Hi!
Akai sent over the MPC Live II for review - the main differences are that it has a built-in soundbar/speaker, CV/Gate outputs and more buttons, but as usual, there are a few more details - all of which are covered in the "vs" portion of my video.
The real news of the past week, however, is the 2.8 firmware update, which applies to the entire MPC ran...
2020-05-14 14:09:10 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
They did it - Moog is mass producing the Subharmonicon, with quite a few new features. Since a lot is different, I starting by explaining everything from scratch on this one, and then add plenty of patch ideas and tips.
As you may have seen in other videos on the channel, I'm quite a fan of the distinctive sound of the subharmonic scale, so it's great to see this in...
2020-05-12 16:09:21 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
Make Noise just came out with 0-CTRL - an all-analog desktop sequencer/controller in the same form factor as the 0-Coast.
I've reviewed quite a few digital sequencers, with plenty of features, power, menus and options - this one is different. It's back to the basics - with no quantization, no discernable way to create "sta...
2020-05-05 17:36:25 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
1010music just released a new hardware version of Bitbox ($600) as well as the little "mini-me" Bitbox Micro ($400). Both use the same processor, but Micro is a slimmed down version of MK2 with only 8 pads (sample slots) instead of 16, and fewer inputs.
That said, Micro has a few features that MK2 does not - including MIDI out and 6 audio outputs instead of just four.
<... 2020-04-30 12:18:58 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
I typically wait until the last day of the month to release a book update because I'm always adding things to it - but since I have a video coming out tomorrow (a review and comparison of the two new 1010Music BitBox modules) I didn't want to trigger your spam filter with two emails in a single day...
This month's update is an extended version of my "studio awareness and...
2020-04-29 16:16:31 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi there!
Empress sent over their reverb and there went half a day of productivity.... I thought the least I could do was to have something to show for it.
I know some of you ask, so here's a download of the video in case you're interested.
By the way, if you joined this month - welcome and thanks! And if you stuck around - thanks even more <3
A...
2020-04-24 10:05:06 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
Over the past couple of years, I've been slowly collecting knowledge and tips about how a room impacts the sound of studio monitors - and this video includes every useful insight I've been able to gather.
The first step is awareness and then come the proposed solutions. It turns out that while speaker manufacturers go to great lengths to manufacture monitors with a flat response...
2020-04-20 18:30:18 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
I was very much looking forward to exploring Arturia's KeyStep Pro because of my fondness for their KeyStep: I've used it in multiple videos because it's small (doesn't take up much space in the frame...) and yet powerful - it's not just a MIDI controller, but also an arpeggiator and sequencer, and the CV outputs come in quite handy.
It does have some disadvanta...
2020-04-14 16:10:03 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi - I hope you're well!
This week's video is a double feature - a review of Aeros and BeatBuddy by Singular Sound.
I've been interested in Aeros Loop Studio ever since it was announced. The combination of multiple layers and multiple parts, along with visual feedback as to what's going on showed promise for a better looping experience, and Aeros didn't ...
2020-04-06 09:14:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Dear WaveShapers!
Aren't we all missing the days when CV could only mean Control Voltage. Or Résumé?
I hope you and yours are doing well, staying safe and are as minimally impacted as possible. I'm doing well, staying home doing my (our?) Loopop thing thanks to you :)
The main news in this month's book update is a whole chapter dedicated to things to check and be awa...
2020-03-31 19:36:55 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
I hope you're doing well in these crazy times. Since you're a Patron I'm going to assume you still want me to create content, so here goes!
The other shoe has dropped... here's my review of Novation's Launchpad Pro MK3 - alongside a comparison to its medium-sized brother - the Launchpad X.
The biggest news is Pro MK3's built-i...
2020-03-30 12:37:19 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
If you've ever wondered which features to look for in an audio interface, I've put together a comprehensive a list as possible in this video, and will, as expected, be adding this and more to the March book update.
I've been using AudioFuse from Arturia daily ever since I reviewed it over 2 years ago, and while it has its cons, ...
2020-03-23 16:34:41 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
Polyend has formally announced their Tracker, and sent over a beta unit for review.
While I had an Amiga and remember Tracker music very fondly, I've not used a Tracker since. So has Polyend's Tracker won me over? I have to admit that while initially, it seems odd to make music on what looks like a spreadsheet, there are a few workflow ideas in it that won me over. It's fa...
2020-03-18 12:39:47 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi there!
You probably have your fill of current events from other sources - here's my attempt at distraction...
Tasty Chips recently announced a beta version 2.2 of their firmware for GR-1 - their hardware granular synth, which is as good a time as any to take a deep-dive look at this interesting synth, and Granular Synthesis...
2020-03-12 14:24:48 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
If you're on Instagram and are interested in synths, there's a good chance you've seen the funny and excellent page called AnimalsAndSynthesizers. If you haven't - do check it out here.
These are short soundtracks beautifully synced to videos of animals doing ...
2020-03-04 18:49:54 +0000 UTC View Post
Happy Leap Day!
In true Leap Day spirit, there's a new way of Leaping between updates in my book...
A few months ago I added a new method to let you quickly jump between updates by searching for the "<NEW" string. A Patreon Supporter wrote to me with what I think is a reasonable request - in case someone misses a book update or two, that it would be n...
2020-02-29 13:42:50 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi there!
Here's my in depth and full tutorial for Model:Cycles - Elektron's new entry into the relatively lower priced groovebox market.
With this, Elektron take an even bigger step towards simplifying FM synthesis, with 6 different machines, each with 4 macro controllers based around FM sound design of kicks, snares, cymbals/hats and toms - ...
2020-02-26 20:12:48 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi there!
Here's the video I promised I'd make a couple of weeks ago: lessons learned putting together my album, which is basically a collection of jams "souped-up" to full tracks.
I mentioned this in my previous message - the goal of the album was to show that some jams can and should be track-worthy 2020-02-22 16:07:44 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
What makes a true modular sequencer? Most DAWs and sequencers live on a fixed grid. Whether it's beats, ppqns or a linear sequence of notes.
One of the most alluring aspects of Eurorack (and modular in general), in my opinion, is its innovative sequencers, where potentially every aspect of a note - its length, pitch, articulation, order and more, is subject to change, whether in...
2020-02-16 20:48:19 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
The MPC One is the newest member of Akai's standalone MPC line (following MPC X, MPC Live and Force).
Akai Force aside, all three MPCs run the exact same firmware - the only difference between the three is the hardware configuration (controls, ports, storage etc). So, really the only things that are "newsworthy" here are the hardware configuration <...
2020-02-09 18:53:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
Theoretically, I shouldn't be excited about this. And as Patrons, there's seemingly nothing new here for you either: I've offered downloads of these tracks in the past as companions to my videos.
And yet there is something here that is an important statement, at least as far as I'm concerned, which will hopefully resonate with you:
Tracks don't n...
2020-02-03 12:42:05 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
The MIDI spec part of an instrument's manual used to be the most intimidating part of it for me - something I felt best ignored in order to maintain my sanity. CCs, MSB/LSB and NPRNs seemed complex and confusing, and hexadecimal numbers like AF BH and 7D weren't helping.
However, over time, I discovered that it's a great place to find hidden gems and make the most of an instrume...
2020-01-31 13:58:00 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi,
MIDI controllers with screens have been around for a while, but for some reason, a compact MIDI controller with a screen that lets you easily label what each knob does is rare to non-existent.
Enter EC4 from Faderfox - a lovely little controller for unlocking CC/NPRN/MSB-LSB gems hidden in your synth/groovebox/effects pedal, that also cont...
2020-01-28 14:43:13 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
I know I said no content was likely from NAMM, but it seems like no one checked out how this pedal sounds, so this drove me to explore it!
OD-S is based on Korg's Nutube technology (the same drive that's in NuBass). I built it in one of the workshops in their booth and ran a test drive on Microfreak in my hotel room and with a guitar courtesy of Static - on thei...
2020-01-21 13:14:14 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
I'm at NAMM for the next 3 days checking out what's new. My goal isn't to make any videos by the way, there are plenty of people doing on booth demos, but rather to spend time getting to know the people behind the gear. If there's anything you'd like me to check out please let me know! I will be taking a camera with me just in case...
Aside from that, Moog sent over their new
Hi there!
Korg just announced Wavestate, a digital, sample-based synth, inspired by their Wavestation from the '90s.
The big news here is completely independent sequencing lanes alongside a bigger and modern sample library. It's also much more usable. And the mod matrix options are pretty crazy too.
I've attached a video download of the ...
2020-01-07 06:08:34 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
Here's a deep dive into Polygonal Synthesis and E-RM's Polygogo.
This video also includes 11 patch ideas (most of which are relevant to other modules), some simple, and some new - most are in the book and those that aren't will be added in the next update of course!
Also attached to this message are two Patreon exclusives:...
2020-01-01 15:07:28 +0000 UTC View PostHi there!
Your support in the quest for the ultimate collection of electronic music ideas, tips and tricks takes quite a few extra steps this month with multiple, easily digestible, bite-sized updates.
Quick navigation note: a search for the string “<NEW” will take you from update to update.
Here's what's new in detail:
Hi!
The MS-20 and its K-2 clone behave somewhat like they're from another planet. Screeching filters, hz per volt and s-trigs, and an "ESP" circuit that converts audio into CV.
Even the envelopes behave quite differently from anything else... going up instead of down and shifting and offsetting to keep sustain at zero (!)
Funny thing is, while not standard, it...
2019-12-26 21:19:44 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi!
Here's my review of Argon8, Modal Electronics' new 8 voice polyphonic synth. It's all digital and it has a wavetable synthesis core alongside a few interesting wavetable modifiers and modulators (all is explained in the video...).
It's being released practically alongside Hydrasynth from ASM - and I make a rough comparison betw...
2019-12-18 12:30:28 +0000 UTC View Post