From new interpretations of vintage hardware to completely new ways of making music, the hardware synthesizer market is full of surprises. Here’s a quick round-up of some of the latest releases that are currently available. 

WASP VCF

By Behringer

Website: https://www.behringer.com/behringer/product?modelCode=0720-ADB

Price: $49.00

Behringer has announced that its WASP VCF multi-mode filter module for Eurorack is now shipping. According to Behringer, it is an authentic reproduction of the original “Wasp Deluxe” filter from the 1970s. The company has already released a full-sized WASP DELUXE a few years back, but with the WASP VCF users can expect the same capabilities in a more compact and easy-to-install module. 

The WAS VCF is designed to fit into a standard Eurorack case and installation is as easy as connecting the power cables to the power supply and mounting the module using the included screws. It offers a separate band pass output with a corresponding Rosance control, enabling users to emphasize specific frequencies. It is also possible to use this as a mixed low and high pass output with its mix control. 

For more information, including the full specifications, visit the official Behringer website. 

MFC1
By Jamstik

Website: https://jamstik.com/products/mfc-1-jamstik-midi-floor-controller

Price: $279.99

Jamstik has released the MFC1, a versatile, fully mappable MIDI floor/desktop controller that is compatible with any MIDI device. Users can customize its buttons, knobs, and pedal inputs for DAW control as well as preset scrolling, MIDI CC mapping, and much more. It also includes Creator software to set options and choose from factory profiles or to create custom configurations. 

MFC1 acts as a MIDI host that can power USB-based controllers without the need for a computer and even has some exclusive features for Jamstick MIDI Guitar users. 

MultiMod
By Makenoise

Website: https://www.makenoisemusic.com/modules/multimod/

Price: $373

Makenoise has unveiled MultiMod, describing it as a new approach to complex modulations. It operates by taking a signal control sign and then copying it eight times. These copies are also modified by weighted adjustment of their relative phase and speed with the result being a flock of related modulation signals that are all derived from the same single input. 

Parameters include Phase to set the spacing of the signal copies in time, weighted by channel, Spread for vari-speeding the copies by different amounts, Time, for determining the range of the time captured at the input, as well as Tempo, Hold, and Reset features. In addition, if the input is not patched MultiMod is able to generate an LFO that is copied eight times and manipulated in the same ways. 

According to Makenoise, MultiMod is built on brand-new DSP hardware that was developed for their New Universal Synthesizer System. For more information, visit the official Makenoise website or check out the video embedded above.

The String Armonica mkII

By Sound Stone

Website: https://soundstone.co/products/the-string-armonica-mkii

Price: $1599.99  

Sound Stone has announced The String Armonica mkII an upgraded version of the original hardware with several key improvements as well as some new features. One of the biggest highlights is the new adjustable string height with redesigned bridges and custom-polished steel pickup plates for improved tone and performance.

The String Armonica mkII also has new built-in modes such as Staccato Mode, Harp Sweeping, Arpeggiator, and Envelope Mode. According to Sound Stone, this instrument reimagines musical synthesis by using strings instead of electronic waveforms as its sound source. It features 12 chromatically tuned strings, which all harmonically resonate through a custom-built internal synthesizer. For more information visit the official website or check out the embedded video above.