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The latest Yamaha Synths Tech Talk takes an in-depth look at the new MODX+ Synthesizer.

 

Hosted by Senior Product Specialist Blake Angelos, the session features Yamaha experts from around the world, sharing their take on the new synth.

 

The MODX+ is powered by the same technologies found in Yamaha’s flagship MONTAGE synthesizer, including the AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) sample and synthesis engine and the FM-X (Frequency Modulation) synth engine. MODX+ Motion Control gives you simultaneous control of up to 128 parameters.

 

The three new synthesizers in the MODX+ line feature 1.75 GB of internal flash memory, an upgrade of 75 percent compared to the original models, giving you more space for custom samples and synth sound libraries. The MODX+ synths also offer more polyphony, with 128- note stereo AWM2 and 128-note FM-X polyphony.

 

Watch the video, learn more here. Find out more on the Yamaha website.

 

Universal Audio has added two new 4-channel options to its Volt audio interface series – the Volt 476p and Volt 4.

 

Volt 476p and Volt 4 give you more I/O to play with

 

Like it’s predecessor Volt 476, the Volt 476p has a built-in 1176-inspired compressor. However, it dispenses with the line inputs on channels 3 and 4, replacing them with two additional mic preamps, bringing the total to four.

 

Each preamp can be switched to Vintage mode for an “album-ready” sound – this emulates the sound of UA’s classic 610 tube preamp – and you also get three compressor presets that are tailored for recording vocals, guitars and synths/drum machines.

Volt 476p operates at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution and also offers dual headphone outputs, 48v phantom power, direct monitoring and MIDI I/O.

The Volt 4, meanwhile, doesn’t have the built-in compressor but is the first of the cheaper Volts to offer four channels. There are two preamps that offer the aforementioned Vintage mode, and line inputs on channels 3 and 4. Again, there’s 24-bit/192kHz conversion, 48v phantom power, direct monitoring and MIDI I/O, but only one headphone output.

 

Volt 476p and Volt 4 are compatible with PC, Mac, iPad and iPhone. Both interfaces ship with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, a selection of plugins and a 30-day trial of Spark, UA’s plugin subscription service.

 

The Volt 476p and Volt 4 are available now priced at $469 and $259 respectively. We should also note that if you purchase any Volt audio interface before 31 October, you can claim the native versions of UA’s Teletronix LA-2A Collection and Pure Plate Reverb plugins for free.

 

 

Host Ziv Eliraz, in his latest loopop video review, takes an in-depth look at the Erica Synths Perkons HD-01 drum machine.

 

The Perkons HD-01 features four versatile hybrid voices (digital sound engine + analog multimode filter with overdrive) and a sequencer with simultaneous control over all four percussion tracks.

 

While the Perkons may not have as many features as some drum machines, it features chunky build quality, its own unique character, and a hands-on knobby user interface.

 

Topics covered:

 

0:00 Intro

1:30 Overview

3:45 Grid views

5:05 Connectivity

5:40 Banks

6:30 Sound engines

8:00 Voice 1

10:05 Voice 2

12:10 Voice 3

16:05 Voice 4

19:05 BB Delay

20:50 Compressor

21:50 MIDI control

22:15 External FX

24:05 Tempo

24:35 Sequencing

25:00 Speed & groove

25:45 Play modes

26:35 Ratchet & odds

29:00 Live rec

29:20 Motion seq

29:50 Param locks

31:15 Accents

31:45 LFO

34:20 Pros & cons

39:05 Outro

 

Check out the video and share your thoughts on the Perkons HD-01