Protean, We created a thing.

video upload by sonicLAB

1. Protean, A sonic odyssey. 2. Protean, A sonic odyssey. 3. Protean, A perpetual dialogue of art and science. 4. Protean, A transforming sonic being.

"PROTEAN is a unique software synthesizer, a groundbreaking audiovisual instrument for sound designers and composers. It uses fluid dynamics and relevant particle forces/interactions to render and organize hundreds of sine waves. Designed & developed by Sinan Bokesoy with presets creations by Ryan Pryor, Laurent Mialon, and Daito Manabe. Protean represents our most ambitious development to date—a true bridge between sonic art and science. Available for OSX and Windows on the sonicLAB/sonicPlanet web-store."

Erica Synths Steampipe Physical Modeling Synth - SonicLAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"‪@magicalsynthadventure3216‬ takes a look at the ‪@EricaSynths‬ Steampipe, a hardware physical modeling synthesizer from Erica Synths and 112dB (who also worked on NightVerb).

The Steampipe is based on a Reaktor Ensemble from around 2004/5. The hardware unit is nicely made desktop hardware.

Features
8-voice polyphony
Physical modeling engine with 32 adjustable parameters
5 assignable LFOs with delay and sync
Extensive modulation matrix with MIDI controller-specific configurations
64 factory presets and 192 user preset memory
Preset export and import via USB
DIN5 MIDI Input
MIDI Thru/Out
All parameters are MIDI CC controllable

Available now priced at: €990/$1199, £1099"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Body Synths Metal Fetishist Percussion Synthesizer - SonicLAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Extra sounds demo on our http://patreon.com/sonicstate

‪@midierror‬ takes look at the Body Synths Metal Fetishist - an unhinged noise box and percussion synthesizer, capable of making gut-wrenching beats, incendiary fx, and supercharged percussive elements.

It's a unique unit, which is the first release from Body Synths - a monophonic digital synthesizer with sequence generation, rather than a conventional step sequencer.

The combination of an oscillator, noise generator, filter, random modulation, and 2 on-board effects leads to many unexpected results and happy accidents - particularly if you like your sound dark and distorted.

It's available now for around £369.99 RRP
https://bodysynths.com/

midierror has just launched http://potatoaudio.com

Patreons have access to an EXTRA NOISE video, with 10 minutes of no talking, balls-to-the-wall noise explorations, and we'll be following up with some free loops in the new year - exclusively available at https://www.patreon.com/sonicstate

*Key Moments:*
00:00:00 - Introduction to Bodysynths Metal Fetishist
00:00:44 - Overview of Controls and Features
00:01:49 - Exploration of Oscillator and Noise Generator
00:03:50 - Filter Settings and Resonance Effects
00:05:41 - Distinctive Sound Effects: Rust and Corrosion
00:07:26 - Random Step Modulation and Skips
00:10:38 - Performance Insights and Use Cases
00:13:12 - Summary and Closing Remarks"

Moog Muse Analogue Polysynth SonicLAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Extra demo and Muse samples already at https://patreon.com/sonicstate
Moog's Muse is the first big release under the new management of inMusic - its an analogue 8 voice poly with 2 oscillators (+ a mod oscillator that can be a 3rd) 3 additional LFOs, twin ladder filters, two ADSRs, sequencer and arpeggiator, dual Diffusion Delay , 16 slot Mod Map.

The electronics have roots in the Voyager / Matriarch and vintage modules to give it plenty of Moog history.

It's also bi-timbral with split or layer options.

Available now, priced at £2999 /$3499"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

PolyNodesAVP

video upload by sonicLAB

"PolyNodesAVP is a remote controller for the PolyNodes desktop app and offers a revolutionary platform for sonic interaction. We bring the PolyNodes structure into augmented reality with an 3D spatial navigation experience on Apple Vision Pro.

PolyNodesAVP is available for Apple Vision Pro. ( free download )
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/polynod..."

SonicLAB: UDO Audio Super 8 Binaural Dual Layer Synthesizer Review

video upload by sonicstate

"We're looking at the UDO Audio Super 8, a finely-crafted 16-voice (8 in Binaural mode) polysynth with a polyphonic aftertouch keybed and dual/split synth functions. Priced at £3,000, the Super 8 is a strong contender for your flagship synth"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Key Moments:
00:00:00 start
00:00:06 Intro + hardware
00:02:06 sounds
00:06:27 DDS oscillators
00:13:50 Filter
00:18:36 looping envelope 1
00:19:51 Mod matrix
00:21:03 FX
00:22:39 Delay Freeze
00:24:18 Chorus
00:26:06 Mod Matrix
00:27:11 Performance Section
00:30:48 LFO 1 HF Mode
00:32:53 Memories
00:34:08 Dual + Split
00:38:07 Sequencer
00:39:34 Conclusions

Additional UDO Super 8 posts

4ms Meta Module - SonicLAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Many have tried to create this kind of platform taking software Eurorack or DSP synthesis from the desktop such as VCV Rack and running that code in a Eurorack hardware module. 4ms are up for the challenge - essentially you get a DSP module able to run some VCV rack modules (160 and counting) - the list is growing - but be sure to check the latest one.

Meta has 2x gate inputs, 6 audio/CV inputs, 8 audio/cv outputs and 12 assignable knobs to freely control the modules you built in it. With USB-C and SD Card storage, you can edit the setups adding modules and control until you run out of DSP, which will happen eventually - thats just the way it it.

You can create patches on the unit itself, with a well thought out UI for adding modules, routing and knob and connection assignments - though inevitably it can get a little clicky, its impressively well done.

Paulee Bow aka ‪@magicalsynthadventure3216‬ takes a look for SonicLAB and finds it can do quite a lot... Available now priced at $649/£569 street"

Check with dealers on the right.

Key Moments:
00:00:00 Introduction to the 4MS Meta Module
00:02:38 Adding and configuring modules
00:03:50 Sound examples and patching
00:05:18 Navigation challenges on the Meta Module
00:06:45 Connectivity & integration with VCV
00:08:10 The Pod case
00:09:00 FM Sound examples
00:10:48 A patch with Mutable Warps
00:11:34 More patch examples
00:13:36 Processing Guitar input
00:14:25 Thoughts and conclusions

Introducing Ableton Move: a portable tool for intuitive music making

video upload by Ableton

User videos:



Playlist:

1. Ableton Move Is Here - First Thoughts Chat - MATTHS
2. Ableton Move Hardware - In Depth SonicLAB Presentation - sonicstate
3. Ableton Move plus Special Guest: Dub Techno and IDM improv - featuring TwistFM (Demo) - Limbic Bits
4. Ableton MOVE - Workflow Demo - Bonedo Synthesizers
5. Ableton Move - Techno, Ambient, Breakbeats - Marcus Schmahl

CLICK FOR MORE »

SonicLAB: Exploring SynthMaster 3 with Bulent from SynthMaster

video upload by sonicstate

"In this SonicLAB presentation, Nick chats with Bulent from KV331 Audio to delve into the new capabilities of SynthMaster 3. SynthMaster 3, a comprehensive synthesis environment, comes with multiple new features including a multi-layered architecture supporting up to 16 layers per patch, advanced modulation possibilities, and several types of synthesis such as FM and granular synthesis. The interface has been streamlined for better user experience, with enhanced visual feedback and new oscillator types to provide versatile sound design options.

Priced at $179, SynthMaster 3 will be available at $125 for the first two weeks of September. http://synthmaster.com

*Key Moments:*
00:00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:00:54 Multi-layered architecture demonstration
00:04:01 Oscillator and waveform capabilities
00:08:00 Modular routing system introduction
00:15:13 Virtual analog oscillator features
00:20:29 Granular oscillator demonstration
00:31:37 Optimization and performance considerations
00:33:37 Pricing and availability details"

SonicLAB: Teenage Engineering Medieval Sampler

video upload by sonicstate

"In this SonicLAB episode, we look at the Teenage Engineering Medieval sampler, a whimsical companion piece to the original KO2.

We confess, the Medieval seemed like an outlandish concept with its unique packaging and medieval-themed sounds including trumpets, hurdy-gurdies, and crowd noises that evoke ancient pageantry. The device offers the same hardware as the KO2 but stands out with its distinct, medieval-themed LCD screen and faux-Latin graphics.

Despite its quirky thematic elements, the Medieval sampler features upgraded 128 MB storage, twice as much as the KO2. However, the additional storage primarily holds the predefined medieval sounds, leaving just 32 MB for user samples. The effects and MIDI functionalities are similar to the KO2, though the Medieval includes new effects like echo, ensemble and dimension Notably, the Medieval also allows for loop points in samples pre-defined, and multi-sample regions which isn't available in the KO2.

Ultimately, the Teenage Engineering Medieval sampler, priced the same as the KO2, feels like a bit of a novelty item. For practical use, the KO2 continues to be a more versatile choice.

Key Moments:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:12 Initial Impressions
00:00:54 Unboxing & Hardware Comparison
00:01:19 Medieval Sound Demos
00:03:46 Storage & Software Differences
00:05:00 Effects & MIDI Functionality
00:07:18 Review of Additional Effects
00:09:02 Final Thoughts & Recommendations"

PaSSBot v3 is ready.

video upload by sonicLAB

"PaSSBot makes complex modulation easy and musically intuitive by turning even lifeless sonic material into animated textures."

See this previous post for a tutorial by CatSynth of the original release.

"PaSSBot is a unique stochastic filter bank plugin. a cloud of filters with complex modulation capabilities driving up to 64 unique parallel instances.

It is also structurally the base of sonicLAB Fundamental, where the latter owes most of its features to the PaSSBot. PaSSBot filter types are Biquad, StateVariableFilter, Ladder, Resonator and SEM filter implementations. With behaviors of bandpass, Lo + Hipass, and Notch types and up to 64 of them in true stereo ! The user can set values of center frequency, gain and resonance of the each filter, which will be then eloborated with powerful stochastic generators ( 4 independent GENs ) with continuous or discrete probabilistic distributions but also with standard waveforms.

a cloud of filters with organic character..
PaSSBot has a rich time domain modulation scheme at your finger which operates on various parameters.
individual behavior or harmonic relations
You can set each filter parameters individually, but also distribute them in harmonic order, again the harmonic spread ratio can be set by the user or even can be modulated by a GEN.

Be it stochastic complex control-waveforms to interact with or simple touches, this calculated data serving to the filter bank create musical soundscapes instantly.

Tuning scales can be deployed to tune the filter center frequencies.

For independent GEN's for each filter (modulation generators ) with loads of stochastic distribution sources. This makes upto 64 x 4 GENs running in parallel..

Each GEN can modulate a different parameter: Center freq, filter gain, filter bandwidth, harmonic spread ratio and stereo spatialization.

You can tune the filter fequencies to musical scales. PaSSBot can read .scala format scale files.

True two channel behavior for stereo imaging, and each filter position can be modulated on the stereo field.

The filter can run continuously or be triggered manually. In that case, each filter will be applied an independent AR envelope with configurable random duration.

Precision DSP rendering, less than 1milisec. control rate precision and at the same time CPU friendly." https://www.sonic-lab.com/passbot/

PWM Mantis Hybrid Synthesizer | SonicLAB Product Review

video upload by sonicstate

"In this SonicLAB review, we explore the PWM Mantis, a hybrid synthesizer from PWM Music and the late Chris Huggett. It's a hybrid synthesizer combining digital oscillators and stereo multi-mode analog filters.Digital wavetable oscillators, with looping envelopes, onboard effects, and a six-slot modulation matrix.
Priced at $1,349 USD, the Mantis is available now"

*Key Moments:*
00:00:00 Introduction to PWM Mantis
00:00:39 Overview of synthesizer features
00:02:23 Exploring patches and sounds
00:06:05 Detailing oscillators and wave-shapes
00:12:53 Filters
00:16:43 LFOs
00:18:03 Arpeggiator and FX
00:21:31 Final thoughts and pricing

Introducing AIR Sub Factory : The Ultimate Bass Synth?

video uploads by AIR Music Tech

Playlist:
AIR Sub Factory : The Ultimate Bass Synth
AIR Sub Factory : Main Walkthrough
AIR Sub Factory - MPC Standalone Edition Overview
Air Music Technology sub.factory Bass Synth Patch Flip | SonicLAB - vidio by sonicstate

"AIR Sub Factory, a feature-rich synthesiser designed to create industrial-strength bass sounds. Perfect for producers who appreciate the power of a meticulously crafted bass line, AIR Sub Factory delivers unrivalled synth bass with its versatile capabilities and advanced features.

Key Features:
● Dual wavetable engines with hundreds of waves and 127 index points for extensive customisation
● Third sample-based engine featuring kick, 808 loops, shots, noise, and FX samples
● Sample start and delay, reverse, pitch, and filter adjustments
● Comprehensive filters, dedicated pitch controls, and amp and filter envelopes
● Intuitive modulation section with a wide array of target options
● Substantial library of ready-to-use presets
● Essential effects including Unison, Spread, Width, Ring Mod, Chorus, Drive, and EQ

808 and Beyond
AIR Sub Factory goes far beyond the classic 808 bass presets, offering a comprehensive sonic palette suitable for R&B, Hip Hop, Drum and Bass, and Pop. With dual wavetable engines and an additional sample engine, producers have unprecedented control over their bass sounds, ensuring compatibility with any genre.

Wavetable and Samples
The heart of AIR Sub Factory lies in its dual wavetable engines, each featuring hundreds of waves ranging from classic analogue and edgy digital to quirky hybrid sounds. Each wave has 127 index points for extensive customisation. Additionally, a third sample-based engine provides a rich array of kick, 808 loops, shots, noise, and FX samples, with features like sample start and delay, reverse, pitch, and filter adjustments.

Under The Hood
Every track demands a unique bass sound, and AIR Sub Factory delivers with intricate filters, dedicated pitch controls, and comprehensive amp and filter envelopes. The intuitive modulation section, coupled with a wide array of target options, empowers producers to craft truly unique sounds.

Ready-to-Use and Customisable
AIR Sub Factory comes with a substantial library of presets designed to inspire creativity. For those who prefer to start from scratch, AIR Sub Factory offers a powerful set of controls for die-hard synth lover

Effects and More
No serious synthesiser would be complete without essential effects. AIR Sub Factory includes Unison, Spread, and Width options, as well as effects like Ring Mod, Chorus, Drive, and EQ, providing a full suite of tools to polish the sound.


Formats
macOS: AU, VST, VST3, AAX. Windows: VST, VST3, AAX."

Erica Synths Nightverb Performance Reverb | SonicLAB

video upload by sonicstate

"Erica Synths and 112dB's Nightverb performance reverb pedal excels in creating ambient textures and expansive soundscapes. Equipped with versatile connectivity, a freeze function, and 100 user preset slots, it offers extensive creative potential without distortion at high gain levels. Priced around €490 (approx. £411),
‪@matthsmatthsmatths‬ Takes a look for us"

*Key Moments:*
00:00:00 Introduction and Features Overview
00:00:48 Build and Connectivity
00:02:01 Demonstration with Synth
00:07:29 With Pulsar-23
00:21:40 Foot Pedal Features
00:25:53 Midi Control
00:35:43 Vocals
00:37:56 Final thoughts

GForce OB-1 Synth Patch Flip - SonicLAB

video upload by sonicstate

"GForce Software's OB-1 Synth brings the 1978 programmable monosynth back to life, combining rich sonic characteristics with advanced features. This review explores various patches, emphasizing its radical high-pass filter and LFO parameter assignments. Available at an introductory price of $49.99, it offers great value for enthusiasts and professionals alike."

*Key Moments:*
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:54 Overview of patch functionalities
00:04:15 Demonstration of high-pass filter
00:11:30 Explanation of LFO assignments
00:14:10 Discussion on sound quality and effects
00:26:30 Pricing information

Sequential Trigon 6 vs OB6 showdown !

video upload by Yuki The Synth Dragon

Regarding the wobbly knob, that looks defective to me. I have SN 01091 and the knobs are solid. His is SN 3925. If you have an OB-6 leave a comment with your SN# and whether your knobs are solid or wobbly. If you pick up a new one just check the knobs out of the box, but obviously don't force them. That said, this is an interesting comparison between the two synths.

0:00 opening and wobbly knobs
5:52 the comparison
7:33 wave shapes on both
14:00 filters
17:00 lets make patches on both synths
37:00 closing thoughts

You can find the mentioned Red Means Recording's Sound Design with the Oberheim TEO-5 previously posted here, and Sonicstate's Oberheim TEO-5 Synthesizer SonicLAB Review here.

SonicLAB Tetrachords by Cycle Instruments Part 2 Review

video upload by sonicstate

Part 1 here

"The second part of the SonicLAB review ‪@matthsmatthsmatths‬ explores the Tetrachords by Cycle Instruments, focusing on its keyboard capabilities, step sequencer, and integration with Eurorack modules like the Cubit Chord. The module supports both USB and CV outputs, enabling seamless software integration for advanced sound design. Priced at AUD $1,200 (approximately £625), it offers a variety of features for creating dynamic sequences and is available exclusively from Cycle Instruments’ website.

Key Moments:
00:00:00 - Introduction and link to Part 1
00:00:17 - Using Tetrachords as a keyboard and playing chords
00:01:07 - Briefing on the step sequencer functionality
00:02:26 - Example of varying note patterns and polyrhythms
00:05:04 - Introduction of the Cubit Chord module
00:08:07 - Integration of USB outputs with computer software
00:08:51 - Demonstration of MIDI output with synthetic instruments
00:12:52 - Explanation of pattern writing and jam modes"

Tetrachords by Cycle Instruments (part 1) | SonicLAB

video upload by sonicstate

"Part 2 available now on [sonicstate patreon]

"In this sonicLAB ‪@matthsmatthsmatths‬ looks as Tetrachords by ‪@cycleinstruments5270‬ (Cycle Instruments). A versatile, four-track polyphonic CV and MIDI sequencer for Eurorack systems. It has an array of inputs, outputs, scale, and performance features, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced musicians. Available for $1200 AUD (approx £625), this module enhances musical creativity by simplifying complex arrangements and offering impressive modulation capabilities.

Key Moments:
00:00:00 Introduction to Tetra Chords
00:00:24 Overview of inputs and outputs
00:00:53 Feature highlights and tricks
00:03:02 Detailed interface walkthrough
00:05:03 Built-in tuner demonstration
00:10:04 Path dial and performance features
00:19:23 Usage of MIDI with the sequencer
00:30:32 Conclusion and teaser for part two"

First experiment with PolyNodes - instrument.

video upload by Richard Devine

"PolyNodes extracts and analyzes the temporal properties of the input sound and maps them in a 3D space to create a visible geometric structure.

https://www.sonic-lab.com/polynodes/"

See the sonicLAB label below for more.

Oberheim TEO-5 Synthesizer SonicLAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Ad Free, Exclusive Samples and extra demo on http://patreon.com/sonicstate

SonicLab reviews the Sequential TEO-5 synthesizer. With a street price of around £1,450/$1,500, the *Oberheim TEO-5 * offers an attractive balance of price and performance. Although it has limited polyphony compared to other offerings, such as the Behringer UB-XA, it retains the authentic Oberheim essence in a conveniently smaller package."

*Chapter Markers:*
00:00:00 Start
00:00:07 overview
00:01:50 Sounds Demo 1
00:03:59 Oscillators and Xmod
00:11:31 Unison
00:12:24 Filter
00:15:00 Sequencer + FX
00:18:33 Mod Matrix
00:20:08 Envelopes and LFOs
00:22:24 Stereo
00:23:15 Sounds Demo 2
00:32:37 Final thoughts