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via
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"The Yamaha DX-21 FM digital synth makes for a stellar, retro-synth performance piece, as well as a groovin' vintage(ish) practice/jam unit. This synth is the most versatile of the 4-operator family of Yamaha's DX synth line [edit: or the DX11? You can find the user manuals here:
http://www.yamaha.co.jp/manual/english/ and compare]. The keyboard isn't touch sensitive, but the sounds can have velocity values if played from a touch-sensitive keyboard. If you spend the time, you can come up with some pretty interesting digital synths and effects if you are wiling to push some buttons and experiment with the programming. Layering the same sound with itself and increasing the dual detune value can make the DX21 sound much fatter than the DX7 for synth, string, and pad sounds. The split function is variable and can be quite useful for performers.
Features
This synth board features a 32 Performance Memory System, programmable with data on play modes, key shift, detune and pitch bend. It will automatically recall these real-time performance parameters as well as the voice or combination of voices. Instead of VCOs, VCAs, and VCFs, the DX21 uses "operators" (a digital sine wave generator combined with an envelope generator) to produce sound that can be used alone or in combination with other operators. It has 32 RAM (Random Access Memory) voice memories, organized in two banks of 16 voice selector keys. There are 128 pre-programmed voices permanently stored in internal ROM (Read Only) memory. Organized into groups of 8, these voices can be loaded individually or in groups into the 32-voice RAM memory. Two FM Tone Generators allow voices to be selected three ways: Single, Dual, or Split play modes. A broad range of MIDI functions make the DX21 exceptionally useful in virtually any MIDI system application. A built in cassette interface allows an unlimited number of voices to be programmed and stored on cassette tape. Cassette voices can then be loaded into RAM memory when needed.
Specifications
Keyboard: 61 keys, C1 - C6
Sound Source: FM Tone Generators: 4 operators x 2 (A,B), 8 Algorithms
Polyphonic: 8 notes (Single), 4 notes (Dual), 4 + 4 notes (Split)
Monophonic: 1 note (Single, Dual), 1 + 1 note (Split)
Internal Memory: 128 ROM voice memory, 32 RAM voice memory, 32 RAM performance memory
Controls: Pitch Bend Wheel, Modulation Wheel, Volume, Balance, Data Entry
Displays: LCD (16 characters x 2 lines)
Connecting Terminals: Output Mix/A, Output B, Phones, Cassette
Control Terminals: Footswitch (Sustain, Portamento), Foot Controller (Volume), MIDI (In, Out, Thru)
Dimensions: 909(w) x 82(h) x 270(d) mm, 35.8(w) x 3.2(h) x 10.6(d) inches
Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
United States and Canada: 120 V, 50/60 Hz
General Models: 220 - 240 V, 50 Hz
Power Consumption: 7 W"
Info page on
Yamaha here.
Some gear spotting in Atomic Shadow's new lab.
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Differences between Leipzig-S/SK and the original Leipzig;
While the Mirage's limited sampling specs, limited polyphony (8 voices) and limited sequencer (333 notes) may seem to knock it off anyone's list when looking for a keyboard sampler, the Mirage still has a few hidden goodies under its hood. Most notably, it has analog filters...a true, analog VCF with low-pass filtering and keyboard tracking. In addition to that it has five-stage envelopes for the VCA and VCF and a nice LFO. Most models also featured a weighted, velocity sensitive keyboard."
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via David C Lovelace on Facebook
Note May and June are combined. Top down: April, May-June, July.
And of course, check out all of Dave's work on http://umop.com/
Update: some info and pics just went up on the AtomoSynth blog.
Control it from a MIDI sequencer, MIDI controller or computer and set it to any of the 16 Midi channels. Control other analog gear with the built in MIDI to CV converter. Create weird analog sounds, brilliant leads, acid basslines or make noise, change the sound in real time by tweeking the knobs on stage or in studio. Connect it directly to mains, no wall wart, it has a switcher to select 110Volt or 220Volt AC so you can use it anywhere in the world! Specifications Keyboard: 25-key (tactile button keys). Octave Shift up/down buttons (5 octave range). VCO1 and VCO2: 
This synth features two analog square and saw waveform VCO (voltage controled oscillator) with a huge pitch range, from subsonic to ultrasonic sound. Glide: effect control with a wide range that allows radical effects. White noise generator. LFO: One square and triangle waveform LFO (low frequency oscillator), that modulates the VCO for the vibrato effect creating old school arcade Atari-like sounds. Also it modulates the VCF (voltage controled filter) creating a tremolo effect. It has a led that shows the LFO rate. VCF: One High pass and Low pass VCF (voltage controlled filter) with cut off and ressonance controls that can be modulated by the LFO and the VCO depth, It also features a dedicated envelope generator with decay and depth control. EG: envelope generator with attack and release control. MIDI to CV converter: The Krakken features an accurate 12bits MIDI to control voltage converter with a range of 5 octaves, it can be set to any midi channel from 1 to 16. You can control any external analog synthesizer with the CV and Gate Outputs (1Volt/octave). Also you can connect many Krakken synthesizers in chain with its midi thru output to a computer or midi sequencer and each one will play a different midi channel. The instrument is is housed in a clear, laser cut, acrilic case that shows the analog circuitry. It is powered directly from mains, it features a switcher to select 110V or 220V AC. Dimensions: 280mm(W), 240 mm(D), 85mm(H. incuded rubber feet and knobs)"
