Abstrakt Instruments Avalon Bassline Synthesizer w/ SEM Filter, Original Box & Docs

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via this listing

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Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 Parts Kit - Detailed Contents & Build Videos

video uploads by Abstrakt Instruments

The playlist above features videos covering the detailed contents of the Full Parts Kit, the Basic Kit, and build videos for Abstrak Instruments VS-1, rackmount OB-X. These were made for those that purchased kits, but I thought they might be of interest to others as well. You can find full details on the VS-1 on Abstrakt Instruments' website: https://abstraktinstruments.com.

Playlist:
VS-1 w/ Full Parts Kit - Detailed Contents
VS-1 Basic Kit - Detailed Contents

There are two minor omissions in the video...
1) The mainboard includes the MCU Module pre-installed. It is not installed in the video.
2) The kit also contains two 3M GPT-020F double-sided tape strips for OLED screen mounting.

VS-1 Final Assembly - Step 2: - Voice Motherboard Installation
VS-1 Week 178 Update #2
VS-1 PSU Modification
VS-1 Final Assembly - Step 3: Install Fan & Power Entry Module to Rear Panel
VS-1 Final Assembly - Step 4: Attach Bottom, Rear & Right Side Panel & Install Chassis Ground Wire
VS-1 Final Assembly - Step 5: Assemble Power Switch Cable
VS-1 Final Assembly - Step 6: PSU Installation
VS-1 DIY Voice Card Modification
VS-1 Final Assembly - Step 11: Front Panel Fit & PCB Stack
VS-1 Final Assembly - Step 12: Front Panel & OLED Bezel Install

Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 Rackmount OB-X DIY Kits Ship

video upload by Abstrakt Instruments

"VS-1 Week 178 Update #2"

Abstrakt Instruments Avalon Bassline - Black w/ Green LEDs

via this auction

"The avalon bassline is a high quality analog bassline synthesizer with integrated sequencer. The core circuitry of the avalon is based on the revered Roland TB-303 bassline synthesizer, to which a new layer of analog and digital circuitry has been added to position the avalon as the premier bassline synthesizer.

This unit is in Mint condition in the original box with power cables and the highly sought after SEM filter cartridge."

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Abstrakt Instruments Avalon Bassline Synthesizer w/ Original Box & Feature Sheet

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Great TB-303 style bass line synthesizer. Black with Red LED version."

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Honeysmack Live at Revolver Upstairs March 2023: Improvised Acid Techno Hardware Set

video upload by Honeysmack

"This was an epic live acid techno show at Revolver Upstairs on March 11, 2023. All recorded and improvised live on the dance floor, in the backroom. The audience are an essential part to all my performances — it is you 🫵🏼 who make the energy, so thank you 🙏🏼

It has been almost 25 years since I first played Revolver way back in the late 1990s. There will be a new release taken from this performance, more details soon! No computers or DJs were hurt in this performance.

❤️ Big thanks again to Camilo, Henry and all the staff at Revolver who made this happen.
🎥 Video shot and produced by Richard DeSilva
🙏🏼 Thanks to Rudeboy, Tarek, Mike Callander, Acid Safari, Chiara Kickdrum and Kevin

🎛 Gear used for this jam:
Modular synth
Roland TR-8
Abstrakt Instruments Avalon Bassline
Elektron RYTM MkI
Elektron Octatrack MkI
Playdifferently Model1 mixer
Eventide Space and Timefactor pedals

📡 This channel is supported by my Patreon supporters who get a first look, join here: https://www.patreon.com/honeysmack and yes I offer one-on-one tuition/lessons/coaching on how to make and perform live acid techno."

Trying To Create A Killer Bassline For New Track From Scratch!

video upload by Ricky Tinez

"I'm on a mission to create an awesome new bass line using the Abstrakt Instruments Avalon Bass Line synthesizer. In this video, you'll see me start from scratch with nothing but an idea in mind and go through the ups and downs of the creative process, trying out different ideas, recording loops, adding effects, and even vocalizing my ideas out loud to see what works.
Along the way, I hit some roadblocks and even reach a point where I feel like it's just not going to work out, but I don't give up!"

Happy 303 day: Ambient Dub Techno Jam with 7x 303s

video upload by Honeysmack

"Happy 3.03 day! What better way to celebrate than try something completely ridiculous and play 7x 303 at the same time? I was up for the challenge! While it might seem fairly easy, it actually did my head in for a while. I had to think about how to make this interesting, rather than have a stupid cacophony of acid bashing our ears. So I opted for the downtempo ambient dub like sound. In simple terms space the 303s out and give them room socially. Here it is and after the jam I provide some short commentary on my approach and how it was recorded. The jam was recorded in one single take, no additional sounds or post production. Please let me know what you think, am I crazy?

http://www.instagram.com/_honeysmack_

/ honeysmacked

🕹 This channel is supported by my Patreons who get a first look, become a member here: https://www.patreon.com/honeysmack and yes I offer one-on-one tuition/lessons/coaching on making and performing live techno.

🕹 Gear used for this jam:
Roland TB-303
Roland TB-303 Devilfish
Roland TB-03
Abstrakt Instruments Avalon Bassline
Behringer TD-3 (x2)
Behringer TD-3MO
Elektron Syntakt (for kick and hihat sounds only)
Eventide Space reverb pedal
Eventide Timefactor delay pedal
TC Electronic Flashback delay pedal
Mackie 1202 mixer
Playdifferently Model 1 mixer
Elektron Analog Heat Mk1 (on master output)

00:00 Ambient Acid Dub Jam
08:02 How I put this together"

Updates on the New OB-X Synths

As you know Oberheim recently posted a new teaser for their upcoming synth. It's obviously a new OB-X. The big question is will it be different from the original?

Swissdoc created an image featuring the highlights from the video. Here's what he had to say about it:

"I created a focus stack from the movie to get the full picture.

Compared to pictures of the OB-X I noticed these differences:
Knobs for Menu at the bottom left of the Programmer buttons 1-8
In the Portamento/Detune section there are three buttons instead of one

The upper row seems to be identical, I see/guess the same number of knobs
Colors and knobs i.e. the industrial design is taken over 1:1"

He also reminded me of Abstract Instruments rackmount OB-X, the VS-1.

The following is an update on the project from their Kistarter campaign posted just a few days ago on April 25.

"We're back up to full speed making very good progress. We've decided to prepare the DIY kits for shipping with the option to ship the mainboard in a second shipment. There is a lot of building to complete for the kits and this will allow everyone to get started while software development is completed. As mentioned in a few prior updates.. parts for full parts kits are packaged per PCB assembly. Each PCB has the relevant parts separated, even if the same part number is used in more than one PCB assembly. This makes it easier for assembly and partial shipments. For the mainboard we're 'still' testing a few aspects including the new interface option for the OLED and vetting a new ROM IC. We still don't want to make this assembly until 100% sure it's perfect. We're not sure when the DIY kits will start shipping but I will update soon with a delivery estimate once we have a reasonable estimate. The full retail versions are built in groups of (10) units. We've had the first few groups staged for along time already and will start to ship once the software is ready.

I received many messages last Friday and over the weekend regarding the Behringer UB-X. Some colleagues and customer friends were snickering at the notion I might be working for Behringer. I will confirm the answer is no. The design of the OB-X is very particular. On one hand it's a textbook implementation of a polyphonic analog synthesizer. If you were designing a polyphonic analog in 1978 the OB-X is basically what you would find in publications of the time. Discrete oscillator, 12dB OTA-based filter, OTA-based VCA's and the new CEM ADSR IC's. On the other hand there are many minor quirks that you do not want to overlook. That said I know the in-house engineers at Behringer are excellent engineers. At the end of the day these synths aren't rocket science and these guys know what they are doing. The fact that they contracted someone to help is interesting. I do not have any insight as to who or why they have contracted someone. In any case it's safe to say I would not agree w/ all of the design trade-offs that will end up in the Behringer model. The VS-1 is second to none in this regards. Since we are a boutique company we can focus intensely one one or two designs and don't need to make any design trade-offs.

On a personal note I had mentioned that the office was closed at the beginning of the year for family reasons. I wanted to let everyone know at the time that there was a reason for the inactivity, but didn't believe it was necessary to go into details. However I received many personal messages and would like to confirm that there is no concern at home or with the VS-1. My wife and I had premature babies...twins. They came dangerously early and it was full time care for a good while. Babies are at home and healthy.

Regards,

Brian Castro | Abstrakt Instruments"

And finally we have Behringer's UB-X update from the 22nd.

Three OB-X synths are in the works. One with the orginal build from the original maker, one rackmount, and one compact. It's worth noting Sequential typically follows up with a desktop version of their flagship keyboard synths a few months later as well, and if its not obvious, Oberheim is backed by the Sequential team.

Splitradix - Dessential Haas

video upload by splitradix

"This is a live recording of a lot of my synths playing at the same time. A slightly better sounding version will be available to buy on Bandcamp soon."

Featuring the Abstrakt Instruments Avalon. Rare GenoQs Octopus sequencer to the right of the mixer. Sequentix Cirklon and Elektron Machinedrum featured as well.

Update:

x0xi0 bass synth sequencer Brian Castro calibrated x0xb0x modded tb-303 clone

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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Honeysmack Live: Synth Stream - Rave at Home 4

video uploaded by Honeysmack

"Live improvised performance recorded at my studio for Synth Stream - Rave at Home 4. Originally streamed on May 29, 2021.

As with all my performances, all unrehearsed, improvised and recorded in one take. Key gear in use for this performance:
Roland TR-8
Roland TB-303
Roland MC-202
Elektron MachineDrum
Elektron Analog Four MkI
Elektron Octatrack
Elektron Analog Heat
Abstrakt Instruments Avalon Bassline
Moog DFAM x2
Playdifferently Model1 DJ Mixer
Modular gear (there wasn't much just a few modules that I can remember): Entity Bass Drum, Wogglebug, Metron, SY0.5 and Rainmaker.

Follow here for more improvised Acid Techno performances:
http://www.instagram.com/_honeysmack_
http://www.facebook.com/Honeysmack303/
http://www.youtube.com/user/Honeysmacked"

Abstrakt Instruments Avalon + SEM Filter Black With Green LED

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Here's a mint condition, hard to come by, Abstrakt Avalon in the rare and psychedelic black with green LED color scheme. These don't come up often! This unit is perfect in every way. Gently used in a smoke-free environment. Always stored covered (dust-free). Will include the rare SEM filter cartridge and the original packaging for both the Avalon and the SEM filter"

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Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 - Technical Comparison

Abstrakt Instruments

"Technical comparison of the Abstrakt Instruments VS-1, the Oberheim OB-X, and the Sequential OB-6 - including the analog & digital aspects of each synth. It also covers the auto-tune implementations of six analog synths."

This one was sent in via swissdoc.

Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 Week 7 Update

Published on Apr 16, 2020 Abstrakt Instruments

"VS-1 polyphonic synthesizer update.
Primarily intended for Kickstarter backers."

https://abstraktinstruments.com

Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 Rack Oberheim OB-X Exceeds Funding & Adds Stretch Goals

Today is the last day of Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 Kickstarter campaign. Click through for details. If you were interested in getting your hands on one, now might be a good time. They not only reached their funding goal but they also added the following stretch goals:

MIDI/MPE Support
Stereo Analog Chorus
Individual Voice Outputs
SD Card Support
MPE

Kickstarter here
Also see: https://abstraktinstruments.com

Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 Oberheim OB-X Rackmount Synth Is Funded & Adds Stretch Goals

Abstrakt Instruments' VS-1 has hit their funding goal on Kickstarter and have added the following stretch goasl:

individual outs
stereo analog chorus
MIDI/MPE with polyphonic aftertouch
SD card support

Check out their Kickstarter campaign for more and don't miss previous posts including demos here.

One more pic below. Click each for the full size shot.

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VS 1 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer by Abstrakt Instruments

Published on Jan 15, 2020 New Tech

See this post for additional details on Abstrakt Intruments' new VS-1.

New Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 Oberheim OB-X is Being Done with Tom Oberheim's Blessing

See the update in this post. How cool is that? Apologies for missing this in the initial post. NAMM keeps me busy. :)

New Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 Analog Synth - New Classic Oberheim OB-X Inspired Rackmount Synth

Published on Jan 14, 2020 Abstrakt Instruments

Update: I thought it worth noting that this project is being done with Tom Oberheim's blessing. From the Kickstarter campaign:

"Tom Oberheim of tomoberheim.com and Oberheim Electronics is aware of our plans to market an OB-X-centric synth. We asked permission and he did not have any reservations with our plans and said good luck! We have also offered a royalty per unit but there was no interest. However, even though the VS-1 is by nature a boutique offering and won't break any sales records, we will indeed be paying a royalty in deference to the original design."




You might remember the OBX Rack Synth Kit Stretch Goal Added to Abstrakt Instruments' Kickstarter for OB-X replacement boards. It looks like they are taking it a step further and offering a completed version named the VS-1 for non-DIYers, or those that just don't have the time or resources to build their own. The project is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter here. Abstrakt Instruments, of course, are the people behind the Avalon Bassline 303 clone, which has become highly regarded by many as the best 303 clone with extra features. P.S. See Abstrakt OB-X for additional posts and demos leading up to the new VS-1.

Some details from the Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 Kickstarter follow - click through for additional pics and info.

"The VS-1 combines vintage analog sound with modern features, designed for those that find modern synths over-perfected. Based on the discrete analog design of the iconic Oberheim™ OB-X, the VS-1 utilizes many of the same design trade-offs, including a signal path comprised of discrete transistors, op-amps, & 3080 OTA's utilizing through-hole components. Combined with modern digital control, a clean & simple interface, and packed into a 3U rack... this is the essence of the VS-1.

It’s all about the tone. Based on the classic OB-X, each voice consists of two analog VCO's and a 12dB OTA Filter (LP/BP/HP) and VCA.

VCO's Two discrete VCO's per voice with saw and pulse waves. Pulse width can be adjusted from 0% to 100%. VCO1 can be modulated by VCO2 (crossmod) and VCO2 can by hard-synced to the frequency of VCO1. VCO's can also be modulated by two analog LFO's, two digital LFO's per-voice, and a DADSR 5-stage envelope generator.
Noise Analog white & pink noise.
Portamento Analog polyphonic portamento gives a natural clustering effect between voices as the analog components are never perfectly matched. Although this requires many additional components it has been included - another example of small imperfections that impart character. In addition, digital portamento with both fixed rate and fixed time modes is also included.
12dB OTA Filter The classic resonant 12dB multimode filter is the desert island filter, simply awesome in a polyphonic synth. The classic OB-X had a fixed lowpass mode, the OB-R has lowpass, bandpass & highpass modes.
Panning VCA's Each voice retains the classic 3080 OTA VCA but also includes a stereo panning VCA that can be modulated by several sources. The spread control make it easy to pan voices across the stereo field.
Envelope Generators Each voice has a dedicated analog ADSR for the filter and VCA. In addition there is a global five-stage DADSR with (20) modulation destinations.
Analog LFO's Two global analog LFO's with triangle, square and S&H waveforms can be sent to VCO1 frequency and pulse width, VCO2 frequency and pulse width, and filter cutoff.
Digital LFO’s Two LFO’s per voice with triangle, sawtooth, reverse sawtooth, square, and random waves with (20) destinations. LFO’s also have dedicated attack-decay envelopes and can be free-running or synced to the arpeggiator, sequencer, or MIDI clock for tempo-synced effects.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/abstraktinstruments/vs-1-polyphonic-analog-synthesizer