WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

Wavefonix has introduced the W314 Modular Synthesizer, a complete modular system in Eurorack format.

They say that the W314 Modular Synthesizer is “perfect for the beginner, looking to delve into the realm of modular synthesis, or equally the music producer looking for a compact system for the road, or to add another voice to their existing modular system.”

The system is housed in a 3U, 104HP skiff, finished in premium quality wood. Also included is a premium integrated PSU from Konstant Lab.

Modules include:

1 x Buffered Multiple (4×4)

1 x 3340 Dual Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO)

1 x 1847 Wavetable VCDO

1 x 3-Channel Stereo Panning Mixer

1 x 2140 Low-Pass Filter (LPF)

1 x 3310 Envelope Generator (EG)

1 x 3360 Dual Linear VCA / 3360 Dual Exponential VCA

1 x 3310 VC Envelope Generator (VCEG)

1 x Noise Generator (NG)

1 x Ring Modulator (RM)

1 x VCD Low-Frequency Oscillator (VCDLFO)

The W314 Eurorack Modular Synthesizer is available now for £1,199.99.

Roland has announced a free update for owners of the Roland Fantom 6, 7, and 8 Synthesizers.

Fantom Version 2.5 adds classic organ sound and playability with Roland Virtual ToneWheel engine, plus extended DAW control with integrated support for Ableton Live music production software.

New Fantom  Virtual ToneWheel engine emulates the sound-generating process of a real tone wheel organ and includes several tone wheel types with adjustable percussion, key click, leakage, and more. There is also a rotary effect, with variable speed, brake control, and tube distortion characteristics. Fantom touchscreen, sliders, knobs, and keyboard action are automatically configured to provide hands-on sound control and playability.

Now, Fantom also features official integration with Ableton Live, expanding on the previously included support for Apple’s Logic Pro X, GarageBand, and MainStage software platforms. Via Fantom high-resolution touchscreen, it’s possible to view and launch clips in Live’s Session view, access Live’s mixer parameters, and trigger transport functions. And with Fantom knobs, sliders, and pads, users can operate Macro Controls, control mix levels, play Drum Rack, and more.

To download the Roland FANTOM 6, 7 and 8 Version 2.5 update, see the Downloads section of the Fantom section of Roland website.

As part of their 10 year anniversary celebration of their OP-1 synthesizer, Teenage Engineering has released a free update that adds streaming audio over USB.

Firmware update brings functionality to OP-1 that many would not expect to be possible.  As with all previous updates, this is a free one, and it adds some potentially useful functionality.

Specifically, the OP-1 is now capable of streaming over USB. Or, to put it another way, it can now function as a USB audio interface.

So, not only can you sample and record to the OP-1 directly from any USB audio host, but you can also send audio from the OP-1 into your PC or Mac DAW.

There are a couple of other tweaks, as well – external tempo sync stability has been improved and when tape is armed and OP-1 receives a play command, recording now starts.

OP-1 OS 243 release highlights:

• USB audio device in & out.
• External tempo sync stability improved.
• When tape is armed and OP-1 receives a play command, recording now starts.

The firmware update is compatible with all versions of the OP-1, and you can free download it from the Teenage Engineering website.