Electrokraft

Makers of the Space Axe, Photon Synth and Lunar Synth.

Title link takes you there.











Update via retrosynth in the the comments:
"There's one of these (Space Axe) used on Reset by Mute Math about 3:45 into the song"

The Wizard of ZO

Exclusive shot of the Cynthia Zero Oscillator in Euro Rack format sent my way by Cynthia. Gorgeous. Title link takes you to Cyndustries, click image for a bigger shot.

Update: feel free to grab this shot. When I said exclusive I only meant sent here first.

David Morley's Website

Title link takes you to David Morley's website. Enjoy.

Via sequencer.de.

Kenton Prototype Controllers for Ableton Live

Nice design and they are looking for a name.

"We have made a couple of prototype controllers intended for use with Ableton Live or similar software. Neither unit has a final name at the moment and are temporarily being called AB Mini and AB DJ. If you have suggestions for better names or for improvements to the designs, please let us know."

Title link takes you there. Via CDM.

Ionic Performer - New Shots

Remember the Ionic Performer Synthi AKS clone? Click here for some shots posted by Paul Sop. BTW, he is looking for someone to repair it. If you know of anyone that can tackle something like this feel free to comment.

Also, turns out Paul Sop is none other than Doktor Future! : )

"Hi Matrix. Ionic Performer is Mine. (Doktorfuture = Paul Sop). BTW. Title takes you somewhere else. Pictures are: here

It is a really great synth. Just like an EMS. I'm gonna mod it up to the hilt with lots of madness. Probably change its effect section to be a few pedals.

Check the Ionic Performer page by: Dennis Bathory-Kitsz. It has MP3's.

Serge Sequencer Panel

Via this auction.

Devowski - Synth Graffiti

You might remember Bossa Nova and Synthesize It. Here are two more by devowski, hero below and tetnis to the left. Title link takes you the flickr set.

Classic Synth Effects Machine!!! - New Flickr Shots

flickr by shjauzmn.

Title link takes you to more.

Studio Repair Gear P*rn

Title link takes you there. Via sequencer.de.

Seekers SMS1000 and Update on the SMS 2000

It just gets better. Check out the updates on the SMS 2000 post. I think we finally have a contendor to the Bahn Sage. Is the SMS 2000 real or not?

Click here for more on the Seekers SMS1000 pictured. Also check out this site.

Moogfest and the Bob Moog Memorial Fund For Electronic Music

"During the event, Matt Moog, Bob Moog's son, announced the introduction of The Bob Moog Memorial Fund for Electronic Music. Created by Bob's family and friends, the Fund seeks to honor Bob's legacy as an electronic music pioneer and innovator by supporting important electronic musical projects. The Fund is currently supporting need-based scholarships at the University of North Carolina-Asheville, Berklee School of Music, and Cornell University; The Bob Moog Electronic Music Museum; and Electronic Music Outreach Programs to disadvantaged children."

Title link takes you to the full press release on HC. Image via http://moogmusic.com/.

Mr. Morley's Polyfusion

Title link takes you to the post on sequencer.de.

SMS Synthesizers

Update via Chris Muir on AH:

"Actually the SMS polyphonic thing was closer to the original E-Mu Audity (not the Proteus in Audity clothing that EMu sold recently).

The SMS programmable polyphonic never saw the light of day, although it had a bunch of good ideas in it. The only thing that sort of spun off of that project was the SMS Voice 400.

I put scans of some of the SMS data sheets here."

Jen SX1000 on YouTube

Commodore 64 on CDM

Title link takes you there.

Strap-on or Keytar?

Nice. I'm not sure which term is more questionable in reference to shoulder strapped synths, keytar or strap-on. Hmm... Why do images of the Akai EWI come to mind? Suit and Tie Guy, damn you! So, wouldn't a strap-on be around your waist? Now there's an idea! A synth belt! No EWI jock staps please.

Via Suit and Tie Guy.

MooT BooXLe's Synthesizer.com Movies on YouTube

I previously put these up here and here. They popped up on AH again, so I figured why not put up a post with both for anyone that missed my previous posts. Enjoy.


YouTube via mootbooxle

Custom Oberheim Modular Update

Remember this post? Dennis Verschoor sent me a link to some updates including the samples below. Title link takes you to the photo album.

demo1
demo2
606sem

EML 100

Click here for shots pulled from this auction. You might recognize these from this post. Note this is Heath Finnie's. He lowered the buy it now. He's selling it so he can pick up a Waldorf Q.

Sexomodular

Title link takes you there.

Formant MSS2000 Site

I did a quick search on the MSS2000 after putting up the last post and ran into this site. Title link takes you there.

MSS2000 - New Flickr Shot

flickr by synthfanKH.

Update: More on the MSS2000 here.

Title link takes you to synthfanKH's set including the Kurzweil VA-1, Roland System 700, Buchla 200e, and SMS 2000.

SMS 2000 - New Flickr Shots

Update: Be sure to read the updates below and do not miss the links. Looks like we finally have a contendor to the Bahn Sage. Elhardt, you have some competiton. Is it or isn't the SMS 2000 real?

flickr set by synthfanKH.

Looks like we are on a "dream synth" roll this week.

Update: Click images for much larger shots.
Update: Looks like these shots got traction on AH. Word is that it's a fake which I guessed as well. Via Mike Fiction on AH: "As a photographer I can tell you the second photo is 100% a fake. The depth of field is way too great. It's an indoor shot, light would have been low so even with a fast iso it would have been impossible to get such great depth of field with a fast enough shutter speed to have frozen things like the womans hair. There would have been motion blur. The A in alesis is just as in focus as the black pole at the far side of the tent."

Update: Some still think it could be real. If you blow up the second shot you will see the name tag reads, Mr. Kirikax (click for more info).

Via Nick on AH:
"I'm still of the opinion that it's some new prototype synth by Seekers, the Japanese company (formerly Sky Soundlab) who made the Voice Spectra vocoder (seen on the left in the photo with mics attached). They were trying to build a full featured and pricey monosynth about 6 years ago.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Redmatica and Jupiter 8 Samples

Scott Metzger sent me some Jupiter 8 samples and a plug for Redmatica, a software sampler for OSX. Title link takes you to the Redmatica site. Sample links follow:

"So I finally found a great solution for sampling my Vintage gear. To bring on the road. I tried the demo of AutoSample from Redmatica, and then bought the program. It did a great job of sampling my Jupiter 8, and it creates a Logic EXS file to load into Logic. Download the Patches if you want that I sampled. They are 24bit 96k.

These are the first 2 patches on my Jupiter 8. They are both in Unison Mode"

Jupiter 8 Patch 11
Jupiter 8 Patch 12

Buchla 200e - New Flickr Shot

flickr by synthfanKH.

SEMTex S

Mini SEMTex. Apparently this is a custom job and not a new line from Anyware. Title link takes you to the post on sequencer.de.

Analog Box 2

"Analog Box is a low level, circuit based, modular software synthesizer. You put sound objects on the screen, connect them together, listen and adjust. When you find something you like, you can record it to a wav file, or just save the circuit and play it again later.

ABox is somewhat like the vintage synth's of the '70's in that there are separate modules with lots of patch cords, knobs, buttons and displays. But you also get the computational ability offered by modern CPU's. Features like FFTs, Differentials and Digital Control open up realms of sound design never dreamt of before. With the advanced capabilities offered by VSTi, USB/HID, MIDI and DirectShow you could conceivably play your favorite video soundtrack through a plugin adusted by a glove controller."

Title link takes you there.

DaigoOlivia Moog - New Flickr Shot

flickr by DaigoOliva. So what Moog is that? That's one cool case.

Korg EX-8000 and DW-8000 Resources

Title link takes you to a Korg EX-8000 resource site. Also check out this site for the Korg DW-8000 and Korg Poly-800II.

Roland JX-3P Shots

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction.

Zeit Desktop Sequencer

Click here for more.

Audio Damage Pulse Modulator

Full version is now available with the latest issue of Computer Music magazine. Title link takes you to more on Analog Industries.

EU Ban's Leaded Solder

Just saw this on Analog Industries. I must have missed this on the lists. Well, here it is via Paul Schreiber of Synthtech.

"The EU's import ban on leaded solder begins July 1st. If you are interested in DIY/repair/kit building, I *strongly suggest* buying at least:

2 spools of Kester '245 No-Clean' solder, part # 24-6337-8800 (for repair and wiring front panel parts) 1 spool of Kester '331 Organic' solder, part # 24-6337-5401 (you use this on pc boards, then wash off the flux which is really vinegar).

This entire lead ban has caused quite a bit of consternation among companies that sell kits. It has put a couple European manufacturers out of business, and cost a _lot_ of money for others to become compliant. I ultimately unsubscribed from at least one mailing list because of a more or less relentless bitchfest viz. the RoHS lead ban. (Because, as we all know, there's only ONE way to DIY a synth, god dammit!)"

Step Sequencer - New Flickr Shot

flickr by light_on_water.

"old-skool step sequencer in flashing/blinking action"

Anyone know what this is specifically?

In Search of Synth God

"Los Angeles-based production company ZU33 is set to begin production next month on SYNTH GOD. After more than a year's worth of intensive R&D, the makers of the critically acclaimed film MOOG are embarking on a far-reaching search for the gods of electronic music in this ambitious new feature-length documentary film project.

Filmmaker/musician Hans Fjellestad will write and direct the film.

Fjellestad explains:
'Since the late 1960s, keyboardists have used the synthesizer to stake out new territory in popular music, perhaps in a way unparalleled since the baroque organists of the early 18th century or the concert pianist 'rock star' romantics 100 years later or speed-demon ragtime pianists 100 years after that. Now with another century past, musical styles and technologies have taken off in all kinds of unexpected directions. And the Synth Gods lead the way. Their pantheon is massive and full of all shapes, sounds and flavors. I want to paint a huge crazy mural that illustrates the history and currency of every Synth God species on the planet, and the instrument that gives them their power.'"

Via Harmony Central News.

NI Kore Review by James R. Coplin

"First off, KORE is kind of like finally getting that girl to go with you that you have been chasing forever. It is a blend of deep disappointment and elation all at the same time. KORE is very much a version 1 with all the warts and bumps that go along with it. However, KORE also answers effectively some key gaps in soft synths to date as regards to sound design, organization, and real-time control. KORE is a combination of hardware and software. If you are thinking of getting KORE as a hardware MIDI control interface for all your software mixing needs (ex. Live and Cubase) look elsewhere. KORE is best considered as a plugin (instrument and effect) controller exclusively. Your money would be much better spent on a Behringer BCR or BCF unit or something like a Novation Remote SL (which completely rocks btw)."

Title link takes you to the full review.

Development_platfom - New Flickr Shot

flickr by wasliberated. Yamaha DS55 FM Synth.

Dirty Girls Need Synths Too - New Flickr Shot

flickr by luxxury.

Z4 Music and Griff - Pocket Samplers

Griff


Z4 Music


Kirk emailed me asking if I knew of any IPod sized samplers. The smallest hardware sampler that came to mind was the Yamaha SU10. I then remembered there was Griff for the Pocket PC and possibly others. I did a quick search for Kirk and found Z4 Music and Griff. There is also my favorite Sequencing software, MiniMusic for the Palm with SynthPad. Finally there's the M-Audio MicroTrack and the Edirol R-1 and R-09, but I beleive they are more straight audio recording devices rather than samplers. I figured I'd put up a post for others as well. If you know of any other IPod sized samplers, feel free to comment.

Update: A couple more:
Via the comments: The Roland MS-1
Via Kirk: The Boss SP-202.

Update via David Kristian in the comments:
"Chocopoolp also makes some decent Palm OS apps, including Bhajis Loops, which combines sampling, sequencing and effects. http://www.chocopoolp.com/"

Stevie Wonder - Superstition Sesame St on YouTube

Embedded link was off for this video on YouTube, so title link takes you there. Via Analog Industries. Hey, how did Chris get it embedded on AI? : )

Note the ARP 2600 in the background.

Update via underface in the comments: "If you're like me and think the pinnacle of western music is Stevie Wonder on a talkbox, be sure to check out this video from the same Sesame Street episode and this video of his "Close to You" cover.

(This brought to you by the letters z, o, a, d, i, q, and k.)"

Thanks underface. BTW, to everyone that posts comments, you all rule; it really makes this site better.

WARNING: Yahoo! Unlimited

Just a warning for any of you signed up to or considering the Yahoo! Unlimited Music service. I signed up for it when it first came out for the $59.88 introductory rate. I expected the service to cancel after a year unless I renewed my contract. Well, I had a little trouble with the player and figured that had happened, so I went online to check about renewing. When I did I was surprised to find my credit card already charged $119.88 on 6/15/06. A bit puzzled, I called customer service last week to find out what happened, and they said I should have received an email indicating that the introductory rate was over, and that I would automatically be charged the new price. I don't remember the email. I asked them to cancel the account and refund my money as I liked the service but not for that price. They said they cancelled my re-occurring billing but they would need to escalate for a refund. I was given a service number and told it would be submitted for refund, but it would have to go through an approval process first. Fair enough, as I figured there shouldn't be a problem as I called shortly after being charged. I waited a week and decided to call back today as my card was not credited. I was told my refund was denied because email was sent to me prior. Um... I thought we went over that already... I knew where the conversation would end up, so I let her know, no problem - I'd just call my credit card agency, dispute the charge and post about it here for others to know. My credit card agency immediately refunded my charge and here is the post. Consider yourself warned and make sure your buddies know in case they "miss" the email like me. NO MORE Yahoo! for me. See yah... Back to Napster if I ever sign up for DRM again.

Update: Be sure to check out the comments for opinions and alternatives.

The Persephone on Monstersynths

Analog fingerboard synth. Title link takes you there. Be sure to check out the video when you get there.

Thomas Dolby at the Scala - New Flickr Set

flickr by towsercat. Yes, cat. Title link takes you to the set. A bit blurry but think of it as the abstract. : ) You can see this midi knob box in the background.

Gary Numan's Access Virus Used in Jagged 2006 Up For Sale

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction.

Details:
"This Access Virus B synthesizer is offered to you from the studio of Ade Fenton, co-producer of Gary Numan's critically acclaimed 2006 album 'Jagged'. This fantastic synthesizer was used extensively on Jagged and many of the programmed patches will be instantly recognisable to Numan fans. It was featured in Ade Fenton's kit list in the May 2006 edition of Future Music Magazine's article about the making of Jagged. It is signed on the rear by Gary Numan and Ade Fenton and carries the phrase 'Jagged 2006', written in silver ink by Gary Numan."

SK-1 Modular

Title link takes you to the post on GetLoFi.

Yamaha CS70M Demos

Title link takes you to a post by clusterchord on HC with samples. Also saved them here for posterity.

Synths That Never Were on DVDBorn

Another via DVDBorn. More pawn shop dreams... These synths almost made it.



Prototypes
Emulator IIIx
Oberheim OBMx prototype
Yamaha CDSX prototype (DX1)
Akai VX90 (rack pictured above)

Synths That Never Were Part 3
Akai MWS-76
Akai AX80
Mellotron Digital Workstation III

la pâte à son

This is pretty cool.

"Drag instruments, switches, and transporter pipes from the conveyor belt to the checkerboard above to make music. Rotate the pieces. Choose a melody. Change pitch, tempo and volume to fine-tune your composition."

Title link takes you there. Requires Flash. Via Scott Metzger.

The Yamaha VP1

16 voice polyphonic physical modelling synth. I knew about the VL1 and VL7, but not this. Wow. Title link takes you to a VP1 site with specifications and samples. Check out DVDBorn for more.