KeyStep 37 is Arturia’s update to the KeyStep 32 – as its name implies it has 5 extra keys, but Arturia also added four knobs for CC parameter control, an expanded chord mode and more. Here’s my full review: TIMELINE: … Continue reading Arturia KeyStep 37 Review and tutorial – 6 tips and generative ideas
It turns out there’s a hidden audio input in every MicroFreak. Arturia just released a new firmware (and special edition MicroFreak) that unlocks it. Here’s my full review with 14 vocoder ideas tips and tricks: TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro 0:15 Hidden … Continue reading Arturia MicroFreak Vocoder Review: 14 Vocoder ideas and tips for legibility and fun…
MTX8 from Future Sound Systems is an analog switch or routing matrix for audio and control voltage. It has 8 inputs and 8 outputs, there’s a version with a tube screamer like pre-amp on input 1, and you use pins … Continue reading FSS MTX8 Review: Effect pedals enter the matrix
Roland’s TR-8S is 80’s nostalgia in product form… it was released two years ago and combines virtual analog models of Roland’s classic drum machines, including the 808, 909 and 606, along with sample playback capabilities. Roland has just released firmware … Continue reading Roland TR-8S Version 2: Review and 10 performance tips
Theoryboard from Irijule is a MIDI controller built to give you easy access to multiple musical scales and is designed to help you write chord progressions, melodies, and bass lines. What makes it special are its chord layout and live … Continue reading Irijule TheoryBoard Review: Can it help you write chord progressions and melodies?
TYPHON is a two-oscillator, single filter analog monosynth from Dreadbox, with digital effects from SineVibes – and it does quite a few things in an original way, both in terms of controls, and in terms of price. At under 400 … Continue reading Dreadbox TYPHON Review, Tutorial and 9 Patch Ideas
A couple of weeks ago Presonus announced a new controller called ATOM SQ, and I was intrigued by its offset dual row design. Most multifunction grid pad controllers let you play piano keyboard style layouts, but I always find the location of … Continue reading Review and tutorial: ATOM SQ and its innovative offset pads
Iridium from Waldorf is a 16 voice, polyphonic, bi-timbral, stereo, digital hardware synth. It’s the desktop version of Quantum, and it trades in Quantum’s analog filters for a lower price tag, more voices, a smaller footprint, and a few additional … Continue reading Waldorf IRIDIUM Review and full tutorial (applicable to Quantum too)
A few simple pairings can drastically transform your semi-modular synth. In this video I explore 10 ideas to extend Moog’s Matriarch, many of which are applicable to other synths: TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro 0:45 Back panel jacks 1:35 Wavefolder 4:25 Drive … Continue reading Transform your synth: 10 semi-modular pairing ideas shown with Moog Matriarch
The thing that makes modules like Turing Machine and Marbles unique isn’t just their ability to generate random sequences, but also their ability to freeze randomness once a compelling pattern is presented to you. These modules are digital, so they … Continue reading Modular/Analog “RAM”? How to store generative melodies & rhythms using sample & hold and a sequential switch