90s techno is back, 90s trance is back, 90s Roland is … back. With Roland releasing MC series grooveboxes again, let’s flash back to the oddly entertaining demo videos they produced for the 90s models. Whatever Roland did to differentiate the MC hardware models, they sure did differentiate the videos – using an oddball selection […]
Music
Live radio from Gaza, Khan Younis and Bethlehem-Hebron choirs meet
Music December 24, 2024
Liz Pelly’s Spotify book reveals how company uses ghost content
Music Tech Web December 19, 2024
Roland brings back the MC groovebox: MC-707, pint-sized MC-101 [Deep Dive]
The move back to hardware jams is in full force. And what better sign than Roland re-introducing the MC groovebox line – with the full-sized MC-707 and pint-sized MC-101. The reason you know it’s not the 1990s? They advertise them as replacing your laptop.
Roland’s Boutique JU-06A JUNO is insanely fun [Review]
It doesn’t look like much. The latest Roland Boutique might even give you a sense of deja vu – because Roland did a tiny JUNO before. The difference: this time they got it right.
The Sega Genesis gets a bit-accurate, FM synth remake: chipsynth MD
The Sega Genesis, aka Mega Drive, was more than just a beloved game console. It was also a powerful FM synth – seriously. And now you get an accurate, powerful version as a plug-in, in chipsynth MD from Plogue. If you’re a Sega fan, you know the sound of this instrument from the sunny, sparkling, […]
KORG NTS-1 is here: A pocket ‘logue voice as $99 DIY kit
KORG is kicking off a new product line – the DIY-focused Nu:Tekt – with a $99 screw-together instrument. And it has the same programmable guts as you find in the prologue and minilogue xd, complete with SDK.
Where is NI headed? Some official and unofficial answers
Native Instruments has responded to our request for more clarity on recent layoffs and how this impacts their future plans. Other sources tell us there have been deep cuts into teams managing products, marketing, and design.
Native Instruments cuts 20% of workforce, moves to ‘platform’ strategy
Native Instruments last week cut 20% of their workforce, as part of a “One Native” strategy that is leaving some customers and media uncertain about the direction of the company and its products.
Hydrasynth is a no-compromise polysynth, and a key Akai, Arturia alum designer was involved
It calls itself a “dream synth” for sound designers and performers alike. It’s got polyphonic aftertouch. And it signals a return of the designer of the Arturia ‘Brutes and Akai APC40. Today is the first time I think most of us have heard of Ashun Sound Machines. Evidently, it’s a new synthesizer brand backed by […]
The MOK WAVERAZOR DUAL complex oscillator looks sufficiently insane
“You can’t just do another boring oscillator” is now a mantra in the Eurorack world. Well fine – here’s this. It looks cyperpunk futuristic, and shows how hardware and software might continue to merge.
Clubnacht sounds: heavy techno from Jessica Kert, Lana Lain, YOONE SEKS
Let’s transport you to Berlin for a while – with three of us who share interests in techno and experimental electronic music, drawn from broader music and technological background.