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At Superbooth 2026, Make Noise has introduced the Soundhack Plexiphon, a stereo, modeless spatial texturizer which allows for continuously morphing between reverberations and multi-tap echoes, with “the widest range of possible results being neither reverb nor echo, and all results highlighting and amplifying character previously hidden in the source material being processed.”

Plexiphon is built from entirely new code by Tom Erbe, specifically for Make Noise’s newest digital hardware.

The Plexus control simultaneously modulates the number of feedback paths in the algorithm, and their entanglement together. The Size of the paths determines the temporal relation between them, operating like a “delay time,” or a “room size,” at either extreme of Plexus.

Diffuse and Color offer softening/sharpening/darkening/brightening effects over time.

Couple and Skew are stereo operations: Couple determines to what degree the left and right sides are isolated or intermingled (from “dual mono” to fully interlaced stereo), while Skew offers simultaneous inverse or tandem control of the left and right paths on the Plexus, Size, and Color parameters.

The Send gate input (normalled high, or patchable) determines whether and when the input signal will be fed into the Plexus.

An envelope follower is provided at the CV output for re-integration of the Plexus into its own controls or elsewhere in the voltage controlled system.

Features:

• Modeless Plexus operation allows instant voltage controlled access to all possible combinations of settings, no mode switching or algorithmic isolationism
• Stereo in, stereo out with mono sum normalizations for inputs and/or outputs
• Smooth modulation of space, time and intensity via Size and Decay
• Voltage control over stereo image with Couple
• Shape texture timbre with Diffusion and Color parameters
• Easy patching of dub echo techniques with Send gate
• CV Out completes the conversation between Plexiphon and the rest of your system!

The Make Noise Soundhack Plexiphon is priced at $469 USD. Visit the Make Noise site for more information.

Superbooth 2026: The Nonlinear Labs C25 is a 48-voice performance synthesizer built around the Phase 22 synthesis engine, combining expanded physical controls, a touchscreen interface, and deep expressive playability.The C25 synth is an evolution of Nonlinear Labs’ C15 platform. It features the Phase 22 synthesis engine, which combines phase modulation, FM-style synthesis, waveshaping, physical modelling, and subtractive techniques within a single architecture.

The system integrates a redesigned control surface with a 7-inch touchscreen, dedicated hardware buttons, encoders, and performance controllers. It supports a 48-voice architecture at 48 kHz, or 24 voices at 96 kHz, and includes split and layer modes. The instrument also features onboard audio recording capability, capable of capturing extended lossless recordings.

Performance control is a central design focus, with a keyboard that supports polyphonic modulation through key position, velocity, and aftertouch. Additional controllers include a bender, lever, dual ribbon controllers, pedal inputs, and CV inputs, all assignable to modulation destinations within the synthesis engine.

The interface is designed for direct access to synthesis parameters through a combination of hardware controls and a touch-enabled display, while maintaining a structured navigation system for deeper editing and preset management.

Features:

• The C25 uses the Phase 22 synthesis engine combining phase modulation, FM-style synthesis, waveshaping, physical modelling, and subtractive synthesis within a unified system
• It provides 48-voice polyphony at 48 kHz sample rate or 24 voices at 96 kHz sample rate
• The sound architecture supports split and layered performance modes for multi-timbral setups
• The system includes unique feedback-based signal routing within the synthesis engine
• Two groups of five studio-grade audio effects are integrated into the signal path
• All synthesis parameters are continuously morphable for real-time modulation transitions
• The keyboard is a semi-weighted Fatar TP/8S design with extended expressive sensing capabilities
• Each key supports position sensing, velocity response, and polyphonic aftertouch modulation
• The keyboard functions as a polyphonic modulation source for synthesis control
• Performance control includes a bender and a lever with magnetic return behavior
• Two ribbon controllers provide continuous performance modulation with LED position indicators
• Up to four pedal inputs are available for external performance control assignment
• Four CV inputs allow integration with external modular or control voltage systems
• A 7-inch TFT touchscreen provides visual access to parameters, presets, and signal flow
• All functions are also accessible via dedicated hardware buttons alongside touch control
• Six high-resolution endless encoders with touch sensing and haptic feedback provide direct parameter control
• A 24-button selection matrix provides direct navigation to synthesis engine sections
• A replaceable overlay system allows reconfiguration of button labeling for different engine setups
• The instrument includes a high-end stereo audio interface with input and output routing
• USB host and device connectivity is provided for external integration
• MIDI input and output are included for external sequencing and control
• A built-in recorder captures extended lossless audio recordings directly within the instrument

Details on pricing and availability for the C25 are still to be announced at the Nonlinear Labs site.

At Superbooth 2026, Twisted Electrons has debuted the FLEXfm, an upcoming hybrid groovebox that combines FM synthesis, sampling, and performance-focused sequencing.

This video, via Bonedo Synthesizers, offers a first look at the new FLEXfm groovebox.

The Twisted Electrons FLEXfm Hybrid Groovebox

Each of its eight tracks is effectively its own voice, featuring a 4-operator FM engine alongside a built-in sampler with live audio input recording, plus a per-voice analog multimode filter (inherited from the TwistFM design) for shaping the sound.

It also integrates onboard effects such as delay and reverb, and places a strong emphasis on hands-on groove creation with an 8-track step sequencer, pattern morphing, chord and scale tools, and other generative performance features.

Connectivity is designed for studio integration, including individual voice outputs, stereo out, MIDI, USB, and headphone monitoring, positioning FLEXfm as a deep, performance-oriented machine bridging chiptune-style FM synthesis with modern sampling workflows.

Topics covered:

00:00 – Quick Start
00:14 – Quick Start: Power Supply / Audio cables
00:26 – Quick Start: Firmware Update
00:40 – Quick Start: User Interface
01:19 – Quick Start: Presets
01:44 – Quick Start: Tips & Tricks
02:36 – Quick Start: Modulators
03:16 – Deep Dive: Presets
05:32 – Deep Dive: Voicing Modes
07:10 – Deep Dive: Filters
08:13 – Deep Dive: Mod Wheel
08:30 – Deep Dive: MIDI
10:36 – Deep Dive: Modulators
12:50 – Deep Dive: Envelopes
13:10 – Deep Dive: Ribbon Controller
15:33 – Deep Dive: Morphing Engine
16:33 – Deep Dive: Arpeggiator
18:42 – Deep Dive: Scales
19:32 – Deep Dive: Chords
20:10 – Deep Dive: Vibrato
20:54 – Deep Dive: Tremolo
21:38 – Deep Dive: Sequencer

Full specifications and details for the FLEXfm are still to be announced at the Twisted Electrons site.