Spring Cleaning Hydrasynth Free KFP Patches 4-2025

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"Livestream to showcase and discuss the latest free Hydrasynth bank from Ken Flux Pierce. Join the Official ASM Hydrasynth Facebook group for more info and check out Ashunsoundmachines.com as well. to grab the free bank head to Shop.Fluxwithit.com .. while there considering grabbing a sample pack to help support the channel!"

MOTM / Synthesis Technology's Paul Schreiber Has Passed Away

Paul Schreiber at CONTROL in 2018


It has come to my attention that Paul Schreiber has passed away.

Pictured: Paul Schreiber at the 2006 NAMM show. Top from this previous post (pic by fr1zz), and bottom from this post (pic by Synthtopia) - this is the first image of Paul on the site. There is one comment in that post: "He's a good guy." Indeed.

Readers of the site should be familiar with his work. He was the man behind MOTM and Synthesis Technology.

To say Paul was one of the greats to influence the synth community would be an understatement. He was pivital to the rebirth of modular synthesizers. He started when modular as we know it today was in its infancy, as one of a very small group of large format DIY modular manufacturers along with Blacet, Modcan, Cynthia, Wiard, Oakley, STG, Catgirl/CGS, Tellun/Lower West Side Studio YuSynth, Jurgen Haible, and of course DIY staples like Thomas Henry/ MFOS, Ray Wilson and PAiA (see this post for some modular formats back in 2007). I focused mainly on those offering DIY. There were other manufacturers including Synthesizers.com, Club of the Knobs, MOS-LAB, Moon Modular, MacBeth, CMS, and more. Feel free to mention others in the comments. This post is about Paul, but I think it's important to reflect on some of the large format modular manufactures he was amongst at the time.

Paul created the MOTM format of 5U modules in 1998. MOTM stood for Module of the Month offering monthly DIY kits. From Wikipedia: "MOTM was created by Paul Schreiber in 1998. The system was created in part due to the renewed interest in large-format analog modular systems that occurred in the late 1990s. Between 1998 and 2021, over 8000 modules were sold. The company, Synthesis Technology, also offered a limited number of modules in Eurorack[2] and Frac[3] format."

He was also helped design the Moog/Realistic MG-1. From Wikipedia: "In 1980, Moog Music was seeking to contract manufacture a mass-marketable synthesizer which could be sold via a large retailer. Moog representatives secured an appointment at the Radio Shack corporate offices for a 5-minute demonstration. Radio Shack approved the concept, and Paul Schreiber (then employed by Tandy Systems Development) worked together with Moog on the synthesizer's design to achieve Radio Shack's price requirements.[2][3]"

He later joined the eurorack scene with Synthesis Technology branded modules. FYI, his site for MOTM was always http://www.synthtech.com/, short for Synthesis Technology. The first post to mention Paul and MOTM was posted just under twenty years ago here on MATRIXSYNTH back on August 26, 2005. If you click through you will see it was a post announcing the MOTM/synthtech.com site was going down for the weekend. He announced he was retiring from the synthesizer business in August of 2023.

I beleive the first synthtech eurorack module was the MOTM E340 Cloud Generator. The first demos were posted on July 14, 2009, followed by a mockup of the front panel on July 20. The first post to mention Synthesis Technology was an Epic Son track by John L Rice in August of 2011. Since then there has been approximately 845 posts to feature MOTM, and at least 398 Synthtech.

You can find a number of interviews with Paul in previous posts here.

It's worth repeating, Paul Schreiber was one of the key figures that brought modular back to the masses. He was both respected and loved by the synth community. It's impossible to overstate his influence. He will be missed.

The following are the first the last video interviews with Paul to be featured on the site:

The SynthSummitShow Episode 2: Paul Schreiber (Synthesis Technology) and A.Dapt (music producer) ...

Streamed live on Oct 2, 2015 Flux302 of Fluxwithit.com. Details previously posted here.

SysEx Dumpster - Episode 44 - a conversation with Paul Schreiber
video upload by Sysex Dumpster on Jul 30, 2023. Details previously posted here.

The first videos to feature Paul presenting a module was back on January 3, 2010, and the first interview on SoundCloud in 2013, and he was of course featured in the modular documentary film I Dream of Wires.

The SynthSummitShow : Erica Synths and the Steampipe livestream interview

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"Welcome back to the SynthSummitShow a live streamed interview show with some of the most interesting people in the music technology space. This episode I speak directly with Girts and Martijn of Erica Synths and 112db respectively. We will dive into their new device the Steampipe. Steampipe is an 8 voice physical modeling synthesizer"

Erica Synths STEAMPIPE Now Available

video upload by Erica Synths

"Introducing the Steampipe: an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer like no other. Developed in collaboration with 112dB.com, Steampipe uses physical modeling to mimic the rich, organic overtones of wind and string instruments. It is a versatile tool for nuanced sound design, conjuring sonic imagery ranging from wisps of cloud to fairground band organs, industrial horns of the railroad and massive, otherworldly ambiences.

Timeline:

00:00 - Take 1 / MPE drone with Linnstrument
00:54 - Take 2 / Intro theme played with MIDI keyboard
01:10 - Take 3 / Performance with AKAI EWI wind controller
01:57 - Take 4 / Steampipe sequenced with Ableton Live and played along with drum machine
03:01 - Take 5 / Stockhausenpipe MPE with Linnstrument
03:39 - Take 6 / Ta da daaa played with MIDI
03:56 - Take 7 / Percussive patch played with Sylphyo wind controller
04:24 - Take 8 / Percussions played with Linnstrument
05:33 - Take 9 / Pipewave played with MIDI
06:24 - Take 10 / Steda 909 processed with the Steampipe
07:08 - Take 11 / Sandstorm patch played with MIDI keyboard with extensive pitch modulation
07:34 - Take 12 / The Bells played with MIDI keyboard
08:18 - Take 13 / Utilizing the Sylphyos tilt CC output to modulate the patch
09:21 - Take 14 / Synthesizing textures
09:51 - Take 15 / The 'Auto Play' patch"

Erica synths Steampipe no talking demo
video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"This is a raw demo of some presets of the new Erica Synths X 112dB Steampipe. Steampipe is an 8 voice physical modeling synth. This video was recorded with no external processing, no limiting or compression. this is a raw sound demonstration of some prerelease presets using early firmware."

Erica Synths Steampipe: Sound design in chaotic feedback loops // Physical modeling tutorial, review

video upload by loopop

"Want to try out Steampipe? Get playable multisamples, along with my ever-expanding book of electronic music ideas, tips and tricks here: ► Patreon: / loopop"

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:50 Overview
3:50 Connectivity
4:15 Build
5:15 Steam
6:00 Exciter LPF
6:30 Steam env
7:00 Pipe
7:20 Feedback
7:50 Polarity
8:10 Push
9:45 Tuning
10:10 Harmonics
11:15 Split
12:10 Saturation
13:15 HPF/LPF
14:10 Overblow
15:30 Reverb
16:40 LFOs
17:50 LFO as env
18:55 MIDI devices
20:10 MIDI mod
21:00 EXT audio
22:10 Misc
24:00 Pros & cons
27:50 Presets



Press release follows:

Introducing the Steampipe: an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer like no other. Developed in collaboration with 112dB.com, Steampipe uses physical modeling to mimic the rich, organic overtones of wind and string instruments - no conventional oscillators here!

The Steampipe is a versatile tool for nuanced sound design, conjuring sonic imagery ranging from wisps of cloud to industrial horns of the railroad and massive, otherworldly ambiences. Designed for performance with any MIDI controller, it is packed with features:

8-voice polyphony

Physical modeling engine with 32 adjustable parameters

5 assignable LFOs with delay and sync

Extensive modulation matrix with MIDI controller-specific configurations

MPE compatible

64 factory presets and 192 user preset memory

Preset export and import via USB DIN5

MIDI Input

MIDI Thru/Out

All parameters are MIDI CC controllable

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Click the pics for full size shots.

Bottom two pics feature different display images.

Additional posts featuring STEAMPIPE

CLICK FOR MORE »

Persistent Passion Hydrasynth Deluxe free bank

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"Persistent Passion is 32 Hydrasynth Deluxe Multi presets designed to inspire you. with a heavy emphasis on atmospheric pads, polyphonic aftertouch and per voice modulations.
Download this bank for free via https://shop.fluxwithit.com/collectio..."

Patch creations / sound design tips on Hydrasynth Explorer 888 units

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"Lets make a basic funk bass style patch but give it way more performance control easily with the Hydrasynth Explorer."

Sound Exploration with Synthesizers

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"Live Stream Just enjoying making some sounds and noise."

Studio Electronics Omega 8 sound creation

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"Studio electronics Omega 8 is an 8 voice analog synth made with beautiful through hole hand built boards. This model has the stock Minimoog style ladder filters as well as the Oberheim SEM style state variable filters installed (sorry no CS80 , ARP, TB or Jupiter filters in here yet). It is a great joy to program and one of the last of the classic era of analog poly synths that can still be obtained today."

Ableton Push 3 Gets Expressive: Here's how it competes! // Review & Tutorial

video upload by loopop

"Find out how Push 3 compares to Push 2, other expressive instruments, Akai's Force & MPC and Maschine+, and which version you might want to get, standalone or controller. #AbletonPush3" TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:25 What’s new v P2
1:45 Poly X & Y
3:00 Cross pad bends
3:30 Pad settings
4:10 MPE instruments
4:55 MPE kits
5:25 P3 Standalone
8:25 Audio & I/O
10:25 More controls
12:50 New views
13:20 Similarities
14:25 Session grid
16:15 Note layouts
18:15 Screen controls
19:25 Live recording
22:05 Step seq
24:10 Automation
25:55 Sample chops
27:45 Adding devices
28:05 Live versions
29:50 Misc topics
31:10 Pros & cons
31:30 Standalone?
37:25 Plugins?
38:40 CPU power?
41:05 vs controllers?
41:50 vs MPC/Maschine?
44:20 vs MPE synths?
45:55 Outro

SOS Product Preview: Ableton Push

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"Ableton announce the release of the latest version of Push, their pad-based hardware instrument and controller. With a design focused on expressive playing and performance, the new Push can be used as a standalone instrument or in conjunction with a computer and now incorporates MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE).

Simon from Ableton gives us a first in-depth look on release day at what's new in the updated Push and how to make the most of its new performance features.

You will be able to read our full SOS review of the new Ableton Push in the July 2023 edition of Sound On Sound magazine.

00:00 - Intro
00:25 - Navigating Push With The New Jog-wheel
03:29 - Built-in Audio Interface
04:10 - ADAT, USB & CV Connections
05:00 - Playing Sounds With MPE-enabled Pads
08:08 - Fine Tuning Pad Response
09:10 - Playing Drums With Pads
09:58 - Transferring Sets Between Push & Live
11:01 - Standalone Operation & WiFi
12:38 - Connecting A MIDI Keyboard
13:30 - Launching Clips Using The Jog-wheel
14:37 - Momentary Buttons
15:17 - Outro Jam"

Ableton Push Standalone - Hardware LIVE is here - First Look

video upload by sonicstate

"Hell yeah! Ableton have announced a new Push with built in sound card, upgraded pads and more. There's also a standalone version which can run Ableton Live Suite and all its devices and MAX4Live too. Sessions can be transferred between Live on a host computer and the Push Standalone.
Push comes in two versions: Regular (MPE MIDI controller, and sound card) which will link to your host computer running Live, and the Standalone version - which has an Intel NUC processor card, 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD for asset and project storage."

Ableton Push 3 Pad response

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"Just a very brief video demonstrating the sensitivity and expression available on the Ableton Push 3 pads"

DATA79 - Push 3 performance - Somewhere between here and now

video upload by MrDataline

Granular Synthesis on the Hydrasynth? and how...

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"This video is showcasing how to make sounds very similar to typical granular synthesis."

Hydrasynth 2.0 an exploration of the update

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"I, Ken Flux Pierce gives some examples of new features and functions that get me excited."

The Hidden Hydrasynth Comb Filter

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"The ASM Hydrasynth is capable of many things. one thing thats not listed on teh box is a comb filter... yet with some creative synthesis , this is actually quite achievable."

The Oberheim Xpander from 1984

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the Oberheim Xpander from 1984.

This hybrid synthesizer was designed by Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic with input from Doug Curtis and it boasts some surprising features for the time. In this video we take a closer look.

The information for this video was garnered from the following interviews:

GForce Bright Sparks: [below]

Ken Flux Pierce Interview: [below]

GEOSynths Interview: [below]

0:00 Intro Jam
0:58 Talk 1
1:31 Demo 1: Beach Comb
2:16 Talk 2
3:09 Demo 2: Faux Seq
3:52 Talk 3
4:30 Demo 3: Eff Em
5:04 Talk 4
5:59 Demo 4: Wobble 5
6:23 Talk 5
6:51 Demo 5: Judder
7:16 Talk 6
8:34 Demo 6: ALX
9:09 Talk 7
10:34 Multi Demo 1: Zone Call
11:55 Multi Demo 2 : Fond
13:54 Talk 8
15:56 Outro Jam"

Bright Sparks - Tom Oberheim

video upload by GForce Software

"After the 2015 release of our Bright Sparks Documentary & Album collaboration with I Monster, while we were elated at the critical acclaim the project received, we always felt it would have been enriched by the inclusion of one person in particular, Tom Oberheim."

See this previous post for the full description.

The SynthSummitShow ep 31 Marcus Ryle (line 6, Oberheim, Alesis)

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

Not seeing the date on this one, but clearly before Marcus joined the new Oberheim.

"Live Stream interview with Marcus Ryle co founder of Line 6 , who has worked with a wide assortment of legendary companies starting with Oberheim synthesizers, Alesis, and more."

GEOSynths Synth Show - Ep157 - Special Guest - Marcus Ryle

video upload by GEOSynths

"Having originally worked for Oberheim in the early 80’s and being Instrumental in the design and development of some classic Oberheim Synths, Marcus Ryle is no stranger to the world of Synthesizers and Electronic Music Equipment. He later went on to co-found “Fast-Forward Designs” who were responsible for some really ground-breaking technology with Alexis, such as ADAT Multi-Track Recorder, Quadra Synth and Effects. Marcus also co-founded Line 6, which developed a whole range of DSP Products for Guitarists, especially the POD range, which were extremely successful and graced many Stages and Studies alike.

Of course, Marcus is very accomplished Synth Player, Sound Designer and Session Musician with a Studio complete with some of the very best Classic Oberheim Synthesizers. Now, we have the honor of chatting to him about the latest Oberheim Product, taking the very best of the OB range into the fantastic OB-X8. We’ll be finding out about his history with Oberheim and others, his Music and of course the OB-X8 Project and beyond…"

Dave Rossum on audio Companding a SynthSummitShow special

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"The SynthSummitShow is series of interviews with the people behind the music tech gear we love. This special episode was not intended to be a typical SynthSummitShow episode. Dave Rossum is a long time pioneer of the audio industry. Please check out the previous SynthSummitShow episode 8 [below] for a more direct interview. you can also catch the last interview we did with him on the BEATPPL episode 70. [posted here]

This conversation stems from me trying to better understand audio companding as was used in E-MU's early samplers. diving into wikipedia and other online resources, I found inadequate. Most of these online resources just assumed that the companding was the same as done in early days of telecom. This however I found to be inaccurate. So I reached out to Dave to ask him some details and what follows is the result. I can't thank Dave Rossum enough for sharing his knowledge and time with not just myself , but the community as a whole. This industry would not be the same without him and I am humbled everytime I get to speak with him."

The SynthSummitShow Episode 8 Dave Rossum : from sp1200 to modular

The SynthSummitShow Episode 36 Marco Alpert (mid 90's Akai stories and more)

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"Marco Alpert has lead an amazing career spanning decades in the Music tech and influencing some of the great products from E-MU and Akai
I sit down to have a chat about what it was like bringing the MPC 2000, Akai DPS12 and other products to light during the mid to late 90's era"

Hydrasynth Tips : PW-ASM Mutant

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"This is one of the most powerful mutants in the hydrasynth but often misunderstood."

Also see The Hydrasynth's Defining Feature // Oscillator Mutants Explained

Hydrasynth Explorer one of the best Vst Controllers?

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"Here I show you some of the benefits to using the new Hydrasynth Explorer as a dedicated VST controller with polyphonic aftertouch and scribble strip screens. for more content like this please subscribe and like."

Hydrasynth Deluxe Live stream Tips and Tricks

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"This is a live stream focused on the new ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe to discuss patch creation ideas and tips and tricks."

Arturia SQ80v vs Ensoniq SQ80 how accurate is it?

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

"Checking out the Arturia SQ80V software with the Hardware Ensoniq SQ80 side by side. I am not endorsed nor being paid or asked to do this video in anyway... just me being a nerd."

The SynthSummitShow Ep. 34 Gary Chang

video upload by Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit

Beautiful Wiard system in the backgroud.

"about Todays guest : Gary Chang is an American composer of scores for film and television. Working primarily in the action and thriller genres, he has composed the scores to over seventy films, including Under Siege, Sniper, and The Island of Dr. Moreau. He is also a long-time collaborator of directors John Frankenheimer and Craig R. Baxley. For his work on Under Siege, he won a BMI Award.[1]"

You can find additional posts mentioning Gary Chang here.