ACCESS VIRUS TI2 POLAR DARKSTAR LIMITED EDITION KEYBOARD SYNTHESIZER

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via this auction

"This is a mint condition Access Virus ti 2 Polar DARKSTAR with original box, usb cable and power adapter. Still has plastic on screen and has always been covered from dust with a cover from Digital Deck Covers This is the limited addition model with different color scheme compared to normal Polar. This works perfectly and was rarely used. This is the new version which can be seen by the power adapter, older polar keyboards have external ac adapters. Connects perfectly with DAW and can be used via its plug-in thanks to the total integration. This is a staple in the electronic dance music scene and is capable of so much more."

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RARE RED SOUND DARKSTAR

via this auction

Update via Dave O Mahoney in the comments: "The auction is a little misleading... the XP2 does NOT take the vocoder chip. I asked RedSound themselves years ago and the reply was 'It wasnt implemented in software before the product was discontinued.'

The original Darkstar can take them - the XP2 cannot, even though there is an expansion port for the chip. I'll happily swap my XP2 for an original with vocoder chip!

The chips themselves are difficult to come by, but I have seen clone chips on ebay."

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Redsound DarkStar Synth with Vocoda Chip

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via this auction

"Really nice, quirky synth/FX box. Has Vocoda chip installed, so run a mic into it for for great robotic vocal effects. The basic 11-band vocoder with internal oscillator, to me ears, sounds great, with a lovely grittiness to it. There 4 other modes, providing more options than any other vocoder that I know of, software or hardware! If you love Kraftwerk, and early Electro tunes, you'll love this!

Here are a couple of quick examples of the kind of sounds it can make:

Vocoder mode, compared to some other vocoders.
And the unique Sequence-Coder mode, that allows you to program your own sequence of preset vowel/consonant sounds. Excellent when tweaking that joystick.

Of course, if you tire of manic android effects and formant effects (it's also capable of some pretty cool synth sounds in Vocoda mode), you can always swap Vocoda chip for the original 5-part-multitimbral virtual-analogue synth chip. Don't be fooled by the RCA sockets on the back (legacy of Redsound's roots in the DJ equipment market), this thing can hold it's own against many synths from more well-known manufacturers. It's capable of producing some great analogue-type sounds, and editing is a breeze, as it's almost one-knob-per-function.

This desktop box style is coming back into favour in a big way, too. The DarkStar comes in a very convenient package. It doesn't take up too much desktop real-estate, but the controls are nicely laid-out, with enough space to feel your way around easily."

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RedSound eleVAta Rare quirky digital mystery synth

video upload by HanzVolt

"I fell in love with the quirky sound of a RedSound synthesizer in 1999 when I purchsed a new Red Sound DarkStar...The DarkStar required patience to dial up sweet spots, but they were certainly there. A few years later I discovered that they created another machine in '01....
'the eleVAta'
Only 250 were ever produced...
.....and good luck trying to find a decent video of one on the interweb :))"

REDSOUND Darkstar XP2

via this auction

Broken joystick on this one.

"RedSound DarkStar XP2 synthesizer. Features of this versatile, compact synth include 8-voice polyphony, pulse width modulation, ring modulation, resonant filtering, ADSR enveloping as well as velocity-sensitive response, 5 simultaneous timbre capability, and a very simple user interface.

This particular example, serial number 00220, is in perfect working condition, operating flawlessly without any hardware nor software issues whatsoever. Cosmetically, it is in good used condition exhibiting only light and expected signs of past wear or use..."

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Electribe 2 Emx 2, Virus Ti2 & RedSound DarkStar "Tribe Toy Story"

Published on Mar 25, 2015 rhampton1914

"Decided to Re-do this Song.
Drums Lead sounds are from Electribe 2
Bass Sounds are from the RedSound DarkStar
Strings & Aro Sounds are from the Access Virus Ti2"

NIN's Ilan Rubin with Access Virus Darkstar

via Access on Facebook

"Another special #Vitw from Ilan Rubin of Nine Inch Nails prepping his new Darkstar for the next leg of the Nine Inch Nails tour. If you have not seen the Nine Inch Nails tour, it is not to be missed.

http://tour.nin.com/

Here is what Ilan had to say:

'When you first play a virus you can instantly tell that its a very unique and versatile instrument. Its easy and addictive to navigate through it's world with everything it has to offer. Plus, the keys feel great and its built like a tank.' - Ilan Rubin"

Novation BassStation II on top?
Voyager in background?

In via dubsiren.

Electribe 2 - Virus Ti2 & RedSound DarkStar @ "Tribe Space Pop"

Published on Mar 15, 2015 rhampton1914

"Drum Sounds are from the Electribe 2
Mellow Ambient Bass Lines - RedSound DarkStar
Synth Leads & Sound Effects from Virus Ti2 & Some from the Electribe 2 as well"

Darkstar & Sharplines - Moog Sub 37, Prophet 6 & Novation Circuit

Darkstar - Moog Sub 37, Prophet 6 & Novation Circuit

Published on Oct 14, 2016 Phoenix-Flare

"I performed this a the recent Bristol Synth Meet, but the camera memory ran out and I have redone it at home.
It's an idea me and Chris are working on and should turn into a full song at some point.

The midi sync is working well now, so the Circuit is sending midi clock to the moog, then the prophet to keep the beating LFO in time, then on to the TC electronics delay to keep the echos in beat."

Sharplines - Moog Sub 37, Prophet 6 & Novation Circuit

Published on Oct 14, 2016 Phoenix-Flare

I performed this at the recent Bristol Synth Meet, but the camera memory ran out and I have redone it at home.

My singer Chris is working out some words for this so it should develop further.

This was fun playing live as playing the moog keyboard triggered the arpeg on the Moog and the strings on the Prophet, but playing the Prophet keyboard just played the strings, so flicking between the keys with each hand produced some pleasing changes.

I'm using a control pedal on the Prophet to open the filter. The wheel on the Moog does a LFO pitch shift of oscillator 2 with it in sync mode - lovely sound."

Access Virus TI 2 Darkstar Keyboard Synthesizer

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via this auction

"The Darkstar is a very rare special edition model of the Access TI2 Polar synthesizer. Near mint condition, recently serviced."

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Access Virus Darkstar with CUSTOM Polar LEDS & Original Box

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via this auction

"Access Virus Darkstar with CUSTOM Polar LEDS

I call it the Polarstar :)"

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"Nocturnal" for Sequential OB-6

video upload by Antonio Antetomaso

"A demo of my "Nocturnal" library for Sequential OB-6- A library of 36 timbres inspired by the the Synthwave genre and, in details, dedicated to the sounds of 'The Midnight'.

The library is available on https://www.gprmusic.com/product-cate... and on https://www.synthonia.com/marketplace....

00:20-MN-Daytona
00:55-MN-Innocence
02:03-MN-JohnHughes
02:39-MN-LightInTheDarkness
03:16-MN-SoftMemories
03:56-MN-ShadowsPad
04:28-MN-TearsInRain
05:06-MN-DarkStar
05:28-MN-MemoriesHardBass
05:44-MN-Jason
06:15-MN-ShadowsBrass
06:38-MN-Kids
07:00-MN-Collateral
07:26-MN-RiverOfDarkness
07:50-MN-ComebackKid
08:12-MN-SyntheticBell
08:40-MN-MighthawkBell
09:11-MN-MemoriesBell
09:35-MN-ComebackBell
09:55-MN-VeniceBeach
10:13-MN-SyntheticArp""A demo of my "Nocturnal" library for Sequential OB-6- A library of 36 timbres inspired by the the Synthwave genre and, in details, dedicated to the sounds of 'The Midnight'.

The library is available on https://www.gprmusic.com/product-cate... and on https://www.synthonia.com/marketplace....

00:20-MN-Daytona
00:55-MN-Innocence
02:03-MN-JohnHughes
02:39-MN-LightInTheDarkness
03:16-MN-SoftMemories
03:56-MN-ShadowsPad
04:28-MN-TearsInRain
05:06-MN-DarkStar
05:28-MN-MemoriesHardBass
05:44-MN-Jason
06:15-MN-ShadowsBrass
06:38-MN-Kids
07:00-MN-Collateral
07:26-MN-RiverOfDarkness
07:50-MN-ComebackKid
08:12-MN-SyntheticBell
08:40-MN-MighthawkBell
09:11-MN-MemoriesBell
09:35-MN-ComebackBell
09:55-MN-VeniceBeach
10:13-MN-SyntheticArp"

RED DARKSTAR 8 VOICE POLYPHONIC DIGITAL SYNTHESIZER

via this auction
"Analog sounds are created by DSP-based analog modeling which means you'll get reliable and clean analog-type synth sounds in a professional instrument. The Darkstar features 2 oscillators per voice, 5-part multitimbral set-up, joystick mixing for oscillators, ring modulation, filter resonance and pink/white/blue noise generators. There are 14 knobs, all of which transmit MIDI data and provide instant hands-on access to the filters and envelopes. The two LFOs and two envelope generators provide plenty of modulation abilities for the oscillators, pulse-width and filter. The filter offers high-, low- and band-Pass filtering with a 12dB/oct slope. Includes AC Adapter and maunal. See photos for more details!

Features:
* Polyphony - 8 voices
o Oscillators - 2 per voice (Osc 1: continuously variable between Sawtooth and square/pulse; OSC 2: Formant or pink / white / blue noise); hard sync-able
* LFO - 2 with separate speed and delay controls (Ramp, Triangle, Square, Sine, Pulse, Sample & hold, Random waveforms)
* MIDI sync-able
o Effects - Auto-Panning, Tremolo, Fixed frequency Ring Modulation, Portamento
o Filter - 12dB/oct resonant with low-, high- and band-pass
o Keyboard - None
o Memory - 64 patches
o Control - MIDI (5-parts)
o Date Produced - 1999"

Classic Chilled Beats with Polyend Play and Virus Darkstar

video upload by Electronisounds Audio

"This week, I had the idea to get two things done at once:

Make a jam for the HWJ Facebook group, and at the same time, have a play around with a sample pack from my friend, Vortex over at Mobile Music Pro.

I'm judging a mix contest this week for this sample pack, so I thought I should get to know it better by making something with the samples myself!

The FREE sample pack: https://mobilemusicpro.com/pages/esse...

This week's HWJ (Hardware Jams) challenge theme was "TWO BOXES".

I picked the Polyend Play and Virus Darkstar as my two boxes and off I went to make a jam!

I got carried away though (Hahaha), and ended up programming out and arranging a full, finished track using the Play's sequencer and song mode. So, at the end of the day - this became a TRACK, not a JAM on any level, so I won't actually be submitting it to the weekly HWJ challenge this week.

**BONUS**: I learned how to send program changes over midi from the Play to the Virus to change presets during the track! SWEET!

Jam (track finished on) Date: 07/17/2022
Tempo: 124bpm
Key: Fminor Pentatonic (Yes, AGAIN! lol)

Whatever kind of music you are making - KEEP IT UP, Friends!
Don't stop making *YOUR MUSIC*!!"

Redsound Darkstar XP-2 w/ Original Box

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via this auction

"Redsound Darkstar XP-2 upgraded to latest firmware before Redsound discontinued this synth. This synth is an polyphonic 8 voice, 5 part multitimbral virtual analog synth."

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Redsound Darkstar Virtual Analog Synthesizer MK1 with Vocoda

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

via this auction

"This Darkstar comes equipped with rare hard to find rack ears, vocoda chip, chip puller tool. It also comes with the vocoda overlay but it rolled up and cracked in spots. A couple of led covers sank in ive seen this on others i believe it is a manufacture error. Original Manual for both dark star and vocoda included..."

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REDSOUND DARKSTAR XP2

via this auction

"Here it is, made in Great Britain, no longer made, rare and sought after!

WAY MORE CONTROL than the visible knobs suggest...there are LAYERS.

2VCO's, Joystick, External INPUTS, Expandable with an easily installed
Vocoder Chip, and MUCH MORE."

Update via machinesdontcare in the comments: "It's worth noting that the Vocoda card for the XP2 version was never completed, and the one from the original Darkstar won't work in this later version."

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Electribe Emx2, Virus Ti2 & Redsound DarkStar "Shaolin Kung Fu"

Published on Apr 4, 2015 rhampton1914

Bass sounds = RedSound DarkStar
Electribe Emx2 = Drums, White Noise & Lead Solos
Access Virus Ti2 = Sound effects and Ambient Strings & Arp Effects

christmas toy

flickr by recompas
(click for more)
"Just build a rack to hold my evenfall minimodular and my new blacet darkstar chaos. woo! Thomas Henry MPS, Voice of Saturn Sequencer and Blacet Darkstar Chaos"

full size

A bit blurry but you don't see the Evenfall Minimodular too often and the shot should give you a perspective on it's size.

RedSound DarkStar

images at this auction
I had this one set to go up on MATRIXSYNTH-B, but figured the VOCODER faceplate and details warranted a post here instead.

"It is a VOCODER TOO! This Darkstar is the version that allows the main chip to be swapped out and the unit turned into a massively featured vocoder! Here is the best part I am including the IMPOSSIBLE to find Vocoda Overlay and Factory Program Voice Listing Sheet.

Check out ebay seller ta256 item # 190265809783 for a chip. Note the newer and more prevalent XP2 does not have this chip swap feature making this the one to own!"