Waverazor Dual Oscillator Introduction

Published on Aug 13, 2019 MOK

"The Waverazor Dual Oscillator is now available! This complex and innovative oscillator module’s patented wave-slicing synthesis presents a novel approach to sound generation that splices waveforms into twisted and aggressive new timbres. Visit MOK.com for more information."

Mulogix Slave 32 Documents & Resources

This one is in via the seller of the Mulogix Slave 32 posted here.

"Here is a google drive URL to a high quality scan of the Schematic, User Manual in two parts, the Digital Synthesis Module RS-232 Interface Technical Reference manual, Mulib Users Guide, the Feature Specification with reference sheet, blank Beta Test Registration form, Software and voice library for the Slave."

MOK Waverazor demo and patch programming

Published on Aug 13, 2019 CatSynth TV

"We explore the Waverazor, a unique and powerful software synthesizer from MOK. Each oscillator generates sound from one or more waveform slices that can be changed and modified in real time, with the oscillators feeding into multiple filters and finally to a mixer and effects section.

We demo several of the factory presets (including a second bank created by Richard Devine), and give a short tutorial on basic programming of the oscillators, filters, and modulation matrix."

It's time... Behringer Rhythm Designer RD-8 About to Ship

Published on Aug 13, 2019 BEHRINGER

New teaser video posted today. Looks like it's just about here for those interested.

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS SN 0594

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

via this auction

"Here is a vintage Prophet VS. The synth exhibits some light cosmetic wear and is missing the Data Entry slider knob but is in clean overall shape. The keyboard does have a few electronic issues such as the sound which comes through is a little noisy/distorted and the arpeggiator not working correctly. The arpeggiator is not stable, depending on where the Waveform Mix knob is positioned, the rate either increases or decreases. It does this very slowly and does not stay locked in one setting. All other functions and presets work."

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Cwejman S1 MK2 semi modular synth SN 286

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

via this auction

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Korg EX800 w/ Mods

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

via this auction

"I bought it modded, unsure as to the specific ‘brand’ of mod (Moog Slayer?? Hawk800??.) but it either way it adds a totally wild filter cutoff, resonance and FM to the synth allowing for far greater sound sculpting and hands on control."

CASIO RZ-1 Rhytmcomputer SOUND DEMO

Published on Aug 13, 2019 LESINDES

"Playing a few rhythm pattern with the legendary CASIO RZ-1 PCM and sampling drum computer."

New Analog Mafia RC-808 from Roland's "Mid-O Series" Developers and the "Failed" Roland TR-808

Published on Aug 8, 2019 藤本健

Update: demo above spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

This post is a bit of a doozy so bear with me. :)

First we have a new software model of the TR-808 from the original developers of the 808:

"The RC-808 'Re-Create the 808' emulates the original TR-808 sound with analog manner synthesis. As the name implies, it is with respect to the original 808 sounds which is a criterion for sound synthesis as a vintage. Starting from this criterion, explore the multiverse of sounds, stretch out your vectors, to find out new criterion of your own. Yes, it can take you to the new sonic worlds that are completely different and yet so close and familiar to you.
Hence it is not a drum machine but is a drum synthesizer. No samples nor effects processing are being used, just genuine synthesis only, all in analog manner.

The sound source employs DCO which is in this case Down Chirp Oscillator, combined with a noise source that outputs various kinds of noises including metallic noises. There is also a infinite point wave shaper, a variable filter bank, infinite point envelope generators etc. With maximum 8 partials per voice, it allows sound designing in subtractive synthesis manner which is familiar to all and yet still with vast space beckoning to be discovered.
Thanks to this flexible architecture, all instruments can have Open and Close variations just like Hi-Hats or cymbal choke performance. Coupled with piano-roll sequencer utility this brings new expressions with gate time programming, that you don’t see on a drum sequencer..."

You can download the Windows version here. A Mac version is coming.

Second, the following is some info on the people behind the RC-808 (pictured above) via Vector808:

"We the Analog Mafia, lead by Tadao Kikumoto, is the original R&D staffs who developed the Mid-O Series from Roland Corporation. We would like to express full gratitude and respect to all the people who were in Roland, and supported us at that time.

In above photo, from left to right, we the Analog Mafia are:
Jun-ichi Kadoya: Roland 1977 - 1983, Mid-O Series software / hardware engineer, still is a programmer
Hisanori Matsuoka: Roland 1979 - 1995, Mid-O Series software / hardware engineer, still is an engineer
Kyokazu Fujiwara: Roland 1978 - 1981, Mid-O Series sound source, now a general manager of a software maker
Tadao Kikumoto: Roland 1977 - 2009, Mid-O and V-Series R&D, now Silent Street Music concept maker and promotion
Yoshiro O-e: Roland 1978 - 1988, System-700 and Mid-O Series R&D, now operating a chemical company

Also are:
Hiro Nakamura: Roland 1975 - 2000, CR-68, CR-78, TR-808 sound sources, engineer
Atsushi Hoshiai: Roland 1982 - present, sampling for TR-909, engineer

We all are still analog manias ;)

Because we are independent from Roland Corporation, they nor we can not answer to any kind of inquiries about us and our deliverables including this website. Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation for everything.

Tadao Kikumoto is currently also working busy on another equally innovative project, called SSM - Silent Street Music. It is multi-channel concurrent streaming and listening technology that allows zapping through multiple music or lecture sources instantly. Join us on its exclusive introduction website (at the moment the website is only in Japanese language)"

Third, vector808 has a fascinating historical account covering the development of the Roland TR-808 starting with the x0x series, or as the original Roland developers referred to them, "The Mid-O" series. The following are three excerpts followed by a link to the full article. Note how they perceived the TR-808 was a failure compared to the LinnDrum in the second excerpt.

One:

"The Beginning
In 1983, a number of instruments were released with MIDI, the standard that I was involved in. After the tough times with all the difficulties of development, Roland launched the TR-909 the successor model of TR-808. Yamaha made debut of the ground breaking DX7, a serious digital synthesizer and again with MIDI. It was the opening of the new chapter in the electronic musical instruments, the dawn of full digital synthesis.

Roland then was still a new emerging enterprise, and did not have enough resources to pursue digital technology. To combat the situation, the Fundamental Research and Development Department was established."

Two:

"To meet the low target price, I employed oscillation technique of pulse wave modulating the simple T-network bandpass filter. By short circuiting the resistors in the T-type network for the certain initial duration with transistors, it was possible to raise the frequency. This allowed us to enforce the attack sound compared with conventional rhythm boxes.

But the initial reputation of the 808 was nothing but crippled as it was compared with the Linn products. Furthermore, the sound had insufficient impact or punch at the beginning, which resulted to have pronounced fundamental frequency 60 Hz. But then again, it was this prominent fundamental which attracted the attention of later time hip-hop and EDM artists, and they gave a name to it as “Deep Decay”. This led to the rediscovery of Mid-O Series. The long decay sound was made possible by decay parameter that I added to show at least as a sign or as an evidence of the 808 being a synthesizer. Even inside the company this was regarded as going too far, but later it became one of vital identities of the 808.“

Three:

"If you liken it in the picture art world, the TR-808 sounds are simple line drawings and illustrations so to speak. It puts more weight on showing essence simply rather than realistic photography. The traditional painting of Japan known as Ukiyo-e is a pictorial method and manner that is primarily made of outlines derived from specification of printing and paints. This manner has its own limits, and hence is a vector of criterion. Katsushika-Hokusai, famous for his Mr Fuji pictures, created The Great Wave off Kanagawa（神奈川南沖浪浦 Kanagawa Minami Oki Nami Ura）. In that piece of work, he threw off the photographic details into abstraction that boldly enhanced the great waves by outlines, and made contrast with a pointed Mt Fuji. This manner derived from its own limits is something impossible with realistic paintings that put priorities on details.
The inventor of the bass drum must have done trial and errors like enlarging the diameter or making the membrane thicker to produce fat low sound. Large portion of the beater strike energy to the skin however must have been consumed by uneven fractional vibration or parasite vibrations, resulting unwanted muddy sound. Also, the drummer spends a long time doing a lot of work on damping with blankets and else in order to suppress the unnecessary resonance with the body or with other drums. But once adequately used, this dirt will become important part of the sound, its identity, reality, and criterion.

The TR-808 bass drum was without the reality of the drums but was like an enhanced great wave depicted in the Hokusai’s picture. It is with abstraction of the details, but then again, also with dynamic and ideal low sound. It lacks with the attack impact and the release decay of sampling drum reality, but the artists chose its ideality."

You can find the full article here: https://vector808.jimdofree.com/home/episodes-of-the-mid-o-series/.

P.S. Not sure if the brand is Analog Mafia, vector808 or both. Giving this post both labels below.

YAMAHA SY35 Vector Synthesizer 1992 | HD DEMO

Published on Aug 13, 2019 AnalogAudio1

"(c) 2019 by AnalogAudio1

I played the YAMAHA SY35 without any additional effects or eq.

The vector synthesizer Yamaha SY35 came out 1992 and was the successor of the successful SY22. The SY35 has partly new/different waveforms, new and better drum samples (16-bit).

Although instruments like Roland D-50 and Kawai K-1 have joysticks to mix parts of the sound, they are not vector synths. A real vector synth can reproduce the vector moves within a sound program.

The SY35 is a quite simple but effective vector synthesizer - simple to use and to program. No filters. One sound consist of 2 or 4 elements 2 FM (4-op frequency modulation) and 2 AWM (sample playback). You can record a vector move into a patch and play it back with a keystroke. You could edit and loop the vector moves, edit the speed... you can achieve some really interesting, dynamic sounds. Built in effect processor for reverb and delay. The effects can not be tweaked.

You hear sounds created by me and some factory presets."

Roland Juno-60 Analog Synthesizer (1982) *Виктор*

Published on Aug 12, 2019 RetroSound

"(c) 2019 vintage synthesizer track by RetroSound

all synthesizer sounds: Roland Juno-60 Analog Synthesizer
drums: Linndrum (1982)
recording: multi-track without MIDI, played by hand
fx: reverb and delay

In memory of Виктор Цой. For me one of the most important musicians ever. Singer and songwriter who co-founded the group Kino, one of the most popular and musically influential bands in history of Russia. Unfortunately he was killed 1990 on the Sloka-Talsi road in Latvia. :(

Tsoi means more to the young people of our nation than any politician, celebrity or writer. This is because Tsoi never lied and never sold out. He was and remains himself. It's impossible not to believe him. Tsoi is the only rocker who has no difference between his image and his real life, he lived the way he sang... Tsoi is the last hero of rock.
Rest in peace Viktor.

I used for this track a short piece of his song 'Следи за собой'.
And a picture made by Julia from St. Petersburg."

2getheraudio RE4ORM - Synth Jam

Published on Jul 31, 2019 2getheraudio

"Check out this quick synth jam recorded by Adam FIlter showing how RE4ORM and K1CK Synth are sequenced with the Beatstep Pro.

RE4ORM: https://www.2getheraudio.com/instrume...
K1CK Synth: https://www.2getheraudio.com/instrume...

Check out free demos of both plugins at www.2getheraudio.com
Follow us on Instagram for more content.

Full versions are available for as low as $10 thanks to our Pay-What-You-Want model and 10% goes to a good cause you select at checkout!"

Impromptu Twelve-Key

Published on Aug 13, 2019 Omri Cohen

"So here is a short video about Twelve-Key from Impromptu Modular, which got recently a new update, and now there is also a sort of a velocity\after-touch control.

If you like what I do and want to support my work, consider joining my crew on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/omricohen

Here are the patches - https://patchstorage.com/impromptu-tw...
Here is the Impromptu collection - https://vcvrack.com/plugins.html#impr..."

Loscha @ Frostwave Taal Taarang Tabla Hacking

Published on Aug 13, 2019 Edward Jones

Follow-up to Tabla Machine into Bass Synth Pedal

Apparatus Tube Synthesizer

Published on Aug 12, 2019 Eternal Engine EMI

Note the above is a playlist of all videos by Eternal Engine EMI. The first 10 feature the Apparatus Tube Synthesizer.

1. Apparatus Tube Synthesizer (Live)
2. Apparatus Tube Synthesizer (Simple theme)
3. Making tube synth control panel
4. Tube Overdrive for Tube Synthesizer
5. Tube Synthesizer First Start
6. Tube Filter vs Tube oscillator (first start)
7. Vacuum Tube Oscillator MIDI and Sound Test 2
8. Tube Oscillator Amplitude Stability test
9. Tube Oscillator Frequency Synchronization test
10. Tube sawtooth oscillator




"The first Russian duophonic synthesizer based on vacuum and gas-filled radio tubes. Apparatus is the first Russian duophonic synthesizer. The audio path of the instrument, completely created on the basis of vacuum and gas-filled radio tubes using circuitry solutions in the spirit of the first half of the 20th century, is controlled by a modern powerful processor based on the ARM core, which ensures stability of characteristics and instant response to the artist's manipulations. All synthesizers are hand-assembled and produced in a limited edition.

Specification:
kenoton rectifier power supply

audio path based entirely on radio tubes

two independent thyratron oscillators with quartz frequency stabilization, which ensures frequency accuracy throughout the entire operating range

voltage-controlled second order vactrol filter with the possibility of self-oscillation and overdrive

voltage-controlled amplifier, based on the traditional schematic of tube opto compressors

triode asymmetric overdrive

analogue VU meter

filter cutoff frequency control by analog pedal

CV inputs to control the filter cutoff frequency and amplifier amplitude
External Input for signal processing from external audio devices

velocity-sensitive ADSR envelope generator with two trigger modes

MIDI Clock synchronizable low-frequency oscillator with retrigger option and smooth waveform morphing: saw-triangle-reverse saw in triangle mode or pulse width modulation in square wave mode, sample & hold

auto and continuous modes of portamento / legato

monophonic and duophonic mode

responds to MIDI controls Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel, Velocity

MIDI channel switching with the Learn button

galvanic isolated USB port

powerful headphone amplifier, compatible with low impedance load

FAQ
Tubes are removed during transportation

The kit includes a set of spare tubes (one tube of each type)
You can order the new tubes from us

MIDI over USB protocol implementation does not require an external driver for Windows or Mac OS"

Moog One | William Basinski | Discovering & Witnessing

Published on Aug 13, 2019 Moog Music Inc

"Ambient composer and time-traveler William Basinski uncovers the space between dimensions during an encounter with Moog One at Moogfest 2019.

Basinski's album 'On Time Out of Time' is available now on Temporary Residence Ltd: http://www.mmlxii.com/products/638576..."

Arturia KEYSTEP 1.1 Update

"WHAT'S NEW IN KEYSTEP 1.1?

New sequence length controls

Record + MIDI Channel to set sequence length

• Holding Record and hitting one of the 16 first notes sets the sequence length.
• If the previous sequence length was smaller, it adds silences
• If the previous sequence length was bigger, it truncates the sequence.

Add multiple steps with MIDI Channel notes

• Hold Record, and press a MIDI Channel note to add that number of steps to the sequence length.
• If the previous sequence length was smaller, it adds silences
• This can be done multiple times, and is truncated at 64.

New “Armed” setting

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LYRA-8 is driven by DANCE!!

Published on Aug 13, 2019 Vlad Kreimer

"In the video, LYRA's upper sensors are connected to the plates attached to the dancer body (the boy) and the lower sensor (the ground) is connected to the leg of the girl."

Studio Electronics Omega8 Plum Purple

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

via this auction

"Comes with the stock Oberheim and Moog Filter cards.

Eight voice polyphonic analog synthesizer with 2 VCOs and 1 Suboscillator per voice. There are 2 analog VCFs to choose from, a Moog style Lowpass, and a Oberheim Multimode with Lowpass, Bandpass, Highpass, and Bandreject (Notch). Rounding out the modulation with 2 LFOs, 3 Envelope Generators, and an Arpeggiator.

On the outputs, the Omega 8 can be mono, stereo, or each voice (multi-timbral) can have its own output."

Vtg 1970s SWTPC Psych-tone Melody Composer Synthesizer Project

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Rare SWTPC Psych Tone 1971 digital analog synthesizer sequencer triadex Muse electronic music Published on Apr 28, 2013 salvadory

Interesting note that this was the first digital sequencer synth prior to the Triadex Muse, the first digital synth.

"First of all my camera is terrible so my apoligies for audio and video-( my camera keeps shutting off even though the power is charged-)

However this is a very rare SWTPC psych tone music composer from 1971 with original magazine article- the only video on youtube as of now - my model is in very good full functioning condition and is a much sought after piece- a precursor to the famous and also rare Triadex Muse-

An interesting missing link in synthesizer development from the early age.... quirky interesting patterns and sound- design way ahead of its time in my opinion- plenty of switches and knobs to make things interesting!"

Note the Popular Electronics article at the end.

via this auction

Looks like a crusty, beat-up KORG Volca in a custom case with speaker. These do come up now and then. You can find some in the archives here. You can find pics of the inside/backside below.

Note the video above is not for this specific listing. You can see it is dated 2013. I found it searching for demos on YouTube. This is the first demo of the SWTPC Psych-tone posted on the site for that matter.

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Vintage EKO Pony Synth

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

via this auction

Essentially a non programmable preset synth. The actual name of it is the Pony Synth as you can see. Via the listing:

"retro vintage eko pony synth keybroad synthesiser
got this new over 30 years ago from bill greenhalgh of exeter devon
full working order. lots of fun and now has become very retro etc"

Anyone know who bill greenhalgh of exeter devon is? I ran a quick search and didn't find anything.

Update via Matthew North in the comments: "Hi there I worked at Bill Greenhalgh from 1992-1994. It was one of the biggest music shops outside of London over 3 floors sold absolutely everything."

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Original Vintage Analog Synthesizer ARP Solus

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

via this auction

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Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 Rev 2 SN 1350

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

via this auction

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CMI Fairlight Series III MFX-2 Sampling Unit SN CMI 019

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

via this auction

"Fairlight Series III MFX-2 sampling unit w/latest software

and latest hardware updates from 1992...

16-channel sampling plus 24-track hard disk recording

on one machine...

32MB RAM!! fitted on one card (Peter Wielk-option)

(instead of 7 RAM cards 2MB each=14MB=factory specs)

this custom upgrade makes the machine run awesome cool...

SD-card option: 16GB SD-card quadruple partitioned =

like 4 SCSI hard disks – each 4GB...

complete Series IIx library and Series III library on one SD-card...

16 voices out on 16 XLRs...

plus router card fitted, (internal 16/2 mixer)...

2 master outs on XLRs...stereo sampling in on 2 XLRs...

MIDI card fitted - 64 channels in, 64 channels out...

AES EBU option card fitted – stereo input and output on XLR

graphics color card – suitable for most modern flat monitors..

included monitor NEC"

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Original Nextel Blue WALDORF Q Keyboard Synthesizer

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

via this auction

Curious how that Nextel paint is holding up. My Pulse Plus with Nextel is getting sticky. According to the listing this one is mint:

"WALDORF Q Fantastic rare creative synthesizer
Like nearly brand new! Mint! The nicest you'll find!
Beautiful wood and design. The nicest version. More photos available.
5 octaves, aftertouch, arpegiator, heavy solid keyboard
Perfectly working of course!"

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Yamaha CS-30 Analog Synthesizer

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

via this auction

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Akai AX80 w/ Custom Wood Side Panels

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

via this auction

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Father & Sonthesizer Tuesdays

Published on Jun 18, 2019 George Kay

"In this series me and my dad talk about our DIY synths and current projects/past experiences. This first episode is our introduction and a quick recap of our past projects. We felt the need to make this series because it is rather unusual for a father and son to have a project like this."

Playlist as of this post:

Father & Sonthesizer Tuesdays #1
Father & Sonthesizer Tuesdays Ep.2: The Melody Fountain
Father & Sonthesizer Tuesdays Ep.3: The Basic Tools of Synth DIY
Father & Sonthesizer Tuesdays Ep.4: Making a PCB
Father & Sonthesizer Tuesdays Ep.5: The Guitar Synthesizer
Father & Sonthesizer Tuesdays Ep.6: The Dual 3340 VCO
Father & Sonthesizer Tuesdays Ep.7: Spring Reverb
Father & Sonthesizer Tuesdays Ep. 8: Analog Drums
Father & Sonthesizer Tuesdays Ep. 9: Mega Percussive Synthesizer
Father & Sonthesizer Ep. 10: The Digital Module You Need
Father & Sonthesizer Ep.11: The Mega Multi Module
Father & Sonthesizer Ep. 12: The Sonic Multiplier
Father & Sonthesizer Ep. 13: The 50€ Wavetable Synth - Part 1
Father & Sonthesizer EP. 14: The 50€ Wavetable Synth - Development
Father & Sonthesizer Ep. 15: STM32 Sample Player
Father & Sonthesizer Ep.16: The Best 50€ DIY Synth
Father & Sonthesizer Ep. 17: Low Budget Innovative Drum Machine
Father & Sonthesizer Ep. 18: Turing Drum Sequencer
Father & Sonthesizer Ep. 19: CV Panning Mixer
Father & Sonthesizer Ep. 20: The ModMixer
Father & Sonthesizer Ep. 21: Easy Analog Bitcrusher
Father & Sonthesizer Ep. 22: Build Your Own Juno Chorus

Patient (Microfreak + Minilogue)

Published on Aug 13, 2019 SineRider

"Ambient sequence for Arturia Microfreak accompanied by Korg Minilogue.

FX: Valhalla Delay + Valhalla Vintage Verb"

Zerone | Audio Particle Splitter

Published on Aug 13, 2019 Puremagnetik

"Zerone is an audio particle splitter that uses granular processes to dissect sound. It has two branches of granular processors that can time compress/expand and iterate over time segments.

On one end of the processing spectrum, Zerone is a repeat, timestretch and stutter-like effect. On the other end, it is a complex space creator with huge washes of evolving, cascading ambiences. Using these processing techniques together, Zerone excels as a sound design tool for discovering new sounds hidden within your audio."

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Tweaking Sounds on a Korg MS20 While Sequenced [Demo #5]

Published on Aug 13, 2019 gstormelectro

"Audio and Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2019

Tweaking sounds on an Korg MS-20 while getting sequenced by Beatstep Pro. I'm using a little circuit that converts the eurorack standard to pitch CV and gate triggers the MS-20 can understand."

---
Industrial Music Electronics aka The Harvestman makes a eurorack module called the English Tear for this purpose. You can find previous posts featuring the English Tear here.

Roland VP-9000 Is The Least Used Sampler

Published on Aug 13, 2019 The Daydream Sound

"Things you can do with the Roland VP-9000 to get more practical use out of it.

S-950 & ASR-10 Manuals
https://www.thedaydreamsound.com/samp..."