Behringer continues its blitz of the synth world, announcing plans for a clone of the Oberheim OB-X, a classic analog poly synth design from 1979.
The company shared previews of the Behringer OB-X, above, and said that they plan to offer an 8-voice UB-X for $1,199 retail.
While details are to come, they shared this with the announcement:
“The OB-X is quite different from other synths, as it uses predominantly discrete circuitry, which makes the design and manufacturing more challenging.
As we recently shared with you, now that we have fully developed the firmware platform for the UB-Xa, we can reuse up to 80% for the next Poly synths such as the UB-X, which will tremendously speed up the development.”
Following a mysterious teaser video dropped earlier this week, Elektron today unveiled their new hybrid drum machine and synthesizer, Syntakt
Syntakt, a 12-track drum machine and synthesizer that utilizes a hybrid of analogue and digital synthesis is described by Elektron as a “drum specialist” that’s geared towards complex drum synthesis and sequencing. Despite its percussive specialisation, the Syntakt’s four analogue and eight digital tracks can also be used for melody, harmony and bass sounds.
Across the Syntakt 12 tracks, there are a total of 35 ‘machines’ (these are what Elektron calls its sound generators, each aimed at generating a particular type of sound) available for use. Some of these have been lifted from the Analog Rytm and Model:Cycles, while some have been designed exclusively for the Syntakt.
Sounds produced by the Syntakt can be ran through a variety of effects, including delay, reverb and the impressive analogue overdrive and multimode filters previously found in the Analog Rytm. External audio can also be routed through the Syntakt’s FX block.
Syntakt enables you plenty of opportunity for modulation, with 2 assignable LFOs per track and 2 more in the dedicated FX track. And Syntakt also takes advantage of powerful sequencing capabilities Elektron have developed in previous machines, with a 64-step sequencer offering the parameter locks and trigger conditions that Elektron fans will already know and love.
Weighing in at just over 1.5kg, the Syntakt is hooked up with MIDI In/Out/Thru connections, L/R inputs, L/R outputs, a headphone out and USB Type-B to connect to your computer.
Teenage Engineering has announced the release of the TX-6 ultra-portable pro-mixer. A 6-channel stereo mixer with built-in EQ, compressor and digital effects, the mixer can also be used as a multi-functional USB audio interface.
Other features include instrument tuner and built-in sound generator that utilises four waveforms and four drum sounds. The mixer is powered by a rechargeable battery, so it should be useful as an on-the-go mixing solution for live performance or outdoor music-making. In addition, TX-6 is also equipped with MFi and BLE, so it will be quick and easy to connect with other portable devices.
Armed with eight built-in effects, the TX-6 offers reverb, chorus, delay, freeze, tape, filter and distortion. Each of its six channels has its own three-band EQ and adjustable compressor. The mixer can also be flipped on its side and used in what TE calls “DJ mode”, where channel 1 becomes a fader that crossfades between channels 5 and 6.
The TX-6 is said to be the first release in a series of products called “field system”, which Teenage Engineering say are “designed with portability, compatibility and durability in mind” and “driven by a desire to rethink the way we approach music making”. According to their press release, more devices and accessories in this vein are on the way.
Features:
The first portable pro-mixer that can be used as a multi-functional 32-bit 48kHz audio interface that has an instrument tuner, built-in digital fx, synthesizer and drum machine.
TX–6 features a 6 channel stereo mixer with a configurable knob layout. choose to have the three-band eq at your fingertips, or customize each knob to control whichever setting you prefer.
Battery powered – the rechargeable battery holds for about 8 hours.
Synthesizer & sequencer – TX–6 also functions as a portable synthesizer and sequencer, with 4 oscillator waveforms and 4 synthesized drum sounds.
8 built-in effects, including reverb, chorus and delay, and creative effects freeze, tape, filter, and distortion. Each channel has a three-band EQ and adjustable compressor.
Sturdy build – encased in CNC aluminum with 2k molding, custom-made encoders and faders, and custom pcb – engineered for portability.
Wireless connectivity – with BLE, you can use TX–6 as a wireless controller for other BLE midi devices or trigger and sync the internal synth and sequencer from other sources.
Slimline cables – the narrow profile allows you to use all 6 channels at once and makes for an easy pack down.
Customizable interface – use TX–6 as a 12 channel audio interface and connect to any DAW over USB-C. MFi also allows you to connect to iOS devices.
DJ mode – turn TX–6 on its side and use it as a DJ mixer. Turn channel 1 into a fader to crossfade between the channel 5 and 6 so you can fade or cut between the two.
6.35+ 3.5 mm output – connect your audio output through 3.5 mm mini jack or use the included and removable 6.35 mm jack to 3.5 mm mini jack adapter.
Field bags – designed to fit TX–6 field mixer and constructed in heavy duty fabric and hardware.
