Latest news with #Wolfgang
Stuff.tv
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
Best electronic instruments in 2025, including MIDI keyboards, drum pads and samplers
Electronic instruments have come a long way since New Order sequenced Blue Monday using binary code. Now it's all quantised beats, USB-C, and expensive noise-cancelling headphones. And if you're in the market for modern melodies, these are the machines you need. From MIDI keyboards to beat pads, below you'll find an orchestra of tools for making electronic music. Whether you're tinkering with your first track or ready to lay down another lo-fi banger, the kit listed here will help you sample, sequence and synthesise your way to a smash hit. Or at least something worth sharing on SoundCloud. Don't know your MIDI DIN from your MIDI in? We've also broken down some electronic lingo to help you out. Give it a read, and you'll know your controllers better than Jean-Michel Jarre knows his laser harp. Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products. The best electronic instruments you can buy today: The rhythm rig 1. Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Amadeus never needed drum pads. Then again, Wolfgang didn't do trip-hop beats. If your unfinished symphony is more Massive Attack than Mozart, try this groovebox. Colour-coded pads help you compose percussion parts with targeted taps, while a Smart Strip lets you mix up your kicks with Perform FX. Plus, the Maschine software has more instruments than an orchestra. The groovy grid 2. Novation Launchpad X You need light and sound for a desktop disco. Luckily, this rainbow grid does both. Like a dancefloor for your fingers, the 64-pad plinth lets you paint your tunes with RGB pixels. Designed for Ableton Live, it also functions as a fully mappable MIDI controller. Tap out patterns on the velocity-sensitive squares, and the capture mode will ensure you never miss a beat. The stealthy stepper 3. Arturia BeatStep Sometimes the biggest beats start with something small. Don't let its stature fool you: this compact controller can do it all. Use its pressure-sensitive pads for finger drumming or switch to sequencer mode to create 16-step patterns. Matching pitch knobs give you granular command of every note, while iPad connectivity means your rhythm isn't tied to a desk. The sound snatcher 4. Teenage Engineering EP 133 K.O. II The music man might be able to play the piano, but can he record a dog's bark and sequence it into a drum and bass banger? Probably not, but this distinctive sampler can. Styled like a Lego answering machine and just as fun to play with, battery power and a built-in mic mean it's made for going walkabout. Punch-in effects let you mangle samples on the fly, too. The standalone studio 5. Yamaha SEQTRAK You could build a studio in your shed. Or for a portable production setup, try this Yamaha hybrid. Part sampler, part sequencer, part synth – plus a sound effects section: the SEQTRAK is a self-contained station for crafting electronic jams. Lightweight but heavy on features, it includes a library of 2000 presets. There's even an integrated speaker for impromptu gigs. The rugged recorder 6. Roland SP-404MKII It might look like a hardcore calculator, but this button box is actually built for crunching notes, not numbers. Tough enough for any beat battle, its hands-on interface and signature sounds have made the SP a cult hit with DIY musicians. An OLED display makes it easier to layer loops, stack effects and slice samples in real time, which is a lot more fun than solving equations. The mini maestro 7. Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 The Swiss Army doesn't need a MIDI controller. If it did, this would be the one. A fun-sized performer you can play several ways, it's a versatile utensil for tinkering with tunes. The 25 mini keys keep your fingers busy, along with eight pads, a pitch stick and a built-in arpeggiator. Assignable knobs complete the ensemble. The only thing missing is a bottle opener. The tactile tinkler 8. Roli Seaboard M When is a mini keyboard not a keyboard? When it's a haptic slab of sonic expression. Swapping regular keys for a responsive playing surface, the smallest Seaboard lets you glide, slide and press your way to organic sounds that a pitch wheel could only dream of – from swelling synths to string vibrato. Need more range? Magnetic connectors let you attach additional boards for extra octaves. Buy Now The portable performer 9. Korg nanoKEY Fold Even composers need a summer break. Pack this travel-sized MIDI keyboard for tunes wherever your next tour takes you. Lightweight at just 126g, the flat-pack piano folds in half without sacrificing features. 25 silent membrane keys mean you can rehearse without disturbing fellow passengers, while a pair of touch sliders let you perfect your melodies, whether you're taking them to Malibu or Ibiza. How to choose the best electronic instrument Looking to buy the best electronic instrument but don't know where to start? Here are some things to consider: Pads: Want to finger drum like Fred Again? Pick a tool with percussive pads. Some are velocity-sensitive for responsive beats, while others have RGB backlighting for better visual feedback when you're deep in the groove. Want to finger drum like Fred Again? Pick a tool with percussive pads. Some are velocity-sensitive for responsive beats, while others have RGB backlighting for better visual feedback when you're deep in the groove. Keys: MIDI keys come in different renditions, from plasticky plonkers to pressure-sensitive sets. If you play piano, you'll want ivories with proper travel. If you just need to trigger chords, a lighter touch will do. MIDI keys come in different renditions, from plasticky plonkers to pressure-sensitive sets. If you play piano, you'll want ivories with proper travel. If you just need to trigger chords, a lighter touch will do. Connectivity: USB-C, MIDI DIN, CV/GATE: connectivity can make or break your setup. Check what language your gear speaks before shelling out. Some instruments double as audio interfaces, with input ports for mics and other sources. USB-C, MIDI DIN, CV/GATE: connectivity can make or break your setup. Check what language your gear speaks before shelling out. Some instruments double as audio interfaces, with input ports for mics and other sources. Software: Not all tools are plug-and-play. Some need a digital audio workstation (DAW) to function. If you prefer jamming to programming, pick one with built-in brains so you can noodle without a laptop. Now check out Stuff's guide to the best creative control panels.
Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ozzy Osbourne's farewell Black Sabbath show in chaos as major act pulls out
One of the acts who was due to appear at Black Sabbath's star-studded Back to the Beginning concert has pulled out of the charity event being held next week. The musician has announced that he now won't be part of the line-up. The sold-out event, which was announced back in February, will be headlined by Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, who are the original members of Black Sabbath. The reunion has been described as Ozzy's "final performance" and is said to be raising money for charities. A host of artists will take to the stage at Villa Park stadium in Birmingham on July 5 for the event, which is set to feature sets from acts like Metallica. It's also been teased that there will be a "supergroup of musicians," which was supposed to include Wolfgang Van Halen, 34. Wolfgang however has now announced that he's had to drop out of the special occasion due to scheduling conflicts. He's shared that his band Mammoth has to be back in the US the next day to rehearse as the support act for Creed on tour. Wolfgang Van Halen has announced that he will no longer perform at the Back to the Beginning concert being held in Birmingham next week (Image: Redferns) He shared the news whilst on radio station WRIF's Talkin' Rock with Meltdown recently. Asked if he will be coming to the UK for the Back to the Beginning concert, he said: "I unfortunately had to back out because the Creed tour starts like the day after and I wouldn't be able to pull it off, unfortunately." Wolfgang - who's the son of Van Halen's Eddie Van Halen - however said that he's still looking forward to the event. He said: "I'm very excited to see ... to watch it, y'know. But I unfortunately had to back out." Creed's Summer of '99 tour is scheduled to kick off at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, on July 9. Mammoth are among the "special guests" who are set to join the band on the tour, alongside Daughtry, Sevendust and Big Wreck. Back to the Beginning was announced four months ago ahead of the one-off concert in July. It was teased at the time that "icons of metal" are coming together to celebrate Ozzy's "final performance" at Villa Park stadium on July 5. The one-off event, headlined by Black Sabbath, marks the 'final performance' of Ozzy Osbourne and is set to feature a host of acts (Image: Getty Images) Alongside the band, it was announced that the line-up will include a host of other acts too. There's said to be sets from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax and Mastodon. It was also revealed that the line-up will feature a "supergroup," which was meant to include Wolfgang. Other artists previously listed for the event included the Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan and Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash. The event promises to "celebrate the true creators of heavy metal" and Ozzy is scheduled to play his own "short" set, before joining with Black Sabbath for "his final bow". Music Director Tom Morello said: "This will be the greatest heavy metal show ever." In a statement, Ozzy said: "Its my time to go Back to the Beginning ... time for me to give back to the place where I was born. How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham Forever." Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads . READ MORE: Oasis have released new tickets for UK tour - how to buy yours if you missed out
Metro
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Iconic singer pulls out of final Black Sabbath show after scheduling conflict
American rock icon Wolfgang Van Halen has been forced to pull out of a performance at Black Sabbath's farewell show due to a scheduling conflict. The multi-instrumentalist had been included as a part of the original line-up for Sabbath's 'Back to the Beginning' concert. Playing in Villa Park, Birmingham on July 5, the event reunites the original Black Sabbath line-up of Ozzy Osbourne, Tommy Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for their final performance together. Joining the Brum-based band at the sold-out event are Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Mastodon and Rival Sons. Additional performances will include fellow rock legends Tom Morello, Fred Durst, Steven Tyler and Soundgarden. However, one music giant who won't be joining Sabbath is 34-year-old Wolfgang Van Halen, who has had to back out due to a scheduling conflict with another major rock tour. In an interview with Detroit's Meltdown on 101 WRIF, Wolfgang explained what had happened. 'I, unfortunately, had to back out because the Creed tour starts the day after, and I wouldn't be able to pull it off — unfortunately. I'm very excited to watch it, but I unfortunately had to back out,' he said. Instead, Wolfgang and his band – American rockers Mammoth – will support Creed from July 9 in Lexington, Kentucky. Wolfgang was then asked which of the band's guitarists was his favourite. He replied: 'I'm really bad at picking, 'cause that almost implies you don't like another one in comparison. 'And I feel like Randy [Rhoads] was amazing, but you can't not give cred to [Black Sabbath's] Tony [Iommi] being the legend and groundbreaking genre creator he was — and is. So I love 'em all. That's not the answer you wanna hear.' Wolfgang is himself the son of one of the greatest rock stars and guitarists of all time – Eddie Van Halen, who died from cancer in October 2020. Born in 1991 to Eddie and Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli, Wolfgang went on to follow his father's footsteps, performing as Van Halen's bassist between 2007 and 2020. He also performed with the heavy metal band Tremonti from 2012 to 2016, and founded his own group – Mammoth – in 2015. Asked if his dad had taught him any 'tricks,' Wolfgang replied: 'He would be the one to tell you he was a really bad teacher. I think just being around it and being in the environment, I'm just more interested in it. By osmosis, so to speak.' Wolfgang may not be able to make his performance at Black Sabbath's farewell show, but the Paranoid hitmakers will have plenty of support from their peers in the rock world. Hosted by Game of Thrones star Jason Momoa, the show will feature performances from a supergroup of musicians, including Guns N' Roses, Tool, and Rival Sons. Those hoping to catch a glimpse of history can also tune in via a global livestream, beginning at 3pm BST on July 5. Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy announced the gig on February 5, saying: 'It's my time to go Back to the Beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born. More Trending 'How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham Forever.' This will likely mark the Prince of Darkness's final performance, following his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2020. Speaking on Radio X Classic Rock, wife Sharon said: 'It's very emotional but very happy. It's time for Ozzy to say goodnight to everybody, and what better way to do it than to do it surrounded by your friends, your family, and back to the beginning – the place where he was born – in Aston.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Legendary rockstar finally becomes Irish citizen after living in country for 62 years MORE: Bad Company star Mick Ralphs dies aged 81 as bandmates pay tribute MORE: All the rumoured secret sets at Glastonbury 2025 from Pulp to Lewis Capaldi
Miami Herald
24-06-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Home owned by Stanford scientist linked to Manhattan Project lists in CA. See it
A stunning Dutch Colonial that was built in the early 1900s has landed on the real estate market in Silicon Valley, California. Only thing is, it was there before Silicon Valley was even a concept. Listed for $5.5 million, the six-bedroom, three-bathroom home sits hidden in Los Altos Hills. It has a phenomenal history that includes the retired sea captain who built it and a physicist named Wolfgang who bought it in 1951. U.S. Marine Captain Fred M. Munger built the home between 1902-1907 and opted for the Dutch Colonial style, which happened to be a 'rarity in the region.' The house was built as his summer home before the city had electricity, a news release about the listing said. Later on, a scientist named Wolfgang Panofsky, who was a consultant for the Manhattan Project during World War II bought it with his wife, Adele Panofsky, who was a notable educator. The two got the house when they accepted a position at Stanford University. The Manhattan Project was a secret program that created the first atomic weapons during WWII. The project was successful with the U.S. creating the weapons before Germany, pushing the world into the nuclear age. The home served as a hot spot for other intellectuals, such as 'Nobel laureates, global scientists, and cultural icons like Frank Oppenheimer (the brother of J. Robert Oppenheimer),' the release said. Now, the home is on the market and still has managed to maintain its old world charm, the listing on Illuminate Properties says. It comes with a plethora of high-end features, per the listing, including: Hardwood floorsPorchFormal dining roomOfficeWood staircaseViewsClawfoot tubEnclosed porchBalcony The listing is held by Patrice Horvath. Los Altos Hills is about a 40-mile drive southeast from San Francisco.
Glasgow Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
WWE stars to perform at Clan Wrestling event in Braehead
The event will take place on September 6 following the success of its first show in March. Clan Wrestling will feature the homecoming of the trio known as Gallus, composed of brothers Mark and Joe Coffey, and Barry Young, known as Wolfgang. (Image: Supplied) The team, which has not performed in Scotland for over six years, rose to fame on the WWE NXT UK brand, achieving championship gold. The trio also earned recognition from Hollywood star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, whom they helped prepare for his WrestleMania comeback match. Read more: Politicians hit out over primary school's 'outrageous' union flag letter 'Incredible honour': Dementia care team win prestigious award Glasgow musician blends classical harp with 'disco-inspired strings' in new single Wolfgang is no stranger to the Braehead Arena, having proposed to his wife Molly Spartin in front of a sold-out hockey crowd in 2019 while representing the Glasgow Clan. Molly will also be performing at the wrestling event, representing the Fife Flyers as she takes on Angel Hayze. (Image: Supplied) The show will also feature the "Three Amigos" of Scottish wrestling: Grado, Jack Jester, and Mark Dallas. The trio gained fame through their 2014 documentary Insane Fight Club and have since achieved considerable success in the television industry. Grado stars in Two Doors Down, Jack Jester is known for his role in The Scots, and Mark Dallas has found international success as a TV producer for WXM, a professional wrestling company based in India. Clan Wrestling's first event in March drew more than 1,500 fans, despite competing directly with WWE, which was running the same week. The company offers an affordable alternative, with ticket prices starting at just £10, compared to WWE's starting prices of £300. The event on September 6 will open its VIP Meet & Greet doors at 1pm, with general admission doors opening at 3pm. Tickets are on sale now at
