Dave Smith Instruments launches the Mopho, a compact monophonic analog synthesizer keyboard. It’s voice architecture features two oscillators, two sub-octave generators, selectable 2- or 4-pole low-pass filter, feedback, and a ton of modulation options, including three envelope generators, four LFOs, and a 16 x 4 step sequencer. You can find a full-sized, semi-weighted, 32-note keyboard with velocity and aftertouch and full-sized pitch and modulation wheels.

However, by far its best feature is the expanded front panel. The original Mopho desktop module used multi-function knobs, whereas nearly every function gets its own dedicated knob or switch on the keyboard version. This subtle change makes all the difference in the world to me, because it means that tweaking a patch will be lightning fast and much more intuitive.

The Mopho Keyboard’s voice architecture features two oscillators, two sub-octave generators, selectable 2- or 4-pole low-pass filter, feedback, and a ton of modulation options, including three envelope generators, four LFOs, and a 16 x 4 step sequencer. It has a full-sized, semi-weighted, 32-note keyboard with velocity and aftertouch and full-sized pitch and modulation wheels. The Poly Chain feature enables expanded polyphony using other DSI synths. For example, combining a Mopho Keyboard with a Tetra results in a very portable five-voice poly synth. Other features include USB and the ability to process external audio through Mopho’s filter and VCA.

The Mopho Keyboard is fully programmable and all the parameters are logically arranged for easy access on the front panel. A free editor is also available for Mac OS and Windows to facilitate programming.

The Mopho Keyboard delivers classic analog sound in a remarkably compact package and—perhaps best of all—it’s affordable!

• Affordable, fully programmable mono synth with a 100% analog signal path.
• Classic, real analog sound—including legendary Curtis analog low-pass filter.
• Full-sized keys with velocity and aftertouch.
• USB connectivity.
• Measures approximately 18.65″ L x 11.1″ W x 3.6″ H (47.4 cm x 28.2 cm x 9.1 cm) and weighs under 10 pounds (~4.5 kg).
• Free editor for Mac OS and Windows.

Teenage Engineering’s OP-1 might just be the most anticipated synthesizer in the history of mankind. We’ve already seen just what it’s capable of, and now it’s starring in its very own music video. Better still, it’s inching ever closer to shipping, with a recent newsletter affirming that it’s 90 percent complete with respect to functionality. We’re also told that it’ll ship with a half dozen synthesizer engines and two sampler types, and a beta test is said to be “approaching.” The outfit has just received its “golden sample” for the keyboard module, and it’s waiting for a few more component suppliers to come through before belting out a final ship date. But hey — at least you know it’ll run $799 / €799, eventually.

With 8 different synthesizer engines, the OP-1 can create some really great and unique sounds. You have FM, physical modeled strings (with a twist), Cluster, DRW, Pulse and more. All engines are swappable, so you can have 8 FMs as your sound presets if you want. We have removed as much of the numeric input as we possibly could. All with a color coded and easily understandable interface. No hassle with saving. Everything is always where you left it, even if you turn the power off.

We think sampling should be fun and super quick. So we made the sampler simple and inspiring. Use the built in microphone or line-in jack to sample sound or voice. The sampler automatically maps your recorded sample across the keys. If you need to tweak it later just press a key on the musical keyboard and fine tune the in and out points manually. You may also adjust the pitch and choose between different play modes.

The Kaossilator Pro is a Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer/Loop Recorder that Korg are billing as “a powered-up version of the palm-sized KAOSSILATOR, reborn as a powerful track-making tool and loaded with live performance power”.

The styling on the Kaossilator Pro is virtually identical to the Kaoss Pad KP3, with the layout of the controls exactly the same. In fact, the only differences are the colour of the backlit buttons and the X/Y pad, and also the text on the faceplate is different. Ultimately, it shares the same sturdy build quality, has the same well-finished all-metal casing, the same responsive X/Y pad and of course the same robust buttons, knobs and fader.

Physically, the Kaossilator Pro is almost identical to the KP3, although several controls have new functions. The fader now has two modes, toggled by a switch on the back panel (a terrible place for a performance switch, but I’m glad Korg offered the bonus mode). In Speed mode, the fader retriggers the sound you’re playing in increments from half notes up to 64ths, with a few triplet values along the way. That lets you build quantized drum loops from individual drum hits, as well as create stuttering effects. In Time mode, the fader adjusts the decay time of the triggered notes, adding variety.

One side effect here is that the Pro is less portable, requiring DC power from a mains adapter. Retaining the ability to run on batteries would have been a bonus, but Korg’s promotion of Pro as a studio and live performance tool suggests that it simply isn’t intended to be a mobile device like the original Kaossilator.

The layout of the KO-Pro will be familiar to anyone who’s used the KO-1, but a series of key differences reflect the new features on offer. The large X-Y touchpad is backlit, as on the KP3, and the gate arpeggiator has a new dedicated slider and button. A quick glance at the connections reveals an extra pair of RCA sockets and a mic input for capturing external sounds and using the vocoder.

You can tweak exactly what controllers the Kaossilator will send in external mode.  Make sure you download the free editor at one of the links below. So you can tailor the X-Y pad to your favorite synth.  You can save and load settings from this editor, or to/from SD ram. You can also record through a microphone/line inputs through the Kaossilator’s onboard vocoders and effects patches.  Yep you tweak the finger as you speak through the mic.   While this vocoder is not going to rival the one on my Vsynth, its got its positive attributes.  Yes you can record the vocoder in loop mode.