Frap Tools has released a firmware update for their Magnolia keyboard synthesizer that expands memory slots, adds new MIDI capabilities and more.
Here’s what’s new in Frap Magnolia v 1.10:
Adds 200 memory slots, bringing the total to 400.
Adds full CC implementation (in and out) over every parameter.
Adds MIDI over USB.
Adds user-definable velocity and aftertouch curves with 11 degrees of hardness/softness.
Adds the possibility for the user to define the LED brightness. It is possible to choose two factory presets (high or low brightness), or to define a custom user setting with independent controls over the red, white, orange LEDs and the display.
Fixes a bug that prevented the keyboard to retain the parameter value after the Static Value display was used.
Fixes a bug that played wrongly incoming MIDI notes.
The new Magniolia v1.10 firmware is available now at the Frap Tools site.
Oberheim shared this video, featuring people from around the world of synths and electronic music celebrating Tom Oberheim on his 90th birthday.
Tom Oberheim is one of the pioneering figures in electronic instrument design, helping to shape the sound of modern music over 6 decades.
Beginning with sequencers and effects devices in the early 1970s, he went on to create the SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module), the Four-Voice and Eight-Voice polyphonic systems, and the groundbreaking OB-series synthesizers, including the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8. Oberheim later introduced the influential DMX and DX digital drum machines.
After returning to instrument design in the 21st century, he collaborated on modern recreations of his classic designs, along with new instruments that combine the classic sound of his vintage designs with modern features and capabilities.
Happy Birthday Tom, and we hope you can celebrate many more!
Synthesist Starsky Carr – in his latest video – shares his take on the Korg Electribe EMX-1 – a vintage groovebox that’s loved by many for its combination of ease of use and capabilities.
Video Summary:
“Can a groovebox from 2003 really carry an entire live techno, House or Electro set?
After watching my mate Beau Beaumont play a whole gig out of a single Korg Electribe, I had to find out for myself. In this video I dig into the EMX-1 (the blue, synth-based Electribe) — the sounds, the synth engine, the effects, and the performance tricks that let you play a full live set from one little groovebox. Stick around to the end for a 15-minute live set demo recorded in one take.
The Korg Electribe EMX-1 and its sample-based sibling the ESX-1 came out over 20 years ago, but they’ve quietly become cult live-performance machines. 9 drum parts, 5 synth parts, 16 oscillator types, 256 patterns per song, 3 chainable effects, motion sequencing, and a pair of glowing valves for warmth and grit. By the end you’ll know exactly what it does, what it can’t do, and how to actually gig with one.”
Watch the video and share your thoughts on the Korg Electribe EMX-1 in the comments.
