"Included in this post is a look at some creative outcomes for my 2017/18 fellowship activities in USA and Regional NSW => Mentorship with Doug Quin and residency at Syracuse University, residency at Important Records HQ including a visit to local studio to see an ultra-rare Emu Modular, and giving workshops and working in the field/studio in regional NSW. I've included a number of soundcloud links giving excerpts of some the material I was able to record."
The synth pics are at the bottom, but be sure to check out everything leading up to them. It includes an inspiring piece on the use of field recordings for sound design, a visit to the legendary Belfer Audio Archive and Preservation Laboratory with a signed copy of John Cage's Variations I score and the book Silence, as well as a copy of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band signed by George Martin, and a visit to John Brien's Important Records in Groveland, Mass with a Serge/STS system, EML Electrocomp 101, EMS Synthi A and SCI Prophet 5.
There are quite a few pics of the E-Mu system including close-ups of the inside. Do not miss them.
Details on IK Multimedia's new synth, first teased here, are in, and it is not only hardware, but it's analog. Rumored price is 199 Euro which currently comes out to roughly $238 USD.
via IK Multimedia:
"You don’t have to go big to sound huge
True analog synthesizer. Easily programmable. Ultra-portable.
The ultimate real analog synth for everyone
UNO Synth is the ultimate portable, monophonic, true analog synthesizer and IK Multimedia’s entry in the hardware synthesizer world.
We combined our two decades of experience in software and hardware development with the expertise of Italian boutique synth-maker Soundmachines and IK’s synth guru, Erik Norlander (one of the brains behind acclaimed synths like the Alesis Andromeda). The result is a no-compromise instrument with massive analog sound that’s also easy to use with hands-on programmability and advanced features at an unbeatable price.
The days of compromise are over. Now everyone can own a real analog synth with professional sound.
And UNO Synth is proudly made in IK’s own Italian manufacturing facility to ensure the highest quality standards. Like the majority of IK hardware products, UNO Synth is built using a combination of IK’s state-of-the-art, automated mounting machines and test systems and fine, renowned Italian craftsmanship.
Seasoned synth professionals and beginners alike will love UNO Synth’s high-quality, pure analog audio path and its ultra-compact form factor. With both classic and modern synth sounds instantly at hand, UNO will put a smile on the face of synth fans of every musical genre. All this in a synth module that can be easily carried anywhere.
Electronic music lovers or first-time synth users will get instant satisfaction from this affordable, easy-to-use instrument even if they are new to analog synths or synth programming. Thanks to its onboard presets and easy-to-play keyboard with selectable scales and arpeggiator, UNO Synth is the perfect gateway into the synthesizer world.
Great sounding true-analog audio path
Beneath its miniature exterior, UNO Synth packs a powerful, fat and rich-sounding synthesis engine with a full analog audio path on par with professional synthesizers costing much more.
All-analog audio path with 2 VCOs, noise generator, resonant multimode VCF and VCA
2 independent VCOs with Saw, Triangle, Pulse waveforms with continuously variable shape including PWM of the square wave plus a separate white noise generator
A 2-pole OTA-based analog resonant sweepable multimode filter with LPF, HPF and BPF
Custom-designed, dual-stage overdrive that provides filter input overdrive for classic synth saturation tone, from subtle warming to aggressive distortion
LFO with Sine, Triangle, Square, Up Saw, Down Saw, Random and Sample-and-Hold to modulate Pitch, Filter, Amp and continuous oscillator wave shapes including PWM
This highly flexible synthesis engine not only excels in producing the rich, warm, punchy, deep bass sounds that are the core of a high-quality monophonic synth, it’s also perfectly designed to bring a wide sonic palette of leads, drones, arps, sequences, sweeps and effects.
Check out these screenshots. The new Prophet X has two high resolution digital oscillators (OSC1 & OSC2) and two sample based oscillators (Inst1 & Inst2). In the images you can see all four can be both modulation sources and modulation destinations in the modulation matrix. Oscillator/Instrument destinations include Frequency, Size, Start and Center. You can even create a feedback loop where one source modulates itself; in the second screenshot you can see Inst1 as the source and Inst1Freq as the destination in the top slot. You can also modulate other destinations such as filter of course. Think about the possibilities.
"Synthrotek’s FOLD is a combination Wavefolder and Ring Modulator. The FOLD changes the shape of a waveform in order to create harmonics and find new timbres and sonic palettes. The Ring Modulator circuit mixes two waves together to make metallic, bell-like tones, big bass lines and Dalek sci-fi robotic sounds. Patch your folded wave into the ring mod (or vice versa) for sonic euphoria!
Features:
Ring modulator
Taps switch selects 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 stages of folding
Bipolar CV input over Level
Offset for adjusting wave symmetry
Wet/dry Mix
Specifications:
Module width: 4HP
Module depth: 60mm
Current draw:
+12V: 50 mA
-12V: 40 mA
+5V: 0 mA"
"I intended to make a 5 minute or so video with this piece of music but it turned out somewhat longer. It starts and ends with some Mutable Instruments Clouds goodness accompanied by two pictures of the wonderful Gran Sasso area in Italy which we visited last year. Sequences are from the DSI Mopho, Mutable Instruments Braids, SynthTech E330, Mutable Instruments Elements, Oberheim SEM, Korg ARP Odyssey, Rob Hordijk OSC-HRM and the Synthesizers.com Modular, all driven by the Cirklon sequencer. Recorded live and multi-track in Studio One and mixed afterwards. Hope you like it."
"Video four in my #2hpTuesdays series is with the 2hp Arp module. With major, minor, sevenths, sus4, augmented, diminished chords types and more you're set for a tonne of musicality with the module. You can address the root note (CV transpose) the output, change chord type with CV and also reset the pattern/mode. Modes include, up, down, up/down and random across one or two octaves. There's a lot of fun to be had playing the module with an irregular/random pattern or with non steady clock rhythms so you step through arpeggio patterns in rhythm/sequence as opposed to just straight clocks. Good fun!"
150 GB of onboard samples from 8Dio, 50 GB for additional sound libraries, and ability to import user samples in December 2018. Full specs below.
Update: Gorgeous side angled image added further below and 8Dio's videos added below. Update2: Both Oscillators and Instruments can be both modulation sources and modulation destinations in the modulation matrix. See this post. Update3: you can find the full list of Prophet X modulation sources and destinations here.
Published on May 1, 2018 8dioproductions
Playlist:
Prophet X Patch Oh Yeah!??
Prophet X Patch "Children"
Prophet X Romantic Stack
Prophet X Automelodic
Prophet X Beat Architecture
Prophet X Base X
"All sounds recorded directly from the Prophet X poly synth. "Duality Theorem" by Peter Dyer, "PX Joyride" by Drew Neumann, and "Ides of PX" by Mark Wilcox are multi-tracked, all other demos recorded in a single pass directly from the Prophet X."
And the press release: "Dave Smith Instruments Announces Sequential Prophet X Synthesizer, Featuring Samples-plus-Synthesis Sound Engine
New Instrument Boasts Samples by Acclaimed Sound Developers 8Dio, Stereo Analog Filters, and Full Synthesis Capabilities
San Francisco, CA—May 1, 2018—Dave Smith Instruments today announced the Sequential Prophet X, a new, bi-timbral, 8-voice-stereo (16-voice mono) synthesizer that combines samples and synthesis. At the heart of its sound is a newly developed engine that powers two simultaneous 16-bit, 48kHz sample-based instruments plus two high-resolution digital oscillators with waveshape modulation — all processed through analog filters.
Dave Smith commented: “The Prophet X is a powerful evolution of the Prophet series. Musicians have been asking for samples through real analog flters for a long time. We’ve given them not only that, but also all of the synthesis capabilites and awesome sound you’d expect from a Prophet.”
For sample content, Dave Smith turned to acclaimed sound developers 8Dio, known for pioneering “deep sampling,” a detailed approach to sampling that aims to capture all of the nuances and idiosyncracies of a particular sound or instrument. 8Dio co-founder Troels Folmann put it this way: “We’re known for going anywhere and everywhere with sounds. We embrace all sounds as music and feel that if you can capture the musical soul of a sound, you can make it into an instrument. The Prophet X gives musicians a very immediate and responsive way to access this expressiveness.”
The 150 GB sample library in the Prophet X includes numerous acoustic and electronic instruments as well as an extensive collection of ambient and cinematic effects. Users can shape the samples through loop manipulation, sample stretching, and the synthesizer’s many sound-sculpting functions which include 4 envelope generators, 4 LFOs, a deep modulation matrix, and other tools. The Prophet X also provides 50 gigabytes of internal storage for importing additional samples. Several sample libraries will be available from 8Dio at launch. Support for user-created sample content is planned for December, 2018.
A dual-effects engine provides multiple reverbs, two delays (standard and BBD), a chorus, flanger, phase shifter, rotating speaker, high-pass filter, and distortion. In stacked or split voice mode, you can apply two different effects to each layer. Effects parameters can be modulated through the mod matrix as can the samples themselves. A polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step, per layer. The Prophet X features a premium-quality, five-octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch, an integrated power supply, USB support, and three OLED displays.
Dave Smith summed up the new instrument: 'Composers will love the Prophet X for soundtracks and synth geeks will love it for its sound mangling potential. But it’s really for everyone because it covers such a wide range of sounds. The new analog filter design we’re using is not only fantastic for synth sounds, but also does something special for the samples.” Added 8Dio co-founder Tawnia Knox: “The Prophet X has almost infinite posibilites. But more importantly, it has a soul. It’s alive. You can touch your sounds in a different way than you ever could.'
The Sequential Prophet X will be available in the second quarter of 2018 with a projected MAP of $3,999."
"A selection of sounds I've programmed for the Sequential Prophet X. Everything has been recorded straight into Ableton Live. No additional effects or processing, just pure Prophet X."
this is a video I made to show some of the things I get in from other techs that make me a bit upset, this is not to call out any names but just to hopefully give some of you an example of what not to do in your clients gear.
(one Note: I said Axel caps when looking at the supply, meant to say Radial caps.)
Thanks for watching and I do hope this helps some of you out there."
"Pursuing an idea to the limit. This is ACID MANIA, a Roland System-100 live performed improvisation. Diving into the pool of analog ACID. I had an idea to try to make some classic acid using only the System-100. Everything was recorded live in one take and without any external sequencer or DAW to control the System-100.
"Using gate / Ties on BSP’s Seq1 to control Hi Hats brings full control of ancient Pearl Fightman drum brain’s HiHats to reality - jam with Crazy 8 sequencer driving two Anyware Minisizer nano-modulars and providing clock"
Oberheim OB-X Analog Synthesizer from the year 1979
The demo video shows some self programmed uncommon synth sounds.
The Oberheim OB-X is one of the fattest analog poly-synths ever.
The sound character (based of the discrete circuits and the SEM design VCF) is different to the later curtis chip based OB-Xa and OB-8.
Used by: Rush (Subdivisions, Tom Sawyer), Nena (99 Luftballons, Nur Geträumt), J.-M. Jarre (Magnetic Fields), Killing Joke (Love Like Blood), Roxy Music (Avalon), Queen (Flash Gordon), Styx (Too much time on my hands), Japan, Supertramp, Suzanne Ciani, Tangerine Dream (Exit) and more
Gotharman's duoSpaze - Presets Published on May 1, 2018 gotharman
"Most of the presets, that duoSpaze comes loaded with. Everything you hear is duoSpaze. No external gear were used, and only the samples it comes with were used."
Picture shows a prototype. On the final model, the text "Morph Settings" will be replaced by "Trigger 3/4". "Morph Settings" will be a touch button.
Specs:
Expected release date:
-July 2018. Pre-ordering are open now.
-Comes loaded with a bunch of original Gotharman drum samplings and presets.
-4 Parts. 2 Synth parts and 2 sampler parts. The Synth parts supports duophonic playback, and polyphonic playback via poly-chaining.
-4 oscillators arranged in 2 Synth parts with 2 oscillators each. For each synth part: Osc1: Morphable waveforms, FM to Osc2, PWM. Osc2: Sine, tri, saw, pulse and noise. Sync to Osc1, PWM.
-2 samplers arranged in 2 parts, with one sampler each. Start point can be adjusted and modulated, end point can be adjusted, Chop can be selected and modulated (up to 64 chops per sampling), and FM can be applied from the Osc2's of the Synth Parts. FM amount can also be modulated.
-2 Ring Modulators between Osc1 and Osc2 in the Synth Parts.
"A demo of the features and functionality of the Mimetic Digitalis. MD is available now!
0:07 Intro
0:09 Quick Overview
0:23 Music Video
0:40 Panel and Controls Review
3:50 Demo
10:53 Modular Synth Performance
This Eurorack module from Noise Engineering is a 10HP, 16-step sequencer with 4 separate CV outputs plus an additional trigger out. Each CV pattern can be individually edited. This module is optimized for live performances and for changing patterns on the fly. The MD is stacked with a ton of great features for both CV modulation and melodic sequencing."
Sync your rack to a PC or laptop running Ableton or jam with your friends using various Ableton Link capable iOS and Android apps. Or just wirelessly sync your racks across the room. Always in perfect sync with low latencies. Use it as a standalone clock generator with 2 clock inputs and 6 clock/trigger/gate outputs. One MIDI-in capable input and one MIDI-out capable output allow to receive or send MIDI clock signals.
"Today I show a few ways of controlling the BASTL instruments Microgranny 2.5 with the Elektron Digitakt's midi sequencer. These two samplers are great companions!"
"The new book about modular synths, their makers, and masters. Patching secrets, performance tips, history, modules, and techniques.
'Hello!
My name is Kim Bjørn – welcome to the PATCH & TWEAK Kickstarter campaign! Following our book PUSH TURN MOVE about electronic music instruments - we are now creating a book on modular synthesis.
We want PATCH & TWEAK to provide an opportunity for new and experienced users to become true masters of their modular systems. In the style of its predecessor, PATCH & TWEAK contains inspirational interviews with significant creators and major artists who all share their passion for modular. Explore their systems, philosophies, patching secrets, and performance tips.
Besides a comprehensive introduction to synthesis and its history, the book covers systematic sections on concepts, purpose and creative possibilities of specific modules. Enjoy colorful diagrams, presentations of both popular and rare modules, semi-modular and software, as well as techniques for patching and how to get started.
PATCH & TWEAK has a foreword by Suzanne Ciani, is written by Kim Bjørn and Chris Meyer, and edited by Paul Nagle.
So what exactly is PATCH & TWEAK? Watch the video, take the tour below, and please support the book by selecting a reward if you like the idea.'
Kim Bjørn, Copenhagen, May 2018
About the book
Meet the makers, and artists
Apart from systematic sections and general subjects PATCH & TWEAK features interviews with the passionate makers of modules and systems, and the artists who use them, and influence them. We have already started interviewing - and when more artists are confirmed, we will keep you updated!
"Glitchy Techno jam with ALL the System 500 modules including the new 505 VCF, 555 Lag/S&H, 510 Synth voice and 531 mixer.
Sequenced by the Varigate4+ with help from Intellijel Plonk, Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas Alter and Roland TR-09. Everything is running through the new Roland 531 Mixer."
"First prototype demo. Available in June. Price. $499
Color synthesizer - black, green and purple
PRE-ORDERS eltamusicsales@gmail.com
VISIT eltamusic.com."
"So a buddy asked for some beats to freestyle over, so I grabbed an eighth ounce of inspiration and got to work. Here's what I came up with.
All live, no prerecorded nothings.
Teenage Engineering you are amazing, and you've made music fun again! I'm back to making choons! THANK YOU!"
And one more:
SCHIZOID: A Hangover Jam (Live set on OP-1)
Published on Jan 26, 2017 Owl Exterminator
"A hangover jam on my OP-1
I'm still discovering all the little nuances of this amazing instrument, and while it is capable of producing almost anything, it is a bit limiting when it comes to all-live from scratch stuff. Sorry about the sloppiness!
Also I'll film on a flat surface next time. Them legs keep jigglin'."
"Treadstone-Analogue Solutions & ADX-1 Mode Machines this video shows how nicely they play analog Treadstone synthesizer from Synthblocks series from Analogue Solutions and ADX-1 Analog Drum Machine from Mode Machines. I think that this great sound connection ADX-1 is sequenced by Akai MPC1000"
"Finally it's time to reveal to you the full details of Mindphaser! The latest complex oscillator/audio signal generator in the eurorack modular format revealed - bound to hit shelves in 2018 from Hexinverter Électronique.
We've been working hard on this one, trying to perfect the user interface and design for performance-oriented setups. The entire UI is designed to be intuitive for musicians performing in dark, stage-lit environments as well as making it approachable and fun in the studio for all sorts of clangorous analog FM and PM sound design!
All analog, precision triangle cores, thru-zero phase modulation and linear FM with plenty of waveshaping and voltage controlled performance features! This is no classic waveshaper design."
"AE Modular-Tangible Waves Unboxing and mounting new modules DIVIDER, 3VCSWITCH, 2SIGNALAMP ,HPAMP ,SPRING REVERB, 41/0.
Sound with AE Modular from simple patch with new modules."
"Watch the powerful combination of New SYSTEM-500 modules and Roland Boutique TR-08/TB-03 in this video.
In this video, the SYSTEM-500 is being sequenced by CV/Gate output of the Roland Boutique TB-03 and triggered by the Roland Boutique TR-08. Use your favourite sequencers and drum machines and design your ultimate analog Roland synthesizer with SYSTEM-500.
The SYSTEM-500 distills the original era of analog Roland synthesis into nine Eurorack modules. These modules have been designed for the music creator looking to add the "Roland Sound" to their setup with unlimited sound design potential that the Eurorack format delivers."
Roland SYSTEM-500 & AIRA TR-8S Performance
Published on May 1, 2018 RolandChannel
"Watch the powerful combination of New SYSTEM-500 modules and AIRA TR-8S in this video.
In this video, the SYSTEM-500 is being triggered by the outputs of the TR-8S. All outputs of the SYSTEM-500 patch are routed through the SYS-531 MIX module before being sent back to the TR-8S (via External Input) for Master Effects processing."
"The Roland SYSTEM-500 is a series of fully analog Eurorack modules inspired by vintage Roland modular synthesizers. Each module is made to exacting standards in a collaborative design and production process between Malekko in Portland, USA and Roland in Hamamatsu, Japan."
Playlist:
1. Roland SYSTEM-500 505:VCF Module Overview
Inject the sound of the Roland SH-5’s revered filter section into your modular rig with the SYSTEM-500 555 module. The Roland SH-5 is one of the most sought after monosynths in history with one of the most distinguished filters of any monosynth in history. Combining a multi-mode filter with a band-pass filter, it produced a sound that has propelled it to “favorite filter ever” territory for many. It maintains its bass response with a meaty resonance growl. With switchable outputs, built-in VCAs, and CV control of cutoff, resonance, this dual filter gives you two different vintage filter characters in a flexible and compact 16hp module.
2. Roland SYSTEM-500 555: LAG / S&H Module Overview
Channeling inspiration from the Roland SYSTEM-100m's 150 and 165 modules, the 555 module is a five-in-one powerhouse that brings core utility functions to your modular setup, but with some new and interesting twists. With ring modulation, versatile sample and hold with seven waveforms and internal LPF, pink and white noise modes, LFO with internal ENV and VCA, and two CV controlled portamento circuits, your tonal shaping and modulation options are near infinite.
3. Roland SYSTEM-500 531: MIX Module Overview
Inspired by the SYSTEM-100m’s 131 output module, the SYSTEM-500 531 module brings six high-quality inputs, each with level slider, pan knob, and performance-friendly mute button. It has high-fidelity sound with low noise, ensuring that your modular rig sounds its best. The six pan knobs are CV controlled and there’s even a boutique-quality stereo preamp, so you can bring in mic or line level signals–or get overdriven tones. The headphone section has an easy-to-reach, dedicated volume knob as does the multi-format output section that lets you use both 1/4" and 1/8” cables. There’s even an LED level indicator for visual feedback.
4. Roland SYSTEM-500 510:SYNTH Module Overview
With the SYSTEM-500 510 module, designing your first modular setup or integrating classic Roland sound into your existing modular rig has never been easier. Based on the vintage SYSTEM-100m's 110 VCO, VCF, and VCA module, the SYSTEM-500 510 module brings together the best aspects of the SYSTEM-500 into a single voice module. It contains three pristine oscillator waveforms, classic Roland low pass filter with hi-pass switches, and a VCA with multiple outputs. It has inputs for external signals and modulation, and output jacks for both Eurorack and line-level audio. At 20hp and internally normalled for cableless operation, the SYS-510 is an essential building block, whether you’re an experienced user or just diving into modular synthesis.
Update: and the official announcement:
"Roland Expands SYSTEM-500 Modular Synthesizer Series
CLASSIC SYSTEM. NEW FORMAT.
Inspired by vintage Roland modular synths of the 1970s, these new additions to the SYSTEM-500 family not only expand on the SYSTEM-100m-based modules, but also explore fresh territory. Designed in Eurorack format, the SYSTEM-500 delivers the classic character and functionality of vintage Roland modular synths, with all the advantages of a modern instrument.
After a recent resurgence, and thanks to the Eurorack format, modular synthesizers continue to grow in popularity. With roots in the dawn of synthesis, modular synthesizers let you design your own electronic instrument, with deep control of each building block. Unparalleled control over how it’s patched lets you craft your own custom sounds and explore the outer bounds of sound design. Roland has a deep history in modular synthesis, having made several modular and semi-modular synthesizers that are now highly sought-after by collectors.
In 2015, Roland partnered with Malekko Heavy Industry to bring back these legendary instruments as a series of fully analog Eurorack modules. The SYSTEM-500 was born, finally making the sound of these rare instruments available to today’s musicians. And for 2018, there are four new additions to the SYSTEM-500 family. These modules expand on the SYSTEM-100m-based modules and explore fresh territory.
The SYSTEM-500 consists of Eurorack modules that you can mix and match in any combination to create the ultimate Roland modular synthesizer. They’re also a perfect way to inject vintage Roland sound into your existing modular setup. Each module is completely analog and made to exacting standards in a collaborative design and production process between Malekko in Portland, USA and Roland in Hamamatsu, Japan. Designed for maximum compatibility with the world of contemporary synthesizer and effects modules, the SYSTEM-500 delivers vintage Roland character and functionality in a modern system. And the possibilities for sound design and musical exploration are vast.
THIS IS ROLAND SOUND
It’s hard to describe what the “Roland Sound” is—but you’ve heard it on countless worldwide hits and underground classics. Something about the character of Roland electronic instruments continues to make them perennial favorites of musicians and producers. For over 40 years, the Roland sound has moved artists to create new genres, moved music forward, and moved feet on dance floors. Often imitated, the SYSTEM-500 brings truly authentic Roland sound to your studio setup or live rig.
THE STUFF OF LEGEND
The history of Roland modular synthesizers goes back to the mid-1970s. The almost-mythical SYSTEM-700 was the first modular synthesizer ever made in Japan and was followed by the more affordable SYSTEM-100m. The 100m is a favorite of electronic music producers to this very day and working units fetch a high price on the used market. The SYSTEM-700 is extremely rare, slipping into the realm of unobtanium. The SYSTEM-500 brings the unmistakable vintage character of these legendary synths to your own studio and for use in your own tracks."
"Included in this post is a look at some creative outcomes for my 2017/18 fellowship activities in USA and Regional NSW => Mentorship with Doug Quin and residency at Syracuse University, residency at Important Records HQ including a visit to local studio to see an ultra-rare Emu Modular, and giving workshops and working in the field/studio in regional NSW. I've included a number of soundcloud links giving excerpts of some the material I was able to record."
