Donny Benét - Le Piano (Official Music Video)

video upload by Donny Benét

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

Roland TR-808 intro, followed by an ARP 2600. I'm guessing the 2600 is layered over a Yamaha CP70 mentioned below for the piano sounds? The 2600 does appear to come in for the synth solo at 3:04. The bass almost sounds synthetic. Soviet Space Child mentioned it sounds an awful lot like a MiniMoog. Whatever it is, it's fun stuff.

Video description:

From the EP Le Piano, out April 1 on Dot Dash Records
Pre order here: donnybenet.com and from bandcamp
****************************************************
Directed, filmed and edited by Alex Smith
Assistance: Riley McCullagh
2022
****************************************************
"It gives me great pleasure to present the first single Le Piano from my upcoming EP also titled Le Piano, coming out April 1 on Dot Dash records
After a crazy period of touring, being stuck at home for the past 2 years allowed life to slow down and gift me an extended period in my home studio.
After writing and releasing Mr Experience at the beginning of the coronavirus, I’d turned back to listening to a lot of instrumental music - Sakamoto, Hiroshi Yoshimura, Goblin, Kraftwerk, Vangelis, Yanni…to name a few.
I indulged myself and bought a vintage Yamaha CP70 electric grand piano, as well as finally setting up my studio to record live drums - something that’s been on my mind for quite some time. It seemed too soon to be writing a new album straight after Mr Experience (an album which I can’t wait to perform for you in 2022) so I spent most of the time in my little room experimenting, skilling up, and enjoying the musical process once again without the pressures of deadlines and touring.
This EP is a small taste of my world from this crazy moment in time - I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
XXX

New KORG Minilogue Four Voice Analog Synth Coming to NAMM?

In built oscilloscope ... Korg Minilogue #synthjam #synth #synthesiser #synthesizer #namm #namm2016 #minilogue #analog #korg #keys #oscilloscope #waveform #poly #4voice

A video posted by Synth Jam (@synthjam) on Jan 8, 2016 at 10:19am PST

Instagram video above minus audio from what I can tell. Some unnofficial details and a pic below. Thoughts?

"KORG Minilogue - is a fully programmable, 4-voice polyphonic synthesizer, is also equipped with built-in reverb and delay effects. KORG company offers the best way to get acquainted with a unique, stunning features of the analog synthesizer. Synthesizer has a unique analog engine, quick access to the 100 factory 100 user presets, 8 voice mode to create its configuration of 4 votes - unison, polyphony, and so on. The front panel 41 of the controller to configure and quick change function, the oscilloscope in real time gives a visual check of sound, 16-step sequencer with automation polyphonic up to 4 parameters synthesizer and more.

For switching visible plugs Sync In and Sync Out to work with synthesizers lines and Electribe Volca.

It should be noted that the presented model has a better price, and opportunities compared to competing models. Synthesizer fully programmable, has a high sound quality, control over harmonics waveform changes, the use of cross modulation, and more. The possibility of using a 16-step sequencer with recording automation options. Polyphonic Synthesizer KORG Minilogue will be an excellent acquisition and profitable investment for keyboard players, professional and amateur musicians."

Update: new image in via Soviet Space Child.

Update2: a new flyer in via Soviet Space Child below. $499.99 price tag.

Update3: image of the back added below.

I have to say, personally I find the Minilogue to be a pretty sharp looking little synth. A bit retro and a bit modern. Not a fan of mini keys, but three octaves in a compact size is a fair trade off. Hoping it will feature velocity and aftertouch for use as a mini iPad controller. I'm guessing that would likely be a stretch as this is meant to be a stand-alone analogue synth. I do wish manufacturers would make 5 voices the default though.

Update4: and the official announcement from KORG is live.

Latest News from Behringer & A Response From The Curtis Family

The next chapter in Behringer synth development is in. We already know Uli Behringer announced plans to re-create classic synths. Behringer will be making new innovative synths as well, and we now have some numbers:

“We have 4 synthesizer development teams simultaneously working on 20 synths, drum machines etc..

We’ll be creating both innovative new synths as well as reviving classics.

We’re all in and the teams are on fire.'"

On reproducing vintage chips for the classics:

"We just received the first batch of our 3340 VCO chip.

It is a 100% exact replica of the Curtis CEM3340 which even includes the 40 year old, 8 micron manufacturing process. It was a difficult and expensive undertaking but we are very pleased with the result as this VCO is considered one of the best sounding oscillators.

We are continuing to invest in reviving other legacy Curtis and SSM semiconductors which will allow us to bring back classic synths - all in the most authentic way. We have also reissued the 3320 filter chip which should be arriving in a few months.

Uli"

It's worth noting the Curtis CEM 3340 has already been re-introduced by OnChip Systems, formerly Curtis Electromusic, and is currently available for makers. Behringer's 3340 appears to bypass Curtis Electromusic and is being manufactured by Behringer (via Coolaudio) directly. SSM chips and the CEM 3320, however, are not yet available. Although the chips will obviously be re-issued for use in Behringer synths, it does appear that some if not all may become available to the Synth DIY community as well. More info on that further below, but first a response on the re-creation of Curtis chips from the Curtis family:

"Many of you who are active on synth forums have recently contacted us regarding another company's claim of producing VCO chips that are the equivalent to the CEM3340 that was used in many legendary synthesizers.

To avoid any confusion, please know that there is only one manufacturer of the authentic CEM3340 designed by my late husband, Doug Curtis. Any claims, use of this product designation, and use of the name Curtis Electromusic by other companies are made without permission from OnChip Systems (our current company name) or the Curtis Family.

As much as Doug would be humbled and so very happy about the legacy his products enjoy, we can assure you that as a person of the highest integrity he would be deeply saddened by the attempt of others to trade on his name and to make unsubstantiated claims of equivalency to his original inventions.

In his loving memory and gratitude for the community of musicians and synthesizer enthusiasts, Doug's family is committed to making his authentic designs available as demand presents itself. Thank you for your continued support of Doug's analog synthesizer legacy.

Mary Curtis and our daughters, Ashley and Julia"

It's worth noting that many Dave Smith Instruments synths use Curtis chips and do so with permission from the Curtis family. Dave Smith was friends with Doug Curtis and has been buying parts from OnChip for over 15 years. OnChip was Doug Curtis' company and is now his wife Mary Curtis's company. These chips were used in the Evolver line, the Prophet '08, MoPho line, and the Prophet 12. The Pro 2, Prophet-6, and OB-6 use discrete designs.

The following is from another thread from Uli in German, translated into Googlish:

"Something clearer. Patent rights are generally 20 years, whereby the technology is freely available for everyone. This allows the inventor, on the one hand, to harvest the fruits of his invention, but also to ensure that no monopoly arises and, after the expiry of the protection, everyone has free access to the technology - without a bad conscience.

In the case of the Curtis or SSM chips, the patent rights of these 40-year-old components have run out for a long time and everyone can reproduce them today. Why this no longer companies do is simply because the mask costs are very high (6-digit USD range per chip) and on the other hand the minimum edition is about 300,000 - 500,000 pieces.

Curtis has registered the name rights for Curtis and CEM, but on the number 3340 etc. there is no protection. Therefore, there are other vendors who have revived these old chips:

Http://ericasynths.lv/en/shop/diy/diy-a ... er-as3320 /

Or look at how many manufacturers. The 074 Opamp.

Why are these 40 year old chips being rebuilt? Anyone who once belonged to an old Oberheim OB-Xa or a Prophet 5 will agree with me that the sounds of these Curtis and SSM chips are absolutely unsurpassed in their sound qualities. This specific sound is not easy to replicate with discrete technology and since we have an immense passion for analog synthesizers and believe that customers will appreciate these components, we are taking the financial risk of reviving these chips. Coolaudio has just produced the 3340 VCO successfully and the 3320 filter chip is now also under development - further building blocks will follow.

For more than ten years, the company http://www.coolaudio.com, which is affiliated with us, has specialized in restoring expired components. On the one hand the company produces the coveted BBD chips from the Panasonic times, but also VCA's, OTA's, Optocoupler, etc.

Our intention is to focus on the old Curtis and SSM chips, as we want to use them in our future synthesizers. At the same time, Coolaudio will also offer them for sale, which allows other competitors to build analog instruments as well as help people repair old synths. Many of the Coolaudio chips are already used today by our competitors and we are happy if we can make a contribution to the fact that these analogue components are made of music.

I personally consider VA for eyewash because this is ultimately digital technology. No digital synthesizer will ever be able to reproduce the 'unpredictability' and 'inaccuracy' of an analog synthesizer - no matter how much marketing is operated. Anyone who listens to analogue and digital synthesizers in comparison can easily find out. That is exactly why we will be specializing in analogue synths.

Perhaps our desire for analogue technology is simply that we humans are knitted by themselves analogously and the emotions associated with it determine our existence.

Greeting

Uli"

This one spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

Update: And another update just in via Soviet Space Child:

Originally Posted by Uli Behringer:

"Allow me to share a thought.

Dave Smith Instruments (DSI) is using our SSM clones (V2164).
homemade polysynth — A quick tour of the Prophet 6 voice card

Elektron are using Coolaudio parts as well.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/psychl...7632621387322/

Many other leading manufacturers are using Coolaudio chips and by using these parts obviously have no concerns with cloning in general and with using our chips in their products.

If our competitors are not concerned then why should customers be?

Uli'"

The difference of course is currently available vs. not currently available.  The CEM3340 is currently available from Curtis Electromusic, and the Minimoog Model D is currently available from Moog Music.   You be the judge for yourself.

New Eventide Space Stompbox

Non-synth but worth posting, Eventide will be coming out with the Space Stompbox (teaser video was posted here):

"Eventide Space Stompbox Has "Reverb And Beyond"

Eventide's new Space stompbox features 12 of the company's signature reverb combination effects taken from the H8000FW and Eclipse V4 along with some startling new sounds. These unique delays, pitch shifting, tremolo, modulation, and special effects, previously available only in Eventide rack processors, are now available in a compact, roadworthy package. The 12 signature Eventide reverb combo algorithms include: Room, Spring, Plate, Hall, Shimmer, Reverse, DualVerb, ModEchoVerb, MangledVerb, Blackhole, TremeloVerb, and DynaVerb. Space's software is upgradeable via USB 2.0, and it's MIDI-controllable via USB or MIDI in, out/thru. Other features include: instant program change; real-time control with ten knobs, MIDI, or Expression Pedal; tap tempo and MIDI clock sync; 100 factory presets, unlimited through MIDI; true analog bypass; rugged cast metal construction; reliable metal footswitches for instant preset access; mono or stereo operation; guitar or line-level inputs and outputs; and a programmable HotSwitch.

NAMM Booth 5791"

via Soviet Space Child

Moog Music DFAM + Mother 32 + Voyager XL Jams by Benulous

Published on Jan 20, 2018 Benulous

This one spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

Playlist:

1. Moog Music Jam - DFAM + Mother 32 x2 + MiniMoog Voyager + Moogerfoogers

Moog rig jam.

DFAM doing some DFAM percussive things. running through the MF101 for a little extra pump.

Top M32 doing kick and bass

Bottom M32 doing synth work, running through the MF107.

Minimoog Voyager XL running through the MF104M.

Eventide Space providing Reverb on the AUX 1

Alesis Wedge providing some Delay on the AUX 2.

2. Moog Music DFAM + Mother 32s x2 synchronized + changing patterns

Here I am demoing the ability to sync the Moog Music DFAM and 2 Mother 32s and then change between sequences and patterns. I'm also running through Moogerfooger effects and an Eventide Space.

Bottom M32 sending sync to top M32 and DFAM via Assign Out to Tempo/Adv Clock.

Top M32 has Kick/Snr Bass patterns, bottom M32 has synth/bass sequences. DFAM running in sync to both.

3. Moog Music DFAM + Mother 32 x2 + Mooger Foogers = Multiple Voice Mother 32 & Talking Moogs HQ AUDIO

I started by creating a Kick, Snare & bass patch using only the top M32 (Check out the 'Multiple Voices' lesson listed on Moog Music's Page). I then filter through the MIDIMuRF to get a stereo 'Talking Moog'.

I then bring in the DFAM and start messing around. It's running straight through the MF101 Lowpass filter to get a little extra 'pump'.

Lastly, I bring in the bottom M32 that is running through an Eventide Space Echo using a Rizer patch I built. Things get gnarly when I kick on VCA Mode and dial in the FreqBox.

This isn't meant to be very musical, but it's the foundation for some jams I'm putting together. Hope you enjoy.

Moog Music DFAM + Mother 32 x2 + Mooger Foogers = Multiple Voice Mother 32 & Talking Moogs & Drums

MIDIMurf = Talking Mother 32
FreqBOX = Gnarly Mother 32
Lowpass Filter = Pumping DFAM
Eventide Space = Wailing Rizer

NAMM & NOT NAMM - New Products on the Synth Front

Well, it's that time of year again. Keep an eye out on the NAMM label (added to top right menu) for everything NAMM and more. More in that anything new will get the label whether it's shown at NAMM or not. It's about new gear. Updates in this post will be preceded in red. Some already in below. See "The NAMM List!" link under the Twitter, Facebook, and RSS labels on top of the right to get back to this post later.

(A note on the top site menus: I removed the iPhone and iPad labels as they go up in posts every day now so you can find them there. eBay links are on the right, so I removed it as well.)

That said, the following are some of the things to look out for. If you have any NAMM info feel free to comment and/or send it in. If I missed anything, let me know! If you are going to NAMM, feel free to send pics and video in.

On the list:

CLICK FOR MORE »

RIP Oleg Parastaev - 80s Soviet Synthpop Альянс - На заре (At dawn) USSR, 1987

Олег Парастаев

This one is in via Soviet Space Child, who let me know of Oleg Parastaev's passing back in June of this year. Oleg was one of the keyboard players in the Soviet band Alliance, featured above. That's him with the hat. He actually wrote the song as well. The synth used for the song, and what you are hearing, is an original Sequential Circuits Prophet-10, as mentioned in the video below. The synths used in the video are of course props. You can see they are not connected.

Side note: It's interesting having to differentiate between an original Prophet-10 and the newly released Prophet-10.

На заре - Новости проекта Выпуск 1 (17.10.2019)

Олег Парастаев

Prophet-10 comes in at 1:07. You can enable CC on the bottom right of the player for a rough translation.

BALTIYSKIY-32

Zharkov Artem

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

Some vintage Soviet synths: Polivoks, Elektronika EM25, Maestro, and Junost-21.

Video description:

Кавер на советских аналоговых синтезаторах
Оригинальная музыка — Дмитрий Ковалёв (DNK), 1997 год
Другие чиптюны автора: http://zxtunes.com/author.php?id=355

Запись и исполнение — Евгений Переяславцев
Видео — Артём Жарков

Googlish:

Cover on Soviet analog synthesizers
Original music - Dmitry Kovalev (DNK), 1997
Other author's chipuns: http://zxtunes.com/author.php?id=355

Recording and Performance - Evgeny Pereyaslavtsev
Video - Artyom Zharkov

And a Polivoks demo from the same channel:

Поливокс - крутой советский синтезатор

Synth Spotting in Squarespace - Create Your Own Space Video

Squarespace - Create Your Own Space (:60)
Published on Jun 17, 2013 squarespace·42 videos

Wait for it... This one in via Soviet Space Child.  It's a trip to see them in a Squarespace ad.

"Squarespace is a powerful, all-in-one creative tool that allows anyone to create and customize their online presence so it truly represents who they are. This campaign celebrates the diversity of Squarespace customers, who work in different creative industries spanning from architecture and e-commerce to publishing."

New Soviet Polivoks Desktop Synth from Alex Pleninger in the Works

Update: demo videos added below.

An approved clone of the Polivoks coming from Alex Pleninger.

Update:

Some new info from Alex Pleninger in via Soviet Space Child:

"The most important parts (defining sound) are soviet old stock, it includes filter, vca and both envelope generators
The osc are heavily reworked to provide stability, which is really excellent
Modulator made cv controlled, with additional waveforms
And all stuff is still 100% analogue
Excluding midi"

I asked him further about the VCO designs, i.e. if they're based on the originals, and he had this to say:

"Yes, the design is almost the same as in the old one
And one more point
The machine is approved by Kuzmin
We signed a deal
And it is built like a tank, believe me"

And via traffkin in the comments: "in close collaboration with Alexey Taber, great engineer and synth guru :)"


Polivoks in action videos. Use the controls at the bottom of the player to skip previously viewed videos if needed.

Behringer Model D Circuit Board & New Product Coming to SUPERBOOTH17

"We have just received the first PCB (Print Circuit Board) and if all goes well, we should have a working prototype ready by next week.

As you can see it is quite a dense layout as squeezing a complete Model D design into a Eurorack format is not an easy task.

Please keep in mind that we are still many months away from a shipment date. A typical design cycle requires around 1-2 board spins, all depending on the audio performance as well as the subsequent compliance testing which includes EMC and safety.

Since people have shown interest, we will happily share with you the design milestones of this synthesizer, so you get a better understanding how an electronic product is engineered."

And regarding a new product coming to SUPERBOOTH17:

"We have decided last minute to attend SuperBooth in Berlin for a very exciting new product announcement.

Hopefully we'll be lucky to get some space and we're looking forward to seeing you there.

Uli"

This one in via Soviet Space Child.

New Studio Electronics MIDIMini V30

Studio Electronics Midimini V30 Demo With Patches [No Talking] Published on Dec 24, 2019 VCO USA

Note this post has been updated a few times. Original post below.

"A collection of 10 patches w/ Preset Templates for the Minimini V30. Time stamps below for the specific patch and the patch sheets appear at the last 10 seconds of each clip.

0:03 - The Impossible Drum 'Kit'
1:48 - Aggro Bass
2:35 - FM Sync Lead
3:48 - Screamin' Triangles
5:11 - Filter FM Shark Bass
6:26 - 4th Wobble Bass
7:58 - Bigger Than Yours Bass
9:00 - Classic Sync
9:51 - Pluck You (Arp)
10:57 - Dreamy Drone Chord

You can download the patch sheets here"



"30 years later and here we are... glorious sound makes that possible. All honor and praise to the geniuses at R. A. Moog Co, especially Bill Hemsath, and Mr. Moog himself, a person with whom I (MSR) shared a lunch space at NAMM in the 1990s—it's something folks.

Some internal patching on "Registered Pulses", "Voo R U", and "1st Midimini V30", not that I can remember what went where. No FX however, (with the exception of a wet channel on Rach of Ages 2), no compression, limiting, only a touch of some spot normalizing on several tracks. Essentially raw and un-pestered, synth and factory direct honesty—still such a lonely word.

Oh yes, and I created a few stereo tracks from multiple takes; who could resist? I'm sure you can spot them.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas,
Marc St Regis 12/24/19"

Details via Studio Electronics:

MIDIMINI V30 - $2999

"Many can recall dialing up Midim-g/Midimini patches that fit a song so perfectly that they inspired even greater creativity; shapely, sometimes sinuous sounds whose essense called out to you; emotive sounds you never wanted to change; sounds you lovingly tracked, notated and revered; sounds as vital as the lyrics or lead vocal—that solid, insistent, articulate bounce, bravado, and twangy bang. Was there another sensible, MIDI-driven rackmount choice for immaculate synth-bass and lead lines?

November 2019 brings the SE Midimini V30 to the table, and nothing has been lost in the translation of this end-of-decade Analog essential. A raft of brand-new hardware features, extensive software sweetening, and modular connections open the window even wider to an already stunning Analog view.

It's highlight time again:

Through-hole build: Every. Single. PC board.
Classic 4-pole, 24 db/oct, voltage-controlled Lowpass Ladder Filter, with voltage-controlled Cutoff.
Semi-Modular Mini: Standard issue CV & Gate, and # OutsToOuts-friendly patchability of voltage, amplifier, and key tonal mastering tap points (1/8" Eurorack Connections).
Classic Midimini Cross Mod and Boomstar-perfected Ring Mod.
Amp Drive: Boomstar Modular AMP saturation and overdrive imported into 'V30 world.
Output Feedback loop and gain control—the old Low Output to External Input hack—hardwired and fine-tuned—interacts expressivley with Amp Drive.
MIDI-syncable, AFM*-capable, multi-waveform LFO, routable to VCF and VCO.
LFO Out patch point for deep modulation or oscillation creation.
LFO Gate (LFO pulse of VCF/VCA) from the SE-02.
OSC 1 Triangle Wave to amplifier (bypasses VCF) for high Resonance setting/low frequency compensation.
Sweepable OSC Oscillator 2 to Oscillator 1 Sync.
Handy Boomstar Drone feature.
Envelope 2 Master Mode: ENV2 (VCA) assumes control of Filter (VCF) Envelope.
Expressive Linear and Exponential Glide.
Front Panel-mounted External Audio input with level control.
Independent Release control of Filter and Amplifier.
Boomstar MIDI Learn feature for MIDI, Aftertouch and Modwheel.
Low/Last/High Note Priority, Env 1 inverting, VCF/VCA dynamics, and VCF Envelope Multi-trigger."

Click the images for the full size shots. Had to shrink them down a bit to format the page.

Original post:

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child, via Studio Electronics Instagram feed.

The MIDIMini as you all likely know is Studio Electronics rackmount Minimoog. They originally converted vintage Minimoogs to the MIDIMoog and then followed with their own designed MIDIMini. You can find pics of a MIDIMoog here and an original MIDIMini here.

New Bragi Modular Wyrd Matrix Mixer with A Questionable Logo

New maker and new module. Note the logo resembles an older Valhalla DSP logo. Below is a message from Sean Costello of Valhalla on the matter.

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

via Bragi Modular

WYRD is a compact 4×4 matrix mixer built for performers.

The feature that sets it apart from most other matrix mixers is the performance focused offset fader at the bottom. The fader let’s you offset all four outputs (Marked A-B-C-D) with 5 volts in either positive or negative direction. This way you can set up quite complex modulation chains and then use the fader to affect all outputs. Perfect for live interaction.

WYRD is DC coupled and while it is aimed at mixing CV signals as mentioned above, it works great for audio as well. In case you want to mix audio signals, make sure to place the fader in the center. The fader has a center detent and will null in the middle position, letting you easily disengage it from the outputs.

All high quality components from mechanical parts like the pots and fader, to the electronic componets.

The panel is made of annodized, black aluminium with laser engraved graphics. This combination is very strong, the graphics will never fade or tear.

The small size for a matrix mixer and the very low power consumption makes it the perfect complex mixing source for your live or compact rig.:

Priced at €160,00

---

And a note from Sean Costello on Gearspace:

Hi! Sean from Valhalla here.

We need to point out that our older logo is:

- still in use
- is still in use in commerce, in the Eurorack space (as pointed out by the photo of the Z-DSP cartridge from Valhalla earlier in the thread)
- and is a registered trademark of Valhalla DSP, LLC.

The US trademark registration number of the old logo is 4681428. The newer helmet logo's registration number is 6567032.

Here's our blog post about the history of our logos. It is worth noting that the helmet logo dates back to 2002, and was first associated with the name "Valhalla" in a Reaktor ensemble from 2003.

https://valhalladsp.com/2020/06/23/s...lhalla-design/

Here's one of the listings for the Halls of Valhalla cartridge for the Z-DSP, as being actively sold on a major US modular vendor's website. Notice that the older logo is in use on this product.

https://www.controlvoltage.net/tipto...lla-for-z.html

One of the things about US trademarks is that they have to be defended in order to retain their legal status. Please consider this a polite public request to change your logo to something that does not closely resemble either of Valhalla DSP's trademarked helmet logos.

It is obvious from the public responses in this thread that people think that your current logo closely resembles our logo, and it would be best to not have the likelihood of confusion around our logo in a market that we both participate in.

Thanks,

Sean Costello

---

And and Official statement from Bragi Modular in response:

First things first: We definitely have zero bad intentions regarding this matter. We are not looking to step on anyone's toes.

A quick history of our logo and brand: We are based in Aarhus, Denmark, which has a very rich cultural heritage littered with rune stones and history related to the viking period, when the town was also founded. This is something very close to our hearts. Our logo itself is an original illustration by us, inspired by the modern depiction of a viking helmet.

We are currently considering our options and will open up a friendly dialogue with Valhalla DSP to solve this matter.

Thank you for your comments so far in this thread.

Simon & Morten from Bragi Modular"

Polivoks Soviet Synth Designer Vladimir Kuzmin Gives an Overview of His Synths

Published on Jan 8, 2018 vladimir kuzmin

"Overview of all instruments designed by Vladimir and Olimpiada Kuzmin."

This one in via Soviet Space Child.

In the following video Vladimir Kuzmin goes over the Polivoks based modules by Industrial Music Electronics (formerly the Harvestman). It's in Russian, however you can enabled CC for your language via the player controls for the video.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Analog Mafia RC-808 from Roland's "Mid-O Series" Developers and the "Failed" Roland TR-808

Published on Aug 8, 2019 藤本健

Update: demo above spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

This post is a bit of a doozy so bear with me. :)

First we have a new software model of the TR-808 from the original developers of the 808:

"The RC-808 'Re-Create the 808' emulates the original TR-808 sound with analog manner synthesis. As the name implies, it is with respect to the original 808 sounds which is a criterion for sound synthesis as a vintage. Starting from this criterion, explore the multiverse of sounds, stretch out your vectors, to find out new criterion of your own. Yes, it can take you to the new sonic worlds that are completely different and yet so close and familiar to you.
Hence it is not a drum machine but is a drum synthesizer. No samples nor effects processing are being used, just genuine synthesis only, all in analog manner.

The sound source employs DCO which is in this case Down Chirp Oscillator, combined with a noise source that outputs various kinds of noises including metallic noises. There is also a infinite point wave shaper, a variable filter bank, infinite point envelope generators etc. With maximum 8 partials per voice, it allows sound designing in subtractive synthesis manner which is familiar to all and yet still with vast space beckoning to be discovered.
Thanks to this flexible architecture, all instruments can have Open and Close variations just like Hi-Hats or cymbal choke performance. Coupled with piano-roll sequencer utility this brings new expressions with gate time programming, that you don’t see on a drum sequencer..."

You can download the Windows version here. A Mac version is coming.

Second, the following is some info on the people behind the RC-808 (pictured above) via Vector808:

"We the Analog Mafia, lead by Tadao Kikumoto, is the original R&D staffs who developed the Mid-O Series from Roland Corporation. We would like to express full gratitude and respect to all the people who were in Roland, and supported us at that time.

In above photo, from left to right, we the Analog Mafia are:
Jun-ichi Kadoya: Roland 1977 - 1983, Mid-O Series software / hardware engineer, still is a programmer
Hisanori Matsuoka: Roland 1979 - 1995, Mid-O Series software / hardware engineer, still is an engineer
Kyokazu Fujiwara: Roland 1978 - 1981, Mid-O Series sound source, now a general manager of a software maker
Tadao Kikumoto: Roland 1977 - 2009, Mid-O and V-Series R&D, now Silent Street Music concept maker and promotion
Yoshiro O-e: Roland 1978 - 1988, System-700 and Mid-O Series R&D, now operating a chemical company

Also are:
Hiro Nakamura: Roland 1975 - 2000, CR-68, CR-78, TR-808 sound sources, engineer
Atsushi Hoshiai: Roland 1982 - present, sampling for TR-909, engineer

We all are still analog manias ;)

Because we are independent from Roland Corporation, they nor we can not answer to any kind of inquiries about us and our deliverables including this website. Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation for everything.

Tadao Kikumoto is currently also working busy on another equally innovative project, called SSM - Silent Street Music. It is multi-channel concurrent streaming and listening technology that allows zapping through multiple music or lecture sources instantly. Join us on its exclusive introduction website (at the moment the website is only in Japanese language)"

Third, vector808 has a fascinating historical account covering the development of the Roland TR-808 starting with the x0x series, or as the original Roland developers referred to them, "The Mid-O" series. The following are three excerpts followed by a link to the full article. Note how they perceived the TR-808 was a failure compared to the LinnDrum in the second excerpt.

One:

"The Beginning
In 1983, a number of instruments were released with MIDI, the standard that I was involved in. After the tough times with all the difficulties of development, Roland launched the TR-909 the successor model of TR-808. Yamaha made debut of the ground breaking DX7, a serious digital synthesizer and again with MIDI. It was the opening of the new chapter in the electronic musical instruments, the dawn of full digital synthesis.

Roland then was still a new emerging enterprise, and did not have enough resources to pursue digital technology. To combat the situation, the Fundamental Research and Development Department was established."

Two:

"To meet the low target price, I employed oscillation technique of pulse wave modulating the simple T-network bandpass filter. By short circuiting the resistors in the T-type network for the certain initial duration with transistors, it was possible to raise the frequency. This allowed us to enforce the attack sound compared with conventional rhythm boxes.

But the initial reputation of the 808 was nothing but crippled as it was compared with the Linn products. Furthermore, the sound had insufficient impact or punch at the beginning, which resulted to have pronounced fundamental frequency 60 Hz. But then again, it was this prominent fundamental which attracted the attention of later time hip-hop and EDM artists, and they gave a name to it as “Deep Decay”. This led to the rediscovery of Mid-O Series. The long decay sound was made possible by decay parameter that I added to show at least as a sign or as an evidence of the 808 being a synthesizer. Even inside the company this was regarded as going too far, but later it became one of vital identities of the 808.“

Three:

"If you liken it in the picture art world, the TR-808 sounds are simple line drawings and illustrations so to speak. It puts more weight on showing essence simply rather than realistic photography. The traditional painting of Japan known as Ukiyo-e is a pictorial method and manner that is primarily made of outlines derived from specification of printing and paints. This manner has its own limits, and hence is a vector of criterion. Katsushika-Hokusai, famous for his Mr Fuji pictures, created The Great Wave off Kanagawa（神奈川南沖浪浦 Kanagawa Minami Oki Nami Ura）. In that piece of work, he threw off the photographic details into abstraction that boldly enhanced the great waves by outlines, and made contrast with a pointed Mt Fuji. This manner derived from its own limits is something impossible with realistic paintings that put priorities on details.
The inventor of the bass drum must have done trial and errors like enlarging the diameter or making the membrane thicker to produce fat low sound. Large portion of the beater strike energy to the skin however must have been consumed by uneven fractional vibration or parasite vibrations, resulting unwanted muddy sound. Also, the drummer spends a long time doing a lot of work on damping with blankets and else in order to suppress the unnecessary resonance with the body or with other drums. But once adequately used, this dirt will become important part of the sound, its identity, reality, and criterion.

The TR-808 bass drum was without the reality of the drums but was like an enhanced great wave depicted in the Hokusai’s picture. It is with abstraction of the details, but then again, also with dynamic and ideal low sound. It lacks with the attack impact and the release decay of sampling drum reality, but the artists chose its ideality."

You can find the full article here: https://vector808.jimdofree.com/home/episodes-of-the-mid-o-series/.

P.S. Not sure if the brand is Analog Mafia, vector808 or both. Giving this post both labels below.

New Polivoks Demo

Синтезатор Поливокс - звуки природы | Polivoks synth - nature sounds

Published on Apr 16, 2017 Pulsar

"Звуковые эксперименты на синтезаторе Поливокс. Все звуки в картине синтезированы.
Наибольший эффект можно получить используя наушники.

Sound experiments on the Polyvox synthesizer. All the sounds in the video were synthesized.
Use headphones."

This one in via Soviet Space Child.

They will be at SUPERBOOTH17:

"We present an authentic reincarnation of the legendary soviet synthesizer Polivoks, with some additional features making it easier to be integrated in contemporary studio or live situations. The enclosure is sturdy but lightweight and fits in most handbags thus perfectly ready for the gig. All units are handcrafted and meticulously checked and tuned."

Modal Electronics 002 & 008 Demos by Sean Christopher

Published on Sep 25, 2017 Sean Christopher - Music Composer

This one in via Soviet Space Child.

Playlist:

1. On the Nature Of Daylight featuring the Modal Electronics 002

"This cover of Max Richter's incredible 'On the Nature Of Daylight' features sounds 100% from the Modal Electronics 002 synthesizer. I sequenced it using Cubase 9 by Steinberg. I hope you enjoy it. :)"

2. Modal Electronics 008 Flash Gordon Into the Space Capsule demo

"I did this demo with the Modal Electronics 008.....and a little help with some sample from the movie. :)"

3. Tron 1982 Ending Titles part 1 using Modal Electronics 002 & 008

"My cover of Tron 1982's 'Ending Titles part 1' uses both the Modal Electronics 002 & 008, and was sequenced with Cubase 9 by Steinberg."

4. Heaven's Twilight

"Another Modal Electronics demo using the 002 Synthesizer. Heaven's Twilight is a track from my last album, Transcendence. I thought it would be a good song to remake on the Modal 002. I hope you enjoy it. :)

Black Octopus Sound - Event Horizon 3 (128 Presets for the John Bowen Solaris) by Toby Emerson

Published on Feb 16, 2020 Black Octopus Sound

http://johnbowen.com

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

See my post on the upcoming V2.0 OS update.

"Get it here: https://blackoctopus-sound.com/produc...

Event Horizon 3 for the John Bowen Solaris has arrived. Created by Toby Emerson, this bank of 128 presets will take you on a journey of endless evolving pads, deep subsonic basses, cutting edge leads, nostalgic keys, and inspiring synth plucks. The sound capabilities of the Solaris are extremely deep, and Event Horizon 3 explores new sonic territories with the Solaris, utilizing some of its unique features such as rotors, amplitude modulation, feedback routing, wavetable modulation, Linear FM, and more. If you are looking for a huge bank of timeless and inspiring sounds for any genre of electronic music then look no further than Event Horizon 3 for the John Bowen Solaris – one of the greatest synthesizers ever made.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Music Brings Back the Classic Modular IIIp Synthesizer

"Synth fans everywhere are rejoicing as Moog Music has announced today that they will be creating a limited edition replica of the classic IIIp Synthesizer. With only 40 new IIIp units available worldwide, this is an extremely limited release. Vintage King has a small number of these synthesizers and we are starting to take pre-orders as of today.

What can you expect from the new IIIp reproduction? As with the other recent systems that Moog has recreated, the brand is dedicated to replicating the original down to the smallest details. Built based on original documentation, circuit board and art files, the IIIp will feature 37 hand-built modules, including 10 901-Series oscillators, the 905 Spring Reverb and the 984 Matrix Mixer.

The history of the Moog IIIp is a storied one. Dr. Robert Moog, the beloved genius behind the namesake brand, began working with hundreds of musicians in the 1960s to develop a method of expanding electronic music. The idea was to push beyond the basic sound generators that had previously been created using old radio and recording studio equipment.

After years of research, the results of Bob's efforts led to him to start building individual models and custom modular systems. As orders grew in numbers, Bob began assembling a team of ten techs who would help him handbuild these early synthesizers in his New York-based storefront space.

While the original three synthesizers (Synthesizer I, II and III), were built into large cabinets meant for use in studios, the IIIp was designed to be more mobile. Bob would take the formula of the previously released IIIc pre-configured synth and put into a portable 3-cabinet unit that would make up the IIIp.

Moog synthesizers are world renowned for having ushered in a new era in the sonic exploration of music, thanks in part to users like Wendy Carlos, Isao Tomita, Kraftwerk, Gary Numan and beyond. Perhaps the best use of the IIIp synthesizer would be in The Beatles' 'Here Comes The Sun,' as George Harrison and Manfred Mann's Mike Vickers programmed a piece of synth magic for one of the pop world's most beloved songs."

This one spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

Snakes of Russia - Dos Thrones

video upload by Snakes of Russia

This one is in via Soviet Space Child who had the following to say about it:

"Local Los Angeles musician and sound designer Snakes of Russia just premiered a new music video with some nice synth goodness included.

Here's a previous interview of his regarding his sound design work:"

Creative Cribs - The Small Space where BIG Sounds are Made! with @SnakesofRussia

video upload by Spitfire Audio

"​@ChristianHensonMusic visited 'death beat' producer, composer, and sound designer @SnakesofRussia in his Pasadena studio where they talk all things sound processing, plug-ins and more!"

https://www.snakesofrussia.com