OP-X PRO-3 released ! Semi-modular dream synth | Trailer | Tutorial

video upload by SonicProjects

Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro Trailer
00:02:12 Change Interface Size
00:02:20 Playing Factory Presets
00:29:20 Famous 80s Presets
00:34:10 Create Presets
00:39:00 Mark Favourites
00:40:38 Search Function
00:41:40 Modulation Matrix
00:46:34 Unison Note Priority
00:46:58 Modulation Effects
00:48:52 Voice Boards
00:50:17 Multimode Filter
00:57:55 Wheel Modes
01:01:21 Arpeggiator / MIDI Processor
01:06:06 Outro

https://www.sonicprojects.ch/opxpro3/

SonicProjects OP-X PRO-3 released! 12-voice semi-modular monster synth which fullfills virtually all requests and wishes from users collected over the recent years. The synth offers:

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Modbap Modular Osiris WavPak Volume 3 by Learning Modular’s Chris Meyer

Press release follows:

Modbap Modular announces availability of Osiris WavPak Volume 3, carefully crafted by Chris Meyer to integrate seamlessly with Eurorack module namesake

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA: Modbap Modular is proud to announce availability of Osiris WavPak Volume 3 — carefully crafted by Learning Modular’s Chris Meyer to integrate seamlessly with the black-owned electronic music instrument manufacturer’s own Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC (originally introduced to a captive audience at Knobcon Number Nine, Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, IL, USA, September 10-12, 2021), providing four banks of all-new custom 32 x 32 wavetables which have been meticulously curated and designed to expand anyone’s approach to wavetable synthesis using its Eurorack module namesake — as of November 2…

As the owner of Learning Modular, an online resource to help anyone master their modular synthesizer, Chris Meyer is perfectly positioned to help expand anyone’s approach to wavetable synthesis using Modbap Modular’s Osiris, operating powerfully in and of itself as a (frequency modulation- and phase modulation-including) seven-plus TIMBRE MODE 12HP BI-FIDELITYTM WAVETABLE OSC (oscillator) module, neatly-packed with an independent sub-oscillator, LOFI processing, extensive CV (control voltage) modulation capabilities, a PITCH quantiser, four banks of 32 x 32 wavetables, the ability to load user wavetables via Micro SD card (not included), and its own free open-source wavetable editor (OsirisEdit). After all, Chris Meyer is the talented individual responsible for creating the-then-trailblazing Vector Synthesis technology behind the 1986-vintage Prophet VS DIGITAL VECTOR SYNTHESIZER, supposedly intended to revive the flagging fortunes of US synth ‘giant’ Sequential for whom he worked in an engineering role. Subsequent stints at Digidesign, Music Maker Publications, and Tom Oberheim’s Marion Systems soon ensued, before becoming the Chief Engineer at the now-defunct Roland R&D US while serving also as Technical Chairman of the MIDI Manufacturer’s Association. A transition into the video and film industries followed thereafter as his storied career continued, coming full circle to ultimately end up where he originally started — playing with modular synthesizers.

Duly derived from Chris Meyer’s sizeable studio modular synthesizer — affectionately called The Monster, the four banks of all-new custom 32 x 32 wavetables included in Osiris WavPak Volume 3 are a result of undergoing a meticulous sampling process drawing upon the talents of one of the industry’s leading experts to offer Osiris owners a wide range of timbral possibilities catering to different sonic aesthetics: BANK A — otherwise known as the ‘East Coast’ bank — features wavetables that have been carefully crafted as a result of working with Livewire Electronics AFG’s Animated Pulses and Alien Saws waveforms, as well as Serge-filtered waveforms, using techniques such as audio rate waveform crossfading to offer a diverse palette of sounds, ranging from smooth and evolving textures to aggressive and cutting tones; BANK B — the ‘West Coast’ bank — incorporates techniques like Serge rectification, wave folding, and Serge resonant EQ, the resultinwavetables providing a more experimental and abstract sonic experience suited to those interested in pushing the boundaries of sound design and diving into harmonious tones and textures; BANK C — Formants — focuses on different vowel sounds with a sound design approach anchored around both digital and analogue formant filters for creating expressive vocal-like textures and tones that are ideal for adding a human touch to compositions or exploring more abstract and otherworldly sounds; and BANK D — Harmonics — utilises tube overdrive, filter banks inspired by both Buchla and Moog stylings, as well as featuring analogue and digital additive oscillators.

On the face of it, then, the results are all a testament to the expert craftsmanship involved in ensuring the highest-quality sound production possible. Put it this way: Osiris WavPak Volume 3’s four sound banks were sampled at 96kHz, perfectly aligning with the Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC module’s unique, high-quality 96kHz sample rate operation. Ultimately, users can enjoy pristine audio clarity, enabling exploration of full depth sonic landscapes.

Lending themselves a knowing nod in the direction of Chris Meyer’s trailblazing achievements, the X-axis in all the banks contain different waveforms, while the Y-axis introduces different harmonics for each X-wave; the harmonic series used in Osiris WavPak Volume 3 are: H1 (root up), H2 (one octave up), H3 (one octave, plus perfect fifth), H4 (two octaves up), H5 (two octaves, plus major third), H6 (two octaves, plus perfect fifth), and H8 (three octaves up). It is worth noting that in some cases — especially the filter banks, formant filters, and resonant EQ — the waveform also changes with ‘harmonic’ on the Y-axis, allowing for sculpting and refining patches with extraordinary detail thanks to this precise control over harmonic content. Modbap Modular encourages experimentation with different modulation sources patched to its Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC module’s WAVE Y to further enhance sonic explorations with the texture-rich Osiris WavPak Volume 3 — think velocity/accent from a sequencer or keyboard, a mod wheel, aftertouch, ribbon controller, or even a sample & hold triggered on each new note to create dynamic and evolving timbres that respond to playing style.


Osiris WavPak Volume 3 is available for free as a digital download exclusively from Modbap Modular’s online Shop here: https://www.modbap.com/products/osiris-wavpak-vol-3-by-chris-meyer

Watch Learning Modular’s Chris Meyer mentioning the-then-upcoming Osiris WavPak Volume 3 — while talking about Modbap Modular’s Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC module as a new way to wavetable — at Knobcon Number Eleven, Chicagoland, USA, September 8-10, 2023 here: https://youtu.be/tYkDT82wxx0

a NEW way to WAVETABLE! with Alias Zone & Osiris // Chris Meyer & ModBap at Knobcon 2023

video upload by DivKid

"Chris Meyer of Learning Modular & Alias Zone has A NEW WAY TO WAVETABLE!

Chris has been working on a new X and Y based wavetable systems that does two fascinating things, firstly it "samples" his whole large studio system while keeping that performable and responsive in the ModBap Modular Osiris and secondly he's using harmonics and interval sets to create morphing tunings within those sounds too.

The WavPak is out now through the ModBap site here // https://bit.ly/WavPak3-ChrisMeyer"

Thief (1981) complete "Igneous" scene (music by TD)

video upload by kovalmoog

"The whole scene of Thief (1981) with TD's re-edition of 'Thru Metamorphic Rocks' theme, renamed as 'Igneous' in the OST release.
The film version is by far more extensive than Thief CD version.
Enjoy that sequence !"

TD = Tangerine Dream.

Curious what they were using back then. According to this thread, they used the following on tour during that time period:

Live in East Berlin, 31st Jan 1980

Chris Franke:
Custom modular synthesizer (comprising of about 50% Moog and 50%
Projekt Electronik):
Moog Oscx2/R.M./VCF/VCAs
Projekt Elektronik VcEnvx2 & Proj. Elek. 2VCO/W.Noise/R.M./Waves (for Drums)
Digital sequencer & trigger selector
Programmer for above (SCI model 700 programmer)
Synth sound bank (for above)
Moog 960 sequential controller x2
Projekt elektronik sequence controller x2
Moog 3-band parametric
Moog 12 stage phaser
Moog 920 programmer
Moog 16-channel vocoder
Rhythm robot sequencer
Emu Oddity voice card
12 analogue drum sounds
Drum envelope unit
Drum EPROM sampled sounds
and more...

Oberheim OB-1
Prophet 5 (rev 2)
Minimoog
Korg PE-2000 polyphonic Ensemble
Elka Rhapsody 610 string machine.

Edgar Froese:
custom Moog modular synthesizer (3 box units comprising Moog modules and sequencers plus sequence controllers from Projekt Electronic)
Prophet 5 rev 2
PPG Sonic Carrier 1003 programmable duophonic DCO/DCF/DCA based synthesizer
PPG Wavecomputer 360 polyphonic digital synthesizer
PPG 350 keyboard sequencer
Arp Pro-DGX monophonic preset synthesizer
Korg PE-2000 polyphonic ensemble
Roland MC-8 microcomposer
Roland VC-10 vocoder
Arp/Solina string ensemble
Mellotron mk V

Johannes Schmoelling:
- Minimoog
- Yamaha CP-80 electric grand
- Oberheim 4-voice
- Elka Rhapsody 610
- Polymoog
- Korg PS-3100
- Synthanorma sequencer

-----------

European tours (Nov-Dec 1980 & Jan-Feb 1981):

Equipment used:

Chris Franke:
Moog/PE modular tower as above
Minimoog
Arp Odyssey mk III
Elka Rhapsody 610
Prophet 5 rev 2

Edgar Froese:
Projekt Elektronik modular synthesizer & sequencers (used by Peter Baumann during '76 and '77)
PPG 340 A Generator Unit, PPG340 B Processor Unit, PPG380 Event Generator, PPG x 2 Terminals, PPG x 2 Computer Keyboards,
Oberheim OB-X

He may have used some more keyboards during these tours but I'm not sure which ones (possibly the Arp pro-DGX, the PPG Sonic carrier or the PPG
360 wavecomputer?)

Johannes Schmoelling:
Moog modular synthesizer (usually handled by Edgar Froese on stage)
Minimoog
Polymoog
Prophet 5 rev 2
Yamaha CP-80 electric grand

-----------

British Isles tour (Oct-Nov 1981):

Equipment used:

Chris Franke:
Moog/PE modular tower as above
Minimoog
Arp Odyssey mk III
Elka Rhapsody 610
Prophet 5 rev 2

Edgar Froese:
PPG 360 wavecomputer
PPG Wave 2
Arp Pro-DGX
Korg PE-2000 poly-ensemble
PPG 5-octave keyboard controller
Custom sequencer (by Helmut Groethe)

Johannes Schmoelling:
Minimoog
Oberheim OB-X (handled by Froese on previous tours)
Custom sequencer (like Edgar's)

Oberheim DSX SN A34523

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

via this auction

Pics of the inside below.

"Transport yourself back to the early 1980s, a time when innovation was paramount, and Oberheim was at the forefront. The visionary Oberheim Parallel Buss system emerged as a proprietary masterpiece that paved the way for seamless connectivity and synchronization in the pre-MIDI era. This groundbreaking system interlinked an array of Oberheim marvels, including the resplendent OB-8 eight-voice synthesizer, the rhythmic wizardry of the DMX drum machine, and the ingenious DSX Digital Polyphonic Sequencer.

The DSX, a true marvel of its time, also wove its magic with other Oberheim synthesizers, embracing the likes of the OB-Xa, OB-SX, and OB-X. It could either sway to the DMX's rhythmic beat or take the reins of control over the OB-synths themselves. But the DSX was not content with merely directing these musical maestros; it held the power to command an additional eight analog synthesizers through its 8 CV and Gate outputs, a feat unparalleled at the time.

For analog synth enthusiasts, the DSX was a revelation. It could faithfully capture your live performances, recording notes and patch changes in real-time, with an astonishing capacity to hold up to 6,000 notes. With room for ten distinct sequences or songs, each of these sequences could unleash ten polyphonic tracks, orchestrating a symphony of OB-synths and DMXs. The DSX even remembered the intricate details, such as splits and doubles. To refine your compositions, it offered quantizing, looping, editing, transposing, and the ability to merge sequences.

If you possess any of these cherished pre-MIDI Oberheim analog OB-synths, the DSX presents a timeless solution for direct, classic control without the need for MIDI retrofits or complex interfaces. Despite some cosmetic wear, this pre-owned gem is in impeccable working condition, meticulously serviced with a new internal battery, internal cleaning, and maintenance. To complete the experience, the DSX arrives with a sync cable for effortless integration with your Oberheim companions and a comprehensive manual. It's your chance to rediscover the magic of a bygone era, rekindling the analog spark that fueled musical revolutions."

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Oberheim DS-2 Digital Sequencer SN 093

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via this auction

Tone Tweakers eBay | Reverb

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"Fully serviced and tested by professionals and working great.
Replaced parts shown (not included)."

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Oberheim TVS Pro - Two Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer SN 0137

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

via this auction

"The Oberheim Two-Voice Pro is an analog music synthesizer that was produced from 2015-2018under the Tom Oberheim brand. It is an updated version of the original Oberheim Two-Voice, which was produced from 1975-1979.

This instrument was designed around coupling two SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module) modules. Each voice is individually programmed and has its own multiband filter. The modern Pro version contains a digital sequencer, MIDI, and a comprehensive patch panel to allow the instrument to interface with modular setups."

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Sequential OB-6 Demo by Giaga Robot

video upload by Algam EKO

"Giaga Robot ci dimostra nel dettaglio tutte le possibilità di programmazione, le funzioni, la struttura di sintesi, filtri, modulazioni e gli effetti di questo potente synth.

Il suono analogico unico, frutto della collaborazione tra Tom Oberheim e il compianto Dave Smith, viene generato da una catena di sintesi sonora composta da 2 oscillatori discreti per voce e un filtro a 2 poli derivato dal progetto #SEM, per essere all’occorrenza processato attraverso due multi-effetti digitali. Presenti anche arpeggiatore e sequencer polifonico."

Google translated:

"Giaga Robot shows us in detail all the programming possibilities, functions, synthesis structure, filters, modulations and effects of this powerful synth.

The unique analog sound, fruit of the collaboration between Tom Oberheim and the late Dave Smith, is generated by a sound synthesis chain composed of 2 discrete oscillators per voice and a 2-pole filter derived from the #SEM project, to be processed if necessary through two digital multi-effects. Also present arpeggiator and polyphonic sequencer.

Timeline:
00:00 Overview Ob6
02:23 Oscillators
5:59 Mixer, Sub OSC and Noise
7:25 Filter
11:21 Envelopes
12:54 PM Exit
1:32 PM Effects
20:01 Sequencers
24:05 Arpeggiator
24:29 clock
25:00 Aftertouch
29:22 X-Mod
31:21 Low-Frequency
37:40 LFO
40:08 Hold/Wheel range/Portamento
40:50 Unison/Chord
42:34 Memories
43:17 Manual key (preset and tuning)
44:48 Vintage function
48:56 Loading external sound banks
54:46 Considerations
57:09 Demo sound

Every way the CS70M is BETTER than the Yamaha CS-80!

video upload by Vulture Culture

"Many people do not know about this rare, vintage synthesizer, the "update" to the greatest analog polysynth of all time. The CS70m was Yamaha's last chance to capture the analog synthesizer market before they went all in with digital synthesizers like the DX7. Today there are less than 1,000 that have survived. I think this synthesizer should be considered as legendary as the Roland Jupiter 8, Juno 106, Sequential Prophet 5 and Oberheim OB-X. It's older sibling, the Yamaha CS-80, was championed by Vangelis, who wrote and performed the score to Blade Runner.

►VINTAGE DRUM SAMPLES: https://vultureculture.live/products/...
►FREE CHORUS / REVERB PLUGIN: https://vultureculture.live/pages/ink...
► Vintage Standards Reverb Page: https://reverb.com/shop/vintage-stand...

CORRECTIONS:

"CS" actually stands for Combo Synth.

0:00 Intro Jam
1:06 Stereo Oscillator / Channel / Binaural Output
2:25 Polyphonic Sequencer
5:51 Unison Mode + Splits
7:10 Switchable Filter (Highpass, Bandpass + Lowpass)
9:21 Time X 5 (ADSR Multiplier)
10:31 2 LFO's
11:23 Dynamic LFO (Rate Changes Over Time)
11:52 Dynamic Filter FM
12:23 Sample + Hold LFO
12:41 Glide + and - (Positive + Negative Pitch Modulation)
13:29 Pulse Width Envelopes
14:29 6-Stage Envelopes (Combining Envelopes)
15:00 Ring Mod as a Mod Source (Ring Mod PWM?!)
15:31 Ring Mod to Filter FM
16:15 Pulse Width Through Zero
16:59 Pitch Wheel in Intervals (3rd, 5th, Octave)
17:45 Stereo LFO Effects (Mod Wheel Routable)
18:26 Aftertouch to LFO VCA Modulation
19:04 Ensemble with 3 Bucket Brigade Delays (Roland VP-330 sounds)
19:32 Tremolo Button Adjusts Slowly Changes Speed
20:01 Fully Editable Digital Patch Memory!
21:02 LA Synthesis ala D-50 + JX-10
21:41 No Leaking Batteries!
22:20 Save Patches to Magnetic Cards!
22:46 Auto-tune Button
23:18 1/3rd The Weight!
23:55 CV Trigger and Gate Out
24:15 3 Expression Pedal Inputs (Modulation, Volume, Brilliance)
25:18 Variable Sustain Slider
25:45 VCF Level Slider Removed (Redundant)
26:08 PRICE
26:34 Cons
26:42 Polyphonic Aftertouch
27:32 Ribbon Controller
28:11 No Velocity or Keyboard Tracking
29:11 Shared Channel Controls
30:14 6 Bitimbral Voices
30:52 LFO Intensity Not Mixable Between Sources
32:16 Subtle Vibrato is Impossible
33:47 Filter Stepping (ADSR + LFO are smooth)
34:43 No Aftertouch to Brilliance
35:54 Ensemble + Tremolo are Mono
37:16 Single Filter per voice
37:54 Ring Mod only affects Channel I
40:14 No Reverse Saw LFO Shape
41:12 CS-80 History
41:47 CS70M History
43:00 Conclusion"

For Sale Oberheim TVS-1 2 Voice and Digital Sequencer DS-2 Refurbished

video upload by tonetweakers

"Meticulously refurbished vintage oberheim TVS-1 and DS-2 Digital sequencer for sale.

Buy vintage synths that work like new at tonetweakers.com"

Tone Tweakers on Reverb | Tone Tweakers on Ebay

Oberheim DS-2A Vintage Digital Sequencer

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via this auction

"The rarest of rare, The DS-2A is a pre- digital music sequencer. Designed and built in 1974 by Tom Oberheim , it is considered one of the first ever digital musical sequencers. It pre-dates Tom's famous SEM and was Tom's first real synthesizer product. The DS-2A is capable of storing and sequencing 144 notes and provides a single channel of CV/Gate input and output."

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"The Dreadnaught Factor" - Akai MPC X + Behringer 2600 Blue Marvin + ASM Hydrasynth + MINIFREAK...

video upload by Patrick Manderson

"'The Dreadnaught Factor' was recorded live early Saturday morning on January 21st 2023 using a MIDI sequencer, a room full of synthesizers and drum machines. Four analog mixers were used with a rack of outboard effects and mixed stereo. Mixing and automation was controlled by the sequencer directly to the synthesizers. The final reorded required manual muting of the of mixer channels to suppress the noise coming from some of the devices including the Korg Minilogue. The video was taken afterwards.

"The Dreadnaught Factor" was inspired by the box art of an early 80s video game for Intellivision. It featured a number of spaceships on a blue background much like the 2600 Blue Marvin featured in this music. The melody and chord arrangement originated from a short piece I created several years ago and later merged it with a small piece of unfinished music titled "Driod Mischief". I was pleased how the two sounded when arranged in this way. I look forward to finishing "Droid Mischief".

The Hydrasynth plays a few different roles in Dreadnaught, even doubling up with the BassStation adding filter modulations to the bass parts [3:23].

The Korg MS2000 never disappoints when you use its modulation sequencer and its charasmatic digital distortion. Several parts were played, twisting and swirling in the stereo field. Modulated tremolos off-rhythm and hypnotic.

Korg Minilogue XD has so much range - such a wide sweet spot of sound. Especially when you use the digital user oscillators. Resonating plucks and unnatural reverbs works well for my tastes.

The Behringer 2600 Blue Marvin and Model D is featured in the "Droid Mischief" part at [2:58].
The notes were played over MIDI. Volume modulation was controlled with CV from the *Akai Pro MPC X*.
The Model D ran through the inputs of the Roland TR8s for its Phaser effect. The TR8S did nothing else.

There are a few dark pad patches I re-use often on the Oberheim Matrix 1000 playing disonant chords throughout.

The Elektron Analog Rytm MkII provides most of the rhythms. Each of its 12 voices run on its own MIDI channel with a full complement of continuous controllers. Lots of CC modulation was used on some of the voices. The internal sequencer was not used. All notes and automation comes from the *MPC X*.

Arturia's MINIFREAK layered in a few bits throughout and is featured at the very end [6:11]. Macros were modulated from the *MPC X*.

Korg's Radias is 4 part multitimbral. On part #4 I keep a carefully curated drum kit synthesized with noise, sines and filters - mixed with some of the built in drum samples. Part #1 featured a vocal "ah-ha" patch [3:01] using one of the vowel waves, a formant insert effect and careful modulation of its dual filters.

My favorite guitar pluck patch on the Korg EX-8000 makes an appearance.

At the center of it all, the MPC X seemlesssly connects to everything and manages to keep all devices in perfect sync. As mentioned before - meticulous editing of MIDI events is a breeze and very comfortable over long editing sessions. Approximately 21 tracks were used including Control Voltage for the modulars.

Timeline:
00:00 project notes
00:08 introduction
00:33 The Dreadnaught
00:40 JX-08 - melodic pipes
00:58 Minilogue XD - haunted melody
01:22 Hydrasynth
01:43 MS2000 + Prophet REV2 picking up the pace
02:09 EX-8000 transition
02:16 Minilogue - vocal haunts
02:37 2600 Blue Marvin - the derelict
02:58 Model D + Radias - "Droid Mischief"
03:23 Hydrasynth doubling with the Bass Station
03:58 MS2000 + 2600 Blue Marvin - mono lead and accompaniment
04:22 GB4 + compressors + MINIFREAK handling the build up
04:51 Part 2 - "Derelict Adrift"
06:38 end titles"

Fender Chroma Polaris Rev 9 with expanded Sequencer Memory SN 300689

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via this auction

Pics of the inside below.

According to the listing:

"Rare Chroma Polaris multi-timbral analog synth in near mint condition. Rev 9 firmware with maxed out sequencer memory ( 4 X factory)

The Polaris is a highly under rated synth. It has a vintage analog sound along with the flexible MIDI implementation of a modern synth. This synth was ahead of its time obscured by the digital craze at the time.

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BACHSPACE RETURN : BIG ANCESTOR MOOG NRSynth day (live studio sessions)

video upload by KurtzMindfields

"Presenting the BIG ANCESTOR NRSynth MOOG MODULAR configuration.
Demo title: Bachspace Return(Jluc Briançon).
Set up : BIG ANCESTOR MOOG modulaire (Seq & Effects) : config: 3 VCOs 921, filtre1: 904-a, filtre2: Steiner Parker v1, 2 LFOs/S&H wheel controlled, Enveloppes 911,VCA 902 + mixer CP3 all Moog, Moog Sub37 tribute (Sequencer), Oberheim OB3 Organ + Lex Strymon, SynthR3 Arpeggiator (ARP 4012 + S.E.M), Hansy Mellotron Mister M & Minimoog model D.
Recorded & mixed at Nuage7 - Domaine de Sourzy (Sequoia 15 / Slate Digital plugs)
Thanks to Rémy Wasselin & Stephen Ingrand, Clin d’œil a Erwan Coïc.
Albums : https://kurtzmindfields.bandcamp.com/"

Custom Patch Demos - Octave, Novation, Korg, Yamaha, Roland, Ensoniq, & Oberheim Vintage Synths

video uploads by soitgoesmusic

Playlist:

The Cat by Octave (1976 Non-SRM) Custom Patch Demo

A demo of the vintage Octave Cat synthesizer. This is the original Non-SRM one from 1976. It's one fat sounding synth.

Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.

Pros:
- amazing vintage analog sound
- it feels alive with electricity and has lots of subtle variations in the textures of the sound
- independent faders for each wave form means that 8 sounds can be playing at once (4 on VCO 1, 3 on VCO 2, and noise), creating huge sounds

Cons:
- no midi
- needs to be tuned on each use
- needs lots of maintenance (i.e., regular calibration)
- can't save patches and rarely sounds exactly the same twice

Novation Drumstation - Custom Kits Demo

A demo of the OG 808 and 909 emulator: the Novation Drumstation. This is the version 2. Wanted to show the versatility of the machine.

Kits programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the drum machine.

Pros:

- well emulated 808 and 909 sounds in a small 1U rack unit
- adds tuning to some drums that originals don't have
- built in distortion and front cut

Cons:

- no on-board sequencer
- no power switch

Korg MS-20 (Vintage) Custom Patch Demo

A demo of the original Korg MS-20. This is a wild synth that can take you to some unexpected places.

Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.

Pros:
- amazing vintage analog sound
- patch bay provides so many unique configurations
- the resonant high pass filter can make huge bass
- has quirks that make it sound and behave like no other (e.g., the unusual sustain on EG2, the hold time on EG2, the External Signal Processor, etc.)

Cons:
- no midi
- can't save patches (though taking pictures can help)

Yamaha RX5 drum machine - Custom Kits Demo

A demo of the under-rated Yamaha RX5 drum machine. Wanted to show how strange and sci-fi this machine can sound.

Kits programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the drum machine. Each section is made from four drum sounds. Only the stock sounds from the unit were used. No cartridges or external sounds added.

Pros:

- amazing voice editing features
- gritty lo-fi sound
- volume slider and individual out for each drum pair

Cons:

- no velocity
- interface is needlessly complex

Roland Juno-106 Custom Patch Demo

A demo of the legendary Roland Juno-106. Trying to show off the analog warmth of this synth.

Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth (including the scratchiness of the chorus). Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.

Pros:
- amazing analog sound
- hands-on control over all parameters
- wide sweet spot

Cons:
- no velocity
- needs to warm up to sound its best

Korg MS2000 BR Custom Patch Demo

A demo of the Korg MS2000BR. Wanted to show some of this synth's unique features, such as the modulation sequencer (1:03, 2:34, and 5:00) and the vocoder (1:26).

Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.

Pros:
- lots of hands on control
- modulation sequencer

Cons:
- polyphony is only 4

Ensoniq ESQ-1 Custom Patch Demo

A demo of the Ensoniq ESQ-1. Trying to show some of the versatility of this digital/analog hybrid synth.

Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.

Pros:
- very easy to program for a digital interface
- the keyboard has a great feel

Cons:
- no real-time parameter changes, except through mod wheel

Yamaha TX81Z Custom Patch Demo

A demo of the Yamaha TX81Z. Trying to show what this synth can do beyond the dated presets.

Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.

Pros:
- editing the parameters can yield surprising results
- efficient with cost and space

Cons:
- tedious to program

Oberheim Matrix-6R Custom Patch Demo

A demo of the Oberheim Matrix-6R.

Patches programmed and played by so.it.goes. No effects added. What you hear is direct from the synth. Each part is from one patch only. There is no multi-tracking on any part.

Pros:
- a deep synth with lots of editable parameters, many of which can be controlled through the modulation matrix
- great analog sound

Cons:
- tedious to program, can be helpful to have the parameter list in front of you

Dave Smith Was an Ironman Triathlete

In case you missed it in this post, Roger Linn noted Dave Smith was "an avid athelete, cyclist and triathlete. He actually participated in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in his younger years..."

@birdkids reminded me of an article on the development of the Prophet VS archived on the WaybackMachine. In it, Chris Meyer mentions Dave was in Hawaii prepping for the tournament during that time. I thought it was interesting and worth sharing. I captured it below.

"Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 07:55:41 -0800
From: Xrystal
MIME-Version: 1.0
Subject: Birth of the Prophet VS

I thought the following might be of interest to you. Xrystal
_____________________________________________________________________


The Birth of the Prophet VS

By Chris Meyer, ex-employee of Sequential Circuits

reprinted from the VS WaveWrangler User Guide by permission of Interval Music Systems,
©1991 Interval Music Systems.

It all started somewhere in 1985. We were still working on the Prophet 2000 sampler,
and as resident historian (in other words, I had the most magazines and manuals) another
engineer was asking me to explain how various instruments performed crossfades. I had
finished discussing the Fairlight, and had moved on the PPG - explaining its wavetables,
and the ability for it to scan a group of waves first in one direction and then back again,
While I was scrawling this back and forth motion in my notebook, suddenly a little twinge
went off in the back of my head, and myhand drew the next line arcing down the page.. and the
concept of crossfading beween waves in two dimension, not just one, was born.

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Why a Rare Sequencer From 1973 Still Inspires

video upload by HAINBACH

"When I first got the Oberheim DS-2A Digital Sequencer in my studio, I got stumped - how can make this part of my whole setup? The connections seemed just too limited and the specs laughingly bad for 2021. Was I stuck with a museum piece? But in working with it I realized something that made me appreciate this rare and vintage instrument from 1973."

IK Multimedia Introduces Syntronik 2

"Syntronik 2 sets the new standard in modern virtual synthesizers. IK’s advanced sampling techniques, combined with a hybrid sample and modeling synthesis engine, power a comprehensive collection of rare and sought-after synths with stunning sonic accuracy and the deepest editing.

This is a massive update to the previous release, adding 11 new synths, exciting new, advanced, and much-requested functionality, and a huge number of all-new presets for the 22 original synths taking advantage of all these new features."

"Syntronik 2 features

33 powerful synths with familiar panel designs and easy-to-use controls

A collection of 54 iconic hardware synthesizers and string machines

Multi-sampled oscillators for ultimate authenticity

4 classic types of circuit-modeled filters to shape sounds

DRIFT™ technology for realism of subtle oscillator variations

Mix and match oscillators with filters for new original sounds

True 4-part synth to create rich sounds with Multis and splits

4 dynamic arpeggiators and new step sequencer for complex rhythmic textures

71 high-quality effects derived from T-RackS, MixBox and AmpliTube

More than 200 GB of sounds with disk streaming and over 5,500 presets

Browser search by category or keyword to find sounds in seconds

Optimized resizable interface and “lunchbox-style” effects panel

Load Syntronik sounds into SampleTank 4* for more expandability

Works as a 64-bit plug-in or standalone instrument for Mac/PC

Fully functional free Syntronik CS version also available"

New models.


The CATO captures the distinctive analog sounds of the Octave Cat SRM and its SSM filter. The pure-analog tonality of this synth is huge, and its modulation capabilities allow for truly unique and stylized timbres. Able to create gigantic Moog-style basses, the CAT can also go in its own sonic direction with its clever oscillator sync implementation.

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Studio Electronics Eurorack Modules

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

via NOISEBUG Reverb

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"What's nice about our OSCILLATION stunner (according to Tim) "is that the waveforms are DC-coupled [components connected directly together without any coupling capacitors], so they keep their shape even at sub-Hz speeds. The outputs are also buffered, so the amplitude is independent of the load they are driving. The waveform levels on some modern eurorack OSCs are often all different, and they vary depending if they go into the mixer or directly to the filter!" Coupling the circuitry without capacitors in-line gives the go-ahead for the full spectrum of frequencies to do their thing, and ensures near identical response over the years—audiophile, transistor-protecting signal path stuff here. You should see these beauts on the scope: a Class-A ballet of balance and proportion, only drawing modest current, rather evenly from plus and minus."

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EEH DS- 500 Digital Sequencer

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

via this auction

"The device was built around 1980 and is in good technical and visual condition for its age. This sequencer was also used by Tangerine Dream. Power supply and operating instructions are included."

This appears to be the first one featured on the site. EEH was known to make the BANANA anlog synth similar in look to an Oberheim OB-Xa in OB-SX case. You can posts featuring EEH here.

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GForce Introduces the OB-E - Virtual Oberheim 8-Voice Software Synthesizer

Be sure to see this previous demo.

OB-E Tutorials


GForce Software - OB-E - Oberheim 8 Voice - One Synth Track.

video by GEOSynths

"OB-E is our take on the legendary 8-Voice. More than just an emulation, OB-E offers a unique musical experience. Sounding HUGE, it takes the iconic Synthesiser Expander Module based 8-Voice (a.k.a the EVS) into new sonic territory via a raft of enhancements and additions.

The concept of the 8-Voice is actually very simple; based around a single Module containing two VCOs with Pulse and Sawtooth waveforms, two ADS Envelope Generators, one LFO, and a magical Multi-Mode Filter. In isolation eac Module is monophonic, but in the 8-Voice, because there are eight Modules triggered by a polyphonic keyboard, you have a superb eight note polyphonic synthesizer.

While simple at heart, OB-E is, to our knowledge, the first virtual instrument with complete per-voice control. This unique Octaphonic architecture offers fresh and exciting creative possibilities to music producers, composers and sound designers for the first time in the digital realm.

We’ve painstakingly emulated every section of the synth to create an authentic sounding instrument with the convenience of software control over those eight modules. Mono, Poly, Unison, Split, it’s all yours now. Add to this a new third oscillator that doubles as LFO, a new LFO per voice, and a stack of additional performance controls via velocity, polyphonic aftertouch and MPE control and you’ll begin to understand the depth of musical possibilities OB-E provides.

Programming a polyphonic Patch on an original 8-Voice was a daunting mission, OB-E makes it a cinch. Unison Chords a forté. To overcome the arduous task of editing 8 individual modules, OB-E provides a number of clearly-thought out editing controls such as Zoom which zooms on a specific module and its rear panel, Group (shown above) which enables a Synthesizer Expander Module parameter change to be applied to all Modules at once, and Offset modes as well as a resizable user interface. While it possible to save OB-E preset, it is also possible to save and reload each single Module as a preset, copy-paste them in between each Module or lock a Module to prevent changes from being applied to it (even when loading a new patch)

And that’s not all! With the original MS-1 sequencer as a starting reference point, we’ve added an extremely comprehensive and creative 8-step Sequencer (shown on the right above) providing a flexibility and fun-factor unavailable via the original hardware. In keyboard Split mode with the Sequencer routed to Module 8, OB-E provides the ability to create a complete three part soundscape from a single Patch. An all-new routable Stereo Delay provides sonically complimentary effects.

Finally, we’ve complemented our instrument with 600+ factory patches designed by Dave Spiers and a roster of brilliant sound designers. Even better, each patch has been tagged, categorised and is quickly accessible from OB-E’s librarian (arrow navigation friendly)."

You can find additional details at https://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/OB-E