Kodamo MASK1 Bitmask Synthesizer is Coming Soon (Sneak Preview)

Kodamo – makers of the EssenceFM synthesizer – shared a sneak preview of their upcoming MASK1, a polyphonic synthesizer which uses Kodamo’s exclusive Bitmask synthesis, combined with resonant filters.

In addition to a unique sound palette, ranging from classic analog sounds to gritty digital textures, the MASK1 offers unique performance options, by allowing note slurring and different articulations, depending on how you play.

The MASK1’s design takes inspiration from the late analog and early digital synths of the 80’s, but with an easy-to-use interface, without deep menu-diving. It features a looper, an arpeggiator, built-in effects, sound layering capabilities and more.

Kodamo MASK1 Atmospheric Patch Demo:

Kodamo MASK1 Atmospheric Analog Pluck Demo:

Specifications:

  • Synthesis type Bitmask, subtractive
  • Polyphony 10 voices with optimized allocation
  • Multitimbrality 4 parts (5 in layered/split mode)
  • Oscillators 2 bitmask per voice with 256 masks each, transpose and detune
  • Noise 1 per voice with programmable sample-and-hold frequency
  • Filter 1 per voice, two poles (12dB/oct) state variable, self-resonant with pitch tracking and 4 modes (low, high, band pass, notch)
  • Envelopes 4 loopable ADSR per voice (osc1, osc2, noise, filter), 3 delta-decay (osc1 mask, osc2 mask, pitch)
  • LFO 2 per part with 7 waveforms and noise, delay, decay and 16 destinations
  • Arpeggiator 26 patterns with adaptive or fixed chords, latchable, retrig or pitch change modes. Arp do send note events to MIDI out.
  • Looper Up to 10000 events, unlimited duration, single track. Records notes, pitch bend, mod wheel, aftertouch and sustain pedal.
  • Effects Two stereo effects in series. First effect: chorus, phaser, distortion, bitcrusher, tremolo and ring mod (64 types).
  • Second effect: delay, comb filter, reverb, room simulations and distortion (48 types)
  • Modulations Velocity (6 destinations), modulation wheel (16 destinations), aftertouch (16 destinations), LFO1 and LFO2 (16 destinations each)
  • Play modes Polyphonic, monophonic, slurred, mono portamento on legato, paraphonic, hHybrid poly-mono on legato, slurred paraphonic, mono retrigger, poly retrigger
  • Split Configurable split point, balance between voices, transpose, panning and tuning
  • Layer Configurable balance between voices, transpose, panning and tuning
  • Misc Voice pan spread, polyphonic portamento, keyboard envelope rate scaling
  • Memory 120 factory presets, 400 user voices. EEPROM-based (no battery required)
  • Audio outputs 2 balanced 1/4 inch TRS jack, pro audio level with +/-12V internal power supply, 1/4 inch jack headphones
  • MIDI 2 DIN (in, out), class-compliant USB type B, SysEx voice transmit/receive, CC-mapped voice parameters
  • Keyboard 61 full-size keys, weighted Fatar action with 6 velocity curves and 6 aftertouch curves
  • Controls 23 buttons, 2 rotary encoders, pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel
  • Display 4-digit red display
  • Pedal input Sustain, 1/4 inch TS jack, adaptive polarity
  • Tuning 400-470Hz. 6 temperaments including arabic tuning.
  • Size 89 x 26 x 8cm including knobs and feet.
  • Weight 7.5kg
  • Power External 12V DC adapter, AC 100-240V in
  • Chassis Powder-coated, screenprinted steel. Light grey (RAL 9002) color
  • Sides Black ABS


Kodamo MASK1 is expected to be available March 31, 2023, priced at €1908 /$2058.

Tubbutec MC-2oh2 Upgrade Kit turns your Roland MC-202 into a 21st Century Groovebox

A mash-up of Roland SH-101, TB-303 and MC MicroComposers, the Roland MC-202 was a commercial failure when it was released in 1982, but history has been much kinder to it. Now the MC-202 story is being continued by Tubbutec, which has just released an upgrade kit that the company says turns the machine into a groovebox.

Out of the box, the MC-202 offers CV and gate jacks for sequencing your favourite analogue instruments. It also has a built-in synthesiser that bears more than a passing resemblance to the SH-101, both physically and sonically, and its form factor has strong echoes of the TB-303.

Tubbutec MC-2oh2 is apparently a significant upgrade that replaces the original CPU, keyboard PCB and display. However, the sound is said to remain the same.

New features include three independent synth control channels: the internal synth, the second CV/gate output and a third MIDI Out or drum channel. Each channel has its own clock divider and MIDI input and output.

Additionally, there’s a sequencer that offers 32 chainable, editable patterns. You can use these to create complete songs (like the patterns, these can be edited on the fly) and there are shortcuts for quick live arrangements. Seven sequencer play directions and an arpeggiator are also included.

Elsewhere, more modulation options have been added – accent, filter and PW envelopes – and there’s an additional noise sound with envelope. The 8-bit lo-fi drum sample output has various modifiers, and sample packs can be uploaded via MIDI.

Speaking of which, all additional parameters can be controlled by MIDI CC and MIDI velocity can be linked to some of these. If you go for the optional HiRes version of the MC-2oh2 you also get pitchbend control and microtonal tunings.

This is not mere firmware update, though you do get one of those as well, uploadable via MIDI SysEx. We suggest that the MC-2oh2 installation procedure probably should not be attempted by those of a nervous disposition, but if you are feeling brave, the upgrade can be purchased for €250 plus VAT and shipping.

Find out more on the Tubbutec website.

New 5-Tier Rack System enables you go big with your Moog-Style 60HP Eurorack Synthesizer

Enjoy Electronics – makers of The Godfather 60HP Eurorack modular effects processor – has introduced the N-Rack 5, a 5-tier rack that lets you go big with Moog-style Eurorack systems.

It appears to be a fairly close copy of Moog’s rack mounts, but redesigned to accommodate larger systems.

 

Features:

  • 5-level support ideal for synthesizers and other 60Hp Eurorack-style equipment
  • Robust steel structure for maximum stability
  • Rubber feet provide solidity for a wide range of surfaces
  • Elegant and refined design
  • Dimensions: 18.8″ x 23.2″ x 13″ (478 x 590 x 330mm)
  • Weight: 1.70 kg

 

The N-Rack 5 is available now for €160.00.