Polyend launches limited edition Black Medusa hybrid synth


OLSZTYN, POLAND: 
famed for bringing new technologies to creative musicians by building innovative and unique musical instruments, Polyend is proud to announce availability of its aptly- named Limited Edition Black Medusa — a (literally) limited-edition of the Medusa hybrid synthesizer jointly released to widespread critical acclaim in 2018 but bettered by a minimalistic front panel facelift and major firmware update at a reduced price — as of May 1…
As acknowledged by the tasteful Dreadbox & Polyend Hybrid Synthesizer ‘subtitle’ set across the Limited Edition Black Medusa’s matt black anodised aluminium front panel — perfectly matching all previous Polyend products — as part of a minimalistic graphic layout letting the Polish company’s distinctive design aesthetics mature, Medusa was originally developed in close collaboration with Greek boutique analogue synthesizers and effects manufacturer Dreadbox as a symbiosis of classic synthesis characteristics and a unique digital controller. Creatively including six oscillators — three (voltage-controlled) Analog and three Digital (with Wave Table) option — and a multimode analogue FILTER with L2 (2-pole low-pass), L4 (four-pole low-pass), and HP (one-pole high-pass) settings (based on Dreadbox’s Erebus duophonic analogue synthesizer) alongside a 64-step sequencer (inheriting the DNA of Polyend’s Seq) and an 8 x 8 grid of pressure-sensitive pads to play the synthesizer and program the sequencer was — and remains — a beautiful combination.
Changes to the Limited Edition Black Medusa extend beyond its clear-cut looks, however. Indeed, it also benefits from a major (v3.0) firmware update — also available to owners of the original Medusa for direct download (https://polyend.com/medusa_downloads/) — with the following additions: LFO random Wave (selectable via the last position); MIDI Local Off (as a MIDI configuration option) — allows Medusa’s MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) pads to be used to play an external instrument while simultaneously playing its internal synth engine using an external controller; and updated LFO(s) and ENVELOPE(s) — able to send out their native values as CC (Control Change) messages, so all synth parameters are now displayed with the assigned CC number. Note that the v3.0 firmware update also includes additional presets by Kenny Rakentine — a.k.a. Angel Dust, an abstract sound/art/drone/noise project from Pittsburgh, PA, USA — as an added bonus.
Creative collaborations and combinations continue to come into play; Polyend is teaming up with Expressive E to offer the French next-generation musical instruments manufacturer’s upcoming Carbon virtual synthesizer — soon set to become part of its MPE Collection, combining banks of exclusive sounds into a versatile suite, ready to play with any MPE-supporting instrument — to owners of the Limited Edition Black Medusa and the original Medusa for free via a download weblink on the dedicated webpage (https://polyend.com/medusa/) when available.
But better still, would-be owners of the original Medusa should surely be tempted by the Limited Edition Black Medusa’s pocket-friendlier price of €699 EUR/$799 USD — all the more so as an even more potent proposition when bundled with Poly 2 (https://polyend.com/poly2-midi-to-cv-converter/), Polyend’s polyphonic MIDI-to-CV Eurorack module boasting a multitude of connectivity options to play nicely with all manner of sequencers, DAWs, keyboards, apps, and more! 

The Limited Edition Black Medusa comes complete with an alternative set of coloured knobs (with which users can optionally replace the standard black ones as an added visual aid), and is available to purchase through Polyend’s growing global network of authorised dealers (https://polyend.com/where-to-buy/) at an MSRP of 699 EUR/$799 USD. Or order online directly from Polyend itself via the dedicated webpage (https://polyend.com/medusa/), which also includes more in-depth information. 




Audio damage releases virtual analog MPE supported continua synth

     AUv3 64-bit        IAA & Standalone 64-bit
     iOS 11 or newer and a separate purchase, coming soon! 

VIDEO OVERVIEW

 
HIGHLIGHTS

Oscillate! 
Continua is a virtual analog synth with a twist: a continuously morphable threesome of oscillators. With three interconnected controls defining the wave shape, Continua has a virtually limitless supply of waveforms, especially when you add cross modulation and noise in to the mix.  
Filter!
With two morphing state-variable filters (morph between LP, HP, BP and notch in 2-pole and 4-pole topologies), Continua has a broad palette of tone-shaping at its disposal, and is well suited for long, complex, evolving soundscapes. 
Modulate! 
With a whole host of modulation possibilities, Continua is capable of both simple synth sounds or huge, evolving soundscapes. With two ADSRs and two Flexible Envelope Generators (essentially an envelope sequencer), plus four of our Flexible (continual waveshape) LFOs and a sophisticated sample & hold function, you can modulate any knob on the user interface with a simple right click (double tap in iOS.) 
Control!Continua is fully customizable to your taste and playing style. With full and extensive MPE support, it can take advantage of the extended control set of your Linnstrument, Seaboard, Soundplane, Continuum, or other MPE controller, and support for TUN files lets you use tuning tables. The resizable Hi-DPI GUI lets you adjust the size to match your visual needs, and the cross-platform preset mechanism lets you share your creations with your friends and collaborators, no matter what system they are using. Save your preferred settings as the default state, and Coninua will always be exactly what you need. 

AUDIO EXAMPLES


FEATURES

  • Three Flexible Oscillators
    Continuously variable morphing waveform, with warp, shape, and skew controls.
  • Dual Morphing Filters
    Filters can be used in serial or parallel modes, and morph from lowpass through bandpass and highpass to notch in 2-pole and 4-pole configurations.
  • Noise Source
    Noise source features a “color” control that affects tonal characteristics of the noise. 
  • ADSR x 2
    Continua has two ADSR-style envelope generators, with curve on attack, decay, and release.
  • Flexible Envelope Generator (FEG) x 2
    The two FEGs are arbitrary function generators, with up to 99 steps, curve and step level control, arbitrary loop points, and host tempo sync. 
  • Flexible Low-Frequency Oscillator (FLFO) x 4
    The four FLFOs utilize four controls (phase, shape, skew, and warp) to access a virtually limitless palette of waveforms, and feature host tempo sync and retrigger. 
  • Sample And Hold
    The S&H mod source can sample noise (random) or any of the other mod sources, at either a user-defined rate or a musical division, and includes built-in smoothing and distance limit (for a “walk” effect).
  • Modulation
    Every knob in Continua is a mod destination, with a very fast and simple assignment matrix access with a right-click on the knob (double-tap on iOS). 
  • Tuning Tables And Global Tuning Offset
    Re-tune Continua to new intonations and temperaments using the open-source and easy-to-use TUN file format. A global tuning offset (default to A=440) allows you to easily retune the entire synth to match a different A frequency without using a tuning table. 
  • MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) 
    Continua understands both “legacy” MIDI and MPE. Use your Linnstrument, Roli Seaboard, Haken Continuum, Madrona Labs Soundplane, or Sensel Morph (among others) to directly access per-note pressure, pitch bend, and modulation. 
  • Per-Instance Settings
    Continua utilizes a per-instance customization method: set MPE mode, aftertouch smoothing, pitch bend range override, tuning table, and global tuning offset for each instance in your DAW, with an option to save any state as your global starting point.
  • Factory Presets
    Continua comes with a substantial collection of factory content, including Designer Presets from Red Means Recording, Glitch Machines, and Sonalsystem.
  • Cross-Platform Preset Format
    Continua utilizes an XML-based preset manager. Work between multiple systems without troubles, make a preset on your desktop machine and paste it to the iOS version with Handoff, easily share your creations with your friends, or make a preset bundle to sell.
  • Fully Resizable Hi-Dpi/Retina GUI
    Continua’s vector-based GUI is resolution-agnostic, and displays the same on every system and resolution. Easily resize the UI (per instance) to match your visual needs, from postage stamp to poster-sized.

Qubit electronix introduces Scanned wavetable vco

Scanned

$349.00

Scanned is an organic wavetable oscillator. It uses an unexplored technique known as Scanned Synthesis to animate wavetables that are created in real-time. This synthesis method was conceived by the father of computer music, Max Mathews, as the next paradigm in digital oscillators, and until now, has never been implemented on hardware.

The wavetables are dynamically generated from a set of “objects” tied together on a virtual string. These objects have physical properties including Mass, Stiffness, and Damping which affect the way that the string moves through space and time. Unlike physical modeling, however, this algorithm is a means of creating new electronic sounds, not replicating acoustic instruments.

To animate the waveform, the objects are morphed into the currently selected hammer shape and then released. This excitation of the sound generates evolving timbral landscapes that contain harmonic movement without external modulation. The hammer section also determines whether Scanned is a free-running oscillator, or a triggered sound source allowing it to function as a complete voice without additional filters or VCAs.

  • First hardware implementation of Scanned Synthesis
  • Organic wavetable generation and animations
  • Can be a free-running oscillator or triggered voice
  • Inject input allows external audio or CV sources to excite the string
  • Evolving timbral landscapes without external modulation
  • Four hammer shapes with interpolation

Audio Damage Shapes Eurorack Module wave shaping demo

Audio Damage Shapes

This is a digital effect module that can take a sine wave and turn it into a wavetable, it can also be used as a complex distortion module. available now from most Eurorack Module dealers it retails around $289, get it direct from Audio Damage . shapes

Shapes includes 16 smoothly interpolated wavetables as well as 9 lookup table algorithms 

It is a true stereo module as well. 

Features 

 » The WAVE/ALGO knob and CV input control which wave or algorithm is active. In LOOKUP mode, the knob controls which of sixteen tables the input will scan. In ALGO mode, the knob controls which of nine algorithms will affect the input. 

» The PARAM 1 knob is a variable function knob. In LOOKUP mode, it controls the width of the table scan, from about 15% of the table (at full anti-clockwise) to the entire table (at full clockwise.) In ALGO mode, its function varies, but it is usually Drive or Amount. (Basically “more.”) 

» The PARAM 2 knob, in LOOKUP mode, controls the start position of the table. It can effectively be thought of as a phase control. In ALGO mode, its function varies, and it is not used in every algorithm. 

» The MIX knob controls an equal power wet/dry mix. At full anti-clockwise, you only hear the input, and at full clockwise you only hear the effect. 

» The MODE switch controls whether the module acts as a wavetable scanner or a waveshaper. In LOOKUP mode, the wavetables are active, while in ALGO mode, the algorithms are active. 

» Shapes is true stereo; the left and right signals do not intermingle internally; thus you can, for instance, run a kick in the left channel and a snare in the right, and vary the effect by attenuating either channel before it enters the module. 

» 48kHz 24 bit audio path with a high-quality Cirrus-Logic AD/DA convertor. 10Vpp CV control over all parameters. 

» USB port (on the PCB board) for easy firmware updates. 

» High-quality 100% Made In The USA construction, including panel-bolted 100,000-cycle BI potentiometers and custom stamped Rogan knobs. 

» Power draw is 40ma from the +12V rail and 9ma from the -12V rail. This module has an on-board regulator and does not require +5V. Module depth is 25mm.

» Shapes, like all Audio Damage hardware products, includes our lifetime unconditional warranty.

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Waldorf Slickly Announces New iOS Drum Synth App!

Screen Shot 2015-04-14 at 9.10.35 AMWaldorf CEO

Stefan Stenzel has recently uploaded a track on Soundcloud titled “All I am is Digital” 

The Track appears to be the first sonic demo of the NEW Waldorf iOS drum synth app “ATTACK Drums” from the tunes it looks to be very promising. there is also a screenshot of the start up screen similar to NAVE’s start up screen. Here is the description on sound cloud

“Song made entirely in a preliminary version of Waldorf Attack Drums App for iOS. In case you hear vocals, these are synthesised using the built-in Phrase Vocoder – a novel Vocoder that uses written text instead of spoken words as modulator.” … check it out here. https://www.waldorf-music.info/attack-drums-overview

Specifications

  • ios attack padspage24 different sounds
  • 4 independent insert effects with
  • Delay
  • EQ
  • Drive
  • Phaser
  • Flanger
  • Chorus
  • Phrase Vocoder – a novel vocoder controlled by written text
  • Algorithmic reverb as send from every single effect channel or directly from sound
  • Compressor for the output sum
  • 16-step pattern sequencer
  • Fractional track/step timing
  • Polyphonic steps
  • Audiobus support
  • Inter App Audio support
  • Core MIDI support
  • Export song to audio file
  • Dynamic voice allocation
  • compatible with iPad 3 (Retina), iPad mini (1,2,3), iPad Air (1,2)
  • Minimum iOS 7.0 required
  • Content control via iTunes
  • Trigger pads
  • Mixer
  • Recording
  • Shipping 2 quarter of 2015

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