Dr. John Chowning -Keynote Address | Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 10, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"I first met Dr. John Chowning, the discoverer of frequency modulation as a powerful algorithm for synthesis, at the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) at Stanford in the early 90's. He was a brilliant, kind gentleman then, and nothing has changed in the subsequent decades. I thought it important to document his address, and subsequent lecture on the history of FM synthesis, for the future. Apologies for the sound quality - there was an enormous air conditioner running full blast behind him. But the substance is what counts, and hearing the words of this giant of the synthesizer realm."

Also see: MMTA SYNTHFEST 2013: Dave Bristow & The History of Yamaha FM Synthesis

Update:

Dr. John Chowning - The History of FM Synthesis | Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 11, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"Dr. John Chowning is a legendary scientist, musician, and composer best known for the discovery of frequency modulation (FM) synthesis for musical applications. He did not invent the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer, but he discovered the principles underlying the technology, and worked tirelessly to get it into the hands of a company that would develop it into a product. That product, the DX7, became one of the best selling synthesizers of all time.

Dr. Chowning's lecture at Knobcon 2019 delves into the history of the discovery of FM, as well as detailed information on how it works, ending with the creation of the DX7. This discussion is dense and scholarly, but has charts and animations to help explain the principles of the topic. It is a long lecture, but will bear fruit to the student of electronic music that is willing to delve in.

My apologies for the quality of the camera work - it was hand held for two hours. But I hope that the quality of the content transcends the quality of the recording."

Exhibit Hall Walkthrough - Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 10, 2019 Under the Big Tree

"For those synth enthusiasts that would have liked to attend Knobcon 2019 but couldn't, here's a quick walkthrough of the exhibit hall.

Under the Big Tree is Nick Peck's YouTube channel, focused on music and sound design equipment and techniques, composition, production and performance of music, modular synthesizers and electronic music in general, and tabletop board games.

http://www.underthebigtree.com"

See the Knobcon label below for more Knobcon coverage!

ESK - Ambient 2 with Percussa SSP FX

Published on Sep 10, 2019 Metunar

"Again i used the Percussa SSD as an effect mixer.
The Tom Oberheim SEM gets some dual delay from the Percussa and also a simple sequence.
The first Arturia Minibrute makes the solo sound with a long reverb FX from the Percussa.
And the second Arturia Minibrute has only a Midi connection to the EMU Ultra Proteus which goes into the Percussa with a comb filter and a delay FX.

http://www.metunar.ch"

Percussa SSP Metunar videos

Oberheim TVS Synthesizer Groom's Cake

Published on Sep 10, 2019 Cakes ROCK!!!

OK, who's cake is this? Congrats if you are out there! :)

KnobCon 2019: ASM Hydrasynth

Published on Sep 10, 2019 SynthMania

"Playing the new ASM Hydrasynth at KnobCon #8 (2019)"

KnobCon 2019 - Roland Jupiter-Xm

Published on Sep 10, 2019 SynthMania

"Playing the new Roland Jupiter-Xm at KnobCon 2019"

KnobCon 2019: Elektron Digitone Keys

Published on Sep 10, 2019 SynthMania

"Playing the Elektron Digitone Keys at KnobCon 2019"

Yamaha SY77 test

Published on Sep 10, 2019 Atlsynth

"right from the board. mno external effects. Sequenced with Cool Edit lol."

Rare SUZUKI Bass Master EB-255 SN 00209

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

via this auction

"This little Bass/Organ Synth is in perfect working order. All keys and functions have been tested and found to be fully functional. The four square knobs are octave switchers, and the others seem to effect timbre, frequency and resolution. The knob on the far left is for tuning. It functions fine. Octave switches can be stacked for a more robust sound. These things are Super,Super Rare!

The EB 250 was a lower end model version of this one.

Mono & headphones out. Built in power cable and housed in its own carrying case.

Optional 100v voltage converter NOT included ,however it works just fine on 120v.'

CLICK FOR MORE »

Yellow Waldorf Q Synthesizer SN 940821665

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

via this auction

Curious how many Nextel Qs are still minty fresh. They don't seem to age well. Note you can get new ALBS knobs at Modular Addict.

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100 Grit Processing the Tom Cat

Published on Sep 10, 2019 SCHLAPPI ENGINEERING

"Jamming on the Tom Cat drum machine directly into the 100 Grit and exploring the touch points and some basic modulation possibilities"

See this post for details on the Schlappi 100 Grit.

Rare JEN J-880 SUPERSTRINGER

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

via this auction

I believe this is the first post to feature the JEN J-880. Another rare previously unknown synth for the site. Be sure to see the New Old label at the bottom of this post for more.

"Here is a very hard to come by JEN J-880 Superstringer string machine .

Basically it's a ARP/Eminent Solina String Ensemble clone.
It features 3 sections with independent volume sliders: Bass / Strings / Brass
It also allows you control over the attack and release part of the string section ("crescendo" and "sustain" sliders).
It further has a switchable vibrato with intensity, speed and delay controls.
And finally you have a "solo" function that turns the typical heavy ensemble BBD effect off. (but it still leaves a light phaser/flanger effect to the soune).

Condition is quite good. Some scuffs but nothing bad, check pictures.
Everything works as it should and it sounds great. Very close to the original Solina.
The only issue is the "viola" knob being a bit temporamental, it sometimes don't want to stay on. But it works. The issue is only mechanical. It's an easy fix i'm sure but I didn't want to open the unit, and to be honnest, the viola switch is almost alwaus on."

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Sequential Prophet 12 Patches 3 by BoB SwanS

Published on Sep 10, 2019 BoBSwanS

"My 3rd and possibly final set of Patches for the DSI Prophet 12

99+ Patches for the DSI Prophet 12 Synthesizer.
This bank includes Pads, Bass, Keys, Brass, Plucks, Arp's, Stacks and Split Patches using Poly\Channel Aftertouch and Mod\Pitch functionality.

All patches have been programmed exclusively with a Prophet 12 module and a CME Xkey 37 and many include Polyphonic Aftertouch and Mod Wheel functionality. All Patches are compatible with both the Prophet 12 Keyboard and Module.

Product Page
https://sellfy.com/p/55Qp/


I have 3 packs available with 100 presets per pack at 16 Euro each or 39 Euro for the 300 patch bundle"

Oracle Vol 2 - Sequential Prophet 12 - Patches 26 to 49 - GEOSynths.com

Published on Sep 10, 2019 GEOSynths

"Part 2 of 4 - 99 Patches to be released later in September 2019.

After quite some time, GEOSynths is back with the fantastic Sequential Prophet 12. Twice the power this time as ALL Patches use both Layers for Evolving Pad's, Textures over time, Cutting Leads and a whole host of other great Sounds.

There is a few Split Patches, however the majority are 2 Layer Stacks for Ultimate Power."

Sequential Prophet 12 GEOSynths videos

Tharsis for U-he Diva by BoB SwanS

Published on Sep 10, 2019 BoBSwanS

"A new bank of presets for U-he Diva.
This bank includes 120 Patches:

Classic and Contemporary
Arps, Basses, Chords, FX, Leads, Pads, Perc and Poly Synths with lots of Mod wheel and (Poly or Mono)Aftertouch Modulation.

This set is inspired by many things, Including The Solar System,
Psychedelia, Science Fiction, IDM and Ambient Music amongst many other things.
The main inspiration is the Synth Itself, Having the ability
to make a hybrid Mono or Poly voice synth with the quality available from U-he products is enough to send any sound designer into overdrive..............

This is a short selection of a few personal favourite Patches,
Some are played live and some are sequenced.
The demo's have no fx other than the ones built into Diva and the Audio is not Mastered or EQ'd in any way

Patches Available here -
https://sellfy.com/p/2fcgin/"

GSE 101-VCO Audio Only [Demo 3] (Roland SH-101) (No Talking)

Published on Sep 10, 2019 gstormelectro

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

Audio only demo of my new 101-VCO with the 101-VCF. The 101-VCO is Eurorack adaptation the Roland SH-101 voltage controlled oscillator. Feeding it various sequences and CVs while changing the settings. At the end I mix an envelope signal with the pitch CV to get a nice PWM Hoover sound, then plug a second oscillator into the Hard Sync."

G-Storm Electro on Reverb

New England Synthesizer Festival Set for Saturday, September 28, 2019

"The New England Synthesizer Festival will happen Saturday, September 28, 2019, 12pm to 6pm, at the Microsoft Technology Center, 5 Wayside Road, in lovely Burlington, Massachusetts. Free admission. Come enjoy a wide selection of new and old, analog and digital, audio and video, professionals and hobbyists, modular and monolithic, synthesizers and synthesizer nuts. Performances, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and exhibits.

Twitter for updates: https://twitter.com/NESynthFest
Website for more info and links: http://nesynthfest.org"

KnobCon 2019: Welcome Reception Party & Kraftwerk Tribute Set by SynthMania

Published on Sep 10, 2019 SynthMania

"Clips from the Welcome Reception at KnobCon #8 (2019)
https://www.knobcon.com"

KnobCon 2019: My Kraftwerk tribute set

Published on Sep 10, 2019 SynthMania

"Tribute to the godfathers of electronic music at the KnobCon Welcome Reception 9/6/2019"

MATRIXSYNTH T on the right! :)

KnobCon 2019: AfroRack

Published on Sep 10, 2019 SynthMania

"AFRORACK is an audio arts organization with a goal of helping the community develop and thrive through technology resources. https://www.afrorack.org/"

KnobCon 2019 - Roland Fantom

Published on Sep 10, 2019 SynthMania

"Playing the new (2019) Roland Fantom at KnobCon #8."

Momentous Moogmentum Recap; TWO WEEKS LEFT to Enter Memorymoog Plus Raffle

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"Moogmentum, our grand opening celebration of the Moogseum, was a resounding success. Featuring three days of music, discussions, and workshops by Herb Deutsch, Patrick Moraz, Larry Fast, and Lisa Bella Donna, the events attracted attendees from New York to New Orleans, and from Canada to Argentina. Read a detailed accounting with view the full photo gallery here.

Many thanks to all of you who participated and to all of you who helped make it possible. We were inspired to hear your rave reviews of your three days in Asheville celebrating Bob's legacy with us.

You helped make it a truly extraordinary event!"

And on the raffle:

"Counting Down! Less Than Two Weeks Left to Enter our Raffle for A Vintage Memorymoog Plus!

Our raffle for this beautiful, vintage Memorymoog Plus is in full swing. But remember, this isn't your ordinary Memorymoog Plus. This iconic synthesizer was owned, signed, and played by Dr. Fink of The Revolution on three different Prince tours, making it one-of-a-kind, and oh-so worthy of your studio or collection.

Enter to win the Memorymoog Plus here!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Wooden Patch Cables From Synthesizers.com

via synthesizers.com

"Synth in style with our low-profile, wooden patch cables.

Available in a combo of six 24" cables. Two white, two gray, and two black.

Made from Maple hardwood, these cables are sure to turn heads.

Note: We use real wood and its natural features. There may be some grain structure and color variations."

Deftaudio MacroPot Programable MIDI Controller

New pic of the Deftaudio MacroPot Programable MIDI Controller. See this post for a demo and details.

Doboz - TSNM (demo)

Published on Sep 10, 2019 synthemodulaire

"The Touch Sensing Note Memory by Doboz is a great keyboard/sequencer/arpeggiator for eurorack and also Buchla format.

It has a great pressure touchplates interface, very sensitive (more than my beloved Pressure Points by Make Noise)

Here's a full demo of its functionalities.

More infos and manual : http://doboz.audio/tsnm3u/"

"TSNM3U

Touch Sensing Note Memory is a performance oriented monophonic keyboard controller featuring 10 note plates (tunable over 5 octaves) and two transposer plates (variable transposition distance from -24 to +24 semitones). Highly accurate pitch (V/oct) output is guaranteed by a precision 16-bit DAC. Pressure sensing capability of note plates gives maximum human control through the dedicated CV output. On-board arpeggiator, sequencer, quantizer, pressure CV recorder. The module can save 19 presets including keyboard layout, sequence and all the options under settings.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Width: 28hp
Maximum depth: 30mm
Power: 10mA @ +12V, 10mA @ -12V, 75mA @ 5V"

CLICK FOR MORE »

ПОЛИВОКС синтезатор POLIVOKS Synthesizer (1982) Cafe Moskwa

Published on Sep 10, 2019 RetroSound

(c) 2019 vintage synthesizer track by RetroSound

all synthesizer sounds: #Polivoks Analog #Synthesizer (1982)
drums: E-MU Emax samples
recording: multi-track
fx: reverb and delay

Polivoks Duophonic Analog Synthesizer
Made in #USSR 1982-1990

Designed by Vladimir Kuzmin and produced at the Formanta Radio Factory in Kachkanar
2 VCOs, FM, 2 ADSR, Glide, 2 LFOs, ADSR loop function,
The nice filter that can be switched from low pass to bandpass and two envelopes that can be looped over the AD sections.

Let's build the Moog DFAM in VCV Rack

Published on Sep 10, 2019 Omri Cohen

"So in this video, we will build together the Moog DFAM with free available modules in VCV Rack, recreating almost all of its features like the velocity sequencer, pitch sequencer, Trigger and Advance buttons, all the different modulations and more. Man, I had so much fun doing this...

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

Here is the patch and the Strip file - https://patchstorage.com/lets-build-t...
It wouldn't work with 2 independent rows because some cables would not stay connected so I saved it all as one row. Just make sure you have enough space before loading it.
Here you can get the Strip module - https://vcvrack.com/plugins.html#packOne"

Matriarch vs. Grandmother // New Features in Moog Matriarch

Published on Sep 10, 2019 loopop

My full reviews, tutorials & tips and tricks videos about Grandmother and Matriarch:

► Matriarch
► Grandmother


TIMELINE:
0:50 What’s new?
3:20 CV to CC
5:00 Param ctrl
6:15 Bird’s eye vs.
7:00 Grandma pros
8:45 Detailed vs.
9:45 Mod & utils
11:30 Osc & VCFs
14:30 Env & delay
17:10 Misc

Elektronika EM 02 Vintage Soviet Analog Synthesizer

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

via this auction

Note this is the first post to feature the Elektronika EM-02. No demos on YouTube and it's not listed on http://ruskeys.net. If anyone knows more about this instrument, feel free to comment. Update: You can find a video demo of one here. Definitely more organ sounding than synth.

Check out that front panel editor.  Wish there was a close-up and centered shot of it.

Add this one to the New Old label. BTW, that is the label to check out for the odd and rare synths in history. They are synths that have never been featured on the site until then.

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Analogue Solutions Semblance V2 Monophonic Analog Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"The two Semblance oscillators and filters are based on the original Oberheim SEM, but you can also get a nice thick growl similar in flavor to Moog. Includes an original and excellent operations manual and power supply (not original)."

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Moog Polymoog Keyboard model 280a + Polypedal Controller + stand + case + manual (serviced) SN 2474

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

via this auction

"Up for sale is a vintage Moog Polymoog model 280a with the Polypedal Controller model 285a, legs with crossbars, hardcase and owner's manual. The synth is just been fully serviced and ready for the future. The service report is part of the sale. It sounds absolutely amazing!

Cosmetically it is in used, but fair condition for its age (1978). There are a few scratches, the plastic case is missing a small chip at the left rear corner, there's some wear and tear on the knobs and keys. The originally hardcase is in very used cosmetical condition, but the foam is in good condition and it gives the synth the right protection if you want to transport it. The Polypedal Controller has some minor rusty spots on the two front pedals, some scratches and little wear and tear. The legs have little signs of use and little rusty spots. The manual is in good condition and written in English. Please check all the photos for a good overall impression."

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1969 Fender Rhodes Student Piano Avocado Green + Sharpe headphones

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

via this auction

Clearly not a synth, but look at it!

"50 Years old Fender Rhodes Student Piano (aka Fishtail or Jetsons) in the color Avocado Green available for sale! It's made in the first week of September 1969 and has the 1st generation silver twisted tonebars with one twist only and teardrop hammertips. The piano sounds amazing!

The Rhodes has built-in speakers, a metronome and the option to use it with headphones. The Sharpe AV-9 headphones with LM-5 microphone is included in the sale. Notice that it will only work when the piano is connected with the ‘teacher-piano’.

It is also possible to connect the piano to an external amp or mixer. The internal speakers can be disconnected than.

What about the space age design? We are in love with it! What a beauty! It's not in mint condition, but still in very good condition for its age (see photos). There are a few scratches, little wear and tear and at the right side the top is missing a small chip.

The Rhodes is just been serviced with originally parts. There are no reissue parts installed. The service invoice is part of the sale.

It is a 110v version. For European customers we include a converter to 220-240v."

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Fender Chroma Polaris

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

via this auction

"This is a vintage 1980’s Fender Chroma Polaris Synthesizer. This unit is being sold as is.

Radioheads' Kid A track Everything in its Right Place uses this synth.

Its warm and lush... cant be replicated in software, i have tried."

Abstrakt Instruments Avalon Analog Bassline Synthesizer (Black/Blue) + 3 filter carts SN AV0702201704

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

via this auction

"Have Abstrakt Instruments Avalon Analog Bassline Synthesizer (Black/Blue) + 3 filter carts for sale.

Purchased from Perfect Circuit Audio (Abstrakt Instruments official distributor) in 2018. Used 3-4 times, not using much lately. Always had dust cover on at my home, never transported or used professionally.
Comes in original box and power supply."

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EG Pulse - Pre order available now

Published on Sep 10, 2019 ElliottGarage

"The wait is (almost) over, EG Pulse pre order is now on the App Store!
https://apps.apple.com/app/eg-pulse/i...

"EG Pulse is the ultimate Drum Machine for iOS.

It can be used both in standalone or hosted as AudioUnit AU3 inside apps like GarageBand, AUM, BeatMaker3, NanoStudio2, n-Track9 and others.

The solid ElliottGarage sequencing engine has been updated and expanded, and you can now create ultra precise trap rhythms, hip hop grooves, electronic beats, rock and acoustic drum tracks and more.

EG Pulse comes with several drumkits already includes and its sounbanks cover many different genres; moreover you can create your custom drumkit importing samples with simple drag & drop, and modify them inside the app with the sample editor (sample start, attack time, release time and sample length).

Each of the 16 pads can be also pitched and panned in the mixer section of the app and also reverb, delay and eq can be set individually.

Each pattern can be automated to obtain dynamic changes and with the probability mode you can create always new grooves adding randomization and human fell to them."

Full feature list:
- Standalone & AU3 Audio Unit
- Pads View, Grid View, Mixer, Automation View, FX View & Song View
- 64 step audio engine
- 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 & 1/64 quantization
- Samples Drag & drop from File App
- Fill & Autofill (every 2, 4, 8, 16 bars)
- Custom drumkit & user banks save
- Song view
- Pad Roll (with 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 & 1/64 quantization)
- Ableton Link
- Step recording into grid view
- Choke groups
- Mixer with Solo, Mute, Volume, Gain, Pan, Pitch
- Automation of Pitch, Volume and Pan for each pad and pattern dependant
- Probability to create unpredictable and random patterns
- Samples editor (Start offset, attack time, release time, length)
- Bank import/export
- Midi In with MIDI learn to control pads
- Midi Program Change to switch patterns
- FX (Reverb, Delay and EQ) for each pad
- Tap tempo & Swing
- More than 40 drumkits created by iOS Producers and Beat Makers"

Moog Matriarch | Lisa Bella Donna | Mystery Rituals

Published on Sep 10, 2019 Moog Music Inc

"Channeling inspiration from the natural environment surrounding her home studio, sonic sorceress Lisa Bella Donna journeys into hidden dimensions, integrating Matriarch with other instruments in the Moog semi-modular family (DFAM, Mother-32, and a pair of Moog Grandmothers).

We’re excited to share that Matriarch production is in full swing here at the Moog Factory in Asheville, NC, and pre-ordered Matriarch instruments are already arriving at their new homes."

More about Lisa Bella Donna: https://lisabelladonna.bandcamp.com/

Roland MC-707 Sound Demo (No Talking)

Published on Sep 10, 2019 Bonedo Synthesizers

Roland MC-707

Roland S H 7 Drift

Published on Sep 9, 2019 UFO LFO

"Old and new, Roland SH 7 and the Reon Driftbox R. The Driftbox is distributed by Roland anyway. Both of these Synthesizers have very drifty none midi oscillators. The cross mod on the Driftbox is very different from that on the SH 7. In some ways these synthesizers are very similar, in other ways not. This is a drone of pure oscillator indulgence into the specular tempus hard right left channels."

UFO LFO Roland SH 7 videos

Strymon El Capistan w/ Studio Electronics SE 02 & Arturia DrumBrute Impact.

Published on Sep 9, 2019 Pedals4Synths

"Hey pedalheads!

Super happy to test the fantastic El Capistan dTape Echo by Strymon. El Capstan is a tape echo with a lot of functions/possibilities. It has a superb spring reverb and could easily do some sort of RE-201 works but with a better overall quality. It's tested on my lovely SE-02 by Studio Electronics and Roland and then it's tested on Arturia's rumbute Impact snares.

00:07 Tape Head FIXED
05:22 Tape Head MULTI
07:30 Tape Head SINGLE
08:20 Mode SOUND ON SOUND
10:39 The SECONDARY FUNCTIONS
15:27 Tests on Drumbrute's Snares

Pedal lended by Effect-On-Line"

Electra One with SE Code Omega 8

Published on Sep 9, 2019 Electra One MIDI Controller

"Electra One in full control of Studio Electronics Omega 8 and in hands of one of our early testers - Bohdan from http://www.bodyia.cz/. For more information visit https://www.electra.one/"

Zip Zap goes the Manis Iteritas

Published on Sep 9, 2019 Miles Briand

"Just showing off the oscilloscope waveforms from the Manis Iteritas"