Russian RITM-2

Click here for more shots pulled via this auction.

Details:
" Powerful Soviet Russian Vintage RARE Analog synthesizer.

• RITM-2 is a portable solo synthesizer from 80's - Russian clone of Minimoog, it has 1-osc (plus sub osc), 1LFO, 2 adsr and more.

• This synth was made in December 1988 in USSR

• First section - Portamento/Glissando.

• Modulation section - modulation frequency knob (LFO), OSC section: tuning knob from - to + , modulation switch from saw, tri and random, tone switch from 32', 16', 8' or 4' , modulation level knob from 10 till 2; modulation on/off switch (linked to level knob).

• Mixer section - noise level knob, saw wave level knob, tri wave/rising tri wave switch, level of tri/rising wave.

• Filter section : cutoff freq knob, resonance, modulation switch - choose envelope, tri, wave or random,modulation level knob, keytrack button (between 1/1 keytrack or 1/2); 4 x sliders for adsr envelope.

• Output section: output volume knob, phones volume knob.

• Amp section: switch between single - triggered envelope and repeating envelope, memory knob, 4 x sliders for adsr envelope.

• Connection on the rear panel : on/off switch, power wire connection (220V), fuse (0,25A) - output. On the front : 2,5 octave keyboard (F-C), to the left of keyboard there are pitch bend slider, modulation wheel, below keyboard there is a output 5-din plug."

Oberheim OB-Xa

Title link takes you to two shots pulled via this auction.

Roland RS-09 Organ and Strings Synth

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction. Note the missing switch for Ensemble.

Roland Jupiter-4 Compuphonic

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

MTI Auto Orchestra AO-1

Title link takes you to images pulled via this auction.

Casper Vocal Processor VP-01

Title link takes you to more shots and samples on casperelectronics.

Bob Moog Foundation Newsletter #3

"Since the Bob Moog Foundation's launch, we have received several stories about Dad and his work, and original music featuring Moog instruments. I thank everyone who submitted and invite everyone else to read the stories and listen to the music.

Please keep the music and stories coming. We love hearing how Dad touched peoples lives and ultimately that is what the Foundation is all about- touching lives through innovation and creativity.

Moog Lives! Rock on!
Sincerely,

Michelle Moog-Koussa
Director, The Bob Moog Foundation

Below are excerpts from three of our favorite stories about Bob and his inventions. The link below will let you see all the stories in there entirety.

"I am a composer today in part because of the inspiration his instruments provided me. He was, in many ways, the father of all contemporary electronic musicians, and his memory and work will live on forever."

Richard Lainhart

"Ha! When we first put out the Minimoog (1970/71) the stores told us "Keyboard players will never buy this, as they are NOT technical people at all. Guitarists and drummers have their hardware and gadgets to use, but keyboard players only use a piano and organ - they are not TECHNICAL!" Boy - things sure did change!"

Brian Kehew

"Today, I can't claim any successes in the music world and can hardly believe what I had on tape was considered good by any measure, but it was the experience of the time that counted. It gave me depth and experience that carries forward to the professional world. Bob Moog became one of the few people who I could actually call a hero. "

Steve Wiedemann

Read more stories at moogfoundation.org

Supporting the Foundation

We are still a young organization, building from the ground up. To support Bob's legacy in a meaningful way, we need your support. Every contribution counts.

Please consider making a contribution to our Foundation. To find out what we're all about have a look at our objectives.

We ask you to spread the word--forward this email to friends, colleagues, and anyone interested in the work and legacy of Dr. Bob Moog.

Support the Foundation..."

Bob Moog Foundation Newsletter #1
Bob Moog Foundation Newsletter #2

MacBeth Studio Systems XFactor

Remember the XFactor? A new rendering just went up on the MacBeth Studio Systems website.

click the image for the full effect.

via Benjamin.

Rare Maestro W-3 synth

No title link, just a shot via this auction.

Not much as far as details:
"I have a W-3 from Maestro, Never seen this before. It comes with its foot pedal and original case. It looks like a synths of sorts but I dont know that much about it. It looks like it was never used. I know the W-2 has sold for $455 + here on ebay, But cant find any reffrence to the W-3 but that Steely Dan used one. I really dont know how to play this thing, so sold as is. Its looks like it all working but dont know for sure. I will have more pics at http://synthsfl.tripod.com."

I couldn't find the pics. If did, feel free to comment.

Update via BirdFLU in the comments:
"Saxophonist Eddie Harris is probably the most famous user of the Maestro. Lookie here. Listen here"

Alesis Fusion Club

Title link takes you there.

via Failed Muso.

Roland System 700

Title link takes you to shots from this post for sale. That kid is going to make a mint. ; )

via Ben.

Vermona Performer

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Details:
-Not just 4 monosynths! You can chain them together as shown in the pics and get two dual-OSC, dual-ENV synths (mod VCA and VCF)
-Each synth 'channel' can be assigned to the same, or separate midi channels (so you could have suboscs, or detunes for fat hoover sounds, etc)
-Duo mode, in which incoming notes alternate between synth pairs 1&2 and 3&4
-Poly mode, in which incoming notes alternate between individual synth channels 1-> 2-> 3-> 4-> 1-> ...
-Awesome for live tweaking and immediacy in the studio
-Can be used as a filterbank to make your other gear sound better ;)
-An excellent 'seed' for a modular system - it would serve as four OSC modules or six -LP Filter modules

sample via the auction, also mirrored here.

Elektron Monomachine

More boxy goodness. Double entendre intended. Title link takes you to more shots pulled via this auction.

Waldorf MicroWave and Waveslave

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Details via the auction:
"Original one owner Waldorf microWAVE & rare WAVEslave 8 voice expander. With these two units properly connected, you will have a 16 voice system. Both are in excellent condition cosmetically and functionally and come with all the original manuals and guides. Both the MW & WS have analog filters. The WS is a MW without memory or front panel controls. I have been told It is possible to operate the WS independent of the MW by using an editor such as sound diver or Galaxy. This MW has a very rich sound and is capable of producing a wide range of analog & digital sounds. This is the MW that everyone wants and this is your chance to own a rare 16 voice system."

Update via moogulator in the comments:
"the Waveslave does NOT allow V2.0 of the MW Software, so he may only sell V1.0 MWs andWaveesalve (which is not able to run with V2) .. those times you could send it in and get a replacement full MW1.. now the waveslave isn't the best idea, better go for 2 MW1 with V2.. "

There was another note that came in via the Waldorf forum as well. You can control the Waveslave via an MW1 V2 however if you play a patch with settings not supported in the Waveslave V1 software, the Waveslave will simply not play.

NYU's MOTM

flickr by Bennett 4 Senate.

EMS VCS3 Mk. 1

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Anonymous Comments

So, I've noticed the majority of Anonymous Comments have turned into garbage since this post. Hmm.... I wonder why. I've noticed a few people complaining about them. So, I ask you the readers what do you think? Here are the options:

1. Disable Anonymous Comments altogether.
2. Allow Anonymous Comments but delete all negative Anonymous Comments.
3. Leave things as is

Let me know in the comments.

Novation ReMOTE ZeRO SL Impressions on Analog Industries

Title link takes you to the post on Analog Industries.

Moog Groove

flickr by Lost America.

sent my way via Simon.

MK-52 - alternative programmer for Alpha Juno 2?

flickr by polaranta

not really. ; ) Could be cool though.

Jordon Rudess Demos the Roland VP-550

Title link takes you to a few videos of Jordon Rudess demoing the Roland VP-550.

via synthesizer-magazin.

Gentle Giant - The runaway

YouTube via McArtRidge. Sent my way via ZonkOut.

huppo studio

Title link takes you to more shots.

via huppo

Note: if you've been following this blog for some time you will realize cats seem to outnumber most other animals when it comes to the pets of synth owners and their synth shots. Not at huppo studio. I see a Beagle. : )

SynthMantra 1

Title link takes you to a post on SoNiCbRat featuring an improv of the Zebra VCF, MOOG MF105, Casio SA5, Roland RS09, SH101 and Sherman Filterbank II.

That's the Zebranalogic VCF (from Peru) to the left of the Moogerfooger.

Update: Seems the URL for the mp3 isn't working. Sonicbrat sent over this link for now.

Rhodes Chroma Knob Box

Remember the Rhodes Chroma knob box mentioned in this post? Title link takes you to a first look of the layout in PDF format.

Update: Waveshape knob added to the pdf.

Electro Harmonix Micro Synth

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction. Samples here.

Casio CZ-101

Title link takes you to images pulled via this auction.

PAiA Modular

Another one is up for sale. You can see the previous one here. This one is two cases. Click here for shots via this auction

The First Digital Synthesizers

A friend of mine asked me what the first digital synth was. To my surprise I wasn't sure. We all know it was the Yamaha DX7 (1983) that changed the landscape from analog to digital, but it clearly wasn't the first. The NED Synclavier (1975) and the Crumar/DKI GDS (197x?) and Synergy (1982) predate it. If anyone out there knows for sure, feel free to comment. Image of the Crumar/DKI GDS via synthony.

Snip on the GDS via Synthmuseum.com:
"'The GDS came out of some early research at Bell Laboratories in the early '70s,' explains Mercer 'Stoney' Stockell, who himself shared in developing the GDS and Synergy. 'Hal Alles, a researcher there, designed the high-speed additive engine that was put into the GDS and later systems. He was a very bright man. The work originally came out of some stuff he was supposed to be doing for echo-cancellation on telephone lines.'"

BTW, regarding the DX7, be sure to check out this post on the Yamaha FX1.

Update via adam s in the comments:
"The Dartmouth Digital Synthesizer is the Synclavier's ancestor. This is recognized as the first digital synthesizer existing as a self-contained instrument, closed system or whathaveyou. Of course, the first digital synthesizer (that is, first digital device to synthesize sound for the sake of music), is the IBM 704 Mainframe computer, on which Max Matthews created Music I in 1957. It's amazing how far computer synthesis predates 'digital synthesizers'. I'm sure that in that almost 20 year span, plently of people had developed (successfully or not) digital synthesizers, especially during the early 70's microprocessor boom."

OP:L Bastards

video upload by Cyberyayo

Sent my way via HarriL.

Circuit Bent Analog Synth Drum Machine

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Details:
"Here is a totally unique old school circuit bent noise generator/synth. I picked up this mystery box recently and do not know any details as to its origin. My guess is it is early 70's home/custom built. The circuit board is hand wired bread board and it was done by someone who knew what they were doing. The sound is somewhere between a sound Aphex Twin might use or The 60's group Silver Apples. The tone can range from a drum machine like hi hat sound to bleeps with noise added in varying degrees. The tone frequency can vary the pitch and sounds like a pretty cool resonate filter. The emphasis puts the tone on a continous 4/4 to 4/2 4/3 4/1. Pretty simple overall but absolutely loads of fun to tweek in real time. The design is interesting in that it was built into a japanese wood box and works like a traditional music box, ie when you open the lid the unit is turned on. This is a self contained unit with a built in speaker. There are currently no provision for an output jack but that would be easy to do wired off the 2 leads from the speaker. I could not see what chips were used in the design as they are not visible without taking the unit apart. The unit runs on a hard wired 9v wall adapter. Maybe someone out there knows the origin of this vintage piece? Perhaps it was built for a specific music experimentor back in the day or just as a hobby project I do not know. At any rate this a cool conversation piece and a complete one off synth. Way kooler than a speak and spell! The unit measures 8.5 x 5 x 3.5 inches."

via Brian Comnes.

IMSOTILT

flickr via devowski.

energyXT2

energyXT2 is set to be released dec 1, 2006. Title link takes you to the energy-XT2 website which is pretty sparse, however, you can read more about it on Linux Rock Star. It will support Linux and Windows.

via Linux Rock Star:
"energyXT is an advanced music composer and plugin chainer. It can be run as a standalone application or as a plugin in another DAW to overcome it's limitations. energyXT2 is designed to be very easy to use with drag and drop, streamlined mixer and a very user friendly piano-roll. And when the final version of energyXT2 is out, it will have a built in synth/sampler and multi-effect processor so that you can create music “out of the box”."

This one via Inverseroom.

Analogue Haven Forum

Inverseroom wrote in to let me know Analogue Haven now has a forum, including a modular synth board. Title link takes you there.

System 100

Title link takes you to the post by Phloemlabs on Synthwire.

Chroma Polaris II

flickr by hinotori mortal

Title link takes you to more.

Replicant Samples

Remember Replicant? Well, it's not out just yet, however, Analog Industries has a few samples up. Title link takes you there.

Fairlight CMI Keyboard

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

I saw this one on Failed Muso.

The auction also featured the videos below.









Peter Gabriel and Fairlight CMI

YouTube via Artmuzz. Previously posted here.

Al Di Meola Sequencer 1982

YouTube via dorataro

Kate Bush - Experiment IV (Wogan)

YouTube via gaffahead

Fairlight IIL Demonstration at Syco Systems

YouTube via Synthasy2000. BTW you can get DVDs with this particular video and more here. Look for DVD on the left when you get there.

Synton Syrinx

via this auction. Note all the other synths on the list as well.

Note it's a black Syrinx with a blue lower case.

Lightwave Oberheim FVS Four Voice for Sale

Title link takes you to more info and shots. I also backed the images up here in case they disappear after the sale. It's listed at 3500 Euros which coverts to $4,488.04 according to this currency conversion calculator.

Muzikfrommarz

Via daddio of tapewarm:

"I had fun with the Metasonix filter that I won at the Nor Cal AH get together. Big ups to Mr.s Metasonix and Brian Comnes. Some mp3s and pics here. Brian actually won the item first and declined the prize, making it possible for my name to be drawn next instead. Now THAT'S the kind of host legends are made of."

This is really good stuff. The pics link is under the disco ball when you get there. There's a grooving cat in the set. Thanks daddio!

Metasonix TM-6 - Vacuum Tube Multimode Filter

Nord Lead 1 Rack

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Update: this is the Nord Lead 1 rack, not 2. The auction says 2. Thanks to adam s for catching this in the comments.

Yamaha DX1

CLICK FOR MORE »

Dotcom Sunshine!

flickr by ANDY_MOOG_BOY.

Title link takes you to more.

Korg Polysix Face Control.

YouTube via Jexus. www.syntezatory.prv.pl

I tease synth. Synth reacts.

YouTube via Jexus. www.syntezatory.prv.pl

Last Plak Fantasy

flickr via Reid H Cooper.

Update: You can find more of this artist here.

Jen SX1000

flickr by ben-mendes.

Untitled

flickr via devowski.

title takes you to a few more.

Jen SX1000

No title link, just two shots via this auction.

Details:
"Vintage Jen SX1000 37-note keyboard 12dB/octave filter White and pink noise Single digitally controlled oscillator Three waveforms, sawtooth, square, and Pulse Width Modulation. Four octave range (32', 16', 8', 4') Glide Two ADSR envelope generators and one LFO. Original overlay cards showing settings for various sounds, Hammond Organ 1 & 2, Human Voice 1 & 2, Brass 1 & 2, Synthesizer, Electronic Drum, Piano, Flute, Violin & Cello and blank for personalised settings 1/4-inch jack output Purchased from my old school ten years ago. I know very little about synths but this is in good condition and seems fully operational, with just the odd crackly pot and a few coloured plastic discs missing off the top of a handful of the control knobs."