Archive for February, 2025

Tobinski Sequencer + Expander Hands-On Demo


The video, via Red Means Recording Modular, takes an in-depth look at the Tobinski Sequencer and Expander, a new analog sequencing system for Eurorack modular systems.

The Tobinski Sequencer offers 8 x CV outputs, 6 x Gate outputs, 4 x Direction Controls, 4 x End of Sequence Pulse outputs, 4 x Reference Clock Inputs, Onboard Clock with Start, Stop, Step and Reset.

The Sequencer Expander adds a variety of CV inputs and controls for each of the 4 channels of the Sequencer module. This gives you individual control over the standard sequencer functions, such as loop start and end points, along with functions such as gate length and step order.

Topics covered:

00:00 intro

01:00 module walkthrough

18:53 ACID TECHNO

26:19 it’s an oscillator!

29:05 it’s lfos!

34:22 big patch

Find out more info on the Tobinski site.

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Native Instruments’ NKS Hardware Partner Program Launches Today


If you own any of these MIDI controllers from Akai, Korg, Novation, Nektar and M-Audio, you can have Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select for free.

Last month, we posted that Native Instruments was planning to expand its software ecosystem by teaming up with a handful of competitors to integrate its NKS protocol with their products.

Today, the NKS Hardware Partner Program has officially launched. If you own any of the following MIDI controllers, you’ll not only be able to enjoy integration with over 2,000 NKS-compatible virtual instruments and effects, but you’re also eligible to receive a free copy of Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select, a software bundle worth $99.

  • AKAI Professional MPK Mini series (MPK Mini, MPK Mini Play, MPK Mini Plus)
  • KORG Keystage
  • Novation Launchkey MK3/MK4, FLkey, SL MK3
  • M-Audio Oxygen series

Support for the Nektar Impact LX MK3 is expected to be available in April 2025.

Komplete 15 Select comes in three curated editions, each geared towards a different style of music-making: Beats, Band and Electronic. Beats features the Massive X soft synth, Battery 4 drum machine and iZotope Ozone Elements mastering software.

Band comprises a number of software instruments, including Electric Keys Phoenix and Studio Drummer, along with a basic version of Guitar Rig 7, while Electronic features the TRK-01 kick and bass synthesizer and Schema: Light sequencer.

Native Kontrol Standard is a way of integrating virtual instruments and audio effects with hardware controllers. When loaded in NI’s Komplete Kontrol software (usable as both a plugin and standalone app), NKS-compatible plugins, instruments, and effects are automatically linked to your hardware controller via pre-configured control layouts. This provides immediate hands-on control without the hassle of manual MIDI mapping.

Back in January, Native Instruments’ Chief Product Officer Simon Cross spoke about the NKS Hardware Partner Program, “When it comes to plugins, it’s a huge universe, and there’s not really any solution that connects knobs, faders and buttons to the massive ecosystem of plugins that exists,” Cross said. “That’s what NKS does.”

“Designing a standard way for controllers to control thousands of plugins from thousands of different brands is very difficult to do, but that’s what we bring to the table. The reason why these companies are partnering with us – and why we’re lucky to be launching with five of the best brands – is because they see this as an opportunity to dramatically level up the experience they can offer to their users.”

Video overview of NKS:

To redeem your copy of Komplete 15 Select for free, visit Native Instruments’ website or click on the manufacturer of your product: Akai, Korg, M-Audio, Novation.

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The TipTop Audio ART Modular System With Polyphonic Synthesis


The video, by gattobus, captures a live performance with a compact TipTop Audio ART Modular System.

Tiptop’s ‘ART is an open standard for patching polyphonic signals within a Eurorack system.

“It gives you the flexibility of a modular,” notes gattobus, “but with the playability of a classic synth.”

Modules used:

Vortex 6 Oscillator

ATX-1 VCO

Octopass Poly Filter

Octostages Poly Envelope x2

Octogain VCA

Octopus USB/MIDI interface

Octo I/O

Octovert

Resonator

Z-DSP “Halls of Vallhalla” Card.

Mantis Case (black)

More info on the ART system is available at the Tiptop Audio site.

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