New Design for Moog’s Semi-Modular Keyboard Synthesizers Harkens Back to the Classics

Posted on September 24, 2020 by flux302

Moog Music’s new Dark Series design for their popular Matriarch and Grandmother analog synthesizers pays tribute to the timeless aesthetic of legacy Moog modular systems. The instruments are now available worldwide. Plus, Moog debuts the first protective cases custom made for Matriarch and Grandmother.Asheville, NC, September 24, 2020 —

Today, Moog Music announced a new addition to its line of semi-modular keyboard synthesizers. Dark Series for Matriarch and Grandmother strikes the perfect balance between classic and modern, featuring an all-black aesthetic that invokes the timeless look of early Moog modular systems—with all the functionality and versatility these two state-of-the-art sound design machines are known for.The new visual twist for Grandmother and Matriarch is a nod to the modular control panel designs that inspired their very creation. In 2018, when the first of these two patchable analog keyboard synthesizers was introduced, Moog explained that “Grandmother’s circuits, spirit, and spring reverb are inspired by the classic Moog modular synthesizers designed by Bob Moog during the 60s and 70s.” The instrument quickly became a staple in studio setups and live performance settings, a go-to first synthesizer for beginners, and a multifaceted creative tool for musicians of all skill levels to explore. Following Grandmother’s success, Moog developed an even more expansive, expressive semi-modular analog keyboard synthesizer: the four-note paraphonic Matriarch.A complement to the distinct multi-colored artwork of the original Matriarch and Grandmother synthesizers, Dark Series presents a style option that celebrates the intersection of tradition and innovation. To learn more about these instruments and locate a Moog authorized dealer, visit moogmusic.com.VIDEO: Lisa Bella Donna | The Mothership II: Night FlightAs a sequel to her mind-expanding video The Mothership, sonic sorceress Lisa Bella Donna modifies her setup to unleash the vast potential of the complete five-member Moog semi-modular family for the first time. Witness her first encounter with the new Dark Series Matriarch and Grandmother synthesizers alongside their keyless counterparts: Mother-32, DFAM, and Subharmonicon.

WATCH VIDEO HERENew Patches & Firmware UpdateNew exploratory patches are now available to download for Matriarch and Grandmother registered owners. These 30 patches (16 for Grandmother and 14 for Matriarch) are designed to guide your eternal experimentation and open your mind to each instrument’s unparalleled analog sound. Visit moogmusic.com/register to access the latest patch sheets right in your account.Along with the inspiring new patch ideas, firmware v1.2.0 for Matriarch and v1.1.0 for Grandmother are now available for both versions of the instruments (original edition and Dark Series). The updates feature a new sync engine that keeps the internal arp/sequencer, analog clock, and MIDI all tightly locked in phase; a new easy method to reset global settings to defaults; a new Envelope Multi-Trig mode for Grandmother; and many other firmware enhancements, new features, and bug fixes based on customer feedback for both instruments.

Visit moogmusic.com/register to access the latest firmware and explore the added features for your Grandmother or Matriarch.Matriarch & Grandmother Protective SR Series CasesAlong with the new look for Matriarch and Grandmother, the Asheville-based synthesizer company unveiled Moog SR Series Cases, which are now available to pre-order for both instruments.See Moog SR Series Case for Matriarch here.See Moog SR Series Case for Grandmother here.Developed with artists for artists, Moog SR Series Cases were meticulously designed based on conversations with musicians to protect these two instruments better than any other offering on the market. These durable, weather-resistant protective cases ensure that your Moog Grandmother or Matriarch synthesizer (original colorway or Dark Series) are safeguarded at home, in the studio, and away. Featuring generous padding around a semi-rigid ABS shell, water-resistant zippers, non-slip straps, and ample storage, Moog SR Series Cases offer complete protection, comfort, and convenience—so that you can continue to create with your favorite synths for years to come.Moog SR Series Cases will begin shipping in October 2020.LEARN MORE HERE

The Creators of PATCH & TWEAK Team up with Moog Music for New 200-Page Book on Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizers

Posted on September 24, 2020 by flux302

The Creators of PATCH & TWEAK Team up with Moog Music for New 200-Page Book on Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizers

PATCH & TWEAK with Moog is now available for pre-order worldwide.Asheville, NC, September 15, 2020 — PATCH & TWEAK with Moog is the ultimate resource for Moog synthesizer enthusiasts and musicians of all skill levels interested in an immersive modular synthesis experience. Author, designer, and electronic musician Kim Bjørn has inspired thousands to explore the world of modular synthesis with his 2018 release of PATCH & TWEAK. This fall, Bjørn and legendary synthesizer company Moog Music invite readers on a new journey of discovering a deeper understanding of electronic sound.The forthcoming release of PATCH & TWEAK with Moog is the result of more than a year of extensive collaboration with electronic music icons, established and emerging artists, and Moog employee-owners. Opening with a foreword from acclaimed film score composer and sound designer Hans Zimmer, this hardcover book features 200 pages full of synthesizer techniques, creative patch ideas, sound design tips, professional artist interviews, in-depth discussions with Moog engineers, and a glimpse into Moog’s remarkable history. Readers will get an inside look into the Moog factory in Asheville, North Carolina, where these iconic instruments are built by hand, and learn about the modular synthesis innovator who started it all: Dr. Bob Moog.

What Readers Can Expect to DiscoverThroughout PATCH & TWEAK with Moog’s 200 pages, readers will explore more than 100 tips, ideas, and patches to use as creative inspiration, ensuring artists of any skill level can experience the joy of analog synthesis.● Introduction to modular synthesis concepts● Specific overviews, tips, and techniques for each Moog semi-modular instrument● Expanded options for more advanced modular users● Ideas for integration with external gear and Eurorack modules● Interviews, patches, and tips from artists and composers● Insider interviews with Moog engineers● The history of Bob Moog, Moog Music, and the many Moog synthesizers Click here for a sneak peek of PATCH & TWEAK with Moog.Meet the Moog Semi-Modular FamilyPATCH & TWEAK with Moog focuses exclusively on Moog’s well-loved line of semi-modular analog synthesizers: Mother-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon,Grandmother, and Matriarch. These modern electronic instruments, each unique in sonic character and functionality, are inspired by the original analog circuitry of the very first modular synthesizers developed by Bob Moog in the 1960s. The pioneering synth company’s introduction of the Eurorack-compatible Mother-32 in 2015 made it more accessible than ever to explore classic Moog modular sound, helping to spark the modular renaissance. In the five years since, the Moog semi-modular family has expanded to include an instrument designed for percussive pattern creation (DFAM), expressive monophonic and paraphonic keyboard synths (Grandmother and Matriarch), and the new polyrhythmic Subharmonicon. PATCH & TWEAK with Moog captures and celebrates exactly why this collection of instruments is renowned throughout the music industry as quality sound design and performance tools.All of these semi-modular synthesizers are 100% analog, offer users the option to explore with or without patching, and are equally suited for beginner and expert synthesists alike.

Ordering & AvailabilityPATCH & TWEAK with Moog is now available for pre-order worldwide. Just in time for the holiday season, the book’s official release date is November 6th, 2020. Visit moogmusic.com, your favorite reseller, or bjooks.com to place your pre-order today.More about Kim Bjørn & BJOOKS
BJOOKS is known for the highly acclaimed industry-standard books PUSH TURN MOVE, PATCH & TWEAK, and PEDAL CRUSH. All titles received five-star reviews and have become go-to books within the electronic music scene. Combining high-quality design with diverse artist interviews and overviews of gear, these books have earned their place in the hearts, hands, and studios of musicians and producers all over the world.BJOOKS is the boutique publishing company started and run by author, designer, and musician Kim Bjørn after the success of his first international book, PUSH TURN MOVE, in 2017. Following his passion for design, music, technology, and people, Kim created PATCH & TWEAK in 2018 with Chris Meyer of Learning Modular, and this book soon got the label “bible of modular synthesis.”Kim teamed up with brand manager Lars Juhl early on, and the dynamic duo from Denmark has decades of experience in design, publishing, sales, and music creation. Together with collaborators worldwide, the team follows its passion for making beautiful, highly usable, and tangible products in a digital world.The mission of BJOOKS is to continuously create exciting hardcover books about music technology, artists, and makers—to document, inspire, and explore the world of music creation. Learn more here.

CEntrance “PortCaster” Simplifies Call-in Podcasts

Posted on September 2, 2020 by flux302

CEntrance “PortCaster” Simplifies Call-in PodcastsPortable broadcast device makes call-in “talk radio” shows a breeze

Chicago, IL – September 1, 2020 – CEntrance today announced the launch of PortCaster(tm), a portable live-streaming and recording tool. The new handheld device fills an important gap for podcasters and radio program hosts who need to add music, effects, and either a local or a remote call-in guest to their “talk radio”-style show. Based on the MixerFace, the company’s acclaimed mobile recording interface, the new product is designed for recording or live-streaming a broadcast to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms.

The original MixerFace(tm) featured a rechargeable battery and turned any smartphone into a portable live-streaming device with 24-bit/192 kHz audio quality. It became popular for on-the-go content creation and is often called “The Swiss Army Knife of Audio”. As more customers began using MixerFace to create talk shows, they requested an easy way to add a live caller. With PortCaster, CEntrance added this ability, complete with the Mix-Minus feature used by radio stations to prevent annoying audio feedback for the caller. Remote guests can be on a cell phone or VOIP.

All PortCaster models make it easy to record a high-quality remote interview using any cell phone or tablet. The interview can be recorded onto the SD-card. The 24-bit/48kHz stereo SD-card recorder (optional) offers “One-Button Record” and captures the program locally while simultaneously streaming online, for an unmatched level of flexibility. An internal, rechargeable battery (optional) charges from any USB jack and sets PortCaster apart from other portable audio interfaces. Two built-in boutique mic preamps allow connecting up to two microphones or one mic plus a remote guest over the phone.

The updated Jasmine(tm) mic preamps feature 48V Phantom and 65dB of clean gain, making it easy to connect any microphone, including the acclaimed Shure SM7B. To help better control recording levels, PortCaster offers soft-knee, analog, optical limiters for both Host and the Guest, for a truly professional sound. The stereo Aux 3/4 input makes it easy to add background music or sound effects from another device, adding interest and raising the show’s production values. A unique feature of PortCaster is a MONO Blend control, which simplifies streaming to mono platforms such as Instagram. PortCaster is designed for live broadcasting and features easy and intuitive operation. It uses tactile analog controls, which are laid out logically and can be accessed without looking, which is important for a busy host who is running the show and managing the guest at the same time. To help survive the stress of a live show the PortCaster is made of tough aluminum and purposely avoids any distracting screens or complicated menus.

“We have a PortCaster version for every budget, from beginners to professional broadcasters,” said Michael Goodman, CEntrance CEO. “The entire model range is designed to dramatically improve the audio quality of remote broadcasts, especially for journalists, TV, and media personalities working remotely.”

PortCaster will be available for preorder in three models soon, starting at $199.99 USD. Offering a simple and robust way to improve the quality of online audio, PortCaster is ideal for podcasters, pastors, journalists, video bloggers, educators, and also – anyone looking to improve the audio in online conference calls. PortCaster is compatible with Zoom, Webex, and other popular audio/video conferencing applications. PortCaster works with most smartphones and tablets running Android and Apple iOS, as well as MacOS and Windows-based computers.

CEntrance has teamed up with musician and painter George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic to livestream his upcoming Art Show using PortCaster. Additional details at https://centrance.com/portcaster.

About CEntrance
For over two decades, the world’s most iconic brands in Pro Audio and Consumer Electronics turned to CEntrance for its digital audio technology. CEntrance know-how powers award-winning guitar pedals, recording interfaces, smart speakers, and DACs from an A-Z list of top brands, such as Alesis, Harman, KORG, and McIntosh. Today, with its passion for sound rooted in pro audio, CEntrance delights customers worldwide with its own line of innovative, award-winning products for audio recording and playback. Famous recording artists, producers, voice-over professionals, and sound designers endorse CEntrance audio solutions. Visit us at https://www.centrance.com

MixerFace(tm), PortCaster(tm), Mobile Recording Interface(tm), Jasmine Mic Pre(tm), are trademarks of CEntrance. All Trademarks are the property of their respective holders. All Rights Reserved.###The new CEntrance PortCaster with Mix-Minus call-in connection: