FlatDSP Introduces RUNE for Ableton Live

video upload by Flat DSP

via the maker:

"I’m an electronic music producer and have been releasing music since 2006.

Making software instruments has long been a part of my practice, and now I am gearing up to release some of them.

I set up Flat DSP to give them a home, and the first one out the door is Rune: a Max for Live synth I’ve been working on for the last 18 months.

It's a characterful subtractive synth with a responsive, playful UI that encourages you to develop and explore sounds.

The synth engine is based on wavetables I sampled from hardware gear in my studio. It has a multi-mode filter, loopable envelopes, parameter instability control, an envelope range control and has a built-in reverb effect that can be fed from the filter or the filter delta output.

The gain structure is carefully designed to add character. It has a LoFi mode that introduces digital artefacts and a controllable amount of instability threaded throughout the architecture that introduces variation. It also works with Live’s tuning systems.

All of this is controllable in the UI. Each component is fully interactive and visually conveys what it is doing. It’s designed to be fun and quick to use without having to learn it inside-out, while still offering a deep level control of the synth engine.

Many of the UI objects have a second layer of parameters, and the UI flips to expose direct MIDI mapping within Live.

It is available now, priced at $35 which I hope is accessible enough to a lot of people. I’ve enabled regional purchasing-power pricing as well for places where it is not."

More Info: https://flatdsp.com/products/rune.
Purchase: https://flatdsp.gumroad.com/l/rune.

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ULTRAMASTER KR-106 Open Source Roland Juno-106 Soft Synth Emulation

"A virtual analog synthesizer inspired by the classic Roland Juno polysynths, with DSP calibrated from hardware measurements, firmware analysis, and factory schematics. 6-voice polyphonic.
Free and open source. AU, VST3, CLAP, LV2, and standalone."

Additional details via Reddit:

"We started building a Juno software synth in a Brooklyn loft in 2000. 25 years later, we're releasing it as open source. Meet the Ultramaster KR-106.

Back in 2000, my buddy Dave and I started Ultramaster Group with a wild idea: professional audio software for Linux. We were young, broke, working in a loft in Brooklyn, and perhaps a little bit ahead of our time.

Life happened. I went on to start a screen printing studio. Dave ended up at Google. But we never really stopped thinking about the synth.

Fast forward 25 years. Hardware is exponentially faster, DSP methodology has evolved, and we now have access to oscilloscopes, service manuals, and communities like this one. So we went back to the source code and overhauled everything.

The KR-106 is a 6-voice polyphonic Juno-106 emulation with:

Per-voice DCO, VCF (TPT cascade, IR3109 OTA-C design with 2x oversampling), VCA, and ADSR
Sub-oscillator (CD4013 flip-flop model) and noise source (2SC945 avalanche model)
PWM modes (manual / LFO / envelope)
4-position HPF (bass boost / flat / 240 Hz / 720 Hz)
Per-voice component variance modeling analog tolerances (pitch ±3¢, envelope ±8%, VCA ±0.5 dB, pulse width)
BBD chorus emulation (MN3009 modeled with Hermite interpolation)
Arpeggiator, portamento, Mono/Poly I/Poly II key modes
Two calibration modes: '1984 Mode' (firmware + schematics) and '1982 Mode' (circuit analysis + hardware measurements from my own Juno-6)
128 factory presets decoded from original SYSEX data
AU/VST3 on Mac, VST3/LV2 on Linux, VST3 on Windows, plus Standalone
It's 100% free, GPL-licensed, and we don't take donations. We just want it to be as accurate as possible, and we'd love help getting there.

Website: https://kayrock.org/kr106/"

Alien 303 V2 (MONO) vs. Alien 4DX (Binaural space 3D Sound) | Acid Evolution Comparison

video upload by G-Sonique

"Alien 303 V2 (MONO) vs. Alien 4DX (Binaural space 3D Sound) comparison

Is Mono Acid dead? 🛸 In this video, we compare the legendary Alien 303 V2 with the groundbreaking Alien 4DX Binaural Topology synthesizer.

While traditional acid synths are usually mono and "flat," the new Alien 4DX uses a special 3D binaural topology that emulates analog circuits and DSP chips to place the sound directly in a 3D/4D space around your head. No quadraphonic setup needed – just your headphones or 2 speakers.

What’s the difference?

Alien 303 V2: The classic, punchy, '2D' mono acid lead that defined a generation.

Alien 4DX: A massive, organic, and harmonically rich sound that fills the entire stereo field using psychoacoustic principles (time shifts, phase distortion, and frequency modulation).


Key Features of Alien 4DX:

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Discovery Pro 8.13 released

video upload by discoDSP

"Discovery Pro 8.13 - Shadow Wave 3D Redesign + DSP enhancements
https://www.discodsp.com/discoverypro/

Discovery Pro receives its most dramatic visual transformation yet with the all-new Shadow Wave skin, plus enhanced analog filter behavior.

🎨 Shadow Wave 3D Redesign
Complete interface overhaul featuring premium 3D aesthetics with realistic depth, shadows, and dimensional shading. The flat vector design has been replaced with a modern, refined look while maintaining Discovery Pro's iconic workflow.

🔊 Moog Ladder Filter Enhancement
Smooth cubic blending for authentic resonant sounds and classic analog filter behavior at high resonance values higher than 95%.

✨ Key Improvements
Enhanced visual clarity and contrast
Refined knob rendering with dimensional depth
Updated typography and displays
Polished professional aesthetics
Display positioning fixes at fractional scales"

Eplex7 DSP Releases Psylead SX4 Plugin Synthesizer

video uploads by Eplex7 DSP

Press release follows:

Eplex7 DSP releases Psylead SX4 plugin synthesizer

Stop sounding like everyone else – create your own original sonic dimension.

A new, Unique type of Sound. A sound that Cuts through your Mix.

If you want your track to have a true 3D space, you need different types of synthesizers for different colors and sound character.
Maybe you're thinking now... Why do I need another synth?

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Synclavier Digital Introduces the Synclavier KNOB

"Synclavier Digital re-engineers original knob from Synclavier® II as standalone Synclavier KNOB for iconic instrument iOS apps

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA: Synclavier Digital is proud to announce availability of the standalone Synclavier KNOB — a re- engineered re-creation of the original knob central to the seminal Synclavier® II Digital Synthesizer’s speedy control surface, specially commissioned by co-inventor Cameron Jones as a USB device designed to perfectly compliment the newly- created Canadian corporation’s creation of a next-generation Synclavier, recently released as awe-inspiring Synclavier Go! and Synclavier Pocket! iOS apps fit for today’s owners of Apple’s inescapable iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch platforms, putting all the famed FM (Frequency Modulation) and Additive (harmonic) synthesis capabilities of the iconic instrument as well as its intuitive panels of easy-to-touch red backlit buttons in anyone’s hands (and pockets) at an affordable fraction of the trailblazing original’s prohibitive pricing — as of April 24…

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Access Virus Indigo Synthesizer + LCD MOD SN 10200295

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

via this auction

Some specs below.

"If the original Indigo was a Virtual-Analog Roadster, this baby is a stunning Silver Speedster. The Virus Indigo 2 offers everything you need to produce high-octane sonic masterpieces in a compact package that’s built for comfort and speed. The original limited edition Indigo revamped an entire industry’s concept of supply and demand.

Now, equipped with a new front-panel and the engine of the Virus C, the Indigo 2 is ready to do it again. Only this time, it’s got a souped-up transmission: a 3-octave keyboard with Aftertouch!

Ultra-cool… with aluminum side panels and even more blue LEDs, the Indigo-2 packs power, portability and the legendary virus sound into a stunning presentation with the style and substance to take you anywhere and everywhere—all by itself. And you can’t imagine better handling, taking your creativity from zero to infinity in no time flat.

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New Synton Fenix IV Progress Update via TiNRS

via This is Not Rocket Science:

"Fenix Experiment board no 3

This is a lots-of-DSP board. Most of the things on this Experiment board are a shell for DSP. We have developed a plugin board with sufficient processing power and memory to drive all the things. Currently, we have one of these MCU-boards working and connected to Experiment board no 3.

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Analogue Solutions Nyborg 24

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

via this auction

Recap on features:

"Nyborg is a compact analogue synthesizer. Analogue – as in really analogue. Aside from the MIDI chip (which has to be digital), everything else is totally analogue using real transistors and op-amps. There are no CPU stabilized and quantized circuits, no DCOs, no digital LFOs and no digital EGs, as found on other so called analogue synths. The circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid-1970s. So Nyborg has a genuine old sound.

Audio Applications

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DSP Synthesizers Introduces First Eurorack Module with Mini-Extended Keyboard?

via DSP Synthesizers

"This is the micro-TS synth built into a 14HP Eurorack module."

Check out that keyboard. Is this the first eurorack module with a mini-extended keyboard like that? There are others that are flat.

Update: It's interesting when you think about it. Why are knobs and switches the only controls that usually stick out of modules? Someone needs to make a rubber band controller between to points that extend out of the module. Guitar strings? What other sorts of controls can you think of that might be useful? We've seen metronomes and other mechanical modules from gieskes and bastl, but this is somewhat different. The focus here is in interacting with the module itself, rather than using the module to CV control other modules or gear. Just something to think about.

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MATRIXSYNTH Review and Overview of the Novation UltraNova

Hi everyone, you might remember, back in July I posted some pics of my newly acquired UltraNova, and mentioned that review posts would eventually follow. Well, I’m happy to tell you the first post is here. The UltraNova is one powerful synth, so to make the overall review a bit more consumable, it will be broken up over time. This first section includes an Overview, the Oscillators, and the Mixer sections. When new sections go up, I will be sure to let you know via a new post.

As with most of my reviews, I will say this one goes pretty deep into the synth engine and all editable parameters. If you are the type of person that likes to dissect and explore all of the available parameters on a synth, then this post is for you. I will touch on what each parameter does and will call out any interesting features and limitations as I do so. There are some pretty special parameters on the UltraNova that give you control beyond most other synths. Hopefully this review will give you some insight into what makes the UltraNova special.

Overview & Quick Comparison to Previous Nova Synths

The Novation UltraNova, released back in 2010, is a 20 voice virtual analog & wavetable synth with three oscillators, two ring modulators and one noise source per voice. The UltraNova also features two audio ins that can be assigned to the oscillator section and/or a 12-band vocoder. It’s worth noting that the Novation Nova from 1999 featured a 40-band vocoder, while the Supernova II from 2000 featured a 42-band vocoder. The UltraNova is a monotimbral synth while the 12 voice Nova was six part multitimbral and the Supernova II (24, 36, or 48 voice) was eight part multitimbral. The UltraNova supports up to 5 simultaneous effects per patch. The Nova supported 42 simultaneous effects, while the Supernova II supported up to 56. The Supernova II also supported FM synthesis while the Nova and UltraNova omit it.

The UltraNova, however, is the first Nova synth to feature wavetable synthesis. An interesting side note is that all of the oscillators on the UltraNova are actually stored as wavetables, including the standard waveforms. According to Novation, “The wavetables in the Supernova series are all calculated. The wavetables in the UltraNova, even the standard analogue waves are wavetable oscillators. This change in oscillator generation was first used on the A-Station and K-Station and subsequently in the KS series, X-Station and Xio.” This allows the UltraNova to have some advanced tricks when it comes to the oscillator section, which will be covered in detail below.

I asked Novation about the lack of FM synthesis and they told me, “FM would have been a lovely addition to the UltraNova, but it would have been asking too much of the DSP to be able to run everything the UltraNova can do and also add in FM. The wavetables were a really good way to introduce a new (to Novation) type of synthesis that is able to cater for some of the synth sounds that FM is known for and also to be able to create lush evolving pads.”

The UltraNova features two routable filters per voice with a total of 14 filter types to chose from including 6dB (no resonance), 12dB, 18dB, and 24dB with Lowpass, Bandpass and Hi-pass modes. The Nova and Supernova II lacked a 6dB mode.

As for hardware, although the UltraNova may have fewer knobs per function than its predecessors, it is extremely well laid out and super intuitive to use. Along with both keyboard velocity and aftertouch, the UltraNova has touch sensitive knobs. They literally respond to touch and can be assigned to various parameters. Worth noting, velocity is configurable, however, aftertouch is not. I found the aftertouch to be good, but it does require a little extra force than I prefer; it’s good for not accidentally triggering it, but not so good for subtle, natural performance.

Please note the above comparisons with the Nova and Supernova II were only for quick reference. The UltraNova of course is its own synth with a few tricks up its sleeves that are lacking in the original Nova line, including a level of control over the synth engine often only found in the modular realm. It sounds incredible, and for the price, currently only $599 new, it is an extremely flexible and powerful synth. You get the current top-of-the-line Novation Nova synth engine with new wavetables and more. The UltraNova is both a performance oriented synth as well as a synth programmers dream. It can be configured for easy access to specific parameters for a live situation, or you can dig as deep as you want with a clearly well thought out interface.

That said, let’s dig in.

The following review and overview will essentially go over the signal flow of the UltraNova followed by performance controls including the arpeggiator and the hardware interface. I’ll go into a little detail on what each feature can and cannot do in an attempt to give you a detailed idea of what the synth is capable of. Because my reviews tend to be a bit on the longer side, I will be posting the sections in chunks over time to make it easier on you to consume and for me to compose.

First we start with…

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Waldorf Streichfett & vintage string synth comparison

Published on Sep 19, 2014 QuirqUK

Streichfetts on eBay

"A comparison of the sound and some of the features of the new Waldorf Streichfett DSP-based string synthesizer and a Logan String Melody II from the 1970s.

The Streichfett was running firmware 1.07. Sadly the Logan is fractionally flat, but the pitch adjustment won't go any higher (ah, the joys of vintage synth ownership!)."

Waldorf Streichfett & vintage string synth comparison (part 2)

Published on Sep 21, 2014 QuirqUK

"Continuing the comparison of the sound and some of the features of the new Waldorf Streichfett DSP-based string synthesizer and a Logan String Melody II from the 1970s."

Studio Electronics Omega 8 SN P1189 with Original Box

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

via this auction

"Up for auction a barely used (less than 4 hours) Omega 8 analog synth by Studio Electronics. It is in mint condition except for one very small paint chip (see pics). $50 flat fee shipping (professionally double boxed) in the lower 48. I am happy to sell to AL, HI, and internationally but please check on shipping charges before you bid! Here's what studio Electronics has to say about the Omega 8: The Omega 8 is an eight-voice, discrete circuit, multi-timbral, stereo, multi filtered, arpeggiating, DSP free Analog Dream Machine. Overflowing with elaborate MIDI control, dynamic signal processing, and expansive modulation, its sound creation and manipulation could very well exceed the boundaries of your imagination. Salvational pads, foundational basses, revelatory leads, electrosonic drums, other-worldly FX and thoroughly hypnotic pulsating soundscapes powered by our SE's very own discrete analog sound engine will inspire your most potent creative effort. The Studio Electronics Omega8 delivers true ANALOG stimulation. Resist the models insist on the real!"

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Anyware Instruments TINYSIZER SN 49

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

via this auction. It looks like a flat screen computer monitor from behind.

"Includes the lamp, built-in stand, a GigSkinz bag & more tiny cables than you will Ever NEED!!!

Newest Version with LFO switches on the side....

2 X voltage controlled oscillator VCO - Oberheim SEM style
1 X control voltage CV - waveformprocessor - waveshaper
3 X suboscillator
3 X low frequency oscillator LFO
1 X voltage controlled filter, state variable VCF - Oberheim SEM style
2 X ADSR envelope generator
1 X envelope follower & audio gate & microphone preamp
1 X DSP effect, reverb & delay
4 X voltage controlled amplifier VCA linear
2 X mixer & inverter & overload - distortion
1 X control voltage CV - source
4 X CV, 6 X gate, Midi interface
1 X white noise & pink noise
1 X sample & hold s+h"

Korg Microkorg Custom Synthesizer Unique LED's & Wood

via this auction
"This truly one-of-a-kind microKORG is serial #101519. This auction contains the following refinements & alterations:

All 8 'Program' lights & 'Tempo' light have been changed to diffused BLUE LED's.
The Arpeggiator LED (under the Arpeggiator button) has been changed to a HOT PINK ONE (though it almost looks purple, through the lens).
The 'Write' light has been changed to diffused WHITE LED.
The 'Modified' light has been converted to diffused HOT PINK LED.
Entire enclosure is repainted (except the back panel) with dark brown, non-reflective enamel paint (very nice durable multi-coat paint job). This required removing all the electronics during painting, but it was worth the work.
Program Select knob painted flat black enamel to compliment dark enclosure (very nice multi-coat durable paint job).
Black Walnut hand-sanded 3/4" end plates with multi-coat polyurethane finish.
The stock internal 3.3V main supply circuit for the DSP, CPU, RAM, & Analog circuitry has been professionally replaced with a much more robust switching regulator module to insure years of problem free service including overload, reverse polarity, & over voltage protection.
Rigorously tested for months (I have been working on and using this synthesizer for about 5 months).
Many, many custom sounds loaded (easily changeable with included MIDI adapter & Korg Patch Editor software.

All electronic modification work was performed professionally, using an ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) safe workstation, and all replacement LED's are American-Made parts! This synthesizer has been meticulously cleaned & carefully tested."

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DecTalk Express External Speech Synthesizer

via this auction

"DECtalk Express, external speech synthesizer, sound module used by composers, scientists, sound designers and disabled people users include Dialogic, Pink Floyd, Kraftwerk, Stephen Hawking, ATT and others.

startrek.wav

clint.wav

DECtalk PC is a speech synthesizer card designed to translate ASCII text files into synthesized speech output. From there, it can get interesting.

dectoke1.mp3

dectalk_legacy.php6

This is an external Dectalk Speech Synthesizer useable with virtually every computer PC, Mac Linux et al... This is considered to be the gold standard, the best and most well known of all the hardware speech synthesizers. There are a number of on board standard voices including "Perfect Paul” the default voice of the unit, appearing on the Momentary Lapse of Reason album. There are 8 basic presets plus a user defineable voice : Perfect Paul, Huge Harry, Betty , Rita, Ursula, Kit ,Dennis, Frank, NV (user defined). There are voices in British English and other languages available. At one time the software and voices were quite expensive but time and ubiquity has eroded the cost and it is an inexpensive proposition to design voices now.

This is a very programmable and playable useful board. It can be used as a musical instrument or voice output in place of a monitor. It is easily modified both input and output and the 7.2 rechargeable flat pack battery makes it completely hum and noise free. The power supply has a ferrite bead that cuts down in hf noise and some ESDI.

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The New Tiptop Audio Z3000 MK2

via Gur of Tiptop Audio. Note this was also posted on the Muff forum:
"The new Z3000 uses the same electronic circuit the Mk1 uses, its basically the same VCO. The main difference in sound is the added VC waveshaper, that one obviously adds a lot to the sound character of the Z3000 Mk2. The waveshaper modulates the symmetry of both the Sine and Triangular waves simultaneously, but with a CVs at about +/-5V it goes way beyond symmetry and into just a kind of strange saw type of shapes.

The back of the module is very different, the pcb aligns flat with the panel, the entire circuit was squeezed in between the pots and jacks using all tiny SMT parts, it's small, compact, and feels real good in hand. One of the benefits of using modern parts is that I could get even better performance of the octave tracking.

The top frequency of the Mk2 can reach higher, 30kHz in compare to 22kHz on the Mk1 one. You can still get to 30kHz on the Mk1 one if you set the knobs to max and also patch a positive CV signal into on of the Log FM inputs. 30kHz is way above the human hearing but it makes great sense for using with the Z-DSP clock input, that's why we do it.

The fine tune knob is set to sweep a smaller range and as a result makes it easier to dial in a specific frequency. The frequency counter is exactly the same as in the Mk1, no changes in software or hardware.

With the Mk2 we switched from Cliff jacks. That was actually the main reason for the redesign of the module.

The new display is a soft blue. It wont burn your eyes, and it will make your girl go This is fun!

The Mk1 still has a slightly better temperature stability, but the difference is so small that its hardly worth mentioning it.

It's impossible to upgrade a Mk1 into a Mk2, the hardware is made totally different and I don't think I would have recommend any one to do that even if it was possible, the Z3000 Mk1 is a VCO that stands for its own.

The good news is that the Z3000 Mk2 will maintain the same price and not go higher. If production goes well then the first run will be available from our distributors in about 4 weeks."

NED Synclavier

Click here for shots pulled via this auction.

Details (check out the original cost):
"Still the finest composing keyboard and DAW ever devised. Many composers and producers still use and swear by the Syncalvier. Even Pro Tools can't touch this for creativity and composing songs. This originally cost us $180,000.00. Yes, you read that right! We are closing our studio after 20 years. Our loss is your gain. This system has been maintained by CTG of Atlanta, GA. It is is beautiful condition, electroncially and cosmetically. This Synclavier is being sold by us, the original owners, and has been kept in our smoke-free, environmentally controlled studio since we purchased it new. It has been used on one hit album and many motion picture scores. There is no better composing instrument for doing hip-hop, scoring to picture, or composing full sampled or MIDI orchestrations. Nothing on today's market allows you to compose music as fast as a Synclavier. 196 digital tracks-fast access from banks of buttons on front of keyboard or from software. Digital editing and DSP processing of soundfiles onscreen. Runs on any Mac that accepts PCI cards. No need to upgrade because with the PowerPC card, this system runs lightning fast, even on an older G3. Maintained and upgraded; in beautiful condition Upgraded to new mahogany velocity/pressure keyboard! Upgraded to new Power PC card. Synclavier PSMT ?PowerMac PC card Release 5.0 software Medium Blue Tower Model C processor with 15" Apple flat panel monitor 8 MB RAM (plenty for a Synclavier--we never needed more, even for cutting full albums). 32 poly panning voices (PSV style) 32 FM synth voices Stereo sampling STM module Mono sampling (much sought after sound for hip-hop drums) 16 analog outputs Fabulous Frontier D/A converters 2 in 8 out MIDI SMPTE reader card"

via Marc.