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.
Form Follows Function on Sequential’s Fourm Synth
How do you pronounce it? “Form.” zZounds sat down with Evan Weiss from Sequential to go hands-on with the brand-new Sequential Fourm, a four-voice analog polysynth built on true Prophet-5 DNA. This compact powerhouse delivers everything synth fans crave: warm, organic oscillators, a classic 4-pole low-pass filter with bass compensation, and that signature Prophet-style envelope […]
Not Just More DX, “M” Means More MODX from Yamaha!
From rich acoustic emulations to cutting-edge electronic textures, MODX M makes it a breeze to create, perform, and produce with depth and nuance. Available in three models — the 61-key MODX M6, 76-key MODX M7, and 88-key MODX M8 — this MODX series is your gateway to Yamaha’s most advanced sound and performance technology yet. […]
Why Producers Are Calling the Akai MPC Live III a Game-Changer
Akai has taken their legendary MPC Live series to a new level with the MPC Live III. In this zZounds-exclusive video, Justin sits down with Stuart from Akai to walk through all the ways this powerhouse has been reimagined for modern beatmakers, producers, and live performers. If you’ve been waiting to see how far Akai […]
Video: Go Deep With Roland’s SH-4d Synth
Go deep with the Roland SH-4d, a multi-part desktop synthesizer that brings hands-on creativity to the forefront. Packed with eleven oscillator models, deep synthesis tools, and a multitimbral pattern sequencer, the SH-4d is more than a groovebox–it’s a spontaneous composition machine built for today’s sound designer and tomorrow’s performer. In our exclusive video walkthrough, Justin […]
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 […]
