FIVE MINUTES WITH Roland XV-3080 128 Voice Multi-Timbral Synth

video upload by sonicstate

​‪@magicalsynthadventure3216‬ spends some quality time with the Roland XV-3080 - the 16 part multi-timbral 128 voice rackmount synth.

With a wide range of sounds, synthesis and effects plus the additional SRX PCM expansion cards. In this video the new Wi-Fi Rewritable SR-JV card from Connor Zheng is installed which allows you to flash the PCM cards over the network.

https://www.ddzheng.cc/?page_id=666
https://voguerenege.bandcamp.com/"

Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control Review: Innovative MIDI Controller with Haptic Feedback

video upload by sonicstate

"We take a look at the Roto-control from ‪@melbourneinstruments‬ a new 8 knob MIDI controller, with unique rotary encoder technology using drone motors.

Introduced at NAMM, the controller's encoders provide a tactile haptic feedback, making them configurable in multiple ways. Traditional end stop knobs, rotary encoders, centre-dent, positive multi-position switches/

Connectivity options include USB-C ports for power management and standard MIDI in, out and through connections. Roto-control supports Ableton Live exclusively for now, but additional DAW support is expected in future updates. Melbourne Instruments hinted at imminent updates to enhance functionalities, including Bitwig support and MIDI merge.

https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/

Key Moments:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:28 Features Overview
00:02:08 MIDI Mode Demo
00:06:40 Mix Mode and Plugin Mode
00:13:14 Third-party Plugin Mapping
00:18:34 Final Thoughts"

Elta Music Solar 42f Quick Jam

video upload by MATTHS

"Literally just fired up the ‪@ELTAmusic‬ Solar42f and started experimenting with the arpeggiator and the too built in VCO’s and some infinity delay. I mean, the dynamic vibes of this so far is just 🤯. I haven’t even used any of the 6 drone voices, sequencer, LFO’s, light controllers, built in preamp, joystick and the rest! Looking forwards to bringing you a full demo of this on ‪@sonicstate‬ in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!"

A Track With: Collide 4 - Joranalogue and Hainbach's Test Equipment Module

video upload by sonicstate

"The ‪@joranalogue‬ / ‪@Hainbach‬ collaboration module - Collide 4 has been out for a little while, Hainbach is building a new live rig based on four of them as they encompass some of his beloved and enormous test equipment gear, but in a way more practical 20HP format.

In this video, our resident modular artist ‪@matthsmatthsmatths‬ uses Collide 4 as the sole sound source and puts together a piece using just that plus some additional processing. Using both the Filter and the Oscillator plus the 8 separate outputs, there's a lot of tonal variation."

Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction to the Collide 4
00:01:14 Crafting Kick Drums
00:03:03 Exploring Hi-Hats and Snares
00:11:19 Building Basslines and Melodies
00:25:20 Final thoughts and Track

GS Music Bree6 Synthesizer - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"On a gentler Sunday morning at the show, Nick caught up with Paul who showed us the GS Music Bree6 synthesizer. Those familiar with the E7 will find the Bree6's layout and features familiar, though with some notable differences. This 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer houses one oscillator per voice, complemented by a sub-oscillator. Unlike its predecessor, it offers a more streamlined approach with one LFO instead of three. The Bree6 retains its analog roots but incorporates digital effects such as chorus and delay to enhance its sonic palette.

The Bree6 also features a 4-pole ladder filter with a 24dB/octave slope and two envelopes, offering you a broad range of sound sculpting options. It provides stereo voice panning, which adds depth, possibly enhanced by the delay. With eight banks of presets and a user-friendly interface, it's a straightforward option for those starting with polyphonic synthesis.

More Info:
https://www.gsmusic.com"

Emute uSeq - Live Coding & Modular Mashup - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"Emute Lab Instruments is a new project, based at the University of Sussex, and coming out of the Experimental Music Technologies Lab research group.

Nick spoke to Dimitris about their first creation, the uSeq module, which bridges live coding and modular synthesis.

Rather than relying on laptops, uSeq uses a Raspberry Pi Pico to handle code expressions, translating them into control voltage (CV) and gate signals. Its design emphasizes accessibility, featuring an open-source platform that's DIY and budget-friendly.

The module has three CV and three gate outputs, coupled with a user-friendly coding language called *ModuLisp*. This setup allows you to manage multiple code patches and switch between them using onboard controls. Aiming to move beyond traditional code interaction, Dimitris is exploring vocal control methods, aligning with live coding's evolving narrative.

Available both as a DIY kit and a ready-made module"

via Emute Lab Instruments

"uSEQ is a eurorack module that brings livecoding into your modular system. Fundamentally, it’s an extremely flexible voltage generator and processor. It has a set of CV and pulse inputs and outputs, but instead of having a fixed set of controls and functions, you can choose how voltages are generated by livecoding them. This means that you can control uSEQ’s behaviour with the vast possibilities of creative coding, using a simplified programming language specialised for music. uSEQ is great for sequencing, waveform generation, and waveform processing. You can use it as a live performance tool, or configure it for specific functions.

To use uSEQ, hook up a computer via the USB port, load up the editor in your browser and start playing."

Emute Lab Instruments - Myriad multi-oscillator - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"Emute Lab Instruments is a new project, based at the University of Sussex, and coming out of the Experimental Music Technologies Lab research group.

Chris showed Nick their latest creation, Myriad a new multi-oscillator module.

This prototype featured nine oscillators organized into three banks with a hybrid analog-digital synthesis design, aimed at creating dynamic sounds. Chris explained the module's CV-controllable parameters, including pitch, spread, and octave control, designed for rich tonal diversity. An integrated wave-shaping and overdrive circuit added depth and distortion, with LEDs indicating the overdrive status.

It should be available soon through Signal Sounds and Thonk.

More Info:
https://www.emutelabinstruments.co.uk"

Leaf Audio - Really Cool Audio Tools - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"Nick met Manuel from Leaf Audio at the LSPXPO 2025, showing the *Microphonic Soundbox*, a fascinating device designed to capture intimate sounds using a pair of contact microphones. Built on the concept of body sound transmission, the sound box allows you to isolate detailed audio elements, making it particularly appealing for sound designers in film and gaming.

Leaf Audio also presented their innovative Geophone*, which excels at picking up low-frequency rumbles from 15Hz, ideal for adding cinematic impact to your soundscapes. Newly released *contact microphones boast advanced mounting options, engineered in collaboration with sound designer Robert Dudzic. These microphones provide incredible sensitivity for capturing subtle environmental sounds.

The conversation highlighted the importance of using matched preamps to achieve optimal audio quality. With reasonable pricing and a focus on utility, Leaf Audio's offerings ensure high-quality sound experimentation for creators."

Chompi Now part of the Chase Bliss Club - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"Well this was unexpected, but seems like a great fit - Chompi are joining Chase Bliss.

Tyler unpacked a little of how and what this means for both companies going forward."

RYK Modular has an Envy Machine - LSPXPO 2025

video upload by sonicstate

"Jake from RYK Modular was showing *the Envy Machine*, a 4-channel modulation powerhouse."

LSPXPO 2025: Erica Synths Echolocator - first look

video upload by sonicstate

"There was an Erica Synths stand at the show, but no one available to demo the newly-released *Echolocator*, so Matt bravely took on the task himself. The Echolocator is similar in layout to the *NightVerb*, but as the name suggests, is a delay-focused unit.

We'll be having a more in-depth look soon, this was very much a quick first impressions taster, but it sounds promising."

LSPXPO 2025: Chase Bliss - Onward and Clean demos

video upload by sonicstate

"Chase Bliss make interesting pedals - some are creative takes on existing ideas, others are full-on out-there bonkers weird & wonderful - but boring they are not. We have some ourselves, and if Chase Bliss are at a show, we try to check out what they've been working on, so we asked Tyler to demo a couple of their newcomers; Onward and *Clean*."

LSPXPO 2025: ALM Busy Circuits S.B.G-PRO

video upload by sonicstate

"Rupert from ALM showed us the upgraded MCO Mark II module, and the new *S.B.G-PRO*, designed for integrating Eurorack systems with external pro audio equipment. The S.B.G-PRO has quarter-inch jack inputs, dry/wet mix, input/output controls, and handles both balanced and unbalanced lines.

Ideal for using external effects, it simplified studio integration with modules like guitar pedals."

LSPXPO 2025: Synth Evolution's Vintage Synthesizer Illustrations

video upload by sonicstate

"At the LSPXPO 2025, we met Oli Freke from *Synth Evolution*, who shares his passion for synthesizers through his unique illustrated books and posters. They're great. (We have a poster on the wall at the Sonic office ;-)

More Info:
https://www.synthevolution.net/"

LSPXPO 2025: Music Thing Modular: Workshop System

video upload by sonicstate

"We've come across Music Thing Modular's Workshop System previously - the DIY only modular synth has a number of different sections, but one in particular allows for the addition of program cards to transform it into various functions, and apparently this has lead to a bit of a community, creating cards such as Backyard"

LSPXPO 2025: Venus Instruments Veno Orbit

video upload by sonicstate

"Adam from *Venus Instruments*, a London-based company, introduced us to the *Veno Orbit*, their upcoming experimental sampler. Formerly known as the Veno Looper, the Vino Orbit offered way more than just looping capabilities, so it got a hasty rename, just a couple of days ago.

With really gorgeous visual display of what's going on, The Veno Orbit allows you to modulate various parameters such as start, length, pitch, and direction, and has two channels with mirrored controls, providing an intuitive user interface."

LSPXPO 2025: Clacktronics: Flatpack Modular in a Ring Binder

video upload by sonicstate

"We've filmed this before, but it's such a cool idea we had to drop by again and see Ben*, who introduced us to the *Build Your Own Modular system. This Eurorack kit offers you the opportunity to construct your own modular synthesizer.

The kit arrives in a ring binder format, where the dividers themselves are the circuit boards. As Ben explained, the designs are open source, allowing you to modify or expand upon them.

The kit includes various modules like an LFO, envelope generator, VCOs, and more, and encourages a hands-on approach with simple through-hole components. A Discord community supports builders for troubleshooting and enhancements.

Ben also shared news about an upcoming non-DIY speaker module, designed with enhanced bass response. Fitting seamlessly into your rack, it is anticipated to be priced just over £100. Ben plans further developments and features, potentially unveiled at Superbooth in May."

LSPXPO 2025: Play Basslines on the Modor DR-2 Drum Machine

video upload by sonicstate

"It's been a little while since we caught up with Marcel from Modor, so it was great to see him again, bearing news of updates to the *DR2 6-channel drum machine*, recently adding baseline synthesis algorithms. This update enabled new possibilities like using parameter locks on pitch to program melodies with simple one oscillator synthesis models.

The DR2 features six instruments, each capable of utilizing distinct synthesis models out of the twenty available for creating various drum sounds, all generated through real-time synthesis. An on-board step sequencer and an optional menu for settings facilitate this. Despite numerous updates and features, frequent menu access is rarely required unless adjusting systems settings. Marcel also demonstrated how P-locks could be used creatively to alter pitch for melody creation, explaining that while one channel is dedicated to bass lines, it leaves five other channels for drum use."

LSPXPO 2025: Enjoy Electronics - DeFeel

video upload by sonicstate

"At the London Synth & Pedal Expo, we caught up with Luca Simone from *Enjoy Electronics*, who detailed the features of their *DeFeel *module. The device was introduced to sit between a sequencer and a synthesizer in a modular setup, allowing you to customize step-generated sequences and manage fill lengths.

The DeFeel includes multiple CV outputs, each with optional quantization, enabling you to independently set minimum and maximum CV values. An intuitive touch interface simplifies navigation, even allowing real-time recording of adjustments made directly on the device."

LSPXPO 2025: Vpme.de - Power your Eurorig from a USB-C Battery

video upload by sonicstate

"This is one of those 'why has nobody done this before?' ideas - apologies if somebody has already done this and we just missed it, but kudos to vpme.de for bringing this out: a small module for your Eurorack rig that can accept power from a regular USB-C power bank and convert it into the 12V and 5V voltages needed to run Eurorack cases."