Category: author_name|Terrence O'Brien
SOMA Labs’ Rumble of Ancient Times is the chaotic neutral of synths
I wrote my first synth review for Engadget in 2019. At the time I thought it might be a one off. Maybe it would afford me the opportunity to play with some fun gear now and then, but “Engadget synth beat reporter” was not something in the cards long term.…
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The best backpacking and camping gear for dads
We’ve finally fully emerged from winter and dad might be feeling a little cooped up. (I know I am, at least.) Now that the days are getting longer, they’re probably itching to get outside ASAP. If your dad or father figure is the type to wander off into the woods…
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Tom Morello’s iconic guitar rig is now a $119 plugin
Playing guitar and growing up when I did, basically means I am legally required to worship Tom Morello. So when I got wind that Neural DSP's latest collaboration was with Rage Against the Machine guitarist I knew I'd have to put it through its paces. Archetype: Tom Morello turns the…
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Roland SH-4D review: An overdue return to great synths for the masses
Roland’s synth lineup seems a little odd at times. It doesn’t really offer much in the midrange. Its only two pure synthesizers in the $500 to $800 space are the 13-year-old Gaia SH-01 and the eight-year-old (and objectively hideous) JD-Xi. The company has mostly been focused on its miniaturized classics…
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Arturia’s MicroFreak gets sample playback, granular synthesis and gorgeous Stellar edition
I routinely state that the Arturia MicroFreak is one of my favorite budget synths. But honestly, I’m doing it a disservice. I think the MicroFreak is one of the best synths out there at any price. That has as much to do with the versatility of its sound engine as…
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Arturia’s Augmented Brass plugin is built for synthwave and sci-fi scores
Just about one year ago Arturia launched the first entry in its Augmented series of hybrid instruments, Augmented Strings. Since then it’s grown to include Augmented Voices and Grand Piano. Now the family is getting bigger still with Augmented Brass. Just like the other installments Augmented Brass combines samples of…
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