Reliq Instruments has launched an Indiegogo project to fund production of the Reliq, a grid-based sequencer, mixer and controller that they describe as “The World’s First Hybrid Control Surface”.
Reliq is designed to enables you route, sequence and control all of your music production gear:
Route and Mix 16×16 Analog Signals
Sequence Analog Signal Routings in Musical Time
Sequence 16 Tracks with 32 CVs, 3 MIDI Outs and USB.
Get Physical Control of your DAW and Software Instruments
Sync With your DAW with a Dedicated Plugin
Features:
Analog Matrix-Mixer Lets You Route, Mix, Store And Sequence Eurorack And Signal Patches
Connect any Input to any Output with just the Press of a Button
Store and Recall Signal Routings in Real-Time Without any Sound Interruptions
Sequence Patches in Musical Tempo for a vast Music Exploration Experience.
‘State-Of-The-Art’ Sequencer
16 Polyphonic Sequencers
Euclidian Mode
Polyrythms / Polymeters
Stochastic Modes
8 Voice Polyphony per Track
High-Resolution Recording
MPE Compatibility
Real Time Parameters Recording
Melody/Pattern Generation
LFO & Envelope per track
Real-Time Midi Effects
128 Patterns per Track
A Modulation Factory
Draw Your Modulation: Automations, LFOs And Envelopes At Your Fingertips!
Advanced CC Modulation,
MPE Modulation
LFOs, and Envelopes per Track
Custom Modulation Waveforms
A Fully-Integrated DAW Controller
Trigger Loops and Clips From your DAW
Control Mixers and Software Instruments
Arrange Clips and Record from Hardware
Synchronize and Control Reliq From your DAW with a Dedicated Plug-in
Full Range Of I/O
3 x MIDI outs,
1 x MIDI IN
1 x USB-C MIDI
1 x USB HOST port
16 x gates ( 5~10V)
32 x CV outs (+/-5V ~ +/-10V)
1 x Reset out
1 x Clock out
Reliq’s connectivity is via a breakout box that offers 32 CV outs, 16 Gates and 16×16 Matrix I/O. It can be powered directly from Reliq via USB-C or via Eurorack power supply with a standard connector
Reliq’s breakout can stay at any corner of your studio or in your Eurorack case, for staying always patched.
Reliq is available to project backers for €1,299. The project has already reached its funding goal.
*Note: Crowdfunding projects can involve risk. See the project website for details.
New MPE instrument might be a good option for cash-strapped producers seeking cutting-edge sounds. A 2 oscillator wavetable synth with flexible modulation options.
You no longer need to spend big bucks to get your hands on a wavetable synth plugin. In fact, you can download Socalabs’ Wavetable – a new open-source option – for free.
Could Socalabs’ free Wavetable synth plugin be the open-source alternative to Serum?
Offering a refreshingly unfussy, dignified interface, Wavetable presents you with two wavetable oscillators plus a noise oscillator and a sub oscillator. These are followed by a filter, three mono and three poly LFOs (with a choice of 17 LFO shapes), three envelopes and five effects (gate, chorus, distortion, delay and reverb).
Socalabs has been good enough to include 100 wavetables with the synth, along with 100 presets to show off their potential. You even get MPE support, opening up an extra avenue of expression.
Wavetable might not have enough bells and whistles to make you ditch your copy of Serum, but as free synths go, it looks pretty impressive. And because it’s open-source, you can just download, install and go (or even dive into the guts of it via Github).
Features:
2 wavetable 1 noise, 1 sub oscillators
1 filters
3 mono LFOs / 3 poly LFOs
17 LFO shapes
3 envelopes
5 effects
1 visualization
MPE
100 wavetables
100 presets
You can download Wavetable for Windows, Mac and Linux and it runs in VST/AU/LV formats. Find out more on the Socalabs website.
Loog has introduced Loog Piano, a portable digital piano for children and grown-ups, with musician-grade sound and design.
Beginner keyboards are often black plastic affairs with little in the way of personality, so the forthcoming Loog Piano could make for a refreshing alternative.
Loog made its name with its simplified three-string mini guitars, but has diversified into making kid-friendly six-string models. The piano follows the same ethos: it has a stripped-back design and is said to be easy to play.
Stripped-back doesn’t mean dull, though – first impressions are that the Loog Piano looks gorgeous. There are three octaves of what appear to be full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys, built-in speakers and a built-in rechargeable battery. There’s a lot of wood on show, too, including the end cheeks and the volume knob.
So far so simple- Unlike the majority of home keyboards, the Loog Piano features just one sound – that’d be a piano, obviously – which is based on a combination of sampling and modelling. The photos indicate that beginners will be able to learn to play using a system of flashcards, which will indicate which notes to play and when.
Connectivity options – headphone and USB-C sockets (MIDI over USB support is unconfirmed).
The Loog Piano is launching into a well-established, highly-competitive space.
