Hardware Jams Weekend Challenge: Galaxies - Clusters, Walls, & Filaments

video upload by SynthAddict

"Maschine+

Galaxies - Clusters, Walls, Filaments, and Superclusters

Spacey jam, builds as the larger structures are revealed.

Andromeda Galaxy (similar to our Milky Way) ---

152,000 light-years diameter (8.93 x 10^17 miles)
2.5 million light years from Earth

Virgo Supercluster---

Concentration of galaxies containing the Virgo Cluster, Local Group (including Milky Way), and other galaxies.

110 million light years in diameter (6.47 x 10^20 miles)

CLICK FOR MORE »

Miles Away: Why the OB-6 is still his favourite synth in 2024

video upload by Miles Away

"Review and tutorial of the Dave Smith / Oberheim OB-6, along with why I rebought a new one after selling it. Find out if this analog synthesizer is right for you, and why I think it's the best modern analog poly synth to buy in 2024.

Purchase my Custom OB-6 Patches:
https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/pr...

Stream my music:
https://links.milesawayofficial.com

0:00 - intro / why I made this video
2:03 - original OB-6 demo song
3:17 - about the demo, why it needs external effects
4:10 - why I love it pt1, flexible sound character
7:13 - secret trick to make the OB-6 sound more vintage
8:13 - why I love it pt2, fast workflow
9:27 - why I love it pt3, the filter and cross mod quirks
14:45 - outro and final verdict"

Additonal Miles Away OB-6 posts

GS Music E7 NO TALKING Synth Demo // Custom Patches

video upload by Miles Away

https://www.gsmusic.com/

"Buy these 64 custom programs for the GS Music E7 here:
https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/pr...

These 64 Custom Patches from Canadian producer and sound designer Miles Away aim to showcase the powerful and wild analog VCO sound of this beautiful synth. With a variety of epic pads, lush keys, face melting basses, epic leads and more, this is the premier custom patch collection for the GS Music E7 7-Voice Analog Synthesizer.

Blade Runner, Stranger Things, Synthwave, Film Score, Ambient, Synthpop"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Is This The Most Unique Synth EVER???

video upload by Miles Away

"Review, sound demo and tutorial/walkthrough of the Gamechanger Audio Motorsynth Mk2 synthesizer, a revolutionary modern synth that uses motors to create sound. Is it the best synth to add to your studio?"

Buy my Custom Synth Patches:
https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/co...

0:00 - jam 1: Motorsynth only
0:39 - what makes the Motorsynth so unique?
2:00 - beauty in imperfection
3:23 - jam 2: heavy industrial electro
5:45 - synth tour, the motor oscillators
8:01 - Motorsynth's amazing stereo image
8:59 - how to use the performance interface for drone patches
10:27 - the digital oscillator voice
11:20 - paraphonic features explained, making a keys patch
13:10 - filter types, drive, and unison mode
15:39 - drift, detune and cross mod
17:28 - envelope section, making a complex patch
21:07 - modulation matrix
22:30 - arp, motion recorder and sequencer
24:10 - random generator
25:11 - final verdict with pros and cons
28:00 - jam 3: melodic edm

GS Music E7 Custom Patches: Synthwave, Vintage, Ambient

video upload by Miles Away

https://www.gsmusic.com/

"Buy these 64 custom programs for the GS Music E7 here:
https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/pr...

These 64 Custom Patches from Canadian producer and sound designer Miles Away aim to showcase the powerful and wild analog VCO sound of this beautiful synth. With a variety of epic pads, lush keys, face melting basses, epic leads and more, this is the premier custom patch collection for the GS Music E7 7-Voice Analog Synthesizer.

Blade Runner, Stranger Things, Synthwave, Film Score, Ambient, Synthpop

CLICK FOR MORE »

FIGHT & FLIGHT / full system generative 'horror' patch / singing bowl research / farewell Steven

video upload by BRiES

"I started this patch by trying to mimic the tone and frequency beating of a Tibetan singing bowl. Triangle waves seem to be the best match for generating the 'odd' overtones. I used two of them tuned almost to the same frequency to produce a slow beating. One is panned left and one is panned right. I had to run this pair through a LPF to get rid of a lot of the top end fizz.

The other sounds are a bunch of resonating filters and VCOs through Beads tuned up a major 7th with a lot of wet grains fed back to the input. There's some automation going on in terms of gating these, controlled by an output of COMPARE 2 (analyzing ORBIT 3) through a counter (ERFURT).

This week (29th of october) Steven (one of the residents of a farm sanctuary) passed away after a long and hard fight. It's weird and confusing how these events thousands of miles away can still hit you. RIP Steven."

Print Magazine Modul8 Issue #2 Now Available

You might remember Modul8 from this previous post.

via Issue #2 is now available.

"Modul8 issue two is out now - bigger, better and more in depth.

After being humbly blown away by the support for the premiere issue of Modul8, issue two steps up with more pages, more interviews and more synth devotion.

Go behind the modules with Corry Banks from Eurorack manufacturer Modbap Modular, dive deep into sound therapy with AHRKH, explore modern ballet music with composer Alison Cole and get schooled by Serge scholar Ben Carey.

There's also feature interviews with L.A's best kept secret Voltage Ctrlr,

heartbreak and redemption with Def Jam's Sadiva, Buchla buzz from Beijing's TamiX and the breakthroughs and breakdowns of Aussie breakbeat pioneers Nubreed.

And if all that still wasn't enough we check in with Melbourne theremin maestro Miles Brown, learn about SDEM's latest album, throw it back with the American Gigolo soundtrack and try to figure out why 'INIT' patches are so comforting.

All that, plus everyone's favourite philosopher Todd Barton is back, and this time he's getting saucy with his synths.

And despite our tragic commitment to physical media, we’ve also created a special Spotify playlist featuring music from the artists showcased in issue two.

We’re super proud of this issue, but more importantly we're super stoked to present such a dynamic and diverse range of creators following their own paths

You can grab your copy here now.

*Modul8 acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. Modul8 is produced off-grid and attempts to limit its carbon footprint where possible."

The Most Realistic Vintage Synth VST Yet? // GForce Oberheim OB-X

video upload by Miles Away

0:00 - demo song
1:42 - intro talking
2:29 - presets walkthrough / sound demo
8:01 - designing a patch from scratch

Miles Away - https://links.milesawayofficial.com

GS Music E7 vs Sequential Prophet 6: the BEST new analog synth?

video upload by Miles Away

"The definitive comparison of the underrated GS Music E7 analog synthesizer to one of the most classic synths around, the Sequential Prophet 6.

0:00 - Intro jam with both synths
1:17 - what are we doing in this synth shootout?
2:37 - midi control explained
3:02 - same patch sound comparison
4:00 - the main sound differences with the GS E7
4:59 - oscillators
10:13 - filters
12:50 - modulation
16:54 - effects
19:27 - final verdict?
20:01 - Sound demos with light reverb, no talking"

The Most Underrated Analog Synthesizer I've Ever Played // GS Music E7


"GS Music:
https://www.gsmusic.com

Sound demo, review, tutorial and overview of the brand new analog synth from Argentinian company GS Music, the E7.

0:00 - intro/what is the E7?
1:21 - demo song
2:55 - what is the E7 good at?
3:20 - oscillator section
5:14 - filter section
7:45 - synth tutorial, creating a keyboard patch on E7
9:43 - multitimbral patch demos
10:40 - Built in effects section
12:37 - review, pros and cons
15:08 - outro jam"

Deaton's Sequential Modulator

video upload by Miles Comstock

via Miles Comstock

"Deaton’s Sequential Modulator is a versatile modular audio effects unit and synthesizer I created custom for Deaton Chris Anthony. It allows you to freely route audio through its different effects and manipulate parameters of these effects through an 8 step control voltage sequencer and two low frequency oscillators. It was created with the intention of leading you away from the sounds you have programmed yourself into normally making. Though, you are not confined to the experimental. Deaton’s Sequential Modulator can work as a more than capable modular effects board. It can also be a modular synth voice, a drone synth, eurorack cv sequencer, a mixer, heavy distortion unit, twinkly delay, infinitely repeating echo, tremolo, bitcrusher, chorus/vibrato, resonant filter and a lot more. Any sounds your heart desires are right here."

The ULTIMATE Virtual Analog Synth? // Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave

video upload by Miles Away

"The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave is a powerhouse digital wavetable synth with 24-voice polyphony and 4-part multi-timbral capability, but you might not know that it's also an analog powerhouse. Today let's dive deep into the heart of 3rd Wave, and learn how you can use it to push the boundaries of analog sonic exploration. Review, tutorial, sound demo.

Stream my EP ❤️
https://stream.milesawayofficial.com/...

Download the FREE Analog Init Patch for the 3rd Wave 🕶
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xpyz4h10zph...

0:00 - intro talking
1:46 - original 3rd Wave analog demo song
4:00 - about the demo
4:37 - no talking patch comparison vs Prophet 6
5:32 - what makes the 3rd Wave sound so analog?
7:03 - synth walkthrough - creating an analog init patch
9:14 - creating a patch from scratch - stereo PWM pad
16:32 - can it do Moog bass?
20:16 - classic analog saws
23:58 - making split patches - Blade Runner bass and lead combo
29:33 - outro and final thoughts
30:24 - no talking Virtual Analog sound demos"

Follow-up to this post.

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave - I Almost Missed the Synth of the Decade

video upload by JimDaneker

"I thought the 3rd Wave was a mere PPG clone so I ignored it. After seeing a few compelling videos on it, I took a chance on one. After pre-judging it based on presets, I almost returned it. SO glad I gave it another chance - it has blown me away. Don't miss this one!

The Miles Away patch bank that led to all this: [posted here]

Table of contents:

00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:07 - Tragically misunderstanding the 3rd Wave
00:04:28 - Features overview
00:06:35 - First surprise: stunningly good ANALOG!
00:07:25 - Analog Filter

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Best Modular Synth Of The Year // Erica Synths SYNTRX II?

video upload by Miles Away

"Review, sound demo and tutorial/walkthrough of the Erica Synths SYNTRX 2, a modern modular synthesizer inspired by the EMS Synthi. Learn synth history and listen to how versatile SYNTRX is, from heavy noise techno to beautiful ambient jams!

Stream my new song:
https://stream.milesawayofficial.com/...


Buy my custom synth patches:
https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/co...

0:00 - intro jam and what is SYNTRX 2?
1:15 - synth history of the EMS Synthi
4:22 - jam 1: heavy midtempo techno
5:59 - experimental noise sound demos
7:55 - jam 2: lush analog retrowave
9:24 - patching tutorial and how it works
18:26 - review with pros and cons
20:02 - jam 3: ambient tape outro"

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Custom Patches // sound demo no talking

video upload by Miles Away

"Buy these 100 custom programs for the 3rd Wave here (25% off first week):
https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/co...

These 100 Custom Patches from Canadian producer and sound designer Miles Away aim to showcase the gritty yet beautiful analog and hybrid tones this wavetable synth can produce. With a variety of epic pads, complex multitimbral patches, face melting basses, sensitive keys and more, this is the world's first custom patch collection for the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave.

Blade Runner, Stranger Things, Synthwave, Film Score, Ambient, Synthjam"

OB-6 vs OB-X8: is the new Oberheim really worth $5000?

video upload by Miles Away

"Synthesizer comparison and shoot out of the new Oberheim OB-X8 against the Sequential OB-6. Which one should you buy? How do they compare for vintage and modern synth sounds?

Get my custom synth patches:
https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/co...

0:00 - intro talking
0:52 - sound comparison
1:25 - oscillators
7:45 - filters
15:02 - modulation
24:39 - stereo spread
26:11 - arp, glide and unison
27:52 - unique features on OB-6
30:34 - unique features on OB-X8
33:44 - final verdict, which one should you get?"

Update: you can find additional comparisons in previous posts here.

Ambient drone jam across the South Downs via modulated light beam with SH101 Crave MC101 birdsong

video upload by drone-in-the-woods

"Original drone jam in Brandy Hole woods with SH101 and Crave. The Crave was triggered using the 101's internal sequencer and this was the recording with all the birdsong.

The audio from this session was then transmitted the following day, via light, from Butser Hill to the Trundle, 12 miles away. The audio modulates the intensity of a bright red LED and a lens is used to form a beam. The white flashing light on the Trundle is the locator for the LED transmitter, once the LED is pointing towards the white light, the scope is used to align the receiver's photo diode. The output from the photo diode is then converted to audio and played through the Cube. This was recorded live with additional sounds from the MC101.

Future plan is to build a couple of two-way transmitters/receivers, so that light-speed communication can be established between the hilltops. Greater distances are being tested too.

Roland SH101 synth
Behringer Crave synth
Roland MC101 synth/samples
Boss DD6 delay
Roland Street Cube Ex amplifier
Tascam DR40 field recorder

Music composed and performed by Keith Sutton
10th and 11th May 2023"

Exploring the Kawai SX-210

video upload by Miles Away

"Join me on an exciting journey of discovery as we unveil the secrets of a rare and highly underrated synthesizer - the Kawai SX-210. In this video, delve into the unique features and capabilities of this rare gem, showcasing its distinctive sound and exploring its unparalleled design. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to witness the magic of the Kawai SX-210 synthesizer, it just might be the Roland Juno replacement you are looking for.

0:00 - History Time
1:51 - Synth walkthrough
7:29 - Cons and final verdict?
8:15 - Finale: melodic progressive synthwave house jam
9:11 - Final thoughts and outro"

Bask in the analog synth majesty of the Korg Trident Mk.1

video upload by Mamotreco

"As the sun rises over majestic hilltops and mountains, the nippy morning air is rich with the sound of musical tones. It's the harmonious melody of a Korg Trident synthesizer. The analog warmth reverberates through the images of valleys and mountains, perfectly complementing the stunning natural landscapes of the north east areas of Spain. #vintagesynths #korgtrident #80ssynth

The Korg Trident Mk.1 synthesizer is a wonderful analog polysynth, crafted in the 80s to produce a variety of rich sounds. Its three analog synth sections, each with its own distinct tone and controls, blend together to create powerful sounds that can evoke lush and complex sonic landscapes.

With images of nature appear on screen, the sound of the Korg Trident Mk.1 takes on a life of its own in relation to the beauty of the surroundings on display. The warm and inviting analog synth tones of the Korg Trident underline beauty of the surrounding images of wilderness beside it.

Terrassa is the city at the foot of these mountains with a population of 200,000 people, 12 miles away from Barcelona. Highlights of the city include:
- shopping mall 'Parc Vallès'
- people walking around
- olympic stadium with CaixaBank cashpoint not too far away
- parking space
- largely rocky mountain massif next to city, aka Sant Llorenç natural park
- lottery ticket booths
- some museums so you can learn more about the city

The Korg Trident Mk.1 is the synth for all seasons and settings. Its sound is equally at home in the shadow of chilly mountains as it is in the verdant fair-weather hills of spring and summer. No matter the time of year or location, the Korg Trident's analog warmth and organic sound complements your personal vision of nature.

For more synth dulcet tones at a nice price: https://mamotreco.bandcamp.com
Previous music releases available here: https://synthandsundry.bandcamp.com"

PWM Malevolent // the best and most unique affordable synthesizer of 2022

video upload by Miles Away

"Purchase my Custom Synth Patches:
https://shop.milesawayofficial.com

Sound demo, review, tutorial and overview of the Malevolent, an amazing and unique new analog synth from PWM that specializes in heavy and aggressive sounds. Unveiled in 2021, but only widely available this year, this gets my vote for Best Of 2022

0:00 - Malevolent demo song
1:40 - what is the Malevolent?
2:54 - synth overview: VCO oscillators
6:40 - VCF Filter and Gain Staging
10:18 - LFO and Envelopes
11:18 - drive section
12:25 - FM and patching, sound design
17:20 - review, pros and cons
19:19 - sound demos, no talking"

Physical Synthesis Cicada Acoustic Vibration Synthesizer & Nymph Eurorack Module Update

video upload by Physical Synthesis



You might remember the Physical Synthesis Cicada - Acoustic Vibration Synthesizer posted back in April of 2021 - you'll find a playlist of demos there. The initial run was sold out. They are now teaming with USA-based distributor Electro Distro on a new run of Cicadas as well as a Nymph eurorack module.

The press release follows:

NEW YORK, NY, USA: having sold out of its initial production run, unique products-producing hardware startup Physical Synthesis is proud to announce that it is working with San Clemente, CA, USA-based distributor Electro Distro’s growing global network of dealers (https://www.electro-distro.com/dealers) to bring its game-changing Cicada — an ‘acoustic synthesizer’ that transforms electronic signals into physical vibrations that can be fully manipulated before being reconverted back into a new, never-heard-before electronic sound — to a wider audience in advance of Nymph, its upcoming Eurorack module…

It is fair to say that every once in a while, a moment comes along whereby human interaction with sound changes completely. Cicada is effectively one of those moments — one of those new instruments that moves the needle in music technology. Indeed, it is pioneered by unique products-producing hardware startup Physical Synthesis as an ‘acoustic synthesizer’ that transforms electronic signals into physical vibrations that can be fully manipulated before being reconverted back into a new, never-heard-before electronic sound. Says company founder Spencer Topel: “Cicada was the first step in introducing physical synthesis methods to the synth community; it is an award-winning interface that really lets musicians explore microscopic sounds with precise control.” Clearly, Cicada made musical waves when winning the Judge’s Special Award at the Guthman Musical Instrument Competition 2022, hosted by Georgia Tech School of Music — one of the few schools in North America that offers Music Technology as a major in undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D levels of study — as an annual event dedicated to identifying the newest and greatest ideas in music.

Musical waves notwithstanding, ‘noise' is a subjective term; while electromechanical devices like speakers or headphones try to minimise the distortion inevitably introduced in physical systems, Cicada is designed to precisely exploit these distortion products as the basis of a new kind of synthesis. Cicada converts voltages to vibrations in a mechanical oscillator to create intermodulation — the addition of frequency content in a nonlinear system — in place of typical analogue or digital oscillators. By bringing the signal chain into a physical space, Cicada allows users to shape such content with natural, tactile gestures that truly transcend twiddling with a knob or pushing a slider. “As a violinist and composer, my experience of creating sound is highly physical,” proclaims Spencer Topel, adding: “With Cicada, I wanted to make an instrument that connects these elements, allowing musicians to produce complex, compelling sounds, but through tactile interaction.”

Insofar as actually doing what it does, Cicada receives two Eurorack-level signals that drive oscillation in a cantilevered Bridge positioned atop a Soundboard at an adjustable height. Digging deeper, distortion caused by the Bridge-Soundboard interaction adds frequency content to the input, determined by the specific qualities of the system. Self-explanatory Polycarbonate Soundboard, Foam Soundboard — made of EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) foam, and Wood Soundboard — made of Birdseye maple — options each provide a range of resonating/filtering properties that combine uniquely with the likes of the Coral Wing Bridge — tip made of solid oak (resulting in a bright, clear tone), Coral Dual Tip Wing Bridge — tip made of premium rubber (allowing for a hard, precise attack with a balanced low-end), and Grey Wing Bridge — tip made of soft neoprene foam (resulting in a mellow, balanced acoustic effect); each pairing opens up a portal to a distinct sonic universe.

Users can dynamically change the system (and, therefore, how it is transforming signals) by adjusting the Bridge height, changing the region and degree of contact between Bridge and Soundboard, or applying pressure to either — effecting real-time, tactile timbral control, in other words. With that being said, premium vibration damping materials, such as Delrin, and custom circuitry minimise unwanted noise, allowing the intermodulation products to shine, while the output, captured by a pickup microphone positioned beneath the Soundboard, can be monitored directly, processed modularly, or recorded into a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).

With behaviours akin to those exhibited by a traditional acoustic instrument, Cicada is highly responsive to differences in the excitation mechanism — the input signal, in other words. As an example, striking a snare drum with a stick or using it with brushes produce vastly different-sounding results; driving Cicada with quiet or loud, spectrally simple or complex, or bass- or treble-heavy signals similarly yield very different timbres.

Though Cicada is designed to work with a Eurorack setup out of the box, one of its strengths lies in its inherent flexibility. Indeed, it can just as easily receive signals from a DAW, boosted to the appropriate 5-10Vpp level via an outboard mixer. Moreover, the choice of input is completely left open to the user: an Ableton Live loop run through Cicada acting as a physical filter to provide timbral variety over time, for example; an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) from a Eurorack module, generating rich percussive tones on the maple Soundboard as the foundation of a beat; or a harmonically dense signal — similar to the output of a Max/MSP FM patch (which many would, without doubt, prefer to navigate physically rather than digitally) — made by moving the Bridge around the Soundboard to amplify certain harmonics and suppress others, finding a grittier sound with the Bridge barely touching or coaxing a more ethereal tone with it centred and depressed.

Endless exploration possibilities are a given, guaranteeing that any sonically-ambitious Cicada user is likely to while away the hours playing with input signals, system configurations, gestures, modulation combinations, and more.

It is hardly surprising, then, that Physical Synthesis sold out of its initial Cicada production run, really hitting a home run by counting luminaries like renowned electronic music composer and performer Hainbach — citing Cicada as being “The Tesla of electro-acoustic workstations, miles ahead of standard piezo and solenoid boxes...” — and Ableton CEO Gerhard Behles amongst its fan base, and has now turned to working with US-based distributor Electro Distro’s growing global network of dealers to bring its game-changing ‘acoustic synthesizer’ to a wider audience. “I want to bring acoustic synthesis to a wider range of musicians,” maintains Spencer Topel, before ending on a high note: “We are building some really exciting expansions of Cicada to different formats, including a Eurorack module called Nymph, which is coming soon.”

Physical Synthesis’ ‘acoustic synthesizer’ is now available as Cicada Founders Edition Extended — encompassing two dual AMPs, one PRE, one Actuator, five Bridges, three Soundboards, three Meanwell power supplies, three custom SATA Cables, and one custom Nanuk 935 Flight Case — for $2,700.00 USD or as Cicada Pro Series individual modules — starting at $79.00 USD — via San Clemente, CA, USA-based distributor Electro Distro’s growing global network of dealers (https://www.electro-distro.com/dealers) or directly from Physical Synthesis’ online Shop (https://shop.physical-synthesis.com).

For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated Cicada webpage here: https://www.physical-synthesis.com