ModularSynthesizer
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Teenage Engineering is making modular synths for the masses
Modular synths are all the rage right now. And it's not just the usual players either. Korg and Stylophone recently dipped their toes in the modular world. And now Teenage Engineering is getting on the bandwagon. The company is best known for its portable music creation tools like the OP-1 and OP-Z, not to mention the damn near disposable, but kinda awesome Pocket Operator line. This year it's making it first modular system and also its first analog synth with the Pocket Operator Modular series.
Ripplemaker brings modular synths to all skill levels with an iOS app
There are plenty of apps that can turn your phone or tablet into a synthesizer, but they tend to fall into two camps: they're either affordable and simple or pricey and robust. While that's sometimes due to the nature of the instruments they're replicating, it can frustrating if you want an app that covers all the bases. However, music app developer Bram Bos may have managed just that. He recently released Ripplemaker, a patch-based modular synth for iOS that's designed to ease you into the West Coast synth method (where you add harmonics to a waveform to produce an effect) while still giving you room to grow.
'I Dream of Wires' synth documentary is streaming on Netflix
Looking to learn about the history of modular synthesizers? The documentary I Dream of Wires serves as a primer and it's now streaming on Netflix in the US. If you don't happen to live in the States, the film from Robert Fantinatto and Jason Amm is also available on-demand from Vimeo and for purchase over at iTunes. Featuring interviews with Trent Reznor, Gary Numan and others, the documentary focuses on "exploring the passions, obsessions and dreams" of those who are smitten with the instruments. Sounds like some solid weekend viewing if you ask us. [Image credit: Mark Venema/Getty Images]
Roland adds modular options to its AIRA synths
Just over a year ago, Roland unveiled its successor to the iconic 808 and 909 instruments that have a firm grasp on the modern music landscape. That drum machine, the TR-8, was part of a new AIRA line with the System-1 synthesizer, TB-3 bass synth and VT-3 vocal processor. At this year's Musikmesse in Frankfurt, the company revealed the AIRA Modular: a standalone instrument that can be paired with a handful of external effects or other audio gear. What's more, it's designed to be rackmounted or used at your desk, either with all four of the aforementioned add-ons or one or two at the time. While last year's System-1 offer a more traditional keyboard-driven approach, the AIRA Modular's centerpiece is the System-1m. The unit features Control Voltage (CV) and Gate control needed to produce a range of sounds and plug-out ability allows the System-1m to be used with other classics, like the SH-101 and PROMARS. On board, the modular synth packs in tone, crusher, reverb and delay effects alongside MIDI and LED-lit controls and inputs.
PatchWerk lets you control a monstrous modular synth with your browser (video)
The Paradiso Synthesizer at the MIT Museum might be the largest homemade instrument of its type. That fact alone does make it interesting but, what makes this room-sized collection of wooden cabinets connected by a web of cables really stand out is the fact that you can control it from the comfort of you home with nothing more than a browser. The web app, PatchWerk, lets individuals from around the world come together and commandeer Joe Paradiso's creation... at least in a limited form. As you turn dials and flip switches you can hear the soundscape change, and their real life counterparts react in kind on the museum floor. Hit up the source link to try it out for yourself and check out the video after the break to see the monstrosity you'll be hijacking.
