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Tag: NAMM

  • The Volca Modular Highlights Our Virtual Look at NAMM 2019

    The Volca Modular Highlights Our Virtual Look at NAMM 2019

    Without a travel budget, a trip to the NAMM show is more of a dream than a reality here at TabMuse. Nonetheless, every year we wait with baited breath to see what fresh music technology announcements inspire us. These inspirations naturally occur within the synth realm, and unfortunately many synthesizer makers chose to not attend NAMM 2019.

    korg-volca-modular
    Korg’s new Volca Modular synth. Image copyright Korg.

    Still, a few products tickled our fancy, so let’s have a look. If you are interested in our coverage of previous NAMM events, simply click on the following links: 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

    The Volca Modular Offers a Taste of Don Buchla’s West Coast

    Korg brought a host of interesting new synths to NAMM 2019; the Minilogue XD definitely intrigues. But it was the new Volca Modular that ranked at the top of our wish list. It offers a simplified take on the classic Buchla Music Easel, color scheme included.

    Of course, the “Vuchla” is battery powered, like the rest of the Volca family, with a similar footprint that fits perfectly on our studio’s Berlin School playground. Unfortunately, the patch points use a jumper wire format instead of the Eurorack standard, with the exception of a few CV and Korg sync ports. Hopefully, some enterprising person makes a patch bay for the unit.

    The Volca Modular doesn’t have a MIDI input, which isn’t a huge problem considering the CV ports. The synth architecture is classic West Coast, following more of an additive model compared to the subtractive East Coast style, yo. A sequencer, microtuning, and effects are all in there. Its sound and possibilities for sonic mayhem definitely intrigue, and the $199 list price fits squarely within our budgetary wheelhouse.

    We expect the Vuchla to play well with our Make Noise 0-Coast as well as the Volca Keys and Bass. The older Volcas primarily get used these days as a poor man’s analog poly synth, but their sequences dominated Church of Hed’s Brandenburg Heights album. Adding some West Coast synthesis to the equation is our hope.

    Expect full coverage if and when we purchase one. There’s a three-tiered synth stand I’m also eyeing. I know… boring.

    The Behringer Crave is a Great Entry Point to Analog Synthesis

    Behringer’s product pipeline is filled with a host of soon-come synth clones: the ARP Odyssey, Roland TR-808, SH-101, and so much more. But it was the Crave, announced at the end of NAMM which garnered the most buzz. An analog monosynth, it features a host of patch points and a built-in sequencer at an impressive price point of $199.

    The Crave’s oscillator clones the one from the Prophet 5 and its filter is based on the legendary Moog Ladder, so a robust sound is assured. The large patch bay integrates nicely with existing Eurorack gear. This synth isn’t yet available, but you can expect it to be popular upon release.

    Teenage Engineering’s Foray into Modular Synthesis

    Teenage Engineering introduced a line of proprietary modular synth kits at NAMM 2019; seeming like something out of IKEA. You get the opportunity to build before you play. We love the sound of our PO-12 drum machine, so these modular units are definitely worthy of a closer look.

    There are two smaller models; the 16 features only a sequencer and controller, while the 170 provides the modules to build a basic analog monosynth. They are priced at $149 and $349 respectively.

    The 400 is the flagship of this line. For $499, you get to build a three-oscillator monosynth with a host of modules and a sequencer. The 170 and 400 both include patch cables, and are Eurorack compatible. It’s a worthy option for those looking to dip their toes into Eurorack, but on a tight budget.

    So there you have it. This collection of new synthesizers from NAMM 2019 is definitely budget friendly, apparently without skimping on sound and functionality.


  • Virtual Dispatches from NAMM 2017

    Virtual Dispatches from NAMM 2017

    The fact that I didn’t attend this year’s NAMM conference doesn’t stop me from writing about a few of the interesting announced products in the synth realm. This same rule applied in both 2015 and 2016. Like many of you, I watch from afar, typically overcome with an acute case of gear lust. Maybe some year I’ll make it?

    toraiz as-1
    The Pioneer DJ/DSI Toraiz AS-1 analog monosynth. Photo copyright Pioneer DJ.

    Unfortunately, NAMM 2017 didn’t feature the same level of innovation as the past few years, but a few synths still managed to pique my interest. Let’s check them out!

    Korg’s ARP Odyssey Re-creation goes Full Size

    When Korg reintroduced the ARP Odyssey a few years back, many synth-heads praised the sound but complained about the mini-keys. Now those naysayers get a chance to put their money where it counts, as Korg announced full-size versions of all three Odyssey models.

    The street price for this analog duophonic synth – known as the ARP Odyssey FS – is $1,599, and all editions grace the market in February. So check with your favorite music retailer if those dreaded mini-keys were keeping you from purchasing Korg’s original ARP remake/remodel.

    The Pioneer DJ/Dave Smith Instruments Toraiz AS-1 Intrigues

    This mashup between a DJ equipment company (Pioneer DJ) and one of the most respected synth designers in the business (Dave Smith) looks like a Korg Monotron on steroids. An analog monosynth, the Toraiz AS-1 features a synth engine that’s essentially a one-voice version of the DSI Prophet 6. The touchpad keyboard triggers the comparison with the Monotron.

    A 64-step sequencer and a host of filters and effects from the Prophet 6 help round out the Toraiz feature set. The synth also integrates with the Toraiz SP-16 sampler/sequencer. The small LED display helps DJs control the device when inside a club.

    At a street price of $499, this is a product that intrigues me and my limited budget, but my eyes are still trained on the Make Noise 0-Coast – I’d already own one if not for the Arturia DrumBrute. Expect the synth in March.

    The Electro-Harmonix Blurst Modulated Filter Pedal

    As a drummer and synth player, I only recently discovered the sonic joy of pairing guitar effects pedals with synthesizers – late to the party as usual. I love my EH Deluxe Memory Boy delay pedal, and Electro-Harmonix’s new Blurst filter pedal looks like something to fill a current need in the studio. It’s an analog low-pass filter featuring LFO modulation with tap timing – perfect for any modern keyboardist wanting an edgier sound.

    ElectroHarmonix_Blurst
    EH’s Blurst analog filter effect pedal. Photo copyright Electro Harmonix.

    The availability of the Blurst is still TBA, but at a unique street price of $137, expect many to grab one when it arrives on the marketplace.

    The Eurorack community probably had most of the innovative synth products at this year’s NAMM – new modules abound. Since I am still successfully avoiding that bottomless pool – the 0-Coast lust being an exception – these two synths and effect pedal appear to be most alluring synth-related products for my tastes in a down year for NAMM.


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  • Three NAMM 2016 Synths that won’t break the Bank

    Three NAMM 2016 Synths that won’t break the Bank

    Each year, the NAMM show serves as a second Christmas for musicians both in attendance and watching from afar. This year’s edition didn’t disappoint, with a wide array of innovative products being introduced. The synthesizer world saw many new intriguing models, with the growing Eurorack scene well represented.

    Three NAMM 2016 synths piqued my interest, each for different reasons. None are priced higher than $500, so they share that feature in common. If you don’t have the budget to pick up one of the new Dave Smith/Tom Oberheim analog polysynths (the OB-6), Arturia MatrixBrute, or the Yamaha Montage, hopefully one of these designs does the trick.

    Let’s check them out.

    The Korg Minilogue offers Great Analog Sound on a Budget

    Korg arguably won the price-performance ratio battle at NAMM 2016 with the debut of the minilogue. The new synth actually hit the street a few days before NAMM; surprising many with its polyphonic analog sound and deep feature set, all at a price under $500. Featuring a four-voice architecture, 16-step motion sequencer with Active Step, a cool oscilloscope display, and sync, the minilogue brings a lot to the table.

    Here’s Korg chief engineer, Tatsuya Takahashi, giving an overview of the minilogue.

    The 37-note keyboard suffers from mini-keys, but just use another keyboard as a controller if need be. An aluminum casing and a wood back panel give the synth a more robust feel.

    Korg minilogue
    The glorious Korg minilogue. Copyright Korg.

    When you consider the popular Volca series, it’s not surprising Korg was able to produce the minilogue at this price point. I use my Volca Bass and Keys together as a poor man’s analog polysynth, and they more than hold their own against the Moog Sub 37 and the quite evil Waldorf Streichfett. Still, Korg needs to be commended for the minilogue’s accessibility and robust feature set. Boom!

    Korg brings FM Synthesis to the Volca Series

    Takahashi-san — rapidly becoming this era’s synth engineer star ala Moog, Oberheim, or Smith — also introduced Korg’s upcoming Volca FM synth on the NAMM floor. Adding FM synthesis to the Volca series is a no-brainer, and the new synth is actually compatible with Yamaha DX7 patches using MIDI SysEx.

    Here’s Tats demoing the new Volca, courtesy of the folks at Sonic State.

    FM synthesis has long been known for its programming difficulty. I never enjoyed working with it until using a FM synth plug-in back in the halcyon days of Quarkspace’s Node in Peril album. The sonic possibilities of real-time parameter tweaking using this plug-in opened up a new world of sound far beyond the clichéd e-Piano patches for which FM is typically known.

    The Volca FM provides this level of parameter control with the added benefit of motion sequencing. Since I’ve already invested in two Volcas (Keys and Bass), a Monotribe, and a SQ-1, the Volca FM will probably make an appearance in my studio. No news about a release date, but you can expect the street price to be around $159, the same cost as the other synths in the series.

    Make Noise 0-Coast serves as the Gateway to Eurorack Modular

    Make Noise continues to build a reputation as one of the bright lights in the growing Eurorack scene. While I’d love to invest in one of their Shared System kits, its price point is probably a bit too high considering my current budget constraints — replacing my music computer and audio interface remains paramount.

    Thankfully, at this year’s NAMM the company introduced a desktop semi-modular synth called the 0-Coast (pronounced “no-coast”). The street price is slated to be $499 when the single voice synth hits the market later this year. The 0-Coast offers a taste of Make Noise’s innovative module collection, with a simplified parameter setup, and serves as a perfect entry point to the world of Eurorack.

    Check out Music Radar talking with Make Noise’s Tony about the 0-Coast.

    I’m considering purchasing a 0-Coast instead of the minilogue. Already owning a ton of Korg gear, as mentioned earlier, the Make Noise desktop synth offers the chance to visit new sonic vistas, and slowly dip the old toes into the Eurorack pool. The device should pair nicely with the SQ-1.

    This look at three innovative, yet relatively inexpensive, NAMM 2016 synths hopefully offers hope for a new addition to your studio without breaking the family budget.

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  • NAMM 2015 and the Analog Synthesizer Renaissance

    NAMM 2015 and the Analog Synthesizer Renaissance

    Sorry for the relative lapse in new content here at TabMuse. I’ve been working hard on the new Church of Hed album, Electric Sepulcher, so my time for TabMuse is more fleeting. We’ll work on fixing that in the future.

    As usual, gear lust ruled the day at this year’s NAMM show in Los Angeles. This time last year, I was cleaning up myself after spewing copious amounts of foam due to the NAMM 2014 announcement of the Moog Sub 37. After waiting impatiently for most of the year I took delivery of my own Sub 37 in October.

    This year featured even more exciting product announcements in the analog synth realm, but with my gear budget essentially gone after the Sub 37, I’ll be staying on the sidelines this time out. Nonetheless, we’ll take a look at some of the promising NAMM announcements now populating the wish lists of many synth freaks.

    The Return of the Moog Modular

    Arguably the biggest synth news out of NAMM 2015, Moog reintroduced its classic line of modular synthesizers to the marketplace. Priced from $10,000 to $35,000, these are essentially luxury musical instruments; wise shoppers can get a similar setup from Synthesizers.com at a fraction of the price. But…. Moog!

    Moog System 55
    Moog’s System 55 modular synthesizer in all its glory. Photo copyright Moog Music, Inc.

    Still, it was cool to see Suzanne Ciani and other industry legends, old and new, patching up a Moog Modular System 55. It is expected that Moog plans to sell individual modules from these systems, but no news as of yet. Ultimately, those larger Moog systems are beasts; Eurorack makes more ergonomic sense for this dreamer.

    Dave Smith brings back Sequential Circuits

    Legendary synth designer, Dave Smith, regained the rights to use the “Sequential Circuits” moniker, and what better synth with which to reintroduce that brand name than the new Prophet 6, announced at NAMM 2015. This reimagining of the classic analog poly synth set many hearts aflutter.

    In addition to the standard features of an analog synth, the Prophet 6 raises the bar with 24-bit multi-effects (with true bypass for analog purists) and a polyphonic step sequencer. Street price on this bad boy comes in at $2,799. It is expected to ship in the summer of 2015.

    Korg goes on a Mini Odyssey

    One of the most anticipated synth rebirths at NAMM 2015 was Korg’s reintroduction of ARP’s classic Odyssey synth. Korg offers new versions of all three of Odyssey models, albeit in a plastic casing with mini keys, causing much controversy amongst synth heads. With a street price of $999, the smart shopper might spend a bit more on a Moog Sub 37 or wait to see what Behringer’s reported Odyssey clone looks like when it hits the market.

    Korg also introduced a desktop module version of its MS-20 kit that includes the new SQ-1 hardware step sequencer. Considering the street price of $1,199, thankfully the SQ-1 is also available separately for $99 putting it square within my wheelhouse. The fact that the sequencer includes a separate CV out compatible with the littleBits Synth Kit, means I am all over this once the new Church of Hed album is finished and I can go back into R&D mode.

    The modular synthesizer cottage industry was also in full force at NAMM with Make Noise, Doepfer, and others displaying new modules and more. I am still a couple years out from making a dive into the modular world, but it is inspiring to see a thriving scene afoot.

    Well, that’s all I’ve got this time out. Maybe one year I will actually attend NAMM instead of lusting from a distance? In the next few weeks here at TabMuse expect reviews of VirSyn’s cool additive synth app for iOS, Cube, and coverage of the upcoming Sub 37 firmware update that includes full sequence editing and other neat features.

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