Social Contours

Social Contours from Bryan Noll on Vimeo.

"'Mannequins making friends with Mutable Instruments'

Performed on a modular synthesizer.

http://soundcloud.com/fourhexagons/social-contours

PATCH NOTES

Just Friends and Three Sisters arrived this week and brought life to the melody voice in this patch. Whimsical Raps makes some seriously amazing modules: http://whimsicalraps.com.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sonic Potions - Superbooth16 - New Modules From the Maker of the LXR Drum Synth

Published on Apr 27, 2016 DivKidVideo

"It was great to meet Julian from Sonic Potions and I was surprised to see 3 new assembled modules, there was seemingly no whisper of those coming. All three looked and sounded ace! As did the new DIY kit."

New modules from the maker of the LXR Drum Synth:

Mal-2 Erisian noise generator

"Mal-2 is a random signal generator. It has 2 modes of operation to provide you with smooth random goodness.

In the first mode the CHANGE knob morphs from a cubic interpolated (sine like shape) random signal to a random walk function.

In the second mode the CHANGE knob sets the self similarity. On the minimum setting the signal is completely random. On the maximum setting the random sequence is locked to a repeating, identical 8 step sequence. In between the sequence slowly morphs to new shapes over time.

Specs:

6 HP
12 bit CV output
through hole components DIY kit
Random gate output
CV inputs with attenuverter for both knobs
super slow cycles times up to lower audio range"

Moiré Dual phase modulation oscillator

Moiré is a digital dual FM oscillator.

It comes with 2 completely identical oscillator cores that can also be used independently.
Each oscillator is based on a sine core that is fed through different waveshapers to alter the waveform:

a saw shaper (achieved through self modulation)
a rectange shaper (hard clipper with adjustable gain and offset)
a wavefolder with adjustable gain and offset

Further each oscillator can modulate the phase of the other oscillator for yamaha style FM synthesis.

Specs:

28 HP
16 bit / ~80kHz
All parameters CV controllable
...

Manifold Time and Space Machine - Delay & Reverb

"Manifold is a versatile delay and reverb module that provides a great set of different algorithms.

Currently implemented are:

Basic delay without pitch changes during delay time changes
Granular pitch shifting delay
Tape delay with moving tape head and variable tape speed
Granular glitch delay
Multitap delay
Double delay (2 independent delays with separate IOs)
BBD delay
2 Reverb algorithms
Chorus/Ensemble/Flange delay

The delay times can be synced to external clock sources up to audio range (about 4kHz) or the clock can be synced using the tap tempo button. While the delay times are synced, the time knob acts as a clock multiplier and divider. Synced to an external oscillator the delay can be used for karplus strong synthesis.

Most algorithms provide a second audio IO to route the feedback through external modules, including the reverbs.

Instead of a range switch, there is a second knob to adjust the range of the time knob seamlessly from a few milliseconds up to several seconds of delay time.

Specs:

20 HP
16 bit / 48kHz
based on an STM32 ARM CPU with 8Mb of external SRAM"

Malaclypse Fractal Noise Generator

Malaclypse is a sophisticated random signal generator inspired by the Perlin-Noise algorithm. Perlin Noise is used in procedural computer graphics to generate landscapes, so the module is capable of creating signals that resemble the flat grass hills of Ireland as well as the ragged shapes of the Swiss alps and everything in between and above.

At the core of the module is an analogue noise source that can be fed through an interpolator to gradually alter its shape. The modes implemented are:

No interpolation - results in S'n'H like staircase signals
linear interpolation with or without resonance
cubic interpolation
treshold mode - results in vinyl like cracks and pops

Up to 10 octaves of these random signals, each with double the frequency, can be stacked on top of each other with decreasing volume. The volume ratio can be set with the DECAY knob.

The SIMILARITY knob sets the self similarity of the signal. With similarity all cranked up, the same sequence will be repeated over and over again. The more you lower the similarity setting, the more all the values will slowly drift away from their position with each cycle. Great for slow evolving modulation sequences!

The module goes down to about half an hour cycle time between 2 values and reaches full audio rate as well. Thus the module can also be used as an oscillator (similarity all cranked up) or a noise source that provides different colours of noise.

External audio and CV signals can also be manipulated. As soon as you plug in an external signal to the input, the internal random signal generator is replaced with audio samples from the input. Now the FREQUENCY knob acts as a sample rate reducer and the interpolator can still filter and reshape the input signal.

The module is syncable to external clock sources up to audio range. In sync mode the frequency knob acts as a multiplier/divider and the divided/multiplied clock is available on the clock output.

Specs:

CLICK FOR MORE »

MATRIXSYNTH Review and Overview of the Novation Circuit

Update: Not covered in this review, sample support has been added in the latest Circuit Components update.

The following is my overview and review of the $329 Novation Circuit.

Introduction

CLICK FOR MORE »

apeDelay 1.2 Drone

Published on Mar 3, 2016 Alessandro Petrolati

iTunes: apeDelay - apeSoft

+ Ableton Link in integration, find out more about Link at http://ableton.com/link
+ New SYNC for LFO and Sequencer
+ New Input Spectroscope view
+ New Noise Gate parameter
+ New exp/log scale for “Multi-Slider”
+ Freeze now is working with Decimator/Granulate/Noise Gate and Blur
+ New Frequency range selection for stereo Delay Pads
+ New iCloud Drive and Document Picker for Presets and Files
+ MIDI Clock improved
+ Improved Toggle Interaction
+ Audiobus latest SDK update
+ Midibus latest SDK update
+ Bluetooth Audio IO support
+ Bluetooth MIDI LE Support
+ Added Preset Manager 'Open In…’ Support
+ Added Preset Manager ‘Sends the audio files used from the Bank’
+ Added File Manager 'Send E-Mail' Support
+ Audio Engine Optimisation

Cloud Infestation

Published on Feb 27, 2016 S. B. Arweiler

"Ambient soundscape. This recording uses a wide Stereo image, so listening on headphones might be a good idea.

Patch notes (not complete):
Mutable Instruments Braids in WTX4 mode goes through the 4ms SMR which is CV controlled by several envelopes (Intellijel Quadra and Make Noise Maths and Function) and a MusicThing Turing-Machine sequence . Both outs of the SMR go into Mutable Instruments Clouds in granular mode.

Evaton Technologies RF Nomad goes through a Make Noise Optomix which is plucked by a gate from Maths for some noisy percussion. Some additional percussion by Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteratis through a Doepfer A-124 Wasp Filter.

A rain sample played on one MusicThing Radio Music goes through the Pittsburgh Modular Filter and via Doepfer A-138d through the Electro-Harmonix POG2 and then through the Make Noise Erbe-Verb.

The second Radio Music provides some sampled chords in the second part of the recording.

Master clock and lots of triggers by Tiptop Circadian Rhythms; even more triggers by ALM Pamela’s Workout in Euclidean Mode. Several envelopes and LFOs by Make Noise Maths and Function, Intellijel Quadra, and Pittsburgh Bender. Also: Lots more utilities and VCAs, sequencing by Make Noise René, Brains + Pressure Points, and Turing Machine. Some manual modulation via two Pressure Points and Circadian Rhythms.

Gear used:
- Eurorack modular
- Pedals: Electro-Harmonix Cathedral, Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Boy, Electro-Harmonix POG2

http://sba.io/
https://soundcloud.com/monotrome
https://monotrome.bandcamp.com
https://twitter.com/monotrome"

Kite Strings

Published on Feb 14, 2016 S. B. Arweiler

"Samplr on iPad and 12U (well, actually 12,5U) of eurorack.

Samplr plays some acoustic guitar samples that I’ve sampled before.

The thunderstorm sounds are being controlled with the MakeNoise Pressure Points on the right hand side. The Pressure Points trigger and the 3 CVs go to the Basimilus Iteratis which goes through a Doepfer A-124 Wasp Filter. The filter cut-off is modulated with the pressure out of the left hand Pressure Points. All this receives some heavy reverb and delay treatment in the mixer from EHX Cathedral and Deluxe Memory Boy.

The main melody is the Mutable Instruments Braids in WTBL mode, sequenced by a MusicThing Turing Machine. Also, there’s radio noise from the Evaton Technologies RF Nomad that passes through an Opto Mix and an Erbe-Verb. Some voice samples from the MusicThing Radio Music are being sent through Mutable Instruments Clouds in Spectral Madness mode. Some CV sequencing courtesy of René. TipTop Circadian Rhythms is the master clock, clocks ALM Pamela’s Workout (Euclidian firmware), and triggers lots of stuff.

Gear used:
- Eurorack modular
- iPad w/ Samplr app
- MFB Urzwerg Pro Mk II sequencer
- Pedals: Electro-Harmonix Cathedral, Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Boy

http://sba.io/
https://soundcloud.com/monotrome
https://monotrome.bandcamp.com
https://twitter.com/monotrome"

Dedalus Delay V.1.3 with Ableton Link! & 48 Hour Sale

Published on Feb 13, 2016 Maurizio Giri

"https://itunes.apple.com/it/app/dedal...

For the next 48 hours Dedalus Delay will be available with 40% discount! (from 6.99 to 3.99)!

Dedalus Delay is a real-time audio mangler. A network of delay lines is continually granulated and modulated, producing a labyrinth of echoes, which are further processed by filters, dynamic processors and saturation modules. Dedalus can produce a wide variety of effects, from reverb-like ambiences to evolving resonation, from rhythmic pulsation to chaotic layering, from subtle chorusing to pure noise.

NEW in V.1.3
+ Ableton Link in integration, find out more about Link at http://ableton.com/link
+ New SYNC for LFO and Sequencer
+ New iCloud Drive and Document Picker for Presets and Files
+ MIDI Clock improved
+ Improved Toggle Interaction
+ Audiobus latest SDK update
+ Midibus 1.35
+ Bluetooth Audio IO support
+ Bluetooth MIDI LE Support
+ Added Preset Manager 'Open In…’ Support
+ Added Preset Manager ‘Sends the audio files used from the Bank’
+ Added File Manager 'Send E-Mail' Support
+ Audio Engine Optimisation"

Spectre Maths

Published on Feb 5, 2016 S. B. Arweiler

"Ambient eurorack jam. Sound sources are Mutable Instruments Braids, Electro-Harmonix POG2 pedal, Mutable Instruments Clouds, and Make Noise STO.

Sequencing:
- MusicThing Turing Machine
- Make Noise René
- TipTop Circadian Rhythms
- MFB Urzwerg Pro Mk II

Other gear used:
- MFB Nanozwerg mono synth
- Pedals: Electro-Harmonix Cathedral, Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Boy

http://sba.io
https://soundcloud.com/monotrome
https://monotrome.bandcamp.com
https://twitter.com/monotrome"

Analog Synth X for iPad Released

iTunes: Analog Synth X - Aurelius Prochazka

Currently free.

"Matt Fecher's analog synthesizer for iPad created entirely with the new AudioKit 3.0 framework.

Get the full source code now from the AudioKit website at audiokit.io.

Features:

* 5-Voice Virtual Analog Polysynth
* Dual Morphable VCO Oscillators
* Dedicated Sub Oscillator
* FM Oscillator w/ Mod
* Beautiful Sean Costello Reverb
* Free-running LFO w/ 4 waveforms
* Multi-tap (Ping-Pong) delay
* 4-Pole Vintage Modeled Filter
* ADSR Envelope
* MIDI in for notes
* Detune Oscillators by Semitone & Hz
* Hold & Mono modes for keyboard
* Noise generator
* 8-Bit Crusher"

Modal Electronics Introduces Modal 008 in a Rack & New IO Board

NAMM 2016 - Modal 008R Analog Poly in a Rack

Published on Jan 25, 2016 sonicstate

"Modal Electronics 008R and the DSP IO board for the 002"

You might have been familiar with the Modal 002 in a rack, but NAMM was the first time we got a look at the all analog Modal 008 in a rack. Check out the Union Jack on its back! Some details and images from Modal Electronics

008R provides eight discrete voices of polyphony with an uncompromising analogue architecture utilising the highest grade components throughout

Two 100% analogue VCO’s per voice with two sub oscillators, providing sawtooth, triangle, square with PWM and noise.

Each of the waveforms can be blended together to provide completely new complex wave shapes

Innovative and extremely flexible 15 multi-mode filter, consisting of traditional modes such as low-pass, band-pass and high-pass as well as more unusual notch, phase and combination modes.

Filter overdrive enables the sound to be driven to sonic extremes

A range of classic analogue polysynth features such as oscillator and filter FM bringing amazing sonic power

Two LFO’s, both capable of reaching audio rates with multiple wave shapes and midi sync

11 modulation sources with unlimited destinations. Each destination can be set its own unique depth, a super smooth sample rate of 10kHz

008R features a range of sequencing options – a built in 2 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 ‘hold’ mode, enabling arpeggiator-based sequences to be created

The Modal Electronics Animator, which enables any control parameter on the 008R to be sequenced, enabling very complex filter transisitions, wave form changes and modulation matrix changes to be sequenced

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rare Fonitronik Analog EFM 1900 and 3500 Modular Synthesizer Modules, Kits, and Parts

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

via this auction

"Manufacturers of similar modern modular synthesizers include Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments, Doepfer Musikelektronik, Macbeth, Moog Music, Synthesis Technology, PAiA Electronics, Pittsburgh Modular, Analogue Systems, and Synton.

This lot of complete modules and parts are from the EFM series 1900 and 3500 series synthesizers from Tom Gambles Electronics For Music. Nearly everything you need to build a beastly analog modular synthesizer!

Full lot contains the following:

Complete Modules
4 x 3541 VCO
1 x 5x3 multiplier
1 x DEG2A dual ADSR
1 x RX-CV Midi to CV gate
1 x EGLFO1A ADSR/LFO
1 x VCO4E Moog Rogue
1 x VCA5B hybrid VCA/mixer
1 x VCF1E Oberheim 2pole HP/BP/LP filter
1 x PSU 12V power supply

PCB’s only
2 x 3506 – LAG slide/glide/pitch bend
1 x 3541 - VCO
3 x 3508 – ADSR
2 x 1605 – VCF6C EMS diode ladder
1 x 4303 – LFO5A vc lfo/s&h/noise
1 x 1003 – RMP1B ring mod/lfo/preamp

Components
5 x PT146 precision resistors
50 x MF1/4DL3303F Metal Film Resistors - Through Hole 330K
4 x 064W503 Trimmer Resistors - Through Hole 50K 10% 3/8"MULTITURN
100 x 1N4148 Diodes - General Purpose, Power, Switching 100V Io/200mA BULK
25 x CHB471k1H821 ceramic capacitors
25 x C1C101J1H551 ceramic capacitors
100 x 3319P-2-503 Trimmer Resistors - Through Hole 9MM RND 50KOHMS 25% 0.2WATTS

Integrated Circuits
20 x NJM072BD Operational Amplifiers - Op Amps Dual
16 x NJM13600D Transconductance Amplifiers Dual
10 x CD4001UBE Logic Gates CMOS Quad 2-In
5 x NTE912
10 x NJU4066BD Analog Switch ICs CMOS Quad
20 x LM393N Analog Comparators 2-36V Dual
3 x NE555N Timers
90 x 8 IC socket
30 x 14 IC socket
25 x 16 IC socket

As well as miscellaneous LEDs, ~100 knobs, ~40 Al faceplates, resistors, capacitors, diodes, and trim potentiometers.

Sound Samples
bntic.mp3
PS3100_02_15V.mp3
modular6_07.mp3
SL01.mp3

The Plan....The whole point was to design a series of small boards that could be used as building blocks as well as individual modules. They can be mounted on a panel or put on a motherboard and used a single board modular. Most of the boards are designed with the i/o connectors all on one side of the board. Using 90 degree headers they can even be mounted vertically.

More information about the modules, diagrams, and mods can be found here"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Strum - Modular Patch by Richard Devine

Strum - Modular Patch from Richard Devine on Vimeo.

"This was a patch experiment using the new Mutable Instruments Rings/Clouds Modules, and trying to create strumming/plucking guitar like sounds within a patch. The inspiration came from playing around with the Clouds Parasites 1.3 alternate firmware running in the Resonator mode highlighting the "scatter" (or strum) function. The master clock was the Tiptop Circadian Rhythms module, taking the first 4 outputs into my Nord Drum 2 for the Kick, snare, closed and open hi-hats. From there the clock output from the CR was multiplied and then sent to the Modcan Touch Sequencer. First row output from the TS was sent to the intellijel Shapeshifter creating a two note baseline sequence that comes in at 1:58. The second sequence Row2 output from the TS was sent to the "ALM Akemie's Castle" module OSC A output using the chord function, that comes in at 25 seconds. The gates from the modcan where set to a 16th's pulse sequence. Modulation from the synthesis technology E102 Quad Temporal Shifter output 1 modulating the Multiplier input on Operator 1. The 2, 3 and 4 outputs from the E102 where also modulating the Operator 2, 3, and 4 inputs on the Akemie's Castle. This was creating the harmonic timbre changing as the sequence was playing.

The slowly evolving sweeping noise textures that come in at 1:09 is from the Music Thing Radio Music module. The sample was a white noise sampled lightly filtered and then sent to the intellijel HexVCA with the amplitude CV control via a Intellijel Dixie modulating from slow to high rates (free running). The Make Noise Rene was being externally clocked from the Circadian Rhythm, and was sending out a quantized output to the Mutable Instruments Clouds pitch input creating the chord guitar sequence. The strum sounds on Clouds was played by the 4ms QCD running in 32th division output into the Trigger input. The freeze input was also triggered by a Ladik R-110 Random clock module. The combination of the two created the trill chord like strums.

The bass guitar tone sound that comes in at 1:24 are from the MakeNoise Mysteron, that is being sequenced by the Modcan Touch Sequencer, Row Output 3 was programmed in the same key but a lower octave. The "Rings" module was creating slow attack soft high pitched chords in reverb that come around 2:50. There was additional processing of the Clouds output that was sent into the Tiptop ZDSP module running the "Halls of Vahalla" card program 8 "Ginnungagap" creating the high pitch octave deep reverb shimmer effects. The harmonic slow swells that come in at 3:30 where created using another intellijel Dixie oscillator sine output running into an Strymon "Big Sky" pedal being harmonically controlled by an intellijel µScale V1. The output was being played slowly then processed using the "Choral" mode, creating the slow shimmer swells. The entire mix was sent into the Eventide Space pedal using the "Corridors" patch.

Download the free track here: http://bit.ly/1QZqXQR

Mutable Instruments Rings : http://mutable-instruments.net/modules/rings

Clouds Parasites firmware: https://mqtthiqs.github.io/parasites/clouds.html

Who Ate My Sandwich?

Published on Dec 15, 2015 Dimitrios Sismanis

"Intro is Elements in new Chord mode, sequenced by Turing machine. Chords sequenced from Pressure Points/Brains. Drums are samples from Ableton into MI Clouds. Chords/drones by Cyclebox into Post Lawsuit LPF and then into Snazzy FX Wow and Flutter, sequenced by Pressure Points/Brains. Vocal samples from Ableton into Warps in various modes (including Vocoder settings) into 4MS SMRF and then Make Noise Echophon. Shapeshifter sequenced by evolving pattern in Numerology via Expert Sleepers/Silent Way, into Korgasmatron and then Grendel formant filter, with various envelopes into formant filter. Delay in Ableton added to that track. Additional drums from Analog Rytm. All clocks/LFOs from Expert Sleepers/Silent Way. All IO from NW2S IO.

Ding towards end from text message from my wife. It happens."

iVCS3 v1.5 Update

iTunes: iVCS3 - apeSoft

"What's New in Version 1.5
+ Essential and Recommended EMS Modifications (In-App Purchase) :
+ Oscillators Synchronisation
+ Oscillator 3 Lo/Hi Frequency Switch
+ Oscillators 1 and 2 VC Shape
+ Noise Sample & Hold
+ Envelope Attack/Decay Time Extension
+ Inverted/Controlled Matrix Red Pins
+ Joystick Glide

+ New In-app free for three preset-banks by Red Sky Lullaby
+ Audiobus latest SDK update
+ New 88.2 and 96 kHz Sampling Rate support
+ New ‘Diode’ model of Ring Modulator
+ Bluetooth Audio IO support
+ Bluetooth MIDI LE Support
+ New UI Scroll View Lock
+ Added ATTACK Button in Audiobus
+ Improved Audiobus Remote Compatibility
+ Added Preset Manager 'Open In…’ Support
+ Added Preset Manager ‘Sends the audio files used from the Bank’
+ Added File Manager 'Send E-Mail' Support
+ Bug Fixed"

CLICK FOR MORE »

"Engine 40106" – Live modular techno (CB's DIY Modular Synthesizer)

Published on Sep 3, 2015 Chris Beckstrom

"High quality audio available here:
https://chrisbeckstrom.bandcamp.com/t...

I recently built a drum module and repaired a noise module, which inspired me to make some analog techno. I started this project on a whim and never thought I'd get this far! It's time to make some music with the collection of modules I've built.

Performed live (no edits) on my homemade modular synthesizer.

Recorded through an old analog mixer (with a splash of spring reverb) into Ableton Live.

More about this project here:
https://hackaday.io/project/5826-diy-...

and here:
http://cb.hopto.org/cbfishes/2015/05/...

The bass drum circuit and CMOS noise generator circuit (the two main sounds in this track) are more or less straight out of Elliot Williams' Logic Noise series on Hackaday.com. Check it out here:
http://hackaday.com/tag/logic-noise/"

Patterning: Sequencing IOS / Plugin Synthesizer (MIDI)

Published on Aug 24, 2015

"Patterning is the drum machine from Olympia Noise Co. The app offers an unique way to sequence and offers users Midi Out via Music IO or Midimux. In this video I sequence a IOS Synthesizer (iPolySix) and a range of VST Plugins from Applied Acoustics Systems. You can trigger each drum line with an own midi out channel."

Braids Alternate Firmware: Bees in the Trees

Published on Mar 6, 2015 Chris Penalosa

"A jam session with the Mutable Instruments Braids module, loaded up with the alternate firmware Bees in the Trees. This hacked firmware, by Braids user Bennelong Bicyclist, extends the module's capabilities by adding internal modulation sources and a sequencer for the oscillator models. Braids is being processed by the Make Noise MMG, the Phonogene, and the Modcan Dual Delay. The first segment uses heavy internal modulation of Braids and the second segment utilizes the meta-sequencer.
Full description of the firmware: timchurches.github.io/Mutated-Mutables/
The sound sources for this patch are the Mutable Instruments Braids, Peaks, and the Intellijel Shapeshifter."

Happy New Year From MATRIXSYNTH! - A Look Back at 2014

Happy New Year everyone!

I want to start by thanking everyone that comes to MATRIXSYNTH and helps make it what it is - the readers, the supporters, and of course all the sponsors on the right.

THANK YOU and have a GREAT 2015!!!

This site is a labor of love and a ton of work. This site is ultimately meant to be an testament to everything synth in the making. We have over nine years of daily synth history captured here, 119,983 published posts. I can't wait to see what the future brings us in 2015!

That said, here are a few interesting bits from 2014 in the longest post of the year. ;)

CLICK FOR MORE »

Eurorack at NAMM via IO's Guy Taylor

Some pics in via Guy Taylor of IO on Facebook:

"Verbos Electronics Buchla inspired modules are as sick as they look."

"Make Noise bringing some new stuff to their line, always interesting for good reason"

"Delptronics' has some cool new protos in the works"

"Noise Engineering has an awesome new percussion module coming out called the Basimilus Iteritas. This thing sounds incredible."

"4ms showing off their new cases"

"WMD and SSF together in a new line of affordable, and undeniably useful modules. (bottom row) Keep a look out"

"STG's new EG!"

"These Hex Inverter Mutant drum modules sound great!"

Happy New Year! The Year in Synths 2013

Happy New Year Everyone!

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

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

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

Tributes to Those We Lost This Year

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

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

------

New Manufacturers & Makers

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

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

CLICK FOR MORE »