"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…
Synclavier Digital is proud to announce its new product, Synclavier Regen. Drawing on the rich history of the Synclavier, while simultaneously breaking new ground in what’s possible in a desktop synthesizer. Stop dreaming, start creating. Synclavier Regen is waiting to be your new companion for sound. Additive synthesis, subtractive synthesis, and sampling have all been given equal reverence in this unique hardware Synclavier .
The new buck in the Synclavier stable Synclavier Regen is the newest in an auspicious line of Digital FM synthesizers. Designed for desktop use, it contains the power of the Synclavier II DSP engine, enhanced and optimised. Full colour screen, liquid-like touch controls, high fidelity audio output coupled with a sound design powerhouse makes this the synth you always dreamed of.
Regen supports additive synthesis for full control of 24 harmonics. We’ve now added subtractive synthesis to the Synclavier synthesis engine, especially for Regen, allowing creation of super saws, PCM square waves, and noise generation. Or you can use samples for your carrier waveform.
And these different waveform generators can be mixed. You have up to 12 partials to use in your sound design creation with crossfades assignable to inputs such as velocity, pressure, mod wheel, and of course, keyboard.
Regen is loaded with content to get you inspired fast. There are over 250 timbre presets including 6 newly-commisioned artist timbre libraries. On top of that, there are 2 exclusive sample libraries with over 300 new samples and one mega library with over 700 original samples from the NED era.
When you’re done exploring the factory content, you’ll have fun with the sound design possibilities. You can layer up to 12 partials with different sound generators (additive, subtractive, samples) then apply dynamic effects per partial. It’s truly an expressive instrument, both to program and to play. Polyphonic aftertouch and MPE is fully-supported and there’s a sophisticated modulators section where you can apply responsive curves to properties driven by pressure, velocity, mod wheel position, and so on.
The Daddy of digital synthesis is back with a punch. Results are immediate. The DC-coupled audio outputs really kick on basslines and percussion. The pad sounds shine with that satisfying FM that is so unique on Synclavier. And now there’s a bunch of other effects, such as reverb and bit crush to play with.
Features 255 Regen timbre presets 700+ samples of royalty-free factory content Additive waveforms, subtractive waveform generator and multi-sample patchlists 12 partials to build your sounds. 12 tracks for multi-timbral playback or stacking (layering) of sounds. 4 USB ports for keyboards and other peripherals plus one USB port for connection to DAW. And 5-pin MIDI standard (TRS). 2 full-colour high resolution screens Senstive liquid-like touch swiper and 12 selector pads. Multiple effects per track, including chorus, reverb, vibrato, tremolo, arpeggiator, bit crush, and multi-mode filter. High fidelity DC-coupled audio out (stereo XLR or TS) with 130dB of dynamic range. Patent Pending
Please watch the full demo of all 20 sessions recorded directly from the regen to the inputs of my audio interface with NO external processing. Please note all presets make use of Poly AT hence why I am using the Hydrasynth Deluxe as a controller. No sound in this demo is produced from the Hydrasynth. If you are interested in presets for the Hydrasynth please search my youtube channel or visit my website www.marcbarnessounds.com.
A HUGE thank you to everyone at Synclavier Digital for lending me this inspiring (and valuable) synthesizer.
Introductory Price £7.99 until 31st January 2024 - RRP £9.99
Synclavier Regen - First 5 Custom Timbres by Marc Barnes
"So the lovely people at Synclavier DIgital have kindly let me borrow a demo unit of their fantastic Synclavier Regen. I've now had a good few hours with it so here are my first 5 single timbre presets. So far I have only been using the Subtractive, Additive and FM engines. I will explore the other engines in due course and and put together some sessions. (multi-layer performances)
Although I found it slightly confusing at the start the interface is actually very logical and easy to get around. I'm really looking forward to delving deeper into this excellent synth.
"Synclavier Regen is a re-imagining of the legendary Digital music system from the 1980s which was originally the price of a house and was the tool of choice for many top echelon artists of the time.
The new Synclavier Regen is a new instrument for this century based on the highly efficient code of Cameron Warner Jones, the original designer, but with the DSP power of today.
Jim got some time with Craig Philips, Kevin Maloney and the Regen in a quiet room away from the show floor.
Available for pre-order at Synclavier.com priced at £2,185.00/$2499"
"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."
"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.
"Dive deep into the world of synthesis with the Synclavier Regen! This isn't just any synth; it's a revival of a legendary brand that shaped the sound of music.
We unbox and explore the Regen, a digital FM powerhouse packed with the DNA of the iconic Synclavier II.
From Frank Zappa to The Church, this synth has left its mark on countless classics. Discover how additive and subtractive synthesis blend together to create otherworldly sounds.
We'll show you how to harness the power of 24 harmonics, create massive super saws, and explore the vast library of presets and samples.
Watch as we craft an entire song using only the Regen, from drums to bass, strings, and everything in between.
This is a must-watch for synth enthusiasts, sound designers, and anyone curious about the history of electronic music."
"We talk with Michael Glanton of Synclavier about the Regen, a new version of the legendary Synclavier synthesizer that expands on the original with 12 voices of additive frame synthesis, a new subtractive synthesis engine, filters and effects. We also chat with Cameron Jones, the creator of the original Synclavier as well as the mastermind behind the new versions like the Regen, the Arturia Synclavier V, etc.
"Synclavier are best known for their mighty computer-based instrument in the late 70s and early 80s. It was an FM behemoth that added sampling and high-quality digital multi-tracking to its repertoire.
Alongside systems such as the Fairlight CMI, it was the stuff of dreams for most of us. But now, in 2023, Synclavier are back with the Regen!
Synclavier has very kindly loaned us a unit to take a look at, so why don't you join Rob as he unboxes and discovers the new Regen, first-hand, with no prior knowledge! Ask questions, share thoughts and join in the fun!
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Brochure spotted by Andrew Ward at the Synclavier booth at this weekend's London Synth & Pedal Expo.
Visible text from the brochure:
"For over four decades, Synclavior hos defined the pinnacle of digital audio innovation, shaping music history.
Today, we merge our legendary sound with modern technology, delivering tools that empower creators to push sonic boundaries.
INTRODUCING THE SYNCLAVIER ORK II KEYBOARD The ORK Il is envisioned as a groundbreaking instrument that builds on the acclaimed capabilities of Synclavier Il and Regen. Designed for professional musicians, producers, and sound designers, this keyboard fuses cutting-edge technology with legendary Synclavier sound quality to deliver an unparalleled creative tool.
Core Features at a Glance Synclavier Heritage, Expanded Power Enjoy all the features that made the Synclavier Il and Regen revolutionary, now enhanced with even greater flexibility and control. The ORK II combines iconic additive and FM synthesis with subtractive synthesis and intuitive hands-on performance controls.
Next-Level DSP Effects Suite Transform your sound with a curated set of premium DSP effects, including: Reverb: Create lush, immersive soundscapes. Delay: Add rhythmic echoes and intricate time-based effects Modulation Effects: Enhance your tones with..."
"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."
"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."
"Our latest Quickie video. Yep, I know, it's 26 minutes long, but it's just focussed on one thing – modulating Frame Start and Frame End with an external MIDI controller. [also see Building simple Frames on Regen]
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Mapping Frame Start & Frame End
03:36 A digression on square wave generation
05:15 Mapping Frame Speed
09:22 Adding another timbre and mapping it
14:12 Adding a resynthesized sample
17:25 Adding a complex additive timbre
23:31 Jamming with all four timbres mapped to a MIDI controller"
"This short videos outlines some ways to add some 'good' noise to your sound design on Synclavier Regen.
If the noise added to a dry or sterile sound has a melodic or rhythmic relationship to the dry sound it can really elevate it. Three different noise generators are used in this quick tutorial."
0:00 Introduction
1:06 White Noise
6:00 FM Noise
6:53 Sampled Noise
8:49 Outro
"Includes factory accessories, quick guide cards, and 8GB SD card containing all available factory libraries at the time I updated the OS earlier this year (‘23). + USB-C wall adapter, pair of TRS MIDI adapters. US and international power outlet adapters for UK and EU."
"Synclavier Digital releases regenerated Synclavier® II trailblazer as timeless Regen desktop synthesizer bolstered by present-day DSP developments 
