Synthmagazine | Synth News, Gear & Sound Design

In this episode of the OXI Playbook, OXI Instruments dives deep into an advanced sequencing technique that leverages a dummy chord sequencer to control both lead and bass tracks on the OXI One. The video, hosted by a member of the OXI team, unfolds the workflow step-by-step, demonstrating how the instrument’s performance page and chord palette can be used to harmonize multiple voices with minimal effort. This isn’t just about flashy presets—it’s a smart, architectural approach to building dynamic progressions and complex soundscapes, all from scratch, showing just how flexible and hands-on the OXI One truly is.

OXI One MIDI/CV Sequencer

13. August 2026

TAETRO

TAETRO vs. Pocket-Sized FM Fury: The MVAVE FM-1 Reviewed

SPARKY

TAETRO dives into the MVAVE FM-1, a titchy FM synth that claims to shove classic DX7 sounds into your palm. Think you can ignore it? Think again. We check if this pint-sized box is a studio secret weapon or just another plastic pretender. Expect sharp opinions, quick-fire patching, and a few curveballs—because this is not your granddad’s FM demo.

MPC Sample, MVAVE FM-1, Teenage Engineering Sidekick

13. August 2026

Bolo Da Producer

Bolo Da Producer Calls Out the Keyboard Workstation Myth

SPARKY

If you’re still clutching your shiny keyboard workstation like it’s the last can of Red Bull at a warehouse rave, Bolo Da Producer is here to give you a reality check. In this no-holds-barred breakdown, Bolo sides with Altruwest and dives straight into why the modern workstation is more relic than weapon. Expect hard truths, hybrid workflow hacks, and a few jabs at overpriced boards. Spoiler: software’s not just catching up—it’s lapping the field.

Arturia V Collection, Korg Suite, Korg Triton, Korg Triton Extreme, Manley Force, MPC 2500, MPC Key 37, MPC Key 37 Gen 2, MPC XL, Nexus 3, Omnisphere, Phantom EX Rack, Roland Cloud, Roland Fantom EX7, SSL 9000, SSL Quad, Studio One, Yamaha ES Rack

13. August 2026

sonicstate

Sonicstate Drops the Hammer: Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2 Reviewed

SPARKY

If you think semi-modular means ‘tame’, think again. Sonicstate takes the Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2 for a wild ride through filthy filters, cheeky gain, and a patch bay ready for battle. Forget preset memories – this synth is all about raw, hands-on control and a vibe that could soundtrack your next warehouse rave. The SV-2 is a chunky slab of East Coast attitude with enough tricks to keep even the most jaded groovebox fiend grinning.

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2

12. August 2026

Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2: Classic Soul, Modern Twists

MILES

Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers’ Lifeforms SV-2 is pitched as a semi-modular analog beast that straddles vintage character and fresh, patchable innovations. The brand’s penchant for organic wave-shaping is on display, with new oscillators, a multifaceted filter, and a dual mixer that teases out subtle distortion. Throw in a spring reverb and a Eurorack bay, and the SV-2 starts to look like a modularist’s playground—one where the boundaries between tradition and experiment are deliciously blurred. This article explores how Pittsburgh Modular’s own demo video breaks down the SV-2’s architecture and sonic philosophy.

12. August 2026

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr Unleashes the Pittsburgh Modular SV-2: An East Coast Riff Machine

SPARKY

Starsky Carr rips into the Pittsburgh Modular SV-2, a synth that’s less a facelift and more a total rebuild of the cult SV-1. Forget polite upgrades; this is a full-on groovebox beast with teeth, dual filters, an aftertouch keybed, and enough modulation to melt your patch cables. Starsky’s trademark deep-dive style cuts through the marketing, showing us why this semi-modular slab might just be the new weapon for sonic mischief. If you want the raw, lurid details – and a demo track that’ll shake your studio monitors – buckle up.

12. August 2026

Molten Music Technology

Molten Music Technology Gets Gritty: Pittsburgh Modular SV2 Reviewed

SPARKY

Pittsburgh Modular’s Lifeforms SV2 lands on the bench at Molten Music Technology, and Robin Vincent wastes no time getting under its skin. Dual oscillators, twin filters, and modulation for days — this is no plastic preset toy, but a hands-on jam monster begging for abuse. Expect a review packed with raw sound, honest takes, and a dash of British sarcasm, as Robin dives deep into paraphonic chaos, patch bay madness, and filthy filter overdrive. If you like your synths with attitude (and a bit of confusion), you’re in for a treat.