Custom Black Sid Station with VFD

via Mark Setrakian
"I recently finished a couple more VFD conversions that I think you will like. A while back I installed a VFD in my Sidstation. It turned out well, but there was something about the black display that didn't look right against the aluminum face plate. So I took the case to my anodizer, stripped it, buffed it, and black anodized it. Then I recreated the panel graphics in a CAD program and laser etched the design into the aluminum. It looks OK in pictures, but in person it's very nice; the display is gorgeous and the panel graphics are razor sharp. To be clear, this is not an official Sidstation Ninja. It still has the stock color LEDs and the Ninja logo at the bottom is my own addition. In the background is my black face MKS-80, which also has a VFD.

For those who are interested, I used Newhaven displays in the Sidstation and the MKS-80, and Noritake displays in the Sequential instruments. The difference is that the Sequential units use an underline cursor, which Noritake directly supports, and the Sid and MKS don't. The Noritake display will work in the Sid, but the graphics won't display properly."

Note Mark also brought us the Sequential Circuits Prophet VS with Flourescent Display and the Sequential Circuits Studio 440 with Vacuum Fluorescent Display.

Arturia Origin 1.1 Sequencer + Groove Page and Neue Effekte

YouTube via tomesoTV. Note these videos are new, but the OS was announced in June here.


via sequencer.de

NAMM: AKAI PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCES iPK25 AND SynthStation Studio FOR iPhone AND iPod Touch

"Keyboard Controller Works With Akai Pro Music Production App, Third-Party Apps

Cumberland, R.I. (Jan. 14, 2010) – Akai Professional, the name synonymous with music production, announces the iPK25 keyboard controller and the SynthStation Studio music production app, both for iPhone and iPod Touch. Akai Pro will unveil the iPK25 and SynthStation Studio at the 2010 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, booth 6400, January 14–17.

The iPK25 and SynthStation Studio transform a musician’s iPhone or iPod Touch into a portable music production studio for mobile music creation. While the SynthStation Studio app is powerful enough for professional musicians, virtually anyone can use it to easily create music. The app gives musicians three synthesizers for creating and modifying sonic textures used for melodies, chords and bass lines. Built around Akai Professional’s history in synthesis and drawing on the company’s newest MINIAK synth, the SynthStation Studio app sounds great and offers wide-ranging sonic flexibility with its virtual analog synthesis.

SynthStation Studio users can create and save sequences and complete songs. The app contains three different three-oscillator synths, and drum kits, which musicians can sequence and mix right in the SynthStation Studio. For creating melodic and accompaniment parts, the SynthStation Studio contains an arpeggiator with preset patterns, built-in effects and filters and an XY control interface for expressive control of key parameters.

The SynthStation Studio features an on-screen keyboard for use on the go. It is also designed for use with its companion keyboard, the iPK25. This 25-key MIDI keyboard features a built-in dock for the iPhone or iPod Touch. It gives users two octaves of velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and physical buttons for the most commonly used controls including octave up and down and sound-bank selections. The iPK25 also features a stereo pair of RCA line outputs and a headphone output for connection to recording and sound reinforcement systems. The iPK25 also has a USB/MIDI output for use as a controller for other MIDI software on Mac or PC and MIDI hardware devices.

“The package of the iPK25 keyboard and the SynthStation Studio app transform the iPhone into a professional musical instrument,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Akai Professional.

The iPK25 will be available from pro audio and musical instrument retailers in March 2010. It has a U.S. Retail Price of $199.00 and an estimated street price of $149.00 The SynthStation Studio app will be available from the iTunes App Store in January 2010.

iPhone and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries."
via http://www.akaipro.com/content217667

NAMM: AKAI PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCES MPD26 PAD CONTROLLER

"AKAI PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCES MPD26 PAD CONTROLLER

Pad Instrument For Producers Features Exclusive MPC Pads and Technologies

Cumberland, R.I. (Jan. 14, 2010) – Akai Professional, the name synonymous with music production, announces the MPD26 USB/MIDI Pad Controller. Akai Pro will introduce the MPD26 at the 2010 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, booth 6400, January 14–17.

The MPD26 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller with genuine MPC pads. Producers, programmers, musicians and DJs will appreciate the MPD26’s capabilities. Its blend of intuitive MPC controls and technologies meshes with USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making to the world of computer music production.

The heart of the MPD26 is its bank of 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, an Akai Professional exclusive. Producers can access four different sounds from each MPC pad for a total of 64 at a time. The MPD26 also features the MPC series' assignable Q-Link controllers, enabling musicians to control a wide range of parameters in their software in real time. The MPD26’s six assignable Q-Link faders and six assignable Q-Link 360° knobs enable producers to spend less time with the mouse and more time making music. The MPD26 also has a dedicated set of transport controls for instant access to the most commonly used DAW or sequencing-software controls.

While the MPC pads and Q-Links might be the heart of the MPD26, its brain is transplanted directly from the MPC. That’s because is not just a control surface; it contains a handful of the key MPC technologies that have made the MPC the de facto standard in professional beat production. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPD26 to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry. MPC Swing is sometimes referred to as "the heart and soul of hip hop" because it turns perfectly aligned sequences into human-feeling grooves. Users can specify exactly the degree and timing of swing they want to apply for the perfect feel. The MPD26 also has MPC Full Level and MPC 16-Level on its pads.

The MPD26 sends MIDI information over its plug-and-play USB interface so producers can use it with their Mac or PC without installing any drivers. The USB connection even powers the MPD26 so only the included USB cable is needed. The MPD26 also has traditional MIDI jacks so musicians can use it with MIDI hardware such as synths and other sound modules. The MPD26 also comes with Ableton Live Lite and Editor Librarian software so users can start creating right out of the box.

“The MPD26 is the perfect interface between your creativity and your studio’s computer,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Akai Professional. “Its blend of intuitive MPC technology and USB computer connectivity makes one powerful device.”

The MPD26 will be available from pro audio and musical instrument retailers in January 2010. It has a U.S. Retail Price of $299.00 and an estimated street price of $199.00

Ableton and Ableton Live are trademarks of Ableton AG."
via http://www.akaipro.com/content217669

NAMM: AKAI PROFESSIONAL INTRODUCES APC20 COMPACT ABLETON PERFORMANCE CONTROLLER

"Powerful Ableton Live Performance in Compact Form Factor

Cumberland, R.I. (Jan. 14, 2010) – Akai Professional, the name synonymous with music production, announces the APC20 Ableton Performance Controller. Akai Pro will introduce the APC20 at the 2010 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, booth 6400, January 14–17.

Akai Professional worked in partnership with software developer Ableton to create the APC20, the second control surface created by Akai Professional for performance with Ableton Live software. Like the APC40, adding the APC20 transforms the user’s experience from one of constructing tracks with a keyboard and mouse to composing and performing with a seamless, fully integrated hardware/software musical system.

The APC20 retains many of the APC40’s most popular features and capabilities, while shrinking the physical footprint and adding interesting new capabilities. The smaller size enables musicians to perform in less space and makes setting up multiple controllers and devices easier. Power users can use the APC20 in conjunction with an APC40 to expand their track and clip controls.

Like the APC40, the APC20 centers on its five-by-eight Clip Launch grid. This bank of multicolor triggers not only start and stop clips playing in Live, they also show cells’ status in the software – whether a clip is loaded or not, whether it is playing or not, record-armed status and more. Clip Stop triggers, transport controls and faders round out the control surface. Users can switch the APC20’s faders between volume control, pan, sends and three different user-mapped modes. A new Note Mode enables musicians to use the Clip Launch buttons to control virtual instruments and Ableton Live’s Drum Rack.

Because Akai Professional and Ableton designed the APC20 for use with Ableton Live software, the system is truly plug and play, although advanced Live users will appreciate that the APC20 enables them to remap every one of its controls to suit their own style.

“The APC20 is perfect for performers who like to customize their setup with multiple controllers, or just want a more compact setup,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Akai Professional. “You’ll spend less time looking at the computer screen, using a mouse and keyboard with the APC20”

The APC20 will be available from pro audio and musical instrument retailers in January 2010. It has a U.S. Retail Price of $299.00 and an estimated street price of $199.00

Ableton and Ableton Live are trademarks of Ableton AG."
via http://www.akaipro.com/content217666

NOT NAMM: The Mojo: Moldover's New Controller (Sneak Peek)

YouTube via moldover
"After nearly a decade of study in the art of controllerism, Moldover has created his first commercially available controller. Assimilating ideas from traditional instruments, DJ hardware, and game controllers, The Mojo puts an unprecedented level of power and completely intuitive control in your hands. Combining ergonomic elegance, rapid-fire tactile responsiveness, and bullet-proof construction, The Mojo is the sexiest controller in the entire multiverse. Order your own and get more details at moldover.com (http://moldover.com)"

Mr. Braska Visits Apollo Studio Part 4

Some more great shots of Mr. Braska the little frog are up on Synth.nl. If you click on the Braska label at the bottom of the post there you will find all posts featuring Mr. Braska.

Pictured:
Elektor Formant modular
MFOS Sequencer, synthesizers.com, moonmodular, and DIY

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Dave Smith Poly Evolver Analog Synthesizer

via this auction

1970's Korg PE-2000 Poly-Ensemble K5 Analog Synthesizer

via this auction






Thief Soundtrack Beach Scene By Tangerine Dream
YouTube via FallingDown08. Features the PE-2000. Previously posted.

Roland SH-09 Virntage Analog MonoSynth

Roland SH-09 Basic Functional Demo

YouTube via Neuropycho.

via this auction

"Functional demonstration of a Roland SH-09 synth keyboard, which is being sold on eBay. The audio is recorded directly from the audio out of the instrument into the computer. The video is overlayed at lower volume on top, which might be slightly out of sync and also will produce low level background noise from the videocam mic."

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