Weekly Roundup 20-26 November 2023 – Piano & Synth Magazine

Our weekly roundup of things which don’t fit into full-blown articles or features but are cool and should be shared.

Hardware

Love Hultén Ferrofluid Synthesizer

Synthesizer craftsperson Love Hultén has created a wonderful new synthesizer/ferrofluid music visualizer:

Software

Oxid

Oxid is a software instrument for Microsoft Windows (VST2/VST3/CLAP) and Apple macOS (VST2/VST3/CLAP/AU) simulating the classic ARP Omni-2 Polyphonic Synthesizer from the 1970s. It is written in native C++ code for high performance and low CPU consumption. Main features are:

Close simulation of the original hardware
64 voices polyphony
String and Synthesizer sections

Paraphonic madness
Additional Phaser and Delay effects
Resizable user interface (not “N” version!)

MIDI Learn – all parameters can be controlled by MIDI CC
Plug-in supports Windows and macOS (32 bit and 64 bit)

IK Multimedia Product Manager

IK Multimedia will no longer charge users to redownload instrument and sound files in latest version of Product Manager.

Link

Rhodes V-Rack Plugin

Building upon the popular success of its V8 Series plug-ins, Rhodes announces the V-RACK: the latest product in its highly regarded V Series of plug-in offerings. ?V-RACK houses seven distinctive effects modules, faithfully capturing the sonic essence of the analogue effects section found in Rhodes’ acclaimed MK8 piano, making them readily available for users working in a DAW-based studio or live environment.

Link

RouteNote Create

RouteNote Create introduces MIDI packs and synth presets: create without limitations.

Link

Music

Vince Clarke

Vince Clarke, a synth-pop mastermind, on his unexpected solo album.

Link

Close To Monday

Diving into the world of Close To Monday, it’s like stepping into a scene from a movie – but in this case, the scene is set by their upcoming single, “Lie.” This duo, Ann and Alexander, have a knack for blending catchy pop with a cinematic feel that’s pretty rare and cool. They remind you a bit of CHVRCHES and Boy Harsher, but with a twist that’s all their own.

Link

Lewis OfMan

Equal parts Velvet Underground, Nicholas Albrook and Fiery Furnaces, ‘Hey Lou’ is the perfect drop of alt pop perfection.

Link

Pasocom Music Club

Osaka synth-pop duo, PASOCOM MUSIC CLUB, dropped their latest creation ‘For The Aliens EP’ on October 27th. This EP follows the trajectory of their fourth album, ‘FINE LINE’, which hit the airwaves back in May, exploring the cosmos with a blend of retro sounds and modern electronic elements.

Link