KNOBCON FOURTEEN GUEST OF HONOR & an Update on Workshops and Informative Sessions

via KNOBCON

"We are delighted to announce Terry Michaels as our esteemed guest of honor. Join us at the annual banquet for his keynote address and to help us honor him.

Terry Michaels, AKA Terry Mikulic, designed the seminal relaxation-core oscillator published in Electronotes 62 by Bernie Hutchins: the highly accurate ENS-76. It is the most influential analogue oscillator design of the modern era. This circuit became the heart of hundreds of synthesisers, including Gene Stopp’s ASM-1, the Synthesizers.com Q106, and the muSonics Vanilla Oscillators. Through his synthesizer work, Terry founded a laser light show company called Laser Artistry in 1976. The company operated as one of America's elite laser show outfits until its final performance on December 31, 1999.

The annual catered banquet will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7pm in the Sapphire Pavilion. Tickets are available as an add-on to your Knobcon attendance. Seating is limited."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Messenger… History Repeating?

video upload by Robbie Fithon

matrix note: don't miss the recently posted Bob Moog 2003 NAMM Interview – Hosted by Frank Serafine

"Is the Moog Messenger the new Model D?
In this video I look at some of the similarities between the two synths, the controversies around their creation and release, and in the way they were initially received by the music press before being embraced by musicians.

I made a whole album with just a Moog Messenger. Check it out here…"



"A whole album created with just one synth, the Moog Messenger. This concept album tells the story of a being who travels to earth to observe humanity and bring a message. Will it be heeded or ignored?

released June 22, 2026"

VECTOR does INDUSTRIAL differently

video upload by Tonepusher

"In this video, I explore the Beetlecrab Vector, vector synthesis and why this unusual synth is so interesting for industrial music and sound design. From the Prophet VS and Korg Wavestation to Trent Reznor, Skinny Puppy, and Front 242, we’ll look at the history of Vector Synthesis and see what makes the Vector such a different way to create sounds. If you’re into synthesizers, industrial music, experimental sound design and weird synths...this one’s for you!"

Synth Presets & Samples►https://www.tonepusher.com/

ARP Foundation Back-to-School Fundraiser to Inspire the Next Generation of Electronic Music Innovators

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"Bleeps and voices from ARPs for All workshops / Music performed by Jim Michmerhuizen / The Bach Works

Campaign runs August 18 through October 13, 2026, seeking $17,500 to acquire and preserve rare pieces of synthesizer history and to grow the Foundation's ARPs for All education program.

LEARN MORE, DONATE & GET some COOL GIFTS!
https://arpchives.org/arp-late-summer...

Support the Foundation — Receive Exclusive Thank-You Gifts

As a thank you for helping preserve synthesizer history, supporters can choose from a variety of exclusive rewards generously donated by members of the synthesizer community. The reward ladder is simple: each level includes everything below it, plus one new gift — so the more you give, the more you receive.

Highlights include:
One-on-one tutorials with renowned artist Lisa Bella Donna
Anthony Marinelli's “Think Like a Synth” course
Cherry Audio software, including the Synth Stack 6
KORG Collection software bundle
Bjooks rewards — PATCH & TWEAK digital subscription and hardcover editions

EVERSYNTH ARP Odyssey t-shirts, ARP magnets, Eurorack blanks, and postcard sets

A drawing for a Day at ARPs for All Studios in Boston

https://arpchives.org/arp-late-summer..."

Hartmann Neuron VS Nuke

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"A bit of a bizarre piece of history, this Hartmann Nuke brings vector synthesis to a whole new level."

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Man Behind Knobcon and STG muSonics

video upload by Ian Dixon

"Suit & Tie Guy joins me for a TDL Synth Chat covering STG muSonics, Knobcon, modular synth history, why he moved away from software-based music making, and the stories behind his hardware design work.

Suit & Tie Guy is the founder of Knobcon and the person behind STG Soundlabs / STG muSonics. In this long-form synth podcast we talk about early computer music, Numerology, hardware sequencing, the move from software to dedicated instruments, module design, the muSonics story, and why in-person synth events still matter.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:49 Suit & Tie Guy joins the show
02:07 Early music work and Mac game scoring
06:31 Numerology and analogue sequencing ideas
08:46 Live rigs, Hammond-style controllers and Manchester
11:35 Moving from software to hardware
14:07 KiCad, modular design and prototyping
17:35 Why dedicated hardware matters
20:40 Building a video studio for music technology
23:20 The Lyall four-voice synth and rare hardware
26:43 STG Soundlabs, mythology and muSonics
30:55 What muSonics is and why the name matters
33:37 Finishing the Moog 900-series idea
36:34 Knobcon and planning a part two
39:32 Synth communities and real-world connections
42:01 Sound design plans for the next chat

Knobcon:
https://www.knobcon.com/

muSonics / STG muSonics store:
https://musonics.square.site/

Suit & Tie Guy’s site also links the muSonics newsletter:
https://suitandtieguy.com/

#SuitAndTieGuy #STGmuSonics #Knobcon #SynthPodcast #ModularSynth #Synthesizer #SoundDesign #TDLSynthChat"

J3PO // History

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"Julian 'J3PO' Pollack performs an original composition, "History," a live DAW-less performance recorded entirely in one take with no overdubs.

Built around a sequencer, hardware synthesizers, and an acoustic (felt) piano, "History" explores the space between composition and improvisation. Every musical decision unfolds in real time, allowing the performance to evolve naturally from a simple repeating pattern into something entirely its own.

Gear used:
• Arturia KeyStep Pro (sequencing)
• Roland TR-8S
• Oberheim Two Voice Pro
• Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M
• Yamaha Acoustic Upright Piano

Effects:
• Meris Mercury 7
• Strymon Timeline
• Strymon El Capistan

Visit https://www.j3po.net for tour dates, music, courses, and original synth preset libraries."

JHaible TAU Phaser 'The Pipe' 2026 by Random*Source

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Today I am proud to show off the new TAU 2026 phaser edition from JHaible x Random*Source for Eurorack. Obviously the core 'Pipe' sound didn't change because it needs to remain faithful to its history and heritage. It's not supposed to sound different from the previous R*S version. But it does. This is because the TAU '26 features two inputs and two CV inputs instead of one. Also the inverted (-) V/OCT is dropped. Visually, the panel now matches the Serge Modular line so it neatly blends in with your Serge 3U gear.

So is it a 20 pole- or an 18 pole phaser? Is it even important? No. What's truly important is the PIPE configuration of 20 transistors in a classic ladder topology. Your input will actually flow through the circuitry like air in a tube and I think it's absolutely stunning when you run noise through it. However, when you bring a lush pad, the TAU will redefine 'lush' into a pseudo stereo swirl that doesn't make you seasick.

When you crank up the feedback and hit it with some trigger 'stick' or chain, the TAU will make remarkable percussion. The Tau is also available in 4U. It's still a Haible, but it carries the 'Serge Modular' branding and comes with an extra mixing panel.

00:00 Introduction and history
02:55 Using the TAU on a synth voice + noise
05:37 TAU phasing on the Serge Medusa
07:45 TAU and triggers (w. MakeNoise Resynthesizer)
09:21 Non-competitive compare with XAOC Kamieniec V1
10:16 TAU on Plaits
13:44 A trip down Memory Lane w. Mellotron Micro"

Analogue Solutions DJMC 2000? - CUSTOM DIY CASE

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

via this Reverb listing

"Analogue Solutions DJMC — Rare Dual Joystick MIDI Controller (Discontinued / Cult UK Gear)

WITH ORIGINAL DOCS- YOU'RE GONNA NEED THOSEAnalogue Solutions DJMC — Rare Dual Joystick MIDI Controller (Discontinued / Cult UK Gear)

WITH ORIGINAL DOCS- YOU'RE GONNA NEED THOSE

iNSTALLED IN CUSTOM DIY CASE , midi IN, OUT AND THRU

A genuine piece of underground electronic music history: the DJMC by Analogue Solutions, one of the UK's most respected true-analog synth builders. Long before "expressive control" was a marketing buzzword, Analogue Solutions built this twin-joystick MIDI controller with crossfader for performers who wanted real, tactile, two-axis-at-once control over their sound — no touchpads, no menus, just raw hands-on movement.

This thing was never mass produced. Analogue Solutions has since shifted entirely toward their acclaimed eurorack and analog synth lineup (Colossus, Leipzig, Telemark, Nyborg, and more), and the DJMC has completely vanished from their current catalog — it doesn't show up anywhere on their site today. they almost never surface secondhand. If you've been hunting for one of these, you already know how rare a find this is.

Perfect for:

Collectors of obscure UK analog gear
Live performers wanting expressive dual-axis control (filter/resonance, X/Y FX, pitch/mod)
Modular heads running MIDI-to-CV for joystick-driven patching
VJs/lighting rigs that read standard MIDI CC
A genuine, hard-to-find piece from a small builder with a serious cult following in the analog synth world — grab it while it's here, because another one might not turn up for a long time

iNSTALLED IN CUSTOM DIY CASE , midi IN, OUT AND THRU

A genuine piece of underground electronic music history: the DJMC by Analogue Solutions, one of the UK's most respected true-analog synth builders. Long before "expressive control" was a marketing buzzword, Analogue Solutions built this twin-joystick MIDI controller with crossfader for performers who wanted real, tactile, two-axis-at-once control over their sound — no touchpads, no menus, just raw hands-on movement.

This thing was never mass produced. Analogue Solutions has since shifted entirely toward their acclaimed eurorack and analog synth lineup (Colossus, Leipzig, Telemark, Nyborg, and more), and the DJMC has completely vanished from their current catalog — it doesn't show up anywhere on their site today. they almost never surface secondhand. If you've been hunting for one of these, you already know how rare a find this is.

Perfect for:

Collectors of obscure UK analog gear
Live performers wanting expressive dual-axis control (filter/resonance, X/Y FX, pitch/mod)
Modular heads running MIDI-to-CV for joystick-driven patching
VJs/lighting rigs that read standard MIDI CC
A genuine, hard-to-find piece from a small builder with a serious cult following in the analog synth world — grab it while it's here, because another one might not turn up for a long time"

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Synth room walk through

video upload by Goldsmiths Music

"The studios house a vast collection of vintage and state of the art electronic music instruments, equipment and facilities to suit to musicians, researchers, and artists with diverse creative practices and requirements.

In the studio’s 60 year history we have acquired a substantial assemblage of rare and unique electronic music-making, instruments, tools and technologies which have been at the centre of research projects across the department for many years.

Synthesisers & Drum Machines include:

CLICK FOR MORE »

MATRIXSYNTH Turns 21

Yes, MATRIXSYNTH is now old enough to legally have a drink in the US!

Joking aside, MATRIXSYNTH in its current form started on July 20, 2005 with this post. Since then there has been only a single day without a post, which occured back on that dreadful day of August 6, 2005. I can't link to it because there isn't a post to link to. :) Sorry for the bad humor. That said, since then, I haven't missed a single day posting on the site including holidays, vacations, and two bouts of eye surgery due to a retinal tear and detachement in 2025. It was painless, but scary, and now all is good.

For those of you not in the know, MATRIXSYNTH is a one-man operation, run by your host, me, matrix. Every single post has gone up by hand - there is no automation and definitely no AI. Including this post, there have been at least 260,897 posts to date. There have actually been been more but some have been taken down due to either videos or audio dissapearing over the years, which brings me to a point: please don't remove your videos and audio demos off the web. You might think they are no longer relevant or you might even be embarrased by them as you think things have progressed and they no longer meet your standards, but they are relevant. They are part of history and will always be worth a look-back in context. Who you are today isn't defined by what you put up years ago. Trust me, I am often embarrased when I look back at some of my older posts. I'll likely be embarrased by this one. That said, please keep your old content up! It's a bit of synth history, and it's a look back at what you felt worth sharing back when you posted it. It doesn't define you today. It's like throwing away old family photographs because you are now older. That and there is always something interesting to find in older videos. A timbre from a given synth, an experience relevant in time.

That brings me to something I wanted to clarify for those that may be wondering: in general I prefer to keep myself out of posts for fear of influencing or even ruining the experience for others. I feel it is my job to present content w/o bias, and I prefer to post things as they are presented by the person or entity that created the content to begin with. Not influencing how others might or might not experience what goes up is a conscious decision. I realized over time it's akin to talking through music.

What I love about running MATRIXSYNTH is getting to share what's new to me on a daily basis. I have a policy of only posting specific content once. That means out of 260,897+ posts to date, nearly every single one is unique. It's also great to realize that there have been multiple things to actually feature every single day of the year, shared on the day itself, over the past 21 years!!! That's saying something, not about me or the site, but about the community.

The original MATRIXSYNTH actually started back in 1997. Click to see the monstrocity. That site will be 29 this year! The site was my personal portal into the world of synths. On the left were a list of sites I visited back then that would open in the right window frame when clicked on. Unfortunately that functionality is no longer supported in modern browsers; however you can right-click any link and open it in a new window. It's worth a look back at what synth sites were around back in 1997. Remember, YouTube didn't come out until December of 2005. MATRIXSYNTH in its current format, the blog, came out before YouTube. Think about that for a bit. This site has tracked the personal world of synthesis since before YouTube came out! Also, you might notice the old site came out well before The Matrix movies. The alias matrix, and hence MATRIXSYNTH, comes from my first synthesizer, the Oberheim MATRIX-6 which I purchased new in 1986 and still own to this day.

OK, this post is long enough. I want to end it by thanking the supporters of the site, the banner sponsors of the site, and most importantly, you, my readers. This might surprise some people, but I sometimes feel irrelevant, like why am I even doing this? I then remind myself I do it for the sake of doing it. I want to capture a bit of what's out there on a daily basis. I want the site to be a log (a weblog - blog) of synth history. I started back in 2005, and ever since that day I've had something to post, except for that solemn day on August 6, 2005. (P.S. I went on vacation that day and didn't think there would be internet access, let alone that I would be posting every single day after that - imagine not being able to say "I never missed a single day!" for the rest of your life because of one single day! "If it wasn't for that day!..") I think I will be doing this until the day I'm no longer here, and although I know I would be doing this regardless of whether I had an audience or not, knowing I do have an audience makes a world of difference. And thank you to all of you out there sharing your synth content. You are creating SYNTH HISTORY!!!

P.S. I want to give a special shout out to Amanda of CATSYNTH who not only is a supporting member of the site, but was kind enough to remember my anniversary and reach out to me today. Thank you!

P.P.S. It was CATSYNTH's 20th Anniversary yesterday. Happy Anniversary CATSYNTH! :)

Why Everyone Wanted an E-mu Emulator (The Story Behind the Icon)

video upload by Ian Dixon

"The E-mu Emulator is one of the most influential musical instruments ever made. From Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode to Genesis, Rush and countless film composers, the Emulator helped define the sound of the 1980s. In this episode of TDL Synthchat, I'm joined by Peter James Steven from the Pro Synth Network to explore the complete history of the Emulator family, from the original Emulator I through the legendary Emulator II, Emulator III, Emax, Proteus and beyond.

Peter owns several original Emulators and even helped develop the Emulator 5 "Vampire Rack", giving him a unique insight into the evolution of E-mu's groundbreaking samplers. We discuss the iconic string sounds, why the Emulator still has such a devoted following, how it compares with the Fairlight, and why many musicians still believe nothing quite captures the original hardware.

If you're interested in vintage synthesizers, classic samplers, 80s music production or electronic music history, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

CLICK FOR MORE »

REDSHIFT 6. The most unjust history in the synth world.

video upload by Folia Soundstudio

"Hellooo, synth freakz! I finnally found time to tweak Redshift 6 for you. This is one of the most misunderstood, misunderstood synths of all time. And justice needs to be done to it, because it's just bonkers & amazing. Enjoy!

0:00 Inttro
1:21 The thing with Thomann
4:37 Early access hardware synth?
6:19 First look
10:28 Demon Core Oscilaltor
12:37 Filter and (amazing!) drive
15:48 New feature: math
20:05 A bit more presets
23:28 The justice has come?"

UVI Introduces Synth Anthology 5

video uploads by UVI

Playlist:

1. UVI Synth Anthology 5 | Trailer
2. UVI Synth Anthology 5 | Overview
3. UVI Synth Anthology 5 | Showcase

"Synth Anthology 5 - A Synthesizer Tour de Force
https://www.uvi.net/synth-anthology-5

300 synthesizers from every era, manufacturer, and synthesis type, all carefully sampled, now finding a unique creative dimension in a dual-layer architecture.
This new version comes with 100 new hardware synthesizers, each captured with the same hands-on attention to detail you've come to expect from UVI. With the new synths come 1,000+ new sound layers, 16,000+ new samples, and 300 new creative presets to explore, alongside powerful feature updates and engine optimizations.

The entire history of electronic sound, now at your fingertips.
Also included in SonicPass ➡️ https://www.uvi.net/sonicpass"

EEH / SSB Banana 6-voice Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer

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

via this Reverb listing

Ad scan below.

"In near mint condition, with factory MIDI. Voice boards and PSU recapped, calibrated. The autotune function has been deactivated because we have calibrated the filters to be able to self-oscillate and apparently that is incompatible with the autotune check on startup, but the synth is fully tuned. Copy of user manual (in german), schematics and docs included. 220V version.


The Banana is a 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer that, in terms of design, strongly resembles the famous Oberheim OB-Xa, but it is not an OB-Xa clone. It features an OB-Xa-like voice architecture with two CEM3340 VCOs, a switchable 24dB lowpass/highpass filter based on the SSM2044 chip, and CEM3360 VCAs and CEM3310 Envelope Generators for the six voices. This provides a rich, warm analog sound that is still relevant in modern music productions. The Banana allows for sound editing with the versatile 2 ENVs (envelopes), similar to those found in the OB-Xa, making it a powerful instrument for both complex soundscapes and powerful leads and basslines.

The Banana was produced in West Germany by Electronic Engineering Hoffmann (EEH), in collaboration with Synthesizer Studio Bonn (SSB), and it is the only synthesizer ever released by EEH and distributed by SSB. In 1983, Electronic Engineering Hoffmann (EEH) completed the development of the Banana in collaboration with Synthesizer Studio Bonn (SSB), the world’s first specialized synthesizer store, located in West Germany. SSB had already made a name for itself by creating custom sequencers, including the Synthorama, which was used by Kraftwerk to control their Minimoogs on the legendary Trans-Europe Express.

Production of the Banana ran from 1983 to approximately 1985, after which the synth was discontinued. Only 100 to 300 units were made. This makes it a particularly rare model for collectors or musicians looking for a unique synth.

This model offers a unique opportunity for the serious synthesizer enthusiast or collector who is searching for a rare instrument with historical value.

Don’t miss out on the chance to own a piece of synthesizer history!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Cherry Audio Ensoniq ESQ-1 Synthesizer

Playlist:

1. Cherry Audio | Ensoniq ESQ-1 Synthesizer
2. Cherry Audio | Soniq Odysseys for ESQ-1 Synthesizer
3. Cherry Audio | Introduction to ESQ-1 Synthesizer with Tim Shoebridge "Ensoniq ESQ-1 by Cherry Audio is a landmark virtual synthesizer that captures the essence and iconic sounds of the classic ESQ-1 polyphonic hybrid digital/analog synthesizer, perfectly timed for celebration of its 40th anniversary.

https://cherryaudio.com/products/esq-...

This plug-in features the original 32 waveforms, allowing it to faithfully recreate the complex, evolving, and richly textured sounds of the 1986 ESQ-1 in software form. Additionally, it comes with advanced features designed for today's musicians and producers. Its elegant design incorporates extensive modulation options, rhythmic pattern generation, and enhanced performance capabilities through polyphonic aftertouch and MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE). Ensoniq ESQ-1 also features a library of nearly 400 exceptional presets, including the original factory presets from the hardware, highlighting the best of both classic and all-new sounds.

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Cherry Audio partnered with Creative Technology, the current owner of the Ensoniq intellectual property, to obtain official licensing for the original 32 ESQ-1 waveforms for this release. Equally important, we meticulously emulated the sonic signature and behavior of the original hardware's legendary analog filters provided by the renowned CEM 3379 IC. We also precisely recreated its four DCAs, four independent multistage envelopes, three LFOs, amplitude modulation, oscillator sync, and expanded its modulation system. Its accuracy is such that the ESQ-1 software supports drag-and-drop import of individual patches and patch banks from ESQ-1 SysEx files, or directly via MIDI from the hardware. Additionally, the software can export SysEx patch files that are compatible with the original hardware."

And two supporting member user videos:

Ensoniq ESQ-1 by Cherry Audio | A detailed look at a 1980s synth classic!

video upload by CatSynth TV

Patreon: / catsynth | https://shop.catsynth.com | https://ko-fi.com/catsynth

"This popular synthesizer from the mid-1980s combined single-cycle digital waveform oscillators with analog filters and amplifiers. Abundant modulation sources allowed for dynamically changing sounds and was very much in tune with the overall tone of the era.

00:00 Introduction
00:31 History of the Ensoniq ESQ-1
01:33 Overview of the Ensoniq ESQ-1 by Cherry Audio
03:14 Original factory presets
05:07 Play panel
06:12 Oscillator 1 and DCA 1
11:04 Mixing oscillators
15:15 Oscillator AM and Sync
19:27 Filter
23:25 Amplifier: DCA 4 and Envelope 4
25:40 Modulation Matrix and Macros
32:31 Voice modes
34:17 Arpeggiator
37:33 Sequencer
41:58 Effects
44:56 Dual layer modes (and dual effects busses)
51:52 ESQ-1 Presets
51:14 Andrew Longhurst ESQ-1 Collection
57:23 Soniq Odyssey for ESQ-1
59:34 Conclusion

Cherry Audio Ensoniq ESQ-1 Industrial ARPs Virtual Vintage Synthesizer VST Rik Marston

video upload by Rik Marston Official

"'Cherry Audio Ensoniq ESQ-1 Industrial ARPs!'
Virtual Synthesizer demo by Rik Marston
*Watch in HD!* *NO Talking!* *Turn it up!*

My Etsy store: AhnyxianSoundDesign
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AhnyxianSou..."

PPG 1002 with Antonus 2600 and Step Brother session 2

video upload by Antonus

"Antonus System - 2600 & Step Brother + PPG 1002

We lucky enough to have the reissue of the PPG 1002 in our studio for a few days—one of the rarest and most sought-after synthesizers in music history.

We absolutely had to take advantage of its stay, so we paired it with our Antonus System to make some music and explore what this amazing synth can do.

In this patch, you can hear the full setup interacting. The sequence starts off really quiet and atmospheric, but then it evolves into an absolute groove that will make you want to move.

We hope you enjoy this patch! Let us know what you think in the comments below.

🎥 Filmmaker: Micaela Villafañe
🎛️ Studio: Resonite Art Factory"

The Story Behind the 3rd Wave Synth - Interview with Bob Coover

video upload by Music Journey with Paul

"The Story Behind the 3rd Wave Synth - Interview with Bob Coover

Robert Coover, founder of Groove Synthesis and the mind behind the 3rd Wave synthesizer, shares the story of how this instrument came to life at Superbooth 2025 event in Berlin.

In this 9-minute interview he talks about:
working with Dave Smith at Sequential,
why he wanted to revive the iconic PPG Wave sound,
how four synthesis methods (wavetable, analog, FM, sampling) came together in the 3rd Wave,
the challenges of creating a high-end synth as a small team,
the evolution from the keyboard version to the desktop module,
what’s next for Groove Synthesis – a new product so unique it may even get a patent.

💡 If you’re into synth history, sound design, or want to know what drives independent makers to create instruments at this level – this is for you.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:23 Working with Dave Smith at Sequential
02:07 The ambition behind the 3rd Wave
03:57 The start of Bob's career
04:38 The launch of the 3rd Wave and Groove Synethesis
05:28 3rd Wave Keyboard and Desktop
06:28 Expanding the 3rd Wave with sampling
07:19 About the built-in sequencer
08:15 The new mystery product coming in 2026!"

Did Moog ruin synths? Suzanne Ciani reveals analog's original sin.

video upload by SpectreVision Radio and Phantom Power Podcast

"Today we talk to modular synth pioneer Suzanne Ciani and MIT Spatial Sound Lab researcher Kamran V. Suzanne and Kamran both love quadraphonic sound, and they have a new quad release coming out on June 4th called Ciani/Orkest. They are on a mission to make quadraphonic music accessible to both musicians and to listeners, and in this interview, Kamran will explain how, you, with no special equipment, can listen to their new album in quad.
We'll also get into how analog synthesizers actually work, the early history of Buchla synths versus Moog synths, why Suzanne thinks keyboards diminish the potential of synths, and how Suzanne designed some of the most recognizable sounds of the 1980s.
Suzanne Ciani is a Grammy Award nominated composer, electronic musician, and neoclassical recording artist who has released over 20 solo albums, including Seven Waves and The Velocity of Love. Her work has been featured in Hollywood films, video games, and countless commercials. She was inducted into the first class of keyboard magazine's Hall of Fame, alongside Bob Moog, Don Buchla, and Dave Smith. And she was the subject of the feature documentary, A Life in Waves.
Kamran V is an arts technologist and MIT Spatial Sound Lab researcher, and he's a National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient. He's worked at Interscope Records, produced immersive music releases for Nine Inch Nails, Sting, and Beck, and he ran the music tech fest, Moogfest. He's also on the board of Dub Lab.

Cited Media:

Music & Albums:
⁠Suzanne Ciani - Ciani/Orkest (2025)⁠⁠Suzanne Ciani - Live Quadraphonic (2016)⁠⁠Suzanne Ciani - The Velocity of Love (1986)⁠⁠Suzanne Ciani - Seven Waves (1982)⁠⁠Wendy Carlos - Switched-On Bach (1968)⁠⁠Stevie Wonder - Talking Book (1972)⁠⁠The Rentals⁠
Film & TV:
⁠3-2-1 Contact, PBS (1980–1988)⁠⁠Brett Whitcomb - A Life in Waves (2017)⁠⁠Suzanne Ciani on David Letterman (1980)⁠
Events & Festivals:
⁠Moogfest⁠⁠AES Convention⁠⁠Amsterdam Dance Event⁠⁠NAMM⁠
Tools & Plugins:
⁠Kamran V - QUARK Plugin (free)⁠
Record Labels & Archives:
⁠Finders Keepers Records⁠

Chapters:

0:00 Intro
5:45 Meet the Guests
6:28 Sound Design & Commercials
13:45 High Art vs Low Culture
19:03 Ciani Orkest
24:42 Moog vs Buchla
26:36 How Modular Synths Work
36:15 Quadrophonic Sound
45:13 The QUARK Plugin
50:24 Seven Waves"

Yamaha FX-1 Vintage full size Dual 61-Key (one owner) good condition

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

via this eBay listing

"The Yamaha FX-1 Vintage full size Dual 61-Key is a rare and sought-after synthesizer with a unique feature: two 61-key boards plus a 32 mini-key third board. This semi-weighted keyboard offers a full pedal organ synth experience with MIDI input/output ports for connectivity. Made in Japan by Yamaha, this hybrid analog/digital instrument has a display screen for easy navigation. With only one owner and in good condition, this vintage gem is sure to delight any musician looking to add a piece of musical history to their collection. Includes stool and pedals. Not used in many years. Has been in dry storage."

Likely in a van down by the river...