Oberheim OB8 with Pyxis Expression System

Published on Jul 11, 2013 New England Analog LLC·17 videos

"This video demonstrates the New England Analog Pyxis Expression System. This adds expressive aftertouch to the keybed as well as a removable pressure sensitive pad that can both control the VCOs, VCF, and VCA in the synth. By pressing down on keys, or by pressing on the pad, players can bend one or both VCOs, swell the volume or open the filter of the synth. The Pyxis also has its own internal triangle/square wave LFO. The LFO is free running, and has the option of being modulated by pressure. The LFO amount can be dialed in to the VCOs, VCF, and VCA, and LFO will only be sent to these if pressure is being applied. The Pyxis LFO runs through 3 voltage controlled attenuators that are controlled by pressure. As the player presses harder on the sensors, more LFO will be sent to the modulation destination. This allows for an amazing array of interesting and organic sounds to be created.
The Pyxis is available as an internal installation or in a separate wood enclosure. It has the option of having aftertouch installed in the keybed of the synth (we must do this at our shop), or the pressure sensor pad. The sensor pad has a magnet underneath it to secure it to metal surfaces. It also sits firmly on any other flat surface. As shown in the video, a synth can have both the pressure pad and keybed aftertouch installed. The installation of the Pyxis varies from synth to synth. Monophonic and Duophonic synthesizers take the least time to install the system in, while polysynths usually take a few hours to do the installation in. The aftertouch installation also varies as well. Small keyboards like the ARP Odyssey, Pro One, Minimoog, Prodigy, Multimoog, etc. will take less time than Jupiters, OBX/OB8, Polysix, Monopoly, etc. We offer custom installations of aftertouch, breath control, and pressure controllers for all analog systems. For more information, please check us out at www.NewEnglandAnalog.com. Thanks for watching!

PS- A note for the haters; This is not intended to be my musical magnum opus. This is just me demonstrating how the Pyxis controller works. If you'd like to see me actually trying to play well, check out my band! http://vimeo.com/35516441"

NEA Pyxis Aftertouch Controller

Published on Mar 30, 2013 New England Analog LLC·9 videos
Installation videos below.

"This video demonstrates the capabilities of the New England Analog Pyxis Aftertouch Controller. The Pyxis mounts on the front panel of the Odyssey. It offers aftertouch control of pitch bend, filter cutoff, and volume, as well as a dedicated LFO that can be routed to VCOs, VCF, and VCA. The LFO speed can be controlled by aftertouch for added dramatic flair. The LFO features triangle and square waveshapes. Modulation to VCO can be disabled, allowing for interesting sync and detuning effects.

Pyxis can be installed in many classic synths including Arp Odyssey, ARP Axxe, ARP Quadra, Moog Minimoog, Moog Prodigy, Oberheim OB1, Sequential Pro 1, and many others. The Pyxis can be purchased at www.NewEnglandAnalog.com/store."

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New England Analog Pyxis Bass Demo

Published on Jul 20, 2013 New England Analog LLC·23 videos

"This is a video of us playing around with our prototype external touch pad for the NEA Pyxis aftertouch system. (This one here is our test model.) The sensor pad has many unique capabilities when interfaced with the Pyxis controller. This video is to demonstrate the percussive effects that are possible with the Pyxis. The tapping effect is created by routing the output voltage from the sensor pad to the vca and vcf. The more of the sensor signal that gets sent to either, the more pronounced the effect. Keep in mind that this is not intended to be a musically coherent demonstration, but a demonstration of the capabilities of the instrument. For more information about the Pyxis, vintage synthesizer restoration, sales, and repair, please check us out at www.NewEnglandAnalog.com."

Oberheim OB 8 with Midi & Aftertouch

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Oberheim OB8 with factory midi in excellent functional and cosmetic condition.The OB 8 comes with a travel case and original OB8 operating manual and patch cassette.

This unit has been modified in 3 ways. 1) The original problematic Panasonic keyboard has been replaced with a new custom Fatar keyboard. This keyboard has a built in aftertouch sensor and was installed by Retrolinear. 2) A sophisticated AT circuit was installed by New England Analog and includes a Pyxis controller and external pressure pad controller. Check out YouTube videos by New England Analog and the Pyxis control system.The Pyxis controller allows the AT to control the VCO, VCF, VCA, and LFO by intensity and speed. A series of toggle switches on the back of the synth allow a variety of AT combinations such as pitch bending up, down, or Osc 1 up and Osc 2 down. Do a search on NEA's Pyxis controller and its capabilities and 3) bass boost which was done by replacing the 100k R505 and R506 resistors with 1M resistors(4) and building a network of 4x of 120K resistors and 0.0056 film caps in series and connecting the small network in parallel to the new 1M resistors.This modification helps create a better low end somewhere in between a standard OBX-A and an OB 8.

This particular unit was in great functional shape when purchased and I invested another $2500 with NEA and Retrolinear on the refurbishing and mods.The rebuild work done includes:
replaced capacitors in PSU
Repaired faulty envelope generator release control on upper four voices
Installed new 5V bridge rectifier
replaced 40109 chips and top voice board 3080 chips
Replaced calibration summing TL 071 Op amp and the two TL 072 output OP amps.
Installed Fatar keyboard with factory aftertouch sensor
Installed aftertouch circuitry and Pyxis AT controller and touch sensor pad
all 16 oscillators tuned and calibrated.
Loaded factory preset patches"

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Jupiter 8 modified with Pyxis aftertouch demo

Published on Aug 20, 2013 kpsiegel

"I had my Jupiter modified to accept a New England Analog Pyxis aftertouch system along with an aftertouch pressure pad. It allows me to do the following:

Bend VCO1 and/or VCO2 with aftertouch in the same or different directions. Very nice for aftertouch detuning.

Open the filter cutoff and/or add an additional triangle or square wave LFO as a filter modulation if desired with aftertouch

Modify the VCA volume and/or add a triangle or square wave LFO tremolo wtih aftertouch

The rate of the Pyxis LFO can also be affected by the aftertouch sensor.

Basically a lot of cool stuff. This mod also allows you to have the aftertouch active or not at either split point for split keyboard mode patches.

For this demo the Jupiter 8 had NO filter modification done by anything other than the aftertouch system. No envelopes at all come into play. An H3000 D/SE was used as an effects box for reverb and delay."

Jupiter 8 improvisation

Published on Nov 3, 2013

"I recorded an improvisation on my Jupiter 8 with a pyxis aftertouch system. I used an Eventide ModFactor for Chorus, a vintage delay on the Eventide TimeFactor, and a Hall reverb on the Eventide Space. I have the Jupiter set up as two layered patches which I fade between as things go on. This was all recorded directly into my DAW.

Aftertouch controls the filter cutoff, VCA level, and some vibrato. At one point I set it to allow me to bend oscillators individually. I have this switchable so they can bend in different directions if I want to do detuning effects with the aftertouch.

It starts with a classical feel with apologies to Brahms in the beginning and then things get moving. Rhythmic filter cutoff bouncing is done with the aftertouch as the mod lever sets the cutoff up and down around which the aftertouch filter control works. A nice effect to play with."

Pyxis Modulation Controller for ARP Odyssey & Other Analog Synths

New England Analog Archives
Published on Aug 31, 2017

"The Pyxis was originally designed to be an aftertouch controller for the ARP Odyssey. It can modulate pitch, filter cutoff, and volume using a linear CV or the internal Pyxis LFO. The unit can also be used with any MIDI to CV converter that generates an aftertouch CV, mod wheel CV, or other MIDI CC CV. This allows for modulation data to be sequenced with MIDI, which is a useful feature when sequencing any analog synth.
The unit shown in this video ha a MIDI jack in the rear, which is how the MIDI controller keyboard is playing notes. The mod wheel on the MIDI keyboard is generating a 0-10V CV by means of a MIDI to CV converter. This signal is fed to the odyssey via an 1/8th inch jack on the rear of the unit. This Odyssey also has aftertouch built into the keyboard, which is not demonstrated in this video."

You can find previous posts featuring the Pyxis including the Oberheim OB-8 here.

PYXIS MINOR // iPHONE MUSIC // 1st Session

Published on Jan 21, 2017 LESINDES

"For teh fiest time this is avideo about software. That's why I did not buy an Android phone is just that there are almost no app featruing something else than playlists and streaming music from the internet. But no productive tools. PYXIS MINOR is for FREE. And it is not perfect but it is great tool to get new musical ideas -- thank you, Timothy!"

iTunes: pyxis minor - Timothy Barraclough

"pyxis minor is a novel instrument / sequencer / synthesizer.

Users play and record sequences in real time and are able to play with various synthesis parameters to create a tailored musical experience. Bright colour, sleek aesthetic and intuitive user interfacing allows users of any age and prior musical experience / training to have a truly unique creative, musical experience.

Connect up to two devices together to play music with your friends."

iPad pics.

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Roland Jupiter-8 With NEA Pyxis Aftertouch System

Published on Sep 17, 2013 New England Analog LLC·27 videos

"This video shows a Roland Jupiter 8 with the New England Analog Pyxis aftertouch system. The purpose of this particular video is to show how you can disable the lower 4 voices on the JP8 so that aftertouch wont affect them. However, using the aftertouch sensor on the lower half of the keyboard can still affect how the aftertouch modulates the upper 4 voices. This creates some interesting effects. Using "whole" mode with the lower 4 voices disabled will produce a sound much like a CS80 or something with polyphonic aftertouch. On this particular Jupiter, there are two separate disable switches; one for disabling filter and VCA effects from Pyxis on lower 4 voices, and another for disabling Pyxis control of VCOs."

Korg Polysix with Aftertouch

Published on May 23, 2013 New England Analog LLC·11 videos

"This video demonstrates the capabilities of the New England Analog Pyxis Aftertouch System when installed in a Korg Polysix. The Pyxis allows players to modulate pitch, filter, volume, and pulse width using key pressure. This mod makes the Polysix sound like a much more expensive synth! For more information about this modification, the Pyxis, or to purchase this instrument, please visit our website at www.NewEnglandAnalog.com."

ARP Odyssey 2800 MK1 Whiteface with New England Analog PYSIX Aftertouch Mod & Space Panels

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This is a truly awesome and rare synth to come across. While containing the original vintage parts, this synth was also modified to enhance the playability and look.

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Vintage Oberheim OB-8 Synthesizer w/ Aftertouch Mod, Break Out Box & More

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This is a premiere example of a vintage Oberheim OB-8 synthesizer. It is cosmetically and functionally in great condition, and features a few custom mods that you will not find on any other vintage Oberheims for sale. It also comes with the original owner's manual, a super heavy-duty custom transport case, and a custom dust cover. I will list all of the details below:

Modifications (Please check out demo video I have attached to this listing):

This OB-8 has had some truly one-of-a-kind modifications done to it. They were done by the previous owner in between 2013-2016, but fortunately he gave me some of the original receipts for the work, which was done by two well established companies at the time -"Retro Linear" and "New England Analog". For all of the purists out there who cringe at the sight of any mods being done to a classic synth like this, this may not be the synth for you... but I personally found that these mods take the playing experience of this OB-8 to another level.

The first mod done was replacing the original keys with a Fatar keybed. This keybed plays extremely smoothly and effectively - it is quite easy to do runs up and down, and the keys are also not clicky and operate quietly.

On top of this, a very unique mod called "Pyxis Aftertouch" was installed which adds aftertouch to the fatar keybed! This aftertouch is routed to a very ingenious system that plugs into the back of the OB-8 via two small jacks. The system allows you to control various parameters of the aftertouch such as LFO speed & wave shape, filter cutoff, VCA settings like volume or tremolo, & more. This aftertouch system has a main module with knobs/switches for adjusting these parameters, and there is also a second touchpad module you can use to trigger these parameters. I showed examples of using this aftertouch mod in the demo video I included in this listing. You can see me using the aftertouch to trigger an increase in LFO speed/intensity at 0:21 and 0:55. At around 2:10 I demonstrate the aftertouch in combination with the portamento (which is an amazing feature of the OB-8). It can get a little wild sounding (2:12) if the portamento is a slow build ! At around 3:00, I use the touchpad module, which does the same thing as the keyboard aftertouch.

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Oberheim OB-8 Analog Synthesizer with MIDI & Aftertouch Controller

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This is truly one of a kind synth! It has an array of added features that take it over the top in comparison to other vintage models on the market.

To start, this synth is in superb shape for its age. It shows hardly any signs of surface wear! The blue front panel looks fantastic, and the wooden sides and the back panel show little to no signs of wear. Cosmetically I would give it a 9/10.

Functionally, this synth is also in fantastic shape. It is in complete working order. The pots turn fluidly, and all of the surface buttons are in working condition.

Now, here is the good stuff! This synth has gone through a few extensive mods that really bring it to another level. The first mod done to this synth was increasing the depth of the bass tone in the low end, to replicate a tone more similar to an OB-XA. Normally, an OB-8 does not have a very present low end, so some people prefer the OB-XA. However, with this mod, you get the great low end, with the added features and reliability of the OB-8!

The second mod done to this synth is the deal maker- this synth includes a full aftertouch system with fatar semi-weighted keys! The normal keys of the OB-8 are not touch sensitive and need constant maintenance due to the poor key contacts. But this synth is extremely reliable! You can play fast passages and get full responsiveness from the key bed.

The aftertouch system is called the Pyxis System, installed by New England Analog Company. This is a very detailed system that routs the aftertouch to a small wooden module (as seen in the photos). You can route the aftertouch to a wide variety of parameters, including LFO, Cutoff, Bend, Tremelo, and more, and you can route these effects simultaneously. The aftertouch can be controlled by pressing the key bed with more force, but it can also be controlled by a second wooden touchpad. This touch pad can be put on the floor and operated by foot, leaving you with two hands free while still controlling the aftertouch! This type of system is extremely hard to find anywhere on the market- I believe that New England Analog no longer makes the Pyxis System. I can say from experience playing with this synth that it truly takes the playing experience to another level."

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Oberheim Four Voice with Pyxis Aftertouch

Published on Nov 17, 2013 New England Analog LLC·31 videos

"This video shows an Oberheim Four Voice Synthesizer with a NEA Modular Expander Cabinet and Pyxis Aftertouch. In this clip, all filter, pitch and volume modulation is being done with the aftertouch controller. When the aftertouch is engaged, vibrato is added to the VCOs, and the speed of the vibrato is proportional to the pressure applied. The VCF is also set to open up a little when the aftertouch is engaged. For more info on the aftertouch or the modular cabinet, check out our website www.NewEnglandAnalog.com or give our shop a call."

ST Modular - STEREO COMPRESSOR with Boba Fat, HH, Pyxis and Phoebe

Stefan Tretau

„Stereo Compressor“ is a classic analog feedforward compressor, which takes its sidechain split directly from the input signal. It is based on the THAT4305 Analog Engine® single-chip with integrated Blackmer® VCA. It has two independent signal paths in order to process stereo signals. The left input is normalized to the right, if you want to compress mono signals instead. The module has three controls and a switch:

THRESHOLD determins the level at which the compressor starts working. This can be set from -40dB to 20dB.
RATIO sets how much the compressor turns down the volume when the threshold is reached (INF:1 to 1:1).
GAIN regulates the amount of make-up gain (-20dB to +20dB) that is applied to the signal.
Additionally there is an ON/OFF switch that makes it easy to compare the dry and compressed audio signal.

Please note that if you turn THRESHOLD counter-clock wise to the left, you reduce the threshold from 20dB (fully cw) to -40dB (fully ccw). Hence the compressor starts working earlier. If you turn RATIO counter-clock wise to the left you increase the amount of compression from 1:1 (fully cw, no compression) to INF:1 (fully ccw, infinite compression). So turning the knobs down corresponds to compressing the signal. The pictures below show the knobs in a neutral position where no compression is applied.

STEREO COMPRESSOR has a similar design as the STEREO SUM CHANNEL modules. If you want to add some compression to your mix STEREO COMPRESSOR is a perfect addition to your STEREO SUM Mixer.

ST Modular - Good & Evil modulating Pyxis, EFI and Honeyeater

Published on Apr 24, 2020 Stefan Tretau

Sequencer = Flitzem Deför
Mixing = PAE
ENV = FAY Mk2

Jupiter 8 through a Folktek Time Machine and H3000 DS/E

Published on Mar 22, 2015 kpsiegel

Folktek on eBay

"I captured a sample of my Jupiter 8 in the Folktek Time Machine and it serves as the throbbing background while I play the Jupiter 8 though it in real time and modify the sound by depressing various keys in the Time Machine.

The output is also sent to an Eventide H3000 D/SE on one of the mixer sends. This is running a custom patch from Italo De Angelis.

The funny looking box on the Jupiter 8 is a Pyxis aftertouch controller. The Jupiter 8 was modded to have aftertouch and I set it up so that aftertouch modifies filter cutoff and VCA volume. This is something you can't do with a stock Jupiter 8."

ST Modular - Duck

video by Stefan Tretau

Other Modules used:

Boba Fat (Kick, Subbass)
Pyxis (VCO)
HH (Hihats, Shaker)
Phoebe (Mixer)

0:00​ Take 1
3:26​ Take 2
4:24​ Take 3
4:57​ Take 4

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ST Modular - Pyxis (Mutable Instruments "Plaits" Adaption)

Published on Apr 13, 2019 Stefan Tretau

"Just a random walk-through, nothing musical here really ;-)"

New ST Modular Eurorack Modules

Published on May 20, 2020 Stefan Tretau

Playlist:
1. ST Modular - 3xEQ
2. ST Modular - Gritzner
3. ST Modular - RENEGADE 0HP SERIES - RENELFO & RENEMIX

Boba Fat - Kick and Subbass
HiHats - HH
Bassline - Honeyeater
Chords and Digital Harshness - Pyxis

4. ST Modular - RENEGADE 0HP SERIES - RENELFO & RENEMIX CV Processing

VCO = Honeyeater
Filter = EFI

5. ST MODULAR - RENEGADE 0HP SERIES - RENELFO & RENEMIX Audio Processing
6. ST Modular - RENEGADE 0HP SERIES - RENEMULT & RENELFO