Korg multi/poly: Deeper Dive and New multipoly-inspired Wavetables!

video upload by Keith Crosley

"Time for moar virtual analog goodness with the Korg multi/poly! In my second (perhaps third) look at multi/poly, I focus on some new and very "synthy" wavetables (and their component waveforms) that are inspired by — and perfect for — loading into your multi/poly, modwave, or any modern wavetable synth. (Such as PhasePlant, Vital, Serum, Eurorack hardware, Bitwig, Surge XT... I mean, pretty much whatever.) I explore 9000+ new wavetables from the new "KRC Synth Sort and Zero Crossing" wavetables collection and drop the usual synth programming and sound design tips-n-tricks along the way. So grab your spectral centroid and get ready for some hot subtractive synthesis action for this zero-crossings-a-go-go episode of your favorite talky synthesizer content show!

[If you feel like you've seen this video before, I apologize... Had a bad upload on the first try and had to re-do it.]

Intro video nightmare-fuel clips (which I call 'Weird Waveform Science!') created with OpenAI Sora: https://www.sora.com.

LINKS:

KRC Mathwaves full collection (160,000+ wavetables, including this new multi/poly collection and the "Varieties of Noise" sample library, just $29): https://www.wavetables.lol/l/wavetables

KRC Mathwaves free wavetables sampler (1600+ wavetables, absolutely FREE): https://www.wavetables.lol/l/free?lay..."

Polygonal Waveforms... REDUX! Let's explore the world of polygonal wavetables, correctly this time.

video upload by Keith Crosley

"We're synthesizing waveforms and wavetables with math... And we're correcting a few errors. Come along with me as we explore the supernaturally bell-like sounds of waveforms made with the polygonal number series. And... I know it seems unlikely... but I discovered that I had made an error in my original calculations of the polygonal waveforms. But it turns out it doesn't matter because what I came up with was bad-ass, anyway. Along the way, I drop a few synthesizer programming tips, roll my eyes, and make some bell-icous synthesizer tones. Grab your n-gon, and let's get polygonal with it in this 'rock-the-bells' episode!"

KRC Mathwaves wavetables full collection (just $29): https://www.wavetables.lol/l/wavetables

KRC Mathwaves free wavetables sampler (just FREE): https://www.wavetables.lol/l/free?lay...

How to Import Wavetables to Phase Plant by Kilohearts... Like KRC Mathwaves

video upload by Keith Crosley

"The world's biggest collection of wavetables—KRC Mathwaves—is now available in the wavetable format used by the Kilohearts Phase Plant wavetable synthesizer! In this short video, I cover how to import wavetables to Phase Plant and also talk about the specifics of the (somewhat unique) Phase Plant wavetable format. I also give some initial thoughts after my (admittedly short) time with Phase Plant, show where to find the Phase Plant version of the KRC Mathwaves free wavetables, plus the usual talky banter.

LINKS!:

KRC Mathwaves full collection (140,000+ wavetables, just $29): https://www.wavetables.lol/l/wavetables

KRC Mathwaves free wavetables sampler (200+ wavetables, FREE): https://www.wavetables.lol/l/free?lay...

For more wavetable and synth madness, see my KRC Mathwaves playlist here: • Wavetables: KRC Mathwaves

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro - KRC Mathwaves and wavetables.lol
01:45 Phase Plant's Unique Wavetable Format Requirements
04:40 How to Import Wavetables into Phase Plant
06:36 Managing Large Wavetable Files
09:18 My Initial Thoughts on Phase Plant
11:22 Get KRC Mathwaves"

For more wavetable and synth madness, see my KRC Mathwaves playlist here:

SynthfestUK 24 Synth Coverage

video uploads by sonicstate

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

Use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:

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

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

2. SynthFestUK 24: PWM - More Mantis News

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

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

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

CLICK FOR MORE »

1984 The Art of Electronic Music Synth Book

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

via this listing

"1984 The Art of Electronic Music ~ 300+pgs w/ Foreword by Robert Moog

Scarce title. The instruments, designers, and musicians behind the artistic and popular explosion of electronic music. Compiled by Tom Darter and Edited by Greg Armbruster, with a foreword by Robert Moog. Covers many synthesizer brand names and their designers, both analog and digital: Yamaha (DX7/FM), Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, John Chowing, Don Buchla and many famous musicians like Keith Emerson, Isao Tomita, Larry Fast, Wendy Carlos, Vangelis, and many more.

Apart from a little cover wear, the book is in very good condition. Softcover, 315 pages. First edition, copyright 1984. This item ships WORLDWIDE."

CLICK FOR MORE »

VCS3 Workout

video upload by Synthesizer Keith

"I recently restored an EMS VCS3 and DK-1 keyboard, and put them through a recording workout. This video has an easter egg of sorts in it. More details in the upcoming repair video."

1400 Free Wavetables!? Talking New Machine Learning/AI Wavetables in KRC Mathwaves!

video upload by Keith Crosley

"Yeah, it's true, I just added 1400 excellent (IMHO) new, free wavetables in the free version of KRC Mathwaves! And, in my usual style, I've added even more to the commercial version... Let's take a talky talky look at the new stuff from my latest experiments in wavetable madness! Grab your autoencoder and let's surf some latent-spaces-a-go-go! LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for moar talky synthesizer content!

LINKS!:

KRC Mathwaves Free Sampler: https://www.wavetables.lol/l/free?lay...

KRC Mathwaves Full Version (still just $29): https://www.wavetables.lol/l/wavetabl..."

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to KRC Mathwaves
01:13 AI-Generated Wavetables Project
02:18 New Collections in KRC Mathwaves
03:47 Variational Autoencoder (VAE) Models
04:41 Discussing KRC Mathwaves and Wavetables
06:36 Exploring New Wavetables
08:38 Creation of Wavetables
09:48 Challenges of Machine Learning for Wavetable Modeling
23:56 Exploring VAE 365
27:12 Types of VAE 365 Wavetables
30:21 Start and End Points in VAE 363
37:57 Creative Applications of VAE 365 Wavetables
45:31 Overview of the 366 Collection
49:47 Exploration of Different Wavetable Types
50:38 Introduction to Linear and Mo Versions
52:24 Discussion on Model Architectures and Code


See this previous post for a playlist of Keith Crosley's wavetable vidoes including the above (2nd set of videos in that post).

INSIDE THE MIX: Richard Wright Episode 2

video upload by EMEAPP

Episode 1 here. This video has been added to that post as well.

"Time for more Rick Wright from Pink Floyd? You bet! Here is episode 2 of INSIDE THE MIX featuring the types of instruments that Rick used during the Wish You Were Here, Dark Side of the Moon and Animals era. Check out a Farfisa Compact Duo, Yamaha YC45D, EMS Synthi AKS, Solina String Synthesizer, Rhodes Super Satellite, Minimoog, Taurus bass pedals, Clavinet D6, ARP Quadra and Keith Emerson's Steinway Model D.

Mike Kiker joins us once again to recreate a Pink Floyd favorite, Wish You Were Here. He even gives us a close-up look at these remarkable instruments with demos!"

1984 The Art of Electronic Music 300pgs Bob Moog Buchla ARP Analog Synthesizers

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

via this listing

"Scarce title. The instruments, designers, and musicians behind the artistic and popular explosion of electronic music. Compiled by Tom Darter and Edited by Greg Armbruster, with a foreword by Robert Moog. Covers many synthesizer brand names and their designers, both analog and digital: Yamaha (DX7/FM), Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, John Chowing, Don Buchla and many famous musicians like Keith Emerson, Isao Tomita, Larry Fast, Wendy Carlos, Vangelis, and many more.

Apart from a little cover wear, the book is in very good condition. Softcover, 315 pages. First edition, copyright 1984."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Bob Moog Foundation: Adam Holzman Live at Static Age in Asheville NC

video upload by moogfoundation

"On Saturday, June 29, 2024, Holzman will perform a synthesizer and piano concert at Static Age Records.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m. For the performance, Holzman will create all sequences and loops in real-time analog without the assistance of a laptop using a variety of synthesizers. When asked to describe the concert, Holzman stated, “It will be sort of Tangerine Dream meets Keith Jarret.”

Tickets for the performance are $20 per person: bit.ly/AdamHolzmanLive.

Holzman is a masterful keyboard player, educator, author, and cartoonist who has spent his career performing with some of music’s biggest names while releasing numerous highly acclaimed recordings. From 1985-1989, he performed more than 200 concerts worldwide with jazz legend, Miles Davis, serving as Davis’s musical director in 1988. Holzman also toured and/or recorded extensively with Grover Washington Jr., Chaka Khan, Wayne Shorter, and many others. Holzman has frequently collaborated with British rocker Steven Wilson and is featured on many of Wilson’s acclaimed releases. Since 2012, Holzman has consistently placed high in Classic Rock and Prog magazine’s ‘Best Keyboard Player’ category. In addition to performing, Holzman wrote Creative Synthesizer Technique, which can be purchased at the Moogseum or online, and teaches part-time at The New School University in New York City.

Funds raised from ticket purchases for the concert and workshop will be used to expand the Bob Moog Foundation’s hallmark education project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, which has inspired over 30,000 elementary school students through the science of sound. The auction will also help support the Bob Moog Foundation Archives and the Moogseum, an immersive, experiential facility located in Asheville, North Carolina, which brings Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy and the science of sound and synthesis alive for people of all ages. The Moogseum opened in 2019 and has since welcomed over nearly 35,000 visitors.

Visit for more info: https://bit.ly/AdamHolzmanLive."

How to Import Wavetables to Vital (VST Wavetable Synth)... Like the Free Wavetables in KRC Mathwaves

video upload by Keith Crosley

"Here, I demonstrate 2 ways to import what I call Serum-style wavetables (32-bit, 2048 samples-per-frame .wav files) to the Vital VST synth (well... sort of). I (1) explain how a single wavetable can be dragged and dropped from your filesystem to a Vital oscillator... but apparently that only works in Vital's standalone mode. And (2) show how to import a folder of wavetables (such as folders from the free version of KRC Mathwaves) can be imported.

Along the way, I drop a couple of tips about using the free wavetables in the KRC Mathwaves sampler (and full version), with a dose of self-deprecating humor. Like and subscribe for MOAR talky synthesizer content, mmm-kay?

LINKS!:

KRC Mathwaves full collection (140,000+ wavetables, just $29): https://www.wavetables.lol/l/wavetables

KRC Mathwaves free wavetables sampler (200+ wavetables, FREE): https://www.wavetables.lol/l/free?lay...

CHAPTERS (to come)
00:00 Introduction to KRC Mathwaves
00:56 Importing Wavetables into Vital
02:28 Vital's Wavetable Format
03:39 Two Different Ways to Import Wavetables
05:20 Exploring Wavetables in Vital
06:31 Understanding Special Wavetables in KRC Mathwaves
08:06 Saving and Accessing Wavetables in Vital
08:39 Limitations of Wavetable Import in Vital
10:17 Outro - Go Get Some KRC Mathwaves

For more wavetable and synth madness, see my KRC Mathwaves playlist:"

Note: the 1st video is the same as above. Use the player controls to skip to the next or any other video.

Exploring the Korg Polysix: Vintage Synth Magic

video upload by Ian Dixon

"The Korg Polysix, a 6-voice poly synth launched in 1981 for £899 / $1095, aimed to deliver an affordable polyphonic analog synthesizer experience. Featuring the DDM2044 4-pole VCF, also found in the Mono/Poly and Trident, its filter was used in notable synths like the PPG Wave 2.2/2.3, Emu Emulator, and early Fairlight models. With a single oscillator per voice, offering Saw, Pulse, Pulse Width, and a sub-oscillator, the Polysix's sonic palette is rich.

Noteworthy are the single ADSR envelope for the filter and amplifier, and the VCA's gate mode. Modulation features for the VCO, VCF, and VCA, along with a delightful delay on the MG (Korg's LFO), contribute to its unique sound. The Ensemble and Chorus effects add movement, creating a timeless sonic experience. While pre-MIDI, it boasts CV/Gate and an arpeggiator. Save your patches via the cassette interface with 32 memory slots.

If you're eyeing a Polysix, beware of potential circuit damage from leaked batteries. Experience it virtually through the Korg Collection.

The Polysix's influence extends to modern synths like the Korg Modwave and Wavestate, both featuring Polysix-modeled filters. The Modwave excels at creating Polysix-type sounds (grab my free Polysix collection for the Modave).
https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/202...

Used by Tears for Fears, Geoff Downes, Eat Static, Astral Projection, Jimi Tenor, Global Communications, Kitaro, Robert Rich, and Keith Emerson, the Polysix shines in synthwave and retro synth music.

Dive into my videos covering classic hardware synths (TX7, Korg Karma, MS2000) and explore my virtual collection, including the Wavestation and M1. Don't miss the journey into the sonic history of these iconic instruments!

00:00 Introduction
01:21 Synth Design
03:25 Starting with Init Program
04:41 Mapping controlls
04:58 VCF
06:04 Enverlopes
06:23 MG
07:40 Polysix effects
08:56 Arpediator
10:56 Extras on the VST
12:31 Issues with the orignal Polysix
13:02 Korg Polysix Plugin / Modwave
13:41 Polysix patches
14:07 Fear of Tears
14:27 Synthwave sounds
14:56 Patch demos"

INSIDE THE MIX: Richard Wright

video upload by EMEAPP

"Are you a fan of early Pink Floyd and their keyboardist, Richard Wright? We are too! Enjoy this deep look into instruments and techniques used by Rick in the early days of the band leading up to the time of their live-performance film release, Live At Pompeii. This includes the type of instruments he used on Obscured By Clouds, Atom Heart Mother, A Saucerful of Secrets and Meddle. We faithfully recreated his early setup and had musician Mike Kiker deliver a killer performance of their beloved song, Echoes."

INSIDE THE MIX: Richard Wright Episode 2

video upload by EMEAPP

"Time for more Rick Wright from Pink Floyd? You bet! Here is episode 2 of INSIDE THE MIX featuring the types of instruments that Rick used during the Wish You Were Here, Dark Side of the Moon and Animals era. Check out a Farfisa Compact Duo, Yamaha YC45D, EMS Synthi AKS, Solina String Synthesizer, Rhodes Super Satellite, Minimoog, Taurus bass pedals, Clavinet D6, ARP Quadra and Keith Emerson's Steinway Model D.

Mike Kiker joins us once again to recreate a Pink Floyd favorite, Wish You Were Here. He even gives us a close-up look at these remarkable instruments with demos!"

Keith Richards Play a Synthesizer - 1969

video upload by TheMaximumVolumeable

Synthesizers.com Composition Contest Videos

Use the player controls on bottom to skip around.
You can find descriptions for each video below. You can find additional Synthesizers.com contest posts here.

Playlist:

1. O Z Hall: Zebra Synth

Dive into the enthralling world of synthesizers and witness O Z Hall's outstanding entry, "Zebra Synth", in the Synthesizers.com Composition Contest. Crafted with unparalleled precision and technique, this remarkable composition combines an array of captivating sounds that will take you on a breathtaking sonic journey.

Hall masterfully utilizes three distinctive patches in "Zebra Synth" to create an immersive soundscape. The first patch features a drone made using a Q106A oscillator, which is meticulously processed by a wave folder. Another oscillator, intertwined with linear FM from the wavefolder output, results in a fascinating "clang tone" that is beautifully amplified by a digital reverb.

In the second patch, a sequenced voice is artfully produced by employing two re-paneled Q106 oscillators. One output is channeled into the input of the linear FM, which subsequently provides intriguing timbral variations. The Q119A sequencer's 3rd row masterfully controls a Ratchet effect, adding even further depth to the composition. An expertly-applied digital delay effect enriches the output of this patch.

Lastly, the lead voice is ingeniously designed using the Q169 Dual Oscillator with Pulse Width modulation. O Z Hall skillfully manipulates the 24db/oct low pass filter in real-time to deliver an electrifying performance. The extended digital delay effect ties the entire sonic experience together.
O Z Hall's "Zebra Synth" draws its arsenal of modular synthesis tools from the Synthesizers.com catalog, including Q106, Q106A, Q119A, Q171, Q148, Q127, Q169, Q168, Q167, Q114, Q174, and Q175A modules. The creative process has been meticulously executed, showcasing how these modules can be combined to engineer a rich and dynamic sound adventure.

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Sound of Billy Idol - Eyes Without A Face with Oberheim OB-Xa, LinnDrum

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-22 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

One of my favorite 80s ballads
Billy Idol -Eyes Without A Face (1984)
The Song was written by B. Idol and Steve Stevens and produced by Keith Forsey.

I used the Oberheim OB-Xa synthesizer for all synth pads and the main theme riff.
And I used the E-MU Emulator II sampling synthesizer for the bass, add drums, the synth voice and fx.
FM bell sounds: Yamaha DX7 II FM synth
Drums: LinnDrum (1982)

The Oberheim OB-XA Synthesizer is one of the big legendary synths in music history. Here can you find the full OB-Xa playlist with a lot single sound demos, synth comparisions and one synth demo tracks. Enjoy.

The OB-Xa playlist:"

ANTOINE BARIL'S ONE MAN ELP: Backstage Pass @ EMEAPP

video upload by EMEAPP

"After over two years in the making, we are proud to be a part of the One Man ELP project; the brainchild of the amazingly talented Antoine Baril of Québec, Canada. As with his previous "One Man" videos that he has released over the last 7 years (Rush, Genesis, Yes), his attention to detail and accuracy is second to none and it was amazing to watch him at work within our walls for an intense week of keyboard craziness in July 2022. Along with his amazing videographer Paul DiGiacomo, they captured some stunning footage and audio to make this epic video project one for the ages. It was a blast to play a supporting role in this, we gave full access of our Keith Emerson keyboard rig (as well as our extensive collection of vintage analog synths) to Antoine and it was like turning a kid loose in a candy store, a cornucopia of awesomeness! Join us for an exclusive backstage peek at some of the recording processes and video shoots during this one week period. The ELP material he performed and recorded runs Then EMEAPP's executive director Drew Raison will take you on an up close and personal tour of all the keyboards and synthesizers that were used in this project.

Complete list below:

Yamaha GX1 (6:55)
Keith Emerson’s Hammond/Goff C3 w/dual Leslie 122s (7:13)
Keith Emerson’s Split Moog Minimoog Model D (7:51)
Keith Emerson's Hammond L100 (8:09)
Moog Minimoog Model D Pair (Bernie Worrell's Minimoog on right) (8:45)
Keith Emerson’s Moog Modular Synthesizer (9:16)
Mellotron M400 (9:39)
Oberheim Eight Voice (9:58)
Oberheim OB-X/OB-Xa (10:20)
ARP Quadra (10:55)
KORG PS-3300 (11:06)
Moog Taurus I (11:22)
Hohner Clavinet L (11:34)
KORG M1 (11:55)
Keith Emerson’s Steinway Model D (12:10)"

ELP’s HOEDOWN: LIVE @ EMEAPP FEAT. MANTICORE w/KEITH EMERSON’S MOOG MODULAR AND HAMMOND/GOFF C3

video upload by EMEAPP

"As mentioned in past videos, EMEAPP feels a deep responsibility to share our historically significant collection of rare, unusual and artist-used musical equipment with the world. As a part of this, we have opened up our doors to several tribute groups that are dedicated to recreating the music of great acts accurately and with the utmost respect to the source material. We are heavily involved in preserving the legacy of Emerson, Lake & Palmer and we do get behind those who share a similar mindset. The Long Island based group Manticore for example is one of the primary acts that is dedicated to paying tribute to the music of Emerson, Lake & Palmer and they have become a part of the EMEAPP fold. Here is the group (Rob Shepard on Keyboards, John Cristando on Drums and Ron Ponella on Bass) performing their high-energy rendition of “Hoedown” from ELP’s third studio album “Trilogy” (celebrating it’s 50th anniversary on July 6, 2022). The rig for this shoot prominently features Keith Emerson’s legendary Moog Modular Synthesizer and heavily modded Hammond/Goff C3 with dual Leslie 122 cabinets, as well as Greg Lake’s legendary stage used Persian carpet!

You can find us at www.emeapp.org where we invite you to join us as a member."

K-Board Pro 4 x GForce OB-E V2 Virtual Analog Synthesizer

video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments

"Kevin Mah demos the K-Board Pro 4 MPE keyboard controller with the GForce OB-E V2 Virtual Analog Synthesizer in Ableton Live.

========

Video by Kevin Mah (SolidTakes)
Ableton Certified Instructor from Vancouver BC
More info here: https://www.ableton.com/en/certified-..."

VINTAGE ANALOGUE SYNTHESIZER....Wireless World 1973

video upload by Outdoorsman

"This is an early analogue synth that I built from a series of articles in Wireless World magazine. I obviously spent a LOT of time making it....let's see if it still works..... (update coming soon!) Here's a link to the original articles....http://www.keith-snook.info/wireless-..." (PDF link - pics below if you want to skip)

Note the article appears to be by Tim Orr of Powertran, and a D. W. Thomas. Anyone know who that is? The design reminds me of a Maplin.

CLICK FOR MORE »