The Schmidt Returns

The Schmidt is back with a new production run. The press release follows (additional pics below):

"Schmidt-Synthesizer starts shipping fourth batch of no-expense-spared Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer namesake

LANGENAU, GERMANY: having since sold out of its previous built-to-order batches of between 25 and 27 instruments each, the first of which followed from interest in namesake hardware and software designer Stefan Schmidt’s hand-crafted prototype unit’s show-stopping debut at Musikmesse 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany, Schmidt-Synthesizer is proud to announce that it has started shipping an eagerly-anticipated fourth batch of its no-expense-spared Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer — available in classic anthracite- or cool white-coloured configurations with visually improved hardware operation, courtesy of cosmetic colour changes to several key knobs, and feature-enhancing firmware, currently at version 3.6 — as of December 16…

Starting shipment of the fourth (25-unit) batch of the still-sought-after Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer has taken time with time spent waiting while production partner e:m:c (electronic music components) successfully solved procurement problems relating to hard-to-source components. “Now nothing stands in the way of further construction of these unique instruments,” says Schmidt- Synthesizer Product Manager Axel Fischer.

“From a hardware perspective, the new Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer is identical to the previous batches, save for the fact that 11 knobs have been changed to a grey colour, making for a more clearly arranged operational layout,” Axel Fischer finally notes — not before highlighting some welcomed additions: “It includes the current firmware, which adds an easy-to-use onboard polyphonic step sequencer capable of recording 40 steps with each step made up of up to six notes — designed to be used as a live performance tool, and an arpeggiator.”

Apart from that, the beautifully-built Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer’s specifications as an eight-voice polyphonic, true analogue dream machine with digital control and preset memories — 1,028 single sounds and 256 multi-sounds are available at any given time — are as they were before. But bearing in mind that it includes almost everything subtractive synthesis is capable of, including some truly unique features — for example, creating colder, wavetable-like sounds thanks to its chain of five ring modulators fed by six pulse-waves, each with different pulse-widths — that have never before been implemented in an analogue synthesizer let alone an analogue programmable polysynth, those impressive specifications are well worth revisiting, as highlighted here: discrete sound generation circuitry — no integrated oscillator/filter circuits on a single chip; dual and true multitimbral modes; separate audio outputs per voice, plus summing outputs and headphone output; 61 keys, semi-weighted with velocity and aftertouch; sophisticated glide/portamento capabilities; several realtime modifiers, fully programmable per preset; comprehensive MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) implementation with USB (Universal Serial Bus) port and DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) connectivity; adjustable-angle capacious control panel with dedicated knobs and buttons for all sound programming functions; precise information on parameter names and current values via a large LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with changeable colour background; multi-colour LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes); internal power supply; and, last but not least — though there is clearly so much more besides, an included flight case.

As a case in point, the fourth batch of the no-expense-spared Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer surely epitomises the age-old adage: anything worth having is worth waiting for. Indeed, it has been well worth the wait. With e:m:c recently receiving a sizeable order from the only store it supplies, anyone interested in owning a premier league instrument that will be hand crafted in Germany to meet the highest possible production standards with a metal and wood — carefully selected with a close eye on environmental sustainability — casing that is as beautiful as it is sturdy should seriously consider placing an order directly with Schmidt-Synthesizer’s production partner. After all, the Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer is truly a subtractive synthesis world unto itself!

Schmidt-Synthesizer and production partner e:m:c (electronic music components) have had to increase pricing for the fourth batch of the no-expense-spared Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer by approximately 10%. Within the EU (European Union) it is €21,900.00 EUR (including VAT) for one in classic anthracite, while white weighs in at €22,900.00 EUR (including VAT), with shipping costs not included. Outside of the EU it is €18,500.00 EUR (excluding VAT) for one in classic anthracite, while white weighs in at €19,300.00 EUR (excluding VAT), with customs and shipping costs not included. Interested parties should contact e:m:c here: info@emc-de.com

For more detailed information, please visit the dedicated Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer website here: http://www.schmidt-synthesizer.com/en/index.html

Enjoy taking a Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer ‘sneak peek’ in the suitably-impressive surroundings of the Giesshalle (casting hall) at Sayner Hütte, a German industrial heritage building in Bendorf, here:"

Schmidt Synthesizere Intro

Published Nov 9, 2017

Click the pics for larger versions.

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Last Call for The Schmidt!

If you have $25,000 to spare and want a Schmidt, now is the time! Just be sure to send some support my way for the tip.

"e:m:c calls last orders for final 25-unit production run of Schmidt subtractive super-synth

'I feel really honoured that musicians around the world love the Schmidt Eightvoice Polyphonic Synthesizer, which simply started as a small-scale bass synthesizer project before I took a chance on building the synthesizer of my dreams. That e:m:c has decided to build another 25 units of this exclusive — and expensive — instrument makes me proud!'

- Stefan Schmidt, 2016


LANGENAU, GERMANY: e:m:c (electronic music components) — German distributor of several key electronic musical instrument brands, including Mellotron (Sweden), Moog (USA), Vintage Vibe (USA), and MIDI Solutions (Canada) — is proud to announce that it is taking orders on a second self-financed (and final) 25-unit build run of the exclusive (and expensive) Schmidt Eightvoice Polyphonic Synthesizer, surely one of the most ambitious analogue synthesizer projects ever undertaken...

The no-expense-spared Schmidt Eightvoice Polyphonic Synthesizer was, without doubt, a showstopper when namesake hardware and software designer Stefan Schmidt’s hand-crafted first prototype unit debuted at Musikmesse 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany. Within a year it was being shipped Stateside for its first proper public airing at The NAMM Show 2012 in Anaheim, California. Indeed, it is somewhat fitting that following a repeat performance at The NAMM Show 2013 that same super-synth prototype made its way over to Santa Monica for an audience with none other than Hollywood hotshot Hans Zimmer, one of the most successful, influential, and prolific film composers of all time with a sumptuous synthesizer-filled studio setup second to none! It’s still there... the rest, as they say, is history.

History has it, then, that the Schmidt Eightvoice Polyphonic Synthesizer is quite possibly the most expensive analogue eight-voice polyphonic synthesizer the world has yet seen and heard. Hardly surprising given the investment involved in its drawn-out development, both in terms of funding and man hours. Hardly the stuff of commercial viability in an accepted age of market value-driven optimisation, often resulting in compromised products. Put it this way, though: this is the synthesizer that Stefan Schmidt always dreamed of, created against all odds without any compromises whatsoever (with more than a little help from friends Axel Hartmann — co-founder and owner of renowned industrial designers designbox, whose distinctive design talents took the Schmidt Eightvoice Polyphonic Synthesizer prototype to another level entirely, thanks to some serious funding from e:m:c President Stefan Hund).

But bolstered by those tradeshow successes, supported by his partners at e:m:c, Stefan Schmidt set about putting his dream synthesizer into (build-to- order) production. A limited run of 25 units was admirably announced. Anyone arguing about its ‘second-tier’ five-figure price point probably couldn’t afford one. But bear in mind that those that could were buying into a thoroughbred analogue eight-voice polyphonic synthesizer with a fully- analogue signal path (with precise digital control) that’s truly a sound designer’s dream machine.

More meaningfully, a quick glance at its complex four-oscillator structure should be more than enough to convince even the most skilled synthesist that the Schmidt Eightvoice Polyphonic Synthesizer is capable of creating complex timbres that go way beyond the capabilities of conventional analogue synthesizers. Speaking of which, Oscillator 4 is worthy of special mention. Thanks to its chain of five ring modulators fed by six pulse-waves, each with different pulse-widths, it can create colder, wavetable-like sounds — despite being fully analogue. These truly unique features are hitherto unheard of in any analogue synthesizer, let alone an analogue polysynth! Subtractive synthesis clearly knows no bounds here, helping to make the Schmidt Eightvoice Polyphonic Synthesizer a shining example of no-expense-spared synthesizer design, deploying discrete sound generation circuitry throughout — no integrated oscillator/filter circuits on a single chip, for instance — in keeping with the highest possible production standards, while each and every parameter is directly accessible via dedicated controls on a seriously spacious front panel to die for.

Fortunately, for Stefan Schmidt and his supportive e:m:c production partners, all 25 units subsequently sold; Hans Zimmer would not be the only seriously satisfied Schmidt Eightvoice Polyphonic Synthesizer owner, after all. And that could so easily have been the happy ending to this success story, with the Schmidt Eightvoice Polyphonic Synthesizer surely going down in the annals of history as one of the bravest moves in electronic musical instrument design as a bold statement that flies in the face of the fast-paced and superficial age we unfortunately find ourselves living in today.

Today, though, with 25 instruments already hand-crafted in Germany and duly delivered to seriously satisfied owners around the world, e:m:c is proud to announce that it will be building a final batch of 25 more. Maintains"

New Schmidt Analog Synth Debuts at the Musikmesse

via John Bowen:
"I thought I’d get you the first news about a new, 8-voice all analog synthesizer debuting at Messe in the EMC/Moog Booth (along with the Solaris, Muse, Spektralis, and Mellotron stuff).

It has presets, it has 7 filters (3 ladder type, 4 state variable 12 dB set up as 2 ‘dual filters’) and 4 Oscs - each osc is a bit different. Something like 107 knobs on the thing!

The designer is Stefan Schmidt, but not the one who runs Native Instruments - it’s yet another ‘Smith’ in the synth world :-)

It’s got stereo outs, individual voice outs, and some control voltage inputs (I think 4). I’ll try to get you more info later.

By the way - it sounds great!

And it’s a REAL heavyweight synth - with the travel case (like an anvil case) it’s 55 kilos!!

p.s. we are starting production finally - I have 4 production units of Solaris at the show."

Update: trying to find out if this is the Stefan Schmidt from TBS/MAM mentioned here. If anyone knows feel free to comment or email.

Update 5/6: John Bowen confirmed it is the same Schmidt. The following is via Juergen Haible who is known for his own designs specifically in the Synth DIY world:

"That's *the* Stefan Schmidt, all right.

I've followed the development of this synth over the last 8 years or so, and have always been forced to keep my mouth shut and keep it a secret. So it finally has hit the Musikmesse and it's out in the open. From what I've seen and heard, this will be the most powerful analogue polysynth *ever*, if it goes into production. It's not the typical "modern" approach of having a knob-ladden panel connected to a small piece of electronics with specialized chips. On the contrary, it's stuffed with opamps and OTAs to the brim, and each of the endless filter functions is realized in such discrete hardware. An absolutely amazing design, from one of the most dedicated synth designers on this planet.

JH."

Rumors on the price? $25,000 euros. Only one is currently in existence.

Update 5/7:

MESSE11: Mother Of God - Its The Schmidt Polysynth

via Sonic State

Some highlights:
157 knobs - all parameters on the front panel.
Panel folds down.
LED color knob and colors can be saved per patch.
Four VCO at 8 voice polyphony for 32 analog oscillators.
Seven filters.
Many modulations per OSC, filter, etc.
Stereo.
New innovative functions - unique oscillator with four points modulation on OSC1, metallic oscillator that makes digital sounds, but is fully analog.
Schmidt made the MAM MB-33 - again, see this link for some history.
Schmidt started eight years ago on this synth. He spent six full years focused on it.

Update 4/8: some audio at the end. via D in the comments.

Musikmesse 2011 EMC Schmidt Synthesizer

YouTube Uploaded by MusicStoreTV on Apr 7, 2011

"MSTV auf der Musikmesse Frankfurt 2011 auf dem Stand bei EMC!

Schmidt Synthesizer
http://www.musicstore.de/de_DE/EUR/

Prototyp des 8 stimmigen Analog-Monster Schmidt.

http://news.musicstore.de/"

Update 4/8 5:19 PST:

Schmidt Synthesizer (Musikmesse 2011)

Uploaded by Moogulator on Apr 8, 2011
Video pan of the interface.
"8 Voice Schmidt Analog Synthesizer @ Musikmesse by sequencer.de synth database / blog"

Update 4/13: via D in the comments:

Schmidt Eightvoice Polyphonic Synthesizer video demo [Musikmesse 2011]

YouTube Uploaded by audiofanzinetv on Apr 13, 2011

Schmidt Eight Voice - TRUE ANALOG 4 Oscillator per voice Discrete component Polyphonic Synthesizer

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

via this Reverb listing

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Schmidt Synthesizer

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

via this auction

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SoundMiT 2018 Announces First Exhibitors

The following is a list of the first exhibitors coming to SoundMiT - International Sound Summit. The second edition of SoundMiT will be held on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 November 2018, at the Teatro "Lavanderia a Vapore" - Corso Pastrengo 51 Collegno (Turin).
You can click through the links below for additional details on each.

"For the first time in Italy, Schmidt Synthesizers!

Soundmit exclusive, for the first time in Italy the famous no-compromise analog eight-voice polyphonic Schmidt-Synthesizer!

After selling more than 50 units of this exclusive instrument and just starting the production of the third batch of 25 new ones, german manufacturer e:m:c will show the Schmidt-Synthesizer for the first time at Soundmit - International Sound Summit in Torino, 3-4 November 2018.

"We are very excited to show the Schmidt at Soundmit in Italy" says Product Manager Axel Fischer. "Italy is one of the leading countries in electronic music and has a long history of very successful electronic instruments. We are looking forward in meeting the Italian synthesizer scene on location."

Schmidt, one of the most coveted modern analog synthesizers, comes to Italy with his eight-voice polyphony with unison and true multitimbrality mode.
Full MIDI implementation with a USB port and complete programmability. The signal path is fully analog with precise digital control. Schmidt´s sound generation engine features virtually everything that subtractive synthesis is endowed with – and even more: Schmidt gives you truly unique features that have never been implemented in an analog synthesizer before, not to speak of polyphonic units! Think of Multi-PWM and Multi-Ring Modulation.

Every single parameter – even for the most complex modulation routings you might envisage – can be accessed directly using dedicated front panel controls and switches. No more browsing through mind-boggling and confusing menus.

Thanks to programmable high-quality real-time controls (pitch and modulation wheel, stick controller, and aftertouch, as well as several inputs for footswitches and expression pedals), Schmidt has become a real performance synthesizer that feels as good as it sounds.

Schmidt is made to match the highest production standards – it has entirely been hand-crafted in Germany. The casing, made of metal and carefully selected wood, keeping a close eye on environmental sustainability, is as beautiful as it is sturdy and robust.

And we can admire it in November at the Soundmit 2018!"

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The Schmidt Synthesizer

Published on Jan 3, 2017 MrFirechild

"This track is using sounds only from one of the most unique synthesizers ever made, The Schmidt eight voice polyphonic Synthesizer! Only 50 units will be made. Each voice has 4 oscillators and 7 filters. Flexible routing and also the best looking synthesizer on the planet! Produced and composed by www.firechild.se"

Update:

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The Schmidt Synthesizer - A deeper look

Published on Nov 8, 2017 Schmidt-Synthesizer

"Axel Fischer explains the features of the Schmidt Synthesizer.

All sounds in this video were made with the Schmidt Synthesizer. No effects were used.

The CS80 style patch in the intro part was programmed by the great Mr Firechild"

Superbooth 2022 the best Synth Meetup // Knobula, Radikal Technologies, Schmidt Synthesizer

video upload by Ralph Baumgartl

"This is my Vlog about Superbooth 2022. I tell you what makes Superbooth such a special Synthesizer Trade Show.

1. 00:00 - Opening and what Superbooth so special
2. 01:08 - Radikal Technologies (https://www.radikaltechnologies.com)
3. 08:22 - Knobula, Poly Cinematic and Kickain Eurorack Modules (https://www.knobula.com)
4. 16:41 - Schmidt Synthesizer (https://www.schmidt-synthesizer.com)
5. 20:30 - YouTuber Meeting at Superbooth 2022
6. 21:30 - The most important thing about Superbooth and final words"

New Schmidt Synthesizer Videos

Published on Dec 7, 2016 Schmidt-Synthesizer

Playlist:
Schmidt Synthesizer and Organ Explosion
Schmidt and the ROLI Seaboard Rise. And a special appearance of the MFB Tanzbär

Veilchenblau A & B on the Schmidt Synthesizer

Published on Jan 5, 2017 Schmidt-Synthesizer

"Organ Explosion and the Schmidt-Synthesizer"

Veilchenblau B

SUPERBOOTH 2021 DIARY - DAY#3 - FREAK-OUT-YOUR-SYNTH -- SCHMIDT SYNTHESIZER - CONCERTS - TALKS

video upload by Bernd Kistenmacher

"this is SUPERBOOTH 2021 Day#3. This episode is full of music, talks and a nice interview with Mr. Axel Fischer, who presents the still iconic SCHMIDT SYNTHESIZER.
Enjoy

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:00 Schmidt Synthesizer
00:15:16 Buchla (in short)
00:15:55 Sascha Ketterlin (Music)
00:35:58 Bloody Mary (Music...and more)
00:50:40 Interview with Joerg Sunderkoetter about Berliner Schule (Excerb)
00:55:23 S.T.Raumen (Music)
01:02:08 Andreas Schneider talks with Gereth Jones, Gert Jalass and Gerhard Mayrhofer
01:50:02 Final words

MY WEBSITE: https://berndkistenmacher.com/"

Bernd Kistenmacher SUPERBOOTH 2021 DIARY posts

Led from Schmidt Synthesizer

Published on May 25, 2015 moondustweb

"Changing the color of the led from Schmidt Synthesizer.
The Sound is not from Schmidt Synthesizer,is the ambient from Happy Knobbing"

Jean-Michel Jarre on The Schmidt

I like to introduce you to my latest synthesizer - Jean Michel Jarre

Published on Sep 21, 2017 Schmidt-Synthesizer

"Jean-Michel Jarre shows his Schmidt Synthesizer"

SOUNDMIT 2023 - THE GRAND POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER - SCHMIDT SYNTHESIZERS

video upload by SOUNDMIT

"Ormai Axel è un amico ospite fisso del Soundmit, dal 2018 viene a Torino trascinando con se il totem dei sintetizzatori analogici polifonici, lo Schmidt, ovvero il polifonico a tastiera più grande del mondo che proprio quest'anno si rinnova con l'inserimento di un nuovo keybed con aftertouch polifonico e nuovi e bellissimi legni!

LINKS
SCHMIDT SYNTHESIZERS su Soundmit: https://soundmit.com/en/exhibitor/sch...
SCHMIDT SYNTHESIZERS Website: https://www.schmidt-synthesizer.com/

Now Axel has become a regular guest friend of Soundmit. Since 2018, he comes to Turin dragging along the totem of polyphonic analog synthesizers, the Schmidt, which is the largest polyphonic keyboard in the world. This year, it undergoes a renewal with the addition of a new keybed with polyphonic aftertouch and new and beautiful woods!

Désormais, Axel est devenu un ami invité régulier de Soundmit. Depuis 2018, il vient à Turin en traînant avec lui le totem des synthétiseurs analogiques polyphoniques, le Schmidt, qui est le clavier polyphonique le plus grand du monde. Cette année, il se renouvelle avec l'ajout d'un nouveau clavier doté d'aftertouch polyphonique et de nouveaux et magnifiques bois!

Ahora Axel se ha convertido en un amigo invitado habitual de Soundmit. Desde 2018, viene a Turín arrastrando consigo el tótem de los sintetizadores analógicos polifónicos, el Schmidt, que es el teclado polifónico más grande del mundo. Este año se renueva con la incorporación de un nuevo teclado con aftertouch polifónico y nuevos y hermosos acabados de madera."

Happy New Year! The Year in Synths 2013

Happy New Year Everyone!

What a busy year it has been in the world of synths.

This is going to be one doozy of a post, so bear with me. This post is a review of the year in synths for 2013. We begin with Tributes to Those We Lost This Year, followed by New Manufacturers & Makers, Older Manufacturers Added to the Site, New Gear Announcements, Top 10 Posts by Traffic,  My Standout Posts for the Year, and finally This Years' Synth Events. I did my best to keep things as short and concise as possible.

Let's begin with the hardest part of the post.

Tributes to Those We Lost This Year

RIP Bernard Parmegiani - Electronic & Acoustic Composer
Lou Reed RIP
RIP Dick Raaymakers aka Kid Baltan
RIP George Duke - DreamWeaver
RIP Ralph Dyck, Sept 28, 1941 – May 20, 2013
RIP Ray Manzarek

All missed and never to be forgotten. Take a moment to remember them.

------

New Manufacturers & Makers

Starting last January, I decided to keep a running list of every new manufacturer and maker introduced to the site during the year.  This is something I haven't done before and I thought it would be interesting to see how many there were in the year.   It's easy to focus on the big synth announcements throughout the year, but what about all the new makers and brands? I shouln't have to go considerably into the significance of new designers on the scene, so I'll just say two things regarding them.  One, the number of new makers is a direct reflection on the interest in our scene, and two, these are the creators of new gear which directly translate into new designs not previously available to us.  Think about that for a moment.  These are makers and designs that did not exist before.  They are part of our synth history.  So what is the total count of new synth designers for the year? A whopping 113. Think about that a bit. One hundred and thirteen new synth designers and brands this year alone.

Here they are (note a handful date back to 2012, but 2013 marked their momentum and availability):

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MAM MAP-1 MIDI Arpeggiator Designed by Stefan Schmidt of the Schmidt Synthesizer

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

via this listing

"MAM MAP-1, the legendary MIDI Arpeggiator designed by Stefan Schmidt of 'Schmidt Synthesizer' fame. It is in very good technical and cosmetic condition, and of course fully functional. I have been using it mainly with my ESQ1, until recently I decided I have enough other nice arpeggiators. Original PSU and non-original manual included."

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Jean-Michel Jarre Plays The Schmidt

Published on Aug 25, 2017 Schmidt-Synthesizer

"Jean-Michel Jarre plays his Schmidt-Synthesizer. He uses one of the Dual-Filters for a phasing effect."

Schmidt Organ Explosion JM1

Published on Dec 16, 2016 Schmidt-Synthesizer

"Track # 1 - watch the german jazz trio 'Organ Explosion' performing with the Schmidt Synthesizer."

Adam Holzman and the Schmidt

Published on Sep 13, 2018 Schmidt-Synthesizer

"Adam Holzman (Keyboarder at Steven Wilson, former Miles Davis, Chaka Khan,..) has his first encounter with the Schmidt Synthesizer"