New MOOG SUB 37 Paraphonic Polyphonic Synth Coming to NAMM?

Click the pic for the full size shot.

Some discussion on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge and MATRIXSYNTH Facebook.

Update: [see Update4 below] for those not familiar with Paraphonic synths, a definition via wikipedia followed by a couple of notes:

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Moog Modular at PS Audio: Do high resolution systems have to go to 40kHz?

Published on Jun 11, 2019 PS Audio

More synth spotting in a non synth oriented video. This time a Moog 5U modular owned by Gus at PS Audio. Last Friday's video featured the ARP 2600 in a wall and a Roland Juno-106 with custom wood sides.

"The highest resolution systems capable of discerning the most minute of details buried deep in the music are often wonders of reproduction most people have never experienced. Do they have to have ultra bandwidth to work? Have a question you want to ask Paul? http://www.psaudio.com/ask-paul/

I have finished my memoir! You can go read it now: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173... It's called 99% True and it is chock full of adventures, debauchery, struggles, heartwarming stories, triumphs and failures, great belly laughs, and a peek inside the high-end audio industry you've never known before.

I plan a few surprises for early adopters, so go to https://www.paulmcgowan.com and add your name to the list of interested readers. There's an entire gallery of never before seen photos too."

A true balanced audio system

video by PS Audio

"What makes a true balanced audio component? Paul walks us through."

Note this is about stereo systems, but I couldn't pass up that vintage Moog Modular blinking away in the background. Wow!

It was also featured here: Tubes vs. solid state amplifiers and Bi amping with mixed amp types.

PS Audio are makers of hi-fi audio equipment: https://www.psaudio.com.

Update via John L Rice in the comments:

"He also briefly mentions the Moog in the long company tour at around 31 minutes in:"

Synth Spotting with PS Audio: Bi amping with mixed amp types

video by PS Audio

Not a synth video but that is one nice Moog Modular system in the background. :) You might remember it from previous posts here.

"If you are bi-amping your speakers, is it alright to mix amplifier types between the tweeter and woofer?

Get a copy of Paul's new book, The Audiophile's Guide, and its companion reference audio disc. Together, you can make magic. https://www.psaudio.com/products/the-..." [Also on Amazon here]

Tubes vs. solid state amplifiers

Published on Oct 16, 2019 PS Audio

This has nothing to do with synths, but there you have it. Vintage Moog Modular at PS Audio.

http://psaudio.com

What makes a speaker good for a tube amplifier and, as a secondary question, what are the 4Ω and 8Ω settings on the back of tube amplifiers for? Have a question you want to ask Paul?

I have finished my memoir! You can go read it now: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173... It's called 99% True and it is chock full of adventures, debauchery, struggles, heartwarming stories, triumphs and failures, great belly laughs, and a peek inside the high-end audio industry you've never known before.

I plan a few surprises for early adopters, so go to https://www.paulmcgowan.com and add your name to the list of interested readers. There's an entire gallery of never before seen photos too."

Cherry Audio Introduces Synth Stack 4 Collection

video upload by Cherry Audio

Press release follows:

"Synth Stack 4 assembles 22 of Cherry Audio's virtual instruments at a stunning price, only $299 or less for a very limited time! This astounding collection features 19 emulations of classic vintage synthesizers, three original synthesizers, one massive modular synthesizer platform, and nearly 8,000 presets.

PRESS RELEASE - November 21, 2023: Cherry Audio has announced Synth Stack 4, the 2023 update to their complete collection of 22 virtual instruments at an astoundingly affordable price. Synth Stack 4 includes 19 emulations of classic vintage synthesizers, three original synthesizers, one massive modular synthesizer platform, and nearly 8,000 presets.

In total, Synth Stack 4 is packed with nearly $1,000 worth of products and is available for a limited time at the stunningly low introductory price of only $299 - that's less than $14 per instrument! This introductory price is available until December 5th, after which Synth Stack 4 returns to its regular price of $399. Already own a previous version of Synth Stack or other individual Cherry Audio instruments? Sign in to see your personalized and discounted price at checkout!

Synth Stack 4 includes:

Voltage Modular Core + Electro Drums, a powerhouse collection of modular madness including 120 modules and over 600 presets.

DCO-106, a stunning recreation of the much-loved Juno-106 polysynth of the 80's.

CA2600, a powerful, self-contained duophonic synthesizer inspired by the groundbreaking ARP 2600 synthesizer.

Surrealistic MG-1 Plus Synthesizer, a super authentic recreation of the fun and funky Moog MG-1 synthesizer sold in Radio Shack stores in 80s.

Polymode, inspired by the groundbreaking Moog Polymoog synthesizer, one of the world’s first polyphonic synthesizers.

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Paul McGowan of PS Audio Explains the Moog Synthesizer

video upload by Paul McGowan, PS Audio

"The classic Moog changed the world. Paul helps us understand what all the wires and modules actually do."

https://www.psaudio.com

Fascinating bit at 1:50. Paul McGowan actually created his own synthesizer, The Infinitizer. Curious if there are any images of it out there. He almost sold one to Wendy Carlos. It gets a mention in his book 99% True: Almost a National Bestseller which you can find on Amazon here (note this is an affiliate link - see the site's privacy policy for more info).

Update: I asked Paul if he had any pics of The Infinitizer. Unfortantely he didn't, and he no longer has any of the parts, but he did send over the following additional info:

"I don’t have any photos of the Infinitizer, unfortunately. I remember a very sad day back in 1995 or so when I was cleaning out my lab and had to own up to hauling it off to the dump (it was a mere skeleton of PCBs, a keyboard, and lots of wires and didn’t work)."

"The idea was to make 10 synthesizers into one unit that was easy to use. This meant it would be the world’s first polyphonic synth, since musicians only have 10 fingers.

I designed a complete analog chain of 10 modules (the usual: VC filters, oscillators, envelope generators, amplifiers, etc.). Then, I hired an engineer out of Vandenburg Air Force Base who was a whiz at this new thing called “digital”. He designed for me a multiplexed keyboard that constantly scanned all the keys looking for ones that were pressed. The keys were all internally numbered and when pressed, the multiplexer would find an available VC oscillator and assign that number to the oscillator. Because we know the number of the key, the appropriate voltage was sent to that oscillator and it produced the appropriate frequency for that key. In order to have the entire keyboard voltage move up and down (like if you wanted to bend the notes or modulate the frequency with a LF oscillator) the master voltage (that got divided by the individual keys assigned to it) could be accessed as one might normally do through the patch bay.

I also wanted to have the keys pressure sensitive so for that, I invented the use of conductive foam under each key (and that too could manipulate the master voltage to the oscillator banks) and could be assigned to modulate any of the other modifiers too. My patch bay was a switch matrix and pots kind of like ARP used to do.

It was a very cool device which I wrote about extensively in my memoirs, 99% True."

-------

As for the first non organ based poly synth, currently that honor likely goes to one of the following depending how you define it:

1975 - Buchla 502 - six voice polyphonic with minicomputer and ability to save patches to tape drive. Development on the 500 series began in 1969.

1975 - Oberheim FVS - four voice polyphonic with Polyphonic Synthesizer Programmer. Not sure if the 502 or FVS was released first.

1977 - Yamaha - CS50/CS60/CS80 - first single enclosure polyphonic keyboard synthesizers, with the CS80 to be the first synth with poly aftertouch

1978 - Sequential Circuits - microprocessor control the SCI prophet 10 (briefly) and the P-5 --- again based on existing E-mu tech stuff

via The First Synth to...

Moogfest 2016 Announces Modular Marketplace Synth Event with Neuronics (ex Dewanatron) Debut

This is a bit of a double post. The press release from Moogfest follows further below. A number of known manufacturers are listed, however there is a new one you might not be familiar with, Neuronics. This will be their debut. I am curious what they will show as one half of Neuronics is Leon Dewan of Dewanatron, makers of the Swarmatron and other eccentric synthesizer creations. P.S. Great Make Noise T-shirt on the left! They are my favorite synth T, aside from mine of course. :)

"See, Hear, and Experience the Future of Music at the Moogfest 2016 Modular Marketplace

Free interactive bazaar gives everyone a chance to discover and test-drive next generation electronic musical instruments

Durham, North Carolina (April 27, 2016) - The Modular Marketplace at Moogfest 2016 reimagines the traditional trade show by creating a fun, interactive, educational space where electronic instrument designers connect directly with musicians, technology innovators, and the general public.

Over 25 companies selected for their cult status or game-changing ambition will demonstrate their instruments and offer a glimpse into the future of electronic music. Many of the entrepreneurs and designers behind these products will be in attendance, and almost all items are available for purchase.

Moogfest programming partner Kickstarter has ever curated a selection of three instruments, supported through its crowdfunding platform, to exhibit at the Modular Marketplace: the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1, Sensory Perception by Sunhouse and Kilpatrick Audio.

The Modular Marketplace is one of the many highlights of Moogfest 2016, which celebrates the legacy of Bob Moog, the visionary engineer who pioneered the analog synthesizer and other technology tools used by artists like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Kraftwerk. The four-day festival from May 19-22 will feature over 250 innovators in music, art, and technology -- from Gary Numan, GZA, Grimes and Laurie Anderson to virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier and transhumanist visionary Dr. Martine Rothblatt. For the first time, Moogfest takes place in Durham, North Carolina, a fast-growing capital of technology, culture and entrepreneurship.

'The Modular Marketplace is free and open to the public, giving everyone from school kids to technology influencers an opportunity to participate,' said Moogfest Festival Director, Marisa Brickman. 'A new generation of engineers and circuit designers are building on Bob Moog's legacy by creating new tools that are shaping the future of music and sound.'

The Modular Marketplace features product launches, daily demonstrations, sound experiments, exclusive discounts, and other special events. It takes place at the American Tobacco Campus at 318 Blackwell Street from 10am - 6pm from May 19 - 22.

Some highlights of the Modular Marketplace include:

Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1: Developed at The New Museum's NEW INC incubator and funded through a Kickstarter campaign that raised $1.3 million, the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1 will make its public debut at Moogfest 2016. The groundbreaking instrument allows users of any skill or style to strum a guitar, tap a piano, bow a violin, or loop a drum beat -- all on a single interface. By connecting to iOS devices, Macs and PCs, this portable and durable musical tool can make any sound imaginable.

Audulus: Audulus is a virtual modular synthesizer environment for iOS, Mac, and Windows platforms. Throughout the festival, Audulus will be giving away copies of the deep and beautifully designed software to curious sonic voyagers. Simply come by the booth and get signed up.

Bastl Instruments: Based in the Czech Republic, Bastl Instruments in a community-driven company focused on producing handmade electronic musical instruments. Bastl Instruments will be displaying an eclectic robotic percussion set controlled by their Eurorack format synthesizer modules. Additionally Bastl Instruments will be offering 10% off discounts on their tabletop granular synthesizer - The Micro Granny.
Bleep Labs: Bleep Labs will launch the Thingamagoop 3 at Moogfest 2016, a light controlled synthesizer, effect and noise friend. Simple controls give musicians access to rich and diverse sounds, from simple square and triangle waves to FM laser battles.

Neuronics: Neuronics is an exciting new adventure in synthesis helmed by Leon Dewan and producer Josh Humphrey. Dewan is best known for the unique and visually striking analog synthesizers available with his company Dewanatron, whose flagship device, the Swarmatron creates the effect of a swarming hive of bees. Neuronics makes its debut at the Modular Marketplace.

Electric Objects: Electric Objects is the creator of E01, an Internet-connected screen designed specifically for art, capable of playing more than 10,000 works of digital art including video, animations, GIFs, high definition images, or web-based work. Electric Objects will be featuring works by performing artists and speakers at Moogfest 2016.

Kilpatrick Audio: Using both new and vintage circuits and cutting edge software, Kilpatrick Audio creates unique and interesting musical equipment designed to sound great, be fun to use, and to inspire musical ideas in the exploration of new sounds.

Luisa Perera & The Counterpointer: The Modular Marketplace will feature an auto-composing musical installation by coder and instrument designer Luisa Pereira. The counterpoint method Bach will be expressed through her instrument the Counterpointer and 3 Moog Mother-32 modular synths. This alludes to the work of the composer who made the Moog Modular famous, Wendy Carlos.

Make Noise: Based in Asheville, North Carolina, the home of Moog Music, Make Noise designs and builds Eurorack format modular synthesizers that incorporate "West Coast" design philosophies associated with synth pioneers Don Buchla and Serge Tscherpnin. Make Noise is presenting a demonstration of their new 0-Coast device during daytime programming.

To view the full list of Modular Marketplace exhibitors visit:
http://www.moogfest.com/program/talent/modular-marketplace"

More Info on The Infinitizer by PS Audio's Paul McGowan

I reached out to Paul McGowan of PS Audio on The Infinitizer he mentioned in his Moog Synthesizer video posted here. Click through for his response. It's an interesting bit of synth history.

Paul sticks to his promise

video upload by Paul McGowan, PS Audio

I get a kick out of watching PS Audio's videos. Paul comes across as a great guy, but when will he play that Moog?! He's just laughing at us!

And no, he doesn't play it in this video. It just appears in the background of some of his videos. This time it's patched up though, so someone was tinkering around with it. Hmm... Curious what the patch sounds like.

On the book:

"As promised, as soon as Paul's new book, The Aurora Project is ready, you will be the first to know. Here it is! A thriller you can't put down. Help Paul launch his new book. Go to https://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Project... or simply type The Aurora Project into an Amazon search field. And, thank you."

MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2016 Pics

Update: Booth list added below.  30 booths in one day!  It's become tradition for me to come on Saturday only.  The site is just too busy leading up to then.  Be sure to see the last image in the set  It's the NAMM Booth promo for the first showing of the original Minimoog Model D.  The Bob Moog Foundation was giving out buttons of the flyer which you can see in the second to last image.  You never know what will be your last pic at NAMM.  I am glad it was this one.  It's more than fitting considering the Minimoog was the birth of modern day synthesizers.  Apologies for not calling this out earlier.  It was one of those should I not say anything and let people pause at that image and discover what it meant on their own, or should I call it out.  I guess I did both.  :)

--

So first of all, apologies for the super tall pic to start! For some reason Flickr's slideshow is not resizing it, and a few others, to fit the desired frame size. Mouse over the image and use the controls that come up to move through the slide show. Once you get past the first image, the majority of the rest should fit fine. For what it's worth, the super tall pic to start does give you a feel of what it's like to walk up to the entrance of NAMM. If you prefer you can check out the set on Flickr here. Feel free to grab any pics for your wallpaper but if you'd like to use them professionally (not that any are that good :), please contact me by clicking on the small email icon on the bottom right of the site. This year I took a total of 328 pics.

All that said, enjoy the set! The pics speak for themselves. If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them in the comments.

NAMM was great this year. Lots of familiar faces and lots of new. Modular has grown exponentially. It was on the main floor this year rather than what we like to call the dungeon. As for new synths, the DSI Oberheim OB-6 stole the show. The minilogue looked and sounded great and the KORG Volca FM was a very nice surprise. Roland's booth was great; nice dim lighting to let the blinky synth lights shine, as well as giving you a more intimate experience with their synths. There was also a cool wall sized timeline of Roland synths. Malekko's Roland System 500 synths were in show and I actually was able to help with one that had its envelope switched to loop mode. Moog's Island of Electronicus was an incredible space. The pics don't do it justice. It was literally like an oasis in NAMM. Things get pretty hectic and can feel overwhelming at times. Moog's booth just made you smile and relax. Thank you Moog!

PS, there are a couple of non-synth shots in the set that might make you smile. I took them to show my wife what I was looking at. :)

Including this post, 253 NAMM2016 posts have gone up and more are sure to follow.

Update: The booth list in order of appearance in both the set and in me walking through NAMM.  The pics in the set are in the order taken.

1.   Entrance to NAMM
2.   Dave Smith Instruments
3.   Moog Music
4.   Schneiders Buero Booth featuring Doepfer, MFB, Birdkids, AJH Synth, Endorphines, soundmachines, and Haken Audio
5.   Pittsburgh Modular
6.   Modal Electronics
7.   Make Noise
8.   Moon Modular
9. WMD (4ms, Verbos & Koma pics came prior to Moon Modular as they were across from each other. The WMD modular area was huge): 4ms Pedals, Abstract Data, Audio Damage, BaSTLE, Delptronics, Elite Cases, Rossum Electronics, Expert Sleepers, Foxtone Music/ Black Market Modular, Koma Elektronik, Hexinverter, Macro Machines, Mordax Systems, Noise Engineering, Qu-Bit Electronix, Soulsby, Steady State Fate (SSF), STG Soundlabs / Detachement 3 [check out the Crowbox black SEM eurorack module!], TipTopAudio, Toppobrillo, Verbos Electronics.
10. Studio Electronics, Mode Machines, and D-Tronics (check out the massive DT7 dedicated programmer for the DX7 similar to the old Jellinghaus)
11. Roger Linn's Linnstrument
12. Tom Oberheim
13. Elektron
14. Malekko - complete with Roland banner to promote their new System 500. Check out the glowing case! You can control the color with CV control.
15. Big City Music - Analogue Systems, Critter & Guitari, Cwejman, Dewanatron, Dirty Boy Pedals, Effectrode Tube Effects, EMC, Eowave, Jomox, Livewire, Mellotron, MWFX Pedals, Sherman
16. Schmidt in the Big City Music booth.
17. Radikal Technologies
18. Waldorf
19. Arturia
20. intelligel
21. Social Entropy and Abstrakt Instrument
22. Expressive E
23. John Bowen Synth Design - check out the custom Sonic Six with Sequential Model 700 Programmer & modded Model 800 Sequencer.
24. Roland (the guy with the hat on the right is the drummer for Train - I was taking pics of the timeline and they were standing there. I asked them if they wanted to be in the pic and they said sure! :) Apologies to Ed Diaz! I took his pic right when he saw me. Trust me he was full of smiles after that pic. I was flattered to find out he knew about the site! :)
25. Yamaha
26. Novation
27. KORG
28. Tangible Instruments showing their Arpeggio
29. Industrial Music Electronics (formerly Harvestman) and Sputnik Modular Synthesizers.
30. The Bob Moog Foundation

30 booths in one day!

PAIA 2700/4700 MODULAR ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction

"A few years ago I decide to take my 1974ish PAiA synthesizer and rebuild it. I researched components by consulting with Scott Lee of PAiA. I designed custom panels through Front Panel Express. To keep the engraving costs down I went with a minimalistic look that was reminiscent of PAiA yet totally original with a vintage vibe, especially the knobs.

I had Steve Wood, a former PAiA Tech from back in the day, do all the module refurbishing. Most of the major components on the boards were replaced & all ICs socketed. The audio path has upgraded caps and Burr-Brown op-amps. All front panel parts and hardware are new. Taking Marvin Jones’ advice, I replaced all the control voltage “pin jacks” with 3.5mm audio jacks. These are grounded so I could interface the PAiA with my other modular gear.

Multi-turn pots are used for VCO frequency tuning (they look like the pots on the old “Putney” synth!). The “bouncy” push button switches are replaced by momentary toggle switches and all of the switches are now toggle switches with vintage looking paddles.

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360 Systems 20/20 Frequency Shifter (BODE)

via this auction

"This is a very rare item, probably the first I've seen one on ebay. It is a Frequency Shifter, model 20/20 by 360 Systems.

360 Systems was (and still is) an innovative company that developed this pitch changer (as used by Synergy/Larry Fast, John McLaughlin), one of the first guitar synths (John McLaughlin) the first sample-playback keyboard and many audio post devices since. They also developed the first LINN Drum for Roger Linn. Bob Easton was/is their clever designer."
360 based their design on Harold Bode's rare "Klangumwandler" that was made and sold for Moog in the late 1960s and early '70s.

The Moog/Bode 6552 Klangumwandler ('sound-changer', in German) was an interesting concept, to modify pitch (frequency) without changing the overtone structure. Bode's invention was first created for Ussachevsky's electronic music studio at Columbia University (Bob was quite familiar with the composer and studio, as well as his various students like Wendy Carlos. Wendy and Tomita used this module on their classic albums. Club of the Knobs synthesizers now make a very accurate replica of the original Bode/Moog module and you can see it (and the similarity to this 360 design) on their website. The 360 has the same "series of 5" settings (5,50,500) as the Bode - and mixed vs. independent outputs, although the squelch is internal on the 360 via trimpot. There is CV (Voltage Control) of the frequency - great with a sequencer, CV pedal (McLaughlin) or random. These are similar to a ring modulator, but have a VERY unusual effect at the lowest settings. This is the effect I love (and why anyone should own this) - a deep phasing in stereo, without "messing up" the sonic quality of the original signal - all bass a treble frequencies remain solid, and the harmonics shift around in stereo beautifully. It's weird but not ugly - very HiFi and cool-sounding.

BODE

some text from the web):
'... the EWE, which stands for Electro Wagnerian Emancipator. There's only one of them; it was designed for me by Bob Easton at 360 Systems… That is now gathering dust in the warehouse. I tried to use it on "Big Swifty" from Waka/Jawaka - Hot Rats, but it didn't end up on the final track." (BTW synth geeks - this is mystery item was basically just an EML Polybox, same idea!)

'We also have some neat little 360 Systems model 2800 programmable equalizers, which are four-band parametric with memory storage for saving any particular settings that you may like. Those were designed by Bob Easton and are no longer available, but we have a few of them.'"

via Brian Kehew of Moog Cookbook

Update via eben in the comments: "check out the comment in that ebay auction in the questions section - none other than Tom Rhea, author of the minimoog owners manual"

via the auction:
Q: Hey neighbor, interesting that you have a frequency shifter for sale, but your description that a klangumwandler shifts without changing the overtone structure is incorrect. Pitch shifting a la the Eventide Harmonizer does this; Harald Bode built frequency shifter(s) that provide a LINEAR shift in frequency (Hz) for all partials in the input signal. This will, of course drastically change the "overtone structure," not preserve it. Sorry to be a drudge about this, but I knew Harald well, teach this stuff at a well known music College," This message purely in the interest of sharing information. Hope you get a good penny. PS, I have several Bode 1630 FS (lucky me, but just knowing Harald was the real treat!) Tom Rhea (author Minimoog Owner's Manual, etc.) Good luck in the sale! Apr-14-09
A: Hey Tom - you are likely QUITE right. I only said it was based upon the Bode - which seems quite true given the controls and front panel, steps of "5's" etc. Obviously, the audio track given shows what this very unit does exactly, so no deception is implied.

ANTOINE BARIL'S ONE MAN ELP: Backstage Pass @ EMEAPP

video upload by EMEAPP

"After over two years in the making, we are proud to be a part of the One Man ELP project; the brainchild of the amazingly talented Antoine Baril of Québec, Canada. As with his previous "One Man" videos that he has released over the last 7 years (Rush, Genesis, Yes), his attention to detail and accuracy is second to none and it was amazing to watch him at work within our walls for an intense week of keyboard craziness in July 2022. Along with his amazing videographer Paul DiGiacomo, they captured some stunning footage and audio to make this epic video project one for the ages. It was a blast to play a supporting role in this, we gave full access of our Keith Emerson keyboard rig (as well as our extensive collection of vintage analog synths) to Antoine and it was like turning a kid loose in a candy store, a cornucopia of awesomeness! Join us for an exclusive backstage peek at some of the recording processes and video shoots during this one week period. The ELP material he performed and recorded runs Then EMEAPP's executive director Drew Raison will take you on an up close and personal tour of all the keyboards and synthesizers that were used in this project.

Complete list below:

Yamaha GX1 (6:55)
Keith Emerson’s Hammond/Goff C3 w/dual Leslie 122s (7:13)
Keith Emerson’s Split Moog Minimoog Model D (7:51)
Keith Emerson's Hammond L100 (8:09)
Moog Minimoog Model D Pair (Bernie Worrell's Minimoog on right) (8:45)
Keith Emerson’s Moog Modular Synthesizer (9:16)
Mellotron M400 (9:39)
Oberheim Eight Voice (9:58)
Oberheim OB-X/OB-Xa (10:20)
ARP Quadra (10:55)
KORG PS-3300 (11:06)
Moog Taurus I (11:22)
Hohner Clavinet L (11:34)
KORG M1 (11:55)
Keith Emerson’s Steinway Model D (12:10)"

Broken

Published on Jul 29, 2018 Audio Illustrator

"Audio Illustrator James Newman and the James Newman Groove orchestra are pleased to present 'Broken'.

This is a musical portrait of the concept that nothing really works right. and ultimately everything is broken. Everything around us is in a state of decay and on a course of destruction and ruin. The day that we are born is the day that we begin to age and eventually decay, decline, and die.

All that we grasp and hold on to also slips away in decay. Yes, we and everything around us are indeed broken and we all desire a solution to fix the problem.

Romans 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Newman.

James Newman 's music can be purchased at: jamesnewman.bandcamp.com

Purchase 'Broken' here: jamesnewman.bandcamp.com/track/the-james-newman-groove-orchestra-broken

PS...
One year ago today I was broken, and was in the hospital having quadruple heart bypass surgery to be fixed. Today I celebrate my anniversary with a new song about being broken.

I thank God for all that He has done in my and my family's life and I hope that my music brings you reflective joy.

Thanks and all my best,

James Newman
Audio Illustrator
New Man Studios"

On the gear: "This is another Pink Floyd-ish type piece using my Behringer model D for all of the synth parts except for the Moog DFAM for the synth drum loop and Sonic Projects "OBX" software clone for an OB styled big gliss at the climax of this piece. I'm also using Native Instruments B4 for the Hammond lines."

Previous posts featuring Audio Illustrator.

New Sequential TAKE 5 In the Works?

This one is in via an anonymous reader.

via the USPTO:

"Mark For: TAKE 5™ trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of apparatus, instruments and software for capturing, creating, processing, recording, transmission, reproduction or amplification of audio and sound; sound-recording consoles and software; sound processing apparatus and software; sound modules; music sequencers; equalizers; musical instrument digital interface controllers, converters and software; downloadable music files; music-composition software; audio over IP network equipment; audio interfaces to record music and audio to a computer; sound recording control boards; sound processing devices; printed circuit boards for effecting sound; sound synthesizers; MIDI controllers; MIDI data storage, recorders and players of MIDI data; containers and bags adapted for use with all of the aforesaid goods; parts, fittings and accessories for all the aforesaid goods."

P.S. Created a new TRADEMARKS label for these moving forward. You can find some older posts there including trademarks for the OB-X and OB-Xa. It's worth noting some of these trademarks take years to turn into a product, or never turn into anything. Case in point: the MOOG Matador.

Interview with Hexfix93 of VAC

The following is an interview I just wrapped up with hexfix93 of Velvet Acid Christ. As you know, this site is about the gear, namely synths, and the gear that helps drive and enhance synths, but ultimately the focus is on synths.

I was chatting a bit with hexfix93 and asked him if he would be interested in a slightly different take on an interview, one focused on synths and their impact to his world. We all have our story regarding how our obsession with synths first started, how we see and approach synths and what they mean to us. I thought it would be interesting to hear his story. The following is the interview.

Before it begins, I want to thank hexfix93 for taking the time out for this. We all have a different approach and a different story when it comes to our synths. This is his. For more of his music check out VAC and don't miss Toxic Coma. Cheers, matrix.


1. What was your first synthesizer, how old were you when you picked it up, and why did you pick it up?

"It was some kind of old yamaha cheap thing. i got it for my atari st, so when i played games like leisure suit larry that the music wouldn't come from the wimpy fm built in sound, but a general midi synth instead. it really didn't sound all that great. i wasn’t really a keyboard player at this point.

The first synth i got as a keyboard player was a roland w30 sampler workstation. And we made like 3 records with that keyboard. i remember gary slaughter an x vac member, spilled orange vodka drink on it. and i had to take it apart and clean every part of it by hand slowly, it took weeks. it was a pure nightmare.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Source with CV and Audio Input Mods

via this auction

SN 1215

"I purchased this unit from Mike Bucki of Modusonics a number of years ago who fully serviced it and added a couple of unique mods for me - an audio input (!) and keyboard-CV output scale...

Sonically, apart from a minimoog, there is nothing like it - with the 24dB Moog filter, it's the real deal... The Source has 16 memory locations, built-in step sequencer, and very nifty arpeggiator which, of course, are not found on a Minimoog. It's very east to program and makes a great synth for gigging too. An SKB PS-25 pedalboard case I discovered makes an excellent carrying case (not included)."

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Amin Bhatia "Interstellar Suite" Indiegogo Campaign

Interstellar Suite Needs You!

Published on Sep 6, 2012 by interstellarcrew

Some synth spotting with Amin Bhatia.  Read below and click through to Indiegogo for additional details and pics.  One of the benefits will be a private Bob Moog Foundation dinner.

"Amin Bhatia is feverishly transforming his original analog baby into a 25th Anniversary 5.1 Surround Edition in a special commemorative package but he can't do it alone www.indiegogo.com/is25"

And the official press release:

"Dear "Interstellar Suite" Listener,

The launch has begun!

After twenty-five years of cards, letters and emails The Interstellar Suite is getting remixed in 5.1 surround sound. Amin Bhatia is working with award winning producer/engineer Frank Morrone (Lost, The Kennedys and Sleepy Hollow) to transform his original analog baby into a 25th Anniversary 5.1 Surround Edition. It’s not straightforward and it’s not easy but it’s already blowing the ears and minds of everyone involved on the project.

But that's only the beginning of Amin's vision - imagine bonus audio, all sorts of video extras, and a glossy, full color collectors edition hardcover book.

Starting today* you can pre-order the DVD and get other exclusive perks through a respected fund-raising website called Indiegogo. Starting at $10 every participation level has a cool gift like a binaural mix, the upcoming DVD, a collector's T-Shirt, the collectors edition hardcover book, early synth experiments (Roland synth users will recognize this stuff), your name in the credits, exclusive listening parties in Toronto and LA, a private Bob Moog Foundation dinner with special (secret) guests, and even one of the last ten remaining vinyl LPs from the original release. There's something for every level of support!

Whatever level of participation you choose, The Interstellar Suite 25th Anniversary 5.1 Surround Edition by Amin Bhatia is something you’re going to treasure, savor, hoard and gloat about for at least another 25 years—much in the same way you held your very first Interstellar Suite vinyl album so many years ago. It's the least we could do to thank you for making the Interstellar Suite such a wonderful journey for Amin Bhatia and for you, his fans.

With thanks from the Interstellar Crew

PS. Do you know other gearheads, audiophiles and fans who'd like to hear about this project? Go ahead and share this info via email, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, Pinterest or that old fashioned device we used to call the telephone!

*offer expires November 15th"

VINTAGE SYNTHESIZER MUSEUM - Synth Studio Tour & Synthesizer Music Studio

Published on Sep 18, 2018 synth4ever

"An in-depth synth studio tour of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum -- a classic synth, music & recording studio in Oakland, California.

The Vintage Synthesizer Museum is a legendary synthesizer music studio where you can play, record, and learn about vintage analog synths including Roland Jupiter 8, Yamaha CS-60, Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, Arp 2600 and more.

The Vintage Synth Museum features over 40+ analog synthesizers and various drum machines, effects, amplifiers, keyboards, music and audio recording tools.

To learn more or book your appointment at the Vintage Synth Museum, visit http://www.vintagesynthmuseum.com"

Update:

Video retitled: VINTAGE SYNTHESIZER MUSEUM - Synth Studio Tour & Synthesizer Reviews

With following description & timeline:

"An in-depth synth studio tour of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum -- a classic synth, music & recording studio in Oakland, California.

The Vintage Synthesizer Museum is a legendary synthesizer music studio where you can play, record, and learn about vintage analog synths including Roland Jupiter 8, Yamaha CS-60, Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, Arp 2600 and more.

The Vintage Synth Museum features over 40+ analog synthesizers and various drum machines, effects, amplifiers, keyboards, music and audio recording tools.

To learn more or book your appointment at the Vintage Synth Museum, visit http://www.vintagesynthmuseum.com


=======

Vintage Synthesizer Museum - Synth studio tour timecodes:

00:00 - Intro

* POLYPHONIC SYNTHS - QUICK WALTHROUGH:
00:28 - Yamaha CS-70M
00:31 - Yamaha CS-60
00:33 - Oberheim OB-Xa
00:36 - Sequential Circuits Prophet 5
00:37 - Sequential Circuits Prophet T8
00:37 - EMS Vocoder
00:40 - Roland RS-505
00:40 - Roland Jupiter 6
00:40 - Roland TR-808
00:41 - Roland Jupiter 4
00:41 - Roland Jupiter 8
00:48 - Yamaha CS-40M
00:48 - Rhodes Piano
00:52 - Rhodes Chroma
00:52 - DK Syngery
00:52 - Korg Mono/Poly
00:56 - Buchla Music Box

* MONOSYNTHS & DRUM MACHINES:
01:15 - ElectroComp 200
01:17 - Korg Vocoder
01:20 - Korg MS-50
01:20 - Korg MS-20 & MS-10
01:32 - Roland SH-101
01:35 - Roland TR-606
01:36 - Sequential Circuits Pro-One
01:38 - Roland TR-909
01:42 - CMI Fairlight

* MOSTLY MONOSYNTHS:
01:55 - Monosynth wall

02:08 - Aelita synth
02:10 - Arp 2600
02:33 - Korg PS-3100
02:40 - Gleeman Pentaphonic
02:52 - Crumar SPirit
02:58 - ElectroComp 101
03:03 - Korg Maxi-Korg
03:07 - Moog Minimoog Model D
03:11 - Oxford OSCar
03:17 - Steiner Parker Synthacon
03:18 - Octave The Cat

* POLYPHONIC SYNTH NOODLING:
03:50 - Rhodes Chroma
03:55 - DK Syngery
04:10 - Korg Mono/Poly
04:37 - Roland Jupiter 6
05:07 - Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

05:42 - Conclusion"