Tuesday, 9 April 2013

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.

Thursday, 28 March 2013

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.

Friday, 22 February 2013

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


Monday, 21 January 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.