"I recently purchased a Pet Rock. Not the traditional pet rock from the 1970s, but a Eurorack module that creates rhythms based on the phases of the moon. It's a really cool concept created by Jonah Senzel and released at Knobcon 2023.
"Pet Rock is a rogue-like rhythm generator which changes daily, with monthly modulations in style.
This 4hp Eurorack module generates a new rhythm every night at midnight that you have 24 hours to use. Pet Rock is like rhythm Wordle - everyone who owns the module gets the exact same rhythm. No internet connected needed.
Pet Rock has 2 independently clockable (gate in, gate out) 'A' and 'B' rhythms each day, so there's flexibility in how you use it/clock it. The ‘A’ and ‘B’ rhythms can be used together as one composite rhythm, split into two separate rhythms, etc.
Rhythm generation parameters change according to the real current moon phase. The overall "Mood" changes with every 30 day moon cycle to help keep things fresh. With each “Mood” change, Pet Rock switches between several custom algorithms to produce distinct styles.
IMPORTANT FINE PRINT:
Pre-orders are non-cancellable; please do not pre-order unless you are certain you want one.
synthCube is supporting Jonah’s manifesto and principle about the economics of the module as a ‘break-even’ proposition."
Introducing Pet Rock (the rogue-like moon based Eurorack Module)
(oops moon cycles are 29.5 days, not 31 I tried editing it into the voice over and it sounded really weird so here's your only chance to learn this vital information)"
"For the first time in over 40 years, a legendary analog synth sound returns.
The OB-X8 combines the three different voice architectures of the classic OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 synths into a single incredible instrument. The individual filter types and other unique characteristics of each model have been faithfully reproduced, along with an uncompromising 100% analog signal path, giving you the most authentic and satisfying OB experience possible.
Oberheim is BACK!"
Oberheim OB-X8 INHALT Sound Design Demo No Talking
"My history with Oberheim runs deep. Probably the most important synthesizer for me was the Oberheim OB-8. I connected deeply with its melancholic and midnight music sounding tone which matched very well what I was doing with INHALT at the time. But never to be beguiled by softer emotions, the flick of the unison switch instantly took the OB-8 into an aggressive "body" music. It was the perfect writing tool due to the even tone across all octaves and the fact that its intrinsic musicality was unavoidable. Around the time I got the OB-8 I also got a vintage 2 Voice (thanks for restoring that one Chok) and both were heavily used on many records that I made. Those were my MVP's for many years.
When I received the call from my colleagues at Sequential that not only was a new Oberheim in the works, but that it was to be THE Oberheim, I couldn't wait for the beta testing and sound design to start. And when the prepro unit arrived, I knew that the newly reborn and official Oberheim company, in tandem with the team at Sequential, created something incredible. Something so comprehensive, deep, detailed, featured and yet immediate and simple, with no possibility of making a bad sound. Every sound I made sounded exactly as it should, and they ALL embodied that unmistakable Oberheim sound. That magic that is often imitated but never accomplished. Until now.
I'm not going to get into specs, those have been already covered everywhere, but I will say this: as someone that has used all of the "big" Oberheims, and that has made many records in commercial studios with the OB-8 and a vintage 2 Voice, I can definitively say that this Oberheim does all of those sounds and more. Its charisma changes from filter to filter and it seamlessly traverses from X, Xa to 8 with the Page 2 voice offset and vintage knob, but it ALWAYS sounds like the genuine Oberheim that it is. This incredible team, that I've had the pleasure of working with, has created something that might possibly be the ultimate polyphonic analog synthesizer. And I can't wait to use it on the many upcoming projects at Infinite Power Studios.
This is a recording I made of many of the patches I created for Oberheim and the shipping factory library that will come with the synth.
Please note, the OB-X8 in the video is a prototype unit and I recorded this with a beta firmware. As such, while the synth was largely done there were some changes both to the panel and to the OS that are in the final shipping version (obviously). The OB-X8 was recorded straight into Pro Tools HD and no post processing or fx were added. What you're hearing is the raw synth."
The Sound of the Oberheim OB-X8 - Julian "J3PO" Pollack [custom knobs on this one]
"Oberheim has released a new synthesizer--the first in many decades--the OB-X8. It is a faithful recreation of all three of the classic OB-series synthesizers in one: the OB-X, the OB-Xa, and OB-8. It is an incredible synth.
In this video, you will hear a bunch of presets I created for the OB-X8. Some of my sounds will be included factory with the OB-X8 while most of these presets will appear in a presets pack I will release soon (check www.j3po.net for the release of my official sound bank). This particular unit is an early prototype with non-production knobs. The final production units will look slightly different.
It is important to note that the OB-X8, like the original OB's from back in the day, does NOT contain any onboard effects. In this video, I used some external reverbs and delays to give certain presets the ambience and resonance they deserve. Light compression and limiting was applied for the purpose of uploading to YouTube and balancing the sounds."
"I'm always reluctant to post something in prototype form. When I had this unit it was sonically pretty close. Obvious at a glance are the knobs and 3D printed bender box levers. The synth itself sounds great and such a dream to play with a nice modern key bed."
And the press release:
Oberheim Returns to Operations and Releases Its First New Synth in 35 Years
San Francisco, CA – May 9, 2022 – In a momentous industry development, Oberheim Electronics, one of the most venerated names in synthesizer design, has announced its return to operation to meet the rising global demand for its instruments.
Today, the company is launching its first new product, the OB-X8: an eight-voice polyphonic analog synth that combines all of the key features of the legendary OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 products from the 1980s – including all the original presets that gave them their signature sounds.
“I wanted to come back strong with a new design that brings together the sounds of the greatest instruments from across the OB range, together with the distinctive sound and styling of those synths,” said Tom Oberheim. “But we took it even further. You can now combine the various OB voice architectures in ways that produce unique and interesting new sounds and capabilities.”
Originally founded by Tom Oberheim in 1969, Oberheim Electronics created ground-breaking products that fueled the electronic music revolution throughout the 1970’s and early 1980’s. After ceasing operations in 1985, these instruments attained near-mythical status, with highly prized vintage models selling for many times their original price on the secondhand market.
Since that time, Tom Oberheim had created a handful of limited-production instruments and co-designs with various partners under other names. But in a recent significant development, he regained control of the Oberheim trademarks and IP, and now, in partnership with Focusrite PLC, has decided to once again introduce new products under the Oberheim brand name for first time in more than 35 years.
“I’ve always had a very optimistic outlook on our industry and the future in general. I felt that one day, when the time was right, Oberheim would return. A big part of this was the fact that so many musicians have contacted me over the years to ask how to get hold of an original Oberheim. So when I finally reacquired the Oberheim name, it was clear that the time was finally here,” said Oberheim.
The catalog of artists associated with the original products is long, and includes innovators like Prince, Van Halen, and Herbie Hancock. For many, it was much more than just an instrument. A handful of A-list artists such as Trent Reznor, creative force behind Nine Inch Nails, and Golden Globe, Academy Award, and Primetime Emmy-winning composer got pre-release previews. “When I was shown the new OB-X8, I was immediately impressed with the forensic level of detail that went into its design and the respect for its lineage,” remarked Trent. I will be making room in my studio for one and I’m excited more people will be able to experience this classic instrument.”
Creating a new company out of thin air was no small feat. “I’m excited to work with my old friend and audio industry innovator Marcus Ryle, along with some other members of the original Oberheim team again,” said Tom. “And thanks to an exclusive partnership with Focusrite group company Sequential LLC, we have the ability to design, manufacture, distribute, and support new instruments on a global scale.”
For Marcus Ryle, one of the inventors behind the ADAT, the QuadraSynth, and Line 6 guitar amps and effects, this represents closure of sorts: “Synths were my first love and the reason I entered this industry. Tom hired me when I was 19, and I feel lucky to have been a part of the Oberheim design team during its glory days. Now, a whole new chapter in the story of analog synthesizer-based music is about to get written.”
Dave Smith, founder of Sequential and himself a legendary figure in synth history, also collaborated with Marcus (an Oberheim team member from the 1980s) and Tom to create the new product. “We’ve already developed other interesting design ideas with Tom for follow-up products that will allow us to take Oberheim into the future as a synth brand,” commented Smith. “It’s a very exciting time to be a musician.”
The OB-X8 eight-voice analog synthesizer will be available at the end of June with a US MAP of $4,995.
About Oberheim
Oberheim is the 21st century return of the legendary company that helped fuel the electronic music revolution. Now,
just as then, Oberheim is guided by the vision of engineer and inventor, Tom Oberheim. Tom’s genius for innovation introduced the world to the first commercially available poly synth and other groundbreaking electronic instruments that literally changed the sound of music. Today, Oberheim reawakens this legacy by bringing the famed Oberheim sound to a new generation of instruments and artists. The company’s passion remains unchanged by time or technology — to once again provide the world with the finest-sounding analog synthesizers ever made. Oberheim brings its products to market with the help of the Focusrite organization and renowned synth maker, Sequential."
OBERHEIM OB-X8 SPECIFICATIONS
• 8-voice, pure-analog polyphony with saw, square/pulse, triangle, and noise • Two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage VCOs per voice deliver classic punchy Oberheim tone • Discrete SEM-lineage VCFs deliver authentic OB-X-style tone and presence • Genuine Curtis filters add bold OB-Xa/OB-8 character • Meticulously modeled envelope responses match each OB model: OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 • The 61-key FATAR velocity- and touch-sensitive keyboard allows unparalleled expression and responsiveness • Bi-timbral capability allows two presets simultaneously for splits and doubles • 400-plus factory programs, including the full set of factory sounds for the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa, and OB-8 • Integral, fanless, heatsink-free power supply • Real walnut end cheeks • High-resolution OLED display enables patch management and easy access to advanced features • Classic Oberheim Pitch and Mod levers allow expressive note bending, vibrato, and access to arpeggiator functions
ENHANCEMENTS • Additional SEM filter modes add high-pass, band-pass, and notch functions to the classic OB-X filter • Vintage knob allows variable amounts of voice-to-voice variability to emulate the behavior of vintage instruments • Velocity sensitivity adds expressiveness to volume and filter • Channel Aftertouch adds real-time performance-based modulation • Enhanced unison allows variable voice stacking from 1-8 voices • Variable triangle wave cross-modulation • Over 600 user-programmable preset locations • Programmable per-program pan allows wider stereo presence • Variable oscillator and noise levels
INS & OUTS • Stereo and Mono outputs • Volume, Sustain, and Filter inputs • Arpeggiator clock input • MIDI In, Out, Thru • USB • Dimensions: • Weight: 32.5 lbs • Dimensions: 40.5” L x 16.67” W x 5.87” H
"A documentary about the synthwave scene, 80s nostalgia, retromania & memories. Inspired in Carpenter, Moroder & Tangerine Dream legacy.
Feature documentary (90-120 min.) about the synthwave scene, 80s nostalgia, audiovisual collective memories and electronic music.
The natural way of the cultural wave: we generally experience that musical and cultural trends shift from an outstanding position within public opinion to near utter rejection, refusal and ridicule, through an ever-shortening period of time. However, if that period of time is extended, to often several decades, we can witness a renovation, a new heightened recognition – the rebirth of the wave. Through today’s global reach, powered by the internet, cultural waves and fascinations can resurface and manifest themselves, with an even much bigger fan impact than the original source.
The film is a travel in time towards the roots of a worldwide grass-root music scene known as Synthwave, an irresistible blend of modern electronic composition with 80s pop culture’s nostalgia, that over the last two years has transformed from a whisper on selected internet hubs, to an ever-growing scene, expanding rapidly as we speak. Accounting millions of plays on social media, devoted fans are legion, but nobody in the mass media knows about them.
Thousands of synthwave composers around the world are living out double-lives. Away from their normal everyday life they spend another half-life behind a faceless musical avatar, creating and uploading their own renditions of 80’s-styled film scores, sharing them with the world – surging the wave. They belong to an endless army of watchers for the master’s legacy: the sound that Edgar Froese, Giorgio Moroder and John Carpenter created in the late 70s.
A time travel into the universe of creating sounds. A love letter to human fascination and the collective memories of an universe that never existed."
The Rise of the Synths on the radio show "Synthaves"
Published on May 10, 2016 The Rise of the Synths
"Our director talks about the project on the radio show "Synthaves" hosted by Noah Kaufmann on "KFAI" Radio. CROWDFUNDING NOW RUNNING ON KICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
The Rise of the Synths is a documentary about the Synthwave scene, nostalgia and the universe of creating sounds.
'The old soundtrack of a new generation'
The film is a time travel towards the roots of a worldwide grass-root music scene known as Synthwave, an irresistible blending of modern electronic composition with 80s pop culture’s nostalgia, that over the last two years has transformed from a whisper on selected internet hubs, to a ever-growing scene expanding rapidly as we speak. Accounting millions of plays on social media, devoted fans are legion, but nobody in the mass media knows about them.
A time travel into the universe of creating sounds. A love letter to human fascination and the collective memories of an universe that never existed.
Featuring: Electric Youth, College, Miami Nights 1984, Com Truise, Nightcrawler, Dynatron, Dance with the Dead, Maethelvin, Stellar Dreams, Vincenzo Salvia, Jordan F, Futurecop!, The Midnight, Power Glove, 80s Stallone, Betamaxx, Kristine, Darkest, Lazerhawk, Mitch Murder, Carpenter Bru, Timecop 1983, OGRE, Waveshaper, MPM Soundtracks.
A documentary about the universe of sounds created by: Giorgio Moroder, John Carpenter, Claudio Simonetti (Goblin), Tangerine Dream, Brad Fiedel, Stu Phillips, Vangelis, Harold Faltermeyer and Jan Hammer (to name a few). "
Hi everyone! As you know Barry Schrader will be giving his farewell concert at CalArts on September 26. The following is the beginning of my interview with him. I opted to post the questions and answers as they come in. New QAs will get a new post so you do not miss them and they will be added to this post so we have one central post for the full interview. This should make it easier for all of us to consume in our busy lives, and it will allow you to send in any questions that may come to mind during the interview process. If you have anything you'd like to ask Barry, feel free to send it in to matrixsynth@gmail.com. This is a rare opportunity for us to get insight on a significant bit of synthesizer history, specifically with early Buchla systems, and I'd like to thank Barry for this opportunity. Thank you Barry!
"Moog Siren Tara Busch Releases EP, Remix Contest to Benefit Bob Moog Foundation
Foundation Celebrates 5th Anniversary with EP, New Logos, Fresh Program Direction, Limited Edition Poster and Archive Inspired Apparel
Asheville, NC - August 24, 2011 – The Bob Moog Foundation (BMF) is honored to announce that synthesizer and vocal sensation Tara Busch has donated a three song EP to support its mission of igniting the innovator inside us all. The ethereal electronica EP, Rocket Wife, created specifically for and donated to the Bob Moog Foundation, is available for download at Bandcamp.com at the following link: [link]
In conjunction with the release of the EP, Busch and the Foundation have issued a remix contest using the 17 stem tracks from the title track of the EP, Rocket Wife. The stem tracks are available for download at: [link]
The remix contest begins today and ends at midnight on October 15, 2011. All submissions should be uploaded to the “Rocket Wife” group on SoundCloud via this link.
The Bob Moog Foundation will announce three winners on November 10, 2011. The winners will have their remix posted on the BMF Bandcamp site where it will be available for sale, with proceeds benefitting the Foundation. The grand prize winner will receive a framed limited-edition archival image of Bob Moog, a selection of BMF merchandise, and the opportunity to collaborate virtually with Busch on a track where she will supply vocals and synth soundscapes. Two other winners will receive runner-up prizes.
Tara Busch is an American producer/musician/remixer and score composer. She is influenced by the rich, complex harmonies of Brian Wilson, BBC Radiophonic Workshop diva Dellia Derbyshire, and the innovations and futurist attitudes of electronic music pioneer Bob Moog. She is known for her richly textured, vocally orchestral electronica, and her psychedelic, ethereal remixes.
Busch reflects, “This is a homage not only to Bob Moog and his legacy, but to the effect the synthesizer had on my music, creativity, and life. What Bob did, most famously with the Minimoog, was to make the groundbreaking world of synthesis available to everybody, not just for the privileged few.
Though grateful for my voice and writing ability, I think having a more embracing attitude towards merging the creative and scientific worlds when I was a child would have been beneficial; not just for my music, but also for my development in general. I think Dr. Bob's SoundSchool will help kids to develop open, bright, embracing and creative minds.
I'm excited and inspired by their quest to educate children and adults alike about ‘the intersection of science & music’ and hopefully this EP will help introduce more people to the Bob Moog Foundation. One hundred percent of the profits from the EP and the remix stems will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation.”
Sunday, August 21, 2011 marked the sixth anniversary of Bob Moog's passing and the fifth anniversary of the BMF's formal launch. In celebration of that milestone, the foundation is making daily announcements of new projects, branding and fundraising opportunities. Monday, August 22 saw the launch of the Moogstress blog, written by Michelle Moog-Koussa. On Tuesday, the BMF announced their new logo, which features the innovative spirit of “Dr. Bob” and an offer for a limited edition poster designed with materials from Bob Moog's archives. Later in the week the BMF will release a new merchandise line, Dr. Bob's Archive Series, featuring artwork found in Bob Moog's extensive archives. The BMF directs the preservation and interpretation of the archives for future generations of journalists, educators, innovators and fans.
The Bob Moog Foundation ignites the creative and innovative spirit in us all through exposure to interactive educational experiences rooted in the pioneering legacy of Dr. Bob Moog. Our work includes:
· Dr. Bob's Sound School (formerly MoogLab) teaching children and adults science through music in a hands-on environment.
· Dr. Bob's Archive Preservation Initiative. The BMF directs the preservation and interpretation of Bob Moog's extensive and historic archives for future generation.
· The Moogseum, a future interactive facility where music, science, history and innovation will converge. The creation of the Moogseum is pending adequate funding.
