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Roland and Serato come together to celebrate 303 day with a double control vinyl set that also honours the TR-606 drum machine.

Crank out your squelchiest basslines, because it’s 303 day, and Roland and Serato are celebrating together this year with a double control vinyl set that honours not only the iconic classic TB synth, but also the TR-606 drum machine.

The special edition vinyl is created in collaboration with trailblazing DJs J. Rocc, Fast Eddie, Shadow Child and DJ Haus.

Both boxes were released in 1981 to a fairly muted response, but found their groove in the ‘90s when they were discovered and repurposed by electronic musicians. The first record pays tribute to the distinctive bass lines of the 303, reinterpreted by hip house pioneer Fast Eddie and influential dance music DJ and producer Shadow Child. The second record simulates the pulsating drum beats of the 606, reinvented by seminal producer DJ Haus and J. Rocc, one of the original turntablists.

The records are designed to show how the revered sounds of Roland’s TR-606 and TB-303 continue to influence the landscape of electronic music today.

“If it wasn’t for the 303, I wouldn’t even be here right now talking to you. That’s my history,” says Fast Eddie of the classic Roland synth. J Rocc meanwhile, recalls: “When I first heard the 606, it was a revelation – it’s right up there with the best.”

Each vinyl was designed with complementary BPMs, allowing for flawless synchronization when played together. DJs can also blend them with their existing record collection or integrate them seamlessly with tracks in their DJ software, making it easy to use them together. The flip side (B & D) of each vinyl offers the Serato control tone for purists.

The Serato + Roland TB-303 Bass Line / TR-606 Drumatix Control Vinyl is available now. Find out details on the Serato website.

The latest video from Miles Away offers an in-depth review and demo of the Gamechanger Audio MotorSynth MKII.

The Motor Synth II is the latest version of the company’s unique electro-mechanical synthesizer. It offers expanded capabilities, including separate multi-mode analog filters, redesigned modulation section, an additional digital voice equipped with a separate envelope, portamento section, and digital multimode filter.

Topics covered:

0:00 – jam 1: Motorsynth only

0:39 – what makes the Motorsynth so unique?

2:00 – beauty in imperfection

3:23 – jam 2: heavy industrial electro

5:45 – synth tour, the motor oscillators

8:01 – Motorsynth’s amazing stereo image

8:59 – how to use the performance interface for drone patches

10:27 – the digital oscillator voice

11:20 – paraphonic features explained, making a keys patch

13:10 – filter types, drive, and unison mode

15:39 – drift, detune and cross mod

17:28 – envelope section, making a complex patch

21:07 – modulation matrix

22:30 – arp, motion recorder and sequencer

24:10 – random generator

25:11 – final verdict with pros and cons

28:00 – jam 3: melodic edm

Watch the MotorSynth MKII review and share your thought on it in the comments!

Canadian producer and sound designer Miles Away has released a new sound library for the GS Music E7 synthesizer, designed to showcase the synth’s “incredibly lush and power analog sound”.

“The E7 may be still relatively new and lesser-known, but it is, in my opinion, already a future classic analog synth,” he notes. “Hopefully these patches can assist you in getting even more out of this incredible instrument!”

The patches range in styles, including massive keyboard sounds, lush analog pads, deep basses, scorching leads, and more.

64 Custom Patches for GS Music E7 is available now for $30.