EMS VCS3 Restoration with DK-1 Keyboard

video upload by Synthesizer Keith

"This video is a deep dive into the restoration of an EMS VCS3 and DK-1 keyboard. And yes, that is Alex Lifeson's [Rush] signature.

00:00 Play In
00:09 Introduction
01:20 VCS3 Demo/Assessment
06:43 Initial Repairs
09:37 Meter Repair
17:51 Power Supply and Amplifier Chips
22:00 Keyboard Assessment
23:30 The Keyboard Comes Alive!
26:30 Keyboard signals In Depth
28:25 Issues With The Trigger
31:27 Keyboard Sample & Hold
35:22 Keyboard and VCS3 Pitch Tracking and Velocity
38:10 Parts Graveyard
38:57 Alex Lifeson's Signature and Other Markings
41:23 Play Out"

Arturia Pure Lofi is a Kick-Ass Wavetable Synth... Secret Enhancements, Overview, and Review

video upload by Keith Crosley

"OK, so Arturia Pure Lofi is a real wavetable synthesizer and (multi)sampler with a fantastic retro sound and some deep, dark secrets. Come along with me and discover the unique sound of Pure Lofi. OH... and you can import user wavetables and sound libraries, like KRC Mathwaves, if you know THIS ONE CRAZY TRICK 😉. Available by itself, or as part of Arturia V Collection 11... Would you like to know more? Grab your Computer Musical Instrument and come along with me for a bit-crushed-a-go-go episode of your favorite talky synthesizer content show!"

https://www.wavetables.lol

1968 RA Moog Modular IIIC

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

via this Reverb listing

"A 3-cabinet authentic, period correct all RA Moog modules system that dates from 1968.

This instrument forms a part of the RL Music Vintage Synthesizer Collection. We have managed to keep some of the very best examples of Vintage Synthesizers that have come through our business over the last 22 years which we kept for our pleasure and interest. Whilst having a privileged position as a specialist dealer in this genre of equipment, we managed to hang on to particular instruments that were interesting and inspiring. The RA Moog Modular IIIC is one of 40 instruments we have, but is the oldest and most historically important.

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New Mathematical Series Wavetables in KRC Mathwaves!

video upload by Keith Crosley

"Let's take a look at a few (well, 1,111) new mathematical series-inspired wavetables in KRC Mathwaves, the world's largest collection of wavetables, single-cycle waveforms, and even some samples for all sorts of modern synthesizers. It's like reading the freaking manual, but more fun, because it's all talky synthesizer content."

https://www.wavetables.lol

Sequential Take 5: "Taking The Five" patches HD Demo - No Talking

video upload by Stefano Daino

"This is the demo of several patches included in the 'Taking the Five' Vol 1 & Vol 2, two libraries each of 64 sounds for the Sequential Take 5 synthesizer.

These patches aim to reproduce the sounds that characterized the music performed with the analog polyphonic synthesizers serie in the '80s, as well as the sounds that are only possible with a new generation analog synthesizer, which have the advantage of touch-sensitive, aftertouch keyboards, which have powerful programmable modulation matrices, and excellent built-in effects.

The 'Taking the Five' Vol 1 & Vol 2 for the Sequential Take 5 are available at https://www.dsp-quattro.com/dspquattr..."

The patches:

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Korg multi/poly native: First Look and Listen, Micro-review! (Live from Margaritaville)

video upload by Keith Crosley

"At long last, Korg multi/poly native has arrived! Now you can have the awesome virtual analog sound of multi/poly on your desktop (in standalone mode) or as a VST in your DAW. Of course, it sounds exactly like the hardware... Which is to say, it sounds wonderful. I run through some of my previous Korg multi/poly patches (featured in my previous three-part review and deep dive series), talk briefly about the 3 oscillators, give you a quick look at the interface, and show off a few new wavetable sounds based on the "timbral extraction" techniques from KRC Orchestral Impressions. Also, I'm wasting away in Margaritaville -- literally -- so grab your shaker of salt and join me for this yacht-rock-a-go-go episode of your favorite talky synthesizer content show.

TRY or BUY KORG MULTI/POLY NATIVE HERE:
https://www.korg.com/us/products/soft...

Buy in the Korg store ($149 intro price special, and well worth it, if ya ask me):
https://korg.shop/software/natives/si...

KRC Mathwaves full collection -- 160,000+ wavetables, including new multi/poly inspired wavetables and the "Varieties of Noise" sample library -- usually $29, can be yours for just $20 using code SANDRA at checkout or by following this link: https://www.wavetables.lol/l/wavetabl...

KRC Orchestral Impressions wavetable collection -- more than 38,000 wavetables sourced from acoustic instrument samples, just $5!:
https://www.wavetables.lol/l/orch?lay...

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

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Korg multi/poly Native
01:15 Overview of Korg multi/poly Features
02:25 Beta Testing Insights
03:48 Wavetable Collection Introduction
04:38 Recording Environment and Setup
05:24 Challenges with Travel Setup
06:40 Unique Sound Patches Demonstration
08:13 Visualizing Waveforms and Modulation
09:18 Filter Emulations and Sound Design
11:29 Analog Synthesizer Comparisons
13:18 Advanced Features and Settings
15:29 Dynamic Voice Allocation and Performance
19:24 Exploring Filter Types and Characteristics
21:44 Techniques for Enhancing Filter Sounds
23:35 Unique Sound Effects
24:31 Combining Digital and Analog Sounds
26:06 Experimenting with Filter Emulations
28:53 Old School Flavor in Synthesis
30:16 Creative Sound Design Techniques
32:15 Integrating Orchestral Wavetables
34:24 Korg multi/poly Native Release
35:09 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Additional Korg multi/poly demos by Keith Crosley

An Entire Orchestra as Wavetables?: Introducing KRC Orchestral Impressions

video upload by Keith Crosley

"How can we convert audio samples to wavetables? What are the main challenges? Why does converting violin samples to wavetables come out sounding like a Wookie? Why is everything so hard? I tackle some of these questions (and probably raise a lot of others!) as I talk-talk-talk about my new wavetable collection, KRC Orchestral Impressions. So grab your phase-locked loop, align your harmonics, and get ready for this I-don't-think-we-should-convert-samples-to-wavetables-but-I-did-it-anyway-a-go-go episode of your favorite talky synthesizer content show!

LINKS!:

NEW... and just $5! KRC Orchestral Impressions Wavetables — 38,000 wavetables in all of the major formats (modwave, multi/poly, Serum, Vital, Pigments, Phase Plant, Surge, you-name-it!), extracted from orchestral samples, plus Python scripts to do your own sample-to-wavetable conversions. Just like KRC Mathwaves, this collection will grow and change over time. Get in while the gettin's good! https://www.wavetables.lol/l/orch

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Unusual Synth Modulations #1: Pitch Slope, Hybrid Bezier Wavetables, Pigments 6, and Current Events

video upload by Keith Crosley

"We're back... and we're talking about unusual synthesizer modulations! In this edition of our "talky synthesizer content" show, we're talky-talky-talking new wavetables (the "Hybez" or hybrid Bezier) wavetables in KRC Mathwaves, the encroaching specter of fascism, David Lynch, some cool YouTube channels, the new modal synth/physical modeling capabilities of Arturia Pigments 6 (which I bought... highly recommended at just $99 right now), and some weird (advanced? unusual? forgotten?) synth modulations that we might call "pitch slope" modulations. So, set your pitch slope "up-and-to-the-right", grab your Bezier curve, and get ready for a modulations-a-go-go episode of your favorite talky synthesizer content show!

LINKS!:

KRC Mathwaves full collection -- 160,000+ wavetables, including new multi/poly inspired wavetables and the "Varieties of Noise" sample library -- usually $29, can be yours for just $20 using code SANDRA at checkout or by following this link: https://www.wavetables.lol/l/wavetabl...

All proceeds go to my sister and her family as she recovers from her accident.

GoFundMe for my sister and her family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-jim-a...

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

This Booklet from 1984 Taught Keith Crosley (Almost) Everything He Knows about Synthesizers

video upload by Keith Crosley

"This little booklet from 1984 taught me (almost) everything I know about synthesis. Let's go back to basics... and back to the future... with the Casio CZ-101 manuals and see what we can learn about the basics of learning synthesizer programming and sound design. Along the way we'll learn a thing or two about classic synth modulations, some interesting new wavetables, and how to rock the synth guitar! So... Grab your waveshaper and strap your DCW down, because where we're going we don't need any filters! It's time for some retro-digital-synthesis-a-go-go!

LINKS!:

Casio CZ-101 manuals directory: https://drive.google.com/drive/folder...

Casio "Sound Synthesis Handbook" PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bn7j...

Casio CZ-101 Manual PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-BUe...

KRC Mathwaves full collection -- 160,000+ wavetables, including new multi/poly inspired wavetables and the "Varieties of Noise" sample library -- usually $29, can be yours for just $20 using code SANDRA at checkout or by following this link: https://www.wavetables.lol/l/wavetabl...

All proceeds go to my sister and her family as she recovers from her accident.

GoFundMe for my sister and her family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-jim-a...

Virtual CZ VST plugin at PluginBoutique: https://www.pluginboutique.com/produc..."

Korg multi/poly: Waveshaper Oscillator Deep Dive

video upload by Keith Crosley

"In my third video about Korg's multi/poly virtual analog synthesizer, we take a deep dive into multi/poly's powerful and unusual waveshaper oscillator. I explore what waveshaping is, the types of sounds that Korg's waveshaper is capable of, and a variety of patch ideas, tips, and tricks... in my usual talky talky style.

LINKS!:

KRC Mathwaves full collection -- 160,000+ wavetables, including new multi/poly inspired wavetables and the "Varieties of Noise" sample library -- usually $29, can be yours for just $20 using code SANDRA at checkout or by following this link: https://www.wavetables.lol/l/wavetabl...

All proceeds go to my sister and her family as she recovers from her accident.

GoFundMe for my sister and her family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-jim-a...

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

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."