Super Gemini - Cuckoo's Favourite Synth of Superbooth 2023

video upload by True Cuckoo

Build your own synth with Synth UX Academy

video upload by True Cuckoo

"Read more at: http://synthux.academy

Free shipping to EU and US on orders above €199 + special discounts until Monday 15th of May 2023! Get €50 off the Simple kit and more!
At checkout, use discount code BERLIN23"

See the Synthux Academy label below for more.

Analog Heat +FX - Exploring New Digital Effects (No Talking)

video upload by True Cuckoo

Erae Touch - A different controller has arrived - TUTORIAL

video upload by True Cuckoo

"Hello. The new Embodme Erae Touch MIDI controller is in my heart. This young and small French company is challenging the industry with something that works and flows incredibly well. I love it.

Erae Touch product link:
Use my code ERAE-CUCKOO10 for 10% discount your way, and a small affiliate cut my way. https://www.embodme.com/erae-product-...

Chapters:
01:33 Getting Started
02:14 Changing MIDI channels without the editor
02:55 Changing MIDI octave
03:09 Selecting layouts
03:37 Sequencer Layout
03:58 Erae Lab, the editor, the idea
04:48 Erae Lab, overview
05:24 Make a keyboard on a designated MIDI channel
06:16 Turning off pressure, glissando and such…
07:25 Setting the keyboard to the Auto Channel
08:41 Analog Rytm octave limitations
09:07 Bass keyboard
09:27 Creating a key pad for the kick drum
10:29 Introduction to Styles, button animation
12:58 Duplicating and setting up MIDI per element
14:14 Changing colours
15:29 Finalising and trying the layout
16:38 Fine tuning colours
17:03 Introducing the ALT layout
18:15 Creating an alternate layout for drum sticks
19:40 Push the layout to the Erae Touch
20:11 Turning off MIDI clock receive on the Rytm
21:10 I'm not a drummer, but let's play!"

Crunchy Drum Sample Pack + Crazy Performances

video upload by True Cuckoo

"Get this gnarly drum sample pack here: https://cuckoo.gumroad.com/l/ch4d
Made on the Roland SH-4d. Mastered with punchy crunch in mind.
The stickers seen on my Elektron devices can be purchased here:
http://merch.truecuckoo.com"

Pimp your Elektron devices! (Limited Friday Release)

video upload by True Cuckoo

"Get your stickers (and vinyl) here:
https://tigernet.no/artist/931457-tru...

I just released my limited edition sticker pack for Elektron devices. I call the pack 'Cuckoo's Sequencer Sticker Pack 1'. Both vinyl stickers, holographic and glittering reflecting stickers. They turned out beautiful, if I were to say it myself."

Roland Introduces the SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer

Update: two more user videos (Alex Bell's & Starsky Carr's) added to the user playlist below.

video uploads by RolandChannel

"Lose yourself in a world of sound with the Roland SH-4d Synthesizer, a powerful desktop instrument featuring hands-on workflow and deep synthesis tools for in-the-moment magic. Watch as Detroit techno legend Carl Craig takes the SH-4d for a spin, bringing you on a sonic odyssey and diving headfirst into the unit’s array of sonic capabilities.

What’s inside the SH-4d? Command eleven OSC Models for a diverse range of sound-design possibilities, from vintage analog synths and PCM-based sounds to cutting-edge digital tones. Create custom kits with the rhythm part’s rich tone-shaping capabilities containing 26 unique drum instruments that can each be designed from scratch.

Spur spontaneous musical moments with the multitimbral sequencer, extensive effects, and plenty of polyphony. And with the loaded front panel, dynamic controls, motion recording, and more, you can transform ideas into short loops or complete songs as quickly as your ideas come."

User videos (ordered by shortest videos first - use the player controls to skip around):



Playlist:
Roland SH-4d : First jam - Freaky Tweaky
The Roland SH-4d In a Nutshell - Alex Ball
Roland SH-4d：基本機能・VISUAL ARPEGGIO・D-MOTIONの説明 - Freaky Tweaky
Roland SH-4D 1st Look - Sonic LAB - sonicstate
Roland SH-4d Demo & Review - musictrackjp
ROLAND SH-4d REVIEW // Rolands best synthesizer groovebox yet?! - BoBeats
Roland Synthesizer SH-4d Review // A Synth Groovebox with Vintage Vibes - Starsky Carr
Roland SH-4d Review: The multi-engine synth battle heats up! // Full SH4d tutorial - loopop
Roland SH-4d Mega Tutorial - True Cuckoo

And the press release:

Future Retro Desktop Synth with 11 OSC Models, Pro Sound Design Tools, Hands-On Workflow, and Multitimbral Pattern Sequencer

Los Angeles, CA, February 23, 2023 — Roland announces the SH-4d Synthesizer, a powerful new desktop instrument focused on synthesis and sound design. With 11 OSC Models and a hands-on panel filled with knobs, buttons and sliders, the SH-4d fuels on-the-spot creation and endless sonic discoveries. It also features a multitimbral sequencer with four synth parts and a customizable rhythm part, allowing users to compose intricate patterns with motion recording, extensive effects and more. Equally suited for studio, stage and traveling, the SH-4d is a fun and versatile instrument that will appeal to both modern electronic music creators and synth collectors everywhere.

Fifty years ago, Roland launched its first synthesizer, the groundbreaking SH-1000. The SH name has represented the company’s core synthesizer instruments ever since, merging innovative new technologies with tactile interfaces for quickly designing sounds in the moment. The SH-4d opens the next chapter in the long-running series, offering Roland’s latest analog modeling advancements and a deep-yet-inviting panel that catalyzes creativity and rewards exploration at every turn.

Detroit techno legend Carl Craig was so impressed with the SH-4d that he agreed to be the face of the launch video, delivering a spirited performance featuring new music composed solely on the unit. "That machine is a little monster,” he said after spending just a short time with the SH-4d. “So many options to not only shape sound but to shape the musical composition too."

Eleven OSC Models offer diverse sound-crafting possibilities, from vintage analog tones with SH-4d, SH-3D, Chord, Ring and Sync Models to cutting-edge digital textures with Cross FM, Wavetable and Drawing Models. Influential voices from Roland’s historic past include SH-101 and JUNO-106 Models and a PCM Model with a large selection of sample-based sounds. The SH-4d also features a flexible drum synthesizer with rich tone-shaping capabilities for creating custom kits from scratch.

The SH-4d puts everything creators need for pro sound design at their fingertips, with 32 knobs, four sliders and a massive array of multi-function buttons. The LCD, sliders and buttons automatically reconfigure their functions to follow the selected mode, eliminating menu-dive roadblocks that slow the creative flow. Dedicated Filter, Amp and LFO sections are always ready to shape any tone or pattern. And with the powerful Matrix section, users can create an even wider range of sounds by routing the output of the LFO or envelope generator to parameters in a Model.

Among its many tricks, the SH-4d features built-in motion sensors that allow the user to pick up the synth and adjust sounds with physical movements. D-Motion mode provides X/Y control for two parameters, while the unique Visual Arpeggio shapes note patterns via fun interactive displays.

The SH-4d sequencer is always a button press away, ready to transform sound ideas into compact loops or extended compositions. Up to 60 notes of total polyphony provide ample resources to develop complete musical ideas in the box. There’s also a versatile selection of renowned Roland effects to frost, finesse, rough up or mangle tones and patterns.

The SH-4d runs on a standard USB-C phone charger or AA batteries for up to four hours. There’s a two-plus octave button keyboard for self-contained composition, plus MIDI I/O for use as a sound module and controller in an expanded hardware setup. The SH-4d also functions as a USB-C audio/MIDI interface with 12 discrete audio channels for computer music production.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Expressive E Osmose Launch

video uploads by Expressive E



Osmose Sounds

video upload by David Bessell

"Some sounds from the Osmose. An initial impression of what it sounds like straight out of the box. This will no doubt be making an appearance on my next solo album on DiN records."

Osmose - A very different synthesiser has arrived

video upload by True Cuckoo

"This is different. It's a new journey to embark on. and I love it. Please hang out with me on my first proper sit down with the production model Osmose. I love how expressive you can be with every patch."

The Big Osmose Video - Sonic LAB

video upload by sonicstate

"After a perfect storm of COVID and global parts shortages. The Osmose instrument from Expressive E is now shipping to the backers, next step is full production.

The instrument has an incredibly sensitive playing action with a custom keybed combined with the Eagan Matrix - a highly expressive and complex sound engine offering physical modelling, FM and a lot more besides.

We had a visit from Christopher who's the main product guy for the Osmose to show Gaz Williams where this exicting new instrument has got to.

00:00:00 Start
00:01:59 GPU Sponsor Mac Support
00:02:51 Overview
00:06:15 Eagan Matrix
00:09:01 Sounds
00:11:52 Controller?
00:15:42 Pedals
00:17:56 Control Section
00:22:18 Macros
00:25:59 Sensitivty
00:33:12 Portamento and Arp
00:36:49 Percussive voices
00:41:47 MPE
00:45:09 Case and Wrap"

And the press release with pics:

"Expressive E is proud to announce Osmose, the new universal standard for musical expressivity. Osmose is a polyphonic synthesizer that unlocks new ways to control sound and features a powerful sound engine created in collaboration with the leading-edge audio company, Haken Audio.

The conclusion of an epic adventure

Three years ago, Expressive E embarked on an ambitious adventure by opening the pre-orders for their standalone synthesizer, Osmose.

Osmose elevates a playerʼs experience by introducing a new landscape of features for musicians to interact with sound and produce music in new ways. It does this while not only respecting, but also enhancing the playerʼs existing keyboard skills. Every note can be articulated independently with unique expressive possibilities, such as those seen in this Osmose gesture compilation video: https://youtu.be/AA5xe7k4OrM

To achieve that goal, the Expressive E engineers set out to industrialize a new generation of expressive keybed which is at the core of Osmoseʼs playing experience. The biggest challenge was to implement all expressiveness-related technologies into the familiar keybed form factor of the piano that musicians have been using for centuries. Creating a new kind of keybed generated many industrial production obstacles and ultimately required a total symbiosis between DSP and hardware to connect all players to Omoseʼs sound through the use of natural gestures.

Expressive E engineers conducted hundreds of on-field test sessions to fine-tune the complex design of the synthesizer. Artists played a tremendous role in the refinement of Osmose by providing precise feedback about playing sensations and helped shape a new ergonomic tool, relevant for musicians from various music scenes and cultural horizons. Thanks to their support as well as the early adopters and partners, the wait is finally over: Osmose has now started to ship.

First deliveries and re-opening of preorders
Expressive E are thrilled to announce the delivery of the first Osmose units to early adopters of the project. The first products had already been delivered in late 2022 and early backersʼ shipments will keep flowing continuously.

Expressive E have thus decided to reopen pre-orders on January 5th 2023 for all musicians interested in purchasing Osmose. The pre-order scheme has been reconducted to allow Expressive E to anticipate demand as efficiently as possible and organize their production schedules accordingly. Despite a tense economical environment driven by inflation, component shortages and the resurgence of epidemics, the company will still commit to guaranteeing a $/€1,799 retail price, within the limits of allocated stocks.

Interested musicians can now pre-order their Osmose on Expressive Eʼs website or through an affiliated dealer. [see the dealers on the right]

A new kind of synthesizer
From its inception, Osmose was designed as a solution to connect musicians with electronic instruments more intimately while still retaining the sound-design abilities of modern-day and vintage synthesizers.

Backed by a powerful sound engine made in collaboration with pioneering audio company Haken Audio, Osmose offers more than 500 creativity-boosting presets. Each of them was fine-tuned to offer performance and recording-ready macros. Preset curation covers many musical genres including modern pop, urban, film scoring, electronic music, sound design, and traditional instrumental music.
Made to inspire, Osmose offers a playful experience based on familiar features and thus presents a gentle learning curve. It offers the benefits of MPE instruments without the need to relearn the instrument entirely.

From the beginning, Osmose has been a collaborative project with artists from many musical backgrounds. They have been involved in the development of Osmose to make it a musical companion to fit their creative and ergonomic needs. Expressive E celebrates these artist collaborations with the release of a video series recapping the Osmose adventure and the reaction of artists to the new, dynamic, inspiring synthesizer.

Shot in Chennai (India), Paris (France), and Los Angeles (USA), the video series features musicians and producers like Flying Lotus, AR Rahman, Jean-Michel Jarre, Mike Dean, Cory Henry, André Manoukian, and Tarik Azzouz. It shows their approach to musical expression, how they interact with Osmose, and how this new synthesizer has influenced the way they play. A trailer for the series is now available on YouTube.

During Q1 and Q2 2023 Expressive E will regularly release clips focusing on each individual artist from the main trailer video. The first three episodes of the series are now available on YouTube. They feature musical icon A.R. Rahman (Grammy winner and film scorer for 127 Hours and Slumdog Millionaire), jazz virtuoso J3PO (a prolific solo artist and keyboardist for Marcus Miller), and trap beatmaker veteran Tarik Azzouz (a Grammy winner who has worked with Jay-Z, DJ Khaled, 2 Chainz, and many more)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

#Jamuary2023 (4) One cheap synth is enough

video upload by True Cuckoo

"Big shoutout to @KorgOfficial for keeping the Microkorg around. It's an affordable synth. But it is actually a very flexible, great sounding synth, once you get your head around the synth engine. All these sounds are from my 128-microkorg-presets sound pack.

Sound pack: https://cuckoo.gumroad.com/l/PlAtx

Support me here: http://www.patreon.com/cuckoomusic"

#jamuary2023 (3) Dream Synth

video upload by True Cuckoo

"In 2022 I had the absolute pleasure of working with Love Hultén @hulten1000 An amazing independent Swedish artist who has specialised in giving his now iconic design to select gear. In our collaboration I chose to combine the MegaFM synth, the Blue Sky reverb and the Keystep 37 keyboard into one absolute dream synth. Here played in one take without any editing whatsoever.

I started Jamuary in January 2017, as a movement to gather us boopy music heads, and to motivate people to get used to the idea of showing their music in front of other people. It quickly grew out of proportions thanks to everybody joining in! Let's continue with the tradition, but don't burn yourself out in the process. Do what you can, what is meaningful to you, or just browse around and get inspired. And don't worry if it's just a little boop. I like boop. Tag your post with #jamuary2023 and join the movement."

SmplTrek - A new sampler has arrived

video upload by True Cuckoo

Additional SmplTrek posts

"SmplTrek is a new portable sampler/ song writing instrument, made by Sonicware. I like it. It's a little bit technical to get into, but anyone can learn.

My online store: http://store.truecuckoo.com

Chapters:
02:42 Quick overview
04:48 Copy samples to card
05:18 Overview of tracks
06:04 Creating a drumkit
09:17 Turning on the metronome
09:33 Setting the length of a clip
09:47 Realtime recording
10:22 More beats, chords, bass
14:26 Loop track + Mic monitoring
15:17 Internal microphone
16:13 Dynamic microphone
18:00 Mixing vocals basics
19:07 Recording loops
19:48 Global track introduction
20:59 Quick lyrics sesh
21:20 Chorus insert effect
21:53 Recording a global track
22:26 Master M.B. Compressor
23:24 Crispy vocal
24:06 Punch-in recording Global track
25:09 Live mixing the whole track
26:20 High five to Sonicware!

100 MODULAR SYNTH OSCILLATORS - Plus more! Synth Diaries 2022

video upload by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

"Testing 100 modular VCO's and looking at the trip to barcelona! with @True Cuckoo and @HAINBACH at Sonar with Patreon. i got to road test the kosmo eurorack modules! and experience some sick @Befacosynth DRUMS"

Impossibly Beautiful Synthesizer

video upload by True Cuckoo

"Extraordinarily beautiful redesign of my MegaFM synthesiser, Keystep 37 keyboard, and Blue Sky reverb, by the unique artist/ designer Love Hultén.

Please head over to Love Hultén and give him a high five. And maybe consider ordering a mod for yourself, if you have a special occasion where it makes sense to spend a little extra.

http://lovehulten.com"

See teh Love Hultén label below for more.

Oberheim OB-X8 - is raw purity enough?

video upload by True Cuckoo

"Oberheim has released a new synth with the helping hand of Sequential. It's a purist analog approach to the legacy of Oberheim. But is that enough in this day and age? Now that we're so used to advanced modulation matrixes and digital effects, and many synthesis methods on board etc? I think this appeals to a certain purist demographic. And for them it'll surely sound very much like that certain legendary sound that you might remember from a lot of productions. But for me, this is not a nostalgic experience at all. My personal nostalgia lies elsewhere. So I'm immune to any form of nostalgic reaction this might conjure. I'm experiencing this from the start. And even if I appreciate the pure balanced tone, I personally think it's a little bare minimum when it comes to functionality. How do you feel about it? Is this 'just right' for you?"

ALM Busy Circuits opens door to my happy place - #superbooth2022

video upload by True Cuckoo

"ALM Busy Circuits is a sort of mysterious company that has been on my radar over the last 3 years. They have some incredibly charming modules that open the door to my happy place."

Haken Audio Magic - Outerworldy jam + Walkthrough of Eaganmatrix Eurorack setup #superbooth2022

video upload by True Cuckoo

"I had a chat with Edmund Eagan from Haken Audio, about how he approaches Eurorack with their new Eaganmatrix Eurorack module. It sounds like nothing else."

Bastl Pizza and Softpop 2 - #superbooth2022

video upload by True Cuckoo

"I'm at Superbooth 2022. Bastl just introduced their new module, Pizza. Also talking about Softpop 2. I love this stuff!"

See the Bastl label below for more.

Introducing Roland AIRA Compact | T-8 Beat Machine, J-6 Chord Synthesizer, E-4 Voice Tweaker

video upload by

$199.99 each. Additional videos below. Press release and pics below them.

"AIRA Compact puts Roland’s legendary creative magic in the palm of your hand. Easily play and perform with these highly jammable instruments—anywhere, anytime. Chain them together to catalyze your creativity or connect with MIDI gear, computers, and music apps to expand your setup. Just power on and go with the flow.

About the T-8 Beat Machine

The T-8 Beat Machine is a mini rhythm factory with six tracks of pristine TR drums plus a TB-303 bass track. Embodying decades of modern musical sound, the T-8 gives you the power to create infectious tracks in seconds flat. Craft on-the-fly acid jams or trap bangers with the intuitive 16-step sequencer, shape sounds with onboard controls, and flip and dice beats with simple, yet powerful tools.

About the J-6 Chord Synthesizer

The J-6 is a portable synth toolbox with all the building blocks you'll need to bring harmonic substance to your jams. Pairing a powerfully unique chord sequencer with lavish JUNO-60 synth tones, J-6 packs a versatile feature set into a highly jammable format. Generate soul-stirring song ideas with the turn of a knob and explore 100 chord sets over a variety of genres. Experiment with styles and variations to coax dancing lines and rhythmic patterns from your chords. Add lush chorus, reverb, or delay to frost your sound.

About the E-4 Voice Tweaker

Harmonize, auto-pitch, vocode, loop, and glitch your voice all from the portable E-4 Voice Tweaker. Want hands-on control? Connect a mic or input a feed and easily explore effects using the sliders, function buttons, and scatter knob. From looping live jams to livestreaming or tightening up and expanding performances, the E-4 will transform your voice into your new favorite instrument.

Chapter Breakdown
0:00 – Series Introduction
1:50 – T-8 Beat Machine
2:22 – T-8 Patterns, Sounds, and Tracks
3:22 – T-8 Hands-On Controls and Performance Tools
4:19 – T-8 Create a Drumbeat
4:41 – T-8 Create a Bassline
5:40 – T-8 Advance Programming and Effects
6:25 – J-6 Chord Synth
6:52 – J-6 Playback and Genres (Chord Sets)
7:13 – J-6 Sound
7:52 – J-6 Style and Variation
8:22 – J-6 Chord Sequencer
9:14 – J-6 Connect to DAW
9:39 – E-4 Voice Tweaker
10:14 – E-4 Hands-On Controls
10:29 – E-4 Auto Pitch, Harmony, Vocoder
11:09 – E-4 Looper
11:26 – E-4 Scatter
11:50 – Connectivity"

Roland AIRA Compact J-6 / T-8 / E-4 - DEMO by gattobus

video upload by gattobus

"Roland's birthday party it's not over!
A few days ago they sent me these little magic boxes to try them out and in less than an hour of tweaking, I came out with this song!!!
The song title "A Big Tiny World" is because they are BIG sounding TINY boxes indeed! :D
They are:

- J-6 Chord Synthesizer
- T-8 Beat Machine
- E-4 Voice Tweaker

Their sound quality is astonishing! It's amazing to have the power of ACB technology in such a small form factor...
Everything you hear in this video was played and recorded in real time, no post processing or FX was added.
I had so much fun, I hope you like it!"

Roland Aira Compact : T-8 / J-6 / E-4 : Portable Drum Machine, Polyphonic Synth, & Vocal Effects

video upload by Perfect Circuit

T-8 Drum Machine & Acid Style Bass Synth : https://bit.ly/3KToRQp J-6 Polyphonic Synth : https://bit.ly/3FuHg4Z E-4 Vocal Transformer : https://bit.ly/3yowhbM

"Join our pal Dustin for the debut of the AIRA COMPACT line of synthesizers ! These three desktop style devices combine some of Roland's most recognizable and powerful sound palettes into a portable, affordable, and outrageously fun package!

Check out our in-depth Signal article for more details - https://bit.ly/3L08Msr

0:00 - Intro jam
1:07 - Overview of Aira Compact Line
2:54 - T-8 Drum Machine & Bass Synthesizer
5:50 - J-6 Four Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer
9:50 - E-4 Vocal Processor, Looper, & Effects
11:57 - Robot Acid BOPS !"

AIRA Compact- First Look at the new Range

video upload by

Roland T-8 J-6 E-4 Compacts Review: Here's what makes them special // Full Tutorial

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE
0:00 Intro
1:05 Overview
2:05 Connectivity
5:15 T-8 OVERVIEW
8:30 Drum sounds
11:55 Bass synth
14:00 Sequencing
19:20 Effects
20:15 Drive
22:05 Sidechain
24:55 Performance
26:20 T-8 Pros, cons
28:10 J-6 OVERVIEW
29:20 Synth
31:15 Effects
32:55 Keys, chords
33:50 Phrases/arp
36:10 Sequencer
39:50 Step length
40:20 Menu misc
41:40 J-6 Pros & cons
45:10 E-4 OVERVIEW
46:00 Eight things it does
50:00 Interface
50:50 MIDI control
51:20 Vocoder
52:00 Looper
53:20 Scatter
56:25 E-4 Pros & cons
58:25 T-8 Patterns
1:07:10 J-6 Patterns

How fun is the Aira Compact series?

video upload by True Cuckoo

And the press release:

Fun, Pocket-Size Instruments with Innovative Creative Features, Authentic Roland Sounds, and Class-Leading Connectivity

Los Angeles, CA, May 10, 2022 — Roland announces AIRA Compact, an all-new series of ultra-portable instruments with free-flowing features for creative exploration and authentic Roland sounds. Fun, affordable, and easy to learn, the T-8 Beat Machine, J-6 Chord Synthesizer, and E-4 Voice Tweaker bring serious musical power to everyone from hobbyists and gadget collectors to tech-savvy pros.

AIRA Compact instruments let anyone jam, perform, and develop ideas on the go with friendly controls, inspiring sounds, and loads of intuitive music tools. Users can realize complete compositions with a single unit or expand their possibilities by connecting and synchronizing with other AIRA Compact models. From one master unit, multiple AIRA Compacts can be mixed and monitored with headphones or an external speaker system. It’s also possible to interface with computer DAWS, mobile music apps, and hardware instruments via USB-C or MIDI.

Driven by Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) and other advanced technologies found in top-line Roland instruments, AIRA Compact delivers the real-deal sounds behind decades of hit music. Users can create with the genuine voices of Roland icons, including TR rhythms, TB basses, JUNO synths, VT effects, and more.

Driven by Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) and other advanced technologies found in top-line Roland instruments, AIRA Compact delivers the real-deal sounds behind decades of hit music. Users can create with the genuine voices of Roland icons, including TR rhythms, TB basses, JUNO synths, VT effects, and more.

AIRA Compact strikes the perfect balance between portability and power. Each model is small enough to slip into a pocket and features an inviting panel to jump-start the creative flow for immediate results. Onboard lithium-ion batteries provide hours of continuous use per charge, while Roland’s famous build quality will support musical adventures for years to come.

T-8 Beat Machine
The T-8 Beat Machine combines iconic Roland drum and bass sounds in a go-everywhere rhythm factory. Beatmakers can build tracks with legendary sounds from the TR-808, TR-909, and TR-606 drum machines, paired with the shapeshifting low end of the dynamic TB-303 Bass Line. The six-track drum sequencer features the famous TR-REC workflow, enhanced with deep tools like step loop, pattern shift, probability, and others to generate dynamic performances with constantly evolving grooves. The T-8 also provides an authentic TB-303 bass experience, including the tactile power to squeeze, squelch, and mangle sounds in the moment.

J-6 Chord Synthesizer
The J-6 Chord Synthesizer is an endless well of musical inspiration, pairing a powerful chord sequencer with the lavish tones of the renowned JUNO-60 synth. Creators don’t need to know chords or theory to make music—they can simply call up one of 100 chords sets and build compelling chord progressions with one-touch presses on the built-in keyboard. Styles and variations are also available to coax dancing lines and rhythmic patterns from chords. Users can quickly string progressions together via step input, tweak the sound with dedicated filter and envelope controls, and add polish with customizable delay and reverb effects.

E-4 Voice Tweaker
The E-4 Voice Tweaker combines advanced voice transformer tools and standard vocal effects with a hands-on interface that’s meant to be played. Performers can go from traditional vocal enhancements to punchy beatboxed grooves to striking alien soundscapes—all in a single tune. Pitch and formant sliders are available to instantly change the vocal gender, create robot voices, and more. Auto Pitch, automatic harmony, and vocoder processors are included, along with reverb, delay, and other effects. There’s also a built-in 24-second looper for capturing performances on the fly, plus a unique Scatter function for slicing and dicing the sound via a dedicated panel knob.

Availability & Pricing

The Roland AIRA Compact series is now available in the U.S. for $199.99 each."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Syntakt Beginners Mega Tutorial - 1

video upload by True Cuckoo

"I like the new Syntakt from Elektron. Combining simplicity and fun with depth. It goes straight to my list of recommended electronic instruments!
Here's a tutorial on how to get going. As always I'm freestyling when I make these tutorials, so I never really know what order things happen. Just take your time and hang out with me, and I'm sure you'll get a pretty good first overview of how to gel with the Syntakt."

PO32 Tonic + iPhone Connection (Jamuary2022 Challenge)

video upload by Perplex On

"This jam is my attempt to take part on the weekly #jamuary2022 challenge by @True Cuckoo , where the theme "connection" has to be implemented in one or the other way. Besides, it has to use at least some acoustic samples.

I see the theme of connection contextualized in four layers:

- Emotional connection: The piano recording dates back about 5 years ago to one morning at my mother-in-law‘s house. While some part of the family was preparing food, i was tinkling on the family’s old upright piano. You can even hear my little nephew playing in the background. Especially since the piano and even the house doesn’t exist anymore in this form, it’s a nice reminder to this very moment.

- Literal connection: By strapping the PO on the iPhone, both devices almost become one new self-contained instrument, both by forming a physical unity and by enabling the usage of each audio output simultaneously.

- Physical connection: By utilizing the gyrometer sensor in the iphone to scrub through the recording in a granular synthesis environment (here using idensity app loaded with 2 pitched instances of the piano recording), the body movements are tied to the sonic outcome.

- Audiovisual connection: By presenting this little jam in combination with audioreactive visuals, which are moving forward with each snare hit, the goal is to create a visual clue for the audience to get involved even more into what is happening, creating a wider experience and connection to the act. Furthermore, there‘s a meaningful context to the interweaving circular visuals in the sense that a circle is a connection of infinite points. Like all these individual sonic grains form a whole connected sound. Like life is a connection of infinite single memories."