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A Roland keyboard has Alexa built-in for voice control while you play
Alexa is handy for helping with a lot of activities, and soon the virtual assistant will help you control keyboard settings with your voice. Roland's latest keyboard, a new version of its GO:PIANO, features Alexa built-in and the company says this feature offers hands-free control while you're playing. Basically, you won't have to take your hands off the keys to tweak the sound or access specific settings -- thanks to the combination of the GO:PIANO and a new Roland Alexa Skill.
Teenage Engineering's OP-Z synth finally goes on sale in October
We got our first look at Teenage Engineering's next synthesizer in early 2017, and now the company is gearing up to finally ship the portable instrument/control center. The OP-Z is set to go on sale next month, but the company didn't include pricing info in its availability announcement this week. However, pro audio retailer Sweetwater has the OP-Z listed at $599. As a refresher, the compact synth offers a 16-track sequencer that enables live composition of audio, visuals and lights at the same time. Teenage Engineering says this is the first device with that skill set.
Roland’s TR-8S drum machine is ready to tackle the stage
If you know the history of drum machines, the first thing you want to do with the TR-8S is load up the 808 kick drum. It's a deep, satisfying boom that's been an important part of everything from hip-hop to rock. But after you get done having fun with four-on-the-floor bass hits, it's time to get to the real work -- your own rhythms. For that, it's tough to beat the latest digital percussion instrument from Roland for ease of use and features.
The 'Spire' portable recording studio is all about spontaneity
Inspiration hits you at weird times -- usually when you're in the shower or about to fall asleep. Basically, moments when you have very little chance of putting it down on paper or recording it. The $350 portable Spire Studio from iZotope probably won't help much in those situations (unless you keep it next to your bed with a guitar or keyboard). But, for folks who write music, it's a surprisingly simple to use 8-track recorder that hooks up to almost all your gear.
Pharrell Williams will co-own Roli's modular instrument business
There's no question that Pharrell Williams has had at least some fondness for technology (his Daft Punk collabs and gold-tinged smartphones were big clues), but now he's taking that appreciation to Will.I.Am levels. Roli has revealed that Pharrell is not only becoming its Chief Creative Officer, but will invest in and take co-ownership of the modular instrument startup. He'll have a vested interest in Roli's success, in other words. The company hasn't outlined the terms of the deal, but the superstar will help develop "revolutionary" digital instruments that are accessible and "iconic."
Moog debuts full production model of its Subsequent 37 analog synth
Moog may have debuted the successor to its Sub 37 analog synthesizer back at Moogfest in May, but that instrument was limited to 2,000 total units. A good chunk of those Subsequent 37 CVs probably didn't make it out of the music festival last spring. There's good news today though as the Asheville, North Carolina-based company has announced a full production version of the Subsequent 37 and it's available now for $1,499.
Elektron's Analog Heat upgrades your synth and drum machine
The proliferation of digital modeling of analog synths has lowered the barrier for cash-strapped, would-be musicians hoping to become the next big synth group like S U R V I V E (the band responsible for the Stranger Things theme). Cheaper synths and drum machines are great, but because they don't decay like analog instruments, they also lend themselves to everyone sounding the same. For anyone looking to add more warmth and variety to her sound, Elektron recently started shipping the Analog Heat sound processor.
Korg's $300 Monologue synth runs on AA batteries (updated)
Korg tempted us with the analog polyphonic Minilogue synthesizer back in January and now the company has another budget-friendly instrument. Meet the Monologue: a monophonic analog synthesizer that has a similar design as its elder sibling but costs a mere $300. This new version houses the same synthesis design as the pricier Minilogue, only this time the extra features help create a monophonic sound "for all types of musicians."
Roland's System-8 synthesizer does almost everything
As Roland's product-packed 909 day comes to a close, one of the more impressive announcements is the new System-8 synthesizer. Taking a design cue from the Aira line, the new keyboard is packed full of features including the ability to add and control multiple synth profiles at once.
Moog's Minimoog Model D back in full production after 30 years
After suspending production for over 30 years on its classic Minimoog Model D analog synth, Moog has announced the instrument is back. The company had a small pilot production workshop at Moogfest in May, but now Model D production has kicked into high gear. However, just like other Moog synthesizers, all of the instruments are made in a small Asheville, North Carolina factory, so the company can only crank out a limited number of them each month. If you're looking to snag one though, it'll set you back $3,749 from an authorized dealer.
This laser-powered drum machine is a stunning work of art
We're big fans of homemade instruments, synthesizers and other noise makers here at Engadget. Russian artist Vtol created a massive laser-powered drum machine installation as part of Earth Lab, a joint project between the Polytechnic Museum Moscow and Ars Electronica Linz. Vtol describes the huge instrument as "an autonomous light-music installation," and it's certainly provides a neat visual to complement its noise making. The setup is officially called "Divider" and it uses seven lasers that pass through fans to send a light signal for generating sound. The laser beams are altered by high-speed fans with a photo sensor on the end monitoring the presence or absence of light.
Fender's Mod Shop lets you customize a new guitar on the web
Typically, ordering a custom guitar not only means spending more money, but it usually means an extended wait as well. Fender has a solution for both of those issues, taking a cue from the likes Motorola and other companies that have offered customers the ability to tweak the design of a product or device before ordering. With the Mod Shop, Fender will let you put the finishing touches on a Stratocaster, Telecaster, Precision Bass or Jazz Bass so that the instrument matches your sense of style exactly.
Relive the '80s with the Korg Volca FM synthesizer
Synths are great. You push a key, turn a few knobs and suddenly you're making "music." So when keyboard maker Korg realized it had a hit with its low-cost, entry-level Monotron series, it was only natural to follow it up with something that had a little more bite. Enter the Volca line keyboards. At $160, they're not in the same impulse-purchase range as the $50 Monotrons, but at least one of these synthesizers is a welcome addition for would-be Kraftwerk disciples workings toward converting their garage into sprawling mess of wires and flashing lights.
Moog's Minimoog Model D reissue revives a classic synthesizer
To properly celebrate this year's Moogfest, the synth maker is giving synth collectors the chance to own a piece of history. The company set up a temporary "pop-up factory" during this weekend's event where the iconic Minimoog Model D is going back into what Moog is calling pilot production. The Model D, the first Minimoog instrument made available to the public (A through C were prototypes), was built between 1970 and 1980, serving as the precursor to the popular Minimoog Voyager synthesizer that was discontinued last year.
Engadget giveaway: Win a Jamstik+ smart guitar courtesy of Zivix!
If you've always wanted to learn guitar, but never seemed to make it past the first few bars of 'Stairway to Heaven', this week's giveaway could be of help. The Jamstik+ is a Bluetooth-connectable instrument that boasts real strings and frets, and works alongside the company's app to help train first timers and provide portable freedom for impromptu jam sessions. The fretboard includes infrared sensors to gauge your finger placement, which allows the app's virtual tutor to track your progress in real time. There's also an arcade mode to add a gaming angle to the learning process. Until recently, the experience was limited to Mac and iOS, but now you can download the app for verified devices running Android 6.0. To help celebrate this launch, Zivix has given us a pair of Jamstik+ smart guitars and carrying cases for two lucky winners. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning. If you're looking to pick one up now, just use the code "androidweek30" for $30 off. Winners: Congratulations to Akash V. of Merced, CA and Greg K. of Youngstown, OH!
Incredibly complex machine plays music with marbles
There have been plenty of impressively elaborate musical machines in recent years, but this might top them all. Swedish band Wintergatan has crafted a Musical Marble Machine that, as the name suggests, churns out tunes using 2,000 marbles (technically, ball bearings). It's a pretty involved effort with 3,000 parts that include a crank, levers, conveyor belts and legions of spinning gears -- Rube Goldberg would be proud, especially if he knew that this beast took 14 months to make.
Korg outs $500 Minilogue analog synthesizer ahead of NAMM
NAMM doesn't start until next week, but that's not keeping Korg from announcing new gear ahead of the show. The pro audio company usually reveals a new synth at the winter soirée, and it looks like this year will be no different. The newest installment is the Minilogue: a polyphonic analog synthesizer with a mighty tempting price. At $500, the instrument offers a truckload of great features at the price of typically reserved for digital synths.
Roland's 'Boutique' synth line leaks, ratchets up the nostalgia
Roland may have already teased its upcoming 'Boutique' line of synthesizers, but thanks to a leak, we now have a lot more info. The trio of instruments offers modern takes on the classic Jupiter 8, Juno 106 and JX-3P synths with the JP-08, JU-06 and JX-03. Of course, this isn't the first time Roland has turned back the clock, as it revealed the AIRA line in 2014 that included new versions of the TR-303 and TR-808. The JP-08, JU-06 and JX-03 are all sold as individual modules, with the option of docking them in a K-25m keyboard that packs 25 velocity-sensitive keys (hence the name). The trio also feature 16-step sequencers, can run off four AA batteries and connect to your computer via USB.
'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]
Yamaha's Reface mini keyboards put classic sounds in compact instruments
New keyboards and synthesizers that carry not only classic tones, but some classics stylings as well, are becoming quite popular. Despite leaking a bit early, Yamaha officially debuted its Reface line of mini keyboards at the summer session of NAMM this week. The compact instruments are meant to be used on the go, whether it's in the backseat or in a dressing room before a show. Members of the group include the CS analog modeling synth, DX FM synth, CP electric piano and YC combo organ. For the sake of our discussion, we'll focus on the two synthesizers. The Reface CS is an 8-note polyphonic "Virtual Analog" synth that's said to be capable of sounds comparable you'd normally get from both analog and digital instruments. The FM (frequency modulation) synthesizer, the Reface DX, is the only one of the four with built-in patch memory, and it also packs in mulit-touch controls. In terms of audio, the DX offers sounds that range from "retro 80s to cutting edge modern at the flick of a switch."
