Featured
Kawai K1
7/10/25
The Kawai K1 is a 61 key synthesizer that was released in 1988. It was a great way for producers to get many sounds without having to break the bank. It was meant to be a low budget alternative to popular synths like the Korg M1 and the Roland D-50. It has many digital sounds that are great for things like video game soundtracks and electronic music. The sounds from this synth are not refined but that’s what gives it so much character is its natural, distinct tones. Some of its presets include chime-like bells, digital sounding basses, strange, eerie pads and raw orchestral instruments. It comes with percussion sounds which was great for producers that didn’t have drum machines. Kawai also released a synth module version of this called the K1r for producers that want to include this on their rack.
The Digital Version: kawai k1 as a VST Plugin
The Kawai K1 is also available as a free plugin thanks to a guy named Nils Schneider. It perfectly emulates the original synthesizer and includes 768 presets with search capability, the original factory bank, and all ROM cards.. You also have the option to make tweaks to the sound design of each preset. When this is used in your DAW this plugin will respond to Hold Pedal, Volume, Pan, Velocity, Aftertouch, Modulation Wheel & Pitch Bend.
roland SP-404MKII
4/14/25
Introduction: A Modern Classic Reimagined
The Roland SP-404MKII is the latest evolution of Roland’s iconic SP-series sampler, beloved by producers, beatmakers, and live performers since the early 2000s. First released in 2021, the MKII brings a much-needed upgrade to the SP line, combining the gritty charm of the original models with a host of modern enhancements. Whether you’re flipping vinyl samples, layering textures in a DAW-less setup, or performing a beat set on stage, the SP-404MKII offers a powerful and portable solution tailored for today’s creative workflow.
While the earlier SP models were known for their lo-fi aesthetic and intuitive layout, they also had some limitations in terms of memory, interface, and editing capabilities. The MKII answers those issues with smart improvements—offering a vivid OLED screen, faster sample loading, more responsive pads, and an upgraded effects engine—while still preserving the spontaneous, hands-on feel that made the SP series a cult favorite.
Features and Workflow Enhancements
The most immediately noticeable change is the OLED screen, a welcome addition that transforms how users interact with the device. It enables visual waveform editing, sample trimming, and quick navigation—things that were more cumbersome or even impossible on previous models. Paired with the new 17 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, users can now perform finger drumming or launch samples with a level of precision and visual feedback that enhances both studio work and live sets.
The SP-404MKII supports up to 160 samples per project and includes 32-voice polyphony, a major upgrade over its predecessors. It offers flexible sampling options like real-time sampling, resampling, and auto-chop, giving users a lot of creative control. There’s also a sample pool and project structure that makes organizing and switching between ideas fast and intuitive.
Roland expanded the onboard effects section too, incorporating new additions like the Cassette Simulator, Vinyl Simulator upgrade, Vocoder, and Resonator, alongside classic SP staples like Filter + Drive and Delay. Effects can now be applied more flexibly, with routing options that allow you to resample through chains or process external signals via the mic/guitar input. USB-C connectivity allows for easy file management and integration with Roland’s software editor, streamlining everything from sample import to live set preparation.
Portability and Creative Freedom
What makes the SP-404MKII stand out in today’s crowded gear landscape is its dedication to mobility and immediacy. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack, runs on USB power or six AA batteries, and has dual headphone outputs—perfect for spontaneous jam sessions or on-the-go production. Whether you’re performing a DJ-style set, producing in a bedroom studio, or chopping loops in the park, the SP-404MKII is built to keep up with your creativity wherever inspiration strikes.
It’s not just a tool for lo-fi heads or SP loyalists either—the MKII is a versatile piece of gear that works well in a modern setup alongside synths, drum machines, or even as an effects box. Roland clearly listened to the community when designing this model, and the result is a sampler that feels deeply musical, incredibly flexible, and just plain fun to use.
Roland JV 1080
4/12/25
The Roland JV-1080 is a synth module that came out in 1994 and quickly became a tool for musicians and producers everywhere. Known for its realistic, versatile sounds, it showed up on tons of pop, hip-hop, and film tracks throughout the ’90s. But it wasn’t just big in the studio — video game composers loved it too. A lot of the music from the 90s Nintendo and PlayStation era used the JV-1080’s rich strings, punchy drums, and atmospheric textures to build those iconic soundtracks we still remember. Even now, it’s got a special place in the hearts of producers and gamers alike. In 2015 Roland created and released an emulated VST for anyone who loves the sound and wants to use it but can’t get their hands on the actual hardware.
The Digital Version: JV-1080 as a VST Plugin
Roland released a digital version of the iconic JV 1080 to any producer that loves the synth but doesnt own the actual piece of gear. It’s available as a VST plugin so its just a simple download to a DAW. This makes the JV 1080 portable with it being software on a computer. This digital version comes with all the same exact presets and sound engine. It also allows the users to make any sort of sound design tweaks with the “edit” feature thats included. Another great feature from this is the fact that the presets are available through a pop up screen which enables faster production. In the real one users have to press the arrows to go through presets one at a time.
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