Polyphenom 2 - Advanced Hybrid Synthesizer VSTi

Published on May 7, 2019 Ocean Swift

Playlist:
Polyphenom 2 - Advanced Hybrid Synthesizer VSTi - OUT NOW
Polyphenom 2 - Ambient Sounds Showcase
Ocean Swift Polyphenom 2 - New Features Commentary and Overview [w/ Faxi Nadu]

"We are so excited and proud to announce that Polyphenom 2 is finally here! This is a HUGE update with countless new features, improvements, fixes and refinements. Some highlights include user loadable wavetables in the subtractive section, a new dynamic preset system, additional shapes in the LFOS, new filter modes, randomization in the additive section and truly so much much much much more!

In addition to the synthesizer we have released two big DLC preset packs for Polyphenom 2. Together they add over 200 new presets to your Polyphenom 2 arsenal, don't miss those!
WavetablerSmall3.jpg
WavetablerSmall3.jpg (63.27 KiB) Viewed 34 times
If all that is not enough, we have also released Wavetabler - a simple but very useful, easy and efficient wave table patcher. A great solution for creating your own tables from single cycles or for preparing a wavetable from one synth's specs to another.

All this - Polyphenom 2 + both DLC packs + Wavetabler can be had in one affordable bundle at just 60e on offer instead of 80e! There is also an offer for just the synth.

All the info and grab it here: https://oceanswift.net/polyphenom/

For previous Polyphenom owners, we also offer a bundle of both DLC packs + Wavetabler for just 22e on offer instead of 30e
https://oceanswift.net/polyphenomdlc/"

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Synth Pads with FREE VSTs - May 7, 2019

Published on May 7, 2019 SynthMania

In this video I use seven free soft synths to play synth pads:

0:07 dexed
1:36 Tunefish
2:44 Crystal
3:45 Tyrell N6
5:27 PG-8X
6:28 TAL NoiseMaker
8:28 OB-Xd

Mystery Circuits' Grateful Dead Emulator II Restoration

Published on May 6, 2019 mysterycircuits

Above are a couple of demos of an Emu Emulator II restored by Mystery Circuits. Is it the same one you see pictured left with Brent Mydland of The Grateful Dead? You can find a post covering some of the history and restoration of this Emulator II on Mystery Circuit's website here.

Update: I asked Mystery Circuits what the serial number was and he said it's hand written and faded, but appears to be SN 983.

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TOM1501 sounds - filter on bass

Published on May 7, 2019 techno comrade / seek sound

Soviet strings synthesizer "TOM1501" (made in 1985)
Some external delay and reverb

Советский синтезатор-стрингс ТОМ-1501 (Тульское объединение "Мелодия")
Внешние эффекты дилэя и реверберации

Oberheim Matrix 12 - MIJ **Fully restored**

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

via this auction

"Oberheim Matrix-12 (Made in Japan)... repaired and restored.

The Matrix-12 is perfectly stable when turned on since the electronic part of the repair job is complete ( approx. 6 weeks ), the PSU DC output voltages are as good as they can get ( +5.12v for +5v/-5.02v for -5v/ 11.9v for 12v/-11.9 for -12v/ +49.83 for +50v)

110/220v switch at the input ( currently set at 220v ofc ;) )
MIDI tested under Ableton Live, Xplorer and as a master keyboard.
Input for functional expression pedal tested.
Aftertouch is working great, and the 12 individual outputs work as they should
OS version: CPU: 1.1
Voices: 1.4

Work done on it:

PSU Board:

-The connectors solders have all been reflowed
-Replacement of electrolytic capacitors on the power supply (16) (Nichicon 105 ° C)
-Replacement of resistors (1w and more)
-Replacement of components To-220 (regulators + 12 / -12 and -5, transistors, diodes) new mica insulators

Voiceboards:

-Replacement of 4 defective CEM3374
-Replacement of electrolytic capacitors (144): Nichicon 105 ° C
-The connectors solders have all been reflowed

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Roland JX-3P Analog Synthesizer w/PG-200 Programmer SN 464373

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

via this auction

"It comes with the increasingly difficult to find PG-200 programmer (Complete with the original documentation and case) which is essential for editing patches. It even comes with the original Roland music stand. Cosmetically a 9/10 - Light normal wear, a few scuffs on some of the upper keys. Functionally a 9.5/10 - Fully functional. Volume pot needs cleaning. Occasionally you get a little garble, but a slight shift of the volume knob seems to fix it immediately."

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YAMAHA TG 33 VECTOR SYNTHESIZER SN HJ01937

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

via this auction

"This used TG-33 comes from a smoke free home and is 100% functional. It has 32 voices and sounds beautiful. It comes with the original Yamaha power supply and manual. Im also including 3 rare rom cards, the 2 black cards are full of great sounds, the white card is blank."

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Twisted Electrons TherapSID MkII with two 8580 SIDs

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

via this auction

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VSL VCO-81 Prototype

Published on May 7, 2019 Vintage Synthlab

Playlist:

1. VSL VCO-81 prototype (x3 voices) with SYNC and FM interaction CEM3340 analog

VCO-81 prototypes with brief SYNC modes and FM explored.

2. VSL VCO-81 Eurorack 12hp precision analog VCO CEM3340 4-voice unison tracking demo

Here we have 4 of our VCO-81 prototypes sharing the same CV (1v/oct) source, acting as one quad VCO voice in unison. Tracking for our design is the most accurate and linear response of any CEM3340 on the synthesizer marketplace as of today. Pricing and availability TBA soon.

Novation Circuitro

Published on May 7, 2019 Flak Cannon

"This is a demoscene or cracktro styled track.. a Novation Circuitro. As you might guess, it's entirely made on the Novation Circuit.

Video created with Sony Vegas."

New Novation Summit Pic

New pic added to this post. Don't miss it.

Sequential In The Spotlight Interview with JUSTIN STANTON

You can find the interview on Sequential's website here.

"As a trumpet player, keyboardist, and composer, Justin Stanton has developed a reputation as a multi-faceted musician who can serve an essential role to whichever artist he is contributing, both onstage and in the studio.

Best known for his role in Snarky Puppy, twice Grammy-awarded Justin Stanton has been building a reputation as a trumpeter, composer, and producer for the past 10 years. He maintains an active schedule performing, recording, and writing with a variety of original artists and groups such as David Crosby, Robert Glasper, Trombone Shorty, Musiq Soulchild, Salif Keita, Terence Blanchard, and Chris Potter to name a few.

Justin´s long-awaited solo debut album Secret Place is now available on all streaming platforms. In the words of Michael League (Snarky Puppy), “Wide, warm, weird, analog, funky, soulful, and deep, Secret Place gives us an idea of what has been going on in Justin Stanton’s head all these years. This is an incredibly varied but cohesive debut from a rich and normally understated musical personality. As a composer, producer, arranger, keyboardist, and trumpeter, his abilities are finally on full display.”

We chatted with Justin on how he’s using Sequential instruments in his music."

---
You can find previous posts featuring Sequential's Spotlight series here.

Bass Station II vs. OP-Z (Sequencing AFX Mode)

Published on May 7, 2019 Red Means Recording

"Let's use the Teenage Engineering OP-Z to sequence AFX mode on the Novation Bass Station II.

AFX Mode puts a distinct patch on each key of the Bass Station II keyboard. The OP-Z has a robust sequencer that lets us take advantage of this.

I'll show you how I set up MIDI for this, and then do a performance."

Vintage Aries 300 Series Modular Synthesizer with 61 key Control Keyboard

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

via this auction

"What you are looking at is a special instrument.

300 Series Modules
The core of this system is five modules from the Aries 300 Series. There is one VCO module, one VCF module, one EG module, one VCA module, and one Clock/Noise/S&H generator. Yes, this is basic; here are the module names:

AR-317 VCO
AR-312 EG
AR-314 VCF
AR-316 VCA
AR-318 SH/Clock/Noise Generator
But of course, that's only the core. This system is bookended with some interesting devices. To say that it is "modified" would really be an understatement. It has been lovingly built by a lifelong musician.

The great thing about this system is that it was used by a professional musician as part of his home studio and performance rig for decades. It's often the case with these vintage units that they have aged poorly due to being left for decades in a closet or basement or whatever. But this was used consistently over its lifetime, up to the time of its builder's death. It has been played, as pieces like this need to be.

As you can see, the VCO module has been modified to include a further fine-tuned frequency control, right in the middle of the four knobs.

The Sound

There are an enormous number of modular and semi-modular systems available for musicians right now; the possibilities are almost endless. However, this has an edge that many modern synths don't have: the sound. These modules together sound much more like an ARP 2600 or vintage Moog modular than anything currently on the market. In fact, the sound of the filter is somewhere between Moog modular and early ARP filter. This probably isn't a coincidence, since Aries was a DIY synth-kit company founded by a former member of ARP in Massachusetts.

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Musicaid Clap Trap ~ Analog Clap Synthesizer ~

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

via this auction

"This one is in good cosmetic condition and working 100%. As you can see, this is the earlier, analog Clap Trap (2nd model) and not the later digital model. It is also the first model with the "humanizer" function. The first model didn't have this function. Most of these that I've seen are 220V. This one is 115V."

Check out those buttons.

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How to DIY Properly (how I prep for successful builds)

Published on May 7, 2019 LeoMakes

"Have you ever messed up a DIY build? Maybe you made a synth or pedal that didn't quite work right? I've gotten questions about this so in this video, I'll walk you through how I prepare for a build and set myself up for success. (Hint: it's mostly down to organization.)

NOTE: This video is mostly about preparation and organization. For detailed tips on the actual soldering (with lots of gorgeous close-up shots) I made a whole separate video for that: [posted here]

I'm certainly not the world's best DIYer or anything so tell me... How do YOU prep? Please share your tips below!

Thanks to the people of 4MS (www.4mscompany.com) for providing the QPLFO (Quad, Pingable LFO). This module is awesome because it packs a lot of functionality (4 LFOs!) in only 12HPs of space--perfect for smaller/portable rigs! This video ran long so I'll have to show this product in-use in a future video.

Here is a link to that product:
https://4mscompany.com/qplfo-kit.php?...

When not making videos I run Strange Science Instruments,

a modular synth company based in Sweden & California:
http://www.strangesci.com

If you enjoy these videos please consider supporting this channel on Patreon! Even a $1 a month goes a long way :)
www.patreon.com/leomakes"

BlueLantern BLM Darpa Modular System Stereo Tests

Published on May 7, 2019 Flavio Mireles

"Gear used: BLM Darpa Modular System, Korg SDD-3000 Stereo Delay, Arturia Keystep"

This system is currently for sale. You can find details and pics previously posted here.

(Matrixbrute/DSI Pro 2/Model D): "The Scrying"

Published on May 6, 2019 Kris Lennox

"'The Scrying', for synth(s), orchestra, & choir. Video shows only one part. Try loud with headphones to make the most of the DSI bass.

Instrumentation below:
Matrixbrute (also acting as controller for Model D. Audio from MB running into Line on D i.e 6 oscs in total)
DSI Pro 2 (on bass duties, obvious at 1:24, and particularly at 2:39. All low end = Pro 2. (...Is the Pro 2 the sleeping giant of Dave's lineup? Possibly...))
Organ (can be heard entering @ c. 2:03) = Viscount Cantorum VI Plus
Roland Integra 7 (choir(s), strings, flutes, french horn)
Bell = city of Tartu, Estonia
Korg M1 also deep in the mix (towards the end).

Numerous overdubs (some Doepfer, some MB), some 10/16 (i.e 5-multiple), plus some polymetricism which can likely be heard at c. 5:18 (3+3+2/16 against 5/16).

Audio also on Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-736798162...

PPS if anyone here owns a Doepfer, they'll recognise the tone @ 4:29. I like to call it the "Doepfer Twang".

PPS excuse video footage quality - for some reason the focus was off.

All best
Kris"

Steinberg Cubit "Visual Song Processing"

via Retro Synth Ads, where you'll find the rest of the scans and a write-up.

"Steinberg Cubit "Visual Song Processing"full page colour ad from page 65 in the May 1989 issue of Keyboard Magazine and Steinberg Cubase "Buy it! Boot it! Love it! Or your money back!" half page black and white ad from page 112 in the March 1990 issue of Electronic Musician Magazine."

KAWAI TEISCO SX-240 w/ Tauntek OS & Stereoping Controller

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

via this auction

"RARE - KAWAI SX-240 8 VOICE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER w/ built in Sequencer, DUAL/SPLIT/LAYRING abilities, TAUNTEK OS and NEW MEMORY BATTERY! Also included is a BRAND NEW Stereoping SX-240 Synth Controller "Knob Box"!

Approximately 950 of these synths were ever made and these are quite rare and desirable. Many people (including myself) prefer the SX-240 over the Juno's from way back when.

This is a very super clean, excellent condition keyboard, I have literally owned it since I bought it brand new in 1984 from Gamble Music Co. in Galesburg IL."

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Oberheim Matrix 1000 SN I890315

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

via this auction

"Oberheim Matrix 1000 6 Voice Polyphonic Analog Synth With Manual"

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Roland SVC-350 Vintage Vocoder SN 850154

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

via this auction

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Radikal Technologies Spectralis SN 140172

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

via this auction

"Powerful synthesis, sampling, sequencing, Drum Programming and filtering."

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2019/05 - Bangkok to San Francisco

Published on May 7, 2019 Stereoping

PULSCar sighting. Note the background on it looks red / burgundy not black. Fun track.

"I hope you enjoy listening to this funny composition as i did while arrangeing it. Starting as a stupid solo-entertainer-pattern with Cha-Cha-Trumpets. The arrangement takes a twist into Bhangra at 1:05 with a juicy Synth-solo played by Dreadbox's Nyx, accompanied by a programmed VSTi-Tabla. The journey continues with deep Volksmusik-Horns leading into the contrastive & sweet contra theme at 2:04. The Boehm Dynamic 12x24 Ensemble strings have their solo now, the Nyx is helping out a bit. In the end from 3:03 the chord progression gets somehow jazzy for a final Nyx synthesizer solo.

A realtime recording of a FL Studio midi arrangement. Drums: CR-68 (with midi & the missing CR78 voices MetalBeat,Tambourine + Guiro), Bass: Waldorf Pulse, oriental Solosynth: Dreadbox Nyx, Horns & Backing-strings: JV1018, High strings: Böhm Dynamic 12/24

The video itself it not that exciting. The playlist and a headcam-realtime-shot from the gokiburi-studio showing some gear and slight modulation-performance on the Nyx during the soli. At least something to look at.
Hope you like it :-)"

SOFÁ - TR-808 - EMS VCS3 - Ramón Amezcua

Published on May 7, 2019 Ramón Amezcua

Meet ZOA // a new 3D soft silicone controller for your synths!

Published on May 6, 2019 DivKidVideo

"This is a very early prototype ZOA soft silicon 3D haptic controller with MIDI/USB/CV outputs for interaction modulation of your music/synth devices be those Eurorack, semi modular, DAW etc.

YES the outputs of the step, I'm speaking to the designer(s) with some feedback.

It feels strange and wonderful at the same time, hence wanting to share a quick video with it."

via COMPLIA

OUR FIRST CONTROLLER

Zoa

The Zoa has a palm-sized, gesture sensitive, soft interface made of silicone and it can be used as an add-on to any keyboard synthesizers.

It functions like a multi-dimensional modulation wheel: it has three axes that can be mapped to the parameters of any DAW software. The interface feels natural and provides a unique way to modulate sound.

Although the controller has built-in interactions, it can also learn user-defined interactions. This way, the controller can provide a fully personalised experience.

Spherical Wavetable Navigator (SWN) - SphereEdit

Published on May 7, 2019 4ms Company

"SphereEdit is software for Mac, Windows, and Linux for creating, editing, and exporting wavetables to be used with the Spherical Wavetable Navigator (SWN) Eurorack module from 4ms Company. The SWN can store up to 108 user-created Spherical Wavetables, and SphereEdit is a powerful tool for designing Spheres and loading them into the SWN (scope shots are from a modified Vectrex).

SphereEdit is fork of the Synthesis Technology WaveEdit project developed by Andrew Belt. Both SphereEdit and WaveEdit are open-source under the GNU GPLv3 license.

Download links:
------------------

Mac: https://4mscompany.com/SWN/SphereEdit...
Windows: https://4mscompany.com/SWN/SphereEdit...
Linux: https://4mscompany.com/SWN/SphereEdit..."

Dreadbox NYX v2 demo track in 4K & Intro Video by Tim Shoebridge

Published on May 6, 2019 Tim Shoebridge

Introducing the NYX v2 Analog Synthesizer from Dreadbox

Published on May 6, 2019 Tim Shoebridge

"Here is a brief demo track plus an introduction to the brand new NYX v2 semi modular synth from Dreadbox."

Dreadbox NYX v2

Scrotum Lab Small Box

Published on May 7, 2019 batchas

"Improvising with the Scrotum Lab small box.
No external effect added. Direct out from box. A mixer is in the back, where I can set the volume from each Radio Music module.
Except a loop from 3rd Radio Music (coming at 2:00) which I synched earlier to the Grilles sequencer via TAP tempo button, all the samples and banks of samples are selected by hand randomly (I like surprises!).
Samples are all from unreleased Batchas recordings (1996-2002)."

4 05 19 Scrotum Lab - Orgone Accumulator MK2

Published on May 6, 2019 batchas

"First time powering on the Orgone Accumulator new version after testing. All wavetables are now also controllable via CV.
This is not a demo, I'm just playing around a bit with a few settings and I'll make a few more videos asap.

Very powerful sound source!"

The Division Department 01/IV ANALOG DRUM SYNTH

The first batch of the new 01/IV ANALOG DRUM SYNTH will be limited to a run of 50.

"01/IV by The Division Department is a 4-channel analog drum synthesizer capable of synthesizing a wide palette of sounds. From usual drum hits like kicks, toms, snares, claps, hi-hats and cymbals to unusual and complex sounds like drones and weird modulated creations. The provided MIDI implementation lets the 01/IV be triggered via MIDI, which makes it a powerful piece of equipment in a setup.
−
The concept of 01/IV is unique as it has four identical voice channels with all the power of synthesizing various type of drum sounds. Any channel can play a kick, a cymbal, toms and congas, or even a bassline. Channels can even be combined, can modulate each others in pairs (FM) or can be layered to form complex sounds. All these achieved with a flexible routing system composed of slide switches and carefully calibrated synthesizer elements.
−
01/IV inherited genes from legendary drum machines and drum synthesizers like the Pollard Syndrum, the Roland 808 & 909, and Pearl Syncussion SY-1. It has a true analog audio path, but also added a very flexible digital modulation system of a multi-function LFO, ramp and retrigger generator.
−
Key Features:

60 panel controls: Knobs - Switches - Triggers Buttons
4 Voices - Chromatic via midi
Drone Mode
Midi note triggers and partial Midi CC controls
Mix / Individual outputs
Compact size / Light weight

Some details captured from The Division Department website for the archives follow. See The Division Dapartment label for additional posts.

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MIND Music Labs ‘Powered by ELK’ Retrologue 2 Desktop Synth

Note the VST logo on the bottom left, to the right of the ELK logo. This is VST powered. Curious if it will be able to run different synth engines. Press release follows.

MIND Music Labs lets ‘Powered by ELK’ Retrologue 2 desktop synth prototype fly for Steinberg at SUPERBOOTH19

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN: Mind Music Labs is proud to announce a continuation of its official partnership with music and media production products provider Steinberg — initially resulting in the German giant’s VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plug-in format natively supporting the integration of the Swedish startup’s ELK MusicOS, allowing VST- based plug-ins to run seamlessly in ‘Powered by ELK’ musical instruments and audio processors — by bringing a brand-new, co-developed desktop synth prototype with full MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) support to SUPERBOOTH19 in Berlin, May 9-11…

“Plug-ins and software synths have brought amazing power and flexibility to computer-based recording, but now musicians want to harness all that power without the computer; there are times when you want to twist real knobs, rather than wiggle a mouse.” So says MIND Music Labs CEO Michele Benincaso, before adding: “It’s really exciting to be empowering those users with ELK MusicOS.”

This sentiment is clearly shared by Florian Haack, Senior Marketing Manager at Steinberg: “We immediately saw the potential of ELK MusicOS, and that’s why we added it to the official VST SDK [Software Development Kit]. The development of the ‘Powered by ELK’ Retrologue 2 hardware prototype has further strengthened our belief that, with the help of ELK MusicOS, VST can become a standard for not only software, as it is today, but also for hardware.”

Having said that, then, the proof of the pudding is in the tasting. The proof-of-concept ‘Powered by ELK’ Retrologue 2 desktop synth prototype — running Steinberg’s Retrologue 2 VST Virtual Analog Synthesizer, successfully emulating the warmth and fatness of classic analog synthesizers — will be being showcased for all to see and hear on Steinberg-owner Yamaha’s booth (H310) at SUPERBOOTH19 in Berlin, May 9-11.

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New Novation Summit 16-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer Revealed in German Magazine Beat

Coming Fall 2019
2200 Euro which comes to $2458 at today's exchange rate.

The description in the second image is in German.

It's pictured with the Bass Station II, but it looks more like the Peak which is 8-Voice polyphonic with digital oscillators and analog filters. The Summit will likely be a 16-Voice Peak with keyboard and expanded control panel. And of course the name - Summit ~ Peak.

Update: new pic below sent my way via Soviet Space Child below.

Click on the image for full size.

New Behringer DS-80 - Yamaha CS-80 is Coming - First Renders

The Behringer CS80 is real. Click on the images to zoom in. You'll find some pics of the inside below.

Update: PDF scans added below, in via Soviet Space Child.  The DS-80 is being developed in their new Italian studio.

Update2: here's an interview with the head of the Italian division, Luigi Scarano of Fingersonic.

Follow-up to this post. No levers in the bottom section. Looks like they are replaced with sliders. Levers do make a difference in the feel of the instrument. It's almost like replacing the warp drive level on the millenium falcon with a slider. :) Regardless, that is impressive. The 4 preset slots on the left implies this will be fully analog with basic midi.

Some notes from Behringer:

"As promised here is our DS-80 design draft;

Multi-Timbral 8-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer with Dual Channels per Voice, Polyphonic Aftertouch, Ribbon Controller and Patch Memory

We want to be absolutely clear that this a very complex synthesizer project and it is at a very early stage. It will take us a long time to complete, however we are committed to deliver.

Why are we showing you this project at such an early stage? We believe that including you in the design process from the very beginning while help us and the synthesizer community to create a better product – and that’s all that matters to us."

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