The sonic masters at XILS-Lab recently crafted another unique software synth, this time combining FM and analog synthesis. Somewhat modeled after the Yamaha GS-1, the predecessor to the DX7, KaoX also leverages virtual analog and chaotic oscillators to greatly expand its sonic depth. Its range of sounds is stunning, taking FM synthesis to an entirely […]
The Moog One blows out the Current Synth Market
October 11, 2018 by
Sell those stock options, as this week Moog released its benchmark polyphonic analog synth, blessed with the moniker of Moog One. Its price point places the synth squarely in the realm of the boutique. The 8-voice model runs $5,999; while the 16-voice edition rocks a street price of $7,999. Needless to say, short of winning […]
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 […]
Review: Go Semi-Modular with the Make Noise 0-Coast
June 23, 2017 by
Ever since watching the synth documentary, I Dream of Wires, analog synthesizers or even a Eurorack system were going to be part of my studio setup. Virtual analog synths from Korg and Waldorf still make their presence known on our recordings, but there’s no denying the superior tactile interface of a synth like the Moog […]
Korg Volca Keys — the Analog Synth Reviewed
June 6, 2014 by
While Korg’s Volca series of portable analog synth boxes intrigued me, I wasn’t really in the market for one. But with a Moog Sub 37 on seemingly perpetual pre-order (its ship date recently moved from mid-May to late-Summer) and two albums from Church of Hed and Quarkspace needing overdubs I began to reconsider. I hoped […]
Moogfest 2014 Intrigues and Inspires
April 29, 2014 by
Observing the news from this year’s Moogfest, held once again in Asheville, NC, headquarters of Moog Music, it is obvious that the modular synthesizer revival is coming full circle. At the festival, Moog announced they are reintroducing Keith Emerson’s classic modular unit, used in pretty much every ELP tour since the early 70s. I Dream […]
Korg to Release New Version of the ARP Odyssey
February 18, 2014 by
A news item released by Korg yesterday probably shocked many vintage analog synth fans. The Japanese company announced they were releasing a new version of the legendary ARP Odyssey synthesizer from the early 1970s. I wonder if Korg waited for Roland to reveal their new AIRA line before dropping this bombshell. The new Odyssey is […]
I Dream of Wires: Hardcore Edition Review
February 5, 2014 by
Serving as both a history of the electronic synthesizer and a look at today’s robust modular synth cottage industry, I Dream of Wires: the Hardcore Edition is a must view for any fan of electronic music and analog synthesis. After spending an afternoon watching the entire four-hour movie, I was inspired to check out prices […]
