Synthmagazine UK | Synth News, Gear & Sound Design

12. July 2026

Sunwarper’s Sample Flip Showdown: Where Chopping Ain’t King

If you think chopping is the ultimate sample flip, Sunwarper’s about to flip your script. This LA beat wizard dives deep into the wild world of sampling techniques—from the old-school to the wild and weird. Expect honest rankings, practical tips, and some killer grooves, all filtered through Sunwarper’s signature sun-soaked, dusty-vinyl lens. Whether you’re a bedroom beatmaker or a streetwise sampler, this video serves up more tricks than your favorite taco truck.

Tracklib

12. July 2026

LUMINA

David Hilowitz Music

David Hilowitz Music Illuminates the Cyma Forma ALT: A Crystal Soundscape

In this poetic exploration, David Hilowitz Music unveils the Cyma Forma ALT, a synthesizer sculpted from layers of light and glass. We drift through its nebular architecture, where oscillators shimmer beneath plexiglass and sonic ghosts flicker across transparent planes. David’s hands become cartographers of resonance, tracing new worlds through tactile design and glimmering sound. This is not simply a review—it’s an invitation to wander, to listen with your eyes, and to let the ALT’s magnetic fields pull you into uncharted territory.

Arturia Keystep, Cyma Forma ALT

12. July 2026

SPARKY

Creative Sauce

Creative Sauce’s 2026 Vocal Chain: No-Nonsense Plugins for Raw Vocal Power

If you’re sick of endless plugin hype and want a vocal chain that actually slaps, Creative Sauce has you covered. Mike strips away the fluff and runs through his 2026 vocal chain, showing how to sculpt, compress, and tame vocals without turning your mix into a bland porridge. Expect sharp advice, a few firm opinions, and a toolkit of plugins that get the job done without breaking the bank. If you think a Neve pre and a sidechain can’t be friends, think again.

Arturia Pre 1973, FabFilter Pro-Q4, Smooth Operator Pro, Sonible pure:deess, UAD 1176, UAD LA-2A, UAD Pure Plate Reverb

12. July 2026

SPARKY

MusicRadar Tech

MusicRadar Tech Unleashes Nopia: Chord Wizard or Hype Machine?

Nopia isn’t your average synth – it’s a pastel-coloured harmony grenade, and MusicRadar Tech just pulled the pin. In this exclusive studio demo, we get a proper look at what makes this so-called ‘harmony machine’ tick, straight from its creators. With workflow moves that could shake up your whole writing process, plus a sound engine that flips between samples and synth, Nopia’s out to prove it’s more than just Internet hype. Curious? You should be.

Nopia

11. July 2026

LYRA

Korg

Korg NTS-4: Compact Performance Mixer with Modern Hybrid DNA

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

RILEY

Bthelick

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

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

SPARKY

Starsky Carr

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

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

RILEY

Jon Makes Beats

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

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

SPARKY

CROW HILL

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

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

LYRA

OXI Instruments

OXI Instruments E16 Update: Looper Rebuilt, Workflow Refined

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.

OXI E16

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