Synthesizer fans have plenty to look forward to with new pre-orders announced by Erica Synths as well as X Audio Systems. Cherry Audio has also released a brand new virtual instrument while the Ultimate Artists Synthesizer Secrets book is now available in digital format.

New Synths Available For Pre-Order

Bullfrog Synthesizer
By Erica Synths & Richie Hawtin

Link: https://bullfrog.ericasynths.lv/

Price: € 500.00 (Estimated Shipping Due September 10, 2023)

Erica Synths has announced the Bullfrog, an educational electronic instrument designed in collaboration with Richie Hawtin. The synth, which is now available to pre-order is made to captivate and inspire both youth and professionals alike.

According to Hawtin, the Bullfrog synth was originally dreamed up to inspire and welcome a younger audience into the world of electronic music. Still, it can also fit comfortably into anyone’s studio and/or performance setup. The Bullfrog features an analog voltage-controlled oscillator with CV-controlled waveshapes, noise generator, and mixer with external inputs and AS3109-based voltage-controlled filter. 

The Bullfrog is now available for pre-order with shipping expected in September of 2023. Included in the price are the synth, a universal 12VDC wall wart adapter, a user manual, 10 patch notes stencils, 10 patch cables, 3 pre-patched voice cards, and three DIY voice cards. For more information about how the Bullfrog works check out the following link: https://bullfrog.ericasynths.lv/produce.html?page=26

VCRadio
By X Audio Systems

Link: https://xaudiosystems.com/vcradio/

Price: € 149.00 (Estimated Shipping Due November 2023)

X Audio Systems has announced that the VCRadio, which is a voltage-controlled FM/AM/SW stereo radio receiver with modulation capabilities, is now available for pre-order. According to X Audio Systems, it is able to generate a continuous stream of audio content, noises, squelches, and broadcasts. These sounds are dependent on where you are located in the world as it easily picks up any station or noises lurking at any frequency within the selected range. 

Users can create beats and patterns of mixed radio signals and noises by connecting an LFO in the CV input of the VCRadio to modulate the TUNER knob. However, X Audio Systems did point out that since VCRadio is a highly sensitive device it responds very well to LFO cycles below 7Hz or 8Hz but ignores the modulation above this rate. 

VCRadio takes the form of an 8HP Eurorack module and features one radio receiver, two LEDS for indicating if the radio signal is strong or stereo, one CV input to modulate the TUNER know with an external signal, three audio outputs, and two antennas. Check out the official website for more information, including the supporting radio bands or to pre-order the VCRadio. 

New Soft Synths

Harmonia

By Cherry Audio

Link: https://cherryaudio.com/products/harmonia

Price: $49.00 (Regular Price - $69.00)

Cherry Audio has announced a new virtual instrument called Harmonia, which is designed to easily create rich, evolving polyphonic tones through its intuitive visual interface. According to Cherry Audio, Harmonia features two sample-based oscillators, each of which can simultaneously produce up to eight pitches. These are individually tuned to a harmonic series or semitones. Dramatic sweeps and melodious sequences are also possible through a single modulatable slider.

The distinctive organic sound Harmonia can produce is derived from hundreds of sampled waveforms. These are recorded from various synthesizers, as well as traditional instruments and much more. However, users can also import their own samples to further expand the tonal palette of the instrument. Other highlights include four syncable polyphonic LFOs, an expensive stereo multimode filter, click-and-drag envelopes, and a massive mod matrix. In addition, it supports aftertouch, flexible MIDI mapping, seventeen studio-quality effects, and comes with a collection of more than 350 presets. 

Harmonia is available now at a special price of $49.00 for a limited time. A free 30-day demo is also available from the official website. 

Other Media

Ultimate Artists Synthesizer Secrets

 

Link: https://mach5ive.de/book-ultimate-artists-synthesizer-secrets.html

Price: $22,88

The book, Ultimate Artists Synthesizer Secrets, which was previously available in physical format is now available in a digital edition. The book features the sound design secrets of some of the world’s best artists, keyboardists, and sound designers. Guided by Oliver von Wieding (Jaciriot), readers can delve into famous patches from musicians ranging from Depeche Mode to Lady Gaga. It also contains exclusive interviews with Steve Porcaro, Jim Gimlour, Stuart Croxford Neale, and Matt Johnson. 

The digital edition is available as an 86-page signed PDF but does not include the 50% discount on the sound pack “Ultimate Artist Collection” which is included with the physical edition. For more information check out the official website.