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MPC Live II vs One; Speaker test; MPC 2.8 tutorial and review

MPC Live II vs One; Speaker test; MPC 2.8 tutorial and review

 

Hi!

Akai sent over the MPC Live II for review - the main differences are that it has a built-in soundbar/speaker, CV/Gate outputs and more buttons, but as usual, there are a few more details - all of which are c...

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Moog Subharmonicon review + 2 Patreon exclusive track downloads

Moog Subharmonicon review + 2 Patreon exclusive track downloads

 

Hi!

They did it - Moog is mass producing the Subharmonicon, with quite a few new features. Since a lot is different, I starting by explaining everything from scratch on this one, and then add plenty of patch ideas and tips.

<...

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Make Noise 0-CTRL: review, patch ideas and jam download

Make Noise 0-CTRL: review, patch ideas and jam download

Hi! 

Make Noise just came out with 0-CTRL - an all-analog desktop sequencer/controller in the same form factor as the 0-Coast.

I've reviewed quite a few digital sequencers, with p...

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1010 Music's Bitbox Micro vs MK2: a detailed review and comparison

1010 Music's Bitbox Micro vs MK2: a detailed review and comparison

Hi!

1010music just released a new hardware version of Bitbox ($600) as well as the little "mini-me" Bitbox Micro ($400). Both use the same processor, but Micro is a slimmed down version of MK2 with only 8 pads (sample slots) instead of 16, a...

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April 2020 Book Update: Flattening the curve...

April 2020 Book Update: Flattening the curve...

Hi!

I typically wait until the last day of the month to release a book update because I'm always adding things to it - but since I have a video coming out tomorrow (a review and comparison of the two new 1010Music BitBox modules) I didn't wa...

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A little detuned jam - patreon only download

A little detuned jam - patreon only download

Hi there!

Empress sent over their reverb and there went half a day of productivity.... I thought the least I could do was to have something to show for it. 

I know some of you ask, so here's a download of the video in case you're ...

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Studio lies and how to fix them

Studio lies and how to fix them

Hi!

Over the past couple of years, I've been slowly collecting knowledge and tips about how a room impacts the sound of studio monitors - and this video includes every useful insight I've been able to gather.

The first step is awarenes...

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Arturia KeyStep Pro review + jam video download

Arturia KeyStep Pro review + jam video download

Hi!

I was very much looking forward to exploring Arturia's KeyStep Pro because of my fondness for their KeyStep: I've used it in multiple videos because it's small (doesn't take up much space in the frame...) and yet powerfu...

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Review: Aeros Looper and BeatBuddy + jam download

Review: Aeros Looper and BeatBuddy + jam download

Hi - I hope you're well! 

This week's video is a double feature - a review of Aeros and BeatBuddy by Singular Sound.

I've been interested in Aeros Loop Studio ever since it was announced.  The combination of ...

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March 2020 Book update! .... <NEW (MAR)

March 2020 Book update! .... <NEW (MAR)

Dear WaveShapers!

Aren't we all missing the days when CV could only mean Control Voltage. Or Résumé?

I hope you and yours are doing well, staying safe and are as minimally impacted as possible. I'm doing well, staying home doing my (...

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Launchpad PRO MK3 vs X, including detailed coverage of Pro's sequencer

Launchpad PRO MK3 vs X, including detailed coverage of Pro's sequencer

 

Hi!

I hope you're doing well in these crazy times. Since you're a Patron I'm going to assume you still want me to create content, so here goes!

The other shoe has dropped... here's my review of Novation's Launchpad...

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Arturia Audiofuse vs. Studio vs. 8PRE: Buyer's guide and checklist for choosing an audio interface

Arturia Audiofuse vs. Studio vs. 8PRE: Buyer's guide and checklist for choosing an audio interface

Hi!

If you've ever wondered which features to look for in an audio interface, I've put together a comprehensive a list as possible in this video, and will, as expected, be adding this and more to the March book updat...

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Polyend Tracker - review, tutorial and exclusive Patreon download

Polyend Tracker - review, tutorial and exclusive Patreon download

Hi!

Polyend has formally announced their Tracker, and sent over a beta unit for review.

While I had an Amiga and remember Tracker music very fondly, I've not used a Tracker since. So has Polyend's Tracker won me over?  I have to a...

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Tasty distraction: GR-1 and granular synthesis explored

Tasty distraction: GR-1 and granular synthesis explored

Hi there!

You probably have your fill of current events from other sources - here's my attempt at distraction... 

Tasty Chips recently announced a beta version 2.2 of their firmware for GR-1 - the...

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14 Synth Tips with Animals and Synthesizers + exclusive video

14 Synth Tips with Animals and Synthesizers + exclusive video

Hi!

If you're on Instagram and are interested in synths, there's a good chance you've seen the funny and excellent page called AnimalsAndSynthesizers. If you haven't - do check it out 2020-03-04 18:49:54 +0000 UTC View Post

February 2020 Book update + new format for tracking updates

February 2020 Book update + new format for tracking updates

Happy Leap Day! 

In true Leap Day spirit, there's a new way of Leaping between updates in my book...

A few months ago I added a new method to let you quickly jump between updates by searching for the  "<NEW View Post

Elektron Model Cycles Review, full tutorial

Elektron Model Cycles Review, full tutorial

Hi there!

Here's my in depth and full tutorial for Model:Cycles - Elektron's new entry into the relatively lower priced groovebox market. 

With this, Elektron take an even bigger step towards simplifying F...

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From Jam to Album: 13 tips and ideas learned making my album

From Jam to Album: 13 tips and ideas learned making my album

Hi there!

Here's the video I promised I'd make a couple of weeks ago: lessons learned putting together my album, which is basically a collection of jams "souped-up" to full...

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Vector Sequencer Review + Exclusive Patreon Video Download

Vector Sequencer Review + Exclusive Patreon Video Download

Hi!

What makes a true modular sequencer? Most DAWs and sequencers live on a fixed grid. Whether it's beats, ppqns or a linear sequence of notes.

One of the most alluring aspects of Eurorack (and modular in general), in my opinion, is i...

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MPC One Review + Patreon exclusive multisample download

MPC One Review + Patreon exclusive multisample download

 

Hi!

The MPC One is the newest member of Akai's standalone MPC line (following MPC X, MPC Live and Force).

Akai Force aside, all three MPCs run the exact same firmware - the only difference between the thre...

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Old jams renewed, new album released

Old jams renewed, new album released

 

Hi!

Theoretically, I shouldn't be excited about this. And as Patrons, there's seemingly nothing new here for you either: I've offered downloads of these tracks in the past as companions to my videos.

And yet there is somet...

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January book update: MIDI 1.0 explained

January book update: MIDI 1.0 explained

Hi!

The MIDI spec part of an instrument's manual used to be the most intimidating part of it for me - something I felt best ignored in order to maintain my sanity. CCs, MSB/LSB and NPRNs seemed complex and confusing, and hexadecimal numbers ...

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Faderfox EC4 review + got MIDI questions?

Faderfox EC4 review + got MIDI questions?

Hi,

MIDI controllers with screens have been around for a while, but for some reason, a compact MIDI controller with a screen that lets you easily label what each knob does is rare to non-existent. 

Enter EC4 from ...

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Korg's new analog drive pedal: guitar and synth sound test

Korg's new analog drive pedal: guitar and synth sound test

Hi!

I know I said no content was likely from NAMM, but it seems like no one checked out how this pedal sounds, so this drove me to explore it!

OD-S is based on Korg's Nutube technology (the same drive that's in NuBass)...

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At NAMM; Moog Sub 25 Review; Patreon Exclusive extended track download

At NAMM; Moog Sub 25 Review; Patreon Exclusive extended track download

Hi!

I'm at NAMM for the next 3 days checking out what's new. My goal isn't to make any videos by the way, there are plenty of people doing on booth demos, but rather to spend time getting to know the people behind the gear. If there's anythi...

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Korg Wavestate Review + outro video download

Korg Wavestate Review + outro video download

Hi there!

Korg just announced Wavestate, a digital, sample-based synth, inspired by their Wavestation from the '90s. 

The big news here is completely independent sequencing lanes alongside a bigge...

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Polygogo Review + Exclusive Sample Pack and Video

Polygogo Review + Exclusive Sample Pack and Video

Hi!

Here's a deep dive into Polygonal Synthesis and E-RM's Polygogo.

This video also includes 11 patch ideas (most of which are relevant to other modules), some simple, and some new - ...

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December 2019 Book update!

Hi there!

Your support in the quest for the ultimate collection of electronic music ideas, tips and tricks takes quite a few extra steps this month with multiple, easily digestible, bite-sized updates.

Quick navigation note: a search f...

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K-2 (and MS-20) tutorial and tips, plus jam video download

K-2 (and MS-20) tutorial and tips, plus jam video download

Hi!

The MS-20 and its K-2 clone behave somewhat like they're from another planet. Screeching filters, hz per volt and s-trigs, and an "ESP" circuit that converts audio into CV.

Even the envelopes behave quite different...

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Argon8 review + exclusive video downloads

Argon8 review + exclusive video downloads

Hi!

Here's my review of Argon8, Modal Electronics' new 8 voice polyphonic synth. It's all digital and it has a wavetable synthesis core alongside a few interesting wavetable modifiers and modulators (all is...

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