LIVE @ EMEAPP FEAT. SCHOOL OF ROCK HOUSE BAND, FORT WASHINGTON, PA (6-28-23)

video upload by EMEAPP

Starts with the Minimoog, followed by lots of ARP QUADRA in this one. EMEAPP is a synth museum. You can find additional posts featuring them here.

"It does our hearts good to see the younger generations take an interest in the classic tunes from decades past and add their own flair to them. Here for your eyes and ears is the house band from the Fort Washington, PA chapter of the School Of Rock, performing a quartet of 70s classics (Frankenstein by The Edgar Winter Group, Have A Cigar by Pink Floyd, Hydra by Toto and Stargazer by Rainbow). Our good friend and School Of Rock musical director Mike Kiker (check out his INSIDE THE MIX: Rick Wright video on our channel, link below) guided these kids through the setlist and it was an awesome experience to see them light up our vintage keys and synths, amps and drum kit which added an extra layer of sonic authenticity to their performances.

You can find us at www.emeapp.org where we invite you to join us as a FREE member."

Also see: INSIDE THE MIX: Richard Wright

Arturia Introduces MiniFreak 6-voice Algorithmic Synthesizer

MiniFreak | Algorithmic Synthesizer | ARTURIA video upload by Arturia

Tutorials | MiniFreak - Overview

video upload by Arturia

"In this tutorial, take a tour through MiniFreak's features, hidden talents, and wild sounds, as Matt Pike gives you the lowdown on the 6-voice hybrid #polysynth that's out to break all the rules.

_CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:03 Presets Playing
02:27 Oscillators
03:40 Virtual Analog Engine
04:41 FM Engine
05:50 FM Modulation
07:04 Analog Filter
07:35 Modulation Matrix
10:13 Digital Effects
12:02 Sliders
13:30 Sequencer & Arpeggiator
14:51 Sound Edit & Utilities" Arturia MiniFreak: 5 things you need to know (+ no-talking sound demo)
video upload by MusicRadar Tech

Review: Arturia MiniFreak // vs MicroFreak // Everything covered, including almost all 256 presets

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:25 vs MicroFreak
6:30 Connectivity
7:35 Workflow
8:55 Osc controls
10:30 Osc 1 engines
14:05 Audio in
14:30 Oscillator 2
15:05 FM/RM
16:05 Digital filters
19:00 Destroy frog
19:50 Analog filter
21:30 Digital FX
25:40 Envelopes
27:45 LFOs
29:05 Waveshaping
30:20 LFO as env
30:40 Vibrato LFO
31:10 Mod matrix
34:00 Macros
34:55 Arpeggiator
38:10 Spice & dice
39:10 Sequencer
43:40 Automation
45:45 Voice modes
46:40 Paraphony
48:20 Chord & scale
48:44 Hidden gems
50:10 Pros & cons
53:50 Almost all 250 presets!

Arturia MiniFreak - First Look - Sonic LAB

video upload by sonicstate

"Today's the day for the big Arturia announcements - and the one we have most experience of is the new MiniFreak which is an expanded MicroFreak - (the Algorithmic Synthesizer with multiple oscillator types).

The MiniFreak doubles up the Oscillators to two - with 20 oscillator types on board, keeps the multi-mode analog filter and adds 3, quality, digital FX. It also has a physical 37 key keybed (short travel) with aftertouch. There's two control strips which can do pitch/mod or macro 1/2, each with four destinations or a sequencer/gate control for the on board sequencer.

It also comes with a free VST version MiniFreak V

We fully confess that we didn't get the time to do the full review in time for this deadline, but first impressions are pretty positive."

arturia minifreak performance

video upload by Red Means Recording Ambient

"first time performing with the arturia minifreak. this is the patch 'Trent's Pno' I made for the factory presets. this is also the last patch in my current house, as i will be moving. see you in november!"

@Arturia MiniFreak Introduction, Unboxing & Demo | No Talking
video upload by DKS SYNTH LAB

Priced at 599€ / $599, available today.

See the dealers on the right for availibility.

via Arturia

Arturia expands wild hybrid synth range with 6-voice MiniFreak

MiniFreak is a polyphonic hybrid keyboard that combines two digital sound engines with warm analog filters, playful modulation, spontaneous sequencing, and rich stereo effects for sounds that are immediately curious, beautiful, and chaotic in equal measure.

Hybrid polysynth power
MiniFreak’s twin digital sound engines feature over 20 modes, and can be used individually, stacked, or to process each other’s output for unique compound sonic behavior. Its digital voices then collide with analog filters, balancing digital crispness with a rich analog response, complete with 6-voice polyphony, 12-voice paraphony, monophonic, and unison configurations.

Customizable & experimental sound design
MiniFreak’s expanded modulation matrix gives users even more control over shaping, transforming, and evolving their sound, with features like polyphonic ADSR envelopes, customizable multi-segment LFO shapes, FM & Ring Modulation, and the familiar Spice & Dice randomization.

Mix-ready stereo sound
With stereo outputs and 3 digital FX slots with 10 FX types to choose from, users will have everything they need to push their sound over the edge while keeping it mix-ready, from stereo-enhancing chorus, to surgical 3-band EQ, to gritty distortion.

Expression, meet chaos
Despite its penchant for wild & exploratory sound design, MiniFreak is an instrument of expression. Its velocity-sensitive 37-note keybed with aftertouch and spontaneous Seq/Arp functionality makes it a dream to perform with, while its randomization features put playfulness first.

MiniFreak V
MiniFreak comes with a dedicated VST counterpart, letting users totally integrate its unique hybrid sound and presets into their DAW productions and vice versa. Using identical sound engines, modeled filters, presets, and totally synchronized controls, users can enjoy an identical experience in hardware or software form.

And the press pics.

Click on each to zoom in.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synth jam with Prophet 6, Ob6, Nord Stage 3 and Deluge

video upload by House Synth Band

Sequential Prophet 6 house stabs

video upload by House Synth Band

"Playing around with a lead patch."

Analogue Solutions Announces Colossus #4

I almost skipped posting this as the only news here is there's a 4th production run of the Colossus. I guess it's interesting knowing how many are out there. What's also interesting is I always assumed the Colossus was either built in a limited initial run, or it was built per order only. This is a mammoth endeaver and each one costs 25,000 GBP which comes out to $35,000 US. It is $4500 less than this little Sennheiser VSM201 Vocoder!

Note, the images in this post appear to be stock. You can find demos of the Colossus in previous posts here.

Press release follows:
""Analogue Solutions announces forthcoming fourth run of Colossus supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue

KINGSWINFORD, UK: following a showstopping showcase during its introduction at SynthFest UK 2019 in Sheffield, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce a forthcoming fourth run of Colossus — its supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue, albeit symbolising so much more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ with no fewer than 12 VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) beating at its monumental musical heart, rather representing art, architecture, and superlative studio furniture at its hand-built best by taking its design cues from the colossal classic that is the EMS Synthi 100, although no Synthi circuit was cloned or copied in making the destined-to-be-classic Colossus fit for a new generation of high-flying owners — as of February 15…

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Roland Jupiter-6 SN 374463 BCM

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

via this auction

"The Jupiter 6 is a fantastic analog polysynth that's a little bit of an underdog compared to its siblings the 4 and the 8! However, it is very powerful and is likely overlooked due to the immense fame of the others. Its a dual VCO 6 voice with cross mod capabilities, sync, and triangle, square and saw waveforms. The filter section includes standard low pass but also band pass and high pass operation. The filter envelope routing is not preset so envelope 1, 2, or both can be assigned to control the it! The LFO section is fully featured including a random output and onset delay. Of course there is full preset saving and plenty of performance oriented controls. The one downside is that it does not include chorus or ensemble like many of the other Roland polys! It does have the coolest color scheme and those futuristic aluminum sides though. The external analog ins include arpeggiator clock in, patch shift, pedal hold and CV for the VCA and VCF. Of course it has MIDI as well so there is tons of interfacing available.

This synth is in great working condition and was just serviced by our in house technician. Cosmetically the synth is looking great but has "BCM" spray painted on the bottom panel. The keys are in great shape and are very white. All buttons are functioning fine and it sounds incredible as usual!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (and Back) by Oli Freke

New synth book coming from Oli Freke, who brought us the SYNTH EVOLUTION posters.

The book is currently available for pre-order here.

The book features:

• Over 500 hand-drawn illustrations of vintage synthesizers, drum-machines, samplers and pre-modern electric instruments.

• A reference book for every synthesizer, drum-machine and sampler manufactured between 1963 and 1995 with key stats, fascinatingly quirky facts and company profiles.

• Destined to be the new ‘bible’ of synthesizer information, following in the footsteps of the classic ‘KeyFax’ series by Julian Colbeck.

• Tells the story and impact of the synthesizer on all forms of modern music and culture with geek appeal for the music fan and synth fan alike.

From acid-house to prog-rock, there is no form of modern popular music that hasn’t been propelled forwards by the synthesizer. As a result they have long been objects of fascination, desire and reverence for keyboard players, music producers and fans of electronic music alike. Whether looking at an imposing modular system or posing with a DX7 on Top of the Pops, the synth has also always had an undeniable physical presence.

This book celebrates their impact on music and culture by providing a comprehensive and meticulously researched directory of every major synthesizer, drum machine and sampler made between 1963 and 1995. Each instrument is illustrated by hand, and shown alongside its vital statistics and some fascinatingly quirky facts. In tracing the evolution of the analogue synthesizer from its invention in the early 1960s to the digital revolution of the 1980s right up until the point that analogue circuits could be modelled using software in the mid-1990’s, the book tells the story of analogue to digital - and back again.

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Roland Jupiter-6 SN 322506

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

via this auction

"The Jupiter 6 is a fantastic analog polysynth that's a little bit of an underdog compared to its siblings the 4 and the 8! However, it is very powerful and is likely overlooked due to the immense fame of the others. Its a dual VCO 6 voice with cross mod capabilities, sync, and triangle, square and saw waveforms. The filter section includes standard low pass but also band pass and high pass operation. The filter envelope routing is not preset so envelope 1, 2, or both can be assigned to control the it! The LFO section is fully featured including a random output and onset delay. Of course there is full preset saving and plenty of performance oriented controls. The one downside is that it does not include chorus or ensemble like many of the other Roland polys! It does have the coolest color scheme and those futuristic aluminum sides though. The external analog ins include arpeggiator clock in, patch shift, pedal hold and CV for the VCA and VCF. Of course it has MIDI as well so there is tons of interfacing available.

This synth is in great working condition and was just serviced by our in house technician. The panel assembly, bender and keybed were refurbished, faders and jacks were resoldered, the master tune pot was replaced, and a standard IEC connector was installed. The replaced master tune pot does not fit the original knob due to lack of an old stock part to replace it with. We will include the original knob with the sale. Cosmetically the synth is looking good but has some wear on the back and a taped on note of the I/O fused to the top corner. The keys are in great shape and are very white. One of the fader caps in the envelope section is significantly more yellow than the others and of course there is the replaced tune knob. All buttons are functioning fine and it sounds incredible as usual!"

SN 322506 was previously listed here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Meet Colossus - Analogue Solutions Rendition of the Classic EMS SYNTHI 100

You might remember Analogue Solutions EMS SYNTHI 100 for sale from previous posts. It appears they have put it to good use and designed their own version. P.S. I spotted this earlier this morning, but thanks to Soviet Space Child for sending in the link.

via Analogue Solutions:

"Available direct only... Come see Colossus at SynthFest (UK, 5/Oct)

Numbers will be limited - we are currently taking pre-orders, ready to ship in early 2020.

This is truly something special.

Price is £25K. This exclude any tax (most likely you can claim it back through your business). Shipping: Outside of UK it would need to be crated, onto a pallet, then freighted. Shipping and crating likely to be 500-1000GBP. If you aren’t too far from Calais there maybe other options.

WHAT IS COLOSSUS?
Analogue Solutions is excited to introduce Colossus, an exciting new mega-synth with a design ethos truly from the dawn of analogue synths. It is more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ - it is also art, architecture, exquisite studio furniture.

Design inspiration is of course from the 1970’s EMS Synthi 100, however, no circuit from the Synthi has been cloned or copied. We prefer to make our own designs. We have chosen some of our favourite circuits from our own large back catalogue synths such as Polymath, Telemark and Vostok.

Colossus is not a Synthi 100 clone - all circuits are non-EMS, Analogue Solutions’ design.

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Analog Renaissance Tests Out the New Sound Semiconductor SSI2164

You might recall Sound Semiconductor announced the availability of the SSI2164 QUAD VCA chip back in March of 2018 (data sheet here). The SSI2154 is technically an updated design of the classic SSM2164 found in the Octave Voyetra Eight, Siel DK 600, Opera 6 & Kiwi, and the full blown Waldorf Wave. Analog Renaissance was commissioned by Sound Semiconductor to write an application note on the chip in practical use. The following are some of his findings including a couple of demos and a cool oscilloscope synth cat. :)

via Analog Renaissance:

"Sound Semiconductor (basically SSM risen from its ashes) hired me a few months back to write an application note AN701: 'Designing Voltage Controlled Filters for Synthesizers with the SSI2164' for them.

This job quickly escalated because while analyzing this IC's design, it became apparent that it is far more capable, due to its advanced design over its predecessor the SSM2164 (and its cheap knockoffs), than what I expected from reading the datasheet.

Its exceptional THD and noise specs allow building ultra clean filters that are virtually distortion and noise free, its excellent channel tracking means that it is very suitable for multi-mode filters which rely on precision and inherent in its design is the same type of asymmetric distortion responsible for the legendary SSM2040’s sound and more.

The 32-page manuscript is now being reviewed and edited to match their house-style, and should be made public soon. Imho it's quite extensive and covers next to SSI2164 specific content quite a bit of VCF design in general, circuit history and some novel stuff.

As there are already more than enough datasheets, application notes and books filled with non-working (read: tested in spice) nonsense, I accepted this job on one condition: build, test and since it's about synthesizers, hear everything before writing about it.

The small building blocks were breadboarded, but as this type of construction quickly becomes impractical for larger designs, certainly when they need multiple sources and control voltages, and impossible to do meaningful measurements on beyond a certain level, due to coupling and EMC issues, I built 3 filters in eurorack format, which also allows for quick connection to other synth and audio equipment.


SSI2164 - 2040 VCF Published on May 5, 2019 dnaab136

The first one, on the left, is an ultra-clean 4-pole VCF with a SNR better than 107dB (A-weighted) and THD is less than 0.0066%. Both these numbers are the limit of my current test equipment.

The second one, in the middle, is a VCF that employs the SSI2164's SSM2040-like non-linearities and for the first time since the early 80's done monolithically.

The 3rd one, on the right, expresses my contempt for what can and can't be done by ignoring a few mathematical constraints and is a self-oscillating 6dB/oct (1-pole slope) VCF.


SSI2164 - Mathematically impossible self-oscillating 6dB/oct VCF Published on May 6, 2019 dnaab136

Math wasn't happy with this, so it sounds a bit angry and, one of its main features is its capability of transforming sine waves into cats.
one of its main features is its capability of transforming sine waves into cats.

All 3 modules borrow 2 things from power electronics: A FET-bridge that allows plugging in the power cable in any orientation, without the voltage drop associated with diode bridges, and an S-Curve dimmer, originally intended for incandescent lamps but here used for a reversing attenuator with a dead zone in the middle.

The first 2 are multi-mode and have next to the standard 4-pole output a few extra outputs: 2 & 4-pole band-pass and a 2-pole low-pass. All outputs have the exact same phase response and can be mixed to obtain variable slope filters.

I'll bring these to Superbooth in one of these waldorf KB37 keyboards, with some basic VCO, LFO, ADSR and mixer modules for you to play with along with a printout of my manuscript and what is already edited (about 2/3rd) for publication."

AJH Synth Next Phase // KILLER (and quiet) phase shifting in Eurorack

Published on Jan 9, 2019 DivKidVideo

"So here we have the Next Phase from AJH Synth. A great follow up from the original Mega-Phase 12 from AJH Synth. The next phase is a dual input, stereo output phaser with selectable stages and separately selectable emphasis (resonance) paths. It's all analogue, sounds absolutely lush and is a lot quieter that the original Mega Phase, but for those looking for a bit of noise a mojo you can mix a bit of noise back in which is a nice effect.

TIMING INDEX / SECTIONS

00:09 Patch previews

00:48 What is Next Phase? Features, upgrades, Mega-Phase 12?

02:35 Basic sound demo (sounds INCREDIBLE!)

04:56 Phasing two voice melodies

06:38 Jazz ear break … guitar

06:52 Adding noise for mojo and phasing morphing wavetables with added dub chord hits

10:00 Jazz ear break … the DivKid house band

10:20 Creating subtle back layers and ambience under beats

12:16 Audio rate modulation and dissonant west coast style sequences

14:52 Jazz ear break … bet you didn’t know I could play double bass ey? ;-)

15:03 Phaser pings (like filter pings)

18:23 Phasing full ambient mixes

19:30 Jazz ear break … key tinkle time

19:45 Layering animation with the Fixed Filter Bank 914"

Moog Rogue SN 6062X

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. The Physics House Band - 'Surrogate Head' (Live)

Published on Sep 18, 2018 The Physics House Band

Cool demo of this actual unit at 9:26 in the video above.

via this auction

"Here we have a Moog Rogue in excellent condition. I'm selling it because my current gigs are demanding that I get something with presets, and I can't justify having more than one analog mono-synth at the moment.

The power supply is a replacement that I had to put together myself, due to how difficult it is to obtain a power supply of that wattage/connection size - It works absolutely perfectly, so don't be put off by the electrical tape.

I've included a video of me using it live, (skip to 9:26), and I'm happy to answer any questions."

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Moby's Drum Machines For Sale

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

You can find them on Reverb here.

Don't miss the video here.

Update: some pics and details captured. I made the mistake of trying to capture them all and then realized how many were listed. :) I ended up switching to the more esoteric models. Quite a few have never been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH before. What's a little bit interesting, is only two new labels were needed, one for Domino and one for Side-Kick-Er. All other brands have been featured before. See the labels at the bottom of this post. Side note: Blogger limits the number of characters to 200 for labels, so I wasn't able to capture them all for this post. You can always search for the brand names featured for more. I assume most do this anyway. The labels are more for maintenance and for finding posts that may not feature brand names in descriptions.

Pictured:

Realistic Concertmate Electronic Accompanist-Metronome

"Fully analog rhythmic companion utilizing 5 beat buttons to combine how you wish. Features metronome, speaker and line out, and tempo control.

Serial: 42-2103. Works with no issue."

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Abbey Road Institute: The Moog session - The synth that shaped musical history

Streamed live on Dec 1, 2017 Abbey Road Institute

"On the 1st of December we are featuring another historic instrument that shaped musical history: The MiniMoog!

How did it become such an icon?
What makes it so special?
And why does it sound so massive?!

We got you covered. Tune in on the 1st of December.

Shaping musical history:
The Minimoog was designed in response to the use of synthesizers in rock/pop music.
Jazz composer Sun Ra was the first to use a prototype of the Minimoog in his music and Keith Emerson (musician and composer) was the first musician touring with a Minimoog, demonstrating some amazing pitch-bending techniques for the first time with many keyboard players following his example afterwards. Just like the Hammond organ (as shown in our previous event) the Moog became a serious competitor to the electric guitar, making guitarist looking for eleven on their volume control as the only way to compete. Because of its fantastic and cosmic sound, it soon was embraced by the gods of the new progressive rock with bands like Yes and Emerson Lake & Palmer.

As keyboardist of Yes, Rick Wakeman said the instrument 'absolutely changed the face of music.'

Besides progressive rock, Jazz legends like Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock added the Minimoog to their arsenal, delivering devastating jazz solos and Bob Marley introduced the Minimoog when the band first played in the UK on the BBC.

After taking the progressive rock and jazz world by storm, it made its way back towards the synthesizer’s roots, in electronic pop and experimental music. One of the most well-know band using the Minimoog for this purpose was Kraftwerk on their albums Autobahn and The Man-Machine. Shortly after that, the characteristic sound of the Minimoog became an important part of the synth-pop era and inspired an entire generation of electronic musicians like Brian Eno and Ultravox.

Since then the Minimoog transformed the music landscape of every musical genre, from the R&B/Soul of Earth Wind & Fire and the most successful recorded album of all time, Thriller from Michael Jackson, till the West-Coast sound of Dr. Dré and the industrial music of Trent Reznor.

But a major transition occurred when electronic music was slightly forced back into the underground and analog synthesizer started shaping the sound of House Music, Techno and all other genres of electronic music. This is where the Minimoog found a new homebase in the hands of producers and bands like Carl Craig, 808-state, Portishead and many more leading to the iconic sound in today’s electronic music and the production of new Moog synthesizers and soundalikes.

The original Minimoog is a true classic. But what makes the sound so special?
On the 1st of December, MarcoAntonio Spaventi (music producers, mastering engineer, analog synth evangelist and Abbey Road Institute lecturer) will give a Masterclass about the Minimoog and it’s unique sound at Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam. In order to share his love for the Moog, this masterclass will be live streamed through Facebook Live.

MarcoAntonio will talk about the differences between the original Minimoog Model D and the Minimoog Voyager, the unique features of both instruments and the technical aspects that makes it sound so special. But most important, you can hear them live including a jam with an hardware sequencer at the end of the session!

Next to the above mentioned synths, we will have a variety of other Moogs to explore the different sounds and flavours of Robert Moog’s legacy. With one very special model…

The Memorymoog!
Many say the Memorymoog is like having 6 Minimoogs stacked in one machine! While thats not entirely true it does sound like no other poly synth with a very specific and massive character. Just like the Minimoog, the Memorymoog gets his monumental sound due to certain imperfections of the instrument. A perfect example of finding perfection in imperfection! MarcoAntonio will explain you all about the different features that makes this synth so unique."

Roland Space Echo RE-201 Tape Effect Demo w/ Synthesizers #10

Published on Oct 2, 2017 gstormelectro

"Audio and video produced by G-Storm Electro c.2017

Today I present the Roland RE-201 Space Echo audio demo w/ synthesizers and a TR-8 drum machine. The RE-201 is a vintage delay effect from the 70s using a tape loop and Spring tank reverb. It's been used on lots of psychedelic rock, trip hop, alternative, dub, progressive house music and more. The Space Echo is the only effect used in this demo. This machine has a new 4 meter loop. It also has some wow and flutter, I love that lo-fi quality of this machine. All audio recorded direct to a Tascam DR-05 thru a Mackie mixer. Gear used here: Roland Juno-1/JV-2080/SH-01A/TR-8, Korg MS-20 mk1, E-mu ES-32 (Yamaha CP-70 sample), Arturia Beatstep Pro, M-Audio Axiom49.

0:00 Radiohead - Lotus Flower, spring tank reverb on snare only
1:00 Introduction
1:43 Portishead - Cowboys, delay on electric piano
2:30 M83 - Skin of the Night, delay on CP-70 piano sample
2:59 Quick explanation of inputs
3:15 Steve Miller Band - Fly Like an Eagle, delay on synth glissando
3:41 A look inside and beautiful ladies?
4:15 Tycho - Dive, delay on opening synth
5:18 How I'm using the RE-201 on these examples
5:53 Underworld - Born Slippy, delay on everything
7:13 About this particular machine
7:49 Tangerine Dream - Love On a Real Train, delay on arpeggio"

Uli Behringer Interview on DeepMind12 Synthesizer.

Published on Feb 23, 2017 BEHRINGER

Key point: more synths to come, they are all in, and they will be looking at what users want. He mentions creating products from $49 up.

"Uli Behringer's interview at the Pre-NAMM Synth-A-Thon where he talks about his early beginnings as a musician, and the evolution of DeepMind12.

Uli's first introduction to music was through his father, who had a church organ in the house that had 1200 pipes. It was his passion and spent his life building it. During this time as Uli was a young boy, he learned from him and carried the torch on.

The first piece of musical equipment Uli ever made was a synthesizer when he was 16 years old.

Then in the 80's, he was in a jazz band, studying sound engineering and piano in Germany. He was a struggling musician playing jazz in bars with friends, during the day studying. His good friend Harold was into Frank Sinatra which inspired Uli's passion for his music.

All these moments lead up to Uli building the DeepMind12.

He worked with the MIDAS developers in Manchester about building a new synthesizer. The team there built something quite incredible with amazing features like augmented reality.

Pete Sandler was one of the key developers, and the DeepMind12 is one of Uli's greatest products."

MATRIXSYNTH Review and Overview of the Novation UltraNova

Hi everyone, you might remember, back in July I posted some pics of my newly acquired UltraNova, and mentioned that review posts would eventually follow. Well, I’m happy to tell you the first post is here. The UltraNova is one powerful synth, so to make the overall review a bit more consumable, it will be broken up over time. This first section includes an Overview, the Oscillators, and the Mixer sections. When new sections go up, I will be sure to let you know via a new post.

As with most of my reviews, I will say this one goes pretty deep into the synth engine and all editable parameters. If you are the type of person that likes to dissect and explore all of the available parameters on a synth, then this post is for you. I will touch on what each parameter does and will call out any interesting features and limitations as I do so. There are some pretty special parameters on the UltraNova that give you control beyond most other synths. Hopefully this review will give you some insight into what makes the UltraNova special.

Overview & Quick Comparison to Previous Nova Synths

The Novation UltraNova, released back in 2010, is a 20 voice virtual analog & wavetable synth with three oscillators, two ring modulators and one noise source per voice. The UltraNova also features two audio ins that can be assigned to the oscillator section and/or a 12-band vocoder. It’s worth noting that the Novation Nova from 1999 featured a 40-band vocoder, while the Supernova II from 2000 featured a 42-band vocoder. The UltraNova is a monotimbral synth while the 12 voice Nova was six part multitimbral and the Supernova II (24, 36, or 48 voice) was eight part multitimbral. The UltraNova supports up to 5 simultaneous effects per patch. The Nova supported 42 simultaneous effects, while the Supernova II supported up to 56. The Supernova II also supported FM synthesis while the Nova and UltraNova omit it.

The UltraNova, however, is the first Nova synth to feature wavetable synthesis. An interesting side note is that all of the oscillators on the UltraNova are actually stored as wavetables, including the standard waveforms. According to Novation, “The wavetables in the Supernova series are all calculated. The wavetables in the UltraNova, even the standard analogue waves are wavetable oscillators. This change in oscillator generation was first used on the A-Station and K-Station and subsequently in the KS series, X-Station and Xio.” This allows the UltraNova to have some advanced tricks when it comes to the oscillator section, which will be covered in detail below.

I asked Novation about the lack of FM synthesis and they told me, “FM would have been a lovely addition to the UltraNova, but it would have been asking too much of the DSP to be able to run everything the UltraNova can do and also add in FM. The wavetables were a really good way to introduce a new (to Novation) type of synthesis that is able to cater for some of the synth sounds that FM is known for and also to be able to create lush evolving pads.”

The UltraNova features two routable filters per voice with a total of 14 filter types to chose from including 6dB (no resonance), 12dB, 18dB, and 24dB with Lowpass, Bandpass and Hi-pass modes. The Nova and Supernova II lacked a 6dB mode.

As for hardware, although the UltraNova may have fewer knobs per function than its predecessors, it is extremely well laid out and super intuitive to use. Along with both keyboard velocity and aftertouch, the UltraNova has touch sensitive knobs. They literally respond to touch and can be assigned to various parameters. Worth noting, velocity is configurable, however, aftertouch is not. I found the aftertouch to be good, but it does require a little extra force than I prefer; it’s good for not accidentally triggering it, but not so good for subtle, natural performance.

Please note the above comparisons with the Nova and Supernova II were only for quick reference. The UltraNova of course is its own synth with a few tricks up its sleeves that are lacking in the original Nova line, including a level of control over the synth engine often only found in the modular realm. It sounds incredible, and for the price, currently only $599 new, it is an extremely flexible and powerful synth. You get the current top-of-the-line Novation Nova synth engine with new wavetables and more. The UltraNova is both a performance oriented synth as well as a synth programmers dream. It can be configured for easy access to specific parameters for a live situation, or you can dig as deep as you want with a clearly well thought out interface.

That said, let’s dig in.

The following review and overview will essentially go over the signal flow of the UltraNova followed by performance controls including the arpeggiator and the hardware interface. I’ll go into a little detail on what each feature can and cannot do in an attempt to give you a detailed idea of what the synth is capable of. Because my reviews tend to be a bit on the longer side, I will be posting the sections in chunks over time to make it easier on you to consume and for me to compose.

First we start with…

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Waldorf Product News 2016 - New KB37 Eurorack Keyboard Case & Modules

Published on Jan 19, 2016 WaldorfMusicChannel

"Brand-new products:
1) kb37 Controller Keybboard for Eurorack modules
2) dvca1 Dual VCA module for Eurorack systems
3) mod1 Modulator module for Eurorack systems
4) cmp1 Compressor module for Eurorack systems"

Details on the modules previously posted here. Official press release along with some pics of the case follow. Gorgeous!

"Waldorf waves hello to the ‘Eurorack Pack’ at The NAMM Show 2016

'Hardware is a beautiful thing. Using my fingers, I can touch the sound and move it around, conducting it from here to there and back again. With the gear I can lay my hands on today, I really feel the democratisation of art in action. Anyone can make cool- sounding music with their own personal signature and stylistic edge!'

- Waldorf Music Managing Director Joachim Flor, 2016

REMAGEN, GERMANY: high-quality synthesizer developer Waldorf Music is proud to introduce its so-called ‘Eurorack Pack’ — a stylish, state-of-the-art, self-contained modular synth system, comprising the kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD and three colourful new modules for the ever-present Eurorack format to accompany the already-available nw1 WAVETABLE MODULE launched last year — at The NAMM Show 2016, January 21-24 in Anaheim, California, USA...

More and more synthesizer enthusiasts are acknowledging the ever-present Eurorack small-format modular system that is increasingly popularised (and heavily populated) by an ever-growing band of merry manufacturers — both ‘boutique’ or otherwise — now numbering hundreds worldwide. Waldorf Music made its grand Eurorack entrance last year when introducing its innovative nw1 WAVETABLE MODULE — providing the worshipped wavetable set from the company’s classic (discontinued) Microwave and Wave synthesizers, speech synthesis, user wavetable creation, and much more besides — to widespread critical acclaim. And having done that, what would you do next?

Now that collecting Eurorack modules is an ‘addiction’ — albeit one filled with much musical merriment, where discerning musicians can creatively customise their modular synth setup as and when the need (and money) arises — albeit without spending a huge amount of money all at once, why not raise an entire family of stylish, state-of-the-art Eurorack modules? Meet the all-new Waldorf Music members...

Three different modulation sources in one module make the mod1 MODULATOR MODULE the control centre of any ‘Eurorack Pack’ patch. From simple envelopes and LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) to complex looped multistage curves, the mod1 MODULATOR MODULE delivers rich and endless modulation options — and all based on pure analogue circuitry for everything from super-smooth curves to razor-sharp edges that still sound far from ‘digital’. From gently undulating LFOs to ultra-precise hard cuts, here it is innovative analogue circuitry all the way for a truly musical touch!

The dvca1 DUAL VCA MODULE is built around two VCAs (Voltage-Controlled Amplifiers) with a wide range of options, including the most important one of all: an ability to musically colour the signal. Starting in dry mode results in high-precision analogue amplification, and turning the Colour knob adds a warmer and more colourful timbre to the signal based on a finely-crafted state variable filtering circuit. But beyond that, simultaneous Linear and Exp (exponential) control as well as specialised AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) coupled inputs are also provided. Positive Gain control makes the dvca1 DUAL VCA MODULE a true ‘amplifier’ and flexible Linked modes make modulated panning perfectly possible.

The cmp1 COMPRESSOR MODULE is a true high-end analogue compressor that not only adds punch to the signal path, but can also be modulated in intriguing and unconventional ways! Side-chaining with an adjustable Balance control opens up a huge set of modular possibilities. Put it this way: the cmp1 COMPRESSOR MODULE has all the features expected from a modern compressor, including Attack and Release controls, Auto (automatic) and Man (manual) modes, Hard and Soft knee, as well as output Gain and Bleed amount of the original signal.

Saying that, the developers went one stage further with the kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD, comfortably accommodating (and providing power for) all four of those Waldorf Music modules. It can helpfully house up to 100 HP of Eurorack modules in its conveniently-angled panel sitting atop a 37-note, full-sized Fatar TP9 keyboard, featuring a super-high-quality key-bed that transmits velocity and aftertouch. As such, the kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD provides extremely flexible control for any mounted modules, thanks to its high-resolution, temperature-stable 16-bit CV (Control Voltage) interface. Moreover, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) channel is programmable, positioning the kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD as the perfect partner for studio and stage usage alike. As well as providing perfect connectivity, capably serving performing players and sound designers’ desires with an array of realtime control elements such as PITCH and MODULATION wheels, the kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD is compact and easy to transport — just like a conventional synthesizer keyboard, bringing both style and reliability to any performance setup.

So, Meine Damen und Herren, Ladies and Gentleman, please put your hands together to welcome Waldorf Music’s ‘Eurorack Pack’ to the production and performance table. Fill it at your leisure for your musical pleasure — preferably with Waldorf Music modules... oscillate (with the critically- acclaimed nw1 WAVETABLE MODULE), modulate (using the new mod1 MODULATOR MODULE), amplify (dvca1 DUAL VCA MODULE), and compress (cmp1 COMPRESSOR MODULE)!

The ‘Eurorack Pack’ will be being showcased on Waldorf Music’s booth (#6009) in Hall A at The NAMM Show 2016, January 21-24 in Anaheim, California. Come check it out!

The nw1 WAVETABLE MODULE is already available to purchase through Waldorf Music’s global network of dealers and retailers at an SRP (Suggested Reseller Price) of €345.00 EUR (including tax). The newly-announced ‘Eurorack Pack’ products — kb37 CONTROLLER KEYBOARD, mod1 MODULATOR MODULE, dvca1 DUAL VCA MODULE, and cmp1 COMPRESSOR MODULE — are expected to ship during the third quarter of 2016."

See the modules previously posted here

Battery Powered | PB & Jam

Published on Jan 12, 2016 Human Interface

"The power of batteries compels you!

This is a show about making live electronic music using battery powered synthesizers, drum machines, and other gear. The spirit here is to take live electronic music out of its usual contexts like stages and studios and bring it to some more unexpected locations and hopefully generate some unexpected performances."

Spotted this one on discchord.

Note the playlist above has 15 videos. The following is the description from the first video (Winter - Nerve Gangstas) at the time of this post, to give you some background. Note the playlists will likely be updated if you find this post in the future. Further below you'll find the PB & Jam sets.

"Hello, my name is Artur Danielian, I live in Kyiv, Ukraine. I always liked Italodisco. That is actually my favourite dance style. But it is rather hard to play it on 16-step machines so I basically focus on house and techno music. This is my first humble try to use techno means of music production for making some dreamy italian style track.

About my kit: I always take it with me when I'm out of my town. 4 extremely compact Volcas fit in the soft mike case: Volca Sample, Volca Bass and 2 Volca keys. I mix them with Belkin Rockstar headphone splitter-combiner. Lot of people use it now for compact setups. I bought mine 6 years ago having no idea it would be so helpful for me)))). I also use iPad with Korg nanopad 2 connected through Camera Connection Kit. Nanopad2 has cool built-in Kaossilator style key/scale feature and sends "right" MIDI notes to any synth. I use lots of them: TF7 Synth, iProphet, both free and paid apps such as iMPC app which I control using nanopad's finger drum pads. They are velocity-sensitive and have less latency than iPad's touch-screen. My setup is much wider when I play live - there are two musicians, me and my mate Maxim Sabodash, there are 2 DJ-mixers, keyboards, kaosses and so on. But recording of both live on-stage sets and my trip sets is made on TASCAM DR-01 recorder in 24/96 format, no laptops (we're dreaming of vinyl releases because we are true analogue, lol). The band started as a volunteer musicians duo which just came to different food festivals and exhibitions seeing a DJ-place and asking: "Can we just play some dance music for you? If you don't like it, just stop us." No one did stop us, though. And then they started to invite us to play our music at their events. So we played about 50 sets during this summer on different cultural and commercial events. One of the main goals of our project is to make electronic music playing popular among the youngsters in Ukraine using different cheap instruments like volcas, monotrons, PO's etc. - it is good alternative to alcohol and drugs)) Our band sticks to the principle "only live recordings" so because of this there are only two places where you can hear and see us: either live performance, or our recorded bites on my Youtube channel"

PB & Jam

Published on Jan 6, 2016 Human Interface

"PB & Jam is a weekly show on Human Interface TV that features live electronic music jam sessions. There is no particular limitations of genre so expect an eclectic selection of non-commercial live electronica from techno to ambient to trance etc... (Could write a whole hundred pages just listing all the electronic music genres!)"

And the description for the first video (Rude Machines - Zapper Live) at the time of this post:

"This session is comprised of three patterns from the Korg EMX -- it is used for some of the bass sounds and acid lines. It also sequences the Virus TI which is playing bass, leads, screams and atmospherics. The Elekron Octatrack is doing all of the drums and builds. I have the Octratrack crossfader set to reverse the drums, allowing for quick pops and reverses. I am also using the SP808 in combination with the KP3 to add some glitched-out samples on top of everything.

This is a fun set of evolving patterns that I have been working on for quite a while. It started with me wanting to write psytrance at a slower tempo, and turned into something different over time. Often, I will write patterns like this that get progressively rewritten, added to, and then redone. Hope you enjoy!"

Roland Museum Germany Massive Synthesizer Selloff - Most Gear for Sale in a Single Auction

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

This one in via Marko of Retrosound.de.

26.000,00 Euro gets it all.

via this auction

Someone needs to contact the Guiness Book of World Records. Longest list of gear for sale ever:

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