This selection of new instruments, synths and generators illustrates that music technology is always on the move, with endless potential for innovation from both established players and new start-ups.
Making music: notable new music technology
Casio PX-S7000HM Digital Piano
Casio’s Privia range of digital pianos has long been a benchmark for authenticity and playability. The latest model from the Japanese manufacturer is this, the PX-S7000HM. With built-in Bluetooth MIDI and audio, as well as a microphone input, the piano is ably equipped for every situation – it can even be battery-powered. The integral stand and pedals are fuss-free and modern, while there are new materials and touch-panel controls, offering access to 400 sounds (including nine different grand pianos) and audio recording. Spruce and plastic resin construction gives the keys an authentic weight and feel.
Casio PX-S7000HM Digital Piano £2,249, Casio.co.uk
Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD
A tool for the experienced mix-maker, Pioneer DJ’s OPUS-QUAD is a substantial all-in-one designed to sit alongside high-end home audio. The OPUS-QUAD handles four decks at once, with the connectivity to get music into the device more easily than ever before. The illuminated twin jog-wheels make light work of cueing up and synching tracks, while music libraries and playlists can be easily assembled using the touch screen and rotary selector.
Pioneer OPUS-QUAD, £2,899, PioneerDJ.com
Akuto Studio Chord Machine AKT-0.1
Akuto Studio’s new Chord Machine is a Swiss-designed Midi controller with an ambidextrous design and a minimal, Braun-like aesthetic. Designed to generate a series of related chords that can be modified using the in-built effects and touch screen, the Chord Machine is a device for musical experimental, encouraging happy accidents and a spirit of immediacy. The device will hopefully be funded via Kickstarter in April 2023.
Akuto Studio Chord Machine, for more information go to AkutoStudio.com
Headrush Prime pedalboard
A hefty device for the working musician who wants a studio-full of effects and emulations at their fingertips (and feet), Headrush’s Prime is the new state of the art in pedalboard design. The Prime contains a massive library of effects for both guitars and vocals, including inbuilt Auto-Tune and the ability to clone the sound of any guitar amp and FX combination through the Amp Cloner sampling feature. Solidly built out of steel, this is a one-stop shop for music processing and recording.
Headrush Prime, £1,059, HeadrushFX.com
Also available from amazon.co.uk
CHOMPI sampler
CHOMPI is a lo-fi sampling device that allows you to record or import samples and then chop and manipulate them using the onboard sound engine and FX. Designed to be easy to use, with additional layers of slowly unveiling complexity, the design is deliberately playful and toy-like. The classic key caps can be swapped out for different materials, colours and feels, ensuring that no two devices are quite the same. The onboard looper adds limitless possibilities as new samples can be layered upon each other. It’s another device offering itself up via Kickstarter.
Chompi, $599, ChompiClub.com
OVUM analog sound explorer by Crows Electromusic
The analogue sound explorer is a tool for the experimental musician who likes their devices to have an aesthetic edge. Developed by Canadian company Crows Electromusic, the OVUM features five oscillators housed within a wood and aluminium enclosure. The pure analogue device can be used to shape strange drones and interlocking tones, perfect for shaping soundscapes and exploring ambient realms.
OVUM analog sound explorer, $129, CrowsElectromusic.com
Inspire the Music: Fifty Years of Roland History
Finally, the latest release from Bjooks, Kim Bjørn’s specialist music publishing house, is Inspire the Music, a celebration of 50 years of Japanese audio giant Roland. Following the same format as the company’s earlier tomes about synthesis and effects, the book has large full colour images so vivid you’ll want to reach into the page and flick the switches. Featuring the stories of key devices that went on to shape whole movements in music, including the TR-808 and TB-303, alongside samplers, drum machines, pedals and more, Inspire the Music is a must-have for collectors.
Inspire the Music: Fifty Years of Roland History, £65, Bjooks.com
Also available from amazon.co.uk
-
Ama Bar, in Vancouver, is sexy and a little disorientingAma Bar features ‘Blade Runner 2049’-inspired interiors by &Daughters
-
Kembra Pfahler revisits ‘The Manual of Action’ for CIRCAArtist Kembra Pfahler will lead a series of classes in person and online, with a short film streamed from Piccadilly Circus in London, as well as in Berlin, Milan and Seoul, over three months until 30 June 2024
-
Monospinal is a Japanese gaming company’s HQ inspired by its product’s worldA Japanese design studio fulfils its quest to take Monospinal, the Tokyo HQ of a video game developer, to the next level
-
ABBA Voyage director Baillie Walsh on songs, sequins, and virtual spacesBaillie Walsh, the director behind ABBA Voyage, one of the most advanced entertainment spectacles ever, tells Wallpaper* how the magic happens, ABBAtars and all
-
MOD Devices’ open-source pedals play a different tuneBerlin-based Mod Devices creates a new generation of multipurpose audio tools
-
The Moog Sound Studio brings analogue music creation to lifeMoog’s new Sound Studio – a bespoke box of synth delights – is an all-in-one introduction to synthesized musical creation
-
Fender looks forwards with a new hybrid guitar designJustin Norvell, Executive Vice President of Fender Products, discusses the company’s latest product and what it means for the future of guitar
-
Nothing unveils a conceptual expression of its radical tech ecosystemNothing's Concept 1 earbuds embodies the company’s radical tech ethos
-
Georg Jensen and Philips join forces on three-piece technology collectionScandinavian aesthetics meet Dutch functionality in two portable speakers and a power bank, clad in mirror-polished stainless steel, Kvadrat fabric and brown leather
-
Teenage Engineering's OB-4 minimal portable speaker is a mini masterpieceInviting the listener to play an active role, the OB-4’s secret weapon, is an endlessly looping digital ‘tape’ that lets you create quirky sonic adaptations
-
Bang and Olufsen brings the classic turntable back to lifeThe Danish brand are reviving the iconic Beogram 4000 turntable as part of an ongoing restoration programme
