Ins & outs

MIDI MATTERS Good news for fans of nailed-down MIDI standards: the MIDI Manufacturers Association has agreed a set of specifications for the use of MIDI TRS connectors, which should help to ensure full compatibility between TRS and DIN MIDI devices. Phew.

LIGHTSHOW, CAMERA, ACTION Novation’s Launchpad controller hardware is the subject of a mini documentary that explores the Launchpad Lightshow phenomenon that sprung up on YouTube. Check it out here: bit.ly/padculture

SEQUENTIAL RETURNS Synth icon Dave Smith re-acquired the Sequential name back in 2015, using it on their new Prophet synths. He’s now gone a step further and rebranded his company with the Sequential name, bringing a classic synth moniker back into full active service.

MOOGER-GONER They weren’t quite as iconic as the company’s synths, but Moog’s Moogerfooger analogue effect modules carved out a niche for themselves over their 20-year lifespan, so we’re sad to report that they’re going out of production. Snap them up now.

TOUGH TASK Software development is a tricky business, but for the task of enhancing VST performance in Reason, Propellerhead will be assembling “an expert task force” to undertake “an extensive rewrite of the inner workings of the program”. Serious stuff!

RIP ARETHA FRANKLIN It’s all too easy to overestimate someone’s influence and historical impact when they die, but in the case of Aretha Franklin, all the plaudits were justified. The Queen Of Soul in her lifetime, her legend will surely grow in the years to come.