Reviews

MPC KEY 61 may seem like just an MPC with a built-in keyboard, but it’s also Akai’s first shot in workstation wars – where there’s fierce competition for a keyboard

In this video, I review Moog’s Mavis and explore eighteen modular and wavefolding patch ideas. I go through its oscillator, filter and modulation, then demonstrate techniques for adding voices, shaping

In this video, I share more than twenty ideas for planning a matrix-based synth setup. I explore audio and MIDI routing, parallel effects, patch bays, mixers and practical cabling, with

In this video, I explore Teenage Engineering’s TX-6 and the trade-offs of its compact design. I go through mixing, routing, effects, USB audio, MIDI and its internal synth and sequencer,

In this video, I review Polyend Play and explore its sample-based sequencing and performance workflow. I go through variations, fills, chance, randomization, automation, MIDI tracks and effects, followed by the

In this video, I explore Roland’s AIRA Compact T-8, J-6 and E-4. I go through their drum, bass, chord and vocal-processing workflows, including sequencing, effects, looping and performance features. Timeline

In this video, I review Korg’s NTS-2 and share five ways I use oscilloscopes and FFTs. I explore its scope, spectrum analyzer, tuner and waveform tools, with examples for understanding

In this video, I review Elektron’s Syntakt and walk through its digital and analog machines, analog FX block, sequencing and modulation. I also explore performance tools and MIDI sequencing, then

C15 from Non-Linear Labs puts to the test the question: how far you can take two simple sine wave oscillators? And the answer is – quite far when you set

In this video, I explore Squarp’s Hapax and its advanced sequencing workflow. I go through live and step recording, automation, MIDI effects, algorithms, patterns and songs, then weigh the pros