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Noise Engineering has introduced Confundo Funkidos, a rhythm crossfader and performance utility, and successor to their earlier Confundo Funkitus module.

According to Google Translate, ‘Confundo Funkitus’ translates into “I confuse the Funkids”.

Inspired by DJ performance techniques, Confundo Funkitus lets you mix up to eight trigger source, and then use a crossfader to combine them, apply probability, or swap between them.

Each channel also features a mute switch, so that channels can be added and removed from a patch at will.

The official Confundo Funkidos intro video:

It also features algorithmically generated Accent outputs, which create high and low gates based on input patterns.

The BURN section of Confundo Funkidos has also been expanded with a new parameter, making it easier to create fills on the fly. The Mute switches have also been upgraded, featuring a center position that removes a channel from BURN fills and sets its Accent output low while still outputting triggers.

“We’ve been thinking about a new version of Confundo Funkitus for a long time,” says Markus Cancilla, Noise Engineering’s Chief of Destruction. “Confundo Funkidos brings together everything we’ve learned in the years since the original was discontinued, and makes the original concept even more fun. We’re really excited to hear what people do with it.”

Features:

• Four-channel rhythm crossfader
• Incredible utility for hands-on jamming and performance
• Inspired by DJ performance techniques
• Algorithmically generate accent gates based on input patterns
• Use Mute switches to bring percussion in and out of your mix
• Create fills on the fly with unique BURN controls

Confundo Funkidos is available now, priced at $345.

Italian synth maker Jolin has introduced ROSA, a multi-mode crossfader, scanner, and switcher module for Eurorack modular systems.

ROSA has three distinct modes that let you shape and route signals in various ways:

• Scan Mode: In this mode, you can seamlessly morph between up to four inputs. The scanning circuit moves progressively from IN1 to IN4, with the option to loop back to IN1 for continuous transitions. By adjusting the KNEE control, you can choose whether the transitions are smooth and gradual or sharp and instantaneous.
• Wave Mode: In this mode, the four VCAs operate independently. Each VCA still follows the same control from the scanning circuit, but they are kept separate. This allows you to modulate four different channels independently, creating complex dynamic changes in your patch.
• Pass Mode: Here, a single input is distributed across up to four outputs. If more than an input is plugged, they will be mixed together. This is ideal for sending the same signal to multiple destinations, like quadraphonic speaker setups or different effects chains. The transition between outputs can be smooth or sharp, giving you full control over how the signal moves between outputs.

The KNEE control shapes how the transitions behave in all modes, letting you switch from soft fades to abrupt jumps, depending on your needs.

The SHUT input mutes all VCAs simultaneously, making it ideal for performance control or rhythmic muting. Since the VCAs are linear, amplitude control can be gradual or instantaneous, depending on the nature of the CV input.

The official ROSA intro video:

The ROSA is available now for €269.00.

David Hilowitz – In his latest video – takes an in-depth look at a forgotten record player keyboard for kids from 1977, the Panasonic Do-Re-Mi.

Hilowitz demonstrates how the keyboard worked when he got it, what he did to fix its problems, and then how it works repaired:

Video Summary:

“I recently got my hands on a pretty neat vintage item: the Panasonic Do-Re-Mi. It’s essentially a little analog synth / organ with a built in record player. Panasonic also sold a version with a built-in tape deck, and another even rarer unit that just contained the synth portion on its own. All three versions were released in 1977, along with the Panapic multimedia system.

The one I got was not in very good condition: I had to replace the capacitors, clean the keyboard, and replace the record needle, but I did eventually manage to get it back on its feet.

Naturally, the very first thing I did once I got it working was sample it. This proved to be quite an easy task as it has only one sound. “

The Panasonic Do-Re-Mi is a very limited instrument, but it also has a sound that’s very evocative of its time.

Hilowitz has sampled the Panasonic Do-Re-Mi and made it available as a free sample library.