synthesizer

ROLI has made a name for itself with weirdly tactile, expansively flexible musical instruments, and its ROLI BLOCKS promise to bring that to the mainstream. The British company built its reputation among electronic musicians for its rubbery-buttoned keyboards that allow for hitherto-unachievable levels of expression; problem is, even the smallest Seaboard RISE is $800. On paper, therefore, the much cheaper BLOCKS make perfect sense, but how do they hold up in practice?

Continue Reading

Korg has launched a new synthesizer that is a follow-up to the popular microKorg synth that was launched way back in 2002. The new synthesizer is called the microKorg S and it has some new features that will make it a worth upgrade to the original. Those new features include an integrated 2+1 speaker system that has plenty of power despite the devices small stature.

Continue Reading

Korg sure knows how to make a slick-looking synthesizer, and the Minilogue packs not only analog squelch but an affordable price, too. $499.99 gets you a four-voice, fully-programable polyphonic analog synth all wrapped up in aluminum and wood with some seriously retro detailing.

Continue Reading

The team at KORG aren't holding anything back this week at NAMM 2015. They've revealed multiple devices, including the KAOSS DJ - a USB DJ controller and audio interface, the kaossilator 2S - an enhanced version of the original palm-sized synth, KRONOS - their most powerful synth yet, and the ARP Odyssey - a new look at the original legendary analog synth. This full music-making collection of devices is coming your way this year, and they're being shown for the first time all at once this week, in full detail.

Continue Reading

Teenage Engineering might not be a name you recognize, the company makes a synthesizer for music lovers that competes against big names in the business like Roland, Korg, Moog, and others. Teenage Engineering's first product was called the OP-1 and it was an expensive device selling for around $799. The company has a new product range out for people who want to make music, and it's much cheaper.

Continue Reading

Roland is finally reviving the much-loved SH-101 synthesizer, delivering its iconic eighties sounds to a new audience, though not quite in the way many enthusiasts were hoping. Instead of a standalone analog synth as the original, it's a free addition to the ARIA collection's SYSTEM-1.

Continue Reading

This week Roland has brought on a new "ARIA" collection of devices for the electronic music masters amongst us. First up is the new Roland TR-8, a device that the company suggests is the most important release of theirs since the original 808. Here we've got a 16-step sequencer with LED display and a USB jack for all the futuristic connections your digital heart might desire.

Continue Reading

It's no secret that Korg creates some fantastic products when it comes to synthesized sound - and music is about to blow through your ear sockets this week with a couple of additions to the Kaoss Synthesizer lineup. What we've got here is a couple of new beasts, the first being the KP3+ Dynamic Effect/Sampler, the other bumping up the beats as the Kaossilator Pro+ Dynamic Phase Synthesizer/Loop Recorder. The power is about to be yours once again.

Continue Reading

Korg USA is going big at Winter NAMM 2013, introducing the world to two of its newest synthesizers. One of these is aimed at professionals and newbies alike, while the other is aimed at people who need a solid synth but don't have the room for a full-size machine. Both will probably be quite expensive as a result, but those who are serious about their music rarely seem to care about price anyway.

Continue Reading

More news out of Musikmesse, music fans. Roland are set to introduce a new line of Jupiter keyboards, with modifications made after fans expressed disappointment over the move away from classical synth features. Fear not, as Roland have heard the uproar and are looking to make things right with customers.

Continue Reading

Fancy banging away at a different kind of USB keyboard all day? KORG have today announced that they’ve updated their line of microKEY USB powered MIDI keyboards. The original 37 key model is joined by a larger 61 key version, as well as a miniature offering with 25 keys. Not only that, but they’re bundled with the KORG Legacy Collection, a software synthesizer suite.

Continue Reading

If one small synthesizer with massive power wasn't enough for you today, try on another with the Mood MiniTaur, fully ready to take on classic sounds with a brand new set of modern technology bits for an ultimate combination of beattastic evolution! This new analog bass synthesizer goes by the name Moog MiniTaur and is the very first instrument in the Taurus family that does not need or include foot pedals. The entire unit weighs in at less than 3 pounds and has dimensions measuring in at less than a piece of paper at 8.5-inches by 5.25-inches - hook it up to your MIDI controller or computer and play away!

Continue Reading