A few new hardware and software synthesizers have recently been released, along with updates for ones already on the market. Here’s a roundup of some of the more notable ones.

Yester Versio

By Noise Engineering

Price: $393.00

Noise Engineering released Yester Versio, which they describe as the long-awaited answer to the request for a simple delay on the Version platform. “Yester” is derived from old English, meaning “of former, earlier, or previous times” while “Versio” is from Latin for “versatile.” It is a three-tap delay that was designed to be as straightforward and easy to control as possible. Noise Engineering believes that Yester Versio is perfect for helping glue together almost any patch but has enough character of its own to stand out, too, if that’s what users want. 

In addition to controls over panning, delay feedback, and delay time, Yester Versio also features a Time control. This interacts with the Even/Triplet/Dotted switch, which allows for flexible delay syncing. In addition, these can work with the Tap button and jack input, which is ideal for syncing Yester to the rest of your patch to create interesting rhythms. 

Yester Version has a DJ-style filter to shape delays, Chorus to add flavor, and a bipolar control for adding clean pitch shifting or LFO-modulated effects. Gentle saturation is obtainable by turning up Fold, moving on to gritty wavefolding, and even some chaotic suboctaves at the top of the knob. Since it is a Versio, almost everything can also be CV controlled. 

Yester Versio is available for $393.00 in black and silver versions. Visit the official website to make a purchase or download the manual and patchbook (https://noiseengineering.us/products/yester-versio?variant=43705898828024).

Speldosa

By Klevgrand and Wintergatan

Price: $5.99 (regular price $9.99)

Klevgrand, known for their work within the digital sphere, has teamed up with Wintergatan (Martin Molin), creator of the Marble Machine, to release Speldosa. Speldosa, which is Swedish for “Music Box,” features four different models, modern, vintage, antique, and eternal, along with two different room models and an algorithmic reverb. 

Wintergatan created the sound of Speldosa by sampling a music box using an acoustic guitar as a resonance box. He also stated that while collaborating with Klevgrand, he ended up playing around with the beta version of the plugin for three hours after losing track of time. He also wrote three songs that day while scheduled to do something else. 

Spledosa is available for macOS and Windows and can be purchased at a discounted price of $5.99, down from $9.99, or as part of the Instrument Bundle for $320.99. A demo version, which is fully functional but with occasional audio disruptions, is also available to download from the official website (https://klevgrand.com/products/speldosa). 

Wobbler²

By This Is Not Rocket Science

Price: $409.99

This is Not Rocket Science has released an upgraded version of their original Wobber named Wobbler². It is an advanced LFO and drum synthesizer that adds “controlled chaos” to your sounds and has five shapes. According to TiNRS, the upgrade for Wobbler was entirely made possible by the RP2040 Raspberry Pi model, which they describe as a “powerful little monster.” 

Wobbler² features a SHAPE knob that allows users to select between five shapes: Basic LFO, Self-Phased LFO, Twang, Double pendulum, and Sample-and-hold. The MOD knob controls shape-specific modulation, while a big FREQUENCY knob is available to change the speed at which it oscillates. The SYNC input can change the FREQUENCY knob into a sub-divider of the incoming tempo, while the PHASE knob controls the phase difference between two outputs. In addition, the SHAPE, FREQUENCY, PHASE, and MOD all have CV inputs. 

Wobbler² can be shifted into drumming mode with a push of the BANG ON! button, which gives users access to a range of drum sounds. These include big drum, block, spring, snare drum, and hi-hat as styles. Visit the official website for more information, including the full specifications (http://www2.thisisnotrocketscience.nl/eurorack/wobbler2/#).