MATRIXSYNTH

Noise Engineering Introduces the Confundo Funkidos Four-Channel Rhythm Crossfader Eurorack Module

Press release follows:

Los Angeles, CA — Noise Engineering, known in part for their innovative utility modules, has released the highly anticipated Confundo Funkidos, a rhythm crossfader and performance utility, and successor to the immensely popular Confundo Funkitus.

Inspired by DJ performance techniques, Confundo Funkitus takes in eight trigger patterns, then uses a crossfader to combine them, apply probability, or swap between them as the user desires. Each channel also features a mute switch so that channels can be added and removed from a patch at will.

New to the second version is the addition of algorithmically generated Accent outputs, which create high and low gates based on input patterns and automatically bring life to any modulation destination. The BURN section of Confundo Funkidos has also been expanded with a new parameter, making it even easier to create fills on the fly. The Mute switches have also been upgraded, featuring a center position that removes a channel from BURN fills and sets its Accent output low while still outputting triggers.

“We’ve been thinking about a new version of Confundo Funkitus for a long time,” says Markus Cancilla, Noise Engineering’s Chief of Destruction. “Confundo Funkidos brings together everything we’ve learned in the years since the original was discontinued, and makes the original concept even more fun. We’re really excited to hear what people do with it.”

While Confundo Funkidos has double the outputs and even more parameters than the original, it’s still contained in the same 12 HP package. At this small size, it’s easy to integrate into performance skiffs, while its extensive inputs and outputs make patching it with larger systems a creative dream. And while it was designed with compactness in mind, its interface features excellent ergonomics, maintaining excellent performability.

Confundo Funkidos is now open for preorders. It ships starting January 9th at https://noiseengineering.us and at retailers globally.

Features
● Four-channel rhythm crossfader
● Incredible utility for hands-on jamming and performance
● Inspired by DJ performance techniques
● Algorithmically generate accent gates based on input patterns
● Use Mute switches to bring percussion in and out of your mix
● Create fills on the fly with unique BURN controls

Availability and pricing:
Confundo Funkidos: In stock. Shipping from Noise Engineering and retailers starting January 9th, 2025; MSRP US$345 Preorders now open.

https://noiseengineering.us/products/confundo-funkidos

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Roland TR-707 Drum machine - Pitch Mods and HKA Rom expansion - MikeSynth

video upload by Mikus Pilatus

"Quick noodling - my clap wasn’t working (I’ve since fixed that)"

Waldorf Blofeld Plugin - Demo by Crazik

video upload by cra.:zik

"Great emulation of the must have Blofeld, great synth, great sound, lovely pads !! The melodies I play are mine and copyrighted (SACEM). All Rights Reserved.

Check my Top free plugins (firefox recommended): http://www.crazik.free.fr/makemusicfo..."

Nation of Language | Weak In Your Light | Moog Sound Lab

video upload by Moog Music

"Breakthrough indie pop band Nation of Language enters the Moog Sound Lab in our hometown of Asheville, NC to play a rendition of 'Weak In Your Light' from their 2023 album release, ‘Strange Disciple’.

With bouncing synth sounds, beat-driven arpeggiators, and experimental analog tones, this Brooklyn-based band has been inspiring to watch from the start. This combination of unfamiliar yet irresistible sounds garnered a vast online fanbase during the COVID-19 pandemic and later sent them on a lengthy world-wide run of shows. Nation of Language is celebrated for mixing nostalgic synth-pop inspired hooks and melodies with a new age post-punk flare.

Watching this trio reimagine and perform their track on our Subsequent 37, Minimoog Model D, Moog One, Grandmother, and Matriarch is nothing short of magic. We invite you to experience the one and only--- Nation of Language."

Roland System-500 Eurorack Synth 12-Module Set in TipTop Mantis Case

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"Roland System 500 Eurorack Set in TipTop Mantis Case. Modules List: 572 Phase Shifter, 510 Synth, 555 Lag/S&H, 505 Dual Filter, 530 VCA, 531 Mixer, Two x 512 Oscillators, Two x 521 Filters, Two x 540 Envelopes.

Everything works, no issues. TipTop Mantis Case + 540 Envelope + 510 Synth were purchased new. The rest was bought second-hand. One of the 512 Oscillators visited 'Synths When' repair shop and had two knobs cleaned to remove crackle."

CLICK FOR MORE »

PlantsSystem-Galaxien

video upload by plantssystem

"The equipment used is Waldorf Nave and Attack."

HWJ Weekend Challenge - Tolkien Day jam (WIP)

video upload by SynthAddict

"Maschine+

All loosely inspired by Fellowship of the Ring:
An intro, a bit of Isengard and the Uruk-hai creation, and then Gandalf's fall at Khazad-dum"

Intellijel Xfade 1U: DJ-style Crossfader for Eurorack

video upload by Intellijel

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

"Xfade 1U is a classic DJ-style stereo crossfader, with a few extra tricks up its sleeve. The ‘A’ and ‘B’ sides both have L+R inputs. The crossfader blends two stereo input signals together — crossfading one into the other depending on the position of the slider and the selected Xfade Shape. The blended output appears at the MIX L and MIX R output jacks.

In addition, Xfade 1U can be used as a modulation source for controlling other modules, since the crossfader also outputs control voltages from the CV A and CV B jacks. A switch determines whether these voltages are unipolar (crossfading from 0V to 5V; and 5V to 0V), or bipolar (crossfading from -5V to +5V; and +5V to -5V). The two LEDs indicate the polarity and relative levels of the CV A and CV B signals.

Xfade 1U uses a precision Innofader™ crossfader submodule, with moving capacitance technology for smooth (almost frictionless) and precise control. This is the same part found on many high-end DJ mixers.

Features:

Smooth and ultra-low friction Innofader™ Mini-Innofader module with moving capacitance technology
Three crossfade shapes: DJ cut, Constant Power and Linear
Stereo or Mono operation
DC coupled inputs and outputs
Unipolar or Bipolar CV outputs
Output is chainable to intellijel Outs, Mixup, and Stereo Mixer 1U Modules via included 3-pin cable"

Roger Linn, Creator of the Original Namesake LinnDrum on Behringer's New LmDrum

The following is Roger Linn's statement on Behringer's LmDrum, written Jan 4, 2025, saved here for the MATRIXSYNTH archives:

In December 2024, Behringer released their "LmDrum", which is described on their site as:

"If you are looking for a drum machine that can recreate the classic sound of the 80’s, look no further than the Behringer LM DRUM. This amazing drum machine features an authentic 8/12-bit sampling sound engine that captures the essence of a hundred legendary 80’s drum sounds including those designed by Roger Linn such as the LM1*, LM2*, LM9000* and more. You can even record and store your own samples using the integrated line input."

Uli Behringer kindly sent me an LmDrum in August of 2024, giving me a chance to try it out. What do I think? I think it's a bit of a head-scratcher. It is clearly intended to evoke my 1982 "LinnDrum" drum machine, borrowing its visual style, control layout, colors and logo style, as well as copying its sounds and those of my LM-1 and Linn9000 drum machines. I took it apart and it even copies much of my LinnDrum sound generation circuit, even my bad ideas like the inability to tune any drums except the snare, toms and congas.

However, it uses an entirely different operating system and user interface, one that is based on earlier Behinger drum machines. Personally, I found it somewhat confusing and difficult to use, though I was given an unfinished manual. I'd imagine they will improve both the software and manual over time. I suspect the designers found it difficult to find a balance between 1) the impression of a LinnDrum clone, and 2) the addition of modern features, given that the 1982 LinnDrum's feature set is woefully inadequate by today's standards.

It's worth noting that Uli never asked my permission to either copy my visual design or my drum sounds. Though in 2020, he did kindly invite me to collaborate on a future drum machine, and I respectfully declined because of concern about Behringer's past business ethics and legal practices.

How do I feel about the LmDrum? My feelings are mixed. On the one hand, it's not unusual for companies to borrow ideas from older products in order to inspire a new and innovative design, which I've done in past. Plus, my old drum sounds are all over the web, controlling copying is difficult, and I don't enjoy legal stuff so I've generally ignored the issue so far. Also, the value in those old sounds is probably due more to Art Wood (the drummer who played the sounds, and my friend of many years), and to artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, and others, who made those sounds famous on their hits. Finally, I must admit that I've never cared much about the past, because I find the future far more exciting.

On the other hand, even if we discount the copying of the visual design, logo style and sound circuit of LinnDrum, the LmDrum copies my sounds. So I'd have preferred for Uli to ask my permission. Even if he thinks it is legal, I question whether it is ethical.

I find it interesting that the LmDrum is being sold in the U.S. for only $399. Having taken it apart and seeing how complex the copied old circuitry was to reproduce, I doubt Behringer is making any money from it. I suspect that they originally intended to sell it for much more, then discovered that while many people may say they want a LinnDrum clone, few are willing to pay more than a low price for it.

On a related topic, GForce Software has recently released their "IconDrum" software drum sound generator. Like the LmDrum, it copies the LinnDrum's visual design, logo style, and drum sounds, but has no sequencing. Unlike Behringer, GForce did say they wouldn't release the product if I objected, but they seemed like good people so I turned a blind eye. They also offered to pay me an insignificant royalty for my association with the product and perhaps to use "LinnDrum" name, but I declined because of the low compensation and because I thought it was misleading to call a product "LinnDrum" that wasn't a drum machine but rather only played my copied drum sounds.

One last comment. What's the big deal about nostalgia? I can understand that some people value analog synthesis, though I find the many types of innovative software synthesis created in recent decades to be far more capable, versatile and interesting. But even if people value vintage analog synths, why vintage digital drum machines? I ask this because an old bit is no different than a new bit. Our collective love of nostalgia brings to mind an old Douglas Adams quote from Salmon of Doubt:

"I've come up with a set of rules that describe our reactions to technologies:
1. Anything that is in the world when you’re born is normal and ordinary and is just a natural part of the way the world works.
2. Anything that's invented between when you’re fifteen and thirty-five is new and exciting and revolutionary and you can probably get a career in it.
3. Anything invented after you're thirty-five is against the natural order of things."

As a guitarist, I recall having endless discussions in my youth about "good distortion". :)

- Roger Linn