Recovery Effects & Devices shared this preview of Larking, a four-voice synthesizer designed for ambient drones and evolving textures.
Rather than using a traditional keyboard interface, the instrument focuses on guided harmonic exploration through quantized pitch control, with each voice locked to a selectable key and one of eight musical modes. The system can function as a standalone performance instrument, a sound design tool, or a signal source within effects-based setups and pedalboard environments.
Voices may be triggered from onboard controls, external gate signals, or MIDI, allowing integration with modular systems, sequencers, and conventional MIDI workflows.
A morphing tonal engine, global modulation system, and onboard reverb provide a range of sounds extending from percussive strikes and melodic phrases to evolving drones and atmospheric textures.
Features:
Four independent voices
Pitch is quantized to selectable scales and musical modes
Each voice locks to a selected key for harmonically constrained performance
Eight musical modes are available for scale selection
Voices can be triggered directly from onboard controls
External gate inputs support integration with modular and analog systems
MIDI input enables sequencing and external performance control
Shape control transitions voices from sine-like tones to harmonically richer textures
Attack control adjusts voice response from immediate strikes to gradual swells
Decay control shapes note length and evolving release behavior
A global LFO modulates pitch across all four voices simultaneously
LFO modulation ranges from subtle pitch drift to extreme instability effects
An onboard reverb processor provides spatial expansion and ambient textures
The instrument is designed for standalone performance, sound design, and effects-chain integration
Details on pricing and availability for the Larking synthesizer are to come at the Recovery site.
Akai Pro has introduced the MPC Live III Retro Edition, a standalone music production workstation offering expanded processing power, expressive pad control, integrated sequencing, sampling, and portable battery-powered operation in a retro-styled enclosure.
The MPC Live III Retro Edition is a standalone hardware production system built around Akai’s MPC3 platform, combining sequencing, sampling, synthesis, audio recording, and performance tools in a portable format.
The system uses an 8-core processing architecture with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, supporting up to 32 plugin instrument tracks, 16 stereo audio tracks, and 256 stereo voices.
Features:
Standalone sequencing, sampling, arranging, and performance workflows
An 8-core processor architecture provides four times the processing power of the previous MPC Live II generation
8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage
Up to 32 plugin instrument tracks and 16 stereo audio tracks simultaneously
256 stereo voices of polyphony
Sixteen MPCe pads incorporate velocity sensitivity, pressure response, and 3D positional sensing technology
16 RGB step sequencer and performance buttons
A configurable touch strip supports modulation, pitch, automation, and Touch FX performance control
7-inch full-color multitouch display with gesture support
Four Q-Link encoders provide realtime parameter control
Built-in stereo monitors are integrated directly into the chassis
Onboard condenser microphone supports direct sampling and recording
Rechargeable internal battery with up to three hours of operation
Standalone stem separation is provided through the Stems Pro processing engine
Clip launching functionality is integrated into the MPC3 workflow
High-end FFT-based timestretch processing is included
The system supports import and export of Ableton projects
Akai Force project compatibility is supported
The hardware supports legacy MPC project and program formats from earlier MPC generations
The unit includes dual XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphone and line-level sources
Dedicated RCA phono inputs are included for turntable sampling workflows
Six balanced 1/4-inch TRS outputs provide multi-output routing capability
Eight CV/Gate outputs support modular and Eurorack integration
Two MIDI inputs and two MIDI outputs are included via 5-pin DIN connectors
USB-C connectivity supports controller mode, audio streaming, and direct file transfer
24-channel USB audio streaming
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are integrated into the hardware
Storage expansion is available through SATA drive support, SD card slot, and USB storage devices
The system operates at 24-bit resolution with sample rates up to 96kHz
The MPC Live Retro Edition is available now for $1,699 USD.
