Since starting on classical guitar around 2000, Diego has become a multi-instrumentalist at heart, but specializes in keyboards and electronic instruments. A sometimes member of various At the Drive-in-adjacent El Paso-based bands, Diego fell out with the scene/sound and does his own things now. He’s worked as a staff writer for the zZounds Blog and a product specialist at zZounds for well over 10 years. If you ask Diego’s significant other, his true talent is cooking.
The Not-So-Hidden History Behind Modal ARGON8M’s Lush Digital Soundscapes
One of the best and worst things about revisiting history is rediscovering where things went so wrong. Around a year ago, while reviewing Roland’s JD-08, I made this off-hand comment: “I hate that too many of the electronic instruments out there cater to more atonal or textural Eurorack-inspired musicians.” Before I open up your hate […]
Why Teenage Engineering Is More Than Just a “Hipster Brand”
You know, the more I research Teenage Engineering, the more I picture peeling back an onion. For an instrument company, Teenage Engineering seem to aspire to be more than that. Whether functioning as a pseudo-design house—working for clients like the “Nothing” brand or IKEA, taking on little-known commissions for figures like the late, great fashion […]
Vinyl Turntable Setup: Build Your Perfect Home Record System
Don’t call it a comeback! Vinyl records are now a hit with all listeners. And whether you’re just starting out or upgrading your gear, there’s a turntable perfect for you at zZounds. In this video and blog post, we’ll cover three top options: the classic standard turntable, a modern wireless Bluetooth model, and a USB-enabled […]
Video: Paint Your Masterpiece with Moog’s Muse
Meet the Moog Muse, an eight-voice bi-timbral polyphonic analog synthesizer that bridges Moog’s rich legacy with modern innovation. As the fourth polysynth from Moog, Muse represents over five years of dedication and passion. It’s designed to be rugged for the stage and versatile as the heart of any studio. In our exclusive video, we delve […]
Video: Get Lost In Moog’s Labyrinth
Lose yourself in a maze of melodies with Moog’s Labyrinth, a semi-modular synthesizer designed to create infinite sonic sequences and unexpected percussive rhythms. This “parallel generative” synth offers endless possibilities for musical exploration. Join us in our video as we dive into the unique features and capabilities of the Labyrinth, and discover the full potential […]
Novation MiniNova Synthesizer: A Legacy of Innovation
Dubstep. I keep staring at those words, sandwiched prominently between “R&B/Hip-Hop” and “Techno/House” on Novation’s MiniNova, and I keep thinking: “What were they thinking?” You see, that Novation MiniNova synthesizer, released in 2012, and bought by yours truly not too many years later, remains a compelling, if not slightly confounding, synth. From above, the MiniNova’s […]
Cross the Vocal Spectrum on Moog’s Spectravox Synth
Moog’s Spectravox is an exciting analog spectral processor and vocoder that transforms sound with an advanced 10-band filter bank. This cutting-edge instrument delivers vibrant drones, dynamic tonal sweeps, and unique modulation possibilities, opening up new worlds of sonic creativity. Discover the full potential of the Spectravox as we delve deeper into its features and capabilities […]
Starry-Eyed Surprise: Arturia MiniFreak Stellar Synth Video Demo
Space out with Arturia’s MiniFreak Stellar, a blacked-out special edition of their original powerful polyphonic synth. Featuring dual digital sound engines, analog filters, advanced modulation, sequencing, and stereo effects, this synth takes your sound into deep space and beyond. Join us in our exclusive video as we explore the MiniFreak Stellar’s unique features and cosmic […]
Roland JD-08 Boutique Synthesizer: A Link to Roland’s Past
I’ll be the first to admit, my first impression of Roland’s JD-08 was one of surprise. I thought: How would Roland fit all of its original inspiration into something smaller than your computer’s keyboard? That question drove me to give it a chance — I’d revive my niche of “The Oscillator” and share some thoughts […]
