Amidst all the bad news of layoffs at companies such as Moog and others, like Modal Electronics becoming insolvent, there is some good news for synth enthusiasts. The release of new hardware synthesizers, software synths, and apps as well as firmware updates has been continuing by various other brands at a steady pace. Below are some of the most notable new and upcoming releases.

New Softsynths

Usynth PIXEL
By UJAM

https://www.ujam.com/blog/out-now-usynth-pixel/

UJAM has announced the release of Usynth PIXEL, which is part of UJAM’s innovative synthesizer series. This softsynth promises to take users back to the days of classic game consoles of the 80s and 90s. 

According to UJAM, Usynth PIXEL boasts a vast palette of sounds that range from rich bass tones to enchanting chords, captivating melodies, and of course, vintage arcade-inspired sound effects. Users can also create their own drum patterns that capture the charm of pixelated gaming. Peter Gorges, who is one of the creators behind Usynth PIXEL stated that many of the people working at UJAM are passionate gamers and that they hold a deep appreciation for the iconic gaming soundtracks of the 90s. By collaborating with David Wise, they were able to craft Usynth PIXEL and give users the opportunity to infuse their compositions with the distinctive essence of a 90s video game console.

Just like other Usynth titles, Usynth PIXEL gives users access to an arsenal of 100 Synth Modes, 90 Finisher Modes, 25 Sequences, and 100 Global Presets. It is available for 79 EUR/USD or as part of a bundle for 299 EUR/USD which contains all eight Usynth titles. In addition, a 30-day trial version without limitations is also available for those who want to test out the software first. 

New Hardware Synths

GAIA 2
By Roland

https://www.roland.com/us/products/gaia_2/

Roland has announced GAIA 2, the successor to the GAIA SH-01 synth originally released back in 2010. GAIA 2 features a powerful hybrid engine combining wavetable and virtual analog synthesis along with a friendly panel layout that logically outlines the synthesis workflow. Other features include full-size keys, a sequencer, and a Motional Pad.

According to Roland the GAIA 2 is designed with an attractive aluminum panel filled with high-quality knobs and sliders, a informative high-contrast OLED display, and support for Model Expansions as well as other content on Roland Cloud. It offers freely assignable modulation routings for fast sound creation and an MFX section with 53 unique effects types. 

No price or release date has been officially announced yet, but more information is available from the official Roland website. 

Kastle ARP

By Bastl Instruments

https://bastl-instruments.com/instruments/kastle-arp

Bastl Instruments unveiled Kastle ARP, a new compact modular melody generator based on a quantized sine wave oscillator with a digital waveshaper. It inherited the versatile LFO section of the original Kastle Drum and offers access to the root note and fine-pitch tuning in boot-mode. 

Features:
 

• quantized-pitch sine wave oscillator
• NOTE knob to browse thru 8 octaves
• timbre xor waveshaper
• CHORD CV input switches between 3 chords
• CV controllable decay envelope generator
• triggered pitch with “negative” decay to achieve melodic variation
• BASS output with the root of the chord
• boot mode to set a root note and fine-tune
• voltage-controllable clock with square and triangle output
• stepped voltage generator with random, 8-step, and 16-step loop modes
• two I/O CV ports routable to any patch point
• the main OUT capable of driving headphones
• 3x AA battery operation or USB power, selectable by a switch
• open source
• durable black & silver PCB enclosure

Updates

PolyBrute Firmware Update 3.0

By Arturia

https://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/polybrute/update

Arturia has announced that a new firmware update is available for the PolyBrute, which brings it to version 3.0. According to Arturia, the free update will enable Polybrute owners to explore new depths of polyphonic sound with an array of embellishments, experimental features, and creative upgrades. 

The new “Distortion” page of effects features seven types of crunch, including Subtle Tape, Classic Distortion, Soft Clip, Worn Out Tape, Germanium, BitCrusher and Downsample. Users can now also adjust the Insert and Sent modes in terms of order after updating their PolyBrute. Also new is the stereo layer mode, which allows one voice to be allocated to the left channel and another to the right to add increased natural width to the PolyBrute’s sounds. The update also adds a wider range of tuning options, makes communication between the synth and its software counterpart quicker and smoother, and adds numerous fixes and much-requested additions to the PolyBrute’s feature set. Finally, PolyBrute’s library has been totally reworked with new and enhanced presets. 

To install the free update PolyBrute owners must download and install PolyBrute Connect from the official website, which will guide them through all the necessary steps