Synthmagazine | Synth News, Gear & Sound Design

3. May 2024

Bastl Instruments Neo Trinity: Taming Oscillators with Calibration Precision

Bastl Instruments, the Czech modular mavericks, take us through the essential process of calibrating their Neo Trinity module—a device designed to keep your oscillators in check and your pitches spot on. In this video, Bastl’s signature hands-on approach is on full display as they demystify the steps needed to ensure your rack sings in tune, octave after octave. Whether you’re wrangling unruly VCOs or just want to avoid the embarrassment of a wobbly C, this walkthrough is all about getting your modular system properly dialled in. Expect practical advice, a focus on workflow, and a reminder that even the most

Neo Trinity

1. May 2024

LYRA

Arturia

Arturia Augmented YANGTZE: Hybrid Heritage Meets Digital Depth

Arturia’s Augmented YANGTZE is not your average sample library—this is a hybrid software instrument that fuses meticulously sampled Chinese instruments with a robust synthesis engine, all wrapped in a workflow-centric interface. In this official Arturia walkthrough, Lena demonstrates how the instrument’s morphing architecture, macro controls, and advanced layering system deliver evocative textures and performance-ready sounds for modern producers. We get a close look at the UI, modulation matrix, arpeggiator, and effects, revealing how tradition and technology intertwine for cinematic and contemporary music creation. If you’re curious about how digital sound design can respectfully channel centuries of musical heritage, this is

Arturia Augmented YANGTZE

1. May 2024

MILES

Joranalogue Audio Design

Joranalogue Audio Design: Random Steps the Lab-Grade Way with STEP 8 & SELECT 2

Ever fancied a Eurorack sequence that’s mostly predictable, but with a dash of chaos in just the right spot? Joranalogue Audio Design, the Belgian masters of precision analogue, deliver a tutorial that walks through exactly that—using STEP 8, SELECT 2, and a bit of clever patching to randomise only specific steps in your sequence. The video, hosted by Simon, is a patcher’s delight, showing how to wrangle randomness without losing harmonic control. If you’re after new ways to spice up your modular grooves without descending into total anarchy, this one’s for you.

COMPARE 2, Contour 1, Delay 1, Filter 8, Fold 6, Generate 3, Mix 3, Orbit 3, SELECT 2, STEP 8

1. May 2024

LYRA

Arturia

Arturia Augmented YANGTZE: Where Tradition Meets Synthesis in a Modern Trap Breakdown

Arturia’s Augmented YANGTZE isn’t just another sample library—it’s a software instrument that fuses the nuanced timbres of traditional Chinese instruments with the power and flexibility of modern synthesis. In this official track breakdown, Lena walks us through a Raven Bush production, dissecting how evocative presets, layered engines, and expressive patterns come together to form a contemporary trap arrangement. As is typical for Arturia’s presentation style, the focus is on workflow: how each layer, from airy melodies to rhythmic plucks, is constructed using a blend of acoustic samples and digital engines. This video is a deep dive into the architecture and

Arturia Augmented YANGTZE

1. May 2024

MILES

Frap Tools

Frap Tools: Tactile Dialogues and Modular Free Will – An Interview with Isabella Forciniti

In this deep-dive episode from Frap Tools, Italian sound artist Isabella Forciniti takes centre stage, exploring the fertile intersection of modular synthesis, environmental data, and interactive performance. Known for her hybrid setups and a penchant for tactile control, Isabella discusses her artistic journey from southern Italy to Vienna’s experimental scene, her patching philosophy, and the societal themes woven through her work. The conversation, true to Frap Tools’ detailed and design-driven style, offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a performer who treats limitations as creative fuel and views modular synths as instruments for both sonic and social exploration. If

ALM Dual 12-bit Digital Wavetable Drum Voice, Batumi LFO, Erica Synths Blackhole DSP 2, Erica Synths Sample Drum, Frap Tools Brenso, Frap Tools Falistri, Frap Tools Kunsa, Mutable Instruments Plaits, MUX Slicer, Pamela's Workout

27. April 2024

MILES

Joranalogue Audio Design

Joranalogue Audio Design: Sequencing Alchemy with STEP 8 and ROUTE 4

Joranalogue Audio Design, the Belgian purveyors of precision Eurorack, return with a patch walkthrough that’s all about wringing extra mileage from your sequencer. In this video, Simon demonstrates how to conjure two related—yet distinct—melodic lines from a single STEP 8 sequencer, using the ROUTE 4 module as a clever signal extractor. The approach is classic Joranalogue: clean, methodical, and brimming with modular potential. If you’ve ever wondered how to multiply your patching options without multiplying your modules, this is a deep dive worth your voltage.

Bias 2, COMPARE 2, Delay 1, Filter 8, Generate 3, Orbit 3, ROUTE 4, STEP 8, Volt 6

27. April 2024

LYRA

Novation

Novation and Ableton Live 12: Workflow Synergy Unleashed

Novation’s Launchkey 25 meets Ableton Live 12 in a hands-on exploration of next-gen music-making. In this official NovationTV walkthrough, the Launchkey is positioned not just as a MIDI controller, but as a tactile extension of Live’s new synths, effects, and creative tools. From granular sound design with Granulator III to custom MIDI workflows and microtonal adventures, the video demonstrates how hardware and software can merge for a more intuitive, experimental process. We break down what’s actually shown, how the Launchkey’s interface supports these new features, and where the real creative potential lies.

Ableton Live 12, Novation Launchkey 25

26. April 2024

LYRA

Korg

Korg KAOSS Replay 2.0: A Digital Powerhouse Evolves

Korg’s KAOSS Replay just received a major 2.0 firmware update, and it’s not just a handful of tweaks—it’s a full-on transformation into a more advanced performance and production hub. With a focus on workflow, expanded effects, and deeper sampling/looping, this update aligns with Korg’s pragmatic, musician-first ethos. The official video walks us through everything from customizable wallpapers to expanded quantization, all while minimizing menu-diving and maximizing hands-on control. Let’s dissect how these new features reshape the KAOSS Replay’s architecture and what they mean for real-world creative workflows.

Korg KAOSS Replay

25. April 2024

LYRA

Elektron

Elektron Digitakt II: A New Era of Digital Drum Collage

Elektron’s Digitakt II arrives as a formidable leap forward in the world of digital drum machines and samplers, carrying the Swedish brand’s signature groovebox DNA into new territory. This official walkthrough highlights the expanded power under the hood: 16 stereo-capable tracks, a modular sampling workflow, and a sequencer that’s doubled in length. As always with Elektron, the focus is on creative manipulation, deep modulation, and performance-centric features. We take a closer look at how Digitakt II’s architecture and interface aim to reshape sample-based production for the modern studio and stage.

Digitakt II

24. April 2024

MILES

Frap Tools

Frap Tools CGM Insert: Expanding Eurorack Mixer Connectivity with Stereo FX

Frap Tools, the Italian maestros of modular mixing, have unveiled the CGM Insert module—a long-awaited addition that brings true stereo effect integration to their acclaimed Eurorack mixer system. This official video takes us through the Insert’s dual approach to routing: both series and parallel, with hands-on examples that show off its flexibility in real-world patching. As always with Frap Tools, the focus is on sonic quality, modular workflow, and user-driven design, with the Insert module promising to become a key utility for anyone looking to sculpt complex soundscapes or streamline live rigs. Let’s see how this new tool slots into

Frap Tools CGM Insert

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