NAMM 2025: Taqs.im Solo Hybrid Synthesizer

video upload by sonicstate

Interesting notes on popular synths by various countries. Spoilers at the bottom of this post.

"We caught up with Aram from Taqs.im at NAMM 2025, who introduced us to the latest update for the Solo hybrid synthesizer. This synthesizer draws inspiration from diverse global sounds and now features new expansion packs tailored for Indian and Latin music genres. Aram explained that the Solo synthesizer combines three oscillators, offering analog, phase distortion and sample playback. What's unique are its authentic sound sets from around the world which are meticulously coupled with MIDI phrases that reflect specific cultural styles, alongside the ability to incorporate microtonal scales.

Navigating through Solo's interface, we explored the presets organized within a browser tab, featuring drag-and-drop MIDI phrases. Aram showcased how Solo's versatility allows for mixing analog and sample-based sounds, making it easier to achieve various regional sounds. Priced at $99, Solo is available for both PC and Mac, supporting AU and VST formats."

Armenians love the Oberheim OB8, the Balkins love the Casio CZ-101, Greeks the Korg Sigma and Roland SH-2000, and the Arab world loves the KORG MOS expansion engine. Who knew!

NAMM 2025: Delving into Stylophone's Dual Filter Module

video upload by sonicstate

"At the NAMM 2025 show, we caught up with Dan from Stylophone, who presented their latest offering, the *Dual Filter Module*. This unit evolved from the DS2 and features a new line, the CPM range, aimed at modular synth enthusiasts. The dual filter module includes two distinct filters - the gritty Gen R8 and the smoother 2045 filter, inspired by classic French house sounds. Dan explained that this module is designed to extend your sound capabilities significantly, with a dual envelope and filters that can operate in series or parallel.

A standout feature of the module is its capability for self-resonance at various cutoff points, providing diverse sonic textures. In addition, the module includes a sample and hold feature with rate and slew that allows modulation freedom. Stylophone aims for a product launch by September, with the module designed to be part of a user-friendly, compact modular range ideal for both beginners and advanced modular synth enthusiasts."

NAMM 2025: Yamaha's Montage M Enhancements

video upload by sonicstate

"At the NAMM 2025 show, we spoke to Blake from Yamaha, who shared the latest updates on the Montage M synthesizer. He mentioned the release of a new OS update featuring minor usability improvements like display knob functionality while loading sounds. A significant highlight was the enhanced optimization of MIDI 2.0 for Windows 11, thanks to Microsoft's integration of MIDI into the OS.

Blake also highlighted the M8X model, which now features an electromagnetic induction sensor, allowing for high-resolution velocity recording exceeding the standard 0-127 range. Moreover, it supports polyphonic aftertouch, providing greater expressive capabilities.

Yamaha improved their ESP editor, now offering deeper editing capabilities down to the element level. This software seamlessly synchronizes edits between the hardware and software, enabling on-the-go sound design. Blake emphasized that the ESP editor is not available as a standalone product; it accompanies the Montage M, ensuring a cohesive experience between the hardware and digital environments."

NAMM 2025: Melbourne Instruments' RotoControl

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with David from *Melbourne Instruments*, who introduced us to the *RotoControl*, a motorized MIDI controller with eight touch-sensitive knobs.

Designed with 64 customizable setups, three main modes were highlighted: MIDI, Mix, and Plug-in modes. The unit offers 5-pin MIDI I/O and USB-C power, along with motion recording and standalone functionality, allowing integration with various hardware, DAWs, and Ableton Live. The RotoControl app lets you customize display labels and colors, enhance knob haptics, and streamline MIDI mapping through its simple Learn function. Users can switch between Mix and Plug-in modes for efficient control over Ableton's audio setup without scripts.

Additionally, Melbourne Instruments gave a sneak preview of Nina, an upcoming polyphonic sequencer with a multi-track feature, focusing on enhancing the studio and live performance workflow. The RotoControl retails at $419 USD plus taxes."

Behind The Drums Ep 07 - Dead Or Alive "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" Linn 9000

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

"An in depth look at the making of Dead Or Alive's international hit "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)." Episode includes a remake of the beat using the Linn 9000 drum machine, and takes a look at the creative process of legendary hitmakers Stock, Aitken, and Waterman."

Hell Modular Traveler VCF Test

video upload by Cornel Hecht

"The Traveler Filter is distinguished by its independent control of high-pass and low-pass filters, allowing for unique tonal flexibility that enables smooth to aggressive sound shaping. #modularsynth #hellmodular #5umodular #analogsynthesizer #modularmusic #modularsynthesizer"

Roland Jupiter-8: Having fun with a Polysynth

video upload by App Sound (by Matt Sour)

"Playing a wonderful patch of the iconic Roland Jupiter-8. Added the freeware fx plugin Valhalla Supermassive after the recording."

NAMM 2025: ESI Xsynth Derived From the CME XKey 25

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

"More than just an audio interface": Bitwig launches its first hardware product at NAMM 2025

video upload by MusicRadar Tech

"German DAW-maker Bitwig has revealed its very first hardware product - Bitwig Connect 4/12. Ostensibly a 4-in and 12-out CV and MIDI-enabled audio interface, Bitwig states that its debut hardware product is 'far more than just an audio interface'… We caught up with them at NAMM 2025 to find out more."

Introducing Bitwig Connect 4/12

video uploads by Bitwig

via Bitwig

Bitwig Connect 4/12

More Than An Audio Interface
Bitwig Connect 4/12 is a class-compliant, 4‑in/12‑out CV- and MIDI‑enabled audio interface with monitor- and DAW-control functionalities and a unique Bitwig Mode.

Your Ultimate Studio Sidekick
Connect is a three-in-one audio/MIDI interface, monitor and DAW controller. Six mode buttons allow its 360°, touch-sensitive dial to adjust interface parameters or control software. It can set input gain, regulate the volume levels for two sets of monitors and your headphones, or even move the playhead and control any Bitwig Studio parameter with exceptional resolution.

The front panel gives you immediate visual feedback, with accurate input and output meters and a ring of 32 RGB LEDs around the dial to visualize parameter values and automation data. Plus, gain settings are accessible and saved within Bitwig Studio, so you can pick up right where you left off next time you open it.

CV Connects the Best of Both Worlds
With two DC-coupled inputs and four outputs easily accessible via 3.5 mm minijacks directly on the front panel, Connect is a superior choice for musicians with CV-enabled hardware. That means it goes both ways: To external devices from Bitwig Studio or other programs, and from hardware sequencers and modulation signals into the software realm.

Thanks to factory calibration, Connect plays pitch-perfect and without offset with Bitwig Studio right out of the box. And since jacks can also be used for audio signals, they can act as additional ins and outs for line-level signals, making them useful to all types of users.

Bring Bitwig Studio to Life
Connect's unique Bitwig Mode puts Bitwig Studio at your fingertips with DAW controller functionalities. Seamless integration makes writing automation, fine-tuning settings, and navigating the timeline in Bitwig Studio with Connect's main dial intuitive and precise. Get quick access to any control with the high-resolution dial by hovering over it with your cursor, and lock a selected parameter to Connect by double-tapping. The LED ring indicates its current task by matching the color of the parameter or track in Bitwig Studio so you'll never get lost.

You can find additional details at https://www.bitwig.com/connect/

The New MiniKorg 700Sm & Handytraxx Turntables at NAMM 2025

video upload by Reverb

"Korg brought it at NAMM 2025. Fess showed us the MiniKorg 700Sm, a slightly smaller version and reissue of the legendary MiniKorg 700S. It sounded massive and brings a really classic '70s monophonic synth vibe. Next, Fess showed us the new line of Handytraxx turntables."

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