"The Woovebox is a workstation/ groovebox that does more with less.
It aims to make music production simpler, cheaper and more portable by condensing a powerful music workstation/studio into a small pocket-sized device - all through aggressive hardware and software optimization.
Pocketable, powerful and economical
The Woovebox was designed for those who love creating tunes away from a desk or studio; whether it's on a couch, on a bus, in a coffee shop, or in bed. No space, no hassle, no cables. Just plug in your headphones and go!
And when you are ready, the Woovebox plays nice with DAW and other gear; physical MIDI and sync out, wireless MIDI in/out over Bluetooth, audio in, .WAV song and dry/wet stem export - it's all here.
Featuring a variety of synthesis algorithms, filters and effects, the optimized engine - quite literally - punches far above its weight; despite weighing only 68g/2.4oz/0.15lbs, the Woovebox offers deep sound design, real-time synthesis, sonic abilities and advanced features that are absent from grooveboxes many times its size and cost.
A fast workflow that inspires
The Woovebox workflow is a rethink of song building; it is fast, it fits a compact device, and it avoids "empty DAW project" paralysis. It was built to reduce friction and make the time from 0-to-head-bobbing to your own track as short as possible. You do not have to memorize endless obscure button combinations, and menu-diving is kept to a minimum.
The workflow centers on quickly setting up and filling out distinct building blocks, where each block quickly combines to create a whole that is more than the sum of its parts. Tempo, rhythm and chord info is re-used throughout the song, interface, playback options and even the synthesis engine. This is combined with conditional triggering and conditional modification of elements and tracks.
The results are complex, intricate compositions that sound refined, intentional and planned. If you wish, even just a single 16-step pattern for each of the 16 tracks, is entirely enough to make a complex song that keeps the listener's attention.
Built from scratch using close-to-the-metal programming
In hardware engineering, size restrictions mean power limitations. And power limitations mean DSP (Digital Signal Processing) limitations. Starting off as a personal challenge during the days of lockdowns by a veteran signal processing engineer, the Woovebox' DSP engine was built from scratch to be as "close to the metal" and optimized as possible.
It is a style of programming that focuses on extracting every last drop of raw performance from the hardware, at the cost of easy development. The hardware, firmware and DSP code were hand-crafted in assembly and optimized over the course of three years, to perfectly balance frugality with power, audio quality and features.
As a result, your Woovebox synthesizes full, complex tracks and effects in real-time, yet the small built-in battery still lasts 10h+ on one charge. In all aspects the Woovebox project embodies doing more with less."
The drums in the demo can be checked out in the link below. They're part of my "ultimate synthpop/Italo disco" sample pack:"
Italo Disco/SynthPop Sample Pack | Get it NOW!
"I've spent a long time recording, sampling and processing the sounds in this pack, with focus on quality and usability.
Each drum sample is taken directly out of the hardware.
Many of the sounds has been made by layering different samples and effects.
This is not a free pack, but I hope you'll see it's priced quite reasonably considering the quality and quantity of the sounds. :)
"WELCOME TO THE 80S - A SAMPLE PACK DRIPPING WITH AUTHENTICITY.
Looking for some truly unique samples? Don't want to settle for lesser grade sound-a-likes? This is the the 80's sample pack for you and it's simply oozing retro nostalgia.
With weeks spent recording, sampling and processing the sounds in this pack, there's an unparalleled commitment to quality and usability.
Each drum sample is taken directly out of hardware and many of the sounds have been made by careful layering of different samples and effects to give you the sound that's just ..'perfect'.
With over 600mb of construction kits, on-shots, melody loops, bass-lines and vox shots the hardware kit list in this sample packs creation includes:
Korg Poly-61 Korg DSS-1 Roland Alpha Juno 2 Roland Juno 6 Roland JX-8P Roland R8 Roland TR-808 Roland TR-909 Roland S-10 Yamaha DX7 Behringer Model D Sequential TOM drum machine w/EPROM binary Linndrum, DMX and Emulator chips. E-MU Drumulator
Dr.Böhm "The German Linndrum" drum machine Elka OMB-5 and Drumstar 80 drum machine Simmons SDS800 drum machine/brain BOSS DR-55 BOSS DR-110 Akai S1000 Akai S612 Akai S700 Casio SK-1 Kurzweil K2000"
"summer funk ! in this i took the patch 244/744 from the obie, and play an arrangement with an Arp on the Microfreak, a drum pattern on the Model:Samples and something live in addition on the Yamaha reface CP. Freak and the Yamaha went through my specular tempus, Obie and M:S came out of the box. All mixed in one take on the old Behringer analog Mixer MX802A.
Something that i like on the sequential is the fact that you can switch it into permanent sustain mode while running a sequence or Arp, when the sustain pedal is pressed. I soldered a footswitch thus i can switch it on if needed.
"Showcasing the possibilities of OB-6 doing half-randomly modulated sounds using the second oscillator as LFO. The result is 6 LFO's running in different stages but with the same tempo.
Footage from sweden...last year's holidays."
"opsix SE is a digital synth like no other. With a premium all-metal design, 61-keys, and aftertouch, it unlocks a new world of sonic capabilities. Building on the expansive sound engine in the original opsix, opsix SE enhances it with increased polyphony and voicing, resulting in a synthesizer created for superior performance and precise control.
opsix SE is also available in a Limited Edition Platinum finish. Both versions ship in a dedicated hard case, including space for cables and a sustain pedal."
00:00 Unboxing & Sound demos
03:05 What is actually new?
06:23 Making a quick song demo
09:10 "Can't I just buy a VST instead?"
09:45 More sound demos
11:48 Pro Musician Tries Korg Opsix SE
16:23 More than just an FM synthesizer (Altered FM explained)
22:56 Making a patch from scratch
"The Ultimate Union of Power and Performance
opsix SE is a digital synth like no other. With a premium all-metal design, 61-keys, and aftertouch, it unlocks a new world of sonic capabilities. Building on the expansive sound engine in the original opsix, opsix SE enhances it with increased polyphony and voicing, resulting in a synthesizer created for superior performance and precise control.
The opsix Operator Mixer simplified FM synthesis for the first time, making it not just comprehensible but also controllable. With the addition of extra synthesis capabilities and programming, it offered a more efficient workflow and an even richer sound.
The opsix SE takes this even further. It is equipped with Korg's premium 61-key natural-touch keyboard, complete with aftertouch, delivering the exceptional tactile experience expected from Korg's flagship workstations. With a sleek, robust metal body, it's built for both the intensity of live gigs and the precision of studio sessions. The metallic knobs are optimally weighted for effortless adjustments. Underneath its exterior, the opsix SE boasts an incredible capacity of 80 stereo voices of polyphony.
The opsix SE arrives preloaded with hundreds of sounds enhanced for aftertouch control. Moreover, it is fully compatible with the sounds and samples from both the original opsix and the opsix Native software, including numerous high-quality libraries.
The limited color model, wavestate SE Platinum, is released at the same time as the wavestate SE. The Platinum edition features the same 61 keys with aftertouch and comes with a hard case as the wavestate SE, while the premium silver aluminum panel and stainless steel side panels, which are only available on this special model, create an overwhelming presence on stage and in the studio.
Also included is an original sticker with the KORG logo. The wavestate SE Platinum is available in limited quantities, so be sure to get yours soon."
Playlist:
KeyLab Essential mk3 | Keys For Modern Creatives | ARTURIA
Tutorials | KeyLab Essential mk3 - Overview
Tutorials | KeyLab Essential mk3 - Using Analog Lab
KeyLab Essential mk3 | How To Control Ableton Live
KeyLab Essential mk3 | How To Control Cubase
Press Release follows:
"_Introducing KeyLab Essential mk3
KeyLab Essential mk3 is the focused, accessible keyboard controller designed to deliver a more personal and enjoyable music-making workflow than ever before.
Musicians & producers can control any DAW or MIDI hardware with the most essential controls at their fingertips, the most creative features at their disposal, and the most inspiring musical software included as standard.
_An upgraded workflow for modern music making
Users can get hands-on with projects and freely explore their sound with encoders, faders, pads, and more, with customizations and creative features only ever a button away. Upgrades include a bigger display with contextual buttons and 2 multi-purpose pad banks.
_Next-level DAW & Arturia integration
KeyLab Essential mk3 features custom DAW scripts for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, and Bitwig Studio, plus familiar MCU & HUI compatibility - meaning it can control literally any DAW. It also offers enhanced integration with Arturia software like Analog Lab, V Collection, and more.
_Inspire new ideas
KeyLab Essential goes far beyond a controller; users can create quick-fire melodies with the Arpeggiator; play chord voicings with a single key with Chord play; stay locked in tune thanks to Scale mode; and customize their pedal functions with a 3-mode input.
_Eco-designed
Built with minimum 40% recycled plastic and a material carbon footprint reduction of 18%, KeyLab Essential mk3 follows in the footsteps of MiniLab 3 as a controller designed with sustainability in mind.
_The finest production & beat making software included
KeyLab Essential mk3 brings a vastly expanded package of creative software for modern music production, giving users everything they need to create full, massive-sounding tracks.
Here’s what’s included: Analog Lab V Thousands of synth & keys presets Ableton Live Lite Music recording software Native Instruments’ The Gentleman Intimate upright piano UVI Model D A timeless grand piano Loopcloud 2-month subscription with millions of samples & loops Melodics Learn keys with KeyLab Essential
"We spoke to Romain from Kiviak Instruments, a new French company based in the south of France and with an office in Berlin. They have presented their first product, called WoFi, which is a sample-based synthesizer that looks like a virtual analog but is full digital and sample-based. The machine is connected to a web-based cloud platform where users can share presets with the community, upload samples and make backups. The concept is to keep a very simple workflow, and the small factor keyboard can be used anywhere as it runs on a battery.
Wolfie has ten voices of polyphony and a granular effect that Kiviak Instruments designed to be somewhere between Shimmer and granular synthesis. You can choose the machine model you want to emulate, such as old 12 bit units or even gritty 3 bit models. WoFi has a built in mic, one envelope and one LFO that you can assign to any parameter you want just by clicking on learn and choosing the parameter. WoFi has internal storage and memory cards, and with the cloud platform, it will be have completely unlimited storage for free.
"At Superbooth 2023, we spoke to Peter from Tasty Chips who showed us their flagship model, the GR Mega, a granular synthesizer designed for complex sound design based on samples. The GR Mega boasts many modulation options, a large mod matrix, four LFOs, 18 mod destinations, four envelopes (one freely assignable), and a step sequencer. The instrument also includes dual filters, low-pass and high-pass, seven effects (of which four can be used in parallel), and 128 presets. Peter explained that the grains in the synthesizer are generated from the samples and can be randomized in position and mixed together to create the final output.
The GR Mega is expected to be released at the end of the year.
Details follow. Video of an editor created for the Deluge below.
"TLDR: We're going open-source from June 5th.
Since launching our beloved Deluge, we’ve added a ton of functionality, made it more versatile and packed it full of ground-breaking features. Our arranger, looper, advanced sequencing and MPE implementation are still industry leading.
At Synthstrom, we’re devoted to sustainability and want our Deluge to continue being the centre of our users' musical excursions for many years to come. Late last year we started retrofitting older Deluge variations with the OLED screen featuring in our new units. The next step we're taking has been even longer in development - waiting until we knew we had a community full of talented coders who were as passionate about the Deluge as we are. We know now the time is right - it’s time to take software development into overdrive - we’re going open-source!
What is open-source? Open-source means we're opening our software code to the community; our users who know how to write code can now develop their own Deluge features, make refinements to the existing code and contribute to a Community version for all users.
Before the speculation even starts, this isn't us working on a new model, there are currently no plans for that. We've employed a team to manage the open-source project so we can focus our energies into ramping up the building of new OLED Deluges to meet demand, speeding up the retrofitting and refurbishing off older units, and just maybe, finally getting the Deluge into limited retail - though don't hold your breath on that last part :)
Synthstrom will continue to maintain and update the main “Official” repository, including all official Deluge Firmware releases going forward.
Alongside there will also be a “Community” repository (for both the OLED & non-OLED versions), forked from the Official repository, as a central place for community code contributions to be merged together, so long as they don’t appear to break anything and represent complete features ready for use. And of course all future updates to the Official branch can be merged in, too.
And of course, you can fork either branch and make your own changes and share these with others, irrespective of what’s happening in the Official or Community repository.
Installing Community or other firmware builds is 100% compatible with your Deluge's hardware warranty. However, if you use a non-official community build, we won't be able to provide software support.
Our open-source project manager will initially oversee and maintain the Community repository, though this will probably change in the longer term, particularly if or when open-source development branches in multiple different directions. We’ve created thorough documentation and Rohan will also be on hand at the launch, to offer guidance and assistance to those getting involved - including open video Q&A sessions.
Rohan has always been eager to give back to the global community of makers and tinkerers that helped him as a beginner, we just had to make sure the time was right, we had the right people involved and that we had a system that aided those taking part.
We’re also launching a Patreon to help support those contributing to the 'Community' repository. This will allow the entire community to show their gratitude to those developing, testing and refining code by making a monthly financial contribution, from just $1. Though administered by Synthstrom, 100% of these payments (less Patreon fees and tax) will be distributed only amongst those coders contributing to the Community repository - distributed in accordance with how much each individual contributed.
We have re-opened the epic feature suggestion threads on our forums where coders can find ideas to work on and where users can discuss their desired features: https://forums.synthstrom.com/categories/deluge-suggestions
In special cases, the Official repository may consider submissions from the Community repository*, where features and their UI have proven universal appeal. However, Synthstrom needs to continue to provide our customers with a stable and high-performance official firmware version, so we need to be responsible for every line of code in this branch.
Deluge Firmware will be released under the GPLv3 license. There are no restrictions on personal use and this license allows for code to also be used in commercial projects - however, if even one line of code from this is used in a commercial project, the entire piece of code for that project must also be made open-source under this same license.
The newly open source Deluge Firmware source code will live in GitHub. We will be launching this project in June though you can follow our GitHub now and be alerted when it's live. https://github.com/SynthstromAudible
* If a Community feature is to be accepted into the official repository this will be negotiated and licensed on a case by case basis with its developer(s)
Key dates & details:
Monday, June 5, 7pm EDT - Codebase made available, documentation released and Patreon launched.
Wednesday, June 7, 7pm EDT - Open Group video Q&A session with Rohan. Will be recorded and made available on GitHub following.
Saturday, June 10, 11am, CEST - Open Group Zoom session with Rohan. Will be recorded and made available on the GitHub following.
Following these Q&A sessions. Rohan and/or our Open Source team will be responsive in answering questions on the GitHub. Please try not to flood forums with questions until after these sessions as we anticipate much will be answered therein.
Open-source Project Manager: Jamie Fenton
An experienced games, audio and multimedia production tool engineer, Jamie Fenton is known in the Deluge community for developing the Downrush application. Downrush is used for transferring, viewing and editing of Deluge songs, patches, and media assets using a Wi-Fi SD card and your mobile device."
Deluge Downrush demo - Wireless editor/browser for the Synthstrom Deluge
Downrush works via the Toshiba FlashAir SD card, which has built-in WiFi, and allows wireless browsing/ uploading/ downloading.
With this it's possible to access the card without removing it from the Deluge, by connecting to it just like you'd connect to any wifi network, and simply opening it in a web browser (I've used firefox, ecosia and chrome). This means it's also possible to do it with a smartphone or other device with wifi-access!
"Downrush is a simple FlashAir file manager for Synthstrom Deluge. Expect improvements."
---- Things it can do that I've found really useful:
* Browse, upload and download files without removing the card!
* Move and delete files to keep things more organized - f.ex. get rid of failed/ useless samples, unwanted songs etc.
* Rename samples and resamples as soon as you make them and before putting them into a project and saving! Especially handy with a smartphone when in the zone with the Deluge.
(It's almost like an external screen, just not 100% real-time.)
* XML editing (it has a built-in editor now) - get an overview of KITS/SYNTHS/SONGS, copy tracks between songs (!), copy and multiply kit sounds without having to make the same adjustments from scratch several times, and other such things not currently possible directly on the Deluge.
* Ability to use Downrush on a smartphone/pad as a kind of preview/cue-out with headphones, to preview samples etc. without it coming thru the main outs
Creds to Jamie Fenton !
EDIT: The browser has now been updated so that when clicking on a kit, song or synth's name, it opens the Downrush main editor (not XML view). Click EDIT to get to the plain text XML viewer."
"Model D6 is a physical modeling Clavine emulator for Windows, macOS and iOS.
It's available as VST, VST3, AU, AUv3 and Standalone.
Please visit: https://www.genuinesoundware.com/?a=s..."
"It was back in the fifties when German inventor Ernst Zacharias invented one of the funkiest keyboards of all times. At first the intention was to make a portable version of a harpsichord, but it soon developed into one of the most used keyboards in rock and pop music. You will surely recognize it in the famous pop song "Superstition", and in many other funky songs of the seventies. Many crime movies and TV shows of the 70's and the early 80's had music themes based on funky accompaniments made with the D6, a slap bass and drums. This instrument can reproduce the sound of an electric guitar and can be treated with the same effects used by guitarists (wah-wah, distortion, phaser, chorus, etc.) for both rhythmic and melodic textures, since it is actually based on a set of 60 strings and two humbucker pickups very similar to those used in electric guitars.
The sound engine of GSi Model D6 comes from the exact same code that powers the GSi Gemini and the Crumar Seven as well as the Crumar Mojo 61. Some more parameters have been added to the model in order to make the instrument sound even more versatile and adjustable to personal taste.
Main features
Physical Modeling engine (no samples) Full Polyphony (60 strings) Authentic string sympathetic resonances Authentic recreation of the 4 D6 filters Two Pickups with adjustable positions Authentic damper lever String quality setting Hammer Tip quality setting Wool damper quality setting (Release length) Responds to pitch bender (Whammy bar mod) Responds to aftertouch (string tapping overpressure) Built-in Wah-Wah effect modeled after the famous JH-1 pedal Wah-Wah can be modulated by LFO, Dynamics or via Midi CC message Built-in Phaser effect modeled after the famous Phase 90 pedal Built-in Amplifier simulator with 5 models (Twin, JCM, AC, RJC and Bass) Amp Distortion and pickup feedback Built-in Stereo Delay effect Built-in Stereo Reverb effect Built-in programmer with unlimited Programs Embedded user's' manual Available as Stand-alone application and audio plugin Very low CPU and RAM usage"
"For this one we channelled our inner Radiohead and made a beat with a 7/8 rhythm.
Come to @superboothberlin 11-13 May 2023 to chat to us and test our modules - we'll be in a beach tent together with all our friends @thisisnotrocketscience3942 @paultasbeeb @knobula6211 @apolloview9305 @vaskiembedded and Swampflux!! We are going to have a really good time and you are all invited to come and play!
Plus they are all debuting new modules we are really excited about!
In this video we are using #Farbfilter, an analog transistor ladder filter for Eurorack with a wicked overdrive stage and CV controlled resonance. We're still putting the finishing touches on this one, tweaking a resistor value here or there and taming the ranges a bit, but we love how it sounds already. A huge thankyou to @DivKid and @SynthDad for providing feedback on this one!
In this patch, #Stolperbeats is sending a MIDI sequence to the @WeAreElektron Model:Samples, playing Samples from the @GoldbabySamples Silverdrum Machinedrum pack for modelsamples. The bass is a PWM saw wave from Apollo View Modular's Allscillator complex VCO.
Both signals are filtered using the Farbfilter, with Stolperbeats sending a CV ramp to the filter cutoff of one lowpass filter and @Befacosynth Rampage being triggered to modulate the other. Enrica is controlling the offset for cutoff and attenuating the incoming resonance modulation. Kits will become available after Superbooth via our friends at @ThonkSynthDIY and @explodingshed5542.
Join our #superbooth workshop to solder with us:
Saturday 13.05.2023, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Superbooth DIY Area Berlin
https://www.superbooth.com/en/events/
Or join us on Sunday for the DIY afterparty:
Sunday 14.05.2023, ca 5:00 pm DIY Kit Day Klunkerkranich Berlin
@berlinmodularsociety will be playing modular synthesizer tracks live!"
"Become a Patron and get access to music clips from the show, additional content, Bad Gear samples and even more AudioPilz madness
https://www.patreon.com/audiopilz
Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Elektron Syntakt. Is this member of the Elektron Dark Trinity just a rehash of recycled technologies taken from instruments like the Digitakt, Digitone, Model:Cycles, Octatrack, Analog Rytm and Analog Four? Does it provide real innovation?
Chapters: 00:00 Intro tune 01:07 Overview Elektron Syntakt 01:27 Analog vs. Digital Voices 01:36 Analog Voices 1-3, Synth Functionality 02:15 Analog HiHats/Cymbals/Metallic Stuff 02:25 Analog Filter 02:36 Digital Engines (Drums, Claps, Percussion, FM, Chords) 03:07 Polyphony (or lack thereof) 03:15 Workarounds 03:32 Analog FX Block 03:46 LFOs, Envelopes 04:01 Reverb, Delay 04:06 Workflow, Philosophy 04:17 Probability, Parameter Locks, Retrigger, Fills 04:44 Song Mode, Unquantized Rec, Microtiming, Trigger Modifiers 05:04 UI, Lack of Velocity, Outputs, Overbridge 05:18 Midi 05:26 What else??? Pricing! Thanks!!! 05:56 Hate 06:23 Jam 1 (Downtempo) 07:19 Jam 2 (Hard Synthwave) 08:20 Finale (Tech House) 08:50 Verdict"
"We spoke to Dan from Rhodes, who introduced the V8 Pro, the first official Rhodes software that encompasses a deeply sampled and modeled Mark 8. The V8 Pro engine is running 30,000 samples with up to 127 laser guided velocities per note, resulting in an unprecedented depth. The UI has been designed by Axel Hartman and the front panel is a blown-up version of the Walnut Market.
Rhodes has gone to great lengths to create super-authentic software that feels like a real instrument. The V8 Pro also includes a V8, a lower-priced model with a more limited feature set.
The V8 Pro has modeled analog effects from the Mark 8, including a resonant mid-range EQ and a unique varipan circuit that stands for variable panning, giving you all the classic panning sounds, just like the Mark 8. The V8 Pro also has different wave shapes for the panning to achieve different feels.
Rhodes has added sync buttons for all the time-based effects, so you can sync to your DAW's internal tempo or incoming midi clock. You can also assign every single control to the midi CC, making it easier to get into the performance with the instrument. More info on the V8 Pro and the Mark 8 can be found on the Rhodes website.
"For the first time, the hallowed sound and feel of the acclaimed Rhodes MK8 electric piano at your fingertips in any recording studio or live performance. The V8 is a deeply multi-sampled and modelled, hyper-realistic version of the Rhodes MK8, capturing all the nuance and character of the flagship electric piano. The only official software to carry the Rhodes name, the V8 is the final destination for musicians looking to augment their productions with the timeless beauty of ‘The True Rhodes Sound’."
As found in Octatrack, Model:Cycles or Syntakt, the concept of Machines has now also reached Digitakt.
There are now several new ways to play back your sweet samples. This new OS 1.50 Upgrade brings four different Machines, all with their own different flavor. Repitch for automatic classic beat-matching, Werp for a little quirky old-school way of time warping, and Slice - to chop up your audio and placing the pieces back in any order you like. And finally Oneshot, your default Machine for playing your sample forward, backward or looped. Again, again, and again.
To top things up we also added a new way to record your samples. You can now set a fixed number of steps for your recording. And, Sample Rate Reduction that can be inserted before or after the filter. Just as gritty as you like it to be.
Go find out more and download this new tasty OS 1.50 Upgrade here: https://bit.ly/3IFttuq"
Digitakt OS 1.50 Upgrade Overview
"As found in Octatrack, Model:Cycles or Syntakt, the concept of Machines has now also reached Digitakt. In this tutorial, we explore the four Machines - Oneshot, Werp, Repitch, and Slice - that come with the OS 1.50 Upgrade.
We also cover some creative tools that allow you to push Digitakt’s sequencer and samples further. For example, using Trigless Trigs to parameter lock values without re-triggering samples, using random locks in Slice to get new rhythmic ideas, or using Werp to really pull apart samples and turn them into completely new elements."
Digitakt 4 Machines Tutorial
"In this Digitakt tutorial, we explore the 4 machines that come with the 1.50 Digitakt Upgrade. We also cover some creative tools that allow us to push Digitakt's sequencer and samples further. For example, using Trigless Triggers to parameter lock values without re-triggering samples, using random locks in the Slice machine to get new rhythmic ideas, or using the Werp machine to really pull apart samples and turn them into completely new elements."
"Another massive update for Digitakt. This time we get 3 new machine types, sample rate reduction, recording length setting and a couple of small yet useful improvements! In this video I go over the major new functions in detail. Enjoy!
PS: After I created this video a small change was made to the OS. On the sampling page the recording length setting is now situated on the right and the AUTO setting shown in this video is renamed to MAX."
Playlist (check back for the last three):
1. Introducing the Nord Stage 4 - teaser
2. Julian "J3PO" Pollack showcasing the Nord Stage 4
3. Nord Stage 4: Joshua Domfeh - Mayfair
4. Nord Stage 4: Natalie Tenenbaum - Powerball
5. Nord Stage 4: Timothée Bakoglu - Roots Like This
6. Nord Stage 4: Amanda Birkenfalk - Stella [live at 11]
7. Nord Stage 4: Dominique Xavier - Just Because [live at 1]
8. Nord Stage 4: Daniel Weatherspoon - Old Town Medley [live at 2:59]
Press Release follows:
A new generation of our iconic flagship series.
With an intuitive new panel design, a premium triple sensor keybed, complete effect sections for each layer and massive enhancements to our award-winning technologies, the Nord Stage 4 sets a new standard.
THE NEW EXPERIENCE The Nord Stage 4 features a brand new panel design with dedicated LED faders for each Layer, providing exceptional overview and flexibility when creating sounds and performing live. The new Preset Library is packed with inspiring ready-to-use Piano, Synth and Organ sounds for quick and smooth patch creation.
The Layer Scene lets you seamlessly switch between two different sound setups at the touch of a button. Adding a powerful new Effect section coupled with versatile pedal options and a premium Triple Sensor keybed, the Nord Stage 4 offers a new level of musical expression.
THE PIANO
The Nord Stage 4 comes with a new enhanced collection of Grands, Uprights and Electric Pianos from our exclusive Nord Piano Library combined with new features such as Dynamic compression and Unison.
THE SYNTH
The Synth section with its three independent Layers is based on the powerful Nord Wave 2 Synth Engine, including Virtual Analog synthesis, Samples, FM and Digital Waves. An extensive new collection of samples from the Nord Sample Library offers a broad sonic palette of Strings, Bass, Choirs, Guitars and much more. The advanced Arpeggiator features new Polyphonic, Gate and Pattern modes and can be used for a huge variety of rhythmic applications with customizable patterns.
THE ORGAN
The Organ section features our award-winning simulations of B3 Tonewheel, B3 Bass, classic Vox and Farfisa as well as two Pipe Organ models. All Stage 4 models are equipped with our new Physical drawbars with LED indicators for optimal hands-on experience and overview.
THE EFFECTS
The Nord Stage 4 has a powerful new Effect section offering a complete setup of Effects for each Layer. The extensive range of Effects includes a new Pump effect for tempo synced or pedal controlled side chain modulation, a new Spin effect and brand new variations of Reverb, Delay, Amps and Modulation effects.
THE MODELS
The Nord Stage 4 comes in three models:
v Enhanced collection of Uprights, Grands, EPs and more v Dynamic Compression v Unison feature v Creative Timbre presets v Nord Wave 2 Synth Engin v 3 independent Synth Layer v Doubled sample memory v Enhanced samples with Tru-Vibrato, Unison and Round Robin v Extensive real time control v Advanced Arpeggiator with Polyphonic, Gate and Pattern mode v Extern mode for advanced MIDI control v Award-winning organ simulations of B3, Vox/Farfisa and Pipe Organ model v Physical drawbars with LED indicator v New B3 Bass mod v Drawbar Live mod v Model 122 Vintage Rotary Speaker with normal or close mic positions v Dedicated Effect section per Laye v New Variations for Modulation, Amp, Delay and Reverb Effect v New Spring, Booth and Cathedral Reverb v New Pump effect v New Spin effect v New Flam and Space Delay
Nord Stage 4 88 with a fully weighted Triple Sensor keybed (A-C) with aftertouch and Physical Drawbars with LED indicators. Nord Stage 4 73 with a fully weighted Triple Sensor keybed (E-E) with aftertouch and Physical Drawbars with LED indicators.
Nord Stage 4 Compact with a 73-note Semi Weighted Waterfall Triple Sensor keybed (E-E) with aftertouch and Physical Drawbars with LED indicators.
Accessories
THE PEDALS
Our new range of premium pedals are equipped with continuous sensors for optimal dynamic control. The left and middle pedals of the Nord Triple Pedal 2 can be assigned to control the Pump effect, Layer Scenes, Program Changes, Rotor Speed and more. Both pedals give you access to the Pedal Noise and Half Damping features of the Piano section.
Nord Triple Pedal 2 v Continuous sensors for maximum control v Pedal Noise and Half Damping v Can be assigned to control Layer Scene II, Pump, Tap Tempo, Synth Vibrato, Program Up/Dn and Rotor Speed
Nord Single Pedal 2 v Continuous sensor for maximum control v Pedal Noise and Half Damping v Can be assigned to control Rotor Speed or used as a Morph source
"'The Dreadnaught Factor' was recorded live early Saturday morning on January 21st 2023 using a MIDI sequencer, a room full of synthesizers and drum machines. Four analog mixers were used with a rack of outboard effects and mixed stereo. Mixing and automation was controlled by the sequencer directly to the synthesizers. The final reorded required manual muting of the of mixer channels to suppress the noise coming from some of the devices including the Korg Minilogue. The video was taken afterwards.
"The Dreadnaught Factor" was inspired by the box art of an early 80s video game for Intellivision. It featured a number of spaceships on a blue background much like the 2600 Blue Marvin featured in this music. The melody and chord arrangement originated from a short piece I created several years ago and later merged it with a small piece of unfinished music titled "Driod Mischief". I was pleased how the two sounded when arranged in this way. I look forward to finishing "Droid Mischief".
The Hydrasynth plays a few different roles in Dreadnaught, even doubling up with the BassStation adding filter modulations to the bass parts [3:23].
The Korg MS2000 never disappoints when you use its modulation sequencer and its charasmatic digital distortion. Several parts were played, twisting and swirling in the stereo field. Modulated tremolos off-rhythm and hypnotic.
Korg Minilogue XD has so much range - such a wide sweet spot of sound. Especially when you use the digital user oscillators. Resonating plucks and unnatural reverbs works well for my tastes.
The Behringer 2600 Blue Marvin and Model D is featured in the "Droid Mischief" part at [2:58]. The notes were played over MIDI. Volume modulation was controlled with CV from the *Akai Pro MPC X*. The Model D ran through the inputs of the Roland TR8s for its Phaser effect. The TR8S did nothing else.
There are a few dark pad patches I re-use often on the Oberheim Matrix 1000 playing disonant chords throughout.
The Elektron Analog Rytm MkII provides most of the rhythms. Each of its 12 voices run on its own MIDI channel with a full complement of continuous controllers. Lots of CC modulation was used on some of the voices. The internal sequencer was not used. All notes and automation comes from the *MPC X*.
Arturia's MINIFREAK layered in a few bits throughout and is featured at the very end [6:11]. Macros were modulated from the *MPC X*.
Korg's Radias is 4 part multitimbral. On part #4 I keep a carefully curated drum kit synthesized with noise, sines and filters - mixed with some of the built in drum samples. Part #1 featured a vocal "ah-ha" patch [3:01] using one of the vowel waves, a formant insert effect and careful modulation of its dual filters.
My favorite guitar pluck patch on the Korg EX-8000 makes an appearance.
At the center of it all, the MPC X seemlesssly connects to everything and manages to keep all devices in perfect sync. As mentioned before - meticulous editing of MIDI events is a breeze and very comfortable over long editing sessions. Approximately 21 tracks were used including Control Voltage for the modulars.
Timeline: 00:00 project notes 00:08 introduction 00:33 The Dreadnaught 00:40 JX-08 - melodic pipes 00:58 Minilogue XD - haunted melody 01:22 Hydrasynth 01:43 MS2000 + Prophet REV2 picking up the pace 02:09 EX-8000 transition 02:16 Minilogue - vocal haunts 02:37 2600 Blue Marvin - the derelict 02:58 Model D + Radias - "Droid Mischief" 03:23 Hydrasynth doubling with the Bass Station 03:58 MS2000 + 2600 Blue Marvin - mono lead and accompaniment 04:22 GB4 + compressors + MINIFREAK handling the build up 04:51 Part 2 - "Derelict Adrift" 06:38 end titles"
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Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Moog Little Phatty. Did this modern take on the classic Moog formula and one of the last instruments Robert Arthur Moog worked on age well? Can the analog synth engine be tamed with the UI of a MicroKorg? Does it live up to the legacy of masterpieces like the Minimoog Model D or other synthesizers created by the legendary Bob Moog?
Chapters: 00:00 Intro tune 01:09 Overview Moog Little Phatty 01:45 Oscillator Section and its Differences to the Minimoog 02:12 Sync, Oscillator Modulations 02:31 Moog Ladder Filter 03:02 Filter Overload 03:13 Envelopes 03:25 Modulation Section, LFO 03:51 Menu Diving, Presets, Arpeggiator 04:18 Tuning 04:33 Patches 04:49 Connectivity 05:00 Moog Little Phatty Editions (Limited, Stage, Stage II, Tribute) 05:10 Sticky Plastic Syndrome (Build Quality) 05:14 Pricing 05:21 Hate 05:43 Jam 1 (Classic Moog Bass) 06:44 Jam 2 (Beyond Classic Moog) 07:38 Finale (Space Funk) 08:07 Verdict"
Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Elektron Model:Samples. Is this entry level groovebox and sample-based drum machine the perfect introduction to the Elektron workflow? Is it 'My First Elektron'?
Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:23 Overview Elektron Model Samples
01:46 Pads (Velocity, Modulation)
02:04 Sample Player Engines, Filter, LFO
02:48 FX (Reverb, Delay)
02:53 Elektron Sequencer (Retrigger, Trig Conditions)
03:27 UI, Playing Samples Chromatically
03:38 Live Performance Features (CTRL ALL)
04:04 Elektron-Type Beats (Examples)
04:35 Sample Management, Computer Integration (or lack thereof)
04:47 Connectivity, Thanks!!!
05:10 Hate
05:35 Jam 1 (Lofi House)
06:28 Jam 2 (Dub)
07:24 Finale (Witch House x Phonk)
07:59 Verdict"
"The Woovebox is a workstation/ groovebox that does more with less.
It aims to make music production simpler, cheaper and more portable by condensing a powerful music workstation/studio into a small pocket-sized device - all through aggressive hardware and software optimization.
Pocketable, powerful and economical
