Product Specialist Kevin Maloney - Full Interview

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this video, I visit and talk with former New England Digital Synclavier Product Specialist Kevin Maloney while surrounded by his two Synclavier Digital Music Systems.

Together, we present a complete history of the Synclavier with a stories and examples of how we used it on some massive hit records and films.
First, we listen to a track on the the original blue vinyl record titled 'The Incredible Sounds of the Synclavier II Demonstration Record'
that was the original source sound for the intro to Michael Jackson's 'Beat It'.Kevin's talks about sitting next to Michael while working on the Bad" album.He'll show us a complete breakdown of the components that make up the "Smooth Criminal" bass sound and a recreation of the sampled drum part.Then you'll see, in real time, how Synclavier's unique sequencer can drastically and quickly manipulate (or even transform) the recreated "Smooth Criminal" track.Kevin tells us how he worked closely with producer Quincy Jones to create the intro to "We Are the World". Quincy wasn't satisfied with silver bells, so Kevin turned silver bells into gold bells. Quincy said, he wanted to “send out bells to call all the people of the world to come and hear this song”. We delve into the Synclavier's one-of-a-kind ability to analyze samples (recordings of instruments or sounds) in order to create a series of short frames that each consist of a static wavetable. By cross fading the frames the user is able to recreate the complexity of a sample with a synthesizer sound. This process is called Resynthesis. The user is now able to manipulate the synthesizer sound in many more ways than can ever be done with a sample. We then heavily distort some vocal sounds that were generated using Resynthesis to show the level of control that is possible. We take a look at some preset sampled sounds from the original Synclavier Orchestral library including the string sounds used by Mark Knopfler in Rob Reiner's "The Princess Bride". Anthony talks about how he created a flute sound generated from Resynthesis and later used it to perform practically every cue in the film "Stand by Me" which is another Rob Reiner hit. We take you through the evolution of the Synclavier that includes: The Synclavier I, the Synclavier II with it's original keyboard, the addition of the velocity and polyphonic keyboard, The expanded track sequencer, the addition of more buttons and secondary functions accessed by double clicking the buttons to send them into "blinking mode". BTW - These buttons were originally designed for the B-52 bomber.

We cover MIDI, SMPTE, polyphonic sampling voices and more memory (at a cost of $4500 per megabyte) that were available to add to your system.

We highlight the reason why the Synclavier cost so much and how New England Digital managed to integrate cutting edge 3rd party technology that all worked perfectly together in one unified music system. Finally we review the far more accessible versions of the Synclavier like the Synclavier V by Arturia, Synclavier Go! and Synclavier Pocket! and the most recent addition to the family - Synclavier Regen which actually has unlimited FM synthesis and sampler voices along with the long awaited... resonant Multimode FILTERS!!! The evolution of Synclavier is filled with a plethora of breath-taking features that were nowhere to be found on any other single instrument and it includes a discography of legendary proportion. It's also a history that's deeply personal to me because it ran parallel with my evolution as a composer, songwriter, arranger and programmer. The Synclavier is alive and well in 2023!

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

Website: www.anthonymarinelli.com"

Synclavier Under the Hood Tour

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"We discuss the basic hardware and software components, how to boot up the system with a 5.25" floppy disk and some special features that were later added. Remember this is an early computer and it's physically a lot bigger than what you would expect to see today. You'll see how it's built and connected together by ribbon cables with big connectors. Also the available memory was a lot less than what we have come to expect today. The early floppy disks held no more 128 kilobytes of data and the early internal 5 megabyte hard drive sold for $20,000. Here is a list of the features in this system:

-additive synthesis
-FM synthesis with 32 voices
-5 MB Hard Drives
-monophonic sampling
-8 channels of MIDI
-filter switches
-SMPTE sync code
-2 floppy disk drives

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

Website: www.anthonymarinelli.com"

MJ’s “We Are the World” Synclavier Intro

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this video Kevin Maloney and I demonstrate how the intro to 1985 Grammy winning song “We Are the World” (written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson) was constructed. The synthesizer sounds on the original recording were programmed by Kevin on the Synclavier II Digital Music System using its FM synthesizer engine. We break down the patches for all the featured sounds in the intro including a special sound described by the song’s producer Quincy Jones as “Golden Bells”. This sound was created to “send out bells to call all the people of the world to come and hear this song”. The music, lyrics, performances and production were a worldwide commercial success. The song topped music charts throughout the world and became the fastest-selling U.S. pop single in history. "We Are the World" received a Quadruple Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America, becoming the first single to be certified multi-platinum. The promotion and merchandise helped raise more than $63 million at that time for humanitarian aid in Africa and the United States.

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

Website: www.anthonymarinelli.com"

MJ’s “Beat It” Intro Breakdown on Synclavier

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this video Kevin Maloney and I demonstrate how the intro sound on “Beat It” from Michael Jackson’s Thriller album is constructed on the Synclavier II using four partial timbres from the FM synthesizer engine playing all at once (with heavy chorusing). The sound can be found on preset bank 2, entry 5 named 'Pop Tune Intro' on factory preset disk #3. The sound first appeared on the recording titled:
'The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II Demonstration Record' released by New England Digital in 1981. The preset was later played by Tom Bahler on his Synclavier II for the “Beat It” recording with only Tom, Michael and engineer Bruce Swedien in the room. Tom was the person that introduced Michael and Quincy to the Synclavier. We also point out that the sound can be in your hands today using various released inexpensive versions of the Synclavier.

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

Website: www.anthonymarinelli.com"

You can find additional posts in this series here.

1st Look At MJ's "Smooth Criminal" Bass

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"This is our first look at the bass sound on 'Smooth Criminal' from Michael Jackson’s Thriller album. In this video, former New England Digital (N.E.D.) product specialist Kevin Maloney explains how he sampled a muted piano on the Synclavier that was later used as the key ingredient in the actual bass sound for the final recording session. Michael was looking for something unusual from Kevin and the piano sample performed out of range on the keyboard perfectly fit the request. Kevin breaks down that piano sample and demonstrates how some other components were later added for support such as a sampled Minimoog bass sound. A mock up of Synclavier drum samples similar to those used on the final version of the song are included in this video as accompaniment. Kevin also shows off some sequencer and sampling tricks that are particularly unique to the Synclavier.

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/anthonymarinell...

Website: www.anthonymarinelli.com"

You can find additional posts in this series here.

MJ’s “Beat It” Intro - Real Sound & Story

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this video Kevin Maloney demonstrates how the intro sound on “Beat It” from Michael Jackson’s Thriller album was inspired by the blue vinyl LP titled The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II [embedded below and previously posted here - you can find pics of the record and included brochures here. There's currently one on eBay for $259.95 here]. Kevin and Anthony Marinelli show you how the sound was programmed and performed in the studio for Michael to use on “Beat It”. This video also contains the story behind the sound and highlights how far Michael would go to satisfy his appetite for unusual sounds.

In this series Anthony breaks down some of the most icons synthesizer patches that he programmed for Michael Jackson’s Thriller

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/anthonymarinell...

Website: www.anthonymarinelli.com"

The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II (1981)

video upload by VCO8

"This is the full 24 minute blue vinyl record from 1981."

See this post from 2020 featuring an image of the vinyl and the brochures that came with it.

Blue Thunder: The Sounds I Made For The Film

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this video I breakdown the FM Synclavier sounds/sequences I made for the 1981 movie Blue Thunder, Staring Roy Scheider & Malcolm McDowell.
https://archive.org/details/Hollywood...

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work 'In the Family Way', written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

https://www.discogs.com/release/19915...

Website: www.anthonymarinelli.com"

MJ's Billie Jean Bass - It’s 4 Instruments!

video upload by

See How to Synth Breakdowns by Anthony Marinelli Music for more.

"In this video I demonstrate how the bass sound on 'Billie Jean' from Michael Jackson’s Thriller album is actually 4 different instruments playing at the same time. I’ll show you how I programmed 3 different synthesizer instruments for the album (originally performed by Greg Phillinganes) and the 4th instrument (electric bass guitar originally performed by Luis Johnson) is demonstrated by Ernest Tibbs.

In this series Anthony breaks down some of the most icons synthesizer patches that he programmed for Michael Jackson’s Thriller

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major."

How to Synth Breakdowns by Anthony Marinelli Music

video uploads by Anthony Marinelli Music



Also see: How to make the Baby Be Mine MiniMoog Bass from Michael Jackson's Thriller

And earlier: Bill Wolfer: It's the 50th Anniversary of my Minimoog! for another Minimoog used on Thriller.

"In this series Anthony breaks down some of the most icons synthesizer patches that he programmed for Michael Jackson’s Thriller

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major."

Playlist at the time of this post:
How I Programmed the Baby Be Mine “warble” Mini Moog Lead on Michael Jackson’s Thriller
How I programmed the Baby Be Mine MiniMoog Bass on Michael Jackson's Thriller
How I Programmed The Bass On Michael Jackson's PYT
How I Programmed the Theremin Sound On Michael Jackson's Thriller
How I Programmed Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Bass on my Tonus ARP 2600
How To Program The Synth Lead From The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights"
How to program the synth bass from Tyler, the Creator's "Igor's Theme"
How I Programmed The Synth Opening On Michael Jackson's Thriller: Prophet 5 Pt.1
How I Programmed The Synth Opening On Michael Jackson's Thriller: Jupiter 8 Pt.2
How To Make The Synth Bass from "Da Funk" by Daft Punk
How To Make Any Imaginable Kick Drum Sound
How I Create Dubstep on Analog Synths (without a computer)
How I Process my TR-808 Drum Machine with OTO EFX Pedals
How To Program The Synth Riff From Prince's 1999
How I Programmed The Synth Opening On Michael Jackson's Thriller: The Synclavier Pt.3
War Games: The Sounds I Made For The Film

Yamaha DX7 Patch Recreations by Valmont

Synclavier Church Bell recreated on Yamaha DX7 video upload by Valmont

"Check the Synclavier voices patch from Genesis 'Mama' recreated on DX7 as well here: [below]

The Synclavier being linear FM, one of the only suitable algorithm on a DX is the one with 3 parallel carrier/modulator. So in this patch, we have 3 partials but the original patch had 4. This is no big deal, as we can just detune more the DX operators. However, the Synclavier had a 1st harmonic on carrier 1 at 20% level, which is something we can't achieve on DXs because they aren't additive... Just use some feedback, to be honest it's absolutely unnoticeable ;p

The Synclavier vinyl: https://www.discogs.com/fr/release/67...

Based on 'init' patch:
Algorithm: 5
Output level: 99, 84, 99, 84, 99, 84
Coarse: 1, 1.43, 1.01, 1.44, 1.02, 1.45
Detune: 0, 0, -2, -2, -2, -2
Rate 1: 90, 75, 90, 75, 90, 75
Rate 2: 17, 0, 17, 0, 17, 0
Rate 3: 99, 20, 99, 20, 99, 20
Rate 4: 25, 20, 25, 20, 25, 20
Rate Scaling: 2
Feedback: 4
Transposition: C2"

Synclavier "Voices 1" from Genesis 'Mama' recreated on Yamaha DX7 [Supermax]

video upload by Valmont

"This one was more simple than the previous Synclavier patch. The subtlety is that the two triple-harmonic operators are doubled by the Synclavier chorus function, and that both use asynchronous LFOs. So you get a 2x6 linear operators sound, with two moving parts in the whole thing. We can't do this in a DX7, however we have the Supermax delay function which allows something in the very same spirit. Not having a Supermax results in a strictly halved-stack, which is noticeable but okay if you add thick chorus behind.

The two Synclavier operators both contain harmonic 1, 2 and 3. They're detuned from each other, so until here the DX7 can follow. Then with the trigger-delayer, we ask the DX to play each note a second time very shortly after, with an augmented pitch. We get twice the sound, twice fatter. But we still only have one LFO for the voices, delayed or not, so the sound is phasing out a bit less. Just add a lil chorus on the output and there it goes. Tho we can remark that the patch used on 'Mama' by Genesis has less LFO modulation, it's smoother. But I wanted to recreate the real Synclavier sound x)

Also note that Depeche Mode used this patch on 'Love in Itself', just like the ChurchBell sound I recreated a month ago. [above]

Based on 'init' patch:

Algorithm: 32
Output level: 96, 84, 80, 96, 84, 80
Coarse: 1, 2, 3, 1, 2.02, 3
Detune: -4, +4, -4, +5, +5, +7
Rates for all operators: 50/99/99/40
Levels for all operators: 99/99/99/0
LFO wave: sine
LFO speed: 36
LFO delay: 16
LFO PM: 28
-----------------
Supermax functions:
Delay: 140
Volume: 3
PT: 0.38"

Synclavier "Voices 1" from Genesis 'Mama' recreated on Yamaha DX7 [Supermax]
video upload by Valmont

"This one was more simple than the previous Synclavier patch. The subtlety is that the two triple-harmonic operators are doubled by the Synclavier chorus function, and that both use asynchronous LFOs. So you get a 2x6 linear operators sound, with two moving parts in the whole thing. We can't do this in a DX7, however we have the Supermax delay function which allows something in the very same spirit. Not having a Supermax results in a strictly halved-stack, which is noticeable but okay if you add thick chorus behind.

The two Synclavier operators both contain harmonic 1, 2 and 3. They're detuned from each other, so until here the DX7 can follow. Then with the trigger-delayer, we ask the DX to play each note a second time very shortly after, with an augmented pitch. We get twice the sound, twice fatter. But we still only have one LFO for the voices, delayed or not, so the sound is phasing out a bit less. Just add a lil chorus on the output and there it goes. Tho we can remark that the patch used on "Mama" by Genesis has less LFO modulation, it's smoother. But I wanted to recreate the real Synclavier sound x)

Also note that Depeche Mode used this patch on 'Love in Itself', just like the ChurchBell sound I recreated a month ago. Check it here if you haven't seen it yet! [above]

Based on 'init' patch:

Algorithm: 32
Output level: 96, 84, 80, 96, 84, 80
Coarse: 1, 2, 3, 1, 2.02, 3
Detune: -4, +4, -4, +5, +5, +7
Rates for all operators: 50/99/99/40
Levels for all operators: 99/99/99/0
LFO wave: sine
LFO speed: 36
LFO delay: 16
LFO PM: 28
-----------------
Supermax functions:
Delay: 140
Volume: 3
PT: 0.38"

A visit to the Marche Synth Museum

video upload by Guido Scognamiglio

"A visit to the Marche Synth Museum
Museo Del Synth Marchigiano (e Italiano)
July 2023
https://www.museodelsynth.org/"

Some of the synths featured on their site:

Eko Computerrythm
Elka Synthex
CRB Oberon
Crumar Spirit
Farfisa Compact Duo
Welson Symphony
Crumar Compac Synth
CRB Uranus 2
Elka Rhapsody
Farfisa Syntorchestra
Milton Gemichord
Logan String Melody

I also spotted a Welson Syntex recently featured in Hainbach's Blast of Sirens promo video. Solton RSC Polyvox at 1:59.

Vintage Italian synths.

You can find additional posts mentioning Marche Synth Museum here.

Microtonal Regen

video upload by Synclavier Digital

Update: video re-uploaded.

"For this tutorial video, our collaborator maestro, Leith Fleming-Smith brings his Lumatone and things get seriously microtonal.

Regen supported MPE out of the gate and had controls, such as Octave Ratio, to vary tuning. Then firmware update 1.04 added Custom Tunings and the ability to load scala files, which massively opened up the possibilities for microtonalists.

Topics Covered:
0:00 Intro
1:22 Detune control
2:40 Octave Ratio
5:52 Custom Tunings
10:45 Scala Files
13:57 MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE)
17:53 With Lumatone
21:26 Launchpad X / Pro
26:04 Outro"

Synclavier Regen Desktop Digital FM Synthesizer w/ Original Box

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

via this auction

"Up for sale is the mega-cool Synclavier Regen! This unit was pre-ordered directly from them in January and it showed up early-March.

This synth has to be one of the cleanest, most pristine and hi-fi sounding synths we’ve had. It’s great for weird atmospheres and pads, but the other samples on there are top-notch."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synclavier Digital's Regen Gets Wider Release

video upload by Synclavier Digital

Regen Tutorials


Regen Quickies


You can find additional posts featuring demos of the Regen here.

Press Release follows:

"Synclavier Digital releases regenerated Synclavier® II trailblazer as timeless Regen desktop synthesizer bolstered by present-day DSP developments

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA: soft-launched late last year to widespread critical acclaim at the Synthplex® synthesizer expo and electronic music festival hosted at the Marriott Convention Center in Burbank, CA, USA with pre-orders opening for fulfilment in 2023, timeless synthesis product manufacturer Synclavier Digital is proud to announce wider availability of Regen — released as a desktop synthesizer that is, in short, a real regeneration of New England Digital’s seminal Synclavier® II digital synthesizer that took the pro audio industry by storm when introduced in its initial incarnation in 1980 (evolving beyond that to blaze more technological trails with polyphonic sampling and, ultimately, DAW — Digital Audio Workstation — capabilities well before that term was invented, even), extended and enhanced to take advantage of the increased computing power available today to make it as compelling in a modern setting as the prohibitively pricey original did during its time (finding favour with top-tier film composers, record producers, and recording artists), while the considerable cost and size reductions associated with Regen’s present-day design criteria conversely position it well within reach of (almost) anyone — as of June 29…

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synclavier PSMT FM and Sampling Sequence Demo INHALT

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

"Here's a quick sequence done entirely on the Synclavier PSMT. Drums are a couple of factory samples coming from the PSV sample cards and the bass and lead are FM patches. Recorded straight from the Synclavier tower via an AMS Neve 8424 console at Infinite Power Studios."

Synclavier PSMT FM Synthesizer Free Play INHALT

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

"The beautiful and vintage Synclavier PSMT. Here is a demo recorded straight from the Synclavier of some of the FM sounds that are possible via its digital synthesizer. Recorded at my studio in Los Angeles (Infinite Power Studios)."

Roland System 100m synth sequenced by Synclavier PSMT

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

"Roland System 100m being sequenced by the Synclavier PSMT tower with drums coming from the Synclavier sampler … selling the 100m so hmu if interested."

New England Digital Synclavier II

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

via this auction

"Synclavier II stereo 16 voice FM synthesizer in very good condition. The package comes with the ORK keyboard, the floppy drive with the boot up disc, the Winchester hard drive with loads of sounds, a Kennedy tape drive for sample to disc, a sample to disc module, the Apple Mac computer running the termulator software, and factory owners manuals.

I have always been fascinated by the lore of this instrument. It has definitely held up to its legendary history - it is capable of sounds unavailable anywhere else and is really fun to explore.

Now, the fine print: I bought this instrument in April, 2021 as a fully functional 16 voice FM system, and it works flawlessly. The unit comes with a sample to disc module, and tape drive to sample to, BUT the current operating system DOES NOT support those features. I am also selling a Synclavier VPK keyboard on a separate listing because it is not supported on this software release. There is plenty of support for this instrument, and obtaining an updated software release should be very easy, I just have not pursued it as I am downsizing my studio and need to sell most of my collection. Just keep in mind that while this Synclavier comes with these added features, you are buying a 16 voice stereo FM synth. It is being offered at the price that I have invested, so keep that in mind if you want to make an offer."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synclavier Regen INHALT Factory Patches Demo

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

"As a young guy I used to marvel at records that featured the Synclavier. It was the ultimate ephemeral instrument; both a source of confusion as to what it exactly was and a source of endless inspiration via the records that occupied my fascination. It also cost $500,000 US dollars in the mid 80s if you got a fully specced one.

Fast forward to 2023 and at the heart of my Los Angeles studio (Infinite Power Studios) is a fully loaded Synclavier PSMT tower. Both a workhorse sequencer, astounding sampler and superbly organic FM synth, it is my purest joy to work on it daily. Few instruments have moved me the way that the Synclavier has. To my ears, there's something complete and done about what it sounds and moves like.

Enter the Regen. I was invited to contribute patches to the latest venture that Cameron Jones and other former NED/Synclavier developers have created. It is an immense honor for me to be involved with such individuals who have shaped and shifted music so deeply, that I am still beside myself that it actually happened. Here is a long audio demo of some of the patches I have contributed to the new Synclavier Regen factory timbre library.

As always, no additional fx processing was used. This is pure Regen piping out of its dual XLR balanced outputs straight into Pro Tools HD."

Synclavier Regen Demo

video upload by Paul Schilling

"A selection of my factory presets for the Regen, with the Hydrasynth set to MPE mode. I was thrilled to be able to work on this wonderful machine.

Plenty of examples of MPE poly-aftertouch. A couple of movie references are thrown in. :)

I like the ease with which you can throw together additive, subtractive and sample layers with this interface, and mold them in various ways. The Regen can sound very warm and organic, as well as a wide digital-sounding spectrum.

All reverb in this demo and other things that sound like FX (chorus etc.) are coming from the Regen."