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Polyend Tracker review: A powerful but confounding groovebox
The Polyend Tracker is an exceptionally built and almost intimidatingly powerful groovebox. It can record samples, edit them, turn them into playable synths, and control external gear. It will carry you all the way from germ of an idea to polished track. The workflow isn’t for everyone, but it’s impossible to deny the value packed into this $599 instrument.
Moog app brings the classic Model 15 modular synth to the Mac
Moog has released a Mac version of its Model 15 app, helping you recreate the classic modular synth on your computer.
Hector is a virtual modular synth you can put in your real modular synth
Hector is essentially a Poly Effects Digit and Beebo modular guitar pedal, but in a 30 HP Eurorack module.
Korg teases Drumlogue, a hybrid analog / digital groovebox
Korg announced the next member of the ‘logue family: the Drumlogue. It will be a hybrid analog / digital groovebox. Judging from the short teaser video, that means some analog drum voices similar to the Volca Beats, as well as PCM and digital synthesis voice.
Korg Gadget-VR takes music producing from the studio to the headset
Korg's Gadget app is already assisting music producers on iOS, desktop and even the Nintendo Switch. Now it's coming to virtual reality too.
The miniKORG 700FS is an overdue reissue of its first landmark synth
Korg is finally giving its first synth the miniKORG 700 the recognition it deserves with a 100-percent analog reissue: the miniKORG FS. The company even brought back the original designer, Fumio Mieda to oversee the development.
Korg reinvents a cult favorite with the Modwave wavetable synthesizer
In 1985 Korg released the DW-8000, an analog-digital hybrid synth that combined at the time cutting edge digital oscillators with analog filters. The Modwave is an all digital take on the DW, updated to fit in with the company’s modern lineup, including the Wavestate and Opsix, which focus heavily on knob-per-function controls and live performance.
Korg's ARP 2600 M is a 'mini' version of an iconic synth
The ARP 2600 M is about half the size of the original and one-third the weight. But it still packs all the classic sound design modules.
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.
Vocal synth with teeth is equally hilarious and horrifying
Love Hulten has developed a vocal synth where each key plays notes through plastic teeth — it's just as strange as it sounds.
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.
Arturia's flagship instrument bundle is getting a major upgrade...
In the world of softsynths Arturia’s V Collection and Analog Lab are two of the best bangs for your musical buck. Version seven which launched in mid 2019 included 23 instruments, many of them basically unobtainable in vintage physical form. Arturia V Collection 8 is somehow even more comprehensive.
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.
Moog's Werkstatt-01 synth is back and it's more affordable than ever
The easy-to-assemble kit costs $199, but it's only available for a limited time.