John Bowen Solaris SN 0311

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"Incredible condition, everything works great!

Serial number in the 300s. I was told that serials below 250 sometimes have encoder problems -- nothing to worry about here! The encoders work great as does everything else!"

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New Korg Wavestate Wave Sequencing Synthesizer Revealed

Published on Jan 6, 2020 Korg

Update: Details are in... Playlist with the first user videos added below.

"Legendary synthesis, radically re-imagined. Organic, inspirational, and mind-blowingly powerful.

KORG’s legendary Wavestation introduced the world to Wave Sequencing, transforming raw samples into sounds that no-one had ever heard before. The flagship OASYS and KRONOS keyboards developed Wave Sequencing even further, expanding on its unique palette of lush, evolving pads and driving rhythms.

Now, KORG is proud to announce the next step in digital synthesis: the wavestate. Featuring the radically re-imagined Wave Sequencing 2.0, the wavestate delivers astonishing, ever-changing sounds with extensive hands-on control.

Far from a nostalgic reissue, the wavestate is designed from the ground up for a new generation of musicians, producers, and composers, taking cues from sources as diverse as modular synths, groove boxes, and algorithmic composition. The compact form-factor, with 37 full-size keys, transports easily and fits neatly into any stage, studio, or desktop setup."

Korg Wavestate User Videos

New Korg Wavestate Vector & Wave Sequencing Synthesizer - Perfect Circuit
Korg Wavestate - All Playing, No Talking! - Kraft Music
Korg Wavestate - Overview with Nick Kwas - Kraft Music
Korg Wavestate - New Keyboard! - sonicstate
KORG WAVESTATE FIRST IMPRESSIONS - BoBeats
Korg WAVESTATE // Review and full tutorial // Wave sequencing and Vector synthesis explained - loopop
Korg Wavestate Wave Sequencing Synthesizer | Reverb Demo
First Look: Korg Wavestate Synthesiser with Wave Sequencing 2.0 - Noisegate
First jam with the Korg Wavestate - Honeysmack
Korg Wavestate - Sound Design Tutorial 1 - True Cuckoo



Highlights:

"With the Wavestation, each step of a Wave Sequence had a duration, a sample, and a pitch. This created ear-catching patterns–but the patterns repeated the same way, over and over. What if they could evolve in organic, unexpected ways, instead of just repeating?

Wave Sequencing 2.0 splits apart the timing, the sequence of samples, and the melody, so that each can be manipulated independently. Also added are new characteristics including shapes, gate times, and step sequencer values. Each of these is a “Lane,” and each Lane can have a different number of steps and its own start, end, and loop points.

Every time the sequence moves forward, the individual Lanes are combined to create the output. For instance, a sample may be matched with a different duration, pitch, shape, gate length, and step sequence value every time that it plays. You can modulate each Lane’s start, end, and loop points separately for every note, using velocity, LFOs, envelopes, Mod Knobs, or other controllers. Each note in a chord can be playing something different!

Lanes can also randomize the step order every time they play, with realtime control over the range of included steps. Finally, individual steps can be randomly skipped, with a modulatable probability from 0 to 100%. The result is organic, ever-changing sounds that respond to your control. The four onboard arpeggiators can interact with Wave Sequences for even more possibilities."

"KORG R&D created the original Wavestation, co-created the OASYS and Kronos, and has developed fundamental technologies behind many other KORG instruments. The wavestate reflects their unique aesthetic, delivering stunning sound and deep flexibility via cutting-edge technologies.

Three of the key sound designers from the original Wavestation, John Bowen [of John Bowen Synth Design & the Solaris], John “Skippy” Lehmkuhl (Plugin Guru), and Peter “Ski” Schwartz, joined Belgian artist Airwave and the renowned KORG voicing team to create the incredible wavestate sound library."

"Bursting with knobs and controllers, the wavestate invites you to explore. All of the basics–filter, envelopes, LFOs, effects–are at your fingertips with dedicated front-panel controls. Eight programmable Mod Knobs are customized to bring out the most in every sound, often taking them in entirely new directions. Use the knobs in realtime performance, and also save the results as new sounds. Add in the Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels and the unique Vector Joystick, and you’ll always have multiple dimensions of realtime expression.

Want to dig deeper? Almost all front-panel knobs, and most on-screen parameters, can be modulated. You can even modulate settings for individual Wave Sequence Steps! Mod Processors let you transform modulation signals using quantization, smoothing, curvature, and more."

"Randomization that inspires.

Looking for even more inspiration? A dedicated front-panel button, marked by a “dice” icon, generates new sounds via intelligent randomization. Randomize the entire sound or just a part of it, such as the filter, the Sample Lane, or the effects. Use the results directly, or as a jumping-off point for your own creations.
An arsenal of effects.

The wavestate’s superb effects deliver production-ready sounds. Each Layer has three dedicated effects; additionally, the Performance has a master reverb and parametric EQ. Along with standards such as compressors, EQs, choruses, flangers, phasers, and stereo delays, you’ll find distinctive processors such as the Wave Shaper, Talking Modulator, Reverse Delay, Multiband Mod Delay, and Overb (from the OASYS), plus modeled effects including VOX guitar amps, VOX wah, multi-head tape echo, and a collection of classic guitar pedals."

"Choose your filter.

Add vintage character to your sounds with the aggressive MS-20 Lowpass or Highpass filters, or the strong, sweet Polysix Lowpass. Shape and refine with a full collection of resonant 2-pole and 4-pole Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, and Band Reject filters. Or, step outside the box with KORG’s unique Multi Filter, which creates modulatable blends of multiple modes simultaneously.
Ample samples. 64 stereo voices.

Totaling in the gigabytes, the wavestate’s sample library is more than a thousand times larger than that of the original Wavestation. That’s a lot of great-sounding raw material for Wave Sequences. There’s a bank of samples from Plugin Guru, brand-new samples from KORG, and a selection from the Kronos and Krome libraries. Of course, KORG also provides all of the Wavestation’s samples (including all options), plus a huge library of Wavestation Wave Sequences. Play up to 64 stereo voices with pristine clarity, using KORG’s proprietary anti-aliasing sample playback technology."

"Multiply by four.

With all of that synthesis power, you might think the wavestate would play only one sound at a time. Not a chance. For even more rich and complex results, layer up to four Programs together in a Performance–each with their own effects and arpeggiator. The Vector Envelope and Joystick mix the individual voices of the four Layers, and can also modulate any other parameters."

"Set Lists and Smooth Sound Transitions.

Set Lists offer effortless organization of your wavestate Performances, and deliver instant access at the gig or in rehearsal. Smooth Sound Transitions allow previously-played voices and effects to continue to ring out naturally, even once a new sound has been selected.
Plays well with others.

Balanced stereo outputs connect to any recording or monitoring system, and a stereo headphone output is provided for private playing or onstage cueing. Din-style MIDI jacks ensure connection to other MIDI-equipped instruments and audio gear. The wavestate supports class-compliant USB MIDI connections to Windows and Mac computers, and the wavestate librarian program is available as free download from KORG."

via https://www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/wavestate/

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Anyone Interested in a Desktop Version of the Solaris by John Bowen Synth Design?

via the John Bowen forums:

"Could there be something new to order soon?
And would you be interested?"

Thoughts?

If you aren't familiar with the John Bowen Solaris, see here.

John Bowen Solaris White w/ Clear LED Lit Mod Wheels

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"Absolutely pristine digital synth, 8 voice polyphonic with incredibly flexible, basically modular voice architecture. Very high-end 96 kHz sound. Way beyond any other digital synth in terms of both flexibility and sound quality, as can be confirmed with so many excellent demos around."

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Engine synthesizer : MOTORS STAGE 2 ! From VR6 to old Flat 4.

Published on Nov 6, 2019 Theo GRAND

"Motors has evolved with interactive EQs, camshaft + rolls generator, a ruptor, and stil the good old fashioned Reaktor interface. Here's a sample of classic engine types it can make. Feel free to comment."

Reminds me of the Rotors on the John Bowen Solaris, or the mechanical Motor Synth from Gamechanger Audio. All different of course.

Two more:



"We can hear the different harmonics made by a combustion engine running at the same rpm (approx. B♭), but with an increasing number of cylinders.
Actually, the fundamental is multiplied, which gives a harmonic suite, making intervals."

"This a Reaktor based synthesizer made to reproduce the sound of an engine with different cylinder configurations. Here we can hear the same engine switching from 4 to 12 cynlinders. The starter is a sample played."

John Bowen Synth Designs Solaris SN 00032

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"Essentially in brand new condition - not a scratch

I received it in mint condition from its first owner, and have kept it that way in my home studio since 2015. [listed here]

Serial number 032 - from the first or second run - this one includes the 'Limited Edition' mark under the main logo.

This instrument is a monster. I won't go into details, but it's basically a digital modular synth capable of anything. Analog modeling, wavetables, samples, rotors and more. You can read all the specs on John Bowen's website.

There is a one-year wait on new orders and there may not be many more production runs left. I pack professionally and the original box is included.

Sale includes only the synth, CF card with latest OS and patches, and power supply. If it's not listed, it's not included."

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John Bowen Solaris

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John Bowen SOLARIS Demo of tweaking, sound design and some patches

Published on Aug 30, 2019 synthlegends

"The John Bowen Synth Design SOLARIS is almost 8 years on the market. Since 2012 there were approximately 380 units produced. The 7th production run just finished and is sold out.

The SOLARIS is a very sophisticated digital virtual analog synthesizer with 4 oscillators, 2 so called rotors, tons of waveforms, filters, mixer routing possibilities, 5 LFO and 6 envelopes. It contains about 1200 parameter and countless routing possibilities. It is like a polyphonic modular synthesizer which is capable to recreate all classic vintage synthesizers and also never heard digital stuff. With the SOLARIS a programmers dream became true. The GUI is quite logical thanks to 5 text displays for each section in the signal path plus a big graphic display.

My new purchased SOLARIS with Serial Number 356 has a new hardware feature, OLED Text Displays. In the meanwhile the OS is "grown up" and there are also more than 2000 user presets programmed by a big community of sound designers.

In this video I only scratch on the surface. In the beginning I want to demonstrate a bit the different sections (oscillator, filter, envelops, LFO) by tweaking an anlog sounding JUPITER style Pad. Then I demonstrate a couple of typical analog leads, bass, sync sounds and some digital sounds to show the wavetable section. In the end I play a gorgeous string patch demonstrating some further routing capabilities in the mixer section, where you can layer 4 parts.

I did not use any additional effects, mastering, compression or eq. You hear only the SOLARIS from Out 1 and 2 directly to the audio interface.

I hope, you enjoy this video, which only shows a very little part of this unbelievable flexible synth. I am very happy to read your comments.

Cheers, Rüdiger"

John Bowen Solaris SN 0364

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via this auction, also on Reverb

Update via Z in the comments: "That first photo of the Solaris with the SCI gear is MY PHOTO of MY GEAR."

Note the Solaris has four oscillators, not 3 as stated in this listing, and they are digital, not discrete. I'm guessing by discrete, they mean fully featured, routable, independent oscillators. The Solaris is about as close as it gets to a fully modular poly synth. It's more flexible than most. You can freely assign and route the different components of the synth vs. being stuck on a set path. Check out http://www.johnbowen.com for details.

"Groundbreaking audiophile digital poly, 3 [4] discrete full-range DCOs per voice.

- 7th-generation, this unit is less than one week old.
I received this unit today from Germany.(8.19.19)
- The unit is still sealed in the factory box and has NOT
been opened (see photos #4 & 5)
- John Bowen has assured me the warranty on this unit is transferable and will be 100% honored. I will provide his contact info if you need to confirm.
- This unit's serial # 0364
- This black-faced unit has the optional backlit pitch/modwheels and newly offered OLED screens.(those options cost extra $$)

The entire 2019 run is sold out. I rarely ever see these for sale. I waited 13-months for this one. Don't miss out on a rare opportunity."

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For Luna - based on the Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven performed on the John Bowen Solaris

Published on Aug 6, 2019 Sean Christopher Evoking Emotion with Synthesizers

"This is my own take on Bethoven's Moonlight Sonata which I originally wrote in 2012 for my last album, Transcendence. That version featured a violinist and children's choirs, along with various software synths, I decided to recreate it on my newest synth, the John Bowen Solaris. All the sounds you hear are based on the factory presets with some editing by yours truly.

The Piano Sonata No. 14 in C♯ minor "Quasi una fantasia", Op. 27, No. 2, popularly known as the Moonlight Sonata, is a piano sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. It was completed in 1801 and dedicated in 1802 to his pupil, Countess Giulietta Guicciardi. The piece is one of Beethoven's most popular compositions for the piano, and it was a popular favorite even in his own day.

Thank you VERY much for viewing and I always appreciate a "like" if you enjoyed listening to my work. PLEASE subscribe if you already have not. Thank you to NASA for the public domain moon footage from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter."

Modal 002 vs John Bowen Solaris - quick example

Published on Jul 20, 2019 synthlegends

"Only a quick example of one string patch in reminiscence of the Oberheim OBXa with the Obie 12 dP LP Filter in Solaris and 12 dB LP Moog Ladder Filter in the 002.

Both patches use 2 oscillators slightly detuned with a simple saw wave.

On both I used minimal LFO for slightly modulation, but the 002 modulates itself because of the phase shifting of the detuned oscilators. Maybe it is also because of the NCO in the 002, which are a bit out of tune instead of the digital Oscillators in the Solaris.

In both patches I did some portamento/glide.

Both patches are dry with no internal or external effects. Other than in the video described, the Modal 002 has no 12 dB Filter, only a 6 dB Filter with Slope 12 dB BP to 24 LP. Sorry for the wrong description. Please Note: this small comparison is not representative to make a full opinion about both Synths. The differences are very huge. Some people are of the opinion that the 002 sounds more analogue. I agree with that because it has also an analog filter whereas the Solaris uses digital emulated filter. The Solaris sounds very Hifi, the 002 is unique thanks to NCO, DeRez (sort of PPG like resonance), the very warm slope filter and the Drive-Pot.

The Solaris is a modulation beast and maybe you can match the 002 patch in this video with some more tweaking better.

I did this video because there are some discussions about the sound comparison of these two high end synthesizers.

Thanks for watching!"

John Bowen Solaris and GEM S3 - Poly Aftertouch

Published on Jul 21, 2019 synthlegends

"A short demonstration of the Poly Aftertouch responsiveness on the GEM S3 workstation, which is one of a very view keyboards, which can play Poly AT. It is a pity that the really great keyboard of the Solaris is not capable of. In the second part of this video I demonstrate a sound comparision of the classic string patch. The GEM S3 is not bad sounding IMO."

John Bowen Synth Design Solaris

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White John Bowen Solaris

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John Bowen Synth Design Solaris OS Update - v1.4.3

Note there are only 5 Solaris synths remaining. via the John Bowen Synth Design forum:

"Released Sun Mar 10, 2019, v1.4.3 OS fixes a few small display things, and adds two new features:

1) Sample Load routine - Instead of loading samples from the System page, as we have done, now the loading is done within the Preset, on Home page 3, parameter named 'SmpPool'. Each preset can now store the sample pool being used. Then, if the user wants to have each preset automatically load the appropriate sample pool when selected, you can set the System page parameter 'LoadSamp' to On, and Save it there as part of the global init file. If this is set to Off, then the user must go to the Home page #3 and press Enter to load the pool. If several presets call up the same pool, the system checks and knows this, so you don't have to load again. Also, it can take quite some time to load the preset in this case. For example, to load the factory Glockenspiel pool takes about 6 seconds.

2) Added a new function, calling it 'Patch Chain'. This appears on Home page #3 as well, in the top row, labeled as 'Patchain'.

Here's the idea - if a Preset has Patch Chain set On, then each of 5 Presets will be loaded into the DSPs, starting with the one farthest away from the selected preset.This means you can have 5 different sounds, one for each DSP, with 2 voices per sound (remember, the 6th DSP is used for the Master FX).

For example, if I have this parameter On for Preset 100, the first preset loaded will be 104, then 103, 102, 101, and lastly 100. That way, Preset 100 is the one that is being displayed on the front panel. However, any edits to any parameter will then go to all 5 Presets. (If you then go to store an edit, it only knows to do that to the current Preset.)

The sequence does not wrap around, i.e., if Preset 125 has Patch Chain On, it can only load 3 of the presets. The selected Preset (the last to load) goes to all remaining DSPs in this case.

How is this useful - with the Sequential 6Trak and Multi-Trak, I could make 2 Unison stacks of 6 different sounds on one key, and you could get some pretty big Unison sounds this way. Another thing I've liked with this is to have the 5 presets similar enough, but with small variances in tuning, cutoff, etc., to give an even more 'analogy' feel or sound. The voices are selected in a 'round robin' mode usually (depending on the Legato and EGReset modes), and so by repeatedly hitting a single key, you can hear each of the 5 DSPs playing 2 voices each per preset.

Obviously, this takes so forethought and planning, and isn't for everyone. Also note - loading 5 DSPs separately takes slightly longer when selecting the Preset.

I hope Solaris owners enjoy these two added features. I am looking forward to more developments in the near future.

-John Bowen"

John Bowen Solaris Synthesizer w/ Memory Cards

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"Up for sale is the very amazing chameleon of a synthesizer… the Bowen Solaris.
As you may already know, the Solaris can really cover some serious synth territory.

It can deliver the most authentic analog sounds I have ever heard from a digital synth ( and i've tried them all ), but it also gives the most unique and amazing digital textures as well.

I personally feel that it is a VERY evolved Prophet VS, Wavestation, PPG, Waldorf engine but as stated above, It REALLY gets into the Oberheim OBXA, Xpander, Matrix 12 territory. Also competent to give Prophet, Juno, Moog sounds as well. Very much the "synth chameleon". Not to mention the amazing sequencer / arpeggiator, a stunning full panel of knobs to tweak for days and a VERY solid OS to insure you can use this synth for years and years to come.

This Solaris is in full working condition. NO operational issues. There are a few scratches underneath / sides where it was placed on stands. But the top panel is in great condition, as it most of the synth, really. Just stating things for full disclosure."

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John Bowen Synth Design Solaris Black

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NAMM 2019: MOK Waverazor Innovative Eurorack Oscillator Module

Published on Jan 30, 2019 SYNTH ANATOMY

"Taiho showed me at NAMM 2019, it's new innovative Eurorack oscillator Waverator which is based on a modified 1010music Toolbox platform."

Kind of reminds me of the rotors on the John Bowen Solaris. Taiho Yamada was one of the lead designers at Alesis and M-Audio. He brought us the Alesis Andromeda and the M-Audio Venom. You can find posts featuring him in the archives (by date or by relevance).

John Bowen Solaris Synthesizer SN 00311

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"Rare John Bowen Solaris Synthesizer from 2017. Flawless & includes the John Bowen dust cover. One minor scratch on the lower dark bezel as noted in the photo, otherwise mint!"

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White John Bowen SOLARIS

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"Solaris synthesizer from John Bowen. Super synth with amazing sound. Serial# 25X.... About one year old. Perfect condition. Comes with original box and manual."

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