This week’s edition of Synth Deals brings you a selection of offers ranging from affordable synth modules to effects units and processors.

Synth Deals

Maybe you’re an experienced musician who’s never dabbled with synthesizers, or a complete beginner. Either way, this is a great opportunity to save on getting your first synth. Let’s take a closer look at the offers available:

Behringer JT-4000 Micro

The JT-4000 Micro takes you back to the 1990s with its recreation of the Roland JP-8000 virtual analogue synth engine. This little module uses a 12-bit DA converter and provides two oscillators per voice as well as a 2-operator FM synthesis engine.

Another interesting factor is its analogue filter, with accessible controls. So, you have the ability to use a range of different waveforms including the famous Supersaw, and shape the sound with ease.

Overall, the JT-4000 Micro is an exciting synth for the price. What’s more, its convenient USB-C connectivity both powers the synth and gives it MIDI capabilities.

• Save 10% on the Behringer JT-4000 Micro now at $44
• More from Behringer

Behringer JT-4000 Micro

Available for $44 at

SOMA Metaconformer

Is your DAWless jamming setup beginning to feel a bit stagnant? Enter the SOMA Metaconformer. This versatile MIDI processor can reconfigure your workflow in some very fun ways.

With its three modes, you can change your MIDI signal path. For instance, the Combiner mode will allow you to control several monosynths simultaneously with a single polyphonic input.

Meanwhile, the Splitter mode allows up to 8 zones per MIDI channel. What’s more, the Translator mode can convert note information into CC messages and there’s also a clock output function which is very useful.

• Get nearly 10% off the SOMA Metaconformer now at $169
• More from SOMA

SOMA Metaconformer

Available for $169 at

Jomox T-Resonator II

The Jomox T-Resonator II is a very tweakable stereo analogue effects box with 8 different delay algorithms for creative sound processing. These include chorus, flanger, waveguide, delay, and reverb effects.

Once you’ve selected the effects program you want to work with, you then have two program-specific parameters with which to tweak the sound. In addition, the dual-filter matrix provides a versatile platform for sound shaping.

Here, you can create feedback loops with colourful or angry resonant peaks which is useful on drums, synths, guitars, and more. Overall, the T-Resonator II presents a different approach to effects processing, and it’s especially suitable for electronic music.

• Save 25% on the Jomox T-Resonator II now at $249
• More from Jomox

Jomox T-Resonator II

Available for $249 at

KORG microKORG XL+

Now a modern classic, the microKORG XL+ is an 8-voice virtual analogue synthesizer with a 16-band vocoder. The microKORG never offered a control per parameter interface, but it did provide an intuitive platform for selecting and tweaking sounds.

The 128 presets are categorized into music genres and types, while the synthesis controls and effects are accessible with the three knobs on the top right of the keyboard.

Although simplistic, the microKORG XL+ is surprisingly versatile and sounds great, with a range of 17 KAOSS effects to add expression and character.

• Get 25% off the microKORG XL+ now at $456
• More from KORG

KORG microKORG XL+

Available for $456 at

ASM Hydrasynth Explorer

The ASM Hydrasynth Explorer is a unique 8-voice digital wave-morphing synthesizer with the ability to shift between oscillator waveshapes. With each of its three oscillators, you can select from the range of 219 waveforms.

From there, you have a dual-filter section, five 5-stage envelopes, five LFOs, and a flexible mod matrix for adding further animation to your sounds.

What’s more, you can add effects such as chorus, rotary cabinet, flanger, phaser, tremolo, EQ, Lo-Fi, compressor, reverb, and delay. Overall, with MIDI I/O, CV outs, USB connectivity, and portable battery operation, the Explorer is a versatile synth.

• Get nearly 15% off the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer now at $519
• More from ASM

ASM Hydrasynth Explorer

Available for $519 at

More about Synth Deals:

• All about Synthesizers
• More Deals

*Note: percentage discounts may vary according to your region and currency conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are guidelines only.

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This Love Hultén MIDI Guitar with a built-in NESpoly synth looks very square and industrial. It also features an onboard cat. As it was custom-built for musician Catbeats.

Love Hultén MIDI Guitar

Any fans of Swedish creator Love Hultén’s work will know to expect something unique and beautiful in design terms. This MIDI Guitar is very square and industrial-looking, contains YouRock MIDI technology, and a NESpoly synth, and a MOOD MKII. Resulting in an expressive chiptune, a retro, futuristic musical tool, shaped like a guitar created especially for Catbeats.

Expressive

In the demo video, it sounds great and appears to have plenty of expressive control. However, I could not make out exactly what all those buttons and switches are for. The MIDI guitar has a headless design and appears to have real strings, therefore you could potentially attack it like a standard guitar. However, it will go far beyond most ordinary guitars in terms of synth sounds, textures, and beyond.

Detachable Neck

The design also features a detachable neck, so perfect for when you are on the move. As the strings aren’t real, this isn’t an issue.

The Cat

I’m loving the cat in it’s little plastic dome on the bottom corner. Apparently, according to the Instagram post, this is a ‘detachable dome for avatar replacement’. There is also a custom strap made from extraterrestrial skin, whatever that is.

Is it a guitar?

Looks great and sounds very synthy, and chiptune in nature. Possibly, an upgrade from a strapped-on Roland SH-101 but not quite as ’80s in style, and certainly not as ridiculous as a keytar. It has strings (well, fake ones), frets, and a neck so it certainly qualifies as a guitar on some levels.

That square body gives it a hint of Bo Diddley I guess. I would love to play one, though these creations tend to be bespoke one-offs.

More Information

• Love Hultén
• Instagram
• More Love Hultén news

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The AKAI MPC Key 37 has officially landed. After several leaks had appeared over the past few weeks, we already knew that it was coming. Now the AKAI MPC Key 37 is finally here – and you can order yours today!

AKAI Professional unveils the MPC Key 37

The first rumors about the small MPC keyboard made headlines just before NAMM. If you were hoping that AKAI Professional would unveil the bright-red machine at the show, you were out of luck. But now it’s finally official: The MPC Key 37 is now available!

The little sister of the MPC Key 61 sports a bright-red livery just like the MPC One+. The keyboard offers 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch. Pitch and modulation wheels are also included, as are the 16 RGB pads that make this a proper MPC.

Despite the compact size, the MPC Key 37 features the same 7” multi-touch screen as the other current MPC models. It is accompanied by four 360° Q-Link encoders.

With 2 GB of RAM, the MPC Key 37 offers the same amount as the MPC One+ and Live II, but half of that of the MPC Key 61. However, it has 32 GB of internal memory, which is the same as in the 61-key version and comes loaded with more than 8 GB of samples and drum kits. Eight plug-in instruments are also included.

In terms of connectivity, you do need to make do with a little bit less than in the larger model. Luckily, however, the MPC Key 37 is still a very capable machine that can run your entire studio if you wish. In addition to MIDI In/Out and one USB-A and USB-B port each, it offers four CV/Gate output jacks (TRS) for sending up to eight CV or gate signals to modular systems.

Furthermore, the MPC Key 37 offers one stereo input and output each for audio, as well as a headphone output. You can also connect up to three pedals (sustain, expression, assignable). In addition, there’s wireless Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity for things like Ableton Link synchronization and controlling mobile apps via Bluetooth MIDI.

Price and availability

The AKAI MPC Key 37 is now in stock at Thomann* for $815!

AKAI Professional MPC Key 37

Available for $815 at

More about the AKAI MPC Key 37

• AKAI Professional website
• The manufacturer at Thomann*
• More from AKAI Professional

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The Dirtywave M8 Tracker Model:02 is the latest version of the handheld beat creation station from Dirtywave, now available for preorder.

If you haven’t seen it before, the M8 Tracker is a portable tracker-based sequencer and synthesizer, powered by the Teensy micro-controller board. Originally, its design was inspired by the Gameboy tracker.

This little handheld powerhouse gives you 8 assignable sequencer tracks that can use wavetable, FM, or virtual analogue synthesis engines, as well as sample triggering. What’s more, you can also use its sequencer to control external devices via MIDI.

Dirtywave M8 Tracker Model:02

For those who have already been initiated into the tracker cult, the new Model:02 now features a USB-C port that supports device mode exclusively. In addition, the battery life is increased, now providing up to 12 hours of use.

If you look carefully, you’ll also notice that the Model:02’s IPS TFT display is slightly larger than the Model:01. Now, the beautifully lit screen is 3.5-inch rather than 2.8-inch.

Also, the overall build quality has been improved, with a new machined aluminum body. Meanwhile, the Model:02 also has a built-in microphone for spontaneous sampling.

Pricing and availability:

The M8 Tracker Model:02 is currently available for pre-order, directly from Dirtywave for $650. The first orders are expected to ship in May.

Included in the package is a USB-C cable, soft microfiber bag, MIDI TRS-A to MIDI DIN adapter, travel case, as well as a 64GB microSD card with demo content, samples, and presets.

The good news for current Model:01 users is that future firmware support will continue, with identical features to the Model:02. Simply download the correct version for your M8 Tracker from the Dirtywave support page.

Polyend Tracker Mini

Customer rating:

(9)

Available for 699.00 € at

More about the Dirtywave M8 Tracker Model:02:

• Official Product Page
• Dirtywave on YouTube
• More about Dirtywave

*Note: This article contains promotional links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

The post Dirtywave M8 Tracker Model:02: USB-C support and longer battery life. appeared first on gearnews.com.

Thomann has a fantastic deal on these Eventide H9 Max Harmonizers. With both the limited edition H9 Max Blue and the H9 Max Dark included in the sale. These are perfect for guitars, synths, and more.

H9 Max Harmonizer Deal

Both of these Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer models offer a massive range of useful effects, including over 50 effect algorithms from the TimeFactor (Delay), ModFactor (Modulation), PitchFactor (Tone Shift), and Space (Reverb) pedals.

Limited Editions

The limited edition Blue and limited edition Dark versions of the H9 Max Harmonizer are both currently available for only $454/€498 *each. This is a huge saving at around 40% off * their original price point and makes these a real bargain.

One Button

The simple-to-use one-button user interface allows easy effect editing and preset selection. The H9 Max celebrates the release of the 52nd effect algorithm. This enhanced version comes complete with all of the 52 effects available, including the brand-new TriceraChorus. This TriceraChorus algorithm takes its inspiration from choruses used in the studio and on stage.

Plus, they feature extensive MIDI control and tap tempo control. Then you get access to 99 Presets, plus over 500 presets are also available via the free H9 Control app.

The Deal

As usual, this deal is based on limited stock so be sure to grab either the H9 Max Blue *or the H9 Max Dark * before stock runs out.

Eventide H9 Max Blue Harmonizer

Customer rating:

(1)

Available for 498.00 € at

Eventide H9 Max Dark Harmonizer

Customer rating:

(13)

Available for 498.00 € at

More Information

• Eventide H9 Max
• More Eventide news

Videos

* This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!

*percentage discount will vary based on your territory and conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are used for guidance only. “

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ERAE II takes the original touch controller up several notches with CV connectivity, hardware controls, super sensitivity and more functionality.

ERAE II

The new ERAE is built from different stuff. It has a fabric surface that enables it to have a far deeper level of sensitivity. It detects fingers, reacts to movement, pressure and velocity. ERAE II can handle everything from delicate finger strokes to a pounding with drumsticks. Although, for sticks, the idea is that you remove the fabric and replace it with something a bit more silicon. It has a feel that drummers would be more familiar with.

It’s also become more of a hardware device with dedicated buttons, an LCD screen and a big knob for interaction that’s not based in a computer. That’s going to broaden its appeal tremendously. SO are all the connections out the back. Along with the usual MIDI and USB connections, we’ve for several CV and gate outputs, meaning that it could be bringing some Buchla-style interaction to your modular.

ERAE II still has the light show and compartmentalism that’s going on under the surface, so you can configure various areas to do different things via the companion software app. At the touch of a button, it can become an MPE keyboard, a finger pad, a continuous controller, XY pads and so on. It has a built-in looper that lets you perform small phrases of playing or control that will then loop. You have an individual loop for each layout so you can stack and layer things up. This could get very interesting via the 12 CV outputs providing live sequencing and control from a very expressive interface.

Availability

ERAE II is being launched on Kickstarter in February and should be available in June for around $799.

• Embodme website.

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Nope, KORG is not done. The company has just announced the KORG PS-3300 FS, a full-scale reissue of the rare late 1970s analogue beast.

If you’ve been watching the news over the past week or so, you’ll have noticed that KORG has been one busy beehive of activity. Suffice it to say, the Japanese synth giant has singlehandedly dispelled the myth that “there are never any synth releases during NAMM.“

KORG PS-3300 FS

Between 1977 and 1981, only 50 PS-3300 units were ever built, so to have this analogue dream machine in your studio has been wishful thinking until now.

With the PS-3300 FS, KORG will add it to the list of revived legends, alongside:

• KORG MS-20 Mini
• ARP Odyssey
• miniKORG 700FS
• ARP 2600 M

Korg MS-20 mini

Customer rating:

(167)

Available for 579.00 € at

ARP Odyssey DIY Kit

Customer rating:

(1)

Available for 1,649.00 € at

ARP 2600 M

Customer rating:

(3)

Available for 1,399.00 € at

Chief Engineer, Yoshihito Yamada, said that:

“Bringing these legendary devices back to life is not only a process of reproducing circuits and sounds but also learning and internalizing the philosophy behind the development of synthesizers. Through this project I was able to relive the history of KORG and an important moment in the evolutionary history of our synthesizers. This was an extremely valuable experience that created an opportunity to pass on KORG’s philosophy and technology to future generations.”

Working on the project as an advisor was Fumio Mieda, the PS-3300’s original designer. So we can certainly believe KORG when terms like “collector’s masterpiece” are thrown around.

The idea is to make this legendary synth accessible to a new generation of music producers and synth heads all over the world. As proved with the other synths in the FS series, KORG pays attention to detail to allow the user to relive the experience of playing this rare vintage synth.

The PS-3300 FS Specs are as follows:

• 49-voice polyphony
• 49-key keybed
• Semi-modular architecture with three PSU-3301 synth units, a mixer, and PSU-3302 utility section
• Three oscillators, as well as multiple filters, envelopes, amplifiers per note
• Modernized 3-band resonator section
• Panel storage feature, giving you 256 patches stored in 16 banks
• USB, MIDI, and dedicated library editor app

Pricing and availability:

The PS-3300 FS will be on show at NAMM 2024 this week in the form of a non-functional prototype model. You can find the KORG USA booth in Hall C 7003. Pricing info will follow soon, so watch this space.

More about the KORG PS-3300 FS:

• Official Press Release
• More from KORG

*Note: This article contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

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The Fender Switchboard Effects Operator has been revealed as part of its pre-NAMM 2024 lineup of new gear for the coming year. Designed in collaboration with Ron Menelli, the world-renowned loop-switching expert.

Switchboard Effects Operator

Fender’s Switchboard Effects Operator is a potentially great product for pedal addicts. Or anyone who has a more complex stompbox setup on their pedalboard. The new control center was created in collaboration with Ron Menelli, who is known for the excellent RJM Music Mastermind Switcher. It features five stereo, true-bypass effects loops, which users can easily arrange in any order.

The compact unit has a user-friendly LCD screen which is used to navigate banks of customised patch setups that users can create themselves. This is navigated via an encoder knob, for simple navigation.

Signal Path

Ultimately, the signal path remains purely analog. The order and bypass status of one or all of the effects can be freely selected due to the digital control.

MIDI Control and more

The implementation of MIDI allows control messages in more complex digital setups and will allow the Switchboard to integrate into more complex modeling units as well. I like that they have included a footswitch jack for various functions, including amp channel switching or setting tempos on analog delays, etc

Plus, Fender has included an internal volume pedal in the unit’s signal chain, and this can be preset or externally controlled via an expression pedal.

No More Tap Dancing

A Loop Mode consolidates turning on/off five effects and an external footswitch to one location. Allowing users to press one button to control the lot and avoid any potential mistakes whilst they play.

Extra Features

Fender has included a built-in tuner, 500 presets, USB-C and MIDI connectivity, an expression pedal input, and footswitch output. Plus, switchable high-fidelity input and output buffers.

Verdict

This all makes this new switcher system a very versatile unit. This could potentially dent the sales of products like the popular GigRig Atom G3. Certainly, one to check out this year if you have a lot of pedals in your rig.

Fender Switchboard Effects Operator

Available for €419 at

More Information

• Product Page
• More Fender news

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Behringer Swing is now available at online stores, including our affiliate partner, Thomann. And you can get it at a deal price for a short time!

Deal update

[Update] Behringer Swing is now available via online stores such as our affiliate partner Thomann, retailing at € 65. But only for a short time!

Behringer Swing

Customer rating:

(48)

Available for 65.00 € at

SWING

Behringer caused a bit of consternation in the industry when they announced the SWING MIDI controller. Now, MIDI controllers are all very similar these days but this appeared to be an almost identical copy of the popular Arturia KeyStep. While no one really minds companies reproducing vintage gear or synths that don’t exist anymore there’s something about the cloning of a current product from a competitor that leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Behringer hadn’t even tried to hide the similarities and regardless of the realities of who copies what from where it just seemed a bit wrong to many people.

At the time Behringer defended themselves against criticism and stuck to their guns citing similar products, competition, and how this is simply the way of things. So it’s interesting to note that now SWING is shipping they’ve taken the time to make a couple of changes to the layout. While the changes won’t fool anyone into thinking the two keyboards are unrelated it is at least an indication that Behringer has acknowledged that it doesn’t have to be exactly the same and perhaps there is value in uniqueness.

So, what’s changed? Well, what they’ve done is swap the knobs and transport controls around. They’ve also changed the knobs and swapped a switch for a pair of buttons.

A new controller named SWING

It’s a small change but one that suggests that when they say “We hear you” they are starting to listen to their critics as well as their fan base. I’m just trying to say it’s a positive move!

They have said that SWING is specially designed for its forthcoming DAW and has extra features specific to that combination but we’ve not seen any indication of what they are so far. Otherwise, the specs remain the same as the Arturia KeyStep, while the price is about 35% lower.

More Information

• Behringer Swing page.
• More from Behringer.

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