French composer & synthesist Jean-Baptiste Favory shared this short video, demonstrating using an EMS Synthi AKS (1972) played and recorded through a La Voix du Luthier Onde acoustic resonator.

La Voix du Luthier has created two acoustic resonators, the Onde and the Pyramid, that are designed to be an alternative to using speakers to amplify electronic instruments. They are in the tradition of the diffuseurs of French instrument designer Maurice Martenot. Instead of being designed to reproduce sound accurately or ‘flat’, they’re designed to resonate, to become part of your electronic instrument and part of your sounds.

Favory uses the combination for acoustic performances, because the Synthi’s signal is not directly amplified by a speaker, but is amplified acoustically with the vibrations of the Onde’s wooden body.

You can read more about the Onde in our interview with creator Christophe Duquesne....

Agnew Analog shared this video demo of the Agnew Analog Reference Instrument Type 8001, a new instrument that’s like a chemistry set for strange sounds.

The instrument was “Handcrafted for a harsh noise artist from Slovenia.”

Here’s what they have to say about it:

The Agnew Analog Reference Instrument Type 8001 is a unique electrochemical synthesizer, generating strange sounds through chemical reactions occurring in the built in reactor cell.

The reactions occur by passing an electrical current through various electrolyte solutions.

These can range from simple household items, such as vinegar, lemon juice, salt water, dry martini (stirred, not shaken) and various fizzy drinks, to more complex solutions to satisfy the investigative chemical engineer in search of danger and excitement.

The reactor cell acts as a miniature galvanic bath, with a selection of different electrode materials offering a wide range of sounds.

See the Agnew Analog site for more details....

Novation has released a free update for the SL MkIII MIDI keyboard controller and sequencer, adding unquantized recording.

Here’s what they have to say about firmware v1.3:

We’re excited to bring an important new feature to the SL MkIII range of MIDI keyboard controllers. New in firmware v1.3 is unquantised recording, which brings new flexibility and musicality to the built-in sequencer.

In the previous firmware version, we introduced micro-step editing, allowing users to position notes off the grid for subtle timing variations. With unquantised recording, users have the ability to record into these micro-steps. This means that the organic, human quality of performances and punched-in beats can be captured in all their wonky glory.

The ability to record off the grid in the SL MkIII sequencer has been one of the most requested features from users. Now, even the most rhythmically complex ideas can be captured without losing the vibe.

The update is available now as a free download....