04/02/2025 - 12:30 PM
Portable Jukebox
Portable Jukebox; "JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi - Stereo Mode")
The speakers can be connected either directly via Bluetooth 5.3 or as a standalone streaming device over Wi-Fi 6. There is even a hidden service mode that allows you to transmit high quality audio with very low latency over USB-C (Hold the Bluetooth and Play/Stop buttons for 10 seconds until the device restarts). A stereo audio stream can be sent from any device on the network using the Google Cast feature or the Google Home app.
The battery easily lasts a whole day. I highly recommend it if you want to enjoy music on the go!
By the way, the new JBL Charge 6 has been available since April 1st, with slight improvements, but unfortunately not where I had hoped. The sound of the older Charge 5 is a bit more linear, while the new Charge 6 distorts a bit less at high volume (Compression). The hidden USB audio mode is now officially available. Fast charging mode is also new. Whether the upgrade is worth the approximately 50$ extra is something everyone has to decide for themselves. For me, it wasn't worth it, and I prefer to stick with the marginally better sound. I usually only listen at about 50% to 80% volume, so the upgrade was negligible for me.
01/22/2025 - 03:31 PM
Unusual comparison
Unusual comparison+6
; "Samsung Galaxy Tab - S10 Ultra")
+6
; "Benchmark - Geekbench 6")
+6
; "Geekbench 6 - Single-Core")
+6
; "Geekbench 6 - Multi-Core")
+6
; "Geekbench 6 - Vulkan")
+6
; "Geekbench 6 - OpenCL")
Speaking of video encoding... For my example video material in 4K UHD 50 FPS - 150 MBit/s (5 min 30 sec), with several crossfades, LumaFusion only needs 4 minutes and 43 seconds to encode. The real-time preview works just as well as on a desktop computer. So yes, you can really edit videos very well with a tablet these days
Here are a few numbers from Geekbench:
Benchmark
Device
CPU-Single
CPU-Multi
Vulkan
OpenCL
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
2145
7057
14223
11963
ASUS Rog Strix G16
2668
16824
146206
153932
03/28/2024 - 05:08 PM
Super fast and stylish notebook - ASUS ROG Strix G16
Super fast and stylish notebook - ASUS ROG Strix G16; "ASUS ROG Strix G16 - i9-14900HX / RTX 4080 / 32 GB RAM")
It was time to replace my somewhat old Lenovo x280 with an ASUS ROG Strix G16 (G614JZR-N4031W). The difference is so enormous. In terms of CPU and GPU performance, this notebook even outperforms my desktop PC. I've never had that before. A really great and pretty device. Looks good, feels good and is incredibly fast. Highly recommended! 😍
Benchmark
Benchmark
Notebook
i9-14900HX / RTX-4080 / 32GB-RAM / 1+4 TB NVMe
i9-14900HX / RTX-4080 / 32GB-RAM / 1+4 TB NVMe
Desktop
i7-13700KF / RTX-3070TI / 32GB-RAM / 2+2 TB NVMe
i7-13700KF / RTX-3070TI / 32GB-RAM / 2+2 TB NVMe
CPU-Z Single Thread
865
869
CPU-Z Multi Thread
140066
12562
Cinebench R23 Multi Thread
28670
30615
3DMark TimeSpy
18736
15472
12/21/2023 - 07:29 AM
Razer Huntsman V3 - Analog Opto-Mechanical Keyboard
Razer Huntsman V3 - Analog Opto-Mechanical Keyboard; "Razer Huntsman V3 - ASUS PG32UQXR")
The Razer Huntsman V3 has second-generation analog opto-mechanical switches, with freely adjustable stroke and retrigger functions, adjustable for each individual key. Sounds good? Yes, indeed!
This keyboard replaces two keyboards for me. A mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Red-Switches (Corsair K68 for Gaming) and a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue-Switches for programming and writing. With the Razer Huntsman V3 I can now freely adjust any stroke from 0.1 mm to 4 mm. The typing experience on this keyboard is simply excellent. By far the best keyboard I've ever had. Sorry IBM. 😁 There is even a controller emulation with touch dynamics, like an analog joystick. Could be an exciting keyboard for music applications.
09/30/2023 - 04:52 PM
My system is complete!
My system is complete!+2
; "Quad Mantis - Final Rack 3 & 4")
+2
; "Quad Mantis - Final System")
Hip hip hooray! The last module for now, my second Intellijel Scales, has finally arrived. From now on, only defective or significantly improved modules will be replaced. 😊
09/06/2023 - 10:49 PM
Have you color coded your system?
Have you color coded your system?; "Quad Mantis")
Audio => Green
CV and LFO => Yellow
Trigger and Gate => Black
Clock, Transport and Reset => Red
Temporary experimental route => White
This allows certain signals and structures to be tracked a little faster and saves a lot of time and nerves.
08/31/2023 - 02:08 PM
Xaoc Devices - Odessa & HEL
Xaoc Devices - Odessa & HEL; "Xaoc Devices - Odessa")
Hooray! Finally I have an excellent additive oscillator in my system. 😄 I also added the associated HEL module so I can create progressive chords with the Odessa. I look forward to the cornucopia of new sounds! Now only my second Intellijel Scales is missing. Unfortunately it is "Out of Stock" at the moment. Things should improve next month. So I have to wait patiently...
06/26/2023 - 12:46 PM
Xaoc Devices - Belgrad
Xaoc Devices - Belgrad; "Xaoc Devices - Belgrad")
Xaoc Devices Belgrad is a really wonderful and super fat sounding analog filter. One of its special features is a double filter stage, with two resonance points that give each passing sound a unique character. The resonance points can be spread and combined in many ways. With it's 10 distinct frequency responses, there's a big playground to explore. All important parameters can also be controlled via control voltages. A really great filter that offers a wide range of possibilities to shape your sound and should not be missing in any system!
FEATURES
- All analog, dual core filter design
- 10 distinct frequency responses
- Wide tuning range, approx. 4hz to 28kHz
- Low noise audio path
- Voltage controlover the resonance and peaks balance
- Nonlinear feedback and cross-modulation
- V/octave input
- Adjustable input overdrive
06/23/2023 - 07:03 PM
Surprise package
Surprise package; "Xaoc Devices - Belgrad")
I currently have exactly 100 modules in my system, and for the first time I had a problem with my order 101. Instead of a new module, I only received a used and defective module, with a broken switch and old revision number. The packaging had no scratches and the broken switch wasn't in the box either, so the supplier is innocent. I think, some prankster has probably previously exchanged his old module for a new one. And from the damage it looked like, quite a bit of force had to be used. This does not happen in normal use. I suspect someone wanted to mount a black plate and that didn't work. Luckily, the module was replaced by MusicStore without any problems. Thanks very much! I can't wait to get my hands on the new filter and hope the delivery arrives safely.
05/06/2023 - 10:22 AM
I have my eye on you
I have my eye on you; "Mordax - Data")
Mordax Data is a really useful tool to keep track of all control voltages and audio signals. And besides that, it's also a dual oscillator with a wave shaper, a quad clock with a divider and offset function, and also a reliable tuning utility. Four input channels (with through outputs) can be used simultaneously for signal monitoring. Audio, clock, gate and trigger signals can be sent to four additional outputs.
What can I say? Bye bye offset problems! 👋😄
05/01/2023 - 10:14 AM
Input Channel Abuse
Input Channel Abuse; "Allen & Heath - SQ5 Back")
You know it's time to expand your SQ5 when you're already using the talkback input as a line-in. Luckily, the SQ5 allows you to patch the talkback input so that it can be used as a regular line-in. A preamp, compressor and EQ are also included, just like the regular inputs. I have already split the two stereo inserts on the back into 4 mono channels. Thanks to the patch matrix! As a last option, I now only have the stereo insert on the front to split up. This would then use up all 23 channels of the SQ5. It's time for a DX168 expansion to put an end to this terrible channel abuse. 😑
04/30/2023 - 09:21 AM
Tick tock around the clock
Tick tock around the clock; "Quad-Mantis - Eurorack")
After lots of experimentation with clock signals, I'm back to using Trigger Riot as the master clock. When I used the Hermod as a master, many attached sequencers had a clock offset between two notes, which is very difficult to handle. Now only the Hermod is 1/16 note behind the first clock signal. This can easily be corrected with an inverted sub clock signal, or by activating clock push mode in the Hermod. And besides that, with the Trigger Riot you can also send the reset signal before or after a pattern and also trigger it manually. Unfortunately, Hermod cannot do all of this, which severely limits the flexibility as a master in interaction with other sequencers. Trigger Riot's reset signals also work as they should with all attached sequencers. The buffered multiple of 4ms has proven to be the most stable for the distribution of the clock and reset signals in my system. For comparison I had buffered multiples from Doepfer and Intellijel, these have their strengths in the distribution of CV signals.
04/29/2023 - 06:34 AM
Xaoc Devices - Timiszoara
Xaoc Devices - Timiszoara; "Xaoc Devices - Timiszoara")
The magical spring is here and new modules are even growing in my rack... 🌱 And here is my new companion, the beautiful Xaoc Devices - Timiszoara 24–bit stereo DSP with up to three voltage controllable parameters. So now I have 8 effects in the mixer and 3 in the rack, I think that should be enough for now. Actually, I don't need anything else, except a few cables. But I'll somehow close the last gaps with something useful. Maybe a flux capacitor fits in...
Still on my wishlist: Xaoc Devices ODESSA plus HEL and a second Intellijel Scales
11/18/2022 - 11:31 PM
Busy...
Busy...; "Recording Rig - i7-13700KF")
Unfortunately I've been pretty busy the past few months. There was hardly any free time. But at least I was able to upgrade my recording rig*.... With a bit of luck things will look better from mid February. 😎
*HW-Info
MSI Pro Z690-P DDR4 / Intel i7-13700KF (16C/24T) / MSI MAG Coreliquid P360 AIO / 32GB G.Skill Trident Z RGB 4000MT/s (CL16-16-16-36 Dual Channel / Dual Ranked Samsung B-Die) @CL14-14-14-34 1.42 Volt / SA-Voltage 1.20 Volt Gear-1 / Gainward Geforce Phoenix RTX 3070 TI / 2x 2 TB Samsung 980 Pro HS NVMe / 2x 1 TB Samsung 860 Evo SATA / FSP CMT520 Plus with FSP850-51AAC / Allen & Heath SQ5 - 32 Channels 96KHz In @16 Samples (1.67ms) / 32 Channels 96KHz Out @16 Samples (2.50ms)
12/28/2021 - 12:43 PM
Circadian Rhythms
Circadian Rhythms+2
; "Quad-Mantis - Performance Rack")
+2
; "TipTop Audio - Circadian Rhythms")
I'm afraid I'll have to rebuild everything again. But for this module every effort is worth it. 😅
Update: The rearrangement is done! Check out my setup page for a closer look
11/10/2021 - 10:12 AM
Vučko would say now: Sarajewoooooo-ooo-o-ooo
Vučko would say now: Sarajewoooooo-ooo-o-ooo; "Xaoc Devices - Sarajewo Analog Delay")
I already have first-class delays and effects in the Allen & Heath SQ5 mixer, but I'm still missing a delay that I can modulate. And finally here it is, the Xaoc Devices - Sarajewo BBD Analog Delay. A really good sounding analog delay with many modulation options. That's what I've been looking for!
The missing Ostankino II, which completes the Moskwa II Rotosequencer, was also delivered today. And there was even more! The last 3 HP gap in the bottom row is completed by a 4ms buffered multiple. Tic tac toe - three in a row. 😄
11/06/2021 - 04:51 AM
Moskwa II - Rotosequencer
Moskwa II - Rotosequencer; "Xaoc Devices - Moskwa II")
The cold season is here and it's time to get back to the modular synthesizer. And what could be nicer than starting directly with a new module? One of the last gaps will be filled with the new Moskwa II Rotosequencer. Unfortunately, the Ostankino II expander that goes with it has not yet arrived. But in a few days the duo will be complete and unleash their full potential.
12/12/2020 - 05:24 AM
Intellijel Bifold
Intellijel Bifold; "Intellijel Bifold - Dual Channel Serial/Parallel Wavefolder")
After what feels like an eternity, thanks to the corona nonsense, the long-awaited Intellijel Bifold is here and ready to play. Like a filter, a wave folder offers many possibilities to shape and color the sound. And here you have two of them in one module. A crossfade control allows you to choose from different modes.
08/17/2020 - 05:14 PM
Zadar - Quadruple Envelope Generator
Zadar - Quadruple Envelope Generator; "Xaoc Devices - Zadar - Quadruple Envelope Generator")
Zadar is a really extraordinary quad-envelope generator, which is ideal as a modulation source. Envelopes can be mangled in many different ways. For example, you can stretch them, compress them or let them influence each other.
06/18/2020 - 12:26 PM
One and one were having some fun...
One and one were having some fun...; "TipTop Audio One - Sample Player")
I love those One's, they are super fast and easy to use, exactly what I was looking for! And finally, my sample player section is complete. 😊
06/18/2020 - 08:59 AM
Tête - Intelligence for Tetrapad
Tête - Intelligence for Tetrapad; "Intellijel Tête - Intelligence for Tetrapad")
Lots of new things to learn with this wonderful extension for Tetrapad. Endless possibilities open up. 😅 I think my head is about to explode. So many new toys... The biggest task is to find a new workflow. Let's go! ✌
06/12/2020 - 06:34 PM
Quad-Mantis
Quad-Mantis; "Quad-Mantis - A dream came true")
Dear God, please let me stay on this planet for a few more years so that I can enjoy this wonderful instrument.
06/10/2020 - 02:51 PM
Erica Synths MIDI To Clock V2
Erica Synths MIDI To Clock V2; "Erica Synths - MIDI To Clock V2")
05/15/2020 - 02:02 PM
Tetrapad
Tetrapad; "Intellijel Tetrapad - Multi-Dimensional Performance Touch Controller")
Even more control with Intellijel Tetrapad - Multi-Dimensional Performance Touch Controller. Now all that's missing is the Tête extension. You can then record everything with it.
04/07/2020 - 02:04 PM
Planar²
Planar²; "Intellijel Planar² - Recordable Vector Joystick")
A little more control and human feel. Planar² gives you everything you need. 4 individual modulation channels and two bi-polar channels in addition. What more do you need? Ah, yes, of course you can also record everything.
04/07/2020 - 11:38 AM
Doepfer A-183-2 Offset-Quadriga
Doepfer A-183-2 Offset-Quadriga; "Doepfer A-183-2 - Offset Generator")
Indispensable little helpers. Why isn't that part of every LFO?
03/03/2020 - 02:04 PM
Dixieland
Dixieland; "Intellijel Dixie II+ - Full-Featured Triangle Core VCO/LFO")
Hooray! Now they are finally complete.😄 The three musketeers in Dixieland. I love those O's. They are fast, strong and massive sounding VCOs. Very stable and quickly adjustable.
12/16/2019 - 12:36 PM
4x Mantis = 832 HP
4x Mantis = 832 HP; "IRREGULAR CLUSTER - Quad Mantis 832HP Powerhouse")
12/16/2019 - 11:49 AM
Squarp Instruments - Hermod
Squarp Instruments - Hermod; "Squarp Instruments - Hermod")
A couple of new hands - 8 sequencers in one module, with real polyphony and easy to use. With a connected controller you can even record directly with it. Very convenient!
11/20/2019 - 11:17 AM
A special gift
A special gift; "Mutable Instruments - Clouds")
Wow! 😮 Today I received a special and unexpected package from my brother Tony deKaro. Thank you for this extraordinary gift! You are crazy! 😍
I will keep your Clouds in honor and it gets a special place. Thank you, bro! I really can not believe it! 😊
10/14/2019 - 00:36 AM
Probability Test Patch
Probability Test Patch
After a long time and a musically wasted summer, here's another little patch...
08/06/2019 - 11:18 AM
Intellijel Scales
Intellijel Scales; "Intellijel Designs - Scales")
07/12/2019 - 00:52 AM
Polyphonic Modules - Doepfer A-141-4 / A-105-4 / A-132-8
Polyphonic Modules - Doepfer A-141-4 / A-105-4 / A-132-8; "Polyphonic Modules - Doepfer A-141-4 / A-105-4 / A-132-8")
Now it's getting exciting! Polyphony for a Modular Synth with Doepfer A-141-4 Quad Poly VCADSR / A-105-4 Quad Poly VCF 24 dB SSM Low Pass Filter / A-132-8 Octal Poly VCA
07/09/2019 - 10:46 AM
Doepfer A-118-2 Noise / Random / T&H / S&H
Doepfer A-118-2 Noise / Random / T&H / S&H; "Doepfer A-118-2 - Noise / Random / T&H / S&H")
Small and functional. The new Doepfer A-118-2 Noise / Random / T&H / S&H.
07/02/2019 - 11:19 AM
A few new modules have arrived
A few new modules have arrived; "IRREGULAR CLUSTER - Dual Mantis")
06/08/2019 - 07:48 PM
Doepfer A-140-2 - Dual Mini ADSR Envelope Generator
Doepfer A-140-2 - Dual Mini ADSR Envelope Generator; "Doepfer A-140-2 - Dual Mini ADSR Envelope Generator")
Lots of space saved with the Doepfer A-140-2 Envelope Generator. Now another Z3000 fits into the case.
05/30/2019 - 05:31 PM
Nature - Random Patch II
Nature - Random Patch II
My first try with a few new modules. A small random ambient patch...
05/25/2019 - 12:12 PM
TipTop Audio - Z3000 Smart VCO MKII
TipTop Audio - Z3000 Smart VCO MKII; "TipTop Audio Z3000 - Smart VCO MKII")
Say hello to my new buddy! 😎 A really excellent VCO - TipTop Audio Z3000 Smart VCO MKII. And as always, one of those isn't enough. 😅
05/04/2019 - 01:47 PM
Xaoc Devices - Batumi - Quad LFO
Xaoc Devices - Batumi - Quad LFO; "Xaoc Devices Batumi - Quad LFO")
04/09/2019 - 12:43 PM
Intellijel Designs - Shifty
Intellijel Designs - Shifty; "Intellijel Designs - Shifty")
03/30/2019 - 01:14 PM
Intellijel Designs - Polaris
Intellijel Designs - Polaris; "Intellijel Designs - Polaris")
The missing link has arrived... Intellijel Designs - Polaris - Multimode VCF. Sounds really excellent with Intellijel Dixie II+.
02/23/2019 - 12:50 PM
Random Mandala
Random Mandala
My first try with Mutable Instruments Marbles & TipTop Audio Trigger Riot
02/07/2019 - 11:17 AM
TipTop Audio - VCA
TipTop Audio - VCA; "TipTop Audio - VCA")
We all know, you can never have enough VCAs in your System and this one is really great!
12/14/2018 - 04:10 PM
Vegas-Pro Test
Vegas-Pro Test
This is just a little real-time test with a few Vegas Pro GPU effects ...
12/14/2018 - 01:03 AM
TipTop Audio - Trigger Riot
TipTop Audio - Trigger Riot; "TipTop Audio - Trigger Riot")
Now the party starts slowly... The electric mandala is born. Trigger Riot is a cornucopia of infinite melodies and rhythms. The Matrix mode easily outperforms all existing clock dividers and rhythm machines.
12/12/2018 - 11:49 AM
Mutable Instruments - Plaits
Mutable Instruments - Plaits; "Mutable Instruments - Plaits")
12/04/2018 - 10:38 AM
Mutable Instruments - Marbles
Mutable Instruments - Marbles; "Mutable Instruments - Marbles")
When I was a kid, I liked to play with marbles. Let's see if this is still the case. 😉
06/16/2018 - 12:43 PM
Allen & Heath SQ5 Mixer
Allen & Heath SQ5 Mixer; "Allen & Heath SQ5 - Digital Audio Mixer")
Finally, I do not have to use a PC anymore 😄 A dream came true. No more latency problems or too few resources. Mouse click orgies are just absolutely unintuitive. And no controller can be as good as a real module. Long life the hardware!