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Elektron Digitone and Digiton Keys get a new OS upgrade

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Elektron focuses on the FM-enabled Digitone and Digitone Keys, bringing exciting new features, upgrades, and bug fixes.

The Digitakt often receives all of the attention, making the Digitone and Digitone Keys feel neglected — not anymore. Here’s a substantial upgrade to the FM synth operating system which should make users feel much better about themselves and their Elektron box of choice.

The effects section now can connect to the rest of the unit via a GLOBAL FX/MIX menu. All of the settings on the internal mixer, external mixer, chorus, delay, and reverb pages may be set to global so that changes to one pattern affect all of the patterns in the project. This also applies.

The external stereo input may now be divided into two mono inputs with distinct effects sends, giving the effect engine a lot more room to experiment with other devices.

Other changes include the addition of a delay parameter to the filter envelope and the improvement of the LFO Fade envelope. Overbridge audio and sync bugs have been addressed.

There has been a lot of work done to smooth out the images and improve the looks in several locations. You may now adjust the brightness of the LEDs and OLED screen, which is a much-desired feature.

Links of interest

Elektron
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Nymphes is the new six-voice analog synth from Dreadbox

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Nymphes, a six-voice analog synthesizer from Dreadbox, has been formally unveiled.

According to Dreadbox, this is what the future holds for us:

Polyphonic Synthesizer ‘NYMPHES’ produced during the obscure epidemic days, and we hope that it would deliver a pinch of a smile on your face. “.

We worked hard to cram a big idea into a tiny, manageable package without sacrificing the finished instrument’s sound quality.

The end product is both beautiful and otherworldly.

Features:

  • Voice of an analog synthesizer.
  • Polyphony of 6 Voices.
  • Digital Reverb with a Rich Tone (developed by Dreadbox)
  • 12 envelopes and 7 LFOs (2 envelopes per voice, 1 LFO per voice, and 1 general LFO) There are six distinct game modes.
  • Memory for 98 presets (49 factory and 49 users)
  • MIDI through USB or DIN5 (complete with CC In and Out documentation) > USB, portable.
  • Powered to allow for optimum portability.
  • Metal Enclosure, Long-Lasting

Voices have the following characteristics:

  • 1x VCO with Wave Forming 1x Noise Generator with Sub Oscillator
  • 1x LFO per voice with key track, fade in/out, 5 waveforms, and a broad frequency range (into the FM range)
  • 2x Envelope Makers.
  • Low Pass Resonant Filter 24dB/octave with Accurate Tracking
  • 6dB/octave Non-Resonant High Pass Filter.

Specifications & Connections:

  • USB powered (1.5 Watts)
  • 50 Playing hours with a 20,000mA power bank MIDI IN via USB or DIN5
  • 1/4″ MONO TS Jack Out
  • 1/8″ Headphones Out

According to Dreadbox, the Nymphes is inspired by the chthonic demi-goddesses, who not only personify nature but are also frequently connected with the wild, and is devoted to all mistreated and persecuted women.

The Dreadbox Nymphes will be released in November 2021 for 499 €. (incl. 24 percent VAT).

Links of interest

Dreadbox
Website | Youtube | Instagram

Analog synthesizer Sequential Take 5 is coming soon

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Since Focusrite bought the firm in April 2021, this is the company’s first new synthesizer.It is a five-voice polyphonic instrument with two analog oscillators per voice and a continuously changing waveshape per oscillator, which may not have been specifically created for people who desire to perform the Dave Brubeck classic. Thus, its design resembles that of Sequential’s Prophet-5 Rev 4, launched in 2020.

On the other hand, the Mixer allows you to adjust the volumes of the oscillators as well as how much white noise is generated.

The four-pole low-pass filter, on the other hand, is believed to be based on the Prophet-5 Rev 4 filter. Self-oscillation may be achieved with Resonance control.

Take 5 Tools

Two five-stage envelope generators with configurable routing and velocity modulation of each envelope amount are among the modulation features. In addition, the envelopes will have the option of being assigned to a variety of modulation targets. A similar statement may be made about the LFO, which offers five waveforms and internal or external MIDI clock synchronization capabilities.

There’s also a separate reverb and overdrive section in the digital effects section, along with a multi-effect that offers stereo delay, BBD delay, tape delay, and chorus, as well as phaser, ring mod, vintage rotating speaker, and distortion.

With the new Prophet-5, you’ll now find a Vintage knob for recreating the oscillator, filter, and envelope irregularities seen in old synthesizer gear.

“The Take 5 puts the classic Sequential sound and legacy into the hands of people who may not have been able to experience it before,” said Dave Smith, Sequential founder, and lead product designer.

Founder and chief product designer Dave Smith remarked, “The Take 5 brings the traditional Sequential sound and history into the hands of people who may not have been able to hear it previously.”

The Take 5 retails for $1,299. Visit the Sequential website to learn more.

Links of interest

Sequential
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Win a Minimoog autographed by Bob Moog

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Acquiring a Minimoog is a dream come true for many musicians. Luckly, owning a Minimoog autographed by its creator, Bob Moog, is one of the prizes available in the current raffle organized by the Bob Moog Foundation.

The Bob Moog Foundation has been around for 15 years, having been founded a year after the remarkable man’s death in 2005. The Minimoog in hand was built in the mid-’70s and has been thoroughly repaired by Analogics synth expert Wes Taggart.

This synth is worth $9,500, and given its history and the fact that it contains Bob Moog’s autograph, it is yet to appreciate in the future.

The raffle is currently underway, with tickets costing $20 each, six for $100, fourteen for $200, or forty for $500. It will continue through the 30th of August, or until all 5,000 tickets have been sold. The money generated from the raffle will go toward Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, the foundation’s educational initiative that teaches primary school kids “the science of sound,” as well as the Museum in Asheville, NC.

Visit the Bob Moog Foundation website to learn more and purchase raffle tickets.

Links of interest

Bob Moog Foundation Raffle
Website

Behringer employs Sequential’s Prophet synthesizer design

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Behringer has teased a new synth that is similar to Sequential’s Prophet series. The Pro-16 from Behringer was shown on Facebook last week and is presently in prototype form. Although no product specifications have been disclosing, the name “Pro-16” implies that it may contain 16 voices.

Dave Smith created the Prophet-5 in 1978, and his firms, such as Sequential Circuits and Dave Smith Instruments (DSI), have carried on the design ethos of the revolutionary synth to the present day. Last year, Smith’s current incarnation (branded as Sequential since 2018) produced an official reissue of the Prophet-5.

Behringer sued DSI, DSI engineer Tony Karavidas, and 20 anonymous forum members in 2018 for criticizing Behringer’s goods. In recent years, Behringer has made a significant shift toward selling low-cost remakes of iconic synthesizers from across history. In July, the firm unveiled its version of Moog’s System modular rigs.

Links of interest

Behringer
Website

Teenage Engineering’s OP-1 may be used now as USB audio interface

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Teenage Engineering can’t be blamed for not offering long-term support for its OP-1 synthesizer, already on firmware version number 243. In this free update, as have all prior ones, and adds some potentially helpful functions.

The OP-1, in particular, could now broadcast over USB. To put it more simply, it may now be used as a USB audio interface.

Not only can you sample and record straight to the OP-1 from any USB audio host, but you can also transfer audio from the OP-1 into your PC or Mac DAW.

Other changes include better external tempo sync stability and the commencement of recording when the tape is armed and the OP-1 gets a play signal.

The firmware update is compatible with all OP-1 models and may be downloaded from the Teenage Engineering website.

Links of interest

Teenage Engineering
Website | Instagram

Erica Synths Matrix Mixer claims to be able to re-patch your Eurorack system

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Part of the joy of running a Eurorack system is the continual re-patching – at least, this is what fans would tell you – but although you have all the time or energy to do this in the studio, there are other pressures while you are playing.

The Matrix Mixer from Erica Synths claims to “re-patch your system with the touch of a simple click.”

The Erica Synths Matrix Mixer is a desktop patch matrix with 16 inputs and 16 outputs, can route and mix signals with great precision, as well as produce buffered multiples and randomized patches.

The Matrix Mixer is compatible with semi-modular synthesizers and converter cards for the EMS Synthi and Buchla Music Easel. The Matrix Mixer will be especially beneficial in performances that combine Eurorack and other performance instruments, such as drums, guitars, wind instruments, and so on, thanks to easy patch changes through panel buttons or MIDI program change signals.

Product specifications:

  • All analog signal path
  • 16 buffered, DC coupled inputs
  • 16 independent, buffered, DC coupled outputs
  • 256 connections, each with 3 attenuation levels
  • Random pattern mode with definable randomization area and density
  • 254 pattern memory
  • Pattern change via MIDI program change messages
  • 32 3,5mm jack sockets
  • 4 6,3mm jack sockets

The Matrix Mixer is now available for pre-order on the Erica Synths website. It costs $599/€490 and is expected to ship soon.

Links of interest

Erica Synths
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Michael James and his production tutorial channel: The Source

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Michael James has emerged as one of the most active musicians in our genre in recent years, appearing on a variety of prominent labels like Constant Sound, Fuse London, Mulen Records, and Rowle.

Michael James has done a lot of one-on-one tutoring over the last several years, and people have often complained that it’s difficult to find tutorials online that are genuinely focused on underground electronic music. Rich was also interested in sharing his enormous knowledge of production, as he was frequently publishing short lessons and ideas on his Instagram and offering an insight into his workflow that not many artists share.

This is how The Source came to be; you can discover all of the Producer Tutorials you’re used to seeing on their Instagram accounts, as well as access to special sample packs, masterclasses, gadgets, and patches.

The place for amazing tutorials

Once you sign up for the website, you will receive a free download of Michael James’ Maximiser, Rich NxT’s new sample pack, and Michael James’ first lesson on the platform, which concentrates on drums and percussion.

The Source has tutorials for both beginners and professionals, and each video is created by a well-known artist who shows and teaches his abilities step by step. These include Rossi, Burnski, Lauren Lo Sung, Giorgio Maulini, Djoko, Alexis Cabrera, and more.

The Source is a comprehensive page integrated with the tutorials you have been waiting for, and it has already been one year since its launch; we advise you to join up and enjoy the entire experience.

 

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Links of Interest

The Source
Website | Instagram

Behringer presents a new modified version of their TD-3

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With a wicked adjusted version of their TD-3 bassline synth, Behringer takes it to a whole new level.

Behringer’s latest activities have a surreal quality to them. It first unveiled a ‘new’ MKII version of their RD-8 drum machine, which is, obviously, a clone of Roland’s TR-808, and now the TD-3-MO, a modded-out version of the company’s TD-3 bassline synth.

This model has an even stranger background; it’s a second-generation TD-3 (a reboot of Roland’s TB-303 bassline synth) that looks to be based on Robin Whittle’s tricked-out Devil Fish 303. As a result, you might call it an updated replica that was also influenced by a prior mod project.

For more information on the new features, watch the video above or visit the Behringer website. The TD-3-MO will be available for $199 in silver and yellow. It is believed to be in the process of being sent.

Links of Interest

Behringer
Website

 

Behringer’s UB-Xa Oberheim synth is nearly done

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Behringer’s UB-Xa, a redesign of the Oberheim OX-Xa, was “almost ready”.  Behringer has subsequently declared that the design is finished and that beta testing for the synth has ended, indicating that progress has been achieved.

The UB-Xa has been in development for three years and was designed to be a direct replica of the OB-Xa at first but changed in the process. As a result, it has evolved into “a monstrous synthesizer with several capabilities and sound choices,” according to Behringer.

Behringer shows us their new synthesizer in the video below, so you can get a sense of what to anticipate.

Links of interest

Behringer
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube