The Venerable Moog Memorymoog - Inspiration for the Moog Muse?

video upload by Vintage Synthesizer Solutions

"Please join us while we explore the infamous, but actually quite venerable Moog Memorymoog synthesizer. As is widely recognized, the Memorymoog was developed too late and was rushed to the market. By 1982/83, the era of extremely expensive flagship analog polysynths being ubiquitously adopted by professional musicians and studios was coming to an end. Synths like the Sequential Prophet 5, Oberheim OB-X/Xa, & Roland Jupiter 8 had dominated the market, but new digital technology - both in synthesis and sampling, was quickly gaining a substantial foothold in the music industry. The Memorymoog was notorious for reliability issues right out of the box while innovative instruments like the Yamaha DX7 were cheaper, much more reliable, and had a unique new sound.

In hindsight and considering the analog renaissance we've expereinced of late, one can evaluate the Memorymoog from a different and more forgiving perspective... It sounds absolutely fantastic and offeres an incredibly unique & fat tone relative to competetive products of both its era and modern times. Additionally, once a competent technician has sorted common issues with the power supply/fan, connectors, etc. the instrument can be quite reliable from a functionality and tuning standpoint.

The audio is DIRECT, with a just a touch of OTO Bam reverb added on an aux bus - You are hearing the raw audio as it comes directly from the synthesizer. There is NO EQ, Dynamics, etc. Listen on good headphones or monitors!

Thank you so much for watching! This channel is a passion project. These videos are recorded off the cuff. We are just two hobbyists who share a deep passion for synthesizers."

Kawai SX240

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

via this listing

"The Kawai SX-240 is one of the most underrated analog polysynths of all time. It's secret weapon is the SSM 2044 filter, also used in the Korg PolySix. That said it has a brighter sound than PolySix, particularly on the stunning brass patches. The SX-240 is capable of a diverse range of sounds. It also features an onboard sequencer! This one is fresh from a round of service from our tech and is ready for stage or studio. Some minor cosmetics issues on the wooden panels and some sticker residue but otherwise in very good condition."

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SN G43928

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

via this listing

"This unit is the US Version and is in very good condition and full working order. It sounds great! There are minor scratches on the sides and bottom, as shown in the photos, but the main faceplate of the synth is in great condition with only small blemishes. The left wood end-plate has some discoloration, as also shown in the photos.

Due to the slow refresh rate of the alpha-numeric displays on this synth, some of the later photos in this listing did not capture all of the text, as my camera's shutter speed caught the screens mid-refresh. However, this is just an artifact of the camera image, and the earlier photos in the listing show that all of the displays are working properly despite their age."

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Casio MT-100 - classic Casiotone with graphic equalizer

video upload by Alfonse

"The Casiotone MT-100 (1985) uses the classic early 80s vowel-consonant synthesis used in the MT-400V, but instead of a low-pass filter, it adds a 5-band graphic equalizer.

I used the graphic EQ on most of the sounds, including the drums. It’s good for getting some extra brightness and clarity in sounds that have a lot of mid-range frequencies by default. The EQ bands start with 350Hz, so unfortunately there’s no potential for manipulating bass frequencies.

Music: 'Armrest Afternoons' (C) Copyright 2024 Alfonse
Download the track here: https://alfonse.bandcamp.com/track/ar...

Store: http://alfonse.bandcamp.com
Website: https://www.alfonsemusic.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/alfonsemusic
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/alfonsemusic
Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/alfonsemusic"

Groc Granular Engine: Speed and Size Controls

video upload by oddment audio

"From Gabor's early thinking and experiments, one of the core ideas of granular synthesis is independent manipulation of time and pitch. Commercial time stretch, auto-tune, pitch shift and harmonizing algorithms are all closely related to granular synthesis. So all good granular synths should have a "speed" control that can slow down or reverse a sound without pitch shift, and should enable pitch shifts (e.g. playing different keyboard notes) while preserving playback timing.

The idea of a granular synth, as opposed to a time stretching algorithm, is to provide additional controls to impact how grains are selected, their length and many other attributes.

In this example we show Groc's playback "speed" and grain "size" controls. We demonstrate independent control of the playback direction and speed from the "direction" and size of the individual grains. This creates all kinds of interesting possibilities and reveals some surprising attributes about speech perception. Near the end of the example we can still perceive the macro structure of the sound (the words) in spite of the micro-sounds being time reversed."

rare birds: Echolette SE-251 tape echo unit

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"This is quite a rare tape echo manufactured by Dynacord. It seems to be one of the very last tape echo introduced by the brand (with the Echolette Echo 400).

It shares many parts with the Echocord line of delays like motor, pinch roller, heads, oscillator board etc But this one useS op amps instead of only transistors for amp stages (the Echocord Super 76 also already used one op amp for the output stage).

The unit has 2 heads which you can mix with the dedicated pot. Otherwise classic features like input volume, tone, echo send level, echo feedback and echo level.

In the back the original DIN socket enabled output and aux input. In this case you only get the wet signal out of the delay, which is nice in a studio environment.

Unit was fully serviced and modded. [mods below]

I demoed it with 3 different instruments so you get a good idea of how it sounds with different sources. First is a Roland MC-202, analog mono synth, then an analog drum machine (Roland CR-78) and last an electric guitar (Squier Jagmaster, not in frame). Please note the SE-251 has no hi input impedance so I run the guitar through a DI Box first.

00:00 ROLAND MC202
03:18 ROLAND CR78
06:16 SQUIER JAGMASTER"

via this listing

"Unit was fully serviced and modded:

- all electrolityc caps were replaced (except 3 bipolar ones )

- original 4x op amps were upgraded to better one (TL081)

- original DIN socket was replaced by 2 jack sockets, one for the output and one for the aux input. Also a pot was added to attenuate the level for the aux input

- unit was meticulously cleaned

- heads were cleaned, demagnetized and aligned

- unit was calibrated

- tape is new"

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Tips & Tricks: Class Compliant USB Audio Interface with Elektron Drum Machines and Synths

video upload by Group Technologies Australasia

"Did you know that almost all Elektron devices* are USB class compliant? That means you can easily send audio out from your Elektron drum machine or synth directly to your Apple iOS or OS device and record proper line-level audio. This is great for quickly capturing that beat you've been working on and sharing it with friends or for posting on social media like a pro. In this video we look at how easy it is to plug and record audio to your Apple device with no additional drivers, app or software required! It's also possible to send any incoming audio from external sources routed through to your Elektron box, out to USB as well. In this video we jam the Elektron Syntakt together with a vintage Roland TR-606. The TR-606 audio is running into the external input of the Syntakt and all the sounds from both devices are being routed directly via USB audio into an iPhone.

Elektron firmware provides options for choosing what audio source output you want to route to your iOS device. The default setting will send the main stereo outs, whereby the mix of all your tracks inside your Elektron box is sent out via USB. Alternatively, there are options to choose a specific track out via USB; perhaps you just want to send your sick bass line without the kick drum — yes you can! The Analog Heat+FX also has the option to process incoming audio from USB, offering a two-way audio solution that has many creative applications. Your iPhone or iPad microphone might be good at recording your voice, but they're not great at capturing and representing your latest beat creation.

*except the Octatrack"

Note this video is by supporting member David Haberfeld aka Honeysmack.

BugBrand Introduces FilterQAmp - Filter, Amp and Decay Envelope Module in Frac Format

"

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via BugBrand

"The FilterQAmp (FQA) combines a 2-pole State Variable VC Filter with a Linear VC Amplifier and an inbuilt variable-decay Envelope Generator. It is capable both of processing and, when the filter is self-oscillating, generation of synthesised sounds such as drums.

The VCF section contains a State Variable Filter (similar to my other designs) – this offers switchable Low or High Pass responses and covers the full audio range. It is temperature compensated & tracks 1V/Oct accurately. The Resonance/Q is voltage controlled with a linear response up to self-oscillation – this creates a pure sinewave, useful for synthesis.

The VCA is linear in response and takes the Low/Hi-pass output from the VCF section. It can either be set, via rear jumper, to a clean response (gain from 0 to +1) or saturation (gain from 0 to +1 then +/-5V zener clipping beyond – unity at approx 10 o’clock rotation).

The Filter, Q and Amp sections each have a CV Modulation depth control with switchable polarity (centre off) – the Filter has an additional 1V/Oct control input. In addition there is a simple variable-decay Envelope Generator which can be fired either with the manual Trig button or via the Trig input – this has a comparator so triggers on any signal over c.+1V. Decay time is variable between approx 15mS and 3Secs with an amplitude of 0 to +10V. The envelope is internally routed to modulate the Filter and Amp sections via individual depth controls – it could be manually patched to QCV with a 0.75″ shorting bar or cable.

When Q is set to full, the self-oscillating filter makes good sound generator – it can also ring when set below self-oscillation & fed with sharp edges such as gate signals. A basic drum synth can be achieved with self-oscillation and the decay envelope opening the VCA – try varying how much the envelope modulates the filter cutoff too. You can feed the main output back to the FCV input to self-modulate, resulting in an interesting peaky waveform."

2/28/24 (be flat, 8 step) Yamaha CS-30 + CXM 1978

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Cfpp0

"Another one from the end of February 2024. One oscillator is set to SEQ and the other to KBD, so you hear a droning note under an 8-step sequence from the onboard sequencer. At 1:48 I start playing some notes and you can hear the portamento. Mostly this video demonstrates the filters."

via this listing

"Insane. The Yamaha CS-30 is an animal. The filter, the oscillators, all those envelopes, all that modulation—it sounds amazing, wild. And it’s an ecosystem. Self contained, with its own sequencer, LFO, headphone output, keyboard; flip a switch to transpose your 8-step sequence, flip another to drone, drone, drone, flip a switch to change envelopes. But it also has external audio in to the filter, external control voltages in and out, sequencer pitch and gate out, and so on. So on! So on!

Solo leads, cellos, vocal formant and vowel, alien bells, whatever, it’s versatile.

It tracks Hz/v for all you Korg MS-10, 20, 50 folks, all you thyratron-loving Zerosum Inertia folks, Metasonix folks.

Very nice ergonomics. Good angle to the controls. Large knobs and faders.

This one has been around here for a few years, but had a problem with the keyboard glitching. It was just serviced and is now working great, plus it has been changed to operate on North American power."

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Spectralis 2 Tutorial: Sending drums to analog filters tips and tricks

video upload by MIDERA

"I've been spending a lot of time with the Ensoniq Mirage and sampling drums (which come out sounding so good) and wondered whether I could beef up the drums within the spectralis itself. I realized that I could send the drums to the analog filters and then do all sorts of things with it.

Note that this doesn't have any melodic stuff in it and it's using a simple drum beat, but I figure that will help you understand what it is that's happening with the sounds. Hope it's of use to any Spectralis user or potential Spectralis users.

This WILL work for both Spectralis 1 and 2 units equally. There will be no difference in sound (unless you haven't yet performed the filter fix on your Spectralis 2, then it will sounds much darker on your unit).

LFMX: 24db LP Filter exponential FM
LFML: 24db LP Filter linear FM
MMFM: 12db MM Filter Exponential FM

0:00 Introduction
1:00 Stock drum sound
3:42 Drums through the 24db filter
4:38 Digital to Analog feed (Drums)
5:58 DRUMS
7:29 Drums through 12db then 24db filter
10:25 Left and Right panning of filters
12:29 MM to LP to Fixed Filterbank
14:10 Sequencing the filterbank
16:15 Adding delay FX
18:37 Using oscillators to FM the drums
22:30 Sequencing oscillators to add melodic FM
27:00 Sending hybrid monosynth (L) AND drums (R) thru different filters
31:29 Concluding remarks"

MON2: Soundscape Machine by Monkhum

video uploads by Monkhum.CC

spotted this one via:

New Soon  something interesting from Asia 🙌

video upload by errorinstruments paul tas



Google translated from Thai via monkhum.cc

MON2 : Soundscape Machine 16-bit synthesizers 6 Oscillator is a combination of functions such as GrooveBox Omichord Drone Noisebox designed to be able to mix a variety of sounds, divided into 3 groups, 2 oscillators per group A(1) B(2) C( 3) And each group can adjust parameters independently. It creates new sound mixing and it's quite functional. There are 30 waveforms, random step, CV in, LFO, Tremolo, LPF, ECHO, Sub Oscillator and many more. Suitable for people who want to understand sound synthesis. Players will gradually Learn to customize the characteristics of each sound group through a unique, easy-to-understand and playable vertical screen. It's like we have 3 synthesizers in one box, with 2 main modes: Voice mode and Chord mode. MON2 : Soundscape Machine will definitely give you new ideas.

The design approach remains unique to the brand. Stainless steel plates and buttons made from quality grade silicone plates. Gives a good feeling of use The keys are designed in size and distance to be similar to the keys on a MIDI keyboard used for making music, so finger placement is comfortable. Vertical screens are something that designers really want to present. It is both unique to create an instrument that has This new type of workflow The screen divides the parameters to display 3 parameters at all times. Corresponds to the number of 3 left knobs when the user wants to adjust any parameter in the screen and the 3 parameters in this vertical screen. Also related to the 4 touch sensors placed under the screen. There is a system to lock parameters to prevent discrepancies. Because we use the same knobs for all 12 menus.

6 Oscillators - 30 Waveforms
Support 6 Oscillators and more than 30 different audio waveforms. for variety in sound creation

Random Step and CV In
Independent control with Random Step and CV In helps you create unique sounds.

Voice Mode and Chord Mode
You can switch between Voice Mode to create independent sounds or Chord Mode to create chords that sound like playing a keyboard.

LOOP sound freely
MON2 comes with the ability to record playback on 3 separate channels, allowing for lots of creative playback.

Dynacord Echocord Mini / Roland MC202 / Farfisa Rhythm Unit

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"Quick demo of a Dynacord Echocord Mini vintage tape delay recently serviced and for sale
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/305463654546 ).
I used a Roland MC-202 to demo it, as well as a custom built Farfisa rhythm unit that is also for sale (http://www.ebay.com/itm/305464352202 )"

via this listing

"One-of-a-kind drum machine.
It"s a rhythm unit ripped from a 70s Farfisa spinet organ and built in a custom case (trying to remain faithful to the original look).
Classic analog drum sounds like the ones you get out of the many boxes of that area (Roland TR77, Ace Tone FR-1 FR-2 FR-8, Hammond Auto Vari etc etc)
It is very close in to the Farfisa Rhythm 10 unit that Kraftwerk used at its beginning.

10 rhythms that can be combined to get some more, controls for tempo and volume. Mono jack output, on/off switch and running on 12v-18v DC (power supply is provided).
Case is DIY so don't expect manufacture quality. YSWYG."

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Asking synth manufacturers to say the F word...at London Synth & Pedal Expo

video upload by mylarmelodies

"Being a collection of interviews I shot at the London Synth & Pedal Expo '24, after they hired me to cover the event. The format was up to me. So I put the SAME two questions to industry folks at the show: 1️⃣ What is your favourite thing you sell? 2️⃣ What your favourite thing you DON'T sell?"

CHAPTERS
00:00 The Journey Begins
00:41 Divkid
02:44 Endorphines
03:53 Knobula
06:07 Lord Morts Thoughts
08:29 Nick Batt - Sonic State
11:29 Signal Sounds
14:35 ASM/Arturia
16:52 Scanner & Daniel Troberg
18:12 KMR Audio
19:51 ALM Busycircuits
24:05 RYK Modular
26:14 Enjoy Electronics
27:41 Erica Synths
29:04 PWM Synths
31:08 Journey's End

Good people make for good events and good gear, so lets meet them // London Synth & Pedal Expo 2024

video upload by DivKid

"What an amazing weekend we've just had! Here's a video with some of the people at the London Synth & Pedal Expo 2024. Held over this past weekend (Saturday and Sunday the 16th+17th of March 2024) in Studio 9294 in Hackney Wick, the London Synth & Pedal Expo is a free to attend show with plenty of synths, modular and pedal FX on show for people to come and play with.

As it takes good people to make good events (and the good gear we love) I wanted to focus on the people, asking who they are and what they do, more specifically how would they explain what they do to someone with no idea about synths, pedals and music tech. That led to some funny answers, all spread around various bits of b roll and footage from the event."

Weatherstruck | Ensoniq EPS sampler downtempo electronic somberwave

video upload by MIDERA

"Today, I traded something small (Polyend Tracker) for something big (Ensoniq EPS). I kind of don't know what I was thinking. I knew I was overwhelmed with gear. But I've been debating buying an Ensoniq Mirage again and wondered if this (EPS) would suffice. I'm kind of thinking... yeah, maybe. It's doing everything I felt I did with the Mirage, only in an easier way. It's a higher bitrate, but it's still pretty chunky. I'm liking it. This is after digging around on it for one night, so I don't know if what I did sounds any good. I guess I like it, so that's good enough for me. I have no disks to save the sounds on, so I think this will have to say goodbye and be gone forever.

Still - I'm pretty impressed. The Ensoniq EPS gets dumped on. Not as much character as the Mirage, not as good as the EPS16 plus, and definitely not as good as the ASR10. To me, it seems like it's actually the worst one of the bunch. In no way did I find anyone recommending the EPS over the others mentioned above.

Well, I like it. It was pretty easy to make this and I think it's got some character, in a very similar way as the Mirage. One thing that didn't make sense was that it appears to be stereo based on the outputs, but I'm not sure it actually is.

Eventide Blackhole VST used for reverb."

Behringer Edge with the DB-01

video upload by Richard DeHove

"The Edge-DFAM class of machines is an odd category. Not a very good as a synth due to the constant (and necessary) manipulation of the oscillator frequencies. Not particularly good as a drum machine due to the 8-step limitations and the delicate juggling required to squeeze out multiple sounds. And not so great live since there are no presets and too many parameters to easily morph to a different sound. OTOH if you want a random percussion chaos layer then it's the perfect solution.

Of course they're great fun to twiddle and make unexpected discoveries. They also pair up pretty well with more conventional machines to produce a more complex result than you'd get with 'ordinary' synths.

Having owned both the DFAM and Edge I'm happy but hesitant to admit that in a 1:1 matchup I'd choose the Edge. This is entirely due to the MIDI clock options: The sequence must always start at the start - duh. Some people say the DFAM sounds better (whatever that means) but I'm not feeling anything radically different. My only complaint is that the LPF feels murky and doesn't interact with the resonance control in a pleasing way. The HPF is much superior imo and saves the filter section. Of course it may be that I've now been trained by prolonged Polivoks filter exposure to expect satisfying grit and tortured screaming.

Back on the topic of 'Would I use it live', the more I thought about that the more I thought I'd use the LXR-02 instead. Perhaps a video 'The LXR-02 does the DFAM' would be good?

It may also be of interest to note the use of the DB-01 gate output connected to the noise level in Demo 1. It generates some noise percussion when playing normally because of the gate length but this largely disappears when playing the arpeggiator's much shorter gate length.

As usual there are absolutely no external effects or DAW processing.

0:00 Unboxing
1:25 The setup
1:42 MIDI reset
2:27 Clock divider
3:13 Tuning
4:05 Demo 1: Cheese
4:39 Demo 2: Swinger
5:19 Demo 3: Rubber
6:22 Demo 4: Wired

Lots of downloads for supporters on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/richarddehove
Many thanks to my kind patrons who keep this channel ad-free
My website: https://richarddehove.com/"

GS MUSIC e7 custom sounds, no fx

video upload by synthlegends

https://www.gsmusic.com/

"The GS Music e7 is a polyphonic 7 voice analog synthesizer from argentina with 2 oscillators, 2 sub oscillators, a 4 pole ladder low pass ladder filter, 3 LFO and 2 envelpes. It is multitimbral and also has a digital chorus and delay on board. In this demo I show some of my programmed patches. The e7 is astonishing good sounding with a vintage vibe. The sound is not so much modern analog as many present synths. It really sounds late 70ies and early 80ies."

Korg Mono/Poly SN 470331 w/ MIDI

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

via this auction

"Vintage Korg Mono/Poly in great working condition. Has MIDI interface of unknown origin Receives note information on Channel #12 and mod wheel controls filter cutoff. The timing is extremely good and tight. There may be other functions, but it's a mystery so can't promise.

I suspect it's a modern (2000's era) interface because the note timing is very good.. 80s retrofits sometimes had slow CPUs and this is most certainly not a problem here, you'll be able to get immediate response and tight rhythms.

The synth itself sounds absolutely superb, there's some aging and nicks on the wood (see photos), and chip on back bottom of wood. and one small scratch on one key, so not "mint", but certainly 100% ready to play, the MIDI helps integrate it into modern studios."

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Can you guess the source of this sound/patch?

video upload by Espen Kraft

And the answer:

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They will let anyone have a MPC Keys 37 Day 7 Conclusion

video upload by G Tracks

The playlist above features all 7 days.

"Hey y'all, I am bringing you a brand new piece of amazing awesome-sauce part Seven!!! Day 7
These are my thoughts after using this phenomenal machine for a week, granted I have limited experience with the whole MPC system and a million things to learn. This has been an amazing week learning and growing and I truly believe that anyone can pick and use this fantastic machine. It definitely will take some dedication and a lot of learning but everything is all right there in the Key 37. I set a goal for myself to do a weeks worth of sessions and I am hooked and want to do more. As I am exploring this machine ideas are just flowing and that is a really good feeling. The easiest way to start is with a drum kit which provides you with a set of 16 drums and sounds to choose from to make a custom beat. You then can add an additional drum kit or single sounds to round out your beat. The Key 37 also offers a dedicated button to be able to go right to your keyboard sounds/ Plug ins that will get you going quick. Straight out of the box it comes pre loaded with all of this and AKAI offers additional bundles so you will never get bored or tired of the same sounds. I have not learned to chop samples yet but with STEMS coming out you'll be able to make your own custom samples. I look forward to exploring and sharing what I learn in my Sessions/Tracks to come. This is a personal journey, and whether you choose to share your music or keep it for yourself, don't let the outside noise distract you from creating -the process should be fun and should make you happy. This session I created a beat that is suiting for a conclusion to my first week with the MPC Key 37. I am so grateful to all of you that have watched me with this amazing machine and Thank You for coming along with me on this journey. Don't fret I will be back soon so Please like and subscribe to catch all the new great content to come. Have a fantastic day and Let's Make Some Music!"

6 ace things a Disting does.

video upload by mylarmelodies

I believe this is the 2014 video: Expert Sleepers Disting 16-in-1 Eurorack Module Demo

"Being a demo of 6 interesting things an Expert Sleepers Disting MK4 can be: A Pulsar VCO (2:57), a Stereo Tape Delay (6:58), a Granular Pitch Shifter (13:45), a Shift Register Sequencer (16:46), a 1V/Oct Sampler (21:46) and a Dual Sampler (26:26).

Signal Sounds hired me to make a new Disting video following my one from 2014: Mega thanks to them for supporting this as ever, this was fun & they are good people. Hat tip to Os at Expert Sleepers for endlessly making this thing useful!! Here's to 10 more years?"

https://www.signalsounds.com/

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro & Montaaage
02:57 Pulsar VCO
06:58 Stereo Tape Delay
13:45 Granular Pitch Shifter
16:46 Shift Register Sequencer
21:46 1V/Oct Sampler
26:26 Two Voice Sampler