Moog
Big news from Moog that the company will recommence a limited manufacturing run of three classic large-format modulars, first manufactured in 1973. The System 55, System 35 and Model 15 will be priced at $35,000, $22,000 and $10,000 respectively, with 55 System 55s, 35 System 35s and 150 Model 15s being produced. Moog’s video introduction shows the modulars being put through their paces by the likes of Gavin Russom, Holy Ghost and Jacques Greene.
Sequential Circuits
Here’s a name we certainly didn’t expect to see at NAMM this year. Dave Smith has reacquired the rights to the old Sequential Circuits name from Yamaha. Sequential returns with the Prophet-6, a spiritual successor to the legendary Prophet-5. Although there are obvious suggestions of shared DNA with current DSI models, the Prophet-6, described as “vintage with a modern twist”, has a fully analogue signal path, including voltage-controlled oscillators.
Dave Smith introduces it in the video below:
Teenage Engineering
A few years ago, NAMM was buzzing with excitement at the awesome Teenage Engineering OP-1, but this year’s offering from the Swedish upstarts is a little more humble, if perhaps nearly as exciting. Priced at just €59 each, the new Pocket Operator instruments are available in three flavours: the PO-12 Rhythm (a drum synthesiser), the PO-14 Sub (a bass synth) and the PO-16 Factor (a melody synth). All feature built-in sequencers with parameter locks, effects and, of course, a built-in alarm clock. Check them out below.
06.29 PM
Mini keys.
Why Roland? Why?
The keys are bad enough on the System 1 and they’re full size!
02.11 PM
Fuck knows why!
02.14 PM
They made a huge mistake! Either full size keys or a module would have sold it for me.
01.06 PM
Who are all these small people roland target for products with mini keys? I bet it sounds fantastic! but you will not be able to play it.
09.47 AM
Its for people who dont need keys to play on but rather buttons to get a certain sound out of the synth
09.28 AM
Then why not just make a desktop module? Mini keys are good for nothing! Can’t play em, can’t rack mount it!
02.23 PM
Maybe Japanese people have smaller hands? Who knows… I for one am definitely getting that Beatstep Pro, the normal Beatstep is very useful in my studio, and the Pro seems too add all the features I was missing (for example the third CV out) and more…About those AKAI synthies, are they gonna sound as bad as the Rhythm Wolf? The Timbre Wolf looks interesting, but they lost all credibility with the Wolf…
04.29 PM
I’m angry at korg !! I bought a MS-20 mini, and it’s wonderful, but I never ever use the mini keyboard, and now , a few years after they come back with this module !
The same for Arturia, I bought the beatstep, and again, it’s amazing, but if I knew they were going to put out the beatstep pro I
04.31 PM
I’m angry at korg !! I bought a MS-20 mini, and it’s wonderful, but I never ever use the mini keyboard, and now , a few years after they come back with this module !
The same for Arturia, I bought the beatstep, and again, it’s amazing, but if I knew they were going to put out the beatstep pro I would have kept my cash for sure !
I’m not angry about the products, I’m juste angry about the way the release stuff , because they want to make you feel exactly like I do. Or maybe I’m just too much in a
04.32 PM
I’m just too much in a hurry ! Anyway, sorry about my double post
02.47 PM
Roland what is this? A keyboard for ants!
06.37 PM
Total fail for Korg with the MS-20m. Enough with the weird shaped desktop units already. A proper 19″ rack version would have been so much more useful in a studio environment.
The NAMM winner for me was the Koma Komplex sequencer. The sheer amount of I/O was impressive. Innovative features and decent price point. Honorable mentions to Sputnik modular and Expert Sleepers for the USAMO sync box.
09.14 AM
You should cover the Linnstrument. Looks really cool and an afordable option for us drooling over the Continuum.
03.02 AM
Very very bad!!! Roland is going back………. 🙁
01.11 AM
Ben – they probably just upgrade their products based on consumer feedback. If you and others hadn’t bought the originals, they wouldn’t know what to improve on, so smile =)