A Leviasynth, and sometimes it really is that phone
I just got a Leviasynth about a week ago. I think this is my first time buying a new synth right after it releases. I always research everything extensively before buying, but I had to go for it immediately.
8 oscillators, 150 preset algorithms for frequency modulation, custom algorithms, and per-osc envelopes. I've messed around and made some drums (not in the video below), pads, and basses. There's so much variety and so many permutations of parameters for sound design I doubt I'll ever need another synth.
Its been such an inspiring synth to use so far. I've experienced lots of happy accidents in such a small amount of time, and the sound from this thing is much more rich than I would have ever expected.
Buying a new synth for the first time in a few years, especially a brand new one, made me think about modern consumerism quite a bit. Even as someone who doesn't like to spend money unnecessarily I've found myself saying that I want something new or cool pretty frequently. I hear this sentiment echoed among a lot of my friends and in other public social spaces.
I've realized that often this just means I want a novel experience even if it ultimately is just a new take on something I do daily.
I've been pretty much off social media for about a year now, and I can confidently say that constant scrolling would only add to my FOMO or a feeling that I might lack something. I did manage to achieve a lot of big personal goals within the last few months and felt it was only right to celebrate just as big.
So even if I did think "I want something cool" just before I hit the checkout button, maybe the coolest part of this purchase for me was that it wasn't done on impulse and was really just a (massive) pat on the back.
An old English teacher of mine always told me that my writing wanders but it wanders well, and I kinda like to think that applies to this post.