A Quick and Dirty Jam with Microgranny

Published on Jan 11, 2018 Brian Kupferschmid

"Hey folks. Still enjoying the glitchy and distorted sounds of the Microgranny from Bastl Instruments. I thought I'd share a short, unedited play through of some of the preset sounds. I left all the mistakes and poorly timed cues, just because I'm human. I'm hoping I get some time soon, most likely after NAMM, to really dive in and make my own samples, then combine a lot of the other instruments I have, to make a full on performance. I hope you like this and stay tuned for more stuff."

The History Behind the History of Synthesizers: A talk by Tom Whitwell, Music Thing

Published on Jan 11, 2018 mylarmelodies

"Recorded at the CV FREQS event in London, I was excited to be given permission to film the fantastic Tom Whitwell of Music Thing Modular, giving a history lesson on the emergence of technologies that led to the inception of modern synthesizers in the twentieth century (and beyond!).

For more info on Tom and his projects visit:
http://www.musicthing.co.uk/"

Some interesting bits from a reliable source that worked with him:

"Don Buchla worked with NASA in the very early 60s fresh out of school. After this he worked designing optical detection systems for the blind.  In 1965 after meeting Mort and Ramon at the San Francisco Tape Music Centre in 1964, work began on the Buchla 100. The acid trips were in late Jan 1966 and it was around this time that he began to take orders from other people in the scene (Kesey, Owsley etc).    There was a small buchla mixer on Further later in the 60s, more than likely used on the trip to woodstock in 69 and not the earlier trip in 1964."

Also: The Kesey box wasn’t on the original bus, but was put on around 1967 or later.. Not the famous one that preceded it by years. The guy playing the Buchla might actually be Ramon Sender.

DFAM Only the First of Mother Ecosystem of Semi-modular Synthesizers

via @MoogMusic

"DFAM is the first addition to our Mother ecosystem of semi-modular synthesizers. Synchronize multiple #DFAM and #Mother32 #synths together, or fully integrate this analog instrument into a modular #Eurorack production environment."

See the announcement on the DFAM here.

ELEKTRON ANALOG RYTM // analog FM + other WEIRDOS

Published on Jan 11, 2018 LESINDES

"I must admit that I was a bit challenged by the MOOG DFAM announcements and videos. Crazy drum beats, crazy drum sounds. I think this one, ELEKTRON ANALOG RYTM, athough being only the old model does better than the contender!! When you deep into it RYTM shows what it it: a REAL DRUM SYNTHESIZER!"

Digitakt + RK 002 settings tutorial

Published on Jan 11, 2018 Dave mech

"In this video I show you how to setup the Digitakt and RK-002 cable to be able to play the Digitakt as a polysynth. You can check out a thorough demonstration of this over here:" [posted here]

Yamaha SK30

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

via this auction

"The SK30 is an incredibly versatile combination of organ, polyphonic synthesizer, string machine, plus (unlike the SK20) a single-VCO lead synth. Any combination of these can be played simultaneously or individually, and then mixed independently, leading to a virtually endless combination of textures.

In addition to all the expected parameters, the SK30 has extra features out the wazoo: ability to split keyboard, built-in tremolo, ensemble, and rotary fx, various sustain and decay options (even on the organ), a few built-in presets per section, and aftertouch on the solo synth."

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Spectral Audio Neptune 2 analog synthesizer monosynth SN 50134

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

via this auction

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Future Retro XS semi-modular analog mono synthesizer SN FRXS340

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

via this auction

"Phat, phat, phat, phat sound! Pretty much like new condition. Includes original owners manual, original power supply, rack ears & the desktop side pannels."

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New Waldorf STVC will be $899 US - String Synth & Vocoder Keyboard Based on the Streichfett

See this post from earlier today.

Update: pics in the post have been updated with higher res versions. Also I have confirmation that it is real and it will be a Streichfett with Vocoder in Blofeld KB housing.

Fingers crossed for a desktop version that can sit on top of my Blofeld keyboard. :)

Some Fairlight CMI IIX Sounds

Published on Jan 11, 2018 Perfect Circuit Audio

"This video shows some sounds from the Fairliht CMI IIX sampler from 1983 which used 8 inch floppy disks to store 8 bit samples. This particular machine has gone on world tours with Michael Jackson and other groups."

64 oscillator madness

Published on Jan 11, 2018 Plankton Elec

"Experiment with 64 oscillators and 16 Ants! synthesizers. listen all the audios:"

New Roland Jupiter-4 Synth In the Works? JU-04 Boutique?

This one spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

New JU-04 Boutique?

Estradin Solaris 314

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

via this auction

"I’ve always found the unit perpetually intriguing. One minute it’s a 60s compact organ (w. a filter!), the next a 70s string machine, then a growling 80s analog synth bass, and then blammo: a rocket ship. I mean, c’mon."

This is the one in the video posted earlier today here.

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Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 Rev 2

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

via this auction

"Rare SCI Prophet 5 revision 2 in very good condition. Latest OS update from RIKU.

Recently had a complete pro service by Cox Electronics. (Service Report will be included; recap / bushings / new cassette interface). Full check & testrun. Previously used in professional studio and handeled with care. Sold with invoice and 3 months warranty.

The prophet has some upgrades/improvements:

-Double memory (switch from factory top user bank / editing factory sounds and store.
-Second software LFO (through "preset" switch on or off)
-Voice number display through Leds 1-5
-Original Value (Leds 1-6) & Hex parameter value display by turning the potmeters.
-Improved tuning control. Instantly in tune and more stable.

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SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS MIDI REV 2 PROPHET 5 WITH UPDATES

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

via this auction

"ALSO HAS THE CASSETTE INTERFACE UPDATE SO YOU CAN SAVE AND LOAD SOUNDS

IT HAS OTHER UPDATES TO IMPROVE RELIABILITY BY THE BEST TECH IN THE US WHO SPECIALIZES IN THE PROPHET 5

THE MIDI KIT IS BRAND NEW & MADE BY KENTON ELECTRONICS IN LONDON ENGLAND

THIS MIDI KIT IS ONLY FOR THE REV 2

(THEY MAKE A DIFFERENT ONE FOR THE REV 3)"

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Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 Rev 1.0 Analog Synthesizer SN 0173

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

via this auction, also on Reverb here.

"There are only 190 Rev 1.0 ever make, likely far fewer are operational now. Mine is like a Rev 2.0 in that it does have Cassette Interface and Patch Storage. Not all Rev 1.0 Prophet 5s have this.

Contrary to popular opinion, this synth can be upgraded MIDI using Rev 2 Kenton kit, since Rev 1.0 and Rev 2.0 Prophets are nearly identical. Mine is even more rare due to having cassette interface, not typical for a Rev 1.0.

Serviced by Greg M of Analog Synthesizer Service in Late 2017."

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Vintage Moog Multimoog Synthesizer SN 2247

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

via this auction

"This Multimoog is in good condition, there are signs of wear throughout the body and some small cosmetic damage but nothing too serious. This synthesizer comes equiped with a 44-note monophonic keyboard with aftertouch, a ribbon-type pitch bend controller, and an external control voltage and trigger inputs/outputs for interfacing with other synthesizer equipment. The knobs work perfectly fine but the cover underneath the knobs is starting to bend and peel as you can see in the pictures provided. The Moog Multimoog Synthesizer is in working condition and turns on and works as in tended."

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Baumann BME-700 Demo

Published on Jan 11, 2018 V T

"Baumann BME-700 Demo Rare Analoh Synthesizer. Demo."

Analoh must be Hawaiian for analog.

Soviet Solaris Estradin 314 demo proj3

Published on Jan 11, 2018 Paul Curreri

Update: this one is currently for sale on Reverb here. Pics captured here.

"A bit of a meander through this fascinating and wild analog poly / organ.

As you can see, it’s in excellent cosmetic condition. Sliders all slide fairly smoothly. A proper power cable was professionally installed, as the one it came with didn’t fit snugly. It still uses 220V though, so a converter is required.

Now, much as I love it, I can’t say for certain that this Soviet-Era instrument is functioning 100% optimally. After all, I don't speak Russian, and I've never encountered another! You can probably hear the slight hum -- though the signal-to-noise ratio easily masks that when playing. Perhaps it could use a tune-up?

I’ve always found the unit perpetually intriguing. One minute it’s a 60s compact organ (w. a filter!), the next a 70s string machine, then a growling 80s analog synth bass, and then blammo: a rocket ship. I mean, c’mon.

If your path in life leads you to encounter a Solaris Estradin 314, maybe bring it home?
Thanks for watching.

* * * * *
Wonderful description from the web:

Vintage rare soviet analog polyphonic synthesizer - SOLARIS Estradin-314. Produced in the USSR on "Estradin" factory in Zhitomir city (famous for its Estradin-230 & Altair-231 synths) in 1988.

SOLARIS uses organ style drawbars to create the basic tone, and has a analog filtering as well. Inside it has 12 voice boards that correspond to each key in an octave, and then uses a divide down system to get to the other octaves. The filter is really extreme and sounds fantastic, as well the envelope is really punchy, so you get great synth stabs, sweeps and percussive organy sounds.

If you use the envelope and filter sections carefully you can get great moogy leads out of it, warm organ sounds, flying ambient textures, in the high resisters it can sound like a string machine, or even a theremin if you crank the resonance.It has tons of character and can sounds amazing!"

Critter & Guitari - Additive Synth for Organelle

Published on Jan 11, 2018 Critter & Guitari

"Additive Synth is… well, an additive synth! Use the Organelle’s knobs to change the transposition, select a waveform, or accentuate specific partials. Loop it up with the built-in sequencer!"

G-Storm Electro Delta VCF Version #2 Demo Korg Delta/Poly-61 Filter Adaptation Eurorack

Published on Jan 11, 2018 gstormelectro

"Audio and Video by G-Storm Electro c.2018

My first video of 2018, I know it's been a while. I have been busy working on this little beauty! Today I introduce my Delta VCF version #2. You will remember the Delta VCF is my fully analog filter adaptation of the Korg Delta/Poly-61 synthesizers with the addition of a 2-Pole mode. My version #2 is exactly the same sound, functionality, and circuit as the version #1. It has a revised panel layout that makes the trimmers available from the front, is 12HP, and is now skiff-friendly. While we're at it, I audition some sound examples - starting with some PWM bass sweeps. I have trimmed the resonance for the module I am showing today so that it could self-resonate, I modulate that with an LFO. Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no effects or EQ added."

Buchla 102 Dual Stereo Locator Clone

Published on Jan 11, 2018 zthee

"Testing the Buchla 102 Dual Stereo Locator clone"

Also see: Benge's Buchla 102.

3 Modules #41: Kinks, Braids, Rings

Published on Jan 11, 2018 Comparative Irrelevance

"I wanted to try a little idea for Kinks this time: to split a random S&H sequence into two different sequences using the logic and signal processing sections.

Patch notes:

A slow external clock gets the S&H sequence going, and this is sent into Kinks' LOGIC section. Since the noise that's normalled to the S&H input is bipolar, the resulting S&H sequence contains both positive and negative voltage steps. We can take advantage of that, along with the fact that the logic inputs are normalled to 0V, to split the sequence into only the negative and only the positive steps. The S&H sequence goes into the LOGIC input A, and the Max and Min outputs contain only the positive or the negative steps respectively (and otherwise rest at 0V). Finally, I'm using the signal rectifier to flip the "negative sequence" to positive.

Braids and Rings play the sequences. Braids is in WTx4 mode (4 voice wavetables playing chords) and I'm using a version of the Rings sequence to modulate Color, which chooses what kind of chord is played. I'm also using the internal envelope/VCA and quantizer here.

Rings is in Karplus-Strong mode, and I'm sending it white noise from Kinks in order to make sustained notes.

As you can see I'm using the volume controls on my µJack to mix the two voices together – the stereo output signal is summed to mono in the mix.

* * *

Thanks for watching!"

Modular Monthly: ZVEX Fuzz Factory and Instant Lo-Fi Junky Eurorack Modules

Published on Jan 11, 2018 Future Music Magazine

"ZVex have brought their gritty Fuzz Factory and Instant Lo-Fi Junky to Eurorack. Fuzz effects work great on synths, drums and acoustic instruments… With audio at the ready, let’s dive in!"

BEMI Re-Purchased by Buchla U.S.A.

"Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments has been purchased by Buchla U.S.A.

The historic electronic music instrument company has been purchased, is under new management, and is now headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Minneapolis, Minnesota January 18, 2018: Announcing the purchase of Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments by Buchla U.S.A. LLC. The iconic electronic musical instrument company founded by Don Buchla as Buchla and Associates in the mid-1960s is now headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and headed by CEO Eric Fox.

The new company will continue to create unique, expressive, and iconic electronic performance instruments and controllers with a focus on the 50+ year history of Don Buchla. Buchla U.S.A.’s lead design and engineering is being performed by Don Buchla's right-hand-man, Joel Davel, who worked with Don for over 20 years. Production of the majority of Buchla modules is being handled by Dave Reilly, who was hand-picked by Don to manufacture Buchla products. Both design and production are located in the San Francisco bay area, as they were in the 1960s.

'With such an amazing legacy I am really excited about telling the story of Don and working closely with Joel and Dave to develop new products in the spirit of Don... and even revisiting/reimagining some of his designs that never actually made it out into the wild!' said Buchla U.S.A. CEO Eric Fox, about this historic purchase. 'I hope to involve as many of the artists and people that inspired Don as possible, moving forward. We owe it to him and the generations of new users to give them a sense of what he was all about.'

Buchla U.S.A. is committed to the continued production of high-quality historic synthesis/performance technology, a focus on and celebration of Don Buchla's legacy, and meeting the needs of Buchla customers.

By listening to the needs of composers at the San Francisco Tape Music Center, Don Buchla created one of the first modular voltage-controlled synthesizers in the mid-1960s as only a gifted designer and engineer could. His innovative and seminal musical instruments have inspired composers and listeners alike for over 50 years."

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New Synth Coming From Waldorf, and It's Not the Quantum

Meet the Waldorf STVC.

The body is similar to the Blofeld and it appears to be a solo, string, and vocoder synthesizer with effects. The string sections is likely based on the Streichfett. Curious if the solo section is based on the Rocket. If you click on the bottom image it's blurry but you can make out the Solo, String, Vocoder, and Effects sections. This actually looks pretty cool, in the more of a focused instrument vs. overwhelmingly programmable synthesizer sense. Sometimes less can more. It should be interesting at least.

Details sure to follow.

Update: from a reliable source: "Solo Section is as it was in Streichfett. No relation to Rocket." And confirmed on B&H. Price is $899 US. Additional pics added below.

"PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

Based On Streichfett String Synth
49-Note Keyboard
Rugged Metal Chassis
Includes Gooseneck Microphone

Update1: Images replaced with higher res ones. Click on them for details. Also I have conformation this is a Streichfett with Vocoder in Blofeld KB housing.

Fingers crossed for a desktop version that can sit on top of my Blofeld keyboard. :)

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Moog Introduces the DFAM | Drummer From Another Mother for the Masses

Published on Jan 11, 2018 Moog Music Inc

Moog's Drummer From Another Mother will soon be available to the masses. The DFAM was introduced as a DIY build-only percussion synthesizer at last year's Moogfest. Anyone who visits MATRIXSYNTH should be well familiar with the DFAM from numerous demo videos from the lucky owners. For those who missed out on the original, you will now be able to purchase your own built by Moog. And it's black, compared to the original. The press release follows. Further below you will find additional details and pics.

"January 11, 2018, Asheville, NC -- Today Moog Music introduces the Drummer From Another Mother (DFAM), the first addition to the Mother eco-system of semi-modular analog synthesizers. DFAM is an original electronic instrument for the exploration of new concepts in rhythm and resonance.

Drummer From Another Mother (DFAM) is a highly-interactive, Semi-Modular Analog Percussion Synthesizer and a vibrant deviation from the traditional drum machine--presenting an expressive hands-on approach to percussive pattern creation.

DFAM’s fully analog circuitry behaves much like a living organism, reacting in different ways to input from different individuals. Moog Music enlisted three artists to demonstrate the sounds of the new instrument: DJ Haram, Stud1nt and Umfang--all members of NY’s Discwoman collective. Watch as they explore the new Semi-Modular Analog Percussion Synthesizer from their own personal creative spaces:

DFAM is the first addition to the Mother ecosystem of electronic instruments and each DFAM includes a package of patch cables, inviting interconnectivity via the synthesizer’s 24-point modular patchbay. Create new sounds or bizarre behaviors, synchronize an unlimited number of DFAM and Mother-32 synthesizers together, or fully integrate this analog instrument into a modular Eurorack production environment.

Each DFAM is lovingly designed, assembled, calibrated and tested in Asheville, NC by the employee-owners at Moog Music and has already begun shipping from the Moog Factory to Authorized Moog Music Dealers worldwide.

Starting next week, from Jan 15- Jan 24, Moog will offer free hour-long DFAM workshops facilitated by Alissa DeRubeis and Felisha Ledesma of S1 Synth Library to the west coast subscribers of the Moog Music Newsletter.

Right now, the DFAM synthesizer is part of an interactive interspecies installation at the Cactus Store in Echo Park. Entitled BioRhythmia, the installation uses electromyography sensors to measure the electric energies of a 30 year old cactus. The plant’s energies are converted into analog control voltages (CV), enabling the cactus (a mutant species originally from Bali, but now extinct in the wild) to “play” the synthesizer. Different conditions, different times of day, even different experiences with human passer-bys can affect what the cactus decides to play."

https://www.moogmusic.com/products/semi-modular/dfam-drummer-another-mother

Additional details and pics:

"DFAM is the first addition to the Mother ecosystem of synthesizers and presents an expressive hands-on approach to percussive pattern creation. It requires no patching, and absolutely no experience is needed for human-beings of any age to quickly begin synthesizing new and unique rhythmic compositions.

Activated by an easy-to-use analog sequencer, DFAM’s emotive sound begins with a white noise generator and two wide-range analog oscillators - effortlessly transitioning between rhythmic pulsations, resounding bass and resonant bells in an instant. DFAM’s distinctive voice is then shaped by a classic Moog Ladder filter with two selectable modes: Low Pass mode imparts impact and dimension to each sound it touches, while High Pass mode opens the door to naturally expressive strikes, spikes and clangorous accentuations.

DFAM behaves much like a living organism, reacting in different ways to different individuals. 3 dedicated analog envelopes work dynamically with the sequencer to ensure that tribal toms breathe, industrial impacts evolve, and sonic chaos can be created or subdued at the turn of a knob.

Each DFAM ships with a package of Moog patch cables that unlock access to the 24-point modular patchbay. Use it to create new sounds or bizarre behaviors, synchronize an unlimited number of DFAM and Mother-32 units together, or fully integrate your analog instrument into a modular Eurorack production environment.

Through exploration and experimentation, the vast potential of this expressive analog instrument is realized.

SOUND ENGINE: Analog

ANALOG SEQUENCER: 8-Steps With Pitch and Velocity Per-Step

SEQUENCER PANEL CONTROLS: Tempo, Run/Stop, Trigger, Advance

SOUND SOURCES: 2 Oscillators With Square and Triangle Waveforms, 1 White Noise Generator, 1 External Audio Input

FREQUENCY CONTROL: +/- 5 Octaves (10 Octave Range)

MIXER: Level controls for Oscillator 1, Oscillator 2 and White Noise/External Audio Input

FILTER: 20Hz-20KHz Switchable Low Pass / High Pass 4-Pole Transistor Ladder Filter

ENVELOPES: VCO EG w/ Voltage Controlled Decay and Bipolar Amount Control, VCF EG w/ Voltage Controlled Decay and Bipolar Amount Control, VCA EG w/ Voltage Controlled Decay and Selectable Fast/Slow Attack Time

PATCHBAY: 24x 3.5mm Jacks

PATCHBAY INPUTS: Trigger, VCA CV, Velocity, VCA Decay, External Audio, VCF Decay, Noise Level, VCO Decay, VCF Mod, VCO 1 CV, 1→2 FM Amount, VCO 2 CV, Tempo, Run/Stop, Advance/Clock.

PATCHBAY OUTPUTS: VCA, VCA EG, VCF EG, VCO EG, VCO 1, VCO 2, Trigger, Velocity, Pitch.

AUDIO OUTPUT: ¼” TS Line / ¼” TRS Headphones (Shared Output Jack)

INCLUDED POWER SUPPLY: 100-240VAC; 50-60Hz, +12VDC 1200mA

POWER CONSUMPTION: 3.0W

EURORACK CURRENT DRAW: 230mA (+12V – from 10-pin header)

EURORACK MOUNTING DIMENSIONS: 60HP (1”/26mm Module Depth)

WEIGHT: 3.5lbs

DIMENSIONS: 12.57”W x 4.21“H (with knobs) x 5.24“D

Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice"

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