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If you like synths and are on Instagram there’s a good chance you’ve seen and heard the beautiful synth and animal soundtracks created by AnimalsAndSynthesizers. Here’s a behind the scenes look at his workflow: Follow here!  TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro0:35 Origin story1:45 Visual inspiration4:00 Motion matching6:15 Opposing mods8:30 Microtonal vibe9:35 Harmonic layers11:20 Wait for sound12:50 Create ambience13:40 Hardware synths15:00 Counterpoint15:25 Synth foley16:55 Macro magic20:25 Forest synthesis25:45 Cat synthesis…26:15 Swarm synthesis29:05 More ideasRead More →

Model:Cycles from Elektron is a standalone FM and drum synthesis based groovebox with a focus on knob per function control and simplified synthesis models. Elektron took a different approach here compared to its higher end Digitone – rather than give you free control over dozens of synth parameters, Model Cycles takes a more immediate and hands on approach giving you six fm machines and with four unique parameters controls in each machine. Here’s my full review, including quite a few tips and trick for making the most of it: TIMELINE: 0:00 Overview 4:00 Preset sounds 6:30 Tone machine 8:50 Chord machine 10:15 Kick machine 11:30Read More →

The Akai MPC One is a music production sampler, synth and sequencer that works both standalone, as well as a controller for Akai’s MPC Music Production Software. MPC One has a lot of the capabilities of its bigger brothers, the MPC X and MPC Live, in a much more compact and affordable package, though with some tradeoffs which I’ll cover. In this video I’ll focus what MPC One can do standalone, without a computer attached to it, compare it to MPC Live, go over its entire production workflow including all the ways you can sample and sequence, and of course discuss pros and cons comparedRead More →

The two leading “infinite sustain/freeze” pedals on the market today are Plus Pedal from Gamechanger Audio and Superego+ from EHX.In this video, I look at the similarities and differences between the two, and also compare how they perform with a broad range of sounds: electric guitars, pianos, synth waveforms, cellos, a trombone, saxophone, and even tubular bells. TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro  1:05 SIMILARITIES  2:30 Alternatives  3:10 Timing  3:55 Sends  4:20 DIFFERENCES  4:25 Effects  5:25 Connectivity  6:20 Expression  7:20 Layering  10:55 Sustain  12:40 Gliss  13:30 SOUND TEST     13:40 Electric  15:25 Pianos  16:55 Synth  19:55 Cellos  22:00 Trombone  22:55 Saxophone  23:35 Tubular bells  24:30 Pros & cons Read More →

Cenk Sayınlı (AKA “Mr. Dataline”) has a day job at Elektron, but he’s also a live electronic music performance master. The speed and skill with which he plays is phenominal. At NAMM 2019, I was able to convince him to walk us through what’s going on in his head as he does his thing, and the result is this video: Here’s a short rundown of the ideas in this video: Load up a few basic sounds and… Record a beat live and unquantized for a human feel. Adjust micro-timing if necessary. Spice it up with step-sequenced sounds (“trigs”) and add ratchets (“re-trigs”). Add Chance onRead More →

Elektron’s new Analog Heat MKII is an updated version of their analog enhancer and destroyer. The sound circuits remain mostly the same but the new interface and screen make a big difference. The Analog Heat isn’t cheap, so hopefully this review will help you evaluate if it’s worth it. Here’s my detailed review, walk-through and sound test with various sound sources on all eight analog circuits:   Timeline: 0:00 Overview 0:50 Analog Heat MKI vs MKII 1:20 Detailed sound test for the Character circuits with various audio sources 1:30 808 drums 3:50 Electric guitar 7:05 Sine waves 8:40 Digitone FM 9:30 The Filter 11:00 EQRead More →