All articles tagged with #synthesizer
Nopia MK1, a visually appealing and harmony-focused synthesizer and MIDI generator, has been unveiled after two years of development, offering an accessible way to create and understand tonal harmony without needing prior music theory knowledge, with features like a chord builder, internal sound engine, and MIDI outputs.
KV331 Audio is offering its SynthMaster One plugin for free until January 4, a versatile wavetable synthesizer with multiple oscillators, filters, effects, and modulation options, suitable for various music production needs.
Roland has released its first analog drum machine in over 40 years, the TR-1000 Rhythm Generator, which recreates 16 classic analog circuits from the TR-808 and TR-909, combining authentic sounds with modern features, at a high price of $2,699.99, targeting professional studios rather than casual users.
Behringer has launched the JT Mini, a $99 analog synthesizer inspired by the Roland Jupiter-8, now available for pre-order. The JT Mini features a paraphonic design with three VCOs, a multimode filter, and a motion sequencer, offering a compact and affordable option for music producers. It supports full MIDI control and is powered via USB-C, making it a competitive alternative to the Korg Volca series.
Teenage Engineering has launched the OP-XY, a portable synthesizer and sequencer priced at $2,299, offering a significant upgrade over the OP-Z with features like a built-in OLED display, eight synth engines, and a six-axis accelerometer. The OP-XY supports various inputs and outputs, including USB-C and MIDI, and can operate wirelessly with a 16-hour battery life. This release continues Teenage Engineering's trend towards premium audio gear, following other high-end products like the TP-7 Field Recorder and the OP-1 Field.
Teenage Engineering has unveiled the OP-XY, a new groovebox in their Field series, building on the OP-Z's sequencing capabilities. The OP-XY features a dual CPU system, 8GB storage, and 512 MB RAM, supporting a 16-track sequencer with 24 voices of polyphony and multiple synth engines. It offers advanced step sequencing, live sampling, and a range of effects, all housed in a sleek black aluminum design. The device includes versatile connectivity options and a rechargeable battery, priced at $2299.
Arturia AstroLab is a new stage keyboard synthesizer that integrates hardware and software, turning the Analog Lab software into a standalone instrument. With 61 semi-weighted keys, it offers bi-timbral capabilities and over 10,000 sounds from V Collection and Pigments. The hardware features a modern user interface with a multi-tool display, color-coded knobs, and versatile connectivity options, including USB-C, WiFi, and an Android/iOS app. Priced at $1599/1599€, it targets live musicians seeking ready-to-use sounds and offers potential for future growth.
Korg is set to unveil the PS-3300 FS, a full-scale reissue of the ultra-rare polyphonic analog synthesizer originally designed in 1977, at NAMM 2024. The new version will feature 49 keys and 49 voices, offering 147 synth voices, and will include modern additions such as patch memory and a dedicated librarian app. The prototype will be showcased at NAMM 2024, with availability and pricing details yet to be announced.
Korg has announced the Opsix mk II synthesizer, a refresh of its popular Opsix FM synthesizer, featuring a boost in polyphony to 64 voices, new sound components, analog-style filters, and a programmable step sequencer. The synthesizer is fully compatible with the original Opsix and integrates with Korg's dedicated software suite, offering full access to numerous sound libraries. Priced at $700, the Opsix mk II will be available in March, alongside other new products teased by Korg at NAMM 2024.
Yamaha unveils the SEQTRAK, a sleek and portable groovebox featuring a drum machine, synthesizer, sampler, and sequencer, with DNA from its DX and AMW2-powered instruments. Priced at $599, it offers four sound-generating sections, including a sample-based drum machine, synthesizer sections, and a sampler, along with an effects section and a step sequencer with up to 128 steps. The device also features connectivity options such as Bluetooth MIDI, Wi-Fi, MIDI in/out, USB-C, aux-in, and headphone out, making it a compelling option for music creators.
Tim Alex Jacobs has created what he calls the "smallest and worst" USB MIDI synthesizer using the CH32V003, a 32-bit RISC-V microcontroller. Despite no competition for the title, Jacobs proudly showcases his creation, highlighting the affordability and uniqueness of the device.
[mitxela] has built an even smaller and less useful synthesizer called the "Silly Synth," which fits all the components on a PCB smaller than a tiny piezo speaker. The synth runs on a CH32V003 microcontroller and features a USB-C plug. The crowded design showcases impressive routing, and the panelized design allows for mass production. [mitxela] continues to push the boundaries of miniaturization in synthesizer design.
Swedish tech and design company Teenage Engineering has launched its latest music device, the EP-133 KO II synthesizer. Priced at $299, the KO II is a higher-end version of the Pocket Operator, offering a wider range of features and capabilities. The device has 64MB of memory, 999 slots for different samples, an internal microphone for recording, and can connect to MIDI devices and computers. Teenage Engineering aimed to make the KO II more accessible to new users by providing a user-friendly manual and designing it with orange buttons and knobs for better visibility on stage.
Yamaha has released the Montage M, a new flagship workstation synth that combines multiple sound-generating technologies into one keyboard. The highlight is the new AN-X engine, which aims to capture the warm sound of real analogue synths. The Montage M also features improved versions of Yamaha's AWM2 and FM-X engines, offering up to 400 notes of polyphony. It comes in three versions and includes USB audio and MIDI connectivity. Prices range from $3,500 to $4,500.
Simple DIY ElectroMusic Projects has released a complete DIY modular design for simulating the classic 80s Yamaha TX816 DX/FM modular digital synthesizer using a Raspberry Pi and custom PCBs. The design includes a user interface for four of the eight channels, a GY-PCM5102 I2C DAC, and MIDI connectors. The MiniDexed firmware running bare-metal on a Raspberry Pi allows for a compatible synth without breaking the bank.