synthmagazine.com – Every day, synthmagazine.com publishes fresh articles, artist stories and gear news from the world of electronic music – your independent magazine for synth culture and sound design.

29. January 2026

OXI Instruments OXI One MKII: Accumulators Unleashed

OXI Instruments returns with a deep dive into the Accumulator function of their OXI One MKII sequencer—a feature designed for those who crave evolving sequences and hands-on control. In this official walkthrough, the Spanish innovators demonstrate how accumulators can transform both mono and polyphonic patterns, offering a playground for pitch offsets, logic conditions, and musical randomness. As always with OXI, the focus is on immediate, performable results rather than menu-diving. If you’re curious about how a sequencer can become a true compositional partner, this episode is well worth a patch cable’s attention.

OXI ONE MKII

28. January 2026

SPARKY

Free Beat

Free Beat vs. Octatrack: The Looping Labyrinth Revisited

The Elektron Octatrack: legendary, intimidating, and responsible for more existential crises than a broken kettle at a warehouse rave. Free Beat, known for his practical, hands-on approach and a knack for squeezing creativity out of any box, dives back into the Octatrack’s maze after a firmware-induced resurrection. Will he conquer the looping beast or get lost in menu hell again? Expect honest fumbles, real-time wins, and a few classic Octatrack headaches—served up with Free Beat’s signature blend of optimism and self-deprecation. If you think you’ve tamed the Octatrack, this one’s for you.

Behringer UMC1820, Elektron Octatrack, Teenage Engineering PO-128 Megaman

28. January 2026

JET

Monotrail Tech Talk

Monotrail Tech Talk Throws Down: Five Days, One Modular Track, No Nonsense

Ever wondered if you can actually bash out a proper tune on a modular rig, or is it all just cable spaghetti and existential dread? Monotrail Tech Talk, usually the king of modular tutorials, dives headfirst into the chaos with a new series: making a full track from scratch in just five days. No safety net, no endless tweaking—just raw patching, quick decisions, and a fair bit of self-critique. If you’re sick of modular chin-stroking and want to see someone actually finish a tune (warts and all), this one’s for you. Grab a pint, brace yourself, and let’s see if

Ableton, HydraSynth

28. January 2026

RAUMKLANG

Audio Tutorial Experts

Audio Tutorial Experts unleash Absynth 6: Rhythm meets machine ethics

Absynth 6 as an effect processor? Audio Tutorial Experts demonstrate how, with a bit of patch geometry and DAW trickery, you can open up rhythmic sound spaces far beyond standard presets. If you thought Absynth was just a synthesizer, think again: envelopes become groove architects, MIDI notes act as timekeepers for pulsating textures. The tutorial remains pleasantly analytical and invites you to experiment for yourself—definitely not for workflow fetishists, but a feast for those who love to bend sound. If you want to know how machine ethics and groove unite in Absynth, don’t miss the video.

Native Instruments Absynth 6

28. January 2026

SPARKY

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft’s Minimalist Gig Prep: From Rehearsal to Rave Bunker

Espen Kraft, the synth sorcerer of 80s nostalgia, steps out of the studio shadows and into the live arena. This time, he’s prepping for a Joe Satriani-fuelled blues-rock gig, and he’s letting us peek behind the curtain as he dials in his rig and mindset. Forget hauling a B3 up the fire escape—Espen’s all about keeping it light, clever, and gig-proof. If you want to know how a seasoned keyboardist survives the chaos of a new band, this is your backstage pass. Spoiler: there’s no room for ego, but plenty for a battered Alpha Juno 2.

Emagic MT4 MIDI Interface, Korg TR-Rack, MacBook Air M1, Mainstage, Roland Alpha Juno 2, X-Session MIDI CC Controller, Zoom H6

28. January 2026

LYRA

Akai Professional

Akai Professional MPC XL: Command Central for the Modern Studio

Akai Professional’s MPC XL steps into the spotlight as the all-in-one hub for contemporary music production, and this official walkthrough wastes no time showing why. The video methodically demonstrates how the MPC XL can anchor your studio, integrating external synths, modular rigs, and controllers with ease. From classic MIDI and CV connections to the flexible Q-Link macro system and project templates, Akai’s producer-centric approach is on full display. If you’re curious about how the MPC XL’s architecture translates into real-world workflows—layering tracks, routing signals, and saving setups—this is a must-watch (and a must-read for digital instrument nerds like us).

Akai MPK Mini MK4, Akai Professional MPC XL, Dreadbox Typhoon, Moog Spectravox Optimizer

28. January 2026

LYRA

Akai Professional

Akai Professional MPC XL: Step Sequencing as Studio Centerpiece

Akai Professional’s MPC XL aims to be more than just another groovebox—it’s pitched here as the beating heart of a modern studio. In this focused walkthrough, the official Akai Pro team demonstrates how the MPC XL’s step sequencing, Q-Link controls, and CV tools elevate it from a mere sampler to a full production hub. We see the MPC XL handling drum programming, melodic sequencing, and automation with external synths, all while keeping workflow and hands-on control front and center. If you’re curious about how Akai’s latest flagship integrates with hardware and software setups, this video offers a precise, practical look—without

MPC XL, Spectravonks, Typhoon

28. January 2026

SPARKY

Rapid Flow

Rapid Flow’s Triple Threat: Zensphere vs DIVA vs Serum 2 – Which Synth Survives the Rave Bunker?

Rapid Flow’s Erik dives headfirst into a synth shootout you lot demanded: Zensphere, DIVA, and Serum 2 in a no-holds-barred comparison. Forget the marketing fluff—this is about CPU carnage, interface sanity, and which one actually drops into your mix without a fight. Erik’s style is all about cutting through the techy nonsense and getting straight to what matters for real-world producers. If you’re sick of synths that eat your laptop alive or menus that feel like a maths exam, this is the face-off you need. Spoiler: there’s no mercy for bloated GUIs or CPU hogs. Strap in.

Diva, Serum 2, Zensphere

27. January 2026

SPARKY

Andrew Chapman Creative

Andrew Chapman Creative Unleashes the Heritage Audio P-Lane: Tube Mojo for the Masses

If you think all compressors are just boring rack fodder, Andrew Chapman Creative is here to slap you out of your slumber. In this no-nonsense breakdown, Andrew puts the Heritage Audio P-Lane—a modern, all-tube beast inspired by the Altec 436—through its paces. Expect thick tones, harmonics that drip like honey, and a few cheeky mods for the DIY crowd. If you’re after a compressor that can glue, smash, and add attitude to your tracks, this is the review you need. Grab your cuppa, because this one’s got more warmth than your nan’s living room.

Heritage Audio P-Lane Compressor

27. January 2026

SPARKY

DivKid

DivKid’s Small Stone: Phaser Mayhem for Synth Freaks

DivKid’s back in the bunker, dusting off the Electro Harmonix Small Stone – a phaser pedal that’s survived more gigs than your nan’s kettle. This isn’t just a nostalgia trip: we’re talking creative chaos across modular, synths, and anything else you can plug in. Expect dirty tricks, lush pads, and a few sonic curveballs as DivKid shows why the Small Stone is still a street weapon in the studio. If you think phasers are just for guitarists, prepare to have your face melted. Grab a brew and dive in – but trust me, some of these sounds have to be

Echo Fix Spring Reverb, Electro Harmonix Small Stone, Mutable Instruments Rings, Vox Jaguar, Yamaha SY-1

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