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MicroDexed started as a Teensy based, 6-operator-FM-synthesizer.

MicroDexed Touch is a fork of MicroDexed, which is a port of Dexed for Teensy 3.6/4.1 with a lot more functionality including multiple sound engines (2 x 16 voice DX7, 2x VA Monosynths, Layered Multi Samples, MDA ePiano, 8 voice Mutable Instruments Braids Oscillator), Euclidian arpeggiator, basic audio effects and a 8 track pattern song (tracker like) sequencer.

It is an advanced DIY project, based on a Teensy 4.1, PCM5102 Audio Board, 320×240 ILI9341 SPI Display with XPT2046 Touchscreen and a serial Flash Chip.

MicroDexed Touch offers a lot of new features/improvements:

• “Large” Graphical Interface, view and edit multiple Parameters in one Screen
• Use external MIDI gear over USB or MIDI Mini Jack (DIN MIDI with adaptor) from 2 x 16 MIDI Channels in the Sequencer
• Map MIDI CC to external MIDI Devices to control Input/Parameters
• Loading, playing and editing multi-sampled instruments or layered instruments in a “live” mode or played by the sequencer. Auto detection sample zones but also can be edited manually
• 2 new “Virtual Analog” Synth Instances – Monosynths with one OSC, PWM, Filter and Noise. A lot of useful new sound possibilities. This module is called “MicroSynth”
• Much improved Sequencer with 8 Tracks, 16 Step Patterns, 16 Step Pattern Chains, up to 16384 Song Steps, Arpeggiator with 1/8 – 1/64 Steps, Arp Patterns, Pitched Drum- and Instrument Sample Support
• The sequencer can also play chords stacked up to 7 notes, using only a single track
• Mixer View with all Channels
• Multiband Master Compressor with 4 bands
• Sample Management from SD-CARD and SPI FLASH, samples can be loaded/modified from SD-CARD to FLASH during runtime.
• Touch Mute Matrix for live / realtime performance
• Tracker View (Editor) – work in progress
• Track Print/Recording – work in progress
• Mutable Instruments Braids Oscillator – with up to 8 voice polyphony, added envelopes and filters, with everything of the core features, except the wavetables

See the project Github page for details.

via TheEvilDrSmith

HALO from WA Production is a new plugin that aims to nail all your EDM needs in one. At its heart it combines multiple, easy-to-build, fast routes to audio with effects and modulation options, and comes out of the box tailor-made for making the thick, hard-hitting, frequency-jamming EDM sounds of now.

As such its sound banks are laden with huge sounding basses, leads, pads and more and there’s plenty of “immense presets” all set to drop straight into your projects (provided you leave enough frequency room for them) or to serve as inspirational start points for further fine tuning.

HALO is an EDM triple-threat in three parts:

The extensive filter, modulation and effects options give HALO all the characteristics of a synth, with the level of control to make a sound your own with a few simple clicks.

Additionally, the inclusion of a large bank of ‘raw material’ sounds makes it feel more like a classic, preset-packed ROMpler (ROMplers essentially being samplers that come with all the samples you need already built-in).

HALO then goes one further, making it easy to add your own custom audio sample by sample – be it simple single waves or hits or fuller, whole-track lifts – then set the plugin’s synth and effects controls to work making them unrecognizable.

Dialling through the 360 presets and 300 sample banks there’s everything from deep bass, slab-sided synth impacts, and lush liquid pads to bright zinging leads and more, with – we’re promised – future expansions on the way. At their heart is a library of synth tones originally produced in hardware and software layered with HALO’s built-in synth, effects and processing.

Fine-tune your patch then switch between – or even randomly select – a new sample bank from within a preset to try out your effects and filter settings on a whole new body of sound quickly and easily. Add your own samples or dial in the sub and dual oscillator synth, three effects distortion modes, pitch envelope and modulators.

HALO has all the EDM weapon you need and the flexibility to make it your own.

HALO is currently available for $49 (regular price $120) for a limited-time and you can even download a free Lite version from the WA Production website.

To mark the 75 anniversary of its launch the Rhodes MK8/75AE – a careful, precise remake of the classic – has been given even more cosmetic bells and whistles to mark the occasion and make it that bit more desirable.

The 75th Anniversary Edition isn’t cheap, at $13,495 plus tax apiece.

The MK8/75AE adds a black keybed, black accents and includes the full (previously optional) on-board effects unit and controls. It’s Rhodes’ best MK8 yet.

The company has promised attention to detail and faithfulness to the original sound that is second to none.

The original run (in its various options and forms) completely sold out, so this new Limited Edition version (there are only 75 models being built) might just be your last chance to secure one.

You can apply for a chance to pre-order one by registering your interest on the Rhodes website now in advance of pre-orders officially opening on the 15 September. But do be prepared to be asked for 50% of that $13,495 plus tax upfront to secure your order and be prepared to wait six months for delivery. Good luck!