"In this video, we’re diving into the Waldorf Attack 3 Plugin — Version 3 of that classic Drum Synthesizer PlugIn!"
Attack is back.
And it’s more powerful than ever.
We are proud to unveil Attack 3, the next evolution of one of Waldorf Music’s most iconic and longest-running instruments. A true classic reborn, Attack 3 redefines what a modern percussion synthesizer can be.
At its heart lies a mighty analogue-style synthesis engine, delivering 24 individual sounds per kit, with 12 sounds playable polyphonically as pitched instruments. From punchy kicks to melodic percussion, Attack 3 is built for rhythm that moves both bodies and speakers.
Attack 3 captures the unmistakable spirit of legendary 1980s analogue drum machines and the driving electronic club sound of the 1990s — and propels it boldly into today’s productions. It’s a future-ready instrument designed to shape the drum sounds of the next decade.
Every sound is alive Every parameter can be tweaked in real time and fully automated in your DAW, inviting hands-on exploration and deep expression. While sampling capabilities have been expanded, Attack stays true to its philosophy: pure synthesis first, allowing you to create unique percussion sounds from scratch.
Redesigned for Faster Drum Creation With a completely redesigned, scalable interface and a vastly expanded synthesis engine, Attack 3 proves that after more than 25 years, it remains the go-to tool for producers who want total control over their drums.
The new user interface adapts effortlessly to any screen size, while enhanced MIDI Learn lets you define minimum and maximum parameter ranges for expressive performance. Dedicated browsers for kits, sounds, samples, and MIDI mappings keep inspiration flowing without interruption.
Advanced Sample Playback The oscillator section has been refined for absolute precision, featuring accurate phase control for synthetic waveformsand powerful sample playback options, including user samples, velocity mapping, round-robin playback, and flexible start positions. Whether you want surgical accuracy or organic variation, Attack 3 delivers.
"Tom takes a look at Smear, the debut module from Smoothie Audio. It’s a dual stereo 98-pole allpass filter, and it’s capable of some pretty mind-bending spectral effects.
"We say... It's not often that we come across something genuinely new and innovative in Eurorack these days, but Smear is just that - a pair of stereo 98-pole all-pass filters that open up all sorts of strange sonic territory. Brilliant!
Manufacturer's description Smear is Smoothie Audio’s first Eurorack module - a dual stereo 98-pole allpass filter unlike anything else in your rack.
At its core, Smear takes a deceptively simple concept - the allpass filter, usually buried deep inside reverb algorithms — and refines it into a playable, sculptural processor. A single allpass subtly shifts the phase of incoming audio while passing the entire signal unfiltered. Stack 98 poles in series, and the effect becomes striking: frequencies across the spectrum are delayed by different amounts, creating a rich spectral delay that can smear, morph, and transform sound.
Smear can be become different effects, according to how you set the parameters:
Transient Smearing & Spectral Delay that reshapes transients, can add punch Resonator & Percussion Voice for metallic, physical-modeling tones when pushed into feedback territory Morphing filter & Phasor for animated timbral movement Interface & Controls
The panel is laid out symmetrically, with two identical sections (Left and Right). By default, stereo audio flows left → right → out, but a dedicated Split Mode allows each side to process audio independently.
Each section offers three core parameters — Frequency, Resonance, and Stages — each with dedicated CV inputs. Frequency and Resonance have attenuverters for precise modulation. A global Feedback control (with CV) unlocks resonant, flanger-like, and physical-modeling behaviors.
The Stage sliders reveal Smear’s hidden depth: with LEDs indicating crossfade modes between filter poles, you can dive into complex notch filtering, animated flams, and evolving timbral movement. Modulate them, and the module comes alive with unpredictable, dynamic filtering effects.
Built on the Daisy platform by Electrosmith CV inputs -5V to 5V 48kHZ sampling rate"
0:00 What is it?
0:50 Panel and Controls
3:23 Patch: Exploring rhythm banks using Set switch
3:52 Patch: Using Set and Accent switches together
4:30 Patch: Adding CV to Factor and Prime fader inputs
5:08 Using Euclidian-derived rhythms with Prime fader
5:45 Configuring module for flipping module orientation
Inspired by Numeric and Zularic Repetitor, Multi Repetitor combines familiar rhythm banks with Euclidean-derived patterns, per-channel modifiers, and dynamic accent generation. With four trigger outputs, four accent outputs, faders on every channel, and CV control throughout, it’s designed to be played, tweaked, and explored in real time.
Whether you want classic grooves or evolving, unpredictable rhythms, Multi Repetitor keeps the immediacy of the originals while expanding the creative palette.
Noise Engineering announces Multi Repetitor, an algorithmic percussion sequencer designed for performance.
Los Angeles, CA — Noise Engineering, known for their unique and compact utilities, has released Multi Repetitor, an algorithmic trigger sequencer and sequel to their classic Numeric and Zularic Repetitor trigger generators.
Multi Repetitor has been completely rethought from the originals, and takes the core features of the version one designs into a whole new realm. Rhythm generation starts with the three rhythm banks: choose from Zularic, Numeric, or the newly developed Euclidean-derived linear rhythms, then use the Prime fader to scroll through base rhythms on the fly. Like its predecessors, it features four trigger outputs, now with dedicated performance faders that modify the rhythm output.
The newly rethought – and reversible – interface based adds extra parameters for more control of all four outputs. While it keeps the clock and reset inputs, Multi Repetitor also features an internal tap-tempo clock for standalone sequencing. Finally, this version adds four accent gate outputs to the interface. The impetus for these changes, according to the team, was to make the module fit better into compact percussion systems while still being a fun generative sequencer for larger systems.
While it’s possible to get deep into rhythmic modification with the extensive patterns, modification algorithms, and accent options, Multi Repetitor is designed to be a plug-and-play rhythm sequencer. Noise Engineering said that one of their goals was to make it easy to tweak parameters by ear and jam with no preparation required.
Multi Repetitor begins shipping on January 22nd at https://noiseengineering.us and at retailers globally.
Features • Standalone play: tap in a tempo, patch up the outputs, and you’ve got a groove • Sequence triggers and accents for up to four voices in your systems • Choose from Zularic, Numeric, or Euclidean-derived base rhythm banks • Select different base rhythms from the banks using the Prime fader • Use three different algorithms to modify each output’s rhythm with the performance faders • Modulate your rhythms with full CV control over faders and banks, and keep things in sync with external clock and reset inputs • Plug-and-play operation: simple interface designed for performance is easy to use out of the box
Availability and pricing:
Multi Repetitor: In stock. Shipping from Noise Engineering and retailers starting January 22nd, 2026; MSRP US$320
"WMD Clutch is a sample based hihat module with two layers of samples, lots of performance features, built-in effects, and loads of CV control making it a percussion powerhouse. It also features an editable text file which allows you to customize how the interface behaves, dial in the tone of the effects, and much more.
In this video, we go through how to interperate the file, and how to edit the parameters, giving examples and explanations along the way."
"Exactly that YMO sound! The ULT-SOUND DS-4 was released by Toyo Gakki in the 1980s. It is a 4-channel analog drum synthesizer that is very famous for being used by Yukihiro Takahashi. It is a famous made-in-Japan synth drum machine with a simple interface, yet capable of creating a wide range of sounds.
It has 4 channels: CYMBALx2, SNARE, and NOISE. You can immediately enjoy old-fashioned synth drum sounds. Sine wave and square wave can be selected, and the oscillator with wide frequency range allows you to create a wide range of sounds by adjusting sustain, sweep, and tuning. Not only synth drums, but also Mario jumping and intense SE sounds can be generated.
The warm, analog-like sound is sure to make you fall in love with it once you hear it! Please experience that sound that only ULT-SOUND can produce.
* To play the sound, it is necessary to connect a drum pad for Eledora, or to trigger each channel from Para Out on a rhythm machine, etc.
All parts have been maintained. This unit comes with a copy of the manual and a non-genuine AC adapter. * Lid is missing. Product Rank: B: Fairly, scratches & signs of use, but no problems in normal use applications.
Serial number: 812020 Case: No case Manual: Copy Other accessories: Non-genuine AC adapter Note: Other accessories are only those shown in the picture."
As always, check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability.
"The long-awaited Clutch module is a dual sample player built specifically for creating dynamic, expressive hi-hat sounds through an immediately playable interface.
With two layers of samples, Clutch lets you blend dependable “bread-and-butter” built in hits with a massive library of sample pairs hosted on a memory card. The controls for the card based samples are always accessible and intuitively arranged, making it easy to dial in sounds quickly during performance or patching. And yes, you can load your own samples!
In this video, Alex goes through the module from top to bottom, demoing all of the controls and features Clutch has to offer. Starting with the connections, and ending with a jam using CV modulation, the built-in FX, and feel control to create a super unique groove in a matter of minutes. Clutch is a tool for creating the best quality and unique hihat and auxilliary percussion to your modular jams in a fun and intuitive way.
Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:10 - Quick overview 01:10 - Trigger inputs, mono output 03:20 - Surface A banks walk-through 06:24 - Pitch A 06:40 - Release 06:57 - A/B Blend 07:14 - Assignable knobs 10:30 - Effects Mode 14:00 - Feel Control 15:30 - CV Control / Jam Time
WMD designs electronic hardware for musicians longing for a balance of precision and exploration. Our quality control is the absolute finest, with service to match."
Update:
Performable, musical & “produced” sounding modular hi hats // CLUTCH from WMD
"Here we have the eagerly anticipated CLUTCH from WMD. It's a dual layer, closed and open hi hat module based around the playback of samples. With 'samples' said ... you can swap them and turn this into a percussive sample player for non hi hats too - which we do in the video. There's built in FX, seriously impressive 'feel' and dynamics controls that are incredibly musical incredibly easily and a whole host of features to layer sounds, sit them in a mix and to perform with them."
Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19
An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."
Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).
Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.
Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.
Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder
Starting Bid
$5,000
Estimate
$20,000 - $40,000 USD
A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.
Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches
Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment
Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider
The TR-1000 is available now for $2,699.99. Check with dealers on the right for availability.
"The TR-1000’s analog engine features 16 of the most coveted circuits from the TR-808 and TR-909, faithfully recreated from the original designs with detailed engineering and carefully selected modern components. Alongside the TR-1000’s analog voices are powerful digital sounds driven by Roland’s latest advancements, including 21 circuit-bent TR-808 and TR-909 models built with Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, FM percussion, virtual analog tones, and a deep PCM library for sonic exploration and fresh textures."
Playlist:
1. Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator | Egyptian Lover Performance
2. Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator | Everything You Need to Know
User videos followed by hi-res pics and the press release:
"Brand New copy of the operating manual for the Jugg Box DPM-48 (also branded as Hammond DPM-48 and Sakata DPM-48). English language version, along with German language supplement. 86 pages, 6 inches by 9 inches in dimension, printed in black and white.
The DPM-48 programmable digital drum machine was first released in late-1983, and was available for sale in many countries under the brand names Nihon-Hammond, Sakata, Jugg Box, and Multivox.
Like several other drum machines that were available on the market at that time, the DPM-48 used digitally sampled sounds stored onto EPROMs. DPM stood for 'Digital Percussion Machine', and the '48' related to the 48 patterns that could be stored on the unit. Unusually, the DPM-48 used a special type of RAM cartridge for the storage of the patterns.
In mid-1984 an 'Electronic Drums' sound set of alternative EPROM chips featured on the DPM-48E model. The Electronic Set, along with Rock and Latin Percussion alternative sound sets became available for use with the DPM-48, along with a trigger interface that enabled electronic drum pads to use the Trigger Input located at the rear of the DPM-48 chassis. A MIDI-retrofit was also later made available, with the DPM-48 unit being discontinued in 1987 or so.
This Owner's Manual is an English-language limited edition publication, including a section on the MIDI capability for the DPM-48, info on the rare alternative sound sets, and a separate section at the rear with the original German language operating instructions for the DPM-48. (86 pages in total)."
XR22 VCO FT
VCO with Ring Modulation Input and FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)
Amplitude Modulation (AM) Input
Ring modulation
CV controllable sine/triangle volume
Advanced waveform generation by AM
Rgb-LED for optical control
FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)
Pulse and ramp generation
Switching between two different frequency CVs
Advanced waveform generation by FSK
LFO-, Bass-, High- Mode
Switchable Sync-Mode (from Rev.6)
The XR22 VCO FT is a VCO with amplitude modulation option – which can be used for volume control, or ring modulation of the oscillator’s sine/triangle output. The AM-input signal is added to a DC-voltage adjustable by knob ‘Gain’ (between ca. +/-5V) and the sum voltage is being internally multiplied with the sinewave/trianglewave The result is an oscillator amplitude depending on the ‘Gain’-DC plus AM-input signal.
The applied AM-input signal can be mixed to the VCO output signal (modulated or unmodulated) too – a kind of ‘dry/wet’ control with the mix provided on the sine/triangle output. With no AM-input, the XR22 VCO FT behaves like a normal sinewave/triangle VCO, then its volume is controlled by knob ‘Gain’. Whereas with the knob ‘Gain’ in center position, the oscillator tone is becoming almost muted, and the input signal on ‘AM in’ controls the amplitude of the wave completely; thus the VCO can be used as a ring modulator.
The FSK (frequency shift keying) option provides two internally switchable different oscillator frequencies F1 and F2; each controllable by the two big-sized knobs (and their respective fine-tuning knobs and CV inputs). Switching between F1 and F2 can be done manually or by a logic signal (e.g. a gate signal) applied on input ‘FSK in‘.
Further, it is possible to use the XR22 VCO FT‘s squarewave output for FSK switching. This will result in ramp or sawtooth (on the sine/triangle output) and pulse (on the squarewave output) waveforms. The falling and rising edges of the of the sine/triangle signal and the duty-cycle of the squarewave output are independently adjustable, and/or controllable via CVs of F1 and F2.
Furthermore, there is a switch for linking F1 to F2. In this case, the ratio between F1 and F2 is remaining the same, independently from the frequency, and ensuring properly 1V/oct. CV tracking.
A switch allowes to enable ‘sync mode’: An applied trigger will restart the wave always at the same point, useful for synced LFO applications and more.
For optical control, the XR22VCO FT has a full-color LED for AM visualization and a 2-color LED for FSK control.
Myth Rhythm combines deep modulation, powerful effects, and avant-garde sound design in a seamless, NKS2-integrated multi-cell percussion and sound FX instrument.
Myth Rhythm is a versatile cell based instrument featuring 16 individual cells, each capable of holding one of over 4,800 included samples or a user-loaded sample. Each cell offers extensive editing capabilities, including filters, envelopes, LFOs, dynamics effects, and send levels. Cells can be easily copied, pasted, and customized with key color settings.
Additionally, each cell supports extensive external modulation, utilizing velocity, polyphonic aftertouch, and pitch bend for dynamic performance control. The instrument's main effects section provides a range of creative and modulation effects, along with various delay and reverb options for send returns.
Myth Rhythm also offers a unique seamless NKS2 experience, even allowing users to effortlessly program and customize their own NKS2 performance mode mappings directly through the interface.
The included sounds library offers a diverse array of avant-garde one-shot sounds, encompassing everything from classic drum sounds and vintage drum machines to spoken word, sound effects, and an eclectic mix of unconventional noises. This collection features a broad spectrum of unique elements, including tings, bleeps, blops, bells, whistles, animal sounds, cars, household items, synth stabs, modular effects, and much more.
Highlights: Versatile Cell based Instrument - 16 individual cells Massive One-Shot Library - Open library of over 4,800 sounds Free Kontakt Player Compatibility Instantly Playable, Infinitely Tweakable - Quickly play or dive deep Genre-Defying Sound Design - Hundreds of presets Deep Editing Power - Designed for creative flow Seamless revolutionary NKS2 Integration - Streamlined workflow Unprecedented control with MK3 Keyboards Polyphonic Aftertouch Support - Subtle nuances and articulations Perfect for Pad-Based Workflows - Finger drumming fun
"The electricity of live manipulation breathes through every sequence as MSTRBLSTR transmutes the raw essence of the TR-606, MC-202, and TB-303 into a sonic incantation. Alchemical is transformation in motion: analog breakbeats pulse with crackling percussion, acid squelches growl and evolve, and rhythms dissolve and reassemble like matter through fire. The bassline becomes the bedrock of energy, conjured live in real time.
Credits Released May 29, 2025 Programmed, performed, mixed, and mastered by MSTRBLSTR at Ill Acid Additional drum programming: Severed Machines (https://severedmachines.com)
Hardware:
Modified Roland TR-606 (Robin Whittle mods)
Din Sync RE-303
MC-202 w/ Tubbutec 2oh2 mod
Mixers: Boss BX-8, Alice 1228, Boss KM-4
FX: Tapco 4400 spring reverb, TC Nova Reverb & Delay, Korg SDD-1000/1200
Compression: BSS DPR-402, DOD SR-866
DAW: Ableton Live
This is the same setup I used on From Deep.
Backstory I brought my TR-606 to Ramiro at Severed Machines to install a few long-desired mods: switch replacements, a louder BD via resistor change, and Robin Whittle’s Accent Trigger and post-volume individual outs. He left in a few patterns, including a breakbeat variation that really hit me. That inspired the synth parts. Next thing I knew, I was performing and recording the full track.
Recording Notes I treat mixers as modular routers. For Alchemical, the Alice mixer’s direct outs went straight into my interface, while the Boss BX-8 worked as a submixer for overdrive and tone shaping. I panned certain tracks hard L/R into separate buses, then re-centered them on different mixer channels. I have owned many delays while the Korg units are among my favorites, the TC Nova is often a go-to for synths: it sounds great, has nice filters, tap tempo, and my favorite feature, easily accessible time divisions Protip: a buffered pedal in front helps them sound better. The Nova reverb is also very playable and has a dynamic ducking mode that helps it get out of the way, if that's what I need.
In post, I swapped the TR-606 kick for a TR-808 sample in Ableton - it just gave the track the weight it needed. There’s also a lone TR-808 clap halfway through. Other than that, what you hear is live with only some minor edits and additional processing.
The Accent Trigger mod alone is worth it - it adds great performance potential. Robin credited the fix to me, but Ramiro deserves most of the credit. Robin's individual outs (post-volume pot) offer superior performance control and gain staging flexibility compared to the more common pre-pot version."
April 8, 2025 – Cre8audio proudly introduces Boom Chick, an innovative pure analog drum machine that blends the inspiration of classic drum machines with cutting-edge analog circuitry and fresh design concepts from Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers. Boom Chick fuses expressive percussion voices with an advanced, addictive, and intuitive sequencer, offering deep rhythmic exploration for modern musicians and producers.
Revolutionary Analog Percussion
Inspired by the hands-on playability of legendary drum machines, Boom Chick delivers the warmth and character of classic analog percussion while embracing new, forward-thinking design. Its knob-per-function interface ensures effortless jamming and fine-tuning, making it a truly immersive drum machine for musicians seeking an organic, tactile beat-making experience. Whether crafting intricate grooves or pushing sonic boundaries, Boom Chick delivers raw, dynamic, and powerful sound.
"D2MS (Drums 2 Midi Synths, Samplers, Sequencers…Something) is an Augmented Drumming script for the Monome Norns platform.
Born of an online collaboration between two Lines Forum (https://llllllll.co/) users phillwilson (MyOneManBand) and Illges.
D2MS is a sandbox environment for taking the velocity and gestural data from regular drum triggers, drum pads and e-drums. It allows drummers to use their regular playing to drive sequences of notes and execute a huge range of performance altering functions.
D2MS was built from the ground up with improvisation in mind, so there are “quick creation” features all over it, to randomise and remix midi data live.
Users can play a 'full band' performance from behind the drums and all editing and set design can be handled through a custom layout on the Norns Grid interface.
Key Features
· Use up to 16 inputs (incoming midi notes from pads, triggers etc)
· Each input can control up to 5 machine layers (MIDI note driving units) and 5 Trig Layers (utilities that modify a performance)
· Over 10 Machine types including;
Basic –For playing melodies
Riff – Ideal for bass-lines
Chord – Great for pads
Fixed – For non-chromatic samples and percussion
Strum – A semi-manual arpeggios
Stack – A rotating chord pack
…And many more
· Over 12 Trig Types including;
Conductor – To move between patterns and change instruments
Direction – To change playback order
Fill - To randomize note sequences
CC – To turn things such as Midi FX on and off dynamically
Gears – To create cascades of movement
"Spitfire Audio announces update to significant SPITFIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA release recorded at AIR, adding three stunning-sounding soloists
LONDON, UK: Spitfire Audio is proud to announce availability of an update to its significant SPITFIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA release — relatively recently relaunched with reviewed content and an updated UI (User Interface) in a single more user-friendly package that became last year’s bestseller as a set of flagship virtual instruments featuring full SYMPHONIC STRINGS, SYMPHONIC BRASS, and SYMPHONIC WOODWINDS sections (including solo instruments, plus harp, piano, and all core elements of percussion needed to complete the band), beautifully performed by top-tier musicians who have featured on some of the top film scores of the last decade, duly captured in Lyndhurst Hall’s hallowed acoustic at London’s legendary AIR Studios as some of the leading sounds and sample libraries creator’s best, most classic recordings, readily realised as a definitive selection of blockbuster sounds that have already made their musical mark in hundreds of AAA film, game, and TV score productions by the world’s top composers and music- makers — with the welcomed addition of SOLO STRINGS, featuring three stunning-sounding soloists, as of February 6…
Los Angeles, CA — Noise Engineering, known in part for their innovative utility modules, has released the highly anticipated Confundo Funkidos, a rhythm crossfader and performance utility, and successor to the immensely popular Confundo Funkitus.
Inspired by DJ performance techniques, Confundo Funkitus takes in eight trigger patterns, then uses a crossfader to combine them, apply probability, or swap between them as the user desires. Each channel also features a mute switch so that channels can be added and removed from a patch at will.
New to the second version is the addition of algorithmically generated Accent outputs, which create high and low gates based on input patterns and automatically bring life to any modulation destination. The BURN section of Confundo Funkidos has also been expanded with a new parameter, making it even easier to create fills on the fly. The Mute switches have also been upgraded, featuring a center position that removes a channel from BURN fills and sets its Accent output low while still outputting triggers.
“We’ve been thinking about a new version of Confundo Funkitus for a long time,” says Markus Cancilla, Noise Engineering’s Chief of Destruction. “Confundo Funkidos brings together everything we’ve learned in the years since the original was discontinued, and makes the original concept even more fun. We’re really excited to hear what people do with it.”
While Confundo Funkidos has double the outputs and even more parameters than the original, it’s still contained in the same 12 HP package. At this small size, it’s easy to integrate into performance skiffs, while its extensive inputs and outputs make patching it with larger systems a creative dream. And while it was designed with compactness in mind, its interface features excellent ergonomics, maintaining excellent performability.
Confundo Funkidos is now open for preorders. It ships starting January 9th at https://noiseengineering.us and at retailers globally.
Features ● Four-channel rhythm crossfader ● Incredible utility for hands-on jamming and performance ● Inspired by DJ performance techniques ● Algorithmically generate accent gates based on input patterns ● Use Mute switches to bring percussion in and out of your mix ● Create fills on the fly with unique BURN controls
Availability and pricing: Confundo Funkidos: In stock. Shipping from Noise Engineering and retailers starting January 9th, 2025; MSRP US$345 Preorders now open.
"Ampla Legio was the result of our desire for a stereo gate to accommodate the growing number of stereo audio sources in the Eurorack format. With a multimode filter that can be gnarly or nice, a vactrol-inspired ASD envelope, and CV control over filter frequency and envelope timing, Ampla is a simple-yet-effective solution for organic dynamics control.
If you already own a Legio module, then you can swap to this firmware for free at our website: https://www.noiseengineering.us."
Press release, including the additional firmwares, follows:
"Noise Engineering announces three new firmwares for their popular platform modules: a formant filter, a cross-modulating oscillator, and a multimode-filter gate.
Los Angeles, CA — Noise Engineering, known for their flexible Eurorack synthesizer modules, plugins, and guitar pedals, has announced new options for each of their platform modules: Fala Versio, Toros Iteritas Alia, and Ampla Legio, all releasing this December. Now with10 Versio and 7 Legio and Alia firmwares, Noise Engineering is showing the depth and versatility of the platform concept. In short, if you own a NE platform module, you can go to the Noise Engineering website and swap the firmware to anything else on that platform via USB, as often as you like, free of charge. It’s like getting seven (or ten) modules for the price of one.
First up is Ampla Legio, a simple multimode-filter gate. Lowpass gates are a common tool in modular synthesis, and Ampla Legio brings a modern twist, with a stereo signal path and additional functionality. A vactrol-inspired attack/decay envelope with simple controls modulates the internal stereo VCA and filter, and a sustain phase allows the envelope generator to emulate the response of traditional vactrols. A resonant multimode filter replaces the traditional lowpass model, allowing for LP, BP, or HP response with adjustable squelch. The filter’s base frequency can be adjusted to change the timbre of the gate, and also tracks 1v/8va, allowing the filter to be modulated along with the input signal. Ampla Legio is available as a firmware now.
Coming December 17, 2024 is Fala Versio is a formant filter designed with musicality in mind. While many formant filters attempt to mimic vowel shapes and other traditional sounds, Fala is designed to take the process of formant filtering in a new, musical direction. Along with frequency and resonance controls, Fala features a clock-syncable stereo LFO, a wavefolder, and a post-filter saturator that can take the filter’s tone from beautiful to barbaric. Fala Versio will be available as a module but Versio owners can try it out immediately on release by going to the Noise Engineering Firmware Swap page.
Finally, on December 24, Noise Engineering will drop Toros Iteritas Alia. TIA takes complex three-operator phase-modulation synthesis and makes it simple and fun. Designed for ever-evolving sonic landscapes, Toros has three oscillators with CV-controllable frequency and level parameters. A massive range of timbres are hidden behind its simple interface, with three routing algorithms and a bonus fundamental oscillator output for even more patching capabilities. While Noise Engineering is known for its percussion voices, Toros breaks the mold, excelling at dark drones and ambient performances.
Ampla Legio is a firmware-only release that works on any Legio hardware and is available starting December 10, 2024. Fala Versio will be available as firmware or a paneled module on December 17, 2024. Toros Iteritas Alia will be available as firmware or a paneled module on December 24, 2024. Platform owners can try them out at launch, completely free, by changing the firmware at the Noise Engineering Firmware Swap page: https://noiseengineering.us/portal/firmware/
Just in time for the holidays (and holiday sales!), all three firmwares are available completely free to owners of each platform. Fala Versio and Toros Iteritas Alia available for purchase as complete modules, too.
Features • Three all-new firmwares for Noise Engineering’s popular platforms • Fala Versio brings a new take to formant filtering • Toros Iteritas Alia makes noisy-or-nice PM synthesis easy • Use Ampla Legio to control dynamics and timber of any stereo signal • Platform owners can swap to new firmwares 100% free
Availability and pricing: Fala Versio: Shipping from Noise Engineering and retailers starting December 17th, 2024; MSRP US$393 Toros Iteritas Alia: Shipping from Noise Engineering and retailers starting December 24th, 2024; MSRP US$385
We are excited to announce our final fundraising raffle of 2024 featuring a one-of-a-kind Eurorack synthesizer comprised of 52 modules from over 30 Eurorack manufacturers located in 10 different countries. The system, curated by modular synthesis educator Chris Meyer, was inspired by Bob Moog's legendary Moog modular synthesizers in mind. It has a retail value of $20,000.
The system features:
3 Analog Oscillators | 2 Digital Oscillators | 8 Filters | 3 Percussion Voices | Spring Reverb | Analog Phase Shifter | Vocoder/Filter Bank | Frequency Shifter | Digital Multi-Effects | Moog-style Analog Sequencers | Wood Encased Keyboard with MIDI Interface and Arpeggiator | Custom Black American Walnut Cabinet with Chromaesthetic Lighting |
All modules and other components were donated by the manufacturer to make this raffle possible.
Tickets for the raffle are $20 each, 6 for $100, 14 for $200, and 40 for $500
The raffle ends on Friday, December 20th, and is open internationally.
Proceeds from the raffle benefit our important work in science education, archive preservation, and the operation of the Moogseum in downtown Asheville, NC. The Moogseum continues to be challenged by the long-term financial effects of Hurricane Helene, making this year-end fundraiser critically important.
Read more about the system, including the full list of modules,
and purchase your tickets HERE.
1. Bristronica 24: MyVolts The Silent Alchemist Nears Shipping
We caught up with Caroline who gave us the latest update to the *Silent Alchemist*, a versatile power hub designed for musicians. Featuring five isolated USB-C outputs and a high-wattage sixth output capable of delivering 100 watts, the device can power a Mac with the remaining outputs providing 20 watts each. Its independent circuits ensure noise-free operation, catering to a variety of devices including the Dreadbox module and Sysmo slope generator.
The Silent Alchemist uses innovative step-up power tips to convert USB-C input to the correct voltage for various devices. There's also new feature: an uninterruptible power supply allowing seamless transition between wall and power bank sources. Also introduced were updated cables, such as silver candy cords and floating ring TRS to TS cables, expanding connection flexibility. The Silent Alchemist is expected to be available in December with a competitive pricing strategy.
At Bristronica 2024, we caught up with the creator of the *ML2M*, who introduced us to the latest version. The ML2M is a compact Eurorack module with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and iOS music apps using Ableton Link without the need for cables. It either connects to an existing network or creates its own, ensuring robust sync even in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. The module, which retains its 2HP size, now features MIDI integration through TRS jacks. Users can access a web interface to configure each output for different clock divisions and reset triggers, making setup straightforward and flexible.
Alongside the ML2M, there's also the Missing Link Junior. This desktop version offers the same functionality but in a box format, complete with MIDI and CV clock outputs. Both products are now accessible, with a starting price of $250.
At Machina Bristronica 2024, we caught up with Arran from @archaea_modular_synthesis who presented the *Exchange Module*. This programmable patcher, a year in the making, evolved from its early prototype stage to a fully functional module. Arran explained how the Exchange can route synth voices via a beam controller and three exchange modules installed within the skiff, allowing for versatile patching. Operating like a matrix patchbay, it enables users to select inputs and outputs with the push of a button, create presets, and chain multiple modules for synchronized patching.
Communication between the modules occurs over the Eurorack power bus as well as over MIDI via the USB-C connection. The Exchange maintains analog integrity, ensuring there’s no conversion latency. The forthcoming release expected in late November 2024, includes a USB-driven editor for enhanced control capabilities.
