AndertonsKeyboardDept Drops the Stylophone Gen X-2 Beat

Straight off, Jack Duxbury kicks things off with a nostalgic nod to the Stylophone Gen X-2, describing it as an evolution of its beloved predecessors. He paints it like that old school toy everyone wished they had, but with some new tricks up its sleeve. The Gen X-2 comes with external control options, allowing it to sync up with your keyboard, sequencer, or a modular setup. This portable monophonic analog synth packs a punch and even stakes its claim as the ultimate stocking filler this Christmas. Jack’s enthusiasm is contagious, making you feel like this tiny synth could be the gateway drug into the world of sound synthesis.

Jack wastes no time diving into the inner workings of the Gen X-2. With quirks like an envelope affecting pitch rather than volume, and an LFO selector offering different waveforms, this little gadget is like a wild animal waiting to be tamed. He demonstrates the switchery and knob-tweaking rituals that bring out a familiar ‘clickety clack’ from the LFO, transforming the otherwise ordinary into the extraordinary. And then there’s the filter; crank up the resonance, and you’ll find yourself carving out that crispy top end, though at the cost of some bottom end punch. Just when you’re feeling like an analog DJ, Jack flips the famous X switch, unleashing a whole new dimension. All these quirky features and adjustments make it less of a science project and more of an exciting sound journey.

Jack moves us into ‘Stylus Town’ with the Stylophone’s brass-tipped stylus and signature ribbon controller, emphasising the worth of this quirky setup. The ribbon controls for LFO, oscillator, and filter are a playground for noise artists and anyone with an urge to push boundaries. Jack explores these parameters with a child-like curiosity, tweaking away as if discovering a brand new broken subwoofer. The tactile response of the ribbon stirs up all kinds of creative mischief, allowing variations that seem otherworldly. The expressions on Jack’s face mirror ours as he flips through the settings, unveiling sounds that could easily underscore a stranger-than-fiction documentary. By the end of this segment, it’s clear that for someone hungry for experimental sounds, this feature alone is worth a second look.

As Jack wraps up his deep dive into the Stylophone Gen X-2, he maintains that undeniable grin signaling a job well done. He hints at the imminent release of this pocket-sized beast, while trolling for its surprisingly complex yet delightful delay feature. Jack muses on what fans of the experimental noise scene might conjure up with this little powerhouse, reminding us of its playful nature. With its price point aimed to please and features meant to thrill, the Gen X-2 feels more like a playful puzzle than a buttoned-up instrument. A stylus-wielding companion for mad scientists and beatmakers alike, it wraps you up in its nostalgic charm with the promise of future jams. For those who appreciate a synth that’s more vibe and less textbook, the Stylophone Gen X-2 might just be your new tour buddy.