The New Cynthia ZOe

The latest Cynthia gadget is the new ZOe ... a Buchla modular format Zeroscillator!

Shown is the second front panel prototype with temporary LEDs and engraved graphics. They're still playing around with the choice of knobs while waiting for a large order of finished circuit boards to arrive.

The actual $1,500 production models will feature the familiar blue silk screened panel graphics and fit seamlessly into your Buchla modular both physically and electronically.


There are no digital connections to the ZOe as it is 100 percent all-analog, liquid-smooth, through-zero goodness - and designed to be a great compliment to any Buchla system.

This is a special limited run in this format.
They are shooting for mid May delivery, and now accepting orders. Please contact Cynthia directly through her website for ordering info!

http://www.cyndustries.com/

Update: note the Bob (MOOG) and Don (Buchla) inputs at the bottom right. Thanks to Richard Lianhart for calling this out in the comments.

Paia 3790 Stereo Chord EGG

YouTube via ZonkOut. via ZonkOut in the comments of this post.

"The EGG plugs into any stereo Amplifier to create soothing flowing environmental sound textures - and through headphones it's incredible. The chords and notes EXIST in your mind, they pan and swell and phase their way through your psyche in unpredictable patterns, never repeating.

The combination of LSI organ technology with synthesizer type processing and digital randomizing/control elements make the EGG an altogether intriguing package from either technological or metaphysical viewpoints."

Sequencer q960

flickr by kernelproject
(click for more)

full size

"From Synthesizers.com"

EMS VCS3 - Synthi Sequencer + Trautonium

More images and info on Califaudio.

Top: EMS Synthi Sequencer 256
Bottom: The Trautonium

Sound Quest MIDI Quest

This is one of those I'm surprised I haven't posted this yet posts. Someone wrote in on the Xpander email list asking for a software editor for his Xpander. Someone else pointed him to Sound Quest's Midi Quest. Midi quest is an editor/librarian for a number of hardware synths, new and old. You can see the full list of supported instruments here. You can click any instrument listed and you will see the details and some screenshots for it's editor. Pictured here is one of the screens for the Xpander.

I'm curious how MIDI Quest performs. Years back I used to use Emagic's Sound Diver. For the most part it was ok, but at times it was a little clunky and had issues with my hardware synths. If you use MIDI Quest, I'd love to hear what you think of it. Right now I use MIDI OX to save patches and the thought of a full boar editor/librarian is appealing.

Nearest launching of the Synthesizer - Acxel II

Press Release
Quebec, Canada - on March 26, 2008: Idarca-audio division of Idarca Inc. is proud to announce the nearest launching of the synthesizer Acxel II - which makes profitable the original Acxel legacy (early 90's) and of a revolutionary dynamic architecture parallel processor - patented by Idarca - the RPP. With its unique characteristics, Acxel II will set new standard of real time synthesis and audio processing.

Acxel II proposes 3 synthesis modes (with integrated sound processing):
• Acxelink made up of cells (256 to 1280) independently parametrical: Amplitude, Frequency, Phase, Filter, Waveform. Cells-cells links, signal Inputs integration and processing and many other characteristics including macros.
• Additive synthesis
• Analog synthesis

Acxel II integrates unique functions on sound resynthesis and processing with full scalability:
• Real TIme Resynthesis: The Acxelink and Additive modes allocate without compromise a complete access in real time to all elements (Envelope, Midi, Modulation) of a timbre, created from scratch or configured with Analysis (integrated into the system).

• Open architecture: Acxel II allows, in real time, to introduce external sounds (for example a guitar) into the synthesis elements, for simple effects or extended processes or sound fusions.

• Scalable: The Acxelink mode integrates all of the elements to emulate and combine existing or original synthesis modes: Physical modeling, Wave Tables, FM, Wavelets, Vocoder, etc.

Acxel II will be available in 2 versions:
• Acxel II - PCI: Sound Card (PCI) with software PC/MAC
- Deliverable in 4 to 6 months.

• Acxel II - SAS: Stand Alone System with “preset” use for scenic performances or in Workstation (with PC or MAC)
- Deliverable in 8 to 12 months.

• Touch Sensitive Graphic console available in option
- Deliverable in less than 12 months.

For more information on Acxel II: www.idarca-audio.com

Oberheim SEM - Mini Sequencer - Aries AR-328

YouTube via bostich1
"Ramon Bostich working with Oberheim Mini Sequencer modular upgrade, Oberheim SEM, Aries AR-328 Spring Reverb.

www.myspace.com/tijuanasoundmachine www.myspace.com/bostichpointloma"

Future Retro XS filters the TR-808

YouTube via FutureRetroSynths

Roland JD-800 + Korg Wavestation "Deep Space" by RetroSound

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo by RetroSound "Deep Space" excerpt

all digital sounds and pads: Roland JD-800 and Korg Wavestation SR"

Korg MS-10 + SQ-10 Sequencer Analog synth

YouTube via johnnyruru. via Nusonica.

Ominsphere - History of the Arpeggiator

Click on the image to launch the video. This is a good one.

BTW, if anyone knows how to embed Quicktime videos without autoloading, let me know. I took a look at Apple's QuickTime Embed Tag Attributes and only found the tag to prevent auto playing, not auto loading.

via wire to the ear. You can find more video on the Omnisphere site.

Update via Qwave in the comments: "The SCi VS was NOT the first digital synth with an arpeggiator !!! What about the PPG waves from first version on?"

MOTM Cloud Generator Update

via My Synthesis Technology MOTM... where you can find a MOTM update from Paul Schreiber.

Be sure to see these posts (scroll when you get there) for some samples and "in the making" shots.

More Bananlogue Demos via Kwote

see the update to this post.

YAMAHA VL70m

images via this auction

"Physical modeling desktop synth from Yamaha. The little brother of the expensive VL1 and VL7.
Plug in a Yamaha WX or BC wind/breath controller or a Akai EWI in order to fully enjoy this unique piece of gear

Type S/VA (self-oscillating Virtual Acoustic Synthesis), VLR Algorithm
Effect Reverb: 12, Chorus: 10, Variation: 44, Distortion: 3
Polyphony 1 note (monophonic)
Modes Voice mode, VL-XG mode (VL Extension of XG)
Voices Preset: 256 voices (including 137 VL-XG mapping voices), Custom: 6 voices (edited by external editor), User: 64 voices
Connectors FRONT PANEL: Phones, WX In (for WX7 or WX11 wind controller), Breath (for BC1, BC2, or BC3 breath controller) REAR PANEL: Output X2; (L/ Mono, R) MIDI In, MIDI out, MIDI thru, to Host (for MAC, IBM PC-compatible computers), DC In
Power Requirements Yamaha PA-3B or equivalent AC adaptor (CD 12V 700mA)
Dimensions (W/D/H) 220 x 212 x 46 mm (8-3/5" x 8-2/5" x 1-4/5")
Weight 1.3kg (2 lbs., 14 oz.)
Optional BC3 Breath Controller"