We’re only two weeks into the year and already Moog teased a new analog synthesizer, Dâm Funk rolled out another version of his handheld drum machine, Focusrite has a new USB interface, Legowelt opened the doors to his impressive studio, and loads more cool things have happened. All of which is to say, there is plenty to catch up with in the return of our weekly production and gear news wrap-up.

Moog teases a new synth, Dam Funk unveils a new miniature drum machine/sequencer, and Focusrite’s unveils its Scarlett interface:

– On Wednesday, Moog teased the synth nerds of the world with a video of its new synthesizer, which the company plans to fully introduce later this month during NAMM. For now, the seven-minute video (above) featuring synth pioneer Herb Deutsch playing with and discssing the new unit—which bares its circuitboards and knobs out in the open—is all we get to see.

– After the success of the original Dam Drum, Dâm Funk and Stones Throw have again teamed up with Bleep Labs for Dam Drum 2.0, a minaiture hardware drum machine and sequencer complete with a single oscillator. The video up top pretty much demonstrates all that it can do, which is pretty impressive for only $99. Stones Throw will start shipping a limited quantity of these handmade sound toys on January 21, but before then, you can check out more details here.

– Having already appeared in a number of smaller forms, Focusrite‘s series of Scarlett interfaces expanded once more with a new, more comprehensive configuration that features 18 inputs (all equipped with the Scarlett-series mic-preamps) and 20 outputs capable of operating at 24-bit/96kHz. Called 18i20, the unit also features MIDI capabilities and plenty of other useful bells and whistles, all of which you can read up on here.

Legowelt’s studio tour:

– Dutch techno veteran and noted gear conniseur Legowelt gave online magazine Attack a guided tour of his studio (pictured above), a room full to the brim with an impressive array of sought-after analog and digital hardware. To see it all, check out the full article here.

The cool iPad apps and accessories just keep on coming:

– Above is a demo video for the LiveFX iPad app, the controls and features of which were inspired by Korg’s legendary Kaoss pad. The software also uses the power of AudioBus to allow it to be placed anywhere in your music-making apps signal chain, and best yet, LiveFX is free for now in the iTunes store. Grab it here.

– The Australian microphone manufacturers of Røde have introduced the iXY, a high-quality, stereo microphone (with an X-Y pick-up pattern) specifically made for use with the iPad and iPhone.

Livid Instruments invites you to build your own MIDI controller:

– For some time now, Austin-based controller company Livid Instruments has offered the components and kits need for producers build their own MIDI controllers. Still, the task can seem a little daunting to those of us without much tech experience, which is most likely why Livid recently shared a demo (above) showing how easy it can be to set up one of its smaller boards, the Brain Jr, with analog components, digital buttons, and even LEDs.