synthesizer
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Moog celebrates 100 years of Theremin with the Claravox Centennial
It was way back in 1920 that Lev Sergeyevich Termen, better known as Leon Theremin in the west, first demonstrated one of the most important electronic musical instruments ever. The instrument is very much ingrained in the DNA of Moog.
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.
Elektron's Analog Four and Rytm get both design and software upgrades
Elektron's Analog Four MKII and Analog Rytm MKII are both serious high-end instruments. They're $1,399 and $1,699 respectively. But, despite being at the top of the Elektron heap, they've been missing some of the big features that make its more affordable Digi- and Model: lines so exciting.
Roland's synth engine comes to mobile devices with the Zenbeats 2.0 app
Roland has rolled out an upgraded version of its cross-platform digital audio workstation app, and it comes with several feature and workflow enhancements. The biggest addition to Zenbeats 2.0, though, is ZC1, which brings the company’s Zen-Core synth engine to mobile. Roland launched Zen-Core back in January, offering musicians a synth system that works across a wide variety of its instruments.
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.
Jamstik Studio is the MIDI guitar you might actually want to use
Guitar MIDI controllers are usually giant disappointments. But Jamstik seems to have broken the code. The Studio MIDI Guitar has fast and accurate pitch detection, and even does an impressive job of recreating bends, hammer-ons and to a lesser degree slides. MIDI wasn’t designed with stringed instruments in mind, so it’s never going to be perfect, and the $800 asking price is steep. But, this is probably the best guitar-style MIDI controller on the market right now. Plus, it’s actually a guitar.
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.
Moog's new coffee table book is filled with tips for synth nerds
'Patch and Tweak with Moog' is a book dedicated to tips, tricks and ideas for the semi-modular Mother family — including the Mother 32, DFAM, Subharmonicon, Grandmother and Matriarch. It's filled with synth history, an inside look at the Moog factory plus interviews with synth icons, musicians and Moog employees.
Native Instruments crams its powerful music-making software in a standalone groovebox
Maschine+ brings the Maschine workflow and Komplete instruments to a standalone groovebox.
Arturia's KeyStep Pro is a near-perfect MIDI controller for hardware synths
Arturia’s KeyStep Pro successfully marries most of what makes the KeyStep so ubiquitous with the sequencing power of the BeatStep Pro. It’s not perfect, especially if you’re hoping to use it as the core of a hybrid setup that combines hardware synths with the power of a DAW. But there are few controllers out there with this breadth of connectivity options, especially at the price point.
Arturia's MicoFreak gets a vocoder mode and limited-edition makeover
When Arturia announced the MicroFreak in January of 2019 I said “there's nothing stopping Arturia from adding more oscillators down the road through firmware updates.”
MOD Duo X review: A do-it-all music box with potential
The MOD Duo X is a one-of-a-kind desktop effects processor that has the potential to do even more. It's excellent for building virtual pedalboards, but its synth features still feel unfinished. If you’re looking for an all-in-one device that can be a multi-effects unit, a direct recording box, a headphone practice amp and a live sound mangler the Duo X is a solid choice, as long as you’re willing to spend the $749.
Roland marks TR-808's 40th anniversary with a documentary and freebies
Roland is marking the TR-808 drum machine's 40th anniversary with a documentary, virtual instruments and more.
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.
Pico System III review: A fun and simplified intro to modular synths
The Pico System III is a reasonably priced entry point into the world of modular and west coast synthesis. It has everything you need to get started exploring the nuts and bolts of analog sound design.
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.
Dreadbox's portable Typhon analog synth is loaded with effects
Dreadbox has unveiled a portable analog mono synth, the Typhon, that stuffs 12 effects into a small box.
AI breathes new life into a classic ‘80s synth
A website uses AI to generate usable patches for Yamaha's classic DX7 synthesizer.
Hacked NES Power Glove controls a modular synth with finger wriggles
Look Mum No Computer has hacked a Power Glove to control a modular synth with finger gestures, and it's just as weird as you'd expect.
Moog Subharmonicon review: An experimental synth with an iconic sound
The Subharmonicon indulges its experimental side more than other Moog synths. It's inspired by the Mixtur-Trautonium and the Rhythmicon a pair of early electronic music instruments. Those avant-garde roots show and can make it a bit daunting if you’re just looking for a quick fix of that iconic bass sound. But patience and persistence reveal that the Subharmonicon, for all of its complexity, is still classic Moog.