Synthesizers

61 Key semi weighted keyboard synthesizer with recording software

Review: For the past decade the MOTIF has been the de facto industry standard in music production synthesizers for both live performance and studio use. Combining MOTIF technology with new USB computer integration technology, the MOX series is the most powerful, mobile and affordable Yamaha music workstation ever. They are destined to bring MOTIF music production power to a whole new generation of players.

MOX has the exact same 1,270 sounds as the acclaimed MOTIF XS covering a wide variety of music styles. Starting with the Yamaha's acclaimed Concert Grand Piano CFIII grand piano sound; all the acoustic instrument sounds (strings, brass, guitar, bass, drums and more) that made the MOTIF XS so popular are included.

You can combine multiple Voices together (up to 4 parts) and play them on one MIDI channel in performance mode, allowing you to play dynamic layered sounds or play solos along with drums and bass backing tracks. With the interactive arp engine, even playing simple chords or just one finger gives you complete musical performances to spark your creativity. The MOX has 256 preset performances in a wide variety of music style including Rock, World, Hip Hop Jazz, etc.

Category search mode makes it fast and intuitive get to your ideal instrument. 16 different instrument categories with sub-categories make it quick to get the sound you need.

MOX has a wide variety of effects for both the internal keyboard sounds and for use with the A/D inputs including a Vocoder for vocal formant controlled synth sounds. With the MOX, the high-quality effects found in our industry-standard digital recording consoles are at your fingertips

MOX features a built in sequencer which lets you produce high quality music productions without the need for a computer or any other external devices. The sequencer features both real-time recording, which records your performance data as you play it, and Step recording, which is suitable for recording precise phrases or other difficult passages.

A single USB cable lets you integrate both Audio and MIDI with your MAC or PC computer. MOX has a built in 4 in / 2 out USB audio interface so you can record MOX's internal sound directly to your MAC or PC. Two dedicated audio inputs can be used to recording guitars and vocals into your computer. Compatible with all the major DAWs including Cubase, you can digitally record the sounds of the MOX and anything connected to the stereo analog inputs directly to your favorite DAW.

The MOX comes bundled with a 48 track version of Steinberg's Cubase AI software, Prologue, Steinberg's VA soft synth for vintage analog synth sounds and a new Yamaha Organ YC-3B "Clonewheel" organ emulation VST.

The MOX6 features a newly developed, 61 key, semi-weighted keyboard. The keyboard has been designed and adjusted so that you easily and expressively play the rich variety of sounds of the instrument.

49 key synthesizer with audio production software

Review: The Yamaha MX49 is a 49 key music synthesizer which combines Motif XS sounds, USB Audio, MIDI connectivity and advanced DAW & VST controller features at a ground breaking level of affordability.

Containing more than 1000 Voices derived directly from the world famous Yamaha MOTIF XS series. From realistic acoustic sounds like piano, electric piano, strings and drums to complex 8 element synth sounds, the MX49 has all of your favorite Motif XS Voices right at your fingertips. Featuring a new streamlined interface for instant hands on selection of all those great voices, you can even edit and store your own sounds right onboard.

The MX49 comes equipped with VCM effects, which simulate vintage effectors at the circuit level. The sounds of the 70s are brought back to life, through simulating the hard to find vintage sounds of equalizer, flanger, phaser, and wah effects introduced by the keyboard legends of the era.

Performance mode on the Motifs has always been the place to find instant inspiration: You can easily combine two voices to play on the keyboard using the dedicated split and layer buttons each with their own intelligent arpeggiator and a dedicated part for a drum track to create evocative performances that feel like a whole band is playing. The 128 performances on the MX are all user editable, but come programmed with the latest club friendly grooves.

The MX61 doesn't just control software DAWs and VSTs: It's an audio interface as well. Just connect a USB cable to your computer and you can monitor all the sounds from your computer via the headphone output of the MX49 or listen to your DAW tracks by connecting to external studio monitors or PA gear.

As the only hardware synth in its price range to come with a complete suite of music production software tools, the MX49 includes Steinberg Cubase AI. Featuring 48 audio tracks and 64 MIDI tracks, notation and built-in VST effects, with just the MX49 and Cubase AI you can do complete productions.

61 key synthesizer with audio production software

Review: The Yamaha MX61 is a 61 key music synthesizer which combines Motif XS sounds, USB Audio, MIDI connectivity and advanced DAW & VST controller features at a ground breaking level of affordability.

Containing more than 1000 Voices derived directly from the world famous Yamaha MOTIF XS series. From realistic acoustic sounds like piano, electric piano, strings and drums to complex 8 element synth sounds, the MX61 has all of your favorite Motif XS Voices right at your fingertips. Featuring a new streamlined interface for instant hands on selection of all those great voices, you can even edit and store your own sounds right onboard.

The MX61 comes equipped with VCM effects, which simulate vintage effectors at the circuit level. The sounds of the 70s are brought back to life, through simulating the hard to find vintage sounds of equalizer, flanger, phaser, and wah effects introduced by the keyboard legends of the era.

Performance mode on the Motifs has always been the place to find instant inspiration: You can easily combine two voices to play on the keyboard using the dedicated split and layer buttons each with their own intelligent arpeggiator and a dedicated part for a drum track to create evocative performances that feel like a whole band is playing. The 128 performances on the MX are all user editable, but come programmed with the latest club friendly grooves.

The MX61 doesn't just control software DAWs and VSTs: It's an audio interface as well. Just connect a USB cable to your computer and you can monitor all the sounds from your computer via the headphone output of the MX61 or listen to your DAW tracks by connecting to external studio monitors or PA gear.

As the only hardware synth in its price range to come with a complete suite of music production software tools, the MX61 includes Steinberg Cubase AI. Featuring 48 audio tracks and 64 MIDI tracks, notation and built-in VST effects, with just the MX61 and Cubase AI you can do complete productions.

16 x 16 button musical interface with light and sound

Review: Media artist Toshio Iwai and Yamaha have collaborated to design a new digital musical instrument for the 21st century, Tenori-On.

A 16 x 16 matrix of LED switches allows any user to play music intuitively, creating a unique visible music interface. The button matrix simultaneously acts as a performance input controller and display. The Tenori On features white emitting LEDs on both sides making it perfect for performing in front of an audience in a live setting, and features a strong, solid magnesium frame.

The Tenori On provides six different performance and sound/light modes for broad performance versatility, and these modes can be combined and used simultaneously for rich, complex musical expression:

Score Mode Performance - Press an LED button briefly to play the sound assigned to it. At the same time the lights will flash outward from the played sound. If you hold the LED button a bit longer it will remain lit and will become an active note that will play repeatedly. Press and hold an active note to de-activate it. The loop indicator will be continuously cycling from the left to right edge of the LED button matrix. Active notes will play when the loop indicator coincides with their positions on the matrix.

Demonstration - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=f_Tf9fRrNBI

Random Mode Performance - If you press an LED button long enough to enter an active note in the Random Mode, the active note will play back repeatedly. If you then enter a few more active notes, the lights will "travel" from note to note, in the order entered, and the active notes will sound when the traveling light passes over them. The Random Mode thus produces a totally different type of loop from the Score Mode.
You can even spin loop-shapes you create in the Random Mode by holding the [L4] button and running a finger around the matrix in the direction and at the speed of the desired spin. The pitches of the notes will change accordingly as the shape spins, producing loop sound effects. To stop rotation, press and hold the LED button or press the same LED button twice

Demonstration - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tE3IO487qCE

Draw Mode Performance - In this mode you can press individual LED buttons or draw lines or curves on the matrix, and those actions will be played back and repeated. You can keep adding to your "composition" during playback to build up thick sonic textures. In the Draw Mode you cannot clear only a part of the performance. The entire layer can be cleared by pressing the [CLEAR] button.

Demonstration - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FnrkfQAYitI

Bounce Mode Performance - Press an LED button and the light will "drop" from that button, bounce back from the bottom of the matrix, and repeat. The corresponding note will sound when the light bounces at the bottom row. The higher the entry point, the longer the interval between the sound. In the Bounce Mode the pitches are arranged horizontally, like a piano, with the lowest pitch on the left and the highest on the right.

Demonstration - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BtFYPR-EkzA

Push Mode Performance - In this mode if you press and hold an LED button the sound of the corresponding note will begin to change gradually while the flashing surrounding that button gets brighter and wider. If the button is held briefly the note and flashing will stop when you release it, but if you hold the button for longer the note and flashing will continue even after the button is released.

Demonstration - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vZMHu6ifo7I

Solo Mode Performance - Press an LED button and the corresponding note will repeat until the button is released. In the Solo Mode the pitches are arranged horizontally, like a piano. You can change the interval between repeats by pressing or sliding your finger to a lower (longer) or higher (shorter) LED button in the column. If you press the lowest LED button in a column the note will sound once without any repeats.

Demonstration - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IdEsRW5_HqI

49-note keyboard synthesizer

Review: Introducing the new Waldorf Blofeld keyboard synthesizer.

The little villain grows up. Not only on the outside did he gain weight, also his inner qualities have seen a remarkable step-up: besides the virtual-analog synth and the classic wavetables it now sports a whopping 60 megabytes of sample memory.

Just imagine adding a vocal-like noise spectrum to a typical Wavetable pad, spice-up a virtual-analog solo sound with a strong attack sample or just process any other sample with the countless oscillator and filter modulations.

Play your sound creations on the high-quality keyboard with velocity and aftertouch. Pitchbend and modulation wheel are at your disposal and, as a matter of course, you can connect a sustain pedal.

All this is packaged in a sleek metal enclosure with a big graphic display, endless stainless steel rotaries and an internal power supply.

And although it comes for an unbeatable price tag, Waldorf add something very special.

B-STOCK: Box opened. There is a very minor scratch on the underside of the metal casing but otherwise product is in excellent condition and perfect working order

Review: *** B-STOCK: Box opened. There is a very minor scratch on the underside of the metal casing but otherwise product is in excellent condition and perfect working order ***

Introducing the new Waldorf Blofeld keyboard synthesizer.

The little villain grows up. Not only on the outside did he gain weight, also his inner qualities have seen a remarkable step-up: besides the virtual-analog synth and the classic wavetables it now sports a whopping 60 megabytes of sample memory.

Just imagine adding a vocal-like noise spectrum to a typical Wavetable pad, spice-up a virtual-analog solo sound with a strong attack sample or just process any other sample with the countless oscillator and filter modulations.

Play your sound creations on the high-quality keyboard with velocity and aftertouch. Pitchbend and modulation wheel are at your disposal and, as a matter of course, you can connect a sustain pedal.

All this is packaged in a sleek metal enclosure with a big graphic display, endless stainless steel rotaries and an internal power supply.

And although it comes for an unbeatable price tag, Waldorf add something very special.

B-STOCK: Box opened but product is new, unused and in perfect working order

Review: *** B-STOCK: Box opened but product is new, unused and in perfect working order ***

Waldorf is back in the game, with the mighty Blofeld keyboard. This synthesizer offers all the unique qualities that made Waldorf a truly legendary brand. The engine inside the heavy duty, full metal chassis of the Waldorf Blofeld delivers the same fat and rich sound that so many Waldorf users worldwide love when they play their Pulse, q, q+, Micro q, Microwave, Microwave ii/xt, or even the flagship Wave. Yes, you've heard it right. The Blofeld is not only capable of producing beautifully warm, organic analogue sounds known from the q synthesizer line, it also sports a wavetable engine like its predecessors with "wave" in their names. This unique synthesis system is based upon the revolutionary ppg Wave synthesizers of the early 80s. So when you listen to the Waldorf Blofeld for the first time, you will instantly recognize those edgy, hard-hitting and bell-like timbres that have been an integral part of so many world hits from the ppg era on, and become increasingly popular once more. In fact it is amazing to realize that nowadays this complex technology fits into such a slim and elegant device. And for a price no-one would have imagined a couple of years ago. The Blofeld has a gorgeous user interface with a huge graphic display giving you precise visual feedback. Seven endless rotaries plus a volume knob all made of steel invite you to explore the depth and power of Blofeld. Simply amazing.

Mini synthesizer

Review: With the Rocket, Waldorf introduce a new mini synthesizer that boasts a feature set uncommon in its class. With its advanced oscillator section, this small black cube can generate sharp edged leads, gargantuan basses and vast synthesizer soundscapes, that can resound as an 8-voice chord if desired.

The logical layout of the user interface and the choice of available parameters bear witness to the ample experience Waldorf have creating exclusive sound generators. As a result of its heritage all functions that essentially define a synth sound are available for immediate manipulation.

Every knob movement changes the sound directly and with immediate results. The characteristic analog Waldorf multi-mode filter (low/ band/ high pass) can also self oscillate. The integrated boost function intensifies the sound with sheer wickedness. Besides being used for modulation duties, the LFO also contains a flexible arpeggiator that can be synchronized to the outside world using MIDI.

The Rocket is an ideal sound design machine, which in combination with its extremely attractive price, will appeal to any sound designer or musician interested in quality sounds. It works as a stand-alone instrument or in any imaginable music production environment. But its most important feature is of course its sound: a real Waldorf synthesizer, powerful, direct and with a lot of love for the details. Naturally the Rocket is completely designed and built in Germany.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4L_27GHFbjI

Eurorack module extension for the Mono Lancet

Review: The Vermona Mono Lancet Modular Dock is a eurorack module extension for the Mono Lancet.

The Mono Lancet Modular Dock from Vermona connects to the Vermona Mono Lancet via D-sub to extend its possibilities by adding pulse-width modulation, and frequency modulation, and interaction with other synth modules for the creation of incredible new soundscapes.

4-voice analogue synthesizer

Review: The new PerFourMer is a real analog synthesizer, through its simple control surface and very flexible sound production it is able to offer a near inexhaustible variety of bass, lead, pad and effect sounds. Additionally, with its total of 6 filter inputs, the PerFourMer is also perfectly suited as a complex filter-bank. Even though the PerFourMer is not considered a modular system, it can still be described as a modular or at the very least a semi-modular. The basic concept is reminiscent of classics such as the Oberheim 4 Voice or the Korg Monopoly.

The PerFourMer is a 4 voice synthesizer, consisting of completely independent synthesizers, which can be adjusted and played independently from each other. These 4 synthesizer channels can be linked with each other and be played in 3 different operating modes.

Next to the already mentioned filter inputs, each channel has a single output, which can also be used as an insert for external effect devices, and make it possible to easily integrate the PerFourMer with already established equipment. It is also possible to transmit the unedited VCO signal. Additionally the opportunities of the PerFourMer can be expanded through internal patching between the channels, for example; you can route a VCO through multiple filters and VCAs, or use 2 channels to create 1 voice with 2 ADSR envelopes (1 for VCA and 1 for VCF). Use the PerFourMer as a filter-bank and the slope envelope can be doubled by interconnecting the filter in series. The PerFourMer is controlled via MIDI.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWFsfUa9pUk

Synthesizer with CV/gare inputs

Review: The new PerFourMer is a real analog synthesizer, through its simple control surface and very flexible sound production it is able to offer a near inexhaustible variety of Bass, Lead, Pad and Effect sounds. Additionally, with its total of six filter inputs, the PerFourMer is also perfectly suited as a complex filter-bank. Even though the PerFourMer is not considered a modular system, it can still be described as a modular or at the very least a semi-modular. The basic concept is reminiscent of classics such as the Oberheim 4 Voice or the Korg Monopoly.

The PerFourMer is a 4 voice synthesizer, consisting of completely independent synthesizers, which can be adjusted and played independently from each other. These four synthesizer channels can be linked with each other and be played in 3 different operating modes.

Next to the already mentioned filter inputs, each channel has a single output, which can also be used as an insert for external effect devices, and make it possible to easily integrate the PerFourMer with already established equipment. It is also possible to transmit the unedited VCO signal. Additionally the opportunities of the PerFourMer can be expanded through internal patching between the channels, for example; you can route a VCO through multiple filters and VCAs, or use 2 channels to create 1 voice with 2 ADSR envelopes (1 for VCA and 1 for VCF). Use the PerFourMer as a filter-bank and the slope envelope can be doubled by interconnecting the filter in series. The PerFourMer is controlled via MIDI and additionally via CV/gate (1V/octave) inputs for every synthesizer channel.

Portable synthesizer

Review: The OP-1 Portable Synthesizer from Teenage Engineering is a high-end portable synthesizer, with the power and functions of a professional studio. The OP-1 also acts as a sampler and controller, with a fast, simple interface. Whether your in a home, project or professional studio, the OP-1 delivers power and performance everytime.

The OP1 from Teenage Engineering grabs your attention, with it's simplistic layout and colour coded interface. Also the OP1 is a portable, compact, hand-held synthesizer. The power of the OP-1 lies in the features; 8 built-in synthesizer engines, multiple effects, LFO's and unique sequencers all inside the OP-1. The OP1 has a built-in 4-track recorder and lets you match the track speed to the sequencer clock. Change the speed while recording and you can even record backwards. Mix your track using the using the 4 channel mixer and add some texture with the built in EQ and Drive.

The OP-1 is easy to connect to your computer via USB, just plug and play. No additional software or drivers required. The OP-1 shows up as a mass storage device. Ready for you to drag and drop audio files between your computer and the OP-1. Additional features include G-Force sensor for motion controlled effects and FM Radio.

Do not worry about mains power, the OP-1 has a 16 hour battery life for long journeys and studio sessions. The colour coded interface and graphics make the functions easy to identify, while the sharp, easy to ready OLED display is directly related to the four colour rotary encoders and the legend on the keyboard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqVpRgnBIc8

Shoulder synthesizer and midi controller

Review: It's time to escape the keyboard rig and rock the stage. The stylish AX-Synth represents Roland's new generation of remote keyboards, but for the first time, this one has a sound generator onboard. It's self-contained and equipped with powerful, solo-oriented sounds from Roland's latest, greatest synths.

The AX-Synth has everything you need to steal the show. Unlike most remote synths of yesteryear, the AX-Synth is self-contained and loaded with hundreds of Roland's greatest sounds. External MIDI devices are not required. Everything is built-in and ready to rock.

The AX-Synth is packed with cool controllers for expressive live performance. Glide your fingers over the Ribbon Controller for ultra-smooth pitch bends. A Modulation Bar and dedicated control knobs are also provided for real-time sound shaping. Wave your hand over the invisible D Beam for attention-getting effects.

While being completely self-contained, it's also capable of driving external instruments via MIDI. Plug into a MIDI device, and enjoy an unlimited world of sounds and textures, all controllable from the AX-Synth.

The AX-Synth has a vault of great solo sounds onboard, but if you want to customize your sounds, you can download the dedicated PC software editor/librarian application. The AX-Synth's USB/MIDI connector makes communication to and from your computer fast and convenient.

Lightweight keyboard synthesizer with 37-note keyboard

Review: With its massive sound, hands-on ease, and affordable price, the GAIA SH-01 is a high-performance value with old-school charm. The triple-stacked engine puts potent virtual analog synthesis under your fingertips, yet the control panel is so fun, friendly, and inviting, even first-timers can create great sounds. The signal flow is simple to grasp, with logically arranged knobs, sliders, and buttons. Hands-on control and fat sound make this little powerhouse a joy for music students, songwriters, session players, and live performers of all styles and skill levels.

Sink your teeth into the new triple stacked virtual analogue engine, comprising three complete synths for incredibly thick, powerful sound. Unleash the beef of three oscillators which drive a trio of multimode, resonant filters, multi-shape LFOs, and amplifiers, plus nine envelope generators. It's like having 3 x synthesizers in one. With 64 x polyphonic voices onboard, the GAIA SH-01 makes it possible to play massive sounds without experiencing note drop out.

From the silkiest reverb to the grittiest growl, the SH-01's instantly selectable multi-effects will catapult your sounds into another dimension. You can layer up to 5 x simultaneous effects for dozens of variations. The onboard effects include reverb, distortion, fuzz, bit crash, flanger, phaser, pitch shifter, low boost, and delay with panning and tempo sync. Dedicated control knobs are provided for tweaking the effects in real time.

At less than 10 pounds (approx. 4 kg/9 lbs), the GAIA SH-01 is lightweight, compact, and great for musicians on the go. However, the 37-note keyboard is full-size, so performers can play naturally and comfortably. The synth can be powered via AC or batteries (can be powered by eight rechargeable Ni-MH AA batteries) for the ultimate in portable convenience. A battery-life indicator on the front panel ensures that you won't lose power unexpectedly. When used in conjunction with a battery-powered amp such as Roland's Cube Street, Mobile Cube, BA-330 or KC-110, the GAIA SH-01 can be played and heard anywhere.

The front panel puts every control directly under your fingertips. There are no hidden menus you can just play. And move the knobs and sliders, or wave your hands over the invisible D-beam for dramatic effects. The logically designed front panel shows the signal path from left to right. It helps beginners understand synthesis, while experienced players will love the instant gratification of hands-on control during performance.

Hold a note or chord and let the arpeggiator create musical magic automatically for you. The tempo can be set via tap tempo. In addition, the onboard Phrase Recorder lets you record what you play on the keyboard as well as the movements of the knobs and sliders. The controller data can also be played back independently to complement the notes you play in real time.

Connect directly to a computer (Mac or PC) with one simple USB cable, and stream audio directly to the software of your choice. The SH-01's USB ports can also be used to transmit and receive MIDI data, and to store your patches and phrases (recorded with the Phrase Recorder) to a USB memory stick. For integrating with external devices, the SH-01's EXT input lets you connect external audio sources such as an MP3-player and play along with your favourite songs or backing tracks, making it great for practice and live performance. Manipulate the incoming audio with three Center Cancel modes, which let you eliminate pre-recorded vocals, guitars, or bass.

http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=1074

61-key professional mobile synthesizer with Sonog Player function

Review: On stage or in the streets, the Juno-Di is a traveling musician's dream. It's lightweight, it can run on batteries, and it's easy to use, yet it performs and sounds like a heavyweight synth. It's packed with a wide variety of top-quality sounds i over 1000 to choose from! It has a friendly direct-access control panel for easy editing and a Song Player for larger-than-life performances. First-timers and pros alike will love this friendly, portable, great-sounding synth.

At the heart of this exciting new synth is a top-of-the-line voice engine that delivers world-class sounds, including grand and electric pianos, lush strings, beautiful guitars, powerful brass, percussion, plus banks of exotic instruments, modern synth sounds, and much more. The sound-bank is so diverse, it can compliment any style of music! And if you want to customize the sounds, the dedicated sound modify knobs on the front panel let you instantly cater each sound to your specifications, even while you're playing. A software editor is also provided if you prefer more advanced editing via PC.

With so many sounds onboard, it could be a daunting task to find what you need. But fear not, the Juno-Di simplifies the process of finding sounds with its dedicated category buttons. If you want a piano, for example, just press the Piano button. You can even assign your most-used sounds to the Favorite buttons for instant access. Editing is easy too. If you want to create layers or splits, dedicated buttons and the large LCD make the process fast and friendly. And don't forget the onboard rhythm patterns, which can be easily adjusted on the fly with a dedicated tempo control. It's a great tool for practice and performance.

The Juno-Di was born to travel. It's strong yet amazingly lightweight (only 5.2kg) making it easy to lift and carry. The battery compatibility lets you play for up to 5 hours without plugging in (uses Ni-MH AA-size rechargeable batteries). When used in conjunction with a battery-powered amp such as Roland's famous Cube Street or Mobile Cube, the Juno-Di can be played and heard anywhere. A battery-life indicator on the front panel ensures that you won't lose power unexpectedly.

More than meets the eye, the Juno-Di lets you plug a microphone into its external input and process your voice through the built-in vocoder. A dedicated reverb is assigned to the input, so you can add lush ambience to your voice without taking away from the main onboard effects. Sing along with your performances and transform your voice in colorful and creative ways, from silky smooth to sci-fi robotic.

With its USB Memory port and Song Player function, the Juni-Di enables direct playback and control of backing tracks from a USB key. You can play MP3, WAV, AIFF, and SMF files, and control them from the dedicated buttons on the front panel. Impress your audiences with full-band performances from a single keyboard. Additionally, the Center Cancel feature lets you sing along karaoke-style with audio files in the Song Player for a complete entertainment experience. You can also connect MP3 players directly to the Juno-Di through its external input.

http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=1022

Lightweight keyboard synthesizer with 37-note velocity-sensitive keyboard

Review: Who says keyboardists need to hide behind their gear? Liberate yourself and roam free with the AX-09 Keytar Synthesizer.

The AX-09 Keytar is compact, lightweight, and loaded with great sounds, all easily selectable with the onboard category buttons. Plug in a USB stick and add backing tracks to your performances with the Audio Player function, or plug in an MP3/CD player and jam along with your favourite songs. This ultra-light Keytar synth is designed to fit all musicians. It's super easy to use yet it packs a heavyweight musical punch with its stellar sounds and expressive controls.

The AX-09 Keytar is packed with dozens of high quality sounds spanning a wide stylistic range from scorching synth leads to silk-smooth pads. Find the perfect sound quickly with the category buttons, and press the preview button to hear the currently selected sound with a pre-programmed riff. Assign your top 12 x sounds to the favourites bank for instant, one button recall. Volume and reverb level settings can be stored with each Favourite.

Plug into traditional power with an AC adaptor (included) or roam free with batteries. Jam for hours (approximately 4 x hours of continuous use per 8-battery load). with 8 x standard AA batteries installed (Ni-MH AA rechargeable batteries). A battery-strength indicator lets you know when battery power is getting low so you never miss a note onstage.

The built-in audio player feature lets you sound like an entire band. Simply load up a USB stick with your favourite songs in MP3, WAV, or AIFF format, plug it into AX-09's USB port, select the song you want, press Play, and jam along.

Put a personal stamp on your performances with the expressive controllers built into the AX-09. Wave your hands over the invisible D Beam for dramatic effects, and dig your fingers into the modulation bar and touch control to bend, twist, and sculpt each sound you play.

http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=10261&tab=Downloads

Tabletop or keytar synthesizer with USB connectivity and unique expression and modulation control

Review: Featuring a lightweight body and 37 keys, the AX09 is a great family keyboard that can be easily handled by small children. It can be played in either a standing position using a shoulder strap or in a traditional horizontal tabletop orientation. There are many high-quality sounds onboard, organised by category for quick and easy sound selection.

From scorching synth leads to silk-smooth pads, the AX09 is packed with dozens of high quality sounds spanning a wide stylistic range. Find the perfect sound quickly with the category buttons, and press the preview button to hear the currently selected sound with a pre-programmed riff. Assign your top 12 sounds to the favourites bank for instant, one button recall. Volume and reverb level settings can be stored with each favourite.

The built-in Audio Player feature lets you sound like an entire band. Simply load up a USB stick with your favourite songs in MP3, WAV, or AIFF format, plug it into the USB port, select the song you want, press Play, and jam along!

Put a personal stamp on your performances with the expressive controllers built into AX-09. Wave your hands over the invisible D Beam for dramatic effects, and dig your fingers into the Modulation Bar and Touch control to bend, twist, and sculpt each sound you play.

A USB host port allows users to play WAV and MP3 music files directly from a USB flash drive, making it easy for you to jam along with your favourite songs. Audio from an external MP3 or CD player can be played by connecting the device to the External input jack.

Plug into traditional power with an AC adaptor (included) or roam free with batteries. Jam for hours* with eight standard AA batteries installed (Ni-MH AA rechargeable batteries). A battery-strength indicator lets you know when battery power is getting low so you never miss a note onstage. *Approximately four hours of continuous use per 8-battery load. To get up and running, a tutorial DVD and quick guide are also included, along with a handy panel sticker that helps users become acquainted with the keyboard's various functions.

Hackable digital synthesizer

Review: MeeBlip is a hackable, affordable digital synthesizer, made for accessible sound and hands-on control. It can be someone's first synth. It can be a unique-sounding addition to your music setup, playable with MIDI hardware and software. It can be a synth you open up and modify, learning about sound creation, code, and electronics. Or it can be the basis of new projects and ideas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxg15hmmEeo&feature=player_embedded

Studio & live synthesizer

Review: The MiniNova is a compact, super-cool studio and live synth with the same sound engine as its big brother; the UltraNova. It comes with 256 x incredible onboard sounds that you can tweak with five knobs, or totally warp with 8 x animate buttons. It has up to 18 x voices with as many as five synth effects on each sound.

The MiniNova also has an onboard VocalTune effect as well as a classic vocoder so you can recreate iconic vocal sounds from hip hop, urban and electronic music.

Portable keyboard synthesizer, with Hammer Action piano keys

Review: The Nord Electro 4 HP uses incredibly portable weighted hammer action piano keys, making it perfect for both electric and acoustic piano, and you may have guessed it, but the Electro 4 isn't just great for piano sounds but can also produce a range of awesome organ sounds.

The Electro 4 HP features a new B3 tonewheel organ engine with improved click modelling, Farisa and Vox, and includes new Rotary Speaker Simulation & Drive. The Farfisa and Vox models are just as impressive as the B3, simulating the behavior and unique response of the original instruments.

All of the sounds features in the Nord Electro 4 HP have been recorded using Nord's state-of-the-art sampling techniques to capture the extraordinary nuances and unique characters of the source instruments.

The entire Nord Piano Library is included on DVDs and new additions can be downloaded free on the Nord Piano Library page. Replacing the sounds is simply a matter of dragging and dropping files in the Nord Sound Manager for Mac and Windows.

All Nord instruments have dedicated knobs and buttons for all vital functions to keep the interface simple and easy to use during a performance. Functions only accessible through menus are printed on the panel for easy overview.

73-key keyboard synthesizer, piano & organ

Review: The new Nord Electro 4 x series feature everything from the award winning Electro 3 series, adding the acclaimed new Nord C2D tone wheel engine and 122 x rotary speaker simulation, USB MIDI and more.

The Nord Electro 4 features the B3 tone wheel organ engine from Nord flagship organ Nord C2D and includes a redesigned Key Click simulation as well as the Rotary Speaker simulation of a vintage 122 x unit with a great new overdrive. The percussion model has been improved to offer increased control over the percussion levels when playing near-legato. Naturally, the vibrato and chorus scanners have been carefully modeled to be just as alive as the tone wheels.

The Farfisa and Vox models are just as impressive as the B3, simulating the behavior and unique response of the original instruments. The Farfisa Compact Deluxe, considered by many to be the mother of transistor organs, involves routing matrixes and complex filter combinations that offer a tailored sound with massive energy and high-end.

The Vox Continental's brute design brings you a more hollow tone, but with a very intense character. Both these transistor organs have their own unique, irreplaceable personalities. Combine them with any of the Amp simulations, add some distortion, adjust the EQ and they will definitely get you through any organ gig with flying colors.

The Nord Electro 4D is fitted with physical drawbars of the same type as on our flagship organ, the Nord C2D, perfect for actively shaping the sound on the fly.

The Nord Electro 4 SW73 & HP organ section is identical in features but sports our Digital LED Drawbars.

The organ can be split, for compact dual manual action and its even possible to assign the lower manual to a second MIDI keyboard. Inputs for a Swell pedal and Rotary Speaker control are also available.

The Nord Electro 4 comes loaded with a selection of amazing sounds from the Nord Piano Library, Nord's specialized library for Grand, Upright and Electrical Pianos, Clavinet and Harpsichords.

All the sounds have been recorded using Nord's state-of-the-art sampling techniques to capture the extraordinary nuances and unique characters of the source instruments and covers everything from brilliant, factory new Grand Pianos to detuned upright bar pianos with tons of charm.

The entire Nord Piano Library is included on DVDs and new additions can be downloaded free on the Nord Piano Library page. Replacing the sounds is simply a matter of dragging and dropping files in the Nord Sound Manager for Mac and Windows.

The Long Release feature is suitable for legato playing styles and the String Resonance (Gen 1) feature on Grand and Upright Pianos can be turned off when desired.

185 MB of the Electro 4D memory is dedicated to Nord Piano Library sounds.

The Nord Electro 4 series support the Nord Sample Library, giving you access to our exclusively licensed Mellotron and Chamberlin sounds and a wide selection of quality sounds from leading sample producers. See the Nord Sample Library section to learn more and listen to the more than 1000 the sounds currently available! The Nord Sample library is updated on a regular basis and all new additions can be downloaded for free!

The included Nord Sample Editor makes it possible to add any sound you want to your Electro 4. The Sample Editor can use audio files in the .wav format and has great tools to assist you in getting the results you want. Mapping several samples across the keyboard or creating seamless loops has never been easier.

The Nord Electro 4D has 68 MB of memory dedicated to the Nord Sample Library. Our efficient, lossless compression algorithm makes it's possible for us to fit samples up to three times the size compared to standard linear sample players.

The Electro 4 SW73 & HP feature 128 MB of memory for the Nord Sample Library.

The Nord Electro 4 Effect section features great, tweakable effects for instantly adding some dirt, glimmer or atmosphere to your sound.

The Amp/Speaker simulation now features the same Vintage 122 Rotary Speaker simulations as found in our flagship organ, Nord C2D. Also, there's a flexible Stereo Delay effect with Tap-Tempo and Ping-Pong mode.

49-note virtual analog synthesizer

Review: The Nord Lead 2X features all the characteristics of its popular predecessors, and incorporates many new features as well.

The Clavia Nord Lead 2X virtual analog synth continues the tradition of Nord's unique method of sound generation. Mathematical simulations of the signals generated by analog oscillators are the basis for the incredible sound that speaks for itself. People know Nord by its sound, and the Nord Lead 2X gives you that certain quality that is unmistakable!

The in your face sound of the Nord Lead 2X has been enhanced with 24bit D/A converters. The preset memory houses 7 x 99 factory programs, 3 x 100 factory performances, and 7 x 10 percussion kits. Additionally, the user banks give you room to store your own sounds, 3 x 99 Programs, 3 x 100 performances, and 3 x 10 percussion kits. The polyphony has been upgraded to 20 voices as well.

Sporting 20 voices of polyphony, the Nord Lead 2X is perfect for layered pads, screaming leads, and thick booming basses. The keyboard can be split, and two sounds can be layered on either side of the split point. You can have four simultaneous programs playing at once, and with a movable split point, the possibilities are captivating.

The Nord Lead 2X is 4-part multitimbral, and these four parts are used together in the Performance Mode. The Nord Lead 2X also has 4 assignable outputs, so each performance voice can be routed to its own analog output.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFWTgvItQmc

49-note analog synthesizer

Review: The Nord Wave gives you traditional analog sounds that interact and coexist with pretty much anything you want; by combining analog, FM synthesis, wavetable and sampled waveforms, you can use literally any standard audio file as a sound source. It is a great sample player and analog synthesizer, and so much more!

The introduction of sample players in the mid eighties created a gap in the world of synthesizers, a gap that 20 years later only has grown wider. The Nord Wave closes that gap, and brings the user replaceable samples to life again by integrating them in a virtual analog environment. Does the better of 2 worlds sound too pretentious for you? Wait until you have heard the Wave.

The Nord Wave 49-note analog synthesizer brings the user replaceable samples to life again by integrating them in a virtual analog environment.

With the Nord Wave 49, Nord have teamed up with several sample creators, such as Kirk Hunter Studios, Precisionsound and Sonic Reality and licensed some of the very best samples available.

The Nord Wave features compression algorithm, which allows on average, 2 to 3 times data compression of any samples you want to download to the Nord Wave, without any loss of quality.

Flash memory also means that samples are instantly available, meaning fast load times even for complex programs. No hard drive or other type of media is needed for storing samples when you shut down the Wave; once the unit has powered up you have direct access to all the samples at the turn of a knob.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zthgF8SNmfU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xiBCY6K8HY

A modified version of the standard Etherwave Theremin Kit with the additional electronics

Review: Now you can build your very own Etherwave Plus. This build-it-yourself kit has an unfinished wood cabinet and pre-built circuit board. Several wiring points require soldering.

All Etherwaver Plus Kits ship with a DVD containing 2 video tutorials: Clara Rockmore: the Greatest Theremin Virtuosa, and Mastering the Theremin, featuring Lydia Kavina.

For full assembly instructions download both the Etherwave Assembly instructions and the Etherwave Plus Field Upgrade instructions.

Monophonic analog synthesizer

Review: Moog Music are proud to introduce the Little Phatty Stage II; the newest member of the Little Phatty family. Like the Stage and Tribute Edition before it, the Little Phatty Stage II puts the performer in control of a 100 analog signal path, two ultra stable Voltage Controlled Oscillators, a Voltage Controlled Filter and other versatile features like an external audio input, CV and KB gate inputs and a full MIDI controller. The Stage II boasts great new features including; MIDI over USB, MIDI Clock Sync, an Arpeggiator, Tap Tempo and a stylish New Black Finish. The addition of MIDI over USB makes this performance and sound sculpting tool even more powerful. Combined with its warm analog sound, ability to process external audio and its intuitive performance, sound design and control features, the Stage II makes a great addition to any rig; from full-on analog, to a laptop/softsynth setup. You can also connect it directly to a computer running the Little Phatty Editor/Librarian.

MIDI Clock Sync allows you to synchronize the LFO and arpeggiator rate to the tempo of your MIDI sequencer, drum machine or software. Sample and hold, triangle, square, sawtooth and ramp wave modulations can now be perfectly timed with your rhythm tracks and the arpeggiator. The arpeggiator is a great new performance feature with applications for musicians in all genres. Its wide variety of uses is sure to find a place in any style, and of course it also syncs to MIDI clock. Tap Tempo brings LFO and arpeggiator tempo sync functionality to situations in which there is no MIDI clock. The distinctive new black finish is a real eye-catcher that emphasizes the unique new nature of the Little Phatty Stage II.

Review: Moog Music is proud to introduce the Little Phatty Stage II; the newest member of the Little Phatty family. Like the Stage and Tribute Edition before it, the Little Phatty Stage II puts the performer in control of a 100 analog signal path, two ultra stable Voltage Controlled Oscillators, a Voltage Controlled Filter and other versatile features like an external audio input, CV and KB gate inputs and a full MIDI controller. The Stage II boasts great new features including; MIDI over USB, MIDI Clock Sync, an Arpeggiator, Tap Tempo and a stylish New Black Finish. The addition of MIDI over USB makes this performance and sound sculpting tool even more powerful. Combined with its warm analog sound, ability to process external audio and its intuitive performance, sound design and control features, the Stage II makes a great addition to any rig; from full-on analog, to a laptop/softsynth setup. You can also connect it directly to a computer running the Little Phatty Editor/Librarian.

MIDI Clock Sync allows you to synchronize the LFO and arpeggiator rate to the tempo of your MIDI sequencer, drum machine or software. Sample and hold, triangle, square, sawtooth and ramp wave modulations can now be perfectly timed with your rhythm tracks and the arpeggiator. The arpeggiator is a great new performance feature with applications for musicians in all genres. Its wide variety of uses is sure to find a place in any style, and of course it also syncs to MIDI clock. Tap Tempo brings LFO and arpeggiator tempo sync functionality to situations in which there is no MIDI clock. The distinctive new black finish is a real eye-catcher that emphasizes the unique new nature of the Little Phatty Stage II.

Monophonic analog synthesizer with CV outputs, arpeggiator and MIDI/ USB connectivity

Review: Like the Stage and Tribute Edition before it, the Little Phatty Stage II puts the performer in control of a 100% analog signal path, two ultra stable voltage controlled oscillators, a voltage controlled Filter and other versatile features like an external audio input, CV and KB gate inputs and a full MIDI controller.

Additionally, the Stage II boasts great new features including MIDI over USB, MIDI Clock Sync, an arpeggiator, tap tempo and a stylish new black finish.

The addition of MIDI over USB makes this performance and sound sculpting tool even more powerful. Combined with its warm analog sound, ability to process external audio and its intuitive performance, sound design and control features, the Stage II makes a great addition to any rig, from full-on analog, to a laptop/ softsynth setup. You can also connect it directly to a computer running the Little Phatty Editor/Librarian.

MIDI Clock Sync allows you to synchronize the LFO and arpeggiator rate to the tempo of your MIDI sequencer, drum machine or software. Sample and hold, triangle, square, sawtooth and ramp wave modulations can now be perfectly timed with your rhythm tracks and the arpeggiator.

The arpeggiator is a great new performance feature with applications for musicians in all genres. Its wide variety of uses is sure to find a place in any style, and of course it also syncs to MIDI clock. Tap Tempo brings LFO and arpeggiator tempo sync functionality to situations in which there is no MIDI clock.

Review: It's the Voyager with all the sonic quality one would expect plus a finish that rivals its sound.

Played by the likes of Jesse Carmichael of Maroon5 and Printz Board of the Black Eyed Peas. The Electric Blue Voyager is housed in a fractal blue solid ash cabinet with a fractal blue finish and the electric blue backlit front panel. At first it looks black but as 1 draws near the fractal blue flecks pop out in an eye catching display. Combine this with the stunning look of the electric blue back lit panel, new blue LEDs and some new killer patches and you have an instrument you will be proud to play for a lifetime.

The Minimoog Voyager Electric Blue features 3 ultra-stable oscillators, dual moog filters, 4-stage analog envelope generators, flexible modulation busses and much much more.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuSLpmA92ww

Review: It's the Voyager with all the sonic quality one would expect plus a finish that rivals its sound.

Played by the likes of Jesse Carmichael of Maroon5 and Printz Board of the Black Eyed Peas. The Electric Blue Voyager is housed in a fractal blue solid ash cabinet with a fractal blue finish and the electric blue backlit front panel. At first it looks black but as 1 draws near the fractal blue flecks pop out in an eye catching display. Combine this with the stunning look of the electric blue back lit panel, new blue LEDs and some new killer patches and you have an instrument you will be proud to play for a lifetime.

The Minimoog Voyager Electric Blue features 3 ultra-stable oscillators, dual moog filters, 4-stage analog envelope generators, flexible modulation busses and much much more.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuSLpmA92ww

Review: It's the Voyager with all the sonic quality one would expect plus a finish that rivals its sound.

Played by the likes of Jesse Carmichael of Maroon5 and Printz Board of the Black Eyed Peas. The Electric Blue Voyager is housed in a fractal blue solid ash cabinet with a fractal blue finish and the electric blue backlit front panel. At first it looks black but as 1 draws near the fractal blue flecks pop out in an eye catching display. Combine this with the stunning look of the electric blue back lit panel, new blue LEDs and some new killer patches and you have an instrument you will be proud to play for a lifetime.

The Minimoog Voyager Electric Blue features 3 ultra-stable oscillators, dual moog filters, 4-stage analog envelope generators, flexible modulation busses and much much more.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuSLpmA92ww

Review: It's the Voyager with all the sonic quality one would expect plus a finish that rivals its sound.

Played by the likes of Jesse Carmichael of Maroon5 and Printz Board of the Black Eyed Peas. The Electric Blue Voyager is housed in a fractal blue solid ash cabinet with a fractal blue finish and the electric blue backlit front panel. At first it looks black but as 1 draws near the fractal blue flecks pop out in an eye catching display. Combine this with the stunning look of the electric blue back lit panel, new blue LEDs and some new killer patches and you have an instrument you will be proud to play for a lifetime.

The Minimoog Voyager Electric Blue features 3 ultra-stable oscillators, dual moog filters, 4-stage analog envelope generators, flexible modulation busses and much much more.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuSLpmA92ww

Moog analog bass synthesizer

Review: The Minitaur is a compact analog bass synthesizer that features a classic one knob per function layout. It is the first instrument in the Taurus family that does not have foot pedals.

The Minitaur has all the growl, snarl and body associated with the Taurus family of bass synthesizers. Moog are really excited to be able to offer this in such a compact package that is both immediately playable as an extremely versatile analog synth and also integrates seamlessly into the world of MIDI and USB control environments, says Cyril Lance, Chief Engineer of Moog Music.

The Taurus Bass Pedals enjoy a nearly 40-year history and have made a seismic impact in the music world since their introduction in the mid-Seventies. The Taurus opened up so many possibilities for me, it also opened up a whole way of looking at what I do, says Geddy Lee, of the multi-platinum band Rush.

In 2009, Moog Music released the Taurus 3 Bass Pedals, a modern reinterpretation of the classic Taurus Bass Pedals. The Taurus 3 is currently used by artists such as The Black Keys, Animal Collective, Jean Michel Jarre, Yes, Weezer, Rush and The Dave Matthews Band.

Since the inception of Moog Music, Bob Moog tested his ideas, instruments and sounds on musicians as a key part of the product development process. In keeping with this tradition, Minitaur has been presented to a broad array of producers, artists and songwriters including Geddy Lee of Rush, techno legend Derrick May, Flying Lotus, Moby, the renowned record producer Nick Raskulinecz as a part of the final product development process. The enthusiastic response from these artists marks the beginning of the next generation in the Taurus Bass Synthesizer line.

In keeping with this tradition, Minitaur has been presented to a broad array of producers, artists and songwriters including Geddy Lee of Rush, techno legend Derrick May, Flying Lotus, Moby, Holy F*ck and renowned record producer Nick Raskulinecz as a part of the final product development process. The enthusiastic response from these artists marks the beginning of the next generation in the Taurus Bass Synthesizer line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvG-yyjLDbs

Single voice analog synthesizer module

Review: Introducing the Moog Slim Phatty Analogue synthesiser, an incredibly powerful single voice analogue synth that is the long-awaited follow up to the Little Phatty keyboard. With jaw dropping bottom-end capabilities, lots of dirty sounds and an intuitive interface, the Slim Phatty is a powerful tool for both studio and live performance. Delivering a classic analogue Moog sound, the Slim Phatty is a valuable production device for shaping external MIDI, whether you want to sweeten your favourite audio sound with an analogue filter or warp it out of recognition with a powerful oscillator.

The layout of the Moog is very intuitive and simple - each knob and button is given its own space on the interface. There are four rotary pots dedicated to the Moog's modulator, oscillator, filter and envelope generator. The parameter value of each pot is indicated by a LED that makes playing in a darkened environment possible (useful when using the Slim Phatty in a live environment). There are four performance setups which enable you to create programme chains for live use. The Slim Phatty comes equipped with all the necessary inputs for processing external audio sources and the Moog can be operated with any MIDI controller. It is also possible for the Moog to work as a standalone device and musical notes can be produced by the Moog meaning it is not necessary to possess a MIDI device. The Silm Phatty also comes with a noise function whereby noise can be fed through the synthesiser. Lots of great tools are included with the Moog including an arpeggiator for even more possiblities.

One of the great aspects of using the Slim Phatty is the untamed nature of its analogue signal - because it is a real analogue synth you have to interact with it in a different way to a digital synth. The idea with the Slim Phatty is to build layers of noise from the ground up and the focus is on raw sound. The Moog is great for playing around with and its convenient size (not to mention solid metal build) makes it an ideal voice expander for your existing gear.

Minimoog Voyager CV output expander

Review: The VX-351 connects to the Voyagers accessory port with the included detachable cable. It houses twenty-one one-quarter inch jacks that are connected to the Voyagers CV and Gate outputs in a CP-251 sized enclosure with an optional rack mount kit. It also includes two 4-way mults and two attenuators. Adding this to your Voyager adds the capabilities of a modular synthesizer. Think: if Voyager = infinite sound possibilities, then Voyager + VX-351 = infinity squared!!!

CV input expander for Minimoog Voyager Rack Mount edition

Review: The Moog VX-352 is a control voltage input expander for the MMV Rack Mount Edition. The VX352 adds modular synthesis capability to the MMV Rack by providing inputs control voltages (CV) and gate signals for control of the MMV Rack's synthesis circuits. Two active attenuators and a four-way mult panel allow distribution and processing of the MMV Rack CVs.

8-bit desktop synthesizer

Review: The SID is an 8bit desktop synthesizer with a double personality. Its simplistic layout and ease of use deliver pleasure at the first touch and its familiar step sequencer will have you programming patterns and beats in no time. 3 expression knobs control the key features of each patch for instant results.

However, don't let its simplicity fool you. The supplied SID Studio software enables you to tweak every parameter under the hood. Draw and design your patches with instant feedback from the SID. Also check out the Nerd-Panel, a powerful interactive blueprint which enables you to address the chip one pin at a time, also a great educational tool.

Review: The Synthlab SL-1uses a 100 percent true analog circuitry with subtractive synthesis which is designed in a classic way. This design is not new because it started in the early 70s with the voltage controlled modular systems. The Synthlab uses low pass filter based on the transistor cascade

As the Synthlab SL-1 has a built-in MIDI interface, you will find it easy to integrate into any MIDI studio setup. The Synthlab also has a built-in MIDI-To-CV/Gate interface which can become very handy, when using vintage equipment. The Synthlab is a hand-made true discrete analogue synthesizer built in Germany. Mode Machines have used components from the 70s and 80s but also modern technology. There are no DSPs or such built-in, so the sound is true, pure and very experimental like a small synthesizer laboratory.

The setup of the Synthlab SL-1 is very easy-to-use if you have played around with other analog synthesizers. Every parameter has its own pot for controlling and playing with the modulation and everything can be controlled manually in real-time. The controls of the modules are divided into groups on the frontplate so they can be visually separated for easier use. For basic setup you have 2 VCOs and an external audio input. The selected signal can be routed through the VCF and VCA before it reaches the audio output. For each VCF and VCA you have an own envelope generator. Additionally you have various modulation routing possibilities through the LFOs.

19" version of the x0xb0x without sequencer

Review: The Mode Machines x0x-Rack features the synth section of the open x0xb0x, without sequencer.

What's in the box

Power supply
Manual German
Manual English.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HGYFunHUy-g

Analogue synthesizer

Review: The Dominion X is MFB's latest synthesizer. It combines analogue synthesis, programmability and modular patching. With advanced circuits, increased functionality and a new design, the Dominion X is the first of MFB's next generation musical instruments.

The Dominion X offers 3 oscillators for maximum flexibility. Each waveform can be varied in symmetry. Besides altering the pulse width of a rectangle, you may also continuously turn a saw tooth into a triangle and a triangle into a sine. All oscillators also offer ring modulation. In addition, VCO 2 and VCO 3 can be synced to VCO1. Finally, VCO3 can modulate the frequency of VCO 1 and VCO 2. The analogue oscillator circuit is processor-controlled for stable tuning. To complete the available sound sources, noise or an external audio input can be added to the VCOs in the Dominion X's mixer section.

The filter offers six operation modes. Available are three low pass variations with 12, 18 and 24 dB/oct. slopes. Also available are high pass-, band pass and a notch filter with slopes of 12 dB/oct. respectively 6 dB/oct. Variable filter modulations are possible via an invertible envelope, keyboard tracking, LFO, VCO, different MIDI controllers as well as by the use o the CV-input.

The 2 ADSR-type envelops are internally routed to the VCF- and VCA-sections. In addition, envelope 1 can also modulate the VCO section. LFOs 1 and 2 offer 6 waveform shapes including sample & hold. They may be switched to one-shot-modes to emulation simple envelopes. A third sine-LFO works in combination with a keyboard's modulation wheel and can dynamically address the VCO, VCF and VCA sections.

Modulations are assigned by the use of selector switches, located at the destinations. This allows easily setting and re-routing internal modulation paths, ideally for your live-performance.

To integrate external modulators, control- and audio sources, the Dominion X offers nine inputs. Therefore, oscillators, filter, VCA, CV/Gate and mixer can be easily combined with other analogue synthesizers, analogue sequencers or modular synthesizer systems.

An additional selector switch allows assignment of velocity for up to eleven modulation destinations.

The Dominion X offers 128 programmable patches for your personal sound creations. To support sound programming without an attached keyboard, different demo sequences are available. To use the Dominion X as a filter box for external audio sources, the VCA can be opened permanently. Finally, there is an insert available to integrate an effect or distortion unit into the signal path.

Furthermore, the Dominion X has the dimensions: 330mm x 170mm x 60mm. An external power supply is included.

Synthesizer with new SED filter

Review: The Dominion X is MFB's latest synthesizer. It combines analogue synthesis, programmability and modular patching. With advanced circuits, increased functionality and a new design, the Dominion X is the first of MFB's next generation musical instruments.

The Dominion X offers 3 x oscillators for maximum flexibility. Each waveform can be varied in symmetry. Besides altering the pulse width of a rectangle, you may also continuously turn a saw tooth into a triangle and a triangle into a sine. All oscillators also offer ring modulation. In addition, VCO 2 and VCO 3 can be synced to VCO1. Finally, VCO3 can modulate the frequency of VCO 1 and VCO 2. The analogue oscillator circuit is processor-controlled for stable tuning. To complete the available sound sources, noise or an external audio input can be added to the VCOs in the Dominion X's mixer section.

The filter offers 6 x operation modes. Available are 3 x low pass variations with 12, 18 and 24 dB/oct. slopes. Also available are high pass-, band pass and a notch filter with slopes of 12 dB/oct. respectively 6 dB/oct. Variable filter modulations are possible via an invertible envelope, keyboard tracking, LFO, VCO, different MIDI controllers as well as by the use o the CV-input.

The 2 x ADSR-type envelops are internally routed to the VCF- and VCA-sections. In addition, envelope 1 can also modulate the VCO section. LFOs 1 and 2 offer six waveform shapes including sample & hold. They may be switched to one-shot-modes to emulation simple envelopes. A third sine-LFO works in combination with a keyboard's modulation wheel and can dynamically address the VCO, VCF and VCA sections.

Modulations are assigned by the use of selector switches, located at the destinations. This allows easily setting and re-routing internal modulation paths, ideally for your live-performance.

To integrate external modulators, control- and audio sources, the Dominion X offers 9 x inputs. Therefore, oscillators, filter, VCA, CV/gate and mixer can be easily combined with other analogue synthesizers such as MFB's Megazwerg, analogue sequencers such as MFB's Urzwerg Pro or modular synthesizer systems.

An additional selector switch allows assignment of velocity for up to eleven modulation destinations.

The Dominion X offers 128 x programmable patches for your personal sound creations. To support sound programming without an attached keyboard, different demo sequences are available. To use the Dominion X as a filter box for external audio sources, the VCA can be opened permanently. Finally, there is an insert available to integrate an effect or distortion unit into the signal path.

The Dominion X has the following dimensions: 330mm x 170mm x 60mm. An external power supply is included.

The new SED filter design contains 2 x different types of filters. Once is the 12 dB MFB multifilter with 12 dB lowpass and 12 dB highpass, bandpass und notch. Sound can be described as clean and powerful with steady catchy resonance behaviour. The second is new SED filter with 24/12 dB lowpass. This single ended discrete (transistors) filter can be driven into clippng zone, especially the 12 dB variant. The 24 dB lowpass can be sound almost clean when you drive the vco mixer below half of possible value.

Synthesizer with 2 x VCOs, 2 x multi-mode filters, 1 x ADSR envelope and 2 x LFOs

Review: The mk2 version is technically identical to the old version but it comes in a nice looking, black anodized metal housing with wooden sides.

The Microzwerg not only bridges the gap between Nanozwerg and Kraftzwerg. Due to its dual multimode-filter, it also offers an individual signal-path with specific sound potential. Microzewrg's numerous patch connections are perfect for interfacing with other analog synthesizers or sequencers.

The Microzwerg Mk2 has 2 x VCOs, 2 x multi-mode filters, 1 x ADSR envelope and 2 x LFOs.

Oscillators: VCO1: triangle, sawtooth, square and needle impulse VCO2: triangle, sawtooth, square and noise. Maximum detuning of oscillators is one octave. Oscillator synchronisation possible via a patch cable.

The 2 x filters are 12dB/octave state variable multi-mode filters with resonance up to self-oscillation and the filter types available are low pass, band pass, high pass and notch (band reject). The filters are coupled serially for creating new filter types like dual band passes or to double the slope when both filters are set to the same filter type. By patching a cable you can set both filters parallel. there are common cutoff and resonance controls for both filters. the space control shifts the cutoff frequencies. Each filter has an own audio input e.g. for filtering external aufio signals.

The envelope is a classic ADSR type.

The 2 x LFOs offer 4 x waveform shapes each and a one-shot-function, where the selected waveform is played only once after a gate-trigger, thus imitating a simple envelope that might be used for pitch or VCA control. LFO 2 includes a sample & hold. Internal modulation wirings offer LFO control over the filters' cutoff as well as the oscillators' pitch or VCO 2's pulse width. LFO 2's speed can be modulated by an external control voltage, allowing increasing or decreasing the speed by a factor of 30. Using this feature, the Microzwerg is capable of extreme slow and fast modulations.

The signal-path VCO 1/2-VCF 1/2-VCA as well as the common main modulations is internally prewired, so that Microzwerg can be played immediately. All further routings are created using the patch jacks. These can be used or controlled by Microzwerg itself or any compatible external device.

The Microzwerg can be controlled by MIDI from any compatible keyboard or DAW. Note commands are received as well as pitch-wheel (+/- 2 semitones) and modulation-wheel data, the latter controlling the filter's cutoff frequency.

Review: Size doesn't always matter, despite its compact dimensions, the Nanozwerg is a full-featured monophonic analogue synthesizer. With VCO, an additional sub-oscillator and its 12 dB-slope-multimodefilter, the Nanozwerg offers multiple bass- and lead-sounds. In addition, the Nanozwerg offers a noise-generator and also works as an effects-processor using its external audio-input.

The analogue VCO generates 4 waveform shapes: triangle, saw tooth, rectangle and needle-impulse. The base pitch can be switched over a 4-octave-range, while fine-tune can be specified within a range of one octave. The sub-oscillator with 2 mixable octave settings completes the Nanozwerg's sound foundation. The noise generator can alternatively replace the sub-oscillator to create non-harmonic sounds. Finally, a glide-control can be used to tie notes with portamento.

The state-variable multimode-filter runs with 12 dB slope per octave and offers Lo-, Hi- and Bandpass-modes as well as notch-filtering and resonance up to self-oscillation. Cutoff can be modulated manually, by LFO and by the ADSR-envelope simultaneously. In addition, pitch-dependent cutoff-frequency can be achieved using the key follow function. Finally, LFO modulation can be replaced by the VCO output signal.

The LFO offers 4 waveform shapes including sample & hold as well as a one-shot-function, where the selected waveform is played only once after a gate-trigger, thus imitating a simple envelope. Besides the cutoff-frequency, the LFO can also modulate the pitch or the VCO rectangle's pulse width.

The ADSR-envelope allows modulation of the filter's cutoff-frequency and the VCA-output, with positive or negative excursion. Selectively, the VCA can also be opened by a gate-trigger to free the envelope for exclusive filter use.

For integration into a modular system or use with an analogue sequencer, NANOZWERG offers several control inputs. There is CV/Gate for pitch control and note length as well as CV-inputs for cutoff-control, the VCA and LFO speed. The LFO also offers CV-output.

The audio-input allows signals to be fed into the VCF and VCA. NANOZWERG can be controlled by MIDI from any compatible keyboard or DAW. Note commands are received as well as pitch-wheel (+/- 2 semitones) and modulation-wheel data, the latter controlling the filter's cutoff frequency.

B-STOCK: Box is tatty and has been opened but product itself is in excellent condition and perfect working order

Review: *** B-STOCK: Box is tatty and has been opened but product itself is in excellent condition and perfect working order ***

The MFB Urzwerg Pro step-sequencer has been inspired by feature requests and suggestions of many users to ensure better flexibility than ever. Most prominently, it offers output of MIDI-notes and MIDI-controllers as well as 32 individual step LEDs to keep track of the sequences status.

The MFB Urzwerg Pro offers 32 steps that can either be used for 2 sequences with up to 16 steps each or with 4 sequences with up to 8 steps each. You may control up to 4 synthesizers or CV-controllable parameters in an analogue modular system simultaneously. Using the MIDI-output allows to address 4 separate synthesizers or multitimbral parts in a single synthesizer. In addition, you may play your MIDI-synth with 2, 3 or voices polyphony. When playing it duo-phonically, the 2 remaining tracks can be used to control velocity and mod-wheel-data (MIDI-CC 01). Using it with 3 polyphonic voices still allows for velocity control.

In 4 x 8 mode, the MFB Urzwerg Pro can control up to 4 individual Nanozwerg synths using CV/Gate. As another example, you can also control and individually modulate pitch, pulse width, filter-cutoff and LFO-speed in MFB's Kraftzwerg. Finally, using Urzwerg Pro in combination with a modular synthesizer-system will allow for even more versatile options. The Urzwerg Pros Gate/CV inputs are fully compatible to all common eurorack-format modular systems.

The use of MIDI allows similar applications as using CV/Gate connections but will add further functionality. Sounds can be played polyphonically with up to 4 voices. Using Urzwerg Pro duo-phonically or as dual-monophonic, you can use the remaining 2 MIDI-controllers to output velocity and mod-wheel-data in parallel with the first 2 tracks. In a CV/Gate-based synthesizer, all parameters with CV input can be addressed directly. On the contrary, MIDI-control through Urzwerg Pro always also depends on the routing-options of the connected instrument.

The MFB Urzwerg Pro was designed for intuitive operation. All functions feature designated controls for editing while the sequencer is running. For best overview, the Urzwerg Pro features LEDs per step. These LEDs do not only visualize the sequence current position but also the skip-buttons' status. While setting the MIDI-channel and the operating modes, these LEDs also function as a display.

When using the MFB Urzwerg Pro on stage, you can set, edit and remove steps live. In addition, you can also modify the sequences' directions and their individual lengths. As a new feature, the Urzwerg Pro has a random-function to playback a row's steps at random. Another novelty is the auto-glide-function.

Furthermore, the MFB Urzwerg Pro allows setting of independent gate-lengths, ranges and glides for rows 1/2 and 3/4. Range defines the CV-range for the step-knobs between 1-10V. For pitch control, the range up to 5V can be quantized. MFB have added 4 different scalings to choose from: semitones, whole tones, pentatonic and hexatonic.

All 4 rows feature skip-buttons per step to activate/deactivate gate-triggers for these positions. Alternatively, the skip-buttons can also deactivate the CV-step-control. To add more liveliness, the Urzwerg Pro also offers 2 optimized shuffle-modes.

The MFB Urzwerg Pro provides 4 Gate & CV outputs to control compatible analogue synthesizers and modular systems. Start-I/O and Clock-I/O allow Urzwerg Pro to be synchronized to and sync other analogue sequencers. The additional CV-Clock input allows for dynamic tempo-control, e.g. using an external LFO or a CV-controller. To sync Urzwerg Pro via MIDI, the unit can send and receive start/stop-commands as well as MIDI-clock. In addition, it is possible to transpose sequences and address individual steps using a MIDI-keyboard or DAW.

Dynamic phrase synthesizer

Review: Introduced in 2007, the Kaossilator has won high acclaim as the original gadget instrument and gave rise to the Kaossilator Pro and iKaossilator for iPhone. Now say hello to the impressive Kaossilator 2.

Boasting a powered-up sound generator, the Kaossilator 2 delivers synth and drum sounds spanning a wide range of genres, plus dramatically expanded loop recording. The Kaossilator 2 is packed with capabilities that can be enjoyed alone on or together with other people. Use 2 loops to create DJ-like mixes. Use the internal mic to record guitar, vocal, or other audio source, just as with a looper effect. The Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) display provides superb visibility. Add to that a touch slider for ease of use, microSD card data saving, plus a built-in speaker and mic. All of these features reflect the enhancements incorporated into the sleek and exciting the Kaossilator 2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmQeP3y1F2w

Pocket-sized dynamic phrase synthesizer

Review: The Kaossilator 2, the pocket-sized dynamic phrase synthesizer that's known for providing a world of rich sounds and effects plus loop recording, is now available in a limited edition pearl white finish. Stand out from the crowd with this unique finish that's only available for a limited time.

The Korg Kaossilator 2 Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer takes all of the best features from the original Kaossilator, the worlds first gadget instrument, and updates, expands and adds loads more. The Kaosillator 2 is a flexible synth that anyone can play and get great results (whether they be a pianist, DJ or anyone in fact). This must-have gadget offers incredible musical power, hours of fun, and amazing effect sounds with amazing ease. With external source audio recording and dual looping it is possible to do an entire gig with nothing but a Kaossilator and your voice. There is even a biult-in speaker, so you can experiment with this powerful Kaossilator anywhere.

There are 150 built-in sounds, which cover all styles of dance and eletronica. Using the Korg Kaossilator 2 you can create 2 separate loops and mix them simultaneously, record external sources (i.e. guitar, vocals, etc.), do unlimited overdubs with loops and even control fades/paramaters/crossfades with the touch sensitive value control. You can also plug external sources into the mic input. The built-in gate arpeggiator lets you control time and swing top play musical, rhythmic passages.

There are lots of great features to augment your performance. The drums are produced with a PCM sound engine in the Korg Kaossilator 2 for added realism, which gives a bigger sound and offers greater versatility than the original Kaossilator. Also, you can make sure you always sound in tune with scale key and note range functions, which help you to avoid any clashes by limiting the notes available across the pad to ones that will work with your music.

The microSD/SDHC card slot lets you salve loops and record your performances, so you can record anywhere and then distribute your results, or put them into computer music software to add to your production projects.

On top of all this you can use batteries, so you are completely free to use the Korg Kaossilator 2 anywhere. You can easily see the screen with its high-visibility OEL display. All you need is a finger and you can use strokes, taps and rub movements to produce countless combinations of sounds that can inject a bit of an improvisational/impulsive/unpredictable edge to your music.

Review: Introduced in 2007, the Kaossilator has won high acclaim as the original gadget instrument and gave rise to the Kaossilator Pro and iKaossilator for iPhone. Now say hello to the impressive Kaossilator 2.

Boasting a powered-up sound generator, the Kaossilator 2 delivers synth and drum sounds spanning a wide range of genres, plus dramatically expanded loop recording. The Kaossilator 2 is packed with capabilities that can be enjoyed alone on or together with other people. Use 2 loops to create DJ-like mixes. Use the internal mic to record guitar, vocal, or other audio source, just as with a looper effect. The Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) display provides superb visibility. Add to that a touch slider for ease of use, microSD card data saving, plus a built-in speaker and mic. All of these features reflect the enhancements incorporated into the sleek and exciting the Kaossilator 2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmQeP3y1F2w

61 key analogue modelling synthesizer

Review: Ready for live performance.

The KingKorg is the full-fledged analog modeling synthesizer you've been waiting for. It carries on the design philosophy of classic Korg analog synthesizers. This exciting new instrument delivers the unique characteristics of a dedicated synthesizer, especially the fun of transforming the sound by tweaking an impressive array of knobs. While technologically impressive, the KingKorg is approachable even to players who are new to synthesizers. And it particularly shines on stage, not only with its great sound, but also literally with a gorgeous champagne gold finish, befitting its royal name, the KingKorg.

A feature unique to the KingKorg is the new XMT (Xpanded Modelling Technology) modelling sound engine that simplifies the overall operation of the synth whilst still being able to produce a wide variety of incredible sounding tones. The KingKorg provides pre-set algorithms that contain combinations of familiar oscillator sounds such as sawtooth, square and noise as well as numerous PCM/DWGS algorithms to sculpt unique and personal sounds.

Korg have also included powerful and diverse modelling filters based on classic synthesizers from the '70s and '80s that allow unique sound shaping, as well as a faithful recreation of Korg's own MS20 analogue synthesizer. Being analogue modelled, the filters closely mimic behaviour such as self-oscillation and distortion for aggressive leads and basses.

The KingKorg also features 3 master effects slots, each with a choice of 6 effects. Firstly there is Pre FX which includes distortions and amp simulators; Mod FX for classic choruses and phasers; and Rev/ Delay with effects such as hall reverb and modulation delay. Alongside these there are control knobs to fine tune the effect.

Korg have also included a vocoder section with an on-board microphone input, to get those Daft Punk robot voice sounds as well as the creative freedom to use a voice as the basis for new tonal creations. The KingKorg also has Formant Shift to modify the character as well as Formant Hold which freezes a vowel sound to be played back across the keys.

Perhaps one of the more striking features is the intuitive new panel layout that makes it so easy to use, with a dedicated display for the oscillator clearly showing the current algorithm. There is also a function for selecting sounds by type such as Analog or PCM, and plenty of knobs spaciously laid out that give immediate hands on control of the most important parameters, making production and performance a more tactile experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ItKQ8ydMTIc

Review: State-of-the-art analog modeling and multi-band vocoding are finally available in a compact, portable instrument. With 37 keys and 128 user-rewritable programs, the microKORG synthesizer/vocoder is perfect for the performer, producer, computer musician or beginner looking for an affordable synthesizer. The new microKORG delivers the quality sounds and features you expect from Korg at a price that will astound you.

The microKORG boasts the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in Korg's critically acclaimed MS2000 and offers a wider selection of waveforms than any other modeled synth. Oscillator 1 features a total of 71 waveforms. These include traditional analog waves like saw, pulse, sine and noise, plus more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. Together they provide a cool selection that can be modulated to produce an extensive range of timbres. In addition, 64 exclusive DWGS waveforms from Korg's classic DW-8000 enable the microKORG to reproduce a broad collection of imitative sounds. Sounds like bells, electric pianos, guitars, basses and more that would be difficult reproduce on an analog synthesizer. You can also apply Ring and Sync modulation from Oscillator 2 to create the kind of complex timbres that are the true sign of an advanced synthesizer.

4 filter modes are available, offering -12 dB (2-pole) low pass, high pass and band pass configurations plus an extra steep -24 dB (4-pole) low pass setting. All include resonance. 2 classic ADSR envelope generators and two MIDI-syncable LFOs provide the power to shape your sounds. Add a virtual patch matrix that lets you create advanced modulation settings U routing the mod wheel to control filter cutoff or pulse width, using an LFO to control panning or amp level, etc. U and you have performance that is unheard of from a synthesizer in this price range.

The microKORG includes an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features. You can capture and freeze the formants of your voice, and then play it across the keyboard, or shift the formant frequency to make your voice sound male, female, like a child or just plain wacky! Best of all, the microKORG comes with its own microphone so you can start having fun right away.

3 types of modulation effects (chorus/flanger, phaser, ensemble), 3 types of delay effects (stereo, cross, L/R) and a 2-band equalizer add the finishing touch to the microKORG. The delays can be synchronized with the arpeggiator or to an external MIDI clock U a great feature for live performances or for laying down tracks. All effects can be edited to create your own, unique sounds.

Korg have used all of the microKORG's synthesis power in the creation of 128 great-sounding presets. They cover a wide range of the latest musical styles plus many vintage favorites. Sixteen vocoder Programs are also included. The pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel and 5 other knobs provide flexible realtime control over filter cutoff, attack, release and other important parameters. The edit mode allows you to fully edit the existing sounds, or to create your own new ones.

6 types of arpeggio patterns (UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger) are built in, with control over tempo, gate time, swing, and up to a 4-octave range. You can turn individual steps on or off within a pattern, providing the feel and functionality of a step sequencer.

2 external audio input jacks are provided, so you can run other instruments, CDs and more through the microKORG's filter and effects, allowing you to process sounds in truly creative ways.

The microKORG's compact size is perfect for the musician or DJ looking to add a synth to his or her setup when space is tight. It's also a great choice for use in a computer-based music setup. The five realtime knobs on the front panel can transmit MIDI messages (control changes), so they can be used as controllers for software synthesizers. Use the 37-note velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard for controlling other gear or for recording and editing with your sequencer. And thanks to battery-power, the microKORG is the ultimate portable controller when used with a laptop computer!

There's no complex menu structure U all parameters are located on the panel for easy access to any function. A large dial and LED illuminated buttons provide easy program selection even on a dark stage. With its beige-gold body, wooden side panels and retro-influenced design, the microKORG has a look that's both vintage and funky.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV_TxlJDDts

Korg microKORG 10th anniversary limited edition

Review: Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the microKORG.

Korg's microKORG virtual analog synthesizer has gathered an enormous following among both professionals and amateurs since it appeared in 2002, and continues to be actively used around the world even today, maintaining the same high standard for the past decade. In 2007, Korg celebrated the 5th anniversary of the microKORG's creation by releasing the microKORG BK. The reversed keys drew a great deal of attention being reminiscent of the reverse model of the classic Korg POLY-800, and also due to its limited availability.

Now in 2012, Korg are releasing a new model that commemorates the 10th anniversary of the microKORG: the microKORG BKRD. For musicians who want to emphasize their personality, this custom colour model is an instant way to stand out from the crowd. The distinctive high contrast of the Black x Red model that's sure to raise the energy level on stage with its black and red reversed keyboard.

The microKORG boasts the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in Korg's critically acclaimed MS2000 and offers a wider selection of waveforms than any other modeled synth. Oscillator 1 features a total of 71 waveforms. These include traditional analog waves like saw, pulse, sine and noise, plus more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. Together they provide a cool selection that can be modulated to produce an extensive range of timbres. In addition, 64 exclusive DWGS waveforms from Korg's classic DW-8000 enable the microKORG to reproduce a broad collection of imitative sounds. Sounds like bells, electric pianos, guitars, basses and more that would be difficult reproduce on an analog synthesizer. You can also apply Ring and Sync modulation from Oscillator 2 to create the kind of complex timbres that are the true sign of an advanced synthesizer.

4 filter modes are available, offering -12dB (2-pole) low pass, high pass and band pass configurations plus an extra steep -24dB (4-pole) low pass setting. All include resonance. 2 classic ADSR envelope generators and two MIDI-syncable LFOs provide the power to shape your sounds. Add a Virtual Patch matrix that lets you create advanced modulation settings, routing the mod wheel to control filter cutoff or pulse width, using an LFO to control panning or amp level, etc. and you have performance that is unheard of from a synthesizer in this price range.

The microKORG includes an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features. You can capture and freeze the formants of your voice, and then play it across the keyboard, or shift the formant frequency to make your voice sound male, female, like a child or just plain wacky. Best of all, the microKORG comes with its own microphone so you can start having fun right away.

3 types of modulation effects (chorus/flanger, phaser, ensemble), 3 types of delay effects (stereo, cross, L/R), and a 2-band equalizer add the finishing touch to the microKORG. The delays can be synchronized with the arpeggiator or to an external MIDI clock, a great feature for live performances or for laying down tracks. All effects can be edited to create your own, unique sounds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXGwVDA7zVE&feature=player_embedded

Korg microKORG 10th anniversary limited edition

Review: Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the microKORG.

The microKORG is now available in two limited-edition special-colour premium editions microKORG-BKBK (Black & Black). Korg's microKORG virtual analog synthesizer has gathered an enormous following among both professionals and amateurs since it appeared in 2002, and continues to be actively used around the world even today, maintaining the same high standard for the past decade. In 2007, Korg celebrated the 5th anniversary of the microKORG's creation by releasing the microKORG BK. The reversed keys drew a great deal of attention being reminiscent of the reverse model of the classic Korg POLY-800, and also due to its limited availability.

Now in 2012, Korg are releasing a new model that commemorates the 10th anniversary of the microKORG: the microKORG-BKBK. For musicians who want to emphasize their personality, this custom colour model is an instant way to stand out from the crowd. The full black model with its understated yet elegant presence.

The microKORG boasts the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in Korg's critically acclaimed MS2000 and offers a wider selection of waveforms than any other modeled synth. Oscillator 1 features a total of 71 waveforms. These include traditional analog waves like saw, pulse, sine and noise, plus more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. Together they provide a cool selection that can be modulated to produce an extensive range of timbres. In addition, 64 exclusive DWGS waveforms from Korg's classic DW-8000 enable the microKORG to reproduce a broad collection of imitative sounds. Sounds like bells, electric pianos, guitars, basses and more that would be difficult reproduce on an analog synthesizer. You can also apply Ring and Sync modulation from Oscillator 2 to create the kind of complex timbres that are the true sign of an advanced synthesizer.

4 filter modes are available, offering -12dB (2-pole) low pass, high pass and band pass configurations plus an extra steep -24dB (4-pole) low pass setting. All include resonance. 2 classic ADSR envelope generators and two MIDI-syncable LFOs provide the power to shape your sounds. Add a Virtual Patch matrix that lets you create advanced modulation settings, routing the mod wheel to control filter cutoff or pulse width, using an LFO to control panning or amp level, etc. and you have performance that is unheard of from a synthesizer in this price range.

The microKORG includes an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features. You can capture and freeze the formants of your voice, and then play it across the keyboard, or shift the formant frequency to make your voice sound male, female, like a child or just plain wacky. Best of all, the microKORG comes with its own microphone so you can start having fun right away.

3 types of modulation effects (chorus/flanger, phaser, ensemble), 3 types of delay effects (stereo, cross, L/R), and a 2-band equalizer add the finishing touch to the microKORG. The delays can be synchronized with the arpeggiator or to an external MIDI clock, a great feature for live performances or for laying down tracks. All effects can be edited to create your own, unique sounds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXGwVDA7zVE&feature=player_embedded