Not A Film | Part One

video upload by hvegel

"featuring only the lovely tones of an Argon8M – possibly my favourite digital synth i have ever owned, and as of this moment, the only digital synth i have owned (as the others got tossed to new homes)."

SOMA Pulsar-23 jam (using clock dividers only)

video upload by Bobo Meijer

"Here I’m just using the clock dividers to trigger the drums and bass and the bass is also sent individually to the delay for some extra effect while the rest is sent to reverb. The hihat also had the LFO running. Endlessly fun to just play the Pulsar like a living and breathing instrument 😄"

Using the Launchpad Pro as a DAWless workstation | Novation Connects

video upload by Novation

"In our first episode of Novation Connects, we demonstrate how to sequence the Pulsar 23 and Fireball via midi with our Launchpad Pro, in a DAWless approach to music production.

Here's how to sequence external gear with your Launchpad Pro, using a DAWless setup. The Pulsar 23 and Fireball are connected to the Launchpad Pro via midi, allowing the user to send midi notes and cc parameters to both the Fireball and Pulsar 23. This allows you to sequence and control each instrument. The Launchpad Pro is mapped to send midi to each drum track on the Pulsar 23, and another midi channel on the Launchpad Pro is mapped to sequence the Fireball. This DAWless setup is great for both music production and live performance.

Novation Connects Episode 1 - Chapters:
0:00 - Using Launchpad's drum grid to sequence a pattern
0:41 - Creating variation with the Launchpad probability settings
0:52 - Sequencing with the Launchpad note mode and Mutate function
1:21 - Using Launchpad mute buttons to create variation
1:41 - Modifying pattern length to build tension
2:06 - Jamming with Launchpad's Sequence mode"

Novation Connects Episode 2:

We went DAWless with an AFX Station and Endorphin.es Pedals - it sounds BONKERS
video upload by Novation

"Bass Station II: https://novationmusic.com/products/ba...
Circuit Rhythm: https://novationmusic.com/products/ci...

In Novation Connects episode two, we show you how to use our epic AFX Station in a DAWless setup with Circuit Rhythm, the Endorphin.es Ghost pedal and Endorphin.es Golden Master.

This setup brings together the minds of Aphex Twin, who collaborated with us on the AFX Station, and Andrew Huang, who helped design the Endorphin.es Ghost pedal, to create a brilliant DAWless workflow.

Chapters:
0:00 - AFX Station - Endorphin.es Ghost - Circuit Rhythm - Endorphin.es Golden Master
0:37 - Manipulating sounds with the Endorphin.es Ghost
01:02 - Activating AFX Overlays
01:50 - What is AFX Mode?
02:37 - DAWless jam"

Crumar DS2 midified!

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Keith put a little MIDI interface into the DS2. This is my actually really favourite synth for bass - and now it can play proper (ie in-time) bass-lines for the first time in its 44 year old life"

Opp Ned four-channel arpeggiator from Noise Engineering

video upload by Noise Engineering

"Noise Engineering’s Opp Ned is your new best friend for arpeggios.

Opp Ned is available here: https://bit.ly/4a2UwvU

Opp Ned comes with 12 pre-programmed arpeggios, including tetrads, major, pentatonic major, minor third, and pentatonic minor arps, but the Load/Edit/Save functionality makes it easy to create your own custom patterns. Factory presets can easily be restored at the Noise Engineering Customer Portal.

Opp Ned features four outputs that can be individually advanced: a reset input to keep all your patterns in time and a Transpose input to easily create changes on the fly. The octave range, arpeggio direction, and pattern of the arp are all configurable, and all settings are CV-able.

Other controls include configurable octave range and arp direction,

International customers:
Opp Ned is shipping to retailers. Check in with your favorite shop if you want to avoid the hassle of international shipping.

Make the most of your ups and downs with Opp Ned."

Press release follows:

Los Angeles, CA — Modular synthesizer company Noise Engineering, known for their unique Eurorack and software instruments, has announced a new arpeggiator and sequencing utility: Opp Ned.

Noise Engineering’s expansive product line includes many sequencers, mostly focussed on generative rhythm generation and randomization. Opp Ned is a new style of sequencing for the company, allowing the user to define 12 different arpeggios (or use a number of creative presets right out of the box), CV between them, and advance four different outputs individually. There are switches for playback pattern, direction, and octave range, and a clever note display for viewing the current arpeggio and editing patterns.

According to Noise Engineering, Opp Ned was designed to make a common synthesis task easy. Arpeggiators are found regularly in fixed-architecture keyboard synthesizers, but arpeggiators in Eurorack are few and far between. Opp Ned’s interface and controls were designed to make arpeggiation quick and fun, while also offering enough flexibility to generate some very interesting results.

Opp Ned lends itself to a number of different patching styles. The only necessity for creating arpeggios is a clock signal, but all of its parameters are CV controllable, so arpeggios can be modified on the fly with external modulation sources. It also features a pitch-accurate transpose input that can be used to modulate the four outputs with another sequencer for deep integration in more complex patches.

Opp Ned is a cheerful sequencing utility that works well for adding melodic elements to patches, as well as experimentation with more technical chord-based patching.

Opp Ned is available in both black and silver, and is available now at https://noiseengineering.us and at retailers globally.

Features
* Arpeggiator with four outputs
* Save and edit up to 12 different arpeggios
* Swap between arpeggio patterns with CV
* Fully CV-controlled interface
* Simple controls make pitch sequencing easy
* External transpose input for integration with other sequencers

Availability and pricing:
Opp Ned: In stock in black and silver. Shipping from Noise Engineering and retailers starting March 21st, 2024; MSRP US$347

The YMO Music Computer

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the revolutionary Roland MC-8 from 1977 which was one of the earliest microprocessor-controlled digital sequencers. Around 200 of these units were made and they were extremely expensive.

As I've covered the history of this unit several times, I thought it would be interesting to follow in the footsteps of a band that made significant use of the MC-8, which was Yellow Magic Orchestra.

In the video we look at how the MC-8 works and use it to compose a track in the style of YMO using the techniques and (where possible) instruments that they used in the late 70s.

Thank you to my Patrons for their support. The track, stems and MC-8 data are available there.
https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

You can buy the track on my Bandcamp: https://alexball.bandcamp.com

0:00 Intro
0:47 YMO, Hideki Matsutake and the MC-8
2:25 The MC-8 Interface
5:12 Programming the MC-8
10:43 Transport and Saving
12:20 Overdub and Sync
13:15 MPX Programming
15:10 Summary
15:50 The Feature Track - Lovers in Tokyo"

cars on planet earth

video upload by Jörg Schaaf

"Befaco Rampage & EFFEXX & Valhalla Vintage Reverb at post processing. I recorded 10 minutes of noise and took snippets out of it to arrange them in a kind of collage in Logic. Some of these sounds received a special sonic character by adding some Valhalla reverb effects."

https://joergschaaf.bandcamp.com

Jörg Schaaf is the man behind Radikal Technologies, and previously Quasimidi.

A Sonic Playground! // Dual Harmonic Oscillator by AtoVproject - more sounds & music

video upload by DivKid

You can find the first video previously posted here.

"The Dual Harmonic Oscillator from AtoVproject is one hell of a sonic playground for all sorts of synthesis, sound and musical approaches to working with a dual or 'complex' oscillator. When I made the main demo (watch that first, link above) I ended up making so many patches with it that I wanted to put together a second video that revisited the module. So here it is."

Introducing Vongon: Replay // Polyphonic Synth & Muti-Mode Arpeggiator

video upload by MAS Distro

Update: new demos added below.

"Join us as we embark on a sonic journey with Replay, a new polyphonic synthesizer and multi-mode arpeggiator from Vongon. First up we test its prowess in the realm of synthwave - spoiler alert: it excels! In the latter half, we delve into the interface and its versatile capabilities complete with an immersive sound exploration, unleashing the arpeggiator and tweaking various parameters for a mesmerizing experience. Video and music production crafted by DeadMidi.

Gear Used:
Vongon Replay Polyphonic Synth/Arpeggiator
Vongon Polyphrase Stereo Echo
Vongon Ultrasheer Stereo Pitch Vibrato & Reverb"

Vongon Replay!

video upload by Fireghosting

"Replay is a six-voice polyphonic synthesiser and a little window into synth heaven. Lush pads, tiny plinks, snappy arpeggios, warbling melodies, resonant filters with midi connectivity and a sleek web interface!"

Vongon Replay Virtual Analog Synth | Overview + Exploration

video upload by Sarah Belle Reid

"A demo and walkthrough of the new polysynth Replay, by Vongon. Replay is a 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer with a compact form factor that takes inspiration from classic poly synths from the 1980s, like the Roland Juno series + the Korg Polysix.

This video includes an overview of what Replay is and how it works, along with a number of sound examples demonstrating Replay on its own and in combination with FX pedals, to create a wide range of sounds from classic synth leads, pads, and arpeggios to more experimental textures and noisy sound worlds."

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
02:45 Replay Overview & Tour
17:03 Musical Demo
19:09 Filter Experiments on Replay
23:50 Exploring the Arpeggiator
28:00 Combining Replay with FX

Vongon Replay: This synth rules!

video upload by Matt Lowery

"Today we take the beautiful Replay by Vongon out for a spin and also have a conversation about synthesis basics in honor of my five year synth-a-versary. Vongon really hit it out of the park with this instrument and--whether it's your first synth or your 10th-- there's a lot here to love."

VONGON REPLAY Polyphonic Synth & Arpeggiator | Can I write a synth-pop track with it?!

video upload by Ambient Endeavors

"Man, I just love gear that makes you approach writing differently. That reminds you how fun it can be to find new sounds and feels, explore new ways of composing. And today, the new Vongon Electronics REPLAY is doing that for me - a super fun, approachable, compact polyphonic synth and arpeggiator."

via Perfect Circuit

"The Replay is the first synthesizer offering from boutique pedal designers Vongon, offering a six-voice virtual analog sound engine with multi-mode arpeggiator. Inspired by beloved keyboard synths of the early 80s like the Roland Juno and Korg Polysix, the Replay faithfully delivers warm and lush vintage timbres in a compact package that drips with modern aesthetics and utility. In Replay, Vongon has struck an impressive balance between scope of features, user experience, and overall sound quality. The result is an instrument that sounds wonderfully rich and nostalgia-laden, with an interface that is easy to understand - perfectly approachable for a beginning synthesist, yet deep enough to inspire veteran wigglers to explore the edges of its capabilities.

Replay's front panel is incredibly straightforward, with simple controls for its primary functions conveniently accessible. Additional options are selected via the "secret menu" alt functions. At the heart of Replay's sound engine are multiple selectable waveforms for its primary oscillator, with ramp, square, triangle, and sine modes. Noise amount, pulse width modulation, and LFO pitch modulation offer further timbral manipulations before passing to the four-pole, low-pass filter. Highly resonant and warm, the filter includes modulation depth controls from the primary envelope, keyboard tracking, and the LFO. The VCA features options for maximum amplitude and modulation source. An organic and responsive ADSR envelope and the on-board LFO round out this straightforward voice, with flexible modulation routing options between the main controls and alt functions.

The multimode arpeggiator on the Replay opens up a variety of fun and engaging options for controlling the synthesizer voice. Latch and keyed modes, in addition to the three poly modes available on the alt functions, offer a variety of ways for creating snappy and spiraling arpeggios and fuzzy, morphing pads. Up/Down, order, and random modes provide further ways to organize pitch material. The alt functions allow the LFO to be clocked by the ARP speed, creating rhythmically modulated phrases that are a joy to get lost in.

All in all, the Vongon Replay delivers a premium virtual analog experience that feels streamlined and purpose-built for getting beautiful analog sounds quickly. With plenty of depth in sound color and just the right amount of tricks up its sleeve to keep you immersed in music making rather than menu diving, the Replay is sure to become a go-to instrument for lush pads and other classic synth timbres. Its physical design is beautifully simple, and the responsive feel of its Cherry MX keys invite playful interaction that is hard to put down. Of course, the Replay is a lovely source for running through Vongon pedals, creating an instant synthwave or soundtrack machine paired with an Ultrasheer or Polyphrase. If you're needing a straightforward synth with limitless sonic charm, the Vongon Replay is a wonderful choice.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Aodyo Instruments Introduces Loom - Multidimensional MPE MIDI Controller

video uploads by Aodyo Instruments

"We're threading a new path in the world of music creation, where every touch lets you weave your own sonic tapestry. It's about crafting music with a more personal touch, where every note is a thread in your unique musical fabric. Something exciting is looming. Get ready to unravel a new way to experience sound.

https://loom.aodyo.com/kickstarter"



Have you ever dreamed of a MIDI controller that could turn your touch into music just like a real instrument? Meet Loom.

Loom is a multidimensional MPE MIDI Controller designed for immediate playability and expressiveness.
MPE synthesizers and virtual instruments offer you rich sounds that respond to the slightest variation, but there are few controllers fit to the task.

At Aodyo Instruments, we have drawn on our previous experience with the Sylphyo and the Anyma synthesizers to offer musicians a versatile and powerful device.

Whether you play live, record in the studio or compose music in your bedroom, Loom will become a flexible and original addition to your setup.

FEATURES
Don't be fooled by its simple appearance: Loom's magic lies in the synergy between its surfaces and sensors, offering you different playing modes that will allow you to play almost any kind of virtual instrument or synthesizer.

PLAYING MODES
Unravel evolving chords, weave intricate melodies, craft expressive rhythms. Any way you choose to approach it, Loom is designed as an extension of your hands.

Loom can function as a MIDI Keyboard, offering access to a two or three-octave range. You can play notes, bend them, nuance your attack, and add expression by sliding along the keys.

But if you want to break free from the keys, Loom can also work as a MIDI Ribbon, allowing for smooth sliding across its surface. Optionally, it can make sure you land on the right note, making it easier to play with others without losing the free-form nature of the ribbon.

If you want to play chords like a guitar, Loom offers a MIDI Strum mode, where you can choose a chord with one hand and strum virtual strings with the other. Or you can play it like a harp, directly sliding your fingers across the chord.

For rhythmic parts, Loom also got you covered. Its MIDI Drumkit mode has been carefully designed to provide you with a unique and efficient layout for finger-drumming. It can sense the way your finger hits the surface, as well as the position of your hit: flick more or less quickly to open the hi-hat, move your finger along the ride cymbal's edge or bell, and obtain subtle variations on your snare sound. It works great with acoustic and synthetic drum sounds.

For rhythmic parts, Loom also got you covered. Its MIDI Drumkit mode has been carefully designed to provide you with a unique and efficient layout for finger-drumming. It can sense the way your finger hits the surface, as well as the position of your hit: flick more or less quickly to open the hi-hat, move your finger along the ride cymbal's edge or bell, and obtain subtle variations on your snare sound. It works great with acoustic and synthetic drum sounds.

ACTION ZONE
To the left of the surface lies a pressure-sensitive squishy square area called the action zone. Press it to have nuanced control over dynamics or effects.
EDITOR
The companion editor allows you to customize every aspect of your Loom: change modes assign zones, map MIDI controls, set thresholds, and adjust response curves.

2 OR 3 OCTAVES
Craft melodies with two octaves. Weave symphonies with three octaves. Loom is designed for portability, while its extended version, Looom, offers a wider playing range.

BUILT FOR MPE AND LEGACY MIDI
MIDI MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) is an extension of the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standard that enables more nuanced and expressive performance capabilities for electronic instruments.
Traditional MIDI communication allows for control changes to be applied globally across all notes of an instrument. In contrast, MPE assigns each note its own unique channel, allowing for individual control of pitch, volume, and timbre per note.

This innovation opens up a new realm of expressive possibilities, letting musicians bend, slide, and modulate notes independently, much like on acoustic instruments. By providing detailed control over each note's parameters, MPE enhances the expressiveness of electronic music performances.
Loom is designed from the ground up for MPE, but it also works very well with any non-MPE MIDI instruments, even monophonic ones!

DEVELOPER-FRIENDLY
You're not limited to the modes we've designed. If you know your way around code, you can also take over and create your own. You can send a specific MIDI message to enter developer mode, where every input will be sent as-is, and you'll be able to control the LEDs and display by sending MIDI SysEx messages to the Loom from your own program or script running on your computer. This way, you can entirely control what's happening on your Loom, design new playing modes that you can distribute to others, or use Loom as an experimentation platform.

CONNECTIVITY
Using a USB or MIDI cable, you can easily connect your Loom to all your hardware and software: VSTi, Audio Units, hardware, etc.
Here are a few demos that showcase examples of how Loom can be used and setup.