Rhodes MIDI MK8 Piano, Glitchmachines' Skein FM Synth, Soma Labs' Hazze Pedal & more!

In today’s music tech roundup, Rhodes is making waves with their upcoming MIDI MK8 Piano debut at NAMM 2025, while Glitchmachines introduces their experimental FM synthesizer "Skein" for innovative sound design. The newsletter also features Soma Labs' unique Harvezi Hazze distortion pedal and Sonicware's new CyDrum drum synth, alongside comprehensive reviews and tutorials for both hardware and software enthusiasts.

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Rhodes MIDI MK8 Piano and More at NAMM

Rhodes Music will debut the new Rhodes MIDI MK8 Piano at NAMM 2025. This updated version of the flagship MK8 model features integrated MIDI functionality, including polyphonic aftertouch, enabling players to achieve "unparalleled control and dynamic range." Rhodes is also launching a Custom Shop that will allow customers to customize their MK8 with unique finishes, as well as a new 61-key stage piano model.

Glitchmachines Releases New FM Synthesizer

Glitchmachines has launched a new FM synthesizer called "Skein" focused on experimental sound design and electronic music production. Skein features 4 operators with skew controls and noise, a flexible modulation matrix, and a variety of effects processing capabilities.

Soma Labs Harvezi Hazze: Versatile Distortion Pedal

The Soma Labs Harvezi Hazze is a unique distortion pedal that utilizes a rare unijunction transistor at its core. This allows the pedal to function as a distortion effect, compressor, waveshaper, and generator, providing users with a wide range of tonal possibilities. The Harvezi Hazze also includes an optical compressor, dual-mode amp, and a tone stack for further sound sculpting.

Sonicware Introduces the CyDrum Drum Synth

Sonicware has announced the CyDrum, an all-digital drum synth that combines wavetable oscillators, a variety of effects, and an eight-track sequencer with generative pattern tools. The CyDrum offers expressive real-time control, flexible routing, and both analog and digital connectivity options.

DEALS

• Up to 90% off Sonnox Plugins, including the Oxford Inflator, Limiter, Reverb, and Drum Gate. A bundle of 5 now costs €99.83 (was €1,179.76).

• Get 25% off Native Instruments Traktor Pro 4, a powerful DJ application with features like flexible beatgrids and AI-powered stem separation. Now £92 (was £122).

• Inphonik RX Bundle: 2 Iconic Vintage Samplers at 51% off, emulating the E-mu SP-1200 and AKAI S950. Now €19.15 (was €39.33).

• Save up to 85% on Universal Audio Plugins and Bundles, including the Essentials, Producer, and Signature editions.

• Sonic Sweet by BBE Sound - 84% OFF, now $39.99 (normally $249).

• Complete Kontakt Bundle by Hidden Path Audio - Now only $29 (normally $597) for a limited time.

• Rock Legends Collection by EastWest Sounds - 71% OFF. This powerhouse bundle is now at $129 (originally priced at $447 ).

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DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

Kiive Audio's NFuse Plugin Video Tutorial - See how the NFuse plugin from Kiive Audio can be used to add "glue" and finalize the mix by processing the entire mix bus.

What is MIDI? A Guide to Understanding MIDI - Explore the different aspects of MIDI, including its history, applications in music production, TRS minijack MIDI, using MIDI hubs and MIDI Thru chains, MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE), and the upcoming MIDI 2.0 standard.

Shure MV7i Microphone with Built-in Audio Interface - Learn about Shure's new MV7i microphone, which features a built-in audio interface with an additional XLR/TRS combo input, allowing users to set up a two-channel recording rig without a separate interface.

HARVEZI HAZZE functionality walkthrough - Detailed explanation of the functions of the newest SOMA device.

Transistor Logic module for MU modular systems - This new module from muSonics offers "soft" pure transistor logic, "hard" OR/NOR functions, and a CMOS flip-flop.

FREE

The NYL 1926 Lite is a free piano plugin that offers a vintage warmth and softness. It's perfect for adding a classic sound to your tracks, whether you're working on vocals, guitars, synths, or anything else. The intuitive interface makes it easy to dial in the perfect tone quickly.