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

Behringer shared this official demo video for the new UB-Xa MINI, a mini-synth with a synth voice based on their flagship UB-Xa keyboard, which copies the classic Oberheim OB-Xa.

Behringer calls the UB-Xa MINI a polyphonic synth. with three VCOs, that can be controlled individually, feeding through a single signal VCF-VCA signal path. But it would probably be clearer to describe it as a monophonic/paraphonic design.

However, no matter how you describe it, though, the UB-Xa MINI packs a lot of features into a tiny package.

Features:

• Portable analog polyphonic and programmable synthesizer
• Reproduction of OB-Xa VCO and VCF circuitry from the ‘80s
• Analog signal path based on VCO, VCF, and VCA designs
• 27 touch-sensitive keys
• 3 separate VCOs with saw and square waveforms
• Multi-mode ring modulator on square waves for metallic sound effects
• 16-step motion sequencer with 10 memory slots and recording of knob movements
• Extensive play modes featuring poly, unison, octaves, fifths, ring unison, and ring poly
• LFO with 3 waveforms and sync for pitch, filter cutoff, and pulse width modulation
• Selectable dual-slope 12/24 dB analog low-pass filter with adjustable resonance

The Behringer UB-Xa MINI is priced at $109 and is starting to show up at retailers as available to pre-order.

Synthesist Ziv Eliraz – in his latest loopop video – takes an in-depth look at the new Erica Synths + Hexinverter HexDrums analog drum machine.

The HexDrums features 10 sound sources, mostly based on the Hexinverter Mutant series of percussion modules. They include two kick drums for different (or combined) flavors – the BD9 and Bass drum, an optimized Mutant Machine, Snare drum, Clap, Rimshot and HiHats.

In his video, Eliraz offers an overview of the HexDrums, including its build and capabilities, dives deep into the sound design options of each drum module, demonstrates it in action, and shares his thoughts on drum machine’s pros and cons.

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

Topics covered:

0:00 Intro

1:20 Overview

3:20 Build

3:55 I/O

4:20 Bass drum 1

5:30 Bass drum 2

6:10 Machine

8:05 Snare

9:00 Clap

10:10 Rimshot

10:50 Hi hats

11:25 Cymbals

12:35 Compressor

14:10 Drive

14:45 Sequencing

17:00 Step trigs

19:10 Performance

20:20 Song mode

21:00 Settings

21:25 Pros & cons

23:55 Some jams

The Roto-Control Bitwig Edition, a collaboration between Melbourne Instruments and Bitwig, is now available.

This special version of the MI’s unique motorized controller, featuring a Bitwig-inspired design and including a Bitwig software license. MI calls Roto-Control’s integration with Bitwig Studio its deepest with any DAW.

The Roto-Control Bitwig Edition features custom keycaps in Bitwig colors and comes with a Bitwig Studio Producer license or a 12-Month Upgrade Plan (for existing Bitwig users).

Roto-Control is a powerful, compact controller for hands-on mixing, plug-in control, and performance. Its touch-sensitive motorized knobs bring an enhanced tactile experience to Bitwig projects. MIDI mode can be used to send MIDI notes and program changes to Bitwig Studio (or other hardware or software), while two further modes offer deeper integration with Bitwig Studio.

In MIX mode, Roto-Control becomes a plug-and-play Bitwig Studio mixing interface. The Bitwig project’s track names, colors, and levels are automatically displayed and updated in real time – there’s no need to save or edit labels in the device. Adjustments made on the controller are reflected instantly in Bitwig, while the motorized knobs provide physical feedback for parameters such as volume. The integration extends to group tracks, making it possible to navigate complex mixes without manual setup.

PLUGIN mode offers hands-on control of Bitwig’s devices and third-party plug-ins. The Roto-Control automatically maps to a device’s Remote Controls, so the user can start tweaking without mapping anything at all, and can jump between pages directly from the interface. Parameters can be manually mapped with a single touch, and the Roto-Control will pull names and values directly from Bitwig Studio. It’s even possible to select parameters to map directly from a plug-in’s GUI.

The Roto-Control’s motorized knobs give haptic feedback that changes depending on the parameter you are controlling. A knob might twist smoothly up to its maximum value, or offer discrete steps with resistance in between (for a button, for example). The result is an uncanny hardware-like experience with every device controlled in PLUGIN mode. Once mapped, parameters are stored locally on the device, so Roto-Control will remember the mappings the next time Bitwig is opened, even in a different project file.

The Roto-Control Bitwig Edition features custom Bitwig-colored keycaps and includes a Bitwig software license of your choice (Bitwig Studio Producer or a 12-month Upgrade Plan). Each unit also includes a power supply and USB-C cable, a protective carry bag and cable tie, and a Quick Start Guide.

The Roto-Control Bitwig Edition is available now, priced at $499.