13. August 2024

MILES

Frap Tools: Modal Counterpoint Meets Modular – Trevor Tunnacliffe’s Oceanic Patchwork

© Picture: Frap Tools (YouTube)

Frap Tools: Modal Counterpoint Meets Modular – Trevor Tunnacliffe’s Oceanic Patchwork

What happens when Renaissance counterpoint collides with the voltage-driven world of Eurorack? In this episode from Frap Tools’ podcast, composer and multi-instrumentalist Trevor Tunnacliffe takes us through his journey from viola da gamba to modular synths, weaving early music sensibilities into the fabric of contemporary sound design. The discussion dives deep into modal counterpoint, the compositional quirks of the Unthunk collective, and the technical artistry behind a modular patch that channels the ebb and flow of ocean swells. As always with Frap Tools, the focus is on thoughtful design, sonic detail, and the creative possibilities that emerge when historical technique

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13. August 2024

MILES

Intellijel’s SVF 1U: Compact State Variable Filtering for the Modern Eurorack

© Picture: Intellijel (YouTube)

Intellijel’s SVF 1U: Compact State Variable Filtering for the Modern Eurorack

Intellijel’s SVF 1U brings classic state variable filtering to the slim 1U Eurorack format, promising versatility without the usual space penalty. In this official walkthrough, Intellijel demonstrates how the SVF 1U’s multimode outputs, input clipping, and modulation options can shape everything from smooth sweeps to percussive pings. As always, Intellijel’s presentation is clear and patch-focused, showing not just what the module can do, but how it wants to be patched. For those looking to squeeze more sound-sculpting power into a tight rack, this filter’s blend of classic topology and modern utility is worth a closer look.

9. August 2024

LYRA

Akai Professional’s AIR Sub Factory: Deep-Dive into MPC Bass Power

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Akai Professional’s AIR Sub Factory: Deep-Dive into MPC Bass Power

Akai Professional steps up the low-end game with AIR Sub Factory, a plugin instrument purpose-built for the MPC platform. This official walkthrough showcases how Sub Factory combines dual wavetable oscillators, a sample layer, and a suite of modulation and effects tools to deliver industrial-strength bass. The video is all about workflow: from browsing presets to hands-on sound design, Akai’s producer-focused approach is on full display. For those seeking to anchor their tracks with punchy, customizable bass, Sub Factory promises a streamlined yet deep experience—at least, that’s what the demo aims to prove.

Yamaha Synths Official Unveils the MONTAGE M Series: Digital Powerhouse for Stage and Studio

© Picture: Yamaha Synths Official (YouTube)

Yamaha Synths Official Unveils the MONTAGE M Series: Digital Powerhouse for Stage and Studio

Yamaha Synths Official takes center stage at Superbooth24 with an engaging conversation between Matt Johnson and Dom Sigalas, diving deep into the architecture and workflow of the MONTAGE M Series. This next-generation flagship synthesizer is positioned as a versatile tool for both studio and live performance, boasting three distinct sound engines and a host of performance-centric features. The video offers a rare glimpse into patch creation, dynamic control via polyphonic aftertouch, and the creative potential unlocked by Yamaha’s super knob and scene system. For those who crave more than just presets, the discussion highlights the vast waveform library and encourages

8. August 2024

MILES

Frap Tools: Modal Counterpoint Meets Modular—Trevor Tunnacliffe’s Oceanic Patchwork

© Picture: Frap Tools (YouTube)

Frap Tools: Modal Counterpoint Meets Modular—Trevor Tunnacliffe’s Oceanic Patchwork

Frap Tools brings us a deep dive into the musical world of Trevor Tunnacliffe, a Vancouver-based composer whose roots in early Renaissance counterpoint intertwine with a modern modular synth ethos. In this episode of “Let’s Talk Music,” Trevor unpacks his journey from viola da gamba to Eurorack, revealing how modal counterpoint and oceanic inspiration shape his collective project, Unthunk. The discussion weaves together patch design, environmental themes, and collaborative composition, all filtered through Frap Tools’ signature lens for detail and sonic nuance. Expect a blend of historical rigor and patch-based experimentation, with plenty of voltage, timelines, and a dash of

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6. August 2024

LYRA

Korg Nautilus in the Queen Arena: Spike Edney’s Digital Powerhouse Revealed

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Korg Nautilus in the Queen Arena: Spike Edney’s Digital Powerhouse Revealed

When it comes to recreating the legendary sound of Queen on stage, few keyboards are put to the test like the Korg Nautilus. In this official Korg video, Spike Edney—Queen’s longtime keyboardist—takes us behind the scenes of his live rig, showing how one modern workstation can handle decades of iconic tracks. From classic pianos and lush strings to sample triggering and vocoder harmonies, Edney demonstrates how Nautilus serves as a digital Swiss Army knife for stadium-scale performances. This walkthrough is a must-watch for anyone curious about how contemporary keyboard workstations translate studio magic into live reality.

Noise Engineering’s Gamut Repetitor: Five Patchmates for Random Voltage Adventures

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Noise Engineering’s Gamut Repetitor: Five Patchmates for Random Voltage Adventures

Noise Engineering, the LA-based purveyors of modular mayhem, present the Gamut Repetitor—a four-channel random quantized voltage generator built for generative melodic sequences and much more. In this official video, the team walks through five modules that pair especially well with Gamut, showing how to wrangle unpredictable voltages into musical, evolving patterns. Expect a hands-on demonstration of patching techniques, clever trigger manipulation, and the kind of creative workflows that make Noise Engineering’s approach so appealing to Eurorack tinkerers. If you’re curious about how Gamut Repetitor fits into a real-world rack, this is a must-watch.

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3. August 2024

MILES

Intellijel Cascadia Meets MPE: Expressive Control in Modular Patching

© Picture: Intellijel (YouTube)

Intellijel Cascadia Meets MPE: Expressive Control in Modular Patching

Intellijel’s Cascadia isn’t just another desktop semi-modular—it’s a playground for expressive control, especially when paired with MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) controllers. In this official Intellijel walkthrough, Matt demonstrates how Cascadia’s MPE mode transforms the synth’s interaction, letting gestures from devices like Ableton Push 3, Linnstrument, and Osmose shape everything from filter cutoff to wave folding. The video is a practical guide to setting up MPE, translating nuanced MIDI gestures into control voltages, and patching up dynamic, morphing sounds. If you’re curious about how MPE can inject new life into your modular workflow, this is a must-watch.

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Yamaha Synths Official Unveils the FGDP50: Finger Drumming, Unplugged and Unleashed

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Yamaha Synths Official Unveils the FGDP50: Finger Drumming, Unplugged and Unleashed

Yamaha Synths Official steps into the finger drumming arena with the FGDP50, a compact, all-in-one device designed for those who want to tap out grooves wherever inspiration strikes. In this live demonstration from Superbooth24, Tim Kroker walks us through the FGDP50’s design philosophy, sound palette, and ergonomic layout, all while keeping things refreshingly human (mistakes and all). The video highlights not just the technical specs—like 1,500 onboard sounds and a rechargeable battery—but also the real-world playability that sets this unit apart. For anyone curious about portable rhythm creation or looking to add a tactile, expressive drum controller to their setup,

2. August 2024

LYRA

Moog Music Muse: Macro Performance Controls and Morphing Workflows Unveiled

© Picture: Moog Music (YouTube)

Moog Music Muse: Macro Performance Controls and Morphing Workflows Unveiled

Moog Music’s Muse steps into the spotlight as a performance-focused instrument, and this official video dives deep into its macro control architecture. The manufacturer walks us through how Muse’s macro knob, mod wheel, and LFO amplitude controls can be assigned to multiple parameters for radical patch morphing and expressive modulation. Starting from an initialized patch, the demo showcases real-time assignment, nuanced modulation mapping, and creative workflows that let users shape sound dynamically. For those interested in digital control meeting analog flavor, this is a revealing look at how Muse’s macro system translates to hands-on performance and sound design.