Roland MC-101 Groovebox Hands-On Demo

Published on Sep 13, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2019, Roland debuted their MC-101 groovebox synthesizer & sequencer.

Here's a hands-on demo from Roland's Peter Brown."

WMD Intros Crater, Voltera Eurorack Modules At Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 11, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2019, we talked with WMD's Mason Malvinni, who gave us a quick intro to their latest Eurorack modules, including a new drum synthesis and sequencing modules."

New MIDI Router Control Center (MRCC) Could Solve Your MIDI Headaches

Published on Sep 11, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2019, we talked with Conductive Labs, who gave us a sneak preview of their MIDI Router Control Center (MRCC), described as ‘a modern reinvention of the MIDI router’.

It features 11 In x 21 Out routable and filtered MIDI ports.The MRCC offers DIN MIDI, 3.5mm MIDI, and USB connectivity, and lets you route and manipulate MIDI signals in many ways."

See the Conductive Labs label below for more.

Modal Argon8 Wavetable Synthesizer Hands-On Demo at Knobcon 2019

Published on Sep 11, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2019, Modal Electronics introduced the $699 Argon8, a new wavetable synthesizer that builds on the legacy of their $4,495 Modal 02."

Knobcon: An In-Depth Look At The Hydrasynth Synthesizer

Published on Sep 11, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2019, Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) introduced the Hydrasynth – a new hardware synth that they say offers a massively deep and flexible sound engine and unique performance controls, including polyphonic aftertouch and a four-octave ribbon controller.

We talked with ASM's Glen Darcey, who gave us an in-depth look at the new synth."

Knobcon 2019: Hydrasynth With Glen Darcey

Published on Sep 11, 2019 sonicstate

"Seemingly coming from nowhere to release one of the most interesting new digital poly synths on the market Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) have made a splash with the Hydrasynth... Heading up Product and Vision for the company is Glen Darcey.

Glen previously worked at Arturia and Akai however this new role at ASM has given him more creative control and presented some new challanges.

Our resident US reporter Jim (Earmonkey Music) was on hand at Knobcon this year to talk to Glen about some of the creative decisions made on the Hydrasynth."

Knobcon 2019: ASM Hydrasynth Sounds Only Demo

Published on Sep 11, 2019 sonicstate

"Our resident reporter Jim (Earmonkey Music) was able to grab some time with the Hydrasynth to really get down to the knitty gritty and check out some of the sounds it can make. As a keyboard player himself he really put that poly aftertouch keybed to the test."

Morton Subotnick Discusses the History & Re-Release of the 100 Series

Published on Sep 7, 2019 Buchla

"Morton Subotnick on the history and re-release of the groundbreaking San Francisco Tape Music Center 100 Series

Announcing today that Buchla USA, in conjunction with San Francisco Tape Music Center founders Morton Subotnick and Ramon Sender and Buchla Instrument expert and artist consultant Todd Barton, will be bringing the historic and groundbreaking San Francisco Tape Music Center 100 Series back in its original form and format.

Built as well as kit versions will be available in collaboration with The Human Comparator http://build.thehumancomparator.net

Delivery and pricing TBD"

Update: two pics from Synthtopia.

Roland TR-8S Masterclass

Published on Jun 16, 2019 Synthtopia

"This video captures a Roland TR-8S drum machine masterclass, presented by Roland's Peter Brown at the 2019 Brooklyn Synth Expo.

In the video, Brown goes beyond traditional 808/909 style programming and digs into some of the more advanced capabilities of the TR-8S, including using custom samples, modulation sequencing, effects sequencing and polyrhythms.

From Synthtopia's coverage of the Brooklyn Synth Expo:

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/tag..."

Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth Sneak Preview

Published on Jun 15, 2019 Synthtopia

"At the 2019 Brooklyn Synth Expo, Gamechanger Audio’s Ilya Krumins explained the details of the Motor Synth and gave an in-depth demo of how it works.

The Motor Synth is a unique synth design that uses drone engines as oscillators. It's being funded via a crowdfunding project on Indiegogo (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mo...), which has already raised 5 times their project goal.

From Synthtopia's coverage of the Brooklyn Synth Expo:

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/tag..."

If you are interested in mechanical based electronic instruments be sure to check out the mechanical instruments label here. Both Gieskes & Bastl have been known to dabble in mechanical based designs. Check out Gieskes Reverse DC Motor (eurorack module), Motor Keys Tape from 2009, and Bastl's servo based modules.

Using MPE With The Sensel Morph & Buchla Thunder Overlay

Published on Jun 15, 2019 Synthtopia

"At the 2019 Brooklyn Synth Expo, Sensel's David Abravanel presented an overview and demo of using the Sensel Morph controller with the Buchla Thunder Overlay as an MPE controller.

The Thunder Overlay is a joint project of Sensel & Buchla USA, and is inspired by Don Buchla's classic Thunder controller.

From Synthtopia's coverage of the Brooklyn Synth Expo:

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/tag..."

ROLI Instruments & Expressive Performance With MPE

Published on Jun 14, 2019 Synthtopia

"At the 2019 Brooklyn Synth Expo, ROLI’s Ruben Dax gave a presentation on MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) - a new standard for expressive musical performance.

From Synthtopia's coverage of the Brooklyn Synth Expo:

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/tag..."

Lisa Bella Donna Improvisation At The Brooklyn Synth Expo (Excerpt)

Published on Jun 9, 2019 Synthtopia

"This video is an excerpt from a live improvisation by synthesist Lisa Bella Donna at the 2019 Brooklyn Synth
Expo."

VINTAGE (2000) WALDORF SYNTH CATALOG

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

via this auction

"This is a rare twelve page (including covers) year 2000 vintage Waldorf Electronics "Enthusiasts Synthesizing Machines" catalog I picked up at the Anaheim NAMM show during the time I was designing synths for another company. I was so impressed with the graphic design that I have kept it in excellent condition since then.

The colors are quite solid and the arc diecut on the the right is quite striking (and I am not ashamed to say I used that style cut in a car audio catalog a couple of years later).

The style and font choices were quite progressive and advanced for the time. The catalog was designed by Alex Hartmann DesignBox which also did the industrial design for the synths... EBay is blocking my link to an interview with him about it, but Alex is interviewed here about his work for Waldorf at synthtopia (dot) com... just google "DesignBox" "Waldorf" and "Alex Hartmann" and you will find it)

For both synth historians, industrial designers and graphic designers this is a part of history you will probably never find for sale again.

In the images in this listing, I am showing only the first few pages in the catalog but the remaining pages are similarly intense and beautiful and also in great condition."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Leipzig West Eurorack Modules At Superbooth 2019

Published on May 29, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2019, LPZW introduced their latest Eurorack modules."

Schlappi Engineering Intros 100 Grit Eurorack Module

Published on May 28, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2019, we talked with Eric Schlappi of Schlappi Engineering, who gave us an introduction to his latest Eurorack module."

Synth-Werk Intros Model 15 Modular Synthesizer

Published on May 24, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2019, we talked with Gerhard Mayrhofer, who showed us the latest in Synth-Werk's Moog-inspired modular synthesizers."

http://www.synth-werk.com

Marienberg Modular Synthesizer Offers Modern Take On Classic Moog Design

Published on May 24, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2019, we talked with Holger Marienberg of Marienberg Devices Germany, who gave us an overview of his modular synthesizer system.

The Marienberg Modular pairs modern analog circuit design with the classic user interface design of vintage Moog modular systems."

Large Format + Eurorack Combine In One Modular Synthesizer

Published on May 24, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2019, we talked with developer Gert Jalass of Moon Modular, who gave us an update on his line of large-format MU synth modules.

Moon introduced the latest member of their cabinet line, a new Moog-style Tolex portable cabinet that swaps the traditional 'CP' row for a row of Eurorack modules."

Gigantic 16-Track Drum Computer At Superbooth 2019

Published on May 24, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2019, we talked with Robaux developer Robert Menzel, who gave us a hands-on demo of his ginormous 16-track drum computer - a scaled-up version of his SWT16+ 16-Track Eurorack trigger sequencer."

Stylophone Gen R-8 Sneak Preview At Superbooth 2019

Published on May 24, 2019 Synthtopia

"Here's a sneak preview of the Stylophone Gen R-8 synthesizer from Superbooth 2019.

The Gen R-8 is sort of an uber-Stylophone - combining the original's stylus interface with a much more powerful semi-modular synth engine."

Snyderphonics Manta - A Unique Music Controller For Software & Modular Gear

Published on May 24, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2019, we talked with designer Jeff Snyder of Snyderphonics, who gave us an overview and demo of his unique Manta controller and a companion Eurorack module, MantaMate."