Here’s my take on what it’s like to design for Korg’s new Modwave digital synth. Incredibly deep instrument. Worth your attention.
Link: https://cdm.link/2021/01/inside-korgs-modwave-sound-design-tips-for-this-upcoming-wavetable-synth/
Wendy Carlos recorded the first mainstream performance of a vocoder for her soundtrack to Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, using a 10-band version she developed with Bob Moog in 1970. From there, it was quickly established as a featured component for countless pop, funk, and dance hits—and is often confused with an effect known as the talk box, which is an entirely different method for embossing the characteristics of the human voice onto a musical performance.
Over the past 45 years, there have been many successful vocoders—both hardware and software. The earliest hardware units from Bode, Roland, Moog and Korg found their way into top artists’ studios. Nowadays, software versions are baked into leading DAWs from Ableton, Apple, and Propellerhead, to name a few.
Although vocoders are typically used for creating “robot vocals,” they are capable of generating a wide variety of effects. But to get the most from this unique processor, it is essential to understand how a vocoder works. Here’s my essential guide for Music Radar.
LINK: https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-vocoders-a-complete-guide
If you’ve read the specs, Korg’s new Prologue polysynth is far more complex than either of its siblings—the Minilogue and Monologue—though it shares their heritage. Consequently, the Prologue’s analog side is similar, but with a few notable upgrades.
The Prologue’s digital side, however, has some groundbreaking innovations. This Music Radar Master Class takes a close look at its synthesis engine and explains how to make the most of it.
LINK: https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/the-ultimate-guide-to-getting-the-most-out-of-the-korg-prologue
With Ableton’s annual Loop conference coming this weekend, it seems like a good time to revisit Thump’s impressive feature on the history of this iconic software company. [Full disclosure: I have three speaking engagements on sound design this year at Loop.]
The interview is long and fairly detailed, but Ableton’s story is truly fascinating. Whether you’re a Live user or just curious about how software is developed and evolves, it’s a great read.