# Changeable Moods... - Site: Analog Industries - Author: Chris Randall - Date: 2013-11-26 - URL: https://analogindustries.com/2013/11/changeable-moods/ [![Silvertone...](https://analogindustries.com/images/ext/farm4.staticflickr.com/3551/3438589530_b44b30468e_z.jpg)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisrandall/3438589530/) While I was spending the last 7 days building modules, packing modules, shipping modules, and delivering modules, all kinds of fun things happened in the music tech industry, as it turns out. **1\. Elektron Analog Keys** - Interestingly, when Elektron first announced they were going to announce that they would be announcing a new product, my [initial reaction](https://twitter.com/Chris_Randall/status/398935432890953728) was "hey, an A4 with a keyboard!" Then I got to thinking "nah, they wouldn't do that, would they?" So I went off on this harebrained mental exercise on what they were _actually_ going to announce they would be announcing. Turns out, I was right the first time. Yay, me. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it at this point. The A4 has ingrained itself in to my **_WORKFLOW_** so much so that I don't really like the way I conceptualize its use to be fucked with. On the other hand, it would be snazzy to have a keyboard version. Apparently, they also announced that they'll be announcing another announcement soon, so we shall see. I'm obviously buying _something_ from Elektron in the next couple months. I just don't know what it is yet. **2\. MeeBlip Anode** - I don't know why, but the word "anode" makes me want to get out my Crandall's Big Book Of Snark. It's a funny word. Whatever. New [MeeBlip](http://meeblip.com/)! I have the other two iterations, so I will, of course, buy this one. Although I'm of the considered opinion that Peter should just give it to me for all the joy I bring him. He won't, but he should. This one has all the controls nobody ever used removed, and an analog filter added. (The previous two had digital filters.) It's a Twin-T filter, the same one that makes the 808 Boooooooom, so there's that. $109 until Dec. 3, $129 thereafter. The MeeBlip family has always been, and will continue to be, the best value in hardware synthesis, and the Canadian Royal Mail will probably continue to suck. Immutable facts, ladies and gentlemen. **3\. Cubase Adds Gesture Control** - And strangely enough, Logic still doesn't understand what to do when I flip it off. Typical Apple DAWs, always playing catch-up. **4\. Big Beat Is Not Coming Back** - Who's stupid idea was that? Shit's sooooo 1996. I am working on a new EP. It will have guitar on it. I'm so sick of synths right now, I don't even... In scrolling back through the week's RSS trail, that is actually kind of it. [New sample set](http://www.standardbeatcompany.com/products/calderwood-percussion-instruments) from Standard Beat Company that is worth checking out (one of Wade's better sets, IMO), I'm back to working on an iOS port of Phosphor, and Adam is working on the panel circuitry for the big-ass Audio Damage Eurorack modules. What are you up to? ## Comments (17) **analogcre8or** (2013-11-27): Nice headstock! Funny, I was just wondering, after jumping on the MeeBlip 'Anode' pre order train, what CR might have to say about it, as well as recent announcements from Elektron, etc. Lo and behold, and thanks for the insight. As for Logic, you still have to do your Gestikulation im Deutschen... a holdover from the Emagic days... works like a charm! Back to distorting xmas carols... **un.ku** (2013-11-27): You are right that Big Beat probably won't make a comeback, but I am happy to see that you are coming out with a new EP in that vein. I think it was the genre that got many of us now 30-somethings to consider electronic forms of music. On a side note, I don't suppose AD will be doing a Blue Monday sale again this Black Friday weekend? I have some gaps to fill, don't ya know. **noisetheorem** (2013-11-27): I am trying to decide if I want to get an A4 keyboard to go with my desktop version (and pray for a poly chain mode) or a Bass guitar which I have always wanted. Oh, and I started a micro net label because I am, basically, an idiot. So really I am just trying to relive my youth as I approach 40 by making exactly the same mistakes I made the the first time. **Chris Randall** (2013-11-27): @un.ku: Well, you'll just have to wait until Monday to see, won't you? @all else: I've pretty much decided to get the AK at this point. So, unless Adam wants mine, I'll have an A4 for sale here pretty soon. All bets are off when they announce another machine, though. -CR **DGillespie** (2013-11-27): ANALOG MODELING! Seriously, resistors and capacitors and op amps and VCAs are making me feel like I'm a 21 year old EE student again, obviously without the capacity for cheap liquor. I'm a big fan of bass guitars. I haven't paid much attention to the Meeblip. Is there a community of people doing updates to the DSP and whatnot? I sometimes to think it might be fun to play with, but it's also a bit close to the day job. The price is right though. **un.ku** (2013-11-27): Sorry Chris, to wet my pants in anticipation. Patience is a virtue I must learn to practice. It is kinda sad that Black Friday has become the music software nerd's Xmas. Or methadone. I'm not sure which is the more apt metaphor. **mikebeck** (2013-11-27): Archtops. Yes. Just plain archtops. If that Silvertone is not an archtop, I will feel foolish for, potentially, minutes! **Chris Randall** (2013-11-27): It's my favorite musical instrument I own. I've had it for 20 years, and it has appeared on dozens of songs. Silvertone H263 archtop acoustic in original blond (which I've never seen; every other H263 I've come across is black or sunburst.) I usually string it with electric strings, tuned open Dm, and record it with a contact mic. Here it is with .010 electrics, tuned E regular, with a ribbon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tKylZe220Q Love, love, love that guitar. -CR **Chris Randall** (2013-11-27): Actually, it reminded me that this track is that guitar too, much better played. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwqSsix91HA Not one of my better songwriting efforts, but a fun song to record. The organ is the famous Moog White Elephant (CDX). I actually had to give that thing away to get it out of my house. Yay, 90s! -CR **boobs** (2013-11-27): if that show "Almost Human" is any indication then big beat might indeed be on the uptick. **ppgwave** (2013-12-03): On the subject of gearlove and buying more things: The Prophet12 was one of those "I'm totally getting one of these" items you posted about, but I haven't seen if you decided to check it out for real. Curious if you ever followed up on that? **Chris Randall** (2013-12-03): I just haven't had the money. Also, I got that DK Synergy, and that's holding my interest for now. -CR **inteliko** (2013-12-03): DK Synergy? Alpha Syntauri, CMU stuff.. Have u thought about starting a non profit for historic reasons ? There is one in winter haven FL , though I'd imagine yours being limited only to really rare stuff. **Chris Randall** (2013-12-03): I'm totally in favor of profit, come to find out. -CR **inteliko** (2013-12-04): I hear you, make it happen... Good luck... You have a thing for history preservation arts in electronic music, and thats partially why I tune in at AI. Non-profit route, you pay yourself a small salary, the chunk of what would be profit goes to preservation of your dinosaur museum. Different, safer, and in 10 years down the line tape still lives ! Only thing, if your non-profit stands for the carrying on of the torch or your own ideas you are not allowed to be the CEO... there are plenty of pioneers to dedicate the cause after so you CAN be the ceo though.. i dunno, The Delia Derbyshire Preservation Arts Center ... Corp/Inc/LLC route... It cost money to house, feed, and provide medical to those dinosaurs. Profit or loss is in the red more than 2 years ( need not be consecutive) you can no longer write the expenses off, try a write off on a 3rd year in the red IRS says no soup for you, your a hobbyist, 4th year they want their money back for those 2 in the red years along with interest. Shit, I'd visit it. **Chris Randall** (2013-12-04): Yeah, I think I'll proceed on my original plan, which is play them when I need them, and store them in the garage otherwise. A lot less paperwork. -CR **frugalpole** (2013-12-06): i'm still a little foggy. is ak the same as the a4 + keyboard + joystick + 4 outputs ???