Supercritical has released an update for the Redshift 6 synthesizer that adds 6-part multitimbral support and new output options.
With six-part multitimbrality, the Redshift 6 can now assign its voices in multiple ways: split across keyboard zones for traditional polyphonic setups, layered to play rich, combined textures, or used as six independent one voice parts. Thanks to its paraphonic architecture, those one voice parts can still be played as full chords.
The update also unlocks the Redshift 6’s two auxiliary outputs, allowing individual timbral parts to be routed separately for more flexible mixing and sound design.
Supercritical’s Redshift 6 is a 6-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer that combines technology from Supercritical’s previous products, the Demon Core Oscillator and the Neutron Flux Filter. It features 16 oscillators per voice and a 4-pole analog multimode filter, featuring drive and character controls. The Redshift 6’s 4 envelopes and 4 LFOs combined with deep modulation options.The Supercritical Redshift 6 multitimbral firmware is available now as a beta release on the Supercritical Discord. For more info on the Redshift 6, visit the Supercritical site.
Today, Moog officially announced the Messenger synthesizer at Superbooth 2025, being held May 8-10 at the FEZ-Berlin.
The Moog Messenger is a powerful synth that blends so-called ‘East Coast (Moog)’ and ‘West Coast (Buchla)’ synthesis capabilities. They call it “Moog’s most accessible analog synthesizer to date”.
The Moog Messenger is priced at $899 and it is one of the most capable monosynths that Moog has ever made, introducing new synthesis capabilities, expressive performance options, knob-per-function control, CV/Gate connectivity and more.
With the introduction comes the coordinated release of embargoed videos from retailers, reviewers, performers and synthfluencers alike. Here’s a round up of the videos that offer the best introduction to Moog’s new synth.
The first video, embedded above, is an official Moog video that features synthesist Lisa Bella Donna performing (with multitracking) a complete track using the Messenger, with an extended solo at the end. It’s a great showcase of the range of the Moog Messenger and its live performance options.
In the next video, Andrew Huang shares his take on the Moog Messenger, along with his five outstanding features:
Host Ziv Eliraz – in his latest loopop video below – shares a really comprehensive review of the Moog Messenger, including his thoughts on pros and cons, and his tips for ‘DFAM mode’ & using it paraphonically:
“In this video, I walk you through everything you need to know: the analog wavefolder, looping envelopes, modulation matrix, built-in sequencer, Res Bass feature, and more. I’ll show you how it sounds, how it works, and how it stacks up to other synths under $900.”
The next video feature musician and visual designer Tycho (a.k.a Scott Hansen):
“I’m kind of Moog obsessed,” says Hansen. “My first Moog synthesizer was a Voyager, and I ended up getting a Minimoog, Source, Prodigy and Matriarch—which was the primary choice for my album Infinite Health, where I wanted synth and guitar sounds to overlap and connect in interesting ways.”
“The Messenger feels like a very playable instrument, as opposed to something you have to dive into with sound design,” he adds. “Whether you’re a beginner or experienced player, the Messenger seems perfect for writing or live performance—and the patch memory is huge.”
If you want to hear the Messenger get a workout, check out Matt Johnson’s take, which emphasizes sound design and performing:
Hear what the Messenger sounds like, ‘No Talking’ style demo of the Messenger by Sweetwater synth guru Daniel Fisher:
Here, synthesist Sarah Belle Reid offers her take on the Moog Messenger, including her take on how the synth’s range extends beyond standard ‘Moog synth sounds’:
Reid’s video includes an overview of how Messenger works, plus a large number of audio demos and patch examples.
Has Moog released an affordable monosynth keyboard that actually pushes the envelope?
Watch the videos and share your thoughts on the new Moog Messenger in the comments!
Today, Roland releases a major update for the SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer, Version 2.0.
The new free V2.0 firmware update expands the unit’s original capabilities in a number of key ways.
v2.0 offers new sonic capabilities, with two expressive new OSC Models, pattern chaining for streamlined performances and workflow refinements.
Of particular note are two new OSC models, the introduction of pattern chaining and some slick workflow tight-ups including system-level FX and a new Sub-Step option for off-grid note entry.
The two OSC models are the main draws here though. Firstly there’s Step, a basic step-based LFO modulation that can conjure those more classic-sounding analog step sequencer-esque phrases and movements.
Meanwhile, Harmonic can be a bit more expansive, and – via a classic drawbar organ layout – can be used to carve anything and everything from rich pads to throbbing bass tones.
The new pattern chaining functionality makes it easy to graft distinct patterns together into song-arrangement esque structures.
Also of note, is the deeper system settings that allow the same effect parameters to span across multiple instrument layers (reverb, chorus and delay).
Here’s what’s new in SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer v2.0:
SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer v2.0 Features:
Two new OSC Models
STEP for step-based LFO modulation to produce dynamic movement within tones. From rigid, classic analog step sequencer-inspired phrases locked into the groove, to experimental soundscapes with curves, swells, bleeps and bloops.
HARMONIC for rich, layered sounds with a classic drawbar organ layout. Prime for creating essential house bass tones, bell-like chimes, deep pads, and powerful organ sounds with hands-on control of four harmonically tuned drawbars.
Workflow refinements
PATTERN CHAIN for streamlined hands-free performances and song construction.
SYSTEM-LEVEL FX options for consistent Reverb, Delay, and Chorus settings across all patterns for cohesive mixes in the studio as well as uninterrupted pattern switching while playing live.
QUICK OVERWRITE for saving tone and pattern data with less steps, never breaking creative momentum.
UNDO/REDO function now supported up to 10 times for worry-free experimentation when creating sequences.
New SUB-STEP options for off-grid note entry, shifting synth and drum hits behind-the-beat for looser grooves and greater variations when paired with Probability.
Extended MIDI control with improved program change implementation and new options for which MIDI data is transmitted to external devices.
The upgrade is free and available now for all SH-4d owners.
Visit the Roland site for details on SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer v2.0.
