Korg’s NTS-4 steps into the spotlight as a palm-sized, steel-chassis mixer aimed at the hardware synth and live performance crowd. In this official walkthrough, Fess Grandiose demonstrates the NTS-4’s six-channel architecture, dual stereo FX engines, and USB-C integration, all packed into a DIY kit format. With Eurorack-compatible mono inputs, cue and mute controls, and direct-to-device USB audio, the NTS-4 is pitched as a flexible hub for contemporary DAWless, modular, and groovebox setups. We take a close look at what’s actually delivered—and what questions remain.

Korg NTS-4

11. July 2026

Bthelick

Bthelick’s Chord Hack: Basslines With a Side of Magic

RILEY

Ever wondered why your basslines feel a little… flat? Bthelick, the groove doctor himself, drops a chord trick that flips the script on boring low-end. Forget rigid theory—he’s out here mixing sampled stabs with unlikely bass notes, turning vanilla loops into certified dancefloor heat. If you think you know what your samples can do, think again. Buckle up: this is the kind of hack you’ll want to try before your next beat session.

11. July 2026

Starsky Carr

Dreadbox Artemis Goes Nuclear: Starsky Carr’s Analogue Bunker Test

SPARKY

Starsky Carr takes the Dreadbox Artemis for a rough and ready spin, tearing into its six-voice analog core and freshly updated firmware. Expect no mercy as he fires up the new mod matrix, MPE mayhem, and a playground of effects. We get mind-melted by a full-on sound journey and see if the Artemis can justify its monster price tag over the Nymphes. This one’s for the synth-heads who want filth, flexibility, and zero sales pitch.

Dreadbox ARTEMIS, Dreadbox Nymphes

11. July 2026

Jon Makes Beats

Jon Makes Beats & Dawson: FL Studio Gets a Streetwise Upgrade

RILEY

Jon Makes Beats is back, and this time Dawson’s driving the ship—through the neon-lit streets of FL Studio. Forget what you know about stiff DAWs; this joint’s got more vibe than a late-night taco truck. Dawson digs in with hardware controllers, flips samples like pancakes, and stitches up a beat with the kind of flair you only get from years of hustling in the groove game. If you’re still sleeping on FL Studio, wake up—the game’s changed and Jon’s crew is here to show you how it slaps.

FL Studio, Roland SP-44 Mark II, Yamaha Montage M8X

11. July 2026

CROW HILL

CROW HILL’s Mic Face-Off: Four Ways to Catch a Whistle

SPARKY

What happens when CROW HILL drags an award-winning whistle player into the shed and lines up four classic microphones for a sonic showdown? Ribbon, large and small diaphragm condenser, and dynamic mics all get their moment in the spotlight. Expect sharp ears, quick demos, and the kind of no-nonsense comparison that makes you want to swap your own gear mid-take. Not all mics are born equal—and some are built like tanks.

Cole’s Ribbon Microphone, Dynamic Microphone, Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, Ribbon Microphone, Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

10. July 2026

OXI Instruments

OXI Instruments E16 Update: Looper Rebuilt, Workflow Refined

LYRA

OXI Instruments’ latest E16 firmware update is a substantial leap forward for this already versatile MIDI controller. With a completely reimagined looper, deepened modulation capabilities, and a more streamlined interface, the E16 now offers a much more intuitive and performance-friendly experience. This video from OXI Instruments walks through every major new feature, from scene navigation to DAW mapping and performance macros. For anyone interested in tight, hands-on MIDI control and flexible digital workflows, this update is well worth a deep dive.

10. July 2026

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft Unleashes the Kawai Q-80EX: 32-Track Mayhem from the 80s

SPARKY

Remember when sequencers were built like tanks and had more buttons than your nan’s remote? Espen Kraft dives headfirst into the criminally underrated Kawai Q-80EX, showing why this 32-track MIDI beast deserves a seat at the table with the Roland MC-500 and Yamaha QX3. Expect sharp comparisons, dirty workflow tricks, and a healthy dose of 80s nostalgia—plus a few features that’ll have even modern groovebox heads taking notes. If you think all 80s sequencers are slow and clunky, this one might just change your tune.

10. July 2026

Molten Music Technology

Molten Music Technology vs. Random: The Random8 Riot

SPARKY

Eight channels of chaos, all dialled in by Molten Music Technology. The Mylar Melodies Random8 isn’t just another random CV generator—it’s a modular weapon, cooked up with Befaco and ready to hijack your rack. Robin Vincent gives it a proper British grilling: from off-the-wall modulation to no-holds-barred preset madness. If you think you know randomness, you don’t—at least not until you’ve seen this in action.