Synthmagazine | Synth News, Gear & Sound Design

24. January 2025

Behringer’s OCTAVIA OCTAVE FUZZ: Analogue Mayhem in a Box

Behringer steps into the legendary world of octave fuzz with their new OCTAVIA OCTAVE FUZZ pedal, promising a riot of unpredictable, analogue sound. In this official demo, the brand’s trademark accessibility meets a circuit with a notorious reputation for glitchy, expressive chaos. From its silicon-based signal path to the pedal’s reactive controls, Behringer aims to capture the spirit of a classic effect that shaped the sound of Hendrix and Vaughan. We take a closer look at the features, quirks, and creative patching possibilities as demonstrated in the video—plus a nod to the pedal’s storied past and its place in the

24. January 2025

LYRA

Arturia

Arturia’s AudioFuse 16Rig 2.0: Immersive Monitoring Reimagined

Arturia’s latest firmware update for the AudioFuse 16Rig isn’t just a minor revision—it’s a bold leap into the world of immersive monitoring. With version 2.0, Arturia brings next-generation surround and spatial audio workflows to its flagship interface, promising up to 16-channel speaker management, deep bass control, and flexible routing—all without the need for costly external hardware. The official Arturia video walks us through these new features, focusing on how the update transforms both the hardware and the AudioFuse Control Center software. For producers and engineers working in Dolby Atmos, Apple Spatial Audio, or any multi-speaker setup, this update could be

AudioFuse 16Rig

24. January 2025

LYRA

ROLI

ROLI Piano: Illuminating Expression with Four Dimensions of Touch

ROLI, the innovators behind expressive digital instruments, unveil their latest creation: the ROLI Piano. This walkthrough, led by ROLI’s own sound designer Marcus, dives deep into the instrument’s tactile hardware, vibrant key illumination, and the sophisticated digital architecture that powers its four dimensions of expression. From per-key pitch bend and polyphonic aftertouch to seamless integration with ROLI Studio and Airwave, the ROLI Piano is positioned as a next-generation controller for musicians craving nuance and creative flexibility. We explore how its design and bundled software aim to transform both performance and composition workflows.

ROLI Airwave, ROLI Piano, ROLI Studio

22. January 2025

LYRA

RolandChannel

RolandChannel’s V-STAGE: A Deep Dive into the Architecture of a Modern Gigging Powerhouse

RolandChannel’s latest showcase puts the spotlight on the V-STAGE, a keyboard that aims to set a new standard for professional performers. With four distinct sound engines, a tactile interface, and a scene system designed for seamless live transitions, the V-STAGE is pitched as the ultimate tool for gigging musicians. In this video, Roland walks us through the instrument’s architecture, from its advanced sound engines to its workflow-centric controls and robust connectivity. We examine how these features come together—and what the video leaves open—through the lens of digital instrument design and real-world usability.

Roland V-STAGE

22. January 2025

MILES

Qu - Bit

Qu-Bit Nautilus v1.2.0: Diving Deeper into the Subnautical Delay Network

Qu-Bit, the digital mavericks of Eurorack, have surfaced with a substantial firmware update for their Nautilus module—a delay network that’s always been more Jacques Cousteau than classic tape echo. Version 1.2.0 brings a host of new features, including an onboard reverb, expanded delay and feedback modes, and a suite of workflow enhancements. In this article, we dissect what’s new, how it reshapes Nautilus in a live rack, and what creative doors it opens for the voltage-obsessed explorer. If you’re after a delay module that’s as much about performance as it is about sonic experimentation, Qu-Bit’s latest update is worth a

Qu-Bit Nautilus

19. January 2025

MILES

Bastl Instruments

Bastl Instruments 1983: Polyphonic MIDI-to-CV Wizardry for the Modular Age

The Bastl Instruments 1983 isn’t just another MIDI-to-CV box—it’s a polyphonic mastermind designed to bring order (and a bit of creative chaos) to your modular rig. In this deep-dive video, Bastl’s Václav walks through every feature, from automatic oscillator tuning to inventive quantizer tricks, showing how the 1983 can unite digital and analog voices in perfect harmony. As typical for Bastl’s community-driven approach, the presentation is hands-on, patch-oriented, and full of clever workflow ideas. If you’ve ever struggled to keep your oscillators in tune or wanted to push your modular into new polyphonic or microtonal territory, this is one to

Bastl Instruments 1983

17. January 2025

LYRA

Korg

Korg FISA Suprema: Digital Accordion Reimagined for the Modern Performer

Korg’s FISA Suprema isn’t just another digital accordion—it’s a bold architectural rethink of what an electronic free-reed instrument can be. In this official overview, Korg teams up with virtuoso Cory Pesaturo to showcase how the Suprema fuses Italian craftsmanship with a deep digital engine, advanced modulation controls, and a performance-focused UI. From natural bellows response to a dizzying array of assignable controls and connectivity options, the Suprema aims to please both traditionalists and forward-thinking players. But does it truly deliver on the promise of seamless playability and modern flexibility? Let’s break down what Korg actually demonstrates.

Korg FISA Suprema

16. January 2025

MILES

MAKEN0ISE

Make Noise SpectraNoise Update: James Cigler Unleashes Chaos and Noise on the Spectrophone

Make Noise, the Asheville-based champions of modular mischief, have dropped a fresh update for the Spectrophone, and James Cigler is here to show us what the new SpectraNoise modes can do. In this official walkthrough, Cigler explores both the chaos and noise modes, revealing their potential as sound generators and complex modulators. Expect sine waves colliding, feedback paths spiralling into noise, and a patching approach that’s as much about sculpting texture as it is about traditional synthesis. If you’re after new ways to inject unpredictability and character into your Eurorack, this video is a must-watch.

Make Noise Bruschia, Make Noise Cupás, Make Noise Mimeophon, Make Noise Rene, Make Noise Spectrophone, Make Noise Tempi, Make Noise X-Pan

15. January 2025

MILES

Behringer

Behringer Steps: Modulation Swiss Army Knife for Eurorack Tinkerers

Behringer steps boldly into the modulation arena with Steps, a compact Eurorack module that promises to be the answer to your CV generation conundrums. On their official channel, Behringer showcases how Steps fuses six independent sections, each capable of acting as an envelope, LFO, sequencer, or something in between. The video walks through the module’s flexible modes and patching tricks, making it clear that Steps is designed for both small, space-starved racks and sprawling modular setups. For those who thrive on patching experiments and crave versatile modulation, Steps looks set to become a go-to utility—provided you’re ready to explore its

15. January 2025

LYRA

Yamaha Synths Official

Yamaha Synths Official Delivers SEQTRAK OS 1.2: Workflow Upgrades for Modern Creators

Yamaha Synths Official returns with a focused walkthrough of the SEQTRAK OS 1.2 update, targeting both studio producers and live performers. This release brings a suite of workflow enhancements, from the much-anticipated Loop Mode for rhythmic sampling to granular slot muting and smarter recording tools. The video is a crisp, step-by-step demonstration of how these new features integrate into SEQTRAK’s hybrid hardware–software environment, with Yamaha’s signature emphasis on practical, real-world use. For those invested in digital grooveboxes and performance-oriented rigs, this update promises both deeper flexibility and a smoother creative flow.

Yamaha SEQTRAK

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