EDINBURGH, UK: readily representing its first ‘big’ release in over a year (when the temporarily out-of-circulation GLASS STRINGS was effectively re-released with a totally redesigned GUI and added features as the Edinburgh-based enterprise’s workhorse string library for a new era in more human-sounding music and scores, coinciding with rebranding itself with an aesthetic that truly realised company co-founder and composer Christian Henson’s heartfelt dream of encouraging people to make music and help them on their journey, regardless of whatever point they were at and wherever their journey began), The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce availability of ARCANE STRINGS — taking the sampling rule book and ripping it up, ultimately resulting in a string library featuring amateur players in order to achieve an arcane, primitive, dislocated, microtonal, loose, and sometimes savage sound duly designed for media composers wanting to leave a truly characterful imprint on their next drama score, or, indeed, composers who want to gain extra devilish bite out of their existing string collections — as of August 14…
The Best Strings Plugin Money CAN'T Buy??? video upload by CROW HILL
Press release follows:
The Crow Hill Company announces availability of popular POCKET STRINGS plug-in for free, bringing broadcast-grade string possibilities to everyone
EDINBURGH, UK: around a year after its initial launch, not long after the Edinburgh-based enterprise effectively rebranded itself with an aesthetic that truly realises company co-founder and composer Christian Henson’s heartfelt dream of encouraging people to make music and help them on their journey, regardless of whatever point they were at and wherever their journey began, The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce that it has made its popular POCKET STRINGS — styled as a never-tried-before strings plug-in that aims to bring broadcast-grade string possibilities to everyone by combining live cinematic orchestral recordings of some of the best musicians working in the UK with some rarefied vintage synth classics made to measure for added body, depth, and character — available for free with no strings attached (but pun intended), as of August 6…
• 5mm black and silver anodised brushed steel panels made in Germany • Custom fader dust-covers • Improved fader stability and durability. • Much more stable on the desk. • Feels incredibly solid and responsive in your hands while you’re using the accelerometer. • 4 flavours to choose from • Massive V2.0 firmware update • All Rev 1 PlayFader owners can upgrade to Rev 2 hardware • Completely revised mega-Manual
Firmware v2.0
• Accelerometer activated - Control notes, chords, modulation, FX, ratchets and transpose. • 9 user scale slots - assignable per-channel • Scale Library featuring 13 of the best! • Brand new Generative FUN FX • Auto Latch - no more holding down button combos! • No Dotted or Triplets options • Improved Clear and Live Mute • Behind the scenes refinements
Manual v2.0
• Fully updated for the new V2 firmware • Now includes first patch walkthroughs • Completely new Quick Reference Guide now included in the same document • Scan the QR code on the back of your PlayFader for instant access
We focused on improving the playability of the hardware with
the addition of new professional 5mm black and silver anodised brushed steel
panels and fader enhancements to the already super-tough recycled ABS plastic
PlayCase enclosure.
We also wanted to make sure all our V1 owners can
upgrade their PlayFaders. Making sustainable products and looking after all our
existing users is extremely important for us.
Important!
From 8th August, we’re simplifying our webstore prices by including
all taxes in our pricing, and increasing the price a little too. We wish we
didn’t have to, but the world got a whole lot more expensive since we shipped
our first PlayFader over two years ago.
PlayFader: Current price
is €299 plus vat. From 8th August the new price will be €399 including vat
for EU and US customers! (€339 ex vat price for rest of the world)
Now’s
the best time to pick up a PlayFader… literally and figuratively…
PlayFader Rev2 is now in stock and ships in 72 hours
"The Roland SH-5 is possibly the most feature rich vintage mono synth ever made by the legendary Japanese company. With 2 LFO's, 2 VCO's, 1 variable state VCF, 1 bandpass filter, 2 Envelopes, 1 VCA, S&H, Ring Mod and a simple but powerful switch matrix for routing modulation this synth is more than capable of making some of the most incredible tones and textures you can imagine!
Made in the late 1970's 'green face' Roland era, when their synths had a certain magic sound that is hard to describe. Fizzling and alive with electricity!
A handful of patch points on the back give you access to all the essential controls via CV so that this can play along nicely with a modern set-up.
This particular SH-5 has just been fully serviced in our Synthesizer Rejuvenation and Wellness Centre and comes with a 90 day warranty of good health. Original lid included."
Playlist:
1. Bastl Kalimba: An Expressive Instrument for Intuitive Electronic Music Exploration
2. Bastl Kalimba - Demo Overview
3. Bastl Kalimba is such a fever dream - HAINBACH
4. WTF did they make? Bastl Kalimba! - ANDREW HUANG
Press release follows:
Bastl Instruments are very proud to announce the release of their new instrument - Bastl Kalimba, a unique desktop instrument that combines microphones, touch sensors, and an accelerometer, with a user interface inspired by the traditional kalimba and its main interaction element: the tines.
We believe that this combination of features and physical interface leads to intuitive creativity and easy musical expression.
1. Introducing Osmose CE — Trailer
2. Osmose CE - The New Generation Of MIDI Controllers
3. Osmose CE — Overview
4. Osmose CE — DAW Control with Ableton Live
5. Osmose CE — DAW Control with Cubase
6. Osmose CE — DAW Control with Logic Pro
Osmose CE // A MIDI Keyboard That Feels Alive // Review & Tutorial
"The Roland SH-5 is possibly the most feature rich vintage mono synth ever made by the legendary Japanese company. With 2 LFO's, 2 VCO's, 1 variable state VCF, 1 bandpass filter, 2 Envelopes, 1 VCA, S&H, Ring Mod and a simple but powerful switch matrix for routing modulation this synth is more than capable of making some of the most incredible tones and textures you can imagine!
Made in the late 1970's 'green face' Roland era, when their synths had a certain magic sound that is hard to describe. Fizzling and alive with electricity!
A handful of patch points on the back give you access to all the essential controls via CV so that this can play along nicely with a modern set-up.
This particular SH-5 has just been fully serviced in our Synthesizer Rejuvenation and Wellness Centre and comes with a 90 day warranty of good health. Original lid included."
"This vintage ARP Odyssey has been fully serviced and overhauled by our synthesizer rejuvenation and wellness centre. A set of brand new Bourns faders (using a special fader adapter kit) and full key assembly overhaul, including all new key bushings makes this Odyssey a dream to play. This particular unit has factory CV/gate installed as well as the PPC bender.
It comes with our 90 day warranty of good health. It also includes a hard shell case."
Check with dealers on the right for price and availability.
"Magnolia is an eight-voice analog through-zero linear FM synthesizer. Besides the classic analog polysynth sounds, its design allows programming some less conventional timbres closer to the world of modular synthesizers, and especially of the so-called “complex oscillators.”
Magnolia allows to bring modular synthesis techniques in the world of analog polysynths, with all the known advantages of the latter: polyphony, immediacy of use, powerful sound, and those little unpredictable details generally known as “analog warmth.”
Magnolia is a highly playable instrument thanks to its expressive Fatar keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and encourages sound exploration through its large and relaxing front panel.
"Sorry, we had some issues with free shipping not being applied to orders on our webstore over the weekend. We also had a local postal system outage at the end of last week 🙄
But we’re up-to-date with orders today and free shipping is now automatically applied at checkout. Thanks to everyone for the amazing response!!!
Save 30% on PlayFader
Ends 31st January
Plus free worldwide shipping! Guaranteed!
"Watch him first add some random fills with the Random Fun FX. Then he gets really i to it with the Roll Fun Fx to mash up the beat beyond recognition 😎
Is PlayFader the best jungle breaks mash-up sequencer? OK, big claim, and we’re not that bigheaded, but we definitely think PlayFader is one of the most expressive and versatile sequencers out there.
Don’t program your music… play it!
Patch notes: Playfader controls the first channel of Digitakt in slice mode, with the Think break loaded. Moving the fader enables us to play different slices of the break, and the second channel plays a chord stab sample (but PF can also play lush chords over MIDI). We add a sprinkle of Random Fun FX at the end of each bar to create some dynamic fills, then we switch to the Roll Fun FX and catch little loops at each press of Play, setting and changing the time division on the fly to mash up the beat pattern and bring the heat 🔥
He’s also using our unique Window Latch function to free up more fingers for playing. With Window Latch you don’t need to keep hold any button combos down along the top row. It’s a powerful performance feature!
PlayFader includes 7 FUN FX modes which allow you to take your patterns to extreme new places and back again at the push of a button… the FUN button!
"I was skeptical when @melbourneinstruments sent me Roto-Control for Logic Pro. I've owned plenty of MIDI controllers that ended up collecting dust. But after using this for the past month, I actually reach for it.
What makes it different? Eight fully motorized control knobs with haptic feedback that adapt to whatever you're focused on in Logic Pro. You don't just see parameters change on screen - you FEEL them. End stops on a filter cutoff, notches on discrete values, center indents for faders, pans, and more.
In this review, I walk through the Logic Pro integration, the haptic feedback system, and what it's actually like to use day-to-day. I also cover the real limitations - manual plugin mapping and limited storage - that you need to know before buying."
Press release follows:
Melbourne Instruments announces advanced Logic Pro integration for ROTO-CONTROL motorised software and hardware MIDI controller
MELBOURNE, VIC, AUSTRALIA: Melbourne Instruments is proud to announce availability of advanced Logic Pro integration for its ROTO-CONTROL motorised software and hardware MIDI controller — creatively expanding upon its successful integration with Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio, demand for integration with Apple’s popular professional DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for Mac having been strong since said controller launched to widespread critical acclaim a year ago — as of January 15, 2026…
ROTO-CONTROL readily packs eight touch-sensitive motorised knobs — brushless drone motors with Melbourne Instruments’ patented ultra-high-resolution contactless optical sensors offering a lifetime rating in excess of 50 million cycles that equates to 500 times more than conventional pots, precisely — alongside nine high-resolution IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays) and 16 backlit RGB (Red, Green, Blue) LED (Light-Emitting Diode) buttons into its classy, compact — 341mm/13.4” (W) x 112mm/4.4” (D) x 44mm/1.7” (H) — form factor to duly deliver haptic feedback and instant parameter recall, communicating with the outside world via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) over USB (Universal Serial Bus) and 5-pin MIDI DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) IN/OUT/THRU connections. Constructed out of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and metal, it robustly weighs in at only 715g/1.58lb, making it the perfect portable production partner for encouraging artists to use sound and music in new and exciting ways — wherever their journey might end up taking them, both creatively and geographically. Get this, though: ROTO-CONTROL now introduces a fully-tactile, motorised workflow to Logic Pro, delivering fast, hands-on control of tracks, plug-ins, Smart Controls, and automation — all thanks to a new firmware update.
MIX mode mirrors Logic Pro’s session track names, colours, and order automatically, while providing high-resolution control of volume, pan, sends, and automation alongside instant access to track selection, paging, mute/solo/arm switching, and dedicated TRACK FOCUS.
Fast, powerful plug-in control comes courtesy of PLUGIN mode, allowing users to browse and select Logic Pro instrument and effect plug-ins instantly from ROTO-CONTROL using simple touch-and-learn mapping for any parameter, with up to eight pages of controls per plug-in stored directly on the device ready for any projects, plus bypass/select controls — all mappings being saved on ROTO-CONTROL and usable across all Logic Pro projects on any computer.
Cutting-edge control continues with Logic Pro’s Smart Controls being automatically mapped to ROTO-CONTROL, controlling up to 16 Smart Control parameters instantly — perfect for working with instruments, macros, and MIDI effects, available in both PLUGIN mode and the dedicated SMART mode itself.
And as if all that was not enough to be getting on with, ROTO-CONTROL can be used to customise labels, colours, haptics, and steps for each control, while integrated transport — play, stop, record, cycle, auto-punch, and playhead — controls are all accessible from any mode.
It is fair to say, then, that Logic Pro users owe it to themselves — and, ultimately, their sound and music — to consider making some space in their creative and physical world for ROTO-CONTROL. After all, motorised and morphing controls, instant recall, and intuitive hardware are only the beginning of their journeying.
ROTO-CONTROL is available to buy at its new North American price of $399.00 USD (excluding tax) in the USA and Canada, while its RRP (Recommended Retail Price) in Australia of $619.00 AU (including GST) and MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) in the EU of €372.35 EUR (excluding VAT), MSRP in Japan/Asia of $469.00 USD, and MSRP in the UK of £389.00 GBP remains unchanged — all via Melbourne Instruments’ growing global network of dealers here: https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/dealers [check with dealers on the right here on MATRIXSYNTH]
A modular synthesiser performance recorded on my terrace in Porto, built around the 4MS Spectral Multiband Resonator and the Serge Random Source Triple Waveshaper [with Play all Day's PlayFader].
This patch became something to play rather than explain, with dense cross modulation and unstable feedback paths.
Watch the companion video looking at the underlying patch structure here:"
Patch Memory #3 | Chaotic cross modulation with 4MS SMR and R*S Triple Waveshaper
"Another patch exploration video, this time focusing on chaotic cross modulation between the 4MS Spectral Multiband Resonator and the Serge Random Source Triple Waveshaper.
This is a short overview of the patch logic rather than a full performance or a repeatable recipe. The sounds are unstable by design and difficult to reproduce exactly.
Performance audio available on Bandcamp, alongside an additional piece here:
"Mint condition...... And heck if a lot of fun and sounds awesome.
comes with all accessories (matrix pins/cables/power)
In perfect condition, everything works like it should. 2 to3 day shipping...
Ample combines the best elements of several of our recent products.
The sound elements of Fusebox
Jack patch points of Concussor Eurorack
Patch pin matrix of Vostok
Echo from Dr Strangelove
Sequencer and CV touch pads of Generator
It shares all this yet still has its own sound!"
Ample can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be
We have given this synth a large and diverse number of controls, that along side the patch sockets, will give even the best and experienced synthesist endless possibilities.
We have presented the controls in a user friendly and familiar synth layout that, together with this manual and other resources, enable even the new guy to get great sounds.
SYNTH – PERCUSSION – AUDIO PROCESSOR
Ample is a compact analogue synthesizer. Analogue - as in really analogue. Aside from the MIDI chip (which has to be digital), everything else is totally analogue using real transistors and op-amps. There are no CPU stabilised and quantised circuits, no DCOs, no digital LFOs and no digital EGs, as found on other so called analogue synths. The circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid-1970s. So Ample has a genuine old sound.
"The second generation of our flagship 104HP x 7U Performance Case.
Upgrades and new features:
• Upgraded Power Supply with 34 x Headers and lower noise
• 8 x 1/4" TRS jack sockets for inputs and outputs
• Complete MIDI I/O with USB-C
• New Locking Cover design
• New Built-in Stand design
• VESA Mount Compatible
• Joiner Plate Compatible - stack your cases!
Available in both Silver and Black."
"Have modular. Will travel.
Studio, cafe, stage, floor, coffee table—the 7U Performance case doesn't care where you play with it. Two 3U rows house and power all the modules you love (or one day hope to love), while the additional 1U row accommodates an extensive selection of specialized utility modules. Power, audio and MIDI/USB jacks on the back handle all the necessary inputs and outputs, ensuring all that rack space remains free for the "fun" modules. The lid has enough clearance to keep your system patched in transit, and two cases can be stacked with a set of joiners."
Play All Day are shipping to the USA again, and now it’s easier than ever!
All import fees and taxes are included in the flat shipping fee shown at checkout for US orders.
Using the Zonos platform, all fees are pre-paid on your behalf so that customers don’t have any costly surprises at customs. Based on recent deliveries, the parcels are sailing through customs without delay too ✌️
"Trouble is blues jazz at its most soulful — driven by the rare Oberheim OB-1 analog synth, warm Wurlitzer 200A, and expressive guitar solos. Recorded live with no overdubs, this session from AWJI Void captures real emotion and vintage tone.
🎵 Musicians & Credits
• Yamaha CS80, Roland Jupiter 4, Oberheim OB-1, Wurlitzer 200A – Andy Whitmore
• Fender Telecaster, Gibson 335 – John Isle
• Fender Precision Bass – David Whitmore
• Pearl Drum Kit – Alun Harries
Engineered by Stepan Honc
Mixed by Andy Whitmore & Ed Stokes at greystokestudio.com
⏱️ Chapters
0:00 – Intro / Main Theme
0:55 – Guitar Solo (Gibson 335)
2:38 – Synth Solo (Oberheim OB-1)
4:20 – Main Theme
5:11 – Bass Solo (Fender Precision)
5:38 – Drum Solo (Pearl Kit)
6:02 – Main Theme"
The Smooth Jazz Track You’ll Play on Repeat 💫 | AWJI Void – Sleepless in Cala Pi
"Smooth jazz blues instrumental music for relaxing, working, or late-night driving. “Sleepless in Cala Pi” by AWJI Void is a laid-back, melodic track with echoes of George Benson’s Lady.
AWJI Void “Sleepless in Cala Pi”
Recorded June 2023
🎹 Yamaha CS80, Roland Jupiter 4 & programming – Andy Whitmore
🎸 Fender Telecaster American – John Isle
🥁 Gretsch Catalina Drum Kit – Gabor Dornyei
Recorded & Mixed by Andy Whitmore, John Isle, Bernard Dyerson & Ed Stokes
⏱️ Chapters
0:00 – Intro / Main Theme
0:38 - Jupiter 4 Solo
3:15 – Fender Telecaster Solo
5:48 – Main Theme
6:27 - Jupiter 4 Solo
8:04 – Fender Telecaster Solo
💡 AWJI Void = Andy Whitmore & John Isle, lifelong friends and collaborators with London’s top session musicians. Every track is live, first takes only – music from the heart.
Andy Whitmore has played keyboards on 50 hit records, produced 14 Top Ten hits, and worked with artists including Elton John, Lemar & Peter Andre.
Press Release
AWJI Void announce the release of their debut album Lovely Day, arriving 30th October 2025. The record features 8 original tracks blending smooth jazz and blues-rock instrumentals, showcasing the band’s unique groove and atmospheric soundscapes. Lovely Day will be available on all major streaming platforms."
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
"Here's the original orange AXXE from my ARP collection — now enhanced with powerful and unique upgrades that set it apart from the rest, tailored by synth guru and ARP specialist Saint Eric. The keybed has been equipped with aftertouch - stepping into a Pro Soloist's territory! - easily one of the most expressive we've experienced on many synths we've had in our hands. It's really a joy to play: internally routed to the VCA and/or VCF, the AT pressure mechanism can be tastefully dialled using three front panel controls and has its own CV output too, for further control of external synths and modern-day modulars. This unit has a really characterful VCF which received the 4075 Timothy Smith filter upgrade. In addition to the external audio input for routing outboard signals to the VCF, on the rear panel you'll find a CV mix output which sums the keyboard, the sensitive PPC pads, the portamento and octave switches for controlling outboard synths. And you have a special variable CV output with two dedicated attenuators to adjust the scaling response, all controllable from the main panel, turning this synth into a powerful and unique analogue keyboard/CV controller. There is also a separate LFO CV output, very useful as the synth is modded to use the internal LFO and Sample & Hold in free-run mode just using a selectable switch. More useful and common modifications to this synth apart from the upgraded VCA and clean-audiopath improvements, are three different ADSR response modes: Fast, Normal & Slow via a three-position switch, A rich, powerful and extremely versatile analog. Cosmetics are just outstanding. Really impressive when you have it in front of you! It’s like travelling back through time: see the pics - notice on the left of the keyboard the nice touch that the original ARP badge imparts. It’s hard to let it go, but I know it deserves a new home in good hands. As a bonus, an ARP 70's logo T-shirt is also included on this listing. You'll provide the IEC power plug. [ If you’re purchasing from outside the EU, please be ready to provide any details that might be needed — thanks for understanding! ] Will be packed thoughtfully."
Hesperides is Altered State Machines' new handheld synthesizer built
to accompany you on your venture to the outer regions of dissonance and back.
Designed for performance and explorative sonic mangling.
Every control can bring a drastic adjustment to the sound.
Go from vanilla to completely alien.
Self contained and portable, especially so with the battery pack.
Lend your support to our project, and put a little more chaos in everyone's pocket.
Altered State Machines history
Hi, we're Jesse and Ed.
Jesse became fascinated with modular synthesis around 2016 and went back to school as an electronic engineering technician to learn how to repair and create his own eurorack modules.
Altered State Machines grew out of Jesse's first project, the Aristotle sequencer which is now in its fifth iteration. Jesse is our electronics and hardware mastermind. Ed joined forces to twiddle bits with the software.
