Knobcon 2024: GS Music Showcases E7 and Bree6 Synthesizers

video upload by sonicstate

Pulled this one out of this playlist as GS Music supports the site (thank you GS Music!), and their new compact Bree6 keyboard synthesizer shouldn't be missed. The Bree6 made its first appearance in Jorb's best of Knobcon video posted here.

"We caught up with Guido from GS Music to discuss his flagship synthesizer, the E7, and a new entry, the bree6. The E7 is a seven-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer featuring two oscillators with sub-oscillators, a four-pole ladder filter, VCA, and built-in chorus and delay. It supports four-part multi-timbrality and MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression).

The E7's oscillators include a new temperature compensation circuit ensuring consistent tuning.

Guido also showed us the new bree6, a six-voice analog polyphonic synth equipped with a single oscillator per voice, pulse width modulation, the same ladder filter as the E7, and additional features like an arpeggiator and sequencer. The distinctive "polystereo" panning mode was highlighted, providing a wider stereo spread for the voices. Both models will be available through GS Music's website and various dealers worldwide - the bree 6 should be released around November.

https://www.gsmusic.com/

00:00:00 start
00:00:30 Introduction
00:01:12 Features of the E7 Synthesizer
00:03:01 Demonstration of Sounds
00:06:05 Explanation of Modulation Capabilities"

Knobcon 24: GS Music e-7 [sounds only]

video upload by sonicstate

"Jim Heywood gives us a quick spin round some of the sounds of the GS Music E7 synth - enjoy!"

Introducing Roland AIRA Compact P-6 Creative Sampler

video upload by RolandChannel

"The P-6 Creative Sampler joins the AIRA Compact gang, packing legendary Roland sampling technology into a compact, user-friendly gadget. Seamlessly blending classic sampling techniques with granular sound design, the instrument features a built-in mic and advanced sequencer in a lightweight, rechargeable package. With a versatile stash of hands-on FX and intuitive controls, the P-6 delivers unparalleled portable sampling power.

Watch Dustin Good dive into the depth of features and connectivity within this mini roving recorder:
00:00 Intro
01:43 Layout
02:05 Sampling Settings
02:41 Sampling Examples
03:46 Chop
04:05 Step Sampling
04:46 Granular
05:39 Pattern Sequencer
06:47 FX
07:24 Resampling
07:56 Connectivity/AIRA Compact Series"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Knobcon 2024's Most Impressive Gear

video upload by Jorb

Update: moving this one up for the new gear.

0:00 Intro
1:06 Michigan Synth Works 830
3:24 Infrasonic Warp Core
5:44 GS Music Bree6
7:37 Demon Box
10:13 The Vanilla Synthesizer
11:46 Conclusions (watch out hes getting emotional)

Enter the Moog Labyrinth

video upload by Moog Music

Labyrinth | Moog Demo Library
video uploads by Moog Music

User videos:



Playlist (use the player controls to skip around):

1. Perfect Circuit: Moog Semi-Modular Comparison 2024: Labyrinth, Mother-32, & More (feat. Sarah Belle Reid)
2. Sarah Belle Reid: Moog Labyrinth Semi-Modular Synth: Overview + Explorations
3. Loopop: Moog Labyrinth // A Synth that’s a Generative Idea Machine // 13 patch ideas, review & tutorial
4. mylarmelodies: Moog Labyrinth Demo: Explanation & Generative Techno Jams
5. Reverb: Exploring Generative Synthesis with the Moog Labyrinth
6. Jorb: Moog Labyrinth // Generative Synthesis At It's Best
7. SUTURE SOUND: A ton of Moog Labyrinth sounds (no talking)
8. Bonedo Synthesizers: MOOG Labyrinth Sound Demo (no talking) - Preset Sheets
9. Limbic Bits: MOOG Labyrinth Sound Demo (no talking): 6 Improvisations on the Labyrinth
10. Starsky Carr: Moog Labyrinth // 3 Minute Manual + Full Review & Demo

AN UNEXPECTED PATH FORWARD

Labyrinth introduces a classic West Coast sound into the Mother Ecosystem experience rich analog synthesizer history in both surprising and recognizable sonic textures. Two generative sequencers bring to life sounds that bloom over time, letting you control their evolution and scale, then play them off of each other for striking polymetric melodies.

With parallel analog signal paths, this adventurous instrument shines when adding color to the steady backdrop of a drum pattern or bassline.

GENERATIVE SEQUENCER
The beating heart of Labyrinth is a robust dual sequencer, which uses chance calculations to generate two unique eight-step paths which twist and curve around one another.

SONIC WANDERING
A parallel voice processing path with a voltage-controlled blending allows you to morph sounds over time.

VOLTAGE-CONTROLLED WAVEFOLDER
A fresh interpretation of the Moog sound via a voltage-controlled wavefolder. Two oscillators drive duophonic melodic counterpoints, metallic FM tones, and analog synthetic drums.

Moog's semi-modular lineup expands to include the Labyrinth, a generative synthesizer that brings you two parallel sequencers, two oscillators, and endless possibilities. Based around a core sine VCO and a triangle Mod VCO, these sound sources have independent level controls, as well as a Ring Mod and Noise level control that all feed a saturating mixer that can add a touch or grit. From the mixer, we have the switchable option to go into a voltage controllable wave folder then into a classic Moog filter, the opposite with our filter going into the wave folder, or have both of these run in parallel.

The heart of the Labyrinth is the sequencer section. A dual 8-step sequencer gives you interactive quantized melodies that can affect various parameters, based on the labeled trimmers. These sequencers send out both notes CV and triggers and with a Trig Mix you can get rhythmic interplay that is quite satisfying. Each sequencer has a Length settings and a Bit Shift when adjusts the position of activated steps. The Bit Flip and Corrupt parameters present gives you more randomness and serendipity allowing you to create evolving patterns.

As with all of their semi-modular synths, Moog gives you access to 32 patch point patchbay with 12 outputs and 20 inputs. This gives you the option to self-patch and integrate it into your existing Eurorack ecosystem. Moog's Labyrinth is the perfect expansion to your existing system or a great starting point as an entry to modular synthesis, especially for those who are looking to get expressive rhythmic patterns quickly.

LABYRINTH FEATURES

- Parallel generative analog synthesizer

- Two oscillators, a sine-based and triangle-based

- Switchable wave folder to filter, filter to wave folder, or parallel processing

- Diode-transistor hybrid wavefolder with smooth Fold and Bias control

- Morphable Low pass to Band pass 2-pole filter

- Adjustable decay time for both decay envelopes

- Blend Sequence 1 and Sequence 2 triggers for complex rhythms

- Each sequencers has options to adjust length, per-step adjustments, adjustable randomness (Corrupt), and shifting the pattern on-the-fly

- Quantizable pitches to 16 different scales

- 32-Point patch bay, 12 outs 20 ins

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing the Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab 2

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Standalone Modern Analog Synthesis Laboratory
Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers’ long-anticipated successor to the Voltage Research Laboratory is filled to the brim with interesting new inventions, such as several new wave-shaping technologies, an addictive tactile performance controller, and more…"

The New, Experimental Synthesis of the Voltage Lab 2

video upload by Jorb

0:00 Intro
2:27 Hands on Begins
4:58 Oscillator One
11:01 Oscillator Two
16:29 Quick Look at Function Generators
18:26 Quick Look at Dynamics Controllers
19:04 FX
21:02 Chance Sequencer
22:37 Touch Controller Begins
26:56 Step Conditions
28:10 Step Jump Explained

Geek Chic // Sonic Experiments from the Voltage Lab2

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Dusting the cobwebs from my vintage 1950's lab coat - it was all the rage once honest.

Going into lab rat research mode and seeing where the maze takes me..

... and here's the results.

Just a little taster while I open the lab book to record apparatus, method, results, discussion and conclusion.

0:00 Bunsen Burner Big Beats
2:15 Plucking Pipettes (no pipettes were harmed)
3:06 Test Tube Techno (it's not techno)
5:59 She's Alive
7:44 Naked Flame
10:00 Medical Skeleton (its the Bare Bones)"

Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab 2 - Just Jammin'

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Fascinating new modular system from Pittsburgh with a decidedly West Coast bent. Too soon for a review, but here's half an hour of playing with the rather remarkable sequencer, the timbre of the oscillators and other bits and pieces. I added some reverb via the Chroma Console but otherwise it's all the VL2."

The Sweet Spot: Voltage Lab 2 Semi-Modular Synthesizer
video upload by HAINBACH

"As anyone who has ever tried to assemble a modular synthesizer, it is not easy to create a cohesive instrument, especially if you try to narrow it down to a portable case. In comes The Voltage Lab 2 that Pittsburgh Modular send me to play with (thanks for that!) - it is a semi-modular self contained synthesizer, and to me it hits the sweet spot between functionality and musicality."

Also see The Lab Report Episodes for audio demos.



Press release follows:

May 14th, 2024 - Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers today announced Voltage Lab 2, a standalone dual oscillator analog synthesizer synthesis laboratory with a unique integrated touch-sensitive performance controller.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Why Jorb is (Probably) Selling the Moog Matriarch

video upload by Jorb

"The @sonicstate video I mentioned : [posted here]

0:00 Intro
1:51 Hands on
3:14 Voice Modes
7:12 Oscillators
9:03 Mixer
11:00 Filter
15:47 Delay
19:44 VCA modes
21:07 xxxxx
23:22 Mod Bus
27:15 Arp / Seq
32:09 PATCHING (its bed time ill keep doing chapters tomorrow.)
54:13 Long Conclusions"

The Wave Transformer // EarthQuaker's Boldest Device Yet ( & it isn't even a pedal)

video upload by Jorb

"I love a lot about this module.

Its a rock solid oscillator, which yes there are a ton of them, but this needs to be if its gonna compete. And the waveshaping from the transform circuit gives it enough of its own character to stand out.

I think its priced competitively, it does all the things other up-market "standard" oscillators do (built-in attenuators for modulation, hard and soft sync, built in sub) and it has so much of its own character.

If there's any downside, its kind of a lot of HP? But not really when you consider the sum of its parts. On all fronts, we got a banger.

0:00 Intro
2:19 Oscillator Section Starts
4:40 Transform Circuit
9:58 More Complex Transform Inputs
12:08 Introducing a 2nd Oscillator
17:00 Syncing to 2nd Oscillator
20:19 Surprise Techno Break
21:37 Really Specific Soft Sync Patch
23:37 Brief MPC demonstration
25:18 Conclusions"

See Perfect Circuit on the right.

Update: DivKid video added:

Complex Morphing VCO, Subs, FM & more // The Wave Transformer by Earthquaker Devices (Eurorack Demo)
video upload by DivKid

"Well this was a surprise! Earthquaker Devices (makers of fine pedal FX) making a Eurorack oscillator. Yes they made the Afterneath module, but as that was a modular version of a pedal I didn't expect they come guns glazing with a big, bold VCO!

I first saw The Wave Transformer by Earthquaker Devices at Knobcon, where they brought it along for an early look and sat playing with it at the show I knew they were onto something that sounded great. Well now it's released here we are with a demo.

The Wave Transformer is a 20HP Eurorack oscillator, it's analog, with onboard complex, transforming wave shaping, sub generators with unique shapes, FM, sync, LOTS of precise tuning control and options to wave shape external sources, saturate audio and track subs from your other oscillators. I've had lots of fun with this one!"

*TIMING INDEX // CHAPTERS*
00:00 Hello & patch rreviews
01:36 Feature run down
04:04 Novel transform/complex circuit
06:37 Complex transforms & Shape Insert-ing waves
08:48 Thick & rich PWM + bulbous stereo sub bass
10:58 Weird & wonderful audio rate PWM
13:14 Harmonic Gate / VCA - turning it into a full voice
14:55 Shifting tearing sub textures
16:15 Hard sync & how to make it act like a filter
17:56 Soft sync - classic sync tones under modulation
20:36 Exploring linear & exponential FM
23:02 Kick drum transformed - from classy saturation to glitchy fuzz
25:13 Cosmic FSU with death mangled guitars & subs
26:36 Sub accents - what are they and a simple way to add them
28:08 Harmonic shifting subs for external oscillators

"The Wave Transformer
Eurorack Transfiguration Oscillator
$199.00

The Wave Transformer is an analog, vintage-voiced, voltage-controlled oscillator with over 8 octaves of accurate pitch tracking. It has 7 simultaneous wave outputs, including a unique Complex output.

The Transform control morphs from a basic waveform through many strange iterations into a complex, gnarled mass of audio mutations at the Complex output. You can yield countless variations on these permutations by combining this novel circuit with Hard Sync, Soft Sync, Linear FM and Exponential FM. Additionally, you can mute the source waveform to use the circuit as a harmonic gate/VCA, rendering The Wave Transformer a voice unto itself. If that is not enough, there is a Shape Insert that allows you to transform external oscillations and modular-level audio sources."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

What's All the Hype About? // Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II

video upload by Jorb

"Post upload, I realize I never mentioned patterns...within a scene, each group can have multiple patterns, hold a group letter, then + and - to cycle that groups patterns.

I think this got lost in editing because I called it redundant, than back pedaled because I realized it makes things a lot more flexible for improvising scenarios, then back pedaled because it seemed cumbersome to remember which pattern was which without any on-screen visuals...its 3am I am not editing any more.

This video feels too long, but everything I said feels important, so its not getting cut.

0:00 Intro
1:45 Hands on / getting started
8:36 Fader Parameters
12:30 Send FX
14:18 Scenes
17:11 Example Performance Scenario
23:30 Sampling from Vinyl
28:32 NO RESAMPLING SUCKS
31:18 Mic Sampling
32:30 Single Note Synth Samples
33:36 Workflow Complaints
34:29 LEGO compatibility???
35:36 FaderGate & Build Quality Comments
37:30 What's it Good for?"

Artist Picks: Best Music Gear of 2023 Part 2

video upload by Perfect Circuit

Part 1 here

"2023 is soon drawing to a close—so, we're taking a look back at the year, and taking account of all of the weird and wonderful instruments that gave us some inspiration this year. Synthesizers, drum machines, and Eurorack modules to samplers and effects, this year had no shortage of inspiring instruments.

So, we reached out to some of our friends and content creators to fill us in on their year, asking one simple question: what was the coolest piece of gear you got this year? For some, that meant brand new releases, but for others, it meant sitting down and digging into classic instruments.

In this video, we hear from:
00:00 Red Means Recording on the Elektron Syntakt
01:07 Midlife Synthesist on the Akai MPC X SE
03:20 DivKid on the Intellijel Cascadia
06:30 Jorb on the Roland S1
09:13 Bo Beats on the Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field
12:45 Trovarsi on the Anti-Kulture Precision Disruptor

Read more about all of this gear on our blog, Signal: https://bit.ly/3MEhpfE"

Designing Sound With Shapes // Vector Synth

video upload by Jorb

0:00 Intro
2:09 Orbiter Screen
10:45 Overtone Generators
19:49 Filters
28:55 Sound Gen Summary
30:24 Arppegiator
34:37 Post Effects
37:24 Where it Shines
40:02 Conclude

---
The orbiter reminds me of Moog's Animoog.

Two Takes on Behringer - Which Do You Fall Under?

The following videos feature two perspectives on Behringer. I was going to skip both of them, because honestly, I'm kind of tired of the whole thing, but I figure it was worth posting for those unaware of the toatality of it. Jorb does a good job summarizing it all. Note, this will be the last post on the topic, unless something else new and stupid happens.

I do want to clarify what goes up here on MATRIXSYNTH and why. Firstly this site is about the gear, not people. People can have whatever opinions they want. Secondly, this site does factor in how people including manufacturers treat each other. I post what I want to post, and after running this site for over 18 years, I've come to appreciate those who appreciate the site and what I do. Supporting members let me know they appreciate the site by supporting the site. Banner sponsors on the top and right of the site let me know they appreciate the site by sponsoring the site.

Behringer does not support or sponsor the site, and I am aware that they pose a significant and existential threat to some of my supporters and sponsors. So, why do I sometimes feature Behringer? Because this is a synth news site and is meant to be an archive of synth gear over time. I can't just ignore that. So what do I feature? I limit Behringer posts to new product announcements, significant news, and supporting member videos and content only. I skip everything else.

As for sponsors and supporting members, I share whatever they want me to share, within reason, as a thank you for supporting the site. As for non supporting members and sponsors, I share what I want to share. Some clarity on that: when I first launched the site in 2005 I posted everything anyone sent in and everything I came across. Everything was new. YouTube launched in 2005. This was the first time we were able to see people messing with their synths, and this site was the first to cover it. Eurorack and modular was in it's infancy back then and botique manufacturers had limited exposure, mainly on forums and email lists. I remember going to NAMM and someone working for one the manufacturers asked me if I thought eurorack would take off or was just a fad. It was that new. I thought it would take off, and it did. That said, it's no longer possible to post everything that goes up as it would just become too much noise in the end. I'm sure the amount I post daily is already noise to many. So, now I post what I want to post, and yes, how a manufacturer treats others is always factored in.

That said here are the two takes on Behringer. Where do you stand?

Let's Talk About Behringer.

video upload by Jorb

0:00 Intro
3:27 The Clones
10:17 Antagonism
19:52 Wasted Potential

LET'S TALK ABOUT BEHRINGER SYNTHESIZERS... AND JORB | THAT SYNTH SHOW EP.45

video upload by SYNTH SAMURAI

Kodamo MASK1 // Proudly Digital & Uniquely Powerful

video upload by Jorb

"After my time with it, and the sort of reflection I get to find while editing, I think the strongest appeal of this synthesizer is finding identifiably digital sounds without any of the complex workflow of FM or wavetables, with just enough options past the oscillator shapes to feel like its not a 'dishonest' approach to those sounds.

You can find characteristically digital sounds, with the rest of the architecture being familiar / subtractive and it almost feels like I cheated my way to a modern man's PPG. Delightful.

HUGE THING that ended up cut, the manual is super good, really serious shoutout. Color prints, full pages, bound nicely, the whole thing. Love it.

Also I managed to also cut any take where I mentioned Roland's draw and chop oscillator options, which could be seen as a simplified bit masking. But rest assured I made the connection , don't comment like I didn't smh please

0:00 Intro
2:02 Hands on
4:25 Bitmasking Intro
8:23 Mid-demo Overview
10:01 Sound Design Begins
12:38 Play Modes
16:22 Splits / Layers
18:11 Randomized Patches (crazy good)
20:23 Drive-by FX demo
22:46 Low-key the best patch
22:54 Conclusions"

Introducing Roland AIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synth

video upload by RolandChannel

[Note: you can find additional user videos futher below]

"The Roland S-1 Tweak Synth is a powerhouse micro polysynth that merges the legendary tones of the SH-101 with futuristic tools for the modern creator. Get reacquainted with the snappy bass tones and expressive leads brought to life in exquisite detail by our Analog Circuit Behavior technology. Then tap into a world of new creative possibilities with expanded four-voice polyphony and an array of innovative features, including cutting-edge wave manipulation, advanced sequencing, and unique performance features.

In this video, Dustin Good dives into the S-1 features, capabilities, sounds, and more.

0:00 – Introduction and Overview
1:32 – Sounds
2:01 – Basic Sound Design
2:35 – OSC Draw
3:13 – OSC Chop
3:44 – Riser
4:06 – Effects
4:33 – Sequencer
5:06 – Sub Steps
5:36 – Probability and Motion Recording
6:25 – Arpeggiator
6:54 - Performance Tools – Step Loop, Transpose, D-Motion
7:53 - Connectivity and Portability

Build from square, saw, sub, and noise oscillators and mono, poly, unison, and chord modes. Craft custom waveshapes with OSC Drawing. Dice sounds with OSC Chop to produce a labyrinth of overtones and metallic timbres. And use the noise oscillator as an independent riser to add sweeps and pulsing sound effects for transitions and dramatic effect.

Bring programming and performances to life with a 64-step sequencer, motion recording, and D-Motion. And humanize patterns with Probability, ratchet tones with Sub Steps, and create on-the-fly fills with Step Loop.

Sync the S-1 Tweak Synth with the rest of the AIRA Compact gang for a highly jammable micro-studio in perfect sonic symphony. Chain them together or connect with MIDI gear, computers, and music apps to expand your setup. Just power on, hit play, and go with the flow."

Press release followed by user videos:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Shockingly High Fidelity Ambience // UAFX Del-Verb

video upload by Jorb

0:00 Intro
2:20 Tape EP 3
7:54 Analog DMM
12:32 Time Stretching Tangent
14:00 Precision
17:06 Reverbs
18:35 Mobile App / New Voices
23:08 Rambling conclusion begins

The New King of Semi-Modular // Pittsburgh Modular Taiga

video upload by Jorb

"All in all, this is such a dope product. oscillators this flexible, with a filter and the dynamics controller immediately the sound palette crosses so many conventional boundaries. I am hooked on the idea of getting multiple voices out of this as a self contained unit, but even without patching this just slaps.

Pittsburgh has got a banger on their hands.

0:00 Intro
1:56 Hands on Demo begins
3:26 Oscillators & Wavefolding
10:03 Filter
13:51 Dynamics Controller
17:15 Delay Module
21:10 Pre-release reflection / Tangent
24:19 Mixer Flexibility Highlights
28:05 Mixer / Splitter Highlights
31:03 2 Voice Example
33:25 Wild & Noisey Example
34:11 3 Voice Paraphonic Example
37:09 Conclusions"

SH-4d // Has Roland Perfected Portable Sound Design?

video upload by Jorb

"The SH4d in my interpretation, is a synthesis sound module first and foremost. The sequencer is really not positioned to be the main draw. It didnt get mentioned much on camera, but to be sure my thoughts aren't lost; I would really love unquantized recording, a note scale mode, and the arpeggiator to stay held while I move between parts. Any other complaints were aired in the video.

Taking a step back, that I can use AA batteries or the same charger as my phone to power this very capable instrument could be enough of a sell, but lucky for us it also sounds really good.

0:00 Intro
1:56 Demo 1
3:33 Demo 1 Breakdown
12:44 Demo 2
13:46 Demo 2 Breakdown
20:49 Demo 3
22:22 Demo 3 Breakdown
28:18 Overall Conclusions"

Why Aren't These Everywhere? // Sequential Take 5 // Six Month User Review

video upload by Jorb

0:00 Intro
2:57 Oscillators
5:24 Filter
11:53 Envelopes
14:48 Mod Matrix
19:12 Effects
25:19 Sequencer & Arp
27:09 Skillshare!
28:28 Sound Demos / Patches I've made
37:07 Compared to Other Sequential Synths
44:10 Short mention of other poly synths
46:33 Why Aren't These Everywhere?

Sequential Take 5 Patch Pack // Prophet 5 Factory Sounds

video upload by Jorb

The Most Compelling Semi-Modular Mono Synth?

video upload by Jorb

"Really into this, it snuck its way up in the order of stuff to demo. Highly recommended, beats out the behringer semi modular stuff by a mile, I feel beats out the Mavis and Mother 32 in price and features ((((and sound, don't tell anyone))))

0:00 Intro
3:26 Oscillator Section
8:15 Filter Section
12:00 Envelope & LFO
13:39 Patch Bay
17:55 Sequencer / Arpeggiator
23:32 MultiMod
28:09 Conclusions"

Cre8audio East Beast

GS e7 // 7 Voice Analog Synth //

Just Sounds, No Talking video upload by Jorb

The Best Analog Polysynth You Haven't Even Heard Of...

video upload by Jorb

See the GS Music label below for more.

RE-202 Space Echo with Vintage Roland Synthesizers // Sounds Only

video upload by Jorb

0:00 SH101
5:38 Juno106
13:43 JX8P
21:44 D50
25:02 SC88 Pro