OB-Xa Demos

Title link takes you to some demos on Clusterchord's synth demo page for the Oberheim OB-Xa.

Oberheim OB-8 Video and Samples

Oberheim OB8

YouTube via mikethompsonmusic.
"Just a short instrumental demo of my OB8, playing my song 'Thoughts'."

The following samples via Paolo Di Nicolantonio on this HC thread (check out the thread for some others):

(Stream all the examples below)
01 Strings
02 Eerie Choir
03 Bass with Resonance
04 Reso Synth
05 Classic Analog Strings
06 Classic '60s Combo Organ
07 Funky Analog Polysynth
08 Retro AnaStrings
09 Fusiony
10 Synch'd
11 Emerson Portamento
12 Analog Pipes
13 Fat S&H
14 Early '80s Melancholic AnaStrings
15 Classic '80s Synth-Pop Pad
16 Pitchin' Up
17 Extremely Thin Synth
18 Arpeggiator At Work

Prophet '08 to PEK Size Comparison

via sequencer.de via Stefan Tripler. Also, in case you missed it the Prophet '08 manual is availbable on the DSI site here.

Update: Looks like this is actually the Prototype. To start, look at the panel graphics in relation to the pitch and mod wheels vs. the images on the DSI site, then look at the rest.

Zerosum Inertia

Title link takes you to Zerosum Inertia. Check out the track "Opening A New Door, (Closing An Old)" and be sure to listen past the intro. Lot's of Metasonix grunge. The player is to the right of the top image.

Via the comments of this post:
"There is TM-3 fed into TX-1,TM-3 into TM-1 thanks to Muff Wiggler.
There is the resonator used as a sinewave fed into TM-1>TM-7.
All the guitars with the exeption of the very end has the TM-7 at the end."

Also be sure to check out the videos and the rest of the site as well. Here's a teaser vid.

TM-1 EG-1 to VCA synth demo.avi

Prophet '08 Page Is Up

Title link takes you there. Via Stephen.

Oberheim Strummer PERF/X

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

"The "Strummer" listens to chords played on your MIDI keyboard and plays them back to your MIDI sound source (Synthesizer or Sampler) just as they would be played from a guitar. Not only will the chord voicings be correct, but the chords can actually be "Strummed!" With the "Strummer," you can even change the speed and direction of your "Strums" just by changing the way you play your MIDI keyboard. Also, "Strummer" has the ability to distinguish the difference between chords and single notes, allowing you to send chords out on one MIDI channel (Distorted Guitar Sound for example) while your single notes are sent out on a different channel (i.e. Solo Sound). Your keyboard may have a great guitar sound, but can you play a great guitar part? Yes. The Oberheim Strummer will transform your keyboard playing into a stunning and convincing performance featuring realistic guitar articulation.

By looking at such factors as the range of the guitar, the number of notes being played, chord position, and the velocity of the performance, Strummer can transform the incoming MIDI data out into performance data emulating that of a real guitarist. Performance data may be delayed, echoed, harmonized, transposed and sent back out on multiple MIDI channels. In addition to control over strum direction and speed, the Strummer also features Chord Capture for real time single finger chords. Individual picking patterns and riffs may be assigned to a single key, for real time performance playback. You can even control the number of "strings" being strummed via keyboard velocity.

The "Strummer" includes features such as:
o MIDI Delay (Echo).
o Adjustable Delay and Decay Rates.
o Multiple MIDI Channel Output.
o Velocity Switching.
o Keyboard Splitting.
o Chord Voicing Variations.
o Arpeggiation.
o Chord Capture (Adjustable Single Finger Chords).
o Transposition of MIDI Delays (Great for MIDI Harmonizing).
o Ability to synchronize to MIDI Timing Clocks (External Sync).
o MIDI Program Change.
o Supports MIDI Sysex for storage of user defined patches."

SolinaChorusOverviewSmall

flickr by mpeake.

That would be Mike Peake. He was one of the people behind the Alesis Andromeda A6. It's nice to see him back.

Title link takes you to the flickr shots. Be sure to click on the All Sizes link for each to see the full sized shots.

Update: higher res scans
Solina2.tiff
SolinaChorusOverview.jpg

Hemma hos mig/Schapiro

flickr by jacobastrom.

KORG Legacy controller and banana boxes.

Caption-the-Cat Contest #2: Gonzo

Remember this beauty of a pic and contest? Well, #2 is up. This time we have Sushiluv's cat Gonzo. Title link takes you to the post on Catsynth.com.

DASHSignature daHornet

" * Two oscillators, 4 octaves selector, output level, saw and pulse waveforms, pulse width control on Osc 1, fine tuning up to 1 octave on Osc 2.
* Noise generator.
* One LFO with:
- Rate from 0.1 to 100 Hz.
- MIDI sync from 32/4 to 1/36.
- Filter cutoff and Osc pitch destinations.
- 6 shape modes, sample&hold.
* Multimode "vintage" resonant filter with key following function, LP,BP,HP.
* Two envelope generators, VCA and Filter control, with REPEAT function (loop the envelope).
* Polyphonic mode (2 to 16 voices) and mono legato mode with tunable glide effect.
* MIDI learn on every knob to freely assign any MIDI CC.
* MIDI velocity sensitivity adjustable independently for VCA and Filter envelope.
* Master volume.
* Master tuning.
* Virtual keyboard with hide/show button.
* 128 presets factory bank.
* Random presets generator.
* Saving default setting on registry option.
* Any Sample Rate supported (e.g: 44.1, 48, 96)
* Support for SSE, MMX and P4 instructions.
* Volume Type: High, Normal, Soft."

Title link takes you to more info including the download.

MusoTalk 80 - Workshop - Power PC Plug-ins auf Intel Macs

YouTube via musotalk.
Featuring the EDP Wasp and daHornet plug-in.

d16.pl Phoscyon "303" plug-in

YouTube via pac209.
"tweaking a software plug-in with a simple midi controller (Doepfer Pocket Dial), using only the regular 303 knobs to evaluate the sound"

Update via the comments: "to download a clean soundfile of the session, use this link. like mentioned I only used the regular 303 controls, i.e. cutoff, env, resonance, decay, tuning and threw in a few (sample) 606 sounds towards the end"

TB-303 & TR-606 Reverb and Over Drive Experiment

YouTube via eljuanlux.
"This is an experiment using a TB-303 and a TR-606 i hope u enjoy ;=)"

Access Virus | TI ' The Living Years '

YouTube via GCom67.
"A Short Video Demo Of The Virus TI Synth...The original 80's Tune is called 'The Living Years' by Mike & The Mechanics. One of the best songs ever!! The sound I used is ROM-S 67 HyperPad with a bit more CUTOFF & RELEASE & less ATTACK."

Roland System 100 Model 102

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

"The Expander 102 section is a keyboard-less version of the 101, designed to stand upright and behind the main Synthesizer 101. More than one Expander 102 can be added to make your system fatter and fatter! The Expander is identical to the Synthesizer except that it replaces Portamento/Glide effects with a Sample-and-Hold feature for the LFO, the Noise gen. Is replaced by a Ring Modulator, and the A-440 tuning osc. Is replaced by weak/strong sync inputs and a mix-in jack. The Expander is an excellent way to add more oscillators and synth effects (the s&h and ring-mod) to a System 100. The oscillators can be synced if you have both modules. The 101 & 102 are already internally patched and ready to produce sounds, but that can be bypassed by external patching."

synthi e fun

YouTube via waveshaper. Sent my way via Dennis.
"little fun with the EMS Synthi E. No other gear used no midi no sequencers etc. Just a few pathcords. Recorded with a $200 photocamera so don't give shit about the audioquality!"

Pink Floyd - Run Like Hell (1980)

YouTube via JimmyToast. Prophet-5 Rev1 solo comes in at 4:01. You can't see it but you can hear it.

Update: and here is THE actual Prophet-5 used by Pink Floyd at the time, sent in via an anonymous reader. You can find more images here and you can also see it in the video below.


Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2 (1980)

"We Miss You, Bob" via the Bob MOOG Foundation

"As you may have realized, today is the second anniversary of Bob's death. We talked about a lot of things we might say today, but in the end, it all came down to "We miss you, Bob."

We hope you'll take just a minute today to remember him in your own way. Maybe turn on the Voyager, listen to a favorite Moog artist, or picture him in your mind's eye.


If you'd like, stop by our MySpace page to leave us a note. Post your thoughts on MySpace

All the best,
The Bob Moog Foundation
Make a gift 'In Bob's memory...'"

x0xchild - Roland Drumatix TR-606 Finds its Way Home

via Ghostdog.

Here's a story for you. Ghostdog's first drum machine was the Roland TR-606. He picked it up when he was 14. Eventually he sold it. 25 years later he picked one up again. When he looked at the serial number, it was the same exact one. No joke.

Here is a shot of the TR-606 and his son OSCar. Cool name! I wonder if he'll write it with the capital OSC when he gets older.

labolida synthesizers

TinySynth monophonic hybrid synthesizer
Tiny Synth is a simple, may be minimum, compact and integrated synthesizer. It was developed around a single MIDI controlled digital oscillator, including too a VCF, VCA, LFO, and AR ASR envelope generators.
The main project idea was to keep as simple as possible the construction and calibration, with a relatively cheap cost.
nano 1 - monophonic digital synthesizer
"nano 1 is a monophonic digital synthesizer module developed with digital technology giving the control facilities of analog synthesizers."
Title link takes you to the labolida sumtjesozers website where you will find more info on both.

New MOTM Cloud Generator Demos

"Using better MP3 encoding and tweaking the Cloud Generator firmware has produced some cleaner demos. Check these out.

www.synthtech.com/m520/better_sin.mp3
www.synthtech.com/m520/better_saw.mp3
www.synthtech.com/m520/better_tri.mp3
www.synthtech.com/m520/better_sqr.mp3
www.synthtech.com/m520/thru_zero.mp3
www.synthtech.com/m520/sq_sin_mix1.mp3
www.synthtech.com/m520/sq_sin_mix2.mp3

Enjoy....and watch those speaker levels.
And yes, it can do "through-zero" FM!

Paul S."

Thank You Bob

Today marks two years since Bob's passing. Title link takes you to the Caring Bridge site for Bob, where many of us visited on a daily basis when the sad news of Bob's condition became public. You can leave a comment there if you wish. Thanks goes to Mark Pulver for reminding us all on AH.

DSI Prophet '08 Detailed Shot

click image for the full size shot.

And a bit larger on VSE.

DEWANATRON documentary

YouTube via dutchblaine.
"he documentary of DEWANATRON by Paul Yates. A story of Brian Dewand and Leon Dewan-the greatest grass roots electronic creators of all time.
The special purpose of Dewanatrons, which are modern solid-state analog instruments, is to grow music live in collaboration with the operators who guide them. Edited by Paul yates and Jonee Eisen."
Be sure to mouse over the thumbnails for more when the video ends.

Fairlight CMI Series III

Title link takes you to some great shots via this auction sent my way via loscha.

"Offered for sale is a very rare, fully functional, vintage classic chassis Fairlight CMI III computerised musical instrument workstation in excellent condition. Also fitted is Fairlight MFX2 capability, which adds a 24 track direct to disc recorder / editor. The system is a late model, and as such has the latest and best in technical innovations, whilst still retaining the classic legendary sound of the CMI.

The system has 16 voices, 16 Mbytes RAM, colour graphics card, digital sampler and 24 output router. Up to 2 extra 8 Mbyte RAM cards can be supplied for an extra $300 each. It also comes with the later MFX alpha-numeric keyboard, and a really nice proper weighted action music keyboard. A 15” LCD screen (not the one illustrated) is included. There are two 4 Gbyte hard discs fitted, with a front panel switch that toggles to enable the system to boot up either in CMI (revision 9.34) or MFX2 (revision 11.39) mode.

The MFX2 disc is empty for disc recording, whilst the CMI disc is full of the following libraries:

Complete Fairlight library, Prosonus Strings, Brass, Percussion, Sound
Genesis strings, plus many libraries collected over the last 20 years
dealing with top producers and musicians. These include libraries from: Pet
Shop Boys, Trevor Horn, Hans Zimmer, Frankie goes to Hollywood, Art of Noise and many, many others. The complete Fairlight IIX library is also included.

An external empty 4 Gbyte hard disc, with both sets of system softwares is also included, with SCSI lead, as a backup.

The system will be serviced, have a full set of manuals, all leads, latest firmware, and come with 3 months warranty.

Please note you’ll see other Fairlight systems advertised on ebay, and many will less expensive. However, do some research before you buy. What may look like a bargain might not look so appealing when its obsolete parts finally give up. This applies specially to earlier systems. This system is complete, fully functional, and will work straight out of the box. I worked as product specialist and studio manager at Fairlight in Sydney during most of the 1980s, and have been involved in re-building Fairlight CMIs for over 25 years. I have sold and supported well over 30 of these classic samplers. If you are in any doubt, please type “Peter Wielk Fairlight” into the worlds favourite search engine and see what comes out. I am also proud of my 100% positive ebay feedback with over 140 transactions, which I hope reflects my honest and straight forward dealings. I have also described this system as accurately as possible. However, please feel free to ask any questions, or if you’re passing through Sydney, you would be very welcome to have an extensive demonstration. Lastly, these systems were designed and built with no compromises, reflected by their US$75,000 price tag when new. The sound is completely awesome.

The last picture in the sequence shows my "widgetarium" my workshop devoted to all things Fairlight, including an old sign from the factory."

Update via the comments: "This is as "real" as it gets. This instrument is being sold by Peter Wielk, who used to be the UK Fairlight distributor. He's been supporting the instrument ever since."

Navs' Modular Lab - Filter Fight Update!

Ken Stone CGS735 Synthacon Filter samples added along with imagages. Title link takes you there.

Previous posts

Update via Navs in the comments: "Couldn't resist comparing the CGS with Plan B's Model 12. New files added."

Muff Wiggler Metasonix Suitcase Jam

Title link takes you to the mp3 and thread on Muff Wiggler's Mindless Chat Space. Watch your speakers!

via Deviant Synth.

Calling All Deviants!

Deviant Synth needs you!

"Nothing against Matrixsynth or Music Thing, but they are just repeating, ad nauseaum, the same old neuroses of their readers–a gang of middle-aged owners of 30 broken Prophet-5s and/or 120 badly-scratched Fender Jaguars who want to get rich and become “music gods”, without actually doing anything."

Cute. Well, I'm subbed so I guess they will become part of the drivel here. ;) Title link takes you there. BTW, don't forget SYNTHWIRE. And no, I don't have a problem with this. The more the merrier. And they are linking here, so.. : ) Be sure to read their Manifesto in full. It's a good one.

Audio Damage Liquid Preview

"We're pretty much done with major coding on Liquid (click the image for the full-sized UI), and are going to address porting tomorrow. The Windows version is essentially done, for all intents and purposes. So what is it? A through-zero flanger, that's what. If you know what a through -zero flanger is, skip the next paragraph; otherwise, read and learn." Title link takes you to the post on Analog Industries.

acid set

YouTube via wyllytesla.
909, 303, x0xb0x, studioquad v2, spirit sx

PPG Wave 2.3

via this auction.
Details from Hollow Sun

MIDI Bass Pedal and MFB Synth Lite II analog synth with sequencer

Cortez/Cano Midi Bass pedals MFB analog synth jam video upload by JorgeCortez01

via this auction.

• 2 Oscillators (Sawtooth, Square)
• 1 Square Suboscillator, Audio Input
• Ringmodulator, Oscillator Sync
• 2 ADSR-Envelope Generators
• Voltage controlled 24 dB/oct Lowpassfilter (VCF)
• 83 User Memory Locations
• Step sequencer with up to 32 Steps (20 Memory Locations)

The SYNTH LITE II is the programable successor of MFB´s popular SYNTH LITE. This monophonic synthesizer offers three digital oscillators, external audio input, analogue lowpass filtering with 24dB/oct and an analogue voltage controlled amplifier. The SYNTH LITE II is equipped with MIDI and offers 83 memory locations. MFB has even integrated a programable step sequencer. Here are the details: two main oscillators each offer sawtooth and square. In addition, OSC 2 can be set to generate an impulse waveform. Ring modulation is possible, as well as syncing OSC 2 to OSC 1.Each oscillator´s octave range can be set to 4', 8' or 16'. OSC 2 can be further detuned over a range of plus or minus one octave. The voltage controlled filter (VCF) offers 24 dB/oct lowpass filtering. EMPHASIS (resonance) can be set up to self-oscillation. An external audio input is also routed directly to the filter. Both the voltage controlled filter and the following voltage controlled amplifier have dedicated envelope generators with Attack, Decay, Release and Sustain parameters. Decay and Release share a control and are selected by a switch. The SYNTH LITE II´s LFO can modulate the oscillators´ pitch or the filter cutoff frequency. Pulse width modulation for OSC 2 is also possible by setting its waveform to Impulse. A glide function can be activated with different speeds to achieve popular portamento effects.

MIDI data is received as note on/off, pitch wheel (+/- 2 semitones) and mod wheel. Velocity can be routed to VCF and/or VCA, alternately it can be disabled. The sequencer is programed from a MIDI-keyboard. Its resolution is 16th notes with up to 32 steps. Pause notes can be set as well as external synchronization.

The MFB-SYNTH LITE II measures 175 x 125 x 35 mm. The power supply unit is included. The user manual is available as a word document, you can find it here (part 1) and here (part 2).

Please click here to visit the manufacturer's webpage for more info."

KORG EMX-1

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Yamaha DX5

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

And another.

Lismore

Title link takes you to Lismore on MySpace

ARP 2600

via SoNiCbRaT

acidlab bassline 2

flickr by pac209.

Hmm... kind of makes me want the sequencer controls above the knobs.

I love the green LEDs.

click here for the full size shot.

KORG

flickr by -hi-no-to-ri-mo-rt-al-.

KORG DW6000

click here for the full size shot.

click here for one more shot.

Solovox Sighting

Under the piano.

Waldir Camon
Sua Orchestra
Ritmos De Caribe

No title link just the shot.

via Brian.

Lemur Sequencer

YouTube via machinate.
"A video illustrating how to control a maxMSP pluggo using a JazzMutant Lemur. The pluggo is loaded inside Ableton Live, and is triggering standard Impulse drum kits. We will upload more videos of the Lemur soon!"

As always, mouse over the thumbnails at the end of videos for more. BTW, YouTube is beginning to get really saturated with synth related vids, so I will do my best to filter in the most interesting stuff. If you see something I have not posted, that you think should be posted, feel free to send it in. You can find my contact info on the right pane of the site. Remember, only synths, and please do search for the title of the vid and the name of the person that put the vid up (in this case machinate), on the top left of the site. If you find it, don't send it in as I do my best to only post things once.

blueray

YouTube via robotpickle.
"water, sun, summer, industry, sky, water, sun, summer, industry sky moogy, oberheim, with a hint of alphajuno, reaktor, and a fake ass softsynth CS80"

FUTURERETRO FR-777 session one

YouTube via monorecord.

"DEMO FUTURERETRO FR-777 only one OSCILATOR,no FX, no EQ or other "Sound makeup"

TB-303 loves the TR-909 too

YouTube via aszent.

Access Virus TI Keyboard & fltrmusic

YouTube via GCom67.
"Just a quick video demo of the Virus TI keyboard. Music by fltrmusic"

New Synth Scans and Pics on fdiskc

Title link takes you to Brandon Daniel's fdiskc.com where you will find new eml101 pics (pictured), the raymond scott clavivox card, korg kr55b lit, and others.

ElectroDziska's Analog vs Digital (segment)

YouTube via 3gzproductions. via Mr. Array.
"Segment of electro music documentary by Iris B Cegarra"

Metasonix TM-1 in MOTM Format

via this auction

via brian comnes.

"This is a Metasonix TM-1 Wavefolder in MOTM format, 2U of tube mangling ready for your modular synth! This is a prototype that works great, but there are some behind-the-scenes... engagements, shall we say, that dissuade me from selling it with the forecoming modules (still a month out) from The Bridechamber. This unit's PCB was not made for conversion, so there are some wires that are spliced, things of that nature that I couldn't rightly let go of. Now, to let you know, some things are sent out into the world in converting a big yellow 3U stompbox into a tidy 2U black MOTM format module WITH A CLEAR WINDOW THROUGH WHICH YOU CAN SEE THE TUBES GLOW -- that is, sweat, many choice words, a bit of blood, and not a small amount of sanity (I won't admit to tears!). The back is covered by a metal bracket which was engineered to protect you, and for you to plug in the included wall-wart power supply. Unlike the stompbox, there are CV attenuators for the VCA and Beam Mod CVs. Do note that the output is at stompbox level, and will need to be amped. Tubes yo."

x0xb0x

Title link takes you to some amazing shots via this auction.

x0xb0x serial number #496
" The custom finish on this x0xb0x includes extremely limited edition (11 pieces made) custom artwork, with matching matte black knurled knobs, and a red RUN button. The artwork is rear-printed 10mil Lexan with 3M adhesive which is the exact same type of label used on industrial equipment. Have no fear about the artwork being damaged as your fingers bump the panel while turning the pots. The original, clear, harsh looking LEDs have been replaced with diffuse red LEDs to match the artwork. The rear panel of the x0xb0x has been painted matte black to match the front panel and give this x0xb0x a unified look.

(Note that the red RUN button isn't painted; it's a proper molded plastic piece from the same series as the other buttons and should stand up to years of mashing it with your thumb. Please also note that the resistors used with the LEDs have also been properly selected so that the LEDs are not overpowered. Many individuals doing custom LED replacements haven't bothered to select the proper resistors and risk cooking the LEDs.)

Because the original x0xb0x design includes no power switch (it must be plugged and unplugged in order to toggle power), I have fitted a toggle switch on the back of the enclosure. With this x0xb0x there will be no unneeded wear placed on the connectors, nor on you as you crawl behind things to unplug the power.

In order to further enhance the 303-ness of the x0xb0x I took the additional step of selecting only high-beta 2SA733P transistors for the key positions in the x0xb0x. This is noted on the x0xb0x site as one of the best "mods" to be done to the x0xb0x, and the one which will make it as 303-like as possible. (It's already spot-on, I just wanted to take it that extra step and be certain it sounded good.)

So, since people seem to like bullet points, here's a summary of this x0xb0x, #496:

· Roland TB-303 Clone: One of the best available!
· Built-In Step Sequencer
· Triggerable via MIDI
· Professionally Hand Assembled
· Custom, High Quality Artwork
· Power Switch
· Diffuse Red LEDs
· Red RUN Button
· Hand-Selected 2SA733P Transistors
· Knurled Black Aluminum Knobs
· Black Rear Panel
· Internal Headphone Jack: Compose without external mixing equipment!
· 128 Banks of Pattern Memory
· 64 Banks of Track Memory
· External Power Supply
· RED PCBs"

Yamaha AN1x Demo via elmosexwhistle

Cool Yamaha AN1x demo posted by elmosexwhistle on this VSE thread.

"hey fellow synth heads, on this here mp3 file you can hear what kind of sonic madness i've been creating with my an1x these past few months...interestingly there are no external effects (albeit a little treble added to brighten the sound slightly) and a little crossfading to shorten down the track...a load of patches are on this demo, includng melotrons, harpsichords, mad fm shiz and big lush pads...also alot of points where you'll be thinking *how the hell did he do that on a 4osc synth?* i don't even know myself sometimes"

Metasonix Wretch Machine

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

PAiA Fatman

via this auction

MOOG Realistic MG-1

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.