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In the latest Sonic State Sonic Lab video, host Nick Batt reviews the new Moog Messenger synthesizer.

The Moog Messenger is designed to be the company’s most accessible analog synthesizer to date, and blends so-called ‘East Coast (Moog)’ and ‘West Coast (Buchla)’ synthesis capabilities.

Here’s what Batt has to say about it:

“This synth is a major milestone for @MoogSynthesizers under InMusic. It’s the first synth to be designed and built under their ownership and Moog are keen to show that it’s not falling under the lowest common denominator approach many feared.

With new Oscillators (with folded waves, and a variable wave sub Osc), and a new Filter, its a big departure from the usual Moog instrument.

The filter is the same ladder 24dB with multi-mode LP LP2 pole, Band-Pass and High-Pass modes, but the big news is that it now has bass compensation (Res Bass) which is nicely done, resonance no longer drops the bass – unless you want it to. Its nicely done.

Add to that some other nice features, Keyboard S&H, parameter recording on Sequencer steps, loopable envelopes, easy to use modulation routings, as well as 16 banks of 16 patches, it’s got plenty going on.”

Topics covered:

00:00:00 Intro
00:02:19 Oscillators
00:06:42 Filter
00:10:48 Some patches
00:14:07 LFO
00:15:46 Envelopes
00:19:27 arpegiator
00:20:42 Sequencer
00:26:53 build quality
00:27:35 cv connections
00:27:56 MIDI CC
00:30:43 Final thoughts
00:31:41 Duophoni

Batt says that the Moog Messenger synthesizer “does not disappoint, and I expect to see it as a monosynth of choice in many a live setup,” adding, “It’s capable of some massive bass, driven filters and a wide variety of other sounds.”

Watch  the video and share your thoughts on the Messenger in the comments!

Expressive E has introduced Soliste, an MPE-ready solo string suite, featuring 4 physically-modeled instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass), designed for real-time performance and deep expression, especially with Osmose, Touché, and other MPE controllers.

It sounds impressive. View the demo video, embedded below, and share your thoughts in the comments!

The official introduction video:

Soliste builds on their Arché collection, but rebuilt from the ground up with:

• A new sound engine
• Smart gesture-based controls (vibrato, bowing, tremolo, etc.)
• Full customizability
• Total integration with Osmose, Touché, and legacy MIDI gear

The complete Soliste collection of four instruments is available now on Mac and Windows via the company’s website for the introductory price of €179.40/$205.88/£153.31 – typical retail is €299, while individual instruments can be purchased for €59.40 apiece.

Cherry Audio has introduced ODC 2800, a “three-in-one” virtual instrument, inspired by the ARP Odyssey synthesizer.

They say that the ODC 2800 recreates the sound, design, and character of all three versions of the original Odyssey synthesizer. It’s designed to go beyond reproduction, though, with expanded polyphony, an additional oscillator and LFO, expressive performance-focused features, and a redesigned effects section.

The official intro video, featuring Mike Martin:

Features:

• Three Filters – modeled on the Mk I, Mk II, and Mk III filter designs.
• Powerful Oscillators and Modulation – Expanded to include three complete VCOs with sawtooth and square/pulse waveforms, with quantizable frequency control, extended oscillator sync routing, ring modulation, and cross-modulation. Each VCO has three frequency modulators (FM), including an assignable modulator offering 35 source options.
• Expanded Polyphony – Offering monophonic, mono legato, duophonic, and polyphonic performance with up to 16 voices and unison.
• An Extra LFO – Includes two discrete LFOs with five waveforms and options for mono and poly modes, key reset, sync, pulse width, and delay. The
• Sample/Hold Mixer allows for assignable modulation of the VCF and VCA, with 35 predefined modulation sources.
• Additional ADSR with Extras – Two complete ADSR envelope generators with velocity control and trimmer-style drift controls for VCO, VCF, and EG to further emulate the analog vibe.
• New Effects Strip – The ODC 2800 includes an intuitive effects strip that allows for easy toggling of effects, soloing, and adjusting the dry/wet mix.
  • It features a dedicated LFO for modulation and global controls for all effects.
  • Additionally, the effects tray offers five studio-quality options: Distortion/EQ, Dual Phaser, Flanger/Chorus, three types of Delays, and five Reverbs.
• Performance Ready – Express yourself with velocity, channel (mono) aftertouch, and polyphonic aftertouch with compatible USB/MIDI controllers, and three distinct assignable aftertouch controls with 24 destinations.
• Production Ready – Offers comprehensive MIDI mapping for controllers, seamless DAW integration, and over 330 professional presets across 13 categories.

Cherry Audio ODC 2800 is available now, for Mac & Windows, for $59 . A free 30-day demo is available.

A portion of the June sales will be donated to the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation, to help support the foundation’s efforts to preserve Pearlman’s legacy.