Synthux Academy has introduced Touch 2, a new instrument designed for tactile interaction and hands-on control.
It’s based on the Daisy Seed microcontroller, and open source, so you can use the default firmware, or create custom firmware and faceplates to meet your needs. You can design your own instrument, using C++, Arduino, Max or Puredata.
Features:
Daisy Seed ready
12 touch pads
6 trim knobs
2 faders
2 switches
Audio in [Stereo]
Audio out [Stereo]
Also works with Teensy/Arduino
Touch 2 is available to pre-order, assembled and DIY, starting at €119.
JMK Music Pedals has introduced the Plexus:4, a MIDI Router & Filter capable of processing MIDI signals on a 4×4 matrix.
The Plexus:4 lets you Route, Split, Merge, Poly Chain, Filter, Clock Divide, Channel Map and Keyboard Split in a small stand-alone box, that you can configure and use without a computer. You can also create custom MIDI configurations on the Plexus:4 and save them as presets, with the ability to save up to 128 presets in memory.
Features:
4×4 MIDI Routing – Split and Merge each input with each output. The 4×4 Matrix of lighted buttons give clear indication of what messages are going where.
Filtering – Block and modify MIDI Messages on each output independently. Can be used like Four stand-alone filter boxes. No computer is required to configure.
Poly Chain – Incoming notes can be distributed, round-robin, to different outputs. Use several monophonic synths as one polyphonic synth.
Keyboard Split – Send notes to different synths based on the pitch or the velocity of the note played. Easily divide notes from a keyboard up into zones.
Clock Division – Divide an incoming MIDI Clock to create slower tempos. Seven divisions settings are available for each output independently.
Status Monitoring – Each active button on the 4×4 Matrix will light different colors for incoming messages indicating that a message is being passed, modified or blocked.
Presets – 128 Presets are available to store every Route, Filter and Poly setting for instant recall. 16 Presets can be recalled using the UI and all 128 can be recalled over MIDI.
Poly Channel – Incoming notes on a MIDI Channel can be distributed, round robin, between several MIDI Channels for another type of mono/poly setup using only 1 input and 1 output.
USB Host – Make connections from class-compliant USB MIDI devices to the USB Host port, such as Keyboards, Synths and Sequencers. No computer required.
USB Device – Connect to a computer using the class-compliant USB MIDI Device port. Creates a new 1×1 MIDI USB Interface in software applications.
Bridge Connections – All connections can take part in MIDI signal routing. Pass messages between DIN, USB Host and USB Device connections.
Remote Control – MIDI Commands can be used to control several major features remotely, including message routing, poly chaining and preset loading.
The preorder window is open now, with an early-bird price of $179. Plexus:4 is expected to ship in June or early July 2024.
GForce is continuing its lengthy and excellent run of plugin emulations of classic pieces of gear with a new drum machine plugin that recreates the Oberheim DMX.
GForce Software and Oberheim have introduced DMX, a new virtual instrument, for Mac & Windows, based on the classic Oberheim DMX drum machine.
The original Oberheim DMX drum machine was used to create the hythmic foundation of New Order‘s Blue Monday, Madonna‘s Holiday, Phil Collins’ Sussudio and many other iconic tracks.
The DMX was the second digital drum machine ever released, following the Linn LM-1. Its punchy sound can be heard across many early hip-hop productions, along with ’80s hits.
Designed in collaboration with Oberheim, GForce’s plugin version is said to be a “testament to the timeless influence” of the original that captures its unique tone while taking advantage of the “speed and versatility of the digital realm”.
The GForce DMX features 288 of the original DMX sounds from its launch in 1981, as well as the updated DMX sounds introduced around 1983. They’ve augmented this with sounds from the DX, Sequential Drumtraks and more. You’ll find raw, unedited sounds alongside produced kits that have been treated with various types of effects processing.
The plugin offers pan, solo, mute, pitch, decay and gain controls for each channel, along with sends for analogue-style delay and a reverb. On the master channel you will find a multi-mode filter, compressor and distortion for further sonic sculpting.
Features:
Created in collaboration with Oberheim
Features the Oberheim DMX (1981 & 1983) and 1982 DX sound kits with many variations
288 authentic and unique DMX and DX sounds.
Over 60 preset kits, including the classic, modern and hybrids
Solo, Mute, Delay sends, Reverb send, Pitch, Decay, Pan and Gain per track
Multi-mode SEM filter, distortion, and compressor on master
Over 85 MIDI Files with many classic recreations
Programmable MIDI CC response via MIDI Learn
GM Map for your MIDI Controller
Fully-scalable UI
Velocity control
Preset Browser
Oberheim DMX is available for macOS and Windows in AU/AAX/VST2/VST3 formats. DMX is available now with an intro price of $24.99/£19.99 (normally $49.99/ £39.99), ex. VAT. Find out more on GForce Software website.
