Colours - New Novation Circuit Pack by Techtronix Preview

video upload by Techtronix

"Colours Brings the very latest Dubstep sound to Novation Circuit Tracks.

Out on the 23rd of May ‪@IsotonikStudios‬

Made to represent a whole range of Dubstep from brutal high-energy hard hitting Tearout, Colour bass, Riddim, classic Dubstep, ambient Dubstep and more.

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Futureretro SWYNX Available in Extremely Limited Quantities & Other Updates / Tariff News

via Futureretro

Futureretro Swynx available in super limited quantities ONLY through our online store.

Using recently found old stock parts, Futureretro has built and is offering the long out of production SWYNX in super limited quantities (less than 10 units available). These use the same chassis, circuit boards, and parts as the original run (knobs are slightly different) and serves as a test for a possible re-introduction of the unit into the Futureretro catalogue in the near future.

The Swynx is a sync box that converts incoming MIDI messages to MIDI clock, DIN sync, CR-78 clock, and Analog clocks. In addition, the Swynx provides the ability to swing the timing of all these clock outputs and select different time signatures in real-time with the front panel controls, and can also act as a CR-78 pattern programmer. After you try it in your setup, you will realize just what you've been missing. For instance, many DIN sync devices do not provide a built-in swing function. And many MIDI sequencers and drum machines suffer from poor implementation of swing, preventing changes to be made live, or only providing swing for 4/4 patterns. Quite a few MIDI sequencers don't offer any swing function, including our own 777 and Mobius products. Now you can apply swing to any MIDI sequencer, and select new time signatures as well Need to sync your analog sequencer or arpeggiator with MIDI gear? No problem! Not only can you do so, but now you can swing the timing of those devices as well. You can even use the analog clock output to Gate the envelopes in a synthesizer. The clock duty cycle is 50% of a note duration. If you are a Roland CR-78 owner, you may have realized finding a WS-1 or TS-1 to program the CR-78 is next to impossible. The Swynx can replicate the programming capabilities of these units, plus provide sync to MIDI, and realtime swing adjustment. The ability to add swing to the CR-78's preset patterns alone will breathe new life into this old friend. The Swing value is accurate to 0.5% providing much more control resolution than is typically found in sequencers and drum machines. The Swynx provides 12 different time signatures to choose from. Some time signatures are duplicate, but provide different shuffle patterns for that time signature. Time signatures include 9/8, 7/8, 6/8, 5/8, 2/4, 4/4, 8/4, 3/4, and 6/4. The Swynx is all about making the gear you have sound better!

Swynx Features
Converts MIDI messages to MIDI clock, DIN sync, CR-78 clock, and analog clock
Can be used as a CR-78 pattern programmer
Control over the swing amount
Swing - 50% - 75% (0.5% resolution)
Time-signatures include 9/8, 7/8, 6/8, 5/8, 2/4, 4/4, 8/4, 3/4, and 6/4

No more NEW Vectra units will be sent out to stores after this month.
We have a very small order to fill with one US Store that will be filled by the end of May. After that, we will be out of Vectra parts and do not plan on restocking the product. The build time and cost is too excessive for us to continue this unique product. If you are wanting a Vectra and have not yet ordered a unit, the time to get them is now. Please check with your favorite stores for availability.

The 777
Many have asked, many are waiting and wanting to know details. ALL we can say at this point is that this product has been sent back to engineering. The 777 project has been a major undertaking and while close, seemingly minor issues have been exaggerated by parts availability. We continue to work towards this goal but no further information is available.

Furthermore, NO NEW manufacturing can be put in place until tariff issues are worked out.

Creating HUGE oscillator tones with OCCULT (+ Ouija & Wand) & the Nekyia Circuits Eurorack range

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the 3 new Nekyia Circuits Eurorack modules - Occult, Ouija and Wand. We'll focus on the star of the show here, the TZFM, sub octave generating, Ian Fritz double pulser wave shaping and external crossfading oscillator OCCULT! However we use Wand to crossfade at audio rates into new tones and Ouija for some musical ring mod too.

It's been a pleasure to check out the existing modules and to use those alongside the new ones here. As always the focus is to provide ideas and techniques while demonstrating how things work. So I hope you can take some of the patches to try out.

Info, manuals etc // https://nekyiacircuits.com"

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Hello & patch previews
01:31 Occult feature run down
04:09 Wand & Ouija feature run down
05:35 Pulser harmonic shaping - big drones ahoy!
08:41 Aggressive Pulser harmonics
11:21 Expand your VCOs with OUIJA
14:48 Stereo PWM sub mega stacks
16:59 Crossfade your way to HUGE waveforms with Wand
20:35 Occult LFOs - sub audio modulated modulation
22:35 Diving into the CLANG! Exploring TZFM
24:56 Animated sub octave feedback TZFM
27:59 Soft sync & TZM - musical alternative tones
31:55 Occult Shaping - harmonics & fade
36:21 Creatively embed ambience in your oscillator
39:15 For the ULTRA SYNTH NERDS - Occult + Ouija F**K YEAH

Occult is an analogue TZFM Triangle-core VCO/LFO with a wide frequency range and unique waveshaping capabilities! It features nine simultaneously available wave outputs: Sine, Triangle, Square and Pulse, a PWM Saw, Sub -1 and Sub -2, plus the outputs of Shaper and an interesting Pulser waveshaper circuit. Pulser is a waveshaper based on the “double pulser” circuit by Ian Fritz, able to produce exotic, rich sounding waveforms. The Shaper section adds a crossfader which can mix between the normalized Sine wave or any other external input and the Pulser or the also includes a TZFM input with an attenuator control, capable of producing more musical and complex FM tones than for every parameter as well as FM options make Occult a very versatile oscillator for sonic exploration!

New Eurorack Modules Coming From Doepfer

Doepfer will be showcasing the above new modules at SUPERBOOTH25. Details on each follow.
Check with dealers on the right for upcoming availability.

Module A-119-2 is kind of a dual version of module A-119 without envelope follower. Instead two amplifiers are available and the module width is 4 HP only.

The module contains two amplifiers with separately adjustable amplification levels. Each channel is equipped with an overload display. The module can be used also for stereo signals, e.g. the stereo output of a smartphone.

Controls and displays:

Level 1/2: manual control of the amplification in the range 0 - about 45.

Overload 1/2: overload LED, begins to light up for output levels beyond about 10Vpp (+/-5V)

In 1: audio input 1 (monophonic or stereophonic, see technical details)

In 2: audio input 2 (monophonic)

Out 1/2: audio output (monophonic)

Technical details:

for higher amplifications the two amplifiers can be daisy-chained

normalling options: the signal applied to socket In 1 can be normalled to socket In 2 in different ways by means of a jumper on the pc board:

socket In 1 is connected via a mono patch cable (standard patch cable) to a monophonic signal and this signal is normalled to socket In 2 (i.e. the same input signal for both sub-units): jumper on pin header JP2 in upper position

socket In 1 is connected via a 3.5 mm stereo TRS cable to a stereophonic signal and the second channel of the stereo signal is normalled to socket In 2: jumper on pin header JP2 in lower position

no normalling: jumper is removed from pin header JP2

all inputs and outputs are DC coupled. Thus the module can be used also for the amplifications of control voltages.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Infinite Machinery Demo by Todd Barton

video upload by Todd Barton

"Just got turned onto these cool modules from Infinite Machinery which is located here in my little town. Really digging them. Enjoy these brief test drives."

Todd Barton's Patreon: / synthtodd

The Infinite Machinery Hexa VCA is a 6 channel VCA with DC coupling and a unique normalization function. All in 12 HP

Signal inputs are DC coupled.
CV input response, 0 to +5V

Maximum amplification is unity gain, or 1.

Channels with no CV input will have CV normalized
to the CV of the channel above. This cascading of CV
values is defined in two groups, channels 1 - 3 and 4 - 6.

For example: If CV is patched to channel 1 and no CV
patched into channels 2 & 3 - Channels 2 & 3 will
follow the CV of channel 1.

Patch CV into channel 2 and nothing into channel 3
then channel 3 will follow the CV of channel 2.
The same hold true for channels 4 - 6, with 4 being
the start of the CV cascade.

Module depth - 34mm

Current draw - 40mA +-

CLICK FOR MORE »

New England Synth Fest at Northeastern University, Saturday, May 3

New England Synth Fest on Saturday, May 3 at Northeastern University in Ryder Hall (11 Leon St, Boston, MA 02115). Right next to the Ruggles T Station. DIY workshop starts at 11am. Performances, lectures, exhibits, and petting zoo are happening 12pm to 6pm.

Performances in QUADRAPHONIC SOUND from Switch Angel, David Dawson, Doug Bielmeier, A Campbell Payne, Bill T Miller, Bob Familiar, Andrew Neumann, Leftroman, Donald Martin, Snowbeasts, and Todd Reynolds. Schedule and artist bios here.

Bring your headphones to check out synths in the petting zoo in Room 354. Visit our vendors and exhibitors, Tall Dog, SynthCube, Stompbox Sonic, Source Audio, Circuit Happy, and the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation, also in Room 354. Join in the music making in the Jam Room in Room 458. Full day of lectures listed here in Room 429. Plus, a morning DIY workshop with Cram Audio: build a Eurorack Reverb or a Handheld Theremin!

FREE (except the DIY workshop). Follow on Instagram, Bluesky, and Linkedin for more info and updates.

Check Out the Noisette DIY Theremin | Zeppelin Design Labs

video upload by Musical Miscellany

"I've built a few kits from ‪@zeppelindesign‬ in the past and decided to try their latest offering, the Noisette. This particular kit allows you to build a DIY optical theremin. It's a fun little project that sounds amazing with effects.

You can purchase the kit here: https://zeppelindesignlabs.com/produc...

Intro - 0:00
Build Process - 0:57
Calibrating & Testing - 2:39
Demo with FX - 3:15"

"The Noisette Optical Theremin is really fun to play! The pitch and volume of the audio signal is controlled by 2 light sensors — you can alter the sound by shielding the amount of light that reaches the sensors. We offer the Noisette as a Build-it-yourself kit that’s fun and easy to assemble – soldering is required. For adults of all ages and kids as young as 8 years old, alongside a qualified adult.

Two Optical sensors to control pitch and volume

Two knobs to control master volume and wave shape

On-board speaker

Headphone or Line Out Jack

30 page, assembly manual, with over 100 assembly photographs

Only 18 parts that need to be assembled to the circuit board"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Syd and Saul Stokes performing Dreamer at Freight and Salvage, Berkeley California

video upload by Saul Stokes - Frequensea

And now for something a little different on the site in via supporting member, Saul Stokes. Close-up of the gear he's playing at the end.

"This week, we made our way over to the Freight @ Salvage in Berkeley, California, to test out our latest track, Dreamer. Dreamer will be out later this Spring on a new EP we're finishing up. The Freight & Salvage has an amazing sound system, but I was dealing with very low stage monitors, which wildly makes you feel like no one can hear you. You have to trust the sound engineer, and it can pull you out of the zone. Syd, on the other hand, easily commanded the song with simple vocal perfection. This piece is an extraction of music built from my Frequensea Episode 7 composition. Dreamer reminds me of a lot of classic electronic music. Perhaps an amalgam of early OMD and Massive Attack. The first lyrical line pays homage to This Mortal Coil's 'Morning Glory.' Look us up on Instagram to see where we'll be next.

IG #syd_and_I

Battery Powered Equipment:
Novation Circuit Tracks
1010 Music Black Box
Korg NTS-3
Minidexed
Bastl Bestie mixer"

Steiner-Connolly Synthacon – Reissue of the Iconic 1970s Monophonic Synthesizer SN 0026

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

via this Reverb listing

"Steiner-Connolly Synthacon – Reissue of the Iconic 1970s Monophonic Synthesizer

Designed Under the Direction of Nyle Steiner | MIDI-Equipped | FATAR Keybed | Vintage Character with Modern Enhancements

The iconic Synthacon is back—and this time, it’s built to last.

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Erica Synths x mki DIY FM DRUM sound demo

video upload by Erica Synths

"Introducing an FM Drum circuit that fuses analog punch with metallic tones of FM synthesis. This DIY kit offers a wide range of sounds for your patches, from kicks to toms, metallic clangs and more – a great addition of versatile, rhythmic elements to your system!

Timeline:
00:02 - Take 1 / FM DRUM sequenced with the Black Sequencer and sent though Stereo Delay
01:02 - Take 2 / Sampling FM DRUM into the Sample Drum
03:22 - Take 3 / Playing sampled sounds along with FM DRUM as bassdrum
05:37 - Take 4 / Triggering the FM DRUM with VCO ar audio rates and sequencing the FM of second oscillator with the Black sequencer

An Experimental “Bent by Design” Synth Voice // 3 Patches with the Trepenator from ZLOB

video upload by DivKid

"Here we have the TREPANATOR from ZLOB, which is an experimental "bent by design" synth voice. It's inspired by Rob Hordijk's Benjolin and ZLOB remaking similar ideas with their own modules and circuits. There's two oscillators, a multimode filter, many feedback points, oscillating 3 band EQ and more in this highly interactive and wide ranging abstract voice and instrument.

Like the Benjolin that inspires it, the Trepanator excels and abstract, organic and interactive self influencing textures, sounds and rhythmic ever evolving loops. In this video there's mud burping, swamps in space caves, aquatic bubbles, harsh noise, unique techno percussion and FX and plenty more.

Info, manual and more // https://zlobmodular.com"

"The Trepanator is a 14hp analog “Bent by Design” experimental instrument featuring a Dual VCO, Difference Rectifier, 3-band EQ, Sample/Track and Hold, and SVF(state variable filter) all built into one nonlinear module. Its origins trace back to a love for Rob Hordijk’s Benjolin and patching a similar pseudo chaotic feedback-based instrument from scratch using all Zlob modules.

Although not based on Hordijk’s circuit or signal flow, it uses a similar architecture of dual voltage controlled oscillators, an “interference pattern generator,” a state variable filter, and internalized cross-patched feedback. Instead of a Rungler and comparator the Trepanator uses a sample/track and hold with slew, a difference/rectifier circuit(based on NLC), and a self-oscillating 3-band EQ. Utilizing this excessive feedback between the VCO’s, EQ, S/H, and SVF, creates a completely new instrument for discovering abstract electronic sounds. The Trepanator is a highly interactive, unpredictable, and an immediate instrument capable of a huge range of organic and sounds from: snarling, plucking, bubbling, screaming, gurgling, hissing, grunting, pinging, and quacking, to machine like rhythmic loops, circuit bent broken modem sounds, no-input mixer screeching, intermittent short wave radio fizzling, and full on Harsh Noise Wall all within the touch of a fader or a small knob turn without any external audio or any control voltage in."

L-Fusion Electronics Introduces Analog Kicks 808+909 Eurorack Module

video upload by LFusion Electronics

"Updated demo video showcasing L-Fusion Modular Analog Kicks Eurorack module with walkthrough through all the parameters, also tips how to get most of it using filtering and EQ. For best listening experience use studio headphones/speakers that can handle the low end.

Module is available on Reverb.

808 kick generates softer more boomy kick sound while 909 outputs more aggressive punchy kick often used for making techno. Built using modern components – Audio grade Burr-Brown OpAmps, low noise transistors as well as quality capacitors including legendary WIMA German ones where larger values are needed - module provides two clean analog sound outputs with dynamic range of over 90dB.

808 kick is based on T-Shape resonator, often used in Electro/Acid tracks. It has decay, pitch and tone knobs. The circuit has been modified for longer maximum decay.

909 kick is more complex, it generates more aggressive punchy kick sound often used making techno, its core is based on integrated triangle shape oscillator. This kick drum can be controlled with original attack, decay, tune, tune decay potentiometers. Original 909 circuit has been improved for longer maximum decay, we have also integrated extra potentiometers for soft clipping distortion and fast decaying attack noise control."



"Introducing new kick drum module with famous 909 and 808 base kick drums based on on original discrete transistor circuits. 808 kick generates softer more boomy kick sound while 909 outputs more aggressive punchy kick often used for making techno. Built using modern components – Audio grade Burr-Brown Opamps, low noise transistors as well as quality capacitors including legendary WIMA German ones where larger values are needed - module provides two clean analog sound outputs with dynamic range of over 90dB.

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Serviced ARP Quadra Synthesizer with MIDI & New Sliders

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

via this Reverb listing

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The Roland TR-608 - Modified Roland TR-606

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

via this VEMIA listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

"Modified Roland TR-606 dubbed the TR-608 As used by Hainbach. Takes the humble TR-606 and supercharges it into 808 territory and beyond with tuning, decay and tone mods. Incredible modified Roland TR-606 for sale. This is the TR-608, believed to have been modded by Filippo Samore. As used and loved by Hainbach (video below) who had this to say about it: “The mod is high-quality and truly enhances the sound engine of the 606 without compromising its handy form factor. It is almost like a TR-808 now, except maybe a little more interesting, because it is still a charmingly shuffling 606 at its core.” https://youtu.be/aovvoLD2BCs The main modification in this revisited classic is the complete redesign of the kick drum circuit with a lot of borrowed technology from the 808. - On the kick, It adds: Tune, env Control, tone and decay. - Similar thing with the snare, same borrowed technology from the 808 but with an improved decay length. - It gives access to tune, snappy and decay. - It adds tune for L.H toms independent from each other and cuts out the annoying noise present in their circuit. And finally the modification taps into the original circuit of the hi-hats opening the way to hands-on control of : Tune and decay, separate for both open and closed hats This example has had individual outs for kick, snare and toms added. It also has a Kenton Kadi port installed for anyone who already owns a Kadi box or a Kenton Pro with Kadi capabilities added then you are definitely cooking with gas! Voltage Information: Takes a standard 9v power supply (not included).

Lots of interest in this, so a couple of answers to questions: 1) The individual outs are Bass Drum, Snare, Toms 2) Each individual output has a fixed volume and is completely independent of the master output. You can still feed the bass drum out through the master output if you want. Or turn it down to mute it from the master volume. 3) Din Sync is untouched and works as originally intended by Roland."

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Emu 70s modular university/Pat Gleeson?

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

via this VEMIA listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

"This interesting E-mu modular started out life at an American university, at a time when E-mu were happy to sell circuit boards and sub-modules to individuals as well as manufacturing the systems themselves. Because this was built by two people, they were completely familiar with the layout (even though they decided in a few respects to make changes to the design to improve the layout of, for instance, the Universal Active Filter). That meant that they had no lettering on the panels (as well as none of the distinctive blue edging that E-mu themselves use on modules). Further research: according to a post for an auction in 2014, it was actually built by Pat Gleeson and a PhD student, and there were some pencil markings on the panel which have since worn off. Search the wonderful matrixsynth for Early Vintage E-mu Modular for Sale . Here's the link: https://www.matrixsynth.com/2014/05/early-vintage-e-mu-modular-for-sale.html. The most likely supposition is that this was built for Cal State East Bay (then known as Cal State Hayward), but we're trying to find out more.

In the interests of intelligibility by someone not intimately involved in its creation, we decided that it needed labelling. We did this with cheap tape, and a Brother printer. The results are more useful than beautiful. (If it was partly Pat Gleeson's work, the lettering and blue tape could easily be removed if you wanted.) Cosmetically it is generally good - the knobs have started to discolour a bit after nearly 50 years, but are still nice to use. One silver top is missing.

Working order: every module has been checked out as 100%. Three of them needed some expertise from Tony Wride, who used E-mu parts where possible and Pioneer Tribute parts where not. Altogether this modular is probably about 97% E-mu and 3% Pioneer. As this process has taken a year or two to complete, and the modular hasn't received the regular playing it deserves, some pots may be scratchy when first used.

Check the pics for what you will get. The UAF needed a replacement wooden piece in the cabinet to screw into, so hadn't been connected when we took the pics. Packing 30GBP."

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Wendy Carlos: Electronic Music's Transformative Pioneer

video upload by Resident Advisor

"'The word "pioneer' gets thrown around too liberally these days. But in the case of Wendy Carlos, the glove fits. The face of electronic music would look immeasurably different in 2025 without the American trans composer's groundbreaking achievements. Before she came along, electronic music was barely considered music at all—just "funny sounds," as Bob Moog once said.

That all changed in 1968. Produced in collaboration with Rachel Elkind, Carlos's debut album, Switched-On Bach wielded machines to produce sounds that could compete with the symphonic pop and rock of the era. The landmark LP won multiple GRAMMYs, played a key role in popularising the use of synths and became only the second classical music record to sell a million copies.

In our latest video essay, written by Sasha Geffen, we trace Carlos's story from her early experiments with Moog through to her impact on key electronic acts of the past 50 years, including Brian Eno, DJ Sprinkles and Octo Octa.

00:00 - Intro
00:54 - Switched-on Bach
01:57 - Carlos and Bob Moog
03:07 Contribution to synth development
04:36 - A Clockwork Orange Score & The Vocoder
07:20 - Personal Life
08:20 - Musical Development

Producer - Sophie Misrahi
Writer - Sasha Geffen
Editors - Sergey Poltorakov, Guy Clarke
Motion Graphics - Sergey Poltorakov, Dan Derham

Music in order of appearance:

 1.⁠ ⁠Wendy Carlos - Toccata Fugue In D Minor - Switched-On Bach 2000
 2.⁠ ⁠Wendy Carlos - Air On A G String - Switched-On Bach
 3.⁠ ⁠Delia Derbyshire - Quest - Electrosonic
 4.⁠ ⁠Wendy Carlos - Moog 900 series Demonstration
 5.⁠ ⁠The RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer - The Well-Tempered Clavier Fugue No. 2
 6.⁠ ⁠Wendy Carlos - Prelude And Fugue #2 In C Minor - Switched-On Bach
 7.⁠ ⁠Wendy Carlos - Title Music From A Clockwork Orange (From Purcell's Music For The Funeral Of Queen Mary - A Clockwork Orange Complete Original Score
 8.⁠ ⁠Wendy Carlos - Country Lane - A Clockwork Orange Complete Original Score
 9.⁠ ⁠Cybotron - Clear
10.⁠ ⁠Wendy Carlos - Genesis - Digital Moonscapes

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NRSynth's SEM Module - The "Solo": An "Extended" Version of the SEM

video uploads by Séraphin PALMERI

Playlist:

1. "Pink Floyd On The Run" Module SEM NRSynth

"On The Run" de Pink Floyd avec un clone amélioré du module SEM d'Oberheim, fabriqué par NRSynth, une lutherie éléctronique made in France #pinkfloyd #ontherun #oberheim #sem #NrSynth

2. Tangerine Dream Intro "Ricochet Part 1"

Le module SEM de NRSynth est vraiment parfait pour reproduire l’intro de « Ricochet Part 1 » de Tangerine Dream. https://nrsynth.fr

3. Module SEM NrSynth Démo 1

00:00 Midnight Express
00:57 Star Cycle
01:41 Dervish D.
02:06 Stranger Things
02:44 Il était une fois le Prophet

4. Module SEM NRSynth Démo 2

00:00 Basse 1
00:13 Basse 2
00:26 Fun For Me
00:38 ABACAB
00:54 Welcome To The Machine
01:24 Caverne
02:33 Tange FX
02:49 Chinox
03:04 Percox

5. Tangerine Dream « Monolight (Part 2) » With the Sequential Prophet 6 & Korg Kronos



Details via NRSynth (Google translated)

Oberheim Legacy: In 1974, Tom Oberheim imagined a small synth as an accessory to his DS-2A digital sequencer. But it was Dennis P Collins, a gifted ARP engineer, who designed the multimode filter of the Synth Expander Module (SEM). This unique filter is a 12 db filter that cannot deny its lineage with the ARP 1047 (ARP 2500) and ARP 2023 (white Odyssey MK1) filters, 12 db filters also designed by Dennis P Collins. With two very fat VCOs and a devastating sync (also close to the Odyssey VCOs), the small SEM offers a powerful sound, very present in the mix and very different from Moog and other synths with 24 db filters. So despite its simplicity and a filter that does not enter self-oscillation, we can get a lot of sounds out of it. Accessible and easy to use, the SEM is a success. In 1975, Tom paired first two, then four, into a huge keyboard case, creating the first "true" polyphonic instrument in history, the "Four Voices." In 1976, the SEM was even expanded to eight. Nicknamed the "White Elephant," its sound was as enormous as the instrument itself! But in 1978, the brilliant Prophet-5 made it obsolete, and Tom designed the OB-X, whose channel cards were also clones of the SEM. Subsequently, the OB-XA and OB-8 used Curtis chipsets and no longer had quite the same sound. In 2010, Oberheim reissued the SEM identically, but with all surface-mount components. In 2011, the SEM PRO added just a MIDI interface.

NRsynth "Solo": This is an "extended" version of the SEM, handcrafted with traditional through-hole components. Only the envelopes have been modified for a punchier result; the rest is identical to the original synth. Additionally, the Solo features a sub-oscillator, a glide, white noise, and many more modulation options than the SEM. MIDI velocity is also supported. Finally, the white metal case gives way to a luxurious, classically crafted cabinet with waxed oak sides and black tolex, similar to a Marshall amp.

A patchbook of all Séraphin Palmeri's sounds is included with the device.

Specifications:

VCO: Two discrete VCOs with hard sync, saw, pulse + PW (same as SEM)
Sub-oscillator: Pulse wave – 1 octave below VCO1.
Noise: 100% analog white noise
Multimode 12 dB filter: Same as SEM with LPF, HPF, notch, and bandpass mode. VCA: Analog (same as SEM)
LFO: Analog, triangle wave (same as SEM)
Envelopes: Analog (same as Pro-1) with deactivatable "Release".
Digital LFO: 8 waveforms + tilt, 3 frequency ranges, sync.
Sample and Hold: Analog, sync.
Glide: Analog portamento circuit at the input.
Patchbay: 15 I/O points on 3.5mm jacks (Eurorack compatible).
Rear Connections: Audio I/O and sync on 6.35mm jacks. Reset button.
Dimensions: 30x24x15 cm

Price: €1,390

BugBrand Introduces the Weevil 20/25

video upload by BugBrand

"A new Weevil to celebrate 20 years of BugBrand - the first regular production since 2015 and perhaps the first 'cased' version since around 2008!

Thanks to everyone who sent in pics of their old Weevils!"

via BugBrand

"I'm excited to present the new Weevil to mark 20 years of BugBrand and Weevils - it's the first regular production since the 2015 BoardWeevil and, I think, the first 'cased' design since 2008! Quite a change from the old cigar boxes of the early days ;)

The main listing for the 20/25 is here - I'm doing a run of 50 for now, which will be built up in batches of 10 over the coming months. The 2nd batch should appear in early April.

The overview video features a load of pics of old Weevils after the callout last time -- thanks so much to everyone who sent in pics & memories, it meant a lot to me 💚💚💚

Next week I'll do another mailout to mark the actual 20 years - stay tuned!

All best! Tom"

"Weevils were the first designs I made as BugBrand and, between 2005 & 2015 I made a whole slew of them – you can see some on the Weevil Archive page. So it seemed apt to make a special one to mark 20 years – the first regular production for 10 years and the first ‘housed’ one since perhaps 2008!

The core is a simple little circuit I found in a library book – a cymbal sound synthesiser made of some CMOS 4000 series logic gates to make squarewaves that are quasi-ringmodulated together. Back in my early days I was doing a lot of circuit bending, so I tried out adding power starvation and body contacts and discovered a deep & chaotic sonic world. This Weevil Heart has stayed pretty constant over the years while I’ve played extensively both with the surrounding circuitry and how to present an instrument. For example, the STEIM Cracklebox was always an inspiration as an almost acousitc electronic instrument that had to be played in a truly experimental manner. It has really been a case of iterative refinement and the developments nicely highlight how my build techniques have evolved.

The 20/25 Weevil is really quite similar to the last BoardWeevil of 2015 – we’ve got the 3 Oscillators, 2 RingMods and State-Variable Filter – but I wanted something cased so took the existing modular boxes and fashioned a new PCB frontpanel with accompanying side-cheeks that could hold a speaker, battery box and line output. Smart!

For further details, have a read of the Instruction Sheet & refer to the Block Diagram – but really the best way to learn is to dive in and experiment!"

Valkure Guitar Organ for iOS and Apple Silicon Macs

video upload by YonacSoftware



"Available now [On the App Store]

Evoke a bewildering variety of polyphonic organ sounds directly from your guitar! Valkurë (pronounced VAL-KUR-EE) transforms your raw strings into a big, multi-timbral instrument in realtime, and without resorting to guitar-to-MIDI trickery. Preserve the crucial dynamics of your playing -such as vibrato, bends, and slides- while maintaining thorough control over the final sound. Complete with a full range of organ parameters, extensive options, built-in rotary speaker emulation, virtual tube amplifier, and analog inspired effects, Valkurë is a powerful addition to your guitar arsenal.

The unique organ module achieves guitar-to-organ transformation via proprietary signal processing algorithms, thereby retaining full polyphony. Valkurë offers three different organ models that vary from mellow to aggressive. The main tone generator features nine registers (drawbars) that allow you to dial in overtones in a five octave range — much like a tonewheel organ. In addition, two special “pedal” registers provide harmonically rich bass and sub bass tones that can work alone or in combination with the principal organ tones.

A built-in percussion generator inspired by “B” and “C” series organs is triggered by pick attack, and features switches for percussion length, level, as well as harmonic. Additional preferences allow you to modify these, as well as specify the sensitivity of the trigger detector. The Chorus/Vibrato unit is modeled after the famed scanner circuit, and features six modes.

The rotary speaker module offers three unique cabinets to choose from. Each cabinet features individually configurable virtual horn and drum drivers. The rotary unit provides many options, including micing angle, inertia, slow/fast speeds, additional room microphone, and more. The built-in amplifier is designed to complement the rotary speaker, and offers three different amp models that feature our newest tube emulation technology, as well as a full range of tonal controls.

The settings panel contains a wide variety of parameters for fine tuning the organ. These include variable attack to obtain an auto-generated volume “swell” effect, as well as thorough control over the organ’s timbre and dynamics via Taper, Resonance, Body, Air, and Leakage parameters. Dedicated variable Boost controls for organ and pedal modules help add fullness and sizzle to the basic tones. Valkurë is rounded out by the addition of analog-modeling effects, including tape delay, 3-band Baxandall style EQ, as well as built in compressor.

Besides working as both a standalone app and an AUv3 plugin, Valkurë is also compatible with Apple Silicon Macs. It comes packaged with many professional features, including convenient MIDI learn for over 75 parameters, a powerful preset management system, 128 factory presets, and more.

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Syd and I - Live at the Faight collective in San Francisco 2025

video upload by Saul Stokes - Frequensea

This one is in via supporting member Saul Stokes.

"Syd and I are a father-daughter electronic music duo. Our style of music comes from Syd's amazing singing, lyrics, and compositional skills combined with my 30-year history of electronic music. This is our first EP, 24 on 7. For our live sets, we have fine-tuned the perfect live show setup. Our entire set is battery-powered and built into a travel case. This allows us to set up and perform quickly anywhere. Contact me for booking possibilities! Check out the rest of our EP using the links below.

Instruments:
1010 blackbox
Novation Circuit Tracks
Korg Kaoss pad Nts-3
Rasperry Pi MiniDexed
Bastle Bestie
all battery-powered!

Spotify -
https://open.spotify.com/track/54cHys...

Bandcamp -
https://saulstokes.bandcamp.com/album...

Apple
/ syd-and-i

Thank you,
Saul

Follow us to stay updated on future live shows and new music.

ig@syd_and_i"