MATRIXSYNTH


Tuesday, May 06, 2025

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."

Monday, May 05, 2025

“Fluidity” ⚡️🎛️ - Buchla Thunder


video upload by Stephano Gavilanes

"Another musique concréte piece with Buchla 700 emulations and my very own samples triggered with the Buchla Thunder as 8 simultaneous midi channels👌🏽

I’m considering releasing an album with recording dones only with both the Buchla Thunder and Lighting sets💫

Headphones or loudspeakers suggested!

Music composed and recorded by Stephano Gavilanes.© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved."

Dreadbox Artemis 6 Voice Analog Synthesizer Demo [No Talking]


video upload by VCO USA

"Here is a video showing some sounds from the new ‪@Dreadbox-synths‬ Artemis 6 Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer. All of these sound demos are from single patches from Artemis and only use the on-board ‪@Sinevibes‬ effects. Headphones or Real Speakers recommended! Enjoy!

00:00 Requiem for International Trade
01:35 Artemis Song
03:10 Artemis Does the 303
04:18 Artemis Joins the Jam Band Your Parent's Warned You About
06:51 Artemis Lead & Reverb
08:00 Growly Meandering Ambient
09:39 Quiet Noisy Building
12:13 Hudson Mohawke Type Chords until the Camera Dies"

Introducing KRONO - Multi-Modal Programmable Clock Generator by Jolin


video upload by mz_2250

"Krono is a Multi-modal Programmable Clock Generator by Jolin.
With various modes, ranging from clock divider and multiplier to probabilistic, Euclidean, and chaotic modes it covers all the clock generation needs of modern eurorack."



KRONO is a 4HP programmable multi-mode clock and rhythm generator module featuring tap tempo, state persistence, CV group swap and 12 independent outputs.

Modes – firmware v1.0

1. Ratios: Direct multiplications and divisions of the base tempo for proportional rhythmic ratios.

2. Euclidean: Generates Euclidean rhythms by distributing K pulses over N steps.

3. Musical: Applies common musical ratios (e.g., triplets, dotted notes, predefined swing divisions).

4. Probabilistic: Outputs trigger based on defined probability thresholds for each output.

5. Sequential: Generates clocks based on mathematical sequences (Fibonacci, prime numbers).

6. Swing: Applies individual swing/shuffle levels per output, delaying even beats.

7. Polyrhythm: Assigns independent X:Y ratios to outputs; output 6 can generate a logical sum.

8. Logic: Applies logic operations (AND, OR, XOR, NAND, XNOR) between internal clocks or external inputs (if configured).

9. Phasing: Generates pulses with configurable time offsets (phase shifts) relative to the main clock.

10. Chaos: Creates unpredictable rhythmic patterns based on chaotic algorithms.

New modes will be added with upcoming firmware updates."

Features

12 Clock OutputS divided into two groups (A/B)

10 Operational Modes covering standard, mathematical, musical, probabilistic, and chaotic rhythms.

Weighted Tap Tempo & External Sync

State Persistence: Saves Tempo, Active Mode, and Swap State for each mode, retaining them across power cycles.

Calculation Swap: Inverts functions between groups via the MOD button or external gate.

Visual Feedback: the Status LED indicates the active mode; the Auxiliary LED signals state changes (tap, mode select, swap).

Fixed Base Clock Outputs: Outputs 1A and 1B always provide the unmodified main clock.

Hardware Platform: Based on CPU STM32F411.

Open Source: Firmware developed with PlatformIO (C/C++), customizable.

Programming: Via USB-C DFU.

“whatever” power connector – don’t mind the polarity, it’s protected eighter way.

Technical Specs
width 4HP
depth 30mm
50mA +12V
5mA -12V

Tension - Korg PS3300


video upload by Brett Little

"Dedicated to Blinky, Luna and Wally

Recorded in one take during a very challenging time.

Instrument used: Korg PS3300
Effects: CXM 1978"

Prophet X Sampling Audio Horror Movie


video upload by Suspect Media

"I sampled one of my audio movies into the Prophet X.
Brainiacs is a 108-minute audio journey through psychological horror. It follows a man haunted by a brutal experiment that killed his parents, who returns with friends to a decaying town—only to uncover an abandoned hospital where the dead are weaponized."

5/3-5/25 (2 patterns) Simmons SDS6 & SDS1 + DR-55 clone + DigiTech HM4 + EML 200 + (in description)


video upload by Cfpp0

"5/3-5/25 (2 patterns) Simmons SDS6 & SDS1 ('flange snare') + Doctor 55 clone + DeltaLab Effectron II + TAMA DS200 + ElectroComp EML 200 + Ace Tone MP-4 + DigiTech HM4 Harmony Machine + Alesis MIDIVERB II + MXR 136 Dual Limiter + DBX 119 + Peavey 1300

This Simmons SDS6 was dead, but it’s been serviced by The Simmons Guy. It got converted from 220v to 115v with a rebuilt PSU, a cloned reset circuit on a custom PCB, traces rerouted on the dead expansion PCB with new caps and trimmer, new RAM ICs, new batteries, plus a MIDI in mod and, due to a lot of corrosion, plenty of new traces, caps, resistors, diodes, and so on. I’m still working my way through the SDS6 manual, but it’s already been a real pleasure to have such a giant sequencer. It makes the Doepfer Trigger Matrix seem microscopic. Considerable noise from the SDS6 is audible through the (always noisy) Doctor 55 clone. Not sure why. Anyways, the SDS6 is triggering the DR-55, which runs through the DeltaLab Effectron II, overloading the preamp limiter, fully wet, full feedback. In the first pattern, the Effectron II is set to Flange Lo (16ms). And then Double (64ms) in the second pattern. The SDS6 also triggers the SDS1, with a “flange Snare” EPROM and with the auto run feature on, and it’s panned a bit right with reverb from the Alesis MIDIVERB II. The SDS6 also triggers the TAMA DS200, which runs through the Ace Tone MP-4 for saturation and spring reverb. The DR-55 is also running through the Peavey 1300, which is panned left and has a lot of reverb from the MIDIVERB II. I did an overdub where I ran the whole first pattern through the DigiTech HM4 harmonizer, but the detuned copy sounded better when placed early, before the high pitched original. So if you are wondering why you can’t see those detuned notes on the SDS6 matrix, that’s why. You can see those notes being leveled by the MXR 136 limiter in the cutaway shots. The second pattern has drones from the EML 200 synthesizers: one is constant, panned left, and getting louder the whole time; the other is four VCOs through two VCAs, modulated by two different master sine waves, with the EML internal spring reverbs and reverb from the MIDIVERB II."

An introduction to SEASHELL // Instruo's semi modular analogue synthesiser with digital control


video upload by DivKid

See the announcement post here.

"Wow ... that's Seashell in a single word, really impressive ... there it is in two. That might sound like a ridiculous way to start a description but I think Instruo have really knocked it out of the park with this one. Seashell is a sort of 'best of' from Instruo's analogue Eurorack modular range that's extended out into a full semi modular analogue synth voice in a neat package. But they've elevated it with smart digital control, a standalone controller app, VST plug in for DAW use and even class compliant MIDI and audio allowing it to be used like an analogue plug in. The potential is frankly ridiculous.

This video is an introduction to Seashell with my time with it so far. Split into 3 chapters where it's used standalone and with modular gear (a default state for many of us here I imagine), then we look at the extended software functions and then I highlight some cherry picked things that I think make it special.

Watch out for the OG DivBaby as she's in this one too!"

A Look Into Divide-Down Polyphonic Instruments by ZASM



The following is in via ZASM (Zen & the Art of Synthesizer Maintenance).

"Since it’s a matter of occasional confusion, even amongst people doing synth repairs for a living, I thought I might try a simple description of how divide-down polyphony in analogue instruments works.

"The basis of the technology is a circuit called a frequency divider. [1] This can be done differently with digital manipulation, but a typical analogue frequency divider responds to a (significant enough) change in input voltage by waiting until a similar change recurs one or more times before changing its output. The simplest and commonest division is the one-half or first suboctave, where the count is every two cycles. (A binary divider. n.b. divider circuits are often also known as counters.)"

You can find the full post at https://zasm.earth/dividers

HWJ Weekend Challenge - Ewok Jam (WIP)


video upload by SynthAddict

"Various perc etc. as imagined by the Ewoks in SW Episode 6:
tube perc, angklung, various drums, wind and "flutey" bits, etc.

Tech issues uploading in the jam time, so I missed the Monday HWJ streamthough cutoff by 2 minutes. :-P Oh well..."
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