"MMG filter based on the QMMG. Single channel. Vactrols based. Voltage controlled mode fades continuously from LP to HP. Has Strike and Accent inputs. Voltage Controlled Resonance with automatic gain compensation. Input has compress and clamp circuit for overload."
A first for the new reign of modular synthesizers, the Make Noise Echophon won an Electronic Musician Editor's Choice award for 2013. It's great to see modulars edging their way into the broader electronic music market. Congrats to Tony Rolando and Make Noise Music! Update: I originally noted this was the first modular module to win an EM award. It turns out Cynthia won a 2007 award for the Zeroscillator. via @betterofted
"DIGITAL OR ANALOG? YES!
Make Noise SoundHack Echophon
Taking voltage-controllable delay to infinity and beyond
The modular synth scene has long embraced a hybrid approach where CVs control digital signal processors, and Make Noise took full advantage of this when it collaborated with DSP whiz Tom Erbe to create the most inspiring Eurorack module of the year. The Echophon provides patchable control over two octaves of pitch shifting, with multiple feedback paths, tempo sync, a freeze function, and more—resulting in a powerful new delay processor for your patching pleasure."
Other winners include:
MODERN MEETS RETRO
Arturia MiniBrute
ONCE AGAIN, BOB WOULD HAVE APPROVED
Moog Music 500 Series
"Some of you may remember a track that I had on myspace a few years back, it was called 'Down At The Gym'....it was by my alter-ego character- fUCkeTYbUCKety. This is in a similar vein- but times have changed! Featuring the MacBeth NEXUS1 synthesizer- all parts except for an analogue string machine. This was spontaneously done!....hope you enjoy!"
Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Hybrid Digital Analog Synth Demo by INHALT
Published on Jan 24, 2013 INHALTVIDEO·11 videos
"When asked by Dave Smith Instruments if we would contribute to the sound design for the next Prophet synthesizer, of course, our response was a resounding yes. However we were not prepared for exactly what was in store for us. When first encountering the units 4 wavetable and wave generation oscillators coupled with Curtis Analog Filters and VCAs it became clear that the sound palette on offer was complex and wide.
As such, our intention with the sound design for the factory bank programs we produced was not only to showcase the expanded architecture but to make something that was reflective of the serious tonal integrity of the instrument before us.
This new Prophet, while firmly rooted to the legacy established by the 5, 600, VS, and 08, offers a sound that is characteristically dark and smooth and does not overlap with the sonics of the past. We discovered just how well the prototype model recorded and just how elegant the on-board delays sounded and matched the sonic identity of the raw synth engine.
Our hope with the sound design was that the user would be able to actually play and perform with the patches we've programmed. While some of these programs may sound somewhat standard in isolation, we hope you listen in stereo and hear the richness, detail, movement, and uniqueness of the raw sound palette inherent to the Prophet 12.
Please note that this is a prototype unit we have worked with and is what you are seeing and hearing in the video.
Published on Jan 24, 2013 KorgUSAVideos·321 videos
"Join Korg Inc.'s own Fumio Mieda and Hiroaki Nishijima - the engineers who brought us the legendary MS-20 back in 1978 - as we take a look at the new MS-20 Mini! Both personally oversaw the design of the modern-day MS-20, which features the exact same true-analog signal path as the legendary original. The incredibly powerful dual filters with peak/resonance, CV functionality, external signal processing, and unique hands-on patching system are all here - with 5-pin and USB MIDI to boot -- and all at 86% of the original size.
For More Info on MS-20 Mini head over to http://www.korg.com/ms20mini.
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MS-20 is reborn. - KORG MS-20 mini -
KORG MS-20 mini イントロダクション・ムービー
And the Press Release:
"Korg Announces MS-20 mini
-Korg's classic MS-20 is recreated in mini size-
WINTER NAMM, ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, January 24th, 2013 - Korg's MS-20 monophonic synthesizer, first introduced in 1978, is still coveted to this day for its thick, robust sound, powerful, iconic analog filter, and versatile patching options. It has now been reborn as the new MS-20 mini. The same engineers who developed the original MS-20 have perfectly reproduced it in a body that's been shrunk to 86% of the original size, yet retains the distinctive look of the original.
The MS-20 Mini offers the same distinctive synthesis that made the original MS-20 popular: two oscillators with ring modulation, and envelope generators with delay and hold. The VCA (Voltage Controlled Amp) maintains the original basic design, but it's been modified to produce less noise. Particular attention has also been paid to delivering smooth parameter adjustments, which are a distinctive feature of analog synthesizers. Special care was also taken to completely reproduce the original specifications of the MS-20, to deliver the same powerful sound, from deep, growling basses to crisp, rounded leads.
One of the most well-known - and still most sought after - characteristics of the original MS-20 was its powerful filters, which provided both high-pass and low-pass with peak/resonance. Maximizing the peak/resonance would cause the filter to self-oscillate; producing a distinctive and dramatic tonal change that was acclaimed as inimitable, and was used many years later on Korg's monotron and monotribe. The filter circuit was changed mid-way through the production lifecycle of the MS-20; the MS-20 mini uses the earlier filter, which was felt to be superior due to its more radical sound.
The ESP (External Signal Processor) functionality carries on the experimental spirit of MS-20, allowing users to utilize the pitch or volume of an external audio source to control the synthesizer. For example, an electric guitar can be used as an input signal, and the MS-20 mini can be used as a guitar synthesizer, or the mic input can allow it to be used it as a vocal synthesizer.
The patching system enables the creation of complex sounds by allowing the rerouting of both modulation and audio (both the internal oscillators and external audio). Different combinations of the modulation input/output and trigger, sample and hold, and noise generator can produce an incredible variety of sounds. By patching according to the MS-20 flow chart printed on the panel, musicians of all levels can take advantage of these possibilities right away.
To make it even more approachable, the MS-20 mini has been shrunk to 86% of the size of the original, with meticulous care taken to accurately reproduce the knob design and the printing. The patch cables have been changed from 1/4" phone plugs to mini-plugs, and the newly-designed keyboard is 86% of the original size as well.
The MS-20 mini is equipped with a MIDI IN jack for receiving note messages, and a USB-MIDI connector that can transmit and receive note messages. Users can also connect the MS20 mini to a computer and play it from an external sequencer.
For added authenticity, the MS-20 mini packaging replicates much of the original. Also included are the original MS-20 owner's manual and settings chart.
The Korg MS-20 Mini will be available April 2013 for a U.S. Street price of $599.00 Additional product information is available at Korg.com."
Published on Jan 24, 2013 KorgUSAVideos·321 videos
"Korg's new KingKORG modeling synthesizer delivers the sound and excitement of vintage analog synthesis, with next-generation power and flexibility that could only come from Korg. It's optimized for live performance, and its easy, knob-driven interface also makes deep sound creation a breeze. Learn more at http://www.korg.com/kingkorg.
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Published on Jan 24, 2013 KorgUSAVideos·321 videos
"Check out some of the awesome new effects on the Korg KP3+. The KP3+ features the same great finger-controlled effects from the KP3 and adds a host of new and updated effects, including favorites from the Kaoss Pad Quad and Mini KP 2
For more information head over to http://www.korg.com/kp3+.
Like Us - https://www.facebook.com/KORGusa
Follow Us - https://www.twitter.com/KorgUSA"
WINTER NAMM, ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, January 24th, 2013 - Korg's MS-20 monophonic synthesizer, first introduced in 1978, is still coveted to this day for its thick, robust sound, powerful, iconic analog filter, and versatile patching options. It has now been reborn as the new MS-20 mini. The same engineers who developed the original MS-20 have perfectly reproduced it in a body that's been shrunk to 86% of the original size, yet retains the distinctive look of the original. 
The MS-20 Mini offers the same distinctive synthesis that made the original MS-20 popular: two oscillators with ring modulation, and envelope generators with delay and hold. The VCA (Voltage Controlled Amp) maintains the original basic design, but it's been modified to produce less noise. Particular attention has also been paid to delivering smooth parameter adjustments, which are a distinctive feature of analog synthesizers. Special care was also taken to completely reproduce the original specifications of the MS-20, to deliver the same powerful sound, from deep, growling basses to crisp, rounded leads.
One of the most well-known - and still most sought after - characteristics of the original MS-20 was its powerful filters, which provided both high-pass and low-pass with peak/resonance. Maximizing the peak/resonance would cause the filter to self-oscillate; producing a distinctive and dramatic tonal change that was acclaimed as inimitable, and was used many years later on Korg's monotron and monotribe. The filter circuit was changed mid-way through the production lifecycle of the MS-20; the MS-20 mini uses the earlier filter, which was felt to be superior due to its more radical sound.
