The Mystery of the East Beast Fully Analog East Coast-Style Semi-Modular Synthesizer by Cre8audio

video upload by Cre8audio


via Cre8audio

Superbooth, Berlin, May 10th, 2022, Cre8audio today announced East Beast, a new semi-modular desktop synthesizer.

Designed and developed in partnership with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, East Beast is a powerful monophonic full voice with many unique sound-shaping tools and deep performance capabilities.

Beware the beast!
East Beast’s massive sound has been heavily influenced by Pittsburgh’s highly successful SV-1 and SV-1b synthesizers.

At its core, you’ll find its 100% analog, Pittsburgh-designed oscillator. The oscillator features sine, saw, triangle, and square waveforms that can also be used in combinations. Rounding out its sonic core is FM and pulse width modulation (PWM).

To shape the sound, East Beast includes an analog envelope generator, VCA, LFOs, and a Pittsburgh “Zero Dead Spot” multi-mode filter. The “Zero Dead Spot” filter is the product of years of research into analog filter design by Pittsburgh’s founder Richard Nicol, and Chief of R&D Michael Johnsen. Unlike more traditional ladder filters, the PGH “Zero Dead Spot” filter does not distort as readily and features no sonic dead spots. The result is a fully sweepable frequency range that produces a rich velvety sound throughout each of its lowpass, high-pass, and bandpass modes.

In addition to the analog sound-shaping tools mentioned previously, East Beast also includes a deep new digital multi-mod /multi-function tool concept to add more options. The multi-mod lets the user select between an additional envelope, clock synced LFO, MIDI CC control, and random voltage generator modes.

A semi-modular synthesizer, East Beast has basically 9 different patchable modules (Oscillator, filter, envelope, VCA, LFO, multi-mod tool, sequencer, MIDI to CV converter, and button keyboard) with a whopping 18 Eurorack compatible patch points to plug into itself and your other gear. As a starting point, East Beast comes intuitively patched internally to create a bold and flexible full synth voice. Using the patch points enables the users to reroute internal signal flow as well as use with external eurorack format modules and synthesizers. To help facilitate experimentation, Cre8audio has included a set of premium Nazca Noodles patch cables.

East Beast’s playing and performance capabilities are as strong as its powerful sonic core. East Beast can be controlled via MIDI, control voltage (CV/Gate), and its function keys double as a keyboard controller. Additionally, included is an integrated sequencer & arpeggiator that can also be controlled via MIDI and is externally clockable.

CLICK FOR MORE »

East Beast Patching Tip (Filter Pinging)

video upload by Bata

"Showing how you can get some nice plucky sounds out of the cre8audio East Beast. The unit crashes on me later in the video and I'm unsure what caused/causes this bug (possibly something to do with changing the clock source while the sequencer is running). I will probably link this video to cre8audio as this isn't the first time this kind of settings lock up has happened to me."

East Beast Patching Tip #2

video upload by Bata

"Showing how you can get a different flavor of modulation on the cre8audio East Beast by filtering the pitch CV and modulating the filter with an LFO. I also show at the end of the video how to lock up the mode settings on the East Beast with the external clock in."

Cre8audio East Beast Trailer #1

video upload by Cre8audio

"East Beast is a new synthesizer made by Cre8audio in partnership with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers. Find out more about the East Beast ahead of Superbooth on May 10, 2022 - Comming soon to https://cre8audio.com"

Update: according to Cre8audio this will be a new synth:

"New Synth Comming Soon - East Beast - Trailer #1

On May 10, 2022, we'll be releasing a new synth made in collaboration with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers. Check out Trailer #1 above."

East Beast Demo and Thoughts

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this video Oliver of Patchwerks shares an overview, demo and his thoughts on the Cre8audio East Beast, a semi-modular synthesizer.

Learn more about the East Beast here: https://bit.ly/east_beast

East Beast’s oscillator, designed in partnership with the too serious for words people from Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, is a part of their 5th generation of analog oscillators stemming from a super-serious 10 years of continued research into analog oscillator development.

Cre8audio’s super serious friends at Pittsbugh Modular Synthesizers are just as serious about filters as they are about oscillators. East Beast’s filter is a multi-mode filter, meaning it can be used as a low pass filter, high pass filter, bandpass filter, or a combination of the three for an even wider sonic palate.

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Oliver Bacon
Video by: Matthew Piecora ( EZBOT), Steven Ly (Project 32), and Oliver Bacon (Looma)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Cre8audio East Beast Overlays by OVERSYNTH

"Whitephase" & "Blackphase" overlays for the Cre8Audio EastBeast.

Via OVERSYNTH

"This is an aftermarket overlay that you place over the front panel faceplate of your Cre8audio East Beast synthesizer.

The overlay's artwork uses high contrast graphics and large fonts for easy viewing in low light.

To install the overlay, simply remove all the front panel knobs from your synthesizer, then remove the backing from the included adhesive tabs on the underside of the overlay. Place the overlay over your synthesizer and press down to make sure the adhesive is holding. The adhesive is low-tack to allow for easy removel. Next, re-install all of the knobs.

The overlay is printed on a highly durable, waterproof, and 100% recyclable polyester sheet (not vinyl, fiber, or plant-based). The matte finish is designed to minimize reflections from ambient light for maximum readability.

If the overlay becomes dirty, we recommend gently wiping it down with a soft cloth that is dry or slightly moistened with water. We do not recommend cleaning the overlay with isopropyl alcohol as this may damage the artwork. Based on our testing, the following substances will severely damage the artwork if left on the surface for an extended period of time: tea tree oil, acetone, nail polish remover, bleach, household cleaners, and hand sanitizer.

Our products are custom manufactured in small batches based on customer demand.

This product is made in the USA and ships from Portland, Oregon. International customers are responsible for paying all import duty and custom clearance fees for their country.

This is an aftermarket product. The product includes the overlay only and does not include a Cre8audio East Beast synthesizer. Oversynth is in no way affiliated with Cre8audio."

Cre8audio East Beast vs West Pest // There's only one way to sort it.... FIGHT!!!

video upload by Starsky Carr

"What's the difference between the Cre8audio East Beast and West Pest? One uses subtractive synthesis like pretty much everything else and the other uses Buchla style wave folding and low pass gate inspired circuits... and what does that all mean. Watch and find out :)

These are 2 very different sounding units, one is a bug juicy analog mono synth, the other is plucky, percussive and can be incredibly dirty.

And most fun of all... get both and you've got a mini monster!!"

0:00 Two Tribes!
2:03 Quick Look - WEST PEST
3:51 Quick Look - EAST BEAST
5:52 Common Functions
7:23 Then Interface PART A
9:20 What's the Difference?
10:50 The Interface PART B
13:00 Self-gen Random Sequence
13:39 Midi to CV Converter
15:14 East Beast DEEP DIVE
19:53 West Pest DEEP DIVE
22:52 Wavefolder vs Filter
26:38 Low Pass Gate
30:13 Sustain distortion
31:13 Which Should I Choose?
31:55 LFO FM
34:10 Together As One - a Mini Monster
34:50 Tuned FM
36:17 Final Thoughts

Cre8audio East Beast and String Quartet - Performance and short review

video upload by The machine in the botanical garden

"Composition for East Beast Cre8audio synthesizer and String Quartet. Short review of the East Beast Synth + description of the composition.
East Beast is a great little classic subtractive synthesizer created by cre8audio in association with the Pittsburgh Modular team
I have written the score with the Staffpad score player and editor. The library used for the winds sounds is Berlin strings First Chairs from Orchestral tools (Staffpad version).

The composition is titled: Painting XII"

Cre8audio East Beast Vs West Pest + String Quartet | Fraternal Twins

video upload by the machine in the botanical garden

"Composition for Cre8audio East Beast and West Pest synthesizer +String Quartet. Short review of the two synthesizers.
East Beast and West Pest are two small semi-modular synthesizers created by cre8audio in association with the Pittsburgh Modular team.
I have written the score with the Staffpad score player and editor. The library used for the winds sounds is Berlin strings First Chairs from Orchestral tools (Staffpad version).

The composition is titled: Fraternal Twins 1"

Cre8audio East Beast Synthesizer Review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"East Beast is a new monophonic semi-modular synthesizer from Cre8audio and Pittsburgh Modular that's cute, friendly and utterly adorable."

Additional Cre8audio East Beast posts

Cre8audio East Beast Trailer #2

video upload by Cre8audio

"East Beast is a new synthesizer made by Cre8audio in partnership with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers. Find out more about the East Beast on May 10, 2022 - Comming soon to https://cre8audio.com"

SUPERBOOTH 2022 Cre8audio East Beast

video upload by sonicstate

"Richard Nicol from Pittsburgh Modular introduces East Beast, a tiny desktop mono-synth which is also Eurorackable.

East Beast's Oscillator, Envelope and creamy-smooth PGH filter were designed in partnership with Pittsburgh Modular, and were created to have one large sweet spot, wherever you push them. With 9 different patchable modules (oscillator, filter, envelope, VCA, LFO, multi-mod tool, sequencer, MIDI to CV converter, and button keyboard) and 18 Eurorack compatible patch points, it's a lot of synth in a small package.

East Beast is available now to pre-order, and ships in the next few weeks.

Price $US 249"

Additional posts here

Cre8audio East Beast Trailer #3

video upload by Cre8audio

"East Beast is a new synthesizer made by Cre8audio in partnership with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers. Find out more about the East Beast on May 10, 2022"

New West Pest Synthesizer from Cre8audio in Partnership with Pittsburgh Modular

The Dimension of the West Pest - Cre8audio West Pest Film video upload by Cre8audio

On the heels of the East Beast based on East Coast Moog style synthesis, Cre8audio and Pittsburgh Modular introduce the West Pest based on West Coast Buchla style synthesis.

cre8audio West Pest Sound Demo (no talking)

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

Cre8audio West Pest synthesizer review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Cre8audio's second little synth is the West Pest. Inspired by West coast synths it has a big fat wavefolder and a fabulous Dynamics Controller that gives it a very different feel to the East Beast."

Index - 0:00
Intro - 1:17
Overview - 6:22
Wavefolding - 9:21
Oscillator waveforms - 15:26
Dynamics Controller - 17:54
LFO - 25:20
Multi-wave noodle with delay and reverb - 29:25
Sequencer and Arpeggiator - 31:23
Multi Engine - 34:50
Couple more sound demos - 39:37
Conclusions - 42:01
Dueling synths - 47:36

"Designed and developed in partnership with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, West Pest is a powerful monophonic full voice, integrating imaginative sound-shaping tools with traditionally “west coast” concepts.
Test the pest!

West Pest’s unique sound has been influenced by Pittsburgh’s acclaimed Voltage Research Lab synthesizer.

The Pittsburgh-designed core oscillator technology has matured through the development of their SV-1 and later with Voltage Research Laboratory. This iteration’s waveforms have been optimized to be run through West Pest’s wavefolder.

Wave folding/shaping is integral to West Pest’s foundation. Wavefolding amplifies incoming waveforms. Rather than clipping or distorting, the wavefolder circuit folds the waveforms back onto themselves, creating upwards of six folds to add vast harmonic complexity and depth.

West Pest’s snappy, responsive articulation is accomplished by the “Dynamics Controller,” Pittsburgh Modular’s original invention. This unique concept is designed to behave like a traditional filter, a VCA, and an envelope generator, all at once. Upon note trigger, the filter opens fully and rapidly, producing a sharp, percussive attack. At release, the Dynamics Controller adds a ringing, resonant decay, resulting in a rounder, more musical sound. The Dynamics Controller is the product of years of research by Pittsburgh’s founder Richard Nicol, and Chief of R&D Michael Johnsen. Inspired by the developments of West Coast synthesis pioneer Don Buchla, Pittsburgh Modular has modernized and evolved these concepts, taking them into new realms, adding wider range, consistency, stability, and resonance control, as well as an infinitely variable, ringing decay.

Going beyond these analog sound-sculpting tools, West Pest also includes a deep new digital multi-mod /multi-function tool concept to add more flavor to the Pest’s production. The multi-mod lets users select between additional clock synced LFO, decay envelope, MIDI-controlled modulation, and random voltage generator modes.

West Pest’s compositional and performance capabilities are as robust as its ferocious sonic engine. West Pest can be controlled via MIDI, control voltage (CV/Gate), and its function keys, which double as a keyboard controller. Also included is an integrated sequencer & arpeggiator that can also be controlled via MIDI and is externally clockable.

A semi-modular synthesizer, West Pest has basically 8 different patchable modules (Oscillator, wave contour, dynamics controller, LFO, multi-mod tool, MIDI to CV converter, step sequencer, and button keyboard) with a whopping 18 Eurorack compatible patch points to plug into itself and your other gear. As a starting point, West Pest comes intuitively patched internally to create a bold and flexible full synth voice. Using the patch points enables users to reroute internal signal flow, as well as use with external eurorack format modules and synthesizers. To promote experimentation, Cre8audio has included a set of premium Nazca Noodles patch cables.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Hello Cre8Audio East Beast and West Pest - Sonic LAB Preview

video upload by sonicstate

"We have the @Cre8audio East Beast and West Pest in for review, here's a taster, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments and we'll try and answer them either in the review or in the https://Patreon.com/sonicstate extra."

Strymon Cloudburst Meets the East Beast and West Pest // Sampler Mania

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this live stream we take the Cre8audio West Peest and East Beast and process them with the NEW Strymon Cloudburst Ambient Reverb. Special gues the Elektron Octatrack to care of our mixing and sampling needs.

Learn more about the Strymon Cloudburst here: https://bit.ly/cloudburstpedal
Learn more about the Elektron Octatrack here: https://bit.ly/octatrack_mk2_blk
Learn more about the East Beast here: https://bit.ly/east_beast
Learn more about the West Pest here: https://bit.ly/west_pest

https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka @EZBOT_ )"

Cre8audio East Beast and West Pest Synth voices - Sonic LAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"We're looking at a pair of desktop synths (also mountable in Eurorack) from Cre8Audio - as in previous releases, these are made in collaboration with Richard Nicol from Pittsburgh Modular - he knows how to make great sounding Oscillators, Filters and Wave folders, in fact the core technology of the East Beast (subtractive single VCO synth voice) comes from the VCO, VCF and VCA of the SV-1 Blackbox - which we think sounds pretty fine. The West Pest however has the VCO, Wavefolder and Dynamics from the highly prized Voltage Research Laboratory System - with a rich Wavefolder and resonant Low Pass Gate for a more West Coast sound."

Bad Gear - cre8audio West Pest

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the cre8audio West Pest. Is this affordable semi modular analog synthesizer and hommage to Don Buchla 's West Coast synthesis The Pest? Can it keep up with competitors like the Korg Volca Modular, is it worth it without adding even more Eurorack modules and can it create the strange sounds of the antithesis to Bob Moog 's East Coast synthesis? Should I get the cre8audio East Beast instead?"

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:52 Overview cre8audio West Pest
01:36 Oscillator
01:53 FM
02:03 Wave Folder
02:23 Dynamics Controller (Buchla Low Pass Gate)
02:48 LFO
03:02 Arpeggiator, Sequencer, Midi
04:00 UI Quirks and Limitations, Multi-Function Modulation Generator
04:25 4 Bit "Display"
04:35 What else??? Pricing, Thanks
05:02 Hate
05:27 Jam 1 (Techno)
06:16 Jam 2 (More Techno)
07:18 Finale (Drum'n'Bass)
07:50 Verdict

Stylophone Beat, East Beast, Kawai K1m Jam

video upload by ChrisLody

"Full Disclosure: I occasionally take on freelance work at Dubreq (they make Stylophones) on an hourly rate producing video content. This video wasn't paid for directly but as a result of my work with Dubreq it is marked as Paid Promotion

Right time for a weird jam! I've been ridiculously busy recently with my day job and music related work so can barely justify taking time off to make this (this is product endorsement which is about as close as I can get to time off at the moment 😅), but I risk my channel turning into wall to wall Sonicware news (more of that to come) so I'm trying to find time for a bit of silliness like this!

Dubreq sent me the Stylophone Beat a few weeks back and I've been having some fun with it. For such an inexpensive machine it has surprisingly features. It can play 4 different kits, 4 different bass sound, 4x 32 step patterns, has some realtime playback effects like a filter sweep and pattern length (think stutter mode), patterns can be copied, elements muted etc, the stock sounds are well chosen, really quite good. There are limitations of course, the volume of each sound is fixed, there's no sync capability (although technically the LED flashes at 1ppq so it could be hacked) and the memory is wiped when it's powered down so make sure you record you work. One saving grace in that regard is that it goes into standby quite quickly so this Beat was left on all night with my rhythm programmed in so was still there the next day for me to continue work on. One small caveat is that the drum sequencer supports 16th note resolution but it seems the bass sequencer doesn't, you'll get 8th note recordings. It does support glide though as you may be able to tell from what I've made here. So all in all a fun little machine!

I also bought a Cre8audio East Beast recently and haven't had the chance to use it, so here it is used in the laziest way imaginable with the Stylophone Gen X-1 as a delay effect. It's a very capable little semi modular but I'm not using those features here. I also bought a Kawai K1 which used to belong to former Sonicware staff member Evan Sirchuk, so here's that too playing one of it's presets. That's a really bright sounding bit of kit and I wasn't sure what to use it for at first but it fits in nicely here. I don't even think I've used that Korg NanoKEY2 for anything yet either and I've had that for years!

Anyway, I don't know how I ended making such an odd sounding jam 😁"

Patching East Beast/West Pest with Commentary

video uploads by Bata

"Talking a bit as I patch something up on the cre8audio East Beast and West Pest."

♫ Jamming With a Bunch of Synths ♫ ----- (19)

video upload by

5U Modular (Synthesizers.com/STG Soundlabs/Synthetic Sound Labs)
Akai MPC X
Behringer 2600 (ARP 2600 clone)
Behringer Pro-1 (Sequential Circuits Pro One clone)
Behringer TD-3-MO (Devilfish modded Roland TB-303 clone)
Boss HC-2 Hand Clapper
Clavia Nord Wave
cre8audio East Beast
cre8audio West Pest
Frostwave Fat Controller (Sequencer)
Ladyada Xoxbox (Roland TB-303 clone)
Korg Delta
Korg Mono/Poly
Korg SQ-1 (Sequencer)
Moog Source
Simmons SDS-V
Studio Electronics Boomstar 5089 mk1
Yamaha CS-15
Yamaha TX-802 (rackmount DX-7ii)