Note the above demos are from two years ago, which means the Kagouyar has been over two years in the making.
Press release from today follows:
"The kagouyar is a semi modular polyphonic virtual analogue synthesizer. It combines ease of use with endless sonic possibilities. Featuring cutting-edge technology, it delivers an analog feel while offering features never seen in vintage synthesizers.
Its intuitive design means no menus, no hassle – just pure, hands-on sound exploration. Patch, tweak, and create effortlessly with tactile switches and a powerful modulation matrix.
With 3 oscillators per voice and 4-voice polyphony, the Kagouyar offers an endless palette of textures – from lush, ambient layers to raw, glitchy soundscapes. The 7 LFOs let you dive deep into complex rhythms and evolving soundscapes, making your music feel alive and constantly evolving.
Compact and versatile, the Kagouyar is perfect for drone performances, ambient music, or hard-hitting techno. Take it to your next gig or keep it in the heart of your studio. Unleash your creativity with this unique synthesizer!
"The e7 is a polyphonic analog desktop synthesizer from Argentina by GS Music that sounds lively and rich and looks beautiful. Easy to use, expressively to play.
It reminds me of some of the best synths ever built but has its own character.
Everything was directly recorded from the outs of the synth into the audio interface. No internal effects nor any additional effects, equalizers, compressors or limiters were used to give you a genuine impression of its raw sound.
Let me know your thoughts.
"What happens when you overdub a rich sounding analog synth like the e7 again and again? And with automation of some parameters like filter cutoff and OSC pitch? How does it sound?
No internal effects nor any additional effects, equalizers, compressors or limiters were used.
"In this video I play original sounds created for the Prophet 5/10 rev 4 synthesizer. I demo patches 1 - 20 from the Synth Universe Prophet 5/10 rev 4 Sound bank: a bank of 80 patches containing a wide range of pads, strings, brass, poly synths, keys, bass, leads, tuned percussion and sines.
Each patch is demonstrated first raw in mono, as output straight from the synth. For the majority of the patches I then repeat the demo but with stereo and reverb or delay applied, so you can hear the sounds more like they would be in a musical context. Please refer to the other three videos for demos of sounds 21 - 80. The time stamps below mean you can easily access specific sounds in this video and compare MONO with STEREO.
In the making of this video no chorus, modulation or thickening effects were used (software or hardware). The only effects used were reverb (mainly the Valhalla Vintage Verb plugin) or delay (Logic native delay plugin). No EQ was used to enhance either the low end or the high end.
The Prophet 5/10 has a single mono audio output, so to create a stereo image I used old-school layering in my DAW. When I recorded each audio take, I also captured MIDI data and used this to record new tracks of the original take. Using the Vintage knob on the Prophet set at 3 means that each MIDI take has subtle differences in pitch, envelopes and filter. Panning and slight detuning of the tracks creates, to my ears, a nice rich stereo image and retains the core sound.
"Day 1: I wanted to make a video of my first impressions of a synthesizer... what happens when I walk up to something I'm not familiar with? No reading the manual, no outside help or distractions, just raw wandering around with it, trying every knob and listening to what each does. I realize my distorted and dirty sound design preferences aren't everyone else's, but I haven't heard the demo that I wanted to hear out of this synth, so I made it myself.
The OB-X8 is a synth I've waited a LONG time for, and so I have some pre-formed bias towards it, but what happens when I get it out of the box, set it up, and just hit record?
This is that video.
I hope you find this useful to see and hear if it might fit into your sound.
I'm sure it will inspire me to make a bunch of patches, like the Moog One and Prophet-10, and countless others before it. I'll make more musical content, if you like this and people ask for it.
This was recorded in stereo, but it is mostly mono because of the default voice panning which is set to mono. I didn't discover the 'page 2' Spread feature until after filming. There are some subtleties with the Vintage knob that might play into its stereo field.
No audio processing whatsoever, as demos should be™"
"For the first time in over 40 years, a legendary analog synth sound returns.
The OB-X8 combines the three different voice architectures of the classic OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 synths into a single incredible instrument. The individual filter types and other unique characteristics of each model have been faithfully reproduced, along with an uncompromising 100% analog signal path, giving you the most authentic and satisfying OB experience possible.
Oberheim is BACK!"
Oberheim OB-X8 INHALT Sound Design Demo No Talking
"My history with Oberheim runs deep. Probably the most important synthesizer for me was the Oberheim OB-8. I connected deeply with its melancholic and midnight music sounding tone which matched very well what I was doing with INHALT at the time. But never to be beguiled by softer emotions, the flick of the unison switch instantly took the OB-8 into an aggressive "body" music. It was the perfect writing tool due to the even tone across all octaves and the fact that its intrinsic musicality was unavoidable. Around the time I got the OB-8 I also got a vintage 2 Voice (thanks for restoring that one Chok) and both were heavily used on many records that I made. Those were my MVP's for many years.
When I received the call from my colleagues at Sequential that not only was a new Oberheim in the works, but that it was to be THE Oberheim, I couldn't wait for the beta testing and sound design to start. And when the prepro unit arrived, I knew that the newly reborn and official Oberheim company, in tandem with the team at Sequential, created something incredible. Something so comprehensive, deep, detailed, featured and yet immediate and simple, with no possibility of making a bad sound. Every sound I made sounded exactly as it should, and they ALL embodied that unmistakable Oberheim sound. That magic that is often imitated but never accomplished. Until now.
I'm not going to get into specs, those have been already covered everywhere, but I will say this: as someone that has used all of the "big" Oberheims, and that has made many records in commercial studios with the OB-8 and a vintage 2 Voice, I can definitively say that this Oberheim does all of those sounds and more. Its charisma changes from filter to filter and it seamlessly traverses from X, Xa to 8 with the Page 2 voice offset and vintage knob, but it ALWAYS sounds like the genuine Oberheim that it is. This incredible team, that I've had the pleasure of working with, has created something that might possibly be the ultimate polyphonic analog synthesizer. And I can't wait to use it on the many upcoming projects at Infinite Power Studios.
This is a recording I made of many of the patches I created for Oberheim and the shipping factory library that will come with the synth.
Please note, the OB-X8 in the video is a prototype unit and I recorded this with a beta firmware. As such, while the synth was largely done there were some changes both to the panel and to the OS that are in the final shipping version (obviously). The OB-X8 was recorded straight into Pro Tools HD and no post processing or fx were added. What you're hearing is the raw synth."
The Sound of the Oberheim OB-X8 - Julian "J3PO" Pollack [custom knobs on this one]
"Oberheim has released a new synthesizer--the first in many decades--the OB-X8. It is a faithful recreation of all three of the classic OB-series synthesizers in one: the OB-X, the OB-Xa, and OB-8. It is an incredible synth.
In this video, you will hear a bunch of presets I created for the OB-X8. Some of my sounds will be included factory with the OB-X8 while most of these presets will appear in a presets pack I will release soon (check www.j3po.net for the release of my official sound bank). This particular unit is an early prototype with non-production knobs. The final production units will look slightly different.
It is important to note that the OB-X8, like the original OB's from back in the day, does NOT contain any onboard effects. In this video, I used some external reverbs and delays to give certain presets the ambience and resonance they deserve. Light compression and limiting was applied for the purpose of uploading to YouTube and balancing the sounds."
"I'm always reluctant to post something in prototype form. When I had this unit it was sonically pretty close. Obvious at a glance are the knobs and 3D printed bender box levers. The synth itself sounds great and such a dream to play with a nice modern key bed."
And the press release:
Oberheim Returns to Operations and Releases Its First New Synth in 35 Years
San Francisco, CA – May 9, 2022 – In a momentous industry development, Oberheim Electronics, one of the most venerated names in synthesizer design, has announced its return to operation to meet the rising global demand for its instruments.
Today, the company is launching its first new product, the OB-X8: an eight-voice polyphonic analog synth that combines all of the key features of the legendary OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 products from the 1980s – including all the original presets that gave them their signature sounds.
“I wanted to come back strong with a new design that brings together the sounds of the greatest instruments from across the OB range, together with the distinctive sound and styling of those synths,” said Tom Oberheim. “But we took it even further. You can now combine the various OB voice architectures in ways that produce unique and interesting new sounds and capabilities.”
Originally founded by Tom Oberheim in 1969, Oberheim Electronics created ground-breaking products that fueled the electronic music revolution throughout the 1970’s and early 1980’s. After ceasing operations in 1985, these instruments attained near-mythical status, with highly prized vintage models selling for many times their original price on the secondhand market.
Since that time, Tom Oberheim had created a handful of limited-production instruments and co-designs with various partners under other names. But in a recent significant development, he regained control of the Oberheim trademarks and IP, and now, in partnership with Focusrite PLC, has decided to once again introduce new products under the Oberheim brand name for first time in more than 35 years.
“I’ve always had a very optimistic outlook on our industry and the future in general. I felt that one day, when the time was right, Oberheim would return. A big part of this was the fact that so many musicians have contacted me over the years to ask how to get hold of an original Oberheim. So when I finally reacquired the Oberheim name, it was clear that the time was finally here,” said Oberheim.
The catalog of artists associated with the original products is long, and includes innovators like Prince, Van Halen, and Herbie Hancock. For many, it was much more than just an instrument. A handful of A-list artists such as Trent Reznor, creative force behind Nine Inch Nails, and Golden Globe, Academy Award, and Primetime Emmy-winning composer got pre-release previews. “When I was shown the new OB-X8, I was immediately impressed with the forensic level of detail that went into its design and the respect for its lineage,” remarked Trent. I will be making room in my studio for one and I’m excited more people will be able to experience this classic instrument.”
Creating a new company out of thin air was no small feat. “I’m excited to work with my old friend and audio industry innovator Marcus Ryle, along with some other members of the original Oberheim team again,” said Tom. “And thanks to an exclusive partnership with Focusrite group company Sequential LLC, we have the ability to design, manufacture, distribute, and support new instruments on a global scale.”
For Marcus Ryle, one of the inventors behind the ADAT, the QuadraSynth, and Line 6 guitar amps and effects, this represents closure of sorts: “Synths were my first love and the reason I entered this industry. Tom hired me when I was 19, and I feel lucky to have been a part of the Oberheim design team during its glory days. Now, a whole new chapter in the story of analog synthesizer-based music is about to get written.”
Dave Smith, founder of Sequential and himself a legendary figure in synth history, also collaborated with Marcus (an Oberheim team member from the 1980s) and Tom to create the new product. “We’ve already developed other interesting design ideas with Tom for follow-up products that will allow us to take Oberheim into the future as a synth brand,” commented Smith. “It’s a very exciting time to be a musician.”
The OB-X8 eight-voice analog synthesizer will be available at the end of June with a US MAP of $4,995.
About Oberheim
Oberheim is the 21st century return of the legendary company that helped fuel the electronic music revolution. Now,
just as then, Oberheim is guided by the vision of engineer and inventor, Tom Oberheim. Tom’s genius for innovation introduced the world to the first commercially available poly synth and other groundbreaking electronic instruments that literally changed the sound of music. Today, Oberheim reawakens this legacy by bringing the famed Oberheim sound to a new generation of instruments and artists. The company’s passion remains unchanged by time or technology — to once again provide the world with the finest-sounding analog synthesizers ever made. Oberheim brings its products to market with the help of the Focusrite organization and renowned synth maker, Sequential."
OBERHEIM OB-X8 SPECIFICATIONS
• 8-voice, pure-analog polyphony with saw, square/pulse, triangle, and noise • Two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage VCOs per voice deliver classic punchy Oberheim tone • Discrete SEM-lineage VCFs deliver authentic OB-X-style tone and presence • Genuine Curtis filters add bold OB-Xa/OB-8 character • Meticulously modeled envelope responses match each OB model: OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 • The 61-key FATAR velocity- and touch-sensitive keyboard allows unparalleled expression and responsiveness • Bi-timbral capability allows two presets simultaneously for splits and doubles • 400-plus factory programs, including the full set of factory sounds for the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa, and OB-8 • Integral, fanless, heatsink-free power supply • Real walnut end cheeks • High-resolution OLED display enables patch management and easy access to advanced features • Classic Oberheim Pitch and Mod levers allow expressive note bending, vibrato, and access to arpeggiator functions
ENHANCEMENTS • Additional SEM filter modes add high-pass, band-pass, and notch functions to the classic OB-X filter • Vintage knob allows variable amounts of voice-to-voice variability to emulate the behavior of vintage instruments • Velocity sensitivity adds expressiveness to volume and filter • Channel Aftertouch adds real-time performance-based modulation • Enhanced unison allows variable voice stacking from 1-8 voices • Variable triangle wave cross-modulation • Over 600 user-programmable preset locations • Programmable per-program pan allows wider stereo presence • Variable oscillator and noise levels
INS & OUTS • Stereo and Mono outputs • Volume, Sustain, and Filter inputs • Arpeggiator clock input • MIDI In, Out, Thru • USB • Dimensions: • Weight: 32.5 lbs • Dimensions: 40.5” L x 16.67” W x 5.87” H
"The resurrection of a polyphonic icon. Softube Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer is a circuit-modeled emulation of a 1984 six-voice synth featuring the influential sound of the 1980s original. Use it as an instrument, in our official Eurorack platform, Modular, or our pro audio guitar & bass platform, Amp Room. The retro-future is here. ✮"
And the
blue synth
is revealed. Meet Model Electronics new Cobalt 8. Priced at $749.99 USD, £579.99 GBP, and €649.99 Euro. See the dealers on the right for availibility.
Playlist:
1. Modal Cobalt 8 Sound Demo (no talking) - Limbic Bits
2. Modal Electronics Cobalt 8 Sound Demo (no talking) - Bonedo Synthesizers
3. COBALT8 review & comparison with Argon8 // Which synthesizer is right for you?!
- BoBeats
4. Cobalt8 Modal Electronics - 1st Look - sonicstate
And the press release (hi-res pics below):
"Modal Electronics creatively kickstarts new synthesiser series with COBALT8
–
8-Voice Extended Virtual-Analogue Synthesiser –
Bristol, UK: leading
British synthesiser manufacturer Modal Electronics is proud to announce
availability of COBALT8 — an immensely powerful, eight-voice extended VA
(Virtual-Analogue) synthesiser that brings traditional and entirely new
analogue-style sound textures to modern music creation and production as an
innovative, sophisticated synthesis concept comprising two oscillator groups
with selectable algorithms in self-contained elements enabling multiple
oscillator modulations, an all-new 4-pole morphable ladder filter with
switchable configurations, an unparalleled modulation engine, and much more
besides, extending far beyond the limits of its analogue forefathers — as of
October 29…
Creatively kickstarting a new synthesiser series by
building on the tradition of warm and punchy analogue-style synth sounds seeded
by bygone legendary synthesisers, COBALT8 creatively unlocks the full potential
of analogue waveforms with up to 64 high-resolution VA oscillators with extended
drift — up to eight for each of its eight true polyphonic voices. The two
independent and self-contained Osc (oscillator) groups include sine, pulse,
triangle, and sawtooth waveforms alongside 34 unique algorithms allowing for
complex analogue synthesis techniques, built-in cross-modulation (sync, ring
modulation, and more), PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), smooth morphing between VA
waves, bit crushing, and filtered noise — unlike any other VA synthesiser before
it, increasing creative options for new-generation synth sounds. Speaking of
which, Algorithm1 and Algorithm2 each have an associated simple-to- use pair of
controls — A1 and B1, A2 and B2 — chosen to suit the particular algorithm or
character, providing musicians with the power of traditionally complex
oscillator modulations or processes spontaneously.
"The new Prophet-5 is Dave Smith's return to the analog poly synth that changed the world. It embodies all three revisions of the legendary synth — Rev1, Rev2, Rev3 — and now, the Rev4. History never sounded better.
Soundtrack exclusively by Prophet-5. Yes, even the drums."
Both models will be available in October. The Prophet-5 has a US MAP of $3,499. The Prophet-10 has a US MAP of $4,299. Note there is an additional video demo by INHALT further below.
"Sequential Reintroduces the Prophet®-5, the Synth that Revolutionized an Industry
San Francisco, CA—Oct 1, 2020—After months of clandestine development, Sequential today announced the reintroduction of its most famous and beloved instrument: the Prophet-5. Timed to coincide with founder Dave Smith’s 70th year, the instrument revisits a landmark era in American analog synthesizer design and marks an authentic and authoritative return to roots for the legendary pioneer of electronic instruments.
“It’s not often that you get to revisit your past, retrieve some of its magic, and give it new life,” said Dave Smith. “The Prophet-5 was one of the most exciting instruments to appear in an equally exciting time for music and technology. It’s gratifying to rediscover that its sound and aesthetics are just as appealing now as they were then.”
Faithful to the original, the new Prophet-5 features five voices with two multi-waveform analog oscillators, resonant analog low-pass filters and amplifiers, and a filter and amplifier envelope per voice. Modulation is provided by a multi-waveshape LFO and Poly Mod, a ground-breaking modulation scheme for its time that allowed the filter envelope and oscillator B to be routed to a variety of destinations including filter cutoff frequency, oscillator A frequency, and oscillator A pulse width.
The new Prophet-5 features original, genuine Curtis VCOs and filters as used in the Prophet-5 Rev3, as well as the Dave Rossum-designed SSI 2140 filter, the modern counterpart of the original SSM 2040 Rossum designed in the Prophet-5 Rev1 and Rev2. “We made the new Prophet-5 the best of all Prophets by embodying all three revisions of the original. We did this by adding a Rev switch to the front panel, so you can choose your preferred filter.”
Smith continued, “We also researched what made the original P-5 sound the way it did — organic and alive — and found that a lot of that desirable character was due to fluctuations and differences in the response times and frequencies of the individual oscillators, filters, and envelopes from voice to voice. So we also added a Vintage knob that loosens all of them up like they were in the old days. You can dial in progressively more vintage character as you go from a very stable “4,” as in Prophet-5 Rev4, all the way to “1,” as in Prophet-5 Rev1, which was the most temperamental of all Prophet-5s. We’ve even included the original factory sound set for the full vintage experience.”
Other modern enhancements include velocity sensitivity and aftertouch to increase expressiveness, as well as MIDI and USB connectivity. Control voltage and gate ins/outs are also present for connecting modular synths and other gear. The new Prophet-5 is housed in a collector-worthy, premium-quality, steel and hand-oiled sustainable black walnut heartwood body, with a full, five-octave, semi-weighted Fatar keybed.
Sequential is simultaneously offering the Prophet-10, a ten-voice version of the synthesizer with the same sound engine and collector-worthy design. “I originally designed the first Prophet in both five-voice and ten-voice versions. But the five-voice model was the one that achieved mass production. We thought it would be fun and fitting to reintroduce the ten-voice as well, to make the circle complete.” Sequential Circuits’ later product, the dual-manual, bi-timbral Prophet-10, was a different instrument in both concept and execution.
Both models will be available in October. The Prophet-5 has a US MAP of $3,499. The Prophet-10 has a US MAP of $4,299."
"There are few synthesizers that spark deep emotions and reverence. The Prophet 5 is one of them. Its history is marked by both the counter and the dominant cultural works; wether listening to the independent outings of New Musik and Skinny Puppy, the art of Japan and Sakamoto, the disco of Cowely, the soundtracks of Carpenter or the pop of McCartney and Madonna, it collectively becomes clear that the Prophet 5 is the great enabler of the modern musical expression. If the Model D is the left hand the Prophet 5 is the right. And rightly so, as its genius and genuineness transitioned the 5 from "tool of novelty" firmly into the place of an exuberant enabler of the creative expression. From decade to decade, its design and purity allowed it to slot into a music production unweathered and unbiased by whatever style is in vogue. Yet, it's always fashionable and it always sits right where it's supposed to. Put simply, it's a workhorse that inspires. Whatever the revision. And now, that story, that lineage continues with the Rev 4.
It's with absolute honor, gratitude, and exhilaration that I accepted the offer to work on the factory patches for Sequential's latest chapter in the story of the Prophet 5. Sound designing alongside the superb voicing team has been a wonderful collaboration with a company I consider family and my way to give thanks for the career that the Prophet 5 has helped me build. Unlike other projects I've done in the past, part of my testing of the Rev 4 included putting it through an actual studio music production. I'm currently in the middle of producing two LP's (the artists Some Ember and Patriarchy) and the Rev 4 got used heavily on both. The main question I sought to answer: "does it handle the same as a vintage unit". What became abundantly clear: the Rev 4 isn't like a Prophet 5, isn't inspired by a Prophet 5, ins't referencing a Prophet 5; it is a Prophet 5. Through and through in every sense of the very defining characteristics of the 5. It's a Prophet 5. Period. And in many regards it's better. Why?
Rapid fire MIDI, Fatar keybed, both genuine SSM (SSI) filters and VCAs, genuine Curtis filters and oscillators, a perfectly tuned LFO and envelopes, the ability to actually save LFO amount settings, velocity, aftertouch, the same voice allocation as the original ... and zero repairs needed with no sacrifice to the soul of what makes the 5 the 5. It looks the same with minor additions that can be completely ignored if you choose. You can play it like the original and you can expect it to do exactly what the original does. Or you can take advantage of all of the modern facilities. I also made a set of patches that were the same sounds on both a vintage 5 and the Rev 4 and quickly cycling playing the same passage on the 2 instruments, for all in the room, it was impossible to tell what's what and who's who.
The amount of care, attention to detail, and workmanship that has gone into the Rev 4 is remarkable and I am honored to have been a part of the team putting it through the paces. Sequential is a special company. It's marked by integrity, friendship, care, and carries on a tradition of producing musical instruments from that platform. The Rev 4 is a Prophet 5 and ONLY Sequential can make that.
Please note, the Rev 4 in the video is a prototype unit and I recorded this with a beta firmware. As such, while the synth was largely done there are some changes both to the panel and to the OS that are in the final shipping version (obviously). The Prophet 5 was recorded straight into Pro Tools HD and no post processing or fx were added. What you're hearing is the raw Rev 4."
"#PolyBrute is more than a #synthesizer - it's a 6-voice analog powerhouse, with unprecedented expressivity and sound #morphing capabilities, built to let you perform fearlessly, compose with fluidity, and explore sound in perpetual motion."
ARTURIA POLYBRUTE — the BEST Arturia synthesizer yet!
BoBeats
"Arturia Polybrute is finally here! I have spent about a week with it and here are my first first impressions & walkthrough of what this synth offers. I'm making videos & music full time now and you can support here: http://www.patreon.com/bobeats and you can get the shirt I wear at http://merch.bobeats.tv
Contents
00:00 Introduction
03:50 Overview of the Polybrute & Sound Demos
14:12 Patch from scratch
26:36 Making a beat with MASCHINE+ and Polybrute"
Arturia PolyBrute - First Look Preview
sonicstate
"We have the PolyBrute in for review, but we couldnt quite get the full review finished in time for the release deadline, so here's a quick look to keep you going until we're done."
POLYBRUTE Review // +70 Presets // Full morph tutorial for Arturia's flagship synth
Update: and the mini press release (new SynthFest France video below as well):
"Arturia unveils their expansive new flagship synthesizer, PolyBrute
Fusing the raw power of Brute oscillators with digital Matrix precision, the innovative three-dimensional Morphée performance touchpad, and pristine stereo effects, PolyBrute represents a new era of polyphony. Available November 2020.
_Analog morphing polysynth
Polyphonic power fused with unrivalled modulation capabilities. Infinite positions on an elusive spectrum of sound, instantly accessible. An instrument that responds to your every command for ultimate performance control. This is PolyBrute.
The Brute factor
6 pure analog voices driven by 2 Brute oscillators, complete with distortion, wavefolding, and FM control, shaped by dual enhanced filters for massive timbral variety.
Morphing
Seamless three-dimensional morphing between two completely different states within a single patch. An infinite continuum of sound, immediately accessible expression.
Express yourself
A new dimension of performance control, with a dynamic ribbon strip, an assignable mod wheel, and finally, the innovative Morphée 3-axis performance touchpad.
Modulation
No more static patches. 3 envelope generators, 3 LFOs, and modulation flexibility normally reserved for modular systems - with the immediacy and precision of digital control.
The Matrix
The digital brain to PolyBrute’s analog heart - control presets, the sequencer, morph state editing, and of course, PolyBrute’s expansive modulation routing.
Studio-grade effects
Pristine stereo digital effects incorporated into every patch, with parameters that can be modulated to no end - including algorithms from our acclaimed FX Collection.
_The full lowdown
The new Brute flagship has landed. Raw, powerful, organic - the Brute range is all about the tactile immediacy of analog synthesis. Explore it for yourself…
_Wooden legs
PolyBrute is designed to be fully compatible with our Wooden Legs companion. The Wooden legs offer a professional ergonomic solution, with a timeless beechwood construction, built for studio and stage that’s as reliable as it is stylish - enjoy an unhindered performing experience with class."
"There aren't a lot of bare bones tweaking demos of the Boomstar 3003 monosynth by Studio Electronics so figured I would post one. No effects or compression applied. Mostly using saw but some square in there too. The synthesizer has decent range though I would definitely say it leans towards rambunctiousness over precision. The filter being low pass and raw means it tends towards thick, wide spectrum sounds so can be a bit greedy in the mix. This is the original model so the legending and visibility is a bit jank. I definitely plan to add some colour to the knobs to make it easier to navigate quickly.
Been playing with it incessantly since I got it though which is a good sign - often just holding down a key and drooling. =)"
"In this video I take a close look at the SoundSpot Union Wavetable Synth Plugin. The first half deals with sound demo of the factory patch set. The second half deals with how it works and how to programme it."
This one is in via Runningonair who did the video above. The following are some demos and details via the maker, SoundSpot:
"Union is SoundSpot’s next-generation wavetable synthesizer audio plugin, featuring a unique wavetable generator that lets you create harmonically rich wavetable sets from the output of Union’s main oscillators: a technique frequently used by the world’s best sound designers to create rich and deep sounds. Union allows you to utilize this synthesis technique with a single click of a button.
The Union plugin comes with unique features such as independent filters per oscillator, which allows a deeper control over the shaping of your sound, and a unison engine that can run up to 96 voices in a single note play.
Innovative Modulation System
Union features an innovative click through modulation system that allows you to quickly create rich and compelling sounds.
Oscillator 1, 2 and 3 include their own dedicated ADSR, MOD ADSR and LFO envelopes and Oscillator 3 includes an additional wavetable window that allows you to scrub through stereo wavetable sets to create organic movement in your sounds.
In addition, the master FX chain features 4 LFOs that can be assigned to any master FX control, and includes a trigger mode so they can be used more like a conventional ADSR envelope further increasing the creative possibilities.
The Best Of Analog And Digital In One Audio Plugin
Everyone loves the rich, dense sound of hardware, but most find it’s limitations frustrating. With this in mind, we set out to build a synthesizer that provided all of features of analog equipment with the precision and convenience of the digital realm.
Union has been modelled from some of the best sounding synths in music history, and combines this raw power with unique features such as wavetable generation that simply wouldn’t be possible in purely analog form. This results in a synthesizer that truly rivals hardware, but lives inside your computer.
Do All Your Post-Processing Inside The Union Audio Plugin
Once you’ve made your sound, it’s time to give it that final polish. However there’s no need to go adding multiple audio plugin to your channel strip as the Union plugin features an FX rack that contains 9 professional quality post processing effects.
These include: Compressor, 4 Band Parametric EQ, Distrortion, Delay, Phaser, Chorus, Filter & Flanger. Furthermore a brand new Reverb modelled on analog hardware has been included.
All of the FX use the best algorithms from SoundSpot’s post processing audio plugins range. This means you can acheive a professional polished sound inside of Union.
"Multitracked Prophet 08 -demo. As usual played straight without metronome or quantization. Reverb and delay used, so this is no raw Prophet-demo. Check The Musical Synthesizer -channel for the best Prophet-demos and music."
Sequential Pro 3 INHALT Sound Design Demo Published on Jan 14, 2020 INHALTVIDEO
Update: some audio demos added below.
"Some time ago, I put together a video demonstrating the remarkable ability of the AS-1 synthesizer to mimic the classic Sequential Circuits Pro One. I sent the video to my friends at Sequential and expressed a great desire for a fully fledged, keyboard version of the synth. Flash forward to the tail end of 2019, and I’m sitting in front of the Sequential Pro 3. While the inspiration might have come from some aspects of the AS-1, the Pro 3 is so far and above, it truly deserves the title of FLAGSHIP.
To me, the central point of the Pro 3 isn’t necessarily the feature set, which is VAST, but the raw sound. This synth is a production workhorse that sounds proper. It has a kind of aggression, bigness, and elegance that is typically associated with some of the finest vintage synthesizers; the low end is massive and the top end can cut through but it’s that all important midrange that is the most impressive. That midrange synthesizer bass sound, that many other synths fail at (by over compensating lows and highs) isn’t an issue here and it’s that aspect that allows the Pro 3 to link the vintage to the modern. Simply put, any working producer looking for a flagship mono that can handle the rigor of modern production and can make as many classic vintage sounds as futuristic ones should not sleep on this.
The three filters on offer here all have their unique personalities and allow you to cover a vast array of sounds. The OB6 filter in particular is a favorite and combined with the sheer physicality of the analog vco’s used here, allowed me to get into a kind of Xpander territory. The ladder filter pounds and moves like a vintage synth. And the Prophet 6/AS1 filter is exactly what you expect.
No external sequencing or multitracking was used on this recording. Everything was made 100 percent on the Pro 3. This is a recording of all of the patches I submitted to Sequential for the Pro 3’s factory bank. A big thanks to the whole Sequential family and a massive congratulations from INHALT on this stunning new synth!"
Update: audio demos by Paul Dither:
And the press release: (side note: I believe this is the first solely Sequential branded synth after rebranding from DSI)
"Sequential Debuts Pro 3, Multi-filter Mono Synth Featuring VCOs, Wavetables
San Francisco, CA—January 14, 2020—Sequential today announced the Pro 3, a new flagship mono/paraphonic synthesizer. A hybrid instrument, the Pro 3 features three classic analog filters (Prophet-6, OB-6, and ladder) and three oscillators (two VCOs and one wavetable oscillator) along with a powerful new 16-track sequencer, and the ability to connect with modular synths through its four control voltage ins/outs.
“In many ways the Pro 3 is the evolution of a concept that started with the classic Sequential Circuits Pro-One,” said Sequential founder Dave Smith: “Pack as much power as possible into a compact footprint and make it sound awesome. To do that, we built on the strengths of its modern-day counterpart, the Pro 2, and created a worthy successor to both that sets a new benchmark for raw power and versatility.”
Part of this sonic versatility comes from the Pro 3’s oscillators: Two voltage controlled oscillators provide traditional triangle, saw, and pulse waves with waveshaping, while a third digital wavetable oscillator provides 32 tables of 16 waves each with wave morphing. Three vintage-style filters shape the sound of these oscillators. Filter 1 is a 4-pole low-pass design based on the Prophet-6 filter. Filter 2 is a classic transistor ladder filter with optional resonance compensation to preserve its low-end punch. Filter 3 is a classic 2-pole, state-variable design based on the OB-6 filter that can be continuously varied between low-pass, notch, and high-pass operation, with an optional band-pass mode. A Drive control provides additional punch to all three filters.
The feature set of the Pro 3 is rounded out with a multimode arpeggiator, three LFOs, four loopable ADSR+delay envelopes, dual digital effects (delays, reverbs, and various time-based effects), tuned feedback, analog distortion, and extensive modulation possibilities. The LFOs, delay, and arpeggiator can be synced to either the internal clock or an external MIDI clock. A programmable position-sensitive touch slider and pitch and mod wheels provide nuanced control over live performance. The synth is also capable of 3-voice paraphonic operation. This makes it possible to play 3-note chords where the three individual oscillators share a common filter and envelopes.
The full-featured sequencer provides 16-track sequences of up to 64 steps, with ratcheting, variable gate and sequence lengths, multiple playback modes, and paraphonic operation. It also syncs to MIDI clock and external audio input, and inputs/outputs control voltages. In addition to notes, sequence tracks can control any parameter in the 32-slot, 171-destination modulation matrix.
Another key feature of the Pro 3 is its four scalable rear-panel control voltage inputs and outputs, which allow compatibility with modular synths. Control voltages are routed from within the modulation matrix and run at audio rates for extreme modulation effects. “We wanted to make the Pro 3 as flexible as possible,” said Smith. “The CVs and deep mod matrix make it a mini modular in its own right — without all the patch cables.”
Sequential is also offering the Pro 3 SE, a special edition version of the synthesizer that puts the same synthesis power into a collector-worthy design that features a tilt-up control panel and full, premium-grade walnut trim.
The Pro 3 standard edition will be available at the end of January with a US MAP of $1,599.
The Pro 3 SE will be available in February with a US MAP of $2,099."
"Enough with washed in reverb Quantum demos! This is the RAW sound of Quantum playing one single wavetable i recently built from the ROM of Sequential Prophet VS synthesizer. This is a direct audio, no effects, just basic realtime tweaking of the wavetable. There are many more built. Check Gearslutz forum, Quantum thread for details (around date Aug 27)."
With its multitimbral architecture and 16 voices of polyphony, Summit is like two Peaks in one instrument, enabling two completely independent patches to be split or layered across the keyboard, or switched between on the fly. And, that’s not the end of it: the addition of dual filters, greatly extended front panel controls, audio input and the same premium-quality five-octave keyboard introduced with our SL MkIII MIDI controller, put Summit in a creative league of its own.
Quite simply the best sounding, most versatile synth we’ve ever made, Summit gives you everything needed to design and play stunning basses, leads, arps, pads, effects, soundbeds and beyond."
Novation // Summit Overview
Published on May 9, 2019 NovationTV
"-CALC- takes you through the features of our flagship two-part 16-voice 61-key polyphonic synth, Summit."
You've seen the Novation Summit SUPERBOOTH demos. The official press release follows (pics below - be sure to click them for the full size shots).
Novation are incredibly proud to announce the release of Summit, their new flagship synthesiser for studio and stage. Built on the same innovative foundations as the critically acclaimed Peak, Summit’s deep sound design capabilities, 16-voice two-part multitimbral engine and intuitive, tactile workflow add up to a synth that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
With its multitimbral architecture and 16 voices of polyphony, Summit is like two Peaks in one instrument, enabling two completely independent patches to be split or layered across the keyboard, or switched between on the fly. But that's by no means the end of the story: the addition of dual filters, greatly extended front panel controls, audio input and, of course, the same premium-quality five-octave keyboard introduced with our SL MkIII MIDI controller, put Summit in a creative league of its own.
At the heart of Summit is the digital New Oxford Oscillator, three of which are employed by every one of its 16 voices. They’re hosted on the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) chip, which not only helps to generate authentic analogue waveforms at incredibly high resolution (24MHz), but also facilitates FM and wavetable synthesis for rich, complex and highly textural raw tones.
The FPGA feeds into a true stereo analogue signal path, comprising dual 12dB/octave filters (switchable between six paired combinations of low-pass, high-pass and band-pass modes), analogue VCAs and three stages of distortion (pre- and post-filter, and post-VCA). It’s the union of flawless analogue-emulating oscillators with genuine analogue filtering and saturation that make Summit sound so fabulously warm and fat.
Summit also boasts a wealth of modulation sources and assignment options, three stunning effects, audio input for routing external sources into those effects (while still using the other multitimbral part as a synth), and an auxiliary output. And the front panel expands greatly on Peak’s layout with the addition of dedicated controls for FM, all LFOs, effects and more.
Quite simply the best sounding, most versatile synth Novation has ever made, Summit gives the serious producer or performer everything they need to design and play stunning basses, leads, arps, pads, effects, soundbeds and beyond."
"This is geode, the new monophonic synth from MeeBlip and CDM. Get your hands dirty with this instrument - and be the first to check it out in our first play."
Update: some info and pics via CDM (click through for additional details and audio demos):
"What we love most about synths is wild, weird, dirty sounds – and getting our hands on them. Our new MeeBlip geode focuses on what we think is the best of our synth line.
The goal, as always: make a box that’s easy to play, and that adds a unique sound and personality that doesn’t exist elsewhere. And then make sure it’s fun to twist knobs and make sounds. That’s geode – coming soon, with an intro price of US$149.95 (plus tax/shipping as applicable)...
geode is the fourth major generation of the MeeBlip line created by engineer James Grahame (Blipsonic), as a collaboration with CDM. We’ve been humbled by the response – the original/SE, anode, and triode have all seen critical acclaim. And users have gotten creative, from mods and hacks (including using open source code and circuits), to musical uses in clubs and experimental shows alike.
MeeBlip geode is the culmination of all of the best features of all those different generations. It’s got the sound features and extra controls from the original (including bringing noise back), the anode/triode filter that remains unlike what’s on other synths, the most cutting waveforms, and all the subtle improvements James has cooked up over the years. It’s still compact, but expands to a palm-sized rectangle with more controls. It’s got great-feeling new knobs and some new tweaks.
And for the first time, we have USB MIDI support, so you can connect and power geode with any computer or compatible mobile device. (MIDI DIN is still there, so your gear from the 80s works, too.)"
Update2: and the official press release with specs:
"MeeBlip geode synthesizer is the newest from Blipsonic, CDM
Raw and digital, dirty and analog - in one compact box.
MeeBlip geode is the latest in a line of award-winning synthesizers from engineer James Grahame (Blipsonic) and CDM (createdigitalmusic.com).
geode has one goal: to let you plug in a box and dial in edgy, cutting, grimy sounds you won’t mistake for anything else. Building on the MeeBlip line’s digital sound features and unique Twin-T analog filter, geode adds more control, more sound twists, and now both USB MIDI and MIDI IN operation.
"The new AtomoSynth Asterion is a full modular synthesizer it means all modules are independent and has none internal connection, it needs to be patched to produce any sound.
All sound generation and control signals are 100% analog. Very beautifull raw, organic, "electrical" sound!!
Very rugged, all metal construction, all potentiometers and jacks fixed to the metal pannel.
High quality full sized and well spaced bakelite knobs.
High quality double sided PCB board. all componets set and soldered by hand by humans!!
High quality components, all potentiometers with dust seal.
Patchbay separated from the knobs to avoid messing with the cables.
104 patch points!! 1/4 inch jacks.
It is an old school style instrument, you need an cv/gate keyborad or cv/gate sequencer to control the Asterion.
Specifications.
3 VCO each one with Tune (10 turn precision potentiometer) and pulse width controls. Pulse and saw waveform. 2 CV inputs and PWM cv input.
2 LFO with square, triangle and saw waveforms.
1 White noise generator.
1 Glide module.
2 audio mixers with 4 inputs and 2 outputs each.
2 VCF each one with Low pass input and High pass input, peak/ressonance control, 2 cv inputs, 2 audio outputs.
3 Envelope generators ADSR type.
2 Audio VCA with output level (volume) control and cv control input.
3 Voltage mixers each one with 2X gain and 2 inputs (input 2 with offset function), mix output and inverted mix output.
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Published on Oct 5, 2017 Olli Virtaperko
"Olli Virtaperko: Ambrosian Delights, concerto for Knifonium and chamber orchestra
Part I, Fat & Filth, the Knifonium Cadenza
Jonte Knif, Knifonium
Recorded 31 March 2017 at Hannikaissali, Jyväskylä, Finland.
Released by Ondine in CD Romer's Gap/three concertos (ODE-13052)"
O. Virtaperko: Ambrosian Delights for Knifonium & Baroque orchestra
Published on Oct 9, 2017 Olli Virtaperko
"Olli Virtaperko: Ambrosian Delights
Concerto for Knifonium & Baroque orchestra (original version)
Jonte Knif, Knifonium soloist
Finnish Baroque Orchestra FIBO, conducted by Ville Matvejeff
I Fat & Filth – Cadenza (0’00-7’30)
II Ambrosian Delights (7’30-12’41)
III Passacaglia (12’41-17’08)
IV More is More (17’08- 27’25)
"Jonte Knif is a genius designer of top-top-top-notch audio equipment. He makes some of the best mastering gear in the world, notably the unparalleled Soma equalizer. A few years ago he decided to put his mastery of electrical engineering and tube topology to the test by building an all-tube analog synthesizer, the Knifonium. The first batch of 6 saw two bought by Hans Zimmer (they are used subtly in the Interstellar soundtrack, and less subtly as a guest synth in the Blade Runner soundtrack). The second batch of 6 brought improvements to the routing and performance-based usability. This is from the second batch, and is currently one of 12 in the world - and the only one in this colour! (all the others are reddish wood, as opposed to this dark stain).
Simply put, this is the biggest sounding raw-sound I've ever heard from an instrument. The all-tube build allows you to overdrive various tube types at various points in the signal chain, layering nonlinearities into complex tones that react to your performance. And it's not just the core sound: there's a ton of performance tools, such as a buttery-smooth XY joystick that's assignable to tons of parameters, velocity sensitivity, aftertouch (also assignable to various things), a very shapeable LFO, and a second full assignable envelope besides the standard VCA. It's honestly absurd. The best instrument I've ever played.
This is a unique, rare piece that will add real tonal power and texture to your work. Take advantage of my momentary lapse in judgement and need for funds and grab this. Jonte will be building more, but the wait time is very long.
Includes the huge power supply, solid flight case, and a full set of extra tubes!"
"My first of many Dreadbox NYX analog synthesizer video demos. This is raw audio, I only used internal reverb effect by Crazy Tube Circuits (Splash Mk3). The melody played via midi is Mauro Picotto - Komodo. The video is a bit off sync with the audio unfortunately so it might look a little off."
"The kagouyar is a semi modular polyphonic virtual analogue synthesizer. It combines ease of use with endless sonic possibilities. Featuring cutting-edge technology, it delivers an analog feel while offering features never seen in vintage synthesizers.
