Archive for April, 2025

Knobula Introduces Monumatic Polyphonic Synthesizer Eurorack Module


Knobula has introduced Monumatic, an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer in Eurorack format.

Monumatic features a multi-engine synthesizer, offering 16 oscillator modes, which provide a diverse range of classic and modern tone generation options.

Oscillator modes include:

  • Roland super-saw
  • Polymoog vox humana
  • Casio phase distortion
  • Solina string machine
  • Percussive drawbar organ
  • “noisy cassette” strings
  • pulse width modulation
  • Asymmetric sync oscillators

Six filter types are offered:

  • vowel filter for vocal effects
  • 24db/oct Butterworth low pass filter
  • Dual peak filter
  • Phase shifter
  • SVF low pass filter
  • HighPass filter

A demo of Monumatic in action, via Red Means Recording Modular:


Monumatic is available now, priced at £345.

Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control Motorized MIDI Controller Review


In the latest Sonic Lab video, host Nick Batt takes a hands-on look at the new Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control MIDI controller.

The Roto-Control features fully-assignable motorized touch-sensitive knobs, user definable haptics for detailed control, high-res screens that provide easy-to-read labels for every control, and internal memory with storage for over 8000 assignments.

Topics covered:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:28 Features Overview

00:02:08 MIDI Mode Demo

00:06:40 Mix Mode and Plugin Mode

00:13:14 Third-party Plugin Mapping

00:18:34 Final Thoughts

Watch the video and share your thoughts on the Roto-Control in the comments!

New King Of VHS: VCR Synth ‘Sounds Like You’re In The Middle Of An MTV Video From The ’80s’


AudioKit Pro, in collaboration with sound designer Brian Funk, this week introduced a new iOS software synthesizer, King of VHS: VCR Synth, that they say “sounds like you’re in the middle of an MTV video from the ’80s”.

It is based on samples from a collection of vintage synths that have been recorded with a VCR to VHS tape and then resampled.

The official video intro:

Features:

  • Over 160+Multi-Sampled PCM Instruments Total – Thousands of high-quality VCR/VHS recorded samples
  • 3 LFOs with Tons of Mod Destinations
  • Built-In Synth Engine – Integrated from King of Digital, making VCR Synth a true VA synth, not just a sample player.
  • Step Sequencer – With adjustable rate, gate, and destination routing
  • No Subscriptions or Data Tracking, Ever!
  • Classic VCR Sound Effects – Buttons, tape hiss & more
  • Improved VCR FX Section – Customize tone and texture
  • FREE Expansion Pack – OP-1 recorded through a VCR
  • Universal App – iPhone, iPad, and AUv3 support
  • MIDI Support – Works with MIDI keyboards and iOS hosts
  • Vaporpunk Preset Bank by Jakob HaQ
  • Lightweight – entire app around 212MB

King of VHS: VCR Synth is available now, with an intro price of $3.99 (normally $19.99).