SUPERBOOTH 2024: BlacknBlu - Quad VCF Quad VCA

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Sonic State caught up with Adam from BlacknBlu to discuss the latest offerings from their modular range. The focus was on the quad VCF and quad VCA modules, both offering a range of unique features. The quad VCF boasts four identical channels with switchable filter types, allowing for versatile sound shaping. The AUX CV control provides additional flexibility, with the ability to drive resonance and create stereo effects. The quad VCA follows a similar concept, with four channels that can be mixed onto two internal buses for sub mixing or used individually. Overdrive modes add a touch of warmth and distortion for added character to your sound.

Quad VCA Price 299 GBP

Quad VCF Price 299 GBP"

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Retrokits - RK008 Multi Track MIDI Recorder In Eurorack

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Sonic State caught up with Gerrit from Retrokits to discuss their latest offerings. Gerrit showcased the new modular versions of their popular products, the RK-008 *multi-track MIDI recorder and the *RK-6 *MIDI interface/USB MIDI host. The *RK-008 features eight tracks, each capable of recording 16 channels of MIDI with multi-length capability, allowing users to create and manipulate MIDI data in a variety of ways. Gerrit also demonstrated how the RK-008 can be used to send MIDI notes to devices like the Kaossilator, showcasing the flexibility and functionality of Retro Kits' products.

The Retrokits team has been constantly updating the firmware for their devices, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and enhancements. While the RK-8 is currently available, the modular versions are still in development as Retro Kits gauges interest from the community. Gerrit also highlighted the ease of programming their devices, allowing users to download pre-made software or create their own code to customize their MIDI setup. With the RK-6 already serving as a versatile tool for both MIDI and modular users, the modular RK-8 is set to be a popular addition to Retro Kits' lineup. For more information on Retro Kits' products, visit their website for updates on availability and features.

RK008 Price: 351-392 Euros

RK006 Price: 142-158 Euros"

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Play All Day - Playfader Performance Sequencer

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Hadj from Play All Day introduced the *Playfader*, a two-channel CV and MIDI sequencer and looper designed for live jamming. This innovative device features faders for voltage control, play buttons for gates, and ratchets for creating intricate rhythms. The Playfader's interface is optimized for on-the-fly experimentation, with top row settings and bottom row action buttons. The display, reminiscent of old speak-and-spell screens, provides clear communication and a retro aesthetic.

Hadj emphasized the Playfader's versatility, with the ability to control Eurorack, MIDI synths, and more, all from one device. In addition, the Playfader's sustainable design includes a recycled plastic case and a power cable that allows users to power the device from a variety of sources. The development team created a powerful and intuitive interface that encourages experimentation and play. The Playfader is now available for purchase and comes with a free tutorial for early adopters.

Playfader Price: 399 USD"

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Mad Sound Factory - Drop Analogue Groovebox

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, a new and innovative instrument called the Drop was announced by Art from Mad Sound Factory*. Described as an Analog Groove Box, this machine offers a wide range of sounds including kicks, basses, hi-hats, and weird noises. With features such as tone generator, mixer section, noise generator, and two LFOs, the *Drop allows for creative patching and modulation possibilities. The instrument also offers a unique Drop button that can trigger sounds and add a fun element to performance.

Scheduled to be ready for shipping in three months, Drop can be controlled through analog clock signals or MIDI sync. Designed for both live performances and studio use, this instrument offers a wide range of sonic possibilities for musicians looking to experiment with rhythm and sound design.

Drop Price: around 750 Euros"

See the Mad Sound Factory label below for more.

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Timeless Garden - Horizon Experimental Synth

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Sonic State got a sneak peek at the Horizon*, a new collaborative instrument by *Trent from Timeless Garden *and the developer of the Wing Pinger. The Horizon* features a resonator system built around the Wing Pinger device, with delays, a filter bank, and a touch sequencer/play surface to tie it all together. The unique design of the Horizon allows for exploration and inspiration, offering both melodic and experimental sound possibilities.

Trent demonstrated the capabilities of the Horizon, showcasing its ability to create strange and interesting sounds through feedback, FM modulation, and stepped modulation effects. The touch sequencer enables users to create melodies with variable step lengths and pitch quantization controlled by sliders. With analog signal processing and rich bucket brigade delay sound, the Horizon offers a unique sonic experience for musicians looking to push the boundaries of traditional synthesis. Stay tuned for the release of the Horizon in 2024, with an estimated price range between one and two thousand US dollars. For more information on the Horizon visit the link below:

https://timeless.garden/" Note the bottom of the page notes Meng Qi + Whimsical Raps.

Follow-up to this post.

"Horizon celebrates a world of ambiguous dualities~~ harmony/chaos, smooth/stepped, intuitive/practiced, manual/automatic. Built around an invertible heirarchy of pinged-filter cores, and a resonant garden of delays and filters. A rapid and responsive playing surface, smoothly blurring between textures or precisely sculpting a spectral landscape. Honed musicians and freeform experimentalists alike will find their own personal expressions within.

At centre, two Mountains of pinged filters, cross-coupled with smooth and stepped frequency modulation. These pings flow into a resonant filterbank and stereo delays, guided and recirculated by Tide sliders. The filterbank follows the path of 5 Bird sliders, collecting resonances from a playful just-intoned scale generator. Between these worlds flow Currents controlled by the touch surface, capable of wrangling chaos into pure tones or latching into sequences for otherwise busy hands. As the Tides ebb and flow, sequence & delay times are modulated in rhythmic/harmonic steps transforming relationships and shifting priorities.

Sitting proudly at the centre of a performance, or nestled into a larger setup with Eurorack CV i/o. Process external sounds, or use global feedback for an added layer of unpredictability."

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Verbos Electronics - Sawtooth Stack Standalone Module

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024 we met up with Tom from Verbos Electronics, who introduced us to Sawtooth Stack, their first standalone instrument. It Has 2 AD envelopes which can be cycled, and 5 oscillators which can be detuned and spread across the stereo field, 2 on the left, 2 on the right and one in the middle.

Sawtooth Stack's fundamental pitch can be controlled via MIDI, as can every control on the panel, and cycling the envelopes for modulations can produce some interesting morphing tones.

Price and availability TBC"

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Cosmotronic - Aphelion Distortion Module

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Matthijs from Cosmotronic showcased the latest offerings from the company, including the new module called Aphelion*. *Matthijs described Aphelion as a stereo distortion and DJ-style filter with three different distortion options: overdrive, wave folder, and one inspired by the ProCo Rat pedal. The module also features a character knob for morphing between the circuits, as well as a combined low pass and high pass filter after the distortion. With additional features like a bypass switch and low-cut option, *Aphelion *promises a dirty yet versatile sound. Another highlight from Cosmotronic is an expander for the *Cosmix Pro*, offering a three-band EQ, additional aux bus, and gain control for the four mono channels.

Available soon. Aphelion Price: around 250 Euro"

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Intuitive Instruments - Exquis Expressive Controller

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Serguei from Intuitive Instruments showcased their latest improvements to Exquis *their expressive controller. *Exquis offers pressure, velocity, and positional sensitivity. Since NAMM, Intuitive Instruments has been working on a new firmware that includes improved sensitivity settings and note layouts based on user feedback. Besides the traditional hexagonal layout, they now offer options such as the harmonic table layout for chord playing and microtonal music enthusiasts. Users will soon be able to customize individual key values via the app, expanding the creative possibilities of the instrument.

Exquis is currently available for purchase on their website. offering a versatile performance tool that can be connected via USB, MIDI, or CV for compatibility with various setups. The built-in app acts as a plug-in host, allowing users to load VSTs, save presets, create tracks, and record loops directly from the keyboard.

Exquis Price: 299 Euros

https://dualo.com/en/"

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Yamaha - Montage M Synthesizer

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, the team at Sonic State caught up with Dom from Yamaha to get an exclusive look at the latest updates for the Montage M workstation synthesizer. Dom showcased the new operating system update, OS2, which includes some exciting features like SmartMorph for the ANX engine. This feature allows users to seamlessly morph between multiple sounds, creating unique and dynamic textures. The *SmartMorph *functionality was previously available for FMX and now extends to ANX as well, adding even more versatility to the already powerful Montage M.

Another highlight of the OS2 update is the addition of new reverb algorithms, including a shimmer reverb that adds a dreamy layer to any sound. Dom demonstrated how the shimmer reverb can be used to enhance sounds like piano and synths, providing a lush and atmospheric quality. Additionally, the update introduces a new modifier for the ANX engine, the wave folder, which allows for creative sound design possibilities like creating kick drums and morphing waveforms. The Montage M also gets an Expanded Soft Synth Plugin (*ESP*) for Montage M, which allows users to access and edit Montage sounds directly within their DAW. The OS2 update and ESP plugin will be available as a free download for registered Montage M users at the end of June."

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Buchla - Music Easel Retro Synth

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Sonic State had the opportunity to talk to Nick from Buchla about the new Music Easel Retro*. This new offering from *Buchla is a blend of the classic Music Easel and the 50th-anniversary edition, designed to appeal to fans of the old school style briefcase enclosure. Priced at 5,000 US Street, the Music Easel Retro features an aluminum suitcase design and retro Rogan knobs, providing a nostalgic yet modern experience. With improvements such as USB-C, 5-pin MIDI over 3.5-millimeter jack, and enhancements from over 50 years of history, the Music Easel Retro offers a unique blend of past and present technology.

During the interview, Nick demonstrated the capabilities of the Music Easel Retro, showcasing a repeating ostinato and complex oscillator sounds. With features like sequential voltages in four-step mode and pitch modulation inputs, the Music Easel Retro offers a versatile and dynamic sound palette. Nick also utilized the Maris LVX stereo delay pedal and internal spring reverb to further enhance the sonic possibilities.

Music Easel Retro Price: 4,999 USD"