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Waldorf Product News 2016 - New KB37 Eurorack Keyboard Case & Modules

Published on Jan 19, 2016 WaldorfMusicChannel

"Brand-new products:
1) kb37 Controller Keybboard for Eurorack modules
2) dvca1 Dual VCA module for Eurorack systems
3) mod1 Modulator module for Eurorack systems
4) cmp1 Compressor module for Eurorack systems"

Details on the modules previously posted here. Official press release along with some pics of the case follow. Gorgeous!

"Waldorf waves hello to the ‘Eurorack Pack’ at The NAMM Show 2016

'Hardware is a beautiful thing. Using my fingers, I can touch the sound and move it around, conducting it from here to there and back again. With the gear I can lay my hands on today, I really feel the democratisation of art in action. Anyone can make cool- sounding music with their own personal signature and stylistic edge!'

- Waldorf Music Managing Director Joachim Flor, 2016

REMAGEN, GERMANY: high-quality synthesizer developer Waldorf Music is proud to introduce its so-called ‘Eurorack Pack’ — a stylish, state-of-the-art, self-contained modular synth system, comprising the kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD and three colourful new modules for the ever-present Eurorack format to accompany the already-available nw1 WAVETABLE MODULE launched last year — at The NAMM Show 2016, January 21-24 in Anaheim, California, USA...

More and more synthesizer enthusiasts are acknowledging the ever-present Eurorack small-format modular system that is increasingly popularised (and heavily populated) by an ever-growing band of merry manufacturers — both ‘boutique’ or otherwise — now numbering hundreds worldwide. Waldorf Music made its grand Eurorack entrance last year when introducing its innovative nw1 WAVETABLE MODULE — providing the worshipped wavetable set from the company’s classic (discontinued) Microwave and Wave synthesizers, speech synthesis, user wavetable creation, and much more besides — to widespread critical acclaim. And having done that, what would you do next?

Now that collecting Eurorack modules is an ‘addiction’ — albeit one filled with much musical merriment, where discerning musicians can creatively customise their modular synth setup as and when the need (and money) arises — albeit without spending a huge amount of money all at once, why not raise an entire family of stylish, state-of-the-art Eurorack modules? Meet the all-new Waldorf Music members...

Three different modulation sources in one module make the mod1 MODULATOR MODULE the control centre of any ‘Eurorack Pack’ patch. From simple envelopes and LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) to complex looped multistage curves, the mod1 MODULATOR MODULE delivers rich and endless modulation options — and all based on pure analogue circuitry for everything from super-smooth curves to razor-sharp edges that still sound far from ‘digital’. From gently undulating LFOs to ultra-precise hard cuts, here it is innovative analogue circuitry all the way for a truly musical touch!

The dvca1 DUAL VCA MODULE is built around two VCAs (Voltage-Controlled Amplifiers) with a wide range of options, including the most important one of all: an ability to musically colour the signal. Starting in dry mode results in high-precision analogue amplification, and turning the Colour knob adds a warmer and more colourful timbre to the signal based on a finely-crafted state variable filtering circuit. But beyond that, simultaneous Linear and Exp (exponential) control as well as specialised AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) coupled inputs are also provided. Positive Gain control makes the dvca1 DUAL VCA MODULE a true ‘amplifier’ and flexible Linked modes make modulated panning perfectly possible.

The cmp1 COMPRESSOR MODULE is a true high-end analogue compressor that not only adds punch to the signal path, but can also be modulated in intriguing and unconventional ways! Side-chaining with an adjustable Balance control opens up a huge set of modular possibilities. Put it this way: the cmp1 COMPRESSOR MODULE has all the features expected from a modern compressor, including Attack and Release controls, Auto (automatic) and Man (manual) modes, Hard and Soft knee, as well as output Gain and Bleed amount of the original signal.

Saying that, the developers went one stage further with the kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD, comfortably accommodating (and providing power for) all four of those Waldorf Music modules. It can helpfully house up to 100 HP of Eurorack modules in its conveniently-angled panel sitting atop a 37-note, full-sized Fatar TP9 keyboard, featuring a super-high-quality key-bed that transmits velocity and aftertouch. As such, the kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD provides extremely flexible control for any mounted modules, thanks to its high-resolution, temperature-stable 16-bit CV (Control Voltage) interface. Moreover, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) channel is programmable, positioning the kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD as the perfect partner for studio and stage usage alike. As well as providing perfect connectivity, capably serving performing players and sound designers’ desires with an array of realtime control elements such as PITCH and MODULATION wheels, the kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD is compact and easy to transport — just like a conventional synthesizer keyboard, bringing both style and reliability to any performance setup.

So, Meine Damen und Herren, Ladies and Gentleman, please put your hands together to welcome Waldorf Music’s ‘Eurorack Pack’ to the production and performance table. Fill it at your leisure for your musical pleasure — preferably with Waldorf Music modules... oscillate (with the critically- acclaimed nw1 WAVETABLE MODULE), modulate (using the new mod1 MODULATOR MODULE), amplify (dvca1 DUAL VCA MODULE), and compress (cmp1 COMPRESSOR MODULE)!

The ‘Eurorack Pack’ will be being showcased on Waldorf Music’s booth (#6009) in Hall A at The NAMM Show 2016, January 21-24 in Anaheim, California. Come check it out!

The nw1 WAVETABLE MODULE is already available to purchase through Waldorf Music’s global network of dealers and retailers at an SRP (Suggested Reseller Price) of €345.00 EUR (including tax). The newly-announced ‘Eurorack Pack’ products — kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD, mod1 MODULATOR MODULE, dvca1 DUAL VCA MODULE, and cmp1 COMPRESSOR MODULE — are expected to ship during the third quarter of 2016."

See the modules previously posted here

New Moon Modular VC Multi Mode Filter M505 & Sequencer Companion Modules Coming to NAMM

Published on Jan 19, 2016 moonmodular

"Visit us @ Winter NAMM 2016 - Hall C - Booth 4906
Be excited of the JLR demo movie, coming soon.
http://moonmodular.com"

"The 569ESB (left) does allow to set any of the 4 rows to a desired position immediately. And this both manually and/or by using an external trigger.

The 569EGB (right) does allow to select a gate output of any of the 4 rows. A trigger button will add a manual trigger at any time.

Multiple 569EGB can be connected to the 569.

They will work with all 569's out there, no software upgrade or the like is required."

4 New Modules by Bastl Instruments ­Coming to NAMM

via Bastl Instruments:

"We are happy to announce 4 new modules and 2 expanders by Bastl Instruments. Come to see us at NAMM 2016 at Booth #5000 ­ Hall C!

The biggest highlight is the POPCORN non­linear CV/GATE Sequencer which performs original sequencing in tonal landscape. There is an entire universe of very musical ways how you can browse thru the 8 steps. This is all determined by a combination of triggers and CV signals you feed into the sequencer. 2 trigger inputs A and B advance the sequencer by the number of steps that you set with the knob (­4,­3,­2,­1,+1,+2,+3,+4). Reset sets the sequencer to step 1, OR, you can use the assignable CV Input to make it go to the step determined by CV. The CV input can also select the step directly or transpose the signal or do many other things! There is also a built in quantizer, selectable output range, gate and slide active per step with adjustable gate and slide times.

POPCORN has two EXPANDERS: one with jump button and individual GATE outputs for each step and another one that adds 5 more CV INPUTs to control the sequencer.

Foot control is a great way to enhance how modular synthesizer can be played as an instruments and this is exactly what modules CLUTCH and DUPDUP are for! CLUTCH can be used as a simple quad passive attenuator in modular setup but when you connect a stereo cable to the input and connect an expression or a volume pedal into it, it turns into continuous voltage source for your feet! And you can connect 4 pedals! DUPDUP on the other side implements 2 foot switches that can re­route your modular, bypass a signal processors, select between trigger sequences, mute signals or just send gates.

The last but not least is CIAO! 4 line outputs and headphone amp in just 5 HP is ideal for recording or live performance. Switches on the module enable you to make a patch just for your headphones and then mix it into the main output!

Modules are now available for pre­order at Noise Kitchen shipping in March 2016. Modules will be available from local dealers in Spring 2016.

Prices exclude tax.
POPCORN ­ 10HP non­linear CV/GATE sequencer ­ 210 EUR
POPCORN CV EXPANDER ­ 2HP ­ adds more CV inputs ­ 49 eur
POPCORN GATE EXPANDER ­ 2HP ­ adds individual gate outputs + jump ­ 49 eur
CLUTCH ­ 5HP ­ quad attenuator and volume pedal to CV interface ­ 75 EUR
DUPDUP ­ 5HP dual VC footswitch ­ 90 EUR
CIAO ! ­ 5HP ­ quad line out + headphone amp 109 EUR"

TIPTOP AUDIO RECORDS VARIOUS ARTISTS 0002 Double Vinyl and Digital Issue

Tiptop Audio Records - Various Artists 002 - Official Teaser from Tiptop Film on Vimeo.

ANGLE VS. JOAO CESER - Axolotl (Soundtrack free download)
soundcloud.com/tiptop-audio-records/angle-vs-joao-ceser-axolotl
tiptoprec.com
tiptopaudio.com

"Tiptop Audio was founded in 2009 when Gur Milstein started building his first electronic musical instruments in his laboratory in Hollywood, California.

His creations became popular immediately and the demand for the modular synthesizers produced by Tiptop Audio grew rapidly.

Today, in just over six years, many members of the international community of composers and electronic musicians create their own sounds and shape their own work by using Tiptop Audio’s equipment. In 2015, Tiptop Audio took a further step in its influential presence with the birth of Tiptop Audio Records. The label produces analog music manufactured from modular synthesizers with a dance-oriented vocation.

Tiptop Audio Records
The creation of the label consolidates a path that connects its instruments with the best electronic music composers of the moment. All projects that fit within the label are the result of direct experimentation of modules. The connection between the components creates sounds that are unique and unrepeatable.

'The modular synthesizer represents the possibility to build your own sound from a basic wave, up to the most complex chain of elements. The sound is alive. The sequence of loops are never identical as the approach to the machine is physical. Connections are visible and not obscured by a display. The user is preset free and is able to construct an original patch everytime.' Piero Fragola A&R Tiptop Audio Records

TTAR V.A. 002 (2016)
With: Matt Lange, Angle, Joao Ceser, Markus Fix, Black Shape, Drumcell & Luis Flores, Hubot, Florian Meindl, John Tejada, Scanner, M.O.T., Riemann.

The second issue of Tiptop Audio Records attests to the label’s attitude towards developing a nuanced sound set to become a standard for production. The line-up for Tiptop Records includes big names of a scene now described as ‘Modular Techno’, which consists of a fast growing group of artists interested in expanding their compositional techniques through modular synthesizer systems.

The vinyl format is a testimony to the label’s dedication to produce music in a physical form. The result is a four side, double LP packaged in original artwork (including a special poster) by Italian artist Matteo Giampaglia, with handmade lettering by Caterina Scardillo. It is an invitation to a territory of oscillations, and a trip of 10 (+ 2 extra digital) tracks that reconsiders the concept of sound design applied to electronic club music.

The teaser video samples the vibes of the new issue's inherent contagion. Videos for the individual tracks are set to follow by a fresh roster of new talent.

TIPTOP AUDIO RECORDS V.A. 2016

A side: Matt Lange - Qvcamx/ Angle - Time portraits
The first groove introduces Matt Lange’s track, an American producer who has joined up with DeadMau5 on Mau5trap. This intense 8 minute track is sustained by an immersion of rhythm full of atmosphere.
The Angle project is known for the development of audio-video combinations in their performance. They produced a club track rich in melodic sequences, perfectly balanced in a nonlinear fashion.

B side: Joao Ceser - System Failure/ Markus Fix - Texter
Joao Ceser is presently one of the leading figures in Italy of modular techno. His track, System Failure, builds an inevitable dance floor trap from which you can not escape.
The following track is Texter by Markus Fix of Sven Vath’s Cocoon. It takes us into a nocturnal atmosphere, reminiscent of ‘Blade Runner’.

C side: Black Shape - Doom Room/ Drumcell & Luis Flores - Submission of Thought/ Hubot - Riz 7
Black Shape makes its debut on Tiptop Audio Records with a track with an acid bass line featuring the dobro guitar played by Fabrizio Canale and vocals by Piero Fragola. The track exemplifies the theme and intentions of this project.

Drumcell (of Chris Liebing’s CLR) and Luis Flores pump out a distorted sound with an industrial flavour that drastically changes the atmosphere to a state of ecstatic proportions. Hubot takes us back to a club vibe with a groovy yet dark sound driven by a relentless sequence of beats.

D side: Florian Meindl - Operating Temperature/ John Tejada - Fourier Tranform/ Scanner - Valbor
Florian Meindl opens the last side of the release with a fast-paced rhythm and a syncopated sound texture defined by harmonic sequences.

John Tejada (artist of Germany’s Kompakt Records) turns the table with a melodic mind trip, keeping in focus the weaving of sounds and the bass line.
Lastly, Scanner closes the compilation with an avant-garde orchestration, endorsing the ambition of the label to seek new sonic territory.

The issue also includes 2 extra digital tracks:
M.O.T - Look inside/ Riemann - Riemann LIVE -1"

Qu-Bit Electronix Coming to NAMM

"Come see us at #NAMM2016! Hall B Booth 5000. #eurorack #modularsynth"

You'll notice a number of eurorack makers in booth 5000.  The booth is hosted by WMD and will be one of three modular superbooths to check out at NAMM if you are attending.  The other two are Big City music in 6735 and Schneiders Beuro in 5014. I believe this is Schneiders first booth at NAMM.

BT's Custom Kiwi 106 & Kiwi-3P

BT's Kiwi 106: Completed!

Published on Jan 19, 2016 Syntegrator

"The long awaited completion of the BT's Juno-106 Saga. She's finally ready to go home with her new little sister, the Titanium class Kiwi-3P."

BT's Kiwi-3P: Completed!

Published on Jan 19, 2016

"Shortly after BT sent me his prized Juno-106 for rebuilding and Kiwi upgrading, he sent me a fairly beat up JX-3P that he'd bought online from a seller in Japan. "Can you do something with this, man?" was the question... Now witness the results, after many months of bespoke engineering... ;-)"

Both absolutely gorgeous!

If: music for piano, cello and a Moog

Published on Jan 17, 2016 Miguel d'Oliveira

"New track for a project made with: a piano, a cello, noises (for percussion) and a Moog.
Reverb from a Strymon Blue Sky
recorded and produced in Ableton Live

videos filmed with a iphone on the Docklands Light Railway"

UVI PX Apollo - New Soft Synth Based on the Prototype Polymoog

Published on Jan 19, 2016 UVI

"PX Apollo is based on a rare synthesizer prototype from the early ‘70s of which only 2 are known to exist. [you'll find one here, here, and video here] Part of a larger project that was eventually abandoned, this instrument was the precursor to one of the world’s first and most prolific polyphonic analog synthesizers. With a sound that can be described as rich, warm and surreal, this instrument was extraordinarily playable for the time, sporting velocity sensitivity and a performance interface, while its polyphonic 71-voice architecture signaled the coming paradigm shift in synthesizer design that would soar during the following decade.

The PX Apollo project represents an enormous effort and commitment to quality on many levels. Due to the components available at the time of their design, early polyphonic synthesizers were and remain particularly susceptible to failure and require continued maintenance. The unit used for PX Apollo was no exception, initially inoperable it required a tremendous restoration effort and no expense was spared to ensure complete authenticity and original functionality.

With the restoration complete we set about to document this historic instrument as accurately as possible. We created a huge master sample catalogue with the best hardware available. Each key was sampled in a multitude of configurations and for each 4 round-robins were created per note. The resulting PX Apollo sound bank consists of over 4,000 samples. From this library over 150 patches were made by our sound design team, delivering a fantastic collection of ready-to-play patches.

The UI for PX Apollo was inspired by the aesthetics of the original hardware, while the layout and control schema were designed to provide intuitive and efficient use while maximizing flexibility, allowing for both quick edits to preset sounds and deep customization by way of a full compliment of synthesis tools and effects including 3 oscillators, envelope generators, high-quality filters, pitch and stereo controls and per-oscillator modulation and arpeggiation.

PX Apollo provides a glimpse into a key moment of synthesizer history at one of the industries most important turning points, delivering a rich and detailed sound with a warm and pronounced character."

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AKAI AX60 - Beautiful Ambient Space Music 【SYNTH DEMO】

Published on Jan 19, 2016 synth4ever

"AKAI AX60 analog synth demo. Playing relaxing ambient space music on AKAI AX60 analog synthesizer. Reverb effects from Strymon Big Sky, delay effects from Eventide Timefactor pedals."

Cool New York School of Synthesis T-Shirt!