Author Archives: flux302

Zaor Updates the MIZA range to MKII with refinement and style

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ZAOR Studio Furniture furthers MIZA range reach with MkII modifications and additions
ORADEA, ROMANIA: stylish, ergonomic, and affordable studio furniture-maker ZAOR Studio Furniture is proud to announce availability of several new revisions and additions to its marketable MIZA product line (catering to the ever-widening range of musicians, DJs, video artists, and such like looking for a comfortable and yet affordable working environment) — namely, the MIZA D-Stand MkII desktop speaker stand, MIZA Jr. MkII flexible media desk, MIZA Rack 12 MkII and MIZA Rack 16 MkII side racks, and MIZA V-Stand 36 and MIZA V-Stand 42 speaker stands — as of September 20…
As implied by name, MIZA D-Stand MkII marks ZAOR Studio Furniture’s new and improved revision of its original MIZA D-Stand desktop speaker stand from four years back. Benefitting from a more modernised (all-black) look, it includes more features. For starters, it is now height-adjustable by up to 50mm (above its 200mm-high horizontal configuration) and can also be angled at up to 9° while providing better acoustic isolation courtesy of four hemispheres made out of a synthetic viscoelastic urethane polymer that minimises transmission by up to 95%. With weight-bearing capabilities belying its diminutive (260mm x 260mm) footprint — up to 25kg when used horizontally and 15kg when angled, a pair of MIZA D-Stand MkII desktop speaker stands can be added to any desk to turn it into a production environment easily and speedily.
Similarly, MIZA Jr. MkII marks ZAOR Studio Furniture’s revision of its original MIZA Jr. flexible media desk for computer-based workflow while targeting video and audio applications. As such, this time the company set about streamlining the production process, resulting in a reduced RRP (Recommended Retail Price) — down to €439.00 EUR (for MIZA Jr. MkII) from €499.00 EUR (for MIZA Jr.), so the end result remains focused on providing the user with a no-compromise workspace without breaking the bank. Better still, specifications remain remarkably similar to what they were with a perfectly sized (1250mm: W x 650mm: D) top plate for fitting into smaller spaces. Saying that, this is supplemented by a 61-note keyboard controller-accommodating (1129mm: W x 308mm: D) pullout draw, which is height adjustable in seven steps of 7mm, while a lower passageway positioned rearwards retains unsightly cables, conveniently keeping them out of sight. Strongly constructed from Melamine-faced chipboard with a strip of solid wood along the front edge of its top plate for aesthetic and protective purposes, MIZA Jr. MkII is available in Cherry/Black and Wenge/Grey finishes, flat packed for easy transportation and assembled easily.
Appropriately-monikered, the MIZA Rack 12 MkII and MIZA Rack 16 MkII side racks represent revisions of ZAOR Studio Furniture’s original MIZA Rack 12 and MIZA Rack 16, stylish 12U and 16U open airflow designs that both benefit from a repositioned cable passageway — sited behind the practical low-level drawer — to comfortably accommodate rack-mountable equipment without any depth restrictions via quality rails angled at a gentle incline using the included cage nuts, screws, and washers. What’s more, both feature a sizeable (600mm: W x 500mm: D) top plate, providing an additional work surface suited to any studio setup. Strongly constructed from Melamine-faced chipboard, MIZA Rack 12 MkII and MIZA Rack 16 MkII are available in (MIZA Jr. MkII-matching) Cherry/Black and Wenge/Grey finishes, flat packed for easy transportation and assembled easily.
Ending on a new-fashioned note, the self-explanatory MIZA V-Stand 36 and MIZA V-Stand 42 speaker stands are an all-new addition to ZAOR Studio Furniture’s marketable MIZA product line. Like the musician-friendly MIZA D-Stand MkII before them, they marry a modern (black-finished) look with a moderate cost, but not at the expense of delivering a stable solution with zero resonance — everything needed in a fixed-height 36-inch (MIZA V-Stand 36) or 42-inch (MIZA V-Stand 42) speaker stand, in other words. While absolutely affordable, MIZA V-Stand 36 and MIZA V-Stand 42 adhere to the best standards of technical performance and design, both benefitting from a (300mm x 300mm) top plate-affixed Aerstop absorption pad for decoupling speakers weighing up to 40kg from within whatever room they are asked to perform — perfectly levelled, thanks to adjustable feet on the (300mm x 300mm) bottom plate.
Put it this way: with the MIZA V-Stand 36 and MIZA V-Stand 42 additions available alongside the MIZA D-Stand MkII, MIZA Jr. MkII, and MIZA Rack 12 MkII and MIZA Rack 16 MkII revisions, ZAOR Studio Furniture is now even better positioned to cater to that ever- widening range of musicians, DJs, video artists, and such like looking for comfortable and yet affordable working environments.
The MIZA D-Stand MkII desktop speaker stand, MIZA Jr. MkII flexible media desk, MIZA Rack 12 MkII and MIZA Rack 16 MkII side racks, and MIZA V-Stand 36 and MIZA V-Stand 42 speaker stands are available to order either directly through the Zaor Online Shop (https://zaorstudiofurniture.com/shop/en/) or via ZAOR Studio Furniture’s growing global dealership network (https://zaorstudiofurniture.com/index.php?page=dealers) with an RRP of €179.00 EUR (per pair), €439.00 EUR, €369.00 EUR, €399.00 EUR, €139.00 EUR (each), and €159.00 EUR (each), respectively.
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated MIZA product webpages via here: https://zaorstudiofurniture.com/index.php?page=miza

Strymon Magneto delay Thoughts and impressions

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I have had the Strymon Magneto for some time now and I decided to shoot a short video discussing some of my thoughts.

spoiler it is a very musical module. I really enjoy the hands on control. While admittedly I was concerned about the price point. Considering I recently had purchases a Rainmaker delay module which did not last in my rack.  The Magneto was met with a bit of caution. I must say however I am left quite impressed. it is deceptively deep and quite controlled and full of “sweet spots”. The ability to reverse delays and freeze moments in time is great. Check out the video and let me know what you think.

for more info check out https://www.strymon.net/products/magneto/

Keith McMillen Instruments Partners with Pearl Corp.

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Pearl Announces North American Distribution Deal with Keith McMillen Instruments Further Expanding KMI’s Reach

Nashville, TN and Berkley, CA – June 15, 2018 – Pearl Corporation, a leading provider and manufacturer of acoustic and electronic drum and percussion products, together with Keith McMillen Instruments announce a distribution partnership to grow the availability and awareness of KMI products while expanding KMI’s reach into new markets.

This new distribution connection between Pearl and Keith McMillen Instruments will enhance the availability of KMI products and grow Pearl’s ever increasing footprint in the MI landscape. Pearl will also utilize its expertise in the School and Educational markets to introduce the many benefits of KMI instruments to music students and educators at all levels.

Pearl’s relationship with the Keith McMillen team began in 2015 as the two companies collaborated to develop Pearl’s MalletSTATION powered by KMI’s Smart Fabric Technology. MalletSTATION is a slim, modern, USB powered mallet controller that has been named the Best New Performance Tool for 2018 by School Band & Orchestra magazine and has received a 2018 Editor’s Choice Award from Music Inc.

Developing MalletSTATION gave Pearl a great understanding of just how disruptive KMI’s groundbreaking Smart Fabric Technology can truly be in the musical instrument space, stated Terry West, Pearl Corporation President and C.E.O. After reviewing KMI’s current product line it became evident to us all that Pearl’s reach and marketing abilities could bring added awareness and availability to the KMI brand. We are honored to represent KMI’s innovative products and extremely excited to see where this collaboration and distribution partnership might lead us in the future.

“While working with Pearl on the design of the MalletSTATION we came to appreciate their commitment to the highest quality and playability of musical instruments. Pearl understands what it takes to make an electronic controller behave in a most musical manner. We share that commitment. KMI has always focused on producing these new instruments while Pearl has also created a world class sales and marketing team. It makes perfect sense to have our instruments distributed by people who understand what makes a professional tool and how to support these instruments in the field” said KMI Founder and C.E.O. Keith McMillen.

The KMI product portfolio includes such innovative products as the Bop Pad, K-Mix, QuNeo, and QuNexus. Pearl will begin accepting orders for KMI products effective June 18, 2018.

For more information about Pearl please visit www.pearldrum.com and www.keithmcmillen.com for more information about KMI.

Pearl Corporation is a division of Pearl Musical Instruments, a world-wide leading manufacturer of acoustic and electronic drums, concert and marching percussion instruments, hand percussion and flutes.  Pearl Corporation is also the exclusive U.S. distributor of Adams Musical Instruments and Keith McMillen Instruments. Pearl Corporation is based in Nashville, TN.

Avantone Pro CLA-10TM brings the Classic white cone monitor back

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Avantone Pro brings ‘back’ to market much-loved nearfield studio monitoring mainstay with closely-matched CLA-10TM
“I put my mixing reputation on these great speakers… I am mixing on them as I write this.”
– Chris Lord-Alge, GRAMMY® Award-winning mix engineer (Avril Lavigne, Green Day, Bruce Stringsteen, Tina Turner), 2018
TALLMAN, NY, USA: affordable high-quality audio products producer Avantone Pro is proud to announce availability of its CLA-10TM classic studio reference monitor — manufactured as a full-range, two-way passive pair for fixed or remote locations while also accurately recreating an iconic studio monitoring mainstay, much loved in the music industry among pop and rock recording engineers to this day as a valuable mixing tool with which to reveal shortcomings in recordings — as of June 22…
Times change, as does technology. That being said, today’s newly developing age of high-definition audio does not necessarily negate recording shortcomings. Studios still primarily use two- or three-way large monitors designed to represent a wide range reference viewpoint at higher listening levels and there is still a need to hear what a mix will sound like when played back over small systems, such as car stereos, clock radios, computer speakers, and televisions. Indeed, it is important to make mixing judgements based on listening to reference monitors that will not impart tonal anomalies caused by crossovers or inferior full-range drivers. Paying particular attention to the critical midrange vocal/guitar/keyboard areas is always advised.
As such, over a year of R&D (Research & Development), comparative listening, and tweaking went into voicing Avantone Pro’s CLA-10TM while working in close collaboration with five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge — hence having his signature grace the finished, familiar-looking cabinet. The result is a very accurate recreation of an iconic studio monitoring mainstay, much loved in the music industry among pop and rock recording engineers to this day (despite discontinuation of the original product in question back in 2001). Much more recently, listening tests in studios show that recording engineers accept the CLA-10TM as a transparent replacement — just ask Chris Lord-Alge, an assuredly talented and incontrovertibly impressed individual, as evidenced by his following flattery: “I put my mixing reputation on these great speakers… I am mixing on them as I write this.”
The CLA-10TM clearly meets its engineering and performance objectives, attributed, in part, to a 10.4-litre sealed design cabinet constructed of non-layered, high-rigidity MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) — chosen for its natural low-resonance characteristics — finished with an outer layer of real wood veneer. Visually and tonally fusing the past with the present, Avantone Pro utilised the latest in FEA (Fine Element Analysis) modelling to achieve its custom-designed 180mm AV10-MLF low-frequency driver based on paper cone construction with ‘old-school’ speaker design artistry, thanks to the finest pulp material that performs as closely as possible to the original by being press formed rather than die cut for tonal consistency. Cloth surround material is made in Japan for added authenticity and has unique damping characteristics, enabling a predictable compliance over the lifespan of the driver. Avantone Pro’s custom-tooled frame supports the driver/cone combo to minimise mechanical transfers while the 35mm AV10-MHF high frequency silk dome-based tweeter is as close a match to the original as can be made, making for both a frequency (60Hz – 20kHz) and voicing match to the classic sound so admired by the likes of Chris Lord-Alge — hardly surprising since those aforesaid AV10-MLF and V10-MHF critical components have been extensively field-tested in top LA and NY studios to universal acclaim as drop-in replacements for both Avantone Pro’s own CLA-10TM and also the iconic studio monitoring mainstay it recreates so accurately.
Anyone seeking a transparent replacement for their much-loved nearfield studio monitoring mainstay as a valuable mixing tool with which to reveal shortcomings in recordings should seriously consider investing in Avantone Pro’s CLA-10TM. Clearly its sound should be as familiar as the distinctive looks it also accurately recreates. Indeed, its (381.5mm x 215mm x 197.5mm) cabinet dimensions and (6.3kg) weight will make transitioning to the carefully crafted CLA-10TM when waving goodbye to the ‘dearly departed’ seem seamless. Some studio visitors may even do a double take when told that the same speaker stands or console bridge boast new classic studio reference monitors!
The CLA-10TM arrives at Avantone Pro’s US Dealers (https://www.avantonepro.com/us-dealers.php) in August 2018, priced at $699.00 USD per pair. (Worldwide Distributors are listed by country here: https://www.avantonepro.com/worldwide.php)
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated CLA-10TM webpage here: https://www.avantonepro.com/cla-10.php
Watch five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge’s compelling CLA-10TM introductory video here: https://youtu.be/ZFLmP9XWyhg
Print-ready, hi-res image:

Mode Machines new Seq12 analog and midi sequencer released

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MODE MACHINES make matrix-style sequencing truly tactile with SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER
 innovative electronic musical devices brand MODE MACHINES is proud to announce availability of its SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER — a multi-channel MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) step sequencer in a truly tactile, tabletop (rack-mountable) console-type housing that lends itself to creating and arranging pattern-based music as a live performance-capable standalone sequencing tool or working alongside a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to enhance production possibilities — as of July 16…
As implied by the 12 TRACK MATRIX SEQUENCER ‘subtitle’ boldly blazoned across its expansive top panel — pressed into play by the 12-line (and 16- column) arrangement of (red) backlit LED (Light Emitting Diode) buttons that musically mark out the namesake matrix laying claim to the majority of that top panel, the SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER is a 12-track affair, with each track arranged numerically below the next in the matrix. More meaningfully, each track can freely address one of three MIDI outputs (OUT 1, OUT 2, and OUT 3) to ensure optimal timing (by avoiding serial chaining of connected MIDI devices) and additionally be assigned to one of three track types: MONO (monophonic) — plays only one note per step (sending note, velocity, and note length) and offers three controller tracks (C1, C2, C3); POLY (Polyphonic) — plays back multiple notes per step (sending note, velocity, note length, and chord) and offers two controller tracks (C1, C2); and DRUM — optimised to address drum machines (or similar) with the matrix forming a pattern where each line can be set to transmit a definable note to 12 so-called subtracks (with adjustable velocity and accented notes) from within a single track with two controller tracks (C1, C2)… 12 different drum sounds can be arranged from a single track, in other words.
While the term step sequencing can conjure up mesmerising musical images of repetitive note patterns pioneered and popularised by the likes of Germany’s homegrown Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream in their heyday — the likes of which the SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER of course can capably emulate, even down to the latter’s ‘trademark’ ratchet effect (of outputting multiple triggers per step) but bettered by enabling easy creation of rolls, flams, and comparable complex rhythmical functions courtesy of six selectable trigger patterns and a note value to adjust the length of the trigger pattern, there is so much more to this truly tactile step sequencer than might meet the (untrained) eye… eye-catching as all of those 192 flashy (red) backlit LED buttons already are!
Although the SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER is at heart a pattern-based step sequencer that generates MIDI data, multiple modes make it stand out from the sound of the (step sequencing) crowd — to partially paraphrase the early-Eighties British breakthrough hit from synth-pop pioneers The Human League, no strangers to the lure of spellbinding step sequencing themselves.
The self-explanatory SEQ mode is used to program a sequence — the smallest ‘unit’ within the SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER (containing up to 16 steps) — using the matrix or an external MIDI input device, such as a master keyboard controller connected via the single MIDI IN (input). 16 sequences per track can be stored with parameter values such as velocity, controllers, or step length displayed as backlit LED (button) bars in the matrix.
Meanwhile, JAM mode makes live performance pleasurable and also inspirational with the SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER. This time the matrix displays 12 tracks with 16 sequences each, all of which are freely switchable on the fly for immediate playback while the function buttons to the left of the matrix mute and activate the corresponding 12 tracks. And assuming that the tracks are tasked with handling different musical parts — playing a melody with track 1, a bass line with track 2, chords with track 3, and drums with track 4, for example — then it is perfectly possible to create a song on the fly. Flexibility further abounds since switching from JAM mode to SEQ mode only involves a couple of (almost instant) clicks; once there, users can, likewise, edit the selected sequences on the fly.
Finally, SONG mode is where the SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER sings for its supper, so-to-speak, allowing for the creation and playback of longer and more complex arrangements or even full songs. Each track is allocated an individual series of up to 64 sequences (or sequence chains in ‘SEQ12- speak’). Still better, there are 12 sequence chains — one for each track; these combine to create a part, with the SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER storing up to eight parts. Parts can also be changed on the fly while the sequencer is running, so, given that those parts could effectively equal song parts, users could choose from, say, an intro, verse, bridge, chorus, or outro, each of which could be called up to be played anytime.
All data that can be changed by the user — namely, sequences, parts, and sequence chains, as well as global settings (with further visual guidance coming courtesy of an informative backlit LCD working in conjunction with various clearly labelled control functions) — is stored as a setup. The SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER stores up to 32 setups. So it is ready and willing to be put through its interactive musical paces onstage or in the studio, thanks to its robust rack-mountable (19-inch/6 HE) design that also includes rubber feet for non-slip tabletop usage.
Ultimately, then, the truly tactile SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER surely ranks as an ultimate pattern-based step sequencer, limited only by its user’s imagination rather than ‘traditional’ step sequencing’s limited note pattern repetition. Reach out and touch… as Depeche Mode sang on their way to sequencer-driven superstardom!
The SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER is available to purchase directly from MODE MACHINES’ online SHOP (https://www.modemachines.com/shop) at an introductory promo price of €999.00 EUR (inc. VAT) or through MODE MACHINES’ growing global network of authorised dealers (https://www.modemachines.com/where-to-buy).
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER webpage here: https://www.modemachines.com/seq12
Watch MODE MACHINE’s SEQ12 ANALOG AND MIDI SEQUENCER intro video here: https://youtu.be/lKxNBnHhOkI

Dove Audio has a powerful new module on kickstarter that will make you say WTF

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Dove audio is proud to announce a completely new concept in waveform morphing for it’s new oscillator module for both Euro and MU(MOTM and dotcom) modular systems.
The Window Transform Function (WTF) is a radically different way to morph between two waveforms, create a hybrid mix of two waveforms previously unheard of.

 

Pre-production prototype module in euro-rack format.

The concept is a relatively simple one, two waveforms are used (front and rear) and are synchronous. A ‘window’ can be opened in the front waveform allowing a portion of the rear waveform to be ‘inserted’ into the front waveform. It is also possible to have dual windowed waveforms (as shown in the picture above).

Below is a drawing showing the resultant output when windowing a sawtooth with a square wave.

Example WTF output wave in Yellow, with a red square wave for the front waveform and a blue sawtooth for the rear

Front wave, Rear wave and Window width have full independent control via CV.

A video showing the window transform function in use is given below;

https://youtu.be/xxtP5tPlh6Q

The oscillator also has a tuneable noise feature, demonstrated in this video;

https://youtu.be/N7zsUzHMqHI

Two short audio demos can be found here –

https://soundcloud.com/doveaudio/sets/wtf-module-demonstrations

The WTF oscillator will first be available in both Euro-rack and MU(dotcom and MOTM power) modules via our Kickstarter campaign, here –

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paulamaddox/2048792742? ref=2bhvu3&token=da810166#

About Dove Audio (www.Dove-Audio.com)

After a 12+ month break the world of synthesizer design Paula Maddox is back with a new company and fresh new ideas in the form of Dove Audio. She has a proven track record spanning nearly 20 years for delivering high quality and unique designs to the industry.

Dove Audio aims to produce unique and innovative audio products for the electronic music enthusiast and professional alike.

I plan on having Paula on a show in the Near future to discuss Dove audio and the WTF oscillator.

Dark Energy III from Doepfer announced

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Doepfer harnesses dark energy for third time with effectively enhanced monophonic analogue standalone synth namesake
GRAEFELFING, GERMANY: having wowed North American audiences with a preproduction prototype at The 2018 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, then turned heads and opened European ears with a must-see showstopper closer to home at SUPERBOOTH18 in Berlin, Germany, esteemed electronic musical device designers Doepfer Musikelektronik is proud to announce availability of the Dark Energy III Analog Synthesizer — a worthy successor to its critically-acclaimed desktop Dark Energy II monophonic analogue standalone synthesizer with wide- reaching CV (Control Voltage)/Gate, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), and USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectivity that it effectively enhances — as of July 4…
Like its Dark Energy II predecessor, released to widespread critical acclaim back in 2012, Dark Energy III is a desktop monophonic analogue standalone synthesizer with wide-reaching CV/Gate, MIDI, and USB connectivity. Continuing that intriguingly-named lineage, likewise, Dark Energy III’s sound generation and all modulation sources are 100% analogue, with only its inbuilt MIDI/USB components entering the digital arena (as is obviously necessary, naturally). Needless to say, everything is built into a rugged black metal case with wooden side plates, while high-quality potentiometers with metal shafts are used; ultimately, each potentiometer is mounted firmly to the chassis, so no wobbly shafts and knobs — unlike some cheaply-constructed competing (non-Doepfer) designs. Dark Energy III is, indeed, essentially an enhanced version of Doepfer’s desktop standalone synthesizer so central to the company’s product line for so long, but boasts several notable differences.
Notably — not least audibly, although also apparent from the front panel’s waveform Shape switch labelling, a triangle Shape waveform is now central to the VCO (Voltage-Controlled Oscillator) core, which now no longer requires a warmup period for optimal operation over a 10-octave frequency range (with 1V/Oct tracking over at least eight octaves).
On top of that, there are now separate Reset LFO1 and Reset LFO 2 Inputs for the two resettable LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators). These sockets synchronise both LFOs to external gate signals, so when a gate signal of +5V (or higher) is applied at a socket then its positive ramp sets the corresponding LFO wave shape to zero and the LFO restarts with a rising ramp.
All analogue synthesizers use a VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier) to dynamically control loudness (or volume); Doepfer’s Dark Energy III design differs from its predecessor — and also many other analogue synthesizers — by virtue of its VCA having a linear control scale, so lends itself to scaling control voltages.
Several signal routings and functions are additionally available to any adventurous ‘Doepfer DIY’er’ willing and able to modify Dark Energy III’s front panel sockets by removing jumpers and rewiring the pin-headers for the VCO PW, Reset LFO1, Reset LFO2, and VCA Inputs. For example, the VCO PW input can be converted into a linear FM input, or LFO/ADSR signals can be used as outputs instead of one of the resettable LFO inputs. Indeed, (almost) anything is possible, including various VCO outputs (triangle, sawtooth, rectangle); VCO hard sync input; VCO soft sync input; various VCF outputs (lowpass, highpass, bandpass); various LFO outputs (triangle, rectangle); ADSR output; and two inverters with input/output (to invert any signal, such as ADSR or LFO).
Effective enhancements notwithstanding, the favoured filter found in Dark Energy II remains unchanged in Dark Energy III. Indeed, its sound- defining VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter) is centred around a 12dB multimode filter with lowpass, notch, highpass, and bandpass settings, together with a filter Mode control for continuous transition from lowpass via notch and highpass around to bandpass; its XFM (Exponential Frequency Modulation) control also has a polarization function, whereby the modulation source (LFO2 or ADSR) selected by the Source switch can affect the filter frequency with a positive or negative behaviour (by rotating rightwards or leftwards, respectively).
Meanwhile, mounting of two or more Dark Energy — original, II, and III — units is possible, with or without wooden side plates between them. Though there is still not sufficient space to accommodate a dedicated MIDI output socket on the Dark Energy III rear panel, it is still possible for those adventurous ‘Doepfer DIY’ers’ to link two or more Dark Energy — original, II, and III — units via MIDI out/MIDI in using the two pin-headers available at the supply/interface board mounted at the rear panel. (Fortunately for them, Doepfer has helpfully posted a downloadable document with additional technical information here: https://www.doepfer.de/pdf/Dark_Energy_III_technical_information.pdf.)
Put it this way: with Dark Energy III, Doepfer delivers another effective enhancement of a highly-capable monophonic analogue standalone synthesizer, continuing to make its musical mark with a compact desktop design dating back to 2010 (when wowing audiences around the world with its original Dark Energy entry).
Ending on a high note, who better to tender tasty food for thought, then, than Doepfer Musikelektronik CEO Dieter Doepfer, the esteemed electronic musical devices designer who lends his notable name to the renowned company and has been known to look beyond our world for inspiration: “Dark Energy III is not a tool for space research, neither is it suitable for studies in astrophysics. Yet, we find these topics as fascinating as music technology — reason enough to celebrate ‘Hubble & Co.’s amazing discoveries a bit and call our brand-new synthesizer Dark Energy III.”
In Germany, Dark Energy III can be ordered online from Doepfer Musikelektronic GmbH (https://www.doepfer.de/form_e.htm) or via one of its German dealers (https://docs.doepfer.eu/en/dealer-germany/) for €479.00 EUR. (An optional user-installable Glide control kit — containing a prewired potentiometer with two nuts and a Dark Energy-style rotary knob — is available for €10.00 EUR.)
Outside Germany, Dark Energy III can only be ordered from Doepfer dealers in territories listed here: https://docs.doepfer.eu/en/ (That said, residents in countries without representation can order directly from Doepfer Musikelektronic GmbH.)
For more in-depth info, please visit the dedicated Dark Energy III webpage here: https://www.doepfer.de/Dark_Energy_III_e.htm

Waldorf KYRA fully FPGA synth announced… flight of the Valkyrie

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Waldorf Music makes world’s first fully FPGA powered synth fit to fly for full production launch at The 2019 NAMM Show
    Hot on the heels of having turned heads and opened ears with its innovative flagship, Quantum, a high-class hybrid synthesizer showcased to widespread critical acclaim at The 2018 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California earlier this year, high-quality synthesizer developer Waldorf Music is proud to announce a full production launch and general availability of Kyra — the world’s first fully FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) powered synthesizer featuring 128 voices (regardless of settings and effects), each with 10 oscillators per voice, and eight-part multitimbrality (with each part having its own dedicated nine-module effects unit) — at The 2019 NAMM Show, January 24-27, in Anaheim, California…
As an extremely powerful VA (Virtual Analogue) synthesizer literally like nothing else out there — thanks to leveraging the latest FPGA technology to significantly outperform legacy DSP (Digital Signal Processing) powered competition, Kyra’s crowning glory comes courtesy of its state-of-the-art audio quality: think 32x oversampled hardware with dual wavetables providing over 4,000 waveshapes! With 10 oscillators — that can be doubled to 20 by using two voices — each offering a wide range of features, including true stereo operation, hard sync, FM (Frequency Modulation), and ring modulation, Kyra starts shaping up as a serious sonic force to be reckoned with… without even factoring filtering into an already seriously impressive-sounding instrument! Indeed, Kyra’s resonant filters are accurate oversampled emulations of classic analogue ladder filters with 2- and 4-pole configurations (offering -12dB/oct and -24dB/oct of magnitude decrease, respectively). Saying that, two linked or independent filters can be used in Dual Voice mode, making for even more creative options. On top of that, there are three envelope generators, three stereo LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) with 64 shapes and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) clock sync, an arpeggiator, full keyboard microtuning, and true polyphonic portamento, as well as a comprehensive 18-channel modulation matrix to Kyra’s notable name.
Notably, Kyra comes highly specified for effects, each of its eight parts featuring a three-band EQ with sweepable mid, dual tube limiters, formant filter, distortion, six-stage phaser, stereo digital delay, comb/flanger/chorus/doubler unit, and a programmable reverb. All effects units on all parts can be used simultaneously and run at Kyra’s native 96kHz sample rate.
Kyra clearly delivers when it comes to connectivity by boasting four assignable, balanced 32-bit/96kHz stereo outputs, a headphone output, low-latency DIN MIDI, a fully class-compliant USB2 implementation for MIDI, and a stereo 24-bit/96kHz audio stream for each of its eight parts. Production-wise, there is also a USB (Universal Serial Bus) audio return feature, so Kyra can render final DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) audio under ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output). An ASIO driver is provided for Windows users while Mac support is out of the box.
But if any aspects of this impressive instrument already have a ring of familiarity about them then Musikmesse 2018 in Frankfurt am Main may have played its part. Put it this way: Waldorf Music CEO Joachim Flor found himself transfixed there. “It was more of a coincidence to have discovered Valkyrie during a tour of this year’s Frankfurt Music Fair, but I was immediately aware of the fact that this was probably one of the most exciting synthesizers of recent years,” he admirably admits. “I got into conversation with its independent UK developer, Manuel Caballero, and I’m now looking forward to working with this talented, innovative individual, who is also a great guy! Under the direction of Waldorf Music, Valkyrie flies forth into a joint production project called Kyra, which will be shown and delivered at NAMM in 2019.”
Fortunately for Manuel Caballero, the feeling was clearly mutual — Musikmesse mission accomplished. “After nearly four years in the making, I went to Musikmesse with the intention of finding an established partner for Valkyrie,” he reveals. “There’s little doubt that Valkyrie’s reveal at Musikmesse caused quite a stir in the synthesizer world and I had set the bar high for potential partners to bring the instrument to market. As a result of this, I’m pleased to announce a partnership with Waldorf Music. Few companies can match their track record of innovation and delivery spanning several decades. Working with Joachim Flor and his technical and design team to achieve this is an exciting and efficient partnership as we work together to launch the instrument at NAMM in 2019. Waldorf’s proven heritage in product design, manufacturing, and distribution leaves me to do what I do best, which is applying the most advanced technologies to the art of music, and I look forward to a continued deep working relationship with the Waldorf team.”
Kyra is initially scheduled for full production launch at The 2019 NAMM Show, January 24-27, in Anaheim, California, competitively priced at €1,899.00 EUR as a desktop/rackmount model (with a keyboard version to follow later in 2019).