TR-909 Firmware Version 5 Demos

See this post for details.

Playlist:

1. TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5 UPGRADE!!!

// The most wonderful thing that could have ever happened for Roland TR-909 owners and lovers has actually happened.

2. TR-909 FIRMWARE V.5 - Demonstration 1 - MIDI SYNC CORRECTION

// I’ve installed one of the first Revolution 909 firmware upgrades from Addictive Instruments into my own personal Roland TR-909 and I released a little enthusiastic clip about how delighted I am to have 33 year old serious problems resolved. This is the first of a few posts planned for today to show you why it’s so amazing to me.

3. TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5 - Demonstration 2 - SWITCH BETWEEN PLAY AND WRITE MODE IN REAL TIME

// This is something that I’ve been thinking about since 1991 when I first got my own TR-909: The ability to switch between pattern play and pattern write without having to stop the sequencer.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The TR-909 in pattern write mode allows us to do some clever things. We can change the length of the pattern using last step, and we can add and subtract notes and accents (internal and external) to develop our pattern. However, we can only do this in write mode.
So in order to do these things in performance we have to A ) stop, change modes, and start again B ) stay in write mode always (can’t change patterns in write mode) C ) program our drums from another device entirely D ) add all the chaos, and then use the level knobs to bring sounds in and out (the way maestro Jeff Mills makes magic!) or E ) make a ton of patterns ahead of time and switch between them as our performance.
We can do mutes on a mixer, use a midi controller. There are options, but when I’m playing live it’s just me. I have stuff happening. It’s a lot to navigate and keep track of. Changing mixer settings, dealing with midi controllers, or even flipping through preset patterns can be distracting and a bummer. Adding the ability to just get into write mode and change the length for a fill, or a sidetrack, or a totally new in the moment idea is fantastic!

4. TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5- Demonstration 3 - MUTES

// This is something which I didn’t anticipate being so amazing. I use mutes on the mixer as a fundamental part of how I perform live, but I don’t tend to reach for instrument mute functions on the actual devices. This is not a personal bias, but rather a point of clarity. I’m doing like 25 things at once in any given performance (and singing) so it’s pretty easy to forget what I’ve muted or un muted unless it’s in central place (like on the mixer), but after all I just explored in demonstration clip 2 about ways to add and subtract sounds live, mutes are a marvelous and really powerful addition to this list of ways to address patten complexity in a live performance.

5. TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5 - Demonstration 4 - INSTANT PATTERN CHANGES

// Ok, this is really simple, but it’s so super extra totally bad ass.

Fig.1 INSTANT PATTERN CHANGES
The thing about the TR-909 is that it doesn’t instantly change patterns. You have to wait for the end, and then it starts the next selected pattern. To get around this you can do some stuff:
• make some really complicated patterns
• make one big complex pattern and then use the mixer to bring things in and out (fun!)
But this is fantastic! Just hold down shift and start instantly jumping between patterns. Add a crash from a crashy pattern, start a fill, and switch to just a kick drum, mix and match patterns and really get something heavy going - THEN get involved with the mixer, and it’s a gorgeous avalanche of TR-909 awesome!

In my example here I’m just showing you that it’s possible now. The rest is up to you.

Addictive Instruments have released firmware version 5 for the Roland TR-909 and the RE-909. It’s a real upgrade which requires soldering and while it isn’t easily reversible, the upgrade also includes firmware v1 and v4 so you can revert by choosing another firmware and booting it that way (no one would ever know).

Find out more at revolution909.fr
This first batch is limited to 100 so if you’re as happy about this as I am, hurry up!
That said, I believe in these guys and totally hope that this all goes well, and this will continue to be available (and more!) until all the TR/RE-909’s have one inside.

This was demo 4, one more and I’ll leave the rest to you.

6. TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5 - Demonstration 5 - EXTERNAL INSTRUMENT

// I’ve been using the EXT INST function of the Roland TR-909 since the day I got it. I love triggering samples, basslines, and other drum machines from the stately TR-909’s main panel. The hassle has always been that the notes it generates can’t be changed. So you get an octave or so of fixed notes and that’s all. I’ve spent a lot of time messing with samplers and getting the sounds I want to trigger from the notes I have to offer, and while it’s fun, and useful, it can be a drag. Fact is, a lot of people never even explored it.

Fig.1 CENTRAL CONTROL WITH TR-727
The TR-727 doesn’t allow us to control its midi notes either, but the Addictive Instruments firmware v.5 update has presets and it has a user mode (fig.2). So we can play any note we want on any channel we want at any velocity we want now.
My 727 is upgraded with Harry Axten‘s perfect sound rom upgrade, and this is my own custom rom, and here it is being beautifully programmed by my beloved TR-909!

Fig.3 BASSLINE
This is an example of using the user template to create a chromatic keyboard and programming a bassline which is saved with my drums, and subject to all the new and original functions of the 909.
So much fun!

Clearly I was already in love with my TR-909, but I’ve fallen all over again here.

The external instrument mode is expanded, and it much more powerful now, it’s also nicely documented (at last) in the manual. It is more complicated than plug it in and go if you want to make the most of it, and it’s worth it. This is something wonderful.

Stranger Things main theme: how to sound design the main arp sound with the OB-6

video upload by EthanJamesMusic

EthanJamesMusic OB-6 videos

"This sound design tutorial will teach you how to approach the main theme of Stanger Things. The sound is a simple combination of a pulse wave with a sub oscillator to create the arpeggio.

The Sequential Circuits OB-6 can do a respectable job of coming close to the sound, because of the SEM filter that is borrowed from the original Oberheim that was used in the main theme.

Analog synthesizers have found a way back into film music, which has led to a lot of rich experimentation of what these instruments are capable of. I think my main takeaway is the heavy use of envelope, and setting the filter modulation much lower than a normal synth pluck would require. Also, having a really dry sound mixed in with lots of ambience really cuts through in a way that creates a strong effect.

I hope you learn something from this tutorial, and it gives you some ideas to try out! Please let me know if there are any questions, or if anyone knows what instrument was used on the film. I would guess a Minimoog or similar."

Stranger Things Theme: OB-6 sound design tutorial: How to make the synth bass

video upload by EthanJamesMusic

EthanJamesMusic OB-6 videos

"This is a sound design tutorial for how to approach the main theme of Stanger Things. The sound is a dirty chorus synth bass that is achieved by detuning the oscillators, as opposed to using a chorus effect..

The Sequential Circuits OB-6 can do a respectable job of coming close to the sound, because of the SEM filter that is borrowed from the original Oberheim that was used in the main theme.

Analog synthesizers have found a way back into film music, which has led to a lot of rich experimentation of what these instruments are capable of. I think my main takeaway is the heavy use of envelope, and setting the filter modulation much lower than a normal synth pluck would require. Also, having a really dry sound mixed in with lots of ambience really cuts through in a way that creates a strong effect.

I hope you learn something from this tutorial, and it gives you some ideas to try out! Please let me know if there are any questions, or if anyone knows what instrument was used on the film. I would guess a Minimoog or similar."

Introducing Ohmicide — Stereo Distortion Eurorack Module from Ohm Force

video upload by OhmForceSoftware

Press release follows:

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NanoSeq-9 Sequencer Synth

video upload by

"A four frequency/note sequencer/rhythm synthesizer.
Four frequency adjustment controls, note pattern changer, Low Pass Filter effect, tempo control.
You can get many different sounds and pulsing beats from the NanoSeq-9.
Standard 1/4" audio output jack, 2.1mm power adapter jack for external 7-9V power supply or 9V battery.

Please see more info at Tronicraft.com"

Another Demo of the NanoSeq-9:

Synthium in Solarium. NanoSeq-9 is a Sequencer Synthesizer in Blue Light Theremin

video upload by TroniCraft Instruments

"This is an improvised demo of some of the things the NanoSeq-9 can do. It has two photo sensors that modify the frequencies.

The NanoSeq-9 is a digital sequencer inspired by LoFi, chip music, circuit-bending and retro video game sounds."

Update: pics via this listing on eBay.

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Hans Zimmer 'RadioPhonic' Synth @ Superbooth 24 w/ AJH Synth

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"Hans Zimmer's 'RadioPhonic' Synth from AJH Synth @ Superbooth 24 - This monster MiniMod Eurorack modular system was commissioned by Hans himself, and he was kind enough to allow us to build a limited number of exact replicas which will be individually built to order by AJHSynth. Full details of the system, along with an interview with Hans Zimmer about his use of the MiniMod system, can be found at https://ajhsynth.com.
We will have one such RadioPhonic system on display in our bungalow at Superbooth 24, along with a MinMod Keyz, a 9U full system, and a huge monster case full of AJH modules.
Richard Quirk, and Wayne Taylor (DreamsOfWires/Tomorrow the cure) will also be there representing AJH with Allan J Hall himself. We'd be glad to chat about the modules and demonstrate some in action, so feel free to pop by.

The AJH SYNTH Eurorack range consists of high-end modules, all hand-made in the UK, most of which are based on classic, vintage designs, authentically recreating the circuitry of much sought-after analogue instruments and technologies of the past, whilst greatly expanding them, and bringing them to modern Eurorack levels of convenience, limitless flexibility, and reliability.
Official website page: https://ajhsynth.com"

Update: press release and pics follow:

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Roland Jupiter-8 SN 110836

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

via this listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

"Roland Jupiter-8 for sale. Meticulously serviced over way too many hours to be better than the rest. We don't cut corners here - the reliability of our instruments is our top priority, so we invest all the time love and money it takes to get things right. As a result, this instrument works like new and sounds incredible! This one's pre-MIDI, but we can install an Encore Electronics MIDI retrofit at an additional cost. This is an earlier 12 bit unit. Tuning was improved in later 14 bit units. If you'd like this unit converted to a 14 bit one for an additional fee, please contact us to discuss."

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Neuzeit Instruments brings AI to Eurorack

Neuzeit Instruments WARP: AI-powered wavetables, stereo spread, knobs saved in presets: NEW firmware video upload by Neuzeit

https://www.neuzeit-instruments.com/warp

Details from the video:

- New: AI powered wavetable/spectrum generator
- New: stereo spread parameter
- New: knobs saved into presets
- And many more cool features that firmware v2.00 brings!

0:00 Intro
1:25 AI wavetable generator
7:22 AI knowledge
10:07 WT export for other synths
11:19 Stereo widening
12:27 Recall pot positions
16:09 Other new features

Press release:

Neuzeit Instruments has released new firmware for its synthesizer “Warp”. Among other things, it contains a wavetable editor that works with artificial intelligence. A neural network generates overtone spectra that are translated into wavetables by Warp. Three parameters are available to the user, with which he can playfully and fluently morph through the creations of the neural network.
The generated wavetables can not only be used within Warp, but can also be exported as a wav file for use in other synthesizers.

Warp is a four-voice synthesizer in Eurorack format whose sophisticated engine is a hybrid of additive and wavetable synthesis. The core features:

- Wavetable morphing in two dimensions (XY)
- complex spectral filters
- Wavetable FX (Fold, Bend, Drive, Redux)
- Oscillator FX (AM, FM, PM, Sync, Noise, Detune)
- 2 ADSRs, 2 LFOs
- Extensive modulation matrix
- Classic high and low pass filters per voice
- 4 wavetable editors onboard, also supporting import of wavetable files from SD card
- 7 potentiometers as expressive hands-on macro controls
- Workflow focussed on detailed work in the studio, easy handling on stage

The WarpEx expander adds:
- MIDI support and extensive CC control
- MIDI MPE
- 4-voice polyphony

The new firmware v2.00 is now available to download for free from the manufacturer's website.
More information at www.neuzeit-instruments.com/warp

If you want to get an impression of what Warp sounds like, you should watch this video with an hour of pure sound demos:

video upload by Neuzeit

Sound design tutorial from Stranger Things Eleven using OB-6 part 2

video upload by EthanJamesMusic

EthanJamesMusic OB-6 videos

"This is a sound design tutorial for how to approach a specific sound that was used in the first season of Stranger Things. I was requested to show how I would make the chord sound that happens in the track "Eleven". The sound is a wobbly synth sound, with some wrinkles about modulated the filter.

The Sequential Circuits OB-6 can do a respectable job of coming close to the sound. This track has polyphony, so a multi-oscillator synth with separate envelopes is required.

Analog synthesizers have found a way back into film music, which has led to a lot of rich experimentation of what these instruments are capable of. I think my main takeaway is the heavy use of filter modulation using an LFO assignment. Also, having a really dry sound mixed in with lots of ambience really cuts through in a way that creates a strong effect."

Sound design tutorial from Stranger Things Eleven using OB-6 and Moog Grandmother

video upload by EthanJamesMusic

"This is a sound design tutorial for how to approach a specific sound that was used in the first season of Stranger Things. I was requested to show how I would make the lead sound that happens in the track "Eleven". The sound is a wet electric piano type of sound, with some wrinkles around the use of filter modulation and reverb..

The Sequential Circuits OB-6 can do a respectable job of coming close to the sound, and I tried to get a Grandmother version to come close. This track does require polyphony, so the Grandmother would have to be multitracked to get the same result.

Analog synthesizers have found a way back into film music, which has led to a lot of rich experimentation of what these instruments are capable of. I think my main takeaway is the heavy use of envelope, and setting the filter modulation much lower than a normal synth pluck would require. Also, having a really dry sound mixed in with lots of ambience really cuts through in a way that creates a strong effect."

Meng Qi Wingie 2 & Synthstrom Deluge // The process IS the performance!

video upload by Dexba

"The Wingie 2 by @MengQiMusic changed my musical approach (for good).
It made me embrace the environmental noise, it made me start thinking a bit outside of the "synthesizers are for synthwave" box, and its portability, its cuteness, made me more willing to open up and breathe a bit more.
It's hard to explain, but after getting a Wingie I started to reconsider microphones, I got an Arbhar, I got a Befaco i4, I repaired my OP1 Field mic, I even sang into my modular (and you've seen that video already), all things I would have found sacrilegious in the recent past.
The fun part is that all those other instruments cost more than the Wingie, and yet the Wingie is still the tool that forces me to plan more a recording, while also requiring me less effort in doing so.
Love it.
Here it is being controlled by the Deluge by Synthstrom, in the new OLED version, which finally gave me the appeal and strength to study it better, and put it to good use. And I've owned a Deluge since 2018 😄
I hope you'll enjoy this little moment of calmness, my musical way to cope with the incredibly noisy neighbour I have, through resonation."

Arturia Introduces the AstroLab - Avant-Garde Stage Keyboard

video upload by Arturia

Update: new user videos added below.

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Novation Circuit Tracks Pack by Techtronix

video uploads by Isotonik Studios

AVAILABLE HERE: https://isotonikstudios.com/product/k...

"Ever wanted a real sounding piano Patch on the Circuit tracks? Or maybe an acoustic guitar bass, that could pluck more if you hit it harder, and yet retain its low end autheticity. Keys brings an end to this search allowing you create realistic sounding acoustic music such as rnb and soul and a lot more. no more trying to work out a way to get a piano in your sample pool.

Using old synthesis techniques such as La Synthnesis, Freqency modulation, and slight wavetable manipulation, it is possible to create the slight nuances that make things resonate in an authentic way and play naturally on a keyboard or circuit Keys does this in order to bring you traditional sounding acoustic instruments.

Featuring a huge amount of authentic sounding instruments in the patches and crackle samples, aswell as chord samples. This pack makes it very easy to create your own version of an nostalgic track in any genre and add that flavour to sound.

With over 16 sessions boasting 9 different genres, Keys leaves no stone unturned transforming the circuit tracks in to something beyond what it was intented for. you will find many new techniques in the sessions such as shifting steps, swing, a new scale probability trick if you can find it!?!?

Velocity sensitivity is key here, please make sure to turn it on.

You will find that if you play softly on bass guitar, it is more subby, but if you play hard or programme in loud notes you will here the twang. similarly on all live instruments, velocity plays a big part.

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Anamnesis (4/4) - The Temple

video upload by Hélène Vogelsinge

Follow-up to Anamnesis (4/4) - The Lake

"Anamnesis (3/4)

The Temple ⛪

At the top of the village stands the church, one of the remnants that has been most spared by time. Built in the 11th century, it is made of heavy stones. Within these stones, centuries of history have accumulated.

Centuries of faith and hope; the sustenance of the pilgrim; those that propel forward but do not eliminate obstacles and do not offer a definitive abode.

Although devastated, the village is not part of the past,
and there are still a few lineages to bear witness to its
past existence.The descendants of the last farmer live
among the ruins, and we can still hear the sound of life
in the distance.

✨ 👁️ ✨ 👁️ ✨

Anamnesis is a 4-episode series which
immerses us in an ancestral story.
A story about a village and its inhabitants.
A story of resistance and its inescapable faith.

‘All ideas about the past, the present and the
future were shaped and made meaningful by
beliefs and expectations related to the End Times.

The final battle between good and evil and
the down of a new, divine order to death,
divine judgment and eternal afterlife’.

Sending you much Light
✨✨✨
🙏🙏🙏

« And now these three remain: faith, hope
and love. But the greatest of these is love. »

Always with 📷 Chalisk Pito

Notes :

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Keys - Novation Circuit Tracks Pack by Techtronix

video upload by Isotonik Studios

AVAILABLE HERE: https://isotonikstudios.com/product/k...

"Ever wanted a real sounding piano Patch on the Circuit tracks? Or maybe an acoustic guitar bass, that could pluck more if you hit it harder, and yet retain its low end autheticity. Keys brings an end to this search allowing you create realistic sounding acoustic music such as rnb and soul and a lot more. no more trying to work out a way to get a piano in your sample pool.

Using old synthesis techniques such as La Synthnesis, Freqency modulation, and slight wavetable manipulation, it is possible to create the slight nuances that make things resonate in an authentic way and play naturally on a keyboard or circuit Keys does this in order to bring you traditional sounding acoustic instruments.

Featuring a huge amount of authentic sounding instruments in the patches and crackle samples, aswell as chord samples. This pack makes it very easy to create your own version of an nostalgic track in any genre and add that flavour to sound.

With over 16 sessions boasting 9 different genres, Keys leaves no stone unturned transforming the circuit tracks in to something beyond what it was intented for. you will find many new techniques in the sessions such as shifting steps, swing, a new scale probability trick if you can find it!?!?

Velocity sensitivity is key here, please make sure to turn it on.

You will find that if you play softly on bass guitar, it is more subby, but if you play hard or programme in loud notes you will here the twang. similarly on all live instruments, velocity plays a big part.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tiptop Audio Officially Releases ART Line of Eurorack Modules

via Tiptop Audio

"Today, we are celebrating the release of the first set of ART-equipped modules, marking the first time this technology is ready for purchase. We are starting with the release of the ATX1 Analog VCO, Vortex Digital OSC, Octopus USB/MIDI interface, ART V/OCT Quantizer, and Control Path dual analog envelopes plus VCA.

On our website, we have dedicated the ART landing page as the knowledge base HQ for ART. There, you will find plenty of educational videos, module video manuals, and uploaded video playlists of music filmed during beta testing. ART is simple to use and easy to understand, and with those videos, we made sure all aspects and potential misinformation have been addressed. Additionally, more information is in the process of being added in the coming days for both DIY enthusiasts and module makers on how to implement ART, including a free reference design that adds ART to Mutable Instruments Braids and Plaits.

The creative process of making music on a modular synthesizer is a unique tactile and aural experience. With ART modules, we are entering the territory of tunable instruments and polyphonic multi-timbral compositions but with the sound design power and immediate interface of a modular synthesizer. The initial release focuses on the mono VCOs that you can use to build voices quickly or combine for discrete polyphony. Very soon, we will extend the lineup with the fully polyphonic ART modules and the release of the Polytip patch cable."

Individual modules below. Systems:

Pictured Top: The Analog Bundle S1 $945 Save 33%

Middle: The Analog Bundle S2 $999 Save 33%

Bottom: Vortex 6, Octostages Poly Envelope, Octapass Poly Filter, Octagain


ART Demo Videos

ART Beta Testing recordings


ART Essentials


ART modules video manuals


Demo patches, tips for sound design

ATX1

A classic all analog saw VCO core with 3 switchable modes, ART, 1V/Oct, LFO and is recommended as the basic building block for ART systems. It is designed for patching analog polyphonic synths from discrete modules or multi-mono patches in ART mode. When using ART the ATX1 takes care of the tuning including accounting for temperature changes. In 1V/Oct mode the ATX1 runs as a standard old school modular VCO. LFO mode drops the frequency range and is great for patching vibrato to other ATX1s among other things. The ATX1 outputs variable waveshapes with manual or CV control. Classic FM, PWM and hard sync are provided. A dedicated Gate Out in ART mode manages the voice envelopes or any modulation synced to that voice. We consider the ATX1 the best sounding analog VCO we ever created.

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Baby Audio ATOMS -Unusual Physical Modelling Synth - Sonic LAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"We take a look at the brand new Baby Audio ATOMS - a physical modeling synth based on the Mass-Spring concept.
At a basic level: The specific physical model has been turned into an instrument by Silvin Willemsen and Baby Audio. There are masses (usually balls) connected by springs (virtually of course). These are excited by a bowing action and so the masses move and the springs react.

In its simplest form these are sine waves, but with additional parameters thrown in the algorithm they become more complex.

Weird, yes and sonically pretty pleasing when process by the rest of the ATOMS voice architecture - namely, a filter and a reverberator.

What you'll find are atmospheric, organic and certainly unusual sounds that share a common ground. Its an early release, with a couple of missing things - MIDI mapping for instance, but these we suspect will soon be added.

Available now priced at $59 intro offer from https://babyaud.io/atoms"

Sound Examples - Atoms - Baby Audio

video upload by Baby Audio

"Atoms is a physical modeling synthesizer plugin by Baby Audio. In this video you'll hear sound examples of some of the plugin's 250 factory presets.

Get Atoms – Free Trial available: https://babyaud.io/atoms

00:00 Plucks
01:34 Keys
03:37 Pads
06:34 Pulsing
08:13 Leads
09:31 Bass
10:53 Atmospheres"



"Synthesis from the other side
Atoms is a new kind of synth plugin that uses cutting edge physical modeling to generate an endless variety of organic and otherworldly sounds. Use it to build rich and alive textures the world hasn’t heard before.

COMPLEX PHYSICS IN A SIMPLE PACKAGE
Physical modeling simulates the behavior of real life instruments. But Atoms takes you beyond what’s possible in the natural world. Its features are deep enough to explore the outer bounds of sound design, yet so simple that you can easily mangle, shape and create.

Atoms is powered by a simulation of interconnected masses and springs with tweakable properties and dimensions. The model is triggered by a virtual bowing action that excites the system and makes it vibrate to generate sound.

A LIVING ORGANISM
Nothing in the natural world is ever truly static. Physical modeling mimics this by generating sounds with the same organic fluctuations as acoustic instruments.

Atoms takes it even further. Its six main parameters can be automated with a selection of powerful motion options to add extra life. This lets you create soundscapes that are constantly shifting and re-generating, like a natural organism.

If you’re used to working with sample libraries, Atoms will bring a new level of otherworldly realism into your tracks.

PROGRAM NEW PATCHES WITH A CLICK
Atoms comes equipped with a powerful randomization engine. It’s a musically calibrated algorithm that selectively adjusts each parameter based on its relationship to the others, giving you usable patches with every roll of the dice.

You can narrow the algorithm further by limiting the random ranges for any knob or locking parameters from changing.

Finally, the Recycle button is a second randomizer that will create new patches similar to the current patch. Once you have a sound you like, click recycle to explore related options.

PHYSICALLY MODELED EFFECTS
The bottom panel gives you a range of creative effects to further sculpt your sound. You can also choose between four sonic profiles, each offering a different structure of the mass-spring network simulation.

With the exception of Space (reverb), all effects in the bottom panel are created inside the physical model itself. This gives you a range of unique modulation effects that are an inherent part of the physical model and sound more natural than any separate FX chain ever would."

The Crow Hill Company Announces Availability of SMALL STRING GESTURES

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

Press release follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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Video side note: Analogue Solutions Colossus in the background.

Bastl Instruments Introduces Neo Trinity Compact 6-channel Modulation Eurorack Module

video upload by

Press release follows:

We are thrilled to introduce our newest Eurorack module, Neo Trinity. It is a compact 6-channel modulation hub that combines knob and trigger recording, LFOs, CVs, and envelope generators. This module is a spiritual successor to our renowned hex modulation superhero, CV Trinity (released in 2016). Neo Trinity is designed with performance in mind, offering great musical complexity achievable with simple gestures. With Neo Trinity, building compact systems finally makes sense.

Ultimate automatable modulation hub

Each of the Neo Trinity ́s 6 channels can be either LFO, envelope generator, or a CV knob recorder, while their main parameter can be automated with the REC button.

Each channel also features a recordable trigger generator with an algorithmic fill feature to get the inspiration started or to make things polymetric and keep your patches ever-changing. Use the SHIFT button to change modulation shapes and sync selected or all channels to an internal or external clock.

Since Neo Trinity has been designed with performance in mind, it includes channel mutes and allows storing whole presets as banks.

Easy to control with complex possibilities

While the core mechanics of the module are very straightforward, the inclusion of assignable CV inputs exponentially increases the complexity of the module’s behavior. Control some or all channels in different ways with the META IN and utilize channels’ E and F dedicated inputs. The inputs can control the main parameter in a positive or inverted way, control the output amplitude, and act as an external trigger or a trigger for the internal Sample & Hold function. The CV knob recorder mode also acts as a quantizer, and when combined with the CV inputs, it turns into a handy voltage processor.

Neo Trinity will be released on January 11, 2024, 7pm CET, priced at €290 excluding VAT. Available from the Bastl Store and our retailers.

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Check with the dealers on the right for availability.

Access Virus Ti - "Meditation" Soundset (55 Presets)

video upload by LFOstore

"There are things that do not lose value over the years - gold, platinum, true feelings and the Virus Ti! This synthesizer remains the best virtual analogue device on the market, despite the fact that its release took place more than 15 years ago. For Otto K. Schwarz, this synthesizer has a fateful significance - his career as a sound designer began in 2011, when he started to collaborate with Access Music regarding creating new presets for Virus Ti.

We decided to create a soundbank for your intention to compose harmonizing music, in which imitation of living ethnic instruments, soft and gentle pads, fantastic arpeggios, bright analog leads and even the effects of nature and the environment will be organically intertwined! This soundset is suitable for both studio work and live performances and could be easily added to your synth in a minute using the Total Integration software.

We are happy to share our more than 15+ years of experience with this device. You will receive presets in which every detail is perfected. Each preset is carefully prepared, with modwheel assigned, as well as 3 modulation knobs to customize sounds deeply to the needs of your musical works. Be prepared to the next-level presets!"

https://lfo.store/