All articles tagged with #synthesizers
Major retailers and software developers have launched extensive Labor Day sales, offering significant discounts on music production hardware, audio plugins, and consumer electronics. While music gear outlets focus on synthesizers and studio tools, Amazon is running a broad 10-day event covering smartphones, smart home devices, and home entertainment systems.
A new browser-based tool called Musical Spirograph combines the visual patterns of a classic Spirograph with generative music composition. As points move across the screen according to mathematical equations, they trigger notes, creating a soothing and hypnotic experience. The tool offers extensive customization options for both visuals and sound, though it lacks MIDI output and has some audio quality limitations.
Akai’s free MPC OS 3.9 update adds a complete multi-waveform synthesis engine to standalone MPCs and Force, including basic and advanced oscillator types (with FM, ring modulation, and WAVETABLE import) that can layer with samples. It also brings new arranging tools, per-sequencer and per-clip time signatures, and a beta MPC Software with arranger mode and DAW plugin support, making the devices true synthesizers without extra plugins.
The article highlights the top gear and software of 2025, including Roland TR-1000 drum machine, Arturia Pigments 7 synth, Native Instruments Absynth 6, Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M, Stylophone CPM DF-8, Korg multi/poly native, and Cherry Audio Mercury-8, emphasizing innovations and notable releases in music technology for the year.
Teenage Engineering has unveiled the OP-XY, a sophisticated successor to the OP-Z, featuring enhanced sequencing capabilities, a high-res display, and built-in CV for modular integration. Priced at EUR 2299, this luxury instrument boasts a dual-CPU platform, new synth engines, and advanced features like live automation and microtonal tuning. Despite its high cost, the OP-XY is a no-compromise device aimed at serious musicians, offering a rich array of creative tools and connectivity options.
Korg announces updates to its virtual analog synthesizers with the KingKorg Neo featuring a new sound engine, 37-key form factor, and 16-band vocoder, while the MicroKorg 2 boasts a new sound engine, 2.8-inch color display, and built-in loop recorder. The KingKorg Neo is set to ship in February for $1,000, while the MicroKorg 2 is expected to hit the market in June with pricing yet to be announced.
The article discusses a variety of music gear that could be part of a musician's New Year's resolution to complete projects or enhance their setup. It includes detailed descriptions and personal commentary on various instruments and gadgets, such as the Les Paul Standard 60s Plain Top, Gibson 1959 ES-335, and the Moog Minimoog Model D, among others. The author expresses interest in each piece of gear for its unique features, historical significance, or personal relevance, and hopes to release a song or two in the coming year.
Meta has released an open-source AI code called AudioCraft, which allows users to create music and sounds using generative AI. The code consists of three AI models, including MusicGen, which generates music from text inputs, and AudioGen, which creates audio from written prompts. Meta believes that AudioCraft could usher in a new wave of music, similar to how synthesizers revolutionized the industry. However, concerns about copyright infringement and bias in training data remain, and it is yet to be seen if machine-made songs can gain popularity beyond being used for elevator music or stock songs.
Sequential, a seminal company in music history, operates in a nondescript office building in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. The company, founded by Dave Smith, is responsible for pioneering polyphony in analog synthesizers, integrating microprocessors to store preset sounds, and inventing MIDI. The original Prophet-5 synth, released in 1978, supplied the bass solo in "Burning Down the House" by Talking Heads and helped define the sound of '80s synth-pop bands. Smith's legacy continues in North Beach, where Sequential Circuits operates, and the space boasts showrooms overlooking Stockton Street.