A post from Roland’s site explains in more detail. “With Escape the Chains, Detroit’s Underground Resistance drops its first production pack, exclusive to owners of the TR-8S Rhythm Performer,” it reads. “For over 30 years, the UR collective has stood as a pillar of Detroit techno culture, championing musical innovation and cultivating a sonic legacy of futuristic, dystopian tones and uplifting anthems alike.”

The pack has 16 kits, 16 patterns and custom samples for use on the TR-8S Rhythm Performer.

Underground Resistance

Beginning in Detroit circa 1990, Underground Resistance was the debut label for many household names in Detroit techno. Among them were Robert Hood, Jon Dixon, and Jeff Mills.

Escape The Chains is available for free for Roland Account holders via Roland Cloud Manager. Find more information and download the production pack on Roland’s website.

Senior Partner James Husted‘s statement reads:

“After 11 years or so of doing this, and with many mixed emotions, I am announcing Synthwerks, LLC is leaving the Eurorack module business. We have been selling niche modules in a niche business, and it is time to move on. Controllers and [standalone] utility modules seem to be the last thing people buy for their rigs… Their money always usually gets spent on the newest sexy modules, and I don’t blame them. With the latest disruptions in the parts supply chain, many parts now are not in stock at the vendors we use, or have minimum quantities that are beyond the finances and sales flow of small companies… Synthwerks being one.”

Synthwerks will still offer customer support for their products, with Husted writing on the Modwiggler forum, “If you have any problems with them, don’t hesitate to contact me with questions.” As for the final supply of modules, Husted states that he will ”have some parts that will go to auction sites eventually, and some PCBs and front panels for the more obscure modules.”

Synthwerks, LLC was launched in 2010. It mainly specialized in the creation of Eurorack modules.

Find more information on the Synthwerks website.

For 10 years Mutable created a wide variety of successful Eurorack instruments. The Braids macro oscillator, Grids topographic drum sequencer, and Marbles random sampler are some of the few lauded by beginning and expert Eurorack users alike. Their ease of use as well as secret “easter eggs” for more sequencing and design options were the selling point of many of their devices.

Founder Émilie Gillet announced plans earlier in 2022 to shut down the company, retiring from the area of music technology. His statement on the official Mutable Instruments forum reads:

“No new module is in preparation. Beads is the last module I designed, back in 2019. Existing modules are going to be discontinued one after the other… Modules are marked as discontinued when the last shipment is sent to dealers… It might happen in a week, in a month or in a quarter… There is no easter egg, no plot twist, no teaser.”

Mutable Instruments has also designed standalone synths such as the Shruti-1, Anushri, Ambika and MIDIpal. Gillet phased these out in 2014 to focus on the company’s Eurorack designs.

While production is ceasing, Mutable Instruments announce support for existing devices is available “until June 2023.” Find more information on the Mutable Instruments website.  

The quad-directional microphone boasts features directly from SSL’s studio and broadcast production tools. The SSL CONNEX’s compact size also means it works on flat surfaces or mounted to a microphone or camera stand. 

Using a MAC/PC and USB equipped tablet, SSL CONNEX works with all major video conferencing platforms. A touch-sensitive interface at the top of the unit provides various options to adjust headphone and microphone settings. 

SSL CONNEX DSP Modes

Four “user modes” are available, each tailored to capture audio in various environments. A  colored SSL panel allows users to quickly identify both the microphone muting state and which DSP setting is currently on.

White (Solo mode): This mode optimizes audio capture for a single sound source from the front of the unit. Conference calls or single-presenter live streaming is ideal in Solo mode. SSL CONNEX is optimized for speech while reducing sound from the back and side faces. 

Green (Group mode): This mode on the SSL CONNEX is for round table conference calls and live-streaming with groups. SSL CONNEX balances multiple voices in the room with its microphone array and automatic smart mixer. 

Magenta (Vocal mode): Vocal mode uses SSL EQ and dynamics processing algorithms to enhance vocal recordings for on-the-fly recording. Vocal mode also rejects sounds from the sides and rear of SSL CONNEX. 

Blue (Music mode): A group of musicians positioned around SSL CONNEX can capture a high-quality audio recording. SSL CONNEX intelligently alters the sensitivity of the microphone array, reducing the noise floor and background noise. For acoustic instruments, the SSL CONNEX recognizes and boosts louder signals.

Immersive: Immersive uses all four modes, allowing users to access individual mic sources in one setting. This is most useful for immersive and spatial recordings or broadcasts.

Solid State Logic’s SSL CONNEX is available now at an introductory price of $149.99. The regular price is $199.99.

Find more information on Solid State Logic’s website.

In collaboration with famous sound-to-object designer Yuri Suzuki, the PO-80 engraves and plays 5-inch discs with “ultra-analog lo-fi sound.” By using a 3.5mm jack, recordings of around four minutes of sound at 33RPM (or three minutes at 45RPM) can fit on each disc.

Sound playback comprises of a built-in speaker on the PO-80 or connecting an external speaker via a 3.5mm audio plug.

The PO-80 is also a new addition to their Pocket Operator series of compact instruments. The PO-80 can record full songs created in Pocket Operators onto vinyl by also using the 3.5mm jack.

An online mastering system by Stockholm plugin maker Klevgrand provides additional help to create the highest-quality vinyl engraving.

The Teenage Engineering PO-80 Record Factory Kit costs $149. The kit comes with six black, 5-inch vinyl records, a spare vinyl cutting needle, 3.5mm audio plug, USB and a 7-inch adapter. The kit also comes with a Gakken educational music magazine.

Find more information on the Teenage Engineering website.

The Korg SQ-64 Polyphonic Sequencer carries a 64-pad sequence matrix across four tracks. Each programmable button can control synths, drums and other instruments via Gate, CV and MIDI. The sequencer also has a keyboard mode for capturing live performances.

For live hardware setups, the SQ-64 acts as a main clock for synth rigs and can also follow another MIDI clock or through an audio sync. The first three tracks on the sequencer work as an eight-note polyphony with modulation, pitch and gating for each track. The fourth “D-Sub” track works as a 16-part sequencer, with eight different Gate and MIDI notes. Sequencing on the SQ-64 comes in several options: Reverse, Stochastic (Nonlinear), Random, and Bounce. Together, each track can uniquely have up to a 64-step length. Ultimately, the SQ-64 can save up to 64 different projects with 16 different patterns for each track.

The Korg SQ-64 runs for $199.99. The SQ-64’s price point is due to being sold as a single unit only. The DIN MIDI adapters and KA350 AC wall-wart power adapter are sold separately, or $217 as a bundle.

Find more information on Korg’s official warehouse outlet site on Reverb.com. 

TR-REC sequencing is now available for the sampler. This allows the SP-404MKII SP to use an all-new recording mode along with its famed real-time recording.

Roland also provides a comprehensive overview video on the newer features of the SP-404MKII SP in the video below: 

The firmware update for the Roland SP-404MKII is free; The Roland SP-404MKII SP costs $559.99.

Find more information and download the firmware update on Roland’s website.

11 iLoud MTM monitors and an ARC MEMS microphone are included in the full package. Upon setup, iLoud MTM’s ARC self-calibration system adjusts the speakers, correcting each monitor’s output. All monitors are calibrated to have balanced and accurate sound, including ceiling-mount speakers. IK Multimedia describes the MTM system as a “a true phase-coherent response across the useful frequency spectrum for unbelievably natural sound.”

Other features include point-source performance regardless of distance and controlled dispersion reducing acoustic issues. The bundle is rounded out with a compact, easy-to-mount design.

The iLoud MTM Immersive Bundle 11 is available now for $3,999. Find more information on the IK Multimedia website.

The mixer’s custom CNC aluminum build comes with proprietary encoders, faders and PCB board. A rechargeable battery holds the TX-6’s power for about eight hours.

The six-channel stereo mixer layout on the TX-6 comes with three-band EQs or customizable individual knobs controlling any parameter in the device. An adjustable compressor on each channel helps with more dynamic mixdowns. Its built-in effects include reverb, chorus, delay, freeze, tape, filter and distortion.

In true Teenage Engineering fashion, the TX-6 is built as more than just a simple recording device: it is also an instrument tuner, effects unit, synthesizer and drum machine. The device’s synthesizer and sequencer comprise of four oscillator waveforms and four synthesized drum sounds. The “Tempo Sync” feature keeps devices connected to the TX-6 working in unison.

The TX–6’s audio interface feature can connect to any DAW and uses 12 channels over USB-C. MFi also allows you to connect to iOS devices. BLE connectivity turns the TX–6 into a wireless controller for other BLE midi devices. Trigger and sync from internal synths and sequencers from other sources is also an option.

Turning the TX–6 on its side enters it into “DJ Mode,” in which is works as a DJ mixer. Channel one becomes a fader to crossfade or cut between channels five and six.

The device connects to any audio output using a 3.5 mm mini jack, and a removable 6.35 mm jack to 3.5 mm mini jack adapter is provided. Slimline cables allow use of six channels at once, as well as a field bag for easy packing.

The TX-6 runs for $1,199. Find more information on the Teenage Engineering website. 

Korg’s website explains the latest model in more detail: “The next-gen volca fm … perfectly reproduces the sound of the classic Yamaha DX7 and is completely compatible with SYS-EX patches for the DX7 as well.

“Battery (included) or adapter (optional) operated with built-in speakers and a compact and light chassis, the volca fm is the ultimate portable FM solution for all musicians.

“This new generation – with double the voices of its predecessor, additional effects, expanded MIDI connectivity, and intuitive interface – is poised to bring unprecedented possibilities to your setup, and revolutionize your studio with new musical ideas.”

The leading feature of the fm 2 it is possible to play, sequence or arpeggiate up to six voices. The new volca fm 2 also includes velocity sensitivity via MIDI, providing more expressive analogue performance.

A reverb effect, in addition to the chorus, is now also available. Each of these effects have individual adjustable parameters.

The internal sequencer on the volca fm 2 offers looping up to 16 steps, with recordable functions during live performance. Storage for up to 16 sequence patterns are a part of the internal memory.

The volca fm 2’s sequence function can record subtle or major knob and parameter adjustment in real time.

3.5mm MIDI out (IN/OUT 3.5 mm TRS) connectivity allows the volca internal sequencer to control other devices through MIDI.

The Volca fm 2 costs $169.99. It runs on six AA batteries, has an integrated speaker, and weighs only 12.6oz (without batteries). Find more information on Korg’s website.