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 ...
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 chan...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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 m...
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 o...
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 a...
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 vis...
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...
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 ...
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 AudioFus...
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 mu...
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 tim...
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 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 wh...
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, e...
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 mes...
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 ...
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, ...
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...
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, ...
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 contro...
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 boot...
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! ...
2020-01-16 07:15:39 +0000 UTC View Post
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 u...
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...
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 ...
2019-12-31 16:41:25 +0000 UTC View Post
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 ...
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 rele...
2019-12-18 12:30:28 +0000 UTC View Post
