The Asparion D700 is a modular DAW controller that you can configure to your own specifications and make as big as you like (within reason). There are three elements to it, and these can be combined however you like.
The centrepiece is the D700 FT, a mixer-style device that features, eight rotary encoders, eight LED rings, and eight touch-sensitive 100mm motorised faders. There are also 44 programmable LED push buttons, including transport controls. The FT also handles connectivity via a USB-C port and expression and sustain pedal inputs.
If you want more control than you take a look at the D700 F. This is similar to the FT but loses those transport controls and a few other buttons, bringing the total down to 32.
Whereas, the D700 S is an OLED display that features three lines of text with up to 12 characters per track.
You can combine FT and F units to create a control surface with up to 64 faders, which supports standard MIDI, Mackie HUI, OSC and MQTT. Everything can be configured in the dedicated software app, while the anodized aluminium, laser-printed casings are designed both to look good and be robust. The confidence in the build quality is backed up by a three-year warranty.
The D700 is set to be released at the end of Q3 this year priced at $1,399 for the FT, $1,249 for the F and $179 for the S. A bundle containing an FT, an F and two S modules will be available for $2,799. More modules could be in the pipeline, as well.
Unfortunately, all 75 of the $13,495 MK8/75AE pianos – described as “a stunning accomplishment of technical craftsmanship and aesthetic design” – sold out in less than an hour.
“Each of these instruments contain the very essence of Rhodes — the legacy of our 75-year history as a brand, and the inspiring craftsmanship of our modern engineers and product designers,” commented Matt Pelling, CEO of Rhodes Music. “The MK8/75AE comprises exacting attention to detail and componentry, superior mechanical engineering and an exquisite aesthetic design. We hope these unique instruments inspire many years of music making among our customers.”
The MK8/75AE is the result of a collaboration between Rhodes Chief Product Officer Dan Goldman and industrial designer Axel Hartmann, who is responsible for some of the most iconic keyboard designs of the last 30 years.
The instrument is based on the foundation of the Rhodes MK8, but features analog effects, a special dark matte finish, and gold accented controls and encasement accents.
For more information on the MK8 or the MK8/75AE, visit the Rhodes website.
Neutral Labs have introduced the Elmyra 2, a major upgrade over the first version, which was originally conceived a purely open-source project.
The Elmyra 2 is described as “a full-blown semi-modular microtonal workstation for drones and experimental sounds”.
The new instrument can be used as a desktop synthesizer, or as a 42 HP Eurorack module. It features 41 patch points and 31 modulation targets, 4 voices with up to 12 oscillators total, 9-per voice effects, VCF switchable between 4 types (on top of the per-voice LPF and HPF filters), 4 sequencers, a delay, a unique analog shaping/distortion circuit, 2 LFOs, a bunch of utilities, a lo-fi reverb and more.
There is an option to adjust the specific sound characteristics using preset cards (a set of 4 included). In addition, individual components, like diodes or capacitors, can be plugged directly into the front panel to change the sonic characteristics of the synth.
Features:
4 independent voices activated by touch or CV
Wavetable-based complex oscillator engine, up to 12 oscillators in total, 1V/octave compatible
Chromatic mode makes chords and harmonic sounds possible, microtonal scales supported
41 patch points
31 modulation targets
Touchpads with analog envelopes that can be used as modulation sources
Resonant filter switchable between:
“Boomy and aggressive” multimode 2-pole state variable filter (low-pass, band-pass, high-pass)
“Creamy” 4-pole low-pass ladder filter
Delay with unhealthy amounts of feedback
lo-fi reverb
Analog OUCH circuit: a unique combination of destructive distortion, waveshaping and filtering
Sonic character can be customized by using special preset cards (set of 4 included) or components like diodes that can be plugged into the front panel
Preset cards can be used with other Neutral Labs modules
External audio can be processed via audio input
9 per-voice modulations and effects:
Unison detune
Dual sub-oscillators
Saturation
Bitmangler
Sample rate reduction
Noise
High-pass filter
Low-pass filter
2 LFOs: 1 sine, 1 complex morphable
4 sequencers with arbitrary step length per voice (up to 128), allows polymetric structures
Delay time and LFOs can be clock-synced or unsynced (tap tempo is also possible)
