BROOKLYN, NY — The Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo returns October 17–18, transforming a 7,000-square-foot Greenpoint warehouse into an immersive playground for electronic music creators.
Presented in partnership with the legendary Three Wave Music, the Expo offers a strictly in-the-headphones experience — letting attendees demo the latest synthesizers, effects pedals, and modular gear from over 100 brands in a noise-friendly environment.
Nestled in one of Brooklyn's most vibrant musical corridors, the show is expected to draw more about 2,000 visitors, a mix of musicians, producers, and gear enthusiasts.
"Intro to Synthesis" Workshops This year, the Expo expands beyond its large exhibition floor with a new lineup of educational workshops focused on synthesis — from hands-on patch-building sessions to deep dives into modular workflows, led by working artists and builders. A schedule of the workshops will be announced soon.
"Below you'll find a press kit for a historic 2LP/2CD from The Electric Weasel Ensemble, a touring group of electro-acoustic musicians including Donald Buchla and Allan Strange.
Why is this group so important, you ask? Because they were playing Donald Buchla's instruments straight off his workbench and these instruments have gone on to help define the modern modular synthesizer era and business. Thankfully, the music is incredible, too."
Press release follows:
The Electric Weasel Ensemble Strange/Buchla/Ruppenthal/Morse 2LP/2CD
EPK
Release date: Nov 27, 2026
Shifting continuously between minimalistic patterns, intricate soundscapes, and evolving textures of overlapping electronic sonorities, The Electric Weasel Ensemble presents a missing link in the history of electronic music. It is a series of previously-unreleased live recordings from a little-known but trailblazing ensemble of improvisers—equipped with a unique embrace of invented instruments and distinctly 1970s avant-garde sensibilities. This historic music is available on both double LP and double CD.
Founded in 1974 by composer Allen Strange and now-celebrated instrument designer Donald Buchla, The Electric Weasel Ensemble explored new directions in live performance with electronics, using Buchla’s sophisticated and unusual instruments as a launching pad.
Maintained for decades by Ensemble member Stephen Ruppenthal, these recordings include some of the best-preserved examples of Allen Strange’s pioneering compositions: graphically-notated directed improvisations for electronic and electronically processed acoustic instruments. They also offer rare insight into the radical sonic aesthetic that Buchla’s inventions enabled in the Bay Area music scene.
Focused on performance and DIY music distribution, the Electric Weasel Ensemble never widely released their music. Transferred from the original quarter-inch reels at Imprec, mastered for vinyl by Tom Eaton at Sounds and Substance, and pressed at Optimal in Germany, this record is a glimpse into the raw creativity and inventiveness that fueled the early decades of electronic music performance.
Who is the Electric Weasel Ensemble?
How do you build a new type of music from the ground up? The Electric Weasel Ensemble continually orbited this very question: inventing new instruments and, through collective play, learning to communicate in their unfamiliar, emergent languages.
The Weasels operated along the fringes of Northern California’s 1970s music scene, drawing equally from avant-garde and electronic composition, free improvisation, cybernetics, and the Bay Area’s psychedelic-fueled, countercultural spirit. A group of self-proclaimed “music outlaws,” their eclectic, anything-goes approach eschewed traditional notions of harmony, melody, form, and virtuosity—informed by their evolving relationships with new technology.
A new wave of expression is here. The Antonus 3620 is a high-end keyboard controller inspired by the legendary ARP 3620, expanded with advanced CV/MIDI capabilities, dual-zone split mode, built-in sequencer, and a premium Fatar key-bed.
Available in 37-key and 49-key versions, with classic Tolex or modern metal chassis options.
Discover all specs and features: https://antonus-synths.com/3620-2/
Credits
Starring: Fernanda Aleman
Video: Ambar Waegemaeker
Editing: Mica Villafañe
Soundtrack: Free Norman
Production Team: Toni Gutierrez, Xinaxina, Mica Villafañe, Ro Cimmino
Huge thanks to our entire team and everyone involved in bringing this visual teaser to life!"
The Antonus 3620 is a sophisticated keyboard, sequencer, and CV/MIDI controller designed to be an expressive, powerful, logical, and intuitive tool. Inspired by the classic ARP 3620, the Antonus 3620 goes further by incorporating many new features and enhanced connectivity, capable of interacting with both voltage–controlled systems and MIDI devices.
1. Introducing TRAVELER: A Cinematic Hybrid Synthesizer
2. TRAVELER: The Expressive Cinematic Hybrid Synth | Official Walkthrough
3. TRAVELER Track Walkthrough by Venus Theory
"Meet TRAVELER, the expressive cinematic hybrid synthesizer from KeySolutions Sounds.
Designed to move effortlessly from intimate detail to thunderous motion, TRAVELER combines the gravity and depth of classic hardware instruments with a flexible modern sound engine built for composers, producers, performers, and sound designers.
In this video Mike Martin provides a tour of TRAVELER’s features, sound, and expressive possibilities.
Explore TRAVELER download the free 14-day demo and take advantage of the limited time launch offer:
https://www.keysolutionssounds.com/tr...
Traveler's preset library features sounds from Venus Theory, David Helpling, Scott McAuley, Drew Schlesinger, James Dyson, James Terris, Tom Hammer, Jerry Kovarsky, and Mike Martin."
ENDLESS DESTINATIONS
TRAVELER is an artist-built cinematic hybrid synthesizer with bold dreams and is centered around the one thing that sets us all on our way – Expression. From intimate to thunderous, it Instantly rewards dynamics and carries with it a promise of endless musical journeys.
Crafted with passion for composers, producers, and sound designers, TRAVELER brings together the unmistakable gravity and depth of classic hardware instruments with the flexibility to forge entirely new sonic territory. Its familiar, immediate interface and emotionally rewarding sound engine deliver a unique yet unmistakable character, strong sympathetic harmonics and expansive width and motion, inviting sonic exploration from the very first touch.
"The NTS-4 is a compact performance mixer kit designed for modern hardware setups. With six channels (two mono and four stereo), built-in effects, USB-C connectivity, and support for up to 10 audio signals, the NTS-4 makes it easy to bring together volca units, NTS instruments, modular gear, grooveboxes, and desktop synths into one streamlined setup.
In this overview, Fess Grandiose walks through the NTS-4’s flexible channel architecture, Eurorack-compatible mono inputs, dual stereo effects engines, per-channel CUE and MUTE controls, USB-C audio and MIDI connectivity, and the hands-on Nu:Tekt DIY assembly experience.
Features:
• Compact 6-channel performance mixer
• 2 mono + 4 stereo 3.5 mm channels
• Supports up to 10 audio signals
• Eurorack-compatible mono inputs
• Standard 1/4" main outputs
• Per-channel CUE, MUTE, and FX send
• Dual stereo effects engines
• SEND FX + TOTAL FX processing
• Stereo send/return loop
• USB-C audio + MIDI
• Record directly to computers & mobile devices
• Rugged steel chassis
• Nu:Tekt DIY kit assembly
Learn more about the NTS-4: https://bit.ly/4w0QxLQ"
And a user video from supporting member Knobs & Switches:
KORG NTS-4 Performance Mixer Kit
video upload by Knobs & Switches
"Here is my review about the new Korg NTS-4 Performance Mixer Kit together with loads of other Korg gear:
MS20m, Drumlogue, SQ-1, 700Sm, Harmonic Distortion, Opsix, Sigma, Minipops-7, ISE-NIN Single Voice, Ryk M185 Sequencer and of course the NTS-4. The Nu:Tekt Mixer will be released today! Have fun
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:037 Title Track (only the NTS-4’s FX were used)
00:03:04 Epilogue
00:04:41 NTS-4 Run Down
00:08:58 NTS-4 Send FX
00:14:56 NTS-4 Send/Return
00:15:58 NTS-4 Total FX
00:21:19 Conclusion
00:22:47 Outro (only the NTS-4’s FX were used)
Used Equipment: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple iPhone 12, Sony ZV-1, Rode Wireless ME, Universal Audio Apollo Twin Solo, Yamaha MG-06, Steinberg Cubase 15 and Final Cut Pro X"
A compact performance mixer for modern hardware setups
Build the perfect bridge for your music. The NTS-4 brings the flexibility of the Nu:Tekt series to a compact performance mixer kit designed for today’s hardware setups. With six channels (two mono and four stereo minijacks), built-in effects, and USB connectivity, the NTS-4 makes it easy to mix and perform with volca units, NTS instruments, modular gear, and other desktop synths in one place, supporting up to 10 audio signals in a single setup.
From the integrated effects to the steel chassis, every part of the NTS-4 is designed to turn your collection of instruments and gadgets into a professional-grade creative hub.
Meet the upcoming "OAK-S37 Sampling Workstation" keyboard synthesizer.
Playlist with additional details:
1. OAK Sampler Sound Playback and Effects Test
I absolutely love the ASR-10. I’m building a new hardware workstation inspired by the ASR-10 that runs the original OS , effects etc and replicates the HW in a modern form. There will be some updates on the project. This is the boot and general test. Potato speaker recording.
#asr10 #90ssampling
2. OAK Sampler (ASR-10 in Hardware) Sequencing & Sample Editing
I love the ASR-10. I’m building a new hardware sampler inspired by the ASR-10. It can run the original Ensoniq ASR-10 OS and effects algorithms. This video shows sequencing and sample editing on the OAK Sampler.
3. OAK Sampler (ASR-10 in Hardware) vs ASR-10 Sound Comparison
This video compares the OAK-S37 and an the ASR-10 using the same sequence, individual samples, filters, envelopes, and effects.
I recreated “93 ’til Infinity” as a test project using identical files across both systems.
I intend to do a limited first run eventually (no dates yet).
Credits
TRACKLIB Sample Breakdown Souls of Mischief - 93 'til Infinity
Heather - Billy Cobham - Sampled From Vinyl
The Jam - Graham Central Station - Sampled From Vinyl
4. OAK Sampler (ASR-10 in Hardware) Loading Original Ensoniq Sample CDs
In this video I load projects from the original ASR-10 Ensoniq Sample CD. It shows proper playback of the complex arrangements, accurate instruments and effects on the OAK. Totally 90’s.
Credits:
Studio Essentials Vol. 1 CDR-3 Ensoniq Corp
5. OAK Sampler (ASR-10 in Hardware) vs ASR-10 Effects
In this video it’s shows an comparison of the OAK-S and ASR-10 internal effects.
The second half demonstrates live effects monitoring. One of my favorite ASR-10 features was using it as a real-time effects processor, and I wanted that preserved in the OAK-S. It uses effects from the Ensoniq CDR-3 CD banks
Credits:
Effects from Studio Essentials Vol. 1 (CDR-3) Ensoniq Corp.
"Apart from the bass (CYCLE 5) I'm not using any Joranalogue modules for sound generation... but all of the modulation, a lot of the sequencing and triggers are made with, processed by or routed through the Joranalogue modules. They truly are kings of utility (and more). I think it's fair to mention that I used quite a bunch of Schlappi modules for the transposition of the chords as well as Discrete Map by New Systems Instruments for the sequencing of the root of the chord as well as the main clock of the patch."
"⚡ Roma Modulare 2026 is here! The ultimate Expo in Italy for synthesizers and music production welcomes you to Rome!
Explore 1200 square meters of indoor exhibition space to touch and test synth and pro audio products, enjoy captivating live music, and discover the latest trends and innovations in music tech. Get your tickets now!"
L'Opificio Italiacamp - THE LOCATION | Roma Modulare 2026
"We're warming up the engines for Roma Modulare 2026 at L'Opificio Italiacamp, happening September 18-19!
Let's explore the main exhibition area dedicated to synthesizer and music production. Get ready for an immersive experience with pro audio gear, eurorack setups, and captivating live music, all part of our meticulous event planning."
Press Release follows:
Roma Modulare 2026 announced as international synth and pro audio fair at unique new location in central Rome with early bird tickets already available
ROME, ITALY: organisers of Roma Modulare 2026 are proud to announce that the international synth and pro audio fair in question is to be held on September 18-19, 2026 as an unmissable two-day expo in central Rome, representing a journey into electronic music devices where creativity, passion, and experimentation meet at a unique new location — L’Opificio Italiacamp itself being billed as a centre for culture and education, born out of an urban regeneration project in the Ostiense-Marconi district that is one of the most vibrant areas of the capital city — boasting 900 square metres of exhibition space swarming with leading manufacturers of synthesizers and professional audio gear keen to show their latest wares, while early bird tickets are already available for anyone wishing to attend…
Organisers of Roma Modulare 2026 are on record as collectively stating: 'We live in an age where division is the norm, but making music requires unity. Today, the word ‘unity’ takes on a meaning that can profoundly shake and transform our roots and our habits. We want to continue strengthening the community of artists and creatives, who, together, make a valuable contribution to Italian and international music production everyday.'
BEAT GEMS is a premium hardcover book from Bjooks that explores this remarkable history through rare and iconic machines, vivid photography, artist stories, technical insight, and the people who turned boxes of circuits into culture. The book explores more than six decades of electronic music history through the drum machines that changed the way music is made, recorded, and performed.
An inspiring and visually rich book for anyone interested in music technology, design, rhythm, and recording culture, this comprehensive work follows the evolution of drum machines from early experiments and preset rhythm companions to programmable icons, studio powerhouses, genre-defining classics, and the hardware revival of recent decades. The project structure already maps that story across eight major stages – from invention and standardization to creative misuse, programmability, studio control, genre definition, and rebirth.
The book presents comprehensive research, writing, editing, photography, and visual development by author Oli Freke and editor Kim Bjørn.
Thephonoloop announces availability of outlines VI, beautifully blending raw acoustic gestures with tape loops and modular-processed tonal experiments
KATOWICE, POLAND: Thephonoloop is proud to announce availability of outlines as its latest NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) ready VI (virtual instrument) for Native Instruments’ Kontakt Player free sample player — beautifully blending raw acoustic gestures with tape loops and modular-processed tonal experiments to spark musical momentum as the sample-based instruments with character-producing Polish two-person team’s approach to a collection of tonal variations designed to be combined and explored, each preset being an outline of a musical idea ready to be expanded and reshaped into something larger — as of March 12…
About this Pack
Serge Tcherepnin once described his instruments not as tools but as open systems for discovering relationships between sound and control. The Serge Modular Synth is built on this principle. It does not simulate acoustic behavior; it generates its own logic of vibration. Each circuit is an experiment in how voltage can behave as if it were alive.
This sample pack captures that principle through Random Source’s modern Serge system, combining the GTO, GTS, and Res EQ with the reissued 50th Anniversary Paperface. The recordings move fluidly between the precise tension of Eurorack signals and the raw, physical tone of classic 4U banana systems. Every patch was shaped through direct voltage interaction rather than digital post-processing, preserving the unpredictable complexity that defines the Serge approach.
Why Serge Matters
Serge Modular was designed in the 1970s by Serge Tcherepnin. It was created as an open-ended tool for sonic experimentation. Influenced by cybernetics and avant-garde composition, this system rejects musical hierarchies and embraces uncertainty.
In Serge, control voltages and audio signals are treated as equals. The circuits invite exploration through feedback, cross-modulation, and unpredictable interactions. Every patch is a process of discovery rather than reproduction.
This makes Serge a powerful choice for artists seeking sounds that are not pre-shaped or confined by rules. The textures you will find in this pack are unstable, alive, and deeply human.
Inside the Pack
The collection includes loops, one-shots, and drones. It extends from tonal minimalism to complex, evolving noise structures. You will find FM and AM modulations, unstable oscillations, and dark ambient layers that drift beyond equal temperament. There are moments of feedback that verge on collapse, SSG circuits running into chaotic self-modulation, and subtle rhythmic patterns that carry the unmistakable texture of analog uncertainty.
Each sound maintains the distinctive grain of Serge synthesis: harmonic richness without symmetry, motion that arises from interaction rather than programming. This is material for artists who value the tactile quality of electricity, who hear circuits as compositional partners rather than instruments.
Who This Pack Is For
Ideal for producers working in experimental electronic music, sound design, ambient, noise, or techno.
This pack suits those who are not satisfied with polished libraries and are looking for materials that add edge, texture, and risk to their work.
Continuous Evolution
This library is a growing archive. New sounds are added through regular updates at no additional cost for existing users. If you already own the pack, simply log in to your Sellfy account and new files will appear automatically. For those new to the collection, this is an invitation to enter a sonic environment that is never fixed but always evolving.
Not Just a Sample Pack
Some of the included tracks were originally composed as complete works. These can be experienced as finished drone pieces or used as inspiring source material. The lines between sample and sound art are intentionally blurred."
Been working on this for a while and it's finally at a point where I want to share it.
*Tresse* is a standalone polyphonic synthesizer built around Mutable Instruments' Plaits DSP code, running on an ESP32-S3 with a custom PCB. Three voices of polyphony, 38 synthesis engines, USB, DIN/TRS and Bluetooth MIDI, and perhaps Ableton Link and our upcoming stack (VMB) Våld Modular Bus, expected to ship this summer, and which will a new wireless comms protocol with negligible latency, auto discovery and machine mesh capabilities (to be released soon). Also enough knobs and encoders to actually play the thing without menu-diving, and a battery for when you're bored outside of your studio.
*The core idea:* take the full Plaits engine library — all 24 algorithms — and make it polyphonic in a self-contained hardware instrument. Then keep going and add 14 more custom engines on top. There are hundreds of options similar to this in modular systems and i thought why not bring all these god-level creative tools to bedroom, desktop producers who don't have the money or the space (or will) to mingle in the modular space, and bring them one contained box with all they need.
What's inside
*ESP32-S3* doing all the DSP across both cores (voices 0+1 on Core 1, voice 2 on Core 0, parallel render) **PCM5102A DAC**, 24-bit output, 32kHz sample rate *4 pots + 4 rotary encoders* through CD74HC4067 mux and MCP23017 I2C expander *OLED display* (128×64) for patch info, engine select, preset browsing *USB MIDI + BLE MIDI* — works with everything, no adapter needed for wireless Custom PCB, all through-hole friendly
38 engines
The first 24 are straight from Plaits — East Coast, Phase Distortion, all three DX7 variants, Terrain, String/Chords, Chiptune, Wavetable, Speech, Swarm, Particle, the Rings modes, the three drum engines, etc.
Then 14 custom engines built from scratch:
*Karplus-Strong* — proper physical string modeling with excitation morphing (noise → impulse → tonal) *ByteBeat* — 8 classic formulas with pitch-tracked rate, gets wild *CZ Phase Distortion* — Casio CZ-style, three distortion shapes *Supersaw* — up to 7 detuned saws with PWM, the obvious one but it needed to exist *Formant* — vowel synthesis with 3 bandpass resonators, gender shift control *2-Op FM* — clean FM with 13 ratios and operator feedback *Wavefolder* — sine/tri/saw/square source into a proper folder with bias *Noise Drums* — SVF-based with pitch envelope, covers kicks through metallic hits *Modal Resonator* — 8 tuned bandpass partials, morphs from harmonic → bell → bar inharmonicity, with a bowed excitation mode *Sympathetic Strings* — 3 coupled Karplus delay lines with controllable coupling and interval ratios *Comb Resonator* — 4 parallel comb filters with spread control *Drawbars* — organ-style additive with 8 Hammond-ratio partials *Complex Oscillator* — FM into wavefolder, Buchla-adjacent territory *Grain Noise* — granular noise with smoothing, good for textures and pads
Controls
Three parameter layers accessible via toggle buttons:
*Normal* — Timbre, Morph, Harmonics, Color on pots; Attack, Decay, FM, LFO Depth on encoders *MOD* — Fold, Detune, Ring Mod, Chorus on pots; LFO destination/shape/speed/sync on encoders *SHIFT* — Filter Cutoff/Reso/Env/Type on pots; Portamento, Octave, Vibrato depth/speed on encoders
Hold both buttons → engine select overlay. Double-tap MOD → system menu (randomizer, MIDI config, play mode). Double-tap SHIFT → preset browser across three banks (own patches, generated, branches).
Play modes: Poly, Mono, and chord modes (Major, Minor, 7th, Sus4, Power, Octave).
The randomizer is one of my favorite things — it generates random patches with procedural names (stuff like "Velvet Moth" or "Iron Shard"), you scroll through them with the encoder, and save the ones you like to a generated preset bank. 512 slots each for generated and branch presets, 128 for your own.
What it sounds like
Honestly covers a lot of ground. The Plaits engines already span everything from classic analog to FM to physical modeling to noise, and the custom engines fill in some gaps I wanted — proper supersaw, real Karplus-Strong, the modal/sympathetic stuff for metallic and evolving tones, and the ByteBeat engine for when you want to go full chaos. The global FX chain (filter, wavefolder, ring mod, chorus) ties everything together.
The project should be available from April 2026, in kit or assembled units! Price to be discolsed once i have the final FINAL prototype, but shouldn't hurt the wallet.
This is a *Våld Labs* project from Lisbon Portugal. Much more to come.
Would love to hear what people think, and happy to answer questions about the build or the DSP. Be aware that this is a pretty advenced prototype, but still a prototype"
About this Pack
This updated sample pack is composed entirely with Serge Modular Synthesizers — systems known not for emulating instruments, but for redefining how sound is shaped.
Included are raw noise textures, slowly morphing drones, and intricate one-shots captured through extensive patching with Random*Source Eurorack modules and classic Paperface 50 series panels.
Each sound reflects the chaotic elegance of analog voltages in motion. You’ll hear modulations that escape grid-bound sequencing, and timbral behaviors that emerge from complex feedback, slewing, and intermodulation — the kind of detail digital systems rarely capture convincingly.
Why Serge Matters
Serge Modular was designed in the 1970s by Serge Tcherepnin. It was created as an open-ended tool for sonic experimentation. Influenced by cybernetics and avant-garde composition, this system rejects musical hierarchies and embraces uncertainty.
In Serge, control voltages and audio signals are treated as equals. The circuits invite exploration through feedback, cross-modulation, and unpredictable interactions. Every patch is a process of discovery rather than reproduction.
This makes Serge a powerful choice for artists seeking sounds that are not pre-shaped or confined by rules. The textures you will find in this pack are unstable, alive, and deeply human.
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."
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.
CALGARY, Alberta – January 13, 2025 – iConnectivity today announces the highly anticipated follow-up to the industry-standard PlayAUDIO1U, the new PlayAUDIO2U. Building on a reputation of made-to-tour live performance solutions, the PlayAUDIO2U sets a new benchmark for professional touring rigs with a powerful 24 balanced XLR output configuration and four pristine, ultra-low noise microphone preamps. The PlayAUDIO2U interface maintains and improves upon iConnectivity's famous redundancy failover protection for touring musicians, production companies, and any live event where failure is not an option.
The PlayAUDIO2U introduces not only an expanded output count of 24 panel-reinforced XLR outs but also integrates versatile new concepts into iConnectivity's PlayAUDIO range. Four pristine, studio-quality inputs are perfect for injecting vocals, guitars, synths, and other instruments for live processing—all while enjoying iConnectivity's famous redundancy protection.
iConnectivity has always been known for robust MIDI integration. The PlayAUDIO2U is the first of iConnectivity's interfaces to feature built-in MIDI control via integrated control buttons on the front panel of the interface, allowing convenient, hands-on control of your performance.
The physical build of the PlayAUDIO2U might be its most revolutionary innovation, combining extensive inputs, outputs, and extreme MIDI connectivity into one rugged 2U rackable enclosure. All I/O ports are specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of daily touring—designed to be plugged directly into stage boxes and house sound systems every day. You can say goodbye to complex, fragile setups. Now building a reliable touring rig is as simple as installing a single PlayAUDIO2U in a rack.
00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:27 Switched On 80s
12:54 Little Black Boxes
17:29 Commercial Break
19:58 Patching Today
29:19 Synthesiser Club
31:59 Video Lab
36:07 Outro
SWITCHED ON 80s - This third series takes an in-depth look into six classic 80s synthesisers, selected because of their interesting and unique attributes
LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A further look at some classic rack mount studio gear of the 80s and 90s
COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling
PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch, this time using Cybersynthesis techniques to bring an element of surprise to the patches
SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three, concentrating on 'families' of synths
VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals, concentrating on a specific device in each episode
The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2025"
"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
"We developed a new plugin that allows users to intuitively strum notes on software instruments. Instead of using the typical autochord style of an Omnichord and other products, you can hold a chord on a midi keyboard and intuitively strum across the gold plate or via the pitch wheel.
Works on all DAWs and operating systems via AAX, AU, VST, and Standalone formats."
Separate Notes from Rhythm
Strum Plate is a MIDI Effect that decouples what you play from when you play it. Inspired by the touchplate interface of the classic Omnichord, it allows you to hold a chord with one hand and "strum" the notes into existence using your mouse or pitch wheel.
