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Future Retro says that they’re putting manufacturing of new synths on hold because of current tariffs on imports.

The Trump administration recently raised tariffs on imports from most countries, including a 145% tax on Chinese imports. Tariffs are a tax paid by US citizens and companies that import items.

Trump’s tariff plans have been evolving for the last month, though. This is forcing some US companies to put manufacturing plans on hold, until the administration’s trade policy is stable enough for them to do long-term planning.

FR shared updates on three devices:

• The Swynx sync box is sold out, so they are taking pre-orders through their online store.
• No more new Vectra synths will be shipped to stores after this month. They say that they will be out of Vectra parts and do not plan on restocking the product, noting that “The build time and cost is too excessive for us to continue this unique product.”
• Their planned reissue of the classic FR 777 synthesizer is still in development, but has been delayed by parts availability.

They add, “No new manufacturing can be put in place until tariff issues are worked out.”

Moby relaunches Mobygratis sound library which brings 500 new instrumental tracks available for free.

Mobygratis is a free sound library launched by electronic artist Moby all the way back in 2005 with the goal of providing creators of all kinds with high-quality, royalty-free music to use in their projects. The library has since supported over 50,000 indie films and media projects.

This week, Moby announced a relaunch of Mobygratis that brings 500 new tracks to the platform.

The majority of the library’s songs can be downloaded in both MP3, WAV and multitrack formats, making it easier to remix, adapt and customize music to suit any project. The library also now has improved search and filter functionality, so you’re able to filter tracks by genre, mood or BPM to hone in on exactly the vibe you are looking for.

Most of the music in the library can be used in any non-commercial creative project, with the proviso that it cannot be used to promote animal products or right-wing political causes. If you’d like to use the tracks in monetized or commercial projects, you’ll need to apply for a license. Certain tracks marked as restricted may not be modified or used collaboratively.

“You can do whatever you want with it,” Moby says in a video shared to his YouTube channel. “You can remix it, you can edit it, you can add parts to it, you can play clarinet on it, you can use it for social media, for films, for choreography: the idea is complete creative freedom. I don’t want to inhibit whatever you’re going to do with the music here.”

“To be really clear, it’s free. There’s no bait and switch; it’s not like you have to sign up for seven days free and then all of a sudden you have to pay something. Nope. It’s free. One of my goals with Mobygratis is to create as few barriers for use as possible. I want you to just dive in, use the music and we can see, or you can see, what happens.”

The tracks in Mobygratis’ library are almost exclusively instrumental, as Moby says he wants to leave them open to be adapted and reimagined by its users. He also says that at some point in the near future he plans to add another 1000 songs to the platform, so stay tuned for updates.

Today, Bob Moog Foundation announces its fundraising raffle for a brand new Geddy Lee Minimoog Model D synthesizer.

The limited-edition synth, serial number GLMD-0233, was hand-built in Asheville, NC, and is one of 500 released by Moog Music on March 20, 2025. It comes with several exclusive items, including a certificate of authenticity signed by Geddy Lee.

Crafted in limited quantities, and destined to become a collector’s item, the Geddy Lee Minimoog Model D pays tribute to the Rush legend. The synth boasts an exclusive satin red finish as a nod to Rush’s Grace Under Pressure tour setup. Its custom VCA allows an extra sonic punch that elevates the classic Minimoog sound to new heights.

“It’s a thrill to see the Minimoog Model D in that stunning red, so representative of one of the most fertile periods in Rush’s creative history,” noted Geddy Lee. “I’ve always been mad for custom color instruments, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. It’s just so beautiful.”

The Geddy Lee Minimoog Model D delivers the advanced features of Moog Music’s modern Model D:

• Original discrete analog circuitry re-engineered and optimized for authentic vintage Moog sound
• Modern upgrades like MIDI, a premium Fatar keybed with velocity and aftertouch, and a rock-solid power supply
• 44-note Fatar keybed with spring-action pitch wheel and modulation for expressive performance
• MIDI connectivity (In, Out, Thru) and full support for Note, Velocity, Pitch Bend, Aftertouch, and SysEx commands
• Extensive control voltage options, including Loudness, Filter, Oscillator, Modulation inputs, and Aftertouch, Pitch, V-Trig, and Velocity outputs
• Dedicated analog LFO with triangle/squarewave options for deep modulation

Included with the synth are:

• Numbered Certificate of Authenticity personally hand-signed by Geddy Lee
• Custom “Starman” badge on the front and matching sticker on the rear
• Limited-edition 10-inch red translucent vinyl record featuring Rush’s “Xanadu” and “Jacob’s Ladder”
• Exclusive Geddy Lee Minimoog Model D poster

Funds raised from the raffle will be used to expand the Bob Moog Foundation’s hallmark educational project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, which has inspired over 35,000 elementary school students through the science of sound. The raffle also helps support the Moogseum, an immersive, experiential museum located in Asheville, NC, which brings the science of sound and synthesis alive for people of all ages, through Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy. The Moogseum opened in May 2019, and has since welcomed over 45,000 visitors from all over the world. It is still recovering from the long-term financial impact of Hurricane Helene.

Raffle tickets can be purchased at this link. Raffle tickets are $25 each, 5 for $100, 12 for $200, and 35 for $500. The raffle runs from now until 11:59 pm on May 19, 2025, Eastern (US) Standard Time. The raffle is open internationally. All proceeds benefit the projects of the Bob Moog Foundation.