19 May, 2024
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.
19 May, 2024
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:
- Attenuation recorder with offset normalization
- Logarithmic or linear response
- Syncable recording time with tempo adaptation
- Gate outputs linked to fader movements
- Control on rates and amplitudes
- Memory of 16 presets
- Select Bus compatible
- Width 12hp Depth 29mm
See the Shakmat website for details.
18 May, 2024
Tiptop Audio & Buchla have announced the next in their series of Eurorack format reissues of classic Don Buchla designs.
The two companies have collaborated on a series of Euro reissues of Buchla’s 200 series Electric Music Box modules from the early ’70s. The new modules are smaller than the originals, but they are relatively affordable and are compatible with the more common Eurorack standard.
The Programmable Complex Waveform Generator 259t is a reissue of the original Buchla 259, as a 34 HP Eurorack module.
The Frequency Shifter Model 285t is an 8hp Euro-format version of the Buchla 285 module.Tiptop says that both modules are in the ‘advance prototype’ stage. Details on pricing and availability are to be announced.
