"BROOKLYN, NY — The Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo, perhaps the biggest East Coast event dedicated to electric and electronic gear for musicians with over 100 brands on display, returns to Greenpoint on October 17–18, transforming a 7,000-square-foot warehouse into an immersive playground for music creators.
Presented in partnership with the legendary synth store Three Wave Music and local up-and-coming guitar shop Tonewolf, the Expo offers a strictly in-the-headphones experience — letting attendees demo the latest synthesizers, effects pedals, and modular gear from over 100 brands in a noise-friendly environment.
Nestled in one of Brooklyn's most vibrant musical corridors, the show is expected to draw more about 2,000 visitors, a mix of musicians, producers, and gear enthusiasts.
"Intro to Synthesis" Workshops This year, the Expo expands beyond its large exhibition floor with a new lineup of educational workshops focused on synthesis — from hands-on patch-building sessions to deep dives into modular workflows, led by working artists and builders. A schedule of the workshops will be announced soon.
"@matthsmatthsmatths spends some quality time with the @oddment-audio Oddment ODD-1 granular sampler. With 4 granular playheads, 2 layers and 8 voices with Filtering and saturation plus Reverb and Delay FX, you can build some deep textures and landscapes.
ODD-1 has three modes of operation:
Synth mode for combining multiple samples
Loops Mode - four independent loop buffers
Live mode - transform a live audio input
And yeah, we know this is somewhat over the 5 minutes length, but with such a lot of evolving sound, its hard to keep it short!
ODD-1 is also available as a plug-in ODD-1V has he same features but in software only."
"The first in a series corresponding to the ODD-1 start guide. This one covers how the panel is organized — six rows with two functions each, the numbered knobs, the touch display, the adjust knob, and making sound without a keyboard.
Shipping now in the U.S.
The ODD-1 is a microsonic (granular) instrument — a synthesizer that chops sound into small pieces and lets you re-pitch and rearrange them, with a knob for every function required and patching by holding any knob down.
Chapters:
0:00 — Intro
0:20 — Two functions per row
0:33 — Multiple instances
0:51 — The touch display
1:15 — The two knobs that work differently
1:39— HOLD: playing with no keyboard
Get the start guide to follow along: https://www.oddment-audio.com/odd-1
Firmware 2.4.2"
"We spoke to John Woodruff from Oddment Audio who showed us the Odd-1 synthesizer and its live-effect workflow. Since our previous coverage at Superbooth, the second batch is in now production and units are shipping.
Odd1 works as a multi-timbral synth, live effect, or looping instrument. It holds eight stereo samples of up to 60 seconds, with a grain engine arranged like a small modular rack. Two layers are available, and each layer contains four samples, four playheads, LFOs, and related modulation.
It can process a live input and re-pitch in real-time from the keyboard. The instrument is eight-voice polyphonic, syncs to tempo, and includes an arpeggiator. The Time Path envelope controls playback speed, so note releases can freeze the grain position. Small grain sizes create pitched, wavetable-like results. One layer can also feed and record into the other.
Odd1 costs $999. The Odd One V plug-in uses the same processing, supports Audio Unit and VST, shares patches with the hardware, and is free with Odd1. The beta plug-in price is $149.
More Info: https://oddment-audio.com"
Microsonic Plug-In The same microsonic engine as the ODD-1, running in your DAW.
[ LIVE ] Use ODD-1V as a MIDI-capable live effect on your tracks. Four playheads you tune by hand. Eight-voice re-pitching from your keyboard. Full modulation on every parameter.
[ SYNTH ] Load up to eight stereo samples across two independent layers. Four playheads each, every one with its own speed, pitch and TIME PATH. Control-click any control to make it a modulation destination.
BROOKLYN, NY — The Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo returns October 17–18, transforming a 7,000-square-foot Greenpoint warehouse into an immersive playground for electronic music creators.
Presented in partnership with the legendary Three Wave Music, the Expo offers a strictly in-the-headphones experience — letting attendees demo the latest synthesizers, effects pedals, and modular gear from over 100 brands in a noise-friendly environment.
Nestled in one of Brooklyn's most vibrant musical corridors, the show is expected to draw more about 2,000 visitors, a mix of musicians, producers, and gear enthusiasts.
"Intro to Synthesis" Workshops This year, the Expo expands beyond its large exhibition floor with a new lineup of educational workshops focused on synthesis — from hands-on patch-building sessions to deep dives into modular workflows, led by working artists and builders. A schedule of the workshops will be announced soon.
"This is a barely-used Oddment Audio ODD-1 granular synth with the latest firmware. Screen cover film is still in place. Everything original is included."
"The ODD-1 from Oddment Audio is a sample-based synth that boasts granular processing across up to eight stereo samples, features two independent layers and includes a whole host of onboard modulation and effects."
"In this video, I walk through three practical grain-processing techniques for beat makers using granular synthesis. Instead of the usual pads and soundscape examples, I’m focusing on drums and rhythmic material — showing how grains can shape feel, create modulation effects, add tonal character, and even move into wavetable-style synthesis.
These examples use loops from Joshua Van Tassel, part of the upcoming Odd-1 factory library. The Odd-1 is a modular grain synthesizer we’ve been developing at Oddment, and all of these techniques can be recreated directly on the hardware.
Techniques covered: • Tempo-locked grains for changing the feel • Grain-size modulation and rhythmic dropouts • Tonal effects using closely spaced grains • Wavetable-like sounds from tiny slices of audio
If you’re interested in granular synthesis, drum processing, time-stretching, or experimental beat-making techniques, you’ll probably find something useful here.
We’re finishing up the first small production run of the Odd-1. If you’d like updates or want to join the waitlist, you can do that on our website: https://www.oddment-audio.com/waitlist
Follow us on instagram for more tips and demos: / oddmentaudio
Credits / Gear: – Odd-1 Modular Grain Synth: https://www.oddment-audio.com/odd-1 – Drum loops by Joshua Van Tassel: https://www.joshuavt.com – Intro/Outro music by Lee Clarke: https://leeclarke.bandcamp.com – Ableton Live for comparison examples If you have questions or want a deep dive into a specific part of granular synthesis or beat processing, feel free to leave a comment."
For a long time now we have tried to live by the words of the great Michael Bolton from the movie Office Space, "why should I change when he's the one who sucks?"
But language evolves, and unfortunately, the word “grok” has taken on associations that are problematic. Oddment has evolved too. Starting from one quirky product idea, in 3 years we have grown and are now ready for manufacturing and fulfillment of this product, with ambition to make it the first among many.
So with much consternation, we have decided to drop the name groc. When we thought about a new name, we thought that what we have is a little unusual, perhaps a little outside the norm...you might even call it, the ODD-1.
This is the first in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off half of the encoders that control the granular synthesis engine - the PLAYHEADS function. Here you can control the level, starting point, tuning (aka pitch adjustment) and playback speed for up to 4 different granular playheads. The auxiliary functions available on the touch screen introduce random variability in different ways.
2. ODD-1 Overview: Grains
This is the second in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off the second half of encoders that control the granular synthesis engine - the GRAINS function. Here you can control the size, spacing, left-right placement, and grain window shape. Each control also has a related function, introducing grain size variability, spacing jitter, binaural scatter, and a front-back bias for the window shape. The auxiliary functions available on the touch screen control a bandpass filter that can be randomized per grain and adjust whether grain size is regulated in the source sample or in the output signal, which can have a big impact on sound characteristics.
3. ODD-1 Overview: 03 Envelopes & Time Path
This is the third in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off the ENVELOPES function. Here you can control the note amplitude envelope and timing, access 3 envelopes that can be used as modulation sources, and use our unique TIME PATH feature to dynamically adapt the playback speed.
4. ODD-1 Overview 04: Sample
This is the fourth in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off the SAMPLE function. Here you can choose a sample from the factory library or user-uploaded samples, control the playback mode and the section available for granulation, play and hold notes, set loop points and interact with pitch, tempo and channel information of the sample. We also show the auto pitch and tempo alignment features.
5. ODD-1 Overview 05: LFOs, Macros, Patching
This is the fifth in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off the LFOs, Macros and how to create modulation connections. There are 4 LFOs, 3 Envelopes, 4 Macros (assignable knobs), 4 Control inputs and MIDI information that can all act as modulation sources. Any parameter on the device is a parameter destination. Unlimited connections are made by holding down a destination parameter and then pressing or twisting a modulation source.
6. ODD-1 Overview 06: Filters, Saturation, Echoes
This is the sixth in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show off the Filters, Saturation and Echoes modules. Two filters and two saturation modules per voice, both with multiple types of processing and modulatable parameters, allow for transformation beyond the granular engine. Two echoes sections with filtering and distortion in the feedback loop and fully modulatable parameters make ODD1 worthwhile just as a modular effects rack!
7. ODD-1 Overview: 07 Layers
This is the seventh in a series of videos to show all of the ODD-1's functions in more detail. In this one we show the dual Layer functionality. Essentially the entire system is duplicated so the ODD-1 is like having a dual modular systems, each with a polyphonic granular engine feeding two filters and two non-linear processors per voice, with 3 envelopes, 1 time path, 4 LFOs, 4 Macros and a independent modulation matrix per layer. In these examples we also remind that granular can easily do subtractive-style synthesis when using a basic waveform as the source sample.
8. ODD-1 Overview 08: Reverb & System
The final video in our eight-part series on the ODD-1's functions focuses on the upper-left row where we have global volume, system-level reverb and can work with banks of patches.
The reverb is a classic matrix-style parametric reverb. Think of it like a whole set of interacting delay units with slowly modulating delay times. Ok now that you have that in mind, that's it, that's what it is. It sounds sweet.
If two layers of modulating, granular goodness with a fantastic reverb on top wasn't enough, how do banks of patches to store every twist and connection sound?
And from their newsletter:
What’s in a name?
For a while now we have tried to live by the words of the great Michael Bolton from the movie Office Space, "why should I change when he's the one who sucks?"
But language evolves, and unfortunately, the word “grok” has taken on associations that are problematic.
Oddment has evolved too. Starting from one quirky product idea, we have grown in three years and are now ready for manufacturing and fulfillment of this product, with ambition to make it the first among many. And with much consternation, we have decided to drop the name groc.
When we thought about a new name, we thought that what we have is a little unusual, perhaps a little outside the norm...you might even call it, the ODD-1.
And we plan to keep that off-beat attitude. We hope that brightly-colored friends, ODD-2 and ODD-3, will be along to join ODD-1 after not too long.
Build Updates
We have a lot of exciting progress to report since the last time I wrote. Hop over to our YouTube channel to check out a build update video and some in-depth functionality demos.
We debugged and fixed several problems with the circuit board including the power-up, line input and output, and noise on the control signal inputs.
We got several bids from contract manufacturers in the U.S. and around the world and selected Soldered, based in the E.U. They came highly recommended, and we think their experience will be a huge asset as we go into production.
We worked with Martyna Alexander to tweak the graphic design of the front and back panel. We are thrilled with the updates, including our new company and product logos.
We have first iterations of our custom firmware, enabling full functionality of the device and full USB connectivity to a host computer.
We have completed first versions of the software that include all audio, MIDI and system functionality we intend to support for the release. After many months of playing and testing we re-organized a few functions to expand both the number of concurrent grain “playheads”, and to support banks of patches intended for convenient switching and management in live performance.
"We are in process of finalizing the Groc circuit board and getting some units up and running for beta testing. In this video we show the hardware we have developed and worked with over the last two years and demo the new time-frequency visualization."
"I received some new samples from a fantastic musician/producer. This was was good motivation to make an example using multiple layers. In this one I take a beat, mess with a bunch of parameters to create effects and store the patch. Then I create a second patch on layer two where I use Groc's time path envelope to move through the first few notes of the sample before sustaining. Again mess with some stuff, the re-start the beat on layer one to hear the two together. Enjoy!"
0:00 Beat on Layer 1
0:14 Add Bass with HPF
0:24 Random variation
0:50 Filter
1:06 BPM-sync'd Echo 1
1:26 Chorus with Echo 2
1:57 Save Patch
2:10 New Patch on Layer 2
2:30 Time Path
3:05 Circle the Head
3:35 Fidelity and Filter
4:05 Multiple Layers
4:20 Mixer Mode
4:44 That's a wrap
"Join our resident Sound Scientist for our longest and nerdiest video yet! We walk through the basics of how you can shift the pitch of a sound without changing its speed, then we take our closest look at yet at Groc's many grains parameters and how they can be used to achieve different timbres and effects."
0:00 Intro
0:25 First Granular Processing
0:38 Pitch Down w/o Slow Down
1:09 Using Grains!
1:30 Grains Up Close
2:58 Now Let's Slow Down
3:51 Grains: Speed, Size, Overlap, Shape
7:40 Grains: Secondary Functions
8:42 Synchronous vs. Asynchronous
10:40 Nuances of Overlap and Size
12:24 Grains: Tuning, Placement, Filter, Fidelity
15:11 Sunset
"In this sound design example we take a fiddle sample and use beat-sync'd grain intervals to create a syncopated loop. After dropping in a beat we adjust playback speed and sample positions to improvise and create some variety."
"Another sound design example illustrating some of Groc's many knobs and functions. Here we start with a sample recorded from a Yamaha DX5 that has a nice portamento. Using Groc's time path we can tweak the portamento timing. We then show how to use the grain filter to create a bit of separation between the notes (in frequency and in the stereo field), and end demonstrating how to create an evolving tremolo effect."
"The first in a series of sound design examples illustrating some of Groc's many knobs and functions, here we start with a long piano sample and use Groc's time path envelope to create a nice sustaining voice without freezing on the harsh note onset. We then modulate the sample position to create movement through different chords while playing the same notes from an arpeggiator. Finally we walk through some of Groc's filtering options to create a nice, dynamic loop.
"We are flying to Berlin today for Superbooth 24! Come and see us at table Z064.
We just announced a pre-order list for a small, refundable fee, so no reason to wait...order your Groc now and it will ship in 2025! @c1sao3nbvzbvdohqm6thci5coji5ml
Groc is still in development which means the list of parameters available is growing and changing over time. With a touch screen we can keep iterating on the most intuitive ways to offer these secondary parameters. In this video I take a tour and play with some patches I made with the current set of parameters and modulators. We have also made a lot of progress on offering multiple layers. We plan to offer four that can be used as a multi-timbral synth, a multi-track looper and all kinds of other combinations."
