New Gear Alert: KORG’s MS-20 FS MonoSynth, 5th Gen UltraLite-mk5 Interface from MOTU, Hyperion by Tracktion & More

KORG is now shipping the MS-20 FS monophonic synthesizer.

KORG breathes new life into the classic MS-20 monosynth with this new, highly anticipated full-scale reissue.

The MS-20 FS (“Full Size”) is the long-awaited 1:1 scale reissue of the legendary MS-20, reborn in four limited-edition colors (green, white, blue, and black). Perfectly recreating the original MS-20 while adding powerful new features, the MS-20 FS is a 37-key classic analog monosynth with patch bay, external signal processor, MIDI IN, and USB.

The original MS-20, unveiled in 1978, played a vital role KORG’s history as a synthesizer brand. Even after sales of the original came to an end, KORG has carried on the MS-20 tradition in a mini-sized reissue, a software synthesizer plugin, and even a DIY kit version. And now with the MS-20 FS, KORG has resumed production of a completely assembled full-size MS-20, which had in 2014 been produced only in very small numbers as a kit.

Check out an introductory promo video of the MS-20 FS here.

All four KORG MS-20 FS models are now available, priced at $1,399.99.

MOTU debuts the redesigned 5th-generation UltraLite-mk5.

Boasting a very impressive I/O count, and scores of updates from its predecessor, MOTU unleashes the UltraLite-mk5.

The UltraLite-mk5 is a ground-up redesign of its award-winning 18×22 half-rack USB audio interface for macOS, Windows, and iOS. This 5th-generation model matches the connectivity of its popular predecessors with a total of 40 simultaneous I/O channels, including two front-panel XLR/TRS combo-style mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs with preamps (+74dB of gain), 6×10 balanced quarter-inch analog I/O, 8-channel ADAT optical (switchable to stereo TOSLink), stereo RCA S/PDIF I/O and MIDI in/out jacks, all housed in a fully redesigned steel enclosure with molded aluminum alloy end caps.

A new high-resolution, high-contrast white OLED display provides precision metering for all analog inputs and outputs, along with digital I/O activity indicators and status info. The included CueMi 5 software has been completely re-engineered as a native app for macOS, Windows 10 and iOS. With a fresh new GUI, CueMix 5 simplifies hardware (direct) monitoring, allowing you to engage monitoring for each input with one click, directly on the Home screen.

The UltraLite-mk5 is now shipping, priced at $595.

Tracktion launches the Hyperion plugin.

Tracktion debuts Hyperion, a comprehensive tool for complex patch design.

Hyperion was designed from the beginning for sonic flexibility, and it has easy-to-follow, efficient modular processing which is capable of up to ten layers of complex sound patches. It features a wide variety of synthesis types, adaptable patching, pitch bend ranges, tuning, arpeggiator, and individual per-layer effects. Hyperion also contains multiple kinds of filters, distortions, and buss effects, as well as logic and math nodes for generative patch design.

The unlimited sound processing elements of Hyperion offer all the warmth and emotion associated with analog gear, in an infinite, digitally-designed playground. It has a huge array of surgical controls and data generation options, as well as the ability to quickly layer and split polyphonic modular patches—all in all an instant source of musical inspiration for music producers of all genres.

Check out an introductory promo video of Hyperion here.

Hyperion is available now, priced at $129.

Zero-G announces Mobeus: a rhythmic cinematic soundscape generator.

Zero-G’s Hyperion is built around three individual sample/loop modules with extensive individual control.

Designed to create rhythmic patterns, pulses, grooves and textures, this loop-based sample library and Kontakt instrument is intended for a wide variety of projects and musical styles, but is particularly suited to cinematic or experimental music where you need something unique, atmospheric, rich, and with a contemporary feel.

At its heart, Zero-G Mobeus is a 3-channel sample player, with each channel playing one loop and with its own set of dedicated effects, envelope, pan, pitch and speed controls, LFOs, and filters. Over 600 sounds created from a combination of live recordings, analog hardware, and digital processing are included, with many from producer/composer Si Begg’s personal library of sounds.

Zero-G Mobeus is available now, priced at $59.95.

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