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Make Noise let us know that their QMMG Eurorack module is available again, with the 2024 Black & Gold Edition QMMG.

The Quad Multi-Mode Gate is a ‘riff’ on the original Buchla 292 Quad Lo-Pass Gate. The QMMG offers additionally: HiPass mode, Voltage Controlled Feedback, Direct Coupling and Normalizations so that multiple channels may easily be used together to create Bandpass Gates, steeper HP, BP or LP Filters, and even something like a traditional Synthesizer Voice Architecture.

What they say about it:

“The legendary QMMG returns, in a limited run! Launched in 2008 and initially only available until 2010, the QMMG (or Quad Multi-Mode Gate) has taken on a near mythical status in the world of Eurorack modules for its sound, feature set and abundance of Vactrols. A small run of QMMGs (reissued with Black & Gold faceplates) was created for the Make Noise 10-Year anniversary here in Asheville in 2018, and the current 2024 Black & Gold Edition represents the first time QMMGs have been available in shops for over a decade!

We built as many QMMGs as we could source parts for, and we are shipping QMMGs to dealers worldwide— they will be available for purchase on September 9, 2024.”

Features:

• 2024 Black & Gold Edition
• Vintage voiced, all analog
• Four independent vactrol-based channels
• Multiple modes per channel: VCA, Low-Pass Gate, Low-Pass Filter, or High-Pass Filter
• SUM out for easy mixing
• Flexible normalizations for easy creation of dual-peak filters, East Coast voices and more
• Powerful feedback circuit acts differently depending on mode
• Pairs well with MATHS and DPO
• Module width: 24hp
• Max depth: 32mm

The Make Noise 2024 Black & Gold Edition QMMG is available now for $699.

Synthesist and sound designer Espen Kraft shared this video preview for Alpha Juno Pad Heaven, a new sound library for the vintage Roland Alpha Juno synthesizers.

It’s all about pads, pads, pads, says Kraft:

“Pads, strings and sweeps. I’ve also thrown in some ambient arps. It’s all about fat and lush sounds, perfect for synthpop, soundtracks, ambient or whatever your creativity demands.”

The library features 64 new patches (a full sysex bank) for the Roland Alpha Juno-1/2, MKS-50, HS-80 and all VSTs that can import original Alpha Juno sysex bank files.

Alpha Juno Pad Heaven is available now for $15.

The latest Woody Piano Shack is a review of the BOSS RC-202 Loop Station.

The video takes a look at how this works as a looper for keyboards and synths.

The BOSS RC-202 offers looping and multi-effects in a compact tabletop unit. Four Input FX and four Track FX are available at once, and loops can be saved to memories in real time.

Expanded foot control and MIDI capabilities are also included, ideal for looping musicians who have their hands occupied with guitar, keyboards, and other instruments.

Woody highlights the features and usability as pros, and input noise as the chief con.

Watch the video and share your thoughts about the BOSS RC-202 as a looper for synths in the comments!