Void & Vista have introduced Folds, a new virtual instrument for Kontakt Player that’s based on the human voice.
Folds combines evocative performances by male and female vocalists; processed, designed and re-synthesised multi-layered vocals for other worldly textures; and basic waveforms and noise, to provide a rich set of options for sound design.
It’s built for Native Instruments free Kontakt Player, and is compatible with all major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic and Garage Band, ProTools, Cubase, Bitwig and others.
Features:
Over 300 snapshots
5gb samples
32 Sound Sources
2 layer sound design engine
User impulse response import
NKS 2 / Kontakt Player Compatible
VST, AAX & AU
Kontakt 7.7.0 or higher
macOS 11 or above
Natively compatible w/ Apple Silicon
Windows 10 & 11
Download & install via Native Access
Folds Walkthrough Video:
Folds is available for $132.80 with discount code FOLDSLAUNCH20 through May 8th (normally $167).
Sequential to discontinue the Prophet X due to component shortages.
Sequential has officially retired the Prophet X synthesizer, their flagship sample + synthesis keyboard.
Component shortages around the world are still taking their toll on musical instruments, it seems, as Sequential has announced that it has stopped manufacturing its Prophet X synth. Now is the time to grab one, the company says, as the current stocks will be the last…
The Prophet X is (was) effectively two synths in one, a bi-timbral machine with each layer capable of 16 mono voices of polyphony (or eight stereo). It has a 16-bit, 48kHz hybrid architecture, with a sample-based engine containing 150GB of data – with space for another 50GB of user samples – but also employs analogue filters.
The keyboard specializes in both acoustic and electronic sampled sounds with 17 sample categories (including pianos, cinematic, synth, keyboards and more) and the ability to get in and edit sounds, with everything from looping and reversing to deep dive modulation all possible.
This hybrid architecture was a brave move from a company mostly known for its analogue synths, the most famous, of course, being the Prophet-5, a machine that effectively launched poly synths as we know them today. Prophet X offered a completely different feel, albeit with some Sequential analogue expertise built in thanks to those filters.
It is indeed a great machine. The Prophet X brings a wholly new/welcome sound to Dave Smith’s lineup. Due to its flexible and open sample-based architecture and tried and tested synth engine, it can cover practically any sonic ground.”
Sequential has stated that “the unavailability of several key components” is the main reason for the end to the X. It is certainly not the only company running into component problems, with the likes of Behringer also citing the lack of electronic stock as a reason for its many product hold ups.
Sequential shared the news via their Facebook page:
The full Sequential statement on Facebook reads as follows:
Since its debut in 2018, the Prophet X has been a constant source of sonic adventure for musicians around the world, blending the warmth of analogue synthesis with the endless potential of sampling.
With a heavy heart, we must announce that due to the unavailability of several key components, we’ll be waving goodbye to new Prophet X units after our current stock depletes.
However, we are committed to ongoing support, ensuring Prophet X continues to be a reliable partner in your musical journeys, while our friends at 8Dio will carry on offering a treasure trove of PX Add-On sample packs to keep your sound palette fresh and evolving.
If you’ve been considering bringing a Prophet X into your creative fold, now is the time! A limited number of units are still available at your favourite music stores.
Thank you to everyone who has embraced Prophet X and made it such a beloved instrument. While production is ending, the Prophet X’s impact on music will continue to resonate for decades to come.
With sincere appreciation,
The Sequential Team
The Sequential Prophet X
The Sequential Prophet X was introduced at Superbooth 2018, with a retail price of $3999.
The Prophet X is a bi-timbral, 8-voice-stereo (16-voice mono) synthesizer that combines samples and synthesis.
At the heart of its sound is a synthesis engine that powers two simultaneous 16-bit, 48kHz sample-based instruments plus two high-resolution digital oscillators with waveshape modulation — all processed through analog filters.
Audio Demos:
Details on the Prophet X are available at the Sequential website.
Cycle instruments recently introduced Tetrachords, a CV and MIDI note sequencer for Eurorack systems.
In a departure from traditional XOX style sequencers, Tetrachords does not generate rhythms or clocks of its own. Rather, any trigger or gate source can be used to trigger each of the four tracks. Combined with the assignable CV IN MOD matrix, Tetrachords generates melodies and chords that are as straight or as ‘wonky’ as the CV signals being fed to it.
The module harnesses the musical concept of Tetrachords to build scales. On the front panel the eight notes of the scale are broken up into two groups of four. Two Tetrachords. The controls enable the harmonic relationship of the two groups of notes to be changed independently. In this way it is possible to create every scale and move smoothly between scales on the fly.
Their promo video, above, shows how users can control multiple tracks and move the tracks in musically related ways using simple gestures. The example also demonstrates the Tetrachords keyboard mode, which enables the interface to be used like a standard MIDI keyboard with the 8 large buttons corresponding to the 8 notes in the scale.
“Our goal with the Tetrachords was to create a device that enables the exploration of compositional ideas through intuitive gestures,” says Cycle Instruments co-founder Nick Lavers. “As users interact with the device, manipulating scales, chords, and the relationships between different voices, they begin to internalize the concepts of music theory that we used to build the module. All the theory is right there on the panel if you want it, but you can also just close your eyes and move your hands until you hear what sounds good.”
Features:
Tetrachords’ is a four-track, polyphonic sequencer that generates chords, arpeggios and melodies.
Note information is output via four CV outputs, 3.5mm MIDI jacks, USB C MIDI and i2C.
Rhythms are sent to the Tetrachords using the four trig inputs or via MIDI IN.
Nearly any parameter on the module can be modulated using the six assignable CV MOD inputs.
The device’s suite of connectivity means it can act as a bridge between a modular system and the rest of a studio.
The interface enables users to quickly and intuitively build chord progressions, basslines and melodies that can be musically manipulated using simple gestures.
Tetrachords is available now, in a limited run of 100 units, for $1200.00 AUD.
