Review of the Ploytec Pi L Squared Leukos Synth - Little Bad Boy
Written testThe Ploytec Pi L Squared Leukos (PL2 Leukos) is a hardware synthesizer module that fits in the palm of your hand, and can plug into your computer and respond to your DAW. Its analog pulse wave oscill…
Subtractive Synthesis: Straight to the point - Sound synthesis, sound design and audio processing - Part 15
LearningDear friends, now that we've become acquainted with the main components used, it's about time we get familiar with the main forms of sound synthesis. Oh, yes, there are several!
More Basic Synth Effects - Sound synthesis, sound design and audio processing - Part 14
LearningIn this article we'll take it from where we left off last week and continue exploring the main effects you can find on a synth.
Synth Effects - Sound synthesis, sound design and audio processing - Part 13
LearningThe previous two installments delved into the magical world of MIDI, including its modes, messages, and parameters. Now, in this and the following articles we'll take a look at the effects types that…
Understanding MIDI Modes and Messages - Sound synthesis, sound design and audio processing - Part 12
LearningAfter having discovered the MIDI standard in our last installment, let's now have a more detailed look into it.
Introduction to the MIDI standard - Sound synthesis, sound design and audio processing - Part 11
LearningIn the previous article, we saw how the evolution of polyphony required ─ and, hence, lead to ─ the introduction of computing in the design of sound synthesis devices. We also saw that the arrival of…
Polyphony, Paraphony and Multitimbrality - Sound synthesis, sound design and audio processing - Part 10
LearningIn the previous article we saw how a voice is defined in sound synthesis and how it can gather several oscillators without that necessarily meaning that the synthesizer in question is polyphonic.
Waldorf Streichfett Review - Fat Strings
Written testBest Value awardUnveiled last spring at Frankfurt, it wasn't until mid-summer that the Streichfett was to be seen in stores. As soon as it came out, we grabbed one and stripped it down!
Cheap Synth Apps with Rich Sound - Five Cool iOS Synthesizers for Under $10
LearningThe quality and variety of synthesizers available for your iOS device just keeps getting better and better. Although many of the top, name-brand synths will cost you in the range of $20 or even more,…
Korg Kross Review - Entry-Level Redefined
Written testTwo years after Kronos, Korg keeps on developing its workstation range ─ this time with its most affordable model yet.
Nord Lead 4 Review - Life in Red
Written testFive years after launching Nord Wave, Clavia has once again updated its stage-synth range. What surprises does the Nord Lead 4 offer?
Waldorf Rocket Review - Monster Sound
Written testWhile we impatiently waited over a year for the Pulse 2, this small module named Rocket came out offering us an open sound buffet in early 2013. Fire it up!
Waldorf Pulse 2 Review - Ace Of Hearts…
Written testBest Product awardIntroduced in Frankfurt 2013 in its almost final version, Pulse 2 marks the return of Waldorf to its analog passions. The brand recently lent us one, just when its first commercial models are hitting…
Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Review - The Magnificent!
Written testDuring the NAMM 2013, the Prophet 12 swept all other synths. It took DSI more than six months to finish it. Let's see if it was worth the wait or not so...
Arturia MicroBrute Review - Genetically gifted!
Written testBest Value awardLess than two years after the introduction of the MiniBrute, the MicroBrute has set out to conquer the electronic music world with even more aggressive price and dimensions. But how far will it go?
Novation Bass Station II Review - Nice Little Fatty
Written testBest Value awardIntroduced in Frankfurt last spring, the Bass Station II marks the return of Novation to the analog world. Let's find out if the brand was able to retain its know-how.
Moog Sub Phatty Test - For whom the Moog tolls
Written testFirst showcased at the NAMM show in the beginning of this year, the Sub Phatty places a maximum number of commands in the hands of its user while, at the same time, reducing the overall footprint. A …
Novation MiniNova Review - Tiny Smurf
Written testTwo years after their comeback, Novation decided to strike a new blow with the MiniNova — a small, blue synth bomb based on the UltraNova. When mini means maxi...
Korg Monotribe Review - Analog Tribe
Written testPresented during the Musikmesse 2011, the Monotribe is the big brother of the Monotron. This standalone sound module includes one synth voice and three analog drum sounds and was conceived to change …
Roland Jupiter-80 Mini-Review - Stage Master
Written testIn an era where workstations are more powerful and complex every day, Roland has introduced a large stage synth that uses hybrid technology based on PCM, virtual analog technology and modeling of aco…
Moog Music Slim Phatty Review - Analog Technology Democratized
Written testFive years after having introduced the Little Phatty, Moog decided to launch the compact synth in module version. Did the Slim Phatty succeed in making the famous Moog sound available to anyone?
Korg PS60 Review - Plug & Play
Written testWhile the market of low-budget synthesizers has never been so flourishing, Korg launches a performance synth conceived for live applications that require spontaneity and real-time options. Let's step…
Roland SH-01 "Gaia" Review - The Right Compromise?
Written testThe SH-01 is Roland's answer to the analog modeling synths market where low budget and ergonomics are not compatible. Let's see what tradeoffs were made to combine ease of use and a competitive price.
Dave Smith Instruments Tetra Review - A Tiny Devil for the Road!
Written testThe Tetra hosts four Mopho voices in an extremely compact housing, meaning you get an analog polyphonic, programmable and a very affordable synth. A closer look...
Akai Miniak Review - Miniak On The Floor
Written testAfter having repositioned Alesis on the market, Numark seems to have entrusted Akai with the fate of the synth/drum machine product range. The Miniak is the first Akai synth "in the modern era".
