Elka Soloist 505 SN 2761

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via this auction

"Rare little Italian beauty, The Solist 505. The Elka Solist 505 was a monophonic lead synthesizer, preset based with variations for added performance. It provided a nice alternative to the Moog Satellite ARP Pro Soloist. It had 11 presets, all which could be changed with freq/res, attack/release, vibrato and portamento. Notably, it contained the famous Moog ladder filter.

A feature of the Soloist 505 is that it has the famous Moog Ladder Filter onboard. Manufacturers installed the components to make the Ladder Filter before Moog Music imposed a patent on it's use in non Moog instruments."

Update: see Hainbach's recent video with one here.

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Clean-Up Raves in Ukraine

This one is in via Loscha, who spotted it on ABC News Australia. Click through for some video.

Left: The DJs play techno music as volunteers continue clean-up efforts. (Reuters: Viacheslav Ratynskyi ) - Note the Waldorf Blofeld, M-Audio keyboard controller, and what appears to be a Lumatone keyboard with accordian style keys.

"Buildings destroyed by Russian invasion become 'clean-up raves' for volunteers missing Ukraine's techno festivals

A bombed-out building in northern Ukraine has been turned into a rave for more than 200 people just months after the region was devastated by the Russian invasion.

The daytime 'clean-up rave' was organised by young Ukrainians who have been using dance parties to aid the recovery effort.

'Techno parties, especially rave festivals, it was our lifestyle before, when we met with friends and spent time," one of the group's organisers said.

'Last summer, every weekend festivals (were) here in Ukraine, in Kyiv.

'So, we miss it and we want to come back to normal life but our normal life now is volunteering.'

Shovels in hand, the volunteers tossed piles of debris into the loader of a tractor from the remnants of the centre, which was destroyed by a rocket strike in March.

Ukraine's vibrant club scene was brought to an abrupt halt with the Russian invasion on February 24.

A night-time curfew in the capital Kyiv forced lovers of Ukraine's party culture to combine the fun and freedom of a festival with rebuilding their homes.

Most of the Yahidne volunteers, primarily in their 20s and 30s, came from Kyiv, about two hours' drive away.

Others have come from the western city of Lviv and nearby Chernihiv, while some foreign volunteers have arrived from Portugal, the United States, Germany and elsewhere.

The clean-up was the group's eighth event so far, restoring the centre and 15 homes in the village."

Left: Ukraine was known for its vibrant techno scene before war broke out. (Reuters: Viacheslav Ratynskyi )

Left: Many of the volunteers are young people combining their passion for music and love for their country. (Reuters: Viacheslav Ratynskyi )

Osmose sound design work in progress #4

Expressive E

"This video is giving a sneak peek at the current state of 7 sounds that our in-house sound designers are programming using the EaganMatrix by Haken Audio, Osmose's internal synth engine.

These sounds range from different categories such as subtractive synth sounds, FM keys, physical modeling pluck and pads, all taking advantage of the new keybed interactions offered by Expressive E's AKA (Augmented Keyboard Action©)."

You can find additional videos in the series here.

This one is in via SynthAddict

KMI Synth Spotlight: KBP4 meets ARGON8 from Modal Electronics

Keith McMillen Instruments

See the dealers on the right for availability on each.

KBP4 meets ARGON8: Setting up MPE

Mark Steiner - NuRad short clip

Mark Steiner

"Nyle Steiner made a single 'Rad EWI' for Michael Brecker decades ago. Years later, Nyle consulted with Johan Berglund of Berglund Instruments and now Johan's design of the NuRAD is now available and being enjoyed by some pretty great EWI professionals.

For info and to be on a no-pay wait list for the NuRAD, email TheNuEVI@gmail.com.

Here I'm playing Arturia SEM V plugin sounds I made myself layered with other stuff in Logic Pro. I adore this instrument and love playing it! So very expressive."

Twanger - A Processing and MIDI experiment

Richard Horsman

"Today's experiment. Processing code written where touch screen on Raspberry Pi 4 senses note 'string' twangs and passes them on via MIDI to my modular synth (Expert Sleepers General CV module). Some interaction with Pi's keyboard (not seen) to add strings and change strings' tuning."

Expressive E - Discovering Osmose

Expressive E - Discovering Osmose with Junkie XL (prototype unit)

Published on Feb 12, 2020 Expressive E

"Osmose was made by musicians, for musicians. We’ve been on the road asking some of our favorite artists to try our prototypes."

Expressive E - Discovering Osmose with Kaela Sinclair (prototype unit)

Published on Feb 12, 2020 Expressive E

"Osmose was made by musicians, for musicians. We’ve been on the road asking some of our favorite artists to try our prototypes.

'Kaela Sinclair is a singer-songwriter, musician, and producer, based in LA with Florida roots. A classically trained instrumentalist and vocalist, she creates cinematic pop music with a deep and unusual touch. In the last two years she has released two EPs, and is currently working on a full-length album, coming into a mature, but decidedly unconventional sound. Sinclair joined French electronic band M83 in 2016, and within weeks was performing on the main stage at Coachella, gracing the likes of Glastonbury Festival and Jimmy Kimmel as well as touring four continents over the course of a year. Her vocals and arranging can be heard on M83’s latest album, DSVII which came out September of 2019. Sinclair has also spent significant time touring with Australian pop artist Troye Sivan, as a featured singer and synth player.'"

Expressive E - Discovering Osmose with Mike Dean (prototype unit)

Published on Feb 12, 2020 Expressive E

"Osmose was made by musicians, for musicians. We’ve been on the road asking some of our favorite artists to try our prototypes.

Mike Dean is a legendary producer, working with major artists across the American hip hop industry such as Kanye West, 2Pac, Scarface, Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, Jay-Z, Nas, Beyoncé & Jay-Z, Madona..."

TWO WholeTone Revolution Synthesizer Keyboards (Korg EX5R)

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via this auction

"Under the hood, these are actually Korg N5EX synthesizers with a custom keyboard built specially for Tokyo Yusyo (probably also by Korg), with each key being velocity and channel (mono) aftertouch sensitive. Please note that the Chromatone keyboard is not at all like a matrix array or other "microtonal" type keyboard. These are actually 88 key keyboards shoehorned into the form factor for a 61 key keyboard, with each key having multiple key tops for ergonomic play. I used these as MIDI controllers, but you can just as easily tap them for the onboard GS/XG/GM soundset.

I encourage you to visit the maker's websites [here and here] and tour YouTube to understand more about the Chromatone keyboard and the MUTO method for notation and playing these keyboards if you are not already familiar with it. The onboard synthesizer engine, features (e.g., sequencer), and operation are that of the Korg N5EX, so please see the manual for that keyboard (on Korg USA's website here: [link removed by eBay]) since Tokyo Yusyo supplied no additional documentation with these keyboards.

I reiterate: these are not matrix array 'microtonal' keyboards."

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NAMM 2020 Lumatone Microtone CORTEX Keyboard

Published on Jan 23, 2020 sonicstate

"A new specialist Hexagrid MIDI controller from Lumatone offers 275 RGB custom keys with velocity sensitivity and positionally sensitive - designed for microtonal key layout. Its currently in prototype, but will be launching as crowdfunded project - priced at just under $4k.
With USB and DIN outputs. It will be available in the spring."

Expressive E - Discovering Osmose with Peter Dyer (prototype unit)

Published on Dec 22, 2019 Expressive E

"Osmose was made by musicians, for musicians. We’ve been on the road asking some of our favorite artists to try our prototypes.

"Peter Dyer is an LA-based keyboardist, producer, and sound designer. He's toured extensively with acts like Mariah Carey, Adam Lambert, Aloe Blacc, & St. Vincent, and scored media for Chevrolet, Apple, BMW, & Katy Perry. Notable cowrites include Avicii’s #1 hit 'Wake Me Up', 'Shame On Me', & Flo Rida’s 'Wobble' & 'Can’t Believe It'. Peter also plays keys in the American Idol house band.

🙌 Early bird offer sold out! Second chance offer: 33% discount on final price.
While quantities last and until December 31 at the latest: Reserve your Osmose for a $/€299 deposit. http://bit.ly/333d1gG"

Expressive E Osmose - Sonic LAB First LOOK

Published on Dec 3, 2019 sonicstate

"The launch of the new Expressive É Osmose was last week - the 49 key, keyboard based instrument introduces a new concept in keyboard expression, with a completely custom keybed that controls: - initial pressure (highly sensitive), secondary pressure and lateral movement (side to side).

We were very keen to see it for ourselves and had a visit from Expressive É with a prototype of Osmose - it will be changing - larger LCD, industrialized production etc. This was a mockup of the key-bed, connected to a laptop running the sound engine, the finished unit will be stand alone."

Expressive E Osmose

WholeTone Revolution Synthesiser Chromatic Keyboard In Box (Korg N5) SN 01000404

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via this auction

"The WholeTone Revolution has the Chromatic / Janko keyboard. They Synths engine is the same as the Korg N5.

Muto Music Method・MUTO KEN layout

(halftone arrangement + whole tone arrangement)

Number of Keys

88 keys

Width of 1 Octave

(Key-pitch)

approx.11.5cm (20mm)"

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Chromatone WholeTone Revolution Music Synthesizer In Korg N5

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via this auction

"Muto Music Method・MUTO KEN layout (halftone arrangement + whole tone arrangement)
1169 sounds / 302 combinations / 37 drum kit / 64 notes (in single mode)

-The last recorded sale of one of these was on reverb in 2017 for $2700
-Sold with original A/C adaptor KORG KA171 which is 100v spec.

Additional Information

Technical Specifications
Serial : 00000174
Country of Manufacture : Japan
Power Supply : TA161 (AC 9V)

Accessories
-KORG KA171Power Supply"

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Cavagnolo Exagone

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via this auction

"analog synth with accordion keyboard. It comes completly serviced. everything works perfectly exception thing to change on the joystick to control the filter that I did not take the time to do. It is a French brand of the 70s, it was produced a hundred copies. youtube videos are not always representative of the sound this keyboard I think."

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NAMM 2019: KMI K-Board Pro 4

Published on Jan 28, 2019 CatSynth TV

"We check out the new K-Board Pro 4 from Keith McMillen Instruments at NAMM 2019.

'K-Board Pro 4 is a four-octave MIDI keyboard controller with multiple dimensions of touch sensitivity in each key. K-Board Pro 4 is MPE compatible, sending attack velocity, release velocity, continuous pressure, horizontal position, and vertical position data to offer the deepest level of expressive playing.

Under each key of K-Board Pro 4 is KMI’s patented Smart Sensor Fabric technology that is at the core of all our MIDI control surfaces. Resilient silicone keys and no moving parts ensure our trademark durability.'

For more NAMM 2019 coverage, please subscribe to this channel and visit www.catsynth.com."

Ice Cream Stick MIDI Keyboard Controller

COMO FAZER UM PIANO DE PAPELÃO QUE FUNCIONA DE VERDADE! #HARDPOBRE

Published on Mar 30, 2018 AlfaZer

FANPAGE: http://goo.gl/iHTJB7
GMAIL: contatoalfazer@gmail.com

Arquivo com as teclas configuradas: http://www.mediafire.com/file/bqlvd5g...

Materiais:
- papelão
- palitos de picolé
- taxinhas
- prendedores de roupa
- fios
- teclado de computador

Ferramentas:
- cola quente
- ferro de solda
- alicate
- estilete

ROLI: Colours Of India by A. R. Rahman's KM Music Conservatory

NEW Colours Of India soundpack: Mahesh Raghvan performance

Published on May 30, 2018 ROLI

Performed by Mahesh Raghvan — http://www.maheshraghvan.com/


Published on May 30, 2018 ROLI

"Download the new Colours Of India soundpack today! Add authentic Indian colour to your tracks with realistic instruments from A. R. Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory. Weave wondrous melodies and rhythms using timeless sounds from one of the world's great musical civilizations.

For the first time ever, traditional instruments such as the veena, nadaswaram, bansuri flute, and tabla drums will be available as digital samples in NOISE as an in-app purchase. Four of the sounds are now also included free in Equator.

'I wanted to share these sounds through ROLI’s sound library because it will inspire new music,” said A.R. Rahman. “I hope this soundpack inspires everyone to make great music and also introduces you to the magic of India.'"

Controlling MOOG Model 15 with a Seaboard Block or any MPE - iPad Demo

Published on Feb 20, 2018 thesoundtestroom

"You can get MOOG Model 15 synth here at the App Store
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/model..."

ROLI Seaboard Block review and MPE investigation

Published on Feb 17, 2018 Molten Music Technology

"An epic dive into ROLI Seaboard Block MPE controller. Looking at the hardware, the control, the data, the included software and how well it works with other things. How do you edit MPE information in DAWs? How well does the Seaboard work with Bitwig Studio, with non-MPE virtual instruments and synthesizer and modular hardware. I cover absolutely everything about MPE and this little squidgy device and share my thoughts on how useful it is in a studio and creative environment. Check out the links below to skip to the bits that interest you!

http://www.roli.com
https://www.patreon.com/robinvincent

Introduction - 00:10
Install and setup - 3:32
Seaboard demo - 6:18
Explaining MPE - 11:37
What does it feel like to play? - 14:12
Looking at MPE data in Cubase - 24:38
How do other DAWs handle MPE? - 30:56
MPE in Reaper - 32:01
MPE in Tracktion Waveform - 34:08
MPE in Bitwig Studio - 37:22
Bitwig MPE "Expressions" modulators - 41:50
Non-MPE instruments in Bitwig - 47:25
Non-MPE instruments standalone - 53:19
Seaboard with Softube Modular - 56:41
Using it with hardware modular - 1:01:18
How about a MIDI monosynth - 1:07:43
Using it as a piano - 1:11:56
Conclusions - 1:13:40
Summing up - 1:18:29"

Equator Player: Bring your BLOCKS into your studio

Published on Jun 22, 2017 ROLI

"Bring BLOCKS into your studio — or anywhere you make music with a desktop or laptop computer. Equator Player is a desktop sound player with over 200 sounds and select macro controls. Richly textured, high-resolution sounds come straight from Equator, ROLI’s synthesis and sound engine."

Seaboard Block on Amazon, Reverb, eBay.