Frontiers 1HP light Module for Eurorack

video upload by Pj Tardiveau

"Frontiers by SynTesla is a 1hp (5.08mm) wide module equipped with a specially developed lighting system that provides a bright light without being blinding and totally uniform throughout the height of the module.

Frontiers can be used to fill a gap in your eurorack system, to delimit your installation into different visible zones or simply because it makes your eurorack case even more beautiful.

Frontiers is available in 7 vibrant colours: red, blue, green, orange, pink, ice blue and yellow (warm white).

Each module is supplied with a 50cm (20″) long cable.

- 1HP wide (5.08mm)
- Uniform lighting
- Aluminium and PMMA
- Vivid colors
- Requires the power plug available in the basic kit or the Frontiers Control module
- Compatible with the “Frontiers Control” module for modulation via CV signals
- Compatible with the “Frontiers Dimmer” module for a manual control over brightness.
- Include : 50 cm long cable (19.6″)

00:00. Description
00:47. Product demo
01:10. CV control
02:09. Avalability"

Roland SP-404MKII v4.04 Update Overview

video upload by RolandChannel

"The SP-404MKII has leveled up again, thanks to the v4.04 update. This free update is loaded with features like Loop Capture inspired by the iconic SP-555, Multipad Export for further refinement or remixing, Koala Sampler app integration, Groove Function to add glitch and groove to samples, and so much more.

In this video, you’ll learn how to use a wide range of new and upgraded features, integrations, and workflows within the v4.04 update.

Watch PJ Bridger demo the new features:

00:00 Intro
00:40 Loop Capture
05:32 Koala App Integration
10:47 Sound Generator
13:28 Groove Function
15:08 Pre-Set Measures
16:13 Microscope Function & Tap Recording
18:37 Pads Without Samples
19:52 Multipad Export
21:13 Bounce Pattern Chains
21:48 Sample Merge
22:49 Import Project from SD Card
23:45 Convert SP-404SX/A from SD
25:04 Import Samples in DJ Mode
25:50 Perform Actions While Importing
26:57 Gate/Loop/Reverse on Import
27:35 Sample and Project Name Edit
28:13 Secondary Features

To download the SP-404MKII v4.04 update, please visit: https://www.roland.com/global/product...

About the SP-404MKII

Carefully refined through feedback from the beatmaking community and extensive research and development, the SP-404MKII is the ultimate SP sampler. It’s faster and better than ever, with a vivid OLED display, 17 expressive pads, expanded effects, fluid sequencing and sampling, and a massive library of authentic sounds to inspire your creations. It’s never been easier to dial in and cook up beats when inspiration strikes."

Strange Motorised Sound Device

video upload by Pj Tardiveau

"This strange 'Steampunk' device is a motorised noise generator. I made it several years ago and never had a chance to demonstrate it on video. So here it is! ( and sorry for the annoying little sound sequence ) this device combines a low-frequency mechanical oscillator with an analogue delay and various modulation effects."

The top right reads Synth-FX SynTesla Companion. You can check out the SynTesla in previous posts here.

ERAE II - Testimonials w/ Jean-Michel Jarre & More

video upload by embodme

In order of appearance:
Jean-Michel Jarre - Electronic Artist Pioneer
Rik Simpson - Producer (Coldplay, JAY Z, PJ Harvey)
Purps on the beat - Producer (808 Mafia, Wiz Khalifa, Juice WRLD)
MYD - Artist (Ed Banger Records)
Nerdmatics - AV Stage Designer (Flume, Odesza)

Embodme - ERAE II Kickstarter launch 🚀

video upload by embodme

"Q&A Sessions with backers for ERAE II"

See the Embodme label below for additional posts.

Dave Fredericks - Stinger - The ARP Family of Synthesizers Demo Record

video upload by PJ

"Nice track from an Arp Synthesizer company promo 7"."

Stinger ~ A discussion with Arp Instruments Dave Fredericks.

video upload by David Frederick

"A discussion with Arp Instruments Dave Fredericks on the song Stinger from the 'Red' Arp demo record. This conversation between David Frederick and his father David Frederick Sr. (Dave Fredericks) discusses the origins of this song, recording the iconic song on the Arp "Red" demo record, and using the Arp 2600, Arp Odyssey, and Arp Pro Soloist in the performance. A great conversation on this song, Arp history, synthesizers, and more!

Interview note & correction: "East Meets West" was recollected to being in 5/4 time signature when in fact, it was in 4/4. At the time of recording this interview, East Meets West was recorded 56 years ago!"

David Frederick ~ Stinger Reborn

video upload by David Frederick

"My dad who was one of the original founders of Arp Synthesizer, VP of Global Sales and Marketing, and visionary behind such Arp synths as the Odyssey, Pro Soloist, String Ensemble, Omni, Explorer, Axxe, and Little Brother, wrote this song back in the late sixties around the time I was born. He initially released it on his first album "Mr. Talent - Dave Fredericks" where he played the organ and my uncle Bruce played the drums.

My dad reintroduced Stinger on Arp's "The ARP Family of Synthesizers" record (the red record), using the Eminent Organ, Arp Pro Soloist, Arp Odyssey, and Arp 2600 with Cleve Posar on Drums.

One day I decided for fun and nostalgia to quickly whip up a new 21st-century arrangement of my dad's song and I thought I would share.

Hope you dig it!
David

TRACK NOTES
David Frederick - Keyboards - Arp 2600, Hammond B3, Steinberg Horns, Steinway Grand Piano, Roland Jupiter 8 (pads), Spitfire Audio Drums, and Kontakt Percussion.

Recorded: Direct into Steinberg Cuebase, processed and mastered with Waves Abby Road Mastering Chain."

SynTesla IX DIY Synthesizer DEMO

video upload by Pj Tardiveau

"No words, just me tweaking knobs while a simple midi sequence runs. I added a drum loop to break up the monotony a bit. No FX, no comp, raw sound.
The SynTesla is a prototype 7 voices polyphonic synthesizer."

SynTesla IX Custom synthesizer - DIY synthesizer

video upload by Pj Tardiveau

"My home made synthesizer dedicated to pads ans strings.. check it out!"

See the SynTesla label below for more.

Roland SP-404MKII Sampler Version 2.0 Update

video upload by RolandChannel

"The SP-404MKII version 2.0 update infuses the ultimate SP sampler with even more features to expand your creative possibilities. Enjoy deeper control of melodic and harmonic programming with Chromatic Mode recording plus polyphony and scale setting. Discover a TR-REC style step sequencer for classic programming approaches great for dance music and modern hip-hop. Enhanced DJ mode opens up new performance techniques, now allowing you to mix between SP patterns as well as audio files. Create movement in your production with Motion recording for intricate control of sub step, pitch, and velocity parameters. And Skip Back Sampling has been increased from 25 seconds to 40 seconds.

We’ve also brought back our legendary VariPhrase algorithm, so you can stretch a sample’s pitch and time with superior sound quality and less audio degradation.

Then enhance your grooves with new MFX including Cloud Delay, SX Delay, SX Reverb, and Backspin. Plus, new input Harmony Effects will expand performance possibilities for vocalists and instrumentalists.

Watch PJ Bridger demo the new features:
0:00 - INTRO
0:26 - CHROMATIC MODE
1:45 - TR-REC
5:25 - MOTION RECORD
7:57 - CHROMATIC MODE IN PATTERNS
8:38 - UNDO
9:07 - SOUND ENGINE
9:57 - CHANGE PARAMETERS OF MULTIPLE SAMPLES
10:45 - NEW EFFECTS
13:17 - SNAP TO ZERO CROSSING
13:36 - SKIP BACK
13:52 - STOP ALL SAMPLES
14:12 - DJ MODE

ABOUT SP-404MKII Creative Sampler and Effector
Carefully refined through community feedback mixed with extensive research and development, the SP-404MKII is the ultimate SP sampler. It’s faster and better than ever, with a vivid OLED display, 17 expressive pads, expanded effects, fluid sequencing and sampling, and a massive library of authentic sounds to inspire bigger beats."

Saturday Night in Stepford - PJ Tracy GForce M Tron MkII Demo

video upload by GForce Software

"PJ Tracy takes M-Tron MkII for a spin.

P.J. Tracy is an Emmy award winning composer and musician based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. P.J. Began his career in his late teens as a touring keyboardist, vocalist and session musician. Since that time, he Has been a studio owner, a producer and audio engineer, a media composer specializing in fortune 500 branding, and a sound and music artist with work installed in the permanent collection at the Casoria Center For Contempory Art, Nsples Italy, Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Walker Art Center, and the Hauqe amongst other venues across the globe. Additionally, P.J. Has composed work for a diverse selection of some of the world’s leading organizations, including: Aramco, Fox Sports, CBS Television, Bank Of America, GE, The American Red Cross and Sports Illustrated to name a few."

SynTesla VII "Red Episcopate"

SynTesla VII "Red Episcopate" sound only video upload by Pj Tardiveau

"The SynTesla VII 'Red Episcopate' is a cutsom made polyphonic synthesizer for the Polish band BWPP. It is based on the 'Logue' serie ARM architecture by Korg."

Pics via @pierre_tardiveau

You might recall previous incarnations of the SynTesla from previous posts here.

Note the Rage and Anger knobs pictured further below.

CLICK FOR MORE »

BLEASS SATURATOR - Versatile Motion Waveshaper App for iOS

Perplex On

"I feel very honoured to have had the opportunity to create the official promo video for BLEASS' latest iOS plugin called Granulizer. The task was not only to create the soundtrack (of course with heavy use of the plugin) but also to establish a visual environment that kinda builds on the lofi 3D style of the UI's grain display. The video was realized by actually projecting the visuals onto the table with the ipad in the center. Music was created on the iPad with BLEASS Alpha, Zeeon, various BLEASS fx and StepPolyArpUnit and ChordPolyPad as sequencer in one take hosted in AUM. Visuals were made with NOTCH and projected with a Ricoh PJ WXC1110 projector."



NANOSTUDIO 2 & A Pre-Release Look At BLEASS Granulizer - Live Demo for the iPad
The Sound Test Room

"BLEASS Granulizer is a granular texture effect plugin with randomization, 4 multi-bus audio inputs and a mesmerizing 3D visualizer.

BLEASS Granulizer generates short samples (‘grains’) from different input signals by modulating different parameters which you can visualize thanks to a 3D Visualizer:

– Volume
– Pan (represented by width in the visualizer)
– Size ( = grain’s duration)
– Density ( = frequency of grains generation)
– Offset ( = the amount of time between record and play represented by the depth in the 3D visualizer)
– Backward/Forward Playback Direction
– Shape ( = grain’s envelope, represented by the height dimension in the visualizer)
– Warmth ( = strength of the distortion applied to the grain)
– Tune ( = grains can be pitched up or down according to different modes: “Fine” / Chromatic / Major / Minor / 5th / Major 7th. / Minor 7th / Octave)

The amount of randomization can be set with the “dice” knobs.
Density, grain size and offset range can be freely synced or beat synced to the host’s tempo.
Touching and holding the visualizer modifies pan and density.

BLEASS Granulizer takes up to 4 sources from different busses as inputs (compatible host required). When multiple busses are on, each grain is randomly extracted from one of the available sources."

https://www.bleass.com/bleass-granulizer/

Synthesizers.com Introduces the Q155 Curver, VC Inverter, Slope Detector, VCA

Published on Jul 23, 2019 synthesizersdotcom

via Synthesizers.com

"The Q155 provides a collection of four useful and experimental processing functions to manipulate control voltages and audio, all packaged in a single-wide module.

The Curver section bends signals into new shapes providing new modulation possibilities and changes harmonics in audio waveforms. Curve a triangle wave into a smooth sine or a peaky wave with high-frequency harmonics. Convert standard envelope attacks into a linear shape and bend pitch voltages into obscurity. Signal curving can be performed manually with the knob or via control voltage. The control voltage input has a built-in inverting attenuator.

The Inverter section provides control of a signal's polarity via voltage control. This works with audio and control to mangle sounds and sequences in surprising and unexpected ways.

The Slope Detector section produces a digital output indicating the slope of a waveform. When the waveform is rising the output is positive, when falling the output is zero. What you do with that output is up to you - control a filter, trigger one envelope from another, control LFO modulation, etc.

The bottom section of the Q155 is a simple and useful VCA to control the amplitude of a signal under voltage control. When CV=0 volts the output is off, when CV=5 volts the output is full on. Like patch cables, you can never have enough VCAs.

$206.00 Special Pre-Order Price: $185.00 USD

PJ Wrote: The curver section sort of acts like a filter and I'm enjoying the metallic sounds coming out of the VC inverter. Haven't figured out the slope detector yet. I need more VCAs!!"

SynTesla II DIY Steampunk Synthesizer

Published on Jul 1, 2019 Pj Tardiveau

"DIY Steampunk Synthesizer doped with tesla vacuum tubes by Pierre-Jean Tardiveau."

Radioactivity.

Steampunk Synthesizer SynTesla

Published on Mar 5, 2019 Pj Tardiveau

"The SynTesla is a Steampunk Synthesizer build around a serie of Tesla Vacuum tubes. The sound generator is based on a Waldorf Streichfett Expander."

Moffenzeef Modular Stargazer with FX // More drones, more distortion, more dead dreams

Published on Nov 29, 2018 DivKidVideo

"**TIMING INDEX / SECTIONS BELOW** Here's my third and final (for now) video with the Moffenzeef Modular Stargazer. With more drones, more distortion, more dead dreams and NO TALKING. The first video of patches is linked below as is the walkthrough and demo. This video pairs the Stargazer with FX from tape delays, to BBDs, guitar pedals and modular units. There's some original dalek inducing analogue ring modulation from the Nervous Squirrel ring modulator and a little help from a Korg Volca Beats and a Korg Volca Sample.

TIMING INDEX / SECTIONS

00:00 Tentacle drones & BBD delays

00:52 Tape / cartridge delay & piranha eating chickens

01:38 PJ bottom beats & Nervous Squirrel ring modulation

02:29 Space cruiser melodies & stargazing drones

04:02 Robot nipple covers

04:39 Voodoo vibing drones & gorilla beats

05:49 Textural clicks & cosmos distortion"

New Synthesizers.com Q179 Envelope++

via synthesizers.com

"The Q179 Envelope++ module is a full-featured voltage-controlled envelope generator with many unique features including bizarre curves, a VCA and looping. Special modes offer dual-envelopes and 4-step sequencing. The Q179 can also be used as an LFO, gate divider, gate delay, arpeggiator, quantizer, random source, and more.

The envelope mode provides voltage-control of Attack, Decay, Release phases along with amplitude. Special features include control of initial Delay and Attack peak holding, along with linear, exponential and log curves.

Voltage control of slopes and amplitude is designed specifically to make using velocity signals from a keyboard intuitive and musically expressive. Press a key fast to produce a faster attack and higher amplitude. Use off-velocity from the Q174 MIDI Interface to control the release time according to how fast you release a key. The Q179 Envelope++ is made for musicians and their music.

Positive and inverted outputs makes it easy to send the output to a VCA and VCF without using a multiple and the THRU makes daisy-chaining simple. A multi-colored LED provides indication of the current state.
Envelope looping occurs automatically when a gate plug is not inserted, or controlled by a gate in GL mode (Gated Looping). When looping, outputs can be used as a multi-segment LFO with VC of speed, slopes and amplitude, and a variable pulse-width is available at the THRU output.

The dual-envelope mode creates an attack/sustain/decay envelope at the +OUTPUT and a separate delay/attack/hold/decay envelope at the -OUTPUT. These envelopes can loop automatically or by gate control. The THRU output operates as a voltage-controlled gate delay and gate extender.

The Q179 Envelope++ also offers a 4-step sequencer mode, complete with an internal clock and quantized outputs. Forward, up/down and random sequences are available. Works great as a keyboard arpeggiator, or stack multiple modules for longer sequences.

$256.00 USD - PJ Wrote: A fancy EG and dual EGs and a sequencer in one package? With a quantizer and gate delay too? Ummm, I'll take 4!"

Update:

New Synthesizers.com Q179 Envelope++ Tutorial Videos

Published on Jan 13, 2017 synthesizersdotcom

"An introduction tour of the Q179 Envelope++ module.

For more information visit http://www.synthesizers.com/q179.html

Hosted by Roger Arrick of Synthesizers.com"

Playlist:
An introduction tour of the Q179 Envelope++ module
Synthesizers.com Q179 Curves
Q179 Envelope++ Patching Tip
Q179 Envelope++ Velocity
Q179 Envelope++ LFO
Q179 Envelope++ Quantizer
Q179 Envelope++ Done Output
Q179 Envelope++ Random
Q179 Envelope++ Gate Divider
Q179 Envelope++ Bar Counter
Q179 Envelope++ Daisy Chain

PJ - All Night Long

Published on Nov 19, 2015 Gedemondas

"This started out as just a studio demo but rapidly turned into a music video.
We wrote this song last summer but it had been sitting on the shelf until now, when it found some new life! Hope you enjoy :)

©2015 PJ Productions
No unauthorized reproduction without permission."

Roland Museum Germany Massive Synthesizer Selloff - Most Gear for Sale in a Single Auction

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

This one in via Marko of Retrosound.de.

26.000,00 Euro gets it all.

via this auction

Someone needs to contact the Guiness Book of World Records. Longest list of gear for sale ever:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Logic Pro X drummer test

Published on Sep 7, 2015 SynthMania

"A ditty to test Logic Pro X's 'drummer' app. All instruments were recorded straight into Logic, utilizing the program's plugins and amp emulations. The Emulator strings also have Alesis MidiVerb II Bloom.
Gear:
Apple Logic Pro X
Squier Vintage Modified Precision PJ bass
Epiphone 1966 G-400 PRO guitar
E-mu Emulator"

Akai Professional Announces Advance Keyboard Series

Published on Jan 12, 2015 AkaiProVideo

Update: Intro & Behind the Scenes video below added.

Akai Professional Advance Keyboards - Behind the Scenes


"Check out behind the scenes with PJ Morton (Maroon 5), Morgan Kibby (M83/White Sea), and Illan Rubin (Angels & Airwaves, Nine Inch Nails and The New Regime)."

"Artists can now load, play and control all their virtual instrument plugins directly from their keyboard. New keyboards deliver optimum hands-on performance features with seamless software integration for playing and controlling today’s hottest VST instruments and DAWs.

Cumberland, RI (January 12, 2015)—Akai Professional (akaipro.com), a leading manufacturer of keyboards for performers and recording artists, today announced the introduction of their Advance Keyboard series. Available in 25-, 49-, and 61-key sizes, the Advance 25, Advance 49, and Advance 61 provide unprecedented playability and advanced manipulation of any virtual instrument via an interactive, full-color display complemented by performance friendly hardware controls.

Designed to fuse the power of software instruments with the live playability of a keyboard workstation, the Advance Keyboard series transforms computer-based plugins into an entirely hands-on playing experience. The keyboard surface features an integrated high-resolution full-color 4.3-inch display, providing real-time control and feedback of any and all virtual instrument parameters. The screen instantly adapts itself to the selected plugin’s controls, delivering immediate 1:1 access to the instrument and various editable functions. Better yet, the Advance Keyboard series works with any VSTi virtual instrument. Using the Advance keyboard’s custom designed Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) software application, your entire VSTi library can be controlled in one application. VIP operates as a plugin inside any major digital audio workstation (DAW) or as a stand-alone application on both Mac and Windows operating systems.

Dedicated physical controls are thoughtfully included, with Akai Professional’s hallmark RGB backlit, velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads integrated into each keyboard surface. Rubberized pitch and modulation wheels deliver player-preferred note manipulation with highly musical action. Large, continuously-variable endless knobs invite frequent use, letting the user make parameter adjustments with granular or dramatic effect. A custom semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keybed—another Akai Professional specialty—supports aftertouch, making it an elite keyboard for seasoned live performers and studio producers alike.


“The Advance Keyboard series represents a giant leap forward for keyboard players,” said Dan Gill, Product Manager for Akai Professional. “Until now, software-based instruments leaned heavily on computer interaction, which caused creative and logistical bottlenecks, especially during live performances. We’re combining the processing power of your computer, the flexibility of your virtual instrument collection, and the hands-on immediacy of a traditional keyboard workstation. The result is a powerful and inspiring user experience.”

Included with each Advance Keyboard is the Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) application. VIP gives Advance Keyboard users access to any virtual instrument in their collection with or without a DAW—a powerful way to play virtual instruments live or integrate them into a recording session. VIP software users can also create setlists that provide on-demand access to user-curated instruments for stage performance and studio work. With a single button press on an Advance Keyboard, the player can adapt to song changes as the live performance progresses—without ever reaching for the computer. Performers of all types will welcome VIP’s facilities for hyper-fast instrument and patch browsing, key zone splitting, layering of up to 8 instruments per VIP instance, expansive custom mapping capabilities, and support for any VSTi plugin. Advance Keyboard users may run as many instances of the Virtual Instrument Player as their computer allows. VIP runs as a VSTi, AU, RTAS or AAX plugin, allowing you access to VSTi's in virtually any DAW, such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X and Ableton Live.

Gill continues, “Keyboard players have been straddling two worlds for the better part of the decade. A standalone keyboard workstation was only as current as the sounds inside of it, and similarly, virtual instruments were only as good as the best controllers. The Advance Keyboard series delivers uninhibited access to any virtual instrument in your library without losing focus of the instrument in front of you.”

Each Advance Keyboard ships with a 16GB download of over 10,000 sounds from industry-leading developers at AIR Music Technology, SONiVOX, and Prime Loops. Purchased separately, this comprehensive collection of nine plugins is valued at over $1,000.00 USD and provides Advance Keyboard owners with an instant palette of contemporary and coveted sounds for live performance and studio production.

Advance Keyboard Series Highlights:
• Keyboardsforadvancedvirtualinstrumentperformance
• Integrated4.3-inchhigh-resolutionfull-colorscreenwithdedicatedinterfacebuttons • Screenprovides1:1,real-timefeedbackofpluginparameters
• Availablein25-,49-,and61-keysizes
• IncludesVirtualInstrumentPlayersoftwareforunprecedentedvirtualinstrument
preset management, control mapping and multi patch creation
• Premium,semi-weightedvelocity-sensitivekeybedwithaftertouch
• 8large,endlessandcontinuouslyvariablecontrolknobs
• 8velocity-andpressure-sensitiveMPCpadswithRGBillumination
• Dedicatedpadbank,transportcontrol,octave,andperformancebuttons
• Noterepeat,time-division,patternarpeggiator,andtap-tempobuttons
• RubberizedPitchandModulationwheels
• Expressionpedalandfootswitchinputs
• USBand5-pinMIDIInput/OutputforusewithanyMIDIcapablesoftwareorhardware
• Alsofunctionsasastandalonecontroller
• Includesa16GBdownloadwithmorethan10,000soundsfromleadingvirtualinstrumentsfromAIR
Music Technology, SONiVOX and Prime Loops.
Virtual Instrument Player Software Highlights:
• PlaysvirtuallyeveryVSTi-compatibleplugin
• Operatesasastandalonevirtualinstrumentplayerforyourcomputer
• AlsooperatesasapluginwithinanyAU,VST,orAAXcompatibleDAW
• Organizesyourplugincollectionwithintuitivebrowsingbyplugin,artistcollection,instrumenttype,
timbre, and more
• Access,edit,andmixupto8virtualinstrumentsatonetime
• Setlistfeatureletsliveperformersswitchbetweenpatchesfromanyplugininstantlyfromthe
keyboard
• Extensivekeyzonesplitting,custommapping,andinstrumentmixingoptions • Pre-mappedtohundredsofindustry-leadingvirtualinstruments
• UnlimitedinstancesofVIPmayberuninaDAW
Advance 25, Advance 49, and Advance 61 will be available in early 2015 at retail pricing of $399.99, $499.99, and $599.99, respectively.

Visit us at NAMM Booth 6700.

For more information, visit akaipro.com/advance."