End (Dirtywave M8 Tracker + TEO-5)

video upload by The Way Up

"Managed to snag a TEO-5 just in the nick of time before tariffs hit and it jumped in price. I've been eyeing it for a while - I love that lush Oberheim sound, and it's amazing for synthwave, ambient, and dark wave sounds. All synths here were from the TEO-5, sampled and edited a bit on the M8. Threw a bit of ozone on at the end."

Huge #ambient pad on the #oberheim TEO-5 #synth

video upload by The Way Up

"I'm still wrapping my head around sound design on this synth, but I love it! It's capable of such lush, organic sounds, and it sounds absolutely huge. This is straight out of the TEO-5 through onboard effects - no external processing whatsoever."

Synthesizers.com Joins synthCube

Some news sent my way via John L Rice

via synthCube on modwiggler:

"We are happy to announce here (first) that Synthesizers.com will be joining our portfolio of synthCube brands here just outside of Boston. We spent the weekend packing all of the assets, inventory, demo units etc into trucks and will be taking the next few weeks to get everything set up again in our shop. We owe much gratitude to Roger Arrick for the initial effort to design and start the company in the first place, to James Allen and others who took on Dotcom when Roger passed it along to them, and to the most recent owners for their stewardship of Dotcom in the interim. If you're a designer / maker of dotcom/MU 5U modules, we hope that this helps re-energize interest in your products too... frankly, the more options that customers have, the better for those customers and for the format itself. Part of how we will measure success is NOT by how many makers we put out of business, rather it will be how many makers will now grow faster, and how many new makers might come in and create more dotcom/MU 5U innovations? We'll post more details about future plans here and in other channels when we have some time, and we look forward to hearing your feedback, ideas, and suggestions on how best to inspire and support the current generations of Dotcom users and how to improve the products and solutions for the next generation as well. We know Dotcom/5U won't ever be as popular as Eurorack, and that's OK; BUT we are equally confident that there will always be a place for high quality, large format, serious synth instruments and modules and 5U will be around for the long haul. How does that saying go? 'We liked the product so much we bought the company.'

Monika and Chris"

Sounds from Superbooth 2025: Knas Ekdahl FAR

video upload by Perfect Circuit

"We're on the ground in Berlin at the year's biggest synth event. Stay up to date with all the latest gear news, announcements, and preorder info on our Superbooth coverage hub."

Pictured left: Knas / Ekdahl Polygamist (top); FAR prototype (middle); and a trust ARP Axxe (bottom) from a 2024 interview with Knas.

"Karl Ekdahl, also known as Knas, is a Swedish-born, US-based artist and electronic musical instrument luthier. He designed the widely-loved esoteric analog desktop effect—the expressive spring reverb, Ekdahl Moisturizer. This year at Superbooth, Karl introduced a wild-looking electro-acoustic instrument called FAR. These instruments are based on the principle of extracting different harmonics from a vibrating string by precisely controlling the speed and pressure of a bowing wheel. Naturally, we were eager to learn more about this development.

In our interview, Karl provides a unique look into the world of Knas, exploring its history, ethos, and philosophy. He discusses his approach to instrument design, the concept and technology behind FAR, and other instruments created by Knas. Additionally, he highlights the important role of Baltimore's artistic community in his work, continuously emphasizing along the way that Knas is and has always meant to be more than just a gear company."

You can find the interview here.

Meet the Cyber G: Not a guitar, but a New Way to Play

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Cyber G Guitar

Spotted this one via this listing, some pics capture below. See this review on Reddit for notes on the MIDI support.

CLICK FOR MORE »

SSB X-Flow FM Synthesizer

video uploads by Synthesizer Studio Berlin

Playlist (use the player controls to skip around):

1. Gnossienne no 1 X FLOW EDIT
2. X FLOW DEEP DIVE INTO XY FM
3. X FLOW TUTORIAL
4. THE POWER OF X FLOW MPE

SSB X-Flow FM Synthesizer
available at:
https://www.synthesizerstudioberlin.c...

A Revolution in Visual FM Synthesis

Experience FM synthesis like never before with the SSB X-Flow, a groundbreaking instrument for Native Instruments Reaktor.

X Flow reimagines FM with an innovative visual approach, replacing complex matrices with intuitive XY fields, putting the power of FM directly at your fingertips.

Key Features:

Visual FM Matrix:Ditch the confusing charts! X-Flow uses four XY fields to represent the FM matrix, providing a clear and direct way to shape your sound. Each operator's modulation source is visually displayed, making FM synthesis more accessible and creative.

Expressive Performance: X-Flow is designed for performance. Modulate your FM creations live with your mouse, MIDI controllers, or even with the nuanced control of Mono-, Poly-Aftertouch or MPE, for unparalleled sonic expression.

Deep Modulation Capabilities: Dive into a world of intricate sound design with extensive modulation options. X-Flow features 4 FM Envelopes per voice, 2 LFOs per voice (which can be polyphonic, monophonic, key synced or one-shot) for Pitch, Amp, and Filter modulation, and 8 XY LFOs per voice to further animate the FM matrix.

Powerful Sound Engine: X-Flow boasts a 24-voice engine with 4 operators, each offering 5 selectable waveforms (Sine, Tri, Saw, Pulse, Square). Shape your sound further with a dedicated filter section (including Low Pass and High Pass options) and an Overdrive effect for added grit and character.
(16 Voices for the MPE version)

Advanced Control: Fine-tune your sound with detailed controls including individual operator Pitch and Level, voice panning with randomization, and comprehensive Voice Mode options for polyphony, monophony, unison, and detuning.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing the AS Vocoder: True Analogue Vocoding from Analogue Solutions

video upload by Analogue Solutions

"The AS Vocoder is available as a standalone unit, or as an upgrade to your Colossus synthesizer.

The sounds heard in this video were made with the Colossus synthesizer and the AS Vocoder. Let this video serve as our official announcement. More demos to come!

What is the AS Vocoder?

Analogue Solutions proudly introduces the AS Vocoder, a powerful, full-analogue vocoder that blends authentic vintage inspiration with modern reliability. Designed and built with precision, the AS Vocoder brings the distinctive warmth and character of classic analogue vocoding into contemporary studio environments.

This vocoder is not a digital emulation—it’s the real deal, offering 100% analogue audio paths and modulation circuits. While the AS Vocoder draws design inspiration from vintage classics of the 1970s, such as iconic vocoder units used in groundbreaking electronic music, all circuits within the AS Vocoder are original Analogue Solutions designs.

The AS Vocoder analyses the spectral content of speech or any audio signal and uses it to modulate internal oscillators or external sound sources. It provides musicians, producers, and sound designers with the legendary vocoder effect, capable of generating harmonically rich, robotic, or melodic vocal textures.

There are no gimmicks, just pure, unadulterated analogue vocoding crafted in a rugged enclosure designed for studio integration and live performance reliability. With a premium build quality that includes a solid metal case and precision-engineered components, the AS Vocoder ensures durability and consistency for years to come.

The AS Vocoder will be available as a Colossus upgrade and as a standalone unit.

A Brief Word on Vocoders

The vocoder has long been a cornerstone of electronic music, offering a unique way to merge voice and machine. First brought into the musical spotlight by Kraftwerk in the 1970s, its robotic vocal textures became part of the sonic DNA of their work. Artists like Herbie Hancock and Daft Punk later embraced vocoders as creative tools to shape melodies and rhythms, not just voices—expanding their role in music production far beyond novelty.

With 12 bands of filtering, flexible routing, and envelope follower outputs, vocoders like the AS Vocoder allow you to impose the spectral content of one signal—often the human voice—onto another, such as a harmonically rich synth tone. This creates the classic “talking synth” effect, but also opens the door to more experimental textures when fed drums, noise, or sequenced tones. The AS Vocoder makes this process hands-on, with CV options and modular access points designed for deep integration and patch experimentation.

The AS Vocoder brings this classic effect into the Analogue Solutions ecosystem with true analogue character and modern usability. Designed as a standalone unit or to integrate directly into the Colossus console, it adds a new dimension to sound design—perfectly complementing Colossus’s vast modulation and audio-routing capabilities. Whether for vocals, drums, or synth lines, the AS Vocoder opens up a new layer of sonic potential."

PlayFader ‘mnml’ Cr24 Edition & SUPERBOOTH Sale

via Play All Day

"PlayFader ‘mnml’ Cr24 edition

Featuring a black recycled ABS PlayCase, custom black flat keycaps and black chrome faders.

The Cr24 is a sleek re-interpretation of the original Yellow PlayFader and shares the same innovative functionality. The green LEDs of the main display finish off the design in style while being super-clear in the darkest and most demanding of situations.

The Cr24 is currently a very limited run.

All the PlayFader button colours from the original are now represented on the front panel, allowing you to use colour to learn your way around the functions.

Synesthesia is when you hear music, but you see shapes or you hear a word or a name and instantly see a colour. The choice of colours and words in PlayFader’s design are intended to create a truly intuitive user experience.

This gives PlayFader many of the qualities that make a great instrument - A simple and immediate user interface with deep and flexible functionality that endlessly rewards exploration and play with fun… and great music!

Available now. 10% off all items until the end of SUPERBOOTH25"

Additional info on the sale:

"It’s SUPERBOOTH25!

To celebrate, there’s 10% off PlayFader and anything else from our web store from now until the end of Superbooth25.

This applies to both the original yellow PlayFader and new ‘mnml Cr24’ edition 💛🖤

Although we don’t have a stand this year it does mean that I get to go and nerd out, just like everybody else!

It’s such an amazing event to catch up with friends, hear amazing music and, of course, explore all the new things that go ping, and bleep and squelch…

Sorry to anyone who wanted to stop by our table and see the new ‘mnml Cr24’ edition in real life. I’m around and I’ll have one with me so if you’d like to see it/try it, message me on instagram and we can figure something out ✌️

PlayFader owners!
If you’re there and want to pick up one of the new Combo Cards, I’ll have a few with me, hit me up and say hi!

So… for the next few days…

💛 It’s a celebration of all that’s great about Superbooth25 💛

💛 and 10% off PlayFader 💛"

PPG's Superbooth Teaser Is for a New PPG 1002 Desktop Synthesizer

video upload by Cornel Hecht

"The PPG 1002, one of the rarest and most sought-after synthesizers in music history, is back as a original PPG hardware synthesizer. The PPG 1002 was, alongside the modular synthesizers, one of the last fully analog PPG synthesizer. It laid the foundation for later digital milestones such as the PPG 360, the Wave 2, and the Wave 2.2."

Follow-up to this post.

"Born for a new era"

"THE LEGEND LIVES ON

The PPG 1002, one of the rarest and most sought-after synthesizers in music history, is back as a original PPG hardware synthesizer.

The PPG 1002 was, alongside the modular synthesizers, one of the last fully analog PPG synthesizer. It laid the foundation for later digital milestones such as the PPG 360, the Wave 2, and the Wave 2.2.

The PPG 1002 reissue is now available for preorder and is strictly limited to only 102 units. The PPG 1002 is more than just a synthesizer – it represents a symbiosis of technology and ecological responsibility.

Based on Wolfgang Palm's original handwritten drawings, the PPG 1002 returns as an exclusive reissue – meticulously reconstructed and crafted with the highest precision.

This limited edition preserves the authentic analog circuitry of the original, bringing the legendary PPG sound to a new generation of musicians and collectors.

Unlike the original keyboard version, the reissue appears in the classic console-style housing, staying true to the design of the original 1002.

The PPG 1002 is an exclusive reissue of the legendary analog synthesizer designed by Wolfgang Palm in 1975. The total price is 9,999 Euros excluding shipping costs.

Production begins after your pre-order and a deposit of €4999.

The remaining €5000 is due before delivery."

SPECS

- 2 analog oscillators with transpose switches and mixable waveforms from triangle to saw

- Oscillator 2 also offers square wave and a sub-oscillator

- Oscillator 2 can be synchronized

- Noise generator for audio and modulation

- A ring modulator can be switched on instead of the noise generator

- Routable LFO with pulse and triangle waveforms

- 24dB low-pass filter with resonance

- Voltage-controlled amplifier

- 2 easy edit envelopes

- Switchable modulators for each module, allowing for an almost modular-like routing

- CV and MIDI inputs

- external precision low noise power supply

- Download the manual [pdf captured as images below]

www.ppgsynth.com

You can find previous posts featuring the original PPG 1002 here.

"THE PPG STORY
In 1975, Wolfgang Palm made synthesizer history with the PPG 1002. An early prototype featured retractable patch cables, but in the final production model, these were replaced with rotary switches for more versatile modulation. A key advantage of the 1002 over its competitors was its temperature-compensated VCO circuit, now further refined in this reissue, preserving its iconic sound.

The PPG 1020 (1977) introduced digital oscillators, paving the way for the 360 Wavecomputer in 1979, which marked the beginning of wavetable synthesis. This was followed by milestones such as the PPG Wave 2.3 (1984) with MIDI and the PPG Waveterm B (1985).

After PPG was dissolved in 1987, Wolfgang Palm collaborated with Steinberg and later co-developed the Waldorf Microwave (1989). In the 2000s, he released software synthesizers under his own name, including the PPG Wavegenerator, Wavemapper, Infinite Pro, and Phonem. In 2020, Palm transferred the PPG technologies to Brainworx, which became part of Native Instruments in 2023.

At the same time, Cornel Hecht, part of the PPG team since 2012, reviewed Wolfgang Palm’s original handwritten schematics of the PPG 1002. His mission: to faithfully bring the analog circuitry of 1975 into the present. The first prototype impressed Native Instruments, laying the foundation for this exclusive reissue.
Wolfgang Palm: "What's labeled PPG should also be PPG inside! That was and still is my motto. The new edition of the PPG 1002 is based on the original PPG circuitry."

But this reissue is more than just a synthesizer, it’s a fusion of technology and ecological responsibility. The PPG 1002 is produced CO₂-neutral, and every purchase supports sustainable environmental projects, such as Liquid Sky’s reforestation initiative in Portugal. This way, the future of sound remains not only authentic, but also green."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Frap Tools Magnolia, 8-voice analog thru-zero FM polyphonic synthesizer | Project update

video upload by Frap Tools

Click CC at the bottom of the player for subtitles.

"Magnolia will be an 8-voice analog through-zero FM synthesizer, which we built to create sounds from the modular world through a classic keyboard interface.

Waveshapers, wavefolders, and, most importantly, analog linear through-zero FM unlock every sound associated with the 'West Coast' synthesis world. But that's not all! Fat resonant filters and powerful analog oscillators allow more traditional subtractive synthesis sounds as well.

A vast and flexible modulation section encourages complex patches with the twist of a knob, but it is always easy to keep track of what's going on thanks to LEDs on every source and destination. An arpeggiator and a sequencer complement the machine.

We are announcing and showcasing two pre-production units. We aim to release the final version at the end of summer, and it will show some differences. It may have a more refined interface, it will feature digital effects, and some of the features currently under evaluation may disappear.

We've been working on it for the last year, and we're eager to show it to the world!"

Follow-up to this post where you'll find additonal pics.

Update: press release follows:

Frap Tools to take on high-end keyboard synthesizer market with ‘West Coast’ MAGNOLIA making its public debut at SUPERBOOTH25

MEDOLLA, ITALY: Frap Tools, hitherto known as a manufacturer of Eurorack modules and accessories alongside professional audio compressors in the 500-Series format, is proud to venture into the world of high-end keyboard synthesizers with its introduction of MAGNOLIA — announced as an 8-VOICE ANALOG THRU-ZERO FM SYNTHESIZER built to unlock every sound associated with ‘West Coast’ modular synthesis through a classic keyboard interface — anchored around showcasing two pre-production units at SUPERBOOTH25, May 8-10, FEZ-Berlin, Germany…

As an 8-VOICE ANALOG THRU-ZERO FM SYNTHESIZER, MAGNOLIA unlocks every sound associated with the so-called ‘West Coast’ modular synthesis world with waveshapers, wavefolders, and, most importantly, analog linear TZFM (Through-Zero Frequency Modulation) Indeed, its intentions are made clear from the outset by the on point wording worked tastefully into its (initial) top panel design. No need to necessarily remain there, though, for fat resonant filters and powerful analogue oscillators also allow for more traditional subtractive synthesis sounds. And although a deep and flexible modulation section encourages complex patches with the push of a button and twist of a knob, switching modulations on and off with the TOGGLE function, it is always easy to keep track of what is going on thanks to the inclusion of LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) on every source and destination.

Digging deeper, MAGNOLIA features eight analogue voices with two oscillators — carrier and modulator — and 24 dB/oct resonant HIGH-PASS and LOW-PASS filters; the carrier oscillator has a through-zero core for precise, sideband-rich analogue FM (Frequency Modulation) sounds, so crystal-like pads to growling basses are available to all with the greatest of ease, while FM can be applied to the filters. Furthermore, sculpting sounds that have not been heard before on analogue polysynths are now perfectly possible, thanks to MAGNOLIA’s unique signal flow — think continuously variable waveform shapes and a wavefolder circuit per voice!

Those two oscillators are derived from Frap Tools’ BRENSO (https://frap.tools/products/brenso/), a Euroack module readily representing its creator’s primary analogue source of articulated waveforms whose degree of entanglement can be precisely set by the musician. MAGNOLIA’s Oscillator 1 is the ‘West Coast’ one with TZFM, wavefolder, and FLIP SYNC, while Oscillator 2 is the ‘East Coast’ one, with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and fine-tune. Whether wanting experimental FM sounds or punchy synth brass, they are always at anyone’s service. Speaking of Frap Tools’ unique modular soul, MAGNOLIA’s filter section is derived from CUNSA (https://frap.tools/products/cunsa/) — itself a quadruple analogue ping-able multimode resonant filter, saturator, mixer, and oscillator, no less!

Musically, MAGNOLIA sports a keyboard from fellow Italians FATAR, with polyphonic aftertouch capabilities for enhanced expressiveness, while a per-part ARPEGGIATOR and per-part 16-step SEQ (sequencer) serve to creatively complement the synthesizer still further. Features briefly worth drawing attention to here by way of ending on some more high notes include MAGNOLIA’s bi-timbral programs (with SINGLE, MORPH, DUAL, and SPLIT MODES); all-analogue signal path; three loop-able DAHDSR (DELAY, ATTACK, HOLD, DECAY, SUSTAIN, and RELEASE) envelopes; three digital LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators); and 512 preset memory slots.

Anyone attending SUPERBOOTH25, May 8-10, FEZ-Berlin, Germany can get up close and personal with two MAGNOLIA pre-production units by swinging by Booth B049 there. Their creators will be showcasing them personally, eager to show the results of their hard work, while providing a passionate warm welcome. Frap Tools aim to release MAGNOLIA as a production product by the end of summer, albeit with some differences evident by then. The interface will likely be more refined, featuring digital effects, while some features currently under evaluation could conceivably be removed."

Adventures in Audio - E-Mu Proteus 1 Plus - Battery Replacement

video upload by Manitou Productions

Inside an E-Mu Proteus 1. Previous video posted here.

"Adventures in Audio revisits the E-Mu Proteus 1 Plus Orchestral, a MIDI synthesizer module from 1992. Join us as we fit a new internal battery, re-load the missing patches, and have a listen. Along the way we'll encounter some of the 'ghost patches' from the first video in this series. Let's go!

Chapters:
0:00 Rude noises
0:15 Titles
0:23 Intro
1:09 Let's open it up
2:28 Removing the old internal battery
3:04 Installing the battery holder
4:05 Installing the new battery
5:41 Preparing to reinstall the patches to RAM
7:01 Interlude: in they go!
7:14 Some musings about installing the patches
8:28 Let's hear some sounds!
9:54 2x the Phantazia!
10:32 Skipping through some more sounds
13:36 The ghost piano?
14:32 Ghost bongos & more patches
15:45 The ghost piano???
16:47 A few more interesting sounds
18:11 The end of the RAM
18:32 Outro
19:08 Ivy's corner

Featured music: The Manitou - Nightrunner"

Create Ambient Tracks with SpaceBlender

video upload by soundtoys

Follow-up to this post. Two new videos and the official press release below.

"With SpaceBlender, you can quickly and easily turn any sound into a massive musical ambience. In this example you’ll hear three simple sources and three SpaceBlender presets – without any other plugins or automation."

SpaceBlender - Preset Audio Examples

video upload by soundtoys

"In this video, we add SpaceBlender to a variety of sources — cello, guitar, vocals, drums, and more —and use different presets to showcase the plug-in’s power and versatility.

Get SpaceBlender FREE through May 22, 2025. Only at www.soundtoys.com.

00:00 - Cello
02:00 - Pedal Steel Guitar
03:19 - Door Closing SFX
03:49 - Electric Guitar Harmonics
05:05 - Vocal
06:43 - Drum Machine
07:09 - Piano
09:06 - Saxophone"

Press release follows:


Soundtoys Releases New SpaceBlender Plug-in

Free for a limited time only – a $99 value

BURLINGTON, VT – Renowned pro audio effects creator Soundtoys proudly announces the release of SpaceBlender, an experimental reverb that lets you create unreal and imaginary spaces – shapes, textures,and tones otherwise impossible in the real world. Inspired by the pioneers of ambient music, with their extensive use of layered tape loops and delays, SpaceBlender is designed to create massive waves of lush, organic, and evolving spatial effects.

SpaceBlender is available now at soundtoys.com for free – a $99 value – through May 22. Sign up to claim this offer.

Whether enhancing a track’s sense of space or creating dynamic, evolving effects, SpaceBlender is a fun and intuitive tool for sound designers, musicians, and producers looking for creative yet easy-to-use spatial processing.

“We’ve been exploring new ways to build an algorithmic reverb – something with the creative flexibility of convolution and the richness, depth, and soul of classic hardware devices,” said Ken Bogdanowicz, CEO and founder of Soundtoys.

“SpaceBlender is the first product of this research, and we’ve tried to make it easy to play with ‘space’ in a fun and musical way. We’re excited to hear what people create with it.”

Key features of SpaceBlender include:

● Interactive control – move between gate, reverse, decay, and bloom reverb shapes and everything
in-between, in real time.

● Visualizer – see your sound move through the reverb shape as you adjust its sonic envelope.

● Simple control of spectral evolution; reverbs can get darker or brighter over time.
● Deeply embedded modulation creates rich, constantly moving ambient effects.

● Smoothly change the reverb texture from dense and lush to sparse and grainy.

● Extreme range from super short 100-millisecond nonlinear effects to absurdly long 60-second meditations.

The free SpaceBlender offer is valid only at soundtoys.com through May 22, 2025. SpaceBlender will be available for purchase from authorized resellers worldwide on May 23. Learn about Soundtoys’ system requirements and host compatibility.

1968 RA Moog Modular IIIC

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

via this Reverb listing


"A 3-cabinet authentic, period correct all RA Moog modules system that dates from 1968.

This instrument forms a part of the RL Music Vintage Synthesizer Collection. We have managed to keep some of the very best examples of Vintage Synthesizers that have come through our business over the last 22 years which we kept for our pleasure and interest. Whilst having a privileged position as a specialist dealer in this genre of equipment, we managed to hang on to particular instruments that were interesting and inspiring. The RA Moog Modular IIIC is one of 40 instruments we have, but is the oldest and most historically important.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Neuzeit Instruments Introduces DROP - Snapshot-based MIDI Control Center for Live Performance

Details follow:

"Which live performer doesn't know this situation: You build the tension to immeasurable heights, add another filter here, three more effects there, hands go up in the air, everyone's waiting for the big drop... and then you realize: You can't find your way out of the chaos you've created!

The sweat on your forehead drips onto your equipment, and in a firework of spraying sparks, your devices and your fans say goodbye forever...

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Eurorack Modules Coming From Doepfer

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

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

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

Controls and displays:

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

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

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

In 2: audio input 2 (monophonic)

Out 1/2: audio output (monophonic)

Technical details:

for higher amplifications the two amplifiers can be daisy-chained

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

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

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

no normalling: jumper is removed from pin header JP2

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

CLICK FOR MORE »

FM Synthesis - A Practical Guide - Part 1

video upload by ChrisLody

"Here's something I've been meaning to get round to starting for ages, a practical guide to FM synthesis. In my experience FM tutorials usually over explain all the wrong things and rarely get as far as the important things like the predictable way operator ratios change the waveform and frequency responses. So I've tried to approach things from an entirely practical view point showing you how to make saw, square, noise etc with filter like responses.

Here's chipsynth MD (from which I stole a diagram :) https://www.plogue.com/products/chips...

Details on different types of FM (its actually phase modulation)
• Comparing Exponential, Linear, and Th... [posted here]
• The difference between FM and Phase M... [here]

0:00 Intro
2:53 How the meters works
3:23 Operators and Algorithms
3:58 Carriers and Modulators
4:29 MEGA Synthesis envelope generator
5:48 Reface DX envelope generator
6:56 Adjusting algorithms and operators
8:35 Making a basic organ sound
9:47 Saw feedback
10:47 Square feedback
11:48 1:1 modulation (saw sounds)
13:03 Low pass like sweeps
14:12 1:2 modulation (square sounds)
15:34 2:1 etc modulation (band pass sounds)
16:37 Ratio chart
17:10 Quick demo bass patch
18:20 Summing up"

California Highway 163: San Diego's beautiful and scenic freeway

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We take a trip along California Highway 163 (Cabrillo Freeway), a particularly beautiful freeway in San Diego. It beings as a historic parkway running through Balboa Park and under Cabrillo Bridge. After its interchange with Interstate 8, it opens up to a wide modern freeway until its northern terminus at a junction with Interstate 5. Along the way we also pass Interstate 805 and California Highway 52.

The southern parkway section of CA 163 was once part of US 395, which extended all the way to downtown San Diego.

The music reflects the two sections of the highway, with a noticeable change when we move from the historic parkway to the modern freeway.

Original music features the following instruments:
iOptigan
Cherry Audio KR-55C, Yellowjacket, Mercury 6, Elka X, Filtomika, Stardust 201
Arturia CMI V, CP 70, Pigments, MiniBrute
EastWest Fab Four, Stormdrum 2, Gypsy
Buchla Red Panel 158 module
Serge/Random Source Dual Universal Slope Generator
Metasonix R-54 and RK5 modules
Circuit Abbey ADSRjr
MOK Filtryg
_________
Store: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

Introducing Pipo Interfaces

A Sneak Peak into Pipo modules video upload by Pipo Interfaces

"Video produced by Tom Bouchet

Music: "Transition" by Alex-Productions (CC BY 3.0)"

Press release follows:


Pipo Interfaces brings a new versatile toolkit for creative sensing and audiovisual interactions in real-time.

Developed by creative technologist Rupert Renevier, Pipo is a range of electronics modules that connect sensors to computers, and are meant to simplify creative interactivity between people, real-world objects, and digital creation.

Whether you're performing, designing experimental MIDI instruments, or interested in making installations, Pipo builds the foundations of an accessible and adaptable open source toolkit.

When digital experiences become sensible and tangible, they allow for greater engagement and connection. The idea of using sensors for audiovisual applications and arts is far from being new, but still requires building custom solutions on Arduino or Raspberry Pi, which tends to be complex, time-consuming, and therefore not easily accessible to most.

Pipo wants to unlock the creative potential of real-time sensing, and lower the technical barrier to it, by proposing tools that connect the physical world to the digital in a straightforward fashion.

The Pipo recipe is simple: small affordable modules, wireless capabilities, and an intuitive yet powerful user interface. All Pipo modules can be used alone or in combination, fixed, worn on the body, embedded in objects, etc... All Pipo modules have mounting holes to augment all kind of projects and casing will be made available.

The first 3 modules of the family are Pipo Motion, Pipo Range and Pipo Analog.

Pipo Motion is dedicated to sensing movement: orientation, acceleration and magnetic field, thanks to an advanced 9 axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). It allows for relative and absolute orientation.

Pipo Range is an accurate distance sensing unit which can be used to detect hands, obstacles, objects, or people (up to 3m). It can be used the same way as a theremin, or as a people proximity sensor for eg.

Finally, Pipo Analog, a versatile Input/Output device. On one side it has 8 capacitive touch inputs to create original touch buttons (for eg: with wires, metallic tape, vegetables, conductive paint, etc...)

On the other side it has multiple analog voltage inputs/outputs (up to 8). With these you can acquire and use any external buttons, specialized analog sensors modules, knobs or control servo motors, drivers, etc...

Beyond these three first sensing modules, Pipo Interfaces carries a vision for a whole creative ecosystem for many more input and also output modules. It has a strong anchor towards open source development and wants to create a strong user community connection.

Pipo modules can all send standard MIDI and/or OSC data wirelessly for maximum compatibility.

The connectivity is made through WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy, or USB and every module has an onboard battery charger, so that whatever idea you have, you can test it quickly and have it communicate to your audiovisual software in a matter of seconds (no matter your operating system).

All the settings can be tuned in the field through a web interface hosted on every module.
No need for an app or software, just open any web browser on your mobile. This interface allows you to set various settings like sensing parameters, ranges, and to adapt the incoming and outgoing data streams to your needs, quickly and easily.

You can for example eg fine tune the midi output, choose a note scale, channel, etc...

On a technical level, the project is developed with PlatformIO and the Arduino framework to make it easy for people to hack, modify, upgrade their pipos, or build their own custom Pipos. The software is open source, and the project runs on the Esp32-s3, one of the most versatile and powerful IoT chips around.

Pipo will launch as a pre-order campaign to fund the first production run. If you like Pipo, you can support it by entering your email address on the campaign page, it means a lot ! By doing so, you will also be notified of the launch date, so that you can be among the first people to get yours.

The launch date is pending on gathering a critical mass of people who want to see the project going live, so subscribing helps the project move forward.

All this happens on CrowdSupply, a platform dedicated to launching open source projects:

https://www.crowdsupply.com/pipo-interfaces/pipo

Waldorf Discontinues the Quantum MK2

Waldorf is discontinuing the Quantum MK2. Check with dealers on the right, and Reverb, on availability.

The following is a recap from the Waldorf website for the archives.

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

video upload by Saul Stokes - Frequensea

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

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

IG #syd_and_I

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