At Superbooth 2024, held May 16-18 in Berlin, Erica Synths was showing a prototype of another in their series of collaborations with producer/DJ Richie Hawtin, the Bullfrog Drums drum machine.
We have not seen any official announcement for the Bullfrog Drums yet, but motobor shared this video and their take on the new drum machine, saying:
“This is going to be a top pick for drum machines once it’s out.
It’s a sample-based drum machine with seven tracks, a simple interface, and an easy-to-use sequencer.”
The Bullfrog Drums follows the Bullfrog, an all-in-one modular synthesizer that’s designed to be an education electronic instrument, and the Bullfrog XL, a giant synth designed specifically for teachers to use in front of the classroom.
Watch the video and share your comments on the Bullfrog Drums in the comments!
At Superbooth 2024, held May 16-18 in Berlin, MOK introduced the new Waverazor Eurorack Kit for the 1010music Bitbox and Bitbox Mk2.
The Kit brings the unique wave-slicing oscillator sounds of the Waverazor Dual Oscillator to Bitbox.
One Waverazor Eurorack oscillator can contain up to 8 wave slices, creating a multi-segment “Frankenstein” waveform that produces extended harmonic content beyond any single wave shape. Each individual slice has independent control over wave pitch, volume, phase and DC offset, allowing a single oscillator to contain a multitude of timbral colors. Even the “Razor” itself can be adjusted, with parameters for its own slice frequency, step size multiplier and duty cycle.
Features:
Patented oscillator design dynamically slices and recombines waveforms
2 independent oscillators
Detailed and responsive multi-touch screen
2 high resolution CV inputs
20 modulation CV inputs
Modulation input metering
MIDI input (TRS, Arturia compatible)
Clock input for BPM sync of wave sequences
Audio input for slicing external sound sources
3 Audio outputs (Audio 1, 2 and Mix)
24-bit ADC and DAC
Trigger output for external oscillator sync
The Waverazor Eurorack Kit for Bitbox is priced at $99 and is expected to be available this summer. Details are to come at the MOK website.
At Superbooth 2024, held May 16-18 in Berlin, Shakmat showed three new Eurorack module prototypes: Ballista Blast, Griffin’s Claws & Bishop Miscellany mk2.
Ballista Blast is a complete monophonic synthesizer voice, in 12hp, with a hybrid digital/analog architecture.
It offers a wide sonic palette, with three engines:
Classic: combines saw and square waves in various configurations, driving two switchable analog VCFs with different flavors (acid or bubbly), a VCA, and a distortion unit.
Wavetable: provides a wide and customizable set of wavetables, processed through the same analog chain as the classic engine.
FM: Original algorithms processed by an LPG and a VCA. These algorithms use up to four operators and are controlled by three macro controls, enabling precise manipulation of the different algorithms.
Ballista Blast also incorporates an envelope, a random generator, and a velocity input, all of which can be assigned to nearly any parameter.
The module also features a non-volatile memory of 100 presets (stored on an SD card) and supports the select bus protocol.
Features:
Hybrid digital / analog synthesizer voice
Classic, Wavetable and FM engines
Onboard envelope
Assignable velocity and gate inputs
Assignable random generator
SD card storable presets
Select bus compatible
Width 12hp Depth 29mm
The Bishop’s Miscellany mk2 is a major update to their CV/Gate recorder, with many new features.
First, a sequence processor with glide, ratchet, CV modulation, and gate length has been added. These processes can be recorded for creating more dynamic sequences.
The module also comes with a wide set of algorithms dedicated to sequence generation and regeneration. From generative music to radical sequence breakage, the (re)gen feature offers tools to originally create or manipulate musical patterns.
Finally, it is now possible to store recorded sequences on a SD card. The Bishop’s Miscellany mk2 features a tracker-like grid, providing the ability to arrange stored sequences for song composition or organizing a live set.
As with all the latest Shakmat modules, the Bishop’s Miscellany mk2 supports the select bus protocol.
Features:
Dual Stepped CV/Gate Engine
Glide, gate length, ratchet and pitch modulation
Performative (Re)generative algorithms
Onboard quantizer
SD card and presets
Tracker style pattern arrangement
Select bus compatible
Width 14hp Depth 29mm
The Griffin’s Claw features four recordable attenuators with offset normalization, linear or logarithmic response and cascade mix. The Griffin’s Claw can be used for a large range of applications: CV attenuation animation, atypical modulation signals, automated audio mix and more.Features:
