WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD

DivKid + Vostok Instruments introduce Trace Interpolating Scanner Eurorack Module

22 Aug, 2024 No Comment

DivKid and Vostok Instruments have introduced Trace, an interpolating scanner designed for multi-channel series crossfading between audio and/or CV sources.

Introduced by Jurgen Haible in 1994 and later improved by Donald Tillman in 1999, the Interpolating Scanning circuit is a hybrid between a signal selector and a crossfader.

The circuit morphs between the inputs, fading from one to the next as the voltage control rises. The Trace version of this classic circuit comes with a custom, fine-tuned slope response that prioritizes a smooth transition between the inputs, providing interesting middle points between the channels and improving its behavior when controlled by external CV signals.

Features:

Four channels
DC-Coupled inputs for use with both audio and CV signals
Custom fading slope designed to improve the response on middle positions
CV-controlled scanning with onboard attenuation and inversion of the modulation signal
Low noise analog VCA circuits.

Trace is available now for £130 inc. VAT in the UK, €120 ex VAT in the EU and $130 pre-sales tax in the USA.

Prime For Yound Adults Trial

Rexing Product Page

Nakedboards introduces Archean Synthesizer

21 Aug, 2024 No Comment

Prime For Yound Adults Trial

Nakedboards founder Nikolai Ershov has introduced a new instrument, the Archean synthesizer, inspired by primordial landscapes.

Archean is a monophonic patchable synthesizer. The oscillator generates sound waves across a range of seven octaves (from 16.25 Hz to 4186.08 Hz). The synthesizer produces three types of sound waves: a signal in the form of a randomly generated landscape, a constantly and smoothly changing landscape and triangular wave.

All CV inputs and outputs have a voltage range of -5 to +5 volts. The 1 V/OCT input supports a range from 0 to 7 volts. The touch keyboard, composed of various mineral shapes, has 22 keys and supports changing musical scales.

The synthesizer has two audio outputs: a line output and an output for Eurorack systems. The device can receive MIDI messages via USB, MIDI input, or be controlled via CV/Gate.

Archean is equipped with a distance sensor that generates CV, based on the distance to an object in front of the synthesizer.

The instrument can also be used as a USB-MIDI keyboard. Archean sends MIDI-CC messages from the distance sensor and the following knobs: Fine, Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release.

What Ershov has to say about it:

“This project was born from the freest and most unassuming ideas about how modern electronic music can be performed. For me, ambient music evokes endless associations with geological formations far more than with living nature. My immersion in this music, reading books, and listening to geology lectures put me in a certain romantic state that I strive to convey through my instruments, projects, and music. This synthesizer is dedicated to that.

I am very excited to finally present it to you after almost two years of development.”

Features:

Monophonic patchable synthesizer
Range: 7 octaves (16.25 Hz – 4186.08 Hz)
Can be used as a USB-MIDI keyboard
Inputs: MIDI, USB, CV/Gate
Touch keyboard
Two audio outputs (line and Eurorack)
Includes power supply, MIDI adapter, patch cords
Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 5 cm

The Archean synthesizer is available to pre-order now for $350, with an expected October release. Find out details on the Nakedboards website.

Prime For Yound Adults Trial

Rexing Product Page

PWM Mantis Hybrid Synthesizer Review

21 Aug, 2024 No Comment

Prime For Yound Adults Trial

Host Nick Batt – in his latest SonicLAB video – reviews the PWM Mantis, a hybrid synthesizer from PWM Music and the late Chris Huggett.

Huggett was a pioneering British synth designer for over 40 years, creating synths from the EDP Wasp to the Novation Bass Station.

The PWM Mantis is a hybrid synthesizer, combining digital oscillators and stereo multi-mode analog filters. It features digital wavetable oscillators, looping envelopes, onboard effects, and a six-slot modulation matrix.

Topics covered: