Is it The Vanilla Synthesizer or the muSonics TVS?
I started working on this project a year and a half ago.
Originally my thought process was to make a new American format synthesiser that could be sold as modules, kits, and bare boards. I was concerned about the future of the format, and I felt a new line of basic modules and infrastructure at a variety of price points was important. I still do.
STG Soundlabs was a failure because I made things that ultimately the eurorack market simply did not want. Yes, I sold some, and will continue to maintain the line as best as I can, but it's very hard to find photos of eurorack installations with STG Soundlabs modules in them, but rare to find a nice big man-sized synthesiser without my modules in it.
Another thing I wanted to do was teach myself how to do my own engineering. It didn't start that way, but it became that way. I'd been a hardware product developer since 2005 but never actually laid out a circuit board. That is no longer true, and I've done things beyond this project that I haven't even talked about.
"Meridian is a 14hp dual multimode filter array, designed to offer users a choice between 4 selectable filter types per side and 4 selectable filter modes per side, plus 2 effects (drive & phase shift) and the ability to be pinged. This allows users the flexibility to easily create a range of unique sound textures and sonic landscapes using a single powerful eurorack filter module.
The name Meridian represents the idea of a meeting point or a convergence of different elements. Filters are often used to blend, shape, and refine different sounds into a cohesive whole. Meridian is often represented through the idea of a barrier or a line that separates parts. This concept mirrors the way the filter delineates different frequencies and aural elements, generating a defined contrast that shapes the overall sound.
Available for pre-order on 04/12/2023
Shipping on 05/12/2023
Modbap Modular expands Eurorack range with Meridian module announced as DUAL MULTIMODE FILTER ARRAY
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA: black-owned electronic music instrument manufacturer Modbap Modular is proud to announce upcoming availability of Meridian as the sixth module in its expanding Eurorack range — duly designed as a DUAL MULTIMODE FILTER ARRAY to offer users a choice between four selectable filter types per side and four selectable filter modes per side, as well as DRIVE CIRCUIT and PHASE SHIFTER effects, plus a (low- pass gate-style) PING ability — as of April 12 (in advance of appearing at The 2023 NAMM Show, April 13-15, in Anaheim, CA, USA)…
As a MULTIMODE FILTER ARRAY — as the wording subtly sited across the top of the instantly-recognizable Modbap Modular brand color- coordinated front panel points out, Meridian affords users the flexibility to easily create a range of sound textures and sonic landscapes using a single Eurorack module. Meridian represents the idea of a meeting point or a convergence of different elements; after all, filters are often used to blend, shape, and refine different sounds into a cohesive whole. When defining meridian as a word, it is often represented through the idea of a barrier or a line that separates parts; this concept mirrors the way that a filter delineates different frequencies and aural elements, generating a defined contrast that shapes the overall sound.
Saying that, then, the naming of Modbap Modular’s 14HP-width Meridian module conveys a sense of balance, harmony, and unity, while also suggesting a clear and definitive separation between different sonic elements. Indeed, it allows the use of two selectable — mixed or matched — filter types and two selectable — mixed or matched — filter modes to reshape and refine the source material into new cohesive textures.
Those two filters each have independently adjustable CUT OFF, RES (resonance), and SHAPE (contour) parameters. PRIMEFREQ is the center macro control of both filters in tandem. The module also boasts PING, an aptly-titled dynamic control feature, the activation of which is enabled through the PING input. It also allows CONFIGURATION of serial or parallel routing.
Besides boasting comb, ladder, OTA (Operational Transducer Amplifier), and vocal formant filter types alongside LP (low-pass), HP (high-pass), BP (band-pass), and NOTCH filter modes to generate a vast range of textures, Meridian’s sound-shaping capabilities are also furthered by its two distinctive and characterful effects: DRIVE CIRCUIT (with AMOUNT, TONE, and CRUSH controls) and PHASE SHIFTER (with PAN, DEPTH, and SPEED controls).
Clearly, all of Meridian’s key features can be modulated via CV (control voltage) inputs — synchronization to tempo can be achieved with the CLOCK input, allowing for clock-synchronized phase shifting, for instance.
In essence, Meridian was designed with tweak-ability and performance in mind — as is typical of Modbap Modular modules. Indeed, it is the perfect playmate for Osiris — operating itself as a powerful (frequency modulation- and phase modulation-including) seven-plus TIMBRE MODE 12HP-width BI-FIDELITYTM WAVETABLE OSC (oscillator) module, neatly-packed with an independent sub-oscillator, LOFI processing, extensive CV modulation capabilities, a PITCH quantizer, four banks of 32 x 32 wavetables per bank, the ability to load user wavetables via microSD card (not included), and its own free open-source wavetable editor (OsirisEdit).
Modbap Modular will be exhibiting at The NAMM Show 2023, April 13-15, in Anaheim, CA, USA. Feel free to swing by booth #9800 — shared with Canadian startup This.is.NOISE inc, where it will be demonstrating its entire Eurorack range, including the Meridian module announced as a DUAL MULTIMODE FILTER ARRAY.
The YC61 (additional posts) was introduced back in NAMM 2020. The YC73, YC88, and OS v1.1 are new. Details follow.
"YC stage keyboards feature great sound, expressive touch and modern design. YC is powered by our proprietary Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) organ engine which recreates individual component behavior to reproduce classic organ character and most important - sound. It all comes with acoustic/electric pianos, and iconic FM synth sounds that Yamaha made famous.
Three keyboard actions are available for different players: YC61 features 61 semi-weighted 'waterfall' keys for organ-focused players, YC73 has 73-key weighted and balanced keys for keyboardists, and YC88 uses an 88-key weighted triple-sensor action with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops for pianists."
Some key features include: - Exclusive Yamaha Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) to capture not only the sound of classic “drawbar” organs, but also their behavior down to the component level - A distinctive rotary speaker effect - Nine drawbars that shape the sound by controlling individual footages and essentials like percussion and vibrato/chorus enhance the tone - The organ section also features FM synthesis, the now-famous synthesis method pioneered by Yamaha
In addition to the new YC73 and YC88, Yamaha has also introduced YC OS v1.1, the first OS update for its popular YC Series Stage Keyboards.
And the press release:
Yamaha YC73 and YC88 Stage Keyboards Put Classic Drawbar Organs and Vintage Keys in Packages for All Musicians
BUENA PARK, Calif. (January 14, 2021) — Yamaha will be showcasing the YC73 and YC88 Stage Keyboards during NAMM’s virtual Believe in Music week starting January 21, 2021. The YC73 and YC88 combine great-feeling new keyboard actions with the soulful sounds, drawbar control, and gig-ready ease of use of the YC61 (introduced in January 2020). The YC73 features 73 weighted, balanced keys and is ideal for keyboardists who divide their playing between organ, piano, electric piano, clavi, synth, and other staple keyboard sounds. The YC88 is meant for musicians who prioritize the touch and response of an acoustic piano, offering 88 weighted Natural Wood keys with triple-sensor action, synthetic ebony and ivory key tops. Both add options alongside the semi-weighted “waterfall” action of the YC61 — the key shape preferred by organ players.
The YC73 and YC88 employ exclusive Yamaha Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) to capture not only the sound of classic “drawbar” organs, but their behavior down to the component level. VCM also reproduces the distinctive rotary speaker effect, which most keyboardists consider inseparable from the organ itself. In other words, the YC series does not merely take a digital snapshot of the world’s most imitated organ sound — it builds that sound from the ground up. This results in unprecedented authenticity.
In true vintage fashion, nine drawbars shape the sound by controlling individual footages, and essentials like percussion and vibrato/chorus enhance the tone. The player can also customize key click, “leakage,” rotary speaker speed changes, and more. The keyboard may be split between upper and lower organ registrations. In addition to VCM modeling organ, the organ section also features FM synthesis, the now-famous synthesis method pioneered by Yamaha.
Complementing the organ, two “Keys” sections utilize proprietary Yamaha “Advanced Wave Memory” which provides authentic acoustic and electric pianos, strings and brass, analog-style synth sounds, and much more. The Keys section features two dedicated effects processors along with configurable envelope and filter controls for real time manipulation and interaction. Like the Organ section, the Keys section also features FM synthesis for many classic sounds like DX7 electric pianos, leads, basses and more. The Keys section may also be split with the organ section across the keyboard or played from an external MIDI controller keyboard to either the Organ or Keys section.
“A staple of keyboard playing is access to classic keyboard sounds,” says Nate Tschetter, manager, Synthesizer Marketing, Yamaha Corporation of America. “Now more than ever, players want more control of those sounds to express themselves. The YC series gives them that control to easily make adjustments on the fly. And now with the introduction of YC73 and YC88, there are options to suit every player in every situation from the perfect ‘top keyboard’ in YC61 to the great ‘all around’ YC73 and finally our best stage piano action in YC88.”
Pricing and Availability
The Yamaha YC73 and YC88 Stage Keyboards will ship to retailers beginning January 21, 2021, at manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) of $2,999 and $3,499, respectively.
To see the Yamaha YC73 and YC88 Stage Keyboards on display during Believe in Music week, January 21-24, 2021, please register online at https://attend.believeinmusic.tv
"Bitwig came by our store after NAMM 2020 to go over some tips on sound design and hardware integration with eurorack and other external gear with their Daw software.
"Korg's ARP 2600 FS is one of the best-received synth announcements in some time: an authentic recreation of one of the greatest synthesizers of all time.
ARP's 2600 shook the synthesis world when it was first introduced: it provided all of the convenience of a fixed architecture synth, but with considerably greater sonic breadth than possible with its competitors. By combining all the best aspects of a modular synth with all the best aspects of a fixed synth, the 2600 captured the imagination of countless musicians of all styles.
The ARP 2600 FS is an exact recreation of the original 2600, adding selectable filter type, MIDI input, XLR outputs, keyboard aftertouch, and an integrated arpeggiator/sequencer. Bringing one of the most beloved synths of all time into the present, Korg's 2600 is an absolute pleasure to see and hear."
"Korg's Wavestate revisits the sounds of the 1990s Wavestation, bringing wave sequencing and vector synthesis into the 2020s.
The Wavestate features four "oscillators" per voice—oscillators which scan wave shapes from an enormous bank of PCM sounds. By sequencing the order of waveforms per oscillator, effects ranging from smooth wavetable shifting to all-out percussive soundscapes can unfold, leaving the Wavestate with an uncommonly large sonic range. Not bound to the sounds possible with simple oscillators, the Wavestate's advanced options for waveform sequencing and modulation make it a perfect choice for animated textures, rich soundscapes, and deep, cinematic pads.
Wavestate is expected to ship soon, so expect to hear more brooding, undulating soundscapes and peculiar timbral sequences on the horizon.
Korg Wavestate available here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/korg-wavestate.html"
"Here's a performance with a prototype of the interesting new Motor Synth, The Light Pedal and other devices made by Gamechanger Audio, and available at Perfect Circuit, who arranged this post-NAMM event"
Pulsar 23 Performance in Burbank CA! ps7 (Handheld camera view with zoom)
Published on Jan 21, 2020 VJ FRANZ K
"The first time I've seen the synth inventor in person - Vlad ( New Pulsar 23 drum machine ), Cenk ( Lyra 8 ambient synth ) , Blobby ( The Pipe vocal transformer ) These are made by SOMA, and available at Perfect Circuit, who arranged this post-NAMM event"
"Novation's new Launchpad Pro Mk3 is the flagship of their newest generation of pad-based controllers.
The Launchpad Pro Mk3 is a slim, super responsive control great for musicians of all styles, with all sorts of workflows. Even more flexible than any prior Launchpad, the Pro Mk3 can act as a DAW mixer controller, finger drumming surface, melodic playing surface, or even a standalone sequencer. This means the Launchpad Pro Mk3 works equally well for both computer-centric and completely hardware-based setups—so it is capable of bringing advanced sequencing and hands-on control to virtually any type of rig.
"Korg's Nu:Tekt is a DIY division which enables the creation of powerful synthesizers and effects build around several of Korg's own proprietary parts and development platforms.
Korg has previously introduced the NTS-1: a pocket-sized digital synth kit that uses the same multi-drive engine found in the Prologue synthesizers. This year at NAMM, Korg introduces several new concepts, including a NuTube-based overdrive pedal kit, a DIY headphone amp, and an expanded set of ideas about how one could utilize the platform in their NTS-1 to create stunning synths, sequencers, and more.
"Roland's Jupiter-X appeared at the NAMM show, providing rich new takes on the workflow and characteristics of classic Roland synthesizers.
Following the introduction of the Jupiter-Xm, we've been excited to get our hands on the new Jupiter X, a full-size version of Roland's newest concepts in synthesis. Based on the new Zen-core sound engine, the Jupiter-X can be made to emulate the sound of several classic Roland synthesizers, including the XV-5050, SH-101, Juno-106, and others.
The Jupiter-X promises vast sonic potential—in this video, we take a quick look at some of the huge synth sounds it can produce. This is a fraction of its potential, and we're excited to spend more time with it!
"UDO's Super 6 made another appearance at NAMM 2020, bringing all of its lush, dense sonic charm along with it.
The UDO Super 6 bears a striking visual and sonic resemblance to the classic Roland polysynths of yesteryear‚ with swirling stereo chorus and lush beds of rich pad tones. The FPGA-based DDS oscillators and "super-wavetable" oscillator create an immense amount of motion all their own—but when combined with the analog filters, delay, arpeggiator, and tremendous modulation potential, the Super 6 reveals a vast sonic universe all its own.
In this video we explore variations on some of the Super 6's preset sounds—this is just the tip of the iceberg, and we're excited to see more!
"While Doepfer's new joystick module might seem simple at first, we still firmly believe it to be one of the coolest new Eurorack modules at NAMM 2020.
The new Doepfer A-147-4 is a heavy-duty joystick for Eurorack modular synthesizers. It features the expected X and Y axis outputs, but additionally provides Z-axis control by allowing users to twist the joystick itself—meaning that in a single movement, performers can manipulate three axes of movement. And with several integrated axis overlap functions, manual gate, and combined axis voltages, the A-147-4 can be used to produce tons of correlated voltages simultaneously, making for an intuitive and powerful expressive controller. Use it for multichannel panning, pitch bend, or intricate macro control—and feel like a fighter pilot while doing it!
"Rhythmo's Beatbox is a DIY cardboard MIDI controller and drum machine, providing an easy and inexpensive way to get into music production.
The Rhythmo Beatbox is a DIY drum machine built into a cardboard enclosure, complete with joystick, arcade buttons, integrated speakers, and more. Providing a simple, easy-to-assemble solution for getting started making electronic music, we're excited to see what the Beatbox has in store. Rhythmo's app makes it simple to plug in your iOS or Android device and get straight to making music—though of course, it is completely compatible with any MIDI-capable DAW."
"Sonicware's Liven 8bit Warps is their newest instrument, providing a complete solution for making chiptune on the go.
Following in the footsteps of the popular ELZ_1 synthesizer, Liven 8bit Warps provides a different approach to synthesis and an integrated step sequencer. And while it is geared toward chiptune music, it is capable of creating much more. If you're looking for a powerful portable synth with integrated sequencer and a distinct focus on vintage digital synth aesthetics, the Liven 8bit Warps might just be for you.
"Simone from Frap Tools gave us a walkthrough of the new Brenso complex oscillator—and entangled set of sound sources based on classic Buchla concepts.
Like many complex oscillators, Brenso is comprised of two oscillators with wave shaping and several options for internal modulation. Where Brenso differs is in its uncommon open-endedness: while most complex oscillators have relatively closed signal paths and surface only a few potential ways of interacting with each section, Brenso allows for lower-level, more entangled means of interacting with sound.
"4MS's new module is sixteen oscillators in one, enabling everything from additive synthesis to complex FM, chords, and more.
Dan Green from 4MS walked us through the concept behind their newest module, the Ensemble Oscillator. Designed in collaboration with Matthias Puech, Ensemble Oscillator is a polyphonic oscillator with internal provisions for FM, phase distortion, additive synthesis, and wave folding. Based around user-definable scales, it breaks away from "swarm" oscillator concepts in favor of exploration of quantized harmonic intervals, be they conventional or unconventional.
The sheer power of sixteen simultaneous oscillators cannot be overstated—but when combined with all of the internal options for cross modulation, wave shaping, and phase distortion, the Ensemble Oscillator becomes a source of immense sonic potential: from sparkling arpeggios to dense drones, chaotic noise, and beyond.
"The Pittsburgh Modular Cascading Delay Network is four delays in one, with multiple pre-set routing options to create a wide variety of effects.
Pittsburgh Modular's Richard Nicol took some time at NAMM 2020 to explain the concept and inner workings of the Cascading Delay Network. The Cascading Delay Network is a collection of four PT2399-based delays with complex internal analog switching that allows for selection of several pre-set signal routings. By re-arranging the way signals pass through these delays, the Cascading Delay Network can create everything from complex multi-tap delays to reverb-like effects, stereo repeating swirls, and much more.
"Noise Engineering came to NAMM 2020 with some exciting new developments—including a completely new platform for stereo oscillator and effect development, which will allow owners to swap out firmwares at will using a simple USB connection. Markus from Noise Engineering walks us through the concept behind this open-ended design.
The first products built on these platforms are the Virt Iter and Desmodus Versio. Virt Iter is a stereo oscillator with three distinct modes, with audio rate phase modulation and plenty more tricks up its sleeve. Desmodus Versio is their much-anticipated reverb module, capable of everything from basic delays to shimmering, billowing reverbs. A portion of the proceeds from Desmodus Versio will be donated to bat conservation.
"Qu-Bit debuted four new modules at NAMM 2020, including the remarkable Data Bender.
Qu-Bit presented the Aurora reverb, Surface physical modeling voice, and Cascade envelope generator—but of all their new offerings, we were most taken with the Data Bender. Andrew Ikenberry describes in detail the inner workings of this peculiar and outright destructive new Eurorack effect.
Designed to create several flavors of glitches and audio defects, the Data Bender is at its core an up to five minute digital audio buffer. Geared toward creating the sounds of failing recording technology (like neglected tapes, skipping CDs, and software glitches), the Data Bender turns "undesirable" sounds into entirely new types of musical effects.
