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

Put your hands in the air for Moog’s new Etherwave Theremin.

Moog Music today introduced the Etherwave Theremin, an updated version of their classic Etherwave design. The iconic synth brand’s take on the famously hands-off electronic instrument.

As you know, the theremin is played by moving your hands in the air near two metal antennas, one of which determines the pitch and the other the volume. You can play higher notes by moving your hand closer to the pitch antenna, while moving your hand away from the volume antenna increases the volume.

Unique electronic instrument can also control your modular synths.

This new version promises improved bass response and stability at the low end, updated antenna connections to make the instrument easier to assemble and take apart, and a quick-release mic stand adapter for easy mounting.

In addition, there is a new Mute control that enables you to put the theremin into standby mode or use ‘pitch preview’ in your headphones, and you get the CV output connectivity (Gate, Pitch and Volume) from the Etherwave Plus, for connection to other modular gear.

New features:

• Improved bass response and stability in the lowest registers
• Updated antenna connections to enable quick assembly and easy removal for travel
• Quick-release mic stand adapter for attaching and detaching the instrument from mic stands
• Mute control for setting the instrument into a standby mode or used for “pitch preview” via headphones
• CV output integration from Etherwave Plus (Gate Out, Pitch Out, Vol. Out) for connecting with other modular, Eurorack, and CV-controlled instruments

Moog is also offering a custom-fit, tear-resistant case for the Etherwave so that it’ll be safe and secure when you are on your travels.

Bob Moog built his first theremin at the age of 14, and the original Etherwave was his final theremin design.

The Etherwave fills out Moog’s theremin line with a powerful mid-tier design, complementing their more affordable Theremini and their flagship Claravox.

Live performance by Austin-based electronica group The Octopus Project, performing their original track I Saw the Bright Shinies in the Moog Sound Lab:

Yvonne Lambert, Spencer Stephenson, Toto Miranda, and Josh Lambert reimagine their 2007 song using vintage and modern Moog synthesizers: Moog One, Prodigy, Matriarch, Grandmother, Mother-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon. Not only is the theremin the lead instrument, but it’s also being used as a CV controller for the Moog Matriarch synth.

Audio Demos:

Moog has also released an EP, Lost in the Ether, composed and performed by French thereminist Grégoire Blanc, that showcases Etherwave Theremin:

Moog also plans a series of interactive online workshops, for registered Etherwave Theremin owners, featuring theremin superstar Dorit Chrysler.

The Moog Etherwave Theremin is available now with a street price of $699.

There is no substitute for getting a handle on music theory and learning your scales, but if you need a quick online reference source, ToneGym free Music Scales Tool is indeed very handy.

Music Scales Tool is designed to give you a better understanding of scales/chords and how they’re played, this enables you to select the root note/tonic and start exploring. You can play back diatonic modes and harmony chords (triads, 7ths, 9ths, 11ths and 13ths) and also a whole roster of non-diatonic scales.

In addition, there is a scale finder – select your choice of notes and you will be presented with the scales that contain them.

As the scales and chords are played back, they are also visualised on the graphical keyboard, so you can learn them, too. The tool should help you to get a better understanding of the relationship between scales, potentially improving your songwriting in the process.

You can access the free Music Scales Tool right now on the ToneGym website.

Korg today announces next-gen Volca FM: compact DX7-inspired synth gets expanded polyphony, new MIDI features and more

Korg DX7-inspired Volca FM first launched six years ago. Now, like the Volca Sample before it, the FM is getting a second-generation update, and it brings with it a wide range of new features and enhancements.

The new Volca FM looks very similar to its predecessor but, there are some significant changes that enhance its capabilities considerably. Firstly, of these is expanded polyphony – up to six voices compared to the original’s three. The new Volca FM now responds to velocity via MIDI, as well, for a more expressive experience when used with an external controller.

Also on the MIDI front, Korg has added a MIDI output (via a TRS adapter) enabling the Volca FM’s sequencer to control external gear.

That 16-step sequencer has been enhancements, including a pattern randomisation tool for auto-generating ideas. This joins other sequencer functions including Warp Active Step – which alters the distribution of sequencer steps for interesting rhythmic ideas -and pattern chaining.

In addition, the second gen FM includes a new effect, with a digital shimmering reverb joining the existing chorus.

As with the original, the FM’s synth engine is based on the 32-algorithm design of Yamaha’s DX7 and can even import classic patches via SysEx. While the interface can be a little fiddly for deep parameter editing, the FM can make use of a free online editor for more advanced patch creation.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“The next-gen volca fm is a powerful 6-voice, 6-Operator FM synthesizer with all 32 classic algorithms, a 16-step loop sequencer, effects and a powerful arpeggiator that perfectly reproduces the sound of the classic Yamaha DX7 and is completely compatible with SYS-EX patches for the DX7 as well.

Battery (included) or adapter (optional) operated with built-in speakers and a compact and light chassis, the volca fm is the ultimate portable FM solution for all musicians.

This new generation – with double the voices of its predecessor, additional effects, expanded MIDI connectivity, and intuitive interface – is poised to bring unprecedented possibilities to your setup, and revolutionize your studio with new musical ideas.”

Features:

• Now it is possible to play, sequence or arpeggiate up to 6 voices.
• The new volca fm is now velocity sensitive via MIDI, which coupled with its 6 voice polyphony, provides a much more expressive and nuanced playing experience than ever before.
• More Effects – volca fm includes a lush Reverb effect, in addition to the Chorus effect. Each of these two effects can be used and adjusted individually.
• External sequencing and connectivity – In addition to MIDI IN, the new volca fm also includes a MIDI OUT (IN/OUT 3.5 mm TRS), making it possible to use the volca internal sequencer to control other devices through MIDI.
• Powerful sequencer and functions – The internal sequencer offers looping up to 16 steps, allowing you to record your performance on the touch panel keyboard as you play. Up to 16 sequence patterns can be stored in the internal memory.
• volca fm also incorporates a motion sequence function, to record in real time the subtle nuances of your playing and knob movements.
• New program randomization and performance oriented functions – the new generation of volca fm includes a brand new program randomizer.
• The volca fm provides new functions that enable you to generate more irregular rhythms. If the active step is fewer than 16 steps, you can use the warp active step function to compensate so you occupy the same playback time as 16 steps; then by synchronizing the playback with another volca series unit, you can deliberately skew the step timing to generate truly unconventional performances.
• Furthermore, the pattern chain function lets you connect multiple sequence patterns for successive playback, making it possible to construct large-scale developments of 32, 64, or even 256 steps by joining up to 16 sequences.
• Full classic Sys-Ex compatibility – The volca fm perfectly the sound engine of the Yamaha DX7. Its six operators and 32 algorithms provide complete compatibility, and it can even load files in the SYS-EX/SYX format.
• Easy sound editing – The volca fm makes FM sound editing accessible with the MODULATOR/CARRIER edit knobs – the knob movements are mapped to multiple parameters for sound changes that are easy to understand. FM enthusiasts can also menu dive into full parameter edits.
• The new volca fm comes in a portable form factor that you can take anywhere. It runs on 6 AA batteries, has an integrated speaker and weighs only 360g/12.6oz (without batteries).
• SYNC IN-OUT and MIDI IN-OUT connections lets it integrate with your other gear.

Audio Demos:

Bundled software includes iZotope Ozone Elements, Reason Lite and various plugin synths from Korg and others.

The new Volca FM is available now price at $245. Find out more on the Korg website.