Akai has made its much-hyped instrument, the MPC Key 37, official. It’s a powerful standalone MPC desktop synth with onboard sampling, plugin instruments, insert effect, Splice integration, and more. Sporting three octaves of full-size keys, it’s big enough to be able to handle a lot of creation tasks, including two-hand […]
Synth, Electronic & Audio
Sadly, not being in attendance at this year’s NAMM show, we weren’t able to see some of the gear which seemed to fly under the radar of press releases or other announcements and instead had teaser releases on social media. One such was that of Embodme showing off a pre-funding […]
KORG has announced a trio of modular versions of popular synths in its range, namely the modwave module, opsix module and wavestate module. All available as 19-inch desktop/rackmount modules, they have the same functionality as their keyboard equivalents but for a new audience who want the experience in a different […]
KORG has announced the launch of its opsix mk II altered FM synthesiser, based on the sound engine of the original opsix, and expanding the number of simultaneous voices and voicings to 64. Features This launch follows on from the opsix SE launched last summer. Availability and pricing to be […]
KORG has announced a new version of its KingKORG virtual analog synth, in a 37-key model, complete with new sounds, vocoder and refreshed look. The KingKORG NEO combines a classic analog-like synth layout with swift, intuitive editing, for an unmatched level of depth and flexibility. The XMT (eXpanded Modelling Technology) […]
JoeCo has announced the launch of its Band-Mate 24-channel backing track player for performing musicians who don’t want to be tethered to a laptop, with potential crashes and slowdowns right when you don’t need it. Touting it as “the most reliable member of your band” it is said to make […]
Probably most of the time we try to avoid feedback (particularly if wearing headphones) but synth experimenter Simon the Magpie has created his own Feedback Organ based on months of playing with deliberate audio feedback. His 3D printed case features two sets of holes. On one side they cover a […]
Yamaha has announced that an ESP (Expanded Softsynth Plugin) replicating its latest Montage M synth is now available, initially as a “Quick Edit” version but expanding into a full version to add full editing, enhanced connectivity and more. The plugin itself is free but you will need a real hardware […]
Studiologic has announced two new instruments in its classy Numa line, derived from the Numa X Piano. The Numa Compact SE and Compact X SE share features with the Numa Compact but boast a powerful new sound engine. Overview Acoustic Engine The new acoustic engine includes new acoustic piano sounds […]
Last year KORG celebrated two decades of the classic and iconic microKORG portable synth with a limited edition Crystal model. Now, fresh into 2024, KORG has revamped the design and functionality completely and offers up the new microKORG. Maintaining a respectful nod to the portability, playable mini keyboard, and some […]
Based on the KORG Doncamatic of 1963, KORG introduces its KR-11 rhythm box, designed to be compact and simple, offering a fun way to practice and play music anywhere. Key features include: There are nine different genres with 14 variations in each, for a total of 126 distinct patterns, plus […]
Yamaha has announced an all-in-one music creation station designed for composing and performing electronic music. The compact SEQTRAK controller allows users to capture ideas quickly, create original music using its versatile sound and sample engines, and offers a host of performance and connectivity options. Two well-known, tried and tested sound […]
Initially surprising news based on testing suggests that Apple’s original Silicon M1 Pro chip may actually outperform the latest M3 Pro when running popular DAWs including Ableton, Pro Tools, and even Apple’s own Logic. The issue seems to be that the latest chipset is not being fully utilised by these […]
Patch Point has announced that a PP version of its Fénix II analog synthesiser is being produced in small batches and can be preordered now. The Fénix II PP is a direct descendant of the Fénix II and has been designed in collaboration with the designer Bert Vermuelen of the […]
Swedish audiovisual Artist and woodworker LOVE HULTÉN’s latest creation is a custom made Osmose synth which also includes a stereo looper and tape echo. Osmose is already a very impressive piece of kit which has a wide variety of inbuilt sensors to enhance the playing experience and increase performance possibilities […]
Teenage Engineering has announced the launch of its EP-133 KO II sampler, based on the PO-33 KO but with more power, more sampling capabilities, a fully reworked sequencer and brand new punch-in effects. It has a price that actually seems attainable (the kind of price you’d think you might be […]
Polyend has announced an upgrade to its Play unit in the shape of the Play+, a 16-track sample and synth-based groovebox with an enhanced internal architecture which enables a host of new features such as richer stereo sounds, multitimbral polyphonic synthesis and seamless audio over USB. There are many different […]
Behringer has announced its UB-Xa, a classic analog 16-voice polyphonic synth with eight voltage modes, dual VCFs and a 61key polyphonic aftertouch keyboard. Channeling classic Oberheim synths of very similar names, Behringer claims it is more than simply a recreation of a classic synth, but rather has all the “bells, […]
In the past week Apple has updated Logic Pro to version 10.8, adding in a number of interesting new features including the obligatory AI-powered functions. It’s taken us until now to realise the release had happened because of a rant point which we’ll save for the end of the article. […]
Six years since the launch of the original Genos arranger workstation, which superseded the Tyros line, Yamaha has announced the Genos2, headlined “From Tribute to Timeless”. The phrase “game changer” is rolled out once again, but let’s take a look at what Yamaha has squeezed into its latest premium instrument […]
There’s no doubt Roland holds a significant place in the history of synths and other electronic instruments for the past half century and more, and now it has launched an ambitious “Super Instrument” which anyone can use to harness the power of some iconic Roland instruments. GALAXIAS is a single […]