Turing Machine, Workshop System & Planet of the Apes! // Music Thing Modular at Machina Bristronica

video upload by DivKid

"It's a pleasure to look back at the last Machina Bristronica event (2025) and share this video with Tom Whitwell of Music Thing Modular from the DivKid Discussions stage. We talk about origins, Thonk acting like a record label, Turing Machines, Radio Music and the Workshop System which has inspired and built community and created collaborations, before rounding out on some unexpected connections to Planet of the Apes!

Machina Bristronica is taking a year off for 2026, but will be back in 2027. Check out videos from the DivKid Discussions stage, Machina news and updates and all about Music Thing Modular at the links.

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J3PO // "TUTU" // solo live DAW-less performance

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"Julian 'J3PO' Pollack performs 'TuTu' by Marcus Miller, from the album of the same name by Miles Davis.

This music was recorded live, in one take. No DAW was used in the process of making this music except to capture the audio. This first release is part of a new solo performance project. Stay tuned (and subscribe if you haven't already) for more.

Gear used: Arturia Keystep Pro (sequencing), Roland TR-8s, Prophet Rev2, Minimoog, Vintage Vibe Electric Piano. Pedals: Chroma Console, Meris Mercury 7, Mobius, Timeline, Big Sky, Tensor, Ottobit.
The computer in the background is only being used for the purpose of recording the performance. Everything you are hearing is being performed/triggered live from the hardware instruments."

Listen to Julian's new album: https://lnk.to/soulandcircuitry

The Genius Behind Look Mum No Computer - Eurovision 2026

video upload by Britclip

"Electronic artist & YouTuber: Sam posts videos about building unique audio gear and synthesizers, alongside original music and performances. He launched his channel in 2016 after previously fronting the indie band ZIBRA.

⚙️ DIY synth wizard: He’s known for creating unusual and inventive electronic musical devices using vintage technology — including a Furby-based organ, synthesizer bicycles, Game Boy oscillators, and more — that have gained millions of views online.

🏛️ Museum founder: Sam also runs This Museum Is Not Obsolete, a space in Ramsgate, Kent (England) that showcases quirky analog tech repurposed in playful and musical ways.

🎤 Eurovision entrant: In 2026, he was selected to represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest under his Look Mum No Computer name — a high-profile recognition of his creativity and performance style.

In short, Sam Battle is a creative, experimental electronic musician whose blend of DIY tech, performance, and humour has built a strong global following.

#eurovision #music #synthpop #eurovisionsongcontest"

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER - Eins, Zwei, Drei | United Kingdom 🇬🇧 | Official Music Video | #Eurovision2026

video upload by Eurovision Song Contest

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will represent United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Eins, Zwei, Drei 🇬🇧

Credits:

Look Mum No Computer: Sam Battle
Director: Johnny Goddard (Youth Hymns)
Production Company: A Running Commentary

CLICK FOR MORE »

Waldorf - Iridium MK2 - Trailer & Deep Dive with CTO Rolf Wöhrmann

video upload by WaldorfMusicChannel


video upload by WaldorfMusicChannel

Check with dealers on the right for availability and price.

0:00 Start
1:26 Polyphonic Arpeggiator
6:35 Flavour - microvariations
10:12 4 layers multi-timbral
14:09 Seeds - new synthesis
22:51 Mutator
25:58 Per-Note-Parameter-Locks


via Waldorf

Iridium Desktop MK2: The Next Sound Dimension

Iridium Desktop MK2 is a new generation of the highly acclaimed Iridium Desktop synthesizer introduced in 2020 by Waldorf Music, and since then used by countless artists and sound designers. After six years the time has come to advance the sonic success story even further.

Based on the legendary multi-engine design of the Quantum & Iridium product line, the MK2 innovates even further, thus fitting perfectly into Waldorf’s forward-looking synthesizer design philosophy.

The MK2 features a new and fresh design, and an improved CPU board with more RAM and flash storage allowing for more sample storage and opening a whole new world of synthesis capabilities.

Per-Note-Parameter-Locks
(ft. Aphex Twin)
Only on the MK2 you can enjoy a very special feature called Per-Note-Parameter-Locks which is the result of a collaboration with legendary Aphex Twin, a long-term Iridium Desktop user.

With this feature, each of the 128 notes can be assigned up to 16 individual parameter variations by simply holding a note and turning knobs. This system allows each note to have a different set of parameters. You can even change the synthesis mode of oscillators for each note or change effect parameters. It feels like adding a whole new dimension to your music. Per-Note-Parameter-Locks are saved with each patch and can be inspected and edited on a dedicated page.

Seeds – The Sixth Synthesis Sense
The added RAM further allows a new sixth synthesis method for each of the three oscillators. Inspired by wavetable synthesis, in which each wavetable represents a timbral journey, Waldorf has found a way to base these timbral journeys not only on static waveforms, but also to dynamically synthesize each waypoint from sub-oscillators we called “Seeds”. These can be controlled and recombined using techniques like ring modulation and frequency modulation, and enriched with noise and other non-pitched material. While we provide, similarly to wavetables, a set of predefined timbral journeys, you can also edit and create your own.

Protein’s “Flavour” Knob
The new knob called “Flavour” adds sonic liveliness using our new concept of micro-variations in timing, timbre, pitch, and a whole set of additional parameters we recently introduced with the Protein synthesizer.

More Memory, Layers & Sound
With the increased memory capacity, you can change the multi-timbral layer count from 2 to 4. In addition to layered and split modes, the new MK2 also features more advanced multi-timbral modes, such as round-robin and random-robin. These additions bring greater timbral richness and variety, letting you build deep and complex sonic landscapes. A dream come true for all sound designers, sonic explorers and cinematic artists!

Iridium & Quantum Update 4.0
A general update of the Iridium and Quantum operating system will be available soon.

Version 4.0 provides some of the new features for all existing Quantum and Iridium models like the Mutator patch randomizer introduced in the Microwave plugin, a new polyphonic arpeggiator, new microtonal features saved in patches and other features.

Connectivity
Stereo Audio Out: 2x TS jacks
Stereo Audio In: 2x TS jacks
Headphones TRS output with level control
DIN MIDI In, Out & Thru
USB Type B (device) for MIDI connection to computer
USB Type A (host) for storage media and MIDI devices
MIDI 2.0 compatible
MicroSD slot
4 high-resolution CV Inputs which can be used as modulation sources in the Mod-Matrix
Analog clock In & Out with clock divider settings
Analog gate and start inputs
Kensington® compatible lock

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New Akai MPC Sample Incoming

This one was spotted and sent in via Joshua.

"Akai Professional MPC Sample

For nearly 40 years, MPCs have shaped the sound and culture of modern music production. MPC Sample carries this legacy forward by making the art of sampling more accessible and approachable than ever before. Inspired by the legendary MPC60 and MPC3000, this portable sampler, sequencer, and effects processor puts the iconic workflow of vintage MPCs into a compact, modern format with features that empower limitless creativity.

Legendary MPC pads, a full-color display, and simple creative controls encourage hands-on sampling, looping, and beatmaking right out of the box. For immediate idea generation, this standalone hardware comes with over 100 kits, inspiring pad and knobs effects, and an intuitive chopping workflow.

MPC Sample is equipped with all the storage and connectivity options creatives need. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery, microSD card storage, an onboard sequencer, an internal microphone, a built-in speaker, and USB-C connection make it easy and convenient to record, edit, and play back audio on the go—no computer or DAW required."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Return — a track with Koala Sampler

video upload by Payton Carter Music

"Hey. It's been a while.

Grad school and family responsibilities made it really difficult for me to put any time toward making music, so I ended up selling all my gear. After that, I tried to make a few tracks on the computer in my free time, but it was never any fun and I couldn't finish anything. I decided that music production just wasn't the right thing to be focusing on at this point in my life.

Of course, the desire never left. I spent two hours commuting every day on the train, which I usually filled with reading or listening to music. Recently, I decided I would try to make some music during those two hours. I downloaded Koala Sampler on my phone and gave it a shot. This is what I came up with.

This track uses all stock samples and the built-in Quokka synthesizer. The video is a lie. I recorded it in real time, but I ended up just exporting the stems so I could add some effects and chop some patterns around. You'll notice some drum pads aren't triggering when they should be based on the audio. Sorry.

I hope you enjoy this track. It felt really good to finally finish something."

midiphy zetaSID audio demos (ROM patchbank)

video upload by midiphy

"midiphy proudly presents: zetaSID for eurorack, an expandable powerful SID voice covering a wide range of tones and textures, from classic chiptune staples to sounds you might not expect from a SID chip. The legendary sound engine that defined the Commodore 64 era and shaped the childhood memories of a whole generation of musicians turns out to have plenty left to say. What started as three humble oscillators in a home computer back in 1982 still has a unique character that nothing else quite captures. And zetaSID is here to make sure that sound keeps finding its way into music for years to come.

Here are some selected audio demos, some of them use external FX, some are dry, directly recorded from the bare metal.

You can test-drive the zetaSID ROM patchbank sounds on your own, in your browser, for free: https://www.midiphy.com/en/zetasid-em...

Note for U.S. customers: Perfect Circuit is our exclusive U.S. reseller: you can buy these modules here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/midiphy

...or in our european webshop: https://www.midiphy.com/en/shop/

Enjoy and best regards!
Peter/Hawkeye

Molten Music Monthly February 2026 - Synth East Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

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

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

Bad Gear - He tried his best to HATE IT

video upload by AudioPilz

[Funny side note: I just saw that episode of Myth Busters with the truck plowing through cars, just yesterday.]

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. There are a few learnings to be taken from years of ploughing through music production gear like an 80s rock band shopping in a liquor store: don’t believe the hype, everything has been done before and never trust a stylish instrument sold with the promise to give you all you need in a compact form factor without compromising sound quality and usability.

Today we are going to talk about Dirtywave M8. This hardware tracker and mini DAW comes with more red flags than the average dating app experience like a cult-like following, a Game Boy-inspired workflow and believe me - I tried my best to hate it.

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Ensoniq ESQ-1 Analog/Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer Workstation w/ Cartridge SN ESQ-35724-D

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing

"This listing is for a vintage 1980's Ensoniq ESQ-1 Analog/Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer Workstation that comes with an Ensoniq Sequencer Expander Cartridge and power cord. This synthesizer is in good physical and working condition. The winning bidder will receive exactly what is pictured.

The Ensoniq ESQ-1 is a 61-key, velocity sensitive, eight-note polyphonic and multitimbral synthesizer released by Ensoniq in 1985. It was marketed as a "digital wave synthesizer" but is actually an early music workstation. Although its voice generation is typically subtrative in much the same fashion as most analog synthesizer that preceded it, its oscillators are neither voltage nor digitally controlled, but true digital oscillators, provided by a custom Ensoniq wavetable chip. The signal path includes analog resonant low-pass filters and an analog amplifier.

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Quick jam with MicroRack and Beat Friend

video upload by Many Small Functions

"My Kickstarter MicroRack modular synthesizer arrived yesterday and I’m still learning how it works, but I got a nice little jam going with the ‪@audio.computer‬ Beat Friend and ‪@microrack-modular-synth‬ synth. The MicroRack filter is surprisingly gnarly! The MIDI sync stuff is reasonably flexible, the little 4-step sequencers are fun (and I need like 4 more to chain together...) and overall MicroRack stuff is cool and very powerful for how tiny it is. This is a REALLY basic synced groove with some filter and oscillator tweaking to show what it can do.

One drawback with trying to film something like this is that the devices are SUPER tiny and autofocus likes my hands. Hope you enjoy these lovely closeups of my wrists.

#microrack
#audiocomputer #beatfriend
#modular #synth"

See the Audio.Computer label below for more.

The "Easel" Spirit in 3U - A West Coast Eurorack Deep Dive

video upload by Sean Graves

The following is in via Sean Graves, who had the following to say:

"The piece, 'The 'Easel' Spirit in 3U: Rebuilding a Buchla Soul in Eurorack,' documents my five-year journey to replicate the specific workflow and 'soul' of the Buchla Music Easel using a curated Eurorack system."

"This post explores the creative power of 5-step sequencing (the 'migrating downbeat'), the 'origami' of wavefolding via the Verbos Complex Oscillator, and the organic harmonic dampening of vactrol-based Low Pass Gates. It’s a technical yet accessible look at why the West Coast workflow remains the 'holy grail' for performance - based synthesis."

The full write-up follows, with a demonstration of the system in the video above.

The “Easel” Spirit in 3U: Rebuilding a Buchla Soul in Eurorack

The Buchla Music Easel is legendary. It isn’t just a synthesizer. It’s a self-contained performance ecosystem. For many of us, the “Easel” workflow is the holy grail of synthesis. However, instead of chasing original hardware, I’ve spent the past five years rebuilding its specific soul within the Eurorack format. Because everyone deserves a hobby, right?

The Chef vs. The Sculptor
Most East Coast synthesizers work like a sculptor. You start with a massive block of harmonic noise (Sawtooth or Square waves) and carve it away with a filter. The Buchla workflow is different. It’s like being a chef in your own Hell’s Kitchen. You start with basic, “bland” ingredients (sine waves) and spice them up with Frequency Modulation (FM), Amplitude Modulation (AM), your choice, and then fold until the sound sizzles.

My current rig recreates this spirit by focusing on three pillars: Uncertainty, Complex Oscillation, and the iconic Sequential Voltage Source.

Part One: The Modulators (The Brain)
In a true Easel style setup, the Tokyo Tape Music Center 5-Step Sequencer acts as the brain. While most modern sequencers favor 4-8-16-32 steps, the 5-step limitation is actually a creative superpower.

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Introducing MPC XL | The Next-Generation Flagship Standalone MPC for Sampling and Sequencing by Akai

video upload by Akai Professional

MPC XL Overview | Akai Professional

video upload by Akai Professional

MPC XL with Teddy Riley | Akai Professional

video upload by Akai Professional

And a user video by loopop:

Review: Akai MPC XL vs MPC X // MPC 3.7's biggest new feature // Using MPCe

video upload by loopop

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.

CLICK FOR MORE »

KORG Introduces the KAOSS PAD V

video upload by Korg

Korg KAOSS PAD KPV // In-depth review & tutorial

video upload by loopop

Press release follows:


KORG Introduces KAOSS PAD V: A Touch Evolution for Modern Performance and Production

MELVILLE, NY - Korg announces the new KAOSS PAD V, a reimagined evolution of its expressive touch-based effects platform, designed for the way musicians, producers, performers, and content creators work today. Building on the iconic KAOSS approach, the new unit arrives as a powerful real-time sound manipulation tool for vocalists, instrumentalists, producers, and performers delivering an advanced dual-touch control surface with expanded effects and sampling on stage, in the studio, and in streaming environments today by reacting instantly to gestures, shaping sound through intuitive touch interaction, and integrating seamlessly into contemporary setups.
The KAOSS PAD V centers on a redesigned touch interface capable of responding to two simultaneous gestures, allowing users to control paired parameters at once and create evolving textures, layered movement, and dynamic transitions in real time. Filter and delay, pitch and reverb, modulation and feedback, and many other combinations become fluid, tactile musical expressions rather than static settings, helping performances feel more alive and interactive.
Connectivity and integration play a key role in this new generation. KAOSS PAD V supports MIC, LINE, and USB inputs simultaneously, enabling vocals, instruments, and computer audio to blend into a unified performance system. A balanced microphone preamp ensures clean vocal input, while a dedicated high-impedance input allows electric guitars and basses to connect directly without added hardware. An integrated USB audio interface streamlines recording, processing, and streaming, making it equally suited to DAW workflows, livestream setups, and headphone monitoring. A newly designed power circuit and refined audio path support low-noise, stable operation whether used in performance venues, studios, or creative spaces anywhere music is made.

Vocal creativity takes a significant step forward with the new Voice FX engine, providing harmonies, vocoder-style layers, pitch-morphed tonal shaping, and expressive textures applied in real time. The platform even allows users to control external MIDI equipment with their voice, opening distinctive performance possibilities that extend beyond traditional effects processing.
Guitarists and bassists also gain a powerful new performance partner. With direct connection via the dedicated high-impedance input, KAOSS PAD V offers fingertip-controlled ambient swells, rhythmic modulation, time-based glitch elements, atmospheric reverbs, and other expressive textures, all shaped by movement across the pad rather than menu navigation or fixed parameter adjustment.

Sampling and looping are built directly into the creative workflow. Users can capture up to eight bars depending on tempo, overdub layers as they perform, keep precise loop positioning during playback, and keep performances rhythmically grounded through BPM-synced Step Hold operation. Multiple playback and slicing options support creative rearrangement, making KAOSS PAD V a capable tool for remixing, live improvisation, and evolving pattern creation.
Honoring its lineage while expanding its scope, KAOSS PAD V provides access to a curated range of classic KAOSS effects alongside refreshed modern processing, from filters, delays, reverbs, and modulation to advanced voice shaping and contemporary textures. Users can further refine their sound using onboard editing tools, tailoring parameters, creating customized variations, saving personal presets directly to the device, and even adjusting pad-LED color and program behavior to suit their workflow. With 300 total programs available - 200 factory presets and 100 user location - plus support for external SD or SDHC cards, the platform balances immediacy with depth.

Compact, robust, and designed for real-time expression, KAOSS PAD V measures 210 mm wide by 226 mm deep by 49 mm high and weighs approximately 1.3 kg (excluding power supply). It includes RCA line input and output connections, balanced/unbalanced MIC/GUITAR input, headphone output, MIDI In/Out, USB connectivity, and ships with an AC adapter and Quick Start Guide. Operating stability from 0 to +40°C ensures reliability across environments.
With KAOSS PAD V, Korg advances the KAOSS concept into a new era, keeping the immediacy and visual interaction that made the series a staple while deepening control, expanding sonic capability, and aligning the platform with today’s creative demands.
For more information, please visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.korg.com.

Street Price: $649.99 USD

Melbourne Instruments announces advanced Logic Pro integration for ROTO-CONTROL

video upload by Melbourne Instruments

Roto-Control (Review): A Logic Pro Controller I Actually Want to Use

video upload by Why Logic Pro Rules

"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]

For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated ROTO-CONTROL webpage here: https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/rotocontrol

The new (3.0.1) firmware update for ROTO-CONTROL with Logic Pro integration is downloadable for free from here: https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/roto

Introducing PlayAUDIO2U: The Ultimate Live Performance AUDIO & MIDI Interface from iConnectivity

video upload by iConnectivity

Check with dealers on the right for availability.



Press releae follows:

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.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Novation Mininova Ambient with loop station

video upload by Blossom Bisquits

"The Novation MiniNova is a powerful, compact synthesizer known for its surprisingly deep sound engine—the same one found in the larger UltraNova. It is particularly famous for its vocal processing and "Animate" performance buttons.

Here is a breakdown of its key features in English:

Core Sound Engine
Powerful Synth Engine: A versatile engine capable of up to 18-note polyphony and 5 effects per patch.

Oscillators: Features 3 oscillators per voice, including classic analog waveforms, 36 wavetables, and 20 digital waveforms.

Filters: 14 different filter types, including low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass, with various slope settings.

Modulation: 20 modulation slots to link synth modules together, plus 3 LFOs and 6 envelope generators.

Vocal Processing (VocalTune & Vocoder)
VocalTune: Includes a built-in pitch correction effect to achieve that "auto-tuned" vocal sound.

12-band Vocoder: Comes with a dedicated gooseneck microphone to create classic robotic voice effects.

Voice Processor: You can also run external instruments through its filters and effects via the audio input.

Performance Controls
Animate Buttons: 8 backlit "Animate" buttons that allow you to "warp" and trigger modulation in real-time.

Pitch & Mod Wheels: Tactile wheels for expressive playing.

Large Filter Knob: A dedicated, oversized cutoff knob for instant sonic control.

Arpeggiator: A built-in 33-pattern arpeggiator with real-time editing.

Hardware & Connectivity
Mini-Keys: 37 velocity-sensitive mini-keys for a compact footprint.

Patch Storage: Space for 384 onboard patches (256 factory sounds included) and additional storage via computer software.

I/O Ports: * 1/4" Jack output (Stereo)

1/4" Mono input (to process external gear)

Headphone output

MIDI In/Out

USB port (for MIDI and patch management)

XLR input (for the gooseneck mic)"

CouchJam with Minichord and audio.computer Beat Friend

video upload by Many Small Functions

"I ordered my Beat Friend at SuperBooth 2025 and it arrived a couple of weeks ago. This is the first chance I've really had to sit down with it. I love it-- it's inspiring and can be pretty good to chill with.

The Minichord is also delightful for chilling. I need to get more into the patch editor.

Played live while recording on my phone for lofi excitement."

See the labels below for additional posts.

DIY Minimoog Inspired Synth | A Teensy Powered Tribute

video upload by Moby Pixel

"In this video, we’re building a Teensy-powered synth inspired by the iconic Minimoog Model D, and exploring what made the original design so legendary. We’ll walk through all-the-things: oscillators, mixer, filter, envelopes, hidden features, presets, the Teensy’s USB audio setup, and how Bob Moog’s Minimoog helped shape modern subtractive synthesis.

This is my biggest project to date, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out! The Teensy 4.1’s built-in USB audio is sending power, MIDI, and audio over a single cable. What a time to be alive, haha! All code and build files are available on GitHub if you want to make your own. Cheers!

GitHub: https://github.com/NickCulbertson/Min...

A 6-voice polyphonic virtual analog synthesizer built with the Teensy 4.1 microcontroller, inspired by the classic Minimoog. Features comprehensive synthesis with USB audio/MIDI and intuitive menu control.

Key Features:
6-voice polyphony with 3 oscillators per voice (18 total)
6 waveforms per oscillator
Noise shared white/pink noise
24dB Moog-style ladder filter with ADSR envelopes
Independent LFO with pitch/filter/amp targets
Macro knob system - remap filter knobs to LFO controls
USB Audio + MIDI - single cable to computer
20 hardware encoders + LCD for real-time control
20 Presets - 80s Brass, Saw Keys, Bass sounds, Pads, and more
Multiple play modes - Mono, Poly, Legato with glide

Parts List:
Teensy 4.1 – https://www.sparkfun.com/teensy-4-1-w...
Menu Encoder – https://www.amazon.com/Taiss-KY-040-E...
Other Encoders – https://www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
LCD 2×16 – https://www.amazon.com/Hosyond-Displa...
Knobs – https://www.amazon.com/Taiss-Silver-R...

Chapters:
0:00 The Minimoog
3:00 MiniTeensy Synth Build
6:32 Minimoog & MiniTeensy Designs Explain ed
9:26 Presets Demo
12:25 SUBSCRIBE! (maybe?)

Thanks for Watching!
Nick
Moby Pixel"

A.I. Experiments: The Infinite Drum Machine

video upload by Google for Developers

"Check out https://g.co/aiexperiments to learn more.

Sounds are complex and vary widely. This experiment uses machine learning to organize thousands of everyday sounds. The computer wasn’t given any descriptions or tags – only the audio. Using a technique called t-SNE, the computer placed similar sounds closer together. You can use the map to explore neighborhoods of similar sounds and even make beats using the drum sequencer. http://g.co/aiexperiments

Built by Kyle McDonald, Manny Tan, Yotam Mann, and friends at Google Creative Lab. Thanks to the London Philharmonia for contributing some sounds to this project. t-SNE animation featured in video by Gene Kogan.

More resources:
https://github.com/lvdmaaten/bhtsne
http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/explore...
http://ml4a.github.io"

This one is in via Ivan Trajkovic aka dejayiwan.

A couple of screenshots for the archives: