MATRIXSYNTH

SUPERBOOTH 2024: PWM - Mantis Polysynth

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, we met up with Paul Whittington from PWM who presented the long-awaited Mantis synthesizer. The Mantis boasts a duophonic design with the capability to produce four fully formed voices, making it a potent polysynth. With 100 presets in each of its two banks, the Mantis offers a diverse range of sounds through its two filters which can be panned in the stereo field.

Mantis also includes onboard effects such as chorus and reverb, adding depth and character to its sonic capabilities, and can be powered via usb c. With MIDI control for every parameter and full-size MIDI connectivity, the Mantis was designed in collaboration with the late, great Chris Huggett, so it's bound to become a classic.

Mantis Available now. Price: 1,599 Euros 1,349 GBP 1,499 USD"

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Torso Electronics - S4 Sculpting Sampler

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Sonic State caught up with Mathias from Torso Electronics to showcase their newest product, the S4 Sculpting Sampler*. According to *Mathias*, the *S4 is a versatile device that can function as a tape player, polyphonic sampler, and real-time effects processor. With features like a granular device, 48-band filter bank, modulation system, and more, the S4 offers a range of creative possibilities for musicians and producers alike.

The S4*'s ability to transform sounds in advanced and musical ways was evident in the demo, where *Mathias showcased its granular device, filter device, modulation system, and live effects processing capabilities. With eight notes of polyphony per track, the* S4* is now available for purchase on their website and through select retailers worldwide.

S4 Sculpting Sampler Price: 899 Euros"

See the Torso label below for more.

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Electra One

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024 we caught up with *Martin *at *Electra One*, who introduced us to *Electra One*, a MIDI controller which allows you to modify sound parameters by turning 12 high-resolution 360-degree pots or with fingertips on the touch display.

Electra One not only transmits MIDI messages to linked instruments but also interprets incoming MIDI data, providing clear insight into sound structures and limitless opportunities for adjustments. It supports all varieties of MIDI messages, including System Exclusive.

Electra One Price 510 Euros ex VAT"

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Nono - Major Tom Desktop Sequencer

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Filippo from Nono showcased their latest desktop sequencer modules, starting with the four-track CV gate sequencer boasts a strong focus on the percussive aspect, with the option to expand it with two-channel expansions and a CV-in expander for parameter control via CV. The six-track desktop version includes the CV-in expansion and offers detailed control over gate levels, lengths, dynamics, and more for creating intricate sequences. The sequencer features classic 16-step sequencing along with triplet options for added groove, allowing for easy polyrhythms and fine time shifts. With an analog approach and digital functionality, Nono's sequencer provides a user-friendly experience with minimal menu diving.

The video also featured the sounds of the Pocket Operator Modular and the crossover filter from *Buck Brands*, showcasing the versatility of the sequencer in action. The Eurorack version of the sequencer is currently available for pre-order on the Nono website, with a planned release date in August at a price of $726. The desktop version is set to follow in August or September, with final pricing details yet to be confirmed. For more information on *Nono's *sequencer modules and other featured products, check out the link below."

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Sound Workshop - Wiggler Expressive Mono Synth

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, we met up with Chris at Sound Workshop who revealed his unique *Wiggler*, a digital monosynth with a single morphing oscillator that you can blend with white noise, and a keybed that can wiggle up and down as well as left to right. Chris describes it as a MiniMoog for expressive synth nerds, with pressure giving loudness expression and wiggling for vibrato. The small keybed gives you one octave of a selectable scale, and was inspired, Chris tells us, by old flutes. There is also an attack decay envelope called Strike which adds a little harmonic thwack to the start of the sound.

Wiggler has MIDI and 5 CV outputs for each of the expressive parameters so you can wiggle away on any synth you like.

Wiggler available: end of 2024. Price: around 850 USD"

Latest Moog Spectravox Demos

video uploads by Moog Music

Moog Music

You can find the first two videos in the series here, and additional Spectravox posts here.

Playlist:

1. Spectravox | Sculptable Synthesizer Voice

"In this video we explore how to use Spectravox as a standalone synthesizer voice.

We begin by configuring Spectravox for keyboard control – patching the Keyboard CV output of Grandmother to the 1V/OCT input on Spectravox and the Keyboard Gate output of Grandmother to the Trigger input on Spectravox. Playing Spectravox this way gives us a unique analog synthesizer voice where the ten filters and Spectral Shift controls allow us to sculpt the sound of Spectravox’s Voltage Controlled Oscillator. We look at using these controls alongside the LFO for both traditional lowpass and hipass filtering as well as unique notch filtering, comb filtering, and phasing effects. Lastly, we look at using the LFO and the VCA input to create tremolo effects."

Spectravox | Filter Pings and Analog Physical Modeling

In this video we explore how to ping the filters of Spectravox to turn it into an analog physical modeling instrument and create percussive wooden sounds like marimbas or xylophones. By replacing the carrier input to Spectravox’s filter bank with a gate or envelope instead of audio and turning the resonance of the filter up, we can ping all ten filters and mix their levels for creating struck percussion sounds. In this video we first turn the VCA mode ON and then patch the Gate output of Grandmother to the Trigger input of Spectravox to use Grandmother to trigger Spectravox’s envelope generator. Patching the EG output to the Program input gives us level control of the envelope, and finally patching the Program output to the Carrier input inserts our decay-only envelope directly into the audio input of the filter bank. Later, we connect the Keyboard CV output of Grandmother to the Shift CV input on Spectravox to move all ten filters for melodic control of the filter bank.

2. Spectravox | Recreating Moogerfooger Effects for Guitar

In this video we explore how to use Spectravox to process guitar and look at recreating some of the Moogerfooger effects pedals with it.

We begin by using the Program section and its preamplifier to bring a guitar signal up to Eurorack levels for processing, and then connect the Program section output to the filter bank’s Carrier input. Here is how to recreate or simulate some of the Moogerfoogers:

MF-103 Phaser – use the filter bank as a comb filter and modulate it with the LFO for resonant phaser tones.
MF-101 Lowpass Filter – use only filter 1 (lowpass filter) and the Program Envelope Follower to get enveloped filtering. Switch to one of the bandpass filters for auto-wah effects.
MF-102 Ring Modulator – modulate the VCA CV with the LFO for tremolo effects and push the LFO to audio-rate for ring modulator-esque amplitude modulation. Explore amplitude modulation of each filter band respectively via their CV inputs
MF-105 MuRF – send an external sequence (from DFAM, Grandmother, or any sequencer) to the Shift input for sequenced resonant filter bank movement. Modulate each filter band individually with independent envelopes for even more MuRF-like behavior.

Spectravox is an open-ended signal processor, so use these as starting points and explore the myriad of unclassifiable effects Spectravox is capable of.

3. Spectravox | Emulating a Vintage Drum Machine

Embark on an exploration of Spectravox's capabilities as we delve into the intricate art of crafting vintage drum machine sounds with a contemporary flair. 🎛️💥 Join us in a meticulous fusion of Spectravox and rhythmic sequencers, aimed at resurrecting the beloved beats reminiscent of the 1970s and the nostalgic rhythms of vintage organs.

Unveil the methodology behind sculpting the quintessential drum machine foundation through the mastery of Spectravox's Carrier section. Our comprehensive tutorial will meticulously guide you through the synchronization of rhythmic sequences sourced from esteemed trigger sequencers such as ALM’s Pamela’s New Workout. Witness the transformation of Spectravox's ten bands into a symphony of dynamic kick drums, crisply resonant snares, and timeless wood block accents. Additionally, unlock the intricate craftsmanship involved in crafting hi-hats by toggling the Bands 9 & 10 switch to Hiss mode.

However, our journey merely scratches the surface of Spectravox's boundless potential. Delve into the realm of nuanced control with Spectravox's intuitive panel controls, where each knob adjustment opens doors to a myriad of sonic possibilities. For those craving to push the boundaries of sonic innovation, we offer insights into seamlessly integrating external control voltages, thus offering a gateway to unparalleled rhythmic experiences.