Along with a few new software synthesizers, there has also been a couple of hardware releases announced. Here are some of the most notable ones.

Octave Cat

By Cherry Audio

Website: https://cherryaudio.com/products/octave-cat

New from Cherry Audio is the Octave Cat synthesizer, which emulates the Octave Electronics CAT duophonic synth from 1976. Octave Cat was developed in partnership with the original designer of The CAT. According to Cherry Audio, it retains all the growl of the original hardware’s fat, savage sound and also replicates its aggressive resonant filter. However, it expands on the original with up to 16-voice polyphony, a super-flexible dual eight-step sequencer, and more. Octave Cat is available now at an introductory price of $49.00 discounted from the MSRP of $69.00.

GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer

By Boss

Website: https://www.boss.info/us/products/gm-800/

It’s been a while since Boss released a new synth pedal, but they are back with the GM-800, which the company believes will elevate guitar synthesis into a new age of natural playability. It is driven by their newly developed Seriak GK interface and uses the advanced ZEN-Core engine to unlock any sound imaginable. The sound engine is derived from the flagship Roland synthesizer and offers musicians a natural playing feel and solid tracking stability. A vast onboard sound library of over 1200 tones and 70 rhythm sounds will also keep the creativity flowing. With the GM-800 guitar and bass players have access to sounds that are typically only available with keyboard-based instruments. The GM-800 will be available from August 2023 with an MSRP of $749.99.

FAC Bandit Desktop

By Fred Anton Corvest

Website: http://fredantoncorvest.com/FAC_Bandit.html

Frederic Corvest has released a desktop version of the multiband audio effect AUv3, FAC Bandit, for macOS. The software, which was originally released on iOS, is a 3-band multi-effects processor where each band provides its own effect with mix blending control. It comes with built-in effects such as Saturator, Lofi, and Ring Modulator, frequency isolator equalizer, separate dry/wet output controls, and more. The software is suitable for any situation, going from subtle to drastic change and its advanced responsive design is compatible with landscape and portrait views. FAC Bandit Desktop is available for $6.99 and can be extended with Delay and Reverb effects via in-app purchases.