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Death By Audio, the Queens-based, self-described noise-wranglers and effects creators, have announced thriple new product releases: the Crossover Fuzz in standard black, a limited Reverb-exclusive white edition (only 150 units worldwide), and the Photo Modulator, a light-sensitive expression controller.

Crossover Fuzz: Fuzz So Heavy, It Had to Be Split

More than a fuzz box, the Crossover Fuzz is a dual-band fuzz engine with linked resonant filters, independent gain and volume controls for highs and lows, and a reactive LED display that shows you where your sound is being torn apart.

By splitting the signal into highs and lows, the Crossover Fuzz allows the user to sculpt frequencies, annihilate them, or sling them across amps in stereo for massive, spatial tone. CV/expression control enables the user to sweep the crossover in real time, turning EQ into an instrument of its own.

Key Features:

• Dual-Band Fuzz – Separate gain and volume for highs and lows.
• Dual Linked Filters – Sweepable high-pass and low-pass filters with resonance.
• Flexible Routing – Mono, stereo, or multi-amp setups with unique ins/outs.
• Expression/CV Input – Modulate the crossover frequency in real time.
• Reactive LED Display – Stage-ready visuals that shift with your filter position.

Tech Specs:

• Dimensions – 5.73” x 5.2” x 2.37” (including hardware)
• Weight – 18.5 oz
• Power – Standard 9V DC (2.1mm, center-negative). Optimized for use with Death By Audio’s Raw Power power supply.
• Current Draw – 120 mA
• Lifetime Warranty
• USA Retail Price – $320

The standard black edition of Crossover Fuzz will be available through Death By Audio dealers and deathbyaudio.com, while the limited white edition drops exclusively via Reverb, capped at just 150 units. Both variations are available worldwide.

Photo Modulator- Turn Light Into Control

The Photo Modulator is an ultra-compact expression accessory that swaps your foot for light. Plug it into any expression-compatible pedal, aim the sensor at a light source, and watch as brightness sweeps your parameters like an invisible hand on the treadle.

Bright light = toe down. Darkness = heel down.

Using a passive photo-resistor circuit, the Photo Modulator is compatible with Death By Audio staples like the Rooms, Evil Filter, and the new Crossover Fuzz, as well as countless other expression-ready pedals. No batteries required.

Key Features:

• Light-Sensitive Expression – Control pedals using any light source.
• Ultra-Compact Form – Built directly into a ¼” right-angle jack.
• Passive Circuit – No power required.
• Wide Compatibility – Works with most expression inputs.

Tech Specs:

• Dimensions – 2.6” x 1.9” x 0.6”
• Weight – 0.9 oz
• Power – None required (passive circuit)
• Warranty – 30-day return policy (not covered under lifetime warranty)
• Regulatory Restrictions – Not available for sale, shipping, or distribution in the European Union, United Kingdom, China, Korea, or Taiwan.
• USA Retail Price – $39

The initial batch of Photo Modulators sold out; more will be available beginning in early September.

For more information. Sound samples and additional information about Photo Modulator and Crossover Fuzz are available at the Death By Audio website.

The 2025 Northeast Electro-Music Festival (NEEM Fest) is returning September 12th, 13th, and 14th, 2025, to the Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 South Main Street, Homer, NY. NEEM Fest 2025 will feature over 30 electronic musicians and several Visual Artists with three days of live performances and workshops.

NEEM Fest began as electro-music 2005, a small conference covering all aspects of experimental electronic music with a focus on participant involvement, sharing, community development, education, and great music. Electro-music was sponsored by electro-music.com, a global online community of composers and musicians who share a passion for electronic music.

Electro-music is made with synthesizers, home-made circuits, computers, found objects, voices, signal
processors, wooden flutes, ambient recordings, and virtually anything imaginable that makes sound – even
conventional orchestras, crossing many genres.

The event has grown and continues to this day. The Electro-Music Festival has been held at the Center for the Arts of Homer since 2017, and was renamed NEEM Fest in 2023.

NEEM Fest features back-to-back performances by electronic musicians and visual artists throughout the day and into the evening, utilizing two alternating stages for uninterrupted entertainment. The event also includes educational workshops sharing the latest technology and techniques.

This year’s event will also feature an electronic music instrument interactive exhibit a.k.a. Synth “Petting Zoo” where several electronic music instruments will be available for attendees to view and operate with headphones. Bringing your own headphones (1/4″ jack) is recommended.

NEEM Fest takes place in partnership with electro-music.com and TE-MPO, The Electro-Music Performers Organization, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of electro-music. The event will be held without artists’ fees. Tickets are $15 per day, $20 for two days, and $25 for a three day pass for adults, and can be purchased online at the NEEMFest website, or at the door at the Center for the Arts of Homer. Kids under 18 can attend for free.

For more information, including a complete schedule of events and artists’ profiles, visit the NEEM Fest website. For last minute updates, see the NEEMFest page on Facebook .

In his latest loopop video, host Ziv Eliraz shares a hands-on review of the new Suonobuono Polyvera synthesizer.

The Polyvera is Suonobuono’s first synthesizer. It’s described as “a modern homage to the iconic wavetable synths and samplers of the early 80s”. It’s designed to combine the characteristic digital artifacts of that era with true analog multimode filters, for added warmth and versatility.

In the video, Eliraz offers an in-depth demo of the Polyvera and shares his takes the synth’s pros and cons.

Topics covered:

0:00 Intro
2:00 Overview
5:45 Workflow
7:55 Build
8:15 I/O
9:15 Osc dirt styles
10:45 Sub osc
11:45 Osc 2 samples
13:25 Loop points
15:15 Sample styles
15:35 Sample shape
16:25 FM w/samples
19:15 Ring mod
19:45 Sync & noise
20:05 Filter
22:30 Clipping
23:45 Overdrive
25:30 Filter env
26:25 Effects
29:10 Reverbs
30:40 Modulation
33:00 LFOs
34:20 Arp
34:50 Sequencer
36:00 Voicing
37:10 Pros & cons
40:00 Preset sounds!

View the video and share your thoughts on the Polyvera in the comments!