Synthesizers

Roland have embraced the Eurorack format with their semi–modular System 1m and four Aira effects modules.

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

After 10 years with no major updates, Reaktor bursts back into the spotlight with the ultimate virtual modular rack.

Novation’s new groovebox, sequencer and performance instrument could be this year’s essential synth accessory.

Question: What’s the difference between Carmen Electra and Carbon Electra? Answer: One is a glamour model and performer, the other is a four-oscillator subtractive synth that will work as a plug-in within your DAW.

With a large, well–equipped control panel and a gratuitously laden effects rack, the JDXA could be Roland’s most ambitious, hands–on synthesizer in many years.

Two more iOS apps reviewed: Futronica SAMMI Synth Multi-instrument • Xynthesizr Synth & Sequencer.

Cakewalk’s Rapture soft synth has been completely reworked and re-imagined: introducing Rapture Pro.

Once again allowed to use the Sequential name, Dave Smith’s latest instrument is a tribute to a genuinely classic synthesizer.

Yamaha’s Reface range recreates four of their classic instruments in miniature form.

Released in 1988, Korg’s M1 was arguably the most popular workstation keyboard of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Korg have now brought the M1 to the iPad in the form of their iM1 app.

Finally, a truly polyphonic guitar synth that you can use with any standard electric guitar — with no need for a hex pickup!

This 21st-century emulation of the SID 8‑bit soundchip is accurate down to its three notes of polyphony and ability to export your songs for playback on an actual Commodore 64.

With its familiar interface and enormous potential for expressive control, is the ROLI Seaboard the future of the keyboard?

Never afraid of a challenge, Arturia have undertaken the first software emulation of the celebrated Oberheim Matrix 12.