Archive for September, 2022

Teenage Engineering teasing a new collaboration with sound artist Yuri Suzuki

 

Apparently, next guessing what Teenage Engineering is going to do next is difficult at the best of times, but throw experimental sound artist, designer and electronic musician Yuri Suzuki into the mix and we really have no idea what to expect.

 

There’s speculation that some kind of eccentric turntable is on the way

 

The collaboration is said to be ‘coming soon’ and is being teased in a video on YouTube. This shows a collection of circular items that may or may not represent vinyl records.

As such, there’s speculation that some kind of eccentric turntable is on the way – remember that Teenage Engineering has already released the OB-4  a “magical radio” – but this could turn out to be well wide of the mark.

 

Suzuki has previously collaborated with Roland to create the Roland50 Studio, a free online music-making suite that contains software versions of some of its most famous synths and drum machines.

 

He also worked with Google on the AR Music Kit, an Android app that enables you to make music using just your phone and some pieces of paper.

 

Speaking of Google, Teenage Engineering recently teamed up with the tech giant to create a Pocket Operator app for Pixel phones, and has also been causing ripples with its Field range, which includes a new version of the OP-1 and the tiny TX-6 mixer.

We are told that the Yuri Suzuki collaboration is coming soon – more news as we get it.

Modbap Modular Trinity Digital Drum Synth Array Module debuts at Knobcon 2022

 

At Knobcon 2022, Modbap Modular debuted Trinity, a three-channel Digital drum Synth Array, and the fourth entry in its expanding Eurorack product lineup

 

“Trinity has evolved over time to become what it is today,” says Modbap Modular owner Corry Banks. “I wanted a drum module that would allow me to have a simple-yet-smacking kick, snare, and hi-hat in one module. I also wanted to play outside of that simplicity with malleable percussion synthesis. Trinity had to have a degree of hands-on control, together with a good deal of CV and/or MIDI control. I get into sound design, too, so Trinity had to serve me well in that area, and it does not disappoint. Trinity is all of that, while finding a way to introduce a few interesting and fun quirks as well.”

Trinity is a 3 channel Digital Drum Synth Array, packed into a 20hp Eurorack module.

The name Trinity refers to the 3 drum channels and tips its hat to the core elements of modern beat driven composition, which are typically Kick, Snare and Hat. Trinity takes this idea and expands on it with an array of drum synth algorithms (Analog Inspired, Additive, FM & Noise). This allows for a wide range of drum design capability that go far beyond the conventional kick, snare and hat.

Trinity’s array of digital drum synth algorithms are very malleable, by way of the 7 knobs and 4 mini-pots, each of which control a specific parameter and characteristic (Pitch, Sweep, Time, Shape, Grit, Decay, EQ, Clipper, Hold, Volume and Character) for each drum type. Each drum channel has its own trigger and v/oct in addition to extensive CV input options per channel.

Trinity’s switchable output matrix allows for the routing of each drum channel’s output to the mix output, the individual drum channel output or both.

Lastly, Trinity’s midi over USB connection allows for MIDI control over various parameters via one USB cable.

Expected to ship in mid-October 2022, Trinity is available to preorder at an MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of $549.00.

Erica Synths LXR 02 Drum Module for Eurorack at Knobcon 2022

At Knobcon 2022, Erica Synths showed the LXR Eurorack module, a compact percussion synthesizer, based on the sound engine of the LXR-02 drum machine.

 

While retaining the core interface of the LXR-02, this module adds the essential Eurorack ingredient – assignable CV control over parameters and many more tweaks in the user interface, for better integration in any Eurorack system.

 

Features:

  • 6 drum/percussion voices
  • 7 trigger inputs with accents
  • 5 assignable CV inputs
  • 4 assignable outputs
  • 3 voices can be used as basslines due to 1V/oct tuning
  • Over 30 adjustable parameters per voice
  • Insert FX section
  • Kit memory
  • SD card for Kit exchange and easy firmware updates
  • Kits compatible with the LXR-02

An in-depth look at the module via Quincas Moreira, aka the Synth DIY Guy:

The Erica Synths LXR Eurorack module is available now. It has the following pricing:

RRP: €420 (VAT excl.) MAP: $619