MATRIXSYNTH

Analogue Solutions Ships Nyborg-24

"Analogue Solutions ships space-saving real analogue monosynth module with ‘Moog-style’ filter

KINGSWINFORD, UK: British ‘boutique’ analogue synthesiser and accessory designer/manufacturer Analogue Solutions is proud to announce availability of Nyborg-24 — a ‘Moog-style’ 4 Pole 24dB/Octave LOW PASS FILTER- equipped standalone monophonic synthesiser module with REAL ANALOGUE VOICE & MODULATION CIRCUITS that essentially shares the same features (and the same form factor) as its white-faced Nyborg-12 ‘Oberheim SEM-style’ 2 Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER-equipped sibling released to critical acclaim earlier this year — as of October 13...

The appropriately-named Nyborg-24 not only looks different to its appropriately-named Nyborg-12 synth sibling — thanks to their obviously opposing front panel colour schemes, but also sounds different — thanks to sharing the same ‘Moog-style’ 4 Pole 24dB/Octave LOW PASS FILTER found in the company’s critically-acclaimed Leipzig-S analogue monosynth/step sequencer (whereas the Nyborg-24 shares the same ‘Oberheim SEM-style’ 2 Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER found in the company’s Telemark semi-modular analogue monosynth). Moreover, it is what these form factor- and feature-sharing synths have in common that makes them stand out from the analogue renaissance crowd, constantly swelling in numbers as it is. Indeed, as they both proudly state on their black (Nyborg-24) and white (Nyborg-12) rugged steel/aluminium casings for all to see (and hear): REAL ANALOGUE VOICE & MODULATION CIRCUITS

But what does REAL ANALOGUE VOICE & MODULATION CIRCUITS actually mean? Meaningfully, then, apart from its high-quality 16-bit DAC (Digital-to- Analog Convertor) for MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) to CV (Control Voltage) conversion (which, by its very nature, has to be digital), like Nyborg-12 before it, Nyborg-24 is absolutely analogue through and through, hand built (by humans) using real transistors and op-amps. Unlike other so-called analogue synths you’ll find no CPU-stabilised and quantised circuits, DCOs (Digitally-Controlled Oscillators), digital LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators), or digital EGs (Envelope Generators) hiding here, thank you very much! Instead its circuitry is based on tried-and-tested, distinctive- sounding designs dating back to the late-Seventies, so Nyborg-24 sounds suitably vintage in character — surely destined for much praise by Analogue Solutions’ loyal customers. Cast aside those bland-sounding digital synths and DSP-based soft synths and dial in Nyborg-24 whenever a full range of synth leads, basses, excellent-sounding electronic percussion, and all manner of subtractive synthesis-derived sounds are the musical (and not-so- musical) order of the day (or night)!

Speaking of dials, Nyborg-24 boasts an abundance of high-quality, smooth potentiometers, fully sealed against dust intrusion, together with high- quality knobs with spun aluminium caps — all as appealing to look at as they are to turn! Two super-stable VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) — each providing a whole host of options and MODULATION sources — are available to start turning the most adventurous analogue musical dreams into reality. Thereafter, Nyborg-24 continues to follow the traditional, well-trodden analogue synthesiser signal path with its distinctive-sounding 4 Pole 24dB/Octave LOW PASS FILTER; AUDIO MIXER (VCO 1, VCO 2, NOISE/SUB); LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) with triangle and square wave modulation signals and MODE switch to route CV2 (velocity control voltage) or S+H (Sample and Hold) signals to that 4 Pole 24dB/Octave LOW PASS FILTER or those VCOs; VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier), controllable from EG2 or GATE with BYPASS option (allowing Nyborg-24 to be used as an external effects processor) and CYCLE setting (so the envelope is constantly re-triggered by the LFO, allowing for hands-off sound effects); and ENVELOPE 1 (VCF) and ENVELOPE 2 (VCA). As such, it should feel familiar to anyone with a modicum of subtractive synthesis skills... so much so, in fact, that reading of its accompanying user manual may only be necessary for finer operational detail: “Do not use a carwash or jet wash to clean this synth.” Surely as good advice as you’re going to get from anyone anywhere!

And speaking of communicating with the outside world, with an intentionally easy yet effective MIDI implementation — CUTOFF control of Nyborg-24’s all-important 4 Pole 24dB/Octave LOW PASS FILTER is available via MIDI velocity or a MIDI controller — and external CV (Control Voltage) sockets for PITCH1 (VCO), PITCH2 (VCO), CUTOFF (filter), GATE (to trigger the EGs), and EXT (for feeding an external CV to various circuits), DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) integration or working with an analogue step sequencer (such as Analogue Solutions’ own Oberkorn and recently-released Megacity) is a breeze. Better still, simultaneous MIDI and CV operation is possible, so users could, for example, use an Oberkorn to play a little melody then transpose that step sequence using a MIDI keyboard controller (or MIDI sequencer). Child’s play? Perhaps.

Note Nyborg-24 — like Nyborg-12 — can be user configured in various ways to save space to suit. Shipping as a vertically-orientated standalone monosynth module (much like its bigger brother, the Telemark), it is possible to rotate Nyborg-24’s front panel so that it can be used horizontally as a desktop device. Optional wooden side panels can be screwed to a single Nyborg-24 (from its inside so no ugly screws are visible) or to two Nyborg-24s that have been bolted together. It is also possible to rack-mount two Nyborg-24s that have been bolted together using the optional rack ears. (Of course, it is perfectly possible to bolt a Nyborg-24 to a Nyborg-12 and also rack-mount this perfect pairing for full filtering flexibility.) Either way, Nyborg-24’s modified software allows two Nyborg-24s to be poly-chained together to play as a single two-voice polysynth. Four-voice polyphony is also available upon request for those looking to really push the boat out and purchase four Nyborg-24s, though one Nyborg-24 is still a very versatile, super-sounding, space-saving standalone monosynth module in itself. One that will serve any adventurous analogue renaissance man, woman, or child well for many years to come.

Nyborg-24 is available to order online directly from Analogue Solutions (http://analoguesolutions.com/nyborg-24/) for £499.00 GBP (plus tax and delivery) or through an authorised dealer, as are its optional rack ears (£19.00 GBP, plus tax and delivery) and wooden side panels (£39.00 GBP, plus tax and delivery)."

Be sure to check on availability with a MATRIXSYNTH sponsor on the right! They help support the site that brings this post to you.

The Periodic Table of Musical Instruments by Miguel Oliveira

Miguel Oliveira who's synth videos have been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH, wrote in to let me know about a kickstarter campaign he has started to help benefit Mind:

"I have created this artwork and am donating all the profits to Mind - an amazing charity helping people with mental heath problems.

It's available as A2, A3 numbered, top quality prints and as a handmade, numbered limited edition screen print"

You'll find the Kickstarter here.

PS - This could make an awesome Xmas gift!

Bob Moog Foundation Announces 2016 Calendar

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"Rare Photos Highlight Van Koevering Archival Collection

Asheville, NC - October 13, 2015... Today the Bob Moog Foundation releases its 2016 calendar, Moog Is Now: The Moog Legacy Through the Lens of David Van Koevering. The calendar is based on historical photos and memorabilia tracing David Van Koevering's 45-year professional relationship with electronic music pioneer Bob Moog. The images and materials used in the calendar belong to the David Van Koevering Collection, part of the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.

Van Koevering is often cited as playing a pivotal role as the first to pioneer the sales of the iconic Minimoog synthesizer in the early 1970s, a time when the instrument was little known and poorly understood. His unusual and compelling sales techniques helped to popularize the instrument, which would eventually be regarded as the most iconic synthesizer in the world. Van Koevering would go on to become Vice President of Marketing for Moog Music in Williamsville, New York. He continued to collaborate with Bob Moog throughout the years, culminating in their work together on the Van Koevering Piano. David Van Koevering and Bob Moog remained friends until Moog passed away in August, 2005.

'It is an honor to see the professional history I shared with Bob highlighted by the Bob Moog Foundation," notes Van Koevering. "Bob was an inspiration to me, as he was to legions of people around the world, and his instruments inspired waves of creativity that are still rippling through the world of music today. It was a privilege to work so closely with a true pioneer in the world of electronic music, and to help popularize his revolutionary instruments.'

The calendar can be purchased through the Foundation's online store. In addition to rare historical images, it features a narrative history compiled from interviews with Van Koevering, as well as noted dates in Moog history. The photos and vintage promotional materials featured in the calendar are sure to fascinate electronic music enthusiasts as well as historians.

'It was exceptional for Bob to have a collaborative, professional, and personal relationship that lasted for over four decades," observes Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. "We are thrilled to be sharing David's story through the fascinating archival material that he donated to our ever-growing archives.'

Proceeds from the sales of the calendar will benefit the Bob Moog Foundation Archives and other historic preservation projects of the Bob Moog Foundation."

"Prophet-6, Factory Sequences, Part 3"

Published on Oct 13, 2015 Bob I. Gomez

All parts here

http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/product/prophet-6/

Dave Smith Instruments Pro 2 Synthesizer SN 00215

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via this auction

"It's a fat monophonic synth, a swirly paraphonic keyboard, a powerful 4-cv sequencer for external modular synthesizers and a nifty audio processor. It has more waveforms than the Prophet 12 and a second filter reminiscent of the Oberheim SEM..."

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Roland SH-3A Monophonoic Analog Synthesiser

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via this auction

"In good used condition. Used very little in the last 20 years, and not likely to be used at all in the next 20, so I'd rather have the space and know it's being used.

It's a quirky machine, great for sound effects with two routeable LFOs and a sample and hold generator. It may be a 70's monosynth but don't expect any fat Moog noises - it's single oscillator with mixable pitches and waveforms in a very basic additive synthesis / drawbar type arrangement, and one ADSR envelope switchable to the VCF and VCA (although both have switchable preset alternative envelopes). It does make some cool noises though, and has one or two useful eccentricities that aren't on other synths, like the "glide" button that produces a pre-set bend up to the played note.

All of the knobs and switches are present and working. The case and catches are fine apart from a little rust on the catches. The wire music stand that would have fitted in the case lid is missing.

Known faults: some of the pots are crackly but have improved with use during testing. The ADSR amount control to the filter is particulary scratchy though and may need attention. All the keys trigger OK except the top E - it works, but not as reliably as all the others. The mains switch works fine but the indicator LED doesn't. So, nothing major and useable as it is, but it would benefit from a service."

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