Synthmagazine | Synth News, Gear & Sound Design

5. March 2025

Frap Tools: Triggers and Bursts—Beyond the Sequence

Frap Tools, the Italian maestros of modular design, take us on a deep dive into the world of triggers and clock bursts—showing there’s far more to these pulses than just driving a step sequencer. In this video, Giovanni demonstrates how modules like Bagài, Cunsa, and Falistri can transform simple triggers into dynamic, melodic elements and textural bursts. Expect clever patching, filter pinging, and envelope trickery, all delivered with Frap Tools’ signature attention to sonic detail. If you thought triggers were just for starting envelopes, prepare to have your patch cables untangled.

1. March 2025

MILES

ALM TV

ALM TV Breaks Down the Squid Salmple: Sync, Slice & Stretch in Eurorack

ALM / Busy Circuits returns with another meticulous deep dive, this time focusing on the Squid Salmple’s prowess with breakbeats. In this fourth instalment, the ALM TV team demonstrates how their 8-channel Eurorack sampler can be wrangled for BPM-syncing, slicing, and time-stretching classic breaks—think Amen and Think—without missing a beat. With the latest firmware introducing a powerful Pitch Parameter, the Squid Salmple is shown as a modular workhorse for creative sample manipulation, all presented in ALM’s trademark hands-on, patch-oriented style. If you’re looking to inject some jungle, DnB, or lofi flair into your rack, this episode is a must-watch for

Axon 2 Expander, Pamela's Pro Workout, Squid Salmple

1. March 2025

MILES

Moog Music

Moog Music at NAMM 2025: Legacy, Innovation, and Sonic World-Building

At NAMM 2025, Moog Music assembled a formidable panel of synthesizer luminaries—Michelle Moog-Koussa, Lisa Bella Donna, Suzanne Ciani, Brian Kehew, Steve Dunnington, King Britt, and Rory Kaplan—to dissect Bob Moog’s enduring legacy and the instruments that continue to shape musical frontiers. The discussion traversed the transformative power of Moog synthesizers, their unique role in bridging technology and artistry, and the pivotal moments that have inspired generations of musicians. With a blend of reverence and technical insight, the panel explored how Moog’s evolution from modular behemoths to modern classics maintains a rich, expressive sound while becoming ever more accessible. The session

Animoog, DFAM, Matriarch, Moog 15, Moog Grandmother, Moog Model D, Moog One, Moog Voyager, Mother 32, Sonic Six, Subharmonicon

27. February 2025

MILES

MAKEN0ISE

Make Noise MultiMod: Eightfold Modulation Mayhem in the Modular Realm

Make Noise, the Asheville-based purveyors of modular mischief, hand the spotlight to James Cigler for a deep dive into the MultiMod—a module designed to splinter a single input into eight correlated outputs. In this video, Cigler demonstrates how the MultiMod isn’t just another LFO, but a versatile tool for transforming modulation and audio alike. From subtle filter animation to wild, time-smeared textures, the MultiMod’s creative patching options are explored with Make Noise’s trademark experimental flair. If you’ve ever wondered how to wring maximum movement from minimal sources, this walkthrough is a patcher’s delight.

Make Noise Bruches, Make Noise Mimeophone, Make Noise MultiMod, Make Noise Optomix, Make Noise Pressure Points, Make Noise QPAS, Make Noise Spectraphon, Make Noise X-Pan

27. February 2025

LYRA

Akai Professional

Akai Professional Brings NKS Integration to MPK Series: A Workflow Game Changer

Akai Professional has teamed up with Native Instruments to bring NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) integration to the MPK series, transforming these popular MIDI controllers into deeply connected plugin command centers. In this official overview, Akai demonstrates how the MPK Mini MK3 and its siblings now offer instant, hands-on control over Native Instruments plugins—no manual mapping required. With curated Komplete 15 Select bundles and a focus on real-time workflow, this update promises to streamline studio and stage performance alike. We dig into the architecture, the new browsing and macro paradigms, and what this means for producers seeking a mouse-free, tactile experience.

Akai MPK 249, Akai MPK 261, Akai MPK Mini MK3, Akai MPK Mini Play, Akai MPK Mini Plus

26. February 2025

MILES

Frap Tools

Frap Tools: Ben Carey on Feedback Patching, Tactile Design and Resonant Modular Workflows

In this episode from Frap Tools, Australian composer and educator Ben Carey takes us through his journey from classical saxophone to the unpredictable world of modular synthesis. The conversation dives deep into the tactile joys of patching, the creative divide between building custom instruments and using ready-made synths, and the unique character of feedback and resonance in modular patches. With a dry wit and a patch-oriented perspective, the discussion unpacks not just the technical details of Carey’s latest patch, but also the philosophical and practical reasons why hands-on control and generative processes remain at the heart of inspiring electronic music.

Frap Tools 321, Frap Tools Brenso, Frap Tools CGM, Frap Tools Sapèl, Frap Tools USTA, Make Noise Morphagene, Mutable Instruments Rings, Serge VCFQ, Tokyo Tape Music Center Tambur and Gate, XAOC Devices Belgrad

22. February 2025

LYRA

Akai Professional

Akai Professional at NAMM 2025: MPC Legends Panel Redefines the Beat

At NAMM 2025, Akai Professional assembled a powerhouse panel of MPC legends—Roger Linn, Jermaine Dupri, Just Blaze, Jimmy Jam, and Bryan-Michael Cox—to dissect the legacy and ongoing innovation of the MPC series. Moderated by Andy Mac, the session offered a rare, workflow-focused glimpse into the minds that shaped not just the hardware, but the very DNA of modern music production. From the origins of real-time programming and quantization to the artistry that turned raw sounds into cultural touchstones, the conversation illuminated how the MPC has remained both a technical marvel and a creative catalyst. For anyone obsessed with digital instrument

Akai MPC series, LinnDrum, LM-1, MPC Live 2, MPC X, MPC-3000

20. February 2025

MILES

OXI Instruments

OXI Instruments: CV-Driven Patching with Coral and Meta in Eurorack Action

OXI Instruments, renowned for their hands-on sequencing and hybrid workflow ethos, take centre stage in this patch-from-scratch video, spotlighting the Coral and Meta modules in a lively Eurorack context. The creator walks us through a detailed build, showing how Coral’s polyphonic engine and Meta’s effects can be woven together using classic and creative CV modulation. Expect a deep dive into envelopes, random sources, and live parameter tweaking—all in service of dynamic, evolving sound. For those who like their modular patches with a side of real-time performance, this is a showcase of expressive, CV-rich integration.

OXI Coral, OXI META

20. February 2025

MILES

MAKEN0ISE

MAKEN0ISE MultiMod: Stretching Time and Control Signals in Eurorack

Make Noise, the Asheville-based champions of modular experimentation, take a deep dive into the MultiMod’s slowest realms in their latest video. This isn’t your usual quick-fire demo—instead, we’re treated to a meditation on long time settings, stretched control signals, and the subtle art of letting modulation breathe. The MultiMod is shown not just as a utility, but as a tool for navigating musical timescales, with creative uses of its spread, hold, and phase controls. For those who think in voltages and crave nuanced modulation, this is a patch-oriented exploration worth your attention.

Make Noise MultiMod

19. February 2025

LYRA

Expressive E

Expressive E and the MPE Revolution: A Deep Dive into Polyphonic Expression

Expressive E, the French pioneers of musical expressivity, take center stage in this tutorial as they demystify MPE—MIDI Polyphonic Expression—for a new generation of synth enthusiasts. In this episode, film composer Josh Madoff walks us through the architectural leap from traditional MIDI to MPE, showing how instruments like Osmose and a host of compatible synths unlock nuanced, independent control over every note. The video isn’t just a technical explainer; it’s a hands-on demonstration of how MPE transforms performance workflows, sound design, and even the very feel of playing electronic instruments. If you’re curious about the future of expressive synthesis or

Ableton Push 3, Arturia CS-80 V, Black Corporation Deckard's Dream, Cherry Audio Miniverse, Dave Smith Prophet 08, Erae Touch, Expressive E Osmose, GS Music E7, Haken Continuum, Haken ContinuuMini, LinnStrument, Surge XT, Synapse Audio The Legend HZ, Warbl-E

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