From the return of classic hardware synthesizers in software form to new hardware that turns your plants into musical instruments, plenty of things are happening in the world of synths. Here’s a quick round-up of the most notable new and upcoming hardware and software releases. 

Software:

Snapback
By Cableguys

Link: https://www.cableguys.com/snapback
 

Price $29 (Regular price $49)

Cableguys has partnered with BT, an electronic music pioneer, to release an instant drum layering effect plugin called Snapback. According to Cableguys, users can put Snapback on any drum track, and it will automatically detect each hit to layer new samples on top in perfect time. This allows for adding punch, style, and flair that is impossible with just EQ, compression, and distortion. Also available for the first time in an easy plugin is the ability to layer special Snapback samples before the transient, which Cableguys describe as a secret trick of pro producers to get “living” grooves. 

BT has also stated that Snapback will be one of those “can’t live without” plugins for anyone who tries it. The option to add drum layers in one click without having to juggle samples across multiple tracks is pretty helpful, and with more than 200 mix-ready transient and snapback layers from BT, Goldbaby, Virtual Riot, and Cyclick, users will have access to some top-tier sounds to work with. Snapback features two powerful layers, sample import, detailed controls, smart features, precise visuals, pro preset, and much more. It is available at a discounted price for a limited time, but a free demo is also available from the official website. 

Microwave 1
By Waldorf Music

Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microwave-1/id6736358373

Price: $12.99

Waldorf has released a faithfully emulated version of its famous Microwave 1 synthesizer. It is available now for iPad as a standalone app and in the AUv3 plug-in format. According to Waldorf, the Microwave defined hybrid synthesis back in the day with its unique interpretation of wavetable synthesis combined with analog filters. Creating the emulation was a multi-year effort requiring the original instrument to be analyzed and modeled down to the finest sonic details of every hardware aspect. It appears to have been worth the effort, though, as Waldorf claims the recreated digital waveforms have been bit-by-bit compared with the original to be 100% identical. For more information, including the full specifications, manual, tutorial, and FAQ, check out the official website (https://waldorfmusic.com/microwave-1-for-ipad/).

Hardware:

Noodle Rider
By Nudlhed 

Link: https://nudlhed.com/

Price: $395

Nudlhed has released Noodle Rider, an analog musical instrument in Eurorack format that is based on a four-track cassette tape player and modular synth. According to Nudlhed, Noodle Rider modulates the pre-recorded single tones or audio loops from all four tracks of a cassette tape record. These are all played simultaneously with the same controllable speed and each represents a certain voice of the instrument. Each of these can also be used as the source signals for further sound processing, such as envelope control, filtering, etc. 

Users of Noodle Rider can switch between cassette tape tracks and modulate them individually as well as adjust the playback speed to create different sound patterns, melodies, and complete instrumental parts. Features include CV pitch control, MIDI pitch control, common gate/trigger output, MIDI gate sequencer, and quad envelope controlled VCA. For more information, check out the official Nudlhed website. Each unit is manufactured on request, and according to Nudlhed, it takes about ten weeks to assemble and deliver.

Biotron
By Playtronica

Link: https://shop.playtronica.com/products/biotron

Price: $97.99

Playtronica has created a solution for anyone who has ever wanted to make music using plants as instruments. According to them, no musical skill is needed to use the Biotron, which enables users to “interact with nature to create music.” The Biotron kit includes the MIDI controller, but users will need to purchase the USB-C cable, alligator clips, and patches separately before they can use it to make music. 

To use Biotron, users must connect it to their PC, phone, or tablet using a USB cable and attach electrodes to the stems or leaves of a plant. They can then navigate to the synth.playtronic.com website, choose any synth they like, and interact with the plant to begin creating music. The plant’s natural electrical activity is translated into MIDI signals, so it will offer a unique musical experience every time. Visit the official website for more information and to sign up for notifications when Biotron is available to purchase.