Seer Systems - First software synth

Boot up that copy of Win98! : )

"Seer Systems invented the software-based 486 music synthesizer in 1993. From this experience grew the RealityTM, SurRealTM, and reMixerTM professional-strength software-based synthesizer engine for Win98. By making the instrument as well as its sounds distributable, the comprehensive, patented SeerMusic system (U.S. #5,886,274) accomplishes everything that is needed for the music delivery system of the future.

Please note that all Seer Software runs on Windows 95 or 98™. An XP™ version is in preparation but no release date can yet be offered. You can try to set up a "dual-boot" system. But committing a fast legacy Win 98 machine with digital output from Reality™ is still justifiable in many cases. "

BTW, check out the history page on Dave Smith Instruments. Dave Smith founded Sequential Circuits, is responsible for the Prophet 5, Prophet VS, MIDI, the Korg Wavestation and this. He also worked at Yamaha where I wouldn't be surprised if he worked on the Yamaha TG33 Wavetable synth.

Phoenix

Interesting connection to Syd which I posted about earlier. Antonio Tuzzi, author of a software synthesizer named Phoenix developed in 1997 for the Mac, dropped by to post a comment on the Syd.

"I think I've seen for the first time Syd in 1996. Was my inspiration: I wrote a couple of emails to Jim and after that I decided to write a virtual analog real time synth and by the 1997 I had Phoenix up and running on MacOS9.
Phonenix is (was) a very powerful tool! It was used in couple of schools.
If you have a powermac still running MACOS9... let me know
the url contains a snapshot of Phoenix running"

I find the very first software synthesizers fascinating. I remember when I saw Dave Smith's Seer Systems Reality for the first time. I thought this is it. The time has finally come for synthesizers in software, the realization of the PPG Realizer. I remember thinking the next step would be less powerful but more accessible shrink wrapped synths in software. Now we have thousands of software synthesizers available to us, many even free.

Update: you can get the software here: link. Install and use at your own risk. Antonio Tuzzi sent this my way with the following comments:

"Hi M,

attached phoenix...

remember, was a development stage application (used in digidesign in
1997~1998...)

is written for MACOS9 (but still run with some chocking on MACOSX calssic mode)

is a RAR file that contais a DMG image, file should be copied in
alocal directory on the final computer

there is pratically no documentation. but the synth is still able to
create real time AIF files that can be reused in samplers or in
composign software (ProTools ?).

implemented oscillators tables filters string filters delays reverb
analyzer and room simulators


ciao
antonio"

Buchla Complex Oscillator

In via AH:

"I've been gathering some bits for a web page on the Buchla Music Easel
which isn't done yet. However, I've posted an example of the complex
oscillator here:
http://www.alt-mode.com/buchla/sounds/Waveshape_Example.mp3

There are 9 sounds in this example. Each sound has the "timbre" swept
by the pulser. The sounds are in groups of three for each position of
the waveform switch (narrow pulse, square, and triangle). For each of
these waveforms, I recorded the sound with the waveshape knob fully
counter-clockwise (sine), 12 o'clock, and fully clockwise. [I hope that
made sense.] No filters were used in these examples at all and it is
just one oscillator!

Anyway, the complex oscillator in the Music Easel is like nothing else I
have ever heard. This basic example shows just some of the possibilities.

Eric"

The Keyboard Player Cartoon

In from Dave on Synth Sights. Click through for a bigger image you can actually read. One thing, at least we don't have that ear piercing guitar feedback. Or do we? : )

Hi there,

Figured y'all would get a kick out of this scan from a 1989 book
called "The Rock Musician's Survival Guide" about keyboard players.
As we all know, around 1989 us keyboard players were enjoying their
final days on Earth as respectable members of the human race. I blame
this book for our collective downfall in the few short years after it
was printed.

Just kidding. It's funny crap (out of print, too...so we get the last
laugh). Enjoy!

--Dave

Rob Papen 1983

I stumbled across this picture reading up on Rob Papen and his new Blue Synth. Rob is on the right. Check out those outfits! : ) Synths I recognize from left to right:

Roland SH101 - Grey
Juno 6 on stand next to blue space suit?
Korg Mono/Poly on top right
Roland Jupiter 8 below that
Second Roland SH101 - Grey on right side
Simmons drum pads?
The rest I can't make out. If you know feel free to share.

Minimoog Voyager - New Flickr Shot

via Flickr

Oberheim OBX Band Pass Filter Mod

As with any mod, don't even try this unless you know what you are doing. I take no accountability. Just sharing what I come accross out there.

In via AH:
> Would it be possible to mod the OBX for;
> Band Pass filter option, 2 pole obviously.

Ys, if u cn rd ths:
http://www.bitshifted.com/images/OBX_VCF_mods.gif
Use that with JH's OB8 mod technique -- analog switch ICs, using the noise
bit for switching (if you want), etc.

VCO3 reported that it works but the signals were overloading the switch
chip; I think he was using a 4066. One of the DG switches (Maxim?) should be
able to handle it, though. This is a synth-DIY topic, now.

Ben Shannon - Synth Art

Wow. Ben Shannon commented on this post with links to his work. He did the Elektron Monomachine posters as well as a get well fan art piece for Bob Moog before he passed away. Pretty amazing work. Click here for his page. Thanks for taking the time to share this Ben. I love the energy and just plain good vibe behind the characters in your art. Reminds me a bit of Daft Punk meets JSRF, but obviously different and definitely as amazing.

Ben Shannon Moog Tribute Art (click here for source).

Ben Shannon Monomachine

Syd Software Synthesizer

Syd by Jim Bumgardner.

"I wrote Syd so I could reproduce some of the sounds produced by the Buchla 200 analog synthesizer I used to play with at CalArts in the early 80's. It has since evolved into an interesting computer-music tool in its own right."

The Buchla Music Easel

Click here for Buchla's page on the Music Easel.

"The Music Easel contains many of the elements commonly used to generate and process sound: a keyboard, sequencer, pulser, preamplifier, envelope detector and balanced modulator; oscillators, gates, envelope generators and filters; facilities for mixing, monitoring and reverberating. Many of these elements possess an unusual degree of sophistication. The keyboard is solid state, with touch sensitive, chromatically organized keys, accurate and reproducible pressure output, tactile feedback, octave shifting, and voltage controlled portamento. A complex oscillator, developed through computer aided simulation studies, is a rich source of complex audio spectra. featuring voltage control of pitch, timbre and waveform, this oscillator provides the Music Easel with a timbral range unapproached by other musical instruments."