Cameron Jones: Synclavier and beyond, a life in music

video upload by CatSynth TV

"Cameron Jones: Synclavier, singing, and a life in music (Interview)

We sit down for an in-depth conversation with Cameron Jones, co-inventor and principal software architect of the legendary Synclavier synthesizers. We talk about his early interests, his time with New England Digital and the Synclavier, and his life in and love of music.

The interview was recorded at Knobcon 2025, where Jones was a featured speaker.

To find out more about Cameron Jones and the past, present, and future of Synclavier, please visit the official website: https://synclavier.com

00:00 Introduction
00:29 Cameron Jones introduces himself
01:11 Being in the right place at the right time
05:25 Additive synthesis, FM synthesis, and sampling
11:45 Synclavier
15:05 The symbiosis of musicians and music technology
19:09 Composing in this era of music technology
22:59 The individuality of musicians and their instruments
27:00 Cameron Jones journey in music (orchestras, singing, theater)
41:20 Conclusion

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.

Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
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Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

Synclavier at KnobCon 2025

video upload by Synclavier Music

"Join us at KnobCon 2025 in Chicago IL on September 6th and 7th. Meet Cameron Warner Jones, famed co-inventor of the Synclavier Digital Synthesizer. Cameron will be Keynote Speaker at Saturday's Gala and there will be a Q&A Session on Sunday where you can learn more about Cameron's history and perhaps pick up some hints about what we are working on."

BEST SOUNDING DIGITAL SYNTHESIZER - Synclavier II - Synclav com

video upload by Synclav com

"This month Synhouse starts year number 27.

Synhouse has fully restored and shipped many, many dozens of systems in the last three decades and this work continues in 2025.

Shown here is the testing of a 16-voice setup just before export shipping. These are the later revision SS7X version of the Synclavier II Stereo Option synthesizer voices, playing notes and sustained chords for several minutes while listening.

Relatively few Synclavier 9600s were made, even fewer with the synthesizer voices installed, but those that had them used this exact type of bin (SB25) and voice card (SS7X, eXtended style), plus a very few Synclaviers of the PSxx series used them as well. Synhouse stocks these and Synhouse manufactures these (SB25, SS7X, etc.) and has them in the Synclavier store on the Synclav.com website.

Video copyright 2025 Synhouse Multimedia Corporation"

Synclavier's Cameron Warner Jones to be Knobcon's Guest of Honor

via Knobcon

"We are delighted to announce Cameron Jones as our esteemed guest of honor. Join us at the annual banquet for his keynote address and to help us honor him.

Cameron Warner Jones is the co-inventor and principal software architect of the Synclavier, the groundbreaking digital synthesizer and music workstation developed in the late 1970s. Jones, co-founder of New England Digital, designed the Synclavier’s real-time software engine, interface, and iconic button panel, helping create one of the most advanced instruments of its era—combining FM and additive synthesis, sampling, and sequencing. He later revived the technology through modern apps and hardware, ensuring the Synclavier’s legacy lives on.

The annual catered banquet will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7pm in the Sapphire Pavilion. Tickets are available as an add-on to your Knobcon attendance. Seating is limited."

Synclavier hardware workflow with an AMS Neve 8424 analog console

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

"Come take a deep dive with me at my LA based Infinite Power Studios as I break down a hardware only workflow with a Synclavier PSMT sampler, sequencer and fm synth and lots of hardware fx and console."

Synths That Tanked! Top 15 Value Crashes You Won’t Believe!?

video upload by Andy Whitmore

You be the judge. Feel free to comment below.

"💥 The biggest synth value crashes of all time! These once-iconic instruments lost tens of thousands in value—from legendary analog giants to futuristic digital monsters.

You've seen the synths that became priceless icons… but what about the ones that didn’t?

In this countdown, we reveal 15 professional synthesizers that lost the most value from their original prices (adjusted for inflation). From boutique rarities to digital behemoths, these are the synths that hit the market hard—and hit resale even harder.

🎹 We cover:

Synth name + release year

Original price + adjusted inflation value

Current resale value

Total loss 💸

A fun or tragic fact per synth

Whether it's a Fairlight, Synclavier, or the ultra-rare GX-1, some of this gear once cost more than a house… and now? Let’s just say you could buy one for the price of a laptop.

🧠 Think you can guess the biggest loser?"

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NED SYNCLAVIER VPK/PSMT RACK/PERICOM MONITOR - Handmade Miniature 1/6 scale.

video upload by Ronaldo Lopes Teixeira ROLT

NED Synclavier II Digital Synthesizer Brochure

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

via this eBay listing

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New Synclavier ORK II Keyboard Synthesizer In the Works

Brochure spotted by Andrew Ward at the Synclavier booth at this weekend's London Synth & Pedal Expo.

Visible text from the brochure:

"For over four decades, Synclavior hos defined the pinnacle of digital audio innovation, shaping music history.

Today, we merge our legendary sound with modern technology, delivering tools that empower creators to push sonic boundaries.

INTRODUCING THE SYNCLAVIER ORK II KEYBOARD
The ORK Il is envisioned as a groundbreaking instrument that builds on the acclaimed capabilities of Synclavier Il and Regen. Designed for professional musicians, producers, and sound designers, this keyboard fuses cutting-edge technology with legendary Synclavier sound quality to deliver an unparalleled creative tool.

Core Features at a Glance
Synclavier Heritage, Expanded Power
Enjoy all the features that made the Synclavier Il and Regen revolutionary, now enhanced with even greater flexibility and control. The ORK II combines iconic additive and FM synthesis with subtractive synthesis and intuitive hands-on performance controls.

Next-Level DSP Effects Suite
Transform your sound with a curated set of premium DSP effects, including:
Reverb: Create lush, immersive soundscapes.
Delay: Add rhythmic echoes and intricate time-based effects
Modulation Effects: Enhance your tones with..."

Knobs & Nerds Interview with Reinhold Heil (Spliff, Nina Hagen Band, Cosa Rosa, Nena,...)

video upload by Knobs & Switches

"Here is my knobs & nerds interview from 10.01.2025 with Reinhold Heil. He shared great and exciting insights from his live and studio history and I learned a lot about his equipment from that time. I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I did.
Thanks again to Reinhold for his time and kindness.

https://reinholdheil.com/

New Solo Album: / freiheit-geilheit-m%c3%a4nnlichkeit

https://spliffband.com/

Image Sources:

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Synclavier Regen Desktop FM Synthesizer

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

via this listing

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#NAMM 2025: Synclavier Regen, the rebirth of a legendary synthesizer

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We talk with Michael Glanton of Synclavier about the Regen, a new version of the legendary Synclavier synthesizer that expands on the original with 12 voices of additive frame synthesis, a new subtractive synthesis engine, filters and effects. We also chat with Cameron Jones, the creator of the original Synclavier as well as the mastermind behind the new versions like the Regen, the Arturia Synclavier V, etc.

To find out more, please visit synclavier.com

________
Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content. Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com Patreon: / catsynth Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

Synclav Linndrum INHALT Sample Library for the Akai MPC Sampler Range

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

https://inhalt.bigcartel.com/product/...

"From professional sound designer Matia Simovich (Akai Pro, Roland, Sequential/Oberheim…) comes the latest sample library for the entire Akai MPC product range. Synclav Linndrum is a comprehensive 64 pad sample set of the legendary Linndrum drum machine sampled directly into a 1986 Synclavier PSMT sampling workstation.

The Synclavier features a discrete milspec A/D converter that samples at up to 100 kHz / 16 bit complete with an analog front end. The Linndrum was hooked up directly to this converter and all stock sounds, as well as additional Linn eproms (including the Tears for Fears Bell and Triangle eproms) were sampled directly to the Synclavier. Though the Synclavier saves audio files in a native format, this system is equipped with Synclavier3 software which allows for a direct conversion to wav files. No post processing was done on these samples and because the initial sampling was performed at 96 kHz / 16 bits, no additional dithering or sample rate conversion was used. As such, the resulting sound is the unmistakable extra large and punchy “vibe” of the Synclavier (a vibe that makes any sound recording the best it can be) imparted onto a complete Linndrum kit, directly off of the Synclavier hard disk.

While this library is formatted for the Akai MPC range, the samples themselves are 96 kHz / 16 bit mono wav files that can be loaded into any sampler such as Ableton Live drum rack, Logic Pro, or hardware samplers that can read wav files. For MPC users, 1 kit with sensical assignments of all samples (including mute groups) is included. This is an instant download."

Does Michael Jackson's Thriller Really Have 7 Basslines? Greg Phillinganes Explains

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Join keyboard legend Greg Phillinganes and me in this special video, as we dive deep into the 7 distinctive bass parts on Michael Jackson’s "Thriller"! Together, we'll deconstruct all the unique bass lines, showcase Greg's incredible artistry and share behind-the-scenes insights into the song's groundbreaking arrangement by Rod Temperton....with some silly sidebars by Greg along the way.

In this video, you’ll discover:

Greg’s approach to adding fills and interpreting songs when perfroming.
Lessons learned from working with Stevie Wonder.
The creative process behind Rod's arrangement
How to play these parts on classic synths

From the growling 'Verse Sustain Bass' to the gothic 'Pipe Organ Bass Pedal' and the funky 'Froggy Bass,' every detail is explored in this masterclass in keyboard performance and arrangement. Plus, experience the full song to hear how it all comes together at the end.

We made this video together with love to pass along our knowledge to you. We hope you enjoy it!"

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How They Made Michael Jackson's Thriller w/Greg Phillinganes

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

THINK LIKE A SYNTH * ✅
✏️ Learn the exact method I've used
for decades on hit records & films ✅
Go to ⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/col...

"ABOUT THIS VIDEO

Step into music history with this one-of-a-kind educational deep dive into the making of Michael Jackson's iconic hit, "Thriller". Join me with legendary keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, guitarist Tariqh Akoni and a special horn section as we meticulously re-create the instrumental track and relive the experience of being in the room at the inception of this groundbreaking song.

The creation of "Thriller" was a masterclass in collaboration, uniting Michael Jackson's unparalleled vocal artistry, Rod Temperton's masterful songwriting and arranging, Quincy Jones' visionary production and casting of world class musicians and Bruce Swedien's groundbreaking engineering. Each played a vital role in pushing the boundaries of pop music as they transformed many big ideas into a cohesive work of art.

Designed for musicians, producers, and music history enthusiasts, this video immerses you in the experience of being in the room, watching the parts come to life, as the iconic record was created. It's a track-by-track exploration of the music, highlighting the incredible attention to detail required to honor the original session that brought together the unparalleled talents of Michael, Quincy, Rod and Bruce.

Using many of the same instruments and equipment that appeared on the original recording, we reconstruct the song’s intricate layers, recording and mix to our best precision and authenticity. We hope this journey allows you to feel the love, joy, and creative spirit that filled the room during the making of this timeless masterpiece.

"Thriller" Relived Production
Produced by Anthony Marinelli
Produced, Directed & Edited by Dante Marinelli
Recorded & Mixed by Ben Rachlis
David Alfonso - Music Preparation

"Thriller" Relived Performers
Rhodes Piano and Synthesizers: Greg Phillinganes
Synth Programming & Additional Synthesizers: Anthony Marinelli
Guitar: Tariqh Akoni
Trombone: Ryan Porter
Tenor Saxophone: Sean Sanderegger
Trumpet: Josef Leimberg

"Thriller" Original Team
Lead and Background Vocals: Michael Jackson
Songwriter: Rod Temperton
Producer: Quincy Jones
Synthesizers: Rod Temperton and Brian Banks
Rhodes Piano and Synthesizers: Greg Phillinganes
Synthesizer Programming: Anthony Marinelli
Guitar: David Williams
Trumpets and Flugelhorns: Jerry Hey and Gary Grant
Saxophone and Flute: Larry Williams
Trombone: Bill Reichenbach
Horn Arrangement: Jerry Hey
Vocal, Rhythm, and Synthesizer Arrangements: Rod Temperton
Effects: Bruce Cannon and Bruce Swedien
Voice-Over: Vincent Price
Additional Recording: Matt Forger"

New England Digital - Synclavier PSMT (1980's) - Two Systems

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

via this listing

"The specifications listed below (on either system) are based on either the first hand knowledge of Mitch Marcoulier on PSMT Tower #1 and/or his review of pictures supplied from me to Mitch on PSMT Tower #2 and I cannot be held responsible for misclassification and/or any errors in his assessment of these two machines (which I highly doubt..). Both VPK Keyboards power on and have flight cases but their foam needs to be replaced.

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Synclavier Regen Halloween Demo and Run-through

video upload by Paul Schilling

New England Digital Synclavier PSMT 3200,V/PK, & II a/s

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

via this Vemia listing

See the site's other listings for more. You can find listings by category here

"Not what I wanted to happen, but here is a garage sale of two classic NED Synclaviers. Both are sold as seen, but in generally very good cosmetic condition, and believed complete. They come with huge amounts of literature, disk drives, cabling and peripherals. The cabling will need a lot of sorting - and it's possible some of it doesn't belong to these machines, and that not all cables are present. 1.) Believed to be a PSMT 3200, with beautiful VP/K keyboard as used on the T8. Stacked full of circuit-boards, so believed to be a pretty high-spec version. Classic synth / sampler imported to the UK about 20 years ago from a west coast USA studio. It arrived safely (not cheaply) in its very solid flightcases, but then disaster struck. I plugged the keyboard in, and switched it on - not realising that the 110V box I had used was only a 110V extension, not a 240-110V transformer. Result: a damaged power supply. Two 550-mile round trips to Tony Allgood solved that and made the V/PK good again, but by that time the rest of the system was in storage. So the V/PK was put into its flightcase too, and left for all these years. 2.) Synclavier II, with ORK keyboard. This was serviced by Hideaway several years ago, and tested working with a donor board from another machine. I was given the task of ordering a replacement board, and have failed to do it. 3.) HOP box and DO-1 interface - a diagnostic tool originally for the Synclavier I but apparently should work with the Synclavier II and PSMT. Please see the photos for what you will receive (there are probably a lot more disks, manuals etc not photographed). Some manuals may have suffered a bit from damp storage. Most of the NED items have their original flightcases, and the other items - Macintosh, printer, cables, literature, disks - will all be packed very well. The whole lot will require packing on two pallets (150GBP) unless everything can be delivered or collected by hand."

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Synclavier PSMT sampling Oberheim DX with Synclav FM and Prophet 10 #newbeat #synclavier #oberheim

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

Synclavier Regen: FM-ing a Classic Fairlight Sample

video upload by Paul Schilling