Erica Synths and Moritz Klein have introduced the mki x es.EDU VCA.
The EDU DIY VCA is a simple, but efficient dual VCA for your Eurorack system.
The mki x es.EDU DIY VCA has DC-coupled inputs, which enables you use the VCA both for audio and CV signals. Inputs of the second VCA are normalled to the first one, which lets you split the audio signal to both VCAs, or control both VCAs with a single CV.
A 60-page build manual explains the electronics behind the module and provides step-by-step build instructions.
The mki x es.EDU VCA is one in a series of 9 DIY kits that are designed to let you build a fully-featured modular monosynth: a sequencer, a VCO, a wavefolder, a noise/S&H module, a mixer, a VCF, an Envelope generator, a dual VCA, and an output stereo mixer with a headphone amplifier.
Midique Kontrl9 looks classic but, the Kontrl9 has an alternative.
The Kontrl9 made in Berlin from oak and aluminium, and this eschews the flashing lights and large displays of many of its rivals in favour of a minimalist design that provides 27 knobs, nine faders and nine LED indicators.
The knobs are made from stainless steel, and promise a “great sense of space” and haptics so that you can make precise adjustments. They are sturdy enough that you do not have to worry about them getting knocked.
In addition, the Kntrl9 can connect to your hardware and software via USB or a standard MIDI Out port. The mixer-style layout indicates that it could particularly useful as a DAW controller, and a MIDI remote script for Ableton Live comes supplied. And, the LEDs correspond to the track colour in your DAW.
Regarding sustainability, Midique says that care is taken to ensure that the oak comes from “well-managed” sources and that, when possible, recycled wood is used. And because there’s next to no plastic involved in its construction, we are assured that the Kntrl9 is as sturdy as it looks.
You can find out more and place an order on the Midique website. The Kntrl9 costs €315 plus shipping.
Acustica Audio has launched Fire, a new range of one-knob filter plugins. The Fire Filters is designed to deliver the company’s processing prowess in an easy-to-use package.
The two filters are high-pass and low-pass variants, with each offering 13 analogue-style variants. The single knob controls the cutoff frequency, and each filter can operate in one of four modes. You can choose from four filter slope options, as well.
The Fire Filters work on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats and cost $39 for the pair. Find out more on the Acustica Audio website.
