BUZZ ZONE V3 Update

ToyBox Audio has updated their Buzz Zone synthesizer to version three. This update completely recontextualizes Buzz Zone adding six sequencers, snapshots, and a modular midi-fx section. Everything previously available in Buzz Zone is still here, you can read my previous review here: https://www.databroth.com/blog/buzz-zone-review

First let’s cover the sequencer. You get six independent piano roll style sequencers. Each can be set to unique loop lengths and continuous playback, allowing you to create intricate polymeric sequences. There’s some really fun note drawing tools in here, you can select multiple notes and right click to chose “multi-draw” mode, this will copy and paste that sequence of notes wherever you click.

There’s also a “spray” mode that creates a small group of random notes where you click. As well as a Euclidean mode that creates a pattern that you can adjust by clicking and dragging. Combining these more chaotic “brushes” with a scale quantize module allows you to generate patterns very easily, then layer them with more sequences set to “always on”.

The modular midi fx section is pretty deep, boasting over “400” modules, I tend to actually prefer systems with a more refined set of modules that you can mix and match in interesting ways. You can still mix and match these, and they cover an extremely wide range of use cases.

Modules include everything from arps to LFOs to MSEGs and even midi event delays. One module I enjoyed allowed you to trigger midi notes via knob adjustments, you can then modulated this knob with an LFO to create generative sequencing.

If you want to get really advanced, you can set different modules to various key ranges, and trigger the modules with the sequencer, allowing you to create incredibly complex patterns of motions and triggers.

It’s interesting seeing such powerful sequencers and midi effects in a synth plugin, it almost makes preset design more about creating melodies and patterns and generative loops, rather than just the sounds one would play from a keyboard. This update packs a LOT of new features into Buzz Zone, and almost transforms it into a little mini DAW, I’d love to see someone make a full tracker style chiptune song on this.

You can pick up Buzz Zone V3 here: https://www.toyboxaudio.com/products/buzz-zone?