This week brings an exciting mix of sampled sounds and new patches from both iconic 80s synths and modern synthesizers. The focus is on bringing back the unique character of the Fairlight CMI, while also exploring the possibilities of more contemporary tools like the KORG modwave, Yamaha TX81Z, and Moog Sub Phatty. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing new sounds and preset collections available.
CMI Resurrected Industrial Drumkits by Tonepusher
The Fairlight CMI, known for its groundbreaking role as the world’s first commercially available digital sampler, was often celebrated for its iconic musical samples such as SARARR, SWANNEE, CELLO1, and ORCH2. However, its drum sounds, particularly those used in industrial music, often go overlooked. With its ability to sample and sequence rhythms, the Fairlight became a key player in the industrial genre, allowing artists to create deep, punchy drums using non-traditional sounds. Tonepusher, inspired by the Fairlight’s role in industrial music, has launched a new sample library titled CMI Resurrected. This collection features 79 individual drum samples, arranged into five complete kits, designed specifically for industrial, EBM, and any genre seeking gritty, crunchy drums.
Ambika for the Yamaha TX81Z/DX11 by Chronos
The Yamaha TX81Z and DX11 are renowned for their FM synthesis capabilities, offering a variety of waveforms that give their sounds a punchy and analog-like warmth. Chronos has introduced a new bank for these synths titled Ambika, which focuses on achieving an analog-inspired sound through FM synthesis. The patches aim to bring out the synth’s true potential, proving that FM synths can indeed emulate analog textures when programmed correctly. The Ambika sound set is available for €15 via the LFO Store and works with the TX81Z, DX11, V-50, and YS200 synths.
Dark Cinematic for GForce Oddity3 by K/V
The ARP Odyssey, the foundation for GForce’s Oddity3, was known for its raw, aggressive sound. K/V has taken this to new heights with their Dark Cinematic patch collection for Oddity3, designed for those working in film scoring or looking to create ominous, cinematic music. This set includes basses, pads, and sound effects that lend themselves perfectly to darker, moodier compositions.
Urban Dystopia for KORG modwave by skendi
The KORG modwave has made a significant impact in the world of wavetable synthesis, and the Urban Dystopia sound pack by skendi takes full advantage of the synth’s expansive capabilities. This collection includes a variety of patches designed for diverse musical genres, all while making use of modwave’s modulation tools, such as velocity, mod wheel, macros, and the X-Y pad. Each patch is level-matched, ensuring a smooth experience as users explore the sounds without unexpected volume jumps.
Talus Trance Soundset for Moog Sub Phatty & Subsequent 25 by Kulshan Studios
Despite the end of production for the Moog Subsequent 25, it remains a beloved synth in the music community. Kulshan Studios has released the Talus Trance Soundset for both the Subsequent 25 and the Moog Sub Phatty, bringing trance-inspired sounds to these duophonic synths. The soundset includes 59 presets inspired by some of the biggest names in the trance music scene. Expect deep basses, uplifting leads, and intricate arpeggios, making the Moog synths an unexpected but excellent choice for trance music production.
These new soundsets and patches continue to demonstrate how the worlds of classic and modern synthesizers continue to evolve, offering fresh tools for both traditional and experimental music production.
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