete preview of Alchemist's Synth Modes with a quick preview of the Dual FX and a small jam."
Chapters:
00:00 Filter
00:44 FM
01:32 Supersaw
02:25 Hypersine
03:24 GlitchNoise
03:41 Dual FX
04:27 Small Jam and patching
3. Hello Alchemist ! Bastl Citadel synth engine rave to experimental - Stazma and Bastl Instruments
Alchemist is now EURORACK... into the CITADEL!!!!!
So here we go checking out how this synth engine will play out with his other citadel friend the Wave Bard in breakbeat torture mode.
Also a cool oportunity to play around the Diktaat from Mzourack to trigger both units in a performative way.
Citadel Alchemist is a patchable hybrid-synthesis based eurorack module that empowers you in discovering melodies and even harmonies despite being monophonic. Patch programmable sequencing via the control signals into the two PITCH MOD inputs opens up a world of melodic inspiration beyond classic arpeggios while staying in your preferred SCALE.
5 synthesis modes The Alchemist has a carefully tuned wide timbral range spanning across 5 synthesis modes (FILTER, FM, HYPERSINE, SUPERSAW and GLITCHNOISE) accessed by main TIMBRE sweep that is refined by the RATIO control.
The ENV macro knob affects different parts of the synth and sequencing engine to maximize musicality and it even lets you continually morph between the synthesis modes and access truly unique sounds. The timbral palette is further extended by the dual FX section which offers either a wide delay that will smear the arpeggios into echoed harmonies or a chorus-flanger-distortion-combfilter macro custom tuned for each synth mode. You can also access gliding rubber textures with the PITCH SLIDE macro that applies pitch envelope and portamento. You can customize its rhythms and scales with the web-based editor. Modulate anything All main parameters can be modulated and tightly sequenced by the surprisingly powerful CV and GATE pattern generator. Create groovy off-grid beats using the built-in LFO, which can be synced, reset, or left to run freely.
"We patch both modules together, sync them via Mother-32, and explore how they interact with DFAM, Labyrinth, and Teenage Engineering Rhythm for a wild semi-modular jam.
The D-Thing+ transforms the Moog DFAM, adding reset, swing, step control, micro-timing, shuffle, reverse, random modes, and MIDI/CV clocking — turning a brilliant but limited sequencer into a powerful performance instrument.
The L-Thing is built to pair with Moog’s Labyrinth, providing dual clocks, polymeter and polyrhythm modes, Euclidean rhythm options, and generative sequencing that pushes Labyrinth far beyond its stock behavior — while still working with any CV-capable synth.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Intro: Serendipity + what we’re testing 0:23 — Why DFAM needs this (no reset, studio workflow) 2:23 — D-Thing+ reset explained (DFAM’s biggest quirk) 2:52 — Step length control (1–8 steps) 3:43 — Multi menu: step loops beyond 8 steps 4:58 — Micro menu: per-step microtiming / swing feel 5:02 — Sequencer modes overview (normal, reverse, bounce, odd/even, shuffle) 6:34 — Random mode + MIDI/CV modes 8:35 — L-Thing intro + what it unlocks on Labyrinth 10:03 — Patching L-Thing to Labyrinth (clock + bit flip) 11:06 — Sync setup: D-Thing+ clocking L-Thing + reset in sync 11:34 — LFOs + using it with other Moog (Grandmother/Matriarch) 12:44 — Polymeter setup: beats/bar + length tricks 13:42 — Polyrhythm mode (firmware note + chaos) 14:59 — Fast performance tweaks / weirdness 17:56 — Wrap-up: who these are for + closing
The D-Thing is a device that adds significant capabilities to the DFAM (or Edge) sequencer, such as:
MIDI integration — clocking and individual step play,
Reset — manual, via CV or via MIDI,
Variations in the step order — Forward, Reverse, Bounce, Odds & Evens, Shuffle, Random and Custom,
Changing the sequence length — 1 to 8 steps (up to 16 steps for a custom step order),
Step repeat — assign a play count of up to 8 times to any step,
Off-grid timing — swing beat as well as arbitrary shifts away from the beat.
THE FLAGSHIP OF ALL STANDALONES MPC XL has everything you need for pro-level music making. It features ultra-responsive MPCe pads, a dedicated step sequencer, touch-sensitive Q-Links with OLED displays, a next-gen 8-core processor, 16 GB RAM, hands-on performance controls, advanced sequencing tools, deep I/O connectivity, and so much more. Integrated with MPC3 OS, this system supports up to 32 plugin instruments, 16 audio tracks, and 256 voices, making it a studio-grade workhorse.
A COMPLETE STUDIO CENTERPIECE The flagship of all standalone music production systems, MPC XL is an all-in-one studio hub. Produce your entire album, drive your external hardware, and command your setup from one powerful instrument—no computer required.
POWERFUL PROCESSING Powered by a new Gen 2 8-core processor with 16GB of RAM, MPC XL delivers four times the performance of previous MPCs. Load multiple plugin instruments, run complex sessions, and navigate your projects without interruption.
CREATIVE CONTROL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology brings a new level of expression to beatmaking and production. Each pad features four distinct quadrants, enabling advanced X/Y control, sound morphing, looping, layering, and modulation for the most dynamic playing experience.
"Gyro is a real-time loop instrument plugin (VST/AU) for creating personalized melodic loops as you play. Powered by a multi-layer hybrid engine, generative patterns & chords, and rich FX chains."
Gyro 1.1 Free Update - User Samples, MIDI Out & More - 10K Audio
video upload by 10K Audio
"Out now: Gyro 1.1 by 10K Audio
https://10k.audio/gyro
What’s new in Gyro 1.1:
• User Samples (Pro) — Load your own samples into one or more layers.
• MIDI Out — Route each sequencer lane to its own MIDI channel to drive other instruments.
• Pattern + Chord Locks — Lock your Pattern and/or Chord while browsing main presets.
This is a free update for all users.
00:00 Intro
00:14 User Samples
01:33 MIDI Out
02:53 Chord & Pattern Locks
"Roland Juno-60 in near mint condition. This iconic 1980s analog polysynth is known for its lush, warm pads, punchy basses, and the legendary built-in chorus that has defined countless classic tracks.
I purchased this directly from the original owner who bought it brand new. There are barely any scratches on the whole synth just some very light scratches and a small mark on one wood side panel. This is by far the cleanest Juno-60 I’ve seen on Reverb in the past year.
Condition:
Cosmetic: Excellent overall; minimal wear with a tiny mark on one wood side panel. Functional: Fully functional—all keys, sliders, switches, patch memory, and chorus work perfectly. Maintenance: Recently cleaned and serviced; ready to play or record. Features: 61 keys, 6-voice polyphony Classic Roland analog VCOs and VCFs Signature built-in chorus effect Patch memory for 56 presets MIDI retrofit possible
This Juno-60 is an exceptionally clean example, perfect for collectors, performers, or studio use. Don’t miss your chance to own one of the most beloved analog synths of all time!"
"My devices can be found here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/
In this video, I step through the process of syncing a bytebeat incantation to a drum loop.
I'm using the Phantasmal Force MIDI controller to send MIDI clock to a Zeptocore (for drums) and MIDI notes to the Prismatic Spray II to playback a melodic sequence.
The method I'm using here works well when you are starting with the Prismatic Spray II, and then matching the tempo of your external drums/sequence to it."
KORG Introduces KAOSS PAD V: A Touch Evolution for Modern Performance and Production
MELVILLE, NY - Korg announces the new KAOSS PAD V, a reimagined evolution of its expressive touch-based effects platform, designed for the way musicians, producers, performers, and content creators work today. Building on the iconic KAOSS approach, the new unit arrives as a powerful real-time sound manipulation tool for vocalists, instrumentalists, producers, and performers delivering an advanced dual-touch control surface with expanded effects and sampling on stage, in the studio, and in streaming environments today by reacting instantly to gestures, shaping sound through intuitive touch interaction, and integrating seamlessly into contemporary setups. The KAOSS PAD V centers on a redesigned touch interface capable of responding to two simultaneous gestures, allowing users to control paired parameters at once and create evolving textures, layered movement, and dynamic transitions in real time. Filter and delay, pitch and reverb, modulation and feedback, and many other combinations become fluid, tactile musical expressions rather than static settings, helping performances feel more alive and interactive. Connectivity and integration play a key role in this new generation. KAOSS PAD V supports MIC, LINE, and USB inputs simultaneously, enabling vocals, instruments, and computer audio to blend into a unified performance system. A balanced microphone preamp ensures clean vocal input, while a dedicated high-impedance input allows electric guitars and basses to connect directly without added hardware. An integrated USB audio interface streamlines recording, processing, and streaming, making it equally suited to DAW workflows, livestream setups, and headphone monitoring. A newly designed power circuit and refined audio path support low-noise, stable operation whether used in performance venues, studios, or creative spaces anywhere music is made.
Vocal creativity takes a significant step forward with the new Voice FX engine, providing harmonies, vocoder-style layers, pitch-morphed tonal shaping, and expressive textures applied in real time. The platform even allows users to control external MIDI equipment with their voice, opening distinctive performance possibilities that extend beyond traditional effects processing. Guitarists and bassists also gain a powerful new performance partner. With direct connection via the dedicated high-impedance input, KAOSS PAD V offers fingertip-controlled ambient swells, rhythmic modulation, time-based glitch elements, atmospheric reverbs, and other expressive textures, all shaped by movement across the pad rather than menu navigation or fixed parameter adjustment.
Sampling and looping are built directly into the creative workflow. Users can capture up to eight bars depending on tempo, overdub layers as they perform, keep precise loop positioning during playback, and keep performances rhythmically grounded through BPM-synced Step Hold operation. Multiple playback and slicing options support creative rearrangement, making KAOSS PAD V a capable tool for remixing, live improvisation, and evolving pattern creation. Honoring its lineage while expanding its scope, KAOSS PAD V provides access to a curated range of classic KAOSS effects alongside refreshed modern processing, from filters, delays, reverbs, and modulation to advanced voice shaping and contemporary textures. Users can further refine their sound using onboard editing tools, tailoring parameters, creating customized variations, saving personal presets directly to the device, and even adjusting pad-LED color and program behavior to suit their workflow. With 300 total programs available - 200 factory presets and 100 user location - plus support for external SD or SDHC cards, the platform balances immediacy with depth.
Compact, robust, and designed for real-time expression, KAOSS PAD V measures 210 mm wide by 226 mm deep by 49 mm high and weighs approximately 1.3 kg (excluding power supply). It includes RCA line input and output connections, balanced/unbalanced MIC/GUITAR input, headphone output, MIDI In/Out, USB connectivity, and ships with an AC adapter and Quick Start Guide. Operating stability from 0 to +40°C ensures reliability across environments. With KAOSS PAD V, Korg advances the KAOSS concept into a new era, keeping the immediacy and visual interaction that made the series a staple while deepening control, expanding sonic capability, and aligning the platform with today’s creative demands. For more information, please visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.korg.com.
"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]
