One of the more unusual introductions at Superbooth 2025 was the FRAKnoise Melancholytron – a new instrument designed to let you explore melancholic sounds.
“Can you build a synthesizer that always sounds melancholic?” asks developer A//ard Krijger. “Yes. I did it. Even a happy melody can still sound melancholic on this one.”
Here’s what FRAKnoise shared about the Melancholytron:
“The Melancholytron is a book with illustrated melancholic stories. When you buy the book it comes with a synthesizer developed by A//ard Krijger, Joran Jessurun and Edwin van den Oetelaar.
This instrument produces melancholic sounds, that fit the stories, or any melancholic music you want to make with it. Suitable for film-, game- or any kind of music that needs a touch of melancholy.”
The Melancholytron is expected to be available June 28, 2025. Details on pricing and availability are to be announced.
In this video, via Christian Halten, Tatsuya ‘Tats’ Takahashi discusses Korg’s unique phase8 synthesizer.
Takahashi discusses their journey in creating the phase8, goals for the project and his interest in tactile interaction with electronic instruments.
The phase8 is an eight-voice electro-acoustic instrument, with envelope control, sequencing, waveshaping and audio modulation. It generates sound using eight independent electro-mechanical voices, where the sound is generated using electronically controlled metal resonators.
Korg expects for the phase8 to be available starting in Q1 of 2026, priced under 1000 Euro.
Today, Arturia releases MicroLab mk3, a comprehensively upgraded version of their compact, slim keys MIDI controller, and at an affordable price.
MicroLab’s hardware has received a full redesign: the controller has been equipped with a new and improved two-octave keybed, featuring the same velocity-sensitive keys found in MiniLab 3, and a new sustain pedal input, making it a more capable instrument for expressive performances.
If you don’t have a sustain pedal to hook up to MicroLab, you can activate the controller’s Hold Mode using a button in the corner. The same button also activates Chord Mode, which can be used to play chords with a single key – a helpful feature for beginners.
Mk3 is now available in white and black versions – a nice visual touch.
Features:
Velocity-sensitive mini-keys
2 touch strips: Swipe, tap, and control pitch, modulation, and browsing.
Sustain pedal input: Connect a sustain or expression pedal for extended expressivity.
One-finger chords: Activate Chord Mode and play full harmonies with a single key.
Analog Lab Intro included: Browse and play from a curated selection of iconic sounds.
Plug & Play: Connect via USB-C. Install via MCC for Windows users.
Arturia MicroLab mk3 Overview Video:
MicroLab ships with an newly-updated bundle of software that includes Analog Lab Intro, a virtual instrument featuring hundreds of presets from Arturia’s V Collection software, and Ableton Live Lite, a stripped-down version of the popular DAW.
