synthmagazine.co.uk – Every day, synthmagazine.co.uk publishes fresh articles, artist stories and gear news from the world of electronic music – your independent magazine for synth culture and sound design.

19. July 2025

Starsky Carr Drops the Beat with the Donner L1 Essential

When you mix the gritty flavor of a classic SH101 with a modern groove machine, you get the Donner Essential L1. Starsky Carr dives into this analog synth, blending vintage vibes and fresh antics to bring a sound that’s both familiar and innovative. It’s a tool that’ll get the beat-makers nodding along like it owes them lunch money. From syncable LFOs to a detachable keyboard, this synth’s ready to slap its way into your setup. Curious about how it stands up to its Roland predecessor and offers more? Let’s groove into it.

Donner Essential L1 Synth, Donner KB 32M Keyboard, Vintage Roland SH101

19. July 2025

JET

AudioPilz

Gear Gripes and Laughs with AudioPilz: A Clown’s Critique of the Yamaha DX200

In the newest episode of ‘Bad Gear,’ AudioPilz navigates the quirks of the Yamaha DX200, an FM synth infamous for its build woes and design missteps. Laugh along as he rips into its impracticalities and briefly finds some redeeming sonic features. With comparisons drawn sharply against contemporaries like the Elektron Digitone and a verdict that questions its current worth, it’s a comedic yet insightful jaunt into electronic music gear.

Elektron Digitone, Korg Volca FM, Yamaha DX200

19. July 2025

JET

Tonepusher

Tonepusher’s Industrial Wake-Up Call

Industrial music’s best-kept secrets are about to be revealed as Tonepusher dives into 3 drum machines that deserve way more credit. If you love rugged beats and raw industrial sounds, this one’s for you. From the versatile Roland R-70 to the hefty Jomox X-Base 09, and the once overlooked TR-606, Tonepusher unpacks why these machines are still favourites for many producers. Get ready for a dusty, clattering, industrial revelation!

Jomox X-Base 09, Roland R-70, Roland TR-606

19. July 2025

LYRA

Akai Professional

Akai Professional’s MPC Key 37: Building Tracks with Layers, Texture, and Workflow Mastery

In this second installment of MPC Academy Sessions, Akai Professional’s Andy Mac dives deep into the creative and technical possibilities of the MPC Key 37. The session, filmed at Guitar Center Hollywood, is a hands-on exploration of beat-making, sound selection, and advanced workflow techniques. Andy demonstrates how textured samples, layered drums, Q-link controls, and resampling can transform simple melodies into full productions. For producers interested in maximizing creative output and efficiency, this video offers a practical, architecture-focused look at what makes the MPC Key 37 a compelling centerpiece for modern music production.

MPC Key 37

19. July 2025

MILES

Intellijel

Intellijel Multigrain: Live Sounds and Looping Recorder—Granular Synthesis Grows Up

Intellijel’s Multigrain module has always been a granular playground, but with firmware 1.2, it steps decisively into the world of real-time audio manipulation. In this official walkthrough, Intellijel demonstrates how the new Live Sounds and Looping Recorder features transform Multigrain from a sample-mangler into a dynamic, performance-ready instrument. Expect a deep dive into patching live audio, freezing and modulating loops, and converting spontaneous textures into reusable samples—all with the clarity and hands-on focus we’ve come to expect from Intellijel’s channel. If you’re after granular textures that react to your rack in real time, this update is worth a close look.

Intellijel 62HP 4U Palette Case, Intellijel Amps, Intellijel Duatt 1U, Intellijel FSR 1U, Intellijel MIDI 1U, Intellijel MultiGrain, Intellijel Planar2, Intellijel Stereo I/O 1U, Intellijel Tangrams, Intellijel XY I/O 1U

19. July 2025

MILES

Yamaha Synths Official

Yamaha Synths Official: A Guided Voltage Tour Through 50 Years of Icons

Yamaha Synths Official takes us on a rare, hands-on journey through their Synth Space in Berlin, celebrating half a century of sonic innovation. Guided by Mike Patrick and Michael Feiner, this tour isn’t just a museum walk—it’s a living, breathing encounter with legendary machines from the CS-40M and CS-80 to modern titans like the Montage M and YC series. Expect anecdotes, patch insights, and a parade of classic tones as the hosts explore what makes each instrument tick. For anyone who dreams in oscillators and patch memories, this is a synth pilgrimage you won’t want to miss.

Yamaha CP-80, Yamaha CS-40M, Yamaha CS-80, Yamaha DX1, Yamaha DX7, Yamaha EX5, Yamaha FS1R, Yamaha Montage M, Yamaha Motif, Yamaha VL1, Yamaha VP1, Yamaha YC series, Yamaha YC-25D

18. July 2025

RILEY

SYNTH ANATOMY

synthanatomy’s M-VAVE SMK-37 Pro: The $70 Synth with Street Cred

Yo, ever heard of a MIDI keyboard that won’t clean out your wallet yet still packs a punch? synthanatomy dives deep into the new M-VAVE SMK-37 Pro, an all-in-one groove box that’s as street-ready as a food truck taco. From Bluetooth hookups to a surprisingly nifty FM poly engine, this little beast promises big vibes without the fancy price tag. Dive in to see if this budget banger hits the right notes or misses the beat.

M-VAVE SMK-37 Pro

18. July 2025

RILEY

Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

AndertonsKeyboardDept Gets Busy with the Novation Launch Control XL3

Ever wondered if you could find a piece of gear that’s the ultimate puppet master for your studio or live shows? Look no further, because AndertonsKeyboardDept is here to break down why the Novation Launch Control XL3 might just be the groove controller you need. With a focus on customization, integration, and live playability, it’s time to see how this box stacks up in the wild world of music production. Expect a mix of humor, hands-on demonstrations, and an honest take on what this baby can really do.

Novation Launch Control XL3

18. July 2025

LYRA

Arturia

Arturia AstroLab 1.5: A Digital Stage Keyboard Evolves

Arturia’s AstroLab 1.5 firmware update is here, and it’s not just a minor tweak—it’s a thoughtful expansion aimed at serious stage and studio players who crave workflow enhancements and deeper integration. The official Arturia video, presented by Kari Aryeh, walks us through new creative locks for arpeggiator and chord/scale settings, streamlined MIDI program change support, and a notably improved playlist transfer system with Analog Lab. Add to that a fresh batch of instrument engines spanning classic analog to cinematic hybrids, and AstroLab’s digital core gets a significant boost. Let’s break down what’s actually new, how it’s demonstrated, and what this

17. July 2025

RILEY

Sam Gutman

@SamGutman Kicks It with the Quad Cortex

In a video that grooves harder than a lost mixtape from the 90s, @SamGutman dives into the murky waters of the Neural DSP Quad Cortex. Guided by Andrew Amado, both keyboard maestros break down the pedal’s potential to turn any synth setup into a full-fledged sonic playground. But does it deliver street cred where it counts? Dive in to see if this box is the missing puzzle piece for your rig or just another flash in the gear pan.

Quad Cortex

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