Teenage Engineering has announced the release of the TX-6 ultra-portable pro-mixer. A 6-channel stereo mixer with built-in EQ, compressor and digital effects, the mixer can also be used as a multi-functional USB audio interface.
Other features include instrument tuner and built-in sound generator that utilises four waveforms and four drum sounds. The mixer is powered by a rechargeable battery, so it should be useful as an on-the-go mixing solution for live performance or outdoor music-making. In addition, TX-6 is also equipped with MFi and BLE, so it will be quick and easy to connect with other portable devices.
Armed with eight built-in effects, the TX-6 offers reverb, chorus, delay, freeze, tape, filter and distortion. Each of its six channels has its own three-band EQ and adjustable compressor. The mixer can also be flipped on its side and used in what TE calls “DJ mode”, where channel 1 becomes a fader that crossfades between channels 5 and 6.
The TX-6 is said to be the first release in a series of products called “field system”, which Teenage Engineering say are “designed with portability, compatibility and durability in mind” and “driven by a desire to rethink the way we approach music making”. According to their press release, more devices and accessories in this vein are on the way.
Features:
The first portable pro-mixer that can be used as a multi-functional 32-bit 48kHz audio interface that has an instrument tuner, built-in digital fx, synthesizer and drum machine.
TX–6 features a 6 channel stereo mixer with a configurable knob layout. choose to have the three-band eq at your fingertips, or customize each knob to control whichever setting you prefer.
Battery powered – the rechargeable battery holds for about 8 hours.
Synthesizer & sequencer – TX–6 also functions as a portable synthesizer and sequencer, with 4 oscillator waveforms and 4 synthesized drum sounds.
8 built-in effects, including reverb, chorus and delay, and creative effects freeze, tape, filter, and distortion. Each channel has a three-band EQ and adjustable compressor.
Sturdy build – encased in CNC aluminum with 2k molding, custom-made encoders and faders, and custom pcb – engineered for portability.
Wireless connectivity – with BLE, you can use TX–6 as a wireless controller for other BLE midi devices or trigger and sync the internal synth and sequencer from other sources.
Slimline cables – the narrow profile allows you to use all 6 channels at once and makes for an easy pack down.
Customizable interface – use TX–6 as a 12 channel audio interface and connect to any DAW over USB-C. MFi also allows you to connect to iOS devices.
DJ mode – turn TX–6 on its side and use it as a DJ mixer. Turn channel 1 into a fader to crossfade between the channel 5 and 6 so you can fade or cut between the two.
6.35+ 3.5 mm output – connect your audio output through 3.5 mm mini jack or use the included and removable 6.35 mm jack to 3.5 mm mini jack adapter.
Field bags – designed to fit TX–6 field mixer and constructed in heavy duty fabric and hardware.
Bytedance, the company behind social media platform TikTok – have announced the development of a curious new plugin, Mawf
Mawf uses machine learning to ‘morph’ incoming audio signals into emulations of real instruments in your DAW. The plugin’s ML synthesis engine can also run on MIDI input alone, meaning you can use Mawf as an effect to colour an existing sound, or use it as a virtual instrument by itself. In its beta version, Mawf offers models of three instruments: saxophone, trumpet and the khlui, a Thai flute.
The developers behind Mawf used machine learning to analyse recordings of professional musicians playing instruments. The ML models extracted expressive changes in the instrument’s sound that were linked to variations in pitch and amplitude. Mawf then uses these trained models to approximate the sound of these instruments based on input provided by the user. They’re keen to distinguish this from physical modelling synthesis, which requires “specialised equations” for each instrument modelled. Mawf needs only a solo recording of the target instrument in order to imitate it.
Though the range of modelled instruments is a little small, Mawf does feature some interesting additions. There is an in-built compressor, chorus, and reverb effects, and a number of Control Modes that adjust how Mawf synth engine is triggered, allowing the user to control the pitch of the processed audio through MIDI.
The developers commented on the current limitations of the technology: “Like the first ever analogue synthesiser, expect some funky bleeps and bloops from Mawf. ML for audio synthesis is a new technology no one has really perfected yet.”
Mawf can be downloaded for free by users outside of the U.S., but beta testing is limited to the first 500 sign-ups, so we suggest moving fast if you would like to snag a copy.
Gamechanger Audio, in collaboration with Fender, has announced that their Bigsby pitch shifting effects pedal is now available.
What they say about it:
“The unique spring-loaded foot-pedal design opens up a world of new strumming patterns and bend combinations, allowing beautiful lap-steel and slide-inspired licks that cannot be achieved with traditional tremolo systems.
The BIGSBY Pedal is always “on” – the only thing you need to do to activate it is to step on the foot-pedal. The algorithm ensures that transitions between the dry and wet (pitched) signals are as smooth as possible, enabling you to seamlessly incorporate pitch-bends into complex picking patterns and lead and melodic lines.”
Overview Video:
Additional Features:
EXP OUT: This allows you to use the BIGSBY as a unique spring-loaded Expression Controller with fully adjustable Depth, Rate and Offset controls – for modulating any expression parameters of other pedals and effects units (via a TRS 1/4” jack cable).
FSW IN: The BIGSBY Pedal’s FSW IN connector is compatible with all standard momentary or toggle type footswitches with a TS (Tip/Sleeve) 1/4” jack (normally closed or normally open). You can also use a dual-latching footswitch with a TRS jack – in this case, only one side of the footswitch will work. Pressing the footswitch will activate Latch mode. When latched, the BIGSBY will hold a constant interval determined by the current position of the Depth knob – this way, you don’t have to hold down the BIGSBY Pedal for long phrases. When in Latch mode, you can still use the BIGSBY’s foot-pedal to make momentary dives and detune effects up to two semitones. Pressing the opposite side of the foot-pedal will flip the pitch shift direction.
MIDI IN (3.5mm type B connector): This allows you to control all functions of the BIGSBY Pedal via CC messages and create and
save presets onto ten preset slots, syncing the Rate parameter to a specific tempo (with subdivisions), and more.
