Archive for May, 2024

myVolt introduces Alchemist USB Power Hubs for Musicians

28 May, 2024  No Comment


An Irish company that specializes in power solutions for electronic musicians – myVolt – has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of The Alchemistand The Silent Alchemist, a pair of USB power hubs for musicians and other mobile creative professionals.

  • The Alchemist is designed to turn any power source into a fast-charging USB hub. It has 4 Outputs, 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports, all of which can give out any flavor of USB power. It can also be used with myVolts’ Ripcord and Step-Up adapters to output the particular voltage for your device.
  • The Silent Alchemist goes a step further with multi-voltage isolated USB ports, to provide clean power for low-noise playing and recording. It also features a 24V DC output for Daisy-chain-ability. It receives both USB-C and DC power as input.

Both can be powered from mobile powerbanks, so you can use them as a complete mobile power solution.

Features:

  • Flexible input powering options: Power hub from either USB-C or DC.
  • Anything in DC: Internal Voltage Boost Circuit Input allows input voltages of 9V. DC to 24V DC, any polarity. Even power the hub from an old laptop power supply.
  • Full output voltage range: No voltage blindspots, USB-C outputs from 5V to 20V, regardless of input.
  • No reboots: On-board chip manager for each port ensures no reboots when new devices are added.
  • Chainable: Daisy-chain units together to expand number of available ports
  • 24V DC output: 1 x 24V DC output port, to power Strymon Ojay and other isolated pedal power boxes.
  • Intuitive lighting system: USB-C output ports change to green when PD/QCprotocols engaged.
  • Flexible output options: Each USB port delivers PD-Equipped USB output. Change to specific DC voltages with barrel with Step-Up USB-C to DC Powertips.
  • Chain devices: High power to allow stable chaining of multiple devices from single USB port with Crazy Chain Mk2.
  • Isolated outputs: 7 isolated ports for noise-free operation [Silent Alchemist only].
  • High power per isolated outputs: 20W per isolated port (usually 500mA for other isolated power supplies) [Silent Alchemist only].
  • Macbook / Laptop charging: One 100W high-power port, charges even MacbookPro. [Silent Alchemist only].

Production of The Alchemist and The Silent Alchemist is being funded via a Kickstarter project, which is already halfway to its funding goal. Prices start at 199 EUR for the Alchemist Starter Kit. The products have been designed and developed, manufacturing will start during the campaign and product will ship to backers Oct 2024.

*Note: Crowdfunding projects can involve risk. See the project site for details.

 

Free Fairlight Collection For Korg Wavestate

27 May, 2024  No Comment

Synthesist Ian Dixon shared this preview of a free sound library, Fairlight Collection For The Korg Wavestate.

What he say about it:

“From classic orchestral hits to the unmistakable sounds from hits like “Running Up That Hill” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” this collection is a tribute to the groundbreaking Fairlight CMI that shaped the sound of a generation.
Volume 1 focuses on strings, brass and vocals.”

Here’s a preview of Volume 2:

The sound libraries are available now as free downloads.

 

Rob Schwimmer & “The Best Playing Of An Electronic Instrument Maybe Ever”

26 May, 2024  No Comment


This video, via synthesist Anthony Marinelli, captures a live performance by Rob Schwimmer at Superbooth 2024 of Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time.Schwimmer is a virtuoso keyboardist and thereminist, and as he demonstrates here, he’s one of the leading performers on the Haken Continuum, considered by many to be the most expressive electronic instrument ever made. The Continuum gives you precise continuous control over pitch, volume and timbre, with independent polyphonic control.Schwimmer has arranged the fifth movement of the Quartet for Continuum, showcasing both the capabilities of the instrument and the beauty of Messiaen’s composition.

What Marinelli has to say about the video:

“I walked into the Haken Audio bungalow at Superbooth ’24 and heard maybe the best playing on an electronic instrument I have ever heard. Rob Schwimmer’s performance of Olivier Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time” (arr. for Six Ondes Martenot) performed on a Haken Continuum truly amazed and inspired me.

I’m so happy to show all of you how far expressive synthesis has come along. This level of expression, until recently, was never possible with electronic instruments.

I can’t wait to see how today’s revolution to create expressive musical instruments will effect music in the future!”

 

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