Studio Equipment Recommendations July 2015

Review: The SYSTEM-1m is a semi-modular synthesizer with PLUG-OUT capability and a unique design that can be used as a Eurorack module, tabletop synth, or 19" rackmount unit. In addition to being a powerful standalone instrument, the SYSTEM-1m has external inputs and an array of CV/Gate connections that allow it to be re-patched and to interface with other modular synthesizer systems. The SYSTEM-1m's CV/Gate connections combined with its ability to load classic Roland PLUG-OUT synth models like the SH-101 and PROMARS give it power and flexibility that is simply unparalleled.

Modular synthesizers are highly prized by musicians for their ability to make totally unique and interesting sounds. But they can demand a real investment of both time and money to create a fully functional instrument. The SYSTEM-1m takes the guesswork out of getting into modular with great sounds and the freedom to experiment right out of the box. The fully self-contained module can be placed in a rack or on a table and can be powered by standard AC power. And it can be played from any standard MIDI keyboard or receive MIDI messages from your DAW - just like you'd expect.

But the SYSTEM-1m goes way beyond standard synthesizer modules. WIth fully-lit, color coded patch points, you can experiment with reconfiguring its architecture and easily connect to a wide world of available synthesizer modules. In addition to functioning as a rackmount or tabletop unit, the SYSTEM-1m can be mounted in a standard Eurorack case and can be powered via integrated case power with the included adapter cable. Its versatile synth architecture integrates beautifully with existing modular setups - or it can be the heart of a burgeoning modular synthesizer rig.

The SYSTEM-1m is a stunningly powerful instrument based on our more than 40 years of experience in designing synthesizers. It's capable of an astonishing range of synth tones, from glistening arps to thunderous basses. But we're also known for our lineage of iconic vintage instruments, sought after by musicians the world over. These include a long list of classic synths renowned for their identifiable character and genre-defining tone. And this is why we developed PLUG-OUT technology.

PLUG-OUT synthesizers use our Analog Circuit Behavior technology to perfectly replicate some of our most revered classics. They work like regular VST or AU compatible plugins in a DAW, with the SYSTEM-1m's array of high-resolution knobs and sliders creating an elegant, one-to-one control surface that works seamlessly. But you can also load PLUG-OUT synths directly into the SYSTEM-1m and switch between the internal synthesizer architecture and one of a growing number of PLUG-OUT Roland classics, like the SH-101, SH-2 and PROMARS - with no computer required.

While it provides a huge amount of synthesis power on its own, interconnecting the SYSTEM-1m with other modular gear creates a vast range of sonic possibilities. Its impressive oscillator section, sweet filters and snappy envelopes are sure to be welcome in any modular setup, no matter how big or small. But it's the SYSTEM-1m's combination of CV/Gate modularity, PLUG-OUT, and DAW integration that takes things into completely uncharted territory.

For example, load the SH-101 PLUG-OUT into the SYSTEM-1m and you essentially have a hardware SH-101 with modular capabilities - something that has never existed before. You can process external sources through the SH-101's acclaimed filters, or load the SH-2 PLUG-OUT and use its formidable oscillator section to drive any number of available Eurorack filters and envelopes. The potential is staggering.

Review: It's no secret that we love Teenage Engineering's quirky little Pocket Operator synths and drum machines. Huge portable entertainment value but also proper usable sounds from this drum-focused model.

Supplier's notes:
A pocket-sized drum synthesizer and sequencer with parameter locks, individual step re-trig and punch-in effects.

Pocket operators are cleverly designed on a single circuit board. By placing all vital and sensitive components under the LCD display there's no need for an outer case. By saving this cost, high quality components could be used to guarantee the best possible sound and very low power consumption. The space under the display also doubles as a speaker box.

Experience a fresh new way to create music using your thumbs. With its pocket size, its animated graphics, real synthesizer engines, sync, punch-in effects, built-in speaker, alarm clock and impossibly low price, making electronic music has never been this much fun!

Review: Finally the VSR 3.2 is here! It is the enhanced successor of the Vermona VSR-3 - Vintage Spring Reverb.

Most of the features, like the AccuBell spring tank (type 9), the TONE control as well as in and output stages are equal.

What has been improved is the way EFFECT STOP is working. Compared to its predecessor VSR 3.2 offers the possibility to determine where EFFECT STOP cuts the signal path: PRE or POST the spring tank. In the new PRE mode the input of the spring tank is cut from the signal path, so the reverb's decay isn't abruptly stopped when pressing EFFECT STOP and still can fade out.

The VSR 3.2 is suitable for all kinds of input signals like synthesizer, organs, guitars, vocals etc. It's available as of now from stock. It is already listed in our latest price list from 2015-05-01.

*UK 3-pin power adapter included.

Review: Launchkey is the easy-to-use MIDI keyboard controller. It's pretty much the quickest and easiest way to produce and perform electronic music, especially in Ableton Live - because it's been designed specifically for the purpose. You just plug in via USB and the keys, faders, knobs and pads immediately spring into life, giving you hands-on control of your grid, instruments, effects and mixer.

Of course, if you don't use Ableton, it'll automatically map to other major music software too. You can even connect it to your iPad with a Camera Connect Kit and use it with your Novation Apps.

The heart of any MIDI keyboard controller is the keyboard itself. The Launchkey synth-style keyboard is lightweight, fast and very easy to play, but also velocity-sensitive so you can create truly expressive performances. You can choose between 25, 49 and 61-note versions, depending on whether you want portability or practicality.

The less time you spend messing with your mouse, the more time you have for making music. If you want immediate hands-on control of your session grid, instruments and effects, you should use a MIDI keyboard controller that integrates immediately and automatically with Ableton Live. Like this one! That's what it's designed for.

Sixteen RGB pads provide clip colour-matched feedback to enhance your workflow, letting you create and launch clips, trigger samples, control FX and loads more; all whilst playing your keys. They're also velocity-sensitive, so you can really put some feeling into your beats.

Launchkey is designed to let you shape your sound however you like. The eight rotary knobs are rock solid, designed to give you confidence when tweaking your instruments and effects. The 49 and 61-note versions give you hands-on control of your mixer too, with nine dedicated faders. However many controls you opt for, they will all integrate seamlessly and immediately with Ableton Live, and can be reassigned to anything.

Your choice of music software is crucial to your creativity. Although Launchkey was designed for Ableton Live, its pads, buttons, faders and knobs control of all other major music software too using InControl.

Launchkey is fully USB bus-powered and class compliant, so it works straight away without power supplies or drivers. You can also connect it to your iPad via Camera Connection Kit and it'll work automatically with your Novation Launchkey and Launchpad Apps.

Review: We have to admit being more than a little proud when thinking of the Action Filter's history. Twelve years ago we made the first version of this still popular stereo-filter with no end in sight. It still is built upon the same basic principle: ACTION!

Neither MIDI nor control voltage decide about filter sweeps and cues but you. Action Filter demands and supports your intuition and creativity. Reign over frequencies and rhythm instead of being a victim of technique.

What remains?

Like its predecessors, Action Filter 4 consists of a high-/lowpass filter-combination per stereo channel. Together, these either work as bandpass- or notch-filter with variable bandwidth and individual resonance per filter.

What's new?

Unspectacular but a spectacle nevertheless: Beside the mandatory RCA in- and outputs, Action Filter 4 is equipped with 1/4"-jacks. In addition, the FILTER MODE switch made it to the unit's front, labeled as STYLE.

Who is the Action Filter 4 dedicated to?

... of course for all action heroes! With jack- and RCA-connectors, Action Filter 4 is best suited for the DJ booth as well as for studio applications. You can use it to process full tracks or add that "certain something" to individual audio tracks. Emphasize or kill specific frequency bands and - on top of it - have lots of fun actively playing with frequencies! Simply: ACTION!