"http://andregoncalves.info/addac/ ADDAC .WAV Player & Moog Voyager
Update: cleaned up the description a bit:
1st test of my new ADDAC .WAV player. Watch at 1080p. The beat is the Amen Break included with the .WAV player which comes with an SD card loaded with a few samples. The synth that comes in at :15 is the Moog Voyager. I have the CV out of the .WAV player going into the Filter CV in of the Voyager. I have the Voyager set to play middle C with Gate ON so it just drones and the .WAV player modulates it. I just let the .WAV play adjusting the sample length followed by the bit/sample rate. Super simple. Listen not only to the Amen break change as I adjust knobs, but the Voyager as well. The .WAV player is in effect playing the Voyager.
Knobs:
Top Left: volume
Top Right: Sample length
2nd Right: File position - sample location
3rd Right: Sample Rate when enabled
4th Right: VCA
5th Left: CV Out Level
6th Right: CV Out Decay
Video explains the world's most important 6-sec drum loop
YouTube Uploaded by mobius32 on Feb 21, 2006
"This fascinating, brilliant 20-minute video narrates the history of the "Amen Break," a six-second drum sample from the b-side of a chart-topping single from 1969. This sample was used extensively in early hiphop and sample-based music, and became the basis for drum-and-bass and jungle music -- a six-second clip that spawned several entire subcultures. Nate Harrison's 2004 video is a meditation on the ownership of culture, the nature of art and creativity, and the history of a remarkable music clip."
Some unboxing pics of the .WAV Player (click each for the full size shot):
"Blake Angelos and Nate Tschetter from Yamaha present the Reface series of mobile mini-keyboards. Based on Yamaha's most famous synthesizers like the DX-7 and the CS-80, the Reface series brings some of the most classic electronic sounds to a new generation of musicians."
"So, you've got your computer, and it just needs some love... needs something out of the box. Enter our hero, MeeBlip anode. Nate Mars shows us how these two can work together... a pattern in Live freeing up your hands for some tweaking, and then letting the knobs carry you...
http://meeblip.com
MIDI by iConnectivity mio, available from MeeBlip.com"
"Yamaha to Exhibit Rare Vintage Synthesizers From 40‐Year History at the 2015 NAMM Show
BUENA PARK, Calif. (January 6, 2015)—Yamaha today announced that it will exhibit around a dozen rare vintage synthesizers at the 2015 NAMM Show, the largest musical instrument trade show in North America, to be held January 22‐25, 2015 in Anaheim, California. This showcase, which celebrates Yamaha’s 40th anniversary of manufacturing synthesizers—a milestone reached this year— plans to include analog synthesizers like the SY‐2, CS30 and a special guest or two, the gorgeous GS1, the DX7, which was one of the most commercially successful synths of its day, and the rare VP1—a polyphonic physical modeling synthesizer. Some of the models will be playable. Yamaha introduced its first synthesizer, the SY‐1, in 1974 after decades of research and development and established a high technological benchmark when it released the CS80 polyphonic synthesizer in 1976. The company made musical history in 1983 when the DX7 debuted as the most commercially successful electronic keyboard of its time. This keyboard, which helped shape the sound of popular music in the 1980s, relied on frequency modulation—the leading‐edge technology of the time. By the end of the decade, Yamaha synths evolved from performance instruments to full‐fledged music workstations. The rise of music production synthesizers helped spur the home recording revolution by providing arrangers with a single tool to orchestrate almost any combination of musical instruments with ever‐more realistic tone generation. Yamaha helped develop the use of
sampled—or recorded—tones, along with physical modeling that went beyond sound by recreating instrument behavior as a mathematical model. Building on years of experience and distilling all of Yamaha’s technical innovations into one synth, the Motif series, introduced in 2001, evolved into an industry leader by offering great sound, computer integration and the ability to create sophisticated musical performances with ease. To celebrate the anniversary, Yamaha released the latest iteration of this series, the Motif XF, with a special edition white finish—the only Music Production Synthesizer on the market available in this color. The model offers an exclusive 40th Anniversary Premium Contents Pack that includes FL512M flash memory expansion, a USB drive with content from vintage Yamaha synthesizers and more than $1,000 in rebate offers on Yamaha products and third party soft synths, editors and sound libraries. Beyond hardware, Yamaha became an early adopter of digital technology. Earlier this year, the company launched www.yamahasynth.com, a new community for Yamaha synthesizer users. The site features a forum where members can interact with Yamaha’s product experts including the legendary Phil “Bad Mister” Clendeninn, Yamaha Synthesizer artists and other enthusiasts, along with resources to help all players get the most out of their instrument and download sounds directly into their synthesizers. 'Yamaha has long mastered the art of drawing on past technologies to improve on future synthesizer models,' said Nate Tschetter, marketing manager, Music Production, Yamaha Corporation of America. 'We continue to make high‐quality synthesizers for every stage of one’s musical career from the bedroom studio to the sold‐out stadium.' For more information, visit the Yamaha Booth at the 2015 NAMM Show in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom, January 22‐25, 2015, or http://4wrd.it/yamahasynth."
"Prophet Rev2, Drolofx Stretch Weaver, Tascam DR-07 field recordings, Strymon Bigsky. Ambient melodic electronic musical sequence. The melodic sequence is playing from the sequential prophet rev2, into channel 1 of the drolofx stretch-weaver. A recording of children playing at an indoor softplay is playing from the tascam and into channel 2 of the stretch-weaver. The recording is then dialled in and out of the weaver to affect the melody increasingly throughout the piece. Everything is going through the strymon big-sky.
00:00 - Start
01:26 - Opened up
02:34 - More Open
03:30 - Open Full + Bass
04:22 - Closed again
The entire EP was recorded by me exclusively using just Alisa 1387 soviet synthesizer (including drums and percussions) with hardware effects.
Everything was played by hand/multitracked via Alisa's CV trigger/gate using Kenton Pro Solo and recorded into a sequencer.
Points of Inspiration: Passion Pit and Dr. Bob's SoundSchool
YouTube Uploaded by moogfoundation on Dec 12, 2011
"In our third of the series Points of Inspiration, Curriculum Research Coordinator Dr. Jonna Kwaitkowski gives a fantastic update about our progress with Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, with Nate Donmoyer and Ayad Al Adhamy from Passion Pit speaking about the power of an innovative program such SoundSchool."
Point of Inspiration: Inspiring Merchandise Supports Bob Moog's Legacy
Updates: new Yamaha reface promo videos added above, Sonicstate, Gear4music and Keyboard Mag videos below. Tons of additional picks including the interface screen of the reface DX added below. Click each pic for the full size shot.
Yamaha reface Videos from Keyboard Magazine
Yamaha reface Sonic State First Look Videos
Yamaha reface Gear4music Demos
---------
Your Sound. Any Place, Any Time
Published on Jul 3, 2015 Yamaha Corporation of America
And the press release, full details & a ton of pics are in.
"NASHVILLE (July 9, 2015)—Yamaha today introduced the new reface Mobile Mini Keyboards, portable yet powerful sounding keyboards that descend from a distinguished pedigree.
Why should guitarists have all the fun playing outdoors or anytime inspiration strikes? Even for beginners, these boards are fun to play because there are no deep, complicated control panels to learn: turning knobs and sliding faders brings an instant change in sound and players are able to create their own tones for a fun, tactile experience.
Building on Yamaha’s 40-year heritage of creating some of the most heralded and renowned electronic keyboards in music history, reface reimagines the interface of four classic Yamaha instruments – some of which are difficult to find in the vintage market and weigh too much to carry around. The new series offers thick, booming sound, built-in speakers, 37 keys with professional-grade HQ-Mini action (derived from the flagship Motif XF professional synthesizer) and battery-powered portability for making music on the go. But more than mere travel companions, these versatile keyboards connect with external speakers, smartphones, tablets, MIDI devices and computers for use on stage and in the studio.
reface DX draws its inspiration from the iconic DX7, which debuted in 1983 and became the first commercially successful electronic keyboard used extensively by a multitude of bands throughout the decade and beyond, including Toto (“Africa”), the Doobie Brothers (“What a Fool Believes”) and the theme from “Beverly Hills Cop” (Axel F”). With the press of a button, the reface DX changes from retro-80s tones to cutting-edge modern sounds perfect for EDM. A new Multi-Touch Control interface makes it easy to customize your sound with the powerful FM (frequency modulation) synthesis engine. The instrument includes 8-note polyphony, 32 Voice Memories and a backlit display.
reface YC reimagines the YC Yamaha Combo organs, introduced in the late 1960s and used by Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream and others. The YC offers all the expression of drawbars, rotary speaker, percussion and effects. It includes five retro organ sounds—ranging from tonewheel to transistor to the original Yamaha Combo organ—and 128-note polyphony.
reface CP redesigns the Combo Piano, launched in 1975 and ubiquitous on stages during that era. The sound enhanced the work of Keane, U2, Genesis, Billy Joel and more. The CP model features six electric piano sounds including tine, reed, clav, toy and CP80 plus direct control of six different 1970s-style effects built into its retro-chic design. It also includes a sustain pedal input with a half-damper response and 128-note polyphony.
reface CS rekindles the legacy of the CS-series Control Synthesizers, introduced in 1976 and played by Vangelis, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, among others. Offering 8-note polyphony, reface CS uses virtual analog synth technology and five flexible oscillator modules to create a wide variety of complex sounds from analog to digital.
reface features a 'one to one' control scheme, meaning the panel controls perfectly match the tone generator for direct sound creation and musical inspiration.
'reface offers high-quality touch, tone, interface and superior design at an affordable price,' said Nate Tschetter, marketing manager, Music Production, Yamaha Corporation of America. 'These inspiring, horizon-expanding instruments are fun to play and let keyboard players take their music anywhere.'
The reface YC, CP, CS and DX mobile mini keyboards (MSRP: $799) will ship in September 2015.
"Moog Semi Modular Ecosystem ft. the Grandmother + DFAM Giveaway
This Wednesday, August 15th
The family tree of Moog’s semi-modular eurorack-compatible ecosystem just got larger. Spend an evening with Steve Maass & Nate Marino from Moog Music Inc. and get an in-depth presentation on the new, Grandmother semi-modular keyboard synthesizer. Learn tips and tricks that make the Grandmother a powerhouse for the eurorack environment, and how to use the Mother-32 & DFAM together with the new Grandmother.
Then, stick around for a cool giveaway… One lucky event participant will go home with a new DFAM!
Plus, hang with the Control Voltage & Moog crew for food & drinks, and make some sounds in a DFAM Drum Circle!"
"Yamaha MONTAGE Firmware Update Improves Sound and Control, Supercharges Workflow in Iconic Synthesizer Line
ANAHEIM (January 19, 2017) — Yamaha today released the second free firmware update (v1.5) to its popular line of MONTAGE synthesizers. The update adds features that enhance the instrument’s sound, dynamic control and workflow.
MONTAGE is the latest flagship synthesizer from Yamaha. With over 40 years of innovation, MONTAGE takes sound, control and workflow to a new high. OS v1.5 adds both new features and new content to inspire musicians more. Plus, it's a free download for all MONTAGE owners.
The new OS improves the Rotary Speaker effect and adds new organ Performances. New dynamic processor effects provide even more tonal character and dynamic control.
Control enhancements provide even more ways to use the Assignable buttons and Super Knob. With the OS update, they now carry more linkage options for players’ creative parameters. Improved Auto Beat Sync lets MONTAGE players jam with live drums or tracks. External MIDI Scene control is now possible, perfect for use with Ableton Live. Additionally, users can create or recall Favorites with the press of a button. A new Performance View feature allows visualization of split points, layers and more.
New workflow features allow even easier Part copy and navigation. Players are better able to control and track USB audio input volume. An improved backup file system lets users store and recall all their data in a single file.
“MONTAGE is a great synthesizer for all kinds of users. If you need amazing imitative instruments like pianos and strings, you’ve got it. If you need super-deep synthesis and controllability, you’ve got that too. Tie it together with an intuitive user interface and you have an instrument that serves a lot of needs.” said Nate Tschetter, marketing manager, music production, Yamaha Corporation of America. “The latest OS makes MONTAGE that much more powerful. We can’t wait to hear the music people make with it!”
Pricing and Availability
Yamaha MONTAGE Firmware v1.5 is a free update currently available to all MONTAGE users."
"We were lucky enough to travel to Hamamatsu - the home of Yamaha musical instruments in Japan, where they were celebrating 45 years of making synthesizers. They have a large exhibition hall called Innovation Road which tracks the beginnings of Yamaha from 1897 and their first reed organs, through their products (not all of which are instruments) upto the modern day.
"Prophet Rev2, Drolofx Stretch Weaver, Tascam DR-07 field recordings, Strymon Bigsky. Ambient melodic electronic musical sequence. The melodic sequence is playing from the sequential prophet rev2, into channel 1 of the drolofx stretch-weaver. A recording of rain-fall is playing from the tascam and into channel 2 of the stretch-weaver. The rain is modulating the melody increasingly throughout the piece. Everything is going through the strymon big-sky.
00:00 - Start
01:20 - More Modulations
02:26 - More Echo
03:32 - Changes
05:04 - More Rain
"Working out of a small cluttered studio, Silence_Castor is the alias of musician Nate Hicks. He uses it as a creative outlet and a musical experiment. He utilizes old-school recording techniques, analog synthesizers, and a generous amount of reverb and delay to create music ranging from space themed ambient electronica to funk inspired lofi hip hop. His influences and inspirations include Lorn, Rival Consoles, Radiohead, and Nine Inch Nails.
VORTEX WIRELESS
USB/Midi Keytar Controller With Accelerometer
Combines onstage mobility with expressive control
37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
8 velocity-sensitive trigger/drum pads
USB dongle creates a wireless connection to any Mac/PC
Volume slider, pitch wheel, ribbon controller, sustain pedal jack
USB, battery, or external power; USB/MIDI + MIDI outputs
Includes SONiVOX Vortex I DVI and Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition
Press release:
"ALESIS VORTEX WIRELESS KEYTAR OFFERS TRUE ONSTAGE MOBILITY FOR ALL KEYBOARD PLAYERS
The popular Alesis Vortex has been updated with wireless USB MIDI
Cumberland, RI, USA – January 22, 2014. Alesis, a leading manufacturer of instruments and tools for today's musician, announces the new Vortex Wireless USB MIDI keyboard controller with accelerometer.
A keytar for the modern performer, Vortex Wireless delivers unprecedented control and expression by transmitting MIDI via a wireless USB connection for dynamic on-stage freedom, and includes the virtual synthesizer plug-in Vortex-I Digital Virtual Instrument from acclaimed software creator SONiVOX. In addition to 37 velocity sensitive keys with aftertouch—the keyboard features an assignable accelerometer (tilt-sensor) in the neck that can translate gestures into additional controls—adding vibrato when the neck is pulled up, for example. For additional control, Vortex Wireless provides 8 drum/trigger pads, 3 assignable knobs, a multi- mode ribbon controller, pitch bend wheel, and a volume slider.
Plugging the included USB receiver dongle into any MAC or PC establishes a live USB/MIDI link with the Vortex Wireless. There is also a standard MIDI output (5-pin) mounted in the Vortex Wireless for connecting to other MIDI-enabled equipment, such as a favorite hardware synthesizer. Vortex Wireless can run on batteries, USB bus power, or can be powered using an optional AC adaptor. Each Vortex Wireless also includes a USB cable with extension for the USB receiver dongle and 4 x AA batteries, so users can begin playing right away.
In addition, the Vyzex Vortex Patch Editor Software is also provided, making it easy to create, edit, and backup patches to your computer. AbletonTM Live Lite 8 Alesis Edition is also included.
Alesis Vortex Wireless Keytar Highlights:
'Nearly every keytar or remote keyboard has required a cable of one sort or another, be it power, MIDI, audio, or USB” said Nate Lane, Product Manager at Alesis. “With the Vortex Wireless, the player is truly free to move about at will. This onstage freedom allows the player to make the most of the onboard accelerometer and other extensive controls to create an original, expressive performance without the hassle of cables on stage.'

Combines expressive control with onstage mobility
37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
8 velocity-sensitive trigger/drum pads
USB dongle creates a wireless connection to any Mac/PC
Volume slider, pitch wheel, ribbon controller, sustain pedal jack
USB, battery, or external power; USB MIDI + 5-pin MIDI outputs
Includes SONiVOX Vortex I DVI and AbletonTM Live Lite Alesis Edition
Vortex Wireless will be available with an estimated street price of $199.99 USD
Alesis will present the Vortex Wireless at the 2014 NAMM Show in Hall A, Booth 6700, January
23-26 in Anaheim, California. For more information, visit: www.alesis.com/WNAMM2014"
YouTube via CuriousInventor "http://www.curiousinventor.... Nate got the whole family of voice of saturns (synth, seq, modulator, filter) and decided to color them up. Here's some musings from his lair."
"MONTAGE OS v2.5 adds new sound, control and workflow enhancements to the MONTAGE music synthesizer."
Update: and the official press release:
"Yamaha MONTAGE OS v2.5 Adds New Sounds, Enhanced Control, DAW Remote Function to Flagship Synthesizer
BUENA PARK, Calif. (July 31, 2018) — Yamaha today released MONTAGE OS version 2.5, the fifth free firmware update to its flagship synthesizer line. The update further expands the MONTAGE sound, control and workflow features with the biggest enhancement being the new DAW Remote functionality.
MONTAGE OS v2.5 now includes all the original MOTIF XF Performances, bringing the total number of MONTAGE preset Performances to 2,655. Each of the MOTIF XF Performances has been updated for MONTAGE with new Super Knob programming and Audition demos for more creative possibilities. From the beginning, MONTAGE contained all of the MOTIF XF Voice content. This update gives MONTAGE all of the same sound content that’s in MOTIF XF, along with the all-new, multi-gigabyte sized MONTAGE AWM2 and FM-X content.
"Yamaha MONTAGE OS Version 2.0 Adds MOTIF Compatibility, New Control and Workflow Enhancements
ANAHEIM (January 25, 2018) — Yamaha today released MONTAGE OS version 2.0, the fourth free firmware update to its flagship synthesizer line. Yamaha has continuously updated MONTAGE with new content as well as sound, control and workflow enhancements. Now, MONTAGE OS v2.0 adds full Voice and Performance compatibility with recent MOTIF series instruments, additional control and workflow improvements.
MONTAGE adds full Voice and Performance compatibility with the Yamaha MOTIF XF, MOTIF XS and MOXF music production synthesizers. The MOTIF family dominated the music production synthesizer world for over 15 years. Now, MOTIF users can have confidence that their favorite sounds will load seamlessly into MONTAGE and perform without a hitch.
MONTAGE users have always been able to employ the free FM Converter web app at yamahasynth.com/fmconverter to convert DX7, DX7II, TX816 and TX802 Voices and Performances to MONTAGE Performances. Coupled with the Advanced Wave Memory 2 sound engine in MONTAGE and compatibility with legacy MOTIF content, musicians now have access to the largest and most established hardware synthesizer sound library in the world — a sonic palette that has been expanding and developing for over 35 years.
User-friendliness is essential in both modern studio and live-gig rigs, and MONTAGE OS v2.0 makes it easier to assign synth parameters to controllers such as the knobs, faders and Super Knob. For example, moving any physical controller now immediately shows destinations on the Controller Overview page. Several other workflow enhancements make it easier for musicians to interact with the vast MONTAGE Motion Control Synthesis.
Additional new features include a global setting for the A/D (external audio) input, which overrides the setting at the Performance level. This is useful for gigs or sessions where the player is using the input for the same purpose across all Performances. MONTAGE OS v2.0 also adds 87 new Performances, further expanding the amazing onboard content.
'With its absolute realism across acoustic and electronic Voice categories, plus the FM-X engine and extensive control and modulation options rivaling modular synths, MONTAGE was already the most powerful and versatile synthesizer in the world when it launched,' said Nate Tschetter, marketing manager, Yamaha Music Production. 'With OS v2.0, MONTAGE advances even further ahead of any other synthesizer in terms of sound, control and workflow.'
Pricing and Availability
Yamaha MONTAGE OS v2.0 is a free update and will be available to all MONTAGE users February 07, 2018.
For more information, visit the Yamaha Booth at the 2018 NAMM Show in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom, January 25-28, 2018, or http://4wrd.it/MONTAGE"
"Pete Boxsta Martin, producer and mixing engineer has worked with many famous artists, including Dannii Minogue, Nate James or the Sugarbabes. He welcomed us in is London based studio to talk about the Rhizome, a groove station he has used on many tracks. We also took the opportunity to ask him a demo of the latest Rhizome, the SXE version."
Playlist:
Kraftwork (Kraftwerk) Moog CZ-101 (Casio CZ-1) Review - Published on Oct 19, 2012
T-Roll does another hands-on synthesizer review! This time he showcases the Kraftwork Moog CZ-101 stereo synthesizer, the world's longest keyboard.
Korg JP8000 JP-8000 Review (Technics WSA1 WSA-1) - Uploaded on Sep 13, 2011
T-Roll reviews the Korg JP8000 all analog monophonic synthesizer. He showcases the features of this device, shows how to create original sounds, and explains the difference between computer software and professional music equipment.
Roland SY99 SY-99 Artificial Piano (Clavia Nord Lead 1) - Uploaded on Sep 14, 2011
T-Roll gives an in depth review of the Roland SY-99 artificial piano. He shows the unique features like front panel tuning adjuster, brightness and darkness controls, etc. It also has a comprehensive listing of all red synthesizers. This is the best review of the SY-99 on youtube.
Alesis AirSynth SLAUGHTERS Korg Kaossilator in Shootout - Uploaded on Sep 17, 2011
T-Roll puts the Alesis AirSynth and the Korg Kaossilator in the ring together for the ultimate face-off. The Alesis AirSynth motion-controlled synthesizer meets the Korg Kaossilator lame-controlled disappointment.
Dave Smith Instruments (DSI) Tetra Ambient Sequencer and Akai Miniak - Published on Feb 2, 2013
In this episode, T-Roll demonstrates Dave Smith's Instrument Tetra Ambient Sequencer using an Akai Miniak and Mopho Keyboard
"Chick Corea Mark V Sample & Performance Library for MONTAGE Now Available as Free Download
BUENA PARK, Calif. (May 24, 2017) — Today, Yamaha announced the Chick Corea Mark V Sample & Performance Library for MONTAGE. This library features 16 all-new Performances, each programmed using data meticulously sampled from Chick Corea’s customized Mark V electric piano. This library is available as a free download from yamahamusicsoft.com for users of the company’s MONTAGE synthesizer.
In 1984, renowned pianist Chick Corea worked with Harold Rhodes in the creation of the Stage 73 Mark V electric piano. Over the next ten years, Corea and his team developed what they called the Number One – replacing hammers, developing custom electronics and creating an instrument that reflected the singular talent and innovation of its owner.
In 2009, after enduring years of pounding from one of modern music’s most innovative composers and performers, the keyboard became too fragile to take on the
road. Before being shipped into storage, however, Corea and his tech team painstakingly sampled every note at Mad Hatter Studios in Los Angeles. After months of searching for the right technology platform, Corea took the massive amount of data to industry-leading sound designers, who developed Chick’s Mark V Sample Library for the Yamaha MOTIF XF, the predecessor to the MONTAGE.
“MONTAGE users can now incorporate a piece of musical history into their own synthesizers at no cost,” said Nate Tschetter, product marketing manager, Music Production, Yamaha Corporation of America. “These custom Performances let you experience Chick’s unique Mark V coupled with the expressiveness of MONTAGE.”
Corea’s direct involvement in the process makes this sampling session unique. A specially developed vorsetzer player-piano mechanism helped capture pristinely balanced velocities across the entire keyboard scale. The library contains all the original samples recorded in the meticulously engineered sampling sessions, and consists of 12 unlooped velocity layers and note offs. The full, natural sustain of each note is carefully maintained.
Part of what makes this collection unique is the custom hammer and pre-amp
configuration of Chick’s original electronic piano instrument. At F# above Middle C, Corea and his team modified the hammers from the standard neoprene to wood, and sent the signal from those keys to a separate pre-amp with a specially designed EQ. This creates an almost split keyboard effect letting the treble notes ring with a clarity and punch unavailable on a standard Mark V. Chick’s Mark V loads directly into the MONTAGE integrated flash memory.
Pricing and Availability
The Chick Corea Mark V Sample & Performance Library is currently available to all MONTAGE users as a free download. This library requires a Yamaha MONTAGE synthesizer running MONTAGE OS v1.51 or higher.
For more information, visit http://4wrd.it/COREAMONTAGELIBRARY"
