At Superbooth 2023, being held in Berlin May 11-13, Norand is introducing Mono mkII, described as “the ultimate monophonic synthesizer”.
The Mono mkII builds on four years of feedback, adding overdrive, an improved interface, an expressive 3D keyboard and more.
Features:
Analog overdrive and refined analog path
MK2 implement 4 years of internal update over our appraised discrete analog path, with the addition of a custom soft overdrive circuit at the output, multiplying mono’s sonic abilities.
Expressive 3D Keyboard
MK2 introduces 3D sensors for the mini-keyboard, allowing for expressive controls over each notes. Velocity, aftertouch, pitch bend, and vertical modulation are possible directly on the keyboard.
Continuous sequencer strip
3D sensors are also used for the sequencer and page keys, which allow for dozens of new musical features, like live play-head, multi-pattern morphing, and precise control over the patterns.
High resolution automation
MK2 uses a 1024 PPQN sequencer system, which allow automations to be recorded at a very-high definition with the knobs and keys. The 3D sequencer strip allow for precise creation and edition of these automation using curve mode.
Full machined alluminum body, RGB LED, UI improvement, and more
At Superbooth 2023, being held in Berlin May 11-13, Endorphin.es is showcasing two new pedals, its new Ghost and Golden Master effect.
Ghost and Golden Master, both of which are scheduled to ship this fall, see the company expanding its product range into the floor-pedal format.
The Ghost Pedal, which is suitable for both live performance and studio work, goes well beyond what is possible with traditional pedals and stomp boxes, according to the company.
What they say about it:
“The Ghost Pedal combines high quality distortion, reverb, delay, filtering, and LFO control — all of which can be combined and implemented using presets and MIDI control, with or without an expression pedal. The result is unprecedented control over effects and tonal shaping.
Developed in combination with producer Andrew Huang, the Ghost Pedal allows users to change tonal response or signal chain routing of any signal — from an overdriven electric guitar to a droning synth voice — at the press of a button.
From earth shaking subharmonics and distorted drones to angelic shimmering reverbs and anything in between, Ghost is a pedal for the adventurous sound designers and the most demanding guitar and synth players. An intuitive user interface, coupled with hands-on control and preset storage, allows composers and performers to stay in the moment and focus on the performance.”
The new Golden Master Pedal combines the company’s experience in electronic music live performance, with the goal of imparting effective dynamics and EQ into the signal chain before it hits the PA.It features 24 bit / 96 kHz I/O, three-band equalization, and direct and mid-side compression options.As with The Ghost Pedal, the Golden Master Pedal has been built with user control in mind: a dedicated input for an expression pedal allows master volume control, while two foot switches allow cycling through presets or activating signal bypass.
Finally, a one-knob compressor control enables users to dial in exactly the right amount of compression during a performance. Find out more on the Endorphin.es website .
Another of Roland’s vintage big-hitters gets a super-small reboot. Roland S-1 Tweak synth is like a polyphonic SH-101 that you can fit in your pocket.
At Superbooth 2023, being held in Berlin May 11-13, Roland is introducing the S-1 Tweak Synth, described as “a cutting-edge pocket polysynth”, inspired by the classic SH-101. Roland has added the synth to its Aira Compact range and joins the T-8 Beat Machine, J-6 Chord Synthesizer and E-4 Voice Tweaker in the family of diminutive instruments.
The S-1 uses Roland’s Analog Circuit Behaviour (ACB) technology to recreate the SH-101’s sound but, it goes beyond its monophonic design to offer four voices of polyphony. And, while the simplicity of the 101 has been retained, you get a number of new sound design features.
You also get dedicated oscillator, envelope, filter and LFO sections, and you can adjust the effects with dedicated knobs. Said effects include choruses, delays and reverbs, some of which are derived from classic Roland synths from yesteryear. The 26 multi-function pads, can be played like a keyboard or used for step sequencing.
If the square, saw, sub and noise oscillators aren’t enough for you, you can also use the pads for drawing your own shapes. OSC Chop enables you to cut waveforms into sections to create metallic timbres, and you can also use the noise oscillator as an independent riser to create sweeps and pulsing sound effects.
The 64-step sequencer offers up to 64 patterns, and classic creative features such as motion recording, adjustable probability, the ability to create sub steps, velocity control, shuffle and portamento are included. The inclusion of a D-Motion controller means that you can tweak sounds simply by moving the S-1 around, and you can throw in fills and other moments of improvisation inspiration with the Step Loop function.
Features:
‘Legendary Sound’ – S-1’s ACB polyphonic sound engine produces a sound bigger than its size
‘Wild Sound Design’ – Wave Drawing, Oscillator Chop, and Riser lets you create sounds never heard from an SH-101
Performance and Sequencing Tools – D-MOTION, Motion Recording, Step Loop, Probability
Connectivity – Use AIRA Compact’s unique I/O to enhance a gadget set up, chaining audio and sync between gadgets and to DAW, tablets, and smartphones
64-step sequencer and 64 pattern
Motion recording, probability settings, sub steps, velocity, shuffle, and portamento
D-Motion controller creates sound changes by moving the synth
Step Loop function lets you create live fills and on-the-fly rhythmic improvisation
Arpeggiator
Portability – Compact, thin, light, and Li-Ion battery-powered
The S-1 also includes a wide selection of classic Roland effects to enhance sounds. Users can add dimension with choruses derived from the iconic JUNO and JX-3P synths, introduce spaciousness and movement with manual and tempo-synced delays, and add studio-grade reverb effects.
The AIRA Compact instruments are designed to be used individually or together to create a compact rig. From one master unit, multiple AIRA Compacts can be mixed and monitored with headphones or an external speaker system. It’s also possible to interface with computer DAWS, mobile music apps, and hardware instruments via USB-C or MIDI.
