Tips & Tricks: Elektron Analog Heat +FX with a MIDI Sequencer For More Creative Control

video upload by Group Technologies

"We are all aware of how versatile the Analog Heat+FX dynamic sound processor from Elektron is at processing, manipulating, enhancing, and twisting sounds. The Analog Heat+FX is truly a mighty palette for processing sound; either as an end of chain mastering tool or spicing up your drum machine, synth, vocals and anything else you can throw at it. In this video we look at how to use MIDI CC via the MIDI track(s) on the Syntakt to control various effect parameters on the Heat+FX. Effectively we sequence the different type of effects and parameters, going a little nuts in the process. Whilst this is great fun, it’s also a great way of experimenting with sound design and creating new sounds!

The heart of the Heat+FX is a stereo distortion unit with 8 fully analog circuits that offers everything from clean boost to total annihilation. The additional digital effects; delay, reverb, warble, bits, chorus, compressor and bass focus offers endless possibilities to sculpt your sound even further. There are over 100 effect parameters that can be controlled via MIDI CC on the Heat+FX, and pairing it with an external MIDI sequencer opens up a huge range of creative possibilities. Any Elektron MIDI sequencer, as found on the Syntakt, Digitakt or Octatrack are all great at complimenting the Heat+FX. MIDI tracks on any Elektron sequencer can control up to 4x MIDI CC parameters per track. In this video we use 2x MIDI tracks, controlling 8 parameters across reverb, delay and chorus effects, although the potential to mangle and twist your sound is almost limitless making the Heat+FX a fantastic sound processor!"

Randomwaves Introduces Drumboy & Synthgirl

video uploads by Randomwaves



"Unleash your creativity and explore the world of sound with Randomwaves. Our new handheld instruments, Drumboy and Synthgirl, put the power of music-making in the palm of your hand.

www.randomwaves.io"

Drumboy packs a powerful punch in a compact design. Featuring an ARM processor and intuitive controls, you can create dynamic beats and percussion patterns with ease.

10 Instrument Layers

Mix and match to build unique rhythmic textures

Parametric EQ

Sculp your sound with precision for perfect beats

2 Effect Channels

Add depth, texture, and character to your grooves

Reverb Engine

Create immersive and atmospheric soundscapes

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Synthgirl is a powerful wavetable synthesizer that empowers you to craft a vast sonic palette. With 2 versatile oscillators, you can explore a world of evolving sounds and textures with just your fingertips.

2 Wavetable OSCs

Craft unique and evolving sonic creations

4 LFOs

Explore endless modulation possibilities

2 Effect Channels

Add depth, texture, and character to your sounds

Reverb Engine

Create immersive and atmospheric soundscapes

Endless Woodland

video upload by Uncertain Music Corps

"Created as a response to a question about how the Endless Processor worked with field recordings. Using recordings made in woodlands local to me as the only audio source.
I'm using an (offscreen) touchpad to trigger the sampling on the EP because I found it quicker and simpler than using the on panel button when trying to capture short bursts of birdsong. Around the 4 minute mark I introduce an LFO to control the amplitude of channel 2.
Recorded direct to the camera. The Disting is used to bring the line level audio feed up to modular levels."

The Crow Hill Company Announces Availability of SMALL STRING GESTURES

The best string sound I have ever heard!! video upload by The Crow Hill Company

Press release follows:

TCHC announces availability of SMALL STRING GESTURES as toolkit to dial up musical personality with intimate interpretative band behind each key

EDINBURGH, UK: having ‘softly’ set out its software stall late last year with a low-key launch of STRING MURMURATIONS that saw decades of award-winning experience in the music tech sector and at the composing coalface distilled into an easy- to-use, intuitive, and comprehensive sample-based virtual instrument plug-in and GUI (Graphical User Interface) introducing the cutting-edge concept of Gestures (whereby an orchestra interpreting its user’s composition and making it into music and art lies behind every key played), music-making community tools-maker The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce availability of SMALL STRING GESTURES as the latest incarnation of that concept — creating a set of tools where individual instruments and the playing style, strengths, and frailties of the intimate interpretative (3, 3, 3, 3) band behind each key are available for the user to dial up the personality of their composition, created from a collection of master recordings that have been mixed and edited into a sample-based virtual instrument plug-in with a GUI and preset browser that are as easy on the eye as they are in use — as of January 26…

An armada of strings can create awe — an epic tidal wave of human emotion, of scale, of wonder. While STRING MURMURATIONS makes it easy and intuitive to make music that sounds human thanks to three distinct palettes of expressions, each designed to feel like the user is collaborating with an orchestra of real musicians, creating endless harmonic possibilities that inspire from the moment a key is touched, sometimes music-makers need it to be intimate, truthful, personal, human — hence The Crow Hill Company creating SMALL STRING GESTURES as a set of tools where individual instruments and the playing style, strengths, and frailties of the instrumentalists involved are available for the user to dial up the personality of their composition. Cue humanity, in other words.

With this in mind, The Crow Hill Company specifically selected a 3, 3, 3, 3 — three Violin 1, three Violin 2, three Violas, and three Cellos — band size that ensured its sampling style brought every individual within that ensemble into beautifully detailed and intimate focus for SMALL STRING GESTURES. This toolset is provided with a different lens and aperture to play through.

The Crow Hill Company collectively likes to keep things moving, so while this latest incarnation of its Gestures concept is very much related to one of those distinct palettes of expression available in STRING MURMURATIONS, it is worth highlighting hysteresis — dictionary-defined as the phenomenon in which the value of a physical property lags behind changes in the effect causing it, such as when magnetic induction lags behind the magnetising force, for instance — in relation to SMALL STRING GESTURES. Getting in on the act of creating sample libraries involves always asking the instrumentalists involved to perform musical material that is incredibly easy to play in order for the end result to always be ‘together’. That is fine for programming or composing simple stuff since that would sound true to real life, but it becomes harder, however, for players to remain totally locked to each other’s tuning or timekeeping when playing more difficult passages. Pure sound becomes more problematic as a result — reduced fundamental meaning more character, which is why a lot of sample-based music used in films, games, and TV sounds ‘characterless’. Clearly the samples involved therein lack hysteresis as they were easy to play, yet playing something difficult with them does not sound natural, real, or human. Indeed, it is fair to say that what makes musicians ‘hysterical’ is speed — faster playing means looser playing that is less in time and also less in tune; reach — the wider the gap between the notes, the further they have to reach, resulting in less perfectly in tune playing; and pitch — the higher a player plays, the harder it becomes as it involves more intense accuracy from string players performing on fretless instruments.

It is for this reason that The Crow Hill Company decided to get its players to perform the hard stuff — not compositions, but mere fragments, which is why anyone working with SMALL STRING GESTURES will not feel like they are playing phrases; instead it is rather like having a string band under their fingertips. For Gestures are the very real sound of reach and performance. But by not giving the musicians behind SMALL STRING GESTURES simple stuff to play prevented them from getting bored. Better still, SMALL STRING GESTURES users are accessing the sound that musicians make when they are smiling... hysterically!

It is also fair to say, therefore, that the effect of hysteresis on a large string section — including that which was involved in the creation of STRING MURMURATIONS, for instance — is a silky, blurry sound. An audible example of this might be the fast string runs in John Williams’ ‘Hedwig’s Theme’ from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — ditto the closing bars of ‘Mars, the Bringer of War’ from Holst’s The Planets suite. Saying that, though, there are times when music-makers do not need awe, epic, and huge scale in pursuit of their compositional craft, but instead seek something more intimate, more personal, more human. The theory that led to SMALL STRING GESTURES revolved around if The Crow Hill Company could get a string band small enough then the impact of hysteresis would not be a musical blurring, but rather an exposure of each player involved in its creation — their own style of bowing and vibrato, their own fragilities to help the user’s audience connect more with the human nature of their music.

Making that happen meant designing SMALL STRING GESTURES to make its users approach composing and making music from a totally new angle, one where it feels like there are musicians at their fingertips — not samples. SMALL STRING GESTURES is a collection of master recordings — made by world-class producers and engineers at Glasgow’s Clockwork Studios, a new custom-designed scoring stage for the UK comprising of a large hall for full orchestra (up to 80 players) with a balanced and focused sound ideal for modern orchestral recording, as well as a smaller dry space in Studio B (up to 15 players), with the world-class Scottish Session Orchestra playing some of the finest instruments through the finest microphones and mic pre-amps — that have been mixed and edited into a sample-based virtual instrument plug-in with a GUI and a preset browser that are as easy on the eye as they are in use. Ultimately, it works within anyone’s favourite DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) with 25 presets — presented as six Gestures, four Longs, 10 Presets, and five Bonus — and additional hand-crafted Selects designed by The Crow Hill Company team. There are three mix-ready stereo signals — namely, CLOSE, WIDE, and AMBIENT, as well as unique REVERB controls and a granular effects processor.

Duly designed by professional composers with the sonic connoisseur in mind, The Crow Hill Company’s collective conclusion certainly rings true, stating, “We’re a small team and have worked hard to make everything as intuitive as possible.” Put it this way: with SMALL STRING GESTURES it is perfectly possible to make music that sounds intimate, truthful, personal, human! Hysteresis, of course, comes into play here, albeit with the desired effect — exposure of each player involved in its creation.

Clearly, then, big messages come in small packages when it comes to working with the diminutive-sized SMALL STRING GESTURES as another easy-to-use and intuitive virtual instrument plug-in from The Crow Hill Company, one which is also easy on the wallet for those wishing to step into this new world of gesture-based sampling.


SMALL STRING GESTURES is available to purchase — as an AAX-, AU-, VST-, and VST3-format-compatible sample-based virtual instrument plug-in comprising 8 GB of uncompressed material (compressed losslessly to 4.4 GB) that loads directly into a DAW — for £49.00 GBP (including VAT) directly from The Crow Hill Company here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/small-string-gestures

SMALL STRING GESTURES is available for free until February 29, 2024 when purchasing STRING MURMURATIONS for £199.00 GBP (including VAT) directly from The Crow Hill Company here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/string-murmurations/ (Note that SMALL STRING GESTURES is also available for free to existing owners of STRING MURMURATIONS until February 29, 2024.)

Watch The Crow Hill Company founder and composer Christian Henson’s must-see SMALL STRING GESTURES walkthrough video here: [video up top]

Free sounds for all are available by simply signing up to become a Crow Hill member here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/join-crow-hill/

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Video side note: Analogue Solutions Colossus in the background.

Introducing Supercritical Redshift 6 - Six voice analog Variable Character Synthesizer

video upload by Supercritical Synthesizers

"Supermassively dense analog oscillator combined with a chameleon analog filter with versatile gain staging. Now sixfold.

Redshift 6 combines technology from the company’s previous products, the Demon Core Oscillator and the Neutron Flux Filter. Each of the six voices features a DCO with analog waveforms generated under digital control. The filter core is an analog 4-pole state variable filter also digitally controlled to act like almost any classic vintage synthesizer filter and more. In addition to the oscillators and filters, Redshift 6 has all the features expected of a modern synth - plenty of modulators, flexible voice routing, multitimbrality, MPE, and DSP effects.

Redshift 6’s idea is something that is wrapped in the moniker “Variable Character Synthesizer”. Each voice’s analog path regarding tuning, gain staging, filter, and more is under strict digital control. Redshift 6 has as lush and warm sweet spot inspired by the analog polysynth tradition, but it can also cover the full range from almost digitally sterile and clean to distorted misbehavior and beyond. No modeling here - it’s all analog until the bypassable stereo DSP effects processor.

The oscillator, already road-tested in the Demon Core Oscillator eurorack module, is featured in each of the six voices. The oscillator has multiple tricks up its sleeve, each one wrapped as an Engine for the user to choose between. Traditional twin oscillator engines, supersaw engines, flanging phase sync engines, and transistor organ engines are all powerful modes in user-friendly ways that are easily controllable and modulatable.

Redshift 6’s six voices can be configured in plenty of ways. Choose between true six-voice polyphony, classic vintage poly dual layer mode with 3+3 voices, six individual voices each with their own patch and physical output, or any combination of the above. Each of the six voices can also operate as a paraphonic voice with up to 16 note paraphony. Additionally, multiple filters can be chained by routing audio from one voice to another.

The form factor of Redshift 6 is a modern, compact desktop device with a 2.7-inch color screen. Menu diving is reduced to a minimum, with quick navigation via the shortcut button grid. A selection of familiar synth controls are featured on the front panel. A macro mode is included with six user-assignable controls. The back panel features main audio outputs with a DSP effects processor and four auxiliary voice outputs.

One of the major design principles of Redshift 6 is to have a versatile and capable analog platform and a flexible UI for new Engines, easily updateable via software updates.

Supercritical Redshift 6 Desktop synthesizer module - Technical specifications
● Six voices each featuring:
● Full analog signal chain
● Digitally controlled analog Supercritical Demon Core Oscillator
● Analog four pole Variable Character Filter
● Flexible gain staging with an analog boost circuit
● Physical audio output per voice (2 main outputs and 4 aux outputs)
● Optional voice chaining
● Bypassable digital effects in main outputs 1-2
● 2.7" TFT IPS color screen with a bank of 8 endless clickable potentiometers and quick navigation via button grid
● Quick powerful controls for oscillators and filters.
● Six user-assignable macro controls
● Six parts multitimbral
● Modern MIDI implementation with USB-B connection and DIN IN/OUT
● MPE
● 12V power supply
● Physical dimensions: 378 mm x 254 mm x 63 mm

The Supercritical Redshift 6 will be available in summer 2024 with an MSRP of 1259€" Preorders starting now at https://supercriticalsynthesizers.com

Click the pics for the full size shots.

CLICK FOR MORE »

KORG Introduces The New microKORG - A New Origin

video upload by Korg

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."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Alfaro pair

video upload by Uncertain Music Corps

"Revisiting one of my favourite Norns scripts - Sines - supported by the Endless Processor and EnOsc for some lush orchestral drones.

Recorded direct to camera."

Creative modular sampling patches | SebSongs Sampler

video upload by Tom Churchill

"This video is about the SebSongs Modular Sampler. It’s a new DIY kit available from Thonk, who kindly sent one over for me to check out. It’s a simple 12-bit mono sampler with about three and a half seconds of memory and a beautifully crunchy, lo-fi sound inspired by vintage machines like the Akai S612.

In this video, I’ve put together a small case with a few of my other favourite modules - the Blukac Endless Processor, the Serge VCFQ and Resonant EQ, the Pladask Dradd effects unit and the Xaoc Devices Sarajewo BBD delay - and I've built a few simple patches that explore some creative uses of sampling."

Perfect Circuit Artist Picks: Best Music Gear of 2023 Part 1

video upload by Perfect Circuit

Part 2 here

"2023 is soon drawing to a close—so, we're taking a look back at the year, and taking account of all of the weird and wonderful instruments that gave us some inspiration this year. Synthesizers, drum machines, and Eurorack modules to samplers and effects, this year had no shortage of inspiring instruments.

So, we reached out to some of our friends and content creators to fill us in on their year, asking one simple question: what was the coolest piece of gear you got this year? For some, that meant brand new releases, but for others, it meant sitting down and digging into classic instruments.

In this video, we hear from:
0:00 Mylarmelodies on the Nord Micro Modular
4:14 Sarah Belle Reid on the Fairfield Circuitry Roger That
8:07 Molten Music Tech on the Blukać Endless Processor
14:04 Liam Killen on the OXI One
17:24 Oora on the Meris MercuryX

Read more about all of this gear on our blog, Signal: https://bit.ly/3MEhpfE"

Roland Announces FANTOM EX Upgrade

video uploads by RolandChannel

"Major Upgrade Package for the Flagship FANTOM Synthesizers Adds ACB Modeling, New V-Piano and ZEN-Core Model Expansions, and More"
Full press release further below.

Playlist:
Roland FANTOM EX Upgrade Josh Blair Interview
Roland FANTOM EX Upgrade Sound Demos
Roland FANTOM EX Upgrade Install Guide

User demo video from Gattobus:

FANTOM EX - ACB JUPITER-8 Tone Programming Experience

video upload by gattobus

"In this video I wanted to make you feel the Analog Circuit Behavior of the JP-8 on the new FANTOM-EX update. A hands on programming experience starting from scratch!

WARNING:
Mind your volume levels, there are some serious filter sweeping frequencies that may caught you unprepared!!! :D

Enjoy!"

Press release follows:

"Major Upgrade Package for the Flagship FANTOM Synthesizers Adds ACB Modeling, New V-Piano and ZEN-Core Model Expansions, and More

Los Angeles, CA, Nov. 7, 2023 — Roland announces the FANTOM EX Upgrade, a powerful new system expansion for the company’s FANTOM 6, 7, and 8 synthesizer models. Bounding with exciting new features and workflow enhancements, the user-installable FANTOM EX Upgrade supercharges Roland’s premier synthesizer series with even more creative firepower. The most significant update in FANTOM’s history expands and enriches the core platform with powerful Analog Circuit Behavior technology, two new grand pianos, JD-800 and n/zyme Model Expansions, studio-grade reverb effects, and more. Available for purchase on Roland Cloud, this value-packed upgrade is a must-have for current and future FANTOM owners.

Introduced in 2019, FANTOM was designed as an evolving creative hub that continually grows through sound expansion, software integration, and user-requested features. The FANTOM EX Upgrade integrates a host of sound engine and system enhancements, launching the FANTOM platform far beyond the impressive capabilities of previous versions. In development for many months, this important upgrade embodies Roland’s ongoing dedication to its flagship synth and the worldwide FANTOM community.

JUPITER-8 and SH-101 ACB Expansions
Roland’s acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) is the core technology behind AIRA products such as the TR-8S and SYSTEM-8, as well as the extensive Legendary series of software instruments on Roland Cloud. ACB brings an authentic analog sound experience to life in the digital realm, faithfully recreating analog circuitry and all their interactive behaviors at a deep component level.

Realized through new engineering breakthroughs, the processor-intensive ACB architecture is now available to FANTOM owners with the JUPITER-8 ACB and SH-101 ACB Expansions in the FANTOM EX Upgrade. These circuit-level recreations of influential Roland synths offer all the latest ACB advancements, including Circuit Mod and Condition functions for dialing in varying degrees of vintage character.

Two Concert-Class Acoustic Pianos
The FANTOM EX Upgrade features two deeply expressive grands primed to elevate stage and studio endeavors with Roland’s renowned piano performance. Additionally, FANTOM’s V-Piano interface has been refreshed with an attractive new graphical design.

Originally developed for the flagship RD-2000 stage piano, the German Concert V-Piano Expansion 01 is a versatile and inspiring instrument with a rich, powerful, and detailed voice. The SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion offers 15 distinctive sounds, from bright, dynamic tones for stage playing to dark, moody variations for ambient explorations.

JD-800 and n/zyme Model Expansions
The FANTOM EX Upgrade also includes two of Roland’s most recent Model Expansion titles, driven by the ZEN-Core engine for advanced sonic range and performance versatility.
Combining the original JD-800 waveforms with advanced modeling techniques, the JD-800 Model Expansion puts the gleaming tone and monster sound-shaping potential of this vintage digital icon inside FANTOM.

The n/zyme Model Expansion is a thoroughly modern instrument with an all-new synth engine developed for the FANTOM environment. Combining wavetable oscillator layers, phase and shape modulation, resonant filters, and two powerful Step LFOs, n/zyme is a highly interactive music tool that sparks endless creative explorations.

Effect and Workflow Enhancements
The FANTOM EX Upgrade further enhances the synthesizer’s smooth workflow and deep feature set. New Shimmer Reverb and Modulation Reverb algorithms instantly infuse any sound with spaciousness and intense harmonic color. FANTOM’s DAW control has been expanded with profiles for Steinberg Cubase and PreSonus Studio One. Additionally, the Master FX processor includes new preset templates for faster workflow and refreshed graphical interfaces for the Mastering Comp and Mastering EQ sections.

Availability & Pricing
The Roland FANTOM series, including the FANTOM 6, FANTOM 7, and FANTOM 8, are available in the U.S. for: $3,499, $3,899, and $4,199, respectively. The Roland FANTOM EX Upgrade is now available for $199."

Blukac Endless Processor Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Endless is infinite sustain pulled from the sound sources of your rack, filled with the same tonal quality and stretched for an eternity. It's my latest favourite thing. You might not grasp it immediately; it might take some time, but gee whizz, it's a beauty."

Index:
Intro - 0:00
The Basics - 6:23
Dual Channelling - 16:03
Chords - 22:06
Here's a scenario - 23:30
How about a microphone? - 30:39
Another scenario - 37:08
Conclusions - 41:36

Analogue Solutions Ample Desktop Synthesizer

video upload by Analogue Solutions

"Ample combines the best elements of several of our recent products.

-The sound elements of Fusebox
-Jack patch points of Concussor Eurorack
-Patch pin matrix of Vostok
-Echo from Dr Strangelove
-Sequencer and CV touch pads of Generator

It shares all this yet still has its own sound!

Ample can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be

We have given this synth a large and diverse number of controls, that alongside the patch sockets, will give even the best and most experienced synthesists endless possibilities.

We have presented the controls in a user-friendly and familiar synth layout that, together with this manual and other resources, enables even a new user to get great sounds.

SYNTH – PERCUSSION – AUDIO PROCESSOR

Ample is a compact analogue synthesizer. Analogue - as in really analogue. Aside from the MIDI chip (which has to be digital), everything else is totally analogue using real transistors and op-amps. There are no CPU stabilised and quantised circuits, no DCOs, no digital LFOs and no digital EGs, as found on other so-called analogue synths. The circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid-1970s. So Ample has a genuine old sound."

Analogue Solutions New Synthesizer Teaser: AMPLE

video upload by Analogue Solutions

Update: demo by Starsky Carr posted here.

Ample can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be: We have given this synth a large and diverse number of controls, that alongside the patch sockets, will give even the best and most experienced synthesist endless possibilities.

We have presented the controls in a user-friendly and familiar synth layout that, together with this manual and other resources, enables even the new guy to get great sounds.

SYNTH – PERCUSSION – AUDIO PROCESSOR

"Ample is a compact analogue synthesizer. Analogue - as in really analogue. Aside from the MIDI chip (which has to be digital), everything else is totally analogue using real transistors and op-amps. There are no CPU-stabilised and quantised circuits, no DCOs, no digital LFOs and no digital EGs, as found on other so-called analogue synths. The circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid-1970s. So Ample has a genuine old sound. The Best of all Ample combines the best elements of several of our recent products. -The sound elements of Fusebox -Jack patch points of Concussor Eurorack -Patch pin matrix of Vostok -Echo from Dr Strangelove -Sequencer and CV touch pads of Generator It shares all this yet still has its own sound!

CLICK FOR MORE »

Endless Processor | by Blukač, Kyiv, Ukraine

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"The Endless Processor is best described as a module with five freeze buffers per channel, where the word 'freeze' should translate to a spectrum atmosphere because more memory can be used. It outputs many layers of tones derived from your incoming source, while retaining your source character. For your reference, it compares a bit to an Indian Tanpura where four strings create infinite drones. Sure, it's an exotic module, but I am convinced it will find a way to ambient drone dream composers."

Blukač Instruments - Endless Processor - Sound Examples Ep. 4

video upload by Blukač Instruments

"Here we demonstrate new performance possibilities added in the new firmware (version 1.2).
By activating separate layer mode, you can move between sustained layers instead of stacking them.

Here electro-piano chords are sustained having a chord in each layer (in both channels). When moving in the separate layer mode both channels will switch to the layer, which creates a pseudo-stereo effect. Additionally, both channels are processed by a stereo delay with a touch of reverb to mix everything nicely.

Also as shown, when inserting a CV to the Layer input and setting fade in/out times to the minimum, you can achieve near audio-rate modulation or granular-like processing effects."

Endless Processor Dronebox - live

video upload by UncertainMusicCorps

"I thought it would help to document the process of building a complex, evolving drone from scratch on the Endless Processor.

I'm using the wave player algorithm in Disting Mk4 which is loaded with a mixture of spoken word files and various melodic/instrumental samples as the source material for the EP which here is using the alternative firmware that crossfades between layers.

The input from Disting is normalled to both EP inputs so both channels are receiving the same input.

The yellow button samples the input into the current layer of the EP. The Memory pot sets the duration of the sample period. The Layer pot and the Channel switch determine which layer is active. When the layer changes you can see the flash from the small yellow led above the pot.

For much of the time I'm not monitoring the inputs, I'm just catching audio at random. If what I grab doesn't feel right for what I'm doing at that point, I just keep on grabbing until I find something that works. If I want a layer to fade out gracefully to silence I can use the clear button (eg at the end of this recording).

The ENOsc adds some drone reinforcement along the way and the final FX are from the FX Aid.

So, in just 48hp, I think this is a rather formidable, self-contained dronebox that is ideal for spontaneous, live exploration."

You can find additional posts featuring the Blukač Endless Processor here.

Endless Processor - first run

video upload by UncertainMusicCorps

"A quick run-through for the Endless Processor from Blukač using the updated firmware.

The beta firmware allows you to chose between stacking or crossfading between sampled layers. Here I'm crossfading between layers sampled from the ENOsc on channel 2 and Strega on channel 1. Using CV from a fader from 16n to select the layers because its a little more comfortable than the pot on the module.

I think this crossfading option suits me better than the standard, stacked approach. I like how the layers interact when I scan through them. It also allows me to leave blank layers to add breathing spaces within a drone."

LoFi Future HDMI Glitch FX Processor - Circuit Bent HD Scaler

video upload by LoFiFuture

"Available to order here: https://lofifuturestore.square.site/p...

Its a loooong demo for this one, there are a lot of possibilities with this machine and i wanted to make sure I captured my favourite effects. Skip through the video to check out what it can do! I used a collection of stock footage for the demo running from a small media player, all in 1080p 30fps.

Based on a high quality HDMI scaler originally designed and marketed to extend the compatibility of older HD TVs installed in places like office and commercial settings. When paired with its IR remote (included optionally as they can be difficult to obtain) they can be used to scale and convert an incoming HDMI signal to different resolutions and framerates.

By default they output a 1080P 30fps signal regardless of what you input, The remote isn't a necessity at all for using this as a HDMI glitch processor but is useful if you with to change the output settings.

The unit also features a VGA input (inputs are auto detecting) so it is capable of converting and scaling an analog VGA signal too. Very useful if you want to use it with some LoFi Future VGA glitch adapters before it in the chain.

The controls have been mounted in a separate extension that is securely mounted to the case via 4 screws. This was to prevent any obstruction of the ventilation that would negatively effect the thermal performance of the unit (HD video processing gear gets warm)

12 knobs give you access to 24 different bend points. When a knob is set to 12 o'clock the effect is off, pan it either clockwise or counter clockwise to engage an effect.

When all FX are set to off it passes a completely unaffected, pixel perfect image.

Mixing them together will result in complex glitches with endless sweet spots to explore.

The 12 knobs are split into two busses of 6, the two busses can be linked via the toggle switch on the side so they all connect to the same buss or operate on 2 separate busses. This unlocks a ton more possible effect combinations!

Simple and modern setup, just HDMI in and HDMI out, easy!"

How to make dub techno chords with the Blukač Endless Processor

video upload by Tom Churchill

"I bought the Blukač Instruments Endless Processor this week, and after spending a couple of hours playing around with it I came up with this deep, dubby techno patch, which I’ve broken down in this video.

The basic idea is to create an infinite chord by capturing and layering some simple individual notes from a VCO - in this case the New Systems Instruments Harmonic Shift Oscillator - then sculpting the sound further and adding rhythmic movement by modulating an LPG.

Channel 1, the higher-pitched chord, runs through the Serge Resonant EQ and then Make Noise Optomix, which I’m ‘striking’ with a trigger from the Beatstep Pro. Channel 2, the lower-pitched chord, runs through the Serge VCFQ and into the other channel of Optimix, controlled by an envelope from Joranalogue Contour 1. Both channels get a bit of tape delay from the Zoom MS70CDR pedal. The only other ingredients are some 808 drum sounds and a sine sub-bass, plus a splash of reverb in Ableton.

Please note: this isn’t a sponsored video - I bought the EP myself and have no connection or affiliation with Blukač Instruments; I’m just a fan :)"

Blukač Instruments - Endless Processor - Sound Examples

video uploads by Blukač Instruments

via Blukač Instruments

ENDLESS PROCESSOR is a dual-channel infinite sound sustainer machine. Put your favorite instruments, unique timbres, or field recordings — virtually any sound — and make it last forever.

It is not a looper in the usual sense - Endless Processor resynthesizes your sounds to create a perfect clickless stream while preserving the timbral and tonal character of the original.

Endless Processor always listens to audio input and keeps a most recent history.

Experiment with sustaining little bits of a sample or make a massive wall of sound with the ability to select how much memorized audio to process.

Stack your sounds to create harmonies, textures, or drones with 5 layers per channel. Each layer can be re-processed or cleared while keeping other ones in place. Set fade-in and fade-out time to quickly or gradually introduce a new layer or remove the existing one. Additional controls will help you to adjust or shape a channel volume (think built-in VCA).

Elektron Introduces Analog Heat +FX

video upload by Elektron

"Let the sonic paint drip over your beats, melodies and sounds. The Analog Heat +FX is an all-around sound colouring and manipulation box. It gives you a wide color palette of processing possibilities. True playfulness to your ears. Whatever the source, and wherever the destination. Let your sound be your canvas.

Drift away with warble – let the inspiration be whatever nostalgic magnetic media comes to mind. Continue that journey with a dash of chorus. Create immersive soundscapes with the delay and reverb. Drip grit with a dash of bit & sample rate reduction. Squeeze or fine tune with the compressor, and get a fat and focused low end with the bass focus. Add warmth and character with eight fully analog stereo distortion circuits. Shape and carve your material using the multi-mode filter. Fine tune, add and subtract your lows and highs with the 2-band adaptable EQ. Then fracture your creation using the noise gate.

Reordering the effects to experiment and find your own signal flow, with your own special timbres. Let the options be endless. Save your explorations, no matter how wild, in one of the 512 preset slots – for instant recall. Experiment and have fun with the modulation options. Take the incoming sound and shape it into a modulation source using the envelope follower. Make the parameters wobble and weave using any of the 3 LFOs. Be complex, be simple. It’s you who decides.

Explore Analog Heat +FX – an analog and digital dynamic sound processor."

Analog Heat +FX — At A Glance

"Introducing Analog Heat +FX – a dynamic sound processor. With a wide color palette of processing possibilities, let your sound be your canvas as you drip sonic paint over your beats, melodies, and sounds. The Heat block adds warmth and character with eight fully analog stereo distortion circuits ranging from a subtle clean boost to complete annihilation. Shape and carve your material using the multi-mode filter, fine tune your lows and highs with the 2-band adaptable EQ, and fracture your sound using the noise gate.

Then let the inspiration flow with digital effects such as warble, chorus, delay, reverb, and bit & sample rate reduction, compressor and bass focus. Reorder all effects to experiment and find your own signal flow, adding depth, dimension, complexity, and color to your music. Save your explorations in one of the 512 preset slots for instant recall.

Experiment and have fun with the modulation options. Take the incoming sound and shape it into a modulation source using the envelope follower. Make the parameters wobble and weave using any of the 3 LFOs.

On top of the stereo in, stereo out, two control inputs for control voltage, expression inputs, or foot switches, the full size midi in, out, and thru, with din sync for the classics. You also get a USB for seamless computer integration with Overbridge, or to be used as your main sound card in a nimble studio setup.

Analog Heat +FX is available to purchase from the Elektron website or from retailers carrying the Elektron range of products. Pricing on elektron.se is 999 USD/999 EUR."

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