Update: some pics and details captured. I made the mistake of trying to capture them all and then realized how many were listed. :) I ended up switching to the more esoteric models. Quite a few have never been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH before. What's a little bit interesting, is only two new labels were needed, one for Domino and one for Side-Kick-Er. All other brands have been featured before. See the labels at the bottom of this post. Side note: Blogger limits the number of characters to 200 for labels, so I wasn't able to capture them all for this post. You can always search for the brand names featured for more. I assume most do this anyway. The labels are more for maintenance and for finding posts that may not feature brand names in descriptions.
United Plugins puts past into present with JMG Sound Retronaut, realised as LoFi Nostalgia Machine multi-effect plug-in
“I hate to overuse superlatives, but, it has to be said, within a minute of trying out the amazing features of the Retronaut plug-in, I was astounded. Its versatility will work across all manner of instruments, from guitars to drums; I even tried some of the effects on a piano piece, and the results were extraordinary. This is going to be a great asset for film and media compositions, as well as my commercial recordings.”
- Chris Payne, orchestral composer for film and television/synthpop pioneer (co-writer of Visage's 1981 hit single ‘Fade to Grey’/former Gary Numan backing band member), 2023
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: independent development teams federation United Plugins is proud to announce availability of Retronaut from founding partner JMG Sound — swinging back into action and putting the (analogue) past into the (DAW-driven) present as a so-called LoFi Nostalgia Machine multi-effect plug-in, perfectly capturing the vibe of old analogue gear by mixing bucket brigade chips, cassette tapes, VCFs (Voltage-Controlled Filters), vintage choruses, vinyl records, and more to transport its users back in time to explore their magical (musical) memories — as of February 15...
Explore the past History has it that mankind has not only travelled the world and the ‘Seven Seas’ but beyond that to take one giant leap to touch down on the Moon, meaning the sky is not the limit. Steps still need to be taken to literally leave future footprints further away from the natural satellite of Earth, yet reality reasons that humanity cannot physically step back in time to explore the past in person, however, rather relying on history to tell its story. Saying that, Retronaut, JMG Sound’s so-called LoFi Nostalgia Machine, musically transports those interested in exploring their magical (musical) memories from where they originated; after all, music has a miraculous ability to transport anyone back in time. Therefore, seatbelts should be securely fastened in readiness for an ‘analogue’ expedition through history!
LoFi Nostalgia Machine Make sure, then, that those seatbelts are securely fastened, for an ‘analogue’ expedition through history awaits as Retronaut is assuredly announced as a multi-voice vibrato and chorus plug-in, pulsating with lo-fi effects. Indeed, it is inspired by old analogue gear with which wisened ears welcoming warmth will already be familiar — think bucket brigade chips, cassette tapes, VCFs, vintage choruses, and vinyl records... Retronaut revisits that nostalgic musical magic of the past, putting it into the (DAW-driven) present with multiple ways to age and DEGRADE the signal being processed, thanks to controls for FLUTTER (adds random fluctuations to the modulation shape, simulating tape flutter); DUST (adds noise to the modulation shape); FAIL (adds random glitches of pitch and level drops to simulate old failing gear); WARP (adds pitch drift and a little tremolo at half-rate to all the VOICES globally); DIRT (controls the amount of tape-style saturation); FEED (controls the amount of cross-feedback by taking the outputs of the VOICES and feeding them into each other); and MONO (switches the signal to mono, simulating old gear with only one speaker, such as radios).
DIVERGE, MOD, MIX, and more Meanwhile, it is possible to offset the multi-voice engine — enabling users to MIX from a single vibrato voice up to 4 VOICES, resulting in a rich chorus — in various ways to create organic and evolving movements via the DIVERGE section: SPREAD (offsets the LFO phase in the left and right channels); LAG (introduces a time delay for each voice); PHASE (offsets the LFO phase for each voice); V2 SCALE (offsets the voice 2 modulation rate from the main modulation rate); V3 SCALE (offsets the voice 3 modulation rate from the main modulation rate); V4 SCALE (offsets the voice 4 modulation rate from the main modulation rate); and RESYNC (resets the LFO phases). But beating at the musical heart of Retronaut is its MOD (modulation) section with HP MOD (controls the modulation depth of the virtual analogue high-pass filter in both positive and negative polarity) and LP MOD (controls the modulation depth of the virtual analogue low-pass filter in both positive and negative polarity); dialling down the modulation depth for the vibrato effect with the associated VIBE control and then using other effects encourages that warm, woolly, and compressed tape sound. Shape the tone with the VCF section — anchored around those virtual analogue high-pass and low-pass filters, switchable between 2 (12dB per octave) and 4 (24dB per octave) POLE slopes, with RESO (resonance) control — and MIX to perfection. Possibilities are endless, almost: add lo-fi to drums, rich chorus to synths, and lush reverb to anything... ask orchestral composer for film and television/synthpop pioneer Chris Payne (Visage, Gary Numan), who was well versed in working with original analogue gear — of the kind that inspired Retronaut — on a number of historic hit records. “I particularly love the DEGRADE section, which can add a huge amount of expression to any sound you use,” he enthuses, ending on an equally high note: “I’ll certainly be building up a huge library of sounds using Retronaut over the coming months, and cannot wait to get started with it on my forthcoming projects.”
Key features: Captures the vibe of old analogue gear, mixing bucket brigade chips, cassette tapes, vintage choruses, and more in one powerful multi- effect plug-in Smoothly mix from a single vibrato voice up to four, resulting in a rich chorus Add that nostalgic lo-fi (musical) magic with the DEGRADE section — age sound from gentle dust and warmth to old, broken gear Control each voice independently with the DIVERGE section — offset them in various ways to create organic and evolving movements
JMG Sound’s Retronaut is available to purchase for a time-limited introductory promo price of only €24.00 EUR until March 19, 2023 — rising thereafter to its regular price of €89.00 EUR — as an AAX-, AU-, VST-, and VST3-compatible plug-in (using internal 64-bit audio processing capable of handling any sample rate) directly from its dedicated webpage (https://unitedplugins.com/Retronaut/), where a 15-day, fully-functional trial version for macOS 10.10 and newer and Windows 8/10/11 can also be downloaded for free.
Note that no iLok, dongle, or internet access is required for Retronaut activation. (All United Plugins software uses license files for activation and owners can freely use purchased software — with free-for-life updates — on all their computers, as long as they are the user.)
"Full walkthrough of the Shroud of Turing by FlatSix Modular. In this video I'll walk you through every feature of the module — from the basics of the Turing Machine-inspired shift register to scale quantization, pattern manipulation, and the CV keyboard mode."
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:34 Patching Up
03:41 Shift Register Concept
04:04 Random
04:24 Lock
04:44 Slip Mode
05:47 Double Lock
06:25 Sequence Length
07:06 Voltage Range
08:03 Quantization
08:59 Clear Quantization
09:24 Saving Scales
10:25 Loading Scales
11:03 Reset
11:43 Add/Subtract Bits
12:38 Rotate Sequence
13:54 Slight Of Hand Mode
16:38 Outro
➤ What is the Shroud of Turing? The Shroud of Turing is a 1U Eurorack module built on the Nocturne Alchemy Platform. It runs a 16-bit shift register inspired by the Music Thing Modular Turing Machine, with the addition of a built-in scale quantizer you can program directly from the button matrix keyboard. The result is a module that can generate evolving random sequences, lock them into repeating patterns, and output perfectly in-tune musical voltages.
➤ Key Features:
16-bit Turing Machine shift register
Probability knob: 7 o'clock = Double (2x loop), 12 o'clock = Full Random, 5 o'clock = Locked loop
Sequence lengths: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, or 16 steps
Voltage ranges: 1–4 octaves (0–4V)
User-defined scale quantization (up to 6 saved scale slots)
Pattern reset (Shift + C#) for synchronized performance
CV Keyboard mode for direct note output with portamento
Calibrated 1V/octave output
Format: 1U Intellijel | 26HP | Eurorack
Platform: Nocturne Alchemy (Arduino Nano)
By: FlatSix Modular
The Shroud Awakens | Shroud of Turing Eurorack Performance
video upload by FlatSix Modular
"A live performance showcasing the brand new Shroud of Turing by FlatSix Modular — a 1U Eurorack module that combines concepts from the classic Turing Machine shift register but adds a fully playable musical quantizer with the ability to save and recall user scales on the fly as well as other sequence manipulation abilities.
"AIRA Compact puts Roland’s legendary creative magic in the palm of your hand. Easily play and perform with these highly jammable instruments—anywhere, anytime. Chain them together to catalyze your creativity or connect with MIDI gear, computers, and music apps to expand your setup. Just power on and go with the flow.
About the T-8 Beat Machine
The T-8 Beat Machine is a mini rhythm factory with six tracks of pristine TR drums plus a TB-303 bass track. Embodying decades of modern musical sound, the T-8 gives you the power to create infectious tracks in seconds flat. Craft on-the-fly acid jams or trap bangers with the intuitive 16-step sequencer, shape sounds with onboard controls, and flip and dice beats with simple, yet powerful tools.
About the J-6 Chord Synthesizer
The J-6 is a portable synth toolbox with all the building blocks you'll need to bring harmonic substance to your jams. Pairing a powerfully unique chord sequencer with lavish JUNO-60 synth tones, J-6 packs a versatile feature set into a highly jammable format. Generate soul-stirring song ideas with the turn of a knob and explore 100 chord sets over a variety of genres. Experiment with styles and variations to coax dancing lines and rhythmic patterns from your chords. Add lush chorus, reverb, or delay to frost your sound.
About the E-4 Voice Tweaker
Harmonize, auto-pitch, vocode, loop, and glitch your voice all from the portable E-4 Voice Tweaker. Want hands-on control? Connect a mic or input a feed and easily explore effects using the sliders, function buttons, and scatter knob. From looping live jams to livestreaming or tightening up and expanding performances, the E-4 will transform your voice into your new favorite instrument.
"Roland's birthday party it's not over! A few days ago they sent me these little magic boxes to try them out and in less than an hour of tweaking, I came out with this song!!! The song title "A Big Tiny World" is because they are BIG sounding TINY boxes indeed! :D They are:
Their sound quality is astonishing! It's amazing to have the power of ACB technology in such a small form factor... Everything you hear in this video was played and recorded in real time, no post processing or FX was added. I had so much fun, I hope you like it!"
"Join our pal Dustin for the debut of the AIRA COMPACT line of synthesizers !
These three desktop style devices combine some of Roland's most recognizable and powerful sound palettes into a portable, affordable, and outrageously fun package!
Check out our in-depth Signal article for more details - https://bit.ly/3L08Msr
0:00 - Intro jam
1:07 - Overview of Aira Compact Line
2:54 - T-8 Drum Machine & Bass Synthesizer
5:50 - J-6 Four Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer
9:50 - E-4 Vocal Processor, Looper, & Effects
11:57 - Robot Acid BOPS !"
Fun, Pocket-Size Instruments with Innovative Creative Features, Authentic Roland Sounds, and Class-Leading Connectivity
Los Angeles, CA, May 10, 2022 — Roland announces AIRA Compact, an all-new series of ultra-portable instruments with free-flowing features for creative exploration and authentic Roland sounds. Fun, affordable, and easy to learn, the T-8 Beat Machine, J-6 Chord Synthesizer, and E-4 Voice Tweaker bring serious musical power to everyone from hobbyists and gadget collectors to tech-savvy pros.
AIRA Compact instruments let anyone jam, perform, and develop ideas on the go with friendly controls, inspiring sounds, and loads of intuitive music tools. Users can realize complete compositions with a single unit or expand their possibilities by connecting and synchronizing with other AIRA Compact models. From one master unit, multiple AIRA Compacts can be mixed and monitored with headphones or an external speaker system. It’s also possible to interface with computer DAWS, mobile music apps, and hardware instruments via USB-C or MIDI.
Driven by Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) and other advanced technologies found in top-line Roland instruments, AIRA Compact delivers the real-deal sounds behind decades of hit music. Users can create with the genuine voices of Roland icons, including TR rhythms, TB basses, JUNO synths, VT effects, and more.
Driven by Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) and other advanced technologies found in top-line Roland instruments, AIRA Compact delivers the real-deal sounds behind decades of hit music. Users can create with the genuine voices of Roland icons, including TR rhythms, TB basses, JUNO synths, VT effects, and more.
AIRA Compact strikes the perfect balance between portability and power. Each model is small enough to slip into a pocket and features an inviting panel to jump-start the creative flow for immediate results. Onboard lithium-ion batteries provide hours of continuous use per charge, while Roland’s famous build quality will support musical adventures for years to come.
T-8 Beat Machine
The T-8 Beat Machine combines iconic Roland drum and bass sounds in a go-everywhere rhythm factory. Beatmakers can build tracks with legendary sounds from the TR-808, TR-909, and TR-606 drum machines, paired with the shapeshifting low end of the dynamic TB-303 Bass Line. The six-track drum sequencer features the famous TR-REC workflow, enhanced with deep tools like step loop, pattern shift, probability, and others to generate dynamic performances with constantly evolving grooves. The T-8 also provides an authentic TB-303 bass experience, including the tactile power to squeeze, squelch, and mangle sounds in the moment.
J-6 Chord Synthesizer
The J-6 Chord Synthesizer is an endless well of musical inspiration, pairing a powerful chord sequencer with the lavish tones of the renowned JUNO-60 synth. Creators don’t need to know chords or theory to make music—they can simply call up one of 100 chords sets and build compelling chord progressions with one-touch presses on the built-in keyboard. Styles and variations are also available to coax dancing lines and rhythmic patterns from chords. Users can quickly string progressions together via step input, tweak the sound with dedicated filter and envelope controls, and add polish with customizable delay and reverb effects.
E-4 Voice Tweaker The E-4 Voice Tweaker combines advanced voice transformer tools and standard vocal effects with a hands-on interface that’s meant to be played. Performers can go from traditional vocal enhancements to punchy beatboxed grooves to striking alien soundscapes—all in a single tune. Pitch and formant sliders are available to instantly change the vocal gender, create robot voices, and more. Auto Pitch, automatic harmony, and vocoder processors are included, along with reverb, delay, and other effects. There’s also a built-in 24-second looper for capturing performances on the fly, plus a unique Scatter function for slicing and dicing the sound via a dedicated panel knob.
Availability & Pricing
The Roland AIRA Compact series is now available in the U.S. for $199.99 each."
The Cat by Octave (1976 Non-SRM) Custom Patch Demo
A demo of the vintage Octave Cat synthesizer. This is the original Non-SRM one from 1976. It's one fat sounding synth.
Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.
Pros: - amazing vintage analog sound - it feels alive with electricity and has lots of subtle variations in the textures of the sound - independent faders for each wave form means that 8 sounds can be playing at once (4 on VCO 1, 3 on VCO 2, and noise), creating huge sounds
Cons: - no midi - needs to be tuned on each use - needs lots of maintenance (i.e., regular calibration) - can't save patches and rarely sounds exactly the same twice
Novation Drumstation - Custom Kits Demo
A demo of the OG 808 and 909 emulator: the Novation Drumstation. This is the version 2. Wanted to show the versatility of the machine.
Kits programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the drum machine.
Pros:
- well emulated 808 and 909 sounds in a small 1U rack unit - adds tuning to some drums that originals don't have - built in distortion and front cut
Cons:
- no on-board sequencer - no power switch
Korg MS-20 (Vintage) Custom Patch Demo
A demo of the original Korg MS-20. This is a wild synth that can take you to some unexpected places.
Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.
Pros: - amazing vintage analog sound - patch bay provides so many unique configurations - the resonant high pass filter can make huge bass - has quirks that make it sound and behave like no other (e.g., the unusual sustain on EG2, the hold time on EG2, the External Signal Processor, etc.)
Cons: - no midi - can't save patches (though taking pictures can help)
Yamaha RX5 drum machine - Custom Kits Demo
A demo of the under-rated Yamaha RX5 drum machine. Wanted to show how strange and sci-fi this machine can sound.
Kits programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the drum machine. Each section is made from four drum sounds. Only the stock sounds from the unit were used. No cartridges or external sounds added.
Pros:
- amazing voice editing features - gritty lo-fi sound - volume slider and individual out for each drum pair
Cons:
- no velocity - interface is needlessly complex
Roland Juno-106 Custom Patch Demo
A demo of the legendary Roland Juno-106. Trying to show off the analog warmth of this synth.
Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth (including the scratchiness of the chorus). Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.
Pros: - amazing analog sound - hands-on control over all parameters - wide sweet spot
Cons: - no velocity - needs to warm up to sound its best
Korg MS2000 BR Custom Patch Demo
A demo of the Korg MS2000BR. Wanted to show some of this synth's unique features, such as the modulation sequencer (1:03, 2:34, and 5:00) and the vocoder (1:26).
Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.
Pros: - lots of hands on control - modulation sequencer
Cons: - polyphony is only 4
Ensoniq ESQ-1 Custom Patch Demo
A demo of the Ensoniq ESQ-1. Trying to show some of the versatility of this digital/analog hybrid synth.
Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.
Pros: - very easy to program for a digital interface - the keyboard has a great feel
Cons: - no real-time parameter changes, except through mod wheel
Yamaha TX81Z Custom Patch Demo
A demo of the Yamaha TX81Z. Trying to show what this synth can do beyond the dated presets.
Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.
Pros: - editing the parameters can yield surprising results - efficient with cost and space
Cons: - tedious to program
Oberheim Matrix-6R Custom Patch Demo
A demo of the Oberheim Matrix-6R.
Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.
Pros: - a deep synth with lots of editable parameters, many of which can be controlled through the modulation matrix - great analog sound
Cons: - tedious to program, can be helpful to have the parameter list in front of you
note the pull out. I know the TX81Z has one as well. I'm curious how many other Yamaha racks had them.
Details:
"The TX-802 is the rack mount version of the DX-7II with a few added touches. It is an FM synth, so it excellent at re-creating Hammond organ, electric pianos, brass, analog sounds, and bells. It is in a whole new class for percussive sounds and ethnic sounds as you can change the tuning and get out of the 12 tone box. It is not too good when it comes to, acoustic pianos, and saxophones, but that's why the gods made samplers. A required piece of gear in my opinion since the DX7 is such a legendary synth. There are thousands of patches available online for this synth (can take DX7 and DX7II patches).
Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"In 1986 Ensoniq released the ESQ-1 synthesizer at a list of $1,395. The ESQ-1 became a big seller and continued the company’s good fortune they had with the Mirage. Due to this success, Ensoniq released the ESQ-M, a rack mount of the ESQ-1 which had all the features of the ESQ-1 except for the sequencer, 5 octave keyboard , and the 80 character display. However the ESQ-M allowed you to set individual volumes for each track (patch) of a mix.
The ESQ-M features eight voice polyphony and is eight part multitimbral with dynamic voice allocation. It can also do basic splits and layers which can be saved as part of a patch and split key is designated by the user. (Very impressive for a synth that was released in 86/87.) The unit features no on-board effects but does allow you program the pan position of a voice and the position may be modulated any modulation source. Also ingenious (other manufacturers please note) is that while you are playing a voice you may change the voice and the original will continue to sound and any new keys will reflected the newly selected voice. While using the unit in full multitimbral operation I did not notice audible delays in the machine’s performance.
"A self-playing Eurorack modular synthesizer patch featuring Make Noise’s XPO, QPAS & Mimeophon, and Stochastic Instruments’ Stochastic Inspiration Generator (SIG+). Plus many more modules described below.
Everything you hear in this is coming from a single monophonic sequence from the SIG+ and a single Make Noise XPO. I’m pretty amazed by how much variety of tone and texture can come from this single oscillator, all at the same time. The different waveform outputs are each running through their own VCAs, filters, triggers, and effects, but the melodic content is all the same. I’ll go through the sequencing in a minute, but first I’m going to focus on the audio signal paths.
Overall, the XPO’s L & R modulation are controlled by a triangle LFO coming from Acid Rain’s Maestro.
The first output is the stereo square wave, which goes through QPAS and Mimeophon, then into the mixer. QPAS’s L & R rotation and Q are modulated by two different smooth random waves from ALM’s Pamela’s Pro Workout. Mimeophon’s repeats are modulated by a smooth random wave coming from Maestro. This voice is triggered by a bouncing ball coming from Make Noise’s Maths.
The second output is the mono triangle wave, which first goes through an Intellijel 1U VCA, then uses Intellijel’s 1U pedal I/O to go through a Chase Bliss Mood (repeats tuned up a 5th) and Chase Bliss Dark World, then into the mixer. This voice is triggered by another bouncing ball from another Maths.
The third output is the mono sawtooth wave, which goes through channel one of a Make Noise ModDemix, an Intellijel Morgasmatron (with panning controlled by separate LFOs going to the L & R FM1 inputs - LFO 1 coming from Mutable Instruments’ Tides and LFO 2 coming from Intellijel’s Rubicon 2), then a Happy Nerding FX Aid XL running a flanger algorithm, then into the mixer. This voice is triggered by a repetitive Euclidian rhythm coming from Acid Rain Constellation and Doepfer Dual ADSR.
The last output is the spike wave going through channel two of the ModDemix, a Doepfer Multimode VCF, and Strymon’s Magneto in shift mode, then into the mixer. Magneto’s repeats are modulated by another smooth random wave coming from Maestro. This voice is triggered by a slower Euclidean rhythm coming from Constellation and Make Noise’s Contour.
Each voice goes into Doepfer’s VC Stereo Mixer, which has a built in VCA on each channel. The level of each voice is independently controlled by a separate smooth random wave from Pam, so the mix is constantly evolving. The voltages coming from Pam are further slewed by Mutable Instruments’ Stages, since the smooth random wave from Pam can still have some sharp edges. Then the whole mix goes through a 2HP Verb, with the reverb mix modulated by another smooth random wave from Pam, and finally through Endorphines’ Golden Master, which connects directly to the Intellijel 7U Performance Case’s built in audio outputs.
Now for the melodic content and harmonic structure. This is all driven by Stochastic Instruments’ Stochastic Inspiration Generator (my first patch with it!). This is an incredible module. I won’t go into everything it does, as there are already a couple very helpful videos out there on that, but suffice it to say that it lives up to its name! I’m using multiple channels, each with its own tonality, then cycling through those via an ALM Boss Bow Two switch to determine which channel will control the v/oct pitch of the XPO. The Boss Bow’s channel is control by a sequence coming from another Stages. Channel one is just a low C, to establish the primary key. Channel two randomly selects pitches from a C major chord, with low C in the bass. Channel three selects pitches from an F minor chord, with an occasional 2nd and 4th and a low F in the bass. Channel 4 selects pitches from a D flat major chord, with an occasional 6th and a low D flat in the bass.
I’m not sure if this is indeterminate enough to be considered generative, since the harmonic content is fairly structured, even if the melody, rhythm, and balance of the parts are all random. It’s more, well, aleatoric. I hope you enjoy it (although I realize than if you are into this sort of thing, you are born of a special breed!)."
In December 2003 I purchased my very first TB-303 via Peter Forrest’s VEMIA auction, it was immaculate and functionality perfect. In the next couple of years I purchased several TB’s, but it was clear that the first was the nicest, and so, in 2005, I sent it off to Robin Whittle to undergo the Devil Fish treatment.
In a stroke of luck, I happened to be lucky enough to acquire one of the revered and totally gorgeous alu cases that Martin Rothlisberger designed in his spare time and sent this to Australia so that Robin could built the Devilfish into it.
The fitment into the case is a very tricky affair, they are carved from solid blocks of aluminium by a computer, and thus super accurate; the problem lies in the TB itself, which hailing from the 80’s is not so accurate! Some of the potentiometer positions can subtly vary, and there are other pitfalls, for example the wires can get pinched in different places. This TB has been fitted to the highest standards possible. There are crazy aspects to it, like 2 by 2 carbon fibre washers, an even larger capacity lithium battery than the one Robin uses as stock for the bank memory back up and the rear of the case attaches via precision machined titanium bolts. It’s a functioning piece of design / art.
Robin strikes me as the classic genius engineer and in implementing the modification, I guess his priority is in making sure everything works, not necessarily whether it looks beautiful. As a result, I have expertly implemented a host of cosmetic amendments myself to make things like the LED’s shine more attractively, the knobs sit at a comfortable height and, perhaps most practically, I have implemented a delightfully simple but important idea that buffers the main PCB board, in the event that the machine ever falls face flat, which due to the design by Roland, does leave the machine quite susceptible to a cracked PCB. Some of the ideas I have shared with Robin (to his interest!), others I have not as yet, but I suspect he and other TB enthusiasts would find them interesting, if not a touch obsessive :-)
As the numerous pedantic personal touches might indicate, I never foresaw parting with this machine, but am contemplating it primarily for two reasons, I have another Devil Fish (non MIDI version) so I wouldn’t miss this one all that much, principally I am interested to acquire something entirely different for my studio, which would entail raising the necessary funds.
synergyII timbres Uploaded on Sep 5, 2010 xenmaster0
s 2 demo 1 441 final 320x240stream Uploaded on Sep 5, 2010 xenmaster0
Warning: this is a long post and can't be paged with the "click for more" link otherwise the videos will not load. Also, no time to parse the entire listing, so everything captured below for the archives.
WITH KAYPRO II & SYNHCS 3.182 PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE, 14 FLOPPY DISCS OF SYNERGY TIMBRES, and 3 SYNERGY ROM CARTRIDGES
This is the legendary Synergy synthesizer. It comes with the Kaypro II CP/M computer I bought with the Synergy and the SYNHCS software used to program the Synergy. Three Synergy ROM cartridges are included, WC-1 and WC-2, the Wendy Carlos Voice cartridges 1 and 2, and the VCART 4 cartrdige, along with a null modem cable that you use to connect the Synergy synthesizer with the Kaypro II computer.
Using the Kaypro II computer running the Synergy Host Control System software (SYNHCS), you gain access to the full capabilities of the Synergy synthesizer. With the Kaypro II computer + SYNHCS software, you can program the Synergy synthesizer to generate any kind of sound you can imagine. Then you can save the timbres you create on floppy disk and organize those timbres into banks of sounds, and send them to the Synergy synthesizer. (Originally the Synergy was sold with ROM cartridges but with the Kaypro you don't need 'em because you can send new timbres to the Synergy from the Kaypro. I am, however, also including one original Synergy ROM cartridge.)
You will also get the complete set of 13 Synergy voice library banks on floppy disk, L1 through L13 (on 7 floppy discs) as well as the 6 Synergy VCart voices banks 1 through 6 (6 floppy discs). You also get the WC-1 and WC-2 voice banks on floppy disc. Each synergy ROM cartridge or CRT file holds 24 timbres. So you get the complete set of 20 x 24 voices, or 480 Synergy voice library timbres. This is the complete set of timbres that were offered for the Synergy II+. You also get the Wendy Carlos WC-1 and WC-2 voice cartridges (these are duplicates of the WC-1 and WC-1 voice banks on floppy disc) plus the VCART4 cartridge. The VCART4 cartridge has been disassembled so that you can resolder the socket to use a ZIF (zero insertion force) socket if you prefer, and burn your own ROMs and swap them out in the ZIF socket. I'll include information on how to do that. As a practical matter, the Kaypro II computer can transfer voice files to the Synergy II as fast as swapping out EPROMS, but it's nice to have the ability.
The SYNHCS control program included with this Kaypro is the latest version, from October 11 1985, version 3.182. You can see the version number in one of the photographs of the Kaypro II screen. It's later than the version 3.15 SYNHCS that sold with most Synergy/Kaupro II combos. SYNHCS V 3.182 fromOctober 1985 is the final version of SYNHCS, and includes menu options the earlier SYNHCS didn't have -- the earlier version 3.15 dates from September 1983. This later version October 1985 version 3.182 of SYNHCS has features the earlier SYNHCS didn't have, and it's not generally available. I got it from Stony Stockell. I'm pretty sure that only a handful of other people have this latest final version of SYNHCS from 10/11/85.
There are 18 floppy discs all told: 7 discs containing Synergy voice banks 1 through 13 (2 banks per disc, so 7 discs there total) and Vcarts 1 through 6 (6 discs there) and the Wendy Carlos 1 and 2 Vcarts on a single floppy disc. along with the Kaypro CP/M 2.2 boot disk to boot up the Kaypro II computer and a disc of CP/M utilities, like UNERASE and some other very useful utilities. That makes 16 floppy discs. I've also included a CP/M 2.2G boot disc in case you want to use another model of Kaypro II. The boot discs differed depending on whether your Kaypro II had ROM 81-149C, ROM 81-232, or ROM 81-292. All that is spelled out in detail in one of the information sheets I'm including with this Synergy II+. I'm also including SYNHCS V 3.12, the earliest versionof SYNHCS, in case you pick up another Synergy II with older ROMS.
Some of these Synergy voice banks were designed by Wendy Carlos, and all of 'em sound gorgeous.
The Synergy synthesizer boasts a unique sound, unlike that of any other synthesizer. It can caress your ears with silken delicacy or hammer you with brutal rancor. The Synergy can sound raucous or subtle, and it can change from one to the other as you hit the keyboard harder. There's a reason for this: it has arguably the most complex and sophisticated synthesizer architecture ever created, unparallelled evern today. The Synergy's amplitude envelopes are more complex, its oscillators are arranged in a more sophisticated way, and its advanced features like digital noise source, quasiperiodic vibrato and digital formant filter still have not been fully duplicated by any other digital synthesizer -- even today."
"THE BELL LABS DIGITAL SYNTHESIZER AND THE SYNERGY II+
The Synergy is based on the Bell Labs Digital Synthesizer designed by Hall Alles. The Bell Labs Digital Synthesizer used a remote computer to program the synth, with access by a different kind of port (RS-488 serial port, then common for programming lab equipment over a serial link). The remote computer at Bell Labs had to use software written by the composer (Laurie Spiegel, for example, whowrote programs on a DEC minicomputer in the then-new C programming language to control the Bell Labs Digital Synthesizer) to program the synth. When Digital Keyboards licensed the design of the Bell Labs Digital Synthesizer, they also built an 8-bit microcomputer that could program a version of the Synergy called the GDS.
About 700 Synergy I synths were sold all told, but less than 100 are still working today. A small handful of (I believe no more than 6) GDS systems were built in addition to the originl non-programmable Synergy I synths: GDS stands for "General Development System." These were versions of the Synergy with 16 front-panel digital sliders to control parameters of the synthesizers that hooked up to an associated CP/M computer thta used 8-inch floppy discs. With the GDS, you could program the Synergy and store voices on 8" disk via an S-100 buss CP/M computer based on the Ohio Scientific Challenger. Wendy Carlos bought a Synergy General Development System, Stockell kept one in his basement, Klaus Schulz had one, and someone else reportedly bought one (I don't know who).
When Kaypro started producing the Kaypro II CP/M computer in the early 1980s, Stony Stockell, the lead engineer on the Synergy synthesizer, saw an opportunity to replace the cumbersome General Development System with a cheaper setup for programming timbres on the Synergy, so he hired someone to write the Synergy Host Control Program in Z80 assembly language to program the Synergy using the Kaypro II instead of the S-100 buss IEEE 696 CP/M computer used with the GDS.
The new SYNHCS software was much more straightforward and didn't require any programming on the user's part. The Kaypro II was a standalone computer running CP/M, once again easy to use (unlike the Bell Labs minicomputers, which the user had to program to get anything out of 'em, even to send a note to the synthesizer!) and the Kaypro used a simple null modem cable linked to the RS-232 serial port in the back of the Synergy to program timbres, download and upload voice banks, and control the synthesizer's many subtle functions from the Kaypro.
The general method of programming involves pressing a specific button on the front of the Synergy to access a given function, then typing in a value in the Kaypro II to adjust the synthesizer parameter. Once you get the sound you want, you save it on the Kaypro floppy disk as a single .VCE file. Then you can load the VCE file off the Kaypro floppy disk and send it to the Synergy to recreate that timbre whenever you want. The SYNHCS program lets you arrange timbres defined by VCE files into banks which get saved as a single large files called a .CRT files, so SYNHCS combines the functions of synth programming and a synth librarian (and remember that this was back in 1981-1982!).
There was no such thing as the MIDI protocol when Hal Alles designed the Bell Labs Digital Synthesizer in 1974-1975, and no such thing as a finalized MIDI spec when Stoney Stockell adapted Alles' design into the Synergy in 1978-1980 for Crumar's Digital Keyboards subsidiary.
MIDI became a big deal between 1981 and 1984, so Stockell retrofitted the Synergy synthesizer with an add-on circuit board that added full MIDI in and out capabilities. This was the Serial I/O board, which Crumar sold for owners of the original Synergy I synth to upgrade to a fully programmable Synergy II+ along with the SYNHCS software and the voice library discs and the Kaypro II. These new modified versions of the Synergy were called the Synergy II+. This Synergy II+ of course includes a MIDI IN and OUT port, along with the RS-232 serial port for programming the timbres via the Kaypro computer.
The last and most sophisticated version of the SYNHCS software was version 3.182, which is the version I'm including with this Synergy II+ synthesizer. To quote from the manual PRELIMINARY OPERATION OF THE SYNERGY II WITH COMPUTER, "The SYNHCS version 3.xx significantly extends the capabilities of the Synergy II+ synthesizer even beyond the original General Development System." Yes, this combination of the Kaypro II plus null modem cable plus Synergy II+ plus the final SYNHCS version from 1985 gives you more abilities than Wendy Carlos had when she programmed the Synergy voices for her albums Digital Moonscapes and Beauty In the Beast.
"Do not miss the individual voice filter tuning at 1:33 on.
I wish they'd come out with a Creamware ASB type box for this. I think I'd buy one in a heartbeat.
click on this search for OP-X for more posts including video. Don't miss the V-Machine videos below."
You will notice that the sound of course is much better without the youtube compression. If you want to exactly recreate the examples you also need to play the same voices, which can be recognized by their panorama setting
To keep everything uncolored and clean for a real 1:1 comparison the stereo outputs of OB-X were recorded directly to daw using an apogee converter. OP-X PRO was rendered directly to harddisk as well.
Furthermore all voices of OP-X PRO before were calibrated to the exact same settings (pan, filter cutoff) as the corresponding voices (6 as well) in the hardware device. With a few exeptions always the same voices were compared by always starting at the same voice position in the circular allocation, which might sometimes give the impression that the same audio file was used. But if you listen very carefully there still can be noticed tiny differences. OB-X generally is a tad bit slimmer and brighter sounding with more weight in the heights and less in the mids while OP-X PRO is a bit darker and has more weight in the mids.
This modeling technology used by OP-X PRO is based on completely independent voices with separate signal path and slightly differend sound, as it is the case too in voltage controlled polyphonic analog synths which in fact are based on separate monosynths that are globally controlled. Other than real synths OP-X PRO allows to globally activate and deactivate the detunings of individual parameter groups on demand as well as fine tuning them for each voice separatly with virtual trimpots. This allows for a wide palette of colors between completely "pissed off" and tight and precise. This allows to recreate the character of different synths or to copy the voice settings and character of one specific device in its current state, as it has been done in this video.
The detunings of the following parameter groups can be independently activated and deactivated as well as tuned in detail per voice:
- oscillator pitch
- filter cutoffs
- filter envelope times
- portamento times
All settings of course can be saved with the preset. Have a look at the video to learn what impact those fine tunings can have on the general character of the sound."
Oberheim OB-X vs. V-Machine (OP-X)
Oberheim Digital: OP-X and V-Machine
"SonicProjects VM Bundle hosted by the SM Pro Audio V-Machine. Playing some presets of OP-X while tweaking parameters with an external controller device.
The masterkeyboard is an EMU X-Board 61 and the controller device a Behringer BCR2000. Both are connected by USB cable to the V-Machine.
Combined with the pre-mapped banks and the custom sysex preset of the included BCR2000 toolkit BCR2000 allows to remotely control every single parameter of OP-X (83 in total).
With MIDI feedback activated in the V-Machine the controls on the BCR automatically update to the settings of the new preset on preset change which allows for value jump free parameter control.
This setup can serve as a complete replacement of a real analog hardware synth offering digital reliability and great transportability without missing the beloved fat and organic sound.
The used presets are:
01 - Jump!
02 - OB-Xa SyncSolo
03 - Shine On Solo
59 - SEM Upsweep
55 - OB Sustained Strings
To know which parameter is mapped to which control the included BCR2000 Toolkit contains handy printable mapping templates."
V-Machine: SonicProjects VM Bundle
"The VM Bundle was exclusively made for the SM Pro Audio V-Machine, the V-Rack and VFX Mac and PC, with a lot of adaptations and optimizations... The Korg DW-8000 is only used as a midi master keyboard. All sounds you can hear is what comes out of the stereo line outputs of the V-Machine, with no further processing. Presets are either switched manually directly on the V-Machine or by midi remote program change from the master keyboard's preset changer."
Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19
An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."
Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).
Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.
Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.
Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder
Starting Bid
$5,000
Estimate
$20,000 - $40,000 USD
A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.
Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches
Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment
Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider
Priced at $899.99 USD. Check with dealers on the right for availability.
"The KORG multi/poly synthesizer, inspired by the legendary Mono/Poly, blends the rich, classic warmth of analog sound with cutting-edge digital flexibility. Powered by KORG's next-generation analog modeling technology, it offers a unique mix-and-match multi-synthesis approach, allowing you to combine parameters from classic analog synths like oscillators, filters, envelopes, and portamentos, providing endless creative possibilities for sound designers and musicians alike.
Its Virtual Voice Cards recreate the nuanced characteristics of analog synths, such as Pitch Drift, while advanced modulation options like Layer Rotate (round-robin with Programs), Kaoss Physics (pad gestures for modulation), and Motion Sequencing 2.0 (complex per-voice motion with multi-lanes) enable deep, immersive sound design. Building on the legacy of the Mono/Poly, the multi/poly delivers big, dynamic sounds with modular-derived experimental features, offering an unmatched sound experience that bridges the best of vintage and modern synthesis, pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration.
Music track featured in this video was created using the multi/poly by Natalie Chami aka TALsounds www.talsounds.com"
KORG MULTIPOLY Review // vs modwave & more // 70 presets // multi/poly tutorial
Details follow. (click the pics for full size shots).
"Amazing analog sounds that only digital can provide
Inspired by the legendary KORG Mono/Poly, the new KORG multi/poly analog modeling synthesizer delivers breathtaking analog sounds combined with extraordinary digital power and flexibility.
The original Mono/Poly boasted an unusually rich sound from its four stacked oscillators, as well as unique, experimental features like flexible x-mod and sync routing and round-robin oscillator triggering. Previously only attainable in large modular systems, the Mono/Poly delivered these features in a compact, user-friendly instrument.
"Offspring from a noble house - the little synthesizer machine with the big and evil sound.
Waldorf is back in the game. With the Blofeld. This synthesizer offers all the unique qualities that made Waldorf a truly legendary brand.
The engine inside the heavy duty, full metal chassis of the Blofeld delivers the same fat and rich sound that so many Waldorf users worldwide love when they play their Pulse, Q, Q+, Micro Q, Microwave, Microwave II/XT, or even the flagship Wave.
Yes, you've heard it right. The Blofeld is not only capable of producing these warm, organic analog sounds known from the Q synthesizer line, it also sports a wavetable engine like its predecessors with "Wave" in their names.
This unique synthesis system is based upon the revolutionary PPG Wave synthesizers of the early 80s. So when you listen to the Blofeld for the first time, you will instantly recognize those edgy, hard-hitting and bell-like timbres that have been an integral part of so many world hits from the PPG era on, and become increasingly popular once more.
In fact it is amazing to realize that nowadays this complex technology fits into such a slim and elegant device. And for a price no-one would have imagined a couple of years ago.
"Strings Dream is able to reproduce the infinite array of rich, analogue pads from the most famous strings machines in synthesizer history. Emulate the classic Eminent Solina as well as its sister keyboards from Elka, Crumar and even their Japanese cousins.
"Strings Dream Synthesizer" will be released in May 2009 first as VST plugin and later as AU. Extimated price 89 USD
"'Strings Dream Synthesizer' writings for docs,
2009 Luigi Felici nusofting.com
Edited by Scot Solida and Cj
About Strings Machines.
A remarkable number of musicians recognize the desirable sonic character of “string machines”. String machines were unique to the Seventies and nearly every major manufacturer offered some variation on the theme. ARP’s biggest selling instrument was in fact their Omni, an instrument that combined a string machine with a simple synthesizer. Even Moog got in on the act with their Opus 3.
Just as the Rhodes piano and Hammond organs were intended as portable solutions to musicians who desired the sound of more cumbersome (and expensive) instruments, string machines were seen as the gigging musician’s alternative to the orchestra. Or, at the very least, it was easier to carry around than a Mellotron! Of course, the string machines didn’t sound like an orchestra, but had a character that today’s musicians find quite appealing on its own merits.
"Breakthrough modulus.002 takes British synth power polyphonically to world stage
BRISTOL, UK: breakthrough British electronic musical instruments manufacturer Modulus is proud to announce availability of modulus.002 — the first analogue/digital hybrid polysynth to have been designed, developed, and manufactured in the UK for four decades — as of July 10...
Even though the technology for mass-market synthesisers was patently pioneered in the UK in the leafy London suburb of Putney at the tail end of the Swinging Sixties, the last time that a polyphonic/multitimbral analogue synthesiser was designed, developed, and manufactured in the UK — actually within Wales — was way back in the late Eighties. It is with utmost pride, therefore, that Bristol-based Modulus has not only succeeded in bringing back that pioneering spirit to Blighty with the mighty modulus.002 but has admirably succeeded in doing so by creating an amazing modern-day musical instrument that truly represents one giant leap for ‘synthkind’ with a sizeable number of notable new features to its innovative name. No easy task in climatically cynical conditions during an era of increasingly shortened attention spans, synth-wise or otherwise. Been there, done that, bought the (Moog) T-shirt, some might cynically say!
Yet surely soothsaying is a better bet in this case? Why? Well, modulus.002 even sports some world firsts! So what makes modulus.002 tick, then, and what, exactly, is it that makes it so special in comparison to today’s commercial and ‘boutique’ offerings from other manufacturers, both bigger and smaller? Let’s look at some straightforward facts for starters...
As an analogue/digital hybrid keyboard synthesiser (using an aftertouch-enabled premium Fatar semi-weighted, five-octave key mechanism), modulus.002 provides 12 discrete voices of polyphony with full multitimbrality if so desired. As such, it features two NCOs (Numerically-Controlled Oscillators) per voice for exceedingly high resolution and stability with wide-reaching waveform selections, together with two sub-oscillators, individually (and uniquely) switchable from a traditional square wave to having the same waveform as the main NCO to effectively produce four oscillators per voice; a Modulus-designed 24dB/octave four- pole transistor ladder filter featuring some very unusual morphing or ‘polesweeping’ effects, enabling ear-opening transitions from 24dB/octave four-pole to 6dB/ octave one-pole filtering and anywhere in between; one LFO per voice as well as a global LFO; wide-ranging modulation options, all accessible directly via the front panel — no navigating convoluted and confusing menus; a pure analogue signal path from the oscillators right the way through to the combined XLR/TRS balanced/unbalanced outputs (with all 12 voices individually available for external processing via a dedicated D-Sub connector); two audio inputs enabling internal audio processing from the VCF onwards... and that’s only scratching the surface. Not literally, of course!
While all voice control parameters are accessible via a well-thought-through front panel that is both attractive and intuitive in use thanks to sticking to traditional synthesiser workflow, what lies beneath is really remarkable. Radically departing from the norm, modulus.002 is blessed with an unrivalled user interface based around a high-quality 4.3-inch screen with wide viewing angle. It is context sensitive, whereby the control parameter of any control knob touched by the user is immediately displayed onscreen. Synthesiser savants and audio aficionados will surely unite in their appreciation of the sonic depths that this well-specified speedy dream machine can deeply dive into!
Forget about an analogue renaissance here, however; let’s talk truly revolutionary design features for a moment. modulus.002 represents a unique approach to synthesiser design, taking traditional analogue circuitry combined with modern, reliable digital developments and marrying it all to a completely new control platform. Phenomenally, modulus.002 brings cloud functionality to a synthesiser for the first time! The Ethernet port means modulus.002 can be connected to a network to enable updates via the Internet — no more MIDI SysEx dumps to get you down in the dumps — and access to the modulus.cloud means user profile settings, sound patches, sequences, and other content can be easily replicated to a cloud-based server platform to enable rapid resynchronisation to another modulus.002, regardless of whether it is owned by the same user or a collaborator at a remote location. Let’s be honest here. We’re well into the 21st Century now, so why not provide modulus.002 users with data management features that are expected as the ‘norm’ in modern consumer technology devices, yet have hitherto eluded the electronic musician? Makes sound sense to the Modulus team, that’s for sure! And we’re sure it will make sound sense to modulus.002 users, too.
So what other notable modulus.002 features are worth making a song and dance about? An inbuilt MIDI-sync-able 16-track, 12-row, 32-step sequencer with 16 front panel-positioned step-time editing controls can give any hardware rivals already out there a serious run for their money. For sequences can not only be transposed dynamically while running but sophisticated so-called ‘mini arpeggiator sequences’ created using the arpeggiator’s Hold mode can be speedily saved as sequences for latter recall and editing using the sequencer. Moreover, modulus.002’s Animator allows any control to be sequenced, enabling complex filter transitions, waveform changes, and modulation matrix changes to be sequenced. Lest we forget, 12 ‘quick recall banks’ are accessible directly from dedicated front panel buttons. Build up set lists of presets, sequences, and animations, making modulus.002 a live performance partner par excellence.
Plain and simple? Far from it, it seems! So who better qualified, then, to explain the whys and wherefores of taking a truly thrilling synthesiser design from the drawing board to an equally enthralling production-ready product launch like this in under a year than company co-founder and principal designer Paul Maddox, a top-tier talent with proven production pedigree, best known within the synthesiser industry for his well-received MonoWave, a limited-run, 19-inch rack-mountable, MIDI- controllable monosynth inspired by Germany’s legendary PPG Wave series — arguably amongst the most coveted high-end synthesisers of the early Eighties — featuring two digital oscillators with 256 samples per waveshape and an analogue 24dB transistor ladder filter, as well as his more recently-released VacoLoco range of ‘pocket synth’ designs. Do tell. Why now? Why the big step up to the brave new world of modulus.002? Muses Maddox: “This came about because I’ve had a long-held dream to build a polysynth since I was knee high. I’ve nearly got there several times, but it was a golden opportunity in July last year when my business partner, Philip Taysom, and myself sat together and said, ‘Now is a good time to do it.’ Both Philip and myself are passionate about synthesisers, and we feel that the synthesiser market has been neglected for a long time in terms of high-end, pro — in quality and feel — instruments. I quite often equate this to a PRS guitar. There is nowhere in the synthesiser industry that I’m aware of where you can go and buy the equivalent of a PRS. That’s what we’re aiming at — top quality, top to bottom.”
So there you have it, folks. With top-quality components sourced and designed throughout its robust, road-ready construction coupled with upmarket design flourishes like leather-bound end cheeks — quite possibly another world first, modulus.002 is a fighting force to be musically reckoned with. British synth power is alive and kicking, and Modulus has just fired its impressive opening synth salvo that more than lives up to its Machines for Musicians tagline. It’s aim is true, so watch this space...
modulus.002 is available to purchase for £2,995.00 GBP (plus VAT). EU pricing — correct at time of writing — is €3,795.00 EUR (plus VAT). US pricing — correct at time of writing — is $5,200.00 USD (plus local sales tax). Contact California-based agent Geoff Farr (geoff@modulusmusic.co.uk) for all United States sales enquiries. All other enquiries relating to the rest of the world should contact info@modulusmusic.co.uk.
Feel free to visit www.modulus.me for more detailed modulus.002 information"
Update: Full specs & press pics:
modulus.002 provides twelve discrete voices of polyphony with full multi-timbrality if desired
Two oscillators per voice with two sub oscillators, which can be switched from being either traditional square wave to having the same waveform as the main oscillator – in effect making four oscillators per voice
Analogue / digital hybrid architecture uses NCOs for very high resolution, and very stable oscillators. Over 50 different waveforms, ranging from classic analogue sounds to more unique digital shapes
modulus designed 24db per octave four pole transistor ladder filter, with some very unusual morphing characteristics or ‘polesweeping’, enabling transition from four pole through bandpass to one pole 6db per octave, or anywhere in between
Two LFO’s, one per voice and one global
Extensive modulation options, all accessed directly from the front panel – no menu options!
modulus.002 features a range of sequencing options – a built in 16 Track, 12 row, 32 step sequencer with 16 dedicated step time editing knobs on the front panel and MIDI sync capabilities. Sequences can also be transposed dynamically while running
A very highly featured arpeggiator with a wide range of different modes, including modulus ‘hold’ mode, enabling arpeggiator-based sequences to be created
The modulus Animator, which enables any control parameter on the modulus.002 to be sequenced, enabling very complex filter transisitions, wave form changes and modulation matrix changes to be sequenced
Superb UI, a great departure from the norm of synthesisers, featuring a very high quality 4.3″ screen with wide viewing angle, display is context sensitive where the control parameters of any control knob that is touched by the user, is immediately displayed
Twelve ‘quick recall banks’ are accessible directly from the front panel, enabling performing musicians to get rid of their set sheets and build set lists of presets, sequences and animations, all quickly accessible from dedicated front panel buttons. Up to ten banks of quick recalls can be created, making live performance a doddle
VCF and VCA envelope generators
Four Key Modes – Poyphonic, Monophonic, Unison and Stack
Very high quality construction, uses a premium FATAR semi-weighted five octave key mechanism with aftertouch
All voice control parameters are accessible from a well designed and intuitive front panel, that follows a traditional synthesiser work flow
Pure analogue signal path with combined XLR/TRS sockets for balance / unbalanced outputs. Further, each of the twelve outputs can be brought out individually via a dedicated dsub socket
Two audio inputs enabling audio processing from the VCF onwards plus external MIDI in and out
XY joystick and Sustain and Expression pedal inputs for performance controls – any control parameter can be assigned to any joystick axis (X+, X-, Y+, Y-) by pressing the dedicated front panel selector button
Ethernet port to connect your modulus.002 to your network and enable updates via the internet (no more midi sysex dumps) and access to the Modulus cloud features
Update: some pics and details captured. I made the mistake of trying to capture them all and then realized how many were listed. :) I ended up switching to the more esoteric models. Quite a few have never been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH before. What's a little bit interesting, is only two new labels were needed, one for Domino and one for Side-Kick-Er. All other brands have been featured before. See the labels at the bottom of this post. Side note: Blogger limits the number of characters to 200 for labels, so I wasn't able to capture them all for this post. You can always search for the brand names featured for more. I assume most do this anyway. The labels are more for maintenance and for finding posts that may not feature brand names in descriptions.
