When the German manufacturer, Schmidt, recently announced their Eightvoice analog polyphonic synthesizer, the hearts of many synthheads began to flutter. Arguably the most robust synth in the industry – short of a fully-appointed modular – the Eightvoice features an architectural design with nary a compromise. Custom built in production runs of 25 each, the Schmidt […]
Review: Eventide UltraTap – a Versatile and Esoteric Delay Plugin
September 22, 2017 by
“Eventide Delay. Digital Delay.” – Jon Anderson, Olympia Yeah, I know I used that Jon Anderson quote the last time we reviewed an Eventide product. Jon – bless the wee elf – permanently connected those synapses in my brain years ago, so expect to see the same quote again in the future. UltraTap is a […]
Moog’s Subsequent 37 refines the Original Sub 37 Design – Synth News 7
September 15, 2017 by
Moog recently announced another upgrade to its already venerable Sub 37 synthesizer. We previously covered the Subsequent 37 CV, and now the Subsequent 37 (with no “CV”) has hit the market. I actually missed the CV tag the last time around. Sorry, it’s now fixed! By the way, I still think Sub 37 CV – […]
Goose EQ comes to iOS – Synth News Digest 6
September 7, 2017 by
After using both BeatMaker 3 and Modstep for building tracks to improvise or compose over, I’m really getting into AU plugins on iOS. Since most of my recording work is on the desktop, obviously I gravitate towards the relative ease of loading a plugin instead of passing audio and MIDI through a “third-wheel” iOS app. […]
Review: PolyM offers a Great Polymoog Emulation
August 24, 2017 by
The Polymoog remains one of the most underrated Moog synthesizers. Gary Numan used it to great effect in the late 70s, but its complex design led to a poor reliability factor, with Dave Smith’s Prophet 5 ultimately winning the polyphonic analog race. XILS-Labs’ recently released emulation – the PolyM – brings the olde beast back […]
Roland reveals the TR-08 and a Boutique SH-101 – Synth News Digest 5
August 11, 2017 by
808 Day (August 8) brought an appropriate bit of synth news from Roland: the announcement of the TR-08, a Boutique version of their venerable TR-808 drum machine. The company also revealed a Boutique model version of the SH-101 synthesizer, known as the SH-01A. This new synth ups the ante compared to the original with 4-voice […]
Review: Explore Deep Sonic Vistas with SynthScaper for iOS
August 4, 2017 by
If you are searching for an iPad music app suitable for creating rich and unique ambient drones look no further than SynthScaper. An innovative user interface combines with top notch sound quality to make the creation of these sonic atmospheres rewarding and fun. In addition to the spaced-out ambience, this app also offers somewhat traditional […]
Review: Ripplemaker brings West Coast Modular Synthesis to iOS
July 26, 2017 by
Ripplemaker is the latest iOS music app from Ruismaker and developer, Bram Bos. Essentially a semi-modular synthesizer focused on West Coast techniques, consider Ripplemaker to be the tablet-based cousin of Make Noise’s excellent 0-Coast desktop synth. Suitable for the creation of drones and other sonic atmospheres of doom, this is another excellent product worthy of […]
Review: Troublemaker is an Essential TB-303 Clone for iOS
July 14, 2017 by
With Rebirth now sadly gone from the iTunes App Store, iOS musicians searching for a new TB-303 clone need to check out Troublemaker. Featuring an authentic, yet flexible sound and a well-designed user interface, this app might be the best 303 option in the iOS universe. It also plays well with Audiobus, Core MIDI, AU, […]
Review: Predator 2 continues the Rob Papen Synth Tradition
July 10, 2017 by
Rob Papen Predator has been a leading software synthesizer for years, known for its excellent virtual analog sound and an intuitive user interface. Needless to say, the recent release of its successor was highly anticipated throughout the synth plugin world. Predator 2 does not disappoint, with a host of new features to go along with […]
