In this video, via Sonic State, Paul Barker of Din Sync talks about his latest project, the R-101 synthesizer.
Din Sync specializes in replica synths, which are designed to be as close to the original as possible. They sell parts you can use to fix original x0x devices and kits for building new replicas.
The R-101 is based on their RE-101 replica, which is a 1-to-1 recreation of the original Roland SH-101. It was difficult to make the big case for the RE-101, though, so the R-101 uses a standard rack-mount format.
“This is most authentic 101 in existence,” Barker says. “No compromises.”
Superbooth 2026: Error Instruments founder Paul Tas shared this sneak preview of the SmartLAB, a new synthesizer, created in collaboration with This Is Not Rocket Science (TINRC).
The SmartLAB is a new standalone hybrid synthesizer, designed for experimental sound design and performance. It offers multiple synthesis approaches in a single touch-based device.
At its core, Smart Lab features advanced granular synthesis, alongside more than 36 physical modelling engines, distributed across two powerful sound engines.
The expressive touch interface includes motion recording, allowing you to capture gestures and replay them as evolving modulation—similar to a looper, but for movement and sound shaping.
Smart Lab also functions as a versatile sound processor, offering over 15 effects, including delays and textures inspired by organic, fluid soundscapes. Tas describes it as “somewhere between an ambient machine and the playful unpredictability of a bubble-based synthesizer in the spirit of Rob Hordijk.”
Features:
Standalone touch interface with motion control and gesture memory
Dual synthesis engines with granular and physical modelling capabilities
36+ physical modelling sound engines
Experimental delay and effects processor (15+ types)
External LFO input and audio input support
Built-in microphone for instant sound capture
Easy sound saving and recall
Smart Lab is currently in prototype stage, with a planned release in July–August. For more information, visit the Error Instruments site.
Korg sneakily launches a new effects-packed performance mixer.
At Superbooth 2026, Korg is previewing the NTS-4 Mixer, a new performance mixer in their Nu:Tekt series. The soft-launched is obviously designed to pull-focus and have us all scratching our heads.
The NTS-4 Mixer features a range of built-in digital effects. The mobile 10-channel analogue mixer is designed for the stage and non-DAW based performance situations. It sports four stereo mini jack inputs alongside a pair of Eurorack-compatible mono minijack inputs. However, there are a pair of two L/R 1/4 jack outputs.
It’s also able to be used as a USB-MIDI audio interface via a MIDI output socket, or used as an interim for synchronising your external hardware to your DAW.
Each channel provides controls for the basic level, a send dial, mute, cue and, for the mono channels, a pan dial. But the real draw here is those in-built, per-channel digital effects. Based around a dual stereo FX processor, these effect are controllable with a pair of parameters (FX Type and FX Depth). We’ve yet to hear it in action yet – but colour us curious.
Then there’s a small text display screen, and further knobs on the side for master controls. These include a Cue Balance knob, a USB Audio knob, a volume control for headphone output and a peak dial.
The NTS-4 will be available, like the previous entries in the range, as a DIY kit.
Expected release: late 2026. As of now, the NTS-4 price and available TBA.
