Thursday, January 23, 2014

Elektron Analog Rytm Price and NAMM Demo


The Elektron Analog RYTM will release Q1 2014 with an MSRP of $1,549.  As mentioned before, it's an 8 voice analog drum machine with sample support from Elektron.  Elektron's designs have been praised for their fantastic workflow, and the RYTM seems to follow in the footsteps of the Analog Four in terms of style.

Check out the video below to see the RYTM in action.

Korg MS-20 Kit -- Build a Full Size MS-20 without Soldering



Korg's first synth bit out of NAMM is the Korg MS-20 kit, a limited edition 'some assembly required' full size MS-20.  If you can't solder, it's no problem, it doesn't need it.

The kit will sell for $1,400, which seems to be a tall order since the Mini is less than half the price at $599.  However, the kit does add the option to switch between the older and newer MS-20 filter designs of the original.

Look for this one in March.

NAMM 2014 Moog Sub 37 - Prototype 1st Look



Here's a first look at the new Sub 37 from Moog!  In short, it's a 37 key version of the Sub Phatty, with an added paraphonic voice.  Looks like a huge hit.

I know plenty of you are hoping for a "Polyphonic Moog!" but this isn't quite there-- it's better to think of it as the Sub Phatty Deluxe, since the features are so similar, save for the extra paraphonic voice, and a new feedback overdrive knob.

I'll be posting any more videos I can find of the new beast, but you won't be seeing it until late spring or summer-- with a price tag of about $1,499.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

New Drum Machine: Elektron Analog Rytm - 8 voice analog drum machine with sample support



If you were hoping for a new drum machine this year, Elektron has granted your wish with an analog 8 voice drum machine called the Rytm.  Elektron has teased at this machine for months, keeping it in a frosted glass box but letting people hear it.  Looks wise, it seems Ableton Push and the older Elektron devices had a baby.  Depending on the price (which I'll post here when I have it), this could give DSI's Tempest a run for its money.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Moog gear up to release new polyphonic paraphonic synthesizer, the Sub 37 Bob Moog Tribute Synthesizer (Updated!)

Click to enlarge!

I can hardly believe that I'm typing this, but Moog Music plans to release a new paraphonic polyphonic synthesizer called the Sub 37 Bob Moog Tribute Synth.

While official word won't be out until NAMM, this screenshot of Moog's post on the official Moog forums pretty much confirms the new beast.  The post was made by the official Moog account, and the image was originally hosted on the official site as well.  Looks like the dreams of many are finally coming soon.

Of course, paraphony isn't "true" polyphony, because the notes of the synth are tied together in one way or another (think of one oscillator that divides down to make all the pitches), and can't be programmed individually.  Many polyphonic synths use this technique to lower the cost, like Korg's new Volca Keys.  The Polymoog used a paraphonic style of polyphony and is widely considered a classic, so have no fear in the quality of the beast.

The Sub 37 boasts all the classic Moog controls, so if you're familiar with the Phattys, you should be right at home.  NAMM '14 is already off to an awesome start!

Update: As per some new information found on MatrixSynth, the new Moog synth will be 2 notes polyphony.  Read more here.