Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 242, with Special Guest, Anthony Marinelli!

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Music Technology Discussion with Kent Spong, Andrew Longhurst & Rob Puricelli and our very special guest, Anthony Marinelli!

This week we welcome back our friend, composer, conductor. programmer, sound designer and now mega YouTuber, Anthony Marinelli. Anthony has been in the business for nearly five decades, composing music for film and advertising as well as being a go-to guy for synthesis programming, including the legendary NED Synclavier, on which he became expertly proficient.

Anthony has something very special to share with us so make sure you join us from the start of the show to find out what that is!"

The Bob Moog Foundation Fall 2024 Raffle - "No Talking" Demo!

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"We have been very lucky to be involved with helping out on the latest Bob Moog Foundation Raffle. This time, a classic vintage Minimoog Model D, signed by Peter Gabriel and restored by our very own Kent Spong, can be won.

Andrew goes through the gloriously deep, rich and distinctly Moogy tones of this incredibly special raffle prize, signed by the legend that is Peter Gabriel.

There has never been a more important time to support the Foundation. Hurricane Helene tore through Asheville, NC, home of the Moogseum, last month, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Although it only sustained minor damage, the loss in trade from being unable to open will hit the Foundation hard.

Buying tickets for the raffle is an excellent way to help out with the added bonus of being able to own this singularly unique and iconic synthesizer.

Look out for more video content to be released throughout the raffle!

Buy tickets here: https://moogfoundation.org/fall-2024-...

Be quick! The raffle ends on the 28th October 2024!

Huge thanks to the amazing and inimitable Michelle Moog-Koussa for this opportunity to support an organisation that is very dear to our hearts. Please support her work however you can."

SynthfestUK 24 Synth Coverage

video uploads by sonicstate

Update: moving this post up once as new videos have been added. Bookmark this post for updates.

Use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:

1.SynthfestUK 24: Knobula - Synth Modules and Toy Pianos

At SynthfestUK 2024, we met up again with Jason, who gaves us the updates in the world of Knobula. On display was the new 'dark mode' Poly Cinematic module, for more monochrome rigs ;-]

2. SynthFestUK 24: PWM - More Mantis News

At the show we made a beeline for the PWM stand, where Paul gave us the latest Mantis news.
And yes, it's out there in the world now!

3. SynthfestUK 24: Roland Unveils the Juno-D Series with Zen-Core Sound

We caught up with Andrew and Ludwig who showed us around the new updated Juno-D series: Juno-D6, D7, and D8. They have the same keyboard action as the Fantom-O series and a new colour screen, making it easier for performers to navigate on stage. And they can be powered by a USB-C mobile battery, perfect for buskers ;-) Running Roland's Zen-Core sound engine, they also incorporates features like a 64-step sequencer and a phrase pad for live sample triggering.
Prices range approximately from £949 to £1199.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sonicware ELZ_1 play Unboxing with Andrew Longhurst

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Courtesy of My Longhurst, here's an exclusive video for our Patreons & YouTube Members of him unboxing & exploring the Sonicware ELZ_1 play.

The ELZ-1 play builds on the success of Sonicware's first ever instrument, the ELZ_1 and benefits from the knowledge and experience gained by Sonicware whilst creating their LIVEN units as well as SmplTrek and the LoFi-12 XT."

Sonicware ELZ_1 play: Ambient Loop 01 - A Pro Synth Network Short

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"The first of our PSN shorts using the brilliant ELZ_1 play from Dr. Yu Endo and Sonicware!.

Andrew builds up a lovely, evolving ambient loop using the 4-track loop recorder built into the ELZ_1 play.

The ELZ-1 play builds on the success of Sonicware's first ever instrument, the ELZ_1 and benefits from the knowledge and experience gained by Sonicware whilst creating their LIVEN units as well as SmplTrek and the LoFi-12 XT."

Arturia PolyBrute 12: Nova Pluck - A Pro Synth Network Short

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"In this first of a series of short demos of synths, we take a look at the Arturia PolyBrute 12. Using a tune that will be familiar to most, this performance uses a single patch called Nova Pluck. Everything you hear is this one patch.

I start off by using the A side of the patch, then morph towards the B side which brings in the rhythmic timbre and opens up the filters a bit more.

This particular patch uses the PolyBrute 12's Alt Aftertouch more, specifically the FullTouch Env setting. This allows me to control the envelope across the whole travel of the key and when I press into the aftertouch zone, things get raucous!

A huge thanks to Arturia and in particular Kuba Sojka who designed this patch."

Superbooth 2024 Walkabaout

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Hi everyone!

So here we are. It's a week since Superbooth 2024 and the post-Booth Blues have already kicked in. It was another remarkable week in Berlin, filled with amazing people, amazing gear and mediocre beer!

In this video, which you are getting an exclusive first look at, I walked almost the entirety of the Superbooth site, from the Bungalowdorf to the upper levels of the main building at FEZ. I tried to capture as much of the gear that was there and hopefully give you a taster of the Superbooth experience.

This video was filmed on the final day and the weather, whilst still lovely arm warm, was a little more subdued. The sun was hiding away, which was a shame because Superbooth in full sunlight is an amazing sight to behold.

So hopefully this video will give you a feel of the place and the vibe. You may see some familiar faces, you'll definitely see some familiar gear, and some new stuff too! Unfortunately, there were things that only a lucky few got to see and we were sworn to secrecy, but trust me, there are great things coming!

Let us know what your highlights and lowlights of this year's event were. Point out people you know and be sure to leave your comments below :-)

Enjoy! :-)

Robbie x"

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 215 with Special Guests, Cherry Audio!

video upload by Pro Synth Network

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

This week we're delighted to welcome back Dan & Mitchell of Cherry Audio to talk about their latest offering, the Cherry Audio Chroma! We will also be ruminating about all the news coming out of Superbooth '24 in Berlin, from which we hope Rob will make an appearance!"

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 Pro Synth Network

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 Pro Synth Network

"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! ;-)"