WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

At Superbooth 2023, being held in Berlin May 11-13, Tiptop Audio & Buchla USA are expanding their line of classic Buchla 200 series modules in Eurorack format.

The series, introduced at Superbooth 2021, is a joint project to make classic Buchla 200 Series modules available as affordable Eurorack modules. The series has been wildly popular, with the initial set of modules selling out almost as soon as they are released.

Now they are introducing two new modules:

The Mixer/Preamplifier 207t, above, is essentially a reissue of the classic Buchla Mixer/Preamplifier Model 207 in Euro format.

It features a six-channel stereo mixer with voltage-controlled panning and a single channel preamplifier with impedance and gain switches for a variety of input levels. Also included are per channel program and monitor switches and a monitor output.

The Programmable Spectral Processor 296t, above, is a 16-channel bandpass filter, with built-in analysis and synthesis capability. It can be used as a real-time performance filter, an equalizer and part of a vocoder.

Each frequency band has its own control input and envelope follower output, allowing for a wide range of transformations.

Both modules are expected to be available in August 2023. Details on pricing and specifications are to be announced.

At Superbooth 2023, being held in Berlin May 11-13, Norand is introducing Mono mkII, described as “the ultimate monophonic synthesizer”.

The Mono mkII builds on four years of feedback, adding overdrive, an improved interface, an expressive 3D keyboard and more.

Features:

• Analog overdrive and refined analog path
• MK2 implement 4 years of internal update over our appraised discrete analog path, with the addition of a custom soft overdrive circuit at the output, multiplying mono’s sonic abilities.
• Expressive 3D Keyboard
• MK2 introduces 3D sensors for the mini-keyboard, allowing for expressive controls over each notes. Velocity, aftertouch, pitch bend, and vertical modulation are possible directly on the keyboard.
• Continuous sequencer strip
• 3D sensors are also used for the sequencer and page keys, which allow for dozens of new musical features, like live play-head, multi-pattern morphing, and precise control over the patterns.
• High resolution automation
• MK2 uses a 1024 PPQN sequencer system, which allow automations to be recorded at a very-high definition with the knobs and keys. The 3D sequencer strip allow for precise creation and edition of these automation using curve mode.
• Full machined alluminum body, RGB LED, UI improvement, and more

The Norand Mono mkII is expected to be available in June 2023, price at €839.

At Superbooth 2023, being held in Berlin May 11-13, Endorphin.es is showcasing two new pedals, its new Ghost and Golden Master effect.

Ghost and Golden Master, both of which are scheduled to ship this fall, see the company expanding its product range into the floor-pedal format.

The Ghost Pedal, which is suitable for both live performance and studio work, goes well beyond what is possible with traditional pedals and stomp boxes, according to the company.

What they say about it:

“The Ghost Pedal combines high quality distortion, reverb, delay, filtering, and LFO control — all of which can be combined and implemented using presets and MIDI control, with or without an expression pedal. The result is unprecedented control over effects and tonal shaping.

Developed in combination with producer Andrew Huang, the Ghost Pedal allows users to change tonal response or signal chain routing of any signal — from an overdriven electric guitar to a droning synth voice — at the press of a button.

From earth shaking subharmonics and distorted drones to angelic shimmering reverbs and anything in between, Ghost is a pedal for the adventurous sound designers and the most demanding guitar and synth players. An intuitive user interface, coupled with hands-on control and preset storage, allows composers and performers to stay in the moment and focus on the performance.”