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The best audio gear to give as gifts
Maybe there's an audiophile on your list, or maybe you're shopping for someone who recently acquired a new phone and could use something better than the pack-in headphones. Either way, we have a slew of recommendations in the audio gear section of our holiday gift guide. On our list you'll find smart speakers from Google and Amazon alike, along with Sonos, whose new "One" speaker includes Alexa built in, with Google Assistant support coming soon. When it comes to headphones, our selections run the gamut from the affordable (Jabra's Move headset) to the high end (Bragi's Dash Pro wireless earbuds and these noise cancelling headphones from Sony), with a couple mid-range options in between. Rounding out the list, we have a soundbar, drum machine, synth app, the Amazon Echo Show and one of our favorite portable Bluetooth speakers. Find all that and many more items in our holiday gift guide, at the link below.
Korg's Gadget music production app is coming to Nintendo Switch
It looks like Korg is bringing its Gadget music-making app to the Nintendo Switch next spring. There isn't a ton known about it at the moment, but given the name, it seems like it's a port of the synth company's end-to-end iOS and Mac music production suite. According to Japanese publication 4Gamer (translated), the software will support motion controls and work with the Joy-con. More than that, up to four people will apparently be able to "play" it.
Korg's revives another classic synth in its latest iOS app
Korg has a habit of reviving old synths via an app for iPad and iPhone, and this week the audio company revealed its latest creation. Korg claims the new, $20 iMono/Poly app for iOS reproduces every feature of the original Mono/Poly analog synth, first released in 1981. The mobile app recreates the original's 4 voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) that let you dial in a seemingly endless variety of harmonic and melodic sounds. The app also adds a couple of modern additions, including two multi-effects units and eight virtual patches for even more functionality.
Korg's new ARP Odyssey is a full-size remake of an iconic synth
At NAMM two years ago, Korg first revealed its modern take on the classic ARP Odyssey synthesizer. Despite touting that model as a "faithful recreation" of the original, the reissue was a smaller version with 37 keys. During the music industry's big trade show this year, Korg is showing off a full-size option: the ARP Odyssey FS. Available in each the original's three color schemes, the new instrument offers a standard keyboard and more space on the slider panel to make sound adjustments.
Korg's iOS music production app is coming to Mac
Korg Gadget, an all-in-one iOS production studio, was first introduced in 2014 and now the the mobile suite is heading to the desktop. The company announced that Gadget will soon make the leap to Mac, but it hasn't revealed exactly when that will happen just yet. What we do know is that Korg promises seamless integration between the mobile and desktop versions. This means that you'll be able to start a project during your commute and pick it back up when you get to your studio back home and vice versa.
Korg's fun-to-use Electribe sequencers pack big features into a tiny frame
Creating music has become incredibly easy thanks to computers and low-cost (sometimes free) software. For example: Using just a MacBook and GarageBand, aspiring rock gods can pump out the jams without hunting down musicians and booking studio time. But when you want to play live, pushing a button on computer just isn't very exciting to watch. MPC and MPS (Music Production Controller and Music Production Station) systems, on the other hand, offer access to your finely crafted songs with the option to build a beat from scratch on the fly without dragging a laptop onstage. That's where Korg's two updated Electribes come in.
Korg brings the iconic ARP Odyssey synth to iOS
Synthesizer companies have a knack for bringing digital versions of analog gear to mobile devices so hobbyists and pros alike can get creative with ease. Earlier this year, Moog released a $30 app that brought the legendary (and massive) Model 15 to the iPad. Korg already has synth apps under its belt, including a more mobile version of its M1, and now its introducing another. Based on the iconic ARP Odyssey, the company built the appropriately-named ARP ODYSSEi mobile software for iOS.
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."
Korg announces microKorg-S with more sounds and user presets
The microKorg has a pretty significant following thanks to its relatively easy-to-use interface and low price point. Today Korg announced the microKorg-S a companion to the nearly 15 year old instrument with more sounds, space for custom presets, a new paint job and external speakers.
Korg adds drums to its line of tiny Volca synths
Korg continues to expand its Volca series of sub-$200 synths. Today it announced the Volca Kick, a drum machine with a 16 step sequencer and analog oscillator. To keep it all in the family, it links up to the rest of the Volca line and minilogue, electribe and SQ-1 step sequencer.
Korg adds '80s arcade game sounds to its iOS synth app
Korg's Gadget app for iOS has been providing access to and arsenal of synthesizer and drum machine sounds since 2014. With the latest update though, the company has added a new instrument that cranks up the nostalgia machine. Korg worked with Bandai Namco for the Kamata: an '80s-inspired synth that's based on those chiptune noises you remember from the likes of Pac-Man and Galaga. The Kamata virtual instrument even comes with an '80s look to the UI to complete the experience.
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.
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.
Korg's OK Go Volca Sample is pre-loaded with sounds from 'Hungry Ghosts'
Last fall, OK Go released their latest album Hungry Ghosts. If you happen to enjoy the samples the band used on it, you can employ those sounds yourself thanks to Korg. The audio company revealed a limited-edition of its Volca Sample emblazoned with OK Go art and loaded with clips the band used to make the aforementioned release. In fact, there's 100 different sounds total that are all available for use. This version of the Volca Sample features the same multi-touch keyboard, 16-step sequencer and can run on six AA batteries for mobile music making. It's part of the larger Volca line that includes the Volca Keys, Volca Bass and Volca Beat compact synths. And the original Volca Sample, of course. If all of that sounds too good to pass up, you'll be able to sang one for yourself this month after parting with $160.
Korg brings its classic M1 synthesizer to the iPad
If you're fond making classic synth sounds with your iPad, Korg offers quite the library of apps that'll do just that. As of this week, there's a new addition: the M1 digital synthesizer and music workstation. The "complete reproduction" of the instrument is available for Apple slates as the iM1 app, and thanks to detailed circuit analysis by its engineers, Korg says the software carries the sound of the original and then some. These are sounds you've likely heard from Depeche Mode, The Cure and others. The included effects were bumped from two up to 18 and there's a Kaoss pad for adjusting audio with swipe -- both of which are new items absent on the original M1. If you're familiar with synthesizers, the Kaoss feature mimics that touch-friendly surface for tweaking sounds found other other synths like the Moog Voyager XL.
littleBits' synth kit plays nice with analog gear and audio software
littleBits and Korg first teamed up on a kit for aspiring musicians back in 2013, and now the duo is at it again. This time around, the two companies collaborated on MIDI, CV and USB I/O modules, adding to the existing Lego-like DIY audio collection. With the MIDI module, you can control the Synth Kit from a compatible instrument (like Korg's MS-20 mini), or use a littleBits setup to wrangle sounds from gear and software, too. Connecting the USB I/O module adds a way to capture your homemade instrument with recording software (DAW). And as you might expect, it'll allow littleBits controllers, sequencers and effects to tweak any audio coming from a computer.
Recommended Reading: The most advanced coffee lab in the world
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. Inside the World's Most Advanced Coffee Laboratory Jason Koebler, Motherboard If you're at least somewhat interested in coffee, you've likely researched a bit about where your favorite spot gets its beans and who roasts them. Thanks to Motherboard, we can take a look inside the walls of Cenicafé: a government-backed facility dedicated to analyzing Colombia's coffee varieties.
Korg's new ARP Odyssey reboots the iconic analog synth
Korg may have missed its September target, but the company's take on the legendary ARP Odyssey analog synthesizer was officially introduced today at NAMM. If you'll recall, Korg enlisted the lead designer of the original unit from 1972 to pitch in, and the result is a synth that's 86 percent of the size of that classic instrument. While its stature may be smaller, the new ARP Odyssey still carries the same overall look, with a front panel of sliders for tweaking a range of sounds. In fact, Korg claims the new parts used here operate more smoothly than the original. There's a 37-note keyboard and MIDI output alongside a new Drive switch to help wrangle the sonic possibilities. The ARP Odyssey debuted in the '70s, becoming a popular choice for acts like Genesis, Devo and Deep Purple despite the line going out of production in 1981.
Korg's 'faithful recreation' of the ARP Odyssey analog synth is coming this September
Well folks, it looks like 2014 will see yet another synthesizer reboot. Korg announced that it's currently working on a "faithful recreation" of the legendary ARP Odyssey analog synth that made its debut back in 1972. The name may not ring a bell, but it's responsible for tones you've likely heard from artists Devo, John Foxx, Genesis and Deep Purple (as seen above) -- just to name a few. For September's release, Korg enlisted the original Odyessey's lead designer David Friend to lend a hand with the construction. Unfortunately details are sparse, but the outfit did reveal a new version of its popular MS-20 last January, along with other analog releases in recent years. Needless to say, the bar has been set pretty high for this next installment. [Photo credit: Fin Costello/Redferns]
Korg Gadget packs 15 synthesizers and drum machines into an iPad app
Fancy feeding your music production hobby with a slate rather than a collection of pricey gadgets? If so, Korg has added to its iPad-based offerings with the Gadget app. The software for Apple tablets bakes in 15 different sythesizers and drum machines (called Gadgets) that can be combined any way you'd like to construct those beats. Ranging from the Kiev digital synth to the Chicago tube bass machine, the app's instrument arsenal (which can be previewed here) covers quite the sonic spectrum with drum and synth sounds a plenty. Keeping the orientation vertical, the UI is divided into two sections that allow for dual control at all times. This is aimed at making both track and instrument adjustments quick and easy. If you're concerned about your lack of musical skill, there's a scale function helps you avoid hitting a wrong note whilst getting your feet wet. Already splurged for the latest iPad? Korg says you'll be able to run more than 20 of the instruments at the same time, thanks to its beefed up chipset. Once those audio files have been tinkered with enough, options for sharing to Facebook, SoundCloud and Twitter or beaming them to Dropbox for safe keeping are all built in. There's also access to GadgetCloud for showing off projects with fellow users of the software -- complete with its own ranking system. The app is a bit pricey at $38.99, but if you commit before February 23rd, you can snag a $10 discount at that second source link below.