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.

28. January 2026

Espen Kraft’s Minimalist Gig Prep: From Rehearsal to Rave Bunker

Espen Kraft, the synth sorcerer of 80s nostalgia, steps out of the studio shadows and into the live arena. This time, he’s prepping for a Joe Satriani-fuelled blues-rock gig, and he’s letting us peek behind the curtain as he dials in his rig and mindset. Forget hauling a B3 up the fire escape—Espen’s all about keeping it light, clever, and gig-proof. If you want to know how a seasoned keyboardist survives the chaos of a new band, this is your backstage pass. Spoiler: there’s no room for ego, but plenty for a battered Alpha Juno 2.

Emagic MT4 MIDI Interface, Korg TR-Rack, MacBook Air M1, Mainstage, Roland Alpha Juno 2, X-Session MIDI CC Controller, Zoom H6

28. January 2026

LYRA

Akai Professional

Akai Professional MPC XL: Command Central for the Modern Studio

Akai Professional’s MPC XL steps into the spotlight as the all-in-one hub for contemporary music production, and this official walkthrough wastes no time showing why. The video methodically demonstrates how the MPC XL can anchor your studio, integrating external synths, modular rigs, and controllers with ease. From classic MIDI and CV connections to the flexible Q-Link macro system and project templates, Akai’s producer-centric approach is on full display. If you’re curious about how the MPC XL’s architecture translates into real-world workflows—layering tracks, routing signals, and saving setups—this is a must-watch (and a must-read for digital instrument nerds like us).

Akai MPK Mini MK4, Akai Professional MPC XL, Dreadbox Typhoon, Moog Spectravox Optimizer

28. January 2026

LYRA

Akai Professional

Akai Professional MPC XL: Step Sequencing as Studio Centerpiece

Akai Professional’s MPC XL aims to be more than just another groovebox—it’s pitched here as the beating heart of a modern studio. In this focused walkthrough, the official Akai Pro team demonstrates how the MPC XL’s step sequencing, Q-Link controls, and CV tools elevate it from a mere sampler to a full production hub. We see the MPC XL handling drum programming, melodic sequencing, and automation with external synths, all while keeping workflow and hands-on control front and center. If you’re curious about how Akai’s latest flagship integrates with hardware and software setups, this video offers a precise, practical look—without

MPC XL, Spectravonks, Typhoon

28. January 2026

SPARKY

Rapid Flow

Rapid Flow’s Triple Threat: Zensphere vs DIVA vs Serum 2 – Which Synth Survives the Rave Bunker?

Rapid Flow’s Erik dives headfirst into a synth shootout you lot demanded: Zensphere, DIVA, and Serum 2 in a no-holds-barred comparison. Forget the marketing fluff—this is about CPU carnage, interface sanity, and which one actually drops into your mix without a fight. Erik’s style is all about cutting through the techy nonsense and getting straight to what matters for real-world producers. If you’re sick of synths that eat your laptop alive or menus that feel like a maths exam, this is the face-off you need. Spoiler: there’s no mercy for bloated GUIs or CPU hogs. Strap in.

Diva, Serum 2, Zensphere

27. January 2026

SPARKY

Andrew Chapman Creative

Andrew Chapman Creative Unleashes the Heritage Audio P-Lane: Tube Mojo for the Masses

If you think all compressors are just boring rack fodder, Andrew Chapman Creative is here to slap you out of your slumber. In this no-nonsense breakdown, Andrew puts the Heritage Audio P-Lane—a modern, all-tube beast inspired by the Altec 436—through its paces. Expect thick tones, harmonics that drip like honey, and a few cheeky mods for the DIY crowd. If you’re after a compressor that can glue, smash, and add attitude to your tracks, this is the review you need. Grab your cuppa, because this one’s got more warmth than your nan’s living room.

Heritage Audio P-Lane Compressor

27. January 2026

SPARKY

DivKid

DivKid’s Small Stone: Phaser Mayhem for Synth Freaks

DivKid’s back in the bunker, dusting off the Electro Harmonix Small Stone – a phaser pedal that’s survived more gigs than your nan’s kettle. This isn’t just a nostalgia trip: we’re talking creative chaos across modular, synths, and anything else you can plug in. Expect dirty tricks, lush pads, and a few sonic curveballs as DivKid shows why the Small Stone is still a street weapon in the studio. If you think phasers are just for guitarists, prepare to have your face melted. Grab a brew and dive in – but trust me, some of these sounds have to be

Echo Fix Spring Reverb, Electro Harmonix Small Stone, Mutable Instruments Rings, Vox Jaguar, Yamaha SY-1

27. January 2026

SPARKY

Molten Music Technology

Molten Music Technology’s Orchid Review: Hipster Toy or Chord Weapon?

Molten Music Technology’s Robin Vincent takes the achingly hip Telepathic Instruments Orchid for a spin, asking the big question: is it a creative spark plug or just posh musical fluff? With his trademark blend of dry wit and brutal honesty, Robin dives into the Orchid’s shiny design, its instant chord magic, and the places where it falls flat on its plastic face. If you’re after a no-nonsense, groove-focused breakdown of this boutique box, you’re in the right rave bunker. Spoiler: it’s not all sunshine and Rhodes, but it might just kickstart your next tune.

Telepathic Instruments Orchid

27. January 2026

LYRA

Arturia

Arturia Pigments 7: Virtual Riot’s Bass-Forward Sound Design Playground

When Arturia teams up with Virtual Riot, you know you’re in for a deep dive into the architecture of modern sound design. In this official Arturia video, German-born bass music heavyweight Virtual Riot unpacks his creative workflow using Pigments 7, showcasing how its multi-engine synthesis and modulation tools drive both the technical and musical sides of his productions. From granular textures to random modulation tricks, the session is a masterclass in turning digital flexibility into club-ready, festival-shaking results. If you’re curious about how a top-tier producer bends a flagship synth to his will—and how that translates to real-world performance and

Arturia Pigments 7

27. January 2026

MILES

Verbos Electronics GmbH

Odd over Even: Verbos Electronics Explores the Voltage Multistage 10

Verbos Electronics returns with a deep-dive into the Voltage Multistage 10, their 10-step sequencer that thrives on the unexpected interplay of odd and even sequence lengths. In this video, the Berlin-based team demonstrates how contrasting step counts can inject a patch with evolving rhythmic complexity, far beyond the usual four-bar grid. With a focus on modulation, filter sculpting, and layered control voltages, the presentation is a patch-builder’s delight—showing not just what the module can do, but how it wants to be used in a real-world Eurorack setup. If you’re after static loops, look elsewhere; this is about organic, shifting patterns

Bark Filter, Complex Oscillator, Harmonic Oscillator, Multi-Delay, Voltage Multistage 10

26. January 2026

SPARKY

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr Breaks Down Oxygène Part 4: Synths for the Masses, Not Just the Elitists

Forget the synth museum – Starsky Carr is here to prove you don’t need a bank loan or a warehouse of vintage gear to nail the sounds of Jean Michel Jarre’s Oxygène Part 4. In this rapid-fire, no-fluff tutorial, Starsky slices through the hype and shows how you can wrangle those iconic tones out of almost any synth or plugin with a couple of oscillators and a bit of attitude. Expect deep dives, dirty tricks, and a healthy disrespect for preset culture. If you want to learn how to make classic sounds with modern tools and a bit of grit,

Arturia ARP 2600, Arturia Jupiter-8, Arturia Mini V, Arturia Prophet 5, Novation Summit

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