Gear and software reviews by Synthtopia readers.
The Wii Loop Machine is a piece of software for making music with a Nintendo Wiimote controller. It is loop-based and performance-oriented, somewhat like a very simple version of Ableton Live. Version 2.0 is currently available for purchase for $20. It requires Bluetooth and Mac OS X. In addition, version 1.1 is available for free download,… Read More The Wii Loop Machine
This is a video demo of the Korg MS-10 monophonic analog synthesizer. This was the most basic and the least expensive of Korg’s MS series. The Korg MS-10 featured a 32-note (F-C) keyboard and semi-modular design. The MS-10 let you reroute the signal of some modules via patch cords, but you didn’t have to use… Read More Korg MS 10 Monophonic Synth
This is a demo of the biphonic vintage breath controlled physical-modeling synthesizer Yamaha VL-1. Sound On Sound’s review of the Yamaha VL-1 said: This is one of the most desirable instruments I have ever heard. I can see some session players earning lots of money from the VL1 — and that is probably where it… Read More Yamaha VL-1 Demo
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C01271D3BEC0E9B9 The Korg MS-20 is a patchable semi-modular monophonic synthesizer which Korg released in 1978 and was in production until 1983. It was part of Korg’s MS series of instruments, which also included the single oscillator MS-10, the keyboardless MS-50 module, and the SQ-10 sequencer. Additional devices included the MS-01 Foot Controller, MS-02 Interface, MS-03… Read More The Korg MS-20 Analog Synthesizer
Producer J.Force bangs out the beats, with a whoppin’ 256 KB memory, on the EMU SP-1200 Sampler. The E-mu SP-1200 is a classic drum machine and sampler released in August 1987 by E-mu Systems as an update of the SP-12, which was originally created for dance music producers. It became famed for its gritty texture… Read More The EMU SP-1200 Sampler
At the Winter NAMM Show, Spectrasonics introduced Trilian, the company’s successor to their Trilogy bass module. The new instrument has a much larger core library and features new acoustic, electric and synth basses — as well as enhanced versions of the classic Trilogy sounds. Trilian is the first 64-bit native software based on Spectrasonics STEAM Engine… Read More Spectrasonics Trilian Bass Virtual Instrument
Native Instruments has introduced Acoustic Refractions, a new KORE SOUNDPACK that combines organic and synthetic qualities. Based on unusual acoustic sample material and brought to life through advanced sound programming, this new library for KORE 2 and the free KORE PLAYER offers highly original instruments for music projects that would benefit from “weird and wonderful tones and… Read More Native Instruments Acoustic Refractions SoundPack
Randgrid (App Store link) is a new virtual studio for the iPhone. Features: 2x monosynth Dual oscillator 24 db lowpass filter 14x drumparts Step sequencer 8 parameter locks per step Stereo delay Distortion If you’ve given this a try, leave a comment! More info here.
At the 2009 NAMM Show, Sonic Reality introduced Cinema Sessions Vol. 1-3, which offer moods, soundscapes, textures, special effects, exotic ambience, wild symphonic performances and other sounds for film, tv and game production. Descriptions: Symphonic Effects contains over 400 orchestral effects for film, tv, games and popular music styles. From scifi/suspence/horror hits, drones and intertwining… Read More Sonic Reality Announces “Cinema Sessions” Sound Collections for Infinite Player Plug-in
2009 NAMM Show: Roland introduced the FR-1 V-Accordion, the latest addition to its V-Accordion line. The FR-1 puts digital modeling technology in a traditional accordion design. The FR-1 is lightweight, with a compact frame that weighs only twelve pounds. With the FR-1, players can simulate up to seven different distinct accordions, access four different organ… Read More Roland FR-1 Digital Accordion
