MATRIXSYNTH: Search results for Swissdoc


Showing posts sorted by date for query Swissdoc. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Swissdoc. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Sunday, September 03, 2023

Stevie Wonder and the Yamaha GX-1 at Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus London


video upload by Preview London

"Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus (August 1989 – September 2001), was a walk-through exhibition celebrating the history of rock and pop music, featuring its major figures recreated in wax."

Update: video added. Stevie with the GX-1 comes in at 1:34.



This one is in via swissdoc

The following is a cut and paste from the text in the image. Not sure how well the text parsing is. Below is the text Google translated.

"Rock 'n' Roll war nun DIE Musik des westlichen Kultur und verkaufte nicht nur sich selbst, sondern auch alle möglichen anderen Produktel Einige der größten Geldsummen in den 'Cola Kriegen alkoholfreier Getränke gingen an Madonna, George Michael und Michael Jackson, die an den gefilmten Werbekampagnen teilnahmen. Große Tourneen wurden von Herstellern von Bier, Sportkleidung und Jeans finanziert. Klassische Rocksongs aus den sechziger Jahren wie beispielsweise '1 Heard It Through The Grapevine', 'I Feel Free' und "When A Man Loves A Woman' wurden als Soundtracks für Fernsehreklamen benutzt.

1988 ergriff George Bush, der neue Präsident der Vereinigten Staaten, auf einer Party zu seinem Amtsantritt eine elektrische Gitarre und gab zusammen mit einer Rock 'n' Roll Band eine Bühnenvorstellung. 1989 nahm ein russisches Astronautenteam auf seiner Reise in das Weltall Bander mit Pink Floyd Musik mit. Wie es schon in dem alten Lied hieß: Rock 'n' Roll is here to stay!"

Googlish:

"Rock 'n' roll was now THE music of western culture and not only sold itself but all sorts of other products too Participated in advertising campaigns. Major tours were sponsored by manufacturers of beer, sportswear, and denim. Classic 1960s rock songs such as '1 Heard It Through The Grapevine', 'I Feel Free' and 'When A Man Loves A Woman' were used as soundtracks for television commercials.

In 1988, at an inauguration party, George Bush, the new President of the United States, grabbed an electric guitar and gave a stage performance along with a rock 'n' roll band. In 1989, a Russian astronaut team took bands with Pink Floyd music on their journey into space. As the old song said: Rock 'n' Roll is here to stay!"

Some info on Rock Circus via Wikipedia:

"Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus (August 1989 – September 2001), was a walk-through exhibition celebrating the history of rock and pop music, featuring its major figures recreated in wax. It was located at the top four floors of the then-newly refurbished London Pavilion building at Piccadilly Circus, London. Predominantly British artists featured, but many American artists were also included. The attraction told the story of rock and pop from the 1950s to the then-present day by using videos, music, narration and audio-animatronic figures."

And a list of GS1 owners via gearspace

GX-1 #5088 - SWE - Benny Andersson.

GX-1 #5080 - JPN - Private owner - Previously owned by committee members of a temple JPN.

GX-1 #5076 - ITA - Riccardo Grotto - Previously owned by John Paul Jones, Keith Emerson, Hans Zimmer et al.

GX-1 #5074 - ENG - Richard D James - Previously owned by Mickie Most.

GX-1 #5073 - ENG - Gordon Reid - Previously owned by Yamaha HQ AUS, private owner AUS.

GX-1 #5046 - ITA - Riccardo Grotto - Previously owned by Keith Emerson, painted black.

GX-1 #5041 - ENG - Pete Townshend - Previously owned by private owners AUS.

GX-1 #5040 - USA - Vintage Key Gear - Previously owned by Yamaha Dealers Association AUS, private owners AUS.

GX-1 #5023 - JPN - Private owner - Previously owned by private owner JPN.

GX-1 #5019 - USA - Merlin Entertainment (Madame Tussauds) - Previously owned by Rock Circus ENG.

GX-1 #50nn - JPN - Yamaha Corporation

Still waiting to hear from someone who knows the actual whereabouts of Stevie Wonders two GX-1s though...

You can find additional posts featuring the Yamaha GX1 here.

Friday, April 29, 2022

Updates on the New OB-X Synths



As you know Oberheim recently posted a new teaser for their upcoming synth. It's obviously a new OB-X. The big question is will it be different from the original?

Swissdoc created an image featuring the highlights from the video. Here's what he had to say about it:

"I created a focus stack from the movie to get the full picture.

Compared to pictures of the OB-X I noticed these differences:
Knobs for Menu at the bottom left of the Programmer buttons 1-8
In the Portamento/Detune section there are three buttons instead of one

The upper row seems to be identical, I see/guess the same number of knobs
Colors and knobs i.e. the industrial design is taken over 1:1"

He also reminded me of Abstract Instruments rackmount OB-X, the VS-1.

The following is an update on the project from their Kistarter campaign posted just a few days ago on April 25.

"We're back up to full speed making very good progress. We've decided to prepare the DIY kits for shipping with the option to ship the mainboard in a second shipment. There is a lot of building to complete for the kits and this will allow everyone to get started while software development is completed. As mentioned in a few prior updates.. parts for full parts kits are packaged per PCB assembly. Each PCB has the relevant parts separated, even if the same part number is used in more than one PCB assembly. This makes it easier for assembly and partial shipments. For the mainboard we're 'still' testing a few aspects including the new interface option for the OLED and vetting a new ROM IC. We still don't want to make this assembly until 100% sure it's perfect. We're not sure when the DIY kits will start shipping but I will update soon with a delivery estimate once we have a reasonable estimate. The full retail versions are built in groups of (10) units. We've had the first few groups staged for along time already and will start to ship once the software is ready.

I received many messages last Friday and over the weekend regarding the Behringer UB-X. Some colleagues and customer friends were snickering at the notion I might be working for Behringer. I will confirm the answer is no. The design of the OB-X is very particular. On one hand it's a textbook implementation of a polyphonic analog synthesizer. If you were designing a polyphonic analog in 1978 the OB-X is basically what you would find in publications of the time. Discrete oscillator, 12dB OTA-based filter, OTA-based VCA's and the new CEM ADSR IC's. On the other hand there are many minor quirks that you do not want to overlook. That said I know the in-house engineers at Behringer are excellent engineers. At the end of the day these synths aren't rocket science and these guys know what they are doing. The fact that they contracted someone to help is interesting. I do not have any insight as to who or why they have contracted someone. In any case it's safe to say I would not agree w/ all of the design trade-offs that will end up in the Behringer model. The VS-1 is second to none in this regards. Since we are a boutique company we can focus intensely one one or two designs and don't need to make any design trade-offs.

On a personal note I had mentioned that the office was closed at the beginning of the year for family reasons. I wanted to let everyone know at the time that there was a reason for the inactivity, but didn't believe it was necessary to go into details. However I received many personal messages and would like to confirm that there is no concern at home or with the VS-1. My wife and I had premature babies...twins. They came dangerously early and it was full time care for a good while. Babies are at home and healthy.

Regards,

Brian Castro | Abstrakt Instruments"

And finally we have Behringer's UB-X update from the 22nd.

Three OB-X synths are in the works. One with the orginal build from the original maker, one rackmount, and one compact. It's worth noting Sequential typically follows up with a desktop version of their flagship keyboard synths a few months later as well, and if its not obvious, Oberheim is backed by the Sequential team.

Monday, June 14, 2021

Casio DH-100 Digital Horn Spotted in Until the End of the World



This one is in via swissdoc

"I was watching this 1991 movie recently, Until the End of the World, and spotted a Casio DH100 digital horn in a brief moment. See attached screenshot. The movie has some nice music in it (as you can see on the Wiki page). They kind of "Google" for one of the guys in the story and when one special search program is used, the sound which can be heard is one of the Waldorf Microwave presets.

I was watching the film at the movies when it came out in 1991 and this sound I did remember. The DH100 I did not remember, but it could be as well, it was only in the directors cut."

See the Synth TV and Film label below for additional posts.

Thursday, May 06, 2021

Synth Spotting in Soigne Ta Droite / Keep Up Your Right - 1987


video by heung jun oh

Some Cocteau Twins style drums.

This one is in vis swissdoc who had the following to say:

"I came across this recently in a very special artistic movie by director Jean-Luc Godard from Romandy (Suisse romande - the French-speaking part of western Switzerland).

The movie is called Keep Your Right Up (French: Soigne ta droite / Une place sur la terre) from 1987. It is featuring Catherine Ringer and Fred Chichin from the group Les Rita Mitsouko in some scenes in a musical studio showing some synths."

Here's the trailer for the film:

Soigne ta droite - Bande annonce

video by Gaumont

There's an additional music scene here but no synths.

Below are a few screen grabs via swissdoc. You can spot an Oberheim Four Voice System, a Moog Memorymoog, and what appears to be an Elka Rhapsody 610 below and to the right of the FVS. Update: one more pic added below of what looks like the back of an OB-1.

See the Synth TV and Film label for additional synth spotting.

Monday, March 22, 2021

RARE SOLTON K160 VINTAGE HYBRID ANALOG ITALO SYNTHESIZER w/ CURTIS CEM3389 Chips

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


via this auction

This on was spotted and sent in via swissdoc.

It's essentially a preset version of the Keytek CTS-2000 with limited programmability. If you look at the front panel you will see buttons for Filter Control and Velocity to VCF. It uses CEM3389 signal processor 4 pole Filter, VC resonance, VCA, VC Pan chips also found in the Sequential Circuits Prophet-VS, Studio 440, and Waldorf Microwave 1 according to Wikipedia's page on CEM and SSM chips.

You can find a demo of one in this post, and numerous demos of the CTS-2000 in previous posts here.

Sunday, August 16, 2020

WDR3 Studio Elektronische Musik: Fairlight CMI



This one in via swissdoc

"Hints to the start of Fairlight are given and why it was called Fairlight. Then I found this ressource:
https://www.outofphase.fr/en/2018/07/20/history-fairlight/

Good stuff about the Fairlight and the early days with the Quasar M8." [previously posted here with a pic]

Googlish:

The mother of all digital samplers comes from Australia. In 1979 Peter Vogel and Kim Ryrie built the first copies of the Computer Music Instrument (CMI): processor, screen with light pen, pressure-sensitive keyboard and sound files on floppy discs.

For the first CMI synthesizer with sampling function, the musicians had to put 1 million US dollars on the table. The proud price did not prevent its triumphant advance through the world of pop and experimental electroacoustic music. On the contrary: the Fairlight CMI shaped the sound of the eighties and nineties. Today it is a historical instrument, but some composers are still using the light pen again.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Abstrakt Instruments VS-1 - Technical Comparison


Abstrakt Instruments

"Technical comparison of the Abstrakt Instruments VS-1, the Oberheim OB-X, and the Sequential OB-6 - including the analog & digital aspects of each synth. It also covers the auto-tune implementations of six analog synths."

This one was sent in via swissdoc.

Friday, March 27, 2020

Axel Hartmann's Original Panel Design for the Waldorf Q & How the Yellow Q Came to Be


Update1: Soviet Space Child noticed the Instrument section under the main display has the additional numbers found on later models of the Q. This might actually be a later prototype panel that matches the original color concept. Soviet Space Child noted: "The Q was originally designed as a 4 part multitimbral synthesizer, and later expanded to 16 parts multi via an OS update. This explains why the FX unit is only 4 part multi, as the hardware architecture ran off of 3 DSP's, two for 8 voices of polyphony each, and one dedicated to 4 FX parts. On the original Q models the 4 instrument buttons above the display were labeled 1-4, but later revisions had additional numbers to reflect the added multi parts, as seen in the prototype panel photos." It's also worth noting the original Wave came in different colors including Sahara yellow and Crimson Red. There was also a green Microwave. That backs up Waldorf wanting to go bold with the Q.

Update2: Swissdoc heard back from Waldorf's Frank Schneider and he stated this is the Jade panel. It makes sense as Jade is green and this panel is greenish in color. What's odd though is the render in the promo sheet appears white in color but is labeled as Jade. Also, according to swissdoc, the Q actually did come 16 multi-timbral to start: "The Q came from the start with 16 part multi, just the yellow case had only 4 labeled. See the changelog from here."

Update3: it looks like the Q was 4 part multi prior to release according to this SOS preview for the Q (via Soviet Space Child): "In keeping with modern synth architectures, the Q promises 16-part multitimbrality and 16-part layers/splits that Waldorf call 'Multis', but neither of these is implemented in the current operating system" later followed by "Early reports suggested that the Q would include a dedicated drum section with the ability to emulate popular analogue machines such as the Roland TR808 and TR909. In recent weeks, Waldorf has shelved the idea in favour of expanding the multitimbrality of the instrument from 4-part to 16-part."

So the preview model sent to Sound on Sound was 4 Part multi, and they made it 16 for release. Update4: I remember now. The Q was released pre V1.0 and was updated later. I forget if it was 4 or 16 part multi on release.  There was a bit of excitement about the Q, as you can imagine, on the various forums and email lists at the time.  Sonic State's The Gas-Station was THE forum at the time and there was a Waldorf email list.

The original post:

swissdoc and I were exchanging emails about the recent Waldorf posts featuring the JADE Q, non-Nextel Pulse, and the manuals for the XT, and MicroWave. Some interesting bits of info came out of our exchange.  You can find them in updates in those posts. Possibly even more interesting are the images you see here in this post. Swissdoc sent them my way with the following. What you are looking at is the original design prototype color concept? [see above] for the Waldorf Q.

"I got the pics from a guy called pixeldealer in Summer 2014. He said it was the original Q-prototype in turquoise/silver color and the first design by Axel Hartmann. It was never released, the Q was released in yellow Nextel as we know. Axel Hartmann is telling the same story in an interview on Amazona.de (last section). He bougth the case (without electronics etc) from the production partner of Waldorf in Troisdorf. He was looking to sell the parts.

Axel said:
Die ersten Q wurden geboren, als der Markt für virtuell analoge Synthesizer noch durch Clavia mit ihren grellroten Nordsynthesizern beherrscht wurde. Wolfgang wollte daher ein stärkeres optisches Statement, als es unser bekanntes, dezentes Dunkelblau zulies. Wolfram (Franke) hatte dann die Idee mit dem schrillen Gelb, das wir in den finalen Layouts umgesetzt haben.

Unsere ersten Farbkonzepte für die Q Synthesizer gingen in eine völlig andere Richtung. Wir hatten in unseren Entwürfen ein dezentes, sehr helles, grünliches Grau in Kombination mit Aluminium und Nussbaum Anbauteilen visualisiert. Wie gesagt, das war den Waldorfern damals aber einfach nicht laut genug…

Deepl.com Translation:
The first Q were born when the market for virtual analog synthesizers was still dominated by Clavia with her bright red northern synthesizers. Wolfgang therefore wanted a stronger visual statement than our well-known, subtle dark blue. Wolfram (Franke) then had the idea with the shrill yellow, which we implemented in the final layouts.

Our first color concepts for the Q synthesizers went in a completely different direction. In our designs we had visualized a subtle, very bright greenish grey in combination with aluminium and walnut add-on parts. As I said, that simply wasn't loud enough for the Waldorfers back then..."

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Waldorf Microwave User Manual

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


via this auction

"rare Waldorf manual

we believe this is the 1st iteration of the micro Wave

long since discontinued"

Interesting piece. I don't think I've seen this one before. Note the top right has "For Steinberg MicroWave" written on it.

Update via swissdoc: "I got mine fresh from the shop, there was only a preliminary manual included. Just typwriter style or dot matrix print. I had to send in a voucher and then got the final manual later sent. They look like the ones I once created from the old Atari sources Waldorf gave me: [see here]

I think in your picture that is just a tradeshow flyer on top.

Details about my manual conversion you find here.

Good source for info is this User FAQ."

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Waldorf Q JADE


Update2: this might actually be the Jade version. See details there.

Here's something you might not have seen before. Axel Hartmann, maker of the Hartmann neuron, and the man behind the physical design of a number of synths ranging from Waldorf to Moog, shared this photo online - posters for the Access Virus Indigo, the Waldorf Q in classic Nextel blue, and a Waldorf Q in "JADE" (looks white). Curious if any were ever produced. Also note the creamware.com poster underneath.

Update: I reached out to swissdoc who was a Beta tester for Waldorf back in the day. He reached out to one of his contacts and apparently 3 - 5 of these may exist.

"zu der Menge Pulse in Pulver kann ich Dir leider nichts genaues sagen... es waren aber einige (vielleicht 500-1000). Ein Exot ist es auf jedenfalls nicht. Der Q allerdings in Jade ist schon eher ein Exot. Der ist nur in kleiner Muster Menge gefertigt worden, vielleicht so 3-5 Stück."

Googlish:

"Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything specific about the amount of pulses in powder ... but there were a few (maybe 500-1000). It is definitely not an exotic. However, the Q in jade is more of an exotic. It is only was made in small samples, maybe 3-5 pieces."


Waldorf Pulse Analogue Synth w/ Non Nextel Surface

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


via this auction

Thought this one was interesting. Most Pulse and Pulse + synthesizers had a matte Nextel surface. This one is shiny like the newer model Qs. I forget if there was a later run of the Pulse with this surface.

Update via swissdoc: "Frank Schneider from Waldorf confirmed those to be late models. Nextel was tricky to handle, so not all production partners could do it. Environmental safety was quite a challenge, so not all could adhere to those regulations. Powder is more robust and better to the environment."

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

DYNACORD ADS Sample Library



This one in via swissdoc

"On Sequencer.de we started an initiative to preserve the DYNACORD ADS Sample Library by reading a bunch of old floppy disks and converting data in HFE format to be used by HxC floppy emulator. It is quite a decent coverage of the library as availble in 1989, but not complete.

Samples can be used in any sampler by manual conversion. Please see the readme.txt [below] for a bit more info.

Here you will find the data"

Image via gearslutz.

P.S. Apparently this is the first ADS featuring on the site. There were a few verstions of the ADD posted here.

Readme.txt:

IMG files can be written to real floppy disks with Omniflop, which supports the ADS data structure.
HFE files are to be used with the HxC floppy emulator.

For users of softsamplers etc.: IMG files can be imported into Audacity in RAW Mode 16-Bit (use Big Endian format), sample data can then be used manually

Some disks had read errors, they are marked with err in the filename.
Some disks had been marked "wrong disk", so they may not load properly as part of a pair.

Wednesday, August 07, 2019

Chopped CS2X Minus Keys


This one was spotted by swissdoc on richardo.ch.


It almost looks like a more powerful piece of kit without the keys.

Friday, July 19, 2019

New UDO SUPER 6 Product Presentation Brochure


This one in via swissdoc.

via UDO:

"We are keen to share some news on our upcoming product the Super 6.

We have provided a link to a Product Presentation we hope you find it of interest. This is public information so please share as you see fit.

Thanks from everyone at UDO Audio for your continued support."

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Kawai SX-210 Enhanced w/ Upgrades



This one is in via swissdoc.

Details on the enhancements/mods via sequencer.de:

Demo here

"All sounds are from the SX-210 plus reverb and delay from the DAW. The pad sound at the beginning with Sample + Hold is not possible with the original. I have developed a new motherboard that offers new possibilities. The demo was then recorded using MIDI and Cubase. Further information about the story can be found at SX-210 Story

The following extensions my SX-210 has:
- MIDI In and Out
- Sound parameters are stored on an SD card (400 slots)
- 4 LFOs (just one)
- Sine and random waveform as LFO
- MIDI Sync optional for all LFOs
- Polyphonic Step Sequencer with Veloocyity per note
- Arpeggiator (up, down, up / down, random) with 1 to 5 octaves
- MIDI controller support of all parameters
- Cutoff via note
- Longer patch names via scroll text
- LFO can now also modulate HPF and resonance as a target
- Pitch Bender now supports 0..99 semitones
- Unison
- Random disagree by touch
- Modulation Wheel can now be used as the target for Cutoff, HPF and LFO

The voiceboard is at least original."

You can find additional pics and details on the modifications at http://synth.curlsystems.de/SX210/SX210.html

Friday, December 14, 2018

Minimoog Model D Clone


This one spotted by swissdoc on OLX.ro. Googlish translation from the listing:

"Moog minimoog clone model d perfectly functional and calibrated.

It is made with its own resources as a hobby project and it sells it for lack of time / space to be used.

As shown in the pictures, there is room for improvement / modifications. I did not find the original keyboard, and the box is not exactly what it should be. With a little love and passion can come out something very beautiful.

Of course, it can be proven, tested and heard before buying. It is delivered only personally. Do not post by courier / couriers."

Sunday, December 09, 2018

Juzisound Total SOLO Sampler for East European Balkan Regions


Another interesting item spotted by swissdoc.

via Juzisound:

"Small and powerful sampler device specialized for playing ethno solo sounds. This device is specially created to use in East European Balkan regions. Also is very useful for musicians from Turkey, Greece, Arab or Middle East regions. If you play that kind of music, this device is best for you!"

Unlimited Sample Memory

Yes - Really unlimited sample memory! This device is created with new technology and new conception! Juzisound Total SOLO Sampler don`t use RAM memory for loading samples. All samples are played in True Real Time DIRECTLY from an SD Card! This new technology allows using extremely massive sample libraries. The size of the sample is limited only by the size of the SD Card in use. For the time being, the sampler accept SD cards with capacity up to 64GB, but there will be no problem in future to add support for newest and biggest SD cards.

Portamento / Oscillator Modes

In this device Juzisound implements many types of specialized Oscillator Modes, specially created for use in Ethno solo music. Many types of Portamento with full set of parameters are supported, including very popular Yamaha DX, Casio CZ, KORG and original and very useful JS and JS2 portamento. This JS and JS2 portamento have special technology for smooth sample to sample transition, and this kind of portamento is not available in any other hardware keyboards. Additionally to portamento modes, the sampler has many special oscillator engines (combination between specially prepared samples and additional software processing), specialized for playing Saxophones, Clarinets, Solo String instruments, Bouzoukis and many more.


Saturday, December 08, 2018

Early Design Renders of the Moog One / Polymoog by Axel Hartmann


Some early design renders of the Moog One from this interview with Axel Hartmann on AMAZONA.de, in via swissdoc. You can find a Googlish translation here.

Note it was originally labeled Polymoog.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Roland JD-800 Audio Demo From 1991 Issue of German Synth Magazine KEYBOARDS


This one is in via swissdoc.

The June 1991 issue of KEYBOARDS came with a flexi-disc demo of the Roland JD-800. You can find an mp3 of the demo here, and the issue archived here.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Roland V-Synth Patches

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

via this auction

"V-Synth patches. New. Never installed them."

Update: the samples appear to be of the Kinetic Sound System. I thought it was just the maker of the disk and it slipped my mind. Thanks goes to swissdoc for catching it.

This is one of those things likely I only found interesting. Note the Roland logo. First, it reminded me of Duran Duran's 1st album & early singles during the Planet Earth period. Just thought it was interesting from a design perspective. Where did it originate? Second, I don't recall seeing this particular Roland logo before. I was curious if this was a valid Roland logo or one made up by someone for the CD. I have no idea if it is an official CD from Roland. I ran a quick search on Roland logos and found it, but... It appears to be associated with their printer products? Via Sign Shop: "Currently celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, Roland DGA Corp. has once again been recognized by InfoTrends, Inc. as the leading North American provider of digital printers for the durable graphics market. According to the InfoTrends 2010 Quarterly Wide-Format Tracking Shipping Project report, Roland sold nearly twice as many printers in 2010 priced under $30,000 into the North American marketplace as its nearest competitors."

I didn't know Roland made printers.

Anyway, consider this your random synth trivia for the day...

If you've seen this particular logo used for other Roland synth products, feel free to leave a comment.

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