2022: ARP ODYSSEY SYNTHPOSIUM Coming November 5th

via The Alan R Pearlman Foundation

"COME HELP US CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF THE ARP ODYSSEY!

Join us on November 5th at 10:00am (EST) for an in-person/online event and fundraiser celebrating 50 years of the ARP Odyssey, one of the most popular synthesizers of all time- played by everyone from Herbie Hancock, Deep Purple (John Lord), The Fixx, P-Funk, UltraVox, Billy Preston, George Duke and many many more. Hosted by the Berklee College of Music's Electronic Production & Design Department, the day will feature live performances, panel discussions, special guests, and more! The in-person performances of the SYNTHPOSIUM and fundraiser will take place at David Friend Recital Hall at The Berklee College of Music in Boston. The event will be streamed live via several different sources.

Our concert highlights include:
Streaming interview with Herbie Hancock
Live in-person concert with Lisa Bella Donna (fully streamed for all virtual attendees)
Our confirmed artists, panelists, content creators and guests include: Herbie Hancock, Lisa Bella Donna, Rupert Greenall (The Fixx), David Friend, Mark Vail, DJ Cherish the Luv, Danz (Synth History), Drew Schlesinger, Ian Staer, Jamie Billings, Mike Metlay, Alex Ball, David Frederick, Tom Piggot, Alison Cassidy, Bill T. Miller, the Berklee Synthesizer Ensemble, Greg Phillinganes, the Jennifer Hruska group, BØLT and many more!

Tickets and Information
Tickets are available to purchase. Please visit our Eventbrite page for more information. Limited seating available for in-person attendees.

Visit our Facebook & Eventbrite page regularly for updates.

This Synthposium would not be possible without the generous support of the Berklee College of Music Electronic Production and Design Department, who is graciously hosting this event.

Anyone who is able to join us at the David Friend Recital Hall in person can attend the event for free, with donations encouraged for preferred seating.

We have some truly amazing performances, panels, and artist interviews that we can't wait to share with you all. We look forward to seeing you on November 5th!

NOTE: For those joining us from time zones that are not practical for live-streaming, playback will be available for the entire weekend.

Our concert highlights include:
Streaming interview with Herbie Hancock
Live in-person concert with Lisa Bella Donna (fully streamed for all virtual attendees)
Our confirmed artists, panelists, content creators and guests include: Herbie Hancock, Lisa Bella Donna, Rupert Greenall (The Fixx), David Friend, Mark Vail, DJ Cherish the Luv, Danz (Synth History), Drew Schlesinger, Ian Staer, Jamie Billings, Mike Metlay, Alex Ball, David Frederick, Tom Piggot, Alison Cassidy, Bill T. Miller, the Berklee Synthesizer Ensemble, Greg Phillinganes, the Jennifer Hruska group, BØLT and many more!

Tickets and Information
Tickets for the streaming event are available our Eventbrite page for more information. Limited seating available for in-person attendees.

To make a donation for VIP seating, please visit the Event Page on the website.

All proceeds will benefit the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation. & our ARP's for all program. The Foundation's mission is to celebrate the legacy of inventor, musician, entrepreneur and engineer Alan R. Pearlman by making his innovative inventions publicly accessible, and inspiring future generations to imagine and create."

THE ARP ODYSSEY...

"The Odyssey was ARP's primary lead/solo synthesizer. It was designed for musicians who wanted more control than the preset-oriented Soloist could provide, but didn't want the large size and patch cables of the 2600. Over its 8-year lifespan, the Odyssey went through three versions. The changes between them were sonic, cosmetic, and functional – to the point where musicians of today often consider the Odyssey to have existed as three distinct instruments."

To learn more about the ARP Odyssey, please visit our Music Makers & Machines page on Google Arts & Culture. Story by Mike Metlay with editorial contributions from Rich Formidoni, Mary Lock, & Dina Pearlman.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ARP ODYSSEY SYNTHPOSIUM
VISIT: alanrpearlmanfoundation.org

NAMM Show 소식 "Casiotone lifestyle" - 한국어 -

Published on Jan 18, 2020 CASIO Music Global

NAMM Show Report "Casiotone unique features"

Published on Jan 18, 2020


With Rich Formidoni.

"In 1980, Casio made music creation available to everyone, everywhere with the very first Casiotone portable keyboard. The CT-201 was the first electronic keyboard with full-size keys that anyone could afford. It launched a legacy of giving musicians of any age, budget, or skill level the innovations that help them sound their best.

Now, nearly 40 years later, Casio proudly presents the next generation of Casiotone keyboards. Casiotone is the perfect first step, the perfect gift, and the perfect way to have fun making music.

The ultra-compact CT-S200, CT-S300 and LK-S250 let you make music wherever and whenever you want. Just pop in six AA batteries, grab the built-in carrying handle and take your inspiration to go. *Each model includes power supply and music rest.

Explore a variety of great sounding Tones and accompaniment Rhythms with 61 full-size keys, an easy-to-read LCD display and intuitive controls. Use the “My Setup” function to quickly get to your favorite sounds.

Dance Music Mode lets you easily create and remix EDM tracks. Select a style, and use the keys to trigger drum loops, basslines, synth parts, effects, transitions and more.

Use the built-in speakers to share with friends, or plug in headphones for quiet play at any time. The 1/8” audio input lets you play along with music from your favorite device.

The CT-S300 adds touch responsive keys and a pitch bend wheel for added expression.

The LK-S250 features touch responsive keys with Casio’s Key Lighting System, making learning your favorite songs easier than ever. With plenty of built-in songs and a voice-guided Step-Up Lesson system, you’ll be sounding great in no time. The LK-S250 also includes a microphone input, letting you add your voice to the mix.

Connect to the free Chordana Play iOS/Android app and take your music further, learning how to play your favorite songs from downloaded MIDI files. The class- compliant USB port connects to any Mac/PC/iOS/Android device with no drivers needed.

Express yourself with a Casiotone CT-S200 in black, white or red.

*Information subject to change without notice."

Casio CT-X Series Portable Keyboards with Rich Formidoni

Published on Oct 12, 2018 Kraft Music

"Shop Casio Celviano Digital Pianos at Kraft Music:
https://www.kraftmusic.com/brands/cas...

Rich Formidoni from Casio plays the CT-X5000 Portable Keyboard at Kraft Music.

Casio CT-X series portable keyboards deliver studio-quality sounds and convenient performance features in affordable instruments you can take anywhere. Sounding like instruments that cost many times more thanks to their AiX Sound Source, each CT-X keyboard has a great selection of features, with hundreds of fun Rhythms and Tones, song recorders, built-in speakers, and lightweight, rugged design.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Casio CT-X series portable keyboard bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new keyboard, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please give us a call. Our knowledgeable Sales Advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

NAMM 2018 Videos by SynthMania

Published on Jan 25, 2018 SynthMania

These are great as they give a feel of what it's like to walk around NAMM.

Playlist:
NAMM 2018 part 1 - Getting into NAMM
NAMM 2018 part 2 - Jim Alfredson, Hammond SKX
NAMM 2018 part 3 - Korg pianos, Kross 2, Prologue
NAMM 2018 part 4 - Korg Pa1000 and Pa700
NAMM 2018 part 5 - Sonic Farm hand-made preamps
NAMM 2018 part 6 - Spectrasonics, Eric Persing
NAMM 2018 part 7 - IK Multimedia Syntronik
NAMM 2018 part 8 - Roland
NAMM 2018 part 9 - Elektron Digitone
NAMM 2018 part 10 - Mellotron
NAMM 2018 part 11 - Casio - new keyboards, Rich Formidoni
NAMM 2018 part 12 - KeyB, Viscount, Elvio Previati organs
NAMM 2018 part 13 - Kilpatrick Audio Torque and Redox
NAMM 2018 part 14 - Dexibell pianos and organs
NAMM 2018 part 15 - Various brands
NAMM 2018 part 16 - Waldorf
NAMM 2018 part 17 - Pioneer, Gemini, DJ
NAMM 2018 part 18 - Yamaha
NAMM 2018 part 19 - Novation, Dexibell
NAMM 2018 part 20 - SynthMaster
NAMM 2018 part 21 - Moon Modular
NAMM 2018 part 22 - Polyend
NAMM 2018 part 23 - Pittsburgh Modular MicroVolt 3900
NAMM 2018 part 24 - STG SoundLabs
NAMM 2018 part 25 - Detachment 3
NAMM 2018 part 26 - Mark Vail
NAMM 2018 part 27 - Arturia
NAMM 2018 part 28 - Nord
NAMM 2018 part 29 - modulars, Pioneer, PreSonus

Summer NAMM 2016 - Casio MZ X500 Sample Import with Rich Formidoni

Published on Jun 26, 2016 Kraft Music

http://www.kraftmusic.com/synthesizers

NAMM 2016 Casio MZ-X300 and MZ-X500 Arranger Keyboards

Published on Jan 22, 2016 Kraft Music

"Great BUNDLE deals on Casio MZ-X Music Arrangers at Kraft Music:
http://www.kraftmusic.com/brands/casi...

"Rich Formidoni presents the Casio MZ-X Music Arranger Keyboards at NAMM 2016.

The Casio MZ-X500 and MZ-X300 music arranger keyboards represent Casio's most ambitious sound design project to date. The MZ-X keyboards feature an incredible number of preset voices, plus expansion memory. A refined rhythm and accompaniment section includes full pattern recording with SMF import. The MZ-X keyboards also offer programmable pads for triggering samples, chords, phrases, and articulations. Plenty of connections are available too, with USB, footswitch and expression pedal inputs, mic input, MIDI, and more.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Casio MZ-X arranger keyboard BUNDLE from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new arranger workstation - at home, on stage, or in the studio. If you have any questions, please give us a call. Our knowledgeable product specialists will be happy to assist in choosing the BUNDLE that's right for you!"

[NAMM] Casio MZ-X500 P

ublished on Jan 22, 2016 Audiofanzine in English

"Here's a demo of Casio's MZ-X500 at the NAMM show 2016."

Interesting seeing Rich Formidoni. He was formally with KORG. The following are some details on the new MX-X500 and MZ-X300. Note there is a sampling and "Hex Layer" synth section on the MZ-X500.

"PERFORM. CREATE. INSPIRE.
The MZ-X Series is the evolutionary successor to Casio’s powerful MZ-2000 Series instruments. It will jump-start your creativity with its authentic sound, intuitive Color Touch Interface, and extensive control. This new flagship keyboard will enable musicians around the world to perform, create, and inspire like never before.

EVOLUTIONARY SOUND QUALITY
Over 1,100 high-quality Tones are provided, (over 900 on MX-Z300), covering a global variety of instruments. No matter what type of music you want to play, the MZ-X Series delivers.

Acoustic guitars include fret noise, harmonics, string slides and body slaps. Basses have smooth glissando from note to note. The new Versatile Tones provide these and other nuances, delivering incredible realism.

The Tones can be easily modified to suit your tastes, thanks to the realtime control knobs and sliders. You can also draw on a selection of 20 different effects to fit any occasion.

VIRTUAL TONEWHEEL ORGAN
The MZ-X Series faithfully reproduces the timeless sound of a vintage tonewheel organ. The rotary speaker is also simulated in great detail, giving you the complete vocabulary of this revered instrument. The physical sliders give you precise drawbar control, and easy onscreen buttons provide you with essential adjustments.

EASY PRODUCTION TOOLS
The MZ-X Series contains a 16-track MIDI recorder with a full suite of mixing and editing features, plus powerful effect processors and USB audio recording. Select an ensemble, record a performance, then connect a mic, add some vocal effects, and record your performance as an upload-ready WAV file.

AUTHENTIC RHYTHMS
The MZ-X Series contain hundreds of flexible and great-sounding Rhythms, representing musical genres from around the world. Latin, Middle Eastern, European, Asian, and other global Rhythms are included, as well as a full spectrum of pop, jazz, rock, dance. These Rhythms have multiple intros, endings, and variations, and use advanced chord detection to deliver complete accompaniment ensembles that react smoothly to the way you play. They are ideal for solo performances, songwriting, or just enjoying a jam session with a band of professional musicians.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Published on Jun 5, 2015 Nova Musik

"Check out great deals on the Korg KingKORG at Nova Musik:
http://www.novamusik.com/instruments/...

Rich Formidoni from Korg USA stopped by give us an overview of the KingKORG synthesizer.

KingKORG is a 61-key analog modeling synthesizer with powerful oscillators, an amazing array of modeled filters and three master effects sections. It also features a vacuum tube driver circuit, a CV/gate output jack and free Sound Librarian software for managing patches and programs."

Nova Musik - Korg SQ-1 Step Sequencer with Rich Formidoni

Published on Apr 24, 2015 Nova Musik

"Check out great deals on the Korg SQ-1 Step Sequencer at Nova Musik: http://www.novamusik.com/ssearch/?q=k...

Housed in a compact metal enclosure and powerable via USB or batteries, Korg SQ-1 is a sequencing powerhouse capable of connecting to your gear not only over MIDI or USB but also via two sets of CV/gate outputs. It even has dedicated ports for volca- and monotribe-style sync and for connecting to the Korg littleBits Synth Kit.

SQ-1's CV/gate outputs can be set to different voltage scales and standards, including 1V, 2V, 5V and 8V (Hz/V). The behavior for the knobs controlling each step's value can be linear or constrained/quantized to minor, major or chromatic scales.

SQ-1 is available both standalone and bundled with the limited edition Korg MS-20 Module Kit."

Nova Musik - Korg MS-20M Kit + SQ-1 with Rich Formidoni

Published on Apr 23, 2015 Nova Musik

"Check out great deals on the Korg MS-20 Module Kit & SQ-1 bundle at Nova Musik: http://www.novamusik.com/instruments/...

Rich Formidoni from Korg USA visits us to go over some of the cool new features on the MS-20 Module Kit and demonstrates it with the bundled SQ-1 Step Sequencer.

With features and enhancements that set it apart not only from the vintage MS-20 but even the more recent reissues, the MS-20 Module Kit is really the ultimate MS-20: activate oscillator sync or frequency modulation and select between the two filter revisions right from the front panel, and take advantage of the new PWM IN pulse width modulation input that's been added to the patch panel.

Even more significantly, the MS-20M supports 1V/octave CV input in addition to the other MS-20s' somewhat more exotic Hz/V standard, and also accepts both S-Trig and V-Trig at its gate inputs. This means that unlike even the recent MS-20 Mini and MS-20 Kit, the MS-20 Module can be connected to eurorack modular systems and other 1V/octave gear without the need for any additional equipment to 'translate' the CV signal to Hz/V. And speaking of connecting MS-20M to other gear, the new Junction section with its three sets of four jacks—one 1/8" and three 1/4" at each junction—act as a handy set of built-in mults to further facilitate integration with eurorack synth rigs.

Like other recent MS-20 iterations, MS-20M has USB and MIDI in, so all your connectivity and automation options are covered. It also comes bundled with Korg's awesome SQ-1 step sequencer, a tiny powerhouse that can sequence and synchronize across a wide variety of standards, including MIDI, USB, CV/gate at a variety of scales/standards, and even volca- and monotribe-style sync."

Nova Musik - Korg KRONOS Music Workstation with Rich Formidoni

Published on Mar 17, 2015 Nova Musik

"Check out great deals on the Korg KRONOS at Nova Musik:
http://www.novamusik.com/instruments/...

Rich Formidoni from Korg USA took some time during a recent visit to our studio to play and go through some new features on the Korg KRONOS Music Workstation.

With nine distinct synthesis engines and a complete suite of performance and productions tools, KRONOS is simply the most versatile synthesizer ever made. Onboard effects open the door to processing any internal or external audio source with dazzling results. Multitrack audio and MIDI recording deliver efficient studio operations in a mobile platform. Hands-on hardware includes an assignable control surface, dual joysticks, ribbon controller, top-of-the line keyboard action, and KORG’s tap-and-drag color TouchView display.

Set List mode keeps all of your custom settings and performance notes organized in the display for on-the-fly selection. Smooth Sound Transitions eliminate note and effect dropouts when switching sounds or modes. Connect virtual patch cables, select sounds, plus edit envelopes and sequences—all using the eight-inch color TouchView display. Add to that advanced sequencing, KARMA, and Drum Track composition tools. Enjoy exclusive KORG wavesequencing, MS-20 filtering and the impossibly-rich Polysix chorus."

Nova Musik - Korg ARP Odyssey with Rich Formidoni

Published on Feb 27, 2015 Nova Musik

"Check out great deals on the ARP Odyssey at Nova Musik: http://www.novamusik.com/korg-arp-ody...

Rich Formidoni from Korg USA stopped by to talk about and play Korg's revival of the iconic ARP Odyssey analog synthesizer.

The ARP Odyssey was an analog synthesizer originally produced in 1972 by the American manufacturer ARP Instruments, Inc. that quickly garnered a faithful following among musicians. Well respected for its high value, ease to play and portability, the ARP Odyssey had undergone several improvements during its history and continued to be a long-seller until manufacturing stopped in 1981 due to economic hardships and the digital surge. Loved by a wide range of musicians as a historical classic, its sound can be heard on numerous classic songs.

Now in 2015, Korg has brought back the ARP Odyssey for today. With the advisory assistance of David Friend, the co-founder of ARP Instruments, Korg has completely reproduced the original circuitry for artists looking to recreate classic sounds and explore new ones. Together the engineers at Korg and ARP were able to nail the sound and feel of the original. Every detail has been carefully considered to stay true to the quality of the original, down to the sophisticated semi-hard case."

The Korg Launch Event 2015

Published on Feb 18, 2015 Korg


"Rich Formidoni of Korg USA Inc. takes us through Korg's Launch event for the Kronos and Arp Odyssey. We had the privilege to speak with a few artists on what they thought of the event and even spoke with David Friend, the co-founder of the Arp Odyssey, who shared his thoughts on the Arp Odyssey recreation."

The 2015 NAMM Show: Rich Formidoni talks about the ARP ODYSSEY, MS-20m and SQ-1

Published on Jan 25, 2015 Korg

"Day one of the 2015 NAMM show was a huge success for Korg, and it’s only getting busier. Rich Formidoni gives a quick recap of all the attention that the ARP Odyssey, MS-20m, and SQ-1 are getting."

Korg Kronos In The Studio – Introducing the NEW Kronos and OS v3.0

Published on Dec 5, 2014 Korg

"The most powerful synthesizer in the world just got even better. The new Kronos is here, powered by the new OS v3.0. Korg’s Rich Formidoni takes you through the incredible new features of OS v3.0, which works with ANY Kronos or Kronos X Music Workstation."

Nova Musik - Korg microKORG XL+ with Rich Formidoni

Published on Nov 6, 2014 Nova Musik

"Check out great deals on Korg microKORG XL+ at Nova Musik:
http://www.novamusik.com/instruments/...

Korg USA's Rich Formidoni gives us an overview of the microKORG XL+, including sounds unique to the '+' model and a tour of the front panel interface.

With its unmistakably unique exterior and its inimitable sound, the microKORG set the standard for analog modeling synthesizers. The year 2008 saw the introduction of the microKORG XL, which inherited the microKORG's fat and powerful sounds, while adding keyboard staples such as electric piano and CX-3 organ. And now, in the next evolutionary step, the microKORG XL+ delivers a fresh update to the sounds and look of the microKORG XL, making it an ideal compact keyboard.

Lush analog modeled synthesizer sounds that are characteristic of the microKORG have been freshly added to the microKORG XL+. In addition, for band use, the microKORG XL+ comes equipped with the piano sound from Korg's classic stage piano, the SGproX (famous for its ability to stand out in your band's mix), as well as its hard-edged grand-type electric piano. This compact package also includes sounds from the M1 and the VOX organ, vintage tape-type string and flute machines, as well as other gorgeous sounds from keyboard history."

Nova Musik - Korg KROME Music Workstation with Rich Formidoni

Published on Nov 4, 2014 Nova Musik

"Check out great deals on Korg KROME at Nova Musik:
http://www.novamusik.com/ssearch/?q=k...

Rich Formidoni from Korg USA gave us an overview of the Korg KROME Music Workstation, including a demonstration of how sounds can be built from the ground up using a familiar subtractive synthesis signal flow approach.

Krome has a full complement of the features you've come to expect from a Korg workstation, starting with the 16-track sequencer, but there's much, much more: Krome comes complete with a rich suite of tools to jumpstart your creative urges. There's the convenient Auto Song Setup function: if inspiration strikes while you're playing a program or combination, simply press the REC switch to start recording immediately. Each Template Song assigns popular sounds to sequencer tracks through pre-routed effects to match a specific musical genre. Achieve lightning-fast arrangements using Korg's Cue List, and build an armada of instant-access patterns using the RPPR (Realtime Pattern/Play Recording) feature. Go back and you can make any changes using the convenient piano-roll editing.

In addition to Korg's well-proven workstation features, Krome features a carefully chosen selection of the top sounds available today for bread-and-butter keyboard instruments such as piano and electric piano, as well as vital and dynamic drum kits, giving you the best of the basics. These highly usable piano, electric piano, and drum sounds by themselves set Krome apart from any other keyboard in its class. With sound quality and features normally found in much more expensive instruments, Krome aspires to set a whole new value standard and become a unique and irreplaceable partner for real-world musicians."

Nova Musik - Korg KingKORG with Rich Formidoni

Published on Oct 30, 2014 Nova Musik

"Check out great deals on the Korg KingKORG at Nova Musik:
http://www.novamusik.com/instruments/...

Rich Formidoni from Korg USA stopped by give us an overview of the KingKORG synthesizer.

KingKORG is a 61-key analog modeling synthesizer with powerful oscillators, an amazing array of modeled filters and three master effects sections. It also features a vacuum tube driver circuit, a CV/gate output jack and free Sound Librarian software for managing patches and programs."

Nova Musik - Korg RK-100S Keytar with Rich Formidoni

Published on Oct 9, 2014 Nova Musik

"Check out great deals on the Korg RK-100S Keytar at Nova Musik:
http://www.novamusik.com/ssearch/?q=k...

Rich Formidoni from Korg USA stopped by to tell us more about the Korg RK-100S Keytar he first showed us at Winter NAMM 2014.

The RK-100S is a modern update to Korg's vintage RK-100 Keytar with an analog modeling synth engine from Korg's microKORG XL. RK-100S comes in three colors and features two versatile ribbon controllers, an arpeggiator and a 16-band vocoder."

Nova Musik - Korg volca series with Rich Formidoni

Published on Jun 19, 2014 Nova Musik·117 videos

"Rich Formidoni from Korg USA stopped by to give us an overview of the Korg volca series of portable analog grooveboxes, which marry analog sound engines with onboard sequencers derived from Korg's Electribe music production stations.

Korg volca beats is a rhythm sequencer with an analog sound source at the core. It achieves the classic tone essential to dance music with a thick sound that´s distinctive of analog hardware. By further incorporating four lo-fi PCMs to control the playback speed, it can express the coarse graininess that transcends its intrinsic digital concept. The sequencer is constructed so that it emphasizes the spontaneity of adding and removing parts as well as pattern editing. In addition, it opens up possibilities for live performance with pattern effects, such as stutter.

Korg volca bass is an analog bassline groovebox. Detuning the three oscillators achieves the deep, modulating characteristics of analog sound. Furthermore, the combination of the envelope generator with the traditional 12 dB/oct low-pass filter used on the miniKORG 700S allows you to create hard acid house sounds with tones similar to those of a bass guitar. In addition, separately playing the three oscillators of the sequencer allows you to create sequences that combine the bass and lead parts as well as chord-like loops.

The volca keys is a 27-key analog lead synthesizer with built-in delay effects. You can enjoy wide-ranging synthesis, from chord playing or a crisp-sounding lead line detuned with unison, which are achieved by using the three VCOs, to a metallic sound using ring modulation. In addition, the sequencer's Flux function allows you to create loops with a groove not tied to steps. Knob adjustments can also be recorded so that resulting tone changes become a part of the loop."

Korg MS-20 Mini High Five

Published on Jun 2, 2014 Korg·458 videos

"The MS-20 Mini's External Signal Processor is great for connecting other gear, but it can connect people, too. Here, Korg USA's Rich Formidoni shows you how to trigger the MS-20 Mini with your own built-in electricity, and make your next high five just a little more awesome."

KORG MS20 Minis on eBay