WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

At Superbooth 2025, held May 8-10 at the FEZ-Berlin, Morphor previewed the Echon 6, a new 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer based on physical modeling synthesis.

The Morphor Echon 6 uses Karplus–Strong synthesis, a type of physical modeling based on passing an impulse through a short delay, and then using feedback to create a sustained signal. The approach can be used for string synthesis, hammered percussive sounds and more.

The Echon 6 voice is implemented using an analog signal path, based on an analog Bucket Brigade Device (BBD).

Features:

• Positive Feedback System
• 6 Part Multitimbral
• Full Analogue Audio Path
• Extensive Modulation Matrix (9 sources × 32 destinations)
• Custom Voice Grouping (up to 6 voice groups with individual settings, modulations and/or MIDI)
• Comprehensive Unison Control
• Global Modulation Attenuverters
• Table Top, 19″ Rack Compatible + VESA Mount
• Individual Outputs per Voice
• Stereo Output
• Headphones Output
• External Input
• USB and DIN MIDI Ports
• 72 Factory / 144 User Presets
• No Display – 100% tactile, no menu diving
• Exciter Section
  • Analogue VCO / External Input
  • Analogue S&H Noise Circuit
  • Crossfader
  • Envelope Generator 0–25s (ADSR with onset delay)
  • Exciter Level
• BBD Resonator Section
  • 12 dB/oct Input LPF
  • 6 dB/oct Feedback LPF
  • 1024 Stage BBD
  • High-End BBD Control Circuitry
  • Fine Feedback Control
  • Panning
  • Dry/Wet Mix
  • Voice Level
• Modulation Sources
  • Envelope
  • Quad LFO with Cross-Modulation
  • MPE/Polyphonic Aftertouch
  • Modwheel
  • Velocity
  • Keyfollow

Details on pricing and availability are to be announced.

At Superbooth 2025, held May 8-10 at the FEZ-Berlin, Vermona previewed the drumDING, a new hybrid drum machine.

The drumDING features an analog drum voice that can be used to create a wide range of percussive sounds, plus the ability to sample and sequence these sounds.

Here’s a hands-on demo, via Bonedo Synthesizers:

The sequencer combines old-school tactile controls with modern features, like the ability to lock parameters to individual steps. The drumDING also has built-in effects, which can also be sequenced.

Details are still to be announced, but Vermona is planning on releasing drumDING by the end of 2025.

Superbooth 2025: Genki Instruments has officially introduced KATLA, a five-voice analog synthesizer that they say features “volcanic modulation, tactile sliders, and lava rock knobs and side-panels.”

KATLA’s sound engine offers five-voice polyphony and a range of modes, including dynamic round robin and unison, for a blend of polyphonic and paraphonic options. Each voice has an analog signal path and modulation sources, like loopable envelopes and integrated LFOs. The interface also offers direct access to timbre controls and onboard effects.

Each synth is handmade in Iceland, with side panels crafted from environmentally sourced basalt.

The official KATLA intro video:

Features:

• Five digiloc voices
• Handmade basalt side-panels
• “Paraphonic-inpired” polyphony
• “Volcanic modulation matrix”
• 80s-inspired digital reverb
• Analog filter, mixer, wavefolder and distortion
• Mountable in standard rack
• Katla Hardware:
  • Lava rock knobs
  • Lava rock side-panels
  • Rigid aluminum enclosure
  • Dimensions are 43 by 33 by 25 cm³
  • Weights roughly 3 kg
• Two preset modes:
  • Store panel state as user preset
  • Store each row independently
• In the box:
  • KATLA
  • 2x rack ears
  • 2x basalt side-panels
  • 2x aluminum rack ears

KATLA is available to pre-order now, priced at $4,990, including shipping and handling.