Dtronics is turning the free Dexed FM synth plugin, an emulation of the Yamaha DX7, into a hardware synth.
Dexed is one of our favourite free synth plugins, being a highly accurate software emulation of the Yamaha DX7 FM synth. Now, though, it looks like things are turning full circle, as Dtronics is taking the Dexed code and packing it into a hardware synth known as DT-DX.
Dtronics DT-DX is a new upcoming hardware standalone version of the popular free Dexed FM Synthesizer plugin, which offers six operators, seven envelopes, and full support for DX-7/TX-7 SysEx programs. The DT-DX is based on the Raspberry Pi-powered MiniDexed DIY synth. The Dtronics version appears to be a less barebones, more fully-formed affair that you don’t need to build yourself.
Synth Anatomy reports that this will be an 8-part multitimbral instrument with mixing options at the output stage, plus the facility to detune each instance independently. Compressor and reverb effects are set to be included, as well.
One thing that might deter deep-diving DT-DX slightly is the interface, which looks like it comprises little more than a push-knob and a two-line display. As such, it’s not going to be great for realtime control, but if you just want to browse and play presets, it might do the job.
Round the back you’ll find audio and MIDI connectivity along with USB ports for power and hooking up a MIDI controller keyboard.
DT-DX price and release date are TBA but presumably these will soon be forthcoming on the Dtronics website.
Sound Workshop shared this sneak preview of the Quord drone synthesizer.
Quord is described as a “harmony exploration machine”, with 4 sawtooth waves on long pitch sliders that flow into a mixer, filter, and distortion. This video discusses some interesting behaviors that emerged from it.
Details on pricing and availability for the Quard are to come.
New synth company Artium Instruments has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund production of The Swarm, a polyphonic desktop synthesizer with built-in effects.
The compact synth features 8-note polyphony, onboard effects, per-knob control, plug-and-play connectivity and more.
Features:
Polyphonic Desktop Synth w/ Onboard Effects – The Swarm features a SuperSaw oscillator with 8-note polyphony, curated onboard effects, and a full-featured arpeggiator
Knob-For-Knob Functionality – Every feature of The Swarm is directly mapped to a knob, button, switch, or jack, ensuring effortless control. There’s no need for menu-diving or complex button presses to access features; everything is immediately accessible.
Onboard Effects – These are designed to complement the synth core, including freeze, delay, reverb & chorus. You can also use the onboard effects with other equipment, allowing you to route external audio through the inputs on the back.
Plug and Play Functionality – The Swarm utilizes a USB-C MIDI host for simplicity and ease of use. Most modern class-compliant MIDI controllers with USB functionality should plug in and work immediately with zero setup. Additionally, The Swarm provides power to your controller, streamlining your setup process. For older controllers that only have DIN connections, a USB to DIN converter can be used to ensure compatibility. (These converters typically cost $10-20)
Open Source Platform – Artium desktop synths use an open source platform known as Axoloti or Ksoloti for development and implementation of its products.
*Note: Crowdfunded projects involve risk. See the project site for details.
Production of The Swarm is being funded via a Kickstarter project. It’s available to project backers for $379.
