The MatrixBrute Noir Edition started as a rumor after some leaked images earlier this year, but this synth by Arturia has now received an official release. Although no changes have been made in terms of features or architecture, the MatrixBrute Noir Edition is sure to be a coveted synth by fans of analog hardware. Users still get the same 100% analog audio signal path and true analog effects but decked out with a brand new paint job, new knob caps, and black ionized parts.

Peter Zinovieff, the British engineer, and composer, has passed away at the age of 88. Zinovieff was hospitalized for ten days after a fall at his home and died on the night of 23 June 2021. He was an early pioneer of the synthesizer scene and started Electronic Music Studios (EMS) in 1969, along with Tristram Cary and David Cockerell. Zinovieff was also known for the electronic music group Unit Delta Plus, which he formed with Delia Derbyshire and Briand Hodgson.

Sonos Radio HD is living up to its promise of stations curated by world-renowned artists featuring the music they love the most. One of the latest artists to receive his own station on the service is Brian Eno. Titled, The Lighthouse, this new station promises to broadcast unheard tracks from Eno's vast archive.

Good news for owners of the COBALT8 line, which includes the COBALT8, COBALT8M, and COBALT8X, as Modal Electronics recently pushed out a free update for these units. The v1.1 firmware update is aimed at providing users with even more power in their creative arsenal thanks to six all-new algorithms along with a raft of workflow enhancements.

The firmware release notes for the update reveals the inclusion of the following new algorithms:

A while back, we looked at some of the FX pedals popular amongst synthesizer fans. However, as with anything synth-related, there is always much more on offer than what can be fit into a single article. For that reason, we have decided to feature a few more pedals that will make an excellent addition to any musician's collection. Bands such as Ladytron are fond of incorporating FX pedals in their synth tracks, and the right pedals can open up a whole new world of sonic possibilities. If that sounds appealing, then check out the following FX pedals that work great with synthesizers.

Traktion has recently announced the release of their 11-operator FM synthesizer, F.em. According to Traktion, F. ’em is not just one of the most powerful FM synths ever made but also one of the most versatile. 

Black Corporation, the boutique synth maker from Tokyo behind Deckard’s Dream, Kijimi, and Xerxes, has recently announced an upcoming addition to their roster. All of their previous synths took inspiration from classic analog synthesizers, and the upcoming one, called ISE-NIN, is no exception. Their designer posted an image of ISE-NIN on Instagram and stated that it had been a while since Black Corporation released their last poly synth. He also added ISE-NIN would be coming later this year and that it will have full MPE support and micro tuning by ODDSound MTS-ESP.

Moog Music recently shared a video on their YouTube channel featuring the internationally acclaimed modular synthesist, Lisa Bella Donna, performing a track called Ascension. The performance, which was filmed in the Moog Sound Lab, was inspired by live synthesizer performances of the 1970s. It sees Lisa integrating the classic Moog Synthesizer IIIP with Moog One, Subsequent 37, Subsequent, and the Matriarch, Grandmother, Mother-32, DFAM, and Subharmonicon.