John Burdick of Grove Audio has Passed Away

Some sad news in via John L Rice.

We have lost John Burdick of Grove Audio.

via legacy.com

John "Jack" Charles Burdick

Dec. 1, 1948 - March 22, 2023

RACINE - John "Jack" Charles Burdick, 74, passed away on March 22, 2023, at his residence.

Jack was born on December 1, 1948, in Racine to Milton and Frances (nee: Ferguson). After serving in the United States Army, he earned his BA in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin. Jack was a member of the Racine Astronomical Society. He owned and operated Grove Audio in Cottage Grove. In his free time, Jack enjoyed astronomy, computer technology, photography, and music - he worked as a roadie for Jackson Browne and Chick Corea.

He is survived by his brother, Paul (Jeni) Burdick; sisters: Carol (Thomas) Rudey and Susan (Michael) Lambert; nephews: David (Casey) Rudey and Scott Rudey; aunt and uncle, John and Donna Ferguson; and other cousins, family members, and friends.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Frances Burdick.

A public celebration of life will be held in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the Modine-Benstead Observatory in care of the Racine Astronomical Society.

Some pics of Grove Audio at Knobcon last year via their last post on Facebook on September 21, 2022 with the following:

"Knobcon Ten was a great event, once again. Thanks to all the people who made it the largest show in Knobcon history. Several friends dropped by the Grove Audio booth to see what we have new for this year. We emphasized new modules for 5U as part of a renewed effort to build the popular format. This effort also includes accessories to support new systems such as power supplies, cables, and cabinet options."


And a video with John from Synthtopia at Knobcon in 2018:

Grove Audio Expands Its 5U & Eurorack Modular Lines
video upload by Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2018, we talked with John Burdick of Grove Audio, who makes a range of MOTM-compatible, Dotcom-compatible and Eurorack synth modules."

See teh Grove Audio label for additional posts.

Steiner-Connolly Synthacon In the Works

Spotted this one over at Synthtopia.

Here's what Steiner-Connolly had to say about it:

“For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, the Synthacon is back!

This is an authentic, discrete, through hole recreation of this iconic 70’s synthesizer under the direction of Nyle Steiner himself.

We have added midi via a FATAR keybed, and a couple new features, but this unit has been tediously recreated right down to the original circuit board design and vintage components.”

The Steiner-Connolly Synthacon is available now to pre-order for $3,000 USD. Contact the company at support@steiner-connolly.com for details."

You can find tons of posts mentioning the Synthacon and various adaptations including individual modules and systems in previous posts here. One of my favorites though, is this demo by Todd Barton aka vgermuse. That sucker sounded brutal.

New Roland SP-404 MKII In the Works

It looks like a new SP-404 MKII in the works. via Synthtopia:

"Key Features (preliminary):

Bang out beats anywhere with AA or mobile battery power
Capture audio from or stream direct to your mobile device via USB,
Collaborate with a partner using the dual headphone outputs and mic/guitar input.
Edit samples with an OLED screen and zoomable waveform view.
Chop up samples by tapping out edit points in real time, or use auto chop to slice samples automatically.
Shape samples with envelope and pitch shift
New resampling workflow lets you re-record patterns and effects layers for detailed sound design.
Skip Back Sampling captures up to 25 seconds of audio from your performance.
Process, flip, and twist your sounds with classic SP effects and a selection of new effects, including: Lo-fi, Cassette Simulator, Resonator, Vocoder, Auto Pitch, Guitar Amp Simulator and more.
Adjustable input quantize and shuffle for custom swing.
Pad Link lets you fire multiple samples with a single tap.
Roll button for variable note repeat.
BPM-per-bank for instant tempo changes.
Organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback.
Load 160 samples across each project for expanded performance and beatmaking combinations.
Official details on the Roland SP-404 mkII are still to be announced."

Delta Sound Labs Intros Stream Granular Sampler For macOS & Windows

Published on Feb 3, 2020 Synthtopia

"At the 2020 NAMM Show, Delta Sound Labs introduced Stream, a new granular sampler for macOS & Windows.

We talked with CEO Ricky Graham, who gave us a quick demo of how Stream works and how it can be used with synth and guitar."

Korg Wavestate Hands-On Demo At NAMM 2020

Published on Jan 29, 2020 Synthtopia

"At the 2020 NAMM Show, Korg introduced the Wavestate wave sequencing synthesizer, an updated take on Korg’s 90’s Wavestation, which featured wave sequencing and vector synthesis.

Here's an intro from Korg product rep Raymond Johnson, aka Theta Flux."

Moog Subsequent 25 Synthesizer Hands-On Demo

Published on Jan 26, 2020 Synthtopia

"At the 2020 NAMM Show, Moog introduced the Subsequent 25, a portable paraphonic analog synthesizer, based on their Sub Phatty sound engine.

The new synth builds on the Sub Phatty analog synth, but implements upgraded sonic modifications and functional improvements. The Subsequent 25 also builds on the Sub Phatty by upgrading to wood side pieces, implementing the paraphonic functionality of Duo Mode and featuring the Subsequent series of user-requested performance adjustments

We talked with Moog product specialist Lisa Bella Donna, who gave us a quick demo of the Subsequent 25 and its new features."

Sonicware Liven 8bit Synthesizer Offers Tons Of Bang For the Buck

Published on Jan 26, 2020 Synthtopia

"At the 2020 NAMM Show, Sonicware introduced their Liven 8bit synthesizer - an affordable synth (about $165) that features an 8-bit waveform memory synth engine with a step sequencer, 32-bit effects and lots of hands-on control.

We talked with Sonicware product specialist Kyle Kilpatrick, who gave us a demo of the Liven's synth engines, sequencing capabilities and more."

Korg ARP 2600 FS Hands-On Demo

Published on Jan 25, 2020 Synthtopia

"At the 2020 NAMM Show, we talked with product specialist Nick Kwas about the new Korg ARP 2600 FS.

The Korg ARP 2600 FS is a very close recreation of the original, with full-size synth & keyboard, lids and road case.

It sounds massive, too, and everything is immediately available on the front panel for you to grab and tweak."

Dave Smith On The New Sequential Pro 3 Synthesizer

Published on Jan 25, 2020 Synthtopia

"At the 2020 NAMM Show, synth pioneer Dave Smith gave us an in-depth introduction to the latest Sequential synthesizer, the Pro 3.

In the video, Smith covers the architecture of the Pro 3, including the oscillators and filters, demonstrates the Pro 3's sequencing capabilities, covers connectivity, the differences between the standard and special edition and more.

Note: The sound gets pretty extreme around 8:00 in."

Hands-On Demo Of The Updated Modal Argon8 Synthesizers

Published on Jan 23, 2020 Synthtopia

"At the 2020 NAMM Show, we talked with Jackson of Modal Electronics, who gave us a demo of the production Argon8 synthesizer, and introduced two new versions of the new synth.

Timings:

Intro
Audio demos start about 5:20 in.
Patch demos start at about 11:30 in."

The Rhythmo Beatbox Is Like An IKEA Drum Machine

Published on Jan 22, 2020 Synthtopia

"At the 2020 NAMM Show, we talked with Ethan Jin, who gave us a quick demo of the new Rhythmo Beatbox, a DIY cardboard box drum machine.

The Rhythmo Beatbox is a DIY kit that you assemble yourself - sort of like an IKEA drum machine. It costs about $140 and takes about an hour to put together."

Rhythmo Beatbox posts

Free Hydrasynth Polyphonic Synthesizer Update Adds MPE Support

Published on Jan 22, 2020 Synthtopia

"At the 2020 NAMM Show, we talked with ASM's Glen Darcey, who gave us a quick update on their Hydrasynth polyphonic synthesizer.

Here's what's new in Hydrasynth 1.3:

MPE support ( SYSTEM page 5 )
MPE modulation matrix options (Mod matrix page)
Warm mode ( VOICE page )
Tighter Envelope attack time

The Hydrasynth is an 8-voice polysynth, with an architecture that features (per voice): three oscillators, offering 219 different waveforms; five ADSR envelope generators that offer delay and hold; and five LFOs that offer a total of 11 waveshapes, plus delay, fade in, and smoothing.

It also features an extensive array of controls, a full-size keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch (which allows for more expressive performance), a ribbon controller and CV/Gate connectivity."

ASM Hydrasynth posts

UDO Super 6 Hybrid Polysynth At The 2020 NAMM Show

Published on Jan 22, 2020 Synthtopia

"At the 2020 NAMM Show, we talked with UDO designer George Hearn about the new Super 6 Binaural Synthesizer and got an update on the production hardware.

He also gave us an extended audio demo, starting at about 5:15 in, exploring the binaural synthesis capabilities of the Super 6."

Real-Time Touch Control Surface For The Yamaha DX7IID Synthesizer

Published on Sep 25, 2019 george barlow

"Yamaha DX7 with real-time touch control panel. You can't do this stuff with menus. I wanted dynamic control, so I designed this touch-controller. It uses a unique design for reducing interference form external electrical noise, which lets it be very responsive...

The sensors I use are virtually immune to external electrical noise, which lets them be very responsive & reliable. This is a crude concept prototype. It uses midi to communicate with the synthesizer, and a parallel interface to an old laptop computer for the actual computing. Sure beats using menus."

via Synthtopia

SynthTech Hyperion Eurorack Effects Processor Sneak Preview

Published on Sep 16, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2019, we talked with Paul Schreiber of Synthesis Technology, who gave us a sneak preview of his upcoming Hyperion Stereo Audio Processor for Eurorack modular systems.

It's still early on in development, but Schreiber said he expects to have some studio audio demos with a few weeks."

SynthTech Hyperion

Jamming With The Toraiz Squid Multitrack Sequencer

Published on Sep 14, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2019, we caught up with Pioneer DJ's Devon Hughes, who jamming with a hardware setup, based around their Squid multitrack sequencer.

He gave us a quick overview of the Squid and what it can do."

Roland Fantom Synthesizer At Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 14, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2019, Roland introduced a new Fantom line, three new flagship synth workstations.

The Fantom offers a deep synth engine, sequencing, beatmaking tools, a big touchscreen display, lots of MIDI and CV connectivity options and more.

We talked with Roland synth guru Ed Diaz, who gave us an overview and demo of what the Fantom can do."

Roland MC-707 Hands-On Demo At Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 13, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2019, Roland debuted their MC-707 groovebox synthesizer & sequencer.

Here's a hands-on demo from Roland's Peter Brown."

Buchla 100 Series Modular Synthesizer Sneak Preview

Published on Sep 13, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2019, Buchla USA announced that it is reintroducing the classic 100 Series modular synthesizer.

The system is based on the original San Francisco Tape Music Center Series 100. The vintage synth design is being recreated, with input from San Francisco Tape Music Center founders Morton Subotnick & Ramon Sender, and Buchla expert Todd Barton."

Delptronics Theremorph Synthesizer Hands-On Demo

Published on Sep 13, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2019, we talked with Mickey Delp of Delptronics, who gave us a quick demo of his Theremorph synthesizer."

Theremorph