Kaona B.A.C.H. is a four-voice composition generator module that creates melodic, harmonic and rhythmic structures, in real time, for Eurorack and MIDI systems.
B.A.C.H. offers 12 composition systems, ranging from fugue and canon to Markov-based randomness, cellular automata, fractals and generative rhythmic structures.
The module can control modular equipment through Gate, Pitch and Mod outputs and MIDI synthesizers through independent MIDI channels.
Features:
Four-voice real-time composition generator
12 compositional languages
FUGUE constructs a multi-voice exposition from a subject, answers, a countersubject and episodes.
CANON develops a leading line through imitation, transposition, delay, contrary motion, retrograde or augmentation.
PROBA uses Markov chains and several transition vocabularies to produce directed randomness.
TINTINNABULI combines a melodic voice with voices whose notes are drawn from a triad or the current chord.
MINIMAL applies gradual processes of phase shifting, addition, substitution and hocketing.
CELLULAR turns the evolution of a cellular automaton into musical material. It provides access to 254 rules.
TREE interprets L-systems and their branching structures as melodic paths.
FRACTAL uses recursive sequences and chaotic systems, including Thue–Morse, Fibonacci, Sierpiski and the logistic map.
MOTIF develops chains of melodic and rhythmic cells drawn from 32 collections.
HYBRID distributes several composition engines across the four voices.
GROOVE organises four rhythmic roles using 64 structures.
GROOVE MIX applies these rhythmic structures to pitches produced by an associated melodic language.
Eight CV inputs with attenuation
Dedicated Clock, Play/Stop, Reset and Break inputs
Each track provides:
a GATE output;
a PITCH output following the 1 V/octave standard;
a MOD output for dynamics.
The Pitch outputs cover eight octaves, from 0 to 8 V. The Mod outputs cover a range of 0 to 5 V.
B.A.C.H. automatically retains its most recent state. The SD card provides 128 preset locations. Each preset stores the selected language, the eight control settings, musical parameters, CV attenuation settings, MIDI settings, Break configuration and the complete harmonic progression.
Kaona B.A.C.H. is available now for €594, with a 15% Early Bird pre-order discount. The first delivery is scheduled for the middle of October.
The North American Electronic Sound Expo (NAESE) is a new three-day electronic sound expo coming to Cleveland in April 2027.
The North American Electronic Sound Expo will take place April 9–11, 2027, at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. The event is designed to bring hardware and software makers, musicians and the wider electronic-sound community together.
The event is organized around four areas: an interactive expo floor, sessions and workshops, live performances, and open jam spaces. Exhibitor categories include synthesizers, modular gear, software instruments, MIDI controllers, effects, DIY instruments, sample libraries and related tools.
Features:
Three-day electronic music expo
Hardware synthesizer exhibitors
Eurorack and other modular formats
Software instruments and plugins
MIDI controllers and performance interfaces
Effects pedals and outboard processors
DIY and kit companies
Sample libraries and sound packs
Vintage gear dealers
Hands-on expo floor
Sessions, panels, workshops and demonstrations
Sound-design and production topics
Electronic music performances
Hardware, laptop and hybrid live sets
Open jam spaces
Community and bring-your-own gear
Micro-Maker Scholarship program
NAESE Awards program
NAESE is scheduled for April 9–11, 2027, in Cleveland, Ohio. Three-day attendee badges are available for $70 for Early Bird and $85 for Regular admission; single-day badges are not offered.
Våld Labs TRESSE is a two-layer software synthesizer with 39 sound engines, generative sequencing and extensive modulation.
TRESSE combines synthesis, sequencing and modulation in a single instrument. Its two independent layers each provide eight voices and can use any of the 39 available engines, including 24 based on Classic Plaits and 15 developed by Våld Labs.
Each layer has its own pattern in the built-in VEKTE sequencer, which offers seven generative algorithms along with scale, chord, probability, swing and humanisation controls. Three LFOs and two generative MOD lanes provide additional modulation.
Features:
39 synthesis engines
24 Classic Plaits-based engines
15 Våld Labs-developed engines
Two independent synthesis layers
Eight voices per layer
VEKTE generative sequencer
Seven sequencing algorithms
Scale and chord controls
Probability, swing and humanisation
Three LFOs
Two generative MOD lanes
Morphing SEM-style multimode filter
Independent volume and filter envelopes
Wavefolding, crush and distortion
Chorus effects
Detune and stereo spread
Random patch generation
Patch sharing through text keys, QR codes and share cards
48 kHz synthesis core
VST3 and AU support on macOS
TRESSE is available for macOS and Windows for €19.99 as a one-time purchase. The desktop version includes all 39 engines and 1.x updates. An iPhone/iPad version is also in development.
