Category Archives: Gear

Studio Electronics – Boomstar Synthesizer

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Another desktop synthesizer is born, Boomstar by Studio Electronics, and it looks nice. It comes in 4 different models/filter types emulating some of the true classics. Can’t wait to get my hands on this thing!

This new blazing brainchild of STUDIO ELECTRONICS represents the design collective ethos of circuit and software “Saseong” Tim Caswell, tactile layout and lead feature specialist Greg St. Regis, graphic and sound consultant Marc St. Regis, art design wizard of vector truth, John Greczula, cool-headed concept leader Geoff Farr and our relentless and wise feature and functionality consultant, Drew Neumann.

Four Models/Filter types: 4075-classic Arp 2600, 5089-classic Moog 24db ladder, SEM-classic Oberheim 12db, 303-classic Roland TB.

Link:
Boomstar Synthesizer by Studio Electronics

CNTRL:R – MIDI performance instrument

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Richie Hawtin is everywhere! This time he (and m_nus) has been involved in the development of a unique MIDI controller. Livid Instruments presents the CNTRL:R a new and versatile MIDI controller for any DAW.

CNTRL:R was designed over a one and a half year period with electronic music pioneer Richie Hawtin and the artists on m_nus records. The controller is designed to provide a high quality controller sized small enough to fit into a backpack, but large enough for extensive hands-on control. The instrument has all of the essential controls for music creation and can be adapted to many different software and styles. The “sequencer” section of the controller can be set to create sequences and grooves, or control cue points and triggers. The central 4×4 keypad can launch clips, play drums, and control functions. The fader and knobs are ideal for channel strip controls, device control, EQ, and effects.

CNTRL:R from Livid Instruments from Livid Instruments on Vimeo.

Specifications:
14.5″ x 9.75″ x 1.75″ (WDH) / weight 5 lbs.
USB Powered
8 faders, 24 rotary knobs, 12 pushbutton encoders
48 Multicolor LEDs with Bi-Directional MIDI communication (talkback)
Class-compliant: no drivers needed for Mac, Windows, or Linux.
Programmable MIDI mapping allows you to change the MIDI settings on the hardware
Aluminum body with an ultra durable black finish
Open Source software tools to create your own LED talkback interaction
Standard MIDI IN and OUT jacks
Expansion Jacks for added functionality
Made in the USA
Compatible with any software that supports MIDI learn
Includes USB cable, and registration card

Link:
CNTRL:R – MIDI performance instrument

Arturia MiniBrute – analog synthesizer

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Who would have thought that one of the leading software developers (when it comes to music software) would produce a nice monophonic analog synthesizer? Well, Arturia did it and created an analog synthesizer called MiniBrute. It’s brutal and with some very nice features!

MiniBrute is a revolutionary new analog synthesizer from Arturia. Featuring a pure analog signal path and a host of unique features, it sets a new standard for what a hardware synthesizer should be.

Specifications:
Arturia MiniBrute – analog synthesizer
Monophonic synthesizer
100% Analog Audio Signal Path
Steiner-Parker Multimode Filter (LP, BP, HP and Notch)
Voltage Controlled Oscillator with Sub-Osc
Oscillator Mixer (Sub, Sawtooth, Square, Triangle, White Noise, Audio In)
LFO1 with 6 waveforms and bi-polar modulation destinations
LFO2 with 3 vibrato modes
Brute Factor™ delivering saturation and rich harmonics
Ultrasaw generating shimmering sawtooth waveforms
Metalizer bringing extreme triangle harmonics
Two ADSR Envelope Generators
25 note Keyboard with Aftertouch
Rugged Aluminium Enclosure
External Analog Audio Input
CV In/Out controls: Pitch, Gate, Filter, Amp
MIDI In/Out with 5-Pin DIN connectors
USB MIDI In/Out
1/4” Audio Output and 1/4” Headphone Output
Gate Source Selection: Audio Input, Hold, Keyboard
Arpeggiator:
4 Modes of Arpeggiation
4 Octave Range Control
6 Time Divisions
Swing Control

Link:
Arturia MiniBrute – analog synthesizer

Waldorf Pulse 2 – analog synthesizer

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Waldorf is back with yet another powerful synthesizer – Waldorf Pulse 2 – a beast in disguise. It looks a lot like the Waldorf Blofeld, but it is “the Waldorf Pulse” sound in a sturdy metal case.

Three analog oscillators in combination with a true analog cascading filter is what Pulse and Pulse 2 have in common. But we didn’t stop there. The filter circuits now also offer Highpass and Bandpass modes. We added analog Filter FM and Ring Modulation along with paraphonic modes that allow up to eight voice chords.

Specifications:
3 analog oscillators + 1 noise generator
Pulse width modulation
Hard sync
Filter FM from Oscillator 3
Ring Modulation from Oscillator 3
XOR Osc Mode
8/4 Voice Paraphonic modes
Cascade Filter
24dB/12db Lowpass, 12db Highpass/Bandpass filter modes
Powerful Arpeggiator
8-slot Modulation Matrix
USB
MIDI
External analog signal input
Stereo line out
Headphone out
Backwards compatible with classic Pulse
128×64 character backlit LCD
8 stainless steel knobs
500 Sound Programs
Electron-absorbing black case

Link:
Waldorf Pulse 2

New Akai MPC Studio

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It had to happen, Akai just announced their latest MPC device: Akai MPC Studio. This looks like a NI Maschine killer, the Akai MPC Studio, it looks somewhat like the old MPCs, but with a lot of new features making it easier to produce tracks.

akai mpc studio

MPC STUDIO HARDWARE
Fuses legendary MPC production with the processing power of your computer.
Compact design is less than 1” thin and fits easily into a laptop bag.
MPC SOFTWARE for Mac & PC with 64-track sequencing capability.
16 backlit genuine MPC pads, legendary MPC workflow & MPC Swing.
USB-powered with low-profile knobs and brushed aluminum body.
Large LCD screen allows you to make tracks without having to look at your computer.
Four touch-sensitive knobs provide enhanced MPC software control.

MPC SOFTWARE
64-track sequencing capability.
Massive 6GB+ sound library, including all of the sounds of the classic MPC3000.
Instant mapping and real-time adjustment of VST plug-ins.
Record each track as an MPC drum program, Keygroup program or VST plug-in.
Works alone as your main DAW or works seamlessly with your current studio as a VST/AU/RTAS plugin.
Supports WAV, MP3, AIFF, REX and SND.
Supports samples and sequences from any MPC ever made.
Mac and PC-compatible.

Link:
Akai MPC Studio

Drum machine t-shirt from ThinkGeek

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ThinkGeek is known for their wicked gadgets and they’ve even made some nice musical gadgets, but this one, the drum machine t-shirt is a little bit stupid, but nevertheless it’s funny and you will get attention if wearing (and using) this in public.

Though we think it’s stupid we kinda like it. The drum machine t-shirt is available now.

Product Features
Real Working Wearable Drum Machine & Looper
9 Different Drum Kits with 7 professional grade drum sounds each
ROCK DRUMS
RETRO 808
DISCOTEK
TECHNO PUNK
CLASSIC JAZZ
BASS INVADERZ
CHIPTUNE
ZAPF DINGBEATS
SCRATCHY
Records and Loops Your Rhythms
Record loops up to 3 minutes in length
Create a loop, then build and layer beats on top with unlimited tracks
Amazing 7-voices (you can actually hit all 7 drum pads at once)
Mix and match sounds from the different built-in drum kits in one loop
Working mini amp clips on your belt and goes to 11
Built-in analog audio output jack
Exclusive product invented and designed by ThinkGeek (Patent Pending)
Fully washable. Electronics and drum pads easily remove from shirt.
Requires 4 x AA Batteries (not included)

Link:
Drum machine t-shirt from ThinkGeek