There's something new worth checking out in the world of synthesizers every week, and as the end of the year approaches, the options keep piling up. Whether you want an update on old hardware to increase its usefulness, some DIY projects to keep you busy, or something free to give your wallet a break, the new releases below have got you covered. 

JT-4000M

By Behringer

Link: https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0722-ACI

Price: $49

Behringer has revealed an updated version of its original Roland JP-8000-based JT-4000 synth, the JT-4000M. The "M" indicates that this new synth version now has a MIDI input, making it more useful than the previous version, which only supported USB/MIDI. Thanks to the new port, the JT-4000M is much more compatible with other MIDI gear. For the rest, it still sports the same features, such as 16 touch-sensitive keys, 32 memory presets, two powerful LFOs, an OLED display, and more. Behringer is also including a standard 3.5mm MIDI connector plus a DIN adaptor cable.

Nyx Reissue DIY Kit

By dreadbox

Link: https://www.dreadbox-fx.com/product/nyx-reissue-diy-kit/

Price: 270.00 €

Anyone who has been hankering to get their hands on the NYX synthesizer by dreadbox will be able to do so, as the company recently announced a reissue of the compact, semi-modular synth. It is available as the NYX Reissue IDY kit, which provides users with two oscillators with two waveforms each, three loopable envelope generators, a noise generator, a lush reverb effect, and 18 patch points. This all-analog paraphonic synthesizer is in the Eurorack Format (42HP), which makes it compact and USB-powered. 

WINTERMUTE

By Spherical Sound

Link: https://sphericalsoundsociety.com/product/wintermute/

Price: 81,95€ – 144,95€

Spherical Sounds has announced that the first units of its Wintermute synth are available for order. They describe Wintermute as a "strange machine" that is difficult to define, somewhere between a drum machine, a groove box, and an experimental generative synth. However, it is easy to play with Spherical Sounds, promising users that it can effortlessly produce unique-sounding loops, crescendos, and even entire sessions. Interestingly, while everything is algorithmic, it is nearly impossible to recreate the same sound as the possibilities change and recombine with each turn of the knobs. Wintermute is available as a fully assembled unit, a complete kit with all the components, or a prepopulated PCB with a programmed microcontroller. The latter is aimed at medium and advanced DIYers who can source the rest of the components to build the synth. For more information, visit the official website or watch the video below.

Basilisk

By Wirehead Instruments

Link: https://wireheadinstruments.com/basilisk

Price: £184 - £234

Wirehead Instruments has unveiled Basilisk, an analog-hybrid generative bassline synthesizer now available in small hand-produced batches. It features dual digital oscillators, saw & square/pulse, an analog MS20-style filter with overdrive, a generative sequencer with LFO and parameter lock modulation, and an external audio input. The result is something that can deliver anything from thumping bass lines and melodic leads to percussive tribal beats and more. It is available pre-assembled or as a DIY kit for those who know how to assemble their own synth.  

Intimate Grand Piano

By Spitfire Labs

Link: https://labs.spitfireaudio.com/packs/intimate-grand-piano

Price: Free

There's no shortage of virtual instruments based on pianos, but Spitfire Labs has unveiled a new offering at the hard-to-beat price of "free." They describe it as a versatile, up-close, and personal piano designed to suit various styles. To create this sound, a vintage Steinway Model A grand was recorded in the intimate acoustics of Castlesound Studios, Scotland, giving users seven presets to choose from. These range from tight and bright to profoundly deep, dark, and cinematic.