NAMM 2024: SoundToys - Superplate

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"At NAMM 2024, Sonic State had the opportunity to catch up with Chris and Walker from Soundtoys to discuss their latest plugin, SuperPlate. Released about nine months ago, SuperPlate has become a standout product for the company. Unlike traditional reverb plugins, SuperPlate is an evolution of Soundtoys' LittlePlate, featuring five meticulously modeled plate reverb bottles, including iconic models like the EMT-140 and EMT-240.

What sets SuperPlate apart is its auto decay feature, that allows for infinite decay while intelligently managing the reverb's intensity when playing into it. We delve into the algorithmic modeling process, stereo controls, and the plugin's ability to smoothly emulate the characteristics of various plate reverbs.

SuperPlate Price: 149 USD

https://www.soundtoys.com/new-superpl..."

NAMM 2024: Yamaha - Montage M - ANX Sounds Only

video upload by sonicstate

"Jim Heywood very kindly stepped up again, this time to give us a demonstration of the Yamaha Montage M, so we can have a good listen to the AN-X engine. Yamaha Montage M6 Price: £3,219.00"

NAMM 2024 - Korg - KingKorg Neo - Sound only

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"Jim Heywood once again helped us out by having a play with the KingKorg Neo for our listening pleasure. Enjoy.

KingKorg Neo Price: 949 GBP"

BAF 2024: Mystic Circuits - Idum - Ana 2

video upload by sonicstate

"At Buchla And Friends 2024, Eli from Mystic Circuits showed us some of their new modules. They announced that Idum, a gate effect proccesor which had been out of stock for a long time, is back and redesigned. Idum now has a new firmware update that adds requested features such as the ability to put on more than one mode at once. They also demonstrated improvements to the behavior of the looper, allowing for more flexibility in capturing inputs. Eli then revealed their upcoming module, Ana 2. This module is an analog logic module that offers various combinations of signals for ring mod-type effects. The new version of Ana now includes LED indicators, a multiply input with a bipolar VCA on both inputs, and additional output options such as the cut output and swap output.

Idum Price: 295 USD
Ana 2 Price: TBC

https://www.mysticcircuits.com/"

video upload by sonicstate

"Jim Heywood once again helped us out by having a play with the KingKorg Neo for our listening pleasure. Enjoy.

KingKorg Neo Price: 949 GBP"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

NAMM 2024: Yamaha - Montage M - ANX Sounds Only

video upload by sonicstate

"Jim Heywood very kindly stepped up again, this time to give us a demonstration of the Yamaha Montage M, so we can have a good listen to the AN-X engine.

Yamaha Montage M 6 Price: £3,219.00"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

NAMM 2024: Midi Manufacturers Association

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2024, Pete from Microsoft discussed the progress of MIDI 2.0 integration with the Windows operating system. Microsoft is set to release a new MIDI stack with features such as multi-client support, app-to-app MIDI, virtual MIDI, and scriptable automation. They are also working on incorporating RTP MIDI and Network MIDI 2.0 into the stack. Pete showcased a monitoring tool that comes with the MIDI stack, which allows users to view and record notes, as well as send SysEx and individual messages. Microsoft is collaborating with companies like Bremers Audio and Steinberg to ensure MIDI 2.0 support on Windows. The MIDI 2.0 protocol offers high resolution and expressivity for musicians, with support from manufacturers and positive responses from users. The MIDI Association is actively engaging with companies and building specifications to enhance the musician's experience. Their goal is widespread adoption and the expansion of MIDI 2.0 capabilities in the industry.

https://midi.org/"

NAMM 2024: Folktek Resonant Garden

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2024, Sonic State had the opportunity to explore Folktek's latest creation, the Resonant Garden. Jeff demonstrated the electro-acoustic resonating instrument which boasts an intuitive design that encourages tactile interaction. Users can tap anywhere on the instrument to generate sound, and the Resonant Garden sends it through three effects processors. Each processor features seven distinct effects, providing a diverse sonic palette. The effects can be seamlessly changed by tapping on the hexagon interface, allowing for real-time experimentation.

Jeff talked to us about Folktek's recent developments, with the revelation that the company has undergone some company changes, and Resonant Garden represents a flagship product in Folktek's reintroduction to the market under new management. The instrument promises not only the revival of some classic designs but also the introduction of newer models that were previously unreleased.

Resonant Garden Price: 959 GBP"

NAMM 2024: Dreadbox - Telepathy - Sounds Only

video upload by sonicstate

"Jim Heywood of Earmonkey music gives us a demonstration of Telepathy - a full voice analog Eurorack synth module with multi-destination LFO and Envelope prviding deceptively deep modulation in a small form factor. Jim has hooked up 6 of them to make a luscious polysynth capable of different settings on each individual module.
Telepathy Bundle (6x Telepathy, 1x Psychosis, 1x 70HP modular case) Price: 967 Euros (excl. VAT)"

NAMM 2024: Intuitive Instruments - Exquis - Sounds Only

video upload by sonicstate

"Jim Heywood of Earmonkey Music (check them out) gives us a demonstration of the Exquis exploring its key layout and showing off its MPE expressivity.
Exquis Price: 299 USD
https://dualo.com/en/exquis/"

NAMM 2024: Stylophone - CPM DS-2 - Sounds Only

video upload by sonicstate

"Jim Heywood from Earmonkey Music very kindly put the Stylophone CPM DS-2 drone synth through its paces, and rather delightful it sounds, too."

BAF 2024: Black Corporation - Jupiter 8 Desktop

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"At Buchla and Friends 2024 we hooked up with Roman Filippov of Black Corporation who has produced a limited edition charity version of his synthesizer, based on the Jupiter-8, with all proceeds going to non-military charities in Ukraine. Filippov also announced his collaboration with Buchla, bringing back vintage modules that were released in the early to mid-70s. These modules have been recreated using modern technology, while still maintaining the core sound of the original Buchla models. They also include new features such as USB and MIDI out, polyphonic aftertouch, and extended tracking capabilities. The Buchla modules are now available for purchase through the Buchla website and the official sourceofuncertainty.com web store.

Jupiter 8 Desktop Price: 4,299 USD

https://black-corporation.com/"

See the Source of Uncertainty announcement post here.

BAF 2024: New Systems Instruments - New Modules

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"At Buchla and Friends 2024, Sonic State caught up with Evan from New Systems Instruments to discuss their latest modular offerings. Evan showcased three main modules: the Triphase Oscillator, the Harmonic Shift Oscillator, and the Inertia function generator.

The Triphase Oscillator offers three phases of a sawtooth oscillator with a bipolar mixer, allowing for extensive control and the creation of unique super saw sounds. On the other hand, the Harmonic Shift Oscillator provides control over level and stride which controls the spacing between harmonics, enabling users to create a wide range of sounds with non-integer spacing between harmonics. This FM-inspired oscillator introduces a unique twist by omitting negative frequencies typically associated with inharmonic FM. The Inertia function generator, with its rise and fall momentum controls, allows users to shape snappy envelopes, add peaks, and even function as an LFO at extreme settings. Additionally, it can serve as a versatile filter, producing squelchy filter sounds.

All of these modules are currently available on the New Systems Instruments website and selected stores. The Triphase Oscillator is priced at $385, the Harmonic Shift Oscillator at $365, and the Inertia function generator at around $345.

https://nsinstruments.com/"

BAF 2024: Catalyst Audio - MIG Modules

video upload by sonicstate

"At Buchla and Friends 2024, Sonic State had the opportunity to speak with David from Catalyst Audio about their latest release, the MIG series vacuum tube modules. This series includes a VCO, mixer, VCF, VCA, and a noise source, all designed around new old stock tubes from Soviet fighter jets in the 80s. David explained that the collaboration between Buchla and Friends and ElectroSurf led to the development of these modules, with ElectroSurf handling the tube circuits and David working on the layout and production. The MIG series modules feature unique waveform shaping capabilities due to the use of two tubes, allowing for audio rate switching and balance adjustments. The VCO, mixer, filter, and VCA all offer distinct tonal changes and features that can be overdriven for added versatility. The noise module provides a wide range of sound possibilities, from pitched variations to white noise textures. Currently, they have about 1,500 tubes in stock, making these modules a limited edition item. However, the tubes are perfect for Eurorack systems as they consume low power, making them compatible with standard power supplies. The final price is yet to be determined, but it is expected to be around $400.

https://www.catalystaudio.com/"

BAF 2024: Dogbotic Labs - Synth Building Workshops

video upload by sonicstate

"At Buchla and Friends 2024, Sonic State had the opportunity to chat with Sean from Dogbotic Labs who offer online workshops for electronics, where participants receive a kit of materials and learn how to build their own circuitry over 10 weeks on Zoom. The workshops have attracted participants from all over the world, fostering a sense of community and collaborative learning. Sean, who is a composer and video artist performing under the name Isorhythmics, emphasizes the importance of experimentation and creativity in electronics, highlighting that it's not necessary to fully understand how things work as long as they can produce cool results.

One of the main workshops offered by Dogbotic Labs is the *DIY Synths* workshop, which teaches participants how to build their own basic synthesizer from scratch. Another popular workshop focuses on building a drum machine with a patchable interface. While the designs may seem complex, Sean encourages participants to customize their creations according to their own artistic visions.

Unfortunately, the kits are currently only available for purchase as part of the workshops, but Dogbotic Labs is planning to start selling the kits separately in the future. https://dogbotic.com/"

BAF 2024: Noise Engineering - Alia Series Modules

video upload by sonicstate

"We Met Marcus from Noise Engineering at Buchla And Friends 2024 and he gave us an overview of their new products, including the Alia series of oscillators. The Alia series features their four classic oscillators - Basimilus Iteritas, Manis Iteritas, Cursus Iteritas, and Ataraxic Iteritas - all redesigned with the ability to swap firmwares. This allows users to try any of the six available firmwares and easily switch between them on their website. Marcus also demonstrated the Debel Iteritas and Incus Iteritas modules, offering FM and percussive-oriented sounds respectively.

In addition to the Alia series, Noise Engineering also presented two prototype modules. The first is Pax Digitalis, a quantized random source with four channels, allowing users to create randomized sequences with adjustable deviation and direction, as well as the ability to loop and change scale. The second prototype is Sinc Seq, an arpeggiator that provides the flexibility to build custom arpeggios, save them, and cycle through them with triggers. Release dates and prices for these prototypes are yet to be announced

Alia Modules Price: 389 USD

https://noiseengineering.us/"

BAF 2024: MEMS And Associates - Buchla Modules

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2024, Sonic State had the opportunity to speak with Mark of MEMS and Associates, a research group that specializes in reverse engineering Buchla synthesizers found in universities across the United States. Mark explains that they have gone coast-to-coast, collecting rare Buchlas and have successfully replicated the David Tudor mixer from Wesleyan University. They also showcase their 132 waveform synthesizer, a 1965 module that offers complex waveforms. Mark shares that they have gained access to these universities simply by asking, and have formed collaborations to continue their work. He also reveals that these remade Buchla modules will soon be available for purchase through the licensed partnership with Analog Haven and Buchla as they aim to democratize access to these instruments.

In addition to the impressive remakes, MEMS and Associates also exhibited the rare 242 Programmable Pulser module, which allows users to program three different rhythmic pulses through a patch matrix. MEMS and Associates' future plans include hosting workshops for students to build their own modules and complete their university systems. This approach not only provides a more hands-on experience but also creates service records for these modules, as Mark mentions the lack of schematics and the need to trace circuits by hand. Mark told us the aim is to preserve and provide accessibility to these historically significant Buchla synthesizers."

See the M.E.M.S label below for more.

BAF 2024: Elektron - e25 Remix Editions - Rytm MK II

video upload by sonicstate

"At Buchla And Friends 2024, Sonic State caught up with Enrique Martinez at the Elektron booth to discuss their latest products. We got a look at their limited edition e25 series, which included the Digitakt, Digitone, and Syntakt. These instruments feature a shiny stainless steel finish that are surprisingly resistant to fingerprints. Additionally, Elektron displayed the Analog Heat Plus FX, the analog and digital effects processing unit and The Analog Rytm MKII which has new added machines and a Euclidean mode for creating intricate rhythmic patterns.

Ricky told us that the limited edition products are slightly more expensive but come with additional features and excitingly, in one box of each of the range there is a unique silver function button, which if you find it, Elektron has a secret very special prize for you!

Syntakt e25 Remix Edition Price: 1,149 USD
Digitakt e25 Remix Edition Price: 999 USD
Digitone e25 Remix Edition Price: 999 USD
Analog Heat Plus FX Price: 999 USD
Analog Rytm MK II Price: 1,799 USD"

BAF 2024: Null Modular - Modular Cases - Synth Dusters

video upload by sonicstate

"At Buchla And Friends we met with Megan from Null Modular who introduced some of their new products. The first is their modular synth cases, available in 40 HP and 84 HP sizes. These cases are flat packable and made from eco-friendly materials that are 100% recyclable. In addition, Null Modular is also showcasing their 3D printed stands, made from a plant-based material that is biodegradable.

But perhaps the most unique product from Null Modular is their synth dusters. These soft brushes come in different characters, such as spiky heads, noodle hats, and cat ears, allowing users to personalize their dusters. Not only do they serve as a stylish accessory, but they are also great for dusting off modules. The brushes are priced at $20, while the 3D Printed stands cost $25, with a locking version available for added security during transportation.

https://nullmodular.bigcartel.com/"

BAF 2024: Sleepy Circuits - Mezzz

video upload by sonicstate

"At Buchla And Friends, Sonic State had the opportunity to interview Ron from Sleepy Circuits, the makers of the Hypno generative video module. Ron showed us their latest device called Mezzz, a video synthesis system that combines a controller and app combo. Mezzz is a tiny Bluetooth MIDI controller that can also work with USB, allowing users to control over 2,000 parameters. With a gyroscope feature, users can manipulate visuals by simply rotating the controller, making it ideal for audio-reactive performances. Ron demonstrated how he could create complex visuals using mathematical functions and feedback effects, resulting in some mesmerizing patterns. The Mezzz controller is available now for $360 on the Sleepy Circuit's website and is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and desktop Macs."

See the announcement post here.