Nodes & Wires: In Conversation With George Hearn of UDO

Published on Apr 29, 2020 Paul Dither

"In the 6th episode of 'Nodes & Wires,' I'm chatting with George Hearn about his musical background, instrument design, the Super 6 synthesizer, his company UDO Audio and more.

Chapters:
Intro — 00:00:00
Musical Background and Influences — 00:01:44
Past Synthesizer Designs — 00:20:22
Instrument Design — 00:21:25
Collaborating with Axel Hartmann — 00:37:04
Inside the Super 6 Synthesizer — 00:44:51
Current and Future Plans — 01:03:13
The Company: About UDO Audio — 01:04:56
Challenges and Opportunities — 01:07:45
Modern Expressive Controllers and Advanced Music Technology — 01:25:08
Final Words — 01:28:22"

Paul Dither Nodes & Wires w/ the makers

Sequential Debuts the Pro 3 - Multi-Filter Mono Synth

Sequential Pro 3 INHALT Sound Design Demo Published on Jan 14, 2020 INHALTVIDEO

Update: some audio demos added below.

"Some time ago, I put together a video demonstrating the remarkable ability of the AS-1 synthesizer to mimic the classic Sequential Circuits Pro One. I sent the video to my friends at Sequential and expressed a great desire for a fully fledged, keyboard version of the synth. Flash forward to the tail end of 2019, and I’m sitting in front of the Sequential Pro 3. While the inspiration might have come from some aspects of the AS-1, the Pro 3 is so far and above, it truly deserves the title of FLAGSHIP.

To me, the central point of the Pro 3 isn’t necessarily the feature set, which is VAST, but the raw sound. This synth is a production workhorse that sounds proper. It has a kind of aggression, bigness, and elegance that is typically associated with some of the finest vintage synthesizers; the low end is massive and the top end can cut through but it’s that all important midrange that is the most impressive. That midrange synthesizer bass sound, that many other synths fail at (by over compensating lows and highs) isn’t an issue here and it’s that aspect that allows the Pro 3 to link the vintage to the modern. Simply put, any working producer looking for a flagship mono that can handle the rigor of modern production and can make as many classic vintage sounds as futuristic ones should not sleep on this.

The three filters on offer here all have their unique personalities and allow you to cover a vast array of sounds. The OB6 filter in particular is a favorite and combined with the sheer physicality of the analog vco’s used here, allowed me to get into a kind of Xpander territory. The ladder filter pounds and moves like a vintage synth. And the Prophet 6/AS1 filter is exactly what you expect.

No external sequencing or multitracking was used on this recording. Everything was made 100 percent on the Pro 3. This is a recording of all of the patches I submitted to Sequential for the Pro 3’s factory bank. A big thanks to the whole Sequential family and a massive congratulations from INHALT on this stunning new synth!"

Update: audio demos by Paul Dither:




And the press release: (side note: I believe this is the first solely Sequential branded synth after rebranding from DSI)

"Sequential Debuts Pro 3, Multi-filter Mono Synth Featuring VCOs, Wavetables

San Francisco, CA—January 14, 2020—Sequential today announced the Pro 3, a new flagship mono/paraphonic synthesizer. A hybrid instrument, the Pro 3 features three classic analog filters (Prophet-6, OB-6, and ladder) and three oscillators (two VCOs and one wavetable oscillator) along with a powerful new 16-track sequencer, and the ability to connect with modular synths through its four control voltage ins/outs.

“In many ways the Pro 3 is the evolution of a concept that started with the classic Sequential Circuits Pro-One,” said Sequential founder Dave Smith: “Pack as much power as possible into a compact footprint and make it sound awesome. To do that, we built on the strengths of its modern-day counterpart, the Pro 2, and created a worthy successor to both that sets a new benchmark for raw power and versatility.”

Part of this sonic versatility comes from the Pro 3’s oscillators: Two voltage controlled oscillators provide traditional triangle, saw, and pulse waves with waveshaping, while a third digital wavetable oscillator provides 32 tables of 16 waves each with wave morphing. Three vintage-style filters shape the sound of these oscillators. Filter 1 is a 4-pole low-pass design based on the Prophet-6 filter. Filter 2 is a classic transistor ladder filter with optional resonance compensation to preserve its low-end punch. Filter 3 is a classic 2-pole, state-variable design based on the OB-6 filter that can be continuously varied between low-pass, notch, and high-pass operation, with an optional band-pass mode. A Drive control provides additional punch to all three filters.

The feature set of the Pro 3 is rounded out with a multimode arpeggiator, three LFOs, four loopable ADSR+delay envelopes, dual digital effects (delays, reverbs, and various time-based effects), tuned feedback, analog distortion, and extensive modulation possibilities. The LFOs, delay, and arpeggiator can be synced to either the internal clock or an external MIDI clock. A programmable position-sensitive touch slider and pitch and mod wheels provide nuanced control over live performance. The synth is also capable of 3-voice paraphonic operation. This makes it possible to play 3-note chords where the three individual oscillators share a common filter and envelopes.

The full-featured sequencer provides 16-track sequences of up to 64 steps, with ratcheting, variable gate and sequence lengths, multiple playback modes, and paraphonic operation. It also syncs to MIDI clock and external audio input, and inputs/outputs control voltages. In addition to notes, sequence tracks can control any parameter in the 32-slot, 171-destination modulation matrix.

Another key feature of the Pro 3 is its four scalable rear-panel control voltage inputs and outputs, which allow compatibility with modular synths. Control voltages are routed from within the modulation matrix and run at audio rates for extreme modulation effects. “We wanted to make the Pro 3 as flexible as possible,” said Smith. “The CVs and deep mod matrix make it a mini modular in its own right — without all the patch cables.”

Sequential is also offering the Pro 3 SE, a special edition version of the synthesizer that puts the same synthesis power into a collector-worthy design that features a tilt-up control panel and full, premium-grade walnut trim.

The Pro 3 standard edition will be available at the end of January with a US MAP of $1,599.

The Pro 3 SE will be available in February with a US MAP of $2,099."

https://www.sequential.com/product/pro-3/

CLICK FOR MORE »

Nodes & Wires Episode 5: In conversation with Roger Linn

Published on Oct 2, 2018 Paul Dither

"In the 5th episode of 'Nodes & Wires,' I'm chatting with Roger Linn about his musical background, instrument design, the LinnStrument, the LinnDrum 2, and more.

Chapters:
1. Intro — 0:00
2. Musical Background and Influences — 2:09
3. Instrument Design — 14:31
4. The LinnStrument: Allowing Expression for Current and Future Technologies — 29:25
5. Roger Linn Design: About the Company — 53:21
6. Work in Progress: LinnDrum 2 — 1:06:41
7. General Topics — 1:10:54"

Paul Dither Nodes & Wires w/ the makers

Nodes & Wires Episode 4: In conversation with Dave Smith

Published on May 7, 2018 Paul Dither

"On the occasion of the Sequential Prophet X announcement, I chatted with Dave Smith about his new synthesizer, design considerations, his company Dave Smith Instruments, and more."

Paul Dither Nodes & Wires w/ the makers

Check out Paul Dither's new Prophet X demos here, and previous posts here.

Sequential Prophet X Demos by Paul Dither

"A selection of sounds I've programmed for the Sequential Prophet X. Everything has been recorded straight into Ableton Live. No additional effects or processing, just pure Prophet X."

Dave Smith - Evolver Presentation (2003)

Published on Jan 7, 2018 Paul Dither

A look back at Dave Smith presenting his first new hardware synthesizer as Dave Smith Instruments. One of my favorite synths and now a modern classic.

"An Evolver presentation from 2003. Filmed by and at the Synthesiser Service Centre, London, UK, then UK distributor for Dave Smith's Evolver, Roger Linn's AdrenaLinn, and a wide range of digital audio products from Mutec GmbH.

The subpar quality results from the fact that the 10 parts this video consists of have originally been made available in the RealMedia format, the common streaming format in the olden days of the internet.

Dave Smith wrote a little note about this video on December 1, 2003:
"On a recent trip to London I was 'filmed' running through some Evolver basics. […] I was a bit haggard after finishing the Paris-Brest-Paris race a couple days prior, so pardon the monotone. Special thanks to David Croft at the Synthesizer Service Centre (our UK representative) for putting it all together!"
(From the ancient news section of the Dave Smith Instruments site.)

Sources:
https://web.archive.org/web/200412060...
https://web.archive.org/web/200708172..."

Prophet REV2 Overview

Published on Jul 26, 2017 Paul Dither

Prophet REV2 Overview

Intro (00:00)
Comparison between Prophet '08 and Prophet REV2 (03:34)
Prophet REV2 Features (08:05)
Demonstration of Patches (01:13:21)
Outro (01:33:02)

Prophet '08 Sound Set: https://mikehiegemann.com/sound-desig...

Dave Smith Instruments - Prophet REV2 Demos by Paul Dither

"A selection of sounds I've programmed for Dave Smith Instruments' Prophet REV2. Everything has been recorded straight into Ableton. No additional effects or processing, just pure Prophet REV2."

Be sure to check out Paul Dither's other demos here - scroll down for more when you get there.

Sines O' Bop

Published on May 24, 2016 Paul Dither

"This piece features nine tracks of the Dave Smith Instruments' synthesizer Pro 2 recorded directly into Ableton Live."

Inside the Sequential Prophet-6

Published on May 16, 2016 Paul Dither

"100 new sounds: https://mikehiegemann.com/sound-desig..."

And two videos for the sound sets previously posted as SoundCloud embeds here.

Bric-à-brac

Published on May 14, 2016

"This piece features eight tracks of the Prophet-6. It has been recorded straight into Ableton Live and features no additional effects except for mixing and mastering tools."

Shoulder Pads & Noisy Smacks

Published on May 14, 2016

"This piece features 28 tracks of the Prophet-6. It has been recorded straight into Ableton Live and features no additional effects except for mixing and mastering tools."

Paul Dither's Shoulder Pads & Noisy Smacks with the DSI Prophet-6 & Bric-à-brac

"This piece features 28 tracks of the Prophet-6. It has been recorded straight into Ableton Live and features no additional effects except for mixing and mastering tools."

Bric-à-brac


"This piece features eight tracks of the Prophet-6. It has been recorded straight into Ableton Live and features no additional effects except for mixing and mastering tools."

Sequential Prophet-6 Patches by Paul Dither

The patches featured in Paul Dither's Prophet-6 demos are now available here.

Sequential Prophet-6 Demo (Part 3) by Paul Dither

"More sounds for the Prophet-6!"

All parts here.

http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/product/prophet-6/
DSI Prophet-6s on eBay | DSI Prophet-6s on Amazon

Sequential Prophet-6 Demo by Paul Dither

"A couple of sounds I've made with the Prophet-6 recorded straight into Ableton. No additional effects, just pure Prophet."

Update: these are now available here.

http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/product/prophet-6/
DSI Prophet-6s on eBay | DSI Prophet-6s on Amazon

Uncertain Relations

Published on Nov 22, 2015 Paul Dither

"An improvised 4-track live recording.

Paul Dither: Ableton Push, Korg Volca Beats, Moog MF-104M Analog Delay, Moog Minitaur (played via DSI Pro 2 and triggered by Ableton's arpeggiator), and Moog Sub 37 Tribute Edition.

Recorded live with Ableton Live 9.5 Suite. Additional effects: Valhalla VintageVerb.

The track can be purchased over here: https://pauldither.bandcamp.com/track..."

DSI Pro 2 Demo - Part 5 (The Analog Side)

Published on Nov 10, 2015 Paul Dither

"Part 5 of this series explores how well the Pro 2 is performing analog sounds.
If you want to skip the wordy intro, jump forwards to 04:50."

All parts here.

http://www.davesmithinstruments.com

Dave Smith Instruments Pro 2 Patch Demos by Paul Dither

Published on Nov 2, 2015 Paul Dither

"A couple of sounds for the Pro 2. No effects added."

http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/product/pro-2/

Prophet '08 Patches by Paul Dither

Prophet '08s on eBay

Moog Sub 37 Demos by Paul Dither

"A few sounds from the Sub 37.
Additional effects: Valhalla Room, Valhalla VintageVerb, and u-he Satin.

This playlist contains 22 tracks, total time: 23:17"