Strokes & Push 2

video upload by Cong Burn

"For the last few months I've been hacking the push 2 - the outcome is that you can now control everything in Strokes from the Push 2, inside of any DAW (not just Ableton)."

"This Push 2 update works on Mac & Windows inside of any DAW.

Available at https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes

http://congburn.co.uk/strokes"

Nord Modular Generative Dub Techno

video upload by Cong Burn

"Sequencing by Strokes - https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes

0:00 - track one
7:17 - the nord malfunctions
11:30 - track two
20:00 - setting up track three
20:50 - track three
31:25 - setting up track four
31:50 - track four"

Stacks & Korg MS-20

video upload by Cong Burn

"This new looper focused view will be added in a future update

Available now: https://www.congburn.co.uk/stacks"



"Key Features

4 track granular looper, synced with DAW
4 voice polysynth with two-dimensional wavetable morphing, 4 FM modes, sub osc & unison
3 filter modes: dual hpf/lpf, variable width bandpass, 6 x bandpass filterbank
Accurately modelled low pass gate emulation, in addition to a clean VCA variant
Hybrid algorhithmic & convolution reverb. Stereo & ping-pong delays with frequency shifter in the feedback path.
Complex polyrhythmic ratchetting chord sequencer with MIDI output
24 x 115 Modulation matrix: 2 x sequencers, 6 x chaos generators / LFOs, per-stage parameter locks, AD envelope

Overview

In STACKS' self-contained production and performance environment you can create distinctive synth parts from melodies to percussion, which you can loop and layer to build up new tracks.
There are a lot of ways to manipulate the music you make with STACKS but it's designed to be intuitive, encouraging a steady flow from one idea to the next.
As well as its detailed synthesis elements, STACKS has a comprehensive modulation section, a stack of four versatile loopers and granular synthesis options to evolve your recordings in unpredictable new ways.
By continually creating new loops and bouncing them down, you can keep the exploration going for as long as you like — especially useful for improvised live performances.
With built-in processing from delay and reverb to saturation, it's easy to work solely within STACKS and end up with a great sound.
STACKS can run as a VST3 & AU plug-in within all major DAW environments, with the ability to take input from other sound sources and send out MIDI information to control other devices."

stacks singing bowl dungeon ambience

video upload by Cong Burn

"Using the new Audio In module to process and loop my voice/bowl/white noise generator (shhhhh)

Screen recorded on bluetooth headphones/mic running at 22khz for that 11khz nyquist crunch.

My iPad is a 1st gen iPad Pro (10 years old!).

TIP! Turn down the main output to avoid clipping like I did

Mac & Windows (VST3/AU) : https://www.congburn.co.uk/stacks
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/developer/j..."

You can find additional demos in previous posts here.

SynthfestUK 24 Synth Coverage

video uploads by sonicstate

Update: moving this post up once as new videos have been added. Bookmark this post for updates.

Use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:

1.SynthfestUK 24: Knobula - Synth Modules and Toy Pianos

At SynthfestUK 2024, we met up again with Jason, who gaves us the updates in the world of Knobula. On display was the new 'dark mode' Poly Cinematic module, for more monochrome rigs ;-]

2. SynthFestUK 24: PWM - More Mantis News

At the show we made a beeline for the PWM stand, where Paul gave us the latest Mantis news.
And yes, it's out there in the world now!

3. SynthfestUK 24: Roland Unveils the Juno-D Series with Zen-Core Sound

We caught up with Andrew and Ludwig who showed us around the new updated Juno-D series: Juno-D6, D7, and D8. They have the same keyboard action as the Fantom-O series and a new colour screen, making it easier for performers to navigate on stage. And they can be powered by a USB-C mobile battery, perfect for buskers ;-) Running Roland's Zen-Core sound engine, they also incorporates features like a 64-step sequencer and a phrase pad for live sample triggering.
Prices range approximately from £949 to £1199.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Stacks v1.0 preview (no talking)

video upload by Cong Burn

"Jammin' from scratch on the new tape machine emulation inside of Reel mode

Early access discount ends 13th September : https://www.congburn.co.uk/stacks"

Follow-up to this post.

Introducing Stacks ~ 4 Track Granular Looper, Sequencer & Synthesizer

video upload by Cong Burn

"All-in-one tool for unique synthesis, looping and layering.

Available now in early access: https://www.congburn.co.uk/stacks
Coming soon to iOS"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Nord Modular G2 & Strokes (VST3)

video upload by Cong Burn

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes


"Clipped the last section of a 4hr jam."

New Batch of Synthfest UK 23 Videos

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist: (you can use the player controls to skip around)

1. Synthfest UK 23: Sequential - Trigon 6 Desktop

At SynthFest UK 2023, we had the opportunity to chat with Chris from Sequential, a part of the Focusrite group. Chris introduced us to the Trigon 6 Desktop, the latest addition to Sequential's synthesizer lineup. This compact desktop version of the Trigon 6 packs a powerful punch, offering three oscillators and a distinctive Dave Smith ladder filter. Designed for those seeking a space-saving solution without compromising on sound quality, the Trigon 6 Desktop retains all the features of its larger sibling, including patch recall, a versatile effects section with various modulation possibilities, and the distinctive feedback control that allows you to sculpt sub-harmonic richness.

Trigon 6 Desktop Price: $2,499

https://www.sequential.com/

2. Synthfest UK 2023: Calc And the Prophet X

At Synthfest UK 2023, we caught up with Calc from Sequential, and he gave us the lowdown on the Prophet X. Now, you might be thinking, Prophet X? Haven't we seen that before? Well, you're right, but this hybrid instrument has been quietly making waves in the music world. It combines digital and analog elements, with digital oscillators and a unique twist in the form of multi-sample-based instruments. Yes, you heard that right, it's not just your run-of-the-mill synth; it's a full-on sampler too, boasting an impressive 50 gigabytes of memory for your custom samples. You can treat it like a rompler, a sample player, or even use those samples as oscillators, creating a whole new realm of sonic possibilities.

Plus, it's packed with stereo goodness, allowing you to explore a wide soundstage with ease. It's not your typical synth, and that's what makes its a favourute of Calc's

Looking for some more info on the Prophet X? Check out Sequential's official page: www.sequential.com/prophet-x/

CLICK FOR MORE »

SYNTHFEST 2023

video uploads by Sound On Sound magazine

Playlist:
SYNTHFEST 2023 - Rhodes MK8 Effects and V8
SYNTHFEST 2023 - Nonlinear Labs C15
SYNTHFEST 2023 - Analogue Solutions - Maximus
SYNTHFEST 2023 Tone Science - Triple Cross and Chance Delay
SYNTHFEST 2023 Audio Computer - Beat Friend
SYNTHFEST 2023 Cong Burn - Strokes
SYNTHFEST 2023 Officina del Malista - ML23 Midi for Malista
Synthfest 2023 - Audio Computer Weather Station

4 patterns with Cong Burn STROKES

video upload by DATABROTH

"check out my full review here: https://www.databroth.com/blog/stroke...
pick up the plugin here: https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes

00:00 Pattern 1
01:33 Pattern 2
03:33 Pattern 3
04:53 Pattern 4"

Strokes Sequencer, Sampler, Synthesizer & Groovebox Gets New Performance Mode with v3.12 Update

Video Manual video upload by Cong Burn

"I just added a new performance mode to Strokes which lets you smoothly interpolate/transition/morph between sounds/sequences/patterns and even project files.

There's a few other improvements too :
- Samplers upgraded. Each has 5 sub-samplers enabling you to use different samples per pattern.
- Bus saturator & glue compressor and main stereo outs
- Hit the channel label on the voices page to copy settings between patterns/voices

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6443816236"

Superbooth 2023: Cong Burn - Strokes

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2023, Sonicstate spoke to John from Cong Burn about their latest product releases. The first is Strokes, an all-in-one sequencing workstation groovebox that features an eight-part, multi-timbral synth and sampler engine with eight voices, each of which can be a sampler or one of the 16 built-in synth engines imported from Mutable Instruments Plus. Strokes encourages exploring rhythm and modulation, and the sequencer sends out rhythmic data and modulation data that can be connected to any sound design parameter. It is available as a VST3 and an audio unit on Windows and Mac, and on iOS it runs as a standalone application or as an AUV3 inside a host like AUM.

The other product from Cong Burn is Dispatch, a modulation matrix for Ableton Live. It solves the problem of having LFOs scattered around a project by bringing all modulation into one place. It can stack modulators on top of each other and map them to any parameter in Live, and it features a Ring configuration, a Pulse on and off generator, a Slope triangle generator, Signal input, Euclidean Rhythm Generator, audio input, CV input, quadrature LFO, MIDI generator, function generators, and a modulation mixer. Dispatch is a Max for Live device that is available on Windows and Mac.

Strokes iOS/AUv3/Standalone Price: 19.99 GBP. VST3/AU Price: 35 GBP

Strokes cross platform bundle price: 45 GBP

Dispatch price: 25 GBP

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes"

strokes v3.11 - multi-outputs update & built-in tutorial

video upload by Cong Burn

"Strokes is now a multi output VST3/AU/AUV3, each voice (synth or sampler) can be routed to an individual audio channel for further processing & recording.

Win / Mac / iOS
VST3 / AU / Standalone (iOS) / AUV3 (iOS)
https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes

In this demo, I'm using AUM as a host with a single instance of Strokes AUV3 generating all of the audio you hear (except the siren!).

AUM allows me to route each Strokes voice to an individual output of my audio interface (expert sleepers es-8, located in the modular). I'm using 4 outputs which are connected to the Xone92 (mono).

CH1 - Bass
CH2 - Drums
CH3 - Chord 1
CH4 - Chord 2

Also on the table is a delay pedal on Aux 1 + a compressor & a saturator.

Also new
- Added a built in tutorial to help you create your first rhythm, melody and pattern variation. Access this on the info 'i' menu.
- Hovering over / tapping a parameter on the sequencer page will display the parameter’s name in the header."

"Also new is a built in tutorial that'll help you create your first rhythm, melody and pattern variation. Throw in the new manual and the learning curve isn't looking so steep -> https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hViEDttYSAIFygN1Y4kWXByMXfX5r3K4"

Strokes Multi Out Beta with Imaginando VS

video upload by BoBSwanS

"Just a quick test of 5 tracks using the latest beta of Cong Burn 'Strokes' https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes
Multi outs from Strokes into Ableton, Using Strokes Receiver to pump Midi into VS Visual Synth https://www.imaginando.pt/products/vs..."

STROKES

Sequencer, Sampler, Synthesizer & Groovebox

Runs on Windows 10/11, MacOS 10.11 & iOS 11 (or later)

Supports Intel Macs and runs natively on Apple Silicon

Quickstart guides for Ableton Live, Bitwig, VCV Rack, Cubase, FL Studio & Logic

On iOS, runs as an AUv3 inside a host, or as a standalone application

Strokes is an all-in-one, cross-platform workstation for sequencing, sampling and synthesis.

"Strokes is an amazing device for rhythmic inspiration. Its a lot of fun to play with and can lead to some very cool unexpected patterns and combinations" - Tom Rowlands [Chemical Brothers]

strokes v3.10 - oscillator update

video upload by Cong Burn

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes
https://apps.apple.com...
https://discord.gg/ETKn7kBpzn

Plaits code by Emilie Gillet, released under MIT License
https://github.com...

Plaits cheatsheet by Rochefsky
https://www.rochefsky.com...

"Strokes' latest mutation adds 16 synth engines derived from Mutable Instruments Plaits

Taking a fresh look at Strokes - it's now a fully cross platform (mac/win/iOS) sequencer/ sampler/ synthesizer/ groovebox/ 8-part-multitimbral synth/sampler.

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes
https://apps.apple.com...
£19.99 / £35 / £40

Also new:
- Pitch sequencing and quantizers
- Fully customisable modulation matrix, any modulation source can connect to any sound parameter
- Bit crushing & sample rate reduction added to sampler, as well as start/loop point modulation
- Panning & fine tune

Overview:

Welcome to Strokes - an all-in-one, cross-platform workstation for sequencing, sampling and synthesis.

The idea of this device is to encourage free-flow experimentation and exploration of rhythm and modulation. The architecture behind Strokes is complex, but on the surface it’s designed to be intuitive no matter what your experience level is. By setting up some sounds and turning the dials, anyone can create interesting and unique results. The sequencing and modulation are cross-patched, meaning the actions of one part impact on another - in this way, the patterns all form part of the greater whole, moving in symbiosis to create cohesive results.

Rather than relying on methodical programming of patterns or computer-defined ‘randomness’, Strokes offers a way to create surprising music with an emphasis on fun. Nothing happens by accident, but you never quite know where a jam will take you. With the means to store patterns and melodic information within a project, one set up can produce different results every time.

The first four sequencer channels can be set according to your wishes, while the other four behave in various ways according to those settings. Each channel can be assigned one of 16 oscillators from Mutable Instruments’ celebrated Plaits module. Alternatively, they can each be assigned to samples of your choice with various sound design options. There are probability options to add semi-random changes to the sequencers, and on-board reverb and delay add effects processing to the sounds being generated. Various modulation options allow these sounds and effects to be changed in subtle or significant ways, always in response to the other rhythmic behaviour taking place in the project.

Strokes can run as a VST3 or AU plug-in within all major DAW environments, meaning the MIDI information generated can also be assigned to your own software and hardware instruments. On iOS, Strokes can run as a standalone application or from within a host such as AUM."

strokes v3.9 - sampler update

video upload by Cong Burn



"Strokes has just undergone it's most significant mutation to date - what was once just a MIDI sequencer is now a fully fledged, self contained instrument/groovebox featuring 8 samplers, a reverb, and delay.

The sequencer is deeply integrated with the samplers, with each sampler featuring: - amp attack/decay
- adjustable start/end & loop (drag top/bottom half of waveform) - root note (for tuning the sample)
- multi mode filter lp/bp/hp
- delay & reverb sends
- 4 modulation lanes hooked up to the sequencer

In addition to the new sampler features, there's Ableton Link integration, cross-platform project sharing and a bundled factory sample pack with over 100 sounds captured from a Machinedrum, Monomachine & Nord Drum 2.

Strokes is available now on Win, Mac & iOS as a VST3, AU, AUv3 and standalone application.

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes https://apps.apple.com/.."

Strokes VST3/AU MIDI Sequencer

video upload by Cong Burn

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes

00:00 Overview
02:04 Step Mode (XOX/TR)
02:52 Euclidean Mode
05:42 Algorithmic/Analog Logic Rhythms
07:19 Probability & Shares
09:28 Parameter Sequencing with Matrix
11:04 Ableton Live Modulation Setup using the Receiver
13:15 Envelope Following with Weights
14:52 Weights Sidechaining
16:45 Patterns & Demo Project
17:49 Scale/key switching with Note-Select
18:25 VCV Rack Demo
19:16 Wrapping up

via the creator of Strokes, John Howes:

"I've been developing a VST3/AU MIDI sequencer for the last year called Strokes, previously it was a Max For Live device inspired by Jaki Leibzeit (Can) that was in development for over 2 years.

Strokes is a MIDI plugin that brings new life to your plugins, hardware and DAW

Grids - 4 x channels of euclidean or step (XOX/TR) rhythm generators
Logic - 4 x channels of algorithmic rhythm generators
Matrix - 8 x synchronized per step/stroke parameter sequencers (parameter locks!)
Weights - 4 x envelope followers
Shares - 4 x probability processors using markov chain pattern analysis
Notes - 7 x pitch presets for sequencing chords, melodies and kit changes
Patterns - 5 x device wide snapshots / presets"

https://www.congburn.co.uk/strokes