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"

One day one sound #2 : Kodamo Mask 1 synthesizer.

video upload by Pulsophonic

"No extra effect or treatment. Only Kodamo Maks1 to my Focusrite Scarlett."

One day One sound : Kodamo Mask 1 synthesizer.

video upload by Pulsophonic

"No extra effect or treatment. Only Kodamo Maks1 to my Focusrite Scarlett."

Kodamo Mask 1 Bitmask Synthesizer - Sonic LAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Kodamo Mask1 is a DSP powered 12 voice synthesizer which at it's heart has Bitmask Oscillators - two of them. Not heard of that before? Me neither, but I can explain, or at least attempt to.

But first a word about the UI and hardware. Stephane Damo, the synths designer has a love for 80s synths, and this is reflected in the rather sparse UI - there are only two knobs, a bunch of parameter buttons and a five character LED display - pretty minimal.

However, the Mask 1 does sound good and the reduced parameter set does not reduce the sound shaping capabilities. The Mask 1 is capable of some really lovely sounds, as well as deep lows and crystal highs.
I should also point out that as an instrument, it's very playable, the velocity and aftertouch response feel very smooth and predictable, this really enhances the playabillity and responsiveness of the instrument.

The Kodamo Mask 1 is available now priced at £2025/2250/$2250 from several online retailers.

Exclusive extra content on Patreon
https://patreon.com/sonicstate

00:00:00 start
00:00:22 intro
00:02:34 What is Bitmask?
00:04:39 Sounds
00:07:46 Voice Structure
00:14:23 Voice Summary
00:15:53 Mod routing
00:19:15 Split/Layer
00:20:36 More Sounds
00:30:45 Summary and playout"

Démonstration Kodamo Mask1 par jean-philippe Rykiel SynthFest 2023

video upload by Olivier Briand

"Démonstration Kodamo Mask1 par jean-philippe Rykiel SynthFest 2023"

Synthfest France 2023 Sneak Peek Aperçu

video upload by Barb

"Hi,
This video is a short walk around the Synthfest France 2023.

Bonjour,
Cette vidéo montre quelques instruments présents au Synthfest France 2023."

In order of appearance:

Baloran The Pool (additional posts here)
Kodamo Mask 1 (additional posts here)
Sequential Trigon-6
Sequential Prophet 10 Rev 4 & Take 5
Oberheim OB-X8 & Sequential OB-6 Module
Expressive E Osmose & La Voix Du Luthier Onde
Arturia Polybrute Black & Standard
Korg Arp 2600 FS, Odyssey 2600 M, Monologue, Modwave, Opsix FR, Wavestate, Minikorg 700 S
Yamaha CS80 & DX1
Roland GR-500
Macbeth M5
Oberheim Matrix-12
Yamaha CS-40M
Korg Trident

Kodamo Mask 1 discovering

video upload by Pulsophonic

"I discover of the new Kodamo Mask 1. An incredible synthesizer with a new synthesis.
No extra-effect, no explication of the Kodamo team, only the inspiration of this wonderful moment of discovering this new gear.
Wait for the end of the video to have my opinion.

My site and sound banks : https://www.pulsophonic.com"

See the Kodamo label below for more.

Introducing the Kodamo MASK1 Bitmask Synthesizer

video uploads by Kodamo

"The Kodamo MASK1 is a musical instrument focused on the sound interaction between the player and the keyboard. With its exclusive Bitmask™ engine combined with resonant filters, the MASK1 makes raw, gritty and ethereal sounds that respond in incredible ways to your playing style."

"What is Bitmask synthesis?

Bitmask synthesis is the method the MASK1 uses to generate its sound. Internally, oscillators do only have one waveform. Various tones are created by applying what is called a bitmask. This is a technique inherited from computing, which alters a number by masking some of its digits. Here we adapted this technique to make sound. Bit-masking creates complex wave shapes that are full of harmonics and give the MASK1 its sonic character."

Playlist:
Introducing the Kodamo MASK1
Kodamo MASK1 - Ethereal choir
Kodamo MASK1 - Chorused saw
Kodamo MASK1 - Bit Piano
Kodamo MASK1 - Paraphonic evolving pad
Kodamo MASK1 - Notch filter
Kodamo MASK1 - Filter resonances & sound editing
Kodamo MASK1 - Almost clean guitar
Kodamo MASK1 - Gritty formant
Kodamo MASK1 - Creating a sound in 1 minute
Kodamo MASK1 - Analog pluck
Kodamo MASK1 - Asian fifth
Kodamo MASK1 - Ambient/Atmospheric soundscape
Kodamo MASK1 - Hybrid monophonic/polyphonic (moly) mode
Kodamo MASK1 Teaser

Also see [SOUNDMIT 2022] KODAMO MASK 1 (+ DEMO) - New "Bitmask" Keyboard Synthesizer Incoming

Test et sons : le Mask1 de Kodamo

video upload by Eric Synthwalker

KODAMO MASK1 Demo & Review

video upload by musictrackjp

"DEMO by Katsunori UJIIE.

KODAMO MASK1
https://kodamo.org/mask1"

via Kodamo

Expressive & Characterful

The Kodamo MASK1 is a musical instrument focused on the interaction between the player and the keyboard. With its exclusive Bitmask engine combined with resonant filters, the MASK1 makes raw, gritty and ethereal sounds that respond in incredible ways to your playing style.

It's not just the notes

Most synths just play the notes you press. We went a bit further, by looking at how the notes interact with each other. Only by playing the keyboard, you can control when the attacks are triggered, how notes are tied or separated from each other, or if they should keep resonating or stop each other like if they were played on the same string on a stringed instrument. You will discover new ways of playing the keyboard.

Built with love

The MASK1 uses a high quality, 5-octave Fatar keyboard with velocity and aftertouch. It's fully made of painted metal, with two ALPS knobs and 23 KAILH mechanical switches. Everything is assembled in France with high attention to detail. We love creating musical instruments that have their own identity. We spent a lot of time selecting parts and suppliers to balance price and work ethics, while always aiming for the highest quality.

For live and studio players

With its compact size and light weight, the MASK1 will easily fit in your studio and is ideal for gigs. It remembers settings between sessions. With its unique sound, premium keyboard and MIDI connectivity, it can become the main keyboard of your setup.


Synth engine specs:

CLICK FOR MORE »

SynthFest France 2023 #SFF_EDITION_10 Set for 21/22/23 April 2023 in NANTES / FRANCE

SYNTHFEST FRANCE 2023 #SFF_EDITION_10

IN BRIEF
The coolest French festival entirely dedicated to synthesizers. The annual meeting of synth addicts in Nantes with exhibitions, concerts, workshops, demos, and the biggest synthesizer raffle ever made in the world.

FOCUS
. 10th edition of the festival.
. Concert Joachim Garraud.
. Concerts Olivier Delevingne / Marco Caro / Maman Küsters
. More than 50 exhibitors.
. Showcases Moonya / Alaskam / Nairod.
. First official tribute to Vangelis organized by Frederick Rousseau.
. UNAC / SynthFest Awards.
. Demonstrations / DIY workshops.
. Immersive 3D music experience.
. Huge synth raffle.


RAFFLE
The SynthFest France offers this year a particularly exceptional raffle. With more than 12000€ of prizes, this contest is simply the biggest synthesizer giveaway ever organized.

Tickets at 10€ and number of tickets limited to 2000.
Raffle open online until April 19th 2023, and on site until April 23rd 2023.
Drawing on Sunday April 23, 2023 at 4pm, French time.
It is not necessary to be present at the draw to win a prize.

Tickets: https://www.synthfestfrance.com

1 - Expressive E - Osmose
2 - Kodamo - Mask1
3 - Paire d’enceintes Adam Audio - A7V
4 - La Voix du Luthier - La Voile
5 - Arturia - MiniFreak
6 - Korg - Drumlogue
7 - Paire d’enceintes Nord - Monitor V2
8 - Aodyo - Anyma Phi SE
9 - Ina-GRM Tools Complete II
10 - Dreadbox Erebus Reissue
11 - Novation - Circuit Rhythm
12 - Joranalogue - Eurorack Step 8
13 - Faselunare 4 - Vega Eurorack drum module
14 - MOK - Pack VST - Waverazor / MiniRaze / Filtryg
15 - Bastl Instruments - Microgranny
16 - Yamaha Audio card / mixer AG06mk2 BK
17 - Yamaha Audio card / mixer AG06mk2 WH
18 - Erica Synths - Eurorack module surprise
19 - Bastl Instruments - Kastle Drum
20 - Bastl Instruments - Kastle 1.5
21 - La Touche Musicale - Licence logicielle


JOACHIM GARRAUD
The 10th edition of SynthFest France strikes hard, with Joachim Garraud in concert, Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 9 pm. The French producer and artist will be back in Nantes, his hometown, for this exceptional evening. Joachim Garraud will present a preview of the film "Modular California Vibes", a documentary on electronic music creation on board his solar mobile studio where 4 producers will record 4 original tracks in 4 unusual places during 4 days, thanks to the sun. A debate will follow the unique screening of this film in France, to then give way to a concert. Joachim Garraud at SynthFest France, the musical event in Nantes not to be missed.


EXHIBITORS / PARTICIPANTS / PARTNERS
Alaskam, Alexis Faucomprez, Algam, Aodyo, Arturia, Christophe Martin-de Montagu, Baloran, Bastl Instruments, Berhnard Rasinger, BVR instruments, Dreadbox, Eric Mouquet / Deep Forest, Erica Synths, Euterpe Synthesizer Laboratories, Expressive E, Faselunare /, Alphalab, FCpro.Audio, Francis Rimbert, Frédéric Rible, Frederik Rousseau, Fulgur audio, Ina-GRM, IRCAM, Joachim Garraud, PModular / Jérôme Bridonneau, Joranalogue, KR, Home Studio, Kiviak technologies, Kodamo, Korg, La touche musicale, La Voix du Luthier, Larix Elektro, Laurent Evain, Laurent Juillet, Les Sondiers, Matthias Puech, Marc Caro, MOK / Media Overkill, Michael Geyre, Michel Geiss, Moonya, Muse Ovations, Nairod, NRSynth, Oberheim, Olivier Delevingne, SyntheGrall / Olivier Grall, Officina del Malista, oZoé, PH Modular / Christian Foucaud, PWM, Sifasile, SynthR / Jean-Luc Briançon, Sequential, SoundMIT, Studio Playtronica, SynthFood, TouellSkouarn, Thierry Rochebois, Tinhu, Tony T-Steel / Tony Quedeville, SACEM, Vacuum – 3D project / Eliane Blaise / Emmanuelle de Héricourt, Vkgoeswild / Vika Yermolyeva, Vintage Synth @ Co, UNAC / Union Nationale des Auteurs et Compositeurs, Willow Whisper / Dalai Lama, Xodes, Yamaha, Yusynth / Yves Usson.

FM60P & ODT3 by NYZ

Two new releases from NYZ - FM60P composed w/ Kodamo's essenceFM, and ODT3 below, composed with GForce Software's Oddity3.

https://noyzelab.bandcamp.com/album/fm60p

"Appropriately, FM60P is the sixth NYZ release to focus directly on FM synthesis, and the first six-operator variant of the FMX0P releases (which was incidentally also the first conceptual iteration of the sub-series of FM synth works, despite being released this far down the line). Given this provenance, those familiar with FM synthesis might assume Burraston would begin a six-operator exploration with the ubiquitous Yamaha DX7 - perhaps the most iconic FM synthesizer of all time - but instead, he's taken a different tack entirely, and opted to use a modern machine - the Kodamo EssenceFM, a megalith of FM processing power with a mind-numbing 300 operators available within its outwardly unassuming racked interface - albeit acting in an ascetic sense by limiting himself deliberately to only six operators. Longtime Psoma listeners will also note a referential connection with PMFM, a prior release that also utilized the EssenceFM in its construction.

On a technical level, FM60P manifests itself through the arcane pathways of Burraston's cellular automata research, which informs both the sequencing information sent into the synthesizer, and the microtuning of the voices also. Beyond this initial working ethos, the designs and numerical relationships of the operators' ratios have been arranged with the use of three different sets of Fibonacci number sequences, as well as tuning dispositions referencing Alain Daniélou's Harmonic Division of the Octave. Fibonacci freaks will be pleased to know that this arrangement of operators will form intricate setups of Golden Ratio based FM timbres.

For many listening and reading, these points of reference may have no meaning whatsoever, and we here at Psoma would like to offer the consolation that there is no right or wrong way to listen to or interact with any sound matter found in our catalog, or anywhere else for that matter. It could even be said that part of our initiative in publishing works such as these is defined by a desire to simply introduce more challenging and concept-driven music into the world, in order to bring new and stimulating experiences to people who are both familiar and unfamiliar with the deeper details of sound itself.

So what does that leave us with then? The sound of FM60P could be described as a chiming din of glassy tones playing in serpentine unison with sub-bass hum - but this is only a small prologue of two minutes, quickly pulling back the curtain to reveal a massive hour-long drone wall, presented in Burraston's characteristic style of rippling heavily modulated swaths of energy, underpinned by a more midrange foundation of a pulsing alien plinth. Filter sweeps reveal many more dimensions to the layers that are not initially obvious, bringing incessant bass tones and arpeggiator-like sections into focus before the wavering sea reclaims them.

Burraston's music is unlike anything else in the space it is able to inhabit, simultaneously sounding artificial and unnatural to an almost impossible degree, while also functionally conveying itself in elemental and naturalistic ways. Everything is an object, an outline, a weather system or a color, each possessing a specific set of attributes that communicate synaesthetically with the listener, as temperatures and spatial indicators, rather than confining themselves to much more arbitrary traditional sensations.

NOTE: After some confusion from listeners, we'd like to make clear the fact that all NYZ/Noyzelab catalog releases at Psoma are available ONLY as abridged digital versions for name-your-price/free download, and in their full unabridged editions as physical CD-Rs. There is not an unabridged digital version of anything from NYZ at Psoma, and the physical editions do not ship with unabridged digital versions either (that is, if you do not count the digital music present on the compact discs). For listeners only interested in unabridged digital versions, we encourage you to visit noyzelab.bandcamp.com to purchase those directly from NYZ, or even better, subscribe to his Bandcamp output and just get everything."

https://noyzelab.bandcamp.com/album/odt3

"Continuing from SEM with his exploration of GForce software instruments, Burraston builds a wall with the Oddity3, an expansive modern iteration of the ARP Odyssey that includes several new additions and functions. ODT3 consists of two such instances of the Oddity3 to accomplish the wide stereo image, both focusing on the 4035 ladder filter from the short-lived Odyssey mark II (only one of three filter types present within the softsynth). Landing somewhere on the map between the Cell Meditations and the subharmonic hums of TESCO SYNFETIX, ODT3 pulses in shallow waves that betray the depth beneath their softened surfaces. Close listening yields wondrous results, especially in headphones, as the swirling mass of the frequency spectrum slowly rises like a shipwreck called back to shore. Almost imperceptibly, the true substance of this piece is revealed in microscopic increments, until it overtakes the senses and surrounds everything, filling the air with vibrating particulate and soporific electricity, glimmering like a portal to an adjacent dimension."

SoundMit 2022 Vlog episode 01 International Synthesizer Electonic Exhibition @Andrew G Dugros

video upload by Andrew G Dugros

"SoundMit 2022 Vlog Episode 01. International Synthesizer and Electronic Music Eshibition. My Vlog.
See the next episodes fot other interesting news and for my SWAM instruments event.
@SOUNDMIT

In order of apparition:
AUDIO MODELING
https://audiomodeling.com/
in the next episodes my performance with SWAM instruments
SYNTHR
https://synthr.fr/
Thanks to Jean Luc Briancon - Kurts Mindfields
https://kurtzmindfields.bandcamp.com/
SYNTH FEST FRANCE
https://www.synthfestfrance.com/
ITALIAN SYNTH MUSEUM
https://www.museodelsynth.org/
KODAMO Mask1 Synth
https://kodamo.org/mask1

Website ► https://www.andrewgdugros.com/
📀 Mixing and Mastering services: https://bit.ly/3jWyza6


0:00 go to the SoundMit Ep 01
0:44 meet Audio Modeling (see next episodes)
1:41 SynthR Hand made Synthesizer
2:09 PPG2 Synthfestfrance
3:09 Italian Synth Museum
5:07 Kodamo Mask1 Synth"

[SOUNDMIT 2022] KODAMO MASK 1 (+ DEMO) - New "Bitmask" Keyboard Synthesizer Incoming

video upload by Les Sondiers

New synth from KODAMO, makers of the EssenceFM, upcoming Bitmasker, and Infini.

"Exclusivité SoundMiT 2022, Kodamo présente un prototype très avancé de son nouveau Mask 1, un synthétiseur à base de synthèse de type bitmap, la fin de la vidéo comporte une démo sonore de l'instrument."

Googlish:

"Exclusive to SoundMiT 2022, Kodamo showcases a highly advanced prototype of its new Mask 1, a bitmap-based synthesis-based synthesizer, the end of the video features a sound demo of the instrument."

According to Kodamo, Bitmask is a new synthesis method that splits a sine waves into multiple parts which can then be rearranged. Reminds me of a mix between wavetable and granular synthesis.

Features:

Two oscillators with 200 bit masked waveforms & noise generator. Digital 12-state variable, four-mode, self-oscillating filter. Two multi-wave LFOs with 15 destinations. Seven envelopes for each oscillator with pitch, ADSR and delta envelopes. Ability to slur between notes held in a chord. Sound layering, splits, an arpeggiator, a built-in looper and polyphonic portamento. 61 key, velocity and channel aftertouch Fatar keyboard.

A few screenshots from the video:

SynthFest 2022 Walk around 4K

video upload by coyotesynth

"Hello, this is a short walk around of the 2022 edition of SynthFest France.
If you want to participate, please use the contact form at www.synthfestfrance.com"

See the SynthFest France label for more.

Update: rare Geiss RhythmiComputer used by Jean-Michel Jarre at :49.

MOS-LAB ARP 2500 at 1:39.

PPG section at 1:47 including a PPG modular, and PPG 1020.

Kodamo Infini at 3:45

Sylence synth controller at 4:38. Synth-Project controller for the Sylenth1 soft synth?

SFF2022 - Présentation du KODAMO INFINI

video upload by Les Sondiers

"Présentation par Stéphane et Masami du tout nouveau Kodamo Infini."

See the Kodamo label below for more.

New Kodamo INFINi Keyboard Synthesizer & Bitmasker Desktop Synth in the Works

New keyboard synthesizer coming from Kodamo, makers of EssenceFM.

Note the Formants and Bit Masks on the right. It also appears to have a sequencer with overdubs.

And Bitmasker:

"New 3D render for the Bitmasker! Do you like it? Sound engine is still in development. With fully editable sounds and a 256-step polyphonic sequencer, you can use it to make music on the go or to add a new variety of sounds to your setup.

Each voice is made of two 'bitmasked oscillators'which produce very rich tones. They have independent envelopes and can be filtered by a resonant multimode filter. Then you get two LFOs which can alter almost any characteristic of the sound, several stereo effects and a fun little arpeggiator.

Black buttons can play different scales, and editing sounds is easy by turning only two knobs.

The Bitmasker won't be released before 2022, we're sorry for the delays. We want to make sure it's well polished before it reaches your hands!"

Essencefm - Kodamo

video upload by MYSYNTH

Kodamo Essencefm

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

via this auction

"In mint condition, hardly used, with film still on menu display, boxed, fully functional"

Note this is a supporting member listing.

See the KODAMO label below for demos and additional info on the KODAMO.

Kodamo Essence FM Synthesizer

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

via this auction

Note the listing states this is the most powerful FM synth ever. It's worth noting the Yamaha FS1R has 8 operators, while the Essence FM has 6. The FS1R has a fixed set of arrangements (algorithms) for them, while the FM is user configurable.

"Create your own FM algorithms by drag and dropping operators on the touch screen. An almost infinite number of configurations is possible

Layer up to 128 voices per patch, each consisting of 6 operators, for incredibly rich sounds

Draw your custom waveforms on the touch screen to use them as oscillators or LFOs

Thicken the sound with the built-in effects

Take advantage of its 16 part/300 voice multi-timbrality to create full songs with it

Use it to make analog-like sounds with the built-in resonant filter

Connect it to your audio recording gear and effect modules in many different ways with the four balanced stereo outputs

Explore FM synthesis in the most convenient way possible with the Undo-Redo buttons, allowing for any action to be undone

Try microtunings, layer splits, round robin, MPE, and many other advanced features"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Kodamo EssenceFM MKII

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

via this auction

You can find demos of the EssenceFM in previous posts here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Essence Flight - EssenceFM ambient/industrial track

Kodamo

"Atmospheric textures and drums you can create with the EssenceFM.
Its FM engine makes sound creation easy by splitting each sound into 6-OP voices, which you can then layer in various ways to achieve richer sounds.

Recorded from headphones output
No additional processing

Effects used: internal delay, internal chorus
Max polyphony used: 160 voices

Synthesis types: FM, additive, subtractive
Sequenced with openMPT

Video credit: Guillaume Laffon"