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The best tech for students who like to party
That's all students, right? Right? While not everyone will be headed to toga parties on frat row (we applaud your decision there), all of you are going to need some gear to keep you amused when class isn't in session. In addition to some of the more predictable stuff, like speakers and a Chromecast, we have some more off-kilter recommendations, including an electronic dartboard, a USB turntable, a "music festival survival kit" and even a vaporizer, if that's your idea of a good time. Check out the gallery below for all our party gear picks, and make sure to peruse our full back-to-school guide right here.
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.
Recommended Reading: Gary Numan's fascination with Moog synths
His friend electric: Gary Numan and the Moog DJ Pangburn, The Quietus The list of musicians Gary Numan has influenced is a mile long. During his three-night residency at Moogfest in May, the artist sat down with The Quietus to discuss lots of things, but in particular, his decades-long affinity for Moog synths.
These $70 DIY synthesizers are a hobbyist's dream
For me, one of the most interesting parts of Moogfest is the Circuit Bending Challenge. Sure, the performances and tech demos are great, but it's always a treat to see what a community of tinkerers can come up with on a tight budget of $70. I've seen everything from a wearable helmet instrument to creations that look more like a compact analog machine. This year's finalists offer some of the most polished exterior designs I've seen over the last few competitions and all three have unique sounds to match.
Inside Moog's Minimoog Model D synth factory at Moogfest
When Moogfest kicked off in North Carolina this week, the company announced that the iconic Minimoog Model D was going back into production during the festival. What's more, the analog synths are being assembled on-site at the event right in the middle of a temporary Moog store that's chock full of audio gear. Being the curious folks that we are, we went to check it out the process inside the pop-up factory and watched a little bit of the magic happen in Durham.
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.
Moog's new app brings the iconic Model 15 synth to your iPad
Moog may be known for its analog synthesizers, but the company has also crammed those sounds inside iOS apps for making noise on the go. With its latest app for the iPhone and iPad, the company created a digital version of its iconic Model 15 instrument. In fact, Moog says the new app is the first modular synth and learning tool created for Apple's mobile devices. Thanks to Apple's Metal technology, you can pan and zoom around the app to situate those patch cables and tweak nobs in a way that feels natural. Without Metal, the company says this level of detail and smooth movement wouldn't have been possible.
'Electronic Voyager' to document the life of synth pioneer Bob Moog
The synthesizer documentary I Dream of Wires debuted on Nextflix back in August, offering a look at the history of the instruments and their influence across genres of music. The director/producer duo film are at it again, and this time the story is the legacy of a synth pioneer. Electronic Voyager: Retracing Bob Moog's Sonic Journey will chronicle the life of a key figure in music history by following his daughter as she visits the people and places that influenced her late father.
Recommended Reading: Microsoft's knack for predicting NFL games
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. How Microsoft Got So Good at Predicting Who Will Win NFL Games by Tim Stenovec Tech Insider Have you been using Bing's sports predictions to make "friendly wagers" and set your fantasy lineups this football season? Microsoft's Bing Predicts team has been picking winners for NFL games, other sporting events, reality shows and elections for a while now. As it turns out, the small group of researchers employ machine learning to make the predictions and they've gotten better at it over time.
Moog adds to its analog arsenal with the Mother-32 semi-modular synth
Moog announced that it would no longer produce the legendary Minimoog Voyager earlier this week, but that doesn't mean the company isn't slowing down. Today, the North Carolina-based synth maker revealed the Mother-32: a semi-modular analog synthesizer that's built to "inspire unique sound creation, new music and endless sonic exploration." How exactly does it go about doing that? For starters, there's a voltage-controlled sequencer and 32-point analog patch bay to create a load of unique sounds. No patching is required to get started, so musicians at any skill level can begin making music in no time.
Recommended Reading: NFL player turns mercenary in 'Call of Duty'
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. 'The Whole Game is Beast Mode' by Sam Alipour ESPN The Magazine Kevin Spacey temporarily shelved his presidential persona to play a private military contractor in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. For this year's title, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch hung up his cleats to play a mercenary in Call of Duty: Black Ops III. ESPN The Magazine has a behind-the-scenes look at the process, from motion capture to facial scans required to construct the digital version of the NFL player.
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.
Moog revives its massive modular synthesizers
In 1973, Moog first began manufacturing its huge large format modular synthesizers that pack a wall of knobs, patch cables and other controls. The System 55, System 35 and Model 15 went out of production as musicians desired to have something a bit more portable, but just before the start of NAMM 2015, the company announced those giant setups are coming back. Last year, the folks at Moog remade Keith Emerson's (of Emerson, Lake & Palmer fame) modular system, and during the three-year-long process, learned a thing or two about recreating the original 1970s circuitry. Similar to Emerson's model, the new trio will be "a true recreation of the original," using the decades-old schematics to accurately reproduce the specs -- right down to all of the hand soldering, traditional wiring and photo-etched front panels.
Trade synth hacks and projects on Moog's Werkastatt Workshop hub
Back at Moogfest, the synth maker for which the event is named held a workshop where it debuted the Werkstatt-Ø1 analog kit. The patchable analog instrument was built for hacking, so folks could explore Moog's circuitry (including Ladder filter) in a portable package. After the success of that event back in April the kit is being released to the masses, and the North Carolina-based company is offering up a hub for projects, tutorials, lesson plans and more. The Werkstatt Workshop is similar to libraries that littleBits and Makerbot have for users to find ideas, with a full list of instructions and supplies for each -- including 3D-printing files and Arduino integration as needed. "We'd like to share our legacy of learning, music, and electronics to empower a new generation of makers to expand on our work and take it to levels we can't yet imagine," said Moog Music CEO Mike Adams. Not familiar with the Werkstatt-Ø1 synthesizer? No worries, Chromeo's Patrick "P-Thugg" Gemayel demos the instrument on the other side of the jump, alongside the how-to for building an Arduino Arpeggiator. If you're looking to snag one and get started with the experimentation, it'll set you back $329 at your local Moog dealer.
Hip-hop producer J Dilla's beat-making gear headed to Smithsonian
Last week, the Smithsonian announced two of J Dilla's production tools would be displayed at the upcoming National Museum of African American History and Culture. Thanks to a donation from his mother (pictured above), the influential artist/producer's custom Minimoog Voyager and Akai Music Production Center (MPC) 3000 Limited Edition will be part of a collection that aims "to explore how popular music helped shape the nation's history and culture politically and socially." Before passing away in 2006, J Dilla worked with A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Roots, The Pharcyde and many more, creating unique sounds for each in addition to his own solo work. "Everyone who pays attention to hip-hop has heard J Dilla's work whether they realize it or not," said Timothy Ann Burnside, the museum's popular music historian. "In the very demanding world of hip-hop producers, he was one of the busiest and most sought-after." When the museum opens in 2016, Dilla's instruments will be included in the "Musical Crossroads" exhibit -- one of the venue's 11 inaugural collections. If you're unfamiliar with his work, there's a brief introductory Spotify playlist from our Engadget channel just after the break.
The Werkstatt-Ø1 is an affordable, educational synth kit from Moog
Oh Moog, you make so many wonderful, noisy and (of course) expensive toys. So you can imagine how excited we were to see the Werkstatt-Ø1, a $329 analog, monophonic synth kit that retained that signature Moog sound. The Werkstatt actually began life as part of a VIP workshop at Moogfest 2014. One of the company's product developers led a two-day event where 125 participants actually built this small analog wonder. The response was so great that Moog actually felt compelled to create a commercial version. The retail kit doesn't involve any soldering however, and we'd hesitate to slap the word "kit" on it as well. Basically, you're just screwing the pre-assembled synthesizer into a case and closing it up. Still, it's more work than your buddy put into that Sub Phatty.
Analog Synthesis: The life and legacy of Bob Moog
For many, the name Robert Moog may only sound familiar due to the synthesizer company that bears his name... if at all. However, chances are you've likely heard one of the instruments that carry that label during the course of your Spotify or Rdio streaming sessions. Acts ranging from Nine Inch Nails to Chvrches, Deadmau5 and Dr. Dre employ Moog's synths, so hearing one of his iconic synthesizers blast from your headphones is just a matter of time. As you might expect, the story of the brand begins with its eponymous founder and the first keyboard-driven synth back in 1964. On what would've been his 80th birthday, we take a look back at the lineage and legacy of Bob Moog.
Moog remakes the massive Emerson modular synthesizer 50 years later
How do you celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bob Moog's the first voltage controlled synthesizer? By completely recreating it five decades later, of course. The folks at Moog revealed the new Emerson Moog Modular System this weekend at Moogfest. This research and construction project took three years to complete, culminated with the building of the 2014 edition of Keith Emerson's Moog Modular System (Emerson being of Emerson, Lake & Palmer fame). Using the original schematics, hand-soldering, traditional wiring techniques and even photo-etching the aluminum front panels (a much less common process these days), engineers were able to remake the highly customized instrument from the internals to the aesthetics. Heck, Emerson even used the unit in what he said may be one of his last live performances Thursday night. What's more, Moog plans to build "a handful" of these new Emerson systems and offer them for purchase. As you might expect, you'll have to call the factory for pricing which likely means it's a bit outside of nearly all price ranges. Early reports have the list price at $90,000, but Moog has yet to announce a figure. While you're sorting your funds though, we were able to take a look in person, and you can scroll through those images in the gallery below. And you can hear Emerson's original modular system in the tune "Lucky Man."
Moog's Theremini suits all skill levels with adjustable scale correction for its space-controlled tunes
Sure, Moog is known to many for cranking out stellar analog synthesizers, but the outfit also has a knack for building a stable of Etherwave Theremins. In fact, founder Bob Moog started tinkering with the space-controlled instruments back in 1954. If you're a bit unfamiliar with the devices, theremins use two metal rods to control pitch (vertical) and volume (horizontal) based on the proximity of the user's hands to each end, without ever touching the unit. At NAMM 2014, the North Carolina-based company unveiled a prototype of the Theremini: a $319 offering that has assertive pitch control built in for all skill levels. This feature allows you to dial up or down the scale correction, making it impossible to play a wrong note in when it's turned up to the max. For more advanced users, turning that dial all the way down offers no assistance. There's also a tuner for visual feedback of each note, displaying how it stacks up to the perfect spot. Inside, an analog heterodyning oscillator is paired with Moog's Animoog engine and built-in stereo delay for creating the range of tones. On-board presets allow you to choose from a library of patches, store scales, set ranges and create patch-specific delay settings. To enable playing just about anywhere, a speaker is tucked inside the Theremini with headphone jack and audio outputs alongside connections for pitch, gesture and MIDI control. Unfortunately, there's no word on when the device will ship, but if you're in a hurry to grab a theremin now, there's always the DIY route.
Synthesizer giant Bob Moog to be inducted into Inventors Hall of Fame today (video)
Lovers of classic synth, celebrate: pioneer Bob Moog will join the Inventors Hall of Fame today. The USPTO is bestowing that honor for patent number 3,475,623 granted in 1966 for the so-called Moog ladder filter that gave rise to its original synth and Minimoog Synthesizers, and is still used in synths like the Voyager and Sub Phatty today. To fete the occasion, the company is reissuing its classic ladder filter t-shirt that'll come with a free hall of fame induction poster, and will also hold an ice cream social at the factory store in Asheville, NC. That'll culminate in a rare Moog synth-heavy performance by aptly-named local group Ice Cream, so if you're lucky enough to be in the area, the festivities kick off at 6 p.m.
