Novation bass station 2

The original Bass Station would now be old enough to drink. But the new Bass Station II (which, in a typical marketing twist, Novation would like to remind you can also do leads) is improved, expanded, and more connected. And with a street price of US$499, the competition for affordable synths has gotten just plain ridiculous – in a way that can only benefit the synth consumer.
Now, the Bass Station II has two filters, two oscillators and a sub-oscillator, patch save capability, and analog effects. It also looks playable, with a step-sequencer, arpeggiator, onboard modulation, and MIDI and USB.
And this does qualify as “analog,” with an analog signal path and analog filters, even with a switchable diode filter modeled on the 303 for what Novation describes as “acid” and “squelchy” sounds.
Features:
“All-new design,” says Novation, modeled on the original and with a “pure analog audio signal path.”
Two filters: “Classic” (from the original), and 303-style “Acid.”
64 presets, 64 user patch locations.
Analog distortion, filter modulation, filter overdrive/crunch.
Modulation: 2 ADSR envelopes, 2 LFOs, pulse width modulation, switchable LFO waveforms: triangle, sawtooth, square and sample & hold.
Programmable step sequencer, arpeggiator.

Monotribe updated to v2.1

Announcing an OS update for the monotribe Analog Ribbon Station - the full-fledged analog synth and rhythm unit with a step sequencer that's inherited from the Electribe.
The monotribe System Version 2.1 adds a new feature that allows the monotribe to be controlled via the keyboard of a KORG KingKORG, or any analog device that has a CV/Gate Output jack.
The OS upgrade is a free download from your local Korg website. Its an audio file that you play into the sync input of the Monotribe which then lets you use the sync in to control CV Gate with a stereo to two mono adapter. You can then hook it up to your 1v/Oct kit - indeed the new King Korg will drive it as it has its own CV/Gate output.

First realistic boomstar demo

Watch "1st Time Through with Drew - Featuring Marc St. Regis, Drew Neumann and the SE Boomstar 5089" on YouTube

Waldorf rocket

Waldorf introduces a new mini synthesizer that boasts a feature set uncommon in its class. With its advanced oscillator section this small black cube can generate sharp edged leads, gargantuan basses as well as vast synthesizer soundscapes that can resound as an 8-voice chord if desired.
Technical specifications:

Analogue multimode-filter (VCF) with Low Pass / Band Pass / High Pass VCF-input Highly flexible oscillator-section with pulse width modulation and hard sync Up to 8 oscillators in unison for chords or Ultra High Density Sawtooth Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) for modulation Envelopes for VCA, VCF and Sync Booster circuit to generate aggressive sounds Arpeggiator with different rhythmic patterns Glide USB powered MIDI in and out Extensive control panel with high-end pots and switches Control via MIDI and USB MIDI clock sync Line output Loud headphone output Launch key for easy pre listening Made in Germany SRP: 205,- Euro plus taxes Available: March 2013

Korg unveils korg ms20 remake

The news has just came in from winter NAMM 2013. Korg are officially reissuing in the MS-20 in a smaller, more compact size. It will be using mini-jacks (1/8″ instead of 1/4″) and have USB-MIDI as well as regular MIDI… all this while of course being fully analogue.

Price is a very reasonable €600 and will be shipping in late february 2013.

Let's hope it responds well to external cv and is solid as a rock.

IPad lemur 4

Liine today announced a major update to Lemur – its modular MIDI/OSC controller platform for iOS.

Lemur 4 add a fully-featured in-app template editor, so you can create new controllers directly on your iPad; and three new user interface skins.

Liine also today announced LiveControl 2, which they describe as ‘the ultimate Live controller’. LiveControl 2 will be a free download and is expected in early 2013.

Here are the details:

Liine Lemur v4

In App Editor — Lemur 4 lets you design templates on the fly, without a computer in sight. The In-App Editor makes multitouch control improvisatory by letting you shape your controller the same way you shape sounds. Virtually every function of the desktop editor application is now available through an intuitive system of iOS menus and widgets. Best of all – it’s easier to use than ever. This means a much smaller learning curve and an immediate initial experience. Any basic configuration, such as a typical bank of faders, can now be created with a few familiar taps and gestures. And any factory template can be adjusted quickly to suit your particular needs. Skins — Lemur now features three new skins, in addition to the classic look. Choose the look that fits your style and get inspired. LiveControl 2 — Designed in partnership with master designer ST8. LiveControl 2 will let you improvise a riff on the Play page, then switch to the Sequencer page to edit the pattern. Choose a key and scale to guide your melodies and use Quick Chord to create harmonies. Use the Modulate page to map any parameter from any plugin to the MultiBall object and take advantage of Physics, LFOs and gesture recording. The Launch lets you use Lemur as clip launcher. Lemur 2 also includes snapshots and morphing.

Doepfer dark energy 2

Doepfer has announced that the Dark Energy 2 – an update to its popular analog monosynth – is now available.

The Dark Energy II is a monophonic stand-alone synthesizer with USB and Midi interface. The sound generation and all modulation sources are 100% analogoue.
The original Dark Energy synth had to be discontinued because it relied on a rare component (CEM3394). According to CEO Dieter Doepfer, “The new Dark Energy II looks like the Dark Energy at first glance, but the basic sound of the Dark Energy II is clearly different because of the new circuits for the VCO, VCF, and VCA.”

So, while the name and format of the two dark energy synths are similar, they’re effectively different synths with different sounds.

The Doepfer Dark Energy 2 is available now for 428.00 Euro.