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Making music on the Mac with GForce M-Tron Pro synth
The M-Tron Pro (approx. US$225) is a software-based Mellotron emulator synth, available for Mac as stand-alone or as a plug-in with Logic, GarageBand, Pro Tools, and a host of other music apps. It's made by UK-based developer GForce Software. Design Let's start with a simple question: what is a Mellotron? No doubt, it's an instrument you will have heard in many popular songs. In the 1960s, the Mellotron was one of the first sample-based keyboards. It was made famous by Pink Floyd, David Bowie, The Beatles and others, and later by many more bands, like Radiohead, for example. The Mellotron emulates choirs, voices, strings and orchestral instruments, among other things. Here's a description of how the Mellotron works from the GForce website: When pressed, each key engaged playback of a discrete strip of tape containing an eight-second recording of that note played on an instrument such as a violin. The tape rewound after key release. The lack of looping forced the player to adapt his playing style giving the instrument a unique playing characteristic in addition to its already distinct sound. The M-Tron Pro, well... It digitally models those tape sounds, but with enhanced features, like vintage-style ensemble and delay effects, dual layering (29 parameters per layer), filter sections, a very cool tape reverse option as well as dynamic keyboard control and filter aftertouch. The "Tron" has just under 200 high-quality sample banks, with new and classic tape sounds, including 19 tape banks from the original M-Tron that were remastered at London's Abbey Road Studios. Performance The Tron comes with over 700 patches, with many authored by world-class recording artists and programmers. Out of the box, Tron produces instantly recognizable and usable sounds. But the real fun comes with Tron's powerful editing tools. Tron allows you to layer two tape banks, both of which are individually editable with filter and envelop controls, effects, pitch LFO, and keyboard responses (velocity, aftertouch). You can also apply those same editing features to both samples at the same time. If you've used any kind of audio editing software before, you'll feel right at home with Tron. Once you understand the simple dual-layer premise that blends the tape banks, you'll be on your way to sculpting your own, bespoke Mellotron-based sounds. I have to say that there's a wealth of high-quality sound on the M-Tron. The samples sound fantastic. Editing is intuitive and straightforward. I lost an afternoon enjoying the tape reverse and the half speed option, producing some rather tasteful results! G-Force also offers expansion libraries, including the ChamberTron, OptiTron and the OrchesTron. I was particularly fascinated by the ChamberTron. Check out the video below to hear about the instrument and how it was invented, used and later sampled for the M-Tron Pro. Conclusion The M-Tron Pro offers high-quality virtual modeling of the classic Mellotron instrument, with fantastic editing features and effects to make unique, signature sounds. If you're looking for a fresh, inspiring take on the virtual Mellotron instrument, the M-Tron Pro won't disappoint.
Synthesizer transforms weather into live streamed ambient tunes
What if you could use a locale's current weather conditions to make ambient music? Well, that's precisely what New Orleans-based artist Quintron did. The Weather Warlock is an analog synthesizer that gets its input signals from variations outside, monitored by a collection of meteorological sensors. When employed, the set-up can produce sounds based on changes in temperature, wind, sunlight and rain, using a pleasant E major chord as the base and piping in unique tones for sunrise and sunset. Oh yeah, it's also constantly live streamed over the web so you can get some background noise whenever you like. The goal is to eventually have a handful of stations scattered across the globe so that listeners can enjoy a variety ambient weather-based tunes. For now, you can enjoy the broadcast after the break.
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.
Korg DSN-12 turns your Nintendo handheld into a synthesizer, again
As we've seen before, Korg has a knack for bringing classic synth sounds to the screens of Nintendo's handhelds. Teaming up with Detune once again, the outfit is bringing the tones with the likeness of yet another iconic instrument to those wielding a 2DS, 3DS or 3DS XL. The new effort, Korg DSN-12, takes its inspiration from the company's MS-10 analog synth -- one that's fondly remembered for its bass and percussion chops. Here, a dozen monophonic sythesizers can be employed with a smattering of effects alongside a 64-step sequencer. There are multiple interfaces to sort through as well, including sequencer, synth knobs, patch panel, mixer and two oscilloscope sections to make use of Nintendo's dual-screen setup. What's more, thanks the 3DS' three-dimensional abilities, those oscilloscopes are rendered in 3D for even more eye candy. As you might expect, the stylus can be used to wrangle the app that stores up to 64 different sequences to recall later. No word on pricing for the software just yet, but expect it to arrive in September for your sample building pleasure.
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.
Meet the Teenage Engineering PO-12: a $49 card-sized drum machine
Tucked neatly into a panel discussion at last week's Moogfest, Teenage Engineering outed its latest synthesizer effort. The unit, labeled the PO-12, was intended to be a giveaway during the festivities ("moogfest special" is printed on the built-in hang tag), but the units got caught up in a customs delay, so we're left with details nabbed by attendee Robert Pluma. Here's a quick rundown of some of the reported specs: a Silicon Labs 32-bit ARM microcontroller, wire stand that doubles as a pitch bender, 23 switches, two optimization knobs, beats-per-minute LED and 1/8-inch audio jacks. There also appears to be options for hip-hop, disco and techno on the gadget that's said to be priced at $49.
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."
This DIY synthesizer cost $70 to build and it sounds amazing
What could you build with a budget of $70? For George Gleixner, it's a homemade battery-powered synthesizer. One that's constructed using a circuit bent a children's Hing Hon EK-001 squarewave keyboard no less. What's circuit bending you ask? Well, Reed Gazala pioneered the process back in the mid-90s which modifies (read: bends) the original circuits of keyboards, drum machines and even children's toys to create new sounds that vary from its original use. Each year at Moogfest, as an homage to founder Bob Moog, there's a circuit bending competition in which entrants hack together their instruments for a shot at maker glory. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the larger festival attracts electronic music's finest, like Kraftwerk and Dan Deacon, that could end up peeking the goods too. This time around, Mr. Gleixner took the top prize and we caught up with him to see the inner workings of his creation.
Akai's Rhythm Wolf has analog drum machine and bass synth chops for $200
If you're a fan of drum machines and synthesizers, 2014 is off to a great start, and now Akai has added a device of its own to the fray. The pro audio outfit has announced the Rhythm Wolf, an analog drum machine and bass synth module designed with classic sound machines in mind. There's a built-in 32-step sequencer and six MPC pads to wrangle "highly tweakable" drum sounds and the bass synthesizer's selectable oscillator and classic filter design. A "Howl" knob (because, of course) adds a custom distortion circuit and the gate trigger allows use with other gear. As you might expect, USB MIDI and MIDI input/output are built in and there are separate audio outputs for the drum machine and bass synth modules. Ready to commit? You'll need to part with $200 when the Rhythm Wolf arrives this summer.
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.
Build your own analog synthesizer with Korg's MS-20 kit
At NAMM 2013, we were able to get cozy with Korg's MS-20 mini analog synth. This year, the company is putting the wrenches in your hands with its DIY MS-20 kit. For $1,400, synthesizer enthusiasts can nab the collection of parts needed to construct a working model of the iconic instrument, with no soldering or electrical expertise required. You can expect all the features, specs and even the same circuit path from the original with new MIDI input and USB connections. The kit remains true analog with 1/4-inch patch bay to boot, just in case you were concerned. There's even two types of filters that pay homage to both the early versions and the later more mellow MS-20 sounds, toggled on the circuit board. Heck, the engineers of 1978's original oversaw the process to insure the components replicated the circuitry of that synth. Only 1,000 kits will be available, so you'll have to act quickly when packages become available in March.
LittleBits and Korg team up on Synth Kit modular DIY instrument, we go hands-on
Here's a pro tip: if you want to make this editor smile, hand me something that makes a bunch of noise. There are few things more satisfying than pressing some buttons and turning a few knobs to generate an avalanche of digital sound. And if what makes that noise is something you built yourself, all the better. LittleBits has been encouraging kids (and childish adults) to build their own electronic doodads and projects for some time now. And some of those creations even had the capability to make noise. But, the new Synth Kit released in collaboration with Korg is dedicated to DIY audio cacophony. Inside the gold and black packaging is a pile of snap-together components that will let you build the analog synthesizer of your dreams... so long as your dreams is a simplified MS-20. The box holds a pair of oscillators, envelope and filter units, a keyboard, a four-step sequencer, a random noise generator, a two-channel mixer (and a splitter so you can create two independent audio sources), a delay effect and, of course, a power source and a speaker. It's more or less a deconstructed version of Korg's clasic MS-20. Just like previous Little Bits kits, all the pieces are color coded: blue for power, pink for input, green for output and orange for wires. Each component has magnets on either side that snap together only in one direction, preventing you from assembling a circuit in the wrong way and potentially damaging the components. While the number of parts is fairly limited, they're all pretty flexible. The keyboard, for instance has two modes (hold and press), as does the noise generator and the sequencer. Even the oscillators can be switched between square and saw waves. That means those 12 bits in the box can actually generate quite a wide variety of sounds, from deep bass rattles and percussive ticks to swooping synth dives and arpeggiated leads. It's quite simple to get started designing your own instruments, and you'll probably even learn a bit about synthesizer design along the way. Of course, you can combine it with other LittleBits kits and add light sensors or displays to your homebrewed synth. Founder Ayah Bdeir likes to claim that it's the easiest to use modular synthesizer with this sort of power. And she's probably right. While nobody is going to mistake you for the next Daft Punk, you can still create an impressive set of sounds. Some of which might even prove usable in actual music.
Detune's Korg M01D for Nintendo 3DS sparks nostalgia, lands in May (video)
This isn't the first time a Korg synth has been re-imagined in software form, it's not even the first (or second) time on Nintendo's DS. But, when Detune releases its M01D for the handheld console, it'll spark more than a little nostalgia for synth enthusiasts. Why? Because it's heavily inspired by Korg's legendary M1 synth, complete with all its sounds (and yes, the famous piano patch included), plus some new ones thrown in for good measure. The DS version includes a step sequencer (eight tracks with up to 64 steps per sequence) that you can compile together in "scenes." Borrowing from other parts of the Korg family, the M01D app also offers a KAOSS mode, too, no doubt using one of those screens serving as the touchpad. You can preserve your creativity by saving to SD card, or the usual internet sharing options, and heck there's even a 3D viewing mode too. Lordy! How that will actually look, we don't know, or at least we won't until its May release in Japan, before reaching the rest of the world in Summer.
Korg announces Volca analog synth series, we go eyes-on
Korg's love of the mini-analog synth clearly remains strong as it's added three more new ones to the fold -- the Volca Beat, Volca Bass and Volca Keys (the clue to what they do is in the names). While some firms take a pro product and work down, making cheaper versions, Korg seems to take a different approach. It did the stripping-back thing when it launched its popular Monotron synth. Since then, it's incrementally developed it back up into a whole category of its own, the latest iteration of which we apparently see before us here. The trio of mini-synths clearly take inspiration from the Monotribe groovebox that came before them, but are a step up in terms of design. Brushed metal finishes give them a vintage, almost Stylophone feel. The Volca Bass, in particular, looks almost too much like the legendary Roland TB-303 to be coincidence, and if we didn't know better, we'd say the color scheme of the Beat echoes the TR-808. As we happened to be in Frankfurt, we couldn't resist getting out hands on them, or as you'll see past the break, at least trying to. %Gallery-185299%
Korg announces MS-20 mini, we go hands and ears-on (video)
Korg has a string of classic sound-making machines that bear its name. One of the most well regarded would be the MS-20 analog synth that first landed in 1978. But that's no good to you right here in 2013 is it? Well, funnily enough, the kind folk at Korg realised this, and decided to relaunch it, updated for the modern musician. The MS-20 mini is, as you might surmise, a smaller version of the classic, measuring in at 86 percent the size of the original. It also looks like as much of the character that made the MS-20 sing to people's hearts has been carried over as possible. The mini was developed by the same engineers, has the same synthesis set up (two oscillators, ring modulation, VCA design etc) complete with manual cable-patching system (which is now 3.5mm rather than 1/4-inch). There is one modern addition, and that is a USB-MIDI jack around the back, letting you plug in to your favorite DAW / sequencing software through the more contemporary connection -- should you prefer that over the good old 5-pin MIDI (which is still an option). As we're right here at NAMM, we took a stroll over to the Korg booth to take a look for ourselves. Head past the break to see / hear more.
Moog Sub Phatty analog synthesizer hands-on (video)
A few days back, Moog teased a new synthesizer that we would come to meet properly as the Sub Phatty. Once we hit the show floor here in California, we made sure to drop by for live look. The analog unit features every bit of the fine craftsmanship that we've come to know Moog for crankin' out of its factory in the mountains of North Carolina despite the affordable $1,100 price tag. Sub Phatty keeps with the classic snyth aesthetic and Moog design trademarks including soft-touch coated side panels -- a staple of the Phatty line -- and knobs that look and feel prime for extreme mileage. Aside from a dapper exterior, the big draw here is the new Multidrive tech that graces the control panel and inner workings of the device. We could give a detailed textual explanation of said feature, but we'll let Amos Gaynes, product development specialist at Moog, do all of the chatting in the video that follows after the break. Speaking of the jump, you'll find an audio sample taken straight off of the Sub Phatty's frontside here at NAMM 2013.
Stylophone S2 portable analog synthesizer hands-on (video)
The original Stylophone is something of a legend. Made popular by David Bowie (and possibly if you're British, Rolf Harris) in the late sixties / early seventies. Since then the original (shown in our gallery) has been re-released, and spin-off products have come to light. The S2, however, represents a new direction for the vintage synth. This time, makers dubreq wanted to create something that maintained the original's pick-up-and-play appeal, while adding some more high-end features and functionality that open it up to more serious sound-smiths. The first thing you will notice is that, while it still has the iconic metal "keys," the Stylophone S2 is somewhat larger -- no bad thing if you've ever tried penning a melody live on the original. Those keys can be triggered with a wireless stylus, but are touch sensitive also, meaning you can poke out a tune without being limited to the agility of your dominant hand. Skip past the break for more details and a hardware video tour.
Moog details Sub Phatty ahead of NAMM, accepts $1,099 pre-orders for March (video)
A few days ahead of the music industry's annual soiree in California, Moog Music has outed its latest analog offering. The North Carolina-based outfit has pulled the wraps off of the Sub Phatty: a 25 full-size key, 31 knob synthesizer that wields two variable waveshape oscillators and Moog's new Multidrive circuitry. Multidrive smashes OTA distortion with FET drive to offer a range of sounds from warm depth to growling overdrive. "We set out to design the grittiest Moog synth ever, one that still offers all of the great sound and flexibility that Moog synthesizers are known for, but that also really has teeth," said president Mike Adams. The budget-friendly price tag of $1,100 is sure to tempt those who've been eyeing Moog's wares, but units won't start shipping until March. Consult the source link to part with your funds and jump past the break for a walkthrough with synth pioneer Herb Deutsch.
Moog Music tacks on Grateful Dead expansion pack to Animoog 2.0 for $4.99 (video)
Late last week, Moog Music rolled out version 2.0 of its Animoog synthesizer app for Apple's slate. Now, the Asheville, North Carolina outfit is adding a truckload of new sounds less than a week after the initial release. The Grateful Dead Expansion Pack is now available for the iPad software, touting 82 presets and 45 timbres broken down into ensemble, percussion and vocal groupings. Each piece of the add-on was taken from a February 1968 performance at the Carousel Ballroom and optimized for the Animoog platform. "We're not simply providing samples from the Grateful Dead's body of work, rather we've distilled the essence of notes and phrases in a different way to transform these performances into new instruments -- new voices," says Cyril Lance, Moog's Chief Engineer. The $4.99 in-app purchase is available now, but while you're mulling it over, jump down past the break to catch a glimpse of Mickey Hart taking it for a spin.
