26 Sep, 2018
Yamaha MODX7 76-Key Synthesizer
Yamaha has unveiled a brand new synthesizer workstation, the MODX. This synthesizer workstation replaces the MOFX in their product range. The MODX is a new mid-priced synth with the Montage’s sound engine: AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) sampling and synthesis engine and eight-operator FM-X engine.
The AWM2 section can have up to eight elements, made up of either sample waveforms or oscillators, and is 128-voice polyphonic. The FM-X engine offers eight-operator FM synthesis with 88 algorithms and 64-voice polyphony. Via Yamaha’s online converter app, the MODX can load patches from the company’s classic FM synths, such as the DX7.
The MODX features Yamaha’s Motion Control system and Super Knob controller. This is effectively a multi-use macro controller that can handle complex automation and morphing between layers. For more detailed parameter editing and control, the MODX includes a 7-inch central touchscreen. There is also a complex arpeggio system and multiple performance ‘scenes’ to aid live playing.
In addition, the MODX also features a professional 4-in/10-out, multi-channel USB audio interface. Along with its built-in sample library, the MODX contains 1GB flash memory for user sample upload. It is expandable, with more sound content available from Yamaha.
The MODX is lightweight and is available now in MODX6 61-key, MODX7 76-key semi-weighted and the 88-key Weighted Action Synthesizer MODX8 comes in at a svelte 30.4 lb.
5 May, 2017
The Arturia MatrixBrute is simply a synth powerhouse..features 3x Osc, 2x LFO, 3x EG, 2x filter, effects, sequencer and that programming matrix. The hardware quality is really impressive and the Arturia MatrixBrute Analog Synthesizer is an imposing and unique looking machine, designed by industrial design guru Axel Hartmann.
The 4-octave velocity and aftertouch enabled semi-weighted keybed has a high-quality feel with a positive action that beds out softly, yet can be played fast. The aftertouch response is also spot on. The MatrixBrute features three modes; Preset lets you use the 256 buttons as patch select buttons for the 256 writable preset slots and Mod mode lets you set modulation routings – simply pick from the 16 sources on the left and select a destination at the top; set up to 16 destinations per source. There are also four user modulation slots that can be set by holding any user mod-slot button and moving a front panel control to assign. Seq mode turns the MatrixBrute into a 64-step sequencer – add steps manually or record on the fly. You can then add accents, glides and modulation per-step. The sequencer sends/receives CV/Gate and MIDI. Sequencer modes include swing, variable gate, forwards, backwards, forwards/ backwards and random. Filter 1 is a diode-base Steiner filter which has LP/HP/BP and notch modes and 2/4-pole slopes. Filter 2 retains low-end at high resonance settings and it also has LP/HP/BP modes and 2/4-pole slopes.
Besides the matrix, Legato, Glide, Legato-Glide, Mono, Duo/Split and 3-note Paraphonic modes are also available and you can play standard leads but also 3-note chords with envelope articulation. Plus in Duo/Split mode you can run the arpeggiator to the left of the user-definable split-point and a lead to the right. On modulation, VCO1 can be modulated by VCO2, VCO3 can modulate 1 or 2, VCO3 can modulate VCF1 or 2 and noise can modulate VCO1 or VCF1. There are three envelopes;- Env1 goes to the filter(s), 2 to the VCA and 3 is freely assignable via the matrix. The three LFOs go nicely fast into audio range/overdrive and are all MIDI-syncable. To top it all, the five unique modulatable bucket-brigade delay-based analogue effects sound wonderful when blended with the VCOs; – mono/stereo delays, chorus, flanger and reverb.
Arturia have really made something special here. The Arturia MatrixBrute is most well-featured analog monosynth. It is rock-solid, capable of a genuinely mind-blowing array of sounds and it is very versatile.
Arturia Matrix Brute Analog Monophonic Synth
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is available in both four octave keyboard and rack/tabletop versions, simply known as the 
.
