2024/01 - dawless winter session #2 with DIY gear and MUCH reverb

video upload by Stereoping

"Drowning the lead synth - which imperturbably repeats it's themes - in the dark and endless reverb of a Roland #DEP5. Other guests beside the DIY gear: FB01 through Dynacord #VRS23, Moog #Matriarch, Boss SX700 which got modulated by fader on the phaser mid frequency while processing the Wersi CX-1 HiHats. A Volca Sample also contributes a bit of background beat."

Arp Omni 2 with external ensemble FX (Wersivoice)

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"if you've watched some of my videos you know I love string synth and string ensemble FX, I collect the former and build the latter.
I wanted to test how an Arp Omni would sound through a Wersivoice unit.
To do so I used the synth section of the Omni and plugged it to the Wersivoice, since the waveshape of the synth and string section of the Omni are basically the same.
In the first part I A/B the 2 chorus sounds by using a foot switch. It's quite obvious which is what so you'll figure out. As you'll probalbly find out the Omni built-in chorus sounds mellower than the Wersi, which is brighter and harsher. Not better or worse, just a different taste. It's worthy to note the Omni 2 chorus is build around Reticon SAD512 BBD chipsets (so is the Moog Opus 3 btw) and this Wersivoice is build around Panasonic MN3004 (the same used in Roland Jupiter 4 / VP330). Early Wersivoice units (FM76s and WV3 / WV7 pcb) are build around philips TDA1022 and sound mellower. I'll make a demo with the Arp and one of those at some point.

Then in the second part this is when it gets really interesting... Since we use the synth section of the Omni we have access to a full ADSR enveloppe and a resonant filter with control over it by enveloppe, LFO and external pedal.
And this allow for a much wider sound palette.
Thanks to the enveloppe shaping the VCA you can get some string articulations that are not possible in the string section since it has a ASR enveloppe (meaning you can control Attack and Release but there is no Decay and Sustain is always maxed). Great for swell, staccatos, stabs etc
It's also worth mentionning that the release of the ADST (synth) enveloppe is tied to the string section release, this one being the "master" or final release. If you want a long release on the ADSR you have to bring the String release up. This is not an issue, it is the way it is designed and that's one of the drawback of paraphonic design.
And then comes the resonant filter... with it you can shape the tone of the sound to almost choiry / vocaly ones. And you can bring this more lively by using the LFO or an external pedal to open the filter like I did at some point.
And of course you can always run the string section through the Wersivoice, which I did in the last part. And that, when the builtin Omni's chorus is set to phaser mode gives a very thick (sick ?) sound.
Hope you like the video.

00:00 builtin chorus / Wersivoice comparision
02:48 quick discovery of ADSR and filter
05:19 example of ADSR use for string articulation
08:19 example of Filter use for tone shaping
10:56 use of external swell pedal (not on screen) to control filter and then LFO
14:41 BONUS string section in phaser mode through Wersivoice"

Wersi Wersimatic CX1 / CX2

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"Demo of a Wersi CX1 I just serviced. Showcasing the general functionality of the instrument by fiddling with some presets I made.

This unit is actually more a CX2 since it was upgraded at some point to a CX2. This was a possibility given by Wersi when they released the CX2 not too long after the CX1. Basically it replaced the full analog drum sounds with 12 bit PCM drum samples. Otherwise the CX1 and CX2 shared the same analog arranger and programming unit. There are still 4 analog drum synthesized sounds in the CX (maracas, claves, tambourine and "synthdrum", the latter being only manually triggered).

The CXs also have 3 SSM2044 filters for the 3 analog parts (bass, chord and arpeggio) and it features a great Wersivoice BBD triple chorus card to give that ensemble sound to the string presets sounds (check my videos about these units if you dont know how they sound).

Both drum and arranger parts are programmable and you can store your own 16 presets, in top of the 48 builtin presets. Instant 80s and italo disco sound with this unit. Very close in philosphy and sound to the mlighty Bohm Digital Drums, with the latter being a much more advanced unit though."

WERSIMATIC CX1

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Here’s some more Wersimatic CX1 for you - a hella stylish auto accompaniment unit made in Germany when the going was good - the early 80s.

The machine looks like a obsolete computer terminal and sports 4 sections :

Analog Drum machine
Bass section
Chord section
Arpeggiator section

We modded this one quite a bit - with separate volumes and outputs for the bass, chords, strings and of course the drum section.
We're routing the separate outs to a ton of different effects:
The Compact Phaser effect is an odd one - it could be a Vermona prototype - it sounds like the Vermona Phaser and looks very nice and stylish for a one off.
It's sitting next to the Compact Schulte Phaser and you can see the resemblance in design."

Crumar Bit99 + Wersi Wersivoice

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"Quick demo of the Crumar BIT99 i fully serviced. In the frst part i flip through a few patches to let you hear how this one can sound, mainly for bass/lead/keyboards sounds. And in the second part I focus on pads and i run the synth through a custom built Wersi Wersivoice analog triple chorus. As you can hear i can turn the BIT99 into a great string machine and more.
Record with no other FX or treatment.
Pardon my playing, I'm better at servicing these instruments than playing them :-)"

via this auction

"Here is your chance to grab a unique combo in the form of 6 voice analog polysynth and a custom made BBD triple chorus ensemble effect.

The Crumar BIT99 was fully serviced:
- power supply electrolytic capacitors replaced
- voice board electrolytic capacitors replaced
- firmware upgraded with Tauntek one: you can now easily control and program the synth with any midi controller
- keyboard dismantled and contacts and bus bar cleaned
- meticulously calibrated
- panel board and case fully dismantled, cleaned and polished
- custom made real wood side end cheeks

It sounds, plays and looks awesome. It does has some wear and scuffs but it is in great condition.
STAND IS NOT INCLUDED.

The Wersivoice was custom built and is a great addition to any synth, analog or digital. It simply can turn anything into a great string machine, and more.
Very simple, no control: sound in sound out. There is a 3 positions switch with ON / MUTE / (true) BYPASS positions.
It runs directly from 230v.
Since it's DIY it doesn't look perfect."

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THE WERSIMATIC CX1

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Introducing the Wersimatic CX1 - a stylish auto accompaniment unit made in Germany in the early 80s.

It sports 4 sections :

Analog Drum machine
Bass section
Chord section
Arpeggiator section (it’s maybe more like a second chord generator)

Each section can be muted, individual drum sounds can be muted.
This specific unit was modified with independent volume control for each section - those are the extra knobs on the front panel - as well as separate outputs for each section in the back.
The drum patterns, the chord and arpeggiator sections are all programmable.

The CX1 was followed by the CX2 - which is basically the same machine but with 12bit sample drums instead of the CX1’s analog drums - it seems the bass, chords and arpeggiator sounds and patterns are all the same on the CX1 and CX2. The CX2 sports an additional row of buttons for programming purposes but those are available on the CX1 as well - the row of buttons on the left has a third submenu."

Additional WERSIMATIC CX1 posts

Custom Made Wersi Wersivoice triple analog chorus / string ensemble effect

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

Update: "THIS IS A NEW VIDEO. THE CHORUS WAS NOT PROPERLY ADJUSTED IN THE PREVIOUS ONE."

"A VENDRE / FOR SALE HERE

This Wersivoice unit is based on later revision model that uses 3x Panasonic MN3004 Bucket Brigade Device chipsets, the same chipsets used on Roland VP330 or Jupiter 4 chorus for instance, instead of the more classic Philips TDA1022 you find in earlier Wersivoice units.

No fuzz in this unit, it only does the string ensemble effect. Mono input / mono output. 3 positions switch with true bypass and mute position. Unit has a built in power supply that runs on 230v.
Case is DIY so don't expect manufacture quality.
Works perfectly of course.

recorded dry with no further treatment."

via this auction

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WERSI WERSIMATIC II / CRB OBERON

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"This is an analog auto-accompaniment machine produced by the German organ manufacturer Wersi sometime in the mid-70s. Originally part of a big, dual manual organ called Helios, this auto-comp section was probably removed from the organ and squeezed into a faux Teak cabinet - literally crammed with circuit boards - all beautifully snug inside - a very good job by whoever built it.
We used a ton of effects of this track - most noticeably the Davoli 2K disc echo - insanely rare unit with a Schaller disc unit mounted inside - the very mounted inside the Lombardi mixing desks.
The Digitech Synth Wah is also going strong - an envelope follower pedal on the cheap side.

We're pairing the Wersimatic II with the glorious CRB Oberon - a unicorn of a dual oscillator monophonic synth made in Italy in the late 70s - one of very few still existing.
Lots of fun features it can really sound huge - there's still lots more to explore here

The grey string machine in the video is also marked CRB - a simple, two sounds (violin and cello) string machine, unusually light weight for the oldie it is - the CRB 709.
It's sound is bright and lush - really not at all bad.

Vintage Audio Institute Italia is a gear vendor and recording studio in the hills of Florence."

Additional CRB Oberon posts

Additional WERSIMATIC II posts

WERSI WERSIMATIC II

video upload by

"It's still here and we love it - so here we go again with new music :
The Wersimatic II - the previous generation of the Wersimatic 24 auto-accompaniment machine and probably familiar to fans of the Elgam Carousel, Böhm Solist 78, Elka Wilgamat and Godwin Drummaker 45 units.

The Wersimatic II has 4 sections on board:
Bass line tone generator
Drum machine with individual mute options
Various chord sounds
Various Arpeggiator sounds (same sounds as chords but with busier patterns)

The bass sounds great - very nice and analog.
Drum sounds are very analog - this is sound generation in its infancy - the hi-hats scare me :)
The chord and arpeggiator sounds were processed through the Digitech Synth Wah - a relatively cheap envelope follower pedal that’s a great bang for the buck.

The sounds and controls are across the board identical to the Wersimatic 24 unit as far as we can tell but the difference being the Wersimatic II was never made as a stand-alone unit - it was part of a large, double manual organ called Wersi Helios.
This particular one is unique : it has been transplanted from that organ into a smaller box with a twelve buttons acting as chord control instead of the two bottom octaves of the organ.

Special thanks to Organfairy for the rare schematics that were necessary to complete the repair : dude you f-ing rock

Vintage Audio Institute is a gear vendor and recording studio in the hills of Florence"

Additional Wersimatic II posts

Wersi CX5 / german 12 bit drum machine from the 80s

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

This one is currently listed for sale on Reverb here, and on eBay here. You can find pics from the listings and an older demo posted here.

"Very quick demo of the Wersi CX5 drum machine. Classic 80s 12 bit sounds. There are 26 of them including a analog drum synth sound plus a chromatic timpani mode (!)

Very comprehensive it has 8 analog outputs, MIDI IN and OUT, Tape, Sync and a dedicated connector to plug some pads in order to trigger the sounds.

The video focus on the MIDI control of the unit and as you can see you can easily play the sounds over midi with velocity.

And thanks to the global pitch control it is a great live performance tools in the right hands (oblivously not mine)."

Wersi CX-5 12 Bit Drum Machine

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by hi there its me

Note this video is from 2019. The listing below is for another. This is the first video of one to be featured on the site. BTW, if you saw this post earlier, that post was lost in an edit. This is a new post. Also see the update in this post for some additional info on the Wersivoice fx cards.

"Vintage drum computer fully programmable
- recorded thru stereo out with preset pan and pad volume
- no effects added
- 8-10bit (?) sound, full pitch with beautiful digital artefacts when playing lower notes
- one analog Sound (Synth Tom)"

via this auction

"German drum machine from the 80s.

very comprehensive and great sounding, in the like of classics like the Oberheim DMX, Sequential Circuis DrumTraks or LinnDrum.

There are 26 sound including one analog synth drum.

You get 8 seperate outputs, midi, tape, sync and a connector to plug drum pads to trigger the sounds.

But most of all there is the fader that enables global control of the pitch.

It’s a nightmare to program but you can simply plug a midi keyboard, pad or computer and you can play the 26 instruments, with velocity.

Unit was serviced and is fully operational."

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Wersivoice FM76 & Wersi WV30 Wersivoice Rotor/String Effect Cards

Wersivoice FM76 video upload by hi there its me

"Vintage Chorus/Vibrato from the late 70s
- demonstrated with Ableton's Operator (Sine/Squarewave)
- no effects added
- beautiful to warm up your digital synths
- also works great with guitars, vocals..."

Note the video above is not for the listing below and it actually uses a different card. See the update from Ohm Studio below. There were different versions of the PCBs used by Wersi. Read on for details.

via this auction

"These WV30 rotor/string cards are used and tested from a Wersi Arcus and are suitable for all CD range organs. Not suitable for any DX range organs."

Update: I asked Ohm Studio if this was the same model card used in his custom design. He replied: "It’s not the same pcb I use or used in the Wersivoice FM76 above (the only standalone manufactured model they made). It’s from a more recent design and uses different bucket brigade devices, Panasonic MN3004 instead of the Philips TDA1022 used in the Wersivoice, Bohm and most of the Italian string synths and organs from the late 70s on (the Farfisa effect I built was also designed around those).

Earlier ensemble fx used TCA350 BBDs like the Eminent Solina, Logan string melody, Crumar Stringman etc.

American and Japanese designs tended to use Panasonic (Roland used the MN300x a lot. Like in Juno choruses too).

I never really notice a real difference in sound between those BBDs IF the circuit is more or less similar and based on the Solinas, ie using 3x BBDs modulated by 2 lfos, one at 6hz and one at 0,6hz.

Roland ensemble fx do sound very different than the rest, but IMO it’s not because of the uses of Panasonic BBDs but because of the circuit design that is not based on the classic eminent design.

I do think however that the Bohm Phasing rotor and the Wersivoice are the lushest you can get (except, most probably for Jurgen Haible Triple Chorus, which unfortunately I never had a chance to hear. From what I've read the Bohm was a huge influence in his design).

So to make a long story short: no it’s not the same but I’m quite sure it would sound nice because it looks like it’s the classic design."

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Custom Made Wersi Wersivoice Ensemble FX on Roland Juno 106

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"Very quick demo of a custom built Wersi Wersivoice analog triple chorus i'm selling just to showcase once again how lush these boxes sound and how they transform any synth in a great string synth.
I adressed the Wersivoice and it's cousin the Böhm Phasing Rotor in more lengthy and detailed videos [posted here] if you're curious about these units."

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Wersi AP-6 Rare German Analog Bass Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"Vintage 1970s Wersi AP6 Bass Synthesizer

The bass guitar voice sounds brilliant. A very organic, characterful synthesizer.

All keys, buttons, switches, and sliders work perfectly."

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Wersi City KF2 Rack Synthesizer Expander w/ Sound Cards

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

via this auction

You can find a demo of one posted here.

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WERSI WERSIMATIC WM24 & WM24b (1972) & BÖHM BÖHMAT SOLIST S (Keyboard Version)

video upload by Synthesizer Home

Update:

BÖHM BÖHMAT SOLIST S (Keyboard Version)

video upload by Synthesizer Home

Wersi EX20 MIDI Expander w/ Cart

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

via this auction

"WERSI EX20 MIDI Expander Vintage Synthesizer Original 19" 3U + Cartridge (RARE)."

You can find demos of the Wersi EX20 in previous posts here.

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Best Ambient Synth Shootout #124: Wersi MK1 - Song 3

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the third song with the Wersi MK1. It's a 12 voice synthesizer from 1986 using a kind of additiv synthesis based on complex volume and pitch envelopes for up to 32 digitally generated harmonic's. In addition it has a single analog filter (in my version it's an SSM2045 filter chip) for all voices (paraphonic use).

I used for the recording the following FX chain: MK1 - Pigtronix Envelop Phaser - Zoom MS-70CDR - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)

Check out my Best Ambient Synth Shootout Playlist:"

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #123: Wersi MK1 - Song 2

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the second song with the Wersi MK1. It's a 12 voice synthesizer from 1986 using a kind of additiv synthesis based on complex volume and pitch envelopes for up to 32 digitally generated harmonic's. In addition it has a single analog filter (in my version it's an SSM2045 filter chip) for all voices (paraphonic use).

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
MK1 - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)

Check out my Best Ambient Synth Shootout Playlist:"

Wersi EX20 - rare 20 voice additive synthesizer with analog SSM filters

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

via this auction

Pics of the inside below. You can find videos of the EX20 in previous posts.

"This is the rare 20 voice rack version of the Wersi MK1. The EX20/MK1 is a VERY unique additive, digital/analog hybrid synthesizer. It's an oddly complex, weird alien machine in every manner. It's notoriously one of the most difficult synths to master due to its cryptic language, design, programming methods and function. So if you enjoy taming the more deep and daunting synthesizers: you'll be in bliss with this. Fortunately I have the programmer overlays attached to the top for (much needed and convenient) reference. Adding to its outsider nature; it is also paraphonic, as the 20 additive voices feed into a single but glorious sounding analog SSM filter. The EX20 has been internally cleaned and well cared for. It is functioning as properly as a EX20/MK1 can be, with all the original quirks and charms it was born with. Definitely one of the most unique synthesizers made. The most stable and current OS proms have been installed."

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