Robot Rocket, Track8 and an Ultra-Rare Pink Synth: Synth Journal
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Robot Rocket, Track8 and an Ultra-Rare Pink Synth: Synth Journal · Source: Thingstone, Bjango, GS Music
In this edition of Synth Journal: Robot Rocket recreates Daft Punk’s iconic vocal effects, the Track8 audio and MIDI arranger is finally almost ready, and GS Music releases an ultra-rare special edition of the e7 polysynth for a good cause.
Synth Journal
Robot Rocket: New Vocoder Plugin Delivers that Iconic Daft Punk Sound
Want to recreate Daft Punk’s iconic vocal effects? Throughout their career, the French duo used a bunch of different vocal effects and vocoders to create their signature sound (read developer bjango’s excellent blog post to find out which one was used for which song). One box they often came back to is the Digitech Talker, a vocal effects pedal from the ‘90s that’s becoming increasingly hard to get. It’s all over “Human After All” and was also used for the famous vocal sound in “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”.
Bjango’s new Robot Rocket plugin brings the sound of the Digitech Talker to your DAW, and then some. The plugin offers two modes. Retro mode stays close to the pedal, offering three programs (Nuvo, Tazmania, Talkbox) and three controls for Voice, Synth, and Output. Modern mode offers an extended set of controls for more experimental sound design, including a pitch shifter, a Quality knob, a bit crusher, and a couple of filters. Very nice!
The introductory offer ($29) expires on October 12. The regular price will be $39. A 30-day free trial is also available.
Robot Rocket is currently only available as an AU plugin for macOS 14 or higher, although it sounds like the developer is considering making VST and CLAP versions, as well.
Thingstone Track8: Hardware Audio and MIDI Arranger for DAWless Workflows
Want to record and edit audio and MIDI without the ballast of a full-blown DAW? Prefer the workflow of a multitrack tape recorder to standalone grooveboxes like the MPC series? Then the Thingstone Track8 could be just what you need. This 8-track hardware recorder and arranger for audio and MIDI first caused a stir at Superbooth a couple of years ago. But now it looks like Track8 is almost ready and in its final stages of development.
Track8 offers eight stereo audio tracks. You can record via the 1/4” line inputs or a single XLR input with a mic preamp. Unfortunately, only one stereo track can be recorded at a time, making Track8 unsuitable for recording several instruments simultaneously. The developer says that he’s looking into possibly supporting external audio interfaces in the future, but for now, one stereo track at a time is what it is. With 120 GB of internal storage, Track8 supports audio projects of up to four hours in length.
In addition, Track8 offers eight MIDI tracks with a familiar piano-roll-style editor. You can also record, edit, and automate MIDI CC and pitch bend data.
There are a couple of track FX such as filters and a compressor, as well as global reverb and delay effects and a master compressor/limiter. While Track8 can mix down your tracks to a stereo file, I reckon most users will prefer to export their stems to a DAW for more comprehensive mixing tools.
According to a post on Gearspace, Track8 will be €1,512.60 plus tax. We’ll keep you updated!
GS Music e7 Pink Edition: Support the Fight Against Breast Cancer with this Ultra-Rare Analog Polysynth
The awesome GS Music e7 analog polysynth is now available in an ultra-limited pink edition of only four units. The brainchild of GS Music founder Elena Epuin, the pink e7 is meant to raise breast cancer awareness and support the fight for early detection.
“The idea of the pink synths has been in our heads for a long time,” Elena explains.
“For us, it’s vital to keep our synths connected to the human side of things. The e7 doesn’t just have a great sonic soul — it has a human soul too. I believe that’s why our clients stay in touch long after buying their synths.
So here’s your chance to own an incredibly rare pink polysynth with a purpose. According to GS Music, all proceeds from the sale of the four special units will be donated in full to a leading oncological institution in Buenos Aires.
At the time of writing, the e7 Pink Edition was still available on the manufacturer’s website for $1,799. With only four units being made, it’s probably best to act quickly if you want one!
Check out these Adorable Synth Miniatures from Optimahouse
Here’s an awesome gift for any synth geek: These meticulously crafted and highly detailed miniatures of classic synths are too cute! You can choose from analog legends such as the Roland Jupiter-8 and JX8P or classics from the digital age like the Yamaha DX7, KORG 01/W, KORG Wavestation, or Yamaha SY99. My personal favorite is the trio of Roland classics (Jupiter-8, Juno-60, Juno-106) complete with a miniature stand. Adorable!
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