Inspiring by the artifacts that result from malfunctioning radio technology, you can think of Roger That's sound as being somewhat similar to a broken FM or AM radio. The "Tune" knob is a lot like the process of tuning between stations. It's not a linear control that goes straight from one tone to another—instead, it is highly nonlinear, passing through many distinct states as you turn it. It interacts with the Shift control as well, in a way that makes it difficult to predict how it will sound with any given combination of settings. This might be a source of frustration for some...but if you go into it willing to embrace its unpredictability, it can be a highly rewarding tool.

Roger That features a built-in JFET drive section, multiple "tune" frequency ranges, a built-in bandpass filter, and a CV input for the Tune control—great for interfacing with modular synthesizers or semi-modular synths. In fact, turning the Tune control or modulating the Tune CV input can cause Roger That to produce sound even when nothing is plugged into its input...making it an peculiar and quite useful sound generator all on its own. Send in an LFO for evolving, sputtering cascades of sound, or send it a sequence to use it as a chaotic drum machine.

Roger That is a complex and powerful tool—so if you want to dive deeper into how it works, be sure to check out our dedicated article all about it. And of course, check out more of Sarah Belle Reid's work on her YouTube channel!

One of the hottest Eurorack modules of the year, few modules have caught the attention and adoration of many modular musicians like Blukać's Endless Processor—and for good reason. There are still not many Eurorack modules devoted to the task of spectral processing or resynthesis, meaning that what the Endless Processor can offer feels like fresh sonic territory for many patchers. After a few small batches late last year selling out in a few minutes, the Endless Processor saw wider release this year to bring this novel take on infinite sustain to more racks.

The Endless Processor does exactly what it describes: feed sounds into it and tap the yellow Memory button to smear any input signal into an infinitely sustaining drone. This holds true not only with harmonic content such as raw oscillators or pads, but also with complex sources like drums, spoken word, field recordings, and more. Its dual-channel design sporting five sound layers each affords you the ability to blend and morph between resynthesized sound profiles. As a resynthesis tool, Endless Processor offers a much different sonic character compared to granular time stretching or drowning sounds in delay and reverb, and it's something that has seemed to resonate with plenty of modular folks out there.

With continued firmware updates and teasers of an expander module in the works, Blukać is going to be keeping the Endless Processor on a lot of people's minds in the years to come. Needless to say, we're looking forward to what's coming from them in the future. And of course, if you want to hear more from Robin Vincent/Molten Music Technology, be sure to check out his YouTube channel!

If you're not familiar with the OXI One, it's a grid-based device that gives you 4 tracks of sequencing with each of those 4 tracks capable of running Mono, Poly, Chord-based, Stochastic, Multi-channel, or Matrical sequences. Each project can be saved and is capable of storing 64 patterns for each of the sequencers with an added Song Mode that lets you arrange the patterns in intricate ways. On top of the software features, you get exceptional connectability with 8 CV and Gate outputs 32 channel MIDI TRS, USB host and MIDI operation, plus Bluetooth MIDI functionality.

The Stochastic and Matrical modes are unique additions that blend generative patterns with intentional decisions making composition ideas flow easily. In Stochastic mode you choose a root and scale, then adjust the likelihood that a particular interval gets played, how fast and at which octave, too. Matrical mode is one of the more complex ones giving you 4 matrices that can be assigned to different channels and as the sequence plays out, you can set a particular square to adjust by interval, change the resolution, add rachets—it's very deep.

Whether you want to sequence complex generative patterns, or need a reliable, expansive sequencer, the OXI One is certainly not something to sleep on.

Oora's pick is the Meris MeruryX—a groundbreaking design that builds on the sound of their Mercury7 reverb pedal and LVX modular delay system pedal. With eight custom reverb algorithms (including some from Mercury7) and a user interface/conceptual structure similar to the LVX, MercuryX is the ultimate tool for sculpting your own custom reverb tones.

Reverb algorithms include the familiar Ultraplate and Cathedra from Mercury7—each inspired by the otherworldly atmospheres of the Blade Runner soundtrack. New algorithms include the 78 Room, Plate, and Hall, each inspired by a familiar (cough, cough, Lexicon) classic reverb processor. The Spring, Prism, and Gravity structures are all-new additions dreamed up specifically for MercuryX.

But MercuryX is more than just a bunch of fancy reverb algorithms. It allows you to add processing elements like chorus, vibrato, vowel mod, tremolo, lo-fi, and more. Moreover, it allows you extensive control over internal signal routing, allowing you to customize your feedback routing, processing element placement, and more. Additionally, there are tons of ways that you can control various aspects of the effect in real time—via MIDI, assignable expression inputs, and the built-in front panel controls.

Elektron has previously mixed and matched analog and digital elements on their instruments, but not to the degree that Syntakt can offer. Eight digital tracks plus four analog tracks provide a flexible space to flesh out your compositions however you like. Whether you prefer crisp digital drums or thick analog kicks, you've got plenty of room to breathe with Syntakt's twelve tracks. And when you consider that Syntakt's new Trig Modifiers let you impart real-time changes to your tracks and sequences, you'll be able to have all kinds of sonic fun.

Syntakt plays well with other devices, too. If you have any tracks that aren't being used but you want to beam some Elektron sequencer magic to your external instruments, any track can be converted into a MIDI track to control other gear. You can then route those instruments through Syntakt's external audio inputs, and subject any signals passing through to the global FX Track, offering you analog filtering and distortion. And thanks to both Elektron's own Overbridge suite and Syntakt's class-compliant audio interface capabilities, it can easily work with deep DAW integration or mobile devices and tablets.

Like any Elektron device, Syntakt is a deep instrument that rewards exploration. You can't really go wrong with any of them, but Syntakt in particular feels like an extra special triumph in electronic instrument and synthesizer design.

Cascadia bears some strong similarities to Intellijel's full-voice module Atlantis, but there's so much more to the story than simply porting that circuit into a semi-modular package. Its roots may still be in the sounds of Roland's SH-101, but with two oscillators (one of which supports thru-zero FM), an extensive analog filter, a multipurpose function generator, and an abundance of utilities and other patchable features, Cascadia is practically a full-featured modular synthesizer in a compact package. But since it is a single package, it benefits from all of the niceties of semi-modular synthesizers like normalized connections and uniform aesthetic design.

Many of Cascadia's standout features might be in its analog circuits, but it contains a good number of digital features, too! Thorough MIDI-CV conversion is a highlight, but many other things like the behavior of Envelope B and certain noise settings can be tweaked in the companion Intelijel Config App. But even though Intellijel has a history of designing some stellar digital effects, they held back in Cascadia and opted to leave things open-ended—simply add your favorite effects pedal with the dedicated FX Loop.

There was plenty of hype and mystery around Cascadia leading up to its release, but we think the wait was well worth it. There's way more to this instrument than we could possibly explain here, so if you're interested in more be sure to check out our overview article featuring an interview with Danjel van Tijn.

Turn it on and immediately adjust the settings to match whatever classic synth sound you're looking for with the square, saw, sub, and noise mixer section. Each has an independent knob along with an LFO pitch mod control. Get a throaty filter sweep or gently modulation with its own LFO control and customize the feel with an envelope control, too. This filter can also self resonate and key track giving you a clean sine wave.

Plug in a MIDI controller or use the built-in soft button keyboard for real time performance or programming the sequencer. Work with polyphony or in mono, record gestures, and use the built-in gyroscope (D-Motion) to assign parameters to control. Advanced waveform editing is available with OSC DRAW function letting you use the keyboard to draw a shape and the OSC CHOP which lets you cut up the waveforms to emphasize certain harmonics.

Playable anywhere with a sound that is timeless, Roland's S-1 Tweak Synth is a balance of small size and big sound. If you're looking to learn more about the S-1, be sure to check out Jorb on YouTube!

However, the instrument's journey wasn't without challenges. At times, the OP-1 was difficult to acquire due to various reasons, experienced price increases, and was discontinued and reintroduced more than once. Nonetheless, these issues didn't diminish the instrument's allure, and it retained its status as one of the most unique and creatively stimulating music machines. In response to popular demand, Teenage Engineering recently revived the OP-1 within their "Field" series, enhancing almost every aspect of the original. The OP-1 Field offers a revamped user experience and sound engine, rendering it a comprehensive, portable music-making studio more than ever. Its robust aluminum frame and high-resolution display that blends into the unit's body give it a modern yet resilient appearance, distinguishing it in both looks and performance.

Users will appreciate the enhanced speaker system with its impressive bass response, and the upgraded high-quality built-in microphone. The OP-1 Field also introduces new synthesis and effect engines, including the "Dimension" engine for expansive analog-style tones and the rich and lush "Mother" reverb. The true stereo sound that extends through the signal chain and the 24-hour battery life afford producers a boundless sonic palette. The addition of Bluetooth MIDI connectivity is particularly convenient when used with devices like the TX-6, broadening creative possibilities.

The OP-1 Field's tape section has also been fully reworked, further solidifying its position as a versatile and indispensable tool for studio and field recording. There are now four distinct tape styles—Studio 4-Track, Vintage 4-Track, Porta, and Disc Mini—each offering a distinctive character, from high-fidelity studio sound to warm, saturated vintage tones. Additionally, the synth doubles as a sound card with USB-C connectivity, providing seamless integration with a range of devices, which is a major draw for music makers looking for a unified production environment.

Anti-Kulture's Precision Disrupter is a sequencer module that blends the line between pre-composition and intuitive play. Using the button interface in conjunction with the randomization sliders, you get a wonderfully satisfying melody and groove generation machine. Internally or externally clocked, the Precision Disruptor can get you started on any project and has features that can keep you engaged for patches to come.

Getting started is simple, just hit play, click a few buttons in the Gate row, select notes and octaves that you want: you've got a starting point. Using the sliders for Gate, Accent, Slider, Notes, and Octaves automatically populates the button interface with steps, but you can just as easily punch in your very own rhythm. A dedicated row for presets lets you save states and chain them for creating elaborate melodies and tracks.

Adjust the clock to be divided or multiplied by a particular integer and adjust the playback direction. Two CV inputs can be assigned to different parameters allowing for generative splendor to happen anywhere. Anti-Kulture's Precision Disruptor takes up some serious real estate, but as a central sequence powerhouse of your system, you want everything it offers to be easily displayed and accessed.