Sound Modules

Moog’s bovine bass synth just keeps getting better.

Pioneer’s new groovebox is a Dave Smith synth in DJ’s clothing.

Small company Rakit are making a big noise with their new drum synth.

The latest in the Boutique range is the result of an unexpected collaboration between Roland and Studio Electronics.

Future Retro’s Transient is a single-voice drum module based on 16-bit samples nabbed from classic drum machines, all delivered by a 12-bit DAC.

Could a mash-up of Novation’s Circuit and Bass Station II with a pinch of modular connectivity be the perfect recipe for the modern monosynth?

Soma Laboratory’s Lyra-8 may force you to reconsider everything you think you know about synthesizers.

Qu-Bit’s Wave is presumably named after the Wave (wav) format samples it plays — up to four of them at once. A 4GB MicroSD card is included, ready-populated with drum hits, vocals, synths and sound effects, easily enough to get you going...

Manikin have shrunk their Mellotron emulator down to desktop module size, but how will it measure up?

Moog modulars have always been unattainable objects of desire for most of us. But all that’s about to change...

In 1991 Roland introduced the company’s first Sound Canvas module, the SC55. Aimed at the enthusiast market, the SC55 offered...

Muse Research continue to refine their Receptor virtual instrument player.

Analogue Solutions make a bid for your cash with a retro-styled synth offering big, fat Moog-style sounds and a built-in sequencer. Could this be their best synth yet?

The Receptor lets you use VST plug-ins without a computer. How does V2 improve on the original?

Yamaha's Motif range has proved to be both popular and enduring — so is the latest incarnation, the Rack XS, your cue to join the Motif party?

Having served up convincing hardware emulations of the legendary Minimoog and Prophet V analogue synths, Creamware turn their attention to the mighty Hammond B3 organ.

Yamaha's original Motif Rack was a fine-sounding, well-specified synth module, but it suffered from MIDI timing problems when reviewed in SOS. Two years on, we put the follow-up Motif Rack ES to the test...

If you want to get your hands on the latest VST Instruments and Plug-in effects, but don't fancy having a PC in your studio, Muse Research's Receptor could be the answer.

2002 saw the release of the Evolver, a quirky hybrid analogue/digital synth and sequencer from Sequential synth pioneer Dave Smith. Now he continues his renaissance with a four-voice polyphonic version that integrates neatly with the original.

The ATCX really could be seen as four synths in one, as its unassuming exterior conceals not only an adaptable true analogue synthesis architecture, but also the filter characteristics of classic synths that include the Minimoog and the TB303.

Software instruments are flexible, upgradeable, and frequently offer better user interfaces, while hardware offers better tactile feedback and is easier to use live. But what if you could combine the plus points of both? Enter the Noah...