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Arturia updates the MicroFreak synth with three new oscillators
The MicroFreak gets perhaps its biggest update yet with three new oscillators from Eurorack experimentalists Noise Engineering.
Uno Synth Pro is IK Multimedia's attempt to move beyond budget instruments
IK Multimedia is stretching its wings yet again, this time with the Uno Synth Pro. This three-oscillator paraphonic instrument goes well beyond the portable and affordable Uno Synth and looks to carve out space among higher-end competition like Korg and Moog.
Roland's Verselab is a groovebox built for vocalists
The Verselab is a music studio in a box complete with a vocal processing unit. It's aimed squarely at singers, songwriters and rappers.
Hologram Electronics Microcosm: A cheat code for making ambient music
The Microcosm can be a rhythmic glitch machine, a top-notch loop pedal or a straightforward delay. It’s more than just a one-trick pony, which is important given the $449 price.
Atom SQ review: An affordable and powerful companion for Studio One
PreSonus built the Atom SQ explicitly for its Studio One DAW, and it shows. The integration between the two is excellent. The price is right and the unique staggered layout bridges the gap between a traditional keyboard and a grid-based pad controller. But, if you don’t use Studio One, the Atom SQ probably doesn’t have a ton of appeal.
Artiphon Orba review: Much more than a musical fidget toy
Orba’s goal of lowering the barrier of entry to music creation is admirable. And it errs closer to a musical fidget toy than an intimidating and unusual instrument. But, those willing to push its limits will find surprising depth.
Erica Synths SYNTRX review: A classic reimagined
This modern interpretation of the iconic EMS Synthi A is ripe for exploration and experimentation. It may be expensive but it’s incredibly satisfying and inspiring to play. Its target niche of experimental musicians and hardcore synth nerds will be enthralled.
Korg goes for the sequencing crown with the modular-friendly SQ-64
Korg’s SQ-1 is a bit under appreciated. The Korg SQ-64 Poly Sequencer is basically attempting to be the king of all the CV sequencers. It has four 64-step tracks. The SQ-64 also expands on the playback variation you got the SQ-1 and injects some controlled chaos.
Roland TR-6S review: An impressively small and powerful drum machine
Roland’s TR-6S includes digital emulations of classic drum machines like the 808, 909 and 606, as well as a quirky FM percussion engine and sample playback. It’s perhaps the most versatile portable drum machine out there. But be prepared to do a lot of menu diving.
Korg's Opsix is an approachable, hands-on FM synth
It feels like FM synthesis is having something of a renaissance recently. Elektron has the Digitone and launched the beginner friendly Model:Cyles earlier this year. Now Korg has something at least approaching a flagship level FM machine in the Opsix.
Novation and Aphex Twin's limited-edition Bass Station II embraces the weird
Novation’s Bass Station II is considered a modern classic in the synth world. In fact, even though the core three-oscillator analog sound engine is unchanged, the 2020 version of the Bass Station II feels like a completely different instrument from the one launched in 2013. One of the biggest additions came last year in AFX Mode (we’ll get to the details later), which was created in collaboration with Aphex Twin himself, Mr Richard D. James.
Moog Matriarch and Grandmother synths get retro 'Dark' makeovers
The Grandmother and Matriarch quickly became staples of the modern Moog era when they were released. The Moog Dark Series replaces the bright green, yellow of the original models with serious looking black panels. There’s no gaming changing features being added, but there’s improved sync and an envelope multi-trig mode for the Grandmother and a few additional enhancements and bug fixes.
Arturia's PolyBrute is a beastly analog synth with infinite control
The PolyBrute is a six-voice analog beast that combines Arturia’s signature mod matrix with its digital effects expertise and a some innovative controls in a true polyphonic instrument.
Arturia's KeyStep 37 is a $199 MIDI controller with scale and strum modes
The KeyStep family has a new member: the $199 KeyStep 37.
Native Instruments crams its powerful music-making software in a standalone groovebox
Maschine+ brings the Maschine workflow and Komplete instruments to a standalone groovebox.
Korg's Volca Sample 2 is a huge upgrade in almost every way
Korg’s Volca Sample is one of the most beloved members of beloved family of affordable and portable instruments. The Volca Sample 2 is visually almost indistinguishable from the original. That USB port is definitely the biggest upgrade here.
MPK Mini mk3 is solid but iterative upgrade to a classic MIDI controller
Akai’s MPK Mini mkII is one of the best-selling MIDI controllers out there. It’s small, affordable, and has a solid arpeggiator plus the best pads on any budget or midrange controller. The portable MIDI controller field has gotten a lot more crowded, not to mention more competitive.
Beebo is basically a modular synth in guitar pedal form
It’s, in theory, a “multi modulation pedal” for your guitar. But, Beebo also has a secret. It’s the same exact hardware as Poly Effects’ last pedal, Digit. It’s just running different firmware.
TheoryBoard is a MIDI controller that teaches you music theory
There are no shortage of crazy and unique MIDI controllers out there. It claims to let anyone create music, regardless of skill level, while also teaching them about music theory. Well TheoryBoard has two 12x4 sets of velocity sensitive pads, with a touchscreen in the middle.
Blipblox After Dark is a kid's synth for adults
Unsurprisingly, the Blipblox also turned out to be a hit with adults. Earlier this year Playtime Engineering, the company behind Blipblox, announced a new adult themed version -- Blipblox After Dark.