The Drumlogue features 4 newly developed analog circuits (Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Low Tom and High Tom), plus 7 digital parts; 6 sample based and 1 synthesis based (Multi-Engine).
Nick Batt says that it’s ‘definitely worth checking out’, but has some reservations that he shares in the video.
Watch the review and share your thoughts on the Drumlogue in the comments!
Korg’s full-size classic ARP Odyssey analogue synthesizer is back, but this time you’ll have to build it yourself.
It’s been more than six years since Korg ARP Odyssey was first glimpsed.
When Korg launched its first ARP Odyssey reboot back in 2015, little did we know that this was just the start of its emulative endeavours. In addition to this scaled-down synth we also got a module, an iOS app, a plugin and a limited-edition full-size version.
And now their outstanding ARP Odyssey ‘FS’ reissue model is back in kit form, allowing you to build your own, unique version of this analogue classic.
You do not need to be an electrical engineer in order to assemble it, either – we’re assured that the ARP Odyssey FS Kit doesn’t require any prior technical knowledge or soldering skill on the part of the user.
A pictorial guide is supplied to help you on your way, and each synth comes with its own serial number engraved into a metal plate, giving it an element of uniqueness.
The circuitry is exactly the same as in the original ARP Odyssey FS, and there’s a full-size keyboard, as well. The kit is based on the Rev 3 version of the original, but you can switch between the filter models from all three of the original Odysseys.
The familiar spec sheet includes the Odyssey’s switchable sawtooth and square waveforms, pulse width modulation, oscillator sync, ring modulation and pink or white noise. Connectivity includes both 1/4-inch jack and XLR outputs and an audio input jack – try connecting the headphone jack to the audio input to apply self-feedback.
CV, Gate and Trig jacks are included, as well, as are MIDI In and USB MIDI ports. 1/4-inch and mini patch cables come supplied.
Released in 1972, the Odyssey was ARP’s answer to the Minimoog, with its slider-based interface making it extremely tweakable. It was embraced by two generations of musicians – the proggers and rockers of the early 1970s (Edgar Winter, Tony Banks and Joe Zawinul) and the new wavers of the 1980s (Devo, Ultravox and Gary Numan) – and remains hugely popular today.
Available in limited numbers, the ARP Odyssey FS Kit will be released in March priced at $1,799.99/£1,699/€1,899. Find out more on the Korg website.
Music meets gaming in the Beat Machine, the world’s first music-making arcade machine.
The team behind social music creation platform Endlesss have announced the release of a full-sized music-making arcade machine called the Beat Machine.
The Beat Machine houses a 24″ touch screen and is controlled using retro-style arcade buttons, a joystick and a 5″ touch pad XY controller. The arcade machine runs custom-designed software that’s based on Endlesss, a collaborative music-making app developed by the company of the same name.
The machine operates using three modes: Studio, Open Mic, and Arcade. Studio mode allows the Beat Machine to be integrated into a music-making set-up, allowing the user to host VST3 plugins, record instruments, map MIDI controllers and import and export audio through companion apps.
Open Mic mode enables a user to log in using their smartphone and connect their session to the Endlesss social network, before jamming away using the machine’s music creation tools. Arcade mode features a suite of gamified music-making missions.
Each Beat Machine is outfitted with its own speaker system, but audio can be routed elsewhere using built-in outputs. They are also equipped with a Neutrik XLR/jack instrument input and two USB-C ports for hooking up external controllers.
Endlesss are claiming that the Beat Machine will become “today’s answer to the grand piano”, acting as a kind of studio conversation piece that can sit at the creative heart of music-making spaces and invite spontaneous collaboration.
The first prototype of the Beat Machine was designed last year by a member of Endlesss’ online community. Once built, the project caught the attention of high-profile artists, including Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Imogen Heap.
“As creativity is set to be disrupted by AI, real-world experiences that bring us together and prove our humanity will become more and more important,” Endlesss founder Tim Exile said in a statement. “The 21st century needs its answer to the piano in the living room or local bar, the instrument that brings everyone together whether you can play Chopin or Chopsticks or are just there to enjoy the masters at work.”
“Right now each Beat Machine is hand-made with a lot of love and bespoke componentry which is why we’re introducing a small number of units as premium collector’s items. It’s an opportunity for 25 people to receive the first ever Beat Machines, be part of the genesis story and support us in our mission to transform music from a product we consume alone to an activity we gather to do – online, in real life, in real time.”
The first 25 Launch Edition Beat Machine (hand-made collector’s items) are available for pre-order now for $9,999. Endlesss is promising over-the-air firmware updates for the lifetime of the product.
You can see and hear one in use in the video below:
