MATRIXSYNTH

Model: Samples Elektron Namm 2019

Published on Jan 24, 2019 Ulises Lozano

NAMM 2019: Arturia MicroFreak & Mutable Instruments Plaits

Published on Jan 24, 2019 sonicstate

Update2:

via Émilie aka pichenettes (Owner, software/hardware engineer, order fulfilment, customer service and janitor Mutable Instruments) on the Mutable Instruments forum:

"Hello peeps!

There is a lot of noise on the internet regarding the Arturia Microfreak.

Let me clarify a couple of things.

First of all, Plaits’ code is open-source, which means that anybody is free to use it, as long as they credit me somewhere (it can be in a product description page, or a footnote in a downloadable manual, or an “about” dialog). This is why you can find Mutable Instruments’ DSP code in the Korg Prologue, the Axoloti, the Organelle, VCV Rack, and plenty of other bits of software or hardware. This is not stealing. Plaits’ code is a summary of everything I’ve learnt about making rich and balanced sound sources controlled by a few parameters, it’s for everyone to enjoy.

Now, regarding the Microfreak.

Arturia had been in the process of developing a hybrid synth for a while, and contacted me about using of Plaits’ code inside. I had no objection to that.

In May, they invited me to their headquarters for a product development meeting where they showed me mockups of the Microfreak. It was fairly clear at this point that it was their product. The feature set, UX, sound engine were all already decided. The product obviously followed Arturia’s graphic language and branding. My expected contribution to the project was none: Arturia’s engineers would do their own thing with my code, the tone character and sound design was their responsibility. It was pointless for me to suggest features and ideas, or spill the beans about ideas I wanted to keep for upcoming Mutable Instruments products, and this awkward event felt more like a focus group.

Arturia offered to mention something like “Oscillator code from Mutable Instruments” in the product description, which is my preferred form of citation. No monetary compensation has ever been discussed – which is fair, because I provided exactly 0 hour of work and 0 original line of code. No contract has been drafted or signed.

Arturia contacted me back last week with a photo of the finished product. I never had the opportunity to playtest it. I have not been asked to approve or veto any promotional material.

As you can see, my involvement was fairly limited.

I don’t feel wronged. It’s their product.

However, I feel uneasy when people got excited, seeing it described as a collaboration between Mutable Instruments and Arturia, because none of the technical and design choices involved in this product originate from me. I have been quite disconcerted by the private messages congratulating me for this release and achievement. I know some people have been waiting for a Mutable Instruments keyboard synth, or at least non-modular product, for a while. Well, this is not it. That’s what I wanted to say to the world. I don’t want people to associate any negative experience they could have with this product with Mutable Instruments. I don’t want people to think that I endorsed or at least authorized some aesthetic decisions regarding this product or the communication surrounding it.

With its focus on local production, open-source, deliberate lack of marketing and advertising, Mutable Instruments is an unusual company. It’s stimulating and fun, but somewhat dangerous too. Turning Arturia into an enemy – those talks of boycotts and those tweets demanding justice – is only adding fuel to the fire and increasing the risks of getting me attacked in ways I don’t expect and I am not protected against.

If you care about me, move on! I need a lot of strength and energy at the moment, and it should all be focused on finishing new products.

So please let Arturia enjoy their release party, it’s hard work to ship a product. Buy their product if you think you’ll have fun and make good music with it, don’t buy otherwise. Buy Mutable Instruments products (or the Softube clones) if you want to fund me, or build your own and give the money to charities.

Love,
Émilie"

Update1: some info on the relationship with Mutable Instruments via reddit (text below):

CLICK FOR MORE »

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Published on Jan 24, 2019 sonicstate

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NAMM: New Modules from Qu-Bit Electronix [Episode 109]

Published on Jan 24, 2019 CatSynth TV

"We visit with our friends at Qu-Bit Electronix and NAMM 2019 and check out their new modules.

Prism
Multi-dimensional signal processor with stereo inputs and outputs. An assortment of DSP effects mapped to a 3-dimensional sonic space.

Chord
Half the size - twice the functionality. Polyphonic oscillator in 14HP - custom chords, new wavetables, and four voice polyphonic mode.

Bloom
Fractal sequencer. 32 step sequencer with 2 channels, pattern saving and an infinite number of variations from our fractal algorithm.

For more NAMM 2019 coverage, please subscribe to this channel and visit www.catsynth.com"

NAMM: La Voix du Luthier [Episode 110]

Published on Jan 24, 2019 CatSynth TV

"We check out a novel item at NAMM 2019. La Voix du Luthier is an acoustic instrument/sound board that can be used with electronic instruments.

La Voix du Luthier has designed two new speakers, without speaker cones. The Onde and Pyramid were unveiled at ContinuuCon 2018 – the Haken Continuum Fingerboard conference, at the prestigious IRCAM in Paris, and then presented at SuperBooth 2018. These self-powered speakers, designed in collaboration with Haken Audio, give the sound of a luthier’s expertise in acoustics to any electronic instruments and guitars.

For more NAMM 2019 coverage, please subscribe to this channel and visit www.catsynth.com"

NAMM 2019: Korg Volca Modular and Minilogue XD [Episode 108]

Published on Jan 24, 2019 CatSynth TV

"We check out two of Korg's new synthesizer offerings at NAMM 2019: the Volca Modular and the Korg Minilogue.

'The volca modular is a semi-modular synthesizer consisting of independent analog synth modules, digital effects, and a sequencer. Each of the modules has been carefully selected for its stand-alone completeness. The modules are internally connected so that sound can be produced even before connecting the included pin cables, and the routing is shown by white lines on the panel. Module connections via a pin cable take priority over the internal connections, bypassing them.'

'In addition to emphasizing the same real analog sound and joy of controlling an electronic musical instrument offered by the original minilogue, the minilogue xd newly adds a digital multi-engine, effects, a powered-up sequencer, and micro tuning functionality, further expanding the possibilities for sound design and performance potential. '

For more NAMM 2019 synthesizer coverage, please subscribe to this channel and check out www.catsynth.com"

Toraiz AS-1 Sounds (and Coffee) Part 5: "Sequencer Shenanigans"

Published on Jan 24, 2019 Stochastic Design

"Well, maybe not 'shenanigans' but at least we show off the simple, yet effective sequencer of the AS-1. It should really be viewed more as a sketch pad similar to sequencers that used to be built into some older synths such as the SH-101, but as it offers real-time transposing of sequences and is so easy to program, it's a useful addition nevertheless."

Stochastic Design Toraiz AS-1 Sounds