Arturia Modular Hardware Coming?

This in via an anonymous reader who read this post. What do you all think?

"hi, I saw you were interested in any info on what arturia were about to release.
it's no fun to spoil a surprise...but there is going to be a new piece of hardware,
and it'll make people who like making connections very very happy..."

Something to compete with the Creamware ASB boxes obviously makes sense.
This just might be a great winter NAMM after all... : )

Moog MF-107

This one sent my way via diablo guapo. Did JRR just slip the MF-107? : )

"Moog MF-107 FreqBox MoogerFooger
[mf107freqbox] $339.00USD
Moog MF-107 FreqBox MoogerFooger

It’s here--the newest addition to the Moogerfooger line of analog effects. The MF-107 FreqBox will blow you away! it’s unlike anything else out there. The FreqBox does not actually modify the audio input signal. Inside the FreqBox is a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) which is modulated by the sound source input—an Audio Modulated VCO! The result is an amazing array of effects that were once only possible with a complex modular synth setup—everything from fuzz-like distortion to what product development engineer Steve Dunnington calls “cataclysmic timbral morphing” A true “freak box”!

Here are some specs:

* Accepts instrument level and line level inputs
* Frequency and waveform controls in the VCO section
* VCO can be frequency modulated by the audio signal
* Envelope follower and mix controls for even greater sonic enhancement
* Housed in the super-durable, classic Moogerfooger enclosure"

See more at Moog's YouTube Demo."

Previous post Thank you diablo!

Korg Sigma

via this auction

"This is the Korg Sigma KRP-30 Vintage Analog Mono Synth from the famose 1970's MS Series*** This synth is extremely RARE! You will not see it on ebay very soon ! **** This is one of my favorite all time synthesizers because of the unique sounds of the MS series with performing abilities that was very rare in those days - For examplr it has its own AFTER TOUCH and rING MOD and 2 Joysticks and tons of buttons and knobs to change the sound ****** The Korg Sigma does let you play a quarter-tone scale ***** it was Used by Jean Michel Jarre, Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson ***** I hate to let it go...But- I'm leaving the country soon and I'm selling All the equipment from my smokeless recording studio in the next few weeks and this Korg is one of the nice ones. Everything works on it flawlessly ***** Here is some info from the web: The Sigma is an interesting bi-timbric synthesizer consisting of two sections: a genuine analog "Synthe" and a Preset "Instrument" section. All together, there are 19 presets on it that give a variety of sounds. There are 11 presets for the "Instrument" section which include fuzz guitar, electric bass, clavi, string, flute, double reed, trumpet, hammered percussion, etc. And there are 8 presets for the "Synthe" section that give variable waveforms (square, pulse, sawtooth) in different pitch ranges (from 32' to 4'). Each preset has it's own rotary control to vary it's sounds. The Sigma is also unique for its ability to combine the synth and instrument sections for a nicer, layered synth sound or effect. While the synth section is nice, the instrumental sounds (tuba, trumpet, strings, guitar, etc.) are pretty darn bad, and only get interesting when mixed with the "Synthe" section sounds. **** Cool joysticks add multi-dimensional control. Use one to control pitch, noise and vibrato and use the second joystick to edit the low-pass and hi-pass VCF filters! There is also an "Effect" section which is for Vibrato, Portamento, Sample and Hold, Noise, Key Hold, Multiple Trigger and Ring Modulator (each with it's own rotary control to vary it's sound). Even though it has a switch labelled "Ring Mod," it's actually a cross-mod. It lets you cross modulate between the instrument and Synth sections. ***** o read a review please go here. ***** The Manual can be downloaded here ***** I just found another review of the Korg Sigma *** I found this review too: "Ever since i got my Korg sigma and for all that time i can not stop playing with it. - never got board. First thing to mention is that this synth is purely unique - It does not sound like anything I ever heard before and looks like a cross between organ/synth. Keeping in mind that this synth was designed at the same the time as The KORG MS series Synthesizers. ( same designer) All the Osc ,envelopes and filters are the same as the ones youll find in the MS-20 I do own also the X-911 ( gtr synth) that the synth section is kind of from the same family. There are "18" Oscilators running at the same time.... Plus One noise osc with Attack/release control, and lots of effects... Sigma is really a mono performing synth you can sit down and change the sound again and again just by adding more oscilator to the party. than coloring those Oscilators with diffrent controls such as Attack/Release , Decay, Freq-filter control , Pulse Width , Tone, S/H Clock ( cool LED for timing) But the coolest features are: Ring modulation with control of pitch that makes this synth sound almost like a DX-7 on acid... Imagine these old VCO with digital flavores. ( when you using the LP filter sometimes a flute can sound as if it was fried with eggs...) there are also 2 joysticks. one for VCF and HP/LP the other one for Pitch shift ,Vibrato and the most Weird effect ever "Noise Depth" that sounds like increasing amount of sweet distortion. The effect section covers all the regular known effects - Portamento,vibrato,oct high/low, Multi trig, Hold, Keyboard Sens ( if you push down youll get the effect-After touch ) and a "Quarter note effect" - when you use this one, the notes are runing in 1/4 notes instead of 1/2 notes so the scale of the key will change to major scale almost to a minor scale... for example If you hold down the key of C and also press the key of D the sound is key of C#... I also used it on pitch shift which is really cool. Oh yeah you can also push a button ( ala JUNO 60 Vibrato ) for the portamento in/out effect - on the fly. All and All - this is really one weird mono beast with a rainbow of sounds - from a hollow "CASIO-TONE" to heavy DX7 through MS20 like colored lead. I did use it as bass synth and space effects noise-box but the best use is the screaming distortion like leads. Now, if you have some other old synth with ext input - run the sigma through them (use the CV/Gate ) its amazing I tried it with Minimoog, X911, Arp Axxe and the Roland SH09 its sounded different in every situation but was making the sound much much more interesting"

Sent my way via sonicbrat.

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Symbian Project A6 Demos

"There is a new CD out from Symbion project (aka kasson crooker of freezepop & splashdown) and the CD is 100% A6. If you're into Vangelis & Wendy Carlos or just want to hear a raw A6 in action, check it out. Here are a couple of links.

clip1
clip2

Title link takes you to Symbian Project.

Metasonix Wretch S-1000 demo

"Fiddling around with the Metasonix Wretch S-1000 vacuum tube Synth. Weirdest thing in my studio by far."

Looks like Dave of The Packrat and Retarded Animal Babies [see umop for even more], stepped up and answered the call of the bear. Here's his Metasoniz S-1000 Wretch video. Thanks for the plug Dave!

BTW, if anyone ever runs across another Metasonix video, send it in.

Previous Metasonix posts

New Products from Waldorf

Update: PDF in English is up.

Google translated link.

"Current mountain [Stromberg is actually the name of the synth, Google translated it is 'current mountain.' 'Whale village' is Waldorf]
Current mountain offers strong oscillators with Wavetables of the inventor of the Wavetablesynthese. Two multi-mode filter for each internal and external source of sound contain the exclusive PPG, comb and cascade filter beside a comprehensive selection of classical filter types. The instrument is up to 100 stimmig polyp-hone and 16-fach multitimbral playable. The entrance is made by an ergonomically optimized operating panel with genuine aluminum automatic controllers (behind-shines). As play assistance serve Mod and Pitchwheels and/or - optionally - a Joystick. Current mountain can be rigged over andockbare high-quality analog modules to an extensive hybrid system. A-filter is a 16-fache analog filter bank. Valve is an adjustable tube module, which can be merged in the signal chain or before the master Out. Current mountain is accommodated in a compact, wertigen full metal housing."

"Zarenbourg is a traditional Electro Piano, which goes completely different way than those so far admitted to representatives of this species. The Zarenbourg Piano does not only see funky out it plays itself also in such a way. Zarenbourg is the guitar for the Keyboarder - an instrument, for which many musicians waited for a long time - and they never again missen would like."



"Blofeld
The Synthesizer module Blofeld contains the newest generation that whale village similar to Modeling technology. 3 oscillators, whale village filter technology, universal LFOs and very fast envelopes fulfill professional requirements - at an extremely attractive price. All substantial parameters are on a clear control matrix. A large Paperwhite display serves purposeful navigation by sounds and less common attitudes. Over solid aluminum automatic controller is served. The instrument contains 1,000 sounds fully capable for editing. The connection to the computer takes place over the integrated USB 2 connection. Micro Q sound are loaded and shown without any klangliche restriction. The high-quality full metal housing can be adapted over an adapter to usual 19 the” format."

Can't forget the Qs.
Whale village Phoenix edition
With the Phoenix edition 3 the successful Synthesizer of the Q series the latter is produced times in a limited special edition. 200 Q and Q+ as well as 500 Micro each Q are available starting from February 2007 in the specialized trade. The instruments are provided with a special product diagram and housing color (jet black), possess a dark-blue display and have otherwise the proven characteristics:

Q and Q+
• Exclusive user interface, with ever a dedicated continuous automatic controller per function
• Up to five oscillators and two multi-mode filters per voice
• Q plus with 16 genuine similar to filters
• Snaps envelopes
• Clear step Sequencer
• Up to 100-stimmig

Micro Q
• Almost identical sound production such as Q
• Compact 19” full metal housing
• Logical matrix control philosophy
• Exzellenter sound


Update via Tsching on the Waldorf list: "Stromberg and Blofeld are the bad guys in the old James Bond movies :-)"