Version 4.21 of the disting mk4 firmware is now released. This update contains two new algorithms - Attenuverter/Offset and Low Pass Gate - and a significant update to the Tuner algorithm.

Download the new firmware from here.

Tags: disting

Today we're releasing a new addition to our range of analogue modules - Persephone.

Persephone is a VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) using a discrete JFET as the gain element. The JFET can be tastefully (or violently) overdriven for saturation/distortion effects.

Persephone also includes a zero-crossing detector, which can be used to restrict gain changes to zeros in the audio waveform, preventing clicks and pops that can occur with very fast envelopes, especially on lower pitched sounds. In fact, with the zero-crossing circuit engaged, you can use a simple gate as the CV input without clicks.

Available immediately (stock permitting) - see Where To Buy.

Tags: persephone

Tim from Feel The Noise made this demo video showing how the new accessibility features of the FH-2 make it usable by the visually impaired:

Tags: fh-2

The macOS versions of all Expert Sleepers plug-ins (AU, VST and AAX) have been updated for compatibility with the recently-released macOS 12 "Monterey".

Download from the downloads page.

Tags: augustus loop, crossfade loop synth, little spacey, meringue, minky starshine, spectral conquest, USAMO, warbler, silent way, oomingmak

Version 1.15 of the FH-2 firmware is now released. This major update adds sequencers to the FH-2. It also adds accessibility features so the FH-2 can be used in conjunction with a computer-based screen reader.


Download the new firmware from here.

Tags: fh-2

We're delighted to announce the fourth release on the Expert Sleepers label, "Crossing the line" by Expert Sleepers' own Andrew Ostler. Available as a digital release and as a 12" vinyl LP.

Tags: andrew ostler

Listen to Expert Sleepers' Andrew Ostler in discussion with the Synth Design Podcast in this video:

Version 1.9 of the disting EX firmware is now released. This update adds two major new algorithms - Poly Exciter and Quad Envelope - and includes numerous other enhancements and fixes.

Download the new firmware from here.

Tags: disting EX

Version 4.20 of the disting mk4 firmware is now released. This update contains numerous small feature enhancements and a couple of bug fixes. It also significantly reduces the triggering latency in the Multisample and Dual Audio Playback modes.

Download the new firmware from here.

Tags: disting

We're delighted to announce three new products, the start of a small range of 100% analogue modules. Not adaptations of historic designs or clones, these have all been crafted to offer something a little bit different.

Ivo is a resonant low-pass VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter), switchable between 2-pole (12dB/octave) and 3-pole (18dB/octave) responses, with voltage control over feedback (resonance) as well as cutoff frequency.

Lorelei is a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) with quadrature sine outputs, waveshaping, and sync/cross-modulation options.

Beatrix is a phaser, offering voltage control over notch frequencies, effect depth and feedback (resonance).

All are available immediately (stock permitting) - see Where To Buy.

Tags: ivo, lorelei, beatrix

We're happy to announce a new Eurorack module - the Tiny MIDI breakout. This is a purely passive module which provides six 3.5mm TRS sockets for use as MIDI sockets for any module with a compatible breakout header.

The Tiny MIDI breakout is available immediately. Please see here for more details.

Tags: TMB

ES-9 firmware v1.2 is released. This version adds a number of new features mostly related to making the built-in mixer more flexible and powerful.

Download the new firmware here.

Tags: es-9

Version 1.14 of the FH-2 firmware is now released. This version adds a number of new trigger types, basic MMC support, and a number of other enhancements and fixes.

Download the new firmware from here.

Tags: fh-2

Version 1.8 of the disting EX firmware is now released. This update adds a major new algorithm - Multi FX - and includes numerous small enhancements and fixes.

Download the new firmware from here.

Tags: disting EX

Silent Way v2.9.0 is released, including support for MTS-ESP from ODDSound.

Download the update (or demo) from here.

Tags: silent way

Version 1.13 of the FH-2 firmware is now released. This version introduces support for polyphonic aftertouch and MIDI Tuning Standard, along with a number of other enhancements and fixes.

Download the new firmware from here.

Tags: fh-2

Version 1.7 of the disting EX firmware is now released. This update adds a major new algorithm - Granulator - and includes numerous small enhancements.

Download the new firmware from here.

Tags: disting EX

All current Expert Sleepers plug-ins are supported and working on macOS 11 Big Sur, natively on Intel macs and under Rosetta on M1 macs.

We have started on native M1 builds. However the main limiting factor here is the lack of availability of a version of the PACE (iLok) tools with support for M1 builds. We anticipate that by the time the PACE tools are available, we will be ready with the native M1 plug-ins and will be able to release updates fairly swiftly.

Tags: augustus loop, minky starshine, crossfade loop synth, meringue, warbler, oomingmak, spectral conquest, little spacey, silent way, USAMO

The year 2020 was a strange and challenging one for many. For Expert Sleepers, it was a year of two milestones. Firstly, it marked 10 years of making Eurorack modules - our first hardware product, the ES-1, was launched in 2010. Secondly, the lifetime sales of the disting mk4 module hit 10,000 units. We're proud of both of these achievements and very grateful to our customers for helping us get there.
So, partly in celebration of these milestones, and wanting to help those for who 2020 was not such a great year, we've created a very special limited edition of five disting mk4s, and we're auctioning them off for charity.
The special edition disting, pictured left, has a solid sterling silver front panel, hallmarked as such by the Edinburgh Assay Office. That's 1½ ounces of precious metal! The panels are diamond etched with the usual panel graphic and a special 'mk4' logo.
All proceeds will be donated to Help Musicians' Coronavirus Hardship Fund. In their words, Help Musicians are "an independent charity which aims to make a meaningful difference to the lives of musicians, offering a wide spectrum of support which includes: Health & Welfare services, Creative development funding, ground-breaking research, a mental health helpline for the entire music industry and an incredibly popular hearing health scheme which aims to prevent hearing problems that would otherwise bring musicians’ careers to an untimely end."
There are five special edition modules available and the auctions are now open. Here are the links:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393133720829
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393133721986
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393133723742
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393133729577
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393133735111

Please help us support this very worthy cause!

Update 16th March 2021: The total raised was £1960, which is now on its way to Help Musicians.

Tags: disting

The third release on the Expert Sleepers label, Yeesan is an ambient album in the classic Eno tradition - no drones, but a static yet ever-changing texture of interweaving patterns.

Efkts makes great use of the General CV module on this album.

Cassette version available in a limited edition of 100.

Available now exclusively from Bandcamp.

Tags: efkts

Version 4.18 of the disting mk4 firmware is now released. This update contains numerous small feature enhancements and a couple of bug fixes.

Download the new firmware from here.

Tags: disting

In November 2020 Expert Sleepers' Andrew Ostler spoke to Jean-Baptiste Thiebaut from the Music Hackspace about, well, all kinds of stuff. The video below is a distillation of the best bits.