Life 💫. ( Blofeld, Arp Keystep Arturia, Novation Circuit Tracks, Korg Monotron Delay )

video upload by Morenook

"💫. ( Blofeld, Arp Keystep Arturia, Novation Circuit Tracks, Korg Monotron Delay ) Techno jam live hope you enjoy like I did 😊"

Plugging Most Expensive Synth into Cheapest Synth (Eurorack into Monotron Delay)

video upload by Musical Miscellany (Poorness Studios)

"FRIDAY FUN... what happens if I take my most expensive synthesizer (Eurorack Modular Synth) and plug it into my cheapest synthesizer (KORG Monotron Delay)? Watch this video to find out."

Designing Joy: an Interview with Korg.Berlin CEO Tatsuya Takahashi

via Perfect Circuit

"Tatsuya Takahashi, widely known as 'Tats', is a name that resonates loudly among sound synthesis enthusiasts and professionals. Over the last decade, his innovative mindset has been instrumental in resurrecting the popularity of analog synthesis, crafting a unique sonic landscape that blends tradition with novelty. Takahashi was been the creative engine behind some of Korg's most celebrated modern instruments, including the Monotron, the Volca series, and the Monologue and Minilogue synthesizers."

You can find the full interview at Perfect Circuit.

The following a few excerpts.

"I do have a guiding philosophy. I need to talk about the values that are present now, and how different they are from when I started. Obviously, I was naturally drawn to music tech, I have always loved circuits, instruments, and synthesizers. So initially, when I started working at Korg, which was my first "real" job after working in restaurants and bars, I was entirely focused on doing my job well.

As you mention, this period coincided with the revival of analog synthesizers, and I like to think that I played a role in that amongst other members of the industry. However, back then, it was more about doing well in my job and fulfilling my passion. The vision or the philosophy wasn't as defined then as it is today.

Now, at 40, I have a different perspective. I look back at the 23 products I worked on while in Tokyo and try to understand what made my job fulfilling. Apart from my affinity for design, art, music, and the very act of creating—of being and doing, I realized that there was also an important external element that stimulated me, and that was the joy that the users derived from my designs." "If you look at the MS-20, there were very few people involved in that project. The people responsible for the specs, the electrical design, the mechanical design, and the manual were probably the same two or three people. They just operated using general design principles.

Such an approach brings a certain consistency and purity to the product. Of course, if you are working on a complex product like a workstation keyboard, you need a large team to cover all the layers. However, I romanticize this early era of hardware design where everything was unified. If you look at an old Siemens mic pre, everything from the latch that takes it out of the rack to a three-dimensional puzzle of transformers and vacuum tubes to electrical, mechanical industrial design—all these considerations combined together. It is the same idea here, we try to break the boundaries between different disciplines and just see it as one thing."

"Korg.Berlin is nearly three years old, and we are a subsidiary of Korg Inc. Our function is to conduct R&D for new musical instruments. We diverge from the main office in that we have a different product planning procedure. We work directly with things, and we try in physical form what ideas might work. By the nature of that, we are a bit more explorative.

Our operation specifically aims to do things differently from the way it is currently done in Tokyo and Asia as a whole, including the manufacturing infrastructure. Having spent a wonderful decade building mainly analog synthesizers, it was important for me personally to do something different here. The team in Tokyo carry on with that work, and they are super good at it. So there is no point in us doing the same thing. That is why we need a different approach, a different technology, a different appeal, and consequently, we need a different branding. That is why we have our own logo, and we identify ourselves as Korg.Berlin. These are some of the things that make us different.

Looking into the future, we feel that some form of this acoustic synthesis that we unveiled at Superbooth this year will be at the core of our forthcoming products, or even multiple product lines."

Desk Jam No. 1

video upload by Slightly Nasty

"Live jam with the RITM-2, Slightly Nasty Modular, tape loop, Korg Monotribe & Monotron, Roland MKS-7, and Akai S3000XL.

Didn't really know where to go with this one, so there's plenty of desperate noodling on the RITM-2 to in an attempt to buy time."

Monotron Inception (3 KORG Monotrons in a chain)

video upload by Musical Miscellany (Poorness Studios)

"Just for the heck of it, I decided to find out what it sounds like when you plug the KORG Monotron into the KORG Monotron Duo into the KORG Monotron Delay. It's like a Monotron inception!

See a shootout of the 3 Monotrons here:" [posted here]

Korg Monotron w/ Original Box

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

via this auction

Note this is a supporting member listing.

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Comparing All 3 Monotrons: Original vs Duo vs Delay

video upload by Poorness Studios

"I recently picked up a Monotron Duo at Knobcon X. I now have all 3 Monotrons: Duo, Delay, & Original. I decided to compare the 3 of them in case anyone is looking to purchase one. They're all similar but each one has a different trick up it's sleeve.

Intro - 0:00
Monotron Duo Unboxing - 0:55
Monotron Duo Overview - 1:23
Monotron Duo Demo - 2:03
Original Monotron Demo - 5:17
Monotron Delay Demo - 6:34
Final Thoughts - 8:26

See my previous Monotron Shootout video here: [posted here]

And see more comparison videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list..."

KORG - miniKORG 700FS

video upload by NOISEBUG

https://www.noisebug.net/products/korg-minikorg-700fs

"The miniKORG 700 was KORG’s first mass-produced monophonic synthesizer released in 1973 at a time when the form of synthesizers as musical instruments had not been fully established. After a lot of experimentation the miniKORG 700 arrived bringing the world of synthesizers to a wide group of users by offering simple operations that could producing extreme changes in sound, and was championed by a strong base of admiring musicians.

The miniKORG 700FS is an authentic revival of the miniKORG 700S, (an improved version of the miniKORG 700) that was released the following year. The revised miniKORG 700FS offers added functionality such as an arpeggiator, spring reverb and aftertouch. The miniKORG 700FS is a fully-realized analog synthesizer that was developed in conjunction with the original designer, Fumio Mieda.
Why revive the miniKORG 700 now?

The real beauty and awesomeness of the sounds produced by the miniKORG 700 could not be realized through analog modeling technology that uses computational integrated circuitry such as DSPs and other devices to model analog circuitry. And although KORG continues to produce analog synthesizers such as the prologue, the minilogue and many others, we recognize that these instruments owe their existence to the miniKORG 700.

While theoretical know how is important when designing analog circuitry, deep experience is also required to understand what the results will actually be once the circuitry is completed. Ten years have passed since the monotron, a next-generation analog product from 2010 was developed by young KORG engineers and analog enthusiasts. It took some time for the full vision of these engineers to be explored and delivered but at last we’ve finally arrived – at the start.

Our wish is for customers to experience the beauty and awesomeness of the authentic analog sound through the miniKORG 700FS designed by the KORG analog engineers under the supervision of Fumio Mieda, who designed the original circuitry, ensuring that the elements that go beyond the circuit schematics would be faithfully represented.
Beautiful synth leads, thick bass – and more

While the miniKORG 700 was KORG’s first synthesizer, it also produced some of the fattest and most dense sounds of all of our synthesizers. The miniKORG 700FS, features oscillators with a penetrating sound and an authentic recreation of the Traveler controller, one of the key features of the miniKORG 700.

The volca keys and volca bass use the filter circuit from the miniKORG 700, because the clear and penetrating characteristics of this filter were a perfect match for products that specialize in lead and bass synth sounds with a strong presence. The miniKORG 700 sound sits easily in today’s music, particularly with its lead and bass synth sounds.
The possibilities as a sub keyboard

The miniKORG 700 came about as a sub keyboard that players would set atop their organs (frequently used in the 1970s) to augment the organ’s sound palette. Nowadays, the beautiful lead synth sound of the miniKORG 700FS works well with stage keyboards such as or electric pianos, organs and so on.

The controls on the miniKORG 700 were laid out below its keys in a row, so that players who set the instrument on top of their organ would find them easy to access. Even today, this layout is intuitive and easy to understand, with a unique look that no other instrument offers.
Functionality we added to the original

When the miniKORG 700 was originally released, electronic components were larger in size, limiting its functionality due to the small space inside. Thanks to changes in technology, we now have more space to add a spring reverb effect as well as a joystick for pitch bend and modulation. The new version also features aftertouch for added expressiveness, as well as important features an arpeggiator, USB port, MIDI IN connector and a CV/GATE IN jack.

We’ve also added a memory program button, so there’s no need for players to write down the positions of the knobs and levers to recreate their favorite sounds.
Traveler controller

The most characteristic feature of the miniKORG 700, the Traveler controller consisted of two sliders situated below the keyboard. With these controls, players could adjust the cutoff frequency, with the upper lever controlling the low-pass filter and the lower lever controlling the high-pass filter. This gave players the freedom to adjust the expressive character of the sound according to the position of the levers. By moving the levers to the left and right while playing the keys, wah-wah and muted sounds could be created along with the iconic 'traveling' sound.

https://www.noisebug.net/products/kor..."

Train to Glitchville (Monotron Delay, Kaossilator, & Tape Loop)

video upload by Poorness Studios

"I started messing around with the KORG KO-1 Kaossilator & Monotron Delay and I came up with some cool sounds. I added a tape loop from The Void Electronics (played on my Sony TCM-200DV) and voila... I climbed aboard a train to Glitchville."

GEM (GENERAL ELECTRO MUSIC) PK 4900 1978 SN 0482091

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

via this auction

Demo in the listing previously posted here.

"Rare Italian beauty from the seventies, a great string machine/brass machine sporting a stunning mono synthesizer section with an interesting filter and portamento. Used by Radiohead on Kid A. The keyboard is in very good cosmetic and working conditions.

It includes different sections: Instastrings (strings) Polyphonic (Polytron) and preset monophonic (Monotron).

Strings section includes violas & violins. Separate outputs (stereo & mono) + sustain.

The polyphonic section includes: Brass I, Brass II, Horns, Chorus, + Vibrato & Delay effect.

Monophonic includes the following presets: Synthy Wah, Reed, Funky Solo, Jazz Pulse, Pop Synthy, Trombone, Trumpet, Pan flute, Mod, SEC, + Chorus & Auto Bender effect.

Volume control, tune & portamento section."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Glitch The Light Fantastic

video upload by poorness studios

"I decided to take a bunch of my noise synths and do a glitchy jam. Just for fun... I added drums and suddenly... it turned into a dance track. I used the Moffenzeef Jarmaggeddon, Korg KO-1 Kaosillator, Korg Monotron Delay, Error Instruments Broken Tape Simulator, Synthcone NoiseBox#2, Error Instruments Tele Blender, and Depusheng DX400 mixer. The drums come from Alchemy on the Mac."

Korg Delay Monotron Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer with Custom 3-D Printed Keyboard

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

via this auction

"Includes a 3D printed attachment which makes the Korg Monotron's ribbon keyboard much easier to play by adding tactile keys. It fits all three Monotron models: Original, Duo, and Delay. This attachment allows for greater precision and reduces the time needed to competently play a melody. Also, it helps train your fingers to make Monotrons easier to play without the attachment. After using this tool for months you'll never want to play a Monotron without it."

KORG Monotron vs KORG Monotron Delay (The Monotron Shootout)

video upload by poorness studios

"I managed to find a KORG Monotron on the used market and decided to compare it to my KORG Monotron Delay. They both have some cool features and they're both very cool gadgets for the price. In this video I attempt to compare and contrast them.

Intro @ 0:00
Logistics & Overview @ 0:48
Monotron Internal Audio @ 3:09
Monotron External Audio @ 6:59
Montron Delay Internal Audio @ 8:45
Monotron Delay External Audio @ 10:37
Summary @ 13:26"

Dance Around (an upbeat tape loop jam)

video by poorness studios

"I was sick earlier this week and I couldn't sing, so I decided to compose something with 4 little battery-powered boxes. This track features: Sony TCM-200DV (playing a tape loop from The Void Electronics), KORG KO-1 Kaossilator, Error Instruments Broken Tape Simulator, and KORG Monotron Delay."

Another Wasp improv this time with Norns

video by junklight

"Still getting to know the Wasp again after all these years (and through something better than a cheap guitar practice amp ;-) ). I so need to sort out my workspace and up my production values a bit but stupidly busy as ever and prefer to spend my music time playing rather than sorting things out right now :-)
Using the Norns oooooo script by infinitedigits (who I think is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3xuU...) [video below]
https://norns.community/authors/infin..."

"everything" by infinite digits, live | norns, po-32, korg monotron delay, raspberry pi

video by infinitedigits

"a live performance of the last track on my latest album: https://infinitedigits.bandcamp.com/a...

the entire album was made with the cheapest synth on the market: the korg monotron. i hacked it to use midi from a raspberry pi. i added drums with a po-32 and mixed it live with a koma field kit."

Can you power a tape machine with USB? | myvolts REVOLT Now on Kickstarter

video by HAINBACH

"In which I perform a little stress test on the new myvolts REVOLT USB-battery replacement system. Instead of trying to use it with Pocket Operators or other small devices, I see if it will power a vintage UHER Report 4000 Monitor reliably. The results surprised me.

REVOLT KICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/..."

And the press release:

Irish Company myVolts To Launch ReVolt: the Ultimate Battery Replacement System

Dublin, Ireland: myVolts Ltd. today announced the launch of a new product: ReVolt. Anything that is usually powered by batteries can now be powered by USB. Just swap out the device's batteries with the correct ReVolt adaptor and you're good to go. Deceptively easy to use - but much harder and many hours of R&D to get just right.

“Everyone - especially musicians - hates buying, using, and disposing of batteries.” says Luke Brennan, MD at myVolts

"Despite drives to recycle, 100,000,000 kilos of batteries end up in landfill each year in the EU alone. So we spent 2020 and 2021 developing ReVolt - the solution to this global problem. We think we’ve made something great, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.”

● Adaptable: Use in 1000s of devices: Pocket Operator, Korg Monotron, Game Boy, Sony Walkman, small synths, audio recording units - and thousands of other toys and gadgets.
● Flexible: Use with any USB port.
● Mobile: Power your device with a USB power bank for total power freedom.
● Global: ReVolt can be safely used anywhere in the world.
● Multi-use: Take it out of one device, use it in another.
● Non-destructive: Remove it and your device can take standard batteries again, any time.
● Economical: Buy once.
● Durable: Use 1000s of times.
● Environmentally friendly: No consumables to dispose of.
● Modular: Get add-ons from the system to power different devices.
● No cut-outs: Always know your device will have power.
● No leaks: Safely store devices with ReVolt installed.

ReVolt will go live on Kickstarter 27 May 2021, at 2pm GMT, price starting at 39.99 EUR. The first run of the product is already manufactured and ready to ship worldwide July 2021, so backers can buy with full confidence.

Kickstarter project is live for 30 days at https://bit.ly/3oPiODh (page is in preview mode prior to launch on 27th May, 2pm GMT). Hainbach has stress tested ReVolt, see YouTube video [above].

myVolts Ltd has been solving power and audio problems of musicians for well over a decade, has two previously successfully funded and shipped Kickstarter campaigns, and served tens of thousands of happy customers on Amazon, eBay and their own webshop.

Follow-up to this post.

Gem PK4900 - 1980 Mono-Poly Synth Live Jam

Gem PK4900 - 1980 Mono-Poly Synth Live Jam + Enso Looper/AudioReverb/FacAlteza/NA Analog Delay/AUM
video by VSMI

Starts with low bass. Strings come in at :52

"Gem PK4900 - 1980 Mono & Poly Synthesizer Made in Italy - Live Jam Improvisation on AUM + Enso Looper / AudioReverb / Fac Alteza / Nembrini Audio Analog Rack Delay on IPad.
Instastrings/Polytron - Monotron polyphonic and monophonic sections
thx to Marco Molendi for the DDR schematic diagram pic at last."

Additional Gem PK4900 posts. You don't see these often.

Plugging Various Instruments into the KORG Monotron Delay

video by poorness studios

"I recently had an idea... I gathered up a smattering of my DIY projects and decided to plug them into the KORG Monotron Delay to see what I would get. This video is the result."

The list of instruments: (links take you to videos for eahc on YouTube):

Kmise DIY Lyre
Moffenzeef Jarmaggeddon
Texas Twanger
2X4 Lap Steel
Spring Thing
Electric Washboard
Electric Toy Piano

And an uboxing video:

KORG Monotron Delay: Unboxing & Demo
"I've wanted one of these little boxes for a long time; this is the Monotron Delay from KORG. It is a tiny ribbon synthesizer with an external input for audio processing. You can buy them at pretty much every music store and they're not expensive, but they are a lot of fun.

Unboxing @ 0:27​
Features & Overview @ 1:56​
Sounds (w/internal speaker) @ 3:20​
Sounds (w/high quality audio) @ 5:33​
Final Thoughts @ 9:26​"

Korg Introduces the miniKORG700FS Limited Edition: Revel in the Revival

Update: KITARO meets miniKORG 700FS

English sub-titles available. Click [CC] and choose English from the Settings menu. (bottom right of player once started)

miniKORG700FS Limited Edition: Revel in the Revival


"Korg’s first mass-produced, and instantly recognizable analog monosynth is back and better than ever. miniKORG700FS is a complete reissue of the two-oscillator “S” model, right down to the 'traveler' (filter), plus spring reverb x/y joystick, USB and five-pin MIDI, arpeggiator, CV/Gate, and program programmability!

This limited-edition reissue will come with a custom case, plus all the super-punchy analog sound and vintage vibe you can handle!"

KORG · miniKORG 700FS Demo Sound

Update: pics and details via KORG (note the new features):

"Why revive the miniKORG 700 now?

The real beauty and awesomeness of the sounds produced by the miniKORG 700 could not be realized through analog modeling technology that uses computational integrated circuitry such as DSPs and other devices to model analog circuitry. And although KORG continues to produce analog synthesizers such as the prologue, the minilogue and many others, we recognize that these instruments owe their existence to the miniKORG 700.

While theoretical know how is important when designing analog circuitry, deep experience is also required to understand what the results will actually be once the circuitry is completed. Ten years have passed since the monotron, a next-generation analog product from 2010 was developed by young KORG engineers and analog enthusiasts. It took some time for the full vision of these engineers to be explored and delivered but at last we’ve finally arrived – at the start.

Our wish is for customers to experience the beauty and awesomeness of the authentic analog sound through the miniKORG 700FS designed by the KORG analog engineers under the supervision of Fumio Mieda, who designed the original circuitry, ensuring that the elements that go beyond the circuit schematics would be faithfully represented.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Korg Electribe R Rhythm Synthesizer + Korg Monotron Duo Jam

Meerkur