Roland SP-404 portable sampler sometimes looks like it sits in a product category all of its own, but it would soon be joined there by Sonicware SmplTrek, a handheld sampler that’s just made its debut on Kickstarter.
SmplTrek is a portable sampler and music production system that lets you record sounds with the built-in microphone, your microphone, electric guitar connected to the input, or even a USB-connected smartphone or PC/Mac.
This compact device promises one-touch sample recording. Sounds can be recorded with or without effects, edited, and then quickly assigned to pads for sequencing. Once you have created the samples you want, you can use them to build complete songs.
Each song project has 16 sequential parts called “Scenes”. Each Scene has 10 sequencer tracks which can behave in different ways, as described below:
Loop Track: Sequencer for a looping sample
Shots Track: Sequencer for a single one-shot sample
Drum Track: Step sequencer for drums
Instrument Track: Piano roll type sequencer for musical instruments
MIDI Track: Piano roll type sequencer for external MIDI equipment
Three additional Global Audio Tracks are available for longer recordings like vocals and external instruments. These tracks can record multiple takes which can be spliced into a final perfect version. Traditional “punch-in” style recording is also supported.
More than 500 samples and over 100 drums kits are included internally, so you can get started right away.
Production of the SmplTrek is being funded via a Kickstarter project, and it is available to project backers for around $291. The funding target has already been reached, so backers should start receiving their units in September.
*Note: Crowdfunded projects involve risk, so make sure you read the project details.
Bob Moog Foundation – an independent non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of synth pioneer Dr Robert Moog – has announced a new exhibit at the Moogseum that lets you explore the fundamentals of modular synthesis.
Patching Sound: Understanding Modular Synthesis introduces a new area in the Moogseum, where you can learn about synthesis by patching sounds in a hands-on exhibit, and learn about the history of synthesis from historical instruments.
The exhibit was made possible by a generous donation from Dave and Karen Rossum, with additional support from the North Carolina Humanities an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It joins a variety of other interactive exhibits that provide Moogseum visitors with an engaging educational experience.
A fully restored Moog modular synthesizer from 1968 is the centerpiece of the new installation.
The system was originally owned by Patrick Gleeson, founder of legendary Different Fur Studios in San Fransisco, California. It was then sold to lauded synthesist Don Preston of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, who used it on recordings and on tour, as well as on the soundtrack for Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now. Walter Holland of Holland Synthesizers was its most recent owner.
The synthesizer is now part of the Bob Moog Foundation Archives and will be used for future educational and musical endeavors. It underwent a months-long restoration by Stephen Masucci.
“We are thrilled to be offering this new exhibit to the thousands of visitors that come to the Moogseum each year,” noted Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation and the Moogseum. “Our goal is to inspire them through the power and possibilities of modular synthesis, and to spark a sense of sonic discovery that they can carry forth into other areas of their lives. We are grateful to the many people in the synthesizer community who have come together to help make this exhibit possible.”
Behringer today shared a sneak preview of their AD104 Analog Delay, a new hardware effect, copy of the classic Big Briar/Moog Music Moogerfooger MF-104 Analog Delay from 2000.
The original, below, was designed by the late Bob Moog and introduced in 2000. It was initially released under the ‘Big Briar’ name, and later under the Moog name, once he regained rights to the brand:
The Moogerfooger MF-104 was manufactured as a limited-edition release of 1000 units, which are now highly-valued collectors items.
No specifications have been announced, but it looks like the ‘Boogerfooger’ will copy the bucket brigade delay design of the original using Coolaudio chips. Like the original, it will feature 6 LFO options, dedicated tap tempo, and support for CV/Expression pedal control.
Behringer has only shared images for their MF-104 knockoff, but they say that they will create versions of other Moogerfooger designs “if there is enough interest”.
Details have yet to be announced. Behringer has tagged the AD104 has #hardvaporware, similarly to other designs that they are introducing, but not putting into production yet because of limited parts availability.
