MFB has recently posted some Soundcloud demos of the forthcoming MFB Dominion X synthesizer. Here’s an example:
The synth sounds little bit Moogy. It’s got 3 oscillators, 2 LFOs, 2 EGs and an included Schippman filter. It’s also got 9 patchpoints too hook it up to your euro-style modular synth. And it’s also possible to save patches, a great feature.
I really like the looks of the new Telemark synth from Analogue Solutions. After selling my small synthesizers.com modular I’m looking into buying a new modular, and maybe the Telemark could be the start of a new system?
Anyway, here’s a great demo of the new synth. Below is a demo of the original Oberheim SEM that Telemark is modelled after.
Music Radar has a review of the Telemark synth, read it here
A 30 day demo version of Largo fram Waldorf has been released. Register and download the free demo from this location.
Largo is the VST version of their hardware Blofeld synth. I’ve got two Waldorf synths myself; Pulse and MicroQ, both geat sounding modules. I’ve also got the Waldorf Edition synth + effects pack, and the PPG emulaton I’ve used quite a lot. I look forward to trying out Largo.
More about Largo here
The touch.listen.synth must be inspired by the cracklebox, but it’s capable of creating more complex sounds. And it’s got an audio output. Cool thing!
More pictures here
Here’s a demo of Analogue Solutions new patchable SEM-based synth. It’s very fat-sounding. According to synthopia, it could be yours for £599 ex VAT.
And speaking of SEM, Tom Oberheim is back with a new verison of the original.
Analogue Solutions has made a rack-mount version of their Semblance synth and called it Telemark. It seems like it’s got some additional controls (or a matrix?) as well, but there’s no more specific information yet. The Semblance itself is a clone of the Oberheim SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module). I like the look of this thing.
Macbeth Studio Systems, makers of the cool M5N modular synth, has a new small keyboard synth in production. Its called the X-Factor and it looks like this (click for a big version):
I know, this small picture makes it look like a VST-plugin, but this one is real harware
Features include:
That’s a great set of features! No price and release date yet.
For more on Macbeth, here’s the page: http://www.macbethstudiosystems.com/
Similar product is the Analogue Solutions Leipzig-k keyboard, but this one has only 2 oscillators
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Eowave Persephone 2 features:
For those of you who don’t know it; this instrument is a modern day version of the famous Ondes Martenot invented 1928.
Eowave link: http://www.eowave.com/
Following the rather cool DJ gizmo SCS.3d comes another one in similar style, the SCS.3m MIDI controller / mixer. It can be used standalone as a MIDI mixer for software or together with the SCS.3d for DJ style mixing. It’s got 17 buttons, 11 sliders and 2 level meters with multicolored leds and a USB connection. It can even be magnetically connected to the SCS.3d. Cool stuff, I really like this kind of touch technology!
Stanton: http://www.stantondj.com/
SM Pro is making a lot of smart products. Their VST instrument player box, V-Machine is already released, now a larger rack version is on the way, it’s called the V-Rack and has an online computer with intel core duo processor, ram and S-ATA connectors for harddrives. Here’s some of the other features:
Look out for other products in the series; they are going to be making a a XL version (with hard disc) and a V-Pedal as well.
Here’s their site: http://www.smproaudio.com/
German synth manufacturers Jomox has made a new version of their bass drum synthesizer, the MBase. It’s only capable of generating a kick drum, but it does so rather well. Actually I’ve been thinking about buying one for a while..
The Musikmesse always has a lot of goodies for modular lovers. Pictured here is the Klangwabe from a new german company. It’s got some smart solutions and innovations, and it looks good as well.. Klangwabes netsite is here, but it doesn’t say much at the moment.
If you’re very interested in modulars; check this video from Sonicstate where the cool Andreas Schneider from Schneiders Buero takes you on a guided tour throug some of their products:
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Now, that’s about all I have time for..
The first part of the Musikmesse post is here
The 2009 Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany started today. I’m not there but I read about it at Sonicstate, Harmony Central, Synthopia and Music Radar.
Here are some of the most exiting new products I’ve found:
Developed by Akai together with Alesis, this is a promising new synth. Alesis hardware has in my opinion always felt a little bit cheap, but pairing Alesis VA synthesis together with Akai hardware seams like a good idea. It looks cool as well. Features include 3 oscillators, 2 inputs, 2 outputs, 8 voices, 8 part multitimbral, sequencer, drum machine, vocoder, fx and 600 presets. Sadly no USB.
More specs: http://www.akaipro.com/miniak
This is Presonus’ take on a DAW, and if we could judge it by the looks, it’s a killer piece of software. Goodbye Cubase & ProTools?
Read about it at Presonus web site – there’s a video presentation of it as well.
Well look at this, the swedes are about to do it again.. A totally new concept synth/controller unlike anything else at the moment. This looks great and has a lot of great ideas inside. Why can’t things like this come from Norway?
Teenage Engineering: http://www.teenageengineering.com/products/op-1/
The MIDI controller series from Novation gets even better! I own a Remote SL myself, and I love it. This new version is a bit different with touch sensitive knobs & faders, and back lit led buttons that gives better visual feedback. Besides it’s got better keyboard feel, and a more solid construction. The Zero verison (without the keys) will have longer faders than the other versions. Automap 3 is also working rather well! Read the press release here.
A delay pedal is an essential piece of gear for any guitarist. This one looks great, and with a list price of about 150USD it wont break the bank either. Read about it on TC’s website.
This small but very nice looking analogue monosynth has everything you will want from a monosynth; knobs, wooden cheeks, and multiple inputs/outputs for integration into other systems. There’s only VCO, but it’s got the ability to be FM-modulated by the LFO or ADSR. It’s got two LFO’s, one low pass filter (24dB,12 octaves, FM modulation, CV control), one ADSR envelope, and one VCA (with amplitude modulation). It has a built in USB MIDI-interface and it’s even got multiple CV inputs (and two outputs I think), and gate input and output. Wow, that’s a lot in a small package! Read all about the small wonder here: http://www.doepfer.de/Dark_Energy_e.htm
Musikmesse so far
The synth trend this year is smaller is better. Stay tuned for more..
Part 2 of the Musikmesse post is here
This cool baby has already started to play synth, and he’s so into it he didn’t have time to put on his pants!
Perpetuum Möbile 
