Archive for April, 2023

Modbap Modular announces Modbap Meridian: Dual Multimode Filter Array Eurorack Module


Modbap Modular has announced their latest Eurorack module at The NAMM Show this week. Meridian is a dual multi-mode filter array module, which offers users a choice among four selectable filter types per side, four selectable filter modes per side, and more:

Meridian is a 14hp dual multi-mode filter array, designed to offer users a choice between 4 selectable filter types per side and 4 selectable filter modes per side, plus 2 effects (drive and phase shift) and the ability to be pinged. This allows users the flexibility to easily create a range of sound textures and sonic landscapes using a single eurorack filter module.

Modbap describes the concept behind the module, and the Meridian name:

“Meridian represents the idea of a “meeting point” or a convergence of different elements. Filters are often used to blend, shape, and refine different sounds into a cohesive whole, and a meridian is often represented through the idea of a barrier or a line that separates parts. This concept mirrors the way the filter delineates different frequencies and aural elements, generating a defined contrast that shapes the overall sound. In context, the name Meridian conveys a sense of balance, harmony, and unity, while also suggesting a clear and definitive separation between different sonic elements.”

As a module, Modbap Meridian allows the use of two selectable, mixed or matched, filter types and two selectable, mixed or matched, filter modes to reshape and refine the source material into new textures. Meridian’s two filters each have independently adjustable cut-off, resonance, and contour parameters.

The PrimeFreq control is the center macro control of both filters in tandem. The module boasts a dynamic control feature called ‘Ping’. Activation of Ping is enabled through the Ping input. Additionally, the filter allows selection of serial or parallel routing configurations and is capable of functioning as either a stereo system or two independent mono channels with the press of a button.

Meridian features a selection of filters (including Ladder, OTA, Comb, and vocal formant) to generate a broad range of textures. Its sound shaping capabilities are furthered byits two distinctive and characterful effects: PhaseShifter and Drive.

All of Meridian’s key features can be modulated via CV inputs. For instance, synchronization to tempo can be achieved with the clock input, allowing for clock synchronized Phase Shifting. Like other Modbap modules, Modbap Meridian was designed with “tweak-ability” and performance in mind and it is a good companion for Modbap Osiris.

Filter Types

  • Ladder
  • OTA
  • Comb
  • VocalFormant

Effects

  • Phase Shifter with speed, panning,and depth controls
  • Drive Circuit with level, tone,and crush controls
  • Features
  • Dual mono / Stereo filter
  • 2 x 4 filter types
  • Filter modes – LP, HP, BP, NOTCH
  • Pingable (low pass gate style)
  • Phase Shifter with panning control
  • Drive effect with tone and crush control
  • Width: 14HP

Documentation

  • Meridian User Manual – coming soon
  • MeridianQuick Reference Guide –coming soon

Modbap Modular’s Meridian module is on display at The NAMM Show this week, Booth 9800. It is available for preorder at an MSRP of $449.99 on the Modbap website.

Hammond XK4 Organ brings “the B3 experience you’ve always wanted”

Hammond’s lightweight and ‘affordable’ XK4 organ promises “the B3 experience you’ve always wanted”

Hammond hopes to bring the B3 sound and feel into the future with the XK-4. It features a new Modelled Tone Wheel Engine and digital Leslie for the best in virtually authentic hardware.

The XK4 includes 91 virtual tonewheels, drawbars, touch-response percussion, chorus-vibrato and a newly-designed digital Leslie speaker emulation. The promise is that you’re getting the sound and feel of a B3 in a compact and affordable package.

However, this is a modern instrument that promises to “sound and play like a 60-year-old antique”. To that end, the XK4 also models some of a vintage Hammond’s imperfections, which have been captured in the new Modeled Tone-Wheel 2 Engine. Expect to hear slight pitch fluctuations due to tonewheel backlash, and subtle volume fluctuations due to ‘decentering’.

The virtual multi-contact keyboard is another purported highlight – this is designed to emulate the distinct feel of a vintage Hammond’s electro-mechanical keyboard – while the colour display shows current settings. The switches and knobs are user-assignable, so you’ll always have quick access to your favourite functions, and there are pitchbend and (assignable) mod wheels.

A new tube modelling system is also in play – tweak the overdrive control to add the desired amount of warmth or drive – and, in addition to the B3, you also get Farfisa, Vox and Ace organ emulations. Even classical and theatre pipe organs are covered off.

Build quality appears to be luxurious – the XK4 has real beechwood side panels – and there are plenty of connectivity options.

Hammond is calling the XK4 “a modern miracle” and, it does appear to be a keyboard that gigging B3 aficionados will want to take a close look at, particularly as it weighs just 20 pounds. More details – including a dealer locator – are on the Hammond website. Hammond XK4 cost around $2,495.00

IK Multimedia’s AXE I/O One could be the guitar interface you have been waiting for

IK Multimedia has announced their latest guitar audio interface at The NAMM Show this week. IK Multimedia is adding a new, more affordable model to its AXE range of tone-shaping guitar audio interfaces, and AXE I/O One could be the hardware and software bundle that players on a budget have been waiting for.

IK Multimedia is no stranger to the odd interface. Its iRig range of plug-and-play devices seems to expand on a daily basis, and covers just about every recording situation you can imagine (and several you can’t). The company’s AXE range, though – and a clue is in the name – has always had guitar and bass recordists in mind.

The company’s new AXE I/O One 1-in/3-out interface delivers a lot of what the AXE range is noted for – easy recording, tone shaping and fast workflow.

AXE I/O ONE is USB-C bus powered, and also features a MIDI I/O, an XLR mic input, Class-A mic preamp and (up to) 192kHz recording. AXE I/O ONE 1-in/3-out USB audio interface is available at €129.99 which seems very reasonable.

Learn more from IK Multimedia website

AXE I/O ONE 1-in/3-out USB audio interface