Wavelengths is a new mini-documentary about synthesizers and the people that love them, by Ian Gilbert.
While other synth documentaries have focused more on the instruments or the history of electronic music, Gilbert’s film looks at the people that are into synths and how they are expanding the synth community.
The modular synth community is largely white and male, and there can be a high barrier to entry because modular synths are relatively expensive instruments, with a high learning curve. The documentary look at how some synthesists are pushing against these boundaries and creating their own spaces to connect with audiences and other electronic musicians.
DIY synth maker Juanito Moore (Modular for the Masses) talks about making modular gear as inexpensively as possible, using tuna cans and junk parts. Jonas Quirin talks about creating a synth scene in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where synths haven’t traditionally been a part of the music scene.
Steff Rosalez talks about expanding the community with women and GLBTQ musicians. Jesse Kaczmarczyk talks about getting into the world of synths through his relationship with Rosalez and their band, How To Live Together, and how the band and their songwriting deepened their relationship.
“Electronic music is important and synth music is cool,” notes Quirin, “People should be able to experience that.”
Developer Charles Vestal has introduced Punchline: an iOS drum machine and fx audio unit.
Vestal says that Punchline is inspired by the Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-12, but with some “extra bits”.
“It’s both a fun time for a train ride,” he notes,” but also a unique way to get some interesting loops out of your iPhone or iPad.”
Features:
16-Step Sequencer – 4×4 step grid with pattern chaining, retrigs, and live recording modes for complex beat programming. Select a step for razor-sharp parameter-locks or set per-sound pattern lengths for unique polyrhythms.
16 Drum Sounds – drum samples including bass drum, snare, hi-hats, toms, and percussion with pitch, filter, and level controls. Import your own WAV files and create custom sample kits. Save and share kits as .punchlinekit bundles. Browse sample kits.
Real-time Automation – Record knob movements and effects automation in real-time.
16 Punch-in Effects – Curated effects including reverb, delay, distortion, filters, and modulation for creative sound design.
Pattern Chaining – Create complex song structures by chaining multiple patterns together for extended compositions.
AudioUnit Integration – Use in your favorite DAW as an AUv3 plugin for adding beats, or as a sequenced gate insert effect with the same punch-in FX.
AudioUnit Integration – Use Punchline in your DAW with full-featured AudioUnit v3 plugins for seamless workflow integration.
It runs as an AUv3 plugin, too, so you can use the same UI there, but it also runs as an audio effect. Using the same sequencer, you can create a sequenced gate (or leave it open), and use the same punch-in fx and parameter sequencing for global gate length, and a Moog-style resonant filter.
Waldorf has introduced PPG Wave 3.V 2.0, a major update to their software synth that they say “honors the famous Waldorf Microwave synthesizer, bringing back its best features.”
PPG Wave 3.V 2.0 features new factory wavetables, wavetable editing, the Mutator patch randomizer and a fully-resizable user interface.
Here’s what’s new:
PPG Wave 3.V version 2.0 is available now, with an intro price of € 99 through 9/14/2025 (normally €149). Upgrade pricing is also available.
