"At Superbooth 2024, Sonic State caught up with Martin from Modular Audio Tools to take a closer look at his latest creation - MAT 16X8 a 16 channel analog audio interface designed for portable use. This innovative interface boasts 16 in and out channels, 8 channels in stereo mini jacks, and is bus powered for ultimate convenience. Martin explained that he was inspired to create this compact interface after struggling to find a small-sized audio interface with multiple channels on the market.
The interface offers high-quality audio and MIDI capabilities, with the outputs being DC coupled for potential CV control. Martin hinted at future plans to expand the interface to support up to 32 channels and potentially offer a Eurorack-compatible version. While the interface is still in the prototype stage, Martin is optimistic about pricing, aiming to offer it below 500 Euros and possibly even as low as 400 Euros with enough demand. With its class-compliant 2.0 technology, this interface promises plug-and-play compatibility with various platforms and DAWs, making it a versatile option for musicians on the go.
MAT 16X8 World's most portable 16.8 channel audio interface. 24bit at 96kHz sampling rate. Latency down to 3.7 ms round trip*. Small and lightweight: 23 x 6 x 1 cm USB Audio Class 2.0 compliant. Bus powered. High quality ADCs with 110dB headroom Low noise floor. 16 in channels (8 stereo mini jacks) 8 out channels (4 stereo mini jacks) Headphone amp. Pre-listening to ch 1/2 or 3/4. Modular expandable to 32 in and 16 out channels**. Midi in and out (doubled) Optimized for usage with iOS. ... * Tested on iPad Air (M1) with 24bit, 96kHz sampling rate and 32 sample buffer size ** Due to bandwidth limitations of USB 2.0, the maximum sampling rate will be 48kHz.
"At Superbooth 2024, Timo from Supercritical showcased the *Redshift 6*, an analog polysynth with six voices. The Redshift 6 features a versatile *Demon Core *DCO design that allows for up to 16 notes to be played simultaneously. The synth offers a range of engines, unique sync tricks for creating complex, polyphonic sounds, and it's 6 part multitimbral. The filter section boasts a multimode filter engine with customizable character settings and a phaser engine for classic phaser effects.
In addition to its powerful sound engine, the Redshift 6 includes a stereo mix bus with per-voice panning and a digital effects section with delay, chorus, and reverb (expected in future updates). It's all analog until the bypassable stereo DSP effects processor.
Redshift 6 Available for pre-order. Price 1,259 Euros"
"I've been waiting 50 years to experience analog synthesizers responding intuitively and immediately to pitch, timbre and volume changes from the slightest movements of my fingers on a keyboard! In this video, you'll see and hear unprecedented control of one of the most extreme patches I've ever made. It incudes (4) Vintage ARP 2600's synthesizers and (1) Vintage 1969 Moog IIIc modular synthesizer playing all at once in unison mode or where each modular synth is playing a separate voice in the chord. I've never heard my favorite all-time analog synths sounding so musical, so different and just so good!
To accomplish this task, we are using 5 channels of Haken Audio CVC (Control Voltage Converter) to receive MPE messages from an Expressive E Osmose and also from a Haken Audio Continuum. These state of the art MIDI controllers are able to understand the players most subtle finger movements and immediately translate those messages to the CVC. Without any perceivable latency, the CVC can then send 4 independent control voltages to alter any parameter in real-time on any one of the synths being used as a voice.
My special guest, Osmose and Continuum expert performer Josh Madoff demonstrates all the features on both of these keyboards by playing musical examples. I'll be explaining what's going on, playing some duets with Josh and also providing an in-depth breakdown of the patches on each synth. I'm optimistic that we'l be seeing controllers n the near future delivering higher and higher levels of artistic experiences for performers. Please enjoy the this presentation and let us know what you think in the comments section. Thank you for your support, it means everything to us!
00:00 Anthony's Intro 00:41 Osmose Musical Example 01:11 Set Up (4) ARP 2600s (1) Moog IIIc 01:43 About the Osmose 03:05 About the Continuum 05:25 Musical Examples playing (4) ARP 2600s (1) Moog IIIc from Osmose 10:04 Our Experience Performing with Continuous Control Voltage 13:22 Sostenuto Pedal 15:22 Anthony Plays with a lot of Resonance 16:35 Musical Example - Osmose MPE Arpeggiator 18:23 Musical Example - EaganMatrix Sound Engine & Vintage Analog Modular 22:30 The Control Signals Osmose, Continuum & Haken CVC 25:17 Type of Control & Articulations 27:50 The Synth Patch on the Moog Modular IIIc 31:55 The Synth Patch on the ARP 2600s 34:36 RECAP of Control Voltage Signals Going to the Analog Synths 36:35 Controlling Each Synth Voice from the Keyboard 38:00 Anthony's Summary 38:25 CTA, Thank you 38:49 Logo (theme music)"
"Like nearly all the high end vintage analog synths we sell, this item has been METICULOUSLY disassembled, cleaned inside and out, FULLY serviced by professionals who’ve been servicing and selling vintage synths for more than the last 3 decades, and systematically tested multiple times over a long period to ensure it’s working exactly as it should. No BS. No ebay surprises. We’re perfectionists and don’t cut corners. Although this instrument came to us in relatively good shape, we want our items to be better than the rest and invested *many* hours of tech time plus parts costs to fully overhaul this unit so it would be clean, working like new again and as reliable as possible for its next owner. This was a serious investment of time, love, and money, and was definitely worth the effort and is of course reflected in the higher than usual price. If you’re looking for a great sounding example of this model that works just like it should without needing to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars in tech fees and waiting from weeks to years, this one should make you very happy.
Our tech did the following work to this unit to make it better than the rest / promote longevity:
Power supply capacitors replaced. Battery replaced. Patches reloaded. Cleaned all switch contacts. Cleaned unit inside and out. Installed new encoders to prevent the usual glitchiness one often experiences with original 40 year old encoders (changed ceramic caps in circuit for compatibility). Cleaned key contacts and PCB. Cleaned sensor. Replaced pitch and mod lever potentiometers with new ones since the originals are often problematic these days. Multiple systematic burn in tests to ensure stability.
OS ROM 1.1, voice 1.6.
Selling fees here are over $1000, and professional servicing by perfectionists and future-proofing is costly."
"𝑨 𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆...
The future rests on the past, and the popularization of the sounds of the 80s and 90s today is a natural phenomenon. But what if you preserve the taste and style of those good times, but add a modern look, quality and wide modulation capabilities? The result will be a fresh sound, which is presented in the new soundset for DUNE3!
In this soundset, LFO Store’s leading sound designer, Otto K. Schwarz, has prepared some beautiful analog bass sequences, stylized drum sections, a wide variety of bright lead instruments and plucks, warm pads and other interesting sound solutions! All the presets come with advanced modulation techniques - with modulation wheel, velocity and expression assigned, which allows you to modulate and customize the sounds deeply, to the needs of your own musical works.
These sounds are suitable for both studio work and live performances, and may be used in the different styles of music - ambient, cinematic, electronic dance music and so on. Prepare yourself for the new discoveries and insights!"
"Celebrate 50 Years of Sequential, a name synonymous with innovation, power, and the very sound of music history. And at the heart of it all lies the legendary Prophet-5.
The Prophet-5 is your gateway to iconic sounds that have graced countless hit records. It’s the instrument that revolutionized music with its 5-voice polyphony, preset sound storage, and pioneering use of microprocessors – features that laid the foundation for the synthesizers of today.
Imagine crafting your own sonic masterpieces with the same instrument that has shaped whole genres. Imagine the warmth, the power, the pure analog magic that has defined generations of music.
This is your chance to win a piece of music history – and music future."
Playlist:
Quasimidi Raven Synthesizer - Play next Version 3 my Track Welcome to the Future
Quasimidi Raven Tutorial Step Sequencer/Sequencer
Quasimidi The Raven Max 1996 Synth - Free Jam
Quasimidi The Raven 1996 Synth - play my Track Welcome to the future Version jam 2
Quasimidi The Raven - Play my Track Welcome to the Future on the Quasimidi Raven
Quasimidi The Raven Max from 1996 - Bedienungsanleitungs Jam
Quasimidi The Raven Max - Old School Jam
Quasimidi The Raven 1996 (Raven Max) - Give me a groove Modus Jam
"At NAMM 2024, Sonic State had the opportunity to speak with Mark of MEMS and Associates, a research group that specializes in reverse engineering Buchla synthesizers found in universities across the United States. Mark explains that they have gone coast-to-coast, collecting rare Buchlas and have successfully replicated the David Tudor mixer from Wesleyan University. They also showcase their 132 waveform synthesizer, a 1965 module that offers complex waveforms. Mark shares that they have gained access to these universities simply by asking, and have formed collaborations to continue their work. He also reveals that these remade Buchla modules will soon be available for purchase through the licensed partnership with Analog Haven and Buchla as they aim to democratize access to these instruments.
In addition to the impressive remakes, MEMS and Associates also exhibited the rare 242 Programmable Pulser module, which allows users to program three different rhythmic pulses through a patch matrix. MEMS and Associates' future plans include hosting workshops for students to build their own modules and complete their university systems. This approach not only provides a more hands-on experience but also creates service records for these modules, as Mark mentions the lack of schematics and the need to trace circuits by hand. Mark told us the aim is to preserve and provide accessibility to these historically significant Buchla synthesizers."
"Christian from Modal Electronics unveiled their latest synthesizer, the Carbon 8, at NAMM 2024. This synthesizer is the culmination of Modal's years of experience and knowledge in developing wavetable and virtual analog synthesizers. The Carbon 8 boasts a sound engine that is twice as powerful as their previous models, the Argon 8 and Cobalt 8. It features two distinctive oscillators that generate up to 56 digital core waveforms, allowing users to mix algorithms and wavetables in one synthesizer. The Carbon 8 is designed to cater to modern music styles with rough, edgy sounds, while still offering features like a sequencer, arpeggiator, and various effects.
For more information on the Carbon 8 and other Modal Electronics products, you can visit their website. Stay tuned for updates on future projects from Modal at events like Superbooth. And for existing customers, Modal will continue to provide customer support and their app, which will be updated with a Carbon 8 version upon release.
Update: I'm hearing the PS-3300 will be available in late 2024, built-to-order, for an etimated price of $13,000.
KORG is bringing out a full-size reissue of the PS-3300. Details follow.
The PS-3300 FS is a full-scale reissue of the original Korg PS-3300, a legendary and ultra-rare synthesizer designed by legendary Korg engineer Fumio Mieda and produced by Korg in very limited numbers from 1977 to 1981.
The PS-3300 FS reissue marks a new milestone in synth history, and the latest achievement by the same Korg engineering team that brought back iconic machines such as the MS-20, ARP ODYSSEY, miniKORG 700 FS and ARP 2600.
“Bringing back to life these legendary machines is not only a process of reproducing circuits and sounds, but also of learning and embracing the essence of the philosophy and development of synthesizers.
Through this project I was able to relive the history of Korg and a critical moment in the evolution of our synthesizers. This was an extremely valuable experience that provided an opportunity for Korg's philosophy and technology to be carried on to future generations.”
- Yoshihito Yamada, Chief Engineer of Korg Analog Synthesizers
Key features 49 keys / 49 voice analog polyphony (the original model had 48 keys / voices)
3 Layers: The PS-3300 consists of three synthesizer units (PSU-3301) and a mixer & utility section (PSU-3302)
Three independent oscillators, plus multiple filters, envelopes and amplifiers for every note on its keyboard, for a total of 147 synth voices of raw analog power
Microtuning knob x12 on each PSU-3301 unit
New panel memory function (16 programs per bank and 16 banks = 256 slots)
Modernised for contemporary music use with the inclusion of USB / MIDI jacks, and a dedicated librarian app for easy preset management
Semi-modular
3-Band Resonator: Three frequency bands can be emphasised, a feature unique to the PS-3300 (original was a Cadmium sulfide circuit, but it was replaced with modern components for safety and to comply with regulations)
"A full sonic spectrum, the opsix mkII is Korg's powerhouse Altered FM synth boasting twice the polyphony as the original, hands-on controls, and a refreshed design for deeper, richer sound exploration, anywhere.
What's New with opsix mkII:
-Polyphony increased from 32 to 64 voices
-Refreshed Look (knob and slider’s pointer color, mkII logo)
-Equipped with functions equivalent to opsix SE "
"Incus Iteritas Alia is available now: https://bit.ly/4b0koJW
Incus Iteritas Alia smashes big and bold sounds into your patches. Incus started as a percussion voice, and was smelted into something even wilder: create kicks for any genre, snares, and metallic hits, or go melodic and create FM plucks, analog-style basslines, and so much more. Incus uses a combination of waveshaping, saturation, wavefolding, FM, and additive synthesis, plus a slew of internal modulation, all behind easy-to-use parameters perfect for jamming.
0:00 Overview
1:00 Panel and Controls
4:41 Patch: Rolling in the Low
5:12 Driving Kicks
5:40 FM Plucks
6:06 Incus and Basimilus
6:34 Effects Palette
7:04 Alia platform
Incus uses FM, additive synthesis, and a variety of distortion and waveshaping techniques to create its sounds. Both FM and additive synthesis can be quite complex, but Incus uses a simple set of controls to keep things straightforward."
Press release follows:
"Los Angeles, CA — Modular synthesizer company Noise Engineering, known for their innovative Eurorack modules, has announced three additions to their Alia oscillator platform: Ataraxic Iteritas Alia, Cursus Iteritas Alia, and Incus Iteritas Alia.
In 2023, Noise Engineering released the 10HP Alia platform, marking the return of their Iteritas oscillators. Alia launched with the famed Basimilus Iteritas firmware, along with Manis Iteritas and the new Debel Iteritas, but the team promised firmwares in the near future.
Now, Noise Engineering has delivered, doubling the number of firmwares available for Alia. Cursus Iteritas Alia and Ataraxic Iteritas Alia are revamped versions of the originals, promising to sound nearly identical to the originals with improved encoder tuning, a suboscillator output, and a performable Hold button. Incus Iteritas Alia is an all-new voice based around wavemorphing additive FM, designed for percussive and melodic sound design.
Since Alia is an oscillator platform, owners of existing Alias can try out all three of the new firmwares on their modules. Firmware is 100% free and swappable at any time from the Noise Engineering Customer Portal. With six firmwares now available for the platform, the Alia is an excellent choice for those who want an incredibly diverse yet compact sound source in their system. Swappable overlays for all firmwares are also available from the Noise Engineering webshop and retailers around the world.
The new Incus Iteritas Alia is an exciting addition to the lineup, utilizing Noise Engineering’s favorite synthesis tricks and techniques to create a new voice boasting a massive range of timbres. Sounds are created with a combination of additive, wavemorphing, and FM synthesis, with three different algorithms all controlled by an internal dynamics envelope. Users familiar with the Basimilus will find that Incus has a similar workflow, and while it can synthesize the best parts of a drum kit, it’s also well-suited to bass and melodic duties.
As usual for their platforms, all of the new firmwares are available as paneled modules, so customers can choose the panel they prefer. Ataraxic Iteritas Alia, Cursus Iteritas Alia, and Incus Iteritas Alia are available now at https://noiseengineering.us and at retailers globally.
Availability and pricing:
Ataraxic Iteritas Alia, Cursus Iteritas Alia, and Incus Iteritas Alia: In stock in black and silver. Shipping from Noise Engineering and retailers starting January 18th, 2024; MSRP US$385" [check with the dealers on the right for availability]
Details on Incus Iteritas Alia
Priced at $385
Wavemangling FM percussion and instrument voice.
Incus Iteritas Alia smashes big and bold sounds into your patches. Incus started as a percussion voice, and was smelted into something even wilder: create kicks for any genre, snares, and metallic hits, or go melodic and create FM plucks, analog-style basslines, and so much more. Incus uses a combination of waveshaping, saturation, wavefolding, FM, and additive synthesis, plus a slew of internal modulation, all behind easy-to-use parameters perfect for jamming.
Incus Iteritas Alia is available on our 10HP Alia oscillator platform. Buy an Alia module and use the included USB cable to connect to the Noise Engineering Customer Portal and check out any other Alia firmware, free of charge, any time. More info can be found on the World of Alia page here. Hotswappable overlays are also available, so you can easily panel your module to match your firmware, no assembly required.
The microKORG 2, 8 voice synth and vocoder engine. 4 voice in dual/layered mode.
"The microKORG, one of the most iconic and recognizable synths in the history of music, revolutionized the music world with its unique form factor and unmistakable sounds, making it an industry standard for musicians everywhere. Renowned and loved by musicians, sound engineers, producers and gadget buffs everywhere, the microKORG has now evolved to a more powerful, more flexible and richer level - the new microKORG.
While retaining some of the iconic aspects of the original , including the convenient portable size, easy to play mini keybed, the large dial for selecting program genres or the vocoder with dedicated mic, the new microKORG offers a completely new, powerful sound engine, many more useable programs, a visually astounding user interface, and so much more."
