Doctor Mix & Anthony Check Out the PWM Mantis Synth | NAMM 2024

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Join me and my good buddy Doctor Mix as we explore one of the most talked about synthesizers at NAMM 2024. It won't be difficult to discover how much fun we're having checking it out for the first time. I can see that there is still a lot to unpack about this synth and I'm looking forward to doing just that. Please stay on the lookout and tune in to AMM for a much more in-depth look at this super fun and great sounding instrument. It's part of a special family of synthesizers that were all designed with much love. PWM Mantis is a collaboration between the late Chris Huggett (EDP Gnat, EDP Wasp, OSCar) and PWM (Paul Whittington). A hybrid-analog synthesizer, Mantis utilizes mathematically-generated oscillators with a pure analog signal path and a modernized design architecture based on the EDP Wasp with an OSCar-style filter. It is also duophonic, with two fully independent voices, and features dual multi-mode filters that can be combined in series or parallel. Fully featured, Mantis is equipped with an arpeggiator, 37-note full-size semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch, multi-function joystick, and MIDI/USB control for easy integration with any studio or live environment.

00:00 Doctor Mix and Anthony Sweeping Filters (Cold Open )
00:30 Walk up (music)
00:49 Meeting Mantis Co-Designer Paul Whittington
01:24 Trying out the PWM Mantis
02:22 Sweeping Multi-Mode Filters
03:33 Wave Shape Panning
04:57 Add Glide and Filter Sweeps
05:14 Paraphonic
05:40 Doctor Mix and Anthony Summary
06:18 Logo (music)"

NAMM 2024 PWM Mantis Synthesizer

video upload by Shazamm

"The PWM Mantis is priced at $1,499 USD, with a street price around $1,349. See the PWM site for more information."

Specs

CLICK FOR MORE »

Gearfest UK 2023: PWM Mantis Synth Is Coming Along

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Paul and Ben from PWM at Gear Fest 2023, where they provided an update on their Mantis synthesizer. The Mantis project was initially started by Chris Huggett, and Ben has taken over the firmware development since Chris's passing. The Mantis is now in a working state and producing impressive sounds. Ben discussed the challenges of refining the code and turning the proof of concept into a fully functional product, addressing features like the multi-mode filter and ensuring compatibility for production. Paul mentioned that the firmware and sound patching would require a few more months of development before moving into mass production. The Mantis is expected to be available for purchase in October, just in time for the pre-Christmas rush."

Superbooth 2023: PWM - Mantis

video upload by sonicstate

"Paul from PWM gave a us preview of Mantis, which is the last synth designed by Chris Huggett [EDP Wasp creator] before he passed away. The Mantis is described as a Wasp Mark II with an Oscar- inspired dual filter, and two analog signal paths that make it duophonic. The oscillators are numerically calculated on power-up using then move into the analog domain, where everything is digitally controlled.

The Mantis mixer allows users to balance between oscillator one and two, add noise, and ring mod. It has a deep, but simple to use modulation section, two envelopes with a unique sustain fall feature and 100 factory patches and 100 user patches. The instrument also includes a few digital effects at the end of the signal path that help sweeten the sounds and make it more of an all-around performance instrument.

While the instrument is still in development, PWM showcased the circuit boards that are provide a preview of the final sound of the Mantis.

PWM Mantis Available: Late Summer 2023

Price 1,599 Euro. 1,349 GBP"

PWM Mantis // released today

video upload by Starsky Carr

"A brand new synth from PWM - a new company with lots of history. Paul has worked extensively in the industry. Most interesting here are his connections from his time at Novation as the BassStaion 2 product lead. You may know that the inventor of the classic WASP and OSCAR, Chris Huggett, was involved there, and before his unfortunately untimely death he was working with Paul on this new synth. Paul has brought it to life with his families blessing.

A great story, and a great little synth. Still has a couple of pre production hoops to jump through but will be available soon."

Duophonic Hybrid-Analogue Synthesiser

• 200 Patches
* All patches in RAM so can be overwritten
* Bank A: 100 Factory presets
* Bank B: 100 User presets (all set to initial patch)
* Compare function
* Initialise patch function

CLICK FOR MORE »

Novation - 30th Anniversary | Podcast

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"An Illustrated Podcast
Novation - 30th Anniversary: Grooveboxes, Controllers and Synths

2022 marked the 30th birthday of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of synths, samplers and hardware controllers. In this podcast, Novation Product Specialist Chris Calcutt looks back over three decades of innovation and explores the key products, technologies and partnerships behind a British music technology success story.

SHOW NOTES
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:26 - 30th Anniversary
01:02 - The First Product
03:24 - The Launchpad
06:58 - Automap
09:25 - Friendly Relations
13:08 - The BassStation
17:50 - Hands-On Control
19:07 - Analogue Sound Modelling
21:41 - The Resurgence Of Analogue
30:43 - From The Rack To The Desktop
34:33 - Moving Away From Computers
38:02 - The Focusrite Group
45:25 - 40 Years of MIDI

Novation - Biog
In 1992, Ian Jannaway and Mark Thompson founded Novation Electronic Music Systems and created the MM10, a keyboard controller designed to be used with the Yamaha QY10 music workstation. The BassStation was launched in 1993 and was used by many top artists of the day. ASM (Analogue Sound Modelling) technology was introduced in 1995 and designer Chris Huggett joined the team full-time in 1998, with the popular Supernova synth being released that year.

30 years later, while still creating grooveboxes, controllers and synths, Novation is now part of The Focusrite Group, along with ADAM Audio, Focusrite and Sequential.

https://novationmusic.com/en/30-years...

Novation - Chris Calcutt
Chris Calcutt has been the Product Specialist at Novation for over a decade. Despite coming from a more traditional background of classical music composition and playing the trombone, Chris has always been heavily involved and passionate about music tech.

As a kid, Chris would play with synthesizers and a four-track recorder on the living room floor and has since gone on to work with Novation, collaborating closely with the product developers, designing and building new and innovative electronic instruments.

Chris is responsible for representing multiple brands under Novation's parent company, The Focusrite Group, working with their European distribution partners to deliver training, product presentations, and live performances both online and at in-store events.

Chris also produces and performs live as CALC and is an active member of the experimental electronic music scene in Brighton, UK.
About The People & Music Industry Podcast Channel
Listen to experts in the field, company founders, equipment designers, engineers, producers and educators.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts."

Novation Celebrates 30 Years with Giveaways and More

video upload by NovationTV

"It’s been 30 years of Novation and music made with bass, beats and synthesisers.

From early beginnings in 1992, Novation has been a pioneer in developing music technology, allowing artists to create decade-defining sounds. Starting as Novation Electronic Music Systems, we built a small but innovative device, the MM10, which let you control a MIDI sequencer, the Yamaha QY10, for the very first time from a keyboard.

Since then, our synths, MIDI controllers, grooveboxes and more have helped people create, play and perform at all stages of their music-making journey.

From all of us at team Novation – we want to wish a huge thank you to our whole community for keeping us inspired. We can't wait to hear what you make next, and we look forward to another 30 years.

- Discover more about Novation’s 30 Years of Making Music
https://novationmusic.com/en/30-years..."

novation · Novation Legacy Sample Pack

"Crafted from old-school Novation gear and adapting Trance to a modern time, The Novation Legacy Soundpack looks back on the history of electronic music and the gear that helped shape it. Made with Bass Station, BS Rack, AFX Mode, K-Station, A-Station, Mininova, Peak and Summit.

--- Sign up to our mailing list to receive your Novation Legacy Soundpack:
novationmusic.com/en/sign-novation-emails

"Novation looks back on three decades of bass, beats and synthesizers.

Since 1992, Novation’s synths, MIDI controllers, grooveboxes and more have helped people create, play and perform at all stages of their music-making journey.

In 1992, Novation developed the MM10, an innovative MIDI sequencer that controlled the Yamaha QY10 from a keyboard, revolutionising the way we make music as the first MIDI controller of its kind. Bass Station’s arrival in 1993 pushed them further into the spotlight as a standout synth of the ‘90s. Developed by none other than synth designer Chris Huggett, his expertise with analogue and digital synth design influenced many of their iconic synths including Supernova, Bass Station II, Summit and Peak.

Over the years, Novation’s instruments have brought new life to music-making, including the Launchpad range which changed the game for grid-based music production and DIY performance, Circuit’s much-loved intuitive approach to beatmaking and sampling, and the award-winning Launchkey range of MIDI controllers used by artists in many genres.

In 2022, they’re celebrating 30 years of music, pioneering music technology and people that made Novation what it is today.

With Novation, anything is possible
Over the past three decades, countless artists have brought their musical ideas to life with Novation instruments. From October until Christmas, they’re bringing their community together to celebrate the made music with their instruments over the years with videos from artists across the globe, huge prizes up for grabs in their 30th anniversary competition and exclusive curated soundpack giveaways.

Giving back to the global community of fans
Novation will be giving away their biggest prize bundle yet to encourage their worldwide music-making community to share the love for their instruments. One lucky winner can own a full studio’s worth of gear, as well as three years of upcoming products.

The prize bundle includes:
1. A suite of Novation products, including Circuit Rhythm, Circuit Tracks, FLkey Mini, Launchkey 37, Summit, Peak, Bass Station II, Launchpad Pro.
2. Three years of future Novation products.
3. A feature on the Novation website spotlighting their entry/music and a short interview with accompanying social media promotion.
4. A 1:1 Product Demo Session with a Novation product specialist.
5. A Novation Logo T-Shirt.

The giveaways continue with 30 exclusive soundpacks covering countless genres. All users can get their hands on samples made for the Circuit Rhythm, and perfect for all of the Launch range – regardless of what DAW they choose. Newsletter subscribers can also get their hands on the Novation Legacy Sample Pack – add moods, textures and unique sounds from the Bass Station, AFX Station, and plenty of classic instruments.

Novation is also going backstage with creators in their community to see just how they make their music. Learn how to make songs and build beats in Ableton, Logic, Cubase and FL Studio from long-time Novation users including Lex Luger, Trishes, Bad Snacks, Seids and Venus Theory.

Join Novation in celebrating their story so far and become a part of their future as they continue to encourage creativity and make music production a rewarding experience for all."

Explore Novation's 30 Years

Novation Releases Peak & Summit 2.0 Firmware Update

video upload by NovationTV

"In this edition of Novation Live, Enrique introduces the new firmware update that's available for our polysynth duo - Summit and Peak. Focusing on Peak, Enrique will be showcasing some of the powerful new tools firmware v2.0 brings.

In the biggest update yet for Summit and Peak, Firmware v2.0 brings in essential improvements and a multitude of features across stereo controls, modulation, unpredictability, and effects, that give you powerful tools to shape your sound.

You will now be able to create bigger, wider, and more intricately textured soundscapes with updated stereo controls. Experiment with expansive sound design with modulation and unpredictability. A range of effects improvements brings new tonalities with the addition of Chorus Modes, Flanger, Phlanger, new effects modulation destinations and Lo-Fi delay

--- Learn more about the Summit and Peak Firmware Update v2.0:
https://bit.ly/SummitPeakFirmwareUpdate

--- Discover Summit:
https://novationmusic.com/en/synths/s...

--- Discover Peak:
https://novationmusic.com/en/synths/peak"

The press release:

""Powerful new tools to shape your sound.

Novation has just launched its biggest update yet for Summit and Peak. Firmware v2.0 brings in essential improvements and a multitude of features across stereo controls, modulation, unpredictability, and effects, that give you powerful tools to shape your sound.

Summit and Peak owners will now be able to create bigger, wider, and more intricately textured soundscapes with updated stereo controls. Experiment with expansive sound design with modulation and unpredictability. A range of effects improvements brings new tonalities with the addition of Chorus Modes, Flanger, Phlanger, new effects modulation destinations and Lo-Fi delay.

Firmware v2.0 Features

Stereo
New spread modes, panning per voice, and panning in the mod matrix give additional control and allows for sound design in the stereo field. Now you can create bigger, wider, and more intricately textured soundscapes.
Modulation and unpredictability
Create deeper and more experimental sounds with new mod destinations, noise as a mod source, and additional LFO 3 and 4 parameters. Animate Envelopes and Arpeggiator Chance open more creative performance possibilities.

Effects
New effects, including Chorus Modes, Flanger, and Phlanger add new tonalities. Additional effects modulation destinations open up more experimental sound design. A new Lo-Fi delay mode enables a more vintage style sound.

Bug Fixes
The firmware update v2.0 includes a number of bug fixes. The full details can be found in the release notes.

You can read about the full details of firmware v2.0 by visiting the Components update page for Summit and Peak.

Summit and Peak firmware v2.0 is the last addition to the legacy of Chris Huggett’s innovative synth design work with Novation. Having shaped the sound of Novation’s iconic synths – including Bass Station, Supernova, Bass Station II, Peak and Summit, Chris has left an indelible imprint on our heritage, and we will always be grateful for his influence and inspiration.

Novation will also be hosting a live stream today (Thursday March 31st, 2022, 9pm UK time), with product specialist Enrique, taking place on our YouTube channel, where the new v2.0 update features will be demonstrated live.

For those unfamiliar with Peak and Summit, Peak is an eight-voice polyphonic synthesiser that boasts rich and warm sounds, while Summit is a two-part, 16-voice, 61-key synthesiser with great harmonic depth – both now with enhanced capabilities thanks to firmware update v2.0.

Summit & Peak owners are now able to download the v2.0 update from Novation Components."

And a video by GEOSynths:

Novation Summit 2.0 Firmware Test

video upload by GEOSynths

Tribute to Chris Huggett - Laurent Pelletier / Chris Calcutt / Paul Wiffen | SynthFest 2021

video by SynthFest France

Oxford Synthesizer Company OSCar

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

via this auction

"One of the top ten synths ever made, the Oscar is a surprisingly powerful monosynth. Designed by Chris Huggett (of EDP Wasp fame), this has the ability to work as an additive synth as well as a subtractive synth.

It is in good working and cosmetic condition though I can’t verify whether the loading and saving of patches to a cassette works."

Bright Sparks Documentary - B Side

video by GForce Software

"The B Side of the critically acclaimed Bright Sparks Documentary focuses on the British electronic music pioneers, including the original Mellotron makers, Les, Norman and Frank Bradley, EMS's Peter Zinovieff, Electronic Dream Plant's Adrian Wagner & Chris Huggett, and String Ensemble inventor, Ken Freeman.

Includes contributions from I Monster's Dean Honer & Jarrod Gosling, Peter Zinovieff, Chris Cross, Daniel Miller, John Bradley, Karl Hyde, Ken Freeman, Fred Gardner, Will Gregory, Dean Honer & Jarrod Gosling"

You can find additional GForce Bright Sparks posts here.

Bright Sparks Behind The Scenes - The Brits

video by GForce Software

"GForce's Dave Spiers talks about the making of the B-Side of Bright Sparks which focusses on the British contributions including Mellotronics, EMS, Electronic Dream Plant & Freeman.
Sadly, since this was filmed, our good friend, and a truly iconic British synth designer, Chris Huggett, died."

GForce Software Bright Sparks posts

All music courtesy of I Monster's Bright Sparks album: www.imonstermusic.com

OSCAR SYNTHESIZER - FITTING THE TAUNTEK MIDI BOARD AND OPERATING SYSTEM

video by Mindburner

"The OSCar is a fabulous monosynth designed and built by Chris Huggett. My machine had been plagued with issues from day one. A major problem was the highly unreliable start up. The synth would not 'boot' and many power off/on cycles were needed to get it to work.

TAUNTEK have a new MIDI PCB and Operating System with may new features. I hoped this may fix my synth and make it useable aging. Here I detail my install of one of the first version of the Firmware.

The PCB needs to be built but many of the parts are readily found.

More details can be found at TAUNTEK
Special thanks to the folks on the OSCar freelists group.

Video for information only. A qualified synth tech is always recommended for synth repair."

Inside an OSCAR.

Oxford Synthesizer Company OSCar

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

via this auction

"Oxford Synthesizer Company OSCar 37-Key Analog Monophonic Programmable Synthesiz. Condition is "Seller refurbished".

The OSAar was a synthesizer manufactured by the Oxford Synthesizer Company from 1983 to 1985. It was ahead of its time in several ways and its later versions were among the few mono-synths of its time to have MIDI. Around 2000 were made.

When synthesizer manufacturer Electronic Dream Plant folded in 1982, Chris Huggett went on to form the Oxford Synthesizer Company. The OSCar synthesizer was launched in 1983. Chris Huggett designed the electronics while independent product designer Anthony Harrison-Griffin was responsible for the unique look and build of the OSCar.

1985 VERSION M2 (MIDI) MIDI note receive response much faster than version M1.

Timing clock receive implemented.

Original UK model run on 230 v 50 Hz. Need an AC converter to be used in the USA

Perfect working conditions

Misses 2 top caps wheels knobs controller , 1 store recall push button and 1 sequencer insert button [shown in pictures] but they all work perfectly fine

Perfect esthetic conditions no scratches

Original Manual

Offers below $5,999.00 not accepted"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Electronic Dream Plant Gnat SN 401463

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

via this auction

"The EDP Gnat is the slimmed-down version of the EDP Wasp, yet it has its own buzzy attitude that holds its own. The built-in speaker provides a nasty bite, much harsher than its stinging counterpart, and the filter radiates menace at its higher settings, swarming around your head. You can also patch straight out into your favorite effects or direct into your mixer or sound card for a less confrontational volley with your favorite winged insect synth's sticker coated touchplate.

The Gnat has a digital oscillator that is fed through an analog filter, a trick the designer, Chris Huggett (RIP) used to great effect on later classic synths he designed like the OSCar and Bass Station. The oscillator has several selectable waveforms including Ramp, Square, Noise, and the one we always left it on, Enhance, which moves the waveform around in a manner similar to pulse width modulation and makes the single oscillator sound like two beating against each other.

Next to the waveform selection is an octave switch where you can choose footage of 32, 16, 8, 4, and 2.

The front panel also includes an LFO featuring sine, ramp, saw, square, and random waveforms as well as speed control and an offset amount for setting modulation of the oscillator.

The remaining controls are a filter with resonance, seriously, the resonance is wild, and a pot to set the balance of what is affecting the filter's cutoff, VCO, or envelope. Speaking of the envelope there is a dedicated section of the panel for it with attack, decay/release, and a contour knob. Finishing out the panel is a glide amount knob.

The side of the Gnat has a 1/4" output jack, a connector for the EDP Spider sequencer to attach to, and a 9V power inlet.

This Gnat is fully functional, with all "keys" sounding. It can be run with a 9V power adapter, or alternately with 6 "C" batteries, so you can take the Gnat back into the wilderness with you.

The synth is basically in excellent shape but we marked down the condition due to the faint remnants of someone copying note letters to the first four keys, which we have pictured.

A very rare synth, speculation is that there were only 600 or less made. EDP used a serial numbering system that started with the model number, in this case 40, then starting the count from 1000, which leaves this Gnat as the 463rd unit. We were unable to find another for sale anywhere online."

CLICK FOR MORE »

True Trance Sounds V1 for Novation Peak/Summit

Igor Leus

"True Trance Sounds V1 for Novation Peak/Summit - our first specialized Trance soundbank. Made by NatLife himself. The bank consists of different patches, which when applied together can create incredible compositions. In every sound you will feel the full range of analog vibes and that makes this sound set special. Oxford Oscillators and true analog VCA, DIstortion and Filter deliver uniquely powerful sound, with all the beauty of analog warmth and digital precision. Thnks to Chris Huggett (legendary synth maker from Oxford Synthesisers) for getting this ability.

Sound bank contains 64 Peak/Summit presets wich:

6 - Bass Sounds
19 - Leads
4 - Keys
11 - Plucks
1 - Drum
14 - Pads
9 - FX's
1 - ARP

Installation instruction included in downlodable file"

Electronic Dream Plant WASP synth, Kim Wilde, Nick Rhodes... in memory of Chris Huggett,

Electric Cafe

"This video demonstrates the sound of the Electronic Dream Plant WASP synthesizer, Kim Wilde used it for her hit single Kids In America, and Duran Duran keyboard player Nick Rhodes used it early in with the band.

Sadly Chris Huggett passed away on October 22nd 2020 but leaves behind a legacy of synth production that in a British way rivals that of Moog, Oberheim, ARP, and other synthesizer manufacturers. Today there are companies who recognise the popularity of the EDP WASP and have cloned them, Behringer and the Jasper are just two who have released their version of this classic vintage sounding synthesizer which rivals some Moog, Oberheim, ARP, Yamaha, and other famous synthesizer company products since the late 1970's.

This video contains images that do not belong to the uploader of Electric Cafe but are being used for education purposes. The music created is all original apart from Kim Wilde Kids In America:
Artist
Kim Wilde
Album
Kim Wilde
Licensed to YouTube by
[Merlin] Absolute Label Services; ASCAP, EMI Music Publishing, UNIAO BRASILEIRA DE EDITORAS DE MUSICA - UBEM, PEDL, SOLAR Music Rights Management, LatinAutorPerf, Kobalt Music Publishing, and 16 Music Rights Societies
All synths programmed were: Electronic Dream Plant WASP, and that's all!

Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use."

Also see: Legendary Synth Designer Chris Hugget of EDP, OSC, and Novation has Passed Away

Legendary Synth Designer Chris Hugget of EDP, OSC, and Novation has Passed Away

I'm hearing news that Novation's Chris Hugget passed away on Friday. Anyone coming to this site, likely knows he designed the original EDP WASP series of synths, the Oxford Synthesizer Company's OSCar, and more recently, various synths for Novation. Novation has a timeline of his creations here.

"Most people know him as the genius behind Wasp and OSCar, the legendary monosynth from Ultravox's Love's Great Adventure, Stevie Wonder's Skeletons, and Jean-Michel Jarre's Revolutions Overture.

Chris' synths have been used by everybody: Orbital, Ultravox, Tom Yorke, Trent Reznor, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Stevie Wonder, Jean Michel Jarre, Keith Emerson- the list is endless. His heritage synths are sought across the world, and sell for upwards of £5000.

He is a true synth legend. He is also our synth designer. Every Novation synth has been conceived, shaped and refined by his passion and expertise, which spans five decades."

Below are a few videos that pay tribute to his work. You can find additional posts mentioning Chris Hugget here.




Novation // Innovation Since 1992

Inside: Novation's Innovative Instrument Laboratory (Electronic Beats TV)




The WASP - A Very British Synthesizer


Alex Ball

"The WASP is an iconic British synthesizer designed by Electronic Dream Plant in 1978.

EDP were Adrian Wagner (yes he was a relation), Chris Huggett and Steven Evans. They only traded until around 1982, but that wasn't the end of their synth story. Chris Huggett in particular has had a prolific career in the industry, founding the Oxford Synthesizer Company in 1983 and releasing the (also iconic) OSCar and subsequently (after work with Akai), he joined Novation, who are still trading to this very day.

Back to 1978, the concept of the WASP was to build a powerful, low cost synthesizer. That seemed to have worked as one of the original reviews I found uses the headline "The Synth we can all afford" but still dubs it a professional instrument.

I also found a Moog price list dated June 15th 1978 and it lists the Minimoog as $1,995, the Multimoog as $1,495 and the Micromoog as $895. Assuming they sold for about the same in the UK, the equivalent prices would be approximately £1,090, £820 and £490 respectively. The aforementioned WASP review also states that an Odyssey is still over £1,000 in 1978, so with the WASP priced at £199 this demonstrates what a bargain it was at the time.

In fact, I had a brief conversation with a friend who remembers running out to buy it the moment he heard about it in 1978 and he still has his. It was also the first synth of Dave Stewart and Nick Rhodes among others."

The Book of Summit

via Novation

"The Book of Summit gives you the chance to learn about the intricate engineering of Summit, and offers insight into the progressive design choices made by Chris Huggett and the Novation team."

Note the book is worth a look even if you don't have a Summit.

You can find it here.

The WASP - A Very British Synthesizer

Alex Ball

"The WASP is an iconic British synthesizer designed by Electronic Dream Plant in 1978.

EDP were Adrian Wagner (yes he was a relation), Chris Huggett and Steven Evans. They only traded until around 1982, but that wasn't the end of their synth story. Chris Huggett in particular has had a prolific career in the industry, founding the Oxford Synthesizer Company in 1983 and releasing the (also iconic) OSCar and subsequently (after work with Akai), he joined Novation, who are still trading to this very day.

Back to 1978, the concept of the WASP was to build a powerful, low cost synthesizer. That seemed to have worked as one of the original reviews I found uses the headline "The Synth we can all afford" but still dubs it a professional instrument.

I also found a Moog price list dated June 15th 1978 and it lists the Minimoog as $1,995, the Multimoog as $1,495 and the Micromoog as $895. Assuming they sold for about the same in the UK, the equivalent prices would be approximately £1,090, £820 and £490 respectively. The aforementioned WASP review also states that an Odyssey is still over £1,000 in 1978, so with the WASP priced at £199 this demonstrates what a bargain it was at the time.

In fact, I had a brief conversation with a friend who remembers running out to buy it the moment he heard about it in 1978 and he still has his. It was also the first synth of Dave Stewart and Nick Rhodes among others.

In this video I breakdown its features and use it to make a short track.

0:00 - Intro
0:42 - The WASP
2:07 - The Keyboard
2:59 - The Oscillators
3:40 - Noise
4:03 - The Controller Oscillator
5:06 - The Filter
6:08 - The Envelopes
6:30 - LINK
7:11 - Internal Speaker
7:32 - Demo Track
9:21 - Outro

Gear used:
EDP WASP (1978)
Simmons SDS-3 (1978)
AMS DMX 15~80S (1978)
Roland CR-78 (1978) samples

Some original brochure scans stolen from the wonderful Retro Synth Ads blog:
http://retrosynthads.blogspot.com"

Alex Ball synth vids

Modcanned

Published on May 13, 2018 zack dagoba

"A bunch of sketches on my new (old) Modcan A modular system. I damn well love this thing! Its such a beautifully designed system - offering utter uniqueness and flexibility. It seems to fall between West-coast and East-coast design philosophies - combining all the good things about modular synthesis in one giant bundle of fun. The system here is made up of original Modcan A modules and also Cyndustries A-format ones. These were made a bit later once the A-series format had become established around the mid 2000's. What is cool is that Cyndustries used to commission / licence designs from well known figures in the synth design world - and put the names of the designers on the front of the modules. It reads like a who's who of the geeky electronic scene, with names like Nyle Steiner, Chris Huggett, Jurgen Haible, Don Buchla, Ken Stone, Bernie Hutchins, Peter Granader, Serge Tcherepnin. It all adds up to an amazing modular experience, like playing with a giant synth museum in a box. See http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.... for more"