Pacific State/808 State - (Circuit Tracks Version)

video upload by Guinan

"This week’s track is another favourite Hacienda club track. This time from 1989 by the group 808 State (thanks again to Yves Big City @bigcitymastering for inspiring this series).

The original was actually recorded in January 1988 as a reply to the emerging Chicago House scene ‘Pacific State’ has been released in a number of guises. Sometimes just called ‘Pacific,’ others times being labelled numerically after other Roland machines eg. 707, 202. This version is a bit of an amalgamation of a few versions.

Worth noting too that Gerald Simpson ('A Guy Called Gerald') was originally one of the founding members of 808 State before leaving to start his solo career with 'Voodoo Ray'.

I was inspired to cover this after recently acquiring a copy of the Emulator II library disks (to recreate the Kraftwerk track, 'Tour De France' [posted here].
Among these disks, Disk 22 is entitled ‘Loon Garden’. Cited by many as the original source of the ‘Loon’ bird sample we all know and love, it also features a ‘shakahuchi’ sample familiar to anyone who’s ever heard ‘Sledgehammer’ by Peter Gabriel and is a historic piece of sound design. Once you’ve heard these samples you can’t help but hear them across the whole spectrum of popular music. If anyone knows who originally recorded these original samples (also in the Akai S900 library) please leave a comment?

As I started piecing this together I found this excellent video by @CaptainPikant
• Analyzing PACIFIC STATE - How to make clas... [embedded below]
which elegantly detailed the rhythm patterns used. I simplified these somewhat to fit the drum tracks into just 2 tracks to allow room for Sax and Sound Effects tracks (see below).

There is a small snatch of sampled 'sax' played on Logic sampler to fill in for the original sax solo played by Graham Massey from the band but otherwise everything was programmed and played on the Circuit Tracks. No extra synths or FX were used and the audio is recorded straight out of the stereo outs.

I hope you enjoy this track as much as I did putting it together and check back soon for more.

More details for synth nerds.

The bass patch was programmed into Synth 1 to serve as both bass and melody line. The pad sound on Synth 2 is yet another detuned sawtooth pad with chorus, but rolled off with a 24dB low pass filter to create a sound a bit more like the original Juno (said to have been sampled as a chord into a Casio FZ1 sampler).

The drum sounds are a mixture of various 909,707 and 727 Roland drum machine samples from the Reverb Drum Machines collection (normalised and filtered where required).

The Sax sound was played using the sampler instrument in Logic (and is just a preset). The 3 edited phrases were placed onto Drum pad slots and triggered using Drum 3 when required.

Another sample was a ‘bell’ patch created on the Tracks but sampled as a ‘glissando’ to double up the glissando played on the pad on Synth 2, as a break between sections of the song.

Finally Drum 4 was reserved for water and ‘Loon’ sound effects (plus additional 727 rhythm). Did you know the Loon is actually a Canadian diving aquatic bird somewhat like a duck and not at all exotic!

The tracks were as follows;
125BPM, Swing 59%
Synth 1 – bass and melody
Synth 2 – chorused pad chords
Drum 1 – 707 bass drum
Drum 2 – Hihat, Open Hat, Clap and Ride samples.
Drum 3 – Sampled sax lines (and Tracks synth 'bell' glissando sample in break)
Drum 4 – Sound effects, alternating with 727 percussion sampled bongo and muted conga sounds."

Analyzing PACIFIC STATE - How to make classic 909 Ambient House beats | Drum Patterns Explained

video upload by Captain Pikant

"Join us as we analyze and rebuild the unique rhythm of 808 State's timeless Ambient House classic layer by layer."

0:00 Introduction
0:46 Pattern 1
2:54 Loon
4:27 Pattern 2
5:26 Percussion Layer
6:22 One-Shot Patterns
6:49 End Jam

Dark & Long (Dark Train)/Underworld - Circuit Tracks Version.

video upload by Guinan

"Best known for being featured in the movie Danny Boyle movie ‘Trainspotting’ this track was first released in 1994 by the band, Underworld. It featured also in the 2012 opening ceremony of the London Olympics (which was also directed by Danny Boyle). Prior to this my wife was only slightly aware of the band, but this song (and others featured) made her an instant fan! The album it is featured on (‘Isles Of Wonder’) is her favourite and is played in our house, in her car, on her phone whenever and wherever she has a chance so this is dedicated to her. Love xx

I was inspired to do this version after PinkPantheress’s new track inspired by this song. I’ve done a version of her track too and you can find it here; [Illegal/PinkPantheress video below]

Everything you hear is programmed into, played and produced by the Circuit Tracks. No extra synths or effects were used and the audio is a straight recording from the stereo out. There are a couple of samples being played (see below) to fill out the track and some very dodgy singing of the repeated refrain ‘Dark Train’ by yours truly.

More details for synth nerds:

This was fun to do and having polished this a bit more I would like to go back and redo the PinkPantheress track….if anyone would like to see an Underworld/Pink Pantheress mashup remix (‘Illegal’ in the style of ‘Dark Train’) leave a comment below and I’ll happily oblige ;)
The sounds on this were self-created exclusively for this track. The drum samples used were my go-to 909 and 707 samples from Yves Big City’s ‘90’s House Dream’ pack. I addition I created a looped chord for the choir sound (I used Arturia’s Emulator softsynth) and I merged this chord with edited filtered sections of my voice to produce the repeated ‘Dark Train’ section.
The track layout was as follows,
Tempo 136 BPM
Synth 1 – Bass Organ patch
Synth 2 – Main synth stab/pad sound (I used a wavetable wave, ‘Tri-Saw Blend’, detuned it and added tons of reverb)
Drum 1 – 909 bass drum and rim sounds (no reverb)
Drum 2 – 909 & 707 Hihat (closed and open and some ride)
Drum 3 – 909 Claps
Drum 4 – Arturia Emulator softsynth Choir chord loop (4 bars) and merged choir/”Dark Train’ vocals all loaded onto drum pads and played as if drum sequences.

Illegal/PinkPantheress - Circuit Tracks Version

video upload by Guinan

"This week's track is so new the paint is still fresh! ‘Illegal’ by PinkPantheress. This hyperpop spin on modern UK Garage just shows how dance music evolves and constantly changes.

If you don’t know the track yet see the original here;"

PinkPantheress - Illegal (Official Video)

video upload by Pinkpantheress

ACID SYNTH - Our Homage To A Classic That Launched A Genre

video upload by The Crow Hill Company

Press release follows:

The Crow Hill Company creates VAULTS - ACID SYNTH as an homage to the revered Roland TB-303 Bass Line synth and associated Acid House genre

EDINBURGH, UK: music-making community tools-maker The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce availability of VAULTS - ACID SYNTH as the latest entry into its lengthening line of free and accessible virtual instruments arising from company co-founder and composer Christian Henson effectively opening his ‘vaults’ for everyone to enjoy — this time creating an homage to the revered Roland TB-303 Bass Line, launched with high hopes in 1981 as a so-called Computer Controlled bass synth by the Japanese giant of electronic musical instrument manufacturing responsible for its creation before being deemed a commercial failure and discontinued quite quickly thereafter, though it was later instrumental in driving Acid House into the musical mainstream as a whole new EDM (Electronic Dance Music) genre and associated cultural movement, the popularity of which triggered a dramatic rise in the price of used units — as of March 19…

It is fair to say that when Roland released its TB-303 Bass Line in 1981 as a so-called Computer Controlled bass synth with the intention of mimicking the characteristics of an electric bass guitar, there were far fewer tools to create electronic music available. But buyers of the TB-303 Bass Line were possibly swayed by the fact that it could be time-synced — using Roland’s proprietary five-pin DIN sync interface (later superseded by MIDI) — to its contemporarily-released Computer Controlled sibling, the TR-606 Drumatix drum machine, making for an affordable rhythm section that could conceivably fit into a small briefcase as a beautiful backing combination for the solo gigging musician, further helped by both devices being battery operated as an attractive alternative to their (included) AC adapters… or so Roland had hoped.

Though the engineers involved tried their best to imitate the sound of an electric bass guitar with the technology of the time, the TB-303 Bass Line fell short in capturing its subtleties as an instrument, sadly, so it was discontinued within a couple of years, with Roland cheaply selling off the last of the 10,000 units manufactured. Now, normally this would be the end of the story, yet something incredible happened…

Helpfully, for the benefit of anyone not already in the know, The Crow Hill Company’s Theo Le Derf picks up what is an incredible story in itself: “DJ Pierre and his band called Phuture found a used TB-303 in a music shop in Chicago for a bargain price. They started experimenting with the bass sequencer and a drum machine while playing about randomly with the filter and resonance knobs. The sound they produced was so unique and, frankly, weird that they decided to commit the jam session to tape. With the release of this experiment on Trax Records in 1987, they unwittingly birthed a new genre: Acid House. This slimy, hypnotic, subversive sound subsequently built a cultural movement, and was the soundtrack to many illegal warehouse parties of the late Eighties — all of this from a tiny synth that was used ‘incorrectly’.”

Thanks to VAULTS - ACID SYNTH’s GUI (Graphical User Interface) being as intuitive as always, correct — or ‘incorrect’ — usage of the virtual instrument in question comes quickly. “The first large dial — CUT OFF — is a 24dB lowpass filter that controls what high frequencies you cut out, and it is automatically assigned to MIDI CC1.” So starts Theo Le Derf by way of an appropriately quick guided tour, before continuing: “RESONANCE determines the peak of the filter as it opens and closes, which creates that characteristically ‘squelchy’ sound that the synth is known for. The small dials are more concentrated effects — MOD controls how much voltage is being sent to the filter, so you can get some really interesting sounds by adjusting the CUT OFF dial and MOD simultaneously; DECAY controls the decay for all the envelopes; and, of course, there is also our standard ECHO and SPLOSH, with the SPLOSH being an algorithmic imitation of a cave, which suits this synth so brilliantly.”

It is as easy as that, though Theo Le Derf is keen to add: “Another thing to mention is that you can obviously play staccato, but when you play legato — MIDI notes overlapping with one another, you get a glide between the notes. This glide effect is another characteristic that the ’303 is renowned for.”

No need, necessarily, then, to risk dropping a bank-balance-busting four-figure sum on a decades-old Roland TB-303 Bass Line when The Crow Hill Company’s ‘tribute’ truly captures the essence of its distinctive sound for all to enjoy for literally nothing. Notes Theo Le Derf, ending on a high note: “The story arc of this synth is so amazing — from its unpromising beginning to completely defining a genre and an era, it’s so
exciting to have this celebrated instrument at my fingertips for free!”

VAULTS - ACID SYNTH is free for everyone — as are all VAULTS… releases from The Crow Hill Company — from here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/vaults/

Machina Bristronica 2024

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist:

1. Bristronica 24: MyVolts The Silent Alchemist Nears Shipping

We caught up with Caroline who gave us the latest update to the *Silent Alchemist*, a versatile power hub designed for musicians. Featuring five isolated USB-C outputs and a high-wattage sixth output capable of delivering 100 watts, the device can power a Mac with the remaining outputs providing 20 watts each. Its independent circuits ensure noise-free operation, catering to a variety of devices including the Dreadbox module and Sysmo slope generator.

The Silent Alchemist uses innovative step-up power tips to convert USB-C input to the correct voltage for various devices. There's also new feature: an uninterruptible power supply allowing seamless transition between wall and power bank sources. Also introduced were updated cables, such as silver candy cords and floating ring TRS to TS cables, expanding connection flexibility. The Silent Alchemist is expected to be available in December with a competitive pricing strategy.

More Info:
https://myvolts.com/

2. Bristronica 24: Circuit Happy ML2M Clock Sync module updates

At Bristronica 2024, we caught up with the creator of the *ML2M*, who introduced us to the latest version. The ML2M is a compact Eurorack module with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and iOS music apps using Ableton Link without the need for cables. It either connects to an existing network or creates its own, ensuring robust sync even in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. The module, which retains its 2HP size, now features MIDI integration through TRS jacks. Users can access a web interface to configure each output for different clock divisions and reset triggers, making setup straightforward and flexible.

Alongside the ML2M, there's also the Missing Link Junior. This desktop version offers the same functionality but in a box format, complete with MIDI and CV clock outputs. Both products are now accessible, with a starting price of $250.

3. Bristronica 24: Archaea Exchange Patching Module

At Machina Bristronica 2024, we caught up with Arran from ‪@archaea_modular_synthesis‬ who presented the *Exchange Module*. This programmable patcher, a year in the making, evolved from its early prototype stage to a fully functional module. Arran explained how the Exchange can route synth voices via a beam controller and three exchange modules installed within the skiff, allowing for versatile patching. Operating like a matrix patchbay, it enables users to select inputs and outputs with the push of a button, create presets, and chain multiple modules for synchronized patching.

Communication between the modules occurs over the Eurorack power bus as well as over MIDI via the USB-C connection. The Exchange maintains analog integrity, ensuring there’s no conversion latency. The forthcoming release expected in late November 2024, includes a USB-driven editor for enhanced control capabilities.

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Roland Announces JUNO-D Synthesizer Series

video upload by RolandChannel

"The next generation of JUNO-D synthesizers is here. In this video, you’ll learn about the abundance of features that make this synthesizer the perfect partner for playing in a band and creating great-sounding content.

00:00 Intro
01:23 Intuitive Design
01:40 ZEN-Core Sound Engine
03:57 Sequencer
04:57 Sample Import
05:39 Chord Memory
05:59 Arpeggiator
07:03 Super Layers
08:39 Vocals
09:29 Connectivity

Building on a 20-year synthesizer pedigree, the versatile JUNO-D lineup offers three models featuring a pro-grade Roland sound engine and expandable sound library via Roland Cloud, all in a gig-ready design. Explore a built-in sequencer, vocal effects, and more for practicing and sketching song ideas. Then, take the stage solo or in a band with advanced performance features, pro keyboard action, and versatile connectivity for any gigging scenario. Intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface make JUNO-D the perfect entry point for piano players and new musicians ready to dive into new sounds and creative possibilities."

Roland Juno-D Synthesizer - All Playing, No Talking

video upload by Kraft Music

"Great bundle deals on Roland Juno-D:
https://kraftmusic.com/collections/ro...

Adam Berzowski jams on the Roland Juno-D8, showing a variety of sounds and features.

Juno-D is the perfect synth for gigging musicians and budding creators. This light and portable keyboard features a pro-grade Roland sound engine and an intuitive panel layout for easy operation. Play in a band or craft new songs with a massive sound library, an eight-track sequencer, and versatile connections for your gear. Perform on the move with support for USB-C mobile battery power. And stay inspired with new sounds on Roland Cloud.

Juno-D6, the most portable Juno-D model, features an expressive 61-note keyboard with synth action. Juno-D7 sports 76 synth-action keys, making it ideal for musicians who need extended range, multiple splits, and enhanced playability. The Juno-D8 88-note model features the acclaimed PHA-4 Ivory Feel keyboard with weighted hammer action, known for its exceptional response and traditional piano feel. Each Juno-D model includes the same internal features, panel layout, and connectivity. The only differences are the keyboard configuration, size, and weight.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Roland Juno-D synthesizer bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new keyboard synth, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please contact us. Our knowledgeable Sales Advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

Roland JUNO D // Review & Tutorial (JUNO D6, D7 & D8)

video upload by loopop

Press release follows:

Streamlined Keyboards with Powerful Features for Gigging Musicians and Budding Music Creators

Los Angeles, CA, September 24, 2024 — Roland announces the JUNO-D series, a new generation of synthesizer keyboards for gigging musicians and budding music creators. The JUNO-D6, JUNO-D7, and JUNO-D8 models feature light, go-everywhere designs with pro-grade sounds, easy operation, and flexible connectivity for any scenario. Each model embodies the famous JUNO-D blend of value and innovation, fusing quality Roland sound and playability with the latest creative tools for today's musicians.

JUNO-D models feature high-quality keyboards inherited from the FANTOM-0 series instruments. The 61-note JUNO-D6 and 76-note JUNO-D7 are equipped with synth-action keyboards, while JUNO-D8 offers a piano-style experience with 88 weighted-action keys and hammer action. Other than the keyboards and physical specifications, all JUNO-D models offer identical features.

Every JUNO-D is easy to transport, simple to operate, and a joy to perform with. Users can play in a band or craft new songs with a massive sound library, an eight-track sequencer, and versatile connections for all their gear. The instruments can be powered via AC or a standard USB-C mobile battery, making them ideal on-the-go solutions for stage playing, creating music content in a home studio, or performing on the street.

Built on a 20-year pedigree of streamlined stage keyboards, JUNO-D features the same ZEN-Core engine found in top-tier Roland synths. A single instrument offers a rich sonic palette for everything from cover band tunes and instrumental jams to original songs. Over 3800 sounds are ready to explore, including acoustic and electric pianos, vintage and modern synths, organs, orchestral instruments, world sounds, and more. It’s also possible to import WAV samples to recreate specific sounds on stage or spice things up with unique tones and sound effects.

Roland Cloud provides an ever-growing library of Sound Packs and Wave Expansions for further inspiration, available through membership or Lifetime Key purchases. With a free Roland Account, JUNO-D owners can access a complimentary collection of ZEN-Core Sound Packs to get started.

Players can take creative command with a generous selection of hands-on controls for real-time sound adjustment. Dedicated buttons offer direct access to 16 sound categories, while Dual, Split, and Super Layer functions are available to combine tones or assign different parts to the left and right hands. With Favorites, the user can quickly recall tailor-made sounds for every song on the setlist.

JUNO-D also provides powerful tools for developing musical ideas and playing with backing tracks. There’s an eight-track sequencer with TR-REC step input and real-time recording options, plus eight phrase pads to trigger rhythm patterns or mute tracks to shape arrangements on the fly. Arpeggiator and chord memory functions are easily accessible to generate even more creative possibilities.

JUNO-D players can add vocals to their performances using the built-in mic input and professional effects, including compression, EQ, reverb, and noise suppression. Auto pitch and vocoder effects are also available to add the modern colors heard in current pop music.

The integrated audio/MIDI USB-C interface provides class-compliant support for a driverless connection to mobile devices and computers. Users can create and perform with their favorite music production software and infuse livestreams and music videos with pristine direct sound.

Each JUNO-D model has balanced stereo audio outputs to connect with studio speakers, a stage amp, or a house PA, plus a headphone jack for quiet practice and developing musical ideas. It’s also possible to play backing tracks and songs through the JUNO-D system from a smartphone or computer via USB-C or a flash drive connected to the dedicated USB memory port.

Availability & Pricing
The Roland JUNO-D6, JUNO-D7, and JUNO-D8 are now available in the U.S. for $899.99, $1,149.99, and $1,299.99 respectively.

LIVE @ EMEAPP FEAT. SCHOOL OF ROCK HOUSE BAND, FORT WASHINGTON, PA (6-28-23)

video upload by EMEAPP

Starts with the Minimoog, followed by lots of ARP QUADRA in this one. EMEAPP is a synth museum. You can find additional posts featuring them here.

"It does our hearts good to see the younger generations take an interest in the classic tunes from decades past and add their own flair to them. Here for your eyes and ears is the house band from the Fort Washington, PA chapter of the School Of Rock, performing a quartet of 70s classics (Frankenstein by The Edgar Winter Group, Have A Cigar by Pink Floyd, Hydra by Toto and Stargazer by Rainbow). Our good friend and School Of Rock musical director Mike Kiker (check out his INSIDE THE MIX: Rick Wright video on our channel, link below) guided these kids through the setlist and it was an awesome experience to see them light up our vintage keys and synths, amps and drum kit which added an extra layer of sonic authenticity to their performances.

You can find us at www.emeapp.org where we invite you to join us as a FREE member."

Also see: INSIDE THE MIX: Richard Wright

Arturia Introduces MiniFreak 6-voice Algorithmic Synthesizer

MiniFreak | Algorithmic Synthesizer | ARTURIA video upload by Arturia

Tutorials | MiniFreak - Overview

video upload by Arturia

"In this tutorial, take a tour through MiniFreak's features, hidden talents, and wild sounds, as Matt Pike gives you the lowdown on the 6-voice hybrid #polysynth that's out to break all the rules.

_CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:03 Presets Playing
02:27 Oscillators
03:40 Virtual Analog Engine
04:41 FM Engine
05:50 FM Modulation
07:04 Analog Filter
07:35 Modulation Matrix
10:13 Digital Effects
12:02 Sliders
13:30 Sequencer & Arpeggiator
14:51 Sound Edit & Utilities" Arturia MiniFreak: 5 things you need to know (+ no-talking sound demo)
video upload by MusicRadar Tech

Review: Arturia MiniFreak // vs MicroFreak // Everything covered, including almost all 256 presets

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:25 vs MicroFreak
6:30 Connectivity
7:35 Workflow
8:55 Osc controls
10:30 Osc 1 engines
14:05 Audio in
14:30 Oscillator 2
15:05 FM/RM
16:05 Digital filters
19:00 Destroy frog
19:50 Analog filter
21:30 Digital FX
25:40 Envelopes
27:45 LFOs
29:05 Waveshaping
30:20 LFO as env
30:40 Vibrato LFO
31:10 Mod matrix
34:00 Macros
34:55 Arpeggiator
38:10 Spice & dice
39:10 Sequencer
43:40 Automation
45:45 Voice modes
46:40 Paraphony
48:20 Chord & scale
48:44 Hidden gems
50:10 Pros & cons
53:50 Almost all 250 presets!

Arturia MiniFreak - First Look - Sonic LAB

video upload by sonicstate

"Today's the day for the big Arturia announcements - and the one we have most experience of is the new MiniFreak which is an expanded MicroFreak - (the Algorithmic Synthesizer with multiple oscillator types).

The MiniFreak doubles up the Oscillators to two - with 20 oscillator types on board, keeps the multi-mode analog filter and adds 3, quality, digital FX. It also has a physical 37 key keybed (short travel) with aftertouch. There's two control strips which can do pitch/mod or macro 1/2, each with four destinations or a sequencer/gate control for the on board sequencer.

It also comes with a free VST version MiniFreak V

We fully confess that we didn't get the time to do the full review in time for this deadline, but first impressions are pretty positive."

arturia minifreak performance

video upload by Red Means Recording Ambient

"first time performing with the arturia minifreak. this is the patch 'Trent's Pno' I made for the factory presets. this is also the last patch in my current house, as i will be moving. see you in november!"

@Arturia MiniFreak Introduction, Unboxing & Demo | No Talking
video upload by DKS SYNTH LAB

Priced at 599€ / $599, available today.

See the dealers on the right for availibility.

via Arturia

Arturia expands wild hybrid synth range with 6-voice MiniFreak

MiniFreak is a polyphonic hybrid keyboard that combines two digital sound engines with warm analog filters, playful modulation, spontaneous sequencing, and rich stereo effects for sounds that are immediately curious, beautiful, and chaotic in equal measure.

Hybrid polysynth power
MiniFreak’s twin digital sound engines feature over 20 modes, and can be used individually, stacked, or to process each other’s output for unique compound sonic behavior. Its digital voices then collide with analog filters, balancing digital crispness with a rich analog response, complete with 6-voice polyphony, 12-voice paraphony, monophonic, and unison configurations.

Customizable & experimental sound design
MiniFreak’s expanded modulation matrix gives users even more control over shaping, transforming, and evolving their sound, with features like polyphonic ADSR envelopes, customizable multi-segment LFO shapes, FM & Ring Modulation, and the familiar Spice & Dice randomization.

Mix-ready stereo sound
With stereo outputs and 3 digital FX slots with 10 FX types to choose from, users will have everything they need to push their sound over the edge while keeping it mix-ready, from stereo-enhancing chorus, to surgical 3-band EQ, to gritty distortion.

Expression, meet chaos
Despite its penchant for wild & exploratory sound design, MiniFreak is an instrument of expression. Its velocity-sensitive 37-note keybed with aftertouch and spontaneous Seq/Arp functionality makes it a dream to perform with, while its randomization features put playfulness first.

MiniFreak V
MiniFreak comes with a dedicated VST counterpart, letting users totally integrate its unique hybrid sound and presets into their DAW productions and vice versa. Using identical sound engines, modeled filters, presets, and totally synchronized controls, users can enjoy an identical experience in hardware or software form.

And the press pics.

Click on each to zoom in.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synth jam with Prophet 6, Ob6, Nord Stage 3 and Deluge

video upload by House Synth Band

Sequential Prophet 6 house stabs

video upload by House Synth Band

"Playing around with a lead patch."

Analogue Solutions Announces Colossus #4

I almost skipped posting this as the only news here is there's a 4th production run of the Colossus. I guess it's interesting knowing how many are out there. What's also interesting is I always assumed the Colossus was either built in a limited initial run, or it was built per order only. This is a mammoth endeaver and each one costs 25,000 GBP which comes out to $35,000 US. It is $4500 less than this little Sennheiser VSM201 Vocoder!

Note, the images in this post appear to be stock. You can find demos of the Colossus in previous posts here.

Press release follows:
""Analogue Solutions announces forthcoming fourth run of Colossus supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue

KINGSWINFORD, UK: following a showstopping showcase during its introduction at SynthFest UK 2019 in Sheffield, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce a forthcoming fourth run of Colossus — its supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue, albeit symbolising so much more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ with no fewer than 12 VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) beating at its monumental musical heart, rather representing art, architecture, and superlative studio furniture at its hand-built best by taking its design cues from the colossal classic that is the EMS Synthi 100, although no Synthi circuit was cloned or copied in making the destined-to-be-classic Colossus fit for a new generation of high-flying owners — as of February 15…

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Roland Jupiter-6 SN 374463 BCM

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

via this auction

"The Jupiter 6 is a fantastic analog polysynth that's a little bit of an underdog compared to its siblings the 4 and the 8! However, it is very powerful and is likely overlooked due to the immense fame of the others. Its a dual VCO 6 voice with cross mod capabilities, sync, and triangle, square and saw waveforms. The filter section includes standard low pass but also band pass and high pass operation. The filter envelope routing is not preset so envelope 1, 2, or both can be assigned to control the it! The LFO section is fully featured including a random output and onset delay. Of course there is full preset saving and plenty of performance oriented controls. The one downside is that it does not include chorus or ensemble like many of the other Roland polys! It does have the coolest color scheme and those futuristic aluminum sides though. The external analog ins include arpeggiator clock in, patch shift, pedal hold and CV for the VCA and VCF. Of course it has MIDI as well so there is tons of interfacing available.

This synth is in great working condition and was just serviced by our in house technician. Cosmetically the synth is looking great but has "BCM" spray painted on the bottom panel. The keys are in great shape and are very white. All buttons are functioning fine and it sounds incredible as usual!"

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Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (and Back) by Oli Freke

New synth book coming from Oli Freke, who brought us the SYNTH EVOLUTION posters.

The book is currently available for pre-order here.

The book features:

• Over 500 hand-drawn illustrations of vintage synthesizers, drum-machines, samplers and pre-modern electric instruments.

• A reference book for every synthesizer, drum-machine and sampler manufactured between 1963 and 1995 with key stats, fascinatingly quirky facts and company profiles.

• Destined to be the new ‘bible’ of synthesizer information, following in the footsteps of the classic ‘KeyFax’ series by Julian Colbeck.

• Tells the story and impact of the synthesizer on all forms of modern music and culture with geek appeal for the music fan and synth fan alike.

From acid-house to prog-rock, there is no form of modern popular music that hasn’t been propelled forwards by the synthesizer. As a result they have long been objects of fascination, desire and reverence for keyboard players, music producers and fans of electronic music alike. Whether looking at an imposing modular system or posing with a DX7 on Top of the Pops, the synth has also always had an undeniable physical presence.

This book celebrates their impact on music and culture by providing a comprehensive and meticulously researched directory of every major synthesizer, drum machine and sampler made between 1963 and 1995. Each instrument is illustrated by hand, and shown alongside its vital statistics and some fascinatingly quirky facts. In tracing the evolution of the analogue synthesizer from its invention in the early 1960s to the digital revolution of the 1980s right up until the point that analogue circuits could be modelled using software in the mid-1990’s, the book tells the story of analogue to digital - and back again.

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Roland Jupiter-6 SN 322506

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

via this auction

"The Jupiter 6 is a fantastic analog polysynth that's a little bit of an underdog compared to its siblings the 4 and the 8! However, it is very powerful and is likely overlooked due to the immense fame of the others. Its a dual VCO 6 voice with cross mod capabilities, sync, and triangle, square and saw waveforms. The filter section includes standard low pass but also band pass and high pass operation. The filter envelope routing is not preset so envelope 1, 2, or both can be assigned to control the it! The LFO section is fully featured including a random output and onset delay. Of course there is full preset saving and plenty of performance oriented controls. The one downside is that it does not include chorus or ensemble like many of the other Roland polys! It does have the coolest color scheme and those futuristic aluminum sides though. The external analog ins include arpeggiator clock in, patch shift, pedal hold and CV for the VCA and VCF. Of course it has MIDI as well so there is tons of interfacing available.

This synth is in great working condition and was just serviced by our in house technician. The panel assembly, bender and keybed were refurbished, faders and jacks were resoldered, the master tune pot was replaced, and a standard IEC connector was installed. The replaced master tune pot does not fit the original knob due to lack of an old stock part to replace it with. We will include the original knob with the sale. Cosmetically the synth is looking good but has some wear on the back and a taped on note of the I/O fused to the top corner. The keys are in great shape and are very white. One of the fader caps in the envelope section is significantly more yellow than the others and of course there is the replaced tune knob. All buttons are functioning fine and it sounds incredible as usual!"

SN 322506 was previously listed here.

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Meet Colossus - Analogue Solutions Rendition of the Classic EMS SYNTHI 100

You might remember Analogue Solutions EMS SYNTHI 100 for sale from previous posts. It appears they have put it to good use and designed their own version. P.S. I spotted this earlier this morning, but thanks to Soviet Space Child for sending in the link.

via Analogue Solutions:

"Available direct only... Come see Colossus at SynthFest (UK, 5/Oct)

Numbers will be limited - we are currently taking pre-orders, ready to ship in early 2020.

This is truly something special.

Price is £25K. This exclude any tax (most likely you can claim it back through your business). Shipping: Outside of UK it would need to be crated, onto a pallet, then freighted. Shipping and crating likely to be 500-1000GBP. If you aren’t too far from Calais there maybe other options.

WHAT IS COLOSSUS?
Analogue Solutions is excited to introduce Colossus, an exciting new mega-synth with a design ethos truly from the dawn of analogue synths. It is more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ - it is also art, architecture, exquisite studio furniture.

Design inspiration is of course from the 1970’s EMS Synthi 100, however, no circuit from the Synthi has been cloned or copied. We prefer to make our own designs. We have chosen some of our favourite circuits from our own large back catalogue synths such as Polymath, Telemark and Vostok.

Colossus is not a Synthi 100 clone - all circuits are non-EMS, Analogue Solutions’ design.

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Analog Renaissance Tests Out the New Sound Semiconductor SSI2164

You might recall Sound Semiconductor announced the availability of the SSI2164 QUAD VCA chip back in March of 2018 (data sheet here). The SSI2154 is technically an updated design of the classic SSM2164 found in the Octave Voyetra Eight, Siel DK 600, Opera 6 & Kiwi, and the full blown Waldorf Wave. Analog Renaissance was commissioned by Sound Semiconductor to write an application note on the chip in practical use. The following are some of his findings including a couple of demos and a cool oscilloscope synth cat. :)

via Analog Renaissance:

"Sound Semiconductor (basically SSM risen from its ashes) hired me a few months back to write an application note AN701: 'Designing Voltage Controlled Filters for Synthesizers with the SSI2164' for them.

This job quickly escalated because while analyzing this IC's design, it became apparent that it is far more capable, due to its advanced design over its predecessor the SSM2164 (and its cheap knockoffs), than what I expected from reading the datasheet.

Its exceptional THD and noise specs allow building ultra clean filters that are virtually distortion and noise free, its excellent channel tracking means that it is very suitable for multi-mode filters which rely on precision and inherent in its design is the same type of asymmetric distortion responsible for the legendary SSM2040’s sound and more.

The 32-page manuscript is now being reviewed and edited to match their house-style, and should be made public soon. Imho it's quite extensive and covers next to SSI2164 specific content quite a bit of VCF design in general, circuit history and some novel stuff.

As there are already more than enough datasheets, application notes and books filled with non-working (read: tested in spice) nonsense, I accepted this job on one condition: build, test and since it's about synthesizers, hear everything before writing about it.

The small building blocks were breadboarded, but as this type of construction quickly becomes impractical for larger designs, certainly when they need multiple sources and control voltages, and impossible to do meaningful measurements on beyond a certain level, due to coupling and EMC issues, I built 3 filters in eurorack format, which also allows for quick connection to other synth and audio equipment.


SSI2164 - 2040 VCF Published on May 5, 2019 dnaab136

The first one, on the left, is an ultra-clean 4-pole VCF with a SNR better than 107dB (A-weighted) and THD is less than 0.0066%. Both these numbers are the limit of my current test equipment.

The second one, in the middle, is a VCF that employs the SSI2164's SSM2040-like non-linearities and for the first time since the early 80's done monolithically.

The 3rd one, on the right, expresses my contempt for what can and can't be done by ignoring a few mathematical constraints and is a self-oscillating 6dB/oct (1-pole slope) VCF.


SSI2164 - Mathematically impossible self-oscillating 6dB/oct VCF Published on May 6, 2019 dnaab136

Math wasn't happy with this, so it sounds a bit angry and, one of its main features is its capability of transforming sine waves into cats.
one of its main features is its capability of transforming sine waves into cats.

All 3 modules borrow 2 things from power electronics: A FET-bridge that allows plugging in the power cable in any orientation, without the voltage drop associated with diode bridges, and an S-Curve dimmer, originally intended for incandescent lamps but here used for a reversing attenuator with a dead zone in the middle.

The first 2 are multi-mode and have next to the standard 4-pole output a few extra outputs: 2 & 4-pole band-pass and a 2-pole low-pass. All outputs have the exact same phase response and can be mixed to obtain variable slope filters.

I'll bring these to Superbooth in one of these waldorf KB37 keyboards, with some basic VCO, LFO, ADSR and mixer modules for you to play with along with a printout of my manuscript and what is already edited (about 2/3rd) for publication."

AJH Synth Next Phase // KILLER (and quiet) phase shifting in Eurorack

Published on Jan 9, 2019 DivKidVideo

"So here we have the Next Phase from AJH Synth. A great follow up from the original Mega-Phase 12 from AJH Synth. The next phase is a dual input, stereo output phaser with selectable stages and separately selectable emphasis (resonance) paths. It's all analogue, sounds absolutely lush and is a lot quieter that the original Mega Phase, but for those looking for a bit of noise a mojo you can mix a bit of noise back in which is a nice effect.

TIMING INDEX / SECTIONS

00:09 Patch previews

00:48 What is Next Phase? Features, upgrades, Mega-Phase 12?

02:35 Basic sound demo (sounds INCREDIBLE!)

04:56 Phasing two voice melodies

06:38 Jazz ear break … guitar

06:52 Adding noise for mojo and phasing morphing wavetables with added dub chord hits

10:00 Jazz ear break … the DivKid house band

10:20 Creating subtle back layers and ambience under beats

12:16 Audio rate modulation and dissonant west coast style sequences

14:52 Jazz ear break … bet you didn’t know I could play double bass ey? ;-)

15:03 Phaser pings (like filter pings)

18:23 Phasing full ambient mixes

19:30 Jazz ear break … key tinkle time

19:45 Layering animation with the Fixed Filter Bank 914"

Moog Rogue SN 6062X

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. The Physics House Band - 'Surrogate Head' (Live)

Published on Sep 18, 2018 The Physics House Band

Cool demo of this actual unit at 9:26 in the video above.

via this auction

"Here we have a Moog Rogue in excellent condition. I'm selling it because my current gigs are demanding that I get something with presets, and I can't justify having more than one analog mono-synth at the moment.

The power supply is a replacement that I had to put together myself, due to how difficult it is to obtain a power supply of that wattage/connection size - It works absolutely perfectly, so don't be put off by the electrical tape.

I've included a video of me using it live, (skip to 9:26), and I'm happy to answer any questions."

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Moby's Drum Machines For Sale

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

You can find them on Reverb here.

Don't miss the video here.

Update: some pics and details captured. I made the mistake of trying to capture them all and then realized how many were listed. :) I ended up switching to the more esoteric models. Quite a few have never been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH before. What's a little bit interesting, is only two new labels were needed, one for Domino and one for Side-Kick-Er. All other brands have been featured before. See the labels at the bottom of this post. Side note: Blogger limits the number of characters to 200 for labels, so I wasn't able to capture them all for this post. You can always search for the brand names featured for more. I assume most do this anyway. The labels are more for maintenance and for finding posts that may not feature brand names in descriptions.

Pictured:

Realistic Concertmate Electronic Accompanist-Metronome

"Fully analog rhythmic companion utilizing 5 beat buttons to combine how you wish. Features metronome, speaker and line out, and tempo control.

Serial: 42-2103. Works with no issue."

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Abbey Road Institute: The Moog session - The synth that shaped musical history

Streamed live on Dec 1, 2017 Abbey Road Institute

"On the 1st of December we are featuring another historic instrument that shaped musical history: The MiniMoog!

How did it become such an icon?
What makes it so special?
And why does it sound so massive?!

We got you covered. Tune in on the 1st of December.

Shaping musical history:
The Minimoog was designed in response to the use of synthesizers in rock/pop music.
Jazz composer Sun Ra was the first to use a prototype of the Minimoog in his music and Keith Emerson (musician and composer) was the first musician touring with a Minimoog, demonstrating some amazing pitch-bending techniques for the first time with many keyboard players following his example afterwards. Just like the Hammond organ (as shown in our previous event) the Moog became a serious competitor to the electric guitar, making guitarist looking for eleven on their volume control as the only way to compete. Because of its fantastic and cosmic sound, it soon was embraced by the gods of the new progressive rock with bands like Yes and Emerson Lake & Palmer.

As keyboardist of Yes, Rick Wakeman said the instrument 'absolutely changed the face of music.'

Besides progressive rock, Jazz legends like Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock added the Minimoog to their arsenal, delivering devastating jazz solos and Bob Marley introduced the Minimoog when the band first played in the UK on the BBC.

After taking the progressive rock and jazz world by storm, it made its way back towards the synthesizer’s roots, in electronic pop and experimental music. One of the most well-know band using the Minimoog for this purpose was Kraftwerk on their albums Autobahn and The Man-Machine. Shortly after that, the characteristic sound of the Minimoog became an important part of the synth-pop era and inspired an entire generation of electronic musicians like Brian Eno and Ultravox.

Since then the Minimoog transformed the music landscape of every musical genre, from the R&B/Soul of Earth Wind & Fire and the most successful recorded album of all time, Thriller from Michael Jackson, till the West-Coast sound of Dr. Dré and the industrial music of Trent Reznor.

But a major transition occurred when electronic music was slightly forced back into the underground and analog synthesizer started shaping the sound of House Music, Techno and all other genres of electronic music. This is where the Minimoog found a new homebase in the hands of producers and bands like Carl Craig, 808-state, Portishead and many more leading to the iconic sound in today’s electronic music and the production of new Moog synthesizers and soundalikes.

The original Minimoog is a true classic. But what makes the sound so special?
On the 1st of December, MarcoAntonio Spaventi (music producers, mastering engineer, analog synth evangelist and Abbey Road Institute lecturer) will give a Masterclass about the Minimoog and it’s unique sound at Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam. In order to share his love for the Moog, this masterclass will be live streamed through Facebook Live.

MarcoAntonio will talk about the differences between the original Minimoog Model D and the Minimoog Voyager, the unique features of both instruments and the technical aspects that makes it sound so special. But most important, you can hear them live including a jam with an hardware sequencer at the end of the session!

Next to the above mentioned synths, we will have a variety of other Moogs to explore the different sounds and flavours of Robert Moog’s legacy. With one very special model…

The Memorymoog!
Many say the Memorymoog is like having 6 Minimoogs stacked in one machine! While thats not entirely true it does sound like no other poly synth with a very specific and massive character. Just like the Minimoog, the Memorymoog gets his monumental sound due to certain imperfections of the instrument. A perfect example of finding perfection in imperfection! MarcoAntonio will explain you all about the different features that makes this synth so unique."

Roland Space Echo RE-201 Tape Effect Demo w/ Synthesizers #10

Published on Oct 2, 2017 gstormelectro

"Audio and video produced by G-Storm Electro c.2017

Today I present the Roland RE-201 Space Echo audio demo w/ synthesizers and a TR-8 drum machine. The RE-201 is a vintage delay effect from the 70s using a tape loop and Spring tank reverb. It's been used on lots of psychedelic rock, trip hop, alternative, dub, progressive house music and more. The Space Echo is the only effect used in this demo. This machine has a new 4 meter loop. It also has some wow and flutter, I love that lo-fi quality of this machine. All audio recorded direct to a Tascam DR-05 thru a Mackie mixer. Gear used here: Roland Juno-1/JV-2080/SH-01A/TR-8, Korg MS-20 mk1, E-mu ES-32 (Yamaha CP-70 sample), Arturia Beatstep Pro, M-Audio Axiom49.

0:00 Radiohead - Lotus Flower, spring tank reverb on snare only
1:00 Introduction
1:43 Portishead - Cowboys, delay on electric piano
2:30 M83 - Skin of the Night, delay on CP-70 piano sample
2:59 Quick explanation of inputs
3:15 Steve Miller Band - Fly Like an Eagle, delay on synth glissando
3:41 A look inside and beautiful ladies?
4:15 Tycho - Dive, delay on opening synth
5:18 How I'm using the RE-201 on these examples
5:53 Underworld - Born Slippy, delay on everything
7:13 About this particular machine
7:49 Tangerine Dream - Love On a Real Train, delay on arpeggio"