Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Filter Demos

Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Low-Pass Filter Demo

Published on Jun 30, 2013

"Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Low-Pass Filter Demo

1. TB 303 thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Low-Pass
2. Minibrute thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Low-Pass
3. MS20 thru Mini Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Low-Pass
4. TR-606 thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Low-Pass
5. Rocket thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Low-Pass

for more infos visit www.modemachines.com"

Mode Machines Wasp Filter - High-Pass Filter Demo

Published on Jun 30, 2013 acidjack303·57 videos

"Mode Machines Wasp Filter - High-Pass Filter Demo

1. TB 303 thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - High-Pass
2. Minibrute thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Band-Pass
3. MS20 thru Mini Mode Machines Wasp Filter - High-Pass
4. TR-606 thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - High-Pass
5. Rocket thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - High-Pass

for more infos visit www.modemachines.com"


Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Band-Pass Filter Demo
Published on Jun 30, 2013 acidjack303·57 videos

"Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Band-Pass Filter Demo

1. TB 303 thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Band-Pass
2. Minibrute thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Band-Pass
3. MS20 thru Mini Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Band-Pass
4. TR-606 thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Band-Pass
5. Rocket thru Mode Machines Wasp Filter - Band-Pass

for more infos visit www.modemachines.com"

Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter Basics

Published on May 2, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·208 videos

"A short description of the basic features and functions of the Doepfer A124 Wasp filter.Sound demonstrations begin in the following segments. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter LP/BP/HP/Notch Demonstrations Part One
Published on May 9, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·209 videos

"A brief discussion of the sequencer setup for the demonstration. The Bandpass portion of this filter of the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter is explored. Other filter types will be examined in the following segments. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter LP/BP/HP/Notch Demonstrations Part Two
Published on May 16, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·210 videos

"A continuation of the exploration of the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter. The Notch, Lowpass, and Highpass portions of the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter are explored. In the next segment this filter is compared to the Doepfer A121 Multimode Filter. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter- Doepfer A124 Wasp vs. A121 Multimode Filter Part One
Published on May 23, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·211 videos

"Continuing the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter series, this part one of two explores how the Doepfer A124 Wasp filter compares to the Doepfer A121 Multimode Filter. A brief discussion regarding setup followed by audio demonstration of Lowpass filter similarities. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter- Doepfer A124 Wasp vs. A121 Multimode Filter Part Two
Published on May 30, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·212 videos

"Continuing the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter series, part two of two explores how the Doepfer A124 Wasp filter compares to the Doepfer A121 Multimode Filter. Audio demonstration of Notch, Bandpass, and Highpass filter similarities. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter- Modulation and Other Effects
Published on Jun 6, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·213 videos

"The final segment in the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter Series. Covering Modulation and other effects. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

EDP Wasp with Schematics and Patch Sheets

images via this auction
Note this is the WASP in this video.
"The Wasp is a one-of-a-kind synthesizer that may look like a toy, but it is capable of fat, full analog sounds. The unique design of the Wasp features a flat, touch-sensitive keyboard that is built right into the circuit board. It was produced by the British company (hence the prominent Union Jack on the face) Electronic Dream Plant (EDP) and designed by Chris Hugget, who also designed the Oxford Synthesizer Company's OSCar Synthesizer.
The Wasp is actually a very early digital synth that also happens to sound great! It has analog filters, envelopes and controls, and offers flexible and traditional synthesis of cool bass, synth, and other useful monophonic sounds. Although it is monophonic, the 2nd oscillator can be tuned to an interval relative to the first oscillator, providing two tones at once (a constant interval moving in parallel with the triggered note).

This is a single-owner Wasp. I bought it in 1980 and have owned it ever since. It still contains the serial number, 1722, affixed to the back as a piece of blue Dymo label tape (this always gives me a little chuckle). It has always functioned perfectly and has been stored in its case (a nylon zipper bag) for most of its life.

This Wasp has its own claim to fame as well. As you can see in the pictures, I used this Wasp on The John Davidson Show -- John's daytime variety/talk show which aired from 1980-1982. This picture (though faded) is an actual promotional photo taken during the taping of one of the production numbers, showing me playing the Wasp. (A sharp observer may correctly guess that we were merely playing along with our pre-record and that in this case the Wasp was a prop, however our normal function was to back John live).

As if the Wasp isn't unique enough by itself, my Wasp is truly one-of-a-kind because it contains my own custom modifications and I guarantee you will never find another one like it. The pictures show these modifications:

• In the upper left is a slider control (unfortunately not spring-loaded) which provides a more convenient alternative to the clumsy built-in pitch bend knob. This slider provides an upward bend of a minor third.

• Above the Pitch Mod. knob is a switch which widens the range of the modulation -- from a minor third to a minor sixth.

• Above the Envelope Generator Attack rate knob is a hold switch, which provides a constant tone as long as the switch is turned on.

• On the back, I've made three holes which have nuts attached inside. I used these with thumbscrews (provided) and conduit clamps (not provided) to attach the Wasp to a microphone boom stand, allowing you to position it wherever it may be handy in your setup.

Included in this auction are a nylon zipper bag with padding (my own makeshift case), the original user manual, a pad of Wasp worksheets with several of my favorite custom settings, and an original schematic drawing which I obtained from EDP decades ago, allowing me to make the modification listed above.

Specifications:
• Monophonic
• Oscillators - 2 DCOs, switchable between ramp, pulse width (osc 1), square (osc 2), and one white noise generator
• LFO - 1 LFO with sine, ramp, sawtooth, square waveforms + noise to modulate the VCO or VCF; sample-and-hold
• Filter - 24dB/oct Hi-pass, low-pass, band-pass, plus dedicated envelope controls switchable between 12 dB/oct lowpass, highpass, and 6 dB/oct bandpass
• Keyboard - 25 capacitive non-moving touch keys
• Output - Internal speaker, 1/4" line out jack, 1/4" headphone jack
• Proprietary link connectors for linking with other Wasps or EDP gear
• Power: 9 volt DC power from external adapter, or 6 C cells from internal battery compartment

WASP SPECIAL SYNTHESISER SN 10015

Wasp Special Demo

YouTube Uploaded by 1224Johnmac on Feb 3, 2012

"Here's a little demo of my old Wasp Special vintage mono synth from the 1980's. I'm trying to use all of the knobs to show they are fully functioning. This is a rare model of Wasp with a real wood case. It is serial number 00015 which suggests it was one of the first built. I'm using a modified Epiphone Valve Junior amp to play it through. The sound is being picked up by the built in mic on the Vado camera I'm filming with so the sound reproduction isn't great. I hope you find the video useful. I will be parting company with the Wasp soon."


via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

EDP Wasp & Gnat Emulators for PC by *Analog Synth Lab*

via this auction
(sample player at the auction while up - it auto plays so I'm not embedding it)

"What Analog Synth Lab is all about is bringing the technology to you; those who are interested in making music and synthesizing but can't afford the old classic vintage synths or you just don't know where to start.

If you're a synth wizard or you're new to the whole thing; Analog Synth Lab will cater for your needs.

You can play the synths with your PC (qwerty) keyboard, a midi keyboard or a sequencer (both hardware and software sequencers supported) and tweak the knobs and relish in the sound of analog synthesizers.

If you have no knowledge about synthesizers then don't worry. There are lots of preset sounds so you can get playing straight away. And if you are feeling adventurous then twiddle with any of the knobs to see how it changes the sound.

Have a classic part of history in your computer and be a part of the electronic generation!"

"Ebay Exclusive! You will not find this product for sale anywhere else.

This synth, along with the ASL Little Flatty, has more features than any other emulator available.

The EDP Wasp is a cult classic. Original units are now fetching over £700-£800
The Wasp's younger brother, the Gnat, is also a classic and prices for a Gnat are around £400-£500.

The ASL Dream Plant brings together the Wasp & the Gnat in one complete software package.

The original EDP Wasp & the Gnat could be synced up together - which is what the ASL Dream Plant offers. A Wasp & a Gnat - in sync and just begging to be played.

So you are getting 2 classic synth emulations for 1% of the price you'd pay for the real thing.

Heard over countless records of the late 70's and early 80's - the Wasp was more suited to the "out there" and open minded folk.

Who before had seen a synthesizer that was yellow and black?!

If you like weird, raspy, ballsy sounds..then this is for you.

There's a reason why this synth is so notorious...that's because it sounds absolutely mental..and I absolutely love it!

And why did they call it the Wasp? Well, it sounds like a wasp...but the coolest wasp you've ever heard!

Key Features
* Modelled on EDP Wasp and Gnat hardware synths
* Multi mode Filter - Lowpass, Highpass and Bandpass
* Repeating Envelope Generators
* Unique mixer section..
* Analogue Delay (modelled on the Boss DM-2)"

CLICK FOR MORE »

First Pics and Details on Behringer's EDP WASP Deluxe Desktop Synth Priced at 298.99

This one was spotted and sent in via Bill of Ampersand Posture.

Details:

"A Stinging Cult Classic Reborn

A faithful reproduction of the cult classic digital-analog hybrid synth, the Behringer Wasp monophonic synth has the bone-rattling lows and searing highs that made its predecessor infamous in esoteric synth circles. True to its name, the Wasp excels at droney, buzzy synth sounds, emanating from its two digital oscillators, distinctive analog VCF with highpass, lowpass, notch, and bandpass modes, noise generator, and a hive full of modulation capabilities. The Wasp can generate three variable oscillator shapes —pulse, ramp, and enhanced mode, with pulse width modulation on OSC1. OSC2 swaps out pulse width control for pitch, so you can dial up warbly, detuned chorus effects, or tune the oscillator to intervals for pseudo-polyphony. A unique LFO with six selectable waveforms and pitch and frequency mod controls and the Wasp's two analog envelope generators open up vast signal manipulation possibilities. Synthesists at Sweetwater are psyched to add this rarified legend to their synth arsenals. Gnarly, aggressive, and completely idiosyncratic, Behringer's Wasp is all the buzz!

Eurorack and Poly Chain Compatible
The Behringer Wasp can be used as a desktop module or integrated into a Eurorack system, with an 80HP footprint, and integrated it into your MIDI setup via 5-pin DIN or USB-MIDI. Featuring Behringer's Poly Chain capability, the Wasp can be combined with multiple synthesizers for up to 16 voice polyphony. It also includes an external in, so you can shape and mangle guitars, vocals, drum machines, and more with the Wasp's inimitable filters and modulators.

Specs below.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Mutable Music Things – Ears Eurorack Module

Wait a sec. Mutable as in Mutable Instruments, Music Things as in Music Thing? That is correct.

via Thonk

"Ears is Mutable’s take on the Music Thing Modular Mikrophonie module, Ears is a perfect match for physical synthesis modules like Rings or Elements, but it can also be the gateway between external audio sources and your modular system.

We don’t normally stock non DIY products at Thonk, but when Olivier offered us a worldwide exclusive on the first batch of his new Ears module… how could we refuse?!

This module brings together two of the most (if not the most..) prolific and creative designers in the open source Eurorack scene, Mutable Instruments and Music Thing Modular.

Ears is Mutable’s take on Tom Whitwell’s Mikrophonie module, Ears is a perfect match for physical synthesis modules like Rings or Elements, but it can also be the gateway between external audio sources and your modular system.

4hp
5mA draw on both the +12v and +12V supply rails
25mm deep"


Published on Sep 15, 2016 Robin Rimbaud-Scanner

And a couple of user videos:

"First play today with Ears, Mutable Instruments take on Tom Whitwell’s Mikrophonie module. Literally only the first patch set up wto test it out today. Qu-Bit Electronix provides a constant drone, taking a loop of my voice humming away, as Elements is played by Ears, with the various changes affected by my touch. Arturia BeatStep Pro offers up the melodic content. Simple but fun. This looks likely to live in my performance case for some time now!"

Experimenting with Mutable Instruments Ears Contact Mic Module

Published on Sep 15, 2016 Leafcutter John

"Ears is released on Friday 16th September 2016 and is available through Thonk. https://www.thonk.co.uk

In order of appearance:
1. Tapping the inbuilt pickup through clouds.
2. Ears triggering a René sequence into Rings...
.....Then plugging the audio output of Ears into the in of Rings.
3. Pinging an ossilating Wasp filer.
4. Running contact mic from fan into Ears - Wasp - Clouds.
5. Contact sound of Clouds button through Ears - Wasp - Clouds...
.....Then controlling Clouds hold using inverted Ears gate.
6. Music box Contact Mic - Ears - Wasp - Clouds.
7. Feedback through Ears builtin pickup - Wasp - Clouds.
8. Spring box - Contact Mic - Ears - Wasp - Clouds.
9. Bowed Cymbal - Contact Mic - Ears - Wasp - Clouds.
10. Percussed Cymbal - Contact Mic - Ears - Wasp - Clouds.
11. Stick-rub Cymbal - Contact Mic - Ears - Wasp - Clouds.
12. Stick-rub Cymbal - Contact Mic - Ears - Wasp LFO on cutoff - Clouds.

Enjoy!"

Cherry Audio Introduces Yellowjacket EDP WASP Inspired Synthesizer

video upload by Cherry Audio

"Cherry Audio is proud to introduce Yellowjacket, an innovative virtual synthesizer that pays tribute to the legendary 1978 EDP Wasp synthesizer. Yellowjacket perfectly replicates the Wasp's distinct buzzy tone and its hybrid analog/digital design, while incorporating modern features that enhance its creative possibilities. The outcome is an affordable synthesizer plugin that combines a rich historical legacy with cutting-edge functionality for today's musicians and producers. "

Cherry Audio | Hive Mind for Yellowjacket Preset Pack

video upload by Cherry Audio

"Additional extraordinary sounds for Yellowjacket synthesizer plugin are available exclusively from Cherry Audio! The Hive Mind for Yellowjacket Preset Pack features 100 more presets by sound design wizard James Dyson, designed to further showcase Yellowjacket's arpeggios, effects, modulation, extended multi voice modes, and aftertouch.

Get the Hive Mind for Yellowjacket Preset Pack and check out more audio demos at: https://store.cherryaudio.com/presets..."

Cherry Audio | Introducing Yellowjacket with Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio

Introduction to Yellowjacket with Tim Shoebridge:

00:00 - Opening
00:45 - Introduction
01:48 - History: EDP and The Wasp
03:24 - Yellowjacket - Keyboard Controls
04:50 - Oscillators and Mixer
05:33 - Control Osc (LFO)
11:28 - Filter
16:54 - Envelope Generators
19:57 - Effects
23:30 - The Speaker Effect
26:30 - Arpeggiator
30:33 - FX Output Controls
33:00 - Keyboard Pressure Panel (Aftertouch)
35:08 - Root/Diatonic Scales
35:37 - More on Keyboard Modes
37:35 - Background: EDP and LINK
40:08 - Multi Voice, Cycle, and "Mini Synths"
45:21 - Conclusion: "Tick Tock"

BUZZ! Cherry Audio Yellowjacket recreates the infamous Wasp synth

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We buzz around in Cherry Audio's new Yellowjacket, a recreation of the infamous Wasp synthesizer from Electronic Data Plant. We examine all of its features in detail, and explore a few of the presets from both the Factory bank and the Hive Mind expansion bank.

To find out more, please visit https://cherryaudio.com

00:00 Introduction
00:24 History
01:12 Overview
01:42 Oscillators
05:42 Filter
10:08 VCA Envelope
11:27 LFO (Control Oscillator)
14:29 Keyboard & Voice modes
18:42 Keyboard pressure
21:41 Wasp speaker emulation
23:04 Octafuzz
25:18 Other effects
32:45 Arpeggiator
37:11 Factory presets
40:40 Hive Mind presets
43:51 Conclusion"

Press release follows:



PRESS RELEASE -- April 22, 2025 --

Cherry Audio is proud to introduce Yellowjacket, an innovative virtual synthesizer that pays tribute to the legendary 1978 EDP Wasp synthesizer. Yellowjacket perfectly replicates the Wasp's distinct buzzy tone and its hybrid analog/digital design, while incorporating modern features that enhance its creative possibilities. The outcome is an affordable synthesizer plugin that combines a rich historical legacy with cutting-edge functionality for today's musicians and producers. Yellowjacket synthesizer is available immediately for only $49. Additionally, Yellowjacket can be purchased as part of Cherry Audio's "Build Your Own Bundle" value options, Pick 3 (on sale for $99) and Pick 6 (on sale for $149), for a limited time.

Yellowjacket perfectly embodies the appearance and charm of the original Wasp, as well as the distinctive sound of its unique oscillators and signature state-variable filter. At the same time, it pushes the limits with Cherry Audio's characteristic innovations to bring this cherished classic into the 21st century. Highlights include:
16-voice polyphony alongside monophonic, unison, and cycle modes
Two oscillators with options for sawtooth, pulse, or square waveforms, as well as the enhanced modulated pulse-wave based on EDP's Gnat synthesizer
Innovative multi-voice modes that provide per-note variation with "chained" mini-synth panels, each featuring its own settings for dynamic tonal options that can create subtle or extreme timbres, single-finger chords and arpeggiated patterns, and more
A new advanced arpeggiator featuring probability and humanize controls adds randomness to patterns. When combined with cycle modes it can create transposable and even unpredictable four-note step sequences with the touch of a single key
Enhanced performance features, including support for polyphonic aftertouch, diatonic scales, transpose functions, and more
Studio-quality integrated effects, including reverb, delay, phaser, chorus, and a new Octafuzz distortion
A vintage-style onboard speaker emulation with adjustable hiss and hum for nostalgic, lo-fi tones
The original Wasp, developed by the late Chris Huggett and Adrian Wagner for Electronic Dream Plant (EDP), was a groundbreaking instrument that combined affordability with innovative design. Introduced in 1978 for just £200, it made electronic music creation accessible to a whole new audience and influenced the sound of artists such as Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran), Dave Greenfield (The Stranglers), Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), and Thomas Dolby.

Considered Britain's foremost synthesizer designer, Yellowjacket is a celebration of Chris Huggett's pioneering spirit. Cherry Audio has incorporated its latest features into Yellowjacket inspired by his innovations, ensuring his legacy resonates with new generations of musicians.

Yellowjacket features more than 270 professionally designed presets across a dozen categories, providing limitless creative possibilities right from the start. Yellowjacket also supports velocity, channel and polyphonic aftertouch with compatible USB/MIDI controllers, and seamless DAW integration for any studio environment.

Alongside the launch of Yellowjacket, Cherry Audio is introducing the Hive Mind Preset Pack for just $9.99. This pack features an additional 100 presets designed to further showcase Yellowjacket's advanced capabilities, with a deeper dive into arpeggios, effects, modulation, and aftertouch.

Yellowjacket exemplifies Cherry Audio's commitment to providing high-quality sound at an unbeatable price. At just $49, Yellowjacket is an excellent choice for synth enthusiasts who appreciate both exceptional tone and affordability. Additionally, until May 5th, Yellowjacket can be purchased as part of Cherry Audio's "Build Your Own Bundle" options. Customers can choose the Pick 3 bundle for $99 (regularly $129) or the Pick 6 bundle for $149 (regularly $169), allowing them to mix and match any of Cherry Audio's award-winning instruments for as low as $25 per plugin.

Cherry Audio’s Yellowjacket synthesizer is available for macOS (10.13 and above) and Windows (7 or above) in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats. A free 30-day demo is available. Visit cherryaudio.com for additional product details, a deep-dive introductory video, system requirements, and an extensive collection of awe-inspiring sound demos.

EDP Wasp and EDP Spider with Original Docs

via this auction

"Vintage rare EDP Wasp and EDP Spider (both working) with manuals and cable. These item are fully working and have been recently repaired and serviced by James Walker synth repair services in Stoke on Trent.

This includes:
EDP Wasp
EDP Spider
EDP Wasp manual ( Very good condition)
EDP Wasp performers manual (acceptable condition- notes on one page)
EDP Spider instructions page (acceptable)
Connection cable (from wasp to spider)

The EDP Wasp synth has been fully cleaned and serviced (no scratchy pots) and the keyboard is in a beautifull clean condition with no fading. There are two cosmetic chips on the back corners as visible in the photographs and do not effect the sound. Also the battery cover is missing. apart from this it is a fully working, a beautifull example of an EDP Wasp.

The EDP Spider is a sequencer for the Wasp, it is incredibly rare. It has been checked and is fully working, serviced and cleaned."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Racked Wasp

Shots and details pulled via this auction

This one sent my way via Tom of Music Thing. Thanks Tom!

"Wasp Rack Sound Module with Kenton Pro Kadi MIDI Trigger

Unique Wasp Rack Sound Module. All the controls and workings of the EDP Wasp built in to a 2 U Rack Housed unit. Comes complete with Kenton Pro Kadi Multi Mode MID Trigger Unit, so the 2 1/2 Wasp Keyboard octave range can be played with any Midi Keyboard.

The EDP Wasp was released in the UK in 1978 as a budget monosynth: "One of the biggest advances in synthesiser design - an ultra low cost, high performance instrument" and was one of the most unusual looking modern synthesisers. The Wasp was built in garish black and yellow plastic with a flat yellow laminated carboard 'keyless' two octave keyboard. The instrument weighed no more than a couple of pounds. The sound from the instrument came from two digital VCO running through an analogue VCF which gave the instrument a distinctive and powerful sound belying its awkward appearance. The Wasp was designed by the british designer Chris Hugget who was also responsible for the "Oscar" Synthesiser.

A Wasp in a Rack, what a novel idea!!"

Mode Machines MW-01 Wasp Filter with Roland's TR-808 Drum Machine

Published on Aug 7, 2013 ModeMachinesUSA·2 videos

"Check out this demo by our friend and analogue junkie, Jesse Strait, from Bit Voltage http://bitvoltage.com/ using the MW-01 Wasp Filter with the Roland TR-808. Wasp Filters are now available from http://modemachinesusa.com."

Mode Machines MW-01 Wasp Filters on eBay

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here.

"The MW-01 Wasp Filter is a distortion filter device. It uses the same VCF model as from the EDP Wasp Synth, but ads tweaks and modifications to really bring out the noise! Built into a robust folded aluminum case with a chunky layout, an intuitive design, and an LED rate indicator, it is an excellent choice for live performance as well as experimentation in the studio. The MW-01 Wasp Filter is a diverse filter capable of adding grit and punch to drums, ambient sweeps, filter wobble, and plain crazy noise.

Features
Audio in/ Audio Out
Control LFO speed and level
Self Oscillator mode
Control drive, cutoff, and resonance"

The WASP - A Very British Synthesizer

Alex Ball

"The WASP is an iconic British synthesizer designed by Electronic Dream Plant in 1978.

EDP were Adrian Wagner (yes he was a relation), Chris Huggett and Steven Evans. They only traded until around 1982, but that wasn't the end of their synth story. Chris Huggett in particular has had a prolific career in the industry, founding the Oxford Synthesizer Company in 1983 and releasing the (also iconic) OSCar and subsequently (after work with Akai), he joined Novation, who are still trading to this very day.

Back to 1978, the concept of the WASP was to build a powerful, low cost synthesizer. That seemed to have worked as one of the original reviews I found uses the headline "The Synth we can all afford" but still dubs it a professional instrument.

I also found a Moog price list dated June 15th 1978 and it lists the Minimoog as $1,995, the Multimoog as $1,495 and the Micromoog as $895. Assuming they sold for about the same in the UK, the equivalent prices would be approximately £1,090, £820 and £490 respectively. The aforementioned WASP review also states that an Odyssey is still over £1,000 in 1978, so with the WASP priced at £199 this demonstrates what a bargain it was at the time.

In fact, I had a brief conversation with a friend who remembers running out to buy it the moment he heard about it in 1978 and he still has his. It was also the first synth of Dave Stewart and Nick Rhodes among others.

In this video I breakdown its features and use it to make a short track.

0:00 - Intro
0:42 - The WASP
2:07 - The Keyboard
2:59 - The Oscillators
3:40 - Noise
4:03 - The Controller Oscillator
5:06 - The Filter
6:08 - The Envelopes
6:30 - LINK
7:11 - Internal Speaker
7:32 - Demo Track
9:21 - Outro

Gear used:
EDP WASP (1978)
Simmons SDS-3 (1978)
AMS DMX 15~80S (1978)
Roland CR-78 (1978) samples

Some original brochure scans stolen from the wonderful Retro Synth Ads blog:
http://retrosynthads.blogspot.com"

Alex Ball synth vids

Legendary Synth Designer Chris Hugget of EDP, OSC, and Novation has Passed Away

I'm hearing news that Novation's Chris Hugget passed away on Friday. Anyone coming to this site, likely knows he designed the original EDP WASP series of synths, the Oxford Synthesizer Company's OSCar, and more recently, various synths for Novation. Novation has a timeline of his creations here.

"Most people know him as the genius behind Wasp and OSCar, the legendary monosynth from Ultravox's Love's Great Adventure, Stevie Wonder's Skeletons, and Jean-Michel Jarre's Revolutions Overture.

Chris' synths have been used by everybody: Orbital, Ultravox, Tom Yorke, Trent Reznor, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Stevie Wonder, Jean Michel Jarre, Keith Emerson- the list is endless. His heritage synths are sought across the world, and sell for upwards of £5000.

He is a true synth legend. He is also our synth designer. Every Novation synth has been conceived, shaped and refined by his passion and expertise, which spans five decades."

Below are a few videos that pay tribute to his work. You can find additional posts mentioning Chris Hugget here.




Novation // Innovation Since 1992

Inside: Novation's Innovative Instrument Laboratory (Electronic Beats TV)




The WASP - A Very British Synthesizer


Alex Ball

"The WASP is an iconic British synthesizer designed by Electronic Dream Plant in 1978.

EDP were Adrian Wagner (yes he was a relation), Chris Huggett and Steven Evans. They only traded until around 1982, but that wasn't the end of their synth story. Chris Huggett in particular has had a prolific career in the industry, founding the Oxford Synthesizer Company in 1983 and releasing the (also iconic) OSCar and subsequently (after work with Akai), he joined Novation, who are still trading to this very day.

Back to 1978, the concept of the WASP was to build a powerful, low cost synthesizer. That seemed to have worked as one of the original reviews I found uses the headline "The Synth we can all afford" but still dubs it a professional instrument.

I also found a Moog price list dated June 15th 1978 and it lists the Minimoog as $1,995, the Multimoog as $1,495 and the Micromoog as $895. Assuming they sold for about the same in the UK, the equivalent prices would be approximately £1,090, £820 and £490 respectively. The aforementioned WASP review also states that an Odyssey is still over £1,000 in 1978, so with the WASP priced at £199 this demonstrates what a bargain it was at the time.

In fact, I had a brief conversation with a friend who remembers running out to buy it the moment he heard about it in 1978 and he still has his. It was also the first synth of Dave Stewart and Nick Rhodes among others."

Vintage 1982 "WASP Special" Synth from Wasp Synthesisers Ltd. ( EDP )

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

via this auction

Pics remind me of this post, but are different.

"This is the incredibly rare "WASP Special" version of the famous WASP synthesiser. I believe only a few dozen WASP Specials were ever made. I bought this one direct from Electronic Dream Plant's founder, Adrian Wagner, in July 1982. Unlike the earlier WASPs which were made from cheap plastic and had bright yellow keys, the WASP Special has gold colour keys, a metal control panel and a beautiful mahogany enclosure. It also features an internal 240v mains power supply. In all other respects, it's identical to an ordinary WASP synth. Sadly, this one has stopped working and produces no output apart from a bit of mains hum. Thus, it is being sold as spares or repairs. There have been no botched, attempted repairs or components removed. Cosmetically it's in good condition with only some very minor scuffs/scratches on the wood. It probably deserves to be in a museum as it really is THAT rare (see "Legacy" section of Wikipedia entry about the Electronic Dream Plant)

CLICK FOR MORE »

Electronic Dream Plant Caterpillar, Wasp and 2 Gnat synths

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

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Ultra Rare EDP =STINGER= VINTAGE ANALOG SYNTHESIZER WASP !!!!

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

via this auction

According to the listing, only four exist. There have been a total of only three posts here on MATRIXSYNTH to feature the Stinger before this one. All three were auction posts.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Cynthia Twin Wasp Filters In Stock

"Delight in the double sting of the Twin Wasp Filter!

This is actually two complete Multimode Wasp filter circuits joined together at the hip in a fascinating yin-yang relationship. There is only one input and one output to and from the pair of filters, so they work as a single Super Wasp with a variable internal signal relationship control that can be dialed from serial to parallel and all of the fascinating sonorities in between.

We've combined the really novel features of two different filters originally from the creators of the imaginative WASP and Oscar keyboard synthesizers manufactured in Oxford England back in the late twentieth century.

Unique to the delightfully quirky WASP is it's clever use of a CMOS logic chip in place of traditional op amps to form its 12db state variable type filter. They have adjustable resonance, but will not self-resonate. They do however have variable distortion controls!"

More info here

MODE MACHINES MW-01 WASP Filter

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"MODE MACHINES MW-01 WASP Filter in new condition! The box was opened, but the unit is new and unused. Here is the product description:

The MW-01 Wasp Filter is a distortion filter device.
It uses the same VCF model as from the EDP Wasp Synth, but ads tweaks and modifications to really bring out the noise!
Built into a robust folded aluminum case with a chunky layout, an intuitive design, and an LED rate indicator.
It is an excellent choice for live performance as well as experimentation in the studio.
The MW-01 Wasp Filter is a diverse filter capable of adding grit and punch to drums, ambient sweeps, filter wobble, and plain crazy noise.

Features:

Analog filter , based on the WASP synthesizer
Audio / CV Gate
Stable Micro Fashion Case"

ELECTRONIC DREAM PLANT WASP DEMO

video upload by Synth Tailor Electronics

"Electronic Dream Plant WASP synthesizer demo for Matt. This WASP was repaired and the ELBY MIDI kit was installed by Synth Tailor Electronics.

All sounds made by the WASP (excluding the percussion made by the Sequential Circuits DRUMTRAKS drum machine + Arturia Keystep Pro controlled sequences via MIDI)

The EDP WASP is a hybrid digital VCO and analogue VCF synthesizer designed by Chris Huggett. the Wasp was released in 1978. Such an interesting little synth, that has a very unique sound. The keybed is a touch sensitive two octave keyboard, that works by sensing skin capacitance, so playing with gloves on is out of the question. The midi kit is a must to install in these units to be able to use in a modern setup."

Analog Craftsman 5U Dual Wasp State Variable Analog Filter

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"This is a brand new dual Wasp state variable analog filter hand built in the USA by analog craftsman. The panel is based on the original design of the EDP Wasp keyboard synthesizer (the picture of the original wasp in this posting is just for reference and is NOT included in this auction). This module uses NOS Harris 3080 OTAs. The main output is switchable between LP, BP, and HP. There is also a separate output for the notch filter (as the original Wasp didn't have this). Also features CV input attenuator and a variable distortion circuit on each filter. The output of the A side is normalled to the input of the B side so you can use the two filters in series without additional patching for some VERY drastic timbres. If you know the Wasp filter, you know it can scream.

Again, this is factory new, fully tested and ready to ship. Also remember it is TWO discrete filters in one module, which is reflected in the price. There is no commercially available 5U build of this so here is your chance to own a custom build of one of the most unique and historic analog filters."