The Bob Moog Foundation’s latest amazing raffle gives you the opportunity to win a classic Moog The Source, signed by Bob Moog himself! 

Hot on the heels of their last raffle, the Bob Moog Foundation has come up with a real treat for their latest!

Released in 1981 and often seen as Moog’s attempt at embracing the future, Moog’s The Source is probably best known for providing the bass line in Blue Monday. Of course, New Order‘s smash wasn’t the only track to feature this classic synth. Depeche Mode, Devo, Front 242 and Casiopea were among its fans. The Source featured a ‘futuristic’ membrane control panel, 2 years before the Yamaha DX7 made them infamous! It also featured a ‘Data Wheel’ to adjust parameters.

A Minimoog in 80’s Clothing

It was also the first Moog synth to offer patch memory storage. Patches could also be saved and restored via a cassette tape. The panel layout was instantly familiar. It drew heavily from the Minimoog paradigm which, as we know, set the benchmark.

The Source was a pre-MIDI instrument but featured a built-in sequencer and arpeggiator. These could be synchronised via S-Trig in and out connections. There is also a Keyboard CV in and out too. Inside there were twin oscillators and the classic Moog 24db/oct filter.

Erik Norlander

This particular instrument has been donated to the BMF by synth legend Erik Norlander. As well as being a prolific musician, composer, and sound designer, Erik had more than a hand in the design of the Alesis Andromeda. More recently, he has helped IK Multimedia with their range of UNO Synths. His sampling efforts can be found in their Syntronik virtual instruments too.

“This Source is signed by Bob himself, and its new owner will have an extremely special piece of synthesizer history in addition to a beautiful sounding musical instrument. It is a solid performer with the epic Moog transistor ladder filter sound that we all know and love. . . Owners of multiple Moog instruments will find that the Source occupies its own unique space and will be a worthy and treasured addition to any synth collection.”

– Erik Norlander

The Bob Moog Foundation

All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Bob Moog Foundation.The BMF, established by Bob’s daughter Michelle, runs a number of educational and archival initiatives. Dr Bob’s SoundSchool teaches the science of sound to elementary children. The Bob Moog Foundation Archives catalogs and preserves all manner of documents and articles associated with Bob. The Moogseum in Asheville, North Carolina, is an immersive, experiential museum with numerous classic synths on display. Many of the exhibits are hands on. There’s even an exact recreation of Bob’s workspace!

Bob Moog’s Signature

More Information

This latest edition of the BMF raffle kicks off today and runs till midnight on February 26th. The raffle finishes early when all 5,000 tickets are sold. The draw will take place after this date and the winner announced on Friday, March 1st, 2024. Tickets are available individually for $20 or in discounted bundles of 6 ($100), 14 ($200) or 40 ($500).

• Bob Moog Foundation Website
• More from the Bob Moog Foundation
• Sound like New Order

Moog Grandmother

Customer rating:

(113)

Available for 1,289.00 € at

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Easily one of the most famous polysynths of all time, the Roland Jupiter-8 was Roland’s first-ever high-end analogue synth keyboard. We take a look at how to recreate its iconic sound with software plug-ins. 

The Legendary Roland Jupiter 8

If you’re into synthesizers, then undoubtedly you’ll have heard the Roland Jupiter 8. Without a doubt one of the most famous polysynths of all time, the Jupiter-8 was Japan’s answer to the American Sequential Circuits Prophet 5.

Released back in 1981, it was Roland’s first-ever high-end analogue synth keyboard. Its architecture and the glistening texture of the sound produced makes it an incredibly unique and versatile instrument.

What Defines The Jupiter 8 Sound?

If you had to define the Jupiter 8 sound, what would you best use to describe it? Complex, evolving pads that seem to engulf you completely along with percussive crystalline tones. The Jupiter 8’s onboard arpeggiator also contributes to its signature touch (think Rio by Duran Duran).

Clearly, it’s a sound that’s as revered and desirable now as it was back in 1981; consequently, these iconic vintage keyboards change hands today at around seven or even eight times their original price!

However, there are ways to achieve similar results sonically using software recreations. Let’s discuss our picks of the best Jupiter-8 software synth recreations, how to recreate the sound and take a look a brief back at its illustrious history in recorded music.

Which plug-ins to use?

Always think ahead before purchasing software. Acquiring a new plug-in just for one sound isn’t the best way forward if you’re new to this, so consider possibilities. Luckily for us all, the Jupiter-8 is incredibly diverse so it’s hard to lose no matter which route you take. Most studios will have one or more of these plug-ins and each has different strengths:

Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2

It might be overkill for simply doing a bit of analogue modeling, but Omnisphere 2 is arguably the most authentic-sounding softsynth available. The ability to use real Jupiter-8 samples from the Soundsource library and combine them with Omnisphere’s ultra-realistic oscillators makes it hard to beat.

There are more cost-effective ways to get similar sounds, but they don’t have the synthesis dream team from Spectrasonics behind them. The combination of the features, interface, and patch library sets it apart from any synth available.

Meanwhile, if you consider the expense of purchasing individual plug-ins for each style of sound you need to create, the value certainly becomes more apparent.

• Find out about Omnisphere Alternatives

U-he Diva

As mentioned before in this series, Diva is a virtual analogue monster that has been around for years. Not only can it recreate Jupiter-8 sounds, but other vintage classics too.

You have the ability to mix and match your oscillator, filter, and envelope sections to capture characteristics from Roland, Moog, and Sequential Circuits architecture.

More than anything though, Diva focuses on details. Apart from its effects and extensive modulation capabilities, you have precise control over individual oscillator voices.

Set the amount of analogue variance for a more realistic emulation, or you can even delve into more experimental territory.

• More from u-he

u-he Diva Download

Customer rating:

(99)

Available for 159.00 € at

Arturia Jup-8 V

Introduced in 2007, the Jup-8 V was the first-ever plug-in Roland Jupiter-8 Software Synth emulation available. Currently, in version 4, Jup-8 V features Arturia’s TAE® (True Analog Emulation) technology. Features such as analogue dispersion affect the drift of certain parameters for added realism.

Additionally, you’ll find more advanced features such as deeper modulation, sequencer, keyboard tracking, and effects sections. Overall, the Jup-8 V does a good job of balancing analogue emulation with more modern synthesis capabilities.

• More from Arturia

Arturia JUP-8 V

Available for $199 at

Roland Cloud Jupiter 8

As one would expect, the Roland Cloud Jupiter 8 plug-in is one of the most convincing emulations available. If your aim is to sound exactly like the original then this will certainly do the job.

Powered by Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) Modeling technology, the RC Jupiter 8 is also PLUG-OUT compatible for complete tactile control.

The plug-in features basic effects, as well as unique features; for example, the condition knob ages the state of the vintage synthesizer you’re trying to replicate. In addition, the Jupiter-8 is available as an expansion model within Zenology.

• More from Roland

Roland Cloud JUPITER-8 Download No customer rating available yet

Available for 222.00 € at

Togu Audio Line TAL-J-8

One of the more recent additions to the family, the J-8 is one of the most detailed plug-ins that TAL has released to date.

Its sound may have a slightly darker character than Arturia or Roland’s Jupiter-8 plug-in versions, but it is every bit as authentic. As with the U-NO-LX, each oscillator can be individually tuned and filtered.

There are a number of additional parameters for analogue realism and the inclusion of the Juno chorus is certainly a welcome one. What’s more, the TAL-J-8 allows two patches to be layered over its two panels and balanced with a mix control – a great feature!

• More from TAL

TAL-J-8

Available for $80 at

The Roland Jupiter-8 in Popular Music

Now that we know what tools to use, let’s look at the Jupiter 8’s role in popular music. Many famous artists have found the Jupiter 8 a source of songwriting inspiration. It’s undoubtedly an instrument that becomes one of the main focal points whenever it is used on a record.

Nick Rhodes began his fascination with the Jupiter-8 on Duran Duran’s Save A Prayer in 1982. Equally, it became the centerpiece of Michael Jackson’s biggest all-time hit, Thriller, released only months later.

The Jupiter 8 is used on countless albums and became the quintessential tool for synth-pop music production. An interesting fact is that both Queen‘s Radio Gaga and We Built This City by Starship were produced from demos written solely with the Jupiter-8 and a Linndrum.

Since those guilty pleasures of the mid-1980s, its sound has endured and reached through many genres. continuing its legacy in modern music.

Recreating the classic Jupiter-8 sound

As such a versatile instrument, your approach when trying to emulate a synth like this is completely dependent on the specific sound you’re working with. Each of the plug-ins we’ve mentioned has analogue circuitry modeling capabilities, so familiarize yourself with these features. Let’s discuss a few tips that should help you along the way:

• The Jupiter-8 is known for its arpeggiator, keep in mind that its feel is far more of a feature than the notes being played.
• The unison function uses all 8 voices to work as one, perfect for creating monster leads and bass sounds.
• Unless you want it to take up the entire mix, roll off some of the low end, and remember, reverb is your friend.
• When playing polyphonically, construct your chords in different octaves over the range of the keyboard as this will produce a richer sound.
• Focus on the pitch of each sound you work with. Polyphonic glide, detune, and modulation are some of the most distinctive features of the Jupiter-8.

More about the Roland Jupiter-8:

• The History of Roland
• Everything vintage
• All about analogue modeling

Videos:

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The new Palmer Supreme Soaker is an attenuator and a load box that is suitable for tube amps with up to 150 Watts. It features an all-analog design speaker simulator and offers great amp tones at various volumes.

Palmer Supreme Soaker

Palmer’s Supreme Soaker is a beast of a product, offering a fully analog solution for guitarists looking to tame tube amplifiers. This has many advantages, one being that it doesn’t require an app or software to use. Just plug in, dial in what you require, and go play your guitar.

The compact set-top box can sit directly on top of your amp and it comes with a well laid out, easy-to-read front panel. As mentioned in the introduction, this attenuator can handle up to 150 Watts of tube power. Making, it potentially a great tool for the studio, or home use.

Controls

The left-hand side of the unit contains most of the attenuation and speaker simulator controls. The analog speaker simulator offers five speaker tones; Jennifer, Jimi, David, George, and Eric. Along with a Line EQ with settings labeled Memphis, Liverpool, Hamburg, Nashville, and Helsinki. Plus, settings for the Amp to Line Out, and the main Speaker Attenuation settings.

Mic Input and more

The right side then features controls for the Input and Output levels. These include a Mic In which allows users to feed in a mic’d up speaker cabinet signal with the attenuated amp signal. Then it has controls for the Line Out level, Aux In, and headphone level. This attenuator has all the major controls you could hope for, and I like the ability to use the mic input.

Rear Panel

The rear panel features balanced stereo XLR Line Outputs, a stereo FX Loop, and a Reamp Out, for studio re-amping purposes. Along with a combined mic/line input and switches for pad, amp load, etc

NAMM 2024

The new Supreme Soaker is being launched at the 2024 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Therefore, anyone attending can head to their booth #17102 which could be fun, as you could try it out and tame some tube amps.

It certainly, looks like a solid bit of kit, robust and no fuss. Making it perfect for guitarists and recording studios that require a professional attenuator solution.

Available to preorder at Thomann / price: €1190,00

Palmer Supreme Soaker No customer rating available yet

Available for 1,190.00 € at

More Information

• Palmer

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Four years after it went live on Kickstarter, the VS-1 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer, an OB-X inspired machine, is now shipping.

VS-1 Update

Kickstarters don’t always go to plan. Four years ago, people hoped their $995 would buy them an 8-voice kit or a completed synth for almost $3k. They were originally slated for a July 2020 delivery, but the first kits are finally being shipped out.

According to an update on the Kickstarter page the first 100 kits shipped on the 21st of January. By way of explanation, Brian Castro from Abstrakt Instrument wrote:

I would like to mention that it was very labor intensive to provide Full Parts Kits (thousands of man hours). I wanted to provide them directly so that we could control the sourcing of all parts, and provide all new parts from first sources (major distributors) and new-old-stock parts from reliable obsolete component distributors. This will be a huge bonus when it comes to building the kits and having the correct parts. The initial intent was to maintain a bigger team to delegate some of this busy-work. However, with all the delays and having to slim down operations we just had to put our heads down and push through. In addition to myself, we currently only have a software engineer and a part-time technician. I will be looking to expand in the near future, but for now I wanted to thank everyone for being so patient. We will most certainly be looking to work with a 3rd party to provide parts kits in the future.

This is great news for all the DIY-empowered backers. However, there are still no confirmed shipping dates on the completed retail version. But fair play to Brian and his team for sticking with it and I hope it’s as good as it looks.

VS-1

From 14th Januray 2020.

They are aiming to fuse vintage analog sound with modern features. They want to keep all the quirks, all the drift and deliciousness of analog. Combining the discrete analog design the Oberheim OB-X voice card with the digital control and clean interface of a modern 3U rack synthesizer.

They did this before, sort of. In 2018 they produced OB-X voices cards and were able to fund them successfully via Kickstarter. This time around they’ve developed a whole synthesizer around these voices cards to offer a more complete product. That’s fabulous!

Each voice card contains two VCOs with saw and pulse waves, cross-modulation and hard sync. There’s white and pink noise. A classic 12dB OTA filter with multiple modes and a dedicated ADSR envelope. Panning VCAs with spread control.  A dedicated ADSR for the VCA plus a global DADSR envelope with 20 destinations. There are two analog LFOs and two digital LFOs.

The modern part runs on 600MHz ARM-Cortex-M7-based System. It has a 16-bit DAC that updates the CVs 4,000 times a second. It has single, split and layer modes playing either a single program of up to 8 voices or two parts of 4 voices. There are alternative tunings built-in and an “Autotune” function while lets you either leave it a bit dodgy like the OB-X or pull it into line a bit more with perfection. There’s a 64-step polyphonic sequencer, an arpeggiator and chord memory. It has aftertouch support although full MPE compatibility is a stretch goal.

The look of the box matches the OB-X although it’s also reminiscent of something Black Corporation might produce.

The sound demos are awesome and Abstrakt Instruments believe with some minor adjustments they are pretty much ready to go. They are looking to raise just over £60k and are a third of the way there already.

There are a range of preorder options starting with the 8-voice kit at $995. It comes with everything other than the components which you will have to source yourself. For $2,795 you can get a 4-voice version of the VS-1, £2,995 gets you 6 voices and $3,195 gets you all 8 voices. But there are Early Bird prices and so get in there quick to take advantage of the discount.

There seem to be many Oberheim OB-X based synthesizers that pop up and then never reach the light of day. The VS-1 looks like it’s well on its way to becoming a reality.

More information

• Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 Kickstarter.
• More from Abstrakt Instruments.

Video

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The new Redshift 6 from Supercritical Synthesizers sees the modular manufacturer branch out into desktop synthesis by making use of their existing technology, multiplied by six!

In a time when manufacturers are looking to innovate under the restrictions of high costs and fewer components, it makes sense to ‘recycle’ what you already have. This may or may not be the case with Supercritical, but with the Redshift 6, they have utilised their existing technology and fashioned something new. Is this something for those of us not tumbling down the rabbit hole of Eurorack?

The Redshift 6 is a six-voice, polyphonic analog synth with digital control and packaged in a smart desktop case. Upcycling or something new and exciting? Let’s take a look…

The Power of 6

To keyboard or not to keyboard, that is the question that desktop synth designers must often ask themselves. There are a raft of these synths available with a miniature keyboard built-in, not always to the benefit of the user experience. Looking at the Supercritical Redshift 6, there is a heavy emphasis on the hexagonal.

This almost disguises the included, single-octave keyboard, but there it is, doubling up as a modulation destination selector! Buttons are one thing and knobs are another. The Redshift 6 does have a healthy amount of each.

A 2.7″ TFT IPS colour screen delivers all the information and features eight endless and clickable potentiometers to aid quick navigation of the system.

Supercritical Redshift 6

Under The Redshift 6 Hood

Using their Demon Core Oscillator and Neutron Flux filter designs, Supercritical has crammed some decent sonic capability into the Redshift 6. Those six voices each feature a DCO with analog waveforms and the filter is an analog 4-pole state variable affair, also under digital control. The signal chain is fully analog, right up to the stereo DSP effects processor, which can be disabled, should you wish.

Each of those oscillators features different engines ranging from twin-oscillator to supersaws, flanging phase sync engines to transistor organs. Supercritical inform us that new engines can be added via software updates. Now that’s a pretty attractive proposition. The Supercritical Redshift 6 also features flexible gain staging as well as optional voice chaining and each voice can be routed to an individual output on the rear.

Supercritical claim a “modern MIDI implementation” and it also supports MPE.

The Supercritical Redshift 6 From Behind

Talking of the rear, Redshift 6 sports three pairs of audio outs, set up as a main pair and two aux pairs. The built-in DSP FX system will only output to the main outs, however. There are USB and MIDI connections but, surprisingly for a company founded in modular, no CV/Gate options.

Supercritical Redshift 6

More Information

The Supercritical Redshift 6 begins pre-orders today with an MSRP of €1,259. Units will ship in the summer of 2024.

Supercritical Redshift 6

Available for $1,150 at

• Supercritical Website
• More from Supercritical

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This week on Guitar Gear Gems we take a look at some of the new products that have been announced ahead of the NAMM 2024 event. This week will be crammed packed with new gear releases, so here are some of our favourites already announced for 2024.

NAMM 2024

The NAMM 2024 event is back in the January slot which feels correct and after the post-pandemic chaos, it is good to have the show back at Anaheim this year. As ever, many manufacturers have already announced products ahead of this year’s event. This week we decided to share some of our favourite pre-NAMM releases.

EVH Gear Shark

EVH Gear is re-releasing the Shark and Circles models this year. Both guitars are based on classic Van Halen-eras, and we have seen them once before, as official releases, but now they are back!

The Shark is based on the 1978 Van Halen tour, and it showcases Eddie Van Halen’s innovative guitar modding skills. He took an Ibanez Destroyer and ‘re-modelled’ it to his unique tastes and style It has an ash body and a quartersawn maple neck with 22 jumbo frets. This model is fitted with two EVH Wolfgang Shark humbuckers.

Bye see ya later

Then there is the Circles model with its crop circle black and white design, and this one is a tribute to Van Halen’s 1981 era. It is a single Wolfgang humbucker model with a Floyd Rose trem and has the famous Bye see ya later graphic on the rear of the guitar body.

Evh Shark Burgundy/Silver No customer rating available yet

Available for 1,549.00 € at

Evh Circles Satin No customer rating available yet

Available for 1,299.00 € at

• More EVH news

Walrus Audio Meraki

You may remember the Walrus Audio Black Friday Meraki from November 2023. Well, they are now releasing small batches regularly. Making 100 pedals at a time of this stereo analog delay effect. The specifications are the same as in the article linked above, but now it comes with a red faceplate at the bottom of the pedal.

MN3005

Eight MN3005 chips power this delay and it can offer up to 1200 milliseconds of warm stereo analog repeats. A lovely sounding delay, but a relatively expensive one. However, as far as I am aware, it is the only stereo analog delay in production currently.

Walrus Audio Meraki Red Stereo Delay No customer rating available yet

Available for 669.00 € at

Walrus Audio Meraki Stereo Delay

Customer rating:

(1)

Available for 669.00 € at

• More Walrus Audio news

PRS Silver Sky 2024 models

PRS has announced two new colours for the John Mayer signature Silver Sky model, available for both the rosewood and maple fretboard versions of the guitar. This Core US-built model is now available in Faded Black Tee Satin and Venetian Blue finishes.

Sob Rock

All the basic specifications stay the same, however, we think that these two new finishes will be popular with Mayer fans. As he has been spotted playing these new colours on his recent Sob Rock live tour dates.

We are guessing that PRS dealers will have stock of these new colours soon, as models like the Dead Spec from November last year are starting to filter through to dealerships now.

PRS John Mayer "DS" Silver Sky No customer rating available yet

Available for 3,898.00 € at

• Product Page
• More PRS news

Vox AC Hand-Wired Series

Vox has revealed the new 2024 AC Hand-Wired Series which consists of the hand-wired versions of the AC10, AC15, AC15X, and AC30, plus an AC30 head paired with a V212X cabinet.

Tube Tone

They come equipped with ECC83/12AX7 and EL84 valves, with higher wattage versions featuring additional ECC81/12AT7 and GZ34 valves instead. Voc has also given them ‘vintage correct’ thinner cabinet material which they say is part of that vintage AC tone.

Summer Vox Tone

This new range is expected in June 2024, so there is a little bit longer to wait until you can get your hands on one. Be sure to also check out their Vox Valvenergy Series 2 pedals and the new APC-1 retro ”60s-styled travel guitar.

Electric Uke?

Vox has gone all out for 2024 and they even have a body-less electric ukulele coming out called the Actaeon VFU-1. I’m sure I could down-tune it and play some stoner rock through a Big Muff pedal.

• Vox
• More Vox news

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The one and only Minimoog is the epitome of innovative musical instrument design. We take a look at its heritage in music history and find out how to recreate its iconic sound with the best Minimoog plugins.

If you’ve listened to records released any time between 1970 and the present day, chances are you’ve heard the Minimoog. Its unmistakably warm organic sound is responsible for countless earworms over the years.

That Minimoog magic

At first, synthesizers were seen as obscurities rather than commodities. However, as more music began featuring synth sounds the demand became greater. Bob Moog was one of the engineers that realized the potential early on.

He imagined a tool with diverse sonic potential and was even against using a keyboard in the early Moog designs, as he felt it could limit the user. A natural progression on this journey, the Minimoog was designed as an instrument for any musician to truly make their own.

More than its commercial success, and even its role in music – it was the highly intuitive design that would have a profound influence on music instrument manufacturing and sound synthesis. The Minimoog brought accessibility to a scientific instrument you might have thought you needed a lab coat to play.

• Check out the

Which Minimoog plugins to use?

The Minimoog is still such a popular sound. So, it only makes sense that there are numerous software instruments with which you can accurately recreate its characteristics. Everyone wants something different in a plugin.

Some softsynths offer huge patch libraries, built-in effects, and expansive interfaces. Others have simple layouts modelled on the hardware and just sound great. Let’s take a look at the benefits of each plugin and find one that fits your workflow:

AAS Ultra Analog VA-3

Those in the know will be familiar with Applied Acoustics Systems(AAS) and its reputation for creating extremely high-quality software instruments. The Ultra Analog VA-3 is a comprehensive virtual analogue workstation with a detailed interface.

When it comes to analogue modelling, this is one of the better softsynths available and not just for creating Minimoog sounds. Here, you have access to a whole range of specialized features for serious analogue sound sculpting.

Ultra Analog gives you a completely modular interface, an arpeggiator, an effects rack, and macro controls. In addition, the patch library has presets from some great sound designers like Richard Devine.

Applied Acoustics Systems Ultra-Analog VA-3 Download No customer rating available yet

Available for 89.00 € at

• More from AAS

UAD Minimoog

Now available through the UAD Spark subscription, the UAD Minimoog is one of the most realistic emulations available. It captures the raw character of the original incredibly well and there are a few extra features that make it worthwhile.

Overall, the sound of the oscillators, the tone of the filter, and the responsiveness of the envelopes all come across realistically. Moreover, the preset library also has some great-sounding patches and a few additional modulation parameters modeled on the unique customizations of well-known Minimoog owners.

UAD plug-ins are now available natively, so you can get the UAD Minimoog within the UAD Creative Edition. 

Universal Audio UAD Creative Edition Native Download No customer rating available yet

Available for 546.00 € at

• More from Universal Audio

Native Instruments Monark

If you’re a Reaktor user, you’ll be familiar with Monark. It might not be the most hyper-realistic Minimoog emulation around, but it’s still a great sounding softsynth.

The interface is slightly simplified in areas like the envelope section, however, you can still tune and mix your oscillators to achieve detailed sounds. The layout is presented in a way that gives you great sound manipulation tools without being too technical.

Even if you’ve never seen a real Minimoog, you can get great results. Monark is also available in Reaktor Blocks, which gives you the flexibility to build your own modular synth designs.

Native Instruments Komplete 14 Standard Download

Customer rating:

(7)

Available for 599.00 € at

• More from Native Instruments

Arturia Mini V

The Arturia Mini V is one of the original Model D plug-ins. On the surface, it looks identical to the classic, but as you start diving into the features you’ll find it goes far beyond what the Minimoog was designed to do.

Up to 32-voice polyphony, an extensive mod matrix, and a versatile effects section make the Mini V useful for far more than just basic Minimoog sounds. Like every Arturia plug-in emulation, the Mini V is meticulously modeled on the original and comes with a great bank of patches.

Apart from the affordability, what’s great is the addition of unique sound design features like the motion recorder gives you powerful time-based synthesis capabilities.

Arturia Mini V

Available for $161.81 at

• More from Arturia

IK Multimedia Syntronik 2 Minimod

The Minimod is one of 33 classic synths recreated in Syntronik 2. It brings together characteristics from the Model D, the Voyager, and the Moog Modular.

The interface is simple enough and the patches are instantly gratifying, but if you want to dig deeper there are plenty of added features to keep you busy. Apart from the basics like the effects rack and the arpeggiator/sequencer section, the actual synthesis tools are extensive.

With banks of single and multi-oscillator waveforms and four patch layers, you can quickly build your own sounds without needing much experience with analogue synthesis.

IK Multimedia Syntronik 2 SE Download No customer rating available yet

Available for 115.00 € at

• More from IK Multimedia

Moog MiniMoog Model D app

The Model D app is a really great software iteration of the Minimoog. The phenomenal sound engine reproduces the warm analogue goodness with ease and the touch-optimized interface allows easy navigation.

As you browse through the patches, each one seems to sound more gargantuan and tonally detailed than the last. Meanwhile, the app runs on iOS version 10.3 or later, as well as MacOS and supports formats such as AUv3, Ableton Link, Inter-App, and Audiobus.

In addition, you have MIDI CC mapping, Bluetooth MIDI, and MPE capabilities. All you require is a decent interface and you are good to go. Get it here from the App Store.

Moog Mariana Download No customer rating available yet

Available for 105.00 € at

• More from Moog Music

More Model D plugins worth checking out:

We haven’t mentioned every plug-in version of the Minimoog Model D, but here are some more options to investigate.

• Moog Mariana
• Cherry Audio Minimode
• Softube Model 72
• Synapse Audio The Legend
• GForce Minimonsta

More about Minimoog Plugins:

• Everything vintage
• Reaktor resources

Videos:

*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!

The post How to recreate the classic Minimoog sound with plugins appeared first on gearnews.com.

This week on Guitar Gear Gems we take a look at the new Mr Black Deuce Coupe Overdrive pedal. Then we get space-themed with two new pedal releases from Spürr Audio, the F-201 FET Preamp and Orbit-2 Fuzz. Finally, we look at Red Witch’s Falcor Modulator which is a limited run dedicated to the designer’s late father.

Mr Black Deuce Coupe

Mr Black has reintroduced the Deuce Coupe overdrive pedal, a classic from the era of Jack Deville Electronics. This modern recreation of the Deuce Coupe introduces Click-Less true-bypass switching and the new Ultra Boost. The latter offers +56dB of boost making this overdrive a useful addition for many guitarists.

Analog

The 100% analog design offers a dynamic natural and organic drive tone, with a high-headroom signal path, perfect for use with guitar. It has controls for Gain, Tone, and Volume, along with the Ultra control for the boost section. Both the Drive section and the Ultra boost have dedicated footswitches, so can be engaged individually.

MSRP – USD 199

• Product Page
• More Mr Black news

Spürr Audio

You may remember Spürr Audio as they made the Time Traveller Delay which looks like a Flux Capacitor from Back to the Future. Now, they have these two new space-themed effects, the F-201 FET Preamp and the Orbit-2 Fuzz.

Simple

The F-201 FET Preamp offers a blend of the warm, rich sounds associated with tube technology and the crisp tones of the FET J-201. The simple design uses a single output knob, so it is super easy to use. Then the Orbit-2 Fuzz is an op-amp powered effect, with three key controls labelled Fuel (volume), Pressure (tone), and Launch (gain).

Price

The F-201 FET Preamp is $119, and the Orbit-2 Fuzz is a pre-order at $179.

• Spürr Audio

Red Witch Falcor Modulator

This limited run celebrates the pedal designer’s late father and is limited to only 60 units worldwide. Each one is also a unique effect and no two are the same. The Red Witch Falcor Modulator features a slightly varied take on the same NOS MN3007 BBD circuit so that no two pedals are exactly alike.

Unique Designs

It is controlled by Velocity, Depth, Mix, and Resonance knobs on the top of the pedal.  Each pedal also has unique artwork, and they each have exclusive artwork derived from Ben Fulton’s cherished family photos of his father, Bill, who passed away in September 2023.

“My kids called my father Falcor, after the luck dragon in ‘The Never Ending Story’. This pedal, with each piece featuring a photo of my dad that I adore, is my way of honoring him.” – Ben Fulton

MSRP – USD 499

• Product Page
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This week on Guitar Gear Gems we check out the new RJM Music Full English overdrive pedal that combines six drives in one pedal. Then we check out the new JAM Pedals Octaurus ltd octave fuzz pedal. Finally, we take a look at the new TS808-TMv.2 which could be the ultimate Tubescreamer.

RJM Music Full English

RJM Music’s Full English is designed to squeeze six overdrives into one pedal. Each drive is based on a very British, Marshall-style drive tone. The six overdrive modes include RJM Music’s take on some very well-known ’90s overdrive pedals from the Marshall lineup, which were just reissued earlier this year.

Each overdrive is an analog circuit designed to capture that Marshall tone as an amp-in-a-box. Making this pedal great for anyone who needs six Marshall drives.

• Push – This mode is a clean boost that’s designed to push the front end of an amp. It has a high maximum output level.
• Blues – Inspired by a British low to medium gain pedal from the ’90s that’s gained in popularity over the years.
• Royal – Based on a very popular boutique modification of the “Blues” pedal above, it has a slightly different frequency response and overdrive characteristic.
• Imperial – A higher gain version of Royal, using hard clipping instead of soft clipping.
• Shred – A high gain, compressed distortion mode designed for soloing. Great for 80’s shred and beyond!
• Stack – A big-sounding distortion mode, more open and dynamic than Shred, designed to sound like a high-gain amp.

Presets

The user can then tweak the Gain, Tone, Volume, Bass, Mid, and Treble controls to taste. The pedal has 8 presets available, with a further 100 presets accessible via MIDI. It has full-sized MIDI in and out ports along with a USB-C port. They also have an app for Windows, Mac, and iPad users, that allows them to control/edit the pedal.

It Full English pedal is available in either a blue or a black finish.

MSRP – USD 349

• RJM Music

JAM Pedals Octaurus ltd

The JAM Pedals Octaurus ltd is a limited-run octave fuzz pedal. It is housed in an olive drab suede cover with a zip on the bottom of the pedal. The Octaurus has switchable clipping options with asymmetrical or symmetrical clipping via a toggle switch. Another switch operates the mid-scooped and full voicing options, so it has some useful tweaks available.

It uses turret-based, point-to-point wiring and the inside of the pedal looks immaculate. This is a high-end boutique build and should last a lifetime.

NOS

This pedal also uses 60s NOS silicon transistors and a fairly simple control layout that consists of Level, Tone, and Gain. It is a great-sounding octave fuzz and certainly one that fuzz pedal lovers will enjoy. As it is a limited run and uses NOS parts, the price is fairly high so possibly one for collectors as well. The first batch has already sold out and the second batch of pedals is due in February 2024.

MSRP – USD 419

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• More JAM Pedals news

TS808-TMv.2

The TS808-TMv.2 is the latest incarnation of the TS808 pedal and was designed by Tubescreamer’s original designer, Susumu Tamura.  This is the second of the Tamura-modded series and it offers a distinctive blend of “more hair” and a “bottom-heavy thump”.

This is the latest release by Godlyke and retains the “magic” IC chip, a hallmark of the original, which is then complemented by NOS Toshiba 1S1588 clipping diodes for what they describe as a unique sonic profile.

Gold Plate

The pedal also features an ultra-bright gold status LED and a Tamura-Mod gold anodized aluminum faceplate. That way owners will know they have something other than a regular Ibanez TS808 on their pedal board. Plus, it uses a Carling SPST plunger footswitch, differentiating it from the standard square switches.

They have an introductory price of $299 for the first 50 units. After that initial batch of sales, the price will rise to $349.

• Product Page

A regular Ibanez TS808 is more affordable and probably more than enough for most guitarists.

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