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Cherry Audio has introduced their latest software synthesizer, Elka-X, inspired by the rare Elka Synthex, used iconically by synthesist Jean-Michel Jarre.

Elka-X replicates the original hardware synth’s character, and expands on the original’s synthesis capabilities.

What they say about it:

“Cherry Audio precisely crafted each aspect of the Elka-X synthesizer to sound and behave exactly like a vintage hardware Synthex. Every effort was taken to emulate the prized tone of the original’s DCOs, dynamic filter, and stunning chorus. The innovative sound-sculpting and performance features such as layering and keyboard split have been preserved, and the original’s 128-step sequencer has been greatly improved.

As with its other synthesizer and effects products, Cherry Audio has kept the soul of a classic alive while updating its feature set for modern studio environments.

Elka-X expands the polyphony and filter modes and introduces mono and unison modes that were absent from the original design. The extended functionality of the LFOs and addition of velocity response expands modulation potential, and a new arpeggiator delivers new performance possibilities.

Elka-X adds studio-quality echo and reverb stereo effects, with independent settings for both layers.”

An in-depth intro, featuring synthesist and developer Tim Shoebridge

Elka-X is available now for Windows and Mac (VST/VST3, AU, AAX and standalone) with an intro price of $39 until September 18th, 2022 (MSRP $59).

Ableton has announced plans for Loop Create 2022 – an online “day of inspiration for music makers”:

“At this year’s edition of Loop Create, we’ll take a closer look at the ways people are making music together today; pooling their talents and ideas in collaborations, cooperating with each other to do things they couldn’t do on their own, and adding their voices to collective forms of creation for fun, profit and surprise.

Loop Create is an online day of inspiration for music makers, running for 6.5 hours, featuring interviews, workshops, an interactive production challenge and more. Join us on October 29th, as we explore the continuum of forms of collaboration.”

Find out more on the Ableton website.

Jamiroquai keyboard guru Matt Johnson, in his latest video, shares his take on how to shred a synth solo like a guitar hero.

Matt Johnson starts by demonstrating how to create a shred-worthy synth lead. He uses the Sequential Prophet 6, however, the patch concepts will work on many synths.

In the second half, he takes a look at how to use the pitch wheel and other keyboard controls to create an expressive solo.

Johnson wraps it up by showing how he runs his synth through guitar pedals to get interesting lead effects.

Watch the video and share your synth solo tips!