What's so cool about the Microfreak Keyboard?

video by Synth Diy Guy

Website: https://www.quincasmoreira.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/quincas

Yamaha SK-30 | Dreams in Prague

video by MIDERA

follow-up to this post

"Day 2 I think. Well, third day. I mean - technically I got it on Friday? So spanning 3 days, but less than 24 hours. Anyway.

Maybe this was more fun to play than it will be to listen. Only way to find out is to see how many little smiters come out to smite me with their dislikes. They're cute.

Monosynth - Ok, that's the part of this that I think really makes this instrument stick out. I mentioned in my previous video (or the comments) - the SK-20 just doesn't seem that interesting, since it contains everything minus the monosynth. The SK-50 has, what, a second keyboard? Crazy. That seems huge. And apparently it lacks the mixer section... but that must be wrong. I can see it in the photos. Anyway, it's too big. The SK-30 is too big too, but it's got a cool look to it.

Where was I? The Monosynth section, yes. Ok - aftertouch on the monosynth is really fantastic. I use it here with "brillance" which like, opens up the filter? At least that's what it sounds like. Really really love how it sounded here. It was also mixed with the organ and sometimes strings to make it stand out.

I like playing a nice 'pad' sound on the lower octaves and then use the mono part for a lead, because I'm not a good keyboardist and couldn't use the monosynth for bass - although it would be wonderful with that if I was capable. Others are no doubt.

I had a lovely conversation with someone about the Yamaha SK-30 versus the Korg Trident, a synth I have longed for for quite a while. The Trident wins as a polysynth because it has 8 voices, each able to articulate with the filter (it has 1 filter per voice, unlike the SK-30 which has 1 filter for all voices). Still - they seem different, the two synths. The SK-30 with it's monosynth for leads on top of pads, seems like it makes sense to me. But obviously, given the two, I'd go for the Trident. If only because it looks cooler, but also I suppose because it has MIDI kits available and that polysynth section seems worth it. Anyway -

Monosynth. That to me is where this shines. I probably would have (within days) gotten rid of the SK-30 if it weren't for that 1VCO SOLO section.

Now, if only I could figure out how to make it sound in tune when using the Analog keys to sequence that... Right now, it works, but it's waaaaay out of tune. Maybe I'll figure it out some day.

Eventide Space used for reverb."

Erica Synths Pico System III Desktop Modular Synth

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via this auction

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Roland SH-5 vintage Analog Synth

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via this auction

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Sequencer gate, 64 step, 16 channels, analogue, for synthesizer

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via this auction

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Univox miniKORG K-2 700S Vintage Analog Synthesizer SN 00577 w/ Original Box & Extras

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via this auction

"1976 Univox miniKORG K-2 700S Vintage Analog Synthesizer. (Lead sound of most early Cars hits and a favorite of Greg Hawkes). Discovered in the back of a music store storage room where it sat for over 40 years. Pristine cosmetic condition. Duet/Osc2 and Ring modulation 1-3 doesn’t affect sound. Possibly dirty switch or component out of spec due to age. Functions fine otherwise. Sheet music stand still wrapped in plastic.

Includes box, hang tag, promotional card, and sheet music stand."

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Elektron Machinedrum MKII SPS 1 UW+

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via this auction

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Zlob Modular VnIcursal VCA version 666

Playlist:
Żłob Modular VnIcursal VCA v666 Drone 1
Żłob Modular VnIcursal VCA v666 Drone 2 "Ring Mod"
VnIcursal VCA v666 demo 1 by Andy Ortmann
[2nd demo on Zlob Modular here]

via Zlob Modular

"The VnIcursal VCA is an 8hp 6 Channel VCA Eurorack Module available as a Eurorack DIY Kit, PCB and Panel, or Built Module.

It is the smallest, most compact Voltage Controlled Amplifier in the Eurorack market. It provides 6 OTA(LM13700)-based DC Coupled Linear VCAs for Audio or CV. The 6 VCAs are summed together so it can also be used as a voltage controlled mixer. Each VCA out is normalled to the SUM out so they can be removed from the mix and used on their own, they are not cascaded outputs. The potentiometers control the amount of gain and when a voltage is inserted into the CV in the potentiometers act as attenuators. With a control voltage of 5 volts the VCA will be around unity gain, above 8v can clip the input. LED brightness with or without CV in provides constant feedback of each channels amount of gain.

The newest VnIcursal version 666 now uses mostly resistor arrays(meaning multiple resistors in one long SIP package) as opposed to 90+ single resistors with v5. Upgrading to resistor arrays greatly simplifies the build and reduces the build time by 30 or 40%. Now the VCA is much more DIY friendly with new detailed build docs and should have less part placement headaches resulting in overall less troubleshooting and problems.

Version 666 also reduces bleed and cross talk sometimes apparent with version 5. But keep in mind analog VCAs can only close so much, or be so silent. In certain situations based on power supplies and gain stages the VCA can experience some bleed or noise mainly at the sum out as all channels are passively summed then buffered. Inputs above 1K Hz will experience more bleed than lower frequency signals.

Also version 666 now comes with all red leds.

Width: 8hp
Panel Material: PCB
Reverse Power Protected
Current Consumption: +12v 30 mA, -12v 20mA.
Depth: 35mm
Ships with M3 black nylon screws
Build Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
Expandable: no"

February Filter Sweep YouTube Protest & a Call to any YouTube / Google Employees

Youtube claimed copyright on a synth filter sweep video by ranzee

"I can't believe we are now getting copyright claims just for performing tests on synths! Yep - all I did was a filter sweep - and BAM! Copyright Claim police came on in and took my video away (partially) from the world. This is ludicrous!"

This one was sent my way via supporting member, Synth Addict.

For those not aware, YouTube has algorithms that scan audio in videos for copyright infringement. If something is found in violation, the video is automatically unpublished. The problem? Apparently certain filter sweeps are triggering take downs. This is becoming a problem for synth demos (per ranzee above, and previously mentioned here for example). I am curious what sample is being used for the comparison. Rush's Tom Sawyer? :) Actually, Synth Addict mentioned it being a Chemical Brothers track, which does sound familiar. Anyway, if anyone out there reading this has any connections, maybe you can reach out to someone that can fix this?

For the rest of us, not sure how the following will help, but if anything it will bring some attention to the problem amongst the synth community.

via Synth Addict:

"What users can do:

Post a video on YouTube of yourself demonstrating a filter sweep on a synth or synths of your choice and tag it #FFS

Attached image created by Andrew Brooks on FB [the image directly above, in this post], as a joint effort with the chat community of Pro Synth Network, GEO Synths, and SonicState.

bogus YT claims received so far by:

Pro Synth Network
GEO Synths
ranzee
Andrew Brooks
Starsky Carr
…and growing"

Update: and the first #FFS video:

FFS - February Filter Sweep

video by Vague Robots

And a couple more:

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Kids and Their Synths

via @byronkentwong

"Building an army of KraftJerks

#synth
@matrixsynth
#krafftwerk"

CMS Cirocco Discrete Synthesizers MC-24 Modular System

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

via this auction

"For your consideration is a custom built CMS MC-24 modular discrete analog synthesizer, housed in a solid Honduran red mahogany cabinet.

Brief Description:

The MC-24 comes equipped with 8 ultra-linear discrete VCOs, 2 Phatron filters - 24Db lowpass/highpass, 2 discrete Super-Transistor filters -24Db lowpass, 4 discrete VCAs, a discrete 10 input stereo mixer, a voltage controlled 14 stage phaser, a 10 band fixed / comb filter, V.C. balanced modulator, V.C. harmonic multiplier, a fully decked out sample and hold section, a Gentle Elctric 101 Pitch to Voltage and Envelope follower, a voltage controlled clock, etc.

2 rows of twelve modules are mounted on custom, 36" extruded aluminum rails. These sturdy assemblies are then mounted in a furniture grade, hardwood finished, laminate slant cabinet. The MC-24 features a 3 amp, ultra fast, linear power supply. The MC-24 uses the military grade potentiometers, front panels, knobs and mil-spec components found on all CMS/DiscreteSynthesizers.com instruments.

This is the ultimate in studio synthesizers. This is the ultimate in sound."

You can find details on the individual modules at the bottom of this post.

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Intellijel Rubicon, WMD / SSF Ultrafold, & Pittsburgh Modular Analog Delay Unit (ADU)

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

Three listings in via a supporting member.

Intellijel Rubicon via this auction

WMD / SSF Ultrafold via this auction

Pittsburgh Modular Analog Delay Unit (ADU) via this auction

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Two ALICE 1377 after repair/midi/mod.no fx.part1

video by Alexey Taber

Two ALICE 1377 after repair/midi/mod.no fx.part2

Wowa Cwejman Has Passed Away

Some sad news in today. Legendary synthesizer maker Wlodzimierz Cwejman, known as Wowa Cwejman to the synth community, has passed away. As anyone who has visited this site over the years knows, his creations are recognized as the best of the best when it comes to quality and sound. He will be sorely missed.

The following was shared by Maho Cwejman:

“I’m incredibly sad to say that Wlodzimierz Cwejman (Wowa ) passed away yesterday. Wowa was an incredible man making great things and I love that we made so many together. Right now I hope you appreciate I need some time but will come back as soon as possible with an update to Cwejman. I want to thank everyone for your support and kind words🙏 Wlodzimierz Cwejman 1949-2021

Cwejman music AB
#Cwejman”


A tribute by verstaerker:

In Memory of Wowa Cwejman
video by verstaerker

"In memory of Wowa Cwejman who passed away 30.01.2021
Thank you Wowa for you wonderful instruments wich always inspired me making music.

The video is from a workshop long time ago in Schneidersbuero .. i think around 2008.
The music is made in 2007 after i bought my Cwejman S1. The sounds are done with a Doepfer A-154/155 Sequencer, Cwejman S1 and a Roland JV1080 for the pad.

Rest in Peace!"


And a couple of interviews from the archives:

Wowa Cwejman Interview From Totally Wired [previously posted here]

Published on Jan 19, 2017 brian tregaskin

"last bit of totally wired which includes interview with wowa cwejman"

Totally Wired was a documentary associated with Schneiders Buero, the people behind SUPERBOOTH.

Workshop with Wowa Cwejman @SchneidersLaden [previously posted here]

Published on Jan 15, 2019

"At the beginning of July 2018 SchneidersLaden had the opportunity to welcome Wowa Cwejman again. The occasion was the presentation of four new modules. Wowa Cwejman was so kind to give us an overview of these modules in the large showroom of SchneidersLaden, together with Tom Körting they went through all new aspects of the modules and patched some sound examples. With the displayed oscilloscope you get a good sense of what is happening with the signals. All in all a lot of new possibilities to explore!

Update: a tribute from C Nich0llsL.



"Single take recording from Cwejman S1. I was fortunate to pick up one of the last batch (in grey). Had been kicking myself for not getting one when they fist launched for several years. It is beautiful.
The recording had been sitting on my desktop for a couple of months. After hearing of Wowa's passing, I am sharing as an homage to the beautiful tone of this instrument and to the man that created it.
Recorded through Strymon;s Night Sky, the resonances seem to stretch out into the darkness.
Left unadorned for those who may want to take a moment and gaze at the Night Sky.
Thank you, for a beautiful instrument."

Calm waveform - Sequential Pro 3

video by Ουροβόρος όφις Lydian7th

Easel Euro Improv 1 27 21

video by Todd Barton

"It turns out I followed the sound and it was intense. Fair warning :-)
I just recently put back my Benjolin into my Euro skiff which feeds into the Easel Aux In. I had no idea what the sound would be as I slowly raised the LPG2 on the Easel. It was intense so I responded accordingly -- following a different sound. It can get loud and gritty. Modules involved in the Euro skiff are Buchla Red Panel 158 Dual Sine/Saw Osc, Instruo 1047 resonant filter, Makenoise Mimeophon, Epoch Benjolin, Intellijel Planar 2, MA 3 channel mixer and of course the Easel."
https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd

[LIVESTREAM] AKAI MPC Live and Chill!

video by Electronisounds Audio



Electronisounds:
WEBSITE ► https://www.electronisounds.com/
PATREON ► https://www.patreon.com/DeanDaughters

Waldorf Quantum 8-Voice Digital/Analog Hybrid Synthesizer

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via this auction

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Kurzweil K250 Digital Sampler/Synthesizer SN 88051737 w/ 12 RAM Carts

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via this auction

"Comes with 12 RAM cartridges which are impossible to find and almost worth the price of the keyboard.

I will also include these hard to find manuals that were from Patrick Moraz's K250. I owned his for many years ago during the time I worked with him in the 90's.

Manuals:
* How to play the Kurzweil K250
* Kurzweil K250 Service Manual
* Kurzweil K250 - Players reference Guide"

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1980 Original Minimoog Model D SN 88051737

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via this auction

"** Serial Number = M 13027 Manufactured 10/22/1980 with 44 Keys"

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Blue Roland SH-101 Keyboard Synthesizer w/ Mod Grip

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Korg Poly-800 SN 007601

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via this auction

"Korg Poly-800 vintage analog synthesizer. This works, there is sound and all the functions / buttons on the synthesizer are working but I'm getting a slight "wobble" on the sound, like the tuning goes in and out very slowly - and so I think it needs service."

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Ludum Modularium - 01 - The Doepfer 3D Joystick A-174-4

video by FunKeyLicious

"A quick test of the Doepfer A-174-4 3D Joystick controlling 3 different parameters in my modular system:
X-axis: Filter cutoff
Y-axis: Filter resonance
Z-axis (turning): Delay feedback

Main modules used:
1st VCO: Erica Synths Fusion VCO2
2nd VCO: Erica Synths Black Wavetable VCO
VCF: NANO modules FONT
Delay: Erica Synths Black Stereo Delay"