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Review: Living his life like it's golden: 'The Golden Years' sees jungle pioneer Ray Keith serving up a series of specials from the special primordial post-hardcore era of early drum & bass. We kick off with two of his most influential and enduring anthems. Both engineered by Nookie, 'The Chopper' and 'Terrorist' capture Ray at his heaviest and anthemic... And here they are in two highly sought after remix forms. The choppy 'Chopper VIP' remix has been the stuff of legend for years while the Old Spice remix takes things to operatic new levels. Go for gold.

Review: More proper tacker makes it way to vinyl here courtesy of the blow label who enlist four more producers of this latest various artists EP. Kitchen Plug's 'Cheat Code' marries the best of tech, garage, dub and house into a kinetic bit of body music that oozes warm and lo-fi soul. CYMKA brings kaleidoscopic colour and squelchy acid to 'Sweet Peach' then it's all pout old school piano rave madness from Batenko on 'Inside Summer 21'. Last of all is the searing electro funk of Les Hauts with 'Passing Clouds', a blisteringly quick trip into another dimension with some rueful chord work. Sensational EP.

Review: No one knows who Black Fan is just yet so we shall go right to the music - this new EP on Quintessentials epitomises the label's vibe - raw, deep, fad-free house sounds for the heads. The artist has been releasing music for almost a decade on the likes of Local Talk and this label but really stands out with this one. 'I Know - I Am' is a chord-laced dancer with subtlety uplifting energy, and 'Deep Rotation' then pairs it back to lovely wooden drum sounds and clacking hits that are infused with gently warming chords. 'TE2' (Blackburn Warehouse mix) brings more spangled synth energy and a rawer drum sound that is perfect for flashing lights and sweaty dancefloors.

Review: The debut album from Amsterdam-based muso Donald 'Donny' Madjid (a member of The Mauskovic Dance Band) came after an unusual break in his often hectic touring cycle, largely thanks to the pandemic. Keeping himself sane with a plethora of vintage synths as well as a 60s era drum-machine, the resulting experiments gave way to 2021's retro-fitted disco meets new wave opus Pure Donzin. Now that tour-life has resumed and his schedule chock-a-block yet again, it's taken three years for another dose of pure Donny with the release of his follow up Zonder Pardon EP. Authentic swathes of machine-percussion, thick synth-lines and Madjid's own disarming croon (sung almost exclusively in his native tongue) channel the sonic iconography of Talking Heads or Roxy Music, yet transported by way of an Italo-Disco rave to the funkiest spots of inner-city Holland.

Review: Limpe Fuchs is most known for being something of a percussive genius. Here though she surprises in all the right ways with a trip into her classical roots and a pair of tracks played on the piano. Though her musical journey has been vast, recorded piano performances have been rare. Yet, on this 45rpm, she defies both time and anticipation, delving deep into the piano's soul. With rhythmic finesse honed as a percussionist, each keystroke bears her unmistakable imprint. Join Fuchs on this captivating late exploration of the piano world and you will be savouring every note of a distinct and unfiltered artistic encounter.

Review: Watergate, the cult Berlin club known for its riverside location and legendary LED ceiling above the dancefloor, is also a reputable tech house label that deals in fresh names only. Here it is 8Kays that makes a debut with Falling Down, a selection of superb collaborations including 'Matematica' with Glowal which is tense and electric tech with indie vocals and with Juan Hansen he cooks up the medically hopeful 'Falling Down' which then gets two remixes. Colyn & Beswerda make it into a moody and deep groove, Chris Avantgarde brings some peak time prog energy and solo cut 'Lyra' has a warm, paddy broken beat to cruise on through the stars.

Review: There is scant little information out there about Yoanson & Karamie. What we do know is that they were young artists from the French African diaspora who met with Nessim Saroussi and his label Ness Music in the late 80s and were encouraged to record the music presented here. It is their only official EP and it is a brilliant mix of Afro-tropical percussions, disco, electro and vocals that call to mind the likes of Arthur Russell. Philippe de Lacroix-Herpin is the man festered here as Prof Jah Pinpin and he brings some of his signature saxophone brilliance to flipside jaunt 'The Final Bird (Le Temps D'une Vie)'.

Notes: DJ SHADOW collaborates with Dr Suzuki slipmats, in conjunction with the release of his album "ACTION ADVENTURE"

DJ SHADOW's uniquely cool slipmats, which are based on the jacket design of "ACTION ADVENTURE".

Since its release, Dr Suzuki slipmats have gained support from various DJs beyond the boundaries of genre, and have become synonymous with high-performance slipmats.

The moderate thickness has been adjusted to the optimal slippage for scratch play, normal mix play, and play with control vinyl, etc.,

Each piece is made with careful attention to detail, using carefully selected materials selected from years of experience, and using Dr Suzuki unique lamination technique that cannot be imitated anywhere else.

The high anti-vibration properties allow the stylus to trace the record groove without wobbling, reducing noise, and the anti-static property keeps out dust and reduces sticking to the record.

This is a Dr Suzuki masterpiece where you can feel the pride of its craftsmanship.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box opened, product in perfect working order***


Two decades in the game and the mighty MicroKorg remains a classic. Crystal version celebrates the anniversary with a fresh new look and the same punchy sound.

Supplier's Notes:
A shining homage to two decades of microKORG legacy

The microKORG was originally released in 2002 and has remained strong for two decades. Countless tracks and artists have made use of the amazing possibilities it offers and it continues to be one of the most popular choices for musicians on stage and in the studio.

The instruments that musicians recognise as "classics" are those that are loved and always in use, regardless of times and trends. The word "classic" symbolises musical instruments that are revolutionary in their field. There may be imitations of a classic, but the distinct character of the original shines more brilliantly and is only enhanced by time.

Two decades ago, the portable, battery powered microKORG was born with a radical new micro-keybed, a powerful Vocoder and ready-to-use sounds ideal for contemporary genres delivering countless hit performances, and instantly revolutionising the way musicians played. This compact sound monster introduced synthesis to a vast number of non-keyboard playing musicians and created a way of making music we now take for granted: a small keyboard resting unassumingly atop a larger one onstage, made for use by hobbyists and pros alike and finding itself front and centre of studios worldwide from the smallest bedroom to the largest pro recording facility.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release, the special edition microKORG Crystal offers a unique and stunningly stylish take on this beloved synth - now a classic in its own right.

The microKORG was originally released in 2002 and has remained strong for two decades. Countless tracks and artists have made use of the amazing possibilities it offers and it continues to be one of the most popular choices for musicians on stage and in the studio. microKORG Crystal is the ultimate reincarnation of this iconic synth.

"Skeleton" type semi-translucent chassis, with matching knobs and controls

Previously unchanged, the microKORG Crystal features a new take on the structure of the microKORG, with a semi-translucent chassis that lets you see the electronics and internals. Even the controllers are semi-transparent, including the knobs, dials and wheels. As a commemorative model, the microKORG Crystal is great fun to look at from any angle, and as its name suggests, it "crystalizes" the energy and feelings of the KORG team behind its birth.

A panel with a beautiful sheen

The microKORG Crystal features a stainless mirror-finish front panel that blends perfectly with the semi-translucent knobs and dials, blurring the limits between you and your instrument and providing a cosmetic impact never seen in any other musical instrument.

Aluminium side panels for a sturdy feel

The original microKORG featured wooden side panels that suggested a retro feel, serving as an elegant accent to the analogue modelled synth engine. This new special microKORG features sleek aluminium side panels for a clean and depurated look.

Dedicated transparent carry bag

The microKORG Crystal features a stainless mirror-finish front panel that blends perfectly with the semi-translucent knobs and dials, blurring the limits between you and your instrument and providing a cosmetic impact never seen in any other musical instrument.

Specifications

Sound generation:
Analogue Modelling Synthesis System

Synthesizer program:
Multi Timbral: 2 (max, Split/Dual Mode)

Voices: 4 voices

Sound source:
2 Oscillator + Noise Generator
Multi Mode Filter (-24dB/octLPF,-12dB/oct LPF/BPF/HPF)
EG×2
LFO×2
Virtual Patch×4

Voices: 4 voices

Vocoder program

Voices: 4 voices

Sound source:
1 Oscillator +Noise Generator
EG×1
LFO×2 8
Channels vocoder
Level and pan of each channel can be edited
Formant Shift function

Programs: 128
Effects: Modulation effects (3 types), Delay (3 types), Equalizer
Arpeggiator: 6 types

Controllers
Real-Time control knob X 4 (3 level Selection),
Arpeggio ON/OFF

Keyboard: 37 Keys (mini-keyboard, keyboard has velocity)
Inputs: AUDIO IN 1,2, Level switch LINE/MIC, [AUDIO IN 1, 2 (LINE) ], [AUDIO IN 2 (MIC)]
Outputs: L/MONO, R, Headphones
MIDI : IN, OUT, THRU
Display : 3 characters×1 line with 8 segment LED
Power supply: DC 9V (AC adapter)
Power: 6.4w Max
Dimensions: 524 x 232 x 70mm
Weight: 2.4 kg (instrument only, without batteries or microphone)
Included items: AC adapter, condenser microphone, dedicated transparent carry bag

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Item refurbished, repaired and in perfect working order.***


Killer digital drum machine from the excellent Modor. Six instruments, 128-step sequencer and some of the freshest, most innovative drum sounds we've heard in a long time.

*** New upgrade - July 2023 ***

Introducing this new upgrade for the DR-2, OS010. Built in cooperation with Berlin-based Canadian electronic music artist Nicolas Bougaieff!

Bougaieff frequently uses polyrhythmic structures, dividing bars or musical phrases of different instruments into different numbers of steps. Have one instrument play 17 steps in the time another instrument plays only 16 steps, or 8 steps in 5 steps, or... Like stretching N steps of one instrument over M steps of a second one, giving them an N:M speed ratio.

He felt that there were only rather limited possibilities in hardware sequencers and drum machines to achieve this.

The process of achieving this was quite challenging, but the result was worth it! This is a very intuitive way to work with polyrhythms, making use of stretched clocks. It is ready for download now on Modor's download page on their site!

Apart from the main sequencer clock, the DR-2 now has 2 polyrhythmic clocks (or 'polyclocks'), called polyclock A and B. Each of these 2 clocks relates to the regular 'main' clock with a certain N:M ratio. The polyclock takes N steps in the time the main clock takes M steps.

Next, every instrument can separately choose a clock:
the main clock,
the A polyrhythmic clock,
or the B polyrhythmic clock.

This means, you can let, for example, a snaredrum play 7 steps while the rest of the instruments plays 8 steps. The 7 steps are stretched equally in time over the 8 steps of the other instruments.

How is this done?

Keep the A or B button down, and set the N:M ratio using the SELECT/BPM (for N) and VALUE/SWING (for M) knobs.

Keep an instrument button A...F down and hit the A or B button to assign that instrument to one of the polyrhythmic clocks. Hit it again to return to the main clock.

Supplier's Notes:

The DR-2 is a 6 instrument digital DSP drum synth, with a built-in 128-step drum sequencer. At first sight, it will feel recognizable in some ways. There are sounds that will remind you of the good old classic drum machines, and the step sequencer will get you building drum riffs from the first second you touch it. But Modor uses digital sound synthesis to get beyond the possibilities of a classic drum machine, and the step sequencer does more than just hitting drums...

First of all: although it's digital, the DR-2 is not about sampling. It's a drum synthesizer, like a classic analog drum machine, but it uses digital sound synthesis algorithms instead of analog circuitry. There are no samples in the DR-2, and there's no sample memory.

Just like the Modor NF-1, the DR-2 is not built to recreate the classics of the past. The DR-2 uses digital sound synthesis to innovate drum sounds and rhythms. Many sounds will be recognizable. It is possible to make classic sounding bass drums, snares and rimshots. It's not difficult to program classic floorfillers with the DR-2. But with 12 synthesis parameters per drum, you'll easily find yourself creating your own individual sound.

The DR-2 has 6 drum 'channels', drumsets made of 6 drum instruments. These channels don't have predefined instruments. You can choose freely which instruments you want in your 6-channel drumsets. The DR-2 works with drum 'models', of which you can pick one for every channel. You can consider these 'models', or synthesis algorithms, as a collection of small but dedicated drum synthesizers, of which you can pick 6 to form a drumset. There are models for bass drums, snares and cymbals, but also for some more unusual drum sounds, clicks and ticks.

Every model has up to 12 sound synthesis parameters: Pitch with pitch decay, curve and amount, amp volume with panning, amp decay and curve, and parameters X, Y, Z and T that have a different function in every model, see the table below.

The DR-2 has an output jack connector for each of the 6 channels A-F, and 2 master L/R outputs. If there's no cable connected to a channel output, the corresponding channel is sent to the master L/R outputs. The individual channel outputs are mono, but have a panning parameter to give it a stereo position in the master mix.

But there is more! The A-F output connectors are actually insert points, you can use 6.35mm (1/4") TRS jack connectors to route a channel out of the DR-2, and send it back in if you want. This way, you can use external effects, equalisers, compressors, ... on each of the 6 channels individually, and still have them panned and mixed in the master outputs of the DR-2.
Next to the audio connectors, the DR-2 has 6.35mm (1/4") TS connectors for 24PPQN clock input and output, and has classic din-5 MIDI IN, OUT and THRU connectors.

The sequencer of the DR-2 has a lot more options than just the classic 16-step sequencer. First of all: you can use 32nd notes, so the DR-2 doubles the resolution of a classic 16-step sequencer. The DR-2 has 16 step buttons but you can see 32 step leds on the front panel. Keep the '16/32'-button pressed to access the steps-between-the-steps.

A pattern can use up to 4 of these 16/32-step pattern parts, these can be accessed with the 1-16/17-32/33-48/49-64 buttons. Using SHIFT + one of these buttons sets the pattern length. So, it's actually a 4x32 or 128-step sequencer.

But there's more: each instrument has it's own Accent, Flam, Tuplet, Break and Reverse patterns. Keep the ACC, FLAM, SHIFT+FLAM, BREAK or REV button pressed while using the step buttons.

MEASUREMENTS
Width: 440mm without rack ears, 480mm with rack ears (19")
Height: 267mm (10.5"/ 6U)
Depth: 40mm (front) - 80mm (back)
Weight: +/- 6kg

CONNECTIONS
9V, 600mA adapter connection, positive voltage on center pin
MIDI IN/THRU/OUT connections, 3x 5-pin DIN connection
Clock In/Out connections, 2x 6.35mm mono jack
Audio Instrument Outputs/Inserts, 6x 6.35mm TRS or mono jack, unbalanced
Audio Left/Stereo output, 6.35mm TRS or mono jack, unbalanced, capable of driving headphones
Audio Right output, 6.35mm mono jack, unbalanced

Notes: Whether you're about to become a content streamer or beat maker or anything beyond - with Neva Uno you're ready to go instantly.

Coming at a super affordable price, Neva Uno offers superior audio quality, elegant design and an extensive software package while retaining a compact form. Equipped with professional pre-amplified microphone and guitar inputs as well as two line inputs, it offers everything you need to get started right away. The USB-C port makes it easy to connect to your computer or mobile device. Neva Uno comes with professional ASIO drivers including DirectWIRE loopback function and more, so you can focus on your creativity.

Features

2 input / 2 output 24-bit / 192kHz USB 3.1 audio interface with USB-C connector
XLR combo microphone preamp with +48V phantom power support
Hi-Z instrument input with 1/4" connector
USB bus powered (no additional power adapter needed)
line output with unbalanced RCA connectors
headphone output with 1/4" connector
ADC with 97dB(a) dynamic range
DAC with 107dB(a) dynamic range
Zero latency hardware direct input monitoring activated by switch
Master output volume control
Supports Windows 10, Windows 11 with ASIO 2.0, MME, WDM and DirectSound
Supports macOS via the native CoreAudio USB audio driver from Apple
Stereo hardware loopback channel for internal recording
Includes Bitwig Studio 8-Track DAW
Includes Steinberg WaveLab LE audio editor license
Works with Cubasis LE from Steinberg for iPhone / iPad
Includes 3 month (up to 9000 minute) subscription to JackTrip Virtual Studio
Dimensions: 10.5cm x 9cm x 4cm


Connectors & Functions

+48V PHANTOM POWER SWITCH to provide power for a condenser microphone.

LINE HI-Z SWITCH for input 2 to switch between Line level and Hi-Z guitar signals.

DIRECT MONITORING SWITCH to enable or disable input monitoring to listen to the input signals.

GAIN KNOB 1 to change the input gain / input level for input 1. The LED ring indicates the signal level.

GAIN KNOB 2 to change the gain / input level for input 2. The LED ring indicates the signal level.

VOLUME KNOB to change the main output volume for connected headphones and speakers.

XLR / TRS COMBO INPUT 1 to connect a microphone via XLR cable or a line signal via 1/4" TRS connector.

TRS INPUT 2 to connect a line via 1/4" TS connector.

HEADPHONE OUTPUT to connect headphones.

LINE OUTPUT 1/2 to connect the stereo master line level output signal via RCA cables for left and right channels.

USB-C CONNECTOR to connect the audio interface to a PC, Mac, tablet or mobile phone.

Small, portable and perfect for your podcasting or live streaming applications

This stylish 24-bit / 192 kHz USB-C audio interface is so small, it will instantly become your new companion on the go and in your studio. Neva Uno is USB bus powered and Plug & Play, just plug it in and start working! It works with any modern Mac (Intel or M1 CPU or better), PC (Windows 10 and higher) and with many portable devices (iPhone, iPad, etc.). One XLR/jack combo input will take either your microphone or line signal, while the second 1/4" jack input accepts line or Hi-Z guitar signals. The inputs feature a mic preamp with up to 50dB gain and 48V phantom power support and the analog-to-digital converter provides 97db(a) dynamic range. On the output side, there is an integrated headphone amplifier and stereo line RCA outputs with a digital-to-analog converter with 107dB(a) dynamic range, allowing you to connect a mixer, amplifier or active speakers. You can monitor incoming audio signals with zero latency, just push the direct monitor button.

Neva Uno is compatible with virtually all common audio software thanks to the professional low latency ASIO 2.0 driver for Windows and CoreAudio compatibility on the Mac. There is even a DirectWIRE hardware loopback function that allows you to route and mix different sound sources internally: perfect for podcasting or live streaming applications.

All this turns Neva Uno into an ideal device to get started in the world of digital audio recording, no matter if you create your own music, if you want to mix and edit audio, if you work on your podcast or even for live streaming. And yet there is more: Bitwig Studio 8-Track and Steinberg WaveLab LE are included. On the iPhone and iPad, you can use Cubasis LE from Steinberg.

An alternative to Neva Uno is ESI's larger model Neva Duo with two microphone preamps.

Review: This live album captures Slade at the peak of their rock 'n' roll prowess. Recorded in 1978 at the New Victoria Theatre in London, the album showcases the band's electrifying stage presence and raw energy. With anthemic hits coming thick and fast, Slade ignite the crowd with their infectious hooks and raucous performances. Frontman Noddy Holder's powerful, ultra-distinctive vocals and guitarist Dave Hill's blistering solos drive the show, creating a memorable concert experience that can be enjoyed all over again here.