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

German synthesist Hainbach – in his latest video – takes a look at the String Armonica, an electro-acoustic instrument based on the idea of acoustic synthesis.

The String Armonica generates sound acoustically, using 12 chromatic strings, controlled by an internal polyphonic wave generator. The strings can be played by plucking them, and also played via MIDI. It also makes it possible to customize the overtones that are sustained, allowing the instrument to make sounds not possible on traditional stringed instruments.

Hainbach offers an overview of the String Armonica, talks with its creator, and shares a wide range of audio demos that highlight how the instrument’s sonic range extends far beyond what would be possible with a traditional stringed instruments. He also discusses some of the limitations of the instrument and how to work around them.

Topics covered:

00:00 Intro Song

01:39 What is the String Armonica?

02:55 Harry Potter vibes

03:45 Demo tracks and background info

08:11 Playing it not like I am supposed to

09:35 Functions and accessoires

12:00 Issues you might run into

14:25 Availability, price, future products

The String Armonica featured above is available now for $1,600 USD.

Watch the video, and share your thoughts on the String Armonica in the comments.

In his latest Blush Response video, Joey Blush reviews the Erica Synths Syntrx II synthesizer – an original design that offers a modern take on the Synthi AKS.

The Syntrx II features stable main oscillators with waveshapers, a versatile multimode filter, external instrument inputs with an envelope follower, ringmodulator, recordable joystick, built-in piano roll sequencer, matrix mixer and DSP-based FX.

Blush calls the Syntrx II ‘F***ing Sick’. What do you think? Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments!

Woodman’s Immaculate Maple Syrup Studio has released WoodPecker v2.5 both on MacOS and iOS.

WoodPecker has 4 sequencers, which can send to 4 different MIDI channels (and/or MIDI V2 groups). Each sequencer has up to 64 steps and 4 variations (resulting in max 256 steps). The app can be used stand-alone or as a plugin in a DAW.

Here’s what’s new:

New features:

– Added Variation selection by keyboard note-on.

– Added Quantised Variation switching (at start of new bar, cycle).

– Added sequencer name (like bass, lead, …).

– Added Midi Learn for CC controls.

– Added Stop keyboard note for the “Note On” start modes.

– Added C3/C4 middle note selection.

– Added 1-shot start mode (auto stops after 1..8 cycles).

– Added Multi Note On mode : each subsequent note on starts the next sequencer.

– Added column nudging : horizontal drag on note button will move the column with all step parameters.

– Start/Stop note is not changing the key note any longer.

v2.1 :

– Added Fader flip : new dropdown selects which values are displayed and set/drawn by the Volume faders.

– Added KeyNote modes in Sequencer Settings : First Step , Follow Sequencer 1 or Set in Sequencer Settings.

– Added new Start (Stop) mode : Start-Stop with specific note.

– Sustain pedal now works with Start mode “While Note On”.

– Added “Common Variation Switching” button to the Variation Settings.

– Added red blinking led to “Set in All Steps” and “Set in All Sequencer” buttons.

– Arrow keys to go to steps > 16 are now visible when any of the sequencers has more than 16 steps.

– Added On/Off button in Sequencer Settings panel.

Visit Woodman’s site for details.