WERKSTATT FOR LOVE
Moog Music
Moog Werkstatt-01 Analog Synth
Werkstatt-01 is a compact , patchable analog synthesizer based on classic Moog circuits . The company is producing this DIY project kit just in time for holiday giving to your favorite synthpop geek , budding electronics nerd , or yourself . The kit is bundled with a CV ( control voltage ) Expander that allows connection of up to twelve 3.5mm jacks between Werkstatt- 01 and your compatible outboard gear or creative patching between Werkstatt-01 ’ s own modules . A standard quarter inch output connects you to your keyboard amplifier or
By David Gedge
recording rig . The kit is easily built in a single visit to your workbench with a single screwdriver ; no soldering is necessary . The unit offers an ideal point of entry to learn about analog synthesis , while also serving as a dangerous “ gateway drug ” into the fascinating world of Moog and modular synthesis . No prior electronics experience is required – just a level of curiosity that Werkstatt-01 might easily pull toward obsession !
The box arrives with straightforward instructions , and Moog also provides an assembly tutorial video on its website . In short order , you ’ ll be making bleepy-bloopy noises and space-age synthesizer tones with the versatile little box ( 9 in . x 6 in . footprint ). In addition to myriad knob-twiddling options , Werkstatt-01 is playable via a full octave ’ s worth of buttons laid out like piano keys . You can follow in the footsteps of pioneers like Wendy Carlos and Kraftwerk , pop savants including Thomas Dolby , or create your own love notes to the Switched-On style a la the Moog Cookbook . Werkstatt-01 includes a fullrange analog oscillator with selectable waveforms and Moog ’ s Ladder Filter for precision harmonic sculpting . The LFO circuit can simulate the motion of gentle ocean waves or unleash a flurry of laser bolts . Master the twostage analog envelope generator to create electronic string swells , fat electro-bass , and percussive sounds reminiscent of your favorite Depeche Mode singles .
Moog ’ s website offers presets as jumpingoff points for experimentation and includes further tutorial material to optimize , expand , and modify Werkstatt-01 . The original kit was a big success at the 2014 Moogfest and has been expanded to accept a CV Gate Input . If this is up your alley , you won ’ t want to miss this limited run of a powerful and affordable synth . MSRP : $ 199 ( moogmusic . com )
Pod Fighters
Urbanista London Wireless Earbuds
Urbanista ’ s London true Wireless Earbuds are designed to draw your attention away from those sleek Apple buds you ’ ve been considering – while going easier on your wallet . London ’ s form factor is similar to the to AirPods Pro , with a cost 35 % lower ( and via some retailers , at sale prices even below the base AirPods model ) and offering compatibility via Bluetooth 5.0 to Android and iOS devices . Sound quality is well balanced and
reasonably comparable to AirPods , with presence and body from bass frequencies through the upper midrange . If anything AirPods deliver a bit more clarity and fullness at the bottom end , but the sound via London is solid . This isn ’ t an audiophile headset , so there is some coloration of overall sound , reduction in dynamic range , and compromise in clarity at top frequencies . Nonetheless , London offers versatile , functional and ( most importantly ) musical sound reproduction . The innovative enticements are London ’ s additional functions of noise cancellation and ambient sound reproduction at this price point . Noise cancellation isn ’ t best-of-show , but it ’ s a useful feature for reducing environmental distractions ( i . e ., HVAC , street rumble , TV , or airplane drone when we ’ re traveling again ) and is a generous addition in this class of earbud . Ambient sound reproduction uses the same noise-cancellation signal path to allow users to hear voice and other sources without reducing the level of digital playback . London is packaged with four sizes of silicone fittings to best suit your ear canal and prevent the slipping commonly experienced with the base AirPods . These fittings allow hassle-free use during workouts or labor , and the earbuds have an IPX4 water-resistance rating that will help if you ’ re caught in the rain . London ’ s wireless charging case is powered via an included USB- C connector . The case is a bit larger on all sides than AirPods ’ case , and will be a bit bulkier in your pocket while providing a slightly-better 25 hours of charging time than Apple offers . The earbuds themselves offer five hours of listening time on a single charge , and London is offered in a range of colors to suit your taste . Touch functions allow control of your audio . The mics allow control of your device ’ s voice assistant , and calls can be controlled handsfree . MSRP $ 149 . ( urbanista . com / us / london )
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