The Many Gadgets that Make Music Production Fun!

Hello everyone! It’s Kaoru the composer.

This time, I would like to talk about gadgets that add a little spice to music production.
Music production is a rather tedious process. I think there are many people who work on it alone.

Everyone has the experience of falling into a slump after making several songs, and they find that they can’t come up with any new material.

So!
I would like to introduce some interesting gadgets that will spark your inspiration!
They will help you create phrases/patterns that you may not normally come up with, so if you’re looking to change your approach, this is a must-read!

Modal Electronics / Craft Synth 2.0

A monophonic wavetable synthesizer that produces deep wavetable sounds.
Its ultra-compact dimensions : 150mm x 135mm x 68mm and its battery-powered design allow you to play authentic sounds anywhere.
It is also great that it does not overpower your desk when used at home!
The pop appearance makes it look like a toy, but the functions and sound quality are quite high quality!

Despite being a monophonic wavetable synthesizer, it can be connected to up to four CraftSynth 2.0 units.
It also offers flexible expandability, such as the ability to play with a total of four voices.

If you are concerned about operability due to its compact size, the company's free app and plug-ins can be linked to a tablet device or computer that allows access to all parameters for more visual control.
So it can be used intuitively and with detailed settings!

Another noteworthy feature is the Oscillator Modifier, which cross-modulates two oscillators.
This means that one oscillator modulates the other oscillator!
A total of 16 modifiers are available. This will come in handy for sound creation!

Playtime Engineering / Blipblox After Dark

This synthesizer is designed to be enjoyed even by small children.
It has a futuristic feel like a control panel of a spaceship.
It is not to be underestimated, even if it is for children! The functions are quite serious!

• 16 different oscillators
• Multi-mode filter
• Various effects
• 100 drum sounds including kick, snare, etc.
• Over 300 built-in melodies

The range of sound creation is almost limitless.

MIDI input/output allows connection to keyboards, drum machines, and DAWs with a MIDI interface.
It also has a built-in speaker and stereo 1/4” audio output jack, so you can play it as is.

This is an interesting item that allows you to study synths while you’re having fun!

Playtime Engineering / Blipblox

These are white-based models! It has a pop of cuteness!

TEENAGE ENGINEERING / PO modular 400

A multifunctional modular synthesizer that you can enjoy assembling by yourself.
Basically anyone can assemble it without any specialized knowledge or soldering required.

The instruction manual is also available in Japanese as a PDF file, so you don't have to worry!

In terms of functions,

• Step sequencer
• Mixer
• Square wave oscillator
• Sawtooth wave oscillator
• Sine wave oscillator
• Sample & hold module
• lfo
• Envelope
• vca (voltage-controlled amplifier)
• Noise
• filter

and all the other features found in common synths are included.

I think that many young musicians in particular have never touched a modular synth before, since they are probably making music mainly with soft synths.
So I think it would be a good idea to make a debut with this kit!

(*Warning from the manufacturer!)
Do not connect headphones directly to the equipment as this may cause damage to the equipment and your hearing. Do not connect the outputs from the 400 and 170 to equipment not designed to handle large voltages.
Be sure to connect each module correctly. +-Incorrect connection of + and - polarity may result in damage to the equipment due to the lack of protection circuitry. In this case, the warranty will not apply.

That’s right!
These devices are especially delicate, so please make sure to use them correctly!

Other lineups are available!

TEENAGE ENGINEERING / PO modular 170

This is a monophonic synth.

TEENAGE ENGINEERING / PO modular 16

This is a step sequencer!

These are some of the gadgets I have introduced!
Using instruments and gadgets that you don't usually touch will increase your own drawers!
Please try it!

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