ISLA Instruments Caladan EXCLUSIVE UPDATE!

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Brad from ISLA Instruments gives us some exclusive updates on their next instrument, the Caladan!"

ISLA Instruments Caladan

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 208 - 4th Anniversary Episode - SPECIAL GUESTS!

video upload by

SynthAddict's MATRIXSYNTH cap from 19:05 on gets the post. :)

"Music Technology Discussion with Kent Spong, Andrew Longhurst & Rob Puricelli!

It's our birthday!! 4 years ago, we decided to start doing a livestream and here we are, 4 years and 208 consecutive episodes in! Join us as we celebrate 4 years of mayhem, nonchalance, sarcasm, wit, vim and vigour and the occasional discussion about synths and music tech!"

ARP Foundation's ARP 2500 For the Masses Is Funded

via The ARP Foundation

"Last November on #GivingTuesday the Alan R Pearlman Foundation asked for your help, and launched an IndieGogo campaign to raise funds to complete the restoration of what will become the only publicly-accessible ARP 2500 synthesizer in the USA, and to bolster its ARPs For All Program in preparation for the 2500’s arrival.

Read Full Press Release [posted here]

Thank you!
The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation would like to thank everyone who donated to our ARP 2500 Indiegogo fundraiser so far. We're delighted to announce that we have reached (and surpassed) our goal of $6000 with a current total of $6,445 We greatly appreciate the support and donations from all our backers. Thanks to you, our new (ish) ARP 2500 will soon be available for anyone to experience! We are grateful to you all.

Delivery to our ARPs For All project space in Boston is scheduled for February.

There is still time to donate to our campaign

If you would like to contribute to our mission of making legendary synthesizers available to anyone, please donate here.

Special thanks go to Cherry Audio for their gracious support and ongoing sponsorship. In case you haven't heard, they recently produced an EXCELLENT software recreation of the classic ARP Pro Soloist, and donated a portion of the profits in the month of December to our Fundraiser.

Also a huge shout out to the gang at ProSynth Network for rallying the gang, and for Linda and Phil of CMS for helping us make this dream come true for not only for us but most importantly, for the synth community. See our ARP 2500 for the Masses Campaign!"

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 184 w/ Dan Goldstein & Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Music Technology Discussion with Rob Puricelli, Andrew Longhurst, Kent Spong and our very special guests, Dan Goldstein & Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio!

This week we're delighted to welcome back Dan & Mitchell of Cherry Audio, a company that in the last few years has grown its reputation for quality, affordable and quite excellent software synths that emulate some amazing synthesizer classics such as the ARP Quadra, Novachord, Jupiter 4 and 6 as well as classics like the Memorymoog, Synthex, GX1/CS80 and Polymoog, plus their own Dreamsynth & Sines!

Join us to hear all about the latest synths to be added to their collection, Harmonia and the brilliant recreation of the PS-3300!

We appreciate your help! All donations go directly toward making the show run smoothly. If you'd like to help support our streaming platform, you can make a donation via PayPal here:

https://cutt.ly/PSN-Donate"

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 182: With Special Guest, Brad Holland of Isla Instruments

video upload by Pro Synth Network

Update: follow-up video here.

"This week we are joined by the owner and founder of Isla Instruments, Brad Holland. Brad burst onto the scene with the innovative KordBot and then followed it up with the utterly amazing S2400, an instrument that took its core inspiration from the classic E-MU SP1200 and rocketed it into the 21st Century!

Now, on the cusp of the next Isla Instruments release, the hugely exciting Caladan synthesizer, Brad joins us from his Florida base to tell us all about it and give us an insight into its development and the team behind it."

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Synclavier Regen Special

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Synclavier are best known for their mighty computer-based instrument in the late 70s and early 80s. It was an FM behemoth that added sampling and high-quality digital multi-tracking to its repertoire.

Alongside systems such as the Fairlight CMI, it was the stuff of dreams for most of us. But now, in 2023, Synclavier are back with the Regen!

Synclavier has very kindly loaned us a unit to take a look at, so why don't you join Rob as he unboxes and discovers the new Regen, first-hand, with no prior knowledge! Ask questions, share thoughts and join in the fun!

We appreciate your help! All donations go directly toward making the show run smoothly. If you'd like to help support our streaming platform, you can make a donation via PayPal here:

https://cutt.ly/PSN-Donate"

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 171 with Special Guests, Dan & Mitchell from Cherry Audio!

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Music Technology Discussion with Rob Puricelli, Kent Spong and our very special guests, Dan Goldstein & Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio!

This week we're delighted to welcome back Dan & Mitchell of Cherry Audio, a company that in the last few years has grown its reputation for quality, affordable and quite excellent software synths that emulate some amazing synthesizer classics such as the ARP Quadra, Novachord, Jupiter 4 and 6 as well as classics like the Memorymoog, Synthex, GX1/CS80 and Polymoog, plus their own Dreamsynth & Sines!

Join us to hear all about the latest synth to be added to their collection, the Octave Cat!"

Synclavier Digital's Regen Gets Wider Release

video upload by Synclavier Digital

Regen Tutorials


Regen Quickies


You can find additional posts featuring demos of the Regen here.

Press Release follows:

"Synclavier Digital releases regenerated Synclavier® II trailblazer as timeless Regen desktop synthesizer bolstered by present-day DSP developments

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA: soft-launched late last year to widespread critical acclaim at the Synthplex® synthesizer expo and electronic music festival hosted at the Marriott Convention Center in Burbank, CA, USA with pre-orders opening for fulfilment in 2023, timeless synthesis product manufacturer Synclavier Digital is proud to announce wider availability of Regen — released as a desktop synthesizer that is, in short, a real regeneration of New England Digital’s seminal Synclavier® II digital synthesizer that took the pro audio industry by storm when introduced in its initial incarnation in 1980 (evolving beyond that to blaze more technological trails with polyphonic sampling and, ultimately, DAW — Digital Audio Workstation — capabilities well before that term was invented, even), extended and enhanced to take advantage of the increased computing power available today to make it as compelling in a modern setting as the prohibitively pricey original did during its time (finding favour with top-tier film composers, record producers, and recording artists), while the considerable cost and size reductions associated with Regen’s present-day design criteria conversely position it well within reach of (almost) anyone — as of June 29…

CLICK FOR MORE »

Physical Synthesis Cicada Acoustic Vibration Synthesizer & Nymph Eurorack Module Update

video upload by Physical Synthesis



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

The press release follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 138 with Dan Goldstein & Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio!

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Music Technology Discussion with Rob Puricelli, Ben Simpson, Kent Spong and our very special guests, Dan Goldstein & Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio!

This week we're delighted to welcome back Dan & Mitchell of Cherry Audio, a company that in the last few years has grown its reputation for quality, affordable and quite excellent software synths that emulate some of the more quirky synthesizer classics such as the ARP Quadra, Jupiter 4 and Realistic MG-1, as well as classics like the Memorymoog, Synthex and Polymoog, their own Dreamsynth and their latest instrument GX-80!

Join us to hear the story behind the creation of GX-80, an instrument that fuses together two giants from Yamaha!

0:00 - Intros and welcomes
10:17 - Cherry Audio Interview - https://cherryaudio.com/products/gx-80
1:21:27 - Korg Collection 4 - https://www.korg.com/uk/products/soft...
1:32:59 - Virharmonic Bohemian Cello - https://www.virharmonic.com/bohemian_...
1:42:35 - Sonicware LIVEN LoFi-12 - https://sonicware.jp/pages/liven-lofi12
1:53:46 - Sonicware SmplTrek - https://sonicware.jp/pages/smpltrek
2:02:30 - Sonicware Live Stream Announcement - https://youtu.be/-_-z_J77WE0
2:05:36 - Thank yous and goodbyes"

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 136 with Special Guest, Marcus Ryle!

video upload by

"Music Technology Discussion with Rob Puricelli, Kent Spong & Ben Simpson and our special guest, Marcus Ryle!

Every now and again, we are able to persuade legends to join our show and share their stories with us. This Friday is one of those times. We are honoured to be joined by Marcus Ryle, a name so revered in synthesizer and music technology that he really needs no introduction.

Marcus will be telling us all about his history in the business, his time with Oberheim, both then and now and all the other pies he has had his finger in. Sit back and enjoy!

We appreciate your help! All donations go directly toward making the show run smoothly. If you'd like to help support our streaming platform, you can make a donation via PayPal here:

https://cutt.ly/PSN-Donate"

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 134 - Synthplex 2022

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Music Technology Discussion with Ben Simpson, Kent Spong & Rob Puricelli!
This week, we're hoping to bring you some live coverage of Synthplex 2022 in Burbank, CA with roving reporters, Dr. Manny Fernandez and Andy 'Synthaddict'! Plenty of synths and carpet! ;-)"

GPUAudio Major Synth In the Works

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 132 with Special Guests, GPU Audio! video upload by Pro Synth Network

Some initial pics and specs below. The above is talk with GPU Audio mentioning the upcoming software synth.

"Music Technology Discussion with Rob Puricelli, Ben Simpson & Kent Spong and our special guests, GPU Audio!

This week we're joined by Jonathan & Sasha from GPU Audio, a company that is shaking up the performance of computer-based music making with their Digital Sound Processing platform that unlocks a standard GPU to handle audio production with next-gen performance capabilities. Compatible with the VST3 standard, as well as custom software, GPU Audio dramatically enhances performance by offloading processing from a computer's CPU to its GPU.

And they will be showing a WORLD EXCLUSIVE of something very new and very exciting that has been made possible by their innovative technology. DON'T MISS IT!!!

Grab the GPU Beta Plugin Suite here... https://www.gpu.audio/prosynthnetwork

0:00 - Intros and welcomes
08:30 - GPU Audio Interview
47:08 - WORLD EXCLUSIVE Reveal of 'Major', the first GPU Synth!
1:09:10 - AcousticSamples V-Horns Saxophones - https://www.acousticsamples.net/vhorn...
1:33:25 - The Rise of Akai Professional Book Kickstarter - ttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1135238327/the-rise-of-akai-professional
1:36:57 - LABS Electronic Antique - https://labs.spitfireaudio.com/electr...
1:39:22 - Future Retro are back under new management! - https://future-retro.com/home/
1:42:23 - Guk AI Sistema Synth - https://guk.ai/sistema-ai-synthesizer
1:46:19 - UVI Falcon updates to 2.8 - https://www.uvi.net/falcon
1:52:41 - Arturia Rendez-vous Event - https://youtu.be/lw7Mj_9STYQ
1:53:38 - Synthfest U.K. 2022 Retrospective/Thoughts
2:09:22 - Thank yous and goodbyes!"



Major’s hybrid synth engine provides you with the best of both worlds - 8 synthesizer oscillators and 8 sample based oscillators, 8 independent layers with uniquer effects chains, envelopes and independent output routing. Built-in editable plugin chains save your resources and insert slots for the library of other GPU Audio powered effects. From rich, multi-layered textures to independent bass and synth lines all within a single patch - Major makes a statement as the world’s first GPU-powered synthesizer.

-Multi Layer Hybrid Synthesizer Virtual Instrument
- 8 Independent layers with mixed audio/midi routing.
- Flexible automation for most parameters using MIDI controllers, internal modulators or host automation
- MPE enabled
- Up to 4x oversampling and up to 64 bit length for real-time or individual "bounce mode"
- Per layer:
- 8 Synth-based + 8 sample-based oscillators
- 16 voices per oscillator
- OSC: 5 Alias-free waveforms incl White Noise
- OSC: Up to 128 voices per note
- OSC: PWM for all waveforms
- OSC: Detune, Stereo Spread, Panning and Filter Routing balance
- OSC: FM modulation between oscillators
- WaveOSC: Attack and Loop Wave players
- WaveOSC: Stereo Spread, Panning and Filter Routing balance
- Two 12,18, 24db/oct HP, LP and BP filters with resonance
- Two Host-Sync LFO with 5 waveforms
- 8 Envelopes with different curves
- Internal cascade of Distortion, Chorus, EQ, Delay and Reverb with variable order
- Up to 32-step Arpeggiator with swing
- Up to 32-step Gater with swing
- Two StepLFO with up to 32 steps and swing
- Two MultiControls for easy automation
- Spectrum analyzer
- 16 modulation lines per each modulation panel
- Legato, Polyphonic and Polyphonic Legato modes
- Incredible Mass-Preset for Random Patching across all parameters, effects, layers, oscillators etc.

Modbap Introduces HUE "AUDIO COLOR PROCESSOR" Eurorack Module

video upload by Modbap Modular

Modbap Modular makes colorful Eurorack entrance at Brooklyn SYNTH+PEDAL EXPO with HUE debuting as AUDIO COLOR PROCESSOR


LOS ANGELES, CA, USA: following hot in the footsteps of Trinity, the fourth entry in its expanding Eurorack product lineup as a three-channel DIGITAL DRUM SYNTH ARRAY (as introduced at Knobcon Number Ten, a one-of-a-kind synthesizer convention held just outside of Chicago, IL, USA at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, September 9-11), black-owned Eurorack modular synthesis and electronic musical instrument manufacturer Modbap Modular is proud to debut HUE as its latest Eurorack entry — this time being billed as an AUDIO COLOR PROCESSOR, packing a chain of five effects (each imparting a particular coloration, tone, distortion, and/or texture to the source audio) into a 6HP- width module, making drums bang with more magnitude and melodies morph into lush lo-fi tones — at Brooklyn SYNTH+PEDAL EXPO, a free-to-the-public pop-up event of synths and guitar effect pedals, at 718 Studios, Brooklyn, NYC, USA, October 8-9…

“HUE was originally designed as the effects section for Trinity; the thought was to create an effects section that would simulate the classic, lush boom- bap and lo-fi vibes that we’ve come to love.” So says Modbap Modular founder/owner/designer Corry Banks, before continuing: “I want to bring those nostalgic textures that make things bang a bit harder and feel a bit grittier and more soulful into a single Eurorack module. HUE pairs very well with drum sources, such as Trinity, or melodic sources, such as Osiris, to further cultivate ‘that sound’. Saying that, HUE, in moderation, makes things sound more beautiful, but it can become brolic when pushed to its limits.”

Maximum (musical) muscle notwithstanding, HUE’s goal is to simply color its user’s sound — hence highlighting that the aim of its name is true, thanks to the COLOR PROCESSOR wording written across the top of its slimline front panel. Its initial concept was born out of a debate about the techniques and processes used to make drum machines sound so big, bold, and delicious. It is worth bearing in mind here, then, that the sounds that tug at the heartstrings of boom-bap, lo-fi, and, subsequently, Modbap — meaning the fusion of modular synthesis and boom-bap (or, indeed, any form of hip-hop) — are those demonstrating great texture, lush degradation, soft distortion, and big bold strokes of color.

Classic beloved drum machines were often processed with outboard gear; recorded to tape; pressed to vinyl; played over big, booming sound systems; sampled; resampled, and so on. It is no surprise, therefore, that those are the sounds that become nostalgic and reminiscent of all that the black-owned Eurorack modular synthesis and electronic musical instrument manufacturer adores about classic lo-fi boom-bap production, with HUE representing its attempt at bringing that vibe into Eurorack as a 6HP-width module.

Acting as a COLOR PROCESSOR, HUE’s effects chain signal path is as follows: DRIVE, FILTER, TAPE (saturation), LO-FI, and COMP (compressor), with the panel layout allowing for the DJ-style FILTER knob to sit in first position for ease of tweaking — LP (low-pass) when turned to the left through to HP (high- pass) when turned to the right. Digging deeper, DRIVE boosts and lightly distorts the signal, while SHIFT+DRIVE adjusts the DRIVE tone; the TAPE effect is intended to impart cassette tape saturation, while SHIFT+TAPE adjusts the intensity; LO-FI adjusts bit depth, while SHIFT+LO-FI adjusts sample rate; and, lastly, the one-knob COMP mini-pot serves as the final glue in the signal path that brings everything together. There are also DRIVE CV, FILTER CV, TAPE CV, and LO-FI CV inputs, as well as mono INPUT and OUT connections, collectively opening up a wealth of creative possibilities. Put it this way: when throwing creative modulation at it, HUE is truly a textural beast.

But best of all, HUE puts the power to shape and transform its user’s sound at their fingertips — perfect for beefing up drums while equally as magical when working on melodic content, which is exactly why it pairs so well with Trinity (https://www.modbap.com/products/trinity), the fourth entry in Modbap Modular’s expanding Eurorack product lineup as a three-channel DIGITAL DRUM SYNTH ARRAY, and Osiris (https://www.modbap.com/products/osiris), a sensational-sounding BI-FIDELITYTM WAVETABLE OSC (oscillator) module for Eurorack (introduced to widespread critical acclaim at last year’s Knobcon Number Nine). Needless to say, HUE — like its Eurorack siblings — exemplifies Modbap Modular’s musical mantra: Made for Eurorack, dope enough for boom-bap!


Expected to ship in late-October 2022, HUE is available to preorder at an MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of $299.00 USD via San Clemente, CA, USA-based distributor Electro Distro’s growing global network of dealers (https://www.electro-distro.com/dealers) — including Sweetwater (https://www.sweetwater.com), the USA’s number one eCommerce provider of music instruments and pro audio gear — or directly via its dedicated webpage (which includes more in-depth information) here: https://www.modbap.com/products/hue

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Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 130 with Bob Coover of Groove Synthesis!

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Music Technology Discussion with Rob Puricelli, Ben Simpson, Kent Spong and our very special guest, Bob Coover of Groove Synthesis!

This week we're delighted to welcome Bob Coover of Groove Synthesis, a new synth company that launched this year with their debut product, the utterly fascinating, gorgeous sounding and award winning '3rd Wave', an unashamed and unabashed homage to the late, great PPG Wave but with so much more besides. We'll be digging into the the inspiration for this machine, the credentials of those behind it and why wavetable synthesis is currently enjoying a long overdue renaissance!"

See the Groove Synthesis label below for more. You can find an earlier interview here.

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 125 with special guest, Ben 'Benge' Edwards!

video upload by Pro Synth Network

An interview with Benge aka zack dagoba. Don't miss his Vintage Synth TV episodes.

"Music Technology Discussion with Ben Simpson, Kent Spong, Rob Puricelli and special guest, Ben 'Benge' Edwards!

Ben Edwards, known professionally as Benge, is an English musician and record producer based in Cornwall, England. The main focus of his work is within the experimental electronic music field. He launched the record label Expanding Records as an outlet for his debut album 'Electro-Orgoustic Music' in 1995. His tenth solo album, released in 2008, was called 'Twenty Systems' and featured 20 individual tracks, each based around a specific synthesizer

Over the years Benge has amassed a large collection of electronic synthesisers, drum machines and studio equipment which is housed in his 'Memetune Studio Complex'. From here he writes and records his own music as well as working on his many collaborations

Since 2012, Benge has released a regular series of online solo albums via his bandcamp and iTunes pages. These albums regularly feature his "one-synthesiser-per-album" concept, whereby he limits himself to creating a full album using a single electronic music system

He's worked as a co-writer and producer with many luminaries of the Electronic Music scene, such as John Foxx, Wrangler (Stephen Mallinder), Blancmange (Neil Arthur), Creepshow (John Grant) and many others, as well as pursuing his own musical projects such as Oblong and Fader

2022 saw the launch of The Memetune Show on his YouTube channel. This show, hugely reminiscent of late 70s/early 80s BBC/PBS technology shows, is a part tongue in cheek, part serious exploration of vintage synthesizer and video production technology"

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 122 with Special Guest, Dina Pearlman!

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Music Technology Discussion with Ben Simpson, Rob Puricelli and Kent Spong.
This week, we are so excited to welcome back Dina Pearlman!"

Website: https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/
Donations: https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/d...

Yamaha VP1 Demo - No Talking

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"This video was assembled from clips of Scott Kinsey playing a Yamaha VP1, owned by Reinhold Heil and restored by a team lead by Manny Fernandez, on Episode 120 of our live stream on Friday 22nd July 2022.

You can watch that stream here:"

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 120 - Yamaha VP1 Special

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"This week we're bringing to you a really special show!

The Yamaha VP1 is not only one of the rarest synthesizers ever made, but also one of the most unique. The VP1 was going to be Yamaha's first commercial foray into the world of physical and acoustic modelling. Utilising a free oscillation type of modelling, it was a 76 note, 16 voice modelling monster with the ability to combine multiple elements into a single patch and had dedicated external editing capabilities for an Apple G3 directly connected to it via a dedicated serial port.

Friend of the show, Manny Fernandez, has been helping Reinhold Heil restore his VP1 to working condition and now that the restoration has been completed, Manny, Reinhold and legendary jazz keyboardist Scott Kinsey, himself a VP1 fan and Yamaha professional, join us to discuss and demonstrate this remarkable instrument and its restoration process."

February Filter Sweep YouTube Protest & a Call to any YouTube / Google Employees

Youtube claimed copyright on a synth filter sweep video by ranzee

"I can't believe we are now getting copyright claims just for performing tests on synths! Yep - all I did was a filter sweep - and BAM! Copyright Claim police came on in and took my video away (partially) from the world. This is ludicrous!"

This one was sent my way via supporting member, Synth Addict.

For those not aware, YouTube has algorithms that scan audio in videos for copyright infringement. If something is found in violation, the video is automatically unpublished. The problem? Apparently certain filter sweeps are triggering take downs. This is becoming a problem for synth demos (per ranzee above, and previously mentioned here for example). I am curious what sample is being used for the comparison. Rush's Tom Sawyer? :) Actually, Synth Addict mentioned it being a Chemical Brothers track, which does sound familiar. Anyway, if anyone out there reading this has any connections, maybe you can reach out to someone that can fix this?

For the rest of us, not sure how the following will help, but if anything it will bring some attention to the problem amongst the synth community.

via Synth Addict:

"What users can do:

Post a video on YouTube of yourself demonstrating a filter sweep on a synth or synths of your choice and tag it #FFS

Attached image created by Andrew Brooks on FB [the image directly above, in this post], as a joint effort with the chat community of Pro Synth Network, GEO Synths, and SonicState.

bogus YT claims received so far by:

Pro Synth Network
GEO Synths
ranzee
Andrew Brooks
Starsky Carr
…and growing"

Update: and the first #FFS video:

FFS - February Filter Sweep

video by Vague Robots

And a couple more:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Elk Audio OS Coms to the Raspberry Pi

"Elk Audio OS for everyone! - Elk releases open source version of award winning Audio Operating System and Development Kit for Raspberry Pi.

Elk Audio OS is the award-winning Audio Operating System from Elk (​formerly known as MIND Music Labs) ​that allows you to run existing VST and other plugin formats on hardware instruments and audio devices in real time with ultra low latency. And this using only ​general purpose ARM and x86 CPUs, opening up for a new generation of digital instruments and remote 5G network experiences.

In the upcoming weeks a beta version of the Elk Audio Operating System will be made available under a Dual licensing model (open-source & commercial), but already today, the Elk Audio OS SDK & documentation is available and is free for anyone to start using. Available on ​elk.audio is also an ​Elk Audio OS Development Kit for Raspberry Pi​ that includes a custom​ Elk Pi Audio Hat. The Elk Pi Hat alone is one of the most advanced pro Audio Hats in the markets with down to 1 ms latency, multichannel and support for Raspberry 4 coming up in the very near future.

'The idea behind the Elk Audio OS is to make a whole new generation of connected musical instruments possible. Instruments that can connect people around the world and spur new kinds of musical creativity. We believe there are so many potential instrument makers out there who could create fantastic things if they just had the right tools, and it is for them we have created Elk. So today I'm very happy to announce that we have reached a major milestone in our company, when we can make Elk available to everyone through the open source release.'
- Michele Beninicaso CEO at Elk (former MIND Music Labs)

Elk Audio OS is officially endorsed by ​Steinberg​, owners of the ​VST format, is supported in the VST3 SDK and is fully compatible with plugins written in ​JUCE​, making Elk the perfect solution for companies and makers alike interested in developing new digital hardware instruments. With VST being the defacto standard for software instruments and effects there is already a vast library of existing world class plugins out there waiting for a new life as hardware. An example of this is the Retrologue desktop prototype synth built on the VST synth with the same name debuted earlier this year at ​SuperBooth​ in Berlin.

'When working with Elk Audio OS on the Retrologue we immediately recognized something that could be a game changer. Running the same VST plugin on hardware as you do on desktop opens up for new possibilities and new ways of working. Getting Elk Audio OS available under open source is really exciting and I believe that this could make Elk a standard for digital hardware instruments.'
- ​Florian Haack, Steinberg

ADC
If you are one of the lucky ones to have grabbed a spot at the ​Elk workshop at this years ​ADC (Audio Developer Conference) this news should be even more exciting. Not only will you get a hands on workshop from the core team of developers behind the Elk Audio OS, but you are also the first ones out to get access to the full ​Elk Audio OS Development Kit​, including the ​Elk Pi Audio Hat​. For those of you who have not secured a spot, make sure not to miss the planned ​talk on Elk Audio OS​!"