"Burg is a great way to start with modular synthesis and plugging in patchcables ;) It provides you with all necessary tools to start your modular journey now. It is a standalone synth voice, complex multi FX processor, controller for external gear or all at once. The perfect companion to any setup, if you already have modular stuff, wanna connect with instruments or other gear. It can work for many different musical approaches and creative processes, it bridges between the analog modular world and external gear. The unique combination of circuits let you customize your desired sound in all analogue ways.
18 individual and characterful modules allow you to explore beautiful and weird interactions. You can easily create dynamic melodies, harmonic drones, weird noises and outer space sound effects. If you plug-in an instrument, a microphone, your favorite tunes or the internal sounds, it is easy to modulate any signal with a crispy filter (wasp-style), a wavefolder, some heavy distortion and a double delay to glitch your mind away. With 55 patching points in total, possible combinations are almost endless. The intuitive touchpad interface gives easy control over multiple CV and gate signals at the same time and is the main modulation source of the Burg system.
Two light dependent controllers guarantee a unique behavior and can be modified easily according to your needs or for experiments. Also other modules can be modified by exchanging components on the back plate, so customizing the frequency range of the oscillators/LFOs or shaping your individual clipping distortion with different types of diodes is possible.
There are two power bus connectors on the backplate so Burg can be used as a power supply for other eurorack modules as well. The internal power supply can be powered with USB-C (barrel jack) from 9V to 18V (center positive) and can work as a power supply for small modular racks using a flying bus cable."
Check with dealers on the right on pricing and availability.
"This is your official introduction to the Neutral Labs Luna - a new lunetta-style “groovebox” desktop & eurorack compatible synth. It’s patch programmable, letting you both create tones and rhythms from 5 oscillators (2 with step sequencers inside), logic and pattern generators, all at the same time. Three 'LPG's take the raw tones and let you gate and filter them. 13 effects in 2 blocks effect and shape sounds further.
Enormous thanks to Martin at Neutral Labs for commissioning me to make a vid of this. The world needs more shift registers. Note: I used my own red Tiptop Audio Stackcables in the video, but the desktop module comes with 12 braided patch cables."
Neutral Labs Luna – the first serious Lunetta synthesizer
"Join us for an exploration of what Lunetta Synthesizers are, what the new Luna from Neutral Labs is and why you should care.
The short answer is that it’s an interesting series of raw digital building blocks from a sonic sculptor (Stanley Lunetta) with lots of modern quality of life features that allow you to approach timbre as rhythm, rhythm as timbre then round that out with low pass gates and FX.
More info at https://neutral-labs.com"
*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
INTRO 00:00 Hello & previews 02:13 What is a Lunetta synthesizer? 02:54 What is Luna? 04:07 Luna feature run down 06:14 How this video is a bit different
PATCHES & SOUNDS 07:05 Comb filter drones for dark industrial soundtracks 07:55 Hypnotic drones & dual oscillator lead lines 11:20 Bouncing bass & low end swells 11:55 New rhythms from AND & XOR logic 16:05 Fireside crackles & sputtering motorbike engines 16:35 Characterful lo fi LPGs & FX for modular synth voices 19:04 Ambient gritty echoes for happy synth blips 19:29 Shift register rhythms - gate delayed musical canons for your rhythms 23:25 Metallic bass hits & interactive rhythms 23:56 Modulation ‘hooks’ from binary counter clock dividing 26:39 Experimental expressive noise wrangling 27:05 Binary counter sub octaves & external modulation of filter FX 29:12 Alien critters clashing into ambient space 29:48 Monstrous sounds from multiplexing 33:13 Metallic synthesis & bell like tones & swells 33:49 Metallic synthesis for cymbals + dynamic LPG modulation
"Logic, Unbound. Meet Luna. The first serious Lunetta synthesizer.
Look beyond clean waveforms and predictable polyphony. Luna will take you back to a time when digital didn’t mean perfect. It meant raw. Inspired by the subterranean DIY culture of the 70s and 80s, Luna is a love letter to the Lunetta machines of old: Living, breathing organisms built from CMOS logic chips. But where those machines were fragile experiments, Luna is a weaponized instrument of sonic confusion.
The Nervous System Exposed. True to the Neutral Labs philosophy, we don’t believe in hiding the magic behind an opaque face plate. Luna features exposed CMOS inputs and outputs right on the front panel. You're not just patching cables, you are rewiring the brain of the synthesizer itself. Combine signals, bend logic, and physically intervene in the computation to create sounds that shouldn't exist.
Rhythm is Timbre. Timbre is Rhythm. In the world of Luna, there is no difference between a sequencer and an oscillator. The same digital pulse that drives a bass line can be accelerated into a screeching lead or folded into a metallic drone.
5 oscillators provide the raw material. A chaotic array of logic blocks (XOR, NOT, AND, shift registers, counters, multiplexer) will chew up those signals and spit out complex, evolving mathematical noise.
Taming the Digital Mess. Raw logic can be harsh. To turn this binary chaos into music, Luna feeds its digital soul through 3 organic low-pass gates. These analog circuits impart a natural decay and percussive punch to the madness, transforming mathematical errors into bongos, plucks, and thumping basslines.
Drench it in Atmosphere. Once you’ve constructed your signal, destroy it again. Luna comes equipped with a suite of effects — distortion, delay, reverb, chorus, bitcrusher, phaser and more — to smear your logic into a wash of ambient bliss or gritty industrial texture.
5 oscillators logic gates (2 XOR, 2 NOT, 2 AND) 5 logic blocks (5-step ring counter,4-bit binary counter, 2 shift registers, 4-channel multiplexer) 3 touchpads that generate logic signals 3 channels for audio manipulation (low-pass gates with adjustable decay and switchable trigger mode, gain, tilt EQ) 13 audio effects that can be freely assigned to 2 effect slots running in series (drive, delay, reverb, 6 filter types, bitcrusher, phaser, chorus, comb filter) CV control for effects and 2 oscillators MIDI control over 2 oscillators, all 3 low-pass gates, and 3 logic outputs (MIDI TRS A socket) 2 sequencers with up to 64 steps, syncable to clock or MIDI audio output is headphone compatible available as a desktop synth or 42 HP Eurorack module (desktop version comes with a 12-pack of black/gold braided patch cables) See more videos and photos on Instagram.
Note: For sustainability reasons, the desktop version does not come with a USB power supply, just a USB-A to USB-C cable. You will need a 5V supply, such as a phone charger, power bank or laptop.
Note: The desktop version has a Eurorack power header and can be placed into a Eurorack. The desktop case however has 5V USB power and no Eurorack rails, you cannot use it as a 42 HP rack without modifications."
Back to 2000s XV series was one of the most powerful digital modules with its flexible engine & beautiful sound combined with great set of effects & drums.
Why its so cool?
Cause besides pianos, bells, cowbells & cheesy accordions, GM applause and Bang! presets - its capable to create great analog sounds, the deepest ambient textures, great moving sequences.
Its like a hardware 'Omnisphere' synth with huge effort.
So – what was our first desire when we get our black box?
To create our own soundset for the legend with modern approach ofcourse!
So here it is: 'Planet XV' Soundset by LFO.store team: Nick Klimenko & Kirill Polikashin.
128 presets splitted on:
Vintage analog-like basses & modern digital wavetable
Vintage & Modern leads (yes, Klaus Schulze spirit also there)
Deepest ambient pads, space drones & tonal soundscapes
Modern sequences you never heard or seen before on JV
Beautiful bells, plucks & rhytmic structures
Fx's with modular approach (cause, why not?)
Great emulations of classic legends: Moog, Jupiter, JX-series, CS & others.
Enjoy the sounds and rediscover XV world with our soundset!"
Spotted this one searching the TEDx Talks channel for the recently taken down Sounds of Tomorrow video. I'm not finding this one with Ģirts of Erica Synths on the site, so up it goes. Note it's from 2019 and an interesting look back on the time.
Video description:
"Instruments can open a world of opportunity for creative expression. And when that instrument is a synthesizer, that opportunity becomes nearly limitless. What does it take to open the floodgates of creative exploration? In the mind of Girts Ozolins, it takes making musical instruments more accessible to the masses. Girts' interest in electronics, electronic music and synthesizers developed when he was only twelve years old. Now he is a founder of Erica Synths, a successful company that develops, manufactures, and exports electronic music instruments. They are used by thousands of people around the world — some worth mentioning include Martin Gore from the English electronic band Depeche Mode and the famous German composer Hans Zimmer.
Erica Synths' main export products are modular synthesizers — they're played in every corner of the world, covering every continent except Antarctica.
Girts strongly believes that electronic music technologies are the best combination of creativity and engineering. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx"
"The Fieldtone Weaver is a two-second sampler with a single knob, no undo, and no going back. Now it's in eurorack.
Weaver captures two seconds of audio - via the built-in microphone or audio input - and instantly randomises it into evolving loops, rhythms, and textures. Every turn of the knob generates a completely new variation. Nothing saves, nothing recalls. It's the ultimate happy accidents machine.
The modular version adds individual level control for three loop elements, trigger outputs that double as a random rhythm generator, a pitch switch, clock sync, and CV control - which works differently to what you might expect. I go into detail on all of this.
🔗 LINKS
Fieldtone Instruments: https://fieldtone.uk
Soundgas interview with Hugh Jones: • The Gas Club, Episode 1 - Hugh Jones, Fiel... [below]
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
01:56 - Panel walkthrough
15:27 - Synth patch
16:25 - Weaving my voice!
17:04 - Granular textures, duet with Bunker Archaeology
18:21 - While my guitar gently weaves
20:42 - Claps and finger clicks on the contact mic
22:30 - CV controlled synth washes
23:06 - Pacifica weaves
24:36 - FInal thoughts and a closing Plaits patch.
"Welcome to our new series, The Gas Club. Where we meet people who make things - be that music, recording devices, or instruments.
In the first episode Tony meets Hugh Jones of Fieldtone Instruments at the Soundgas HQ to explore the history of Fieldtone's celebration creations. They take a deep dive into Hugh's journey from musician/engineer to designer/builder of the Box of Uncertainty, The Weaver one knob handheld sampler and brand new Weaver Module plus a sneak peak at what to expect next from Fieldtone in 2026.
Tony and Hugh discuss the joy of sonic adventure and gear designed to produce happy accidents and the experiences of bringing new creations to the world."
A few pics and details on Weaver Eurorack:
Weaver Modular from Fieldtone is a Eurorack format version of the highly in demand Weaver handheld sampler that featured in music tech tastemaker Andrew Huang’s year round up as his Favourite Desktop FX module of 2024. The modular edition builds on the functionality of the original by adding a variety of additional control.
The Weaver is no ordinary audio sampler, it is a meditation on impermanence and chance. With a single, enigmatic knob, it embraces randomness as an artistic principle, reconfiguring two-second sound bites into hypnotic loops and evolving textures. There is no undo button, no way back once a sound is captured; the Weaver insists that you move forward, shaping the unpredictable into rhythm or texture with nothing more than a twist of the wrist or control voltage change.
New functionality on the device includes separate level controls of different elements of the loop, as well as 3 x trigger outputs which turns the device into a random rhythm generator for which you don't even need to be using the sampling capabilities. You can trigger the Recording start via CV, allowing you to keep replacing the sample whilst the loop continuously plays - something that works beautifully with acoustic sound sources such as guitar or voice, as well as electronics. A switch has also been added to select between Random or Root note sympathetic pitch playback.
Features:
Single-knob audio sampler focussed on randomness and exploration
Capture sound via built-in microphone or input jack
Fixed two-second sample time
No undo function, every knob movement generates a new loop
External sync via Clock input
Stereo output on separate L&R sockets with rich spatial movement
Separate level controls for 3 different elements of the loop
3 x gate outputs for triggering other sources
Toggle to switch between Texture and Rhythm modes
Toggle to switch between Root or Random pitch
Gate/trigger input to control Recording start
Gate/trigger input to control Weaver knob
Can be used as random rhythm generator without needing to use the sampler
"Coming in hot after Hieroglyphic's first release 'Plume' here we have OPALINA which is a stereo spectral playground. It's billed as a filter network, with triple band pass resonator modes and an isolator multi mode network. It has multi band outputs for creative modular processing, with the including expander it also has specific (and stereo) low mid and high band inputs. Loads to go at, but distilled down into exploring 3 patches here for our 3 PATCHES series of videos."
*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
The broader, patch by patch sections are in ALL CAPS and sub sections that might be useful to skip to are all lower case.
INTRO 00:00 Hello & previews 00:57 What is Opalina & what are we doing? 01:33 Feature run down 04:00 PATCH 1 // RAW SOUNDS & OSCILLATOR SHAPING 04.22 The raw sound of the resonator & isolator modes 05.49 Building a VCO shaping patch 07.24 Patching FX sends from specific frequency bands 08.25 Series channel patching for steeper filter slopes & more resonance 09.41 v/oct tracking
BONUS HYPNOPTIC MULTIBAND FILTER PINGS 11:40 / divkid for the full patch run down
PATCH 2 // SPECTRAL MIXING 12:45 Creative spectral mixing for multiple FX modules 15.15 Creating a multi band spectral mix 16.24 Modulating a spectral mix 17.32 Audio rate modulation 18:51 Spectral drum FX 20:43 Spectral Rings FX 22:51 PATCH 3 // MULTIBAND MODULAR PROCESSING
Stereo state-variable filter networks configurable in two modes. RESONATOR is a triple bandpass alignment, emphasizing resonant peaks and formants. ISOLATOR is a cascaded state-variable topology with variable mid-bandwidth for use as resonant crossover.
· RESONATOR: triple bandpass filters with vc peak span and resonance. 12db/oct filter slopes.
· ISOLATOR: cascaded state-variable filters with vc bandwidth and resonance. 24db/oct filter slopes.
"Ultimate Patches has just released the all-new Moog Messenger Ultimate Patches: 200 high-quality presets with classic sounds spanning the 30s / 50s / 60s / 70s / 80s / 90s / 00s / 10s / 20s with polys, pads, leads, keys, basses, percussion and fx, and classic non-synth instruments including acoustic and electric guitars / basses, acoustic pianos, rhodes and wurlitzer electric pianos, B3 / Vox / Farfisa organs, clavinet, vibraphone, accordion, harmonica, various world / orchestral instruments, and many others.
The collection spans the genres of classic and modern pop & rock, cinematic, orchestral, hiphop, vaporwave, retrocade, country, latin, R&B, reggae, jazz, chiptune, reggaeton, country, dubstep, tech/deep/retro house, trance, modular, experimental, synthwave, retropop and more.
Pricing & Availability: Available now as an instant digital download at ultimatepatches.com starting at $19.99 per volume.
Check with dealers on the right for price and availability.
"Magnolia is an eight-voice analog through-zero linear FM synthesizer. Besides the classic analog polysynth sounds, its design allows programming some less conventional timbres closer to the world of modular synthesizers, and especially of the so-called “complex oscillators.”
Magnolia allows to bring modular synthesis techniques in the world of analog polysynths, with all the known advantages of the latter: polyphony, immediacy of use, powerful sound, and those little unpredictable details generally known as “analog warmth.”
Magnolia is a highly playable instrument thanks to its expressive Fatar keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and encourages sound exploration through its large and relaxing front panel.
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.
"In this video, I explore an extremely rare electronic instrument called the Touché, created by Buchla and Associates in 1980. Filmed at the Buchla Archives in Vancouver, this is a rare opportunity to hear and see an instrument that very few people have ever encountered firsthand. Only around five Touchés are known to have been built, and very few remain functional today. Because of this, the instrument has remained largely absent from public performance and documentation. This video helps bridge that gap by sharing the Touché’s sound, design, and historical context.
While Don Buchla is best known for his modular synthesizers such as the 100 and 200 Series, he also created a number of non-modular, computer-based instruments that explored new relationships between performance, software, and sound. The Touché is one such instrument. Conceived by Don Buchla in collaboration with composer David Rosenboom, it is a bi-timbral, eight-voice polyphonic keyboard instrument that combines digital sound generation, analog processing, and computer-mediated control.
The video begins with a historical overview of how the Touché grew out of Buchla’s computer-controlled instruments of the 1970s, including the 300 Series systems. From there, the video moves into a detailed walkthrough of Touché’s sound architecture, including many musical demos.
This video was created in collaboration with the Buchla Archives, an organization dedicated to the thorough and thoughtful documentation and preservation of Donald Buchla’s work.
Special thank you to Ryan Gaston and David Rosenboom for research assistance."
"This video, shot informally in the Ensemble Room at Mills College in 1983, contains the only footage known of David Rosenboom playing his 1981 composition Nova Wind from Future Travel. In it, he plays the legendary Touché—digital/analog keyboard instrument produced in collaboration with Donald Buchla in 1979-1980—, violin, piano, and ancillary electronics. A complete studio recording of Future Travel was released first on a vinyl LP by Street Records in 1981 and later on a double-CD from New World Records in 2007."
55 alive Presets are ready to go to your production & boost your creativity. 5 Arps, 8 Basses, 5 Sequences,Polys, Pads,Strings,Plucks,Keys.
'Organica' soundset with one of the deepest patches you heard on Behringer Wave will immerse you in the world of deep atmosphere, cosmic pads & drones, rich & huge polyphonic sounds, modular-like alive arps & sequences and many more!
Yep - we're headed back to California for NAMM - and more! Here's the scoop:
Events
Thursday January 22:
Registration opens for our NAMM giveaway!
Friday January 23:
Anthony Marinelli at our booth
Blue Meanie All Day: See the rarest ARP there is! Nicknamed the "Blue Marvin" after ARP's CFO, Marvin Cohen, due to its bright blue metal case and unique features - while the actual name was "Blue Marvin," the nickname "Blue Meanie" stuck! Only about 25 were made in 1971, making them highly sought after.
ARP 2600: Drew Schlesinger demonstrates patches using the 2600 software included in the Korg Collection VST
Saturday January 24
Artists at our booth - TBA
Giveaways at 4:00pm:
Poster signed by Martin Gore
Soul of the Machine CDs
And one lucky person will win the full Korg Collection 6:
Magical sounds, authentically re-created by KORG.
The ultimate synthesizer suite for the ages.
The KORG Collection is a suite of software synthesizers that methodically and accurately recreates the authentic sound and behavior of legendary KORG synthesizers for the present day and beyond. The KORG Collection project began with analogue synths such as the MS-20, Polysix and Mono/Poly, and has steadily evolved to include digital synths such as the world’s most popular synth, the legendary microKORG, the workstation classics M1 and TRITON, and physical modeling synthesis from the renowned Prophecy. The KORG Collection even includes the ARP ODYSSEY and ARP 2600, both revived for the 21st century by KORG.
In 2025, KORG added three legendary instruments to the KORG Collection – each an icon of its era, celebrated for their distinctive presence and heard over decades in countless classic tracks. The TRINITY, PS-3300 and SGX-2.
As if NAMM weren't enough all on its own - there's Buchla & Friends on Sunday, January 24.
Buchla & Friends is January’s biggest two-day collection of hands-on synths on the West Coast! If you love creative sound, you need to be here. With a pre-party on Thursday, afterparty on Saturday, and two days of exploring all the greatest gear, Buchla & Friends is an essential start to the new year.
They're gathering over 90 synth makers in one awesome Downtown Los Angeles location so you can learn, listen, and live the latest in electronic music sound production. This hands-on, headphones-only gathering gives you a chance to hear the best sounds science has ever created. From additive to subtractive, analog to digital, keyboards to breath, audio to visual, modular to full-size polyphonic, eurorack to Serge to Buchla, you’ll meet synth makers and synth enthusiasts alike.
"The brand new ALM Busy Circuits Pamela’s Disco bridges the world of DJing and modular synth patching in a new and unique way. Utilizing the Pro DJ Link™ protocol, Disco extracts tempo and clock data from the source material and allows you to sync your patch to the track that is playing on the CDJ, even when adjusting speed, playback direction or nudging the track with the platter.
Live performance with a hybrid DJ/hardware setup just got a lot more interesting!
In this reel the modular synth provides a tempo synced beat to a previously beatless Aphex Twin track.
Pamela's Disco is in stock and ready to ship at https://nightlife-electronics.com Or, if you're in the zone, come and try it in person!"
"In this video, we dive into Drumkid, Stolperbeats, and IDUM, three standout options for producers who want glitchy, experimental, and rhythmically complex results. Whether you’re building an IDM-focused Eurorack system or just searching for inspiration in hardware, this comparison breaks down the pros and cons of each module and how each fits into a modern workflow. Perfect for fans advanced rhythmic experimentation, this guide helps you decide which module best supports evolving beats, controlled chaos, and unconventional groove creation in a live or studio setup."
Ohmforce Bohm: Sculpting Transients and Reducing Boom
video upload by Metamyther
"At a community member's request, I made this quick video exploring how to reduce boominess and amplify the transient on several Bohm kick drum models."
Chapters:
00:00 - Model 1
02:45 - Model 2
04:10 - Model 3
05:12 - Model 4
"Rattle Battle is an in-depth, side-by-side comparison of four distinctive Eurorack hi-hat modules—Archer's Rig, Clutch, Metalloid, and Noise Plethora. Focusing on sonic character, modulation depth, metallic texture, noise generation, and real-world patching workflows, this shootout highlights how each module handles closed and open hi-hats and sculpting of metallic percussive timbres. Whether you’re building a hard-hitting techno drum voice, experimenting with noise-based percussion, or searching for the perfect hi-hat module to cut through a dense modular mix, this comparison is tailored to producers who demand hands-on hardware control, gritty sound design, and uncompromising modular performance."
Very excited to share Jeanie Store with you! It’s an extension of my own modular journey, which began with a simple curiosity that quickly turned into an endless source of discovery, exploration, and pure fun.
I wanted to create a place where anyone searching for a unique voice could have that same moment of inspiration I once had. Here, we can share knowledge, play music and connect over the incredible world of sounds.
I firmly believe that all frequencies born of love will eventually resonate!"
"A 5 minute journey into the world of live modular synthesizers, featuring the essential Echo Cinematic module which bases its design on the dub reggae trick of connecting a tape echo into the mixing desk, passing it through the EQ and then sending it back onto itself. Its the perfect feedback loop that teeters on the brink of instability and chaos but rewards with rhythmic beats dripping with trance-like textures."
"Absynth is back and better than ever. The legendary semi-modular synth built for evolving textures, immersive atmospheres, and expressive sound – now with new presets, a reimagined Mutator, Preset Explorer, surround sound and MPE support, plus much more."
And a few supporting member videos followed by the press release with images:
"Read my full review here: https://www.databroth.com/blog/absynt...
Join me December 12th at 9 AM PT in the Native Instruments discord as I live stream Absynth 6
1. Absynth 6 Review is Here: The King of Cloudy Pads Returns #absynth6 #absynth #nativeinstruments
"Native Instruments has finally released Absynth 6! In this exclusive first look review, we dive deep into the completely redesigned GUI, the new MPE capabilities, and the massive library of new presets Ocean Swift helped design.
After years of waiting, the legendary semi-modular synthesizer is back. As one of the external sound designers for this release, we've spent months exploring the new engine. In this video, we break down exactly what makes Absynth special and why the new UX modernization changes the game for sound designers and composers.
We cover everything from the new HD Mode and browsing workflow to the advanced envelope shapers that made Absynth famous - now easier to use than ever.
00:00:00 Absynth Is Back! 00:01:16 UX and UI Remake 00:03:15 Revamped Macros 00:04:22 MPE and PolyAT 00:06:22 New Synthesis 00:08:00 Browsing 00:08:27 New Presets 00:09:48 Get +780 Presets! 00:11:13 New Samples 00:13:10 In Love"
2. Absynth 6 - Design a Patch From Scratch | Layers, Clouds, Macros & Note FX #absynth6 #sounddesign
Along the way we explore the unique features that make Absynth special: working with all three layers, using per-layer envelopes, dialing in note-aware effects, assigning macros, shaping clouds and filters, and sprinkling in small tricks and workflow tidbits.
By the end of the video you’ll have a clear understanding of how to approach your own Absynth 6 patch design - whether you’re after cloudy pads, moving textures or more experimental tones.
If you’re just getting into Absynth 6 or want to go deeper than presets, this walkthrough will help you unlock the synth’s semi-modular possibilities and design your own signature sounds.
Press release follows:
Native Instruments makes things “Weird by Design” with the return of fan-favorite soft-synth Absynth 6
The semi-modular powerhouse, overhauled for a new generation of musicians, featuring full MPE polyphonic aftertouch, surround support and an AI-powered browser
Mother-32 SN 35763
DFAM SN 26738
Subharmonicon SN 14722
4-Channel Summing Mixer SN 4245
"This bundle of three of Moog's semi-modular synths, DFAM (Drummer From Another Mother), MOTHER32, SUBHARMONICON was specially packaged by the company as a great starter for beginners and professional musicians wanting to get into the modular synth world. This set is beautifully boxed, and shows the love that Moog puts into its products. I have used the synths, but never used or pinned up the posters, sticker or cut outs. They are all untouched. I did play with the patch exploration cards that helped me to learn modular patching to a better extent (Still a full deck).
Moog has discontinued this package, much to the disappointment of many Moog fans. You can still buy the modules separately, but without all the extras that make this set so much fun.
CONTENTS: Moog Sound Studio’s full bundle comes with a three tiered rack with a cable rack that can be attached to store patch cables, custom dust cover, audio mixer, patch book and cables. Other items in the package contain a synth exploration card game and custom artwork by Moog, a Moog screwdriver and Moog pouch for the cables, MIDI patch cable to patch to outboard midi keyboards. I'm adding extra patch cables that weren't in the original purchase" + "'skins' or layovers mimicking the original Moog Matriarch colors which I'm including in the package."
"Afternoon exploration session with 3 silver boxes, the Elektron Machinedrum handling the beat and the classic SID Station led by the Lightreft Monolit on the 2.0β firmware.
Machinedrum keeps things tight and mechanical while the SID Station focuses on texture. Bit-grit, noise edges, and shifting timbres.
Just experimenting, seeing how far the monolit can take Midi Automation over an IDM groove. #machinedrum #sidstation #idm"
####
The LightReft Monolit made its first appearance on the site earlier this month in another video by HANJŌ.
The following is a playlist featuring dditional demos, followed by some pics and details further below.
Playlist (in most recent order - video 7 is from one year ago):
1. Monolit Sequencer
2. Machinedrum + Monolit : Simple Setup
3. MONOLIT x DECKARD'S DREAM MK2
4. Monolit: Quick Tips for Hardware Users
In this video, we demonstrate how Monolit connects seamlessly with synths, grooveboxes, and samplers — no computer needed. No deep menus, no distractions — just a clean interface and immediate control.
We explore different scenarios where Monolit shines: real-time MIDI control, clock generation, note and CC mapping, automation, and even gamepad integration. Hand-built in Japan, Monolit is a minimal yet powerful tool for artists seeking intuitive, hands-on control.
5. Monolit Firmware 1.2.0: Unlocking New MIDI Control Features!
In this video, we dive into the new features introduced in Monolit firmware v1.2.0. From advanced MIDI routing to external slider control and dynamic button functions — Monolit just got a serious upgrade. We’re showcasing a dual-Monolit setup, where one unit controls the other, which is connected to an Elektron Monomachine.
6. Monolit × Octatrack — Live Performance Control Demo | LightReft
Welcome to the first tutorial on the MONOLIT device! In this 40+ minute video, you’ll get acquainted with the essential settings, programming, and MIDI control on MONOLIT, while exploring the device’s unique capabilities. This session covers the key aspects of working with MONOLIT, making it an ideal guide for musicians and producers who want to master its full potential.
Main topics covered: Initial setup and connecting MONOLIT Programming and MIDI control Using functions and operational modes
Dive into the world of sound with this introduction to MONOLIT! Tutorial by Tim Shatny.
"MONOLIT by Light Reft
A smart, modular MIDI computer built for live performance and smooth integration with any setup.
Monolit is not a controller you map once to forget.
It is a playable instrument - a physical interface that lets you shape sound through motion, record gestures as automation, and turn parameters into something alive.
Designed for those who don’t just adjust sound, but perform it.
WHY MONOLIT?
A motion driven MIDI instrument for live sound shaping, expressive sequencing, and gestural automation. 8 banks with 64 controls per preset Real-time MIDI automation and parameter morphing Seamless DAW + hardware integration USB, TRS-MIDI, external device support Customizable, minimal, and fast. MEET MONOLIT, YOUR NEW MULTIFUNCTIONAL MIDI COMPANION! MONOLIT by Light Reft is a cutting-edge, multifunctional MIDI-computer that transforms your music production experience. Designed for musicians who seek precision and flexibility, MONOLIT offers seamless integration with all DAWs and hardware devices, customizable presets, and an intuitive interface for effortless control and creativity. Whether you're diving into your DAW or jamming out with external hardware instruments, MONOLIT has you covered. An endless library of presets at your fingertips—each one offering 8 banks, with 8 sliders and 8 buttons per bank. That's a whole lot of control!
For each slider and button, we present a range of versatile options. You can record MIDI automation, set delay times for slider movements, send notes and LFOs, and adjust various parameters directly within the device. This flexibility ensures that you have complete control over every detail of your setup. But it doesn't stop there. MONOLIT is as versatile as you are, allowing you to connect other devices like Gamepads, Keyboards, Monome Grid , or any MIDI device you fancy. This means you can take command of your entire setup, all through one sleek, powerful interface. Whether you're crafting the perfect beat, tweaking synths, or anything in between, MONOLIT is the tool that brings your musical ideas to life with ease and style. Designed and assembled in Japan, MONOLIT is ready to be shipped worldwide.
"Links to companies featured: https://dfaudio.com.au/ https://www.feed-me-synthesis.co.uk/ https://www.herzlichlabs.com/ https://tiptopaudio.com/stackcable/ https://www.st-modular.de/workmates
Semi-modular synths are great, and even with a sizable eurorack set-up I find myself gravitating to these complete, self-contained instruments more and more, to get the enjoyment of patching without the option paralysis that a full modular synth sometimes inspires.
Nevertheless the big benefit that a full modular set-up gives you is that expandability and flexibility to build out what your setup is capable of by adding or swapping out modules.
But semi-modular lovers need not feel left out! There are numerous bits of kit out there which can help you get more from your semi-modular synths, expanding their capabilities and sonic palettes.
Transparency notice: The DF Audio Nano-U was kindly provided to me by DF Audio for the purposes of featuring it in some videos and I am permitted to keep it. The Slewp and Slide has been kindly lent to me by Feed Me Synthesis for the purposes of featuring it in this video.
Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:15 Tiptop Stackcables 04:52 The World of 0HP Utilities 14:15 Herzlich Labs MMI Node 16:55 DF Audio Nano-U 26:07 Feed Me Synthesis Slewp and Slide 38:06 Outro
