BeatBuddy: The First Guitar Pedal Drum Machine

Published on Sep 10, 2014 BeatBuddy

Is the first? Some details follow. According to the FAQ you can load your samples:

"In addition to the pre-loaded content, you can download more content from our online Library, create your own content with the included software, or share and discover user-generated content on our community forum."

"The BeatBuddy uses standard General MIDI files for the beats and either 16 or 24 bit WAV files for the drum sets and footswitch accent hits."

Not seeing any sound mangling on this one, but there appears to be some extensive pattern editing. Filing this one in the New Tools channel rather than New Synths.

Details:

"BeatBuddy was invented out of frustration at not being able to find a drum machine that enabled hands-free live control of a beat. Other drum machines are either complicated table-top devices that are difficult, if not impossible, to control while jamming, or are poorly made afterthoughts in loopers that grant no control of a single repetitive beat loop — no fills, no rhythm changes, no accent hits, no tap tempo, no pause/unpause feature, and of course no computer interface.

With detailed input from the musician community, the BeatBuddy was designed to be the perfect solution to this frustration: The power of a drum machine with the simplicity of a pedal."

"For more info: myBeatBuddy.com

BeatBuddy is the first drum machine in a guitar pedal format that enables full hands-free, creative control of the beat. Musicians can effortlessly insert fills, transition from verse to chorus, add accent hits, throw in drum breaks, and more, to create an unprecedented live drummer effect.

BeatBuddy also features a first-of-its-kind visual display of the beat on its LCD screen, which makes it easy to improve your rhythm and learn new time signatures.

Included are ten hyper-realistic drum sets that can play the BeatBuddy's 200 songs in a wide variety of genres -- and more content is available for download from the BeatBuddy Online Library, or you can create your own songs and drum sets with the included PC/Mac software, or discover user-generated content on the BeatBuddy Community Forum.

Other features include hands-free song navigation and tap tempo control (with the footswitch attachment), MIDI sync for integration with MIDI-based devices, a headphone jack, SD card slot, mini USB connection, full stereo sound and more."

And the NAMM press release:

"After the most successful crowd-funding campaign in the history of the musical instrument business and being back-ordered for months, BeatBuddy is now available to the retail market for the first time at NAMM (Hall E, Booth 1589).

BeatBuddy, the first drum machine with the hands-free functionality of a guitar pedal, has been hailed by Music Trades Magazine as changing the nature of the industry. It empowers musicians with hands-free control of the beat to create an unprecedented live-drummer accompaniment. It improves musical rhythm skills, increases enjoyment during practice, inspires songwriting, and serves as a substitute for a drummer or percussionist when one is not available or the venue can't accommodate a full drum set.

For more information on the BeatBuddy, please visit: http://myBeatBuddy.com

If you would like to see the BeatBuddy in person, please come by Hall E, Booth 1589. I am happy to make myself available for interview appointments. There are many fascinating angles and backstories that will make an exciting, intriguing article."

New Pocket Operators - Pocket Synths Coming From Teenage Engineering

The line-up:

PO-12 / rhythm [pictured further below]

the rhythm is a drum machine with a 16 step sequencer with 16 different sounds which are a mix between synthesis and samples.

PO-14 / sub

the sub is a bass line driven synthesizer. it’s got a 16 step sequencer with 16 sounds and 16 effects/playing styles.

PO-16 / factory

the factory is a melody / lead-synth oriented machine with a 16 step sequencer, 16 sounds and 16 effects/ playing styles.

Note the Cheap Monday logo.

Video & samples further below.

This one in via Lars Nielsen. Teenage Engineering will be at Booth 6409 at the NAMM show.

The details via AskAudio Magazine:

"January 22nd teenage engineering and cheap monday launch a line of pocket operators – micro synthesizers that fit in your pocket and a line of matching gear. the launch takes place simultaneously in-store and online at colette, paris and the namm trade show in los angeles.

The idea of the collaboration between teenage engineering and cheap monday was born in the autumn of 2013. the engineers needed new, protective, lab coats for the staff and instead of buying generic ones teenage engineering’s creative director, jesper kouthoofd, turned to his longtime friend ann-sofie back asking cheap monday to design a unique coat and additional garments for his team. cheap monday took on the challenge but asked for a return favour; what began with the engineers need for new lab wear grew into a project where a line of portable synthesizers and matching gear were born in a unique collaboration between the two brands.

The matching brand philosophies: to 'make jeans and fashion for the people' -great products at a good price- (cheap monday) and “we believe in making products for everyone, no matter where you live or what language you speak” (teenage engineering) has provided the perfect cornerstone for the collaboration as well as acted as an inspiration for the design process. with the new pocket operators, retailing at only $59 each, teenage engineering and cheap monday are most likely introducing the smallest, smoothest and cheapest synthesizers ever, still delivering premium sound, features and effects.

'I think this can be the seed to a new movement, at least a new music genre. all thanks to the open minded team at cheap monday and ann-sofie back', says jesper kouthoofd, founder and ceo at teenage engineering. With the launch of the teenage engineering collaboration, cheap monday has now taken a step outside of its core business; jeans and fashion.

'It’s great to work with jesper again, not to mention the rest of the amazing team at teenage engineering. in addition to being amazing products in its own right, the pocket operators are a perfect addition to the cheap monday assortment, fulfilling our brand promise to make great products at a good prize,' says ann-sofie back, creative director at cheap monday.

The pocket operators will be launched at internationally renowned concept store colette on january 22nd and will be available exclusively in store, on www.colette.fr and on www.teenageengineering.com until february 1st. from beginning of february www.cheapmonday.com and selected retailers across the world will carry the pocket operators and the gear.

Teenage engineering’s new line of musical instruments is called pocket operators and consists of three pocket sized synthesizers. all three models come without casing where the components and artwork are visible directly on the printed circuit board. the 2xaaa battery powered pocket operators also come with a segment lcd screen, built in speaker, alarm clock and a stand made from bent wire. all models also feature parameter locks as well as synchronization functionality and they all have 3.5mm line in and line out. each model has its own set of effects such as filters, bit-crushing, delay, stutter and many more."

Teenage Engineering PO-12 Hands-on Published on Jan 21, 2015 Peter Kirn

"A quick look at the new, Nintendo Game & Watch-inspired, LCD display for the PO-12 synth line. Here, it's the 'factory' melodic instrument. Stay tuned fora bigger demo, though - this sounds a LOT bigger than you think."



Demos via Peter Kirn of Create Digital Music. You'll find his write-up and a additional pics here.

New KORG SQ-1 Step Sequencer & MS-20M Desktop - Video & Pic Leaked

Published on Jan 21, 2015 Turramurra Music

"Turramurra Music Centre presents the new desktop module version of the MS-20 Mini. Ships in kit form bundled with the new SQ-1 Step Sequencer. For more info visit: http://www.turramusic.com.au/Pages/Ca..."

Pic of the SQ10 below.

Update: added details on the MS-20M:

"The MS-20M Kit lets you create a real, full-sized MS-20M monophonic synthesizer module.

Desktop module version of Korg's MS-20 Mini, but this time in build it yourself kit form and with a few new bells and whistles including the new SQ-1 Step Sequencer (included pre-assembled in box).

Key features:
Desktop modular version of the MS-20 Mini
2VCO / 2VCA / 2VCF / 2EG / 1LFO structure
Self-oscillating high-pass/low-pass filters with distinctive distortion
Toggle switches for VCO 1 to 2 sync / VCO 1 to 2 FM /
Toggle to switch between rev 1 and rev 2 filter designs
Adds junction patching bay for integration with SQ-1 Step Sequencer (included)
External signal processor (ESP)
Extremely flexible patching system
MIDI IN and USB connector"

Note what looks like plugged jacks along the bottom left.  Curious if that's for some sort of expansion/mods.

3TrinsRGB+1c in depth tour

Published on Jan 20, 2015 Bleep Labs

The 1st video in this playlist is the tour, followed by three demos.

"The 3TrinsRGB+1c is an analog audio/video synthesizer/effect designed by Gieskes.

See more video and purchase the device here
http://bleeplabs.com/store/3trinsrgb1/

This video is an in-depth tour of all the functions of the 3TrinsRGB+1c. For more info check out the user guide and our Facebook user group.
http://bleeplabs.com/3tguide/

Check out out site to see some stills from the device as youtube compression doesn't do it justice!

0:37 Color oscillator basics
1:32 Patch bay
5:46 Video input
7:56 Camera feedback
8:58 Video input tricks and monocrome patch
10:55 Audio input
13:00 audio output
14:41 Constructing a complex patch

Video by Malcolm Elijah and Dr. Bleep"

Korg Polysix + ValhallaVintageVerb + Grain Delay = Galaxies

Published on Jan 20, 2015 n3bsvid

"[ https://soundcloud.com/citizenpark ]

Exploration of the Polysix running through some plugins to produce a large sounding pad sound. Throughout the video I tweak the grain delay with the mouse (you can't see my hand off screen).

Hardware:
Korg Polysix

Software:
Ableton Live Phaser - Grain Delay - Simple Delay
ValhallaDSP ValhallaVintageVerb"

L.L Electronics Rozzbox One Demo

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Jan 14, 2015 perfectcircuitaudio

Demo starts at :45.

"This video demonstrates the sound and features of the L.L. Electronics Rozzbox One Digital Synthesizer."

This one is currently for sale here and on eBay here.

Novation SuperNova Demo

Published on Jan 16, 2015 perfectcircuitaudio

Demo starts at :45.

"This video demonstrates the sound of the Novation SuperNova. Enjoy!"

NEW MOOG SYSTEM 15 MODULAR SYNTHESIZER

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

via Perfect Circuit Audio - available for pre-order.

Click the pic for the full-size shot.

"The Moog modular Model 15 is an ultra-powerful, compact studio synthesizer designed for liveperformance and portability. It is housed in a rugged tolex-encased cabinet and is an idealsolution for the touring synthesist. The Model 15 design focuses on speed, creativity andsimplicity while still providing the enormous sonic depth and dimension found only in a vintageMoog modular synthesizer. The 907 Fixed Filter Bank section of the Model 15 is available inmultiple configurations to better suit the needs of the performing musician.

FAITHFULLY RECREATING THE MODEL 15

Over the course of 3 years, Moog Music set out to research and build a faithful recreation of theclassic Moog modular Model 15 analog synthesizer. Using all original documentation as well ascircuit board and art files for every module, Moog Engineers have painstakingly recreated thispowerful and portable analog system.

Each Model 15 is hand-built to its original 1974 Moog factory specifications and is a truerecreation of the original. Individual modules are brought to life just as the originals were, byhand-stuffing and hand-soldering components to circuit boards, and using traditional wiringmethods. Each module is then finished with a photo-etched aluminum panel, and placed in itsnew modular instrument.

This limited edition reissue of the Moog modular Model 15 is built to order, and is available invery limited quantities. Only 150 Model 15s will be made.

Features

2x 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifiers
1x 904A Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter
1x 907A Fixed Filter Bank
2x 911 Envelope Generators
1x 921 Voltage Controlled Oscillator
1x 921A Oscillator driver
2x 921B Oscillators
1x 923 Random Noise/Filter
1x 995 Attenuator
1x CP15 Console Panel
1x 130 Watt 120 VAC Power Supply (230 VAC available upon request)"

Dreadbox EREBUS PARAPHONIC ANALOG SEMI-MODULAR SYNTH

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

via Perfect Circuit Audio

"The Dreadbox Erebus is a fully analog paraphonic synthesizer with 14 patch points for CV/Gate integration. It features 2 VCOs with separate glide controls

Paraphony CV/GATE outputs allows you to turn monophonic devices into Paraphonic. You can even combine 2 monosynths.

Features

Full Analog 2-voice Paraphony or Unison sounds
2 x VCO with separate glide controls
Two pole (12dB/ocv) resonating VC Low Pass Filter
VC LFO with additional VC Depth
2 x Envelope Generators (1xADSR and 1xAR dedicated to the AMP)
VC Delay/Echo
14 patches for an astonishing Modular experience
CV Outputs: LFO, Envelope, Modulation Wheel, Gate, Osc1 pitch (1V/ocv), Osc2 pitch (1V/oct)
CV Inputs: Osc1, Osc2, Echo time, VCF, LFO rate, LFO depth, CV/Gate
MIDI Control
Paraphonic CV/Gate Outputs"

Grendel RA-9 GRENADIER SEMI MODULAR SYNTH

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

via Perfect Circuit Audio

"The Grendel RA-9 Grenadier is a 1-oscillator analog monosynth with CV-Gate control. It has a semi-modular design in a tabletop enclosure with 1/4″ audio output. The Grenadier can be played stand-alone by using its keypad with 4 independently tuneable keys, or you can activate its onboard sequencer for minimal rhythm loops and tone sequences. Patch in a 1v/oct MIDI-CV converter (not included) and the Grenadier can play sequences from a MIDI workstation or computer.

The Grenadier’s unique palette of analog tones comes from its triple bandpass filterbank with syncable modulation. Its voice is designed for electronic basslines and melodic sequences, as well as slow drones, electro percussion loops, bass drums, and more. The filterbank can also become a tone source by setting it to self-oscillate with warm low frequency overdrive.

The Grenadier’s VCO offers square and triangle waveform. Its pitch can be modulated by the envelope generator for bass drops and other tuned analog percussion effects. The VCO waveform is synced to gate, for better bass output with staccato sequences.

The decay envelope generator offers a wide range of decay times up to 60 seconds. The contour of the envelope can be reversed with the bipolar Envelope Depth knob, putting it solidly in the electro funk zone. The Grenadier’s LFO covers a wide range of 0.05 Hz (that’s once cycle every 20 seconds) up to 60 Hz, and can be reset by gate events for tempo-sync effects.

The patch bay allows semi-modular control and multiplies the creative options when patching to itself, another Grenadier, MIDI-CV converters, and modular systems.** Fourteen patch points are provided including CV and gate in and out, clock in and out, LFO rate CV, and external audio input. It accepts Eurorack-type 1/8” (3.5mm) mono phone plugs.

The Grendel Grenadier has a straightforward knob-per-function layout that avoids confusing context-sensitive controls. Each switch on the front panel has a red status LED that is easy to see, but not glaringly bright. The case is built of laser-cut steel with durable powder coat and silkscreened graphics. It has a sturdy-feeling build, weighing in at nearly 2 pounds. Grippy rubber feet elevate it above the table, and a pair of polished metal handles double as a roll cage to protect its control surface.

The Grenadier is built to satisfy the need for creative analog equipment that stands the test of time.

Features

4-step analog sequencer that outputs control voltage in a repeating cycle I-II-III-IV. Voltage of each step is controlled by the knob above each key I-IV. It steps once to the right each time it is triggered. The analog sequencer normally controls the VCO frequency for simple melodic sequences, and can be patched to sequence the filterbank, LFO rate, or an external module.

Programmable Trigger Loop: It is normally synchronized to the LFO, or you can patch 16th-notes tempo clock to CLK IN. Program a rhythmic sequence of events in a 32-step (2 measure) endless loop by tapping the PROG-+ button in real time. Your input is quantized to the clock and repeats as long as clock is present. The trigger events can step the analog sequencer, trigger the envelope, or trigger an external module using the TRIG OUT patch point.

LFO; The rate can be controlled with the LFO CV IN patch point. Its response is exponential (~0.5v/oct) and its frequency range is 0.05-60 Hz. The symmetry of the triangle wave is variable and the pulse wave output can be varied from 20..80% width by using the Symmetry knob. Activate the TRIG button and the LFO will sync (restart) with each gate event. This can give the impression of tempo-synced LFO effects, and also lets you use the LFO like a second envelope generator for the filterbank. The LFO Depth knob sets the level of filterbank modulation, and is a bipolar gain type control. The LFO Out patch point is post-LFO Depth. The CLK Out patch point normally sends unattenuated LFO square wave.

Drone Button: cancels the volume envelope for endless sustained notes. And its filterbank can be driven into deep-pitched overdriven self-oscillations. The Drone Commander has two fixed oscillators, while the Grenadier has one VCO. But the Grenadier goes further with the addition of a VCA and envelope generator, plenty of CV connections, and a minimal onboard sequencer.

The Grenadier has CV and Gate Output, CV In and Gate In, Clock In, Clock Out, Alpha In and Beta In (CV inputs to control the filterbank’s 2-axis parameters), ENV Out, LFO Out, Trig Out, Osc Out (Disconnects OSC from Filter, this lets you use it as an FX send), Ext In (FX return or mix in an external VCO)"