MATRIXSYNTH

Monday, January 27, 2025

BAF 2025: UDO RBN-1 Ribbon Controller

video upload by sonicstate

"We caught up with Mathieu from UDO at BAF 2025, where he introduced their new *Ribbon Controller*. While the existing ribbon is familiar to those using the Gemini, Mathieu explained that UDO wanted to make it available for other synths as well. The ribbon can now be magnetically attached to various keyboards, including the Super 8, and connects through an expression pedal input for broader compatibility.

Additionally, Mathieu revealed a new module designed for incorporation into modular systems. This module features dual touch functionality, allowing you to trigger two gates and two CVs concurrently. You can assign the first touch for pitch and the second for filter cutoff, with modes like hold to retain the last CV. A forthcoming looper function will enable recording and playback of CV and gates.

Matthew anticipated a March release for the ribbon and April for the module, with pricing around €300 for the ribbon and €200 for the module."

BAF 2025: Modbap Trinity 2.0

video upload by sonicstate

"At BAF 2025, we met with Corry from *Modbap*, who introduced the *Trinity 2.0*, showcasing both firmware and hardware upgrades. A notable hardware change is the shift to USB-C from USB Micro, accompanied by a sleek new aluminum matte black anodized design. Corey highlighted that the firmware remains backward compatible with the original Trinity, which makes it versatile for existing users.

Trinity 2.0 introduces two new drum algorithms: Orb, a modal drum synth, and Clang, a metallic FM drum synth, bringing the total to six. The updated version now supports saving four presets per channel, with the ability to manage these across three different sets. Functionality has been enhanced with a USB-C connection, facilitating seamless integration with MIDI controllers, allowing access to all presets. The product is expected to ship in February, retaining its price at $599."

Check with dealers on the right on upcoming availability.

BAF 2025: Sound Workshop Quord Drone Synth

video upload by sonicstate

"At BAF 2025, we caught up with Chris from Sound Workshop, who introduced the Quord drone synth. Chris explained that the Chord is a departure from his previous work with the expressive mono synth, Wiggler*. He described the *Quord as a drone synth that instantly produces sound upon activation, differentiating itself by being capable of playing chords with its four-note setup. The synth uses long sliders to tune four sawtooth waves and short sliders for mixing, with knobs for sound shaping.

Quord includes an analog filter, adapted from the PosiCell Eurorack module, designed by Carson from DecaPod Devices. The Quord also incorporates an LFO that modifies the filter, along with a distortion effect. Chris emphasized fun features like the resonance button and showcased a bass drum effect created by the LFO within the audio mix, simulating a side-chain effect. Pre-orders for the Chord began, with an April shipping target and priced at $399.

More Info:

https://soundwork.shop/"

See this post for an additional demo.

BAF 2025: Supercritical Redshift 6

video upload by sonicstate

"At the Buchla and Friends booth, we caught up with Jussi at Supercritical who demonstrated the *Redshift 6*. This synthesizer, recently made available for purchase, had already been shipping since December. As Jussi explained to us, the Redshift 6 is a six-voice polyphonic synthesizer, each voice featuring a digitally controlled DCO oscillator and a custom-designed filter. The instrument is largely analog, with the exception of its digital effects, allowing for some intriguing sound possibilities.

A standout feature of the Redshift 6 is its extensive modulation capabilities and the ability to generate up to 16 oscillators per voice, resulting in a total of 96 oscillators. The device's filter topology can mimic various classic styles, such as ladder, Roland, and 303 filters, with the potential to introduce new characters over time.

Jussi also shared that the Redshift 6 retails for $1,349."

NAMM 2025: Arcana Instruments Strum

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Boaz from Arcana Instruments who introduced a groundbreaking MIDI interface designed to provide accessible music-making opportunities.

He shared the inspiring backstory of his student with cerebral palsy, whose determination to play music with her peers led to this innovation. The interface allows you to play chords with a simple press, strumming up and down rather than side-to-side, accommodating various mobility challenges. It uses Bluetooth for connectivity and is adaptable via interchangeable handles, enabling play through foot pedals or proximity sensors for head movements.

After noticing the limitations in traditional tools like iPads for music education, the interface was developed to support real musical growth. This tool is screenless, encouraging personal interaction and offering a versatile solution that transforms into instruments like piano or strings through color-coded learning.

Arcana Instruments' device is already available in the United States and the UK.

More Info:

https://arcanainstruments.com/"

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Rain City Modular | Buchla & Friends 2025

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"We talk to Joe Grisso of Rain City Modular about their Sequencer Construction Set, a flexible, modular Eurorack voltage and trigger sequencer."

https://raincitymodular.com/

Dina Pearlman - ARP Foundation | NAMM 2025

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"Dina Pearlman, daughter of legendary synth designer Alan R. Pearlman, discusses the foundation created to honor his legacy, and further electronic music education and art.

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

Under the Big Tree is Nicolas Peck's YouTube channel, focused on esoteric electronic music, modular and vintage synthesizers, sound design equipment and techniques, and the composition, production and performance of music.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

Oberheim SEM SUB-oscillator Mod

video upload by Eric Beam

Also see this post.

"I saw this SEM SUB-oscillator floating around the internets and had to give it a go. 5 stars would go again. Available here from ‪@Lackan110f‬ https://reverb.com/shop/peters-gear-g..."

via this listing

Note the Marion Systems logo on the board. As readers of the site likely know, Marion Systems was Tom Oberheim's follow-up company after Oberheim.

"SUB-oscillator module for the New Oberheim SEM Pro (2009). Installation is very simple, you just have to solder one wire to the +15V point and then attach three connectors.

The +15V point can be located in various places depending on if it is a Marion or Oberheim, and also what model it is. So a multimeter is recommended to verify +15V.

This will give you a -1 octave SUB-oscillator using the EXT-IN knob #1, or a -2 octave SUB-oscillator using the EXT-IN knob #2.

You can also mount it so that you keep EXT-IN on #1 and have SUB -1 OCT on #2 (SUB -2 OCT is then omitted). Se illustration.

Does NOT work in an older vintage SEM (1974-1979) due to different connectors. (the video shows a vintage SEM, but this product is for the New TOM SEM Pro 2009)"

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