WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

At Superbooth 2022, inventor Pit Przygodda debuted the Silhouette Eins Optical Synthesizer. The Silhouette Eins is a new type of synthesizer that translates images into sound in real time.

The user interface consists of an on-monitor Plexiglass hardware controller, which addresses 4 software pages. Objects placed on the light table create the source audio waveforms in real time.

In addition, 20 potentiometers and 21 buttons give you direct access to key functions. All values are shown directly behind and around the controlling potentiometer or button.

The Silhouette Eins builds on earlier designs, like Daphne Oram’s Oramics machine, but uses modern technology to allow for greater immediacy and interactivity.

The Silhouette Eins Optical Synthesizer is available now for €3800.

Dreadbox has a dirty little DIY groove synth called Dysmetria. This desktop/Eurorack device is yours for €200

At SUPERBOOTH 2022,  Dreadbox has captured the spirit of Superbooth with Dysmetria, a build-it-yourself analogue groove synthesizer. Designed for creating rhythms and basslines, it can be used on your desktop or in your Eurorack rig, and is said to be ideal for inexperienced DIYers.

This is a 42HP device that offers two analogue oscillators, a voltage-controlled mixer, a noise generator and a voltage-controlled FM section. You’ll also find a 2-pole resonant filter with low-pass and band-pass outputs, plus two decay envelopes.

The 32-step sequencer offers three modes (Play, Live and Rec) and step-by-step recording, There are 16 user presets and 15 patch points.

Features:

• Full Voice Analog Modular Groove Synthesizer
• Rhythm and Bassline maker
• It can be used as a Desktop or a Eurorack synthesizer
• It comes along with a dedicated USB to Eurorack power converter
• Ideal for inexperienced DIYers
• 42 HP
• 2 Analog Oscillators
• Voltage Controlled Mixer
• Noise Generator
• Voltage Controlled FM section
• 2-pole Resonant Filter with LowPass and BandPass outputs
• 2 Decay Envelopes
• 32-step Sequencer with 3 Modes (Play, Live, Rec) and Step by Step Recording
• 16 User Presets
• 15 Patch Points

A limited number of Dysmetria kits will be released, and everything you need to build it is included in the box. It’s available now for €200 (excl.  VAT).

Find out more on the Dreadbox website.

At Superbooth 2022, Tiptop Audio is previewing the next modules in its official line of Buchla 200 Series Eurorack modules.

The first batch of the 245t Sequential Voltage Source and 257t Dual Voltage Processor, above, are in production and are expected to ship this Summer. Both are Eurorack translations of classic Buchla 200 Series modules from ’70s.

Tiptop Audio also shared an update on their version of the 292 Quad Lo Pass Gate, which will feature handmade vactrols that they say will “satisfy the ears of the most die-hard Buchla bongo fans”, adding “Users will be able to build out their 200t systems with the classic Buchla signal chain.”

In addition to the Tiptop Audio and Buchla news, Tiptop announced that they are introducing an all-black Mantis Eurorack case.

The new black Mantis is identical in specs and price to the original. This case is made with black ABS with an overcoating to ensure a homogenous shade in various light conditions.

The first batch of black Mantis is limited and will be available very soon with additional quantities that should be ready toward the end of Summer. The gray Mantis will also be available again, and they plan to have them shipping in large quantities in the coming months.

Lastly, Tiptop Audio has added black faceplates for the following modules: Miso, Forbidden Planet, Z8000, Z2040, Mix7. The black Z8000 is now released and the others will be sent to retailers in the coming weeks.

Find out more info on the Tiptop website.