Roto-Control Motorized MIDI Controller 2.0 firmware update overview Melbourne Instruments

video upload by Melbourne Instruments

"Melbourne Instruments is excited to release Roto-Control Firmware 2.0 — the next evolution of their groundbreaking motorized MIDI controller. Following the success of their acclaimed motorized synths, NINA and DELIA, Roto-Control brings the same tactile precision to software and hardware control, redefining hands-on workflow for modern music creators.

New 2.0 firmware features include:
Send MIDI Notes via Roto-Control buttons in MIDI Mode.
Send Program Change with Bank Select via Roto-Control buttons in MIDI Mode.
Group tracks with fold/unfold actions via Roto-Control supported in Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio.
Manual mapping and customization of Ableton Live racks and macros now possible.
Roto-Control knobs now have a centre indent haptic option in MIDI Mode.
Roto-Control Setup App now compatible with both Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio.
Roto-Control now compatible with Linux for use with Bitwig Studio.
Please see release notes for more info.

Grab Roto-Control Firmware 2.0 here: https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/...
More info on Roto-Control here: https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/...

_____________________________________________________

ABOUT ROTO-CONTROL

Designed for a fast, intuitive workflow, Roto-Control features three powerful modes: MIX, PLUGIN, and MIDI with Motion Recorder.

In MIX Mode, Roto-Control syncs automatically with Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio, instantly displaying track names and colors pulled live from the session—no need to manually label anything. Track updates happen in real time with zero setup.

In PLUGIN Mode, parameters are learned once and saved locally, making recall instant across any system. One-touch setup and direct label mapping from Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio ensures a seamless experience every time.

With thousands of assignable parameters stored internally, Roto-Control is the only motorized MIDI controller that offers this level of portability, flexibility, and precision."

Follow-up to this post.

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave TouchOSC Bidirectional Editor v5.0

Click the images for full size shots.

Details via synth_nyc:

"We can be grateful that Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave has a full MIDI SYSEX implementation and documentation: [Google doc link]

This is getting rare these days.

I was provided with 3rd Wave firmware v1.8gRC25 for testing purposes so that’s why you may notice some features in the editor, new compared to 1.8f (the current official release).

GENERIC FEATURES:

- Display parameter Name and Value
- Double click a slider or button to reset it to a default value
- MIDI data rate efficient: only sends a MIDI message if the parameter value is incremented or decremented by 1

SPECIFIC FEATURES (FW v1.8gRC25):
- 2 Editor Pages per 3rd Wave Multi parameters (total of eight Pages for the four 3rd Wave Parts)
- 1 Editor Page for 3rd Wave Single parameters
- 1 Editor Page for 3rd Wave Sequencer parameters
- All 1385 Program (All 4 Parts Multi + All Single + All Sequencer) parameters implemented in the editor. Program parameters are bidirectional using NRPN and SYSEX
- MIDI Channel selection slider
- Bank (change) + Program (change) selection slider + buttons
- Buffer Request, Buffer Init, Buffer Write and Program Write buttons using SYSEX

WORKFLOW 1 EDITING FROM PATCH (starting at 00:05 in the video above):
- Select a Bank & Program
- Press Buffer Request to load it to the editor
- Start editing (the loaded patch) on the editor (the Patch is edited in the synth buffer)
- Naming
- Press Buffer Request to record it in your DAW / SYSEX librarian; or save it manually in the synth
- Select a Bank & Program (Optional)
- Press Program Write to save it in the synth

WORKFLOW 2 EDITING FROM SCRATCH (starting at 02:20 in the video above):
- Press Buffer Init to send an init patch to the synth buffer
- Start editing (the init patch) on the editor (the Patch is edited in the synth buffer)
- Naming
- Select a Bank & Program (Optional)
- Press Program Write to save it to the synth

FEATURE REQUESTS / BUG FIXES:
- Go to the video Description on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/1098612319

MOTIVATION:

- Consistent User Experience (no skeuomorphism): Color coding of synth blocks (VCO1 in blue, VCO2 in green, VCF in orange, etc..) which makes it extremely efficient and consistent across synths (rather than using different synth UI or dedicated editors).

- No 'Shift' Button: All parameters are laid out in one page if possible, on the editors.

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Tour De France/Kraftwerk - (Circuit Tracks & Rhythm Version)

video upload by Guinan

"I was listening to the 50th Anniversary version of the album, ‘Autobahn’ by Kraftwerk and it occurred to me to have a try at one of their tracks.

By far the most danceable of theirs is the 1983 song ‘Tour De France’ with the 2003 Francois Kevorkian mix the best fit for the Circuit Tracks treatment. It also should be noted that the band were complete cycling fanatics even hosting some of their concerts in velodromes!

With the real Tour De France just about to kick off (5th July in Lille) I couldn’t think of a more suitable track, and I want to dedicate this with love to my cycling-loving father-in-law, Bernard.

Having influenced early 80’s electro music such as Afrika Bambaataa’s ‘Planet Rock’ the influences went in the other direction for this track. Hiring the famous New York electro producer Kevorkian to do the remix made for a fantastic combination. Francois was responsible for many of the greatest New York electro productions and remixes.

(a big shout out too to anyone who's here because they love the broom scene from the movie, 'Breakdance' !)

This era of Kraftwerk was notable in introducing sampling to the normally analogue instrumentation they used. For this reason, I’ve drafted in my Circuit Rhythm again in the same way as my recent version of Robert Mile’s ‘Children’. See here;

• Children/Robert Miles - (Novation Circuits... [posted here]

Everything you hear is coming from just these two machines (Circuit Tracks & Rhythm). The Tracks is programmed with the musical parts and is playing the Rhythm on two tracks. There are in addition some rhythm tracks playing on this machine to thicken out the sound. No other synths were used (apart from the sampled instruments mentioned below) and you’re hearing the straight audio direct out from the machines.

I loved the challenge of putting this together (see below for details!)
I hope you enjoy it too and check in soon for more tunes.

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The Ultimate Workstation Returns – KRONOS

video upload by Korg

"Since its debut in 2011, KRONOS has been the benchmark for keyboard performance and workstation versatility. Trusted by top artists around the world, it’s powered countless performances, productions, and compositions.

Now, KRONOS returns, refreshed and refined for a new generation of creators.

What’s New in KRONOS
• 256 new programs
 – 128 brand-new sounds (including Italian Grand, Tine EP I Early)
 – 128 curated from KRONOS Sound Libraries
• Faster, more responsive TouchView display
• 60% faster startup time
• New chassis with powder-coated metal and black wood side panels

Core Features
• 9 sound engines including SGX-2 (acoustic piano), EP-1 (electric piano), MOD-7 (FM), and more
• Enhanced SGX-2 engine with Berlin and Italian grand pianos
• 8" TouchView display with drag-and-drop, parameter search, and improved response
• Set List Mode with color-coded presets, real-time notes, and built-in EQ
• Seamless Sound Transitions (SST) for smooth patch changes
• 16-track MIDI + audio recorder with 48 kHz audio and editing tools
• Advanced control surface: sliders, knobs, vector joystick
• Available in 61, 73, or 88 keys with semi-weighted or RH3 fully weighted keybeds"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Mandala mk2 tutorial 12: linking tracks

video upload by likaoninstruments

"This is a very useful feature when we have a CV (pitch) track, and want to generate corresponding envelopes from another track.

In the envelope track options, go to 'Link to', select the reference track and boom! The steps from the reference track are copied any kept in sync.

As a bonus, you can lock some steps on the slave track, and they will stay untouched if the reference track changes :)"

via Likaon Instruments

"The Mandala mk2 is a HIGHLY boosted revision of the original Mandala.

Oh wait, we can’t call it a revision actually. It is a completely new product that takes its roots from the original Mandala, and adds many features, including melodic capabilities and advanced generative capabilities on 8 tracks.

TRIGGER SEQUENCING
Euclidean by default
Easy manual step toggling
From 1 to 128 steps per track, plus 4 substeps per step
Direct mute switch on each track

CV SEQUENCING
Melodic sequencing
AD Envelope generator (linear, exponential), invertable
Arbitrary CV (-5 to +5V) per step
CV glide (linear or exponential, for custom LFOs!)
Quantization (internal or external, S&H or continuous)
Transposition (for chords!)

GENERAL TOOLS
4 quick save slots for live playing
8 CV inputs for modulation (customizable binding)
Possibility to toggle gates instead of sending triggers
Trigger probability on track and step level
Trigger shuffle, CV shuffle (with adjustable chance) for generative beats and melodies
Copy from one track to another in one click
Master clock output
Save / load presets to microSD card
MIDI in/out"

You can find additional demos here.

Midweek MIDIPan - fitting new enclosure and 9/8 improv

video upload by MIDI IN

"A friend and enthusiastic MIDIPan user kindly sent me an enclosure that he designed. I'm going to fit that to my MIDIPan and see how it looks. Then I'll do a little improvisation.
This is the @Hainbach video that I refer to: • This Rare Anatolian Drum Machine Hits Diff..." [posted here]

All Black Tangible Waves - Full System + Extra Modules + Cables

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

Additional NOISEBUG Listings

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Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer SN 041626 Pro Serviced w/ Kenton Midi

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"This is a really nice one considering its age. No dents, scratches, or other damages. Recently serviced by the best analog service in the Netherlands. It has the pitch mod (using the fine potentiometer) and the Kenton MIDI kit installed on the sync port. The sync port can still be used for DIN sync, but can now also receive MIDI. Supports both MIDI sync and MIDI notes, now with velocity sensitivity as well! Compatible with other Roland drum machines—just plug in a MIDI cable and start playing. All original functions still operate as intended, and the modifications can be fully reversed if desired. No holes have been drilled. The power supply has been converted to 220 volts. All potentiometers and switches are new."

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Kawai / Teisco SX240 with Tauntek OS & New Memory Battery

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

Full Tuantek info & specs below.

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Loopy Pro 2.0 comes out July 11 🥳

video upload by Loopy Pro

"‪@timfromtheborder‬ with a beautiful Loopy Pro 2.0 creation #loopypro #loopypro2 #midilooping #midiloops #looping #loops #music #musician"

"LOOPY PRO is a friendly loopstation and DAW for iOS and macOS, with an infinitely customisable workspace. the ultimate in creative freedom. a multi-track sequencer for production and full set automation. record your actions, then run your set fully hands-free, or save it for production later."

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A Super Polyphonic Stereo Oscillator (with 56 oscillators!) // Ripsaw from Acid Rain Technology

video upload by DivKid

"Here's RIPSAW from Acid Rain Technology which offers 56 oscillators across a stereo shape morphing 4 voice polyphonic oscillator module. From super saws to super squares with new hard sync shift tones (new over the previous Chainsaw module) and now with 4 voices. Join us in exploring the sound, features, creative applications and ways to musically articulate 4 voices in a range of different approaches."

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Sequential Introduces the Take 5 Desktop Module

video upload by Sequential

"Take Your Music to the Next Level

The Sequential Take 5 desktop module brings the legendary Prophet-5 sound to your mix, featuring the analog oscillators and filter that transformed electronic music. Compact and powerful, it fits seamlessly into any studio and is easy to transport for live performances. Modern effects and a powerful modulation matrix deliver sounds to transport you.

Soundtrack exclusively by Take 5. Yes, even the drums! Composed by Peter Dyer.

For more information on Take 5 visit Sequential at: https://sequential.com/hybrid-analog/..."

Sequential Take 5 Module Demo (no talking) - Presets for Ambient, Melodic Techno and Electronica

video upload by Limbic Bits

0:00 Pads
13:09 Bass
16:25 Leads and Arpeggios
20:57 Misc, SFX and Percussion

Sequential Take 5 Module Demo (no talking)

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

Hurray... Take 5 and TEO 5 Desktop Units

video upload by Starsky Carr

TEO 5 announced here

"The Take 5 and Teo-5 from Sequential and Oberheim make fantastic desktop units. They feel like they were made for this form factor - no compromises, simply great sounding synths in a high quality enclosure. The keyboard versions may have felt lacking in keys (even though they have a great keybed) - just a bit too short for some. I found it was quite handy having one that could fit on my rack! But with these the only decision you have to make is which one is best for you.

Luckily I'm here to confuse you further (they both sound great)! The decision will be whether you prefer the Oberheim or Sequential style of VCO programming, the filters, and the X-Mod/FM. And these just so happen to be the bits I look at in this :)"

0:00 Whoo Hoo!!
2:36 The Hardware
4:37 Quick Overview - What Are They?
6:58 Oscillators
10:20 Sync
12:31 Filters
21:08 X-Mod/FM



Press release follows:

Take Your Music to the Next Level with the Sequential Take 5 Desktop Module

San Francisco, CA – [July 1, 2025] – Sequential, a leading innovator in synthesizer technology, today announced the release of the Take 5 Desktop Module, bringing their legendary analog sound to a more compact and accessible form-factor.

Building on the success of the Take 5 keyboard, the desktop module offers the same powerful analog oscillators and filters that capture the iconic warmth and depth of the Prophet-5, enhanced with modern modulation and digital effects. The module delivers this sought-after sound in a space-saving design, perfect for studio setups and live performances where portability and efficiency are paramount.

"Ever since we launched the Take 5 keyboard, we’ve gotten repeated requests for a desktop module version, " says CEO David Gibbons. "And more recently, it seems that modules have really shot up in popularity. So, we're very excited to offer the Take 5 sound in a format that everyone seems to want."

The Take 5 Desktop Module provides the same hands-on, knob-based experience as its keyboard counterpart, allowing for intuitive sound design and real-time parameter adjustments. Users can delve deep into sound creation with controls that are simple and direct, making it fast and easy to polish your sound.

This synth fits perfectly in smaller studio or bedroom setups, and is easy to transport for live gigs, positioning The Take 5 desktop module to bring its signature Sequential sound to a wider audience than ever before. It's an instrument designed to make life easier and streamline the journey to making music and having fun.

The Take 5 desktop module is available now, with a US MAP price of $1,399.

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Oberheim Introduces the TEO 5 Desktop Module

video upload by Oberheim Official

"The TEO-5 desktop module delivers the same signature sounds and synthesis features as its acclaimed keyboard counterpart. With genuine analog oscillators, the Oberheim SEM™ filter, and an intuitive knob-based interface, it fits seamlessly into your setup, offering powerful, hands-on control in an even more compact size.

Music by Peter Dyer
All sounds from TEO-5

Learn more at https://oberheim.com/products/teo-5/"


Press release follows:

Compact Creativity: Redefine Your Studio with the TEO-5 desktop

San Francisco, CA – [July 1, 2025] – Oberheim is proud to announce the release of the TEO-5 desktop module, a compact yet powerful addition to their venerated line of synthesizers. Designed for musicians and producers who want the iconic Oberheim sound in a space-saving format, the TEO-5 desktop module delivers all the same signature sounds and synthesis features as its sibling, the acclaimed TEO-5 keyboard.

TEO-5 boasts genuine analog oscillators and the legendary SEM™ multimode filter, allowing users to recreate the classic Oberheim sounds that have shaped decades of music. With extensive modulations, including linear, through-zero FM, and modern effects, the TEO-5 desktop module offers new sonic frontiers to explore.

The intuitive knob-based experience of its keyboard counterpart is also carried over into the TEO-5 desktop module. And all synthesis features are still easily accessible from the top panel, allowing users to make the real-time adjustments needed to fine-tune their sound with ease. This hands-on approach ensures that musicians can quickly dial in the perfect Oberheim tone for their music.

Ideal for synthesists with limited studio space, the TEO-5 desktop module provides all the exceptional presets and sonic control of the keyboard version in a footprint that's less than half the size. This compact design allows the TEO-5 desktop module to fit seamlessly into any creative workflow, making it a versatile addition to any setup.

“The meaning of the word ‘module’ has changed quite a bit since I first designed my Synthesizer Expansion Module or SEM back in 1974,” said Tom Oberheim. “But even back then, musicians appreciated getting tons of great sounds in a compact package. The TEO-5 keyboard has already gone farther and wider than SEM, and I’m excited to see this desktop module version introduce even more people to the magic.”

The TEO-5 desktop module is available now, with a US MAP price of $1,399.

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EP03 : TRACK MODE 🟨 HERMOD+ TUTORIALS

video upload by Squarp instruments

"In this episode, we’re exploring the TRACK mode of Hermod+. Using some musical examples, we'll explore how to use multiple voice layouts and MIDI tracks, hook up MIDI keyboards, and even do live transposition of whole tracks.

All the shortcuts used in this video are listed here :
🏃‍♀️ https://squarp.net/hermodplus/manual/..."

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro jam

1:41 Part 1 : BASICS
1:48 Selecting a track
2:15 Muting a track (Pattern/Global)
2:40 Accessing the context menu
2:53 Accessing the track configuration menu

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YAMAHA TQ5 FM Synthesizer

video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto

"Generative Sequencer: Ableton GENE: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
GENE is an innovative MIDI sequencer plugin for Ableton Max for Live, designed to empower music creators across a wide range of genres—from experimental electronic music, ambient, and drone to standard club music. Whether you're crafting intricate textures or rhythmic grooves, GENE streamlines your creative process by generating MIDI sequences without the need for manual piano roll input.

YAMAHA TQ5 FM Synth Sample Pack: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
BD, SD, HiHat, Shaker, Bass, Atmos : YAMAHA TQ5

Raw FM textures for forward-thinking bass music producers
This pack captures the unmistakable character of Yamaha’s late 1980s 4-operator FM synths, with all their sharp digital edges and lo-fi charm intact. The TQ5, often hidden in the shadow of its more famous siblings, holds a unique place in synthesis history. It delivers angular, glassy tones that feel both futuristic and retro, with a sound design potential that quietly laid the groundwork for timbres now celebrated in modern club music."

Waldorf Music M TouchOSC Bidirectional Editor v5.0 by synth_nyc

via synth_nyc

"I developed a bidirectional editor for Waldorf Music M v1.10 using TouchOSC mk2 augmented by LUA scripts, here is a video (with audio) showcasing 4 possible workflows.

It was interesting loading the patches I created (without an editor, directly on the synth)

https://waldorfmusic.com/produkt/soundset-synth-nyc-the-blue-journey/

https://waldorfmusic.com/produkt/soundset-synth-nyc-shapes/

… in the editor and have global view of the patch in 2 (editor) pages only.

GENERIC FEATURES:

- Display parameter Name and Value

- Double click a slider or button to reset it to a default value

- MIDI data rate efficient: only sends a MIDI message if the parameter value is incremented or decremented by 1

SPECIFIC FEATURES (FW v1.10):

- 2 Editor Pages per M Part (total of 8 Pages for the 4 M Parts)

- 1 Editor Page for M Multi

- All Single (Program) (254 x4 = 1016, for each of the 4 Parts) parameters implemented in the editor. Program parameters are bidirectional using SYSEX

- All Multi parameters (130) parameters implemented in the editor. Multi parameters are bidirectional using SYSEX

- Automatically imports M current Single / Multi bank / program numbers (3 parameters) when the editor is started using SYSEX

- MIDI Channel selection slider

- Bank (change) + Program (change) selection slider + buttons

- Buffer Request, Buffer Init, Buffer Write and Program Write buttons using SYSEX

- Multi (Arrangement) change buttons using SYSEX

- Multi (Arrangement) Buffer Request, Multi (Arrangement) Write buttons using SYSEX

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Launch Control XL 3 vs MK2 // Live set ideas // Review & tutorial // Novation LC XL3

video upload by loopop

Get access to dozens of analog and digital synth multisamples, as well as my exclusive In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas, Tips and Tricks, on my Patreon: ► / loopop"

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:20 What’s new?
1:40 Screen
2:50 Encoders
3:35 RGB LEDs
4:00 MIDI I/O
4:25 DAW transport
4:45 DAW control
6:00 DAW mixer
6:20 Solo/Arm
6:40 Mute/Select
7:00 User modes
8:00 Build
8:30 Settings
9:00 Live set tips
11:30 Pros & cons
13:30 Outro

Roland PMA-5 Portable Sequencer with Stylus Case Power Supply and Owner's Manual

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing

"The Roland PMA-5 is a unique and highly portable music production tool, blending a General MIDI sound module, multitrack sequencer, and stylus-driven touchscreen interface—all in a compact format. Released in the mid-90s, the PMA-5 was ahead of its time and remains a favorite among retro gear lovers, mobile producers, and collectors of rare Roland units.

Key features:

Touchscreen interface (with original stylus!) for intuitive sequencing and editing

600 Preset Styles (100 X 6 divisions) Intro, Main A, Main B, Fill 1, Fill 2, ending

200 User styles

Realtime and/or step recording (for precision recording and editing individual of midi notes)

Four track linear sequencer

26 Chord Types

Multiple Time Signatures

GM/GS-compatible sound engine with 306 internal tones and 16 drum kits

Built-in effects: Reverb, Chorus, Delay

Portability: Runs on batteries (works perfectly on battery power

MIDI I/O

Internal memory for song storage (20 songs max)

Stand-alone sound module - 16 assignable tracks for expanding your midi keyboard sound set or as a desktop sound module for improving retro game soundtracks"

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Yamaha FVX-1 w/ Original Box

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"Yamaha FVX-1 - Mint Condition, Original Box, Fully Tested

For sale is a mint Yamaha FVX-1 vocal effects processor. An increasingly hard-to-find gem from the late ’80s/early ’90s. This unit has lived its entire life in a box, in a smoke-free environment, shows virtually no cosmetic wear, and functions 100 % as intended.

Highlights

Condition: Mint. No damage, rack rash, or faded lettering
Functionality: Every function, button, display segment, MIDI port, and audio I/O has been tested and works flawlessly.
Includes: Original factory box with internal foam inserts (a collector’s bonus)
Power: 230 V EU model (step-down transformer required in 100–120 V regions)
Shipping: I pack to survive world tours—double-boxed, fully insured, and try to ship within 48 h
This is the cleanest FVX-1 I’ve seen in years; perfect for serious collectors or anyone who wants classic Yamaha formant-shifting and vocoder textures without hunting down spare parts."

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Yamaha DD50 Circuit Bent Drum Machine

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Canned Sound

via this Reverb listing

"Rare 1998 MIDI drum machine uniquely modified to massively extend the sound design possibilities with three pre-set effects switches and a custom 25 point modulation patch bay. These modifications generate an array of original sounds, effects and rhythmic variations. Making a single connection on the patch matrix can dramatically alter the output but applying multiple connections produces an increasingly complex, sometimes aleatoric range of grinding, metallic, fractured, reversed, tonal, bit crushed, flanged, distorted, aliasing and delayed effects, arcade sounds and digital noise, alternative rhythmic patterns and additional accents. The five included patch cables can also be stacked for further sonic manipulation.
The unit functions as normal when the patch is not in use.

2 x on board speakers + 1/4" stereo output.

MIDI In, Out.
7 velocity sensitive drum pads.
75 sounds, 20 drum kits.

100 songs/ bass backing.

Custom song feature.

Reverb effect.

Dimensions: 552 mm x 348 mm x 136 mm."

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