Synthmagazine | Synth News, Gear & Sound Design

15. January 2025

Expert Sleepers Opens the DSP Floodgates: disting NT’s Three Pot Algorithm Unleashed

Expert Sleepers, the UK’s resident wizards of modular–computer integration, have just given the disting NT a serious DSP injection with the new ‘Three Pot’ algorithm. This update lets users run a vast array of FV-1-style effects, loaded straight from a MicroSD card, and tweak them in real time with three dedicated pots. In typical Expert Sleepers fashion, the focus is on flexibility, user-driven content, and hands-on control—bridging the gap between classic DSP chips and modern Eurorack workflows. Let’s dive into how this algorithm brings a world of open-source effects and creative routing to your rack, all with that understated British

Disting NT

11. January 2025

LYRA

Arturia

Arturia Tape J-37: Analog Warmth in a Modern Mix – A Track Breakdown

Arturia’s official channel dives deep into their Tape J-37 plugin, showcasing its role in sculpting the sound of an alt-rock track by Raven Bush. This video isn’t just a surface-level preset parade—it’s a focused exploration of how digital tape emulation can shape guitars, drums, synths, and bass, adding analog character and cohesion across a modern production. With a clear, step-by-step breakdown, Arturia demonstrates the plugin’s tape delay, saturation, and EQ tools in real-world mixing scenarios. For anyone interested in hybrid workflows or the architecture of digital tape effects, this is a revealing look at how Tape J-37 fits into the

Arturia Tape J-37

10. January 2025

LYRA

Behringer

Behringer LM DRUM: Hybrid Sampling Drum Machine Architecture Unpacked

Behringer’s LM DRUM is more than a nostalgic nod—it’s a hybrid sampling drum machine that bridges vintage crunch with modern workflow flexibility. In this deep-dive from Behringer’s official channel, Patrick (aka PatchDog) walks through the LM DRUM’s key features, from its variable sample rate DACs and 8–12 bit depth, to its hands-on sequencer, performance modes, and sound-shaping tools. We get a clear look at how the LM DRUM’s architecture supports both classic drum machine vibes and contemporary production needs, including onboard sampling and a suite of analog-inspired effects. If you’re curious about how digital and analog elements combine in a

9. January 2025

LYRA

Arturia

Arturia’s Tape J-37: Craig Bauer on Analog Warmth in a Digital World

Grammy-winning mix engineer Craig Bauer brings his decades of experience to the fore in this official Arturia feature, diving into the sonic character and workflow of the Tape J-37 plugin. Arturia, renowned for their hybrid approach to classic and modern sound tools, lets Bauer demonstrate how this tape emulation plugin shapes vocals and drums, and how it fits into a broader palette of FX. The video isn’t just a product pitch—it’s a hands-on exploration of how digital plugins can channel analog warmth and creative flexibility, all from within a modern DAW environment. For those interested in the architecture and real-world

Arturia Dimension D, Arturia Distortion Coldfire, Arturia Plate 140 Reverb, Arturia Spring 636, Arturia Tape J-37

5. January 2025

LYRA

ROLI

ROLI Airwave: Unlocking Spatial Expression in Ableton Live

ROLI, renowned for its expressive controllers, dives into the world of spatial performance with Airwave—a hand-tracking system designed to inject real-time nuance into Ableton Live sessions. In this official walkthrough, ROLI sound designer Marcus Levy-Chance demonstrates how Airwave’s five Dimensions of Air can be mapped to everything from arpeggiator rates to plugin parameters, all within a DAW-centric workflow. The focus is on practical integration: mapping gestures, recording automation, and editing expressive curves after the fact. If you’re curious about how digital gesture control can transform your production and performance workflow, this video offers a clear, hands-on look at Airwave’s creative

Ableton Live, Arturia Pigments, Baby Audio Transit 2, Output Exhale, Phase Plant, ROLI Airwave

22. December 2024

MILES

Noise Engineering

Noise Engineering’s Toros Iteritas Alia: Phase Modulation, Evolved

Noise Engineering returns with the Toros Iteritas Alia, a multi-operator phase-modulation oscillator designed to turn your Eurorack system into a playground of immersive drones, clangorous textures, and everything in between. True to the brand’s reputation for immediate, performance-ready control, Toros strips away the menu-diving of classic FM and puts a unique Blend X routing system front and centre. In this video, Noise Engineering walks through the panel, demonstrates patch options, and shows how the Alia platform’s firmware-swapping keeps your rack as flexible as your imagination. Let’s see what this beast can do for modular sound designers and drone aficionados alike.

Ampla Legio, Fala Versio, Toros Iteritas Alia

21. December 2024

LYRA

Novation

Novation Launchpad: Unlocking Performance Mode with Components

Novation’s Launchpad has long been a staple for grid-based music making, but in this deep-dive, Novation’s official channel demonstrates how Custom Mode templates—built with their free Components app—transform the Launchpad into a truly versatile performance controller. From glitchy beats to expressive bass lines, the video walks through hands-on examples that showcase not just the hardware’s flexibility, but also the architectural thinking behind template design. If you’re curious about how digital controllers can be sculpted into bespoke performance rigs, this is a clear, workflow-focused look at what’s possible—no coding required, just drag, drop, and jam.

Novation Launchpad Mini, Novation Launchpad Pro, Novation Launchpad X

19. December 2024

LYRA

Arturia

Arturia MiniFreak 3.0: Granular Power Unleashed

Arturia’s MiniFreak just received a major firmware upgrade, and it’s all about granular synthesis. With version 3.0, this hybrid synth leaps into new sonic territory, packing seven granular engines and a classic sample player—each designed for immediate, hands-on exploration. The official Arturia walkthrough dives deep into these new engines, demonstrating how even users without granular expertise can conjure lush pads, glitchy rhythms, and cinematic textures. If you’re curious about how digital architecture and workflow meet creative sound design, this update is worth a closer look.

Arturia MiniFreak

19. December 2024

LYRA

Expressive E

Expressive E Osmose: Film Scoring in the Fast Lane

Expressive E’s Osmose takes center stage in this in-depth creative tutorial, where film composer Josh Madoff demonstrates how this MPE powerhouse can transform the art of scoring for film and video games. The video dives into the hybrid workflow of electronic and orchestral textures, showing how nuanced control and performance gestures translate into cinematic energy. From gritty bass pulses to lush string layers, the Osmose’s sound engine and expressive capabilities are put to the test in a cyberpunk chase scene scenario. If you’re curious about how digital expressivity and hands-on control can streamline your scoring process, this walkthrough is a

Expressive E Osmose, Spitfire Chamber Strings

19. December 2024

MILES

Qu - Bit

Qu-Bit Stardust: Unveiling the Cosmic Tape Looper’s Hidden Depths

Qu-Bit, ever the digital mavericks of Eurorack, return with a deep dive into the Stardust Cosmic Tape Looper’s lesser-known secondary features. In this no-nonsense walkthrough, the team eschews marketing fluff for a methodical exploration of shift functions, Narwhal-based configuration, and workflow enhancements. If you’re curious about how Stardust’s punch-in modes, loop import/export, and clock sync can reshape your modular rig, or how Narwhal unlocks further creative potential, this video is a must-watch. Expect a patch-oriented, detail-rich look at what Stardust really brings to the bench—beyond the obvious tape tricks.

Qu-Bit Stardust

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