Moog’s latest synth represents a new era for the iconic brand. Greg Scarth puts it to the test.
Designed as a convenient way to use the Oneiroi module without any other Eurorack gear, the Oneiroi Pod provides a user-friendly entry point to modular synths. Greg Scarth finds out more.
This month’s best new Eurorack modules include signal processing options from Make Noise, Buchla and ADDAC.
There’s a bit of a processing theme to most of our selections this month, and the Make Noise Jumbler is a great place to start. Any new Make Noise release deserves a closer look, and the Jumbler is no exception. This is a 6×6 analogue signal combiner and distributor, compatible with CV, gates and audio signals alike. Take up to six inputs and you can mix them, combine them, crossfade, blend between waveforms or manipulate rhythms and clock signals.
The Jumbler is a deceptively simple module, like so many of the most rewarding creative tools tend to be. Patching multiple oscillators tuned to chords into the inputs, for instance, you can modulate the Rotate and Radiate inputs to create arpeggios or alternative chord voicings. Alternatively, take a single audio input and route it to multiple effects or processing modules, then mix the outputs and use the Jumbler to change the routing and blend different effects. Lovely creative stuff and good value at under £240.
Buchla & TipTop Audio Quad Sample & Hold/Polyphonic Adapter Model 264t
Like a lot of TipTop’s Buchla reissues, the 264t is a fairly straightforward module on the surface but reveals hidden depths once you explore further. Essentially a quad sample-and-hold module, each channel can also be operated in ‘track’ mode, in which the input signal is applied to the output for the duration of the pulse signal. In other words, the output latches on to the input until the pulse is released, at which point the voltage is held until the next pulse.
Crucially, the module is also compatible with Tiptop’s ART (Advanced Routing Technology) protocol, simplifying the process of creating polyphonic patches. The main applications here come from using the 264t alongside other Buchla modules like the 245t Sequential Voltage Source and 259t Complex Oscillator to create polyphonic patches. You can route in the CV outputs of the voltage source, select a key and scale, and then route the quantised outputs to the ART inputs of the oscillator.
It’s arguably one of the more esoteric Buchla reissues in the TipTop Eurorack series, the 246t is really most relevant if you want to explore polyphonic patches with other Buchla modules. Nevertheless, it’s good value at just north of £250 and well worth checking out.
Elsewhere this month, we’ve got more polyphonic options courtesy of Knobula. The brand has come to specialise in poly modules, and the Monumatic packs eight digital voices into a compact format, offering everything from conventional virtual analogue tones through to cutting-edge digital algorithms.
Best controlled via a MIDI signal, but also compatible with CV, the Monumatic’s real strength lies in how easily it allows you to dial in a versatile array of tones, with 16 different algorithms and straightforward filter controls. There aren’t any particularly quirky features here, just an efficient and effective approach. Top quality stuff.
ADDAC System ADDAC511 VC Stochastic Voltage Generator
ADDAC System can be relied upon to deliver, especially when refining a concept which is already proven to work. The ADDAC511 is the successor to the old ADDAC5-1 Complex Random, an excellent voltage generator in its own right.
Greg Scarth
You may also be interested in…
Vast analogue power in a user-friendly desktop module format, the Redshift builds on some of Supercritical’s innovative approaches to create an ultra-versatile instrument.
A unique lo-fi sample-based synth with some clever social elements built in, the WoFi combines cloud technology and music seamlessly. Greg Scarth puts it to the test.
Sonicware’s latest offering is an affordable drum machine which punches way above its weight. Greg Scarth puts it to the test.
A truly unique analogue drone and ambience synth, the 42F proves to be a compelling and creative instrument. Greg Scarth gets experimental.
Innovative, versatile synthesis courtesy of Fred’s Lab, the Manatee is a true all-rounder. Greg Scarth puts it to the test.
Polyend’s latest instrument focuses on the interaction between synth sounds and hands-on control. Greg Scarth finds out more.
This month’s best new arrivals include a multi-band filter from Erica Synths, bass drum versatility from Winter Plankton and a neat VCO from Joranalogue.
Sonicware’s excellent ELZ_1 synth gets a major update with new looping features. Greg Scarth checks out this affordable rival to the Teenage Engineering OP-1.
Korg’s legendary virtual analogue synth gets a major update. Greg Scarth finds out if the new model is still the go-to for versatile sounds.
As 2024 draws to a close and we look ahead to 2025, we’re bringing you our picks of the best new gear this year, from synths to DJ mixers.
This month’s best new releases include an experimental filter/delay from Make Noise, dual filters from After Later and another bargain Buchla reissue from Tiptop Audio.
The brilliant KO II sampler gets a special Champ Edition package alongside a unique vinyl record. Greg Scarth explains why this limited-edition bundle showcases the true spirit of sampling.
Based on classic video game sounds, the Mega Synthesis adds another flavour to Sonicware’s Liven groovebox series. Greg Scarth dials in the retro sounds.
If you’re after retro vibes, the handheld Lofi-12 XT packs old-school sampling power into a handheld groovebox. Greg Scarth finds out more.
This month’s best new module releases include a rebooted classic from Buchla, an intriguing drone voice from Befaco and a versatile sequencer from Morphor.
A unique approach to sequencing from a new Cypriot brand, the PlayFader presents new ways of thinking about sequencing CV or MIDI gear.
Is the KeyLab still the best option when it comes to MIDI control of software and hardware alike? Greg Scarth checks out the latest incarnation of Arturia’s class-leading keyboard.
