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Canadian ambient electronica artist synth4ever shared this vintage synth review of the Kawai K3:

“The Kawai K3 is an underrated vintage digital/analog hybrid synthesizer from 1986 with wavetable-ish sounds,” he notes. “In this review, I cover Kawai K3 features, sounds, likes/dislikes, and provide my final thoughts.”

Watch the review, and share your thoughts on the Kawai K3 synthesizer in the comments!

Haken Audio, creators of the Haken Continuum Fingerboard and other MPE-capable synths, has announced the EaganMatrix Micro – a new synth that packs the EaganMatrix sound engine into a compact USB module.

EaganMatrix is the sound engine that powers the Continuum, the Expressive E Osmose and several other synths. The EaganMatrix Micro features the same full-featured EaganMatrix sound engine, but in a compact self-contained form factor, powered and controlled via USB.

An intro video below, by Edmund Eagan, demonstrating using the Warbl wind controller to control EaganMatrix wirelessly, via BLE MIDI and the CME WIDI Host:

The demo includes both realistic virtual instrument sounds and more ‘out there’ sound design examples. Eagan customized these presets to take advantage of the Warbl’s specific sensing technology.

Hundreds of Presets are included with the EaganMatrix Micro. An external cross-platform (Mac and PC) Haken Editor can be connected to modify and customize the EaganMatrix System Presets, or to create new presets from scratch.

Specifications:

• Polyphony: Nominal 1-3, Maximum 8
• Stereo Audio Output: 3.5 mm TRS
• EXT Connection: 3.5 mm TRS – Can be used as a pedal input (Yamaha FC3A with HOSA MHE-100.5 is recommended),                                                                                          or can be configured for a Control Voltage Converter.

• Seven Segment Display: Preset navigation and settings
• USB Power: 500 mA (190 mA average actual usage), via Mini USB connector
• USB MIDI: via Mini USB connector (USB-A to Mini USB cable included with purchase) – Allows bidirectional MPE and MPE+ connection to other devices; allows connection to the Haken Editor for editing and archiving EaganMatrix presets
• Dimensions: 11.3 x 5.8 x 1.9 cm (4.4 x 2.3 x 0.75 inches)
• Weight: 0.075 kg (2.6 oz)

The EaganMatrix Micro — u2x is available now for $449.

Sonicware has introduced CyDrums – a new instrument that they describe as a “neo-hyperactive drum machine”.

CyDrums features an 8-track, 128-step sequencer, based on the workflow of the Lofi-12 XT. You can store up to 128 patterns per project, enabling you to create complex song arrangements or seamlessly switch patterns during live performances.

The official video intro:

Features:

• 4D Drum Sound Evolution – Wavetable x Velocity & Pressure Modulation
• 22 Custom-Built Sound Structures
• Two Insert Effects, Reverb, and Master Effects with Flexible Routing for Versatile Sound Processing
• 8-Track Drum Sequencer
• Generative Patterns with Randomization and Probability, Plus Numerous Performance Features incl. VariSpeed and Snip Loop

An example of the CyDrums in action:

The Sonicware CyDrums is available now, with an intro price of $399 (normally $499).