Shakmat Modular Ballista Blast Synth Voice Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Ballista Blast is a hybrid synth voice with classic waveforms, wavetables and some funky FM with multiple algorithms. It has a great filter, useful envelope and lots of CV for modulation. There's also an expander which adds a hardwired LFO that can modulate a whole bunch of stuff simultaneously. There is a tiny screen and some menu diving but it's very playable and sounds pretty awesome to me. Let's have a poke!"

Xaoc Devices Kamieniec II - new features!

video upload by Xaoc Devices

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

XAOC Devices Kamieniec II Phaser and Allpass Expansion Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology




"KAMIENIEC II
ANALOG RESONANT PHASE ROTATOR

ALLPASS EXTENSION

MODELS OF 1977

Introducing two new Xaoc Devices products: Kamieniec II and its Allpass Expansion sidekick. Kamieniec II is an updated and extended revision of Kamieniec - our analog module inspired by a range of classic phaser effect units from the 1970s. We aimed to preserve the classic sound while making Kamieniec versatile enough to shine with any modular sound source. The newly released module shares the basic specifications with its predecessor: 4 and 6-stage outputs, built in triangle LFO (with a separate output in the true modular spirit), manual resonance control (up to extremely high values), and spicy feedback routing modes. On the other hand, Kamieniec II is a truly new beast with redesigned circuitry and new features, such as voltage control over resonance, a third feedback mode, and an LFO reset input. We have retained the chaining feature and we are glad to say Kamieniec II is fully compatible with the original Kamieniec, so you can easily mix and match both generations of the module should you develop a craving for more stages.

Want even more stages without sacrificing precious HP in your case? We've got you covered. Enter the Allpass Expansion - an optional circuit board installed at the back of Kamieniec II. It adds up to 16 sweepable stages for a total of 22 (!), making Kamieniec II one of the most multidimensional and versatile analog phasers available in Eurorack.

Oh, and one last thing - Kamieniec II is 10HP.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synth East 2026 Highlights & Performances

video upload by Molten Music Technology

Playlist:

1. Synth East 2025 Highlights

As the dust and electrons settle on another Synth East it's good to spend a little time reliving those moments of synthesizer loveliness. Here are your Synth East 2026 highlights.

2. Synth East 2025 Norwich Synth Club Performances

Two performances from members of the Norwich Synth Club. The first group are called A Vector in Hilbert Space and the second group are called D A C 3.

For more information about the club go here: / norwichsynth [Facebook]

3. Synth East 2025 All-Star Patch-Off

Draw two modular artists out of a hat and persuade them to improvise live on stage - that is the Patch-Off and these are your stars:
Paulee Bow - / @magicalsynthadventure3216
Finlay Shakespeare - https://finlayshakespeare.bandcamp.com/
Nicki from Dots - https://www.iamseeingdots.co.uk/
Gaz Williams - / gazwilliams
Steve Davis - https://theutopiastrong.bandcamp.com/
Robin Vincent - https://moltenmusictechnology.com/
Visuals by Sloon - / sloon_visuals

4. Synth East 2025 Magical Molten Modular Synth Adventure

Saturday night performance by Paulee Bow and Robin Vincent posing as the Magical Molten Modular Synth Adventure.

Paulee Bow - / @magicalsynthadventure3216 Robin Vincent - https://moltenmusictechnology.com/
Visuals by Sloon - / sloon_visuals

And one from Robin Rimbaud-Scanner's channel:

Live at Synth East Norwich (21 Feb 2026)

video upload by Robin Rimbaud-Scanner

"A selection of the opening sequence of music I performed at Synth East in Norwich recently, supporting my old sonic pals Cabaret Voltaire."

Molten Music Monthly February 2026 - Synth East Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"A compact show for you this month but still full of exciting happenings and quirky bits of gear. I'll have a full report on Synth East next week all being well and do come along to the Live Stream on Sunday night at 8pm."

Index - 0:00
Intro - 0:12
Synth East - 0:31
Look Mum No Computer Eurovision 2026 - 5:55
FlatSix Modular Shroud of Turing - 9:35
Musical Beings Tembo - 11:10
GRM Tools Atelier - 14:29
Eventide Music Mouse - 16:35
NOMN FOAM - 18:12
Gooey Audio Next - 20:03
Safari Audio Superkeys Cubby - 21:!5
Cherry Audio SH-MAX - 22:28
Waldorf Protein - 24:13
Infinite Digits Ezeptocore - 25:32
Otter Mods - 26:50
Tembra Modules - 28:49
York Modular - 30:24
Sonic RetroCast - 33:15
Synth South West - 35:03
Synth Picnic - 37:46
Coming up - 39:53

Sequential Fourm Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Does this compact 4-voice analogue synth have what it takes to be a serious synth? The Fourm is neat, capable, sounds like a Sequential synth and has an elegant simplicity that really appeals to me."

The Transparentsea effects comes from here - https://gintronic.io/

MIDI SysEx Transfer Utility - https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pf...

Index:
Intro and sounds demo - 0:00
Physicality - 17:59
Front Panel Overview - 26:06
Patch from Scratch - 34:24
Conclusions - 1:00:04

Arturia Introduces KeyStep 37 mk2

Playlist:

1. Tutorial | KeyStep 37 mk2 | Overview
2. Arturia KeyStep 37 MK2 // All the new features it unlocks // Review & Tutorial - loopop
3. Arturia KeyStep 37 Mk2 Review - Molten Music Technology
4. Arturia KEYSTEP 37 MK2 — My New Favorite MIDI Keyboard! = BoBeats
5. Arturia Keystep 37 Mk2 Review and Demo - Starsky Carr

Check with dealers on the right on pricing and availability.

KeyStep 37 mk2 is the go-to compact controller and sequencer. Combining extended playability, enhanced hands-on control, visual feedback, and deep connectivity. It makes it ideal for jamming, live performing, and finding new musical ideas with any hybrid setup.

_Features

KeyStep 37 mk2 builds upon the original with new generative tools like Mutate, a clearer OLED interface, extended connectivity, a more powerful sequencer and arpeggiator and a refreshed design.

_Sequencer with pattern chaining and unquantized recording

From live feel to locked grooves, edit or evolve your ideas

_Mutate, Spice, Phrase Arpeggiator

Transform sequences instantly without stopping the music.

_Scale and Chord Modes

Stay musical, create harmonies, or keep it experimental.

_What’s new?

KeyStep 37 mk2 has more physical controls:

5 more keys, 2 additional buttons and 4 knobs to control sub-menus.

This drastically enhances the overall playability of the instrument while keeping the same amount of functionality.

Users also get additional visual feedback on the Keystep 37 mk2 compared to the KeyStep mk2 as there's a strip of 39 LEDS over the keybed that indicates notes played by the keyboard.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synth East 2026 Final Update

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Synth East is this weekend! Saturday is all sold out, both the daytime Expo and the evening Gig. If you have spare tickets, please get in touch as I have a list of people who would love to buy them off you!

Still room on Friday:
https://norwichartscentre.co.uk/event...

And a couple of seats left in our DIY workshop on Sunday:
https://norwichartscentre.co.uk/event..."

Telepathic Instruments Orchid - Fun or Frivolous?

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Here's my review of the achingly hip and cool Orchid Chord Synth thingy from Telepathic Instruments and Tame Impala. Does it have any value as a useful piece of compostional technology or is it simply a musical toy for posh people?"

What is it about the Oberheim TEO-5?

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"We've had the TEO-5 analogue synthesizer on show at the last couple of Synth Picnic events and it's consistently the synth people like the most. Let's have a wander through it's gooey electrical circuits to see if we can work out why."

https://oberheim.com/products/teo-5/

AtoV Faderpunk Controller - First Impressions

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"I opened the box in the afternoon and by the evening I was using it at a gig - that's how easy the Faderpunk is to use and configure. 16 channels of totally useful CV and modular control, well designed and working right now."

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Overview - 4:25
Sequencer - 6:02
Adding CV Control - 8:08
LFOs - 10:45
Euclidean Patterns - 12:12
Random Triggers - 14:17
Sequencer 2 - 15:45
Configurator - 23:45
Conclusion - 30:46

Shakmat Bishop's Miscellany Mk2 Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Bishop's Miscellany Mk2 is a dual channel sequence recorder, melody generator, note processor and song-building engine that offers some fabulous real-time controls once you gel with the interface. Very versatile, packed with features, fiddly screen but a lot of fun and possibility. Let me take you through it."

Divergent Waves Sycamore & Oak Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Sycamore is a two-channel melody maker that borrows from both the Turing Machine and an unfinished Mutable Instruments project to produce alarmingly engaging music. You can choose a scale and push notes about, add and remove notes, range up octaves, 'mutate' single notes or 'seed' entirely new ones. Oak provides some gate outputs and a load of extra control over the Sycamore. It's an absolute delight of a module. I'm using it in a very mellow way in this video but it can be anything you want."

This appears to be the first post to feature Oak.

"Oak is an expander to Sycamore which adds some useful features to the original module. Trigger outputs on every step, every note change, and at the start of each loop allow for creative patches that stay in time with the melody. Scale shuffle, previously only accessible via a long press on Sycamore, expands Sycamore with interesting patch-programmable quantization options.

The loop can be reset back to the first step after a trigger input or button press.

Sycamore’s four main parameters that control the loop - Shift, Quantize, Length, and Range - may also be locked at the press of a button."

ARTURIA Introduces AstroLab 37 | Avant-garde stage keyboard

video uploads by Arturia

Check with dealers on the right for availability and pricing.

"Imagine a compact keyboard uniting the most iconic sounds in a single instrument. Engineered for liftoff, AstroLab 37 redefines what a compact performance keyboard can be, combining an unrivalled sound palette, intuitive controls, and a seamless studio-to-stage workflow – play and create beyond limits."

Playlist:

1. AstroLab 37 | Avant-garde stage keyboard | ARTURIA
2. Overview | AstroLab 37
3. Is the Arturia AstroLab 37 the Best Compact Stage Keyboard? - Reverb (available here)
4. Arturia Astrolab 37 vs 61/88 // and a cheat to give it more hands-on control // Review, tutorial - loopop
5. Arturia AstroLab 37 Review – After 6 Weeks of Real Use - Sineway
6. Arturia Astrolab 37 Review - Molten Music Technology
7. Is this the Ultimate Portable Performance Synth? Arturia AstroLab 37 Review & Demo - Starsky Carr

"Arturia releases AstroLab 37, a compact stage keyboard that brings the full power of the AstroLab ecosystem into a portable, performance-ready format.

Completing the AstroLab line-up, it delivers the same deep sound engines, streamlined workflow, and studio-to-stage continuity as the 61- and 88-key models - now in a 37-key, road-ready design that makes it the ultimate creative companion on the move.

_Ignite your inspiration
Engineered for liftoff, AstroLab 37 redefines what a compact performance keyboard can be. Combining an unrivalled sound palette with intuitive controls and a seamless studio-to-stage experience - perform with confidence and limitless sonic freedom.

Featuring a 37-key slim keybed with aftertouch, a vocoder, and powerful creative tools, turn any idea into fast-moving solos, dynamic leads, and unforgettable hooks."



AstroLab 37 packs the power of the AstroLab range into a compact format.

Engineered for liftoff, AstroLab 37 redefines what a compact performance keyboard can be. Combining an unrivaled sound palette with intuitive controls and a seamless studio-to-stage experience, it empowers musicians to perform with confidence and limitless sonic freedom.

Built on 25 years of innovation, it frees keyboardists from constraints with 11 advanced sound engines, seamless workflow, and a playing experience that’s intuitive, expressive, and fearless.

This isn’t just a new keyboard. It’s a new era.

Ignite your inspiration.

Instantly access a universe of reference synths, classic keyboards, acoustic instruments, and cinematic hybrids - all deeply customizable via onboard controls. The 37 slim-key slim keyboard with aftertouch, vocoder, and performance modes turns ideas into fast-moving solos, dynamic leads, and unforgettable hooks.

Own the stage.

Purpose-built for live: rugged, responsive, and completely standalone. Power up, pick a sound, shape it in real-time and deliver pure musical expression wherever you play - ultra-low latency.

Compact by design.

From studios and stages to bedrooms and DJ booths, AstroLab 37 adapts to every space. Road-ready construction, expressive keys, and instant sound recall make it the ultimate creative companion on the move.

Made to explore.

Edit your presets on-the-fly or dive deeper with Analog Lab on desktop or AstroLab Connect on mobile. Seamlessly transition between studio and stage and let your creativity flow uninterrupted, exactly the way you want it.

AstroLab 37 is a versatile, lightweight companion for musicians who move between studio, stage, and multi-instrument setups — ideal as a second keyboard for band members, a flexible live instrument, or a portable tool for producers on the go.

● 44 instruments, 11 sound engines, 1.800+ presets
● 37 slim keys with aftertouch
● 10 instant-access preset buttons
● 4 macro knobs with LED feedback
● 4 FX knobs, including dedicated Delay & Reverb
● Vocoder-ready mono input
● Color screen + navigation encoder for fast browsing
● Software ecosystem: Analog Lab Pro + AstroLab Connect
● Extensive connectivity: MIDI I/O, USB-C, USB-A host, balanced
mono I/O, mic input, Bluetooth audio, WiFi, pedal input

CLICK FOR MORE »

Divergent Waves Sycamore playing Four Seas and Friends

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"A quick demo of my newly built Sycamore melody generator. It's running into the Four Seas wavetable thingy, which is being filtered via the Riot VCF, into the Trifecta effects. Meanwhile an Ona VCO is pumping the second channel through a Gemini Vintage filter. There's some modulation too!"
Divergent Waves - Sycamore Demo

video upload by Divergent Waves Mar 1, 2024

"Sycamore is a looping, quantized, randomised sequencer with 45 scales to choose from, as well as a few tricks up its sleeve...

Sycamore is based on the (Cancelled) Mutable Instruments Seeds module, which itself was likely an exploration of Turing Machine like sequencing with a little more control."

"Sycamore is a random looping sequencer with quantization and a wide range of scales. The quantized loop can be shifted, mutated, tweaked and otherwise fiddled with in a number of interesting ways.

With CV over almost all the internal parameters, Sycamore allows for tight control over the loop, while maintaining performability with comfortably spaced knobs.

Some advanced features are accessible through a one-layer menu to allow for more deep tweaking of harmonies, delay, and scale quantization - however, Sycamore is perfectly usable without touching these at all!

Sycamore makes use of CircuitPython for its program code, allowing for easy modification and tweaking should you wish to do so. The module also features an i2c expansion port reserved for future use, or for you own hacking.

Synth Picnic - 8th November - What's New?

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"The next Synth Picnic is this Saturday, from 10:30am in the Honesty Library, Castle Quarter. New synths include the Pittsburgh Voltage Lab 2, Herbs & Stones, Neutral Labs and more.

Rentals - https://synthpicnic.com/modular-rentals/"

ARTURIA Introduces KeyStep mk2 | Step Into Your Next Idea

video upload by Arturia

Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability.

"The KeyStep DNA, evolved. With expanded connectivity, real-time generative tools and hands-on OLED control, KeyStep mk2 refines every detail of the original - letting you shape, transform, and perform ideas faster than ever."

Tutorial | KeyStep mk2 - Overview

video upload by Arturia

"Join Brendan for an introductory tour of KeyStep mk2. Discover its core features from advanced sequencing and generative sound creation to OLED control and deep CV/MIDI/USB-C connectivity - a centrepiece for hybrid setups and keeping your ideas evolving.

_CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:54 Front Panel
01:51 Sequencer
03:50 Sequencer & Mutate
06:04 Scale Mode
06:22 Chord Mode
06:57 Arpeggiator
10:11 Extra Features & Back Panel"

User videos:



Playlist:

1. Talking New Keystep MK2 with Arturia’s Product Manager | Generative Arp, Mutate & Sequencer Upgrades - Noisegate
2. Arturia KEYSTEP MK2 // It's not an update, it’s a new composition workflow // v2 Review, tutorial - loopop
3. Arturia KeyStep Mk2 Review - Did they ruin it? - Molten Music Technology
4. Is this cheating? Arturia Keystep MKII // Generate and Mutate at will!! - Starsky Carr

_Step into your next idea

The original KeyStep became a modern classic by giving musicians a simple, reliable way to bridge modular, hardware, and software instruments.

With KeyStep mk2, that formula has evolved in every way that makes sense - becoming more creative, more connected, and more immediate than ever. It introduces Mutate and generative tools, a bright OLED display, and a redesigned sequencer and arpeggiator that make idea generation effortless. KeyStep mk2 is priced at $139 in the USA and 129 € (or $129) in other regions.

_What’s new with KeyStep mk2

Patch into modular, trigger drum machines, and control synths from past and present. With USB-C reliability, DIN MIDI I/O, assignable CV outs, and pedal support, KeyStep mk2 is ready to command any setup - live, in the studio, or on the move.

More creative idea generation

Mutate, Spice/Dice, and real-time transforms for instant variation.

Hardware-first control

OLED display + clickable encoder reduces reliance on MIDI Control Center.

Better connectivity

USB-C, power switch, and an extra CV out (Mod 2) alongside MIDI DIN, Sync I/O, and pedal input.

Upgraded sequencer

8× more memories, unquantized recording, Bend & Mod automation, Undo, step edit, pattern chaining.

Smarter arpeggiator

Classic Arpeggios, Arp Reset to turn arps into phrases, Generative "Arp Pattern" mode provides all sorts of fresh melodies, basslines, chords, using the keys that are pressed.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Strymon SuperKar+ Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"A super-stringy, super-pipey Karplus Strong module with up to 32 voices. SuperKar+ combines a Chord Voice with a polyphonic Solo Voice for a spectacularly useful module that's oozing texture and organic tones."

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Overview - 8:43
MIDI Input - 10:04
CV/Trigger Input - 11:26
Glide - 12:26
Polyphony - 13:19
Tonal Controls - 15:31
Attack - 19:33
Pipe Timbre - 23:44
Chord Voice - 27:16
Chord Voice and Solo Voice together - 30:47
Outputs - 36:00
Modulating - 42:43
Audio Input - 48:16
Bonus MIDI + CV mode - 51:43
Conclusions - 53:47

Strymon SuperKar+ Solo and Chord Voice Jam

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"The SuperKar+ can run a chord voice and a solo voice at the same time and so here's a quick improvised jam playing around with that feature. I'm using MIDI on the solo and CV on the chord - nothing clever going on. Full review coming soon."

OhmForce Bohm Kick Synthesis System Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"How does it take three modules for form a kick drum? The Bohm system will show you why more is definitely more when it comes to kick drums by adding a whole module of techno rumble and another of sidechain ducking and DJ effects for complete kick-driven performance system."

Intro - 0:00
Overview - 5:39
The Kick Drum Models - 6:24
Bohm Groove - 14:58
Bohm Performer - 21:50
Bohm Performer FX - 23:26
Summary - 25:15
Live Modes - 26:19
Conclusions - 34:21
Outro Jam - 39:39

TiNRS Bopp & Steve Deconstructed Reverb Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"This is Not Rocket Science has pulled a reverb apart and spun it into space as a conversation between entities Bopp and Steve. It's a lovely thing. I've also featured the new Strymon SuperKar+ as my sound source - review on that coming soon."