Superbooth 2018 Day One - Pittsburgh Modular

Published on May 9, 2018 Animato Audio

"Richard demos the new Electronic Sequence Designer 128. Very easy to get a tune / riff going on this piece of kit. The controls seem intuitive - definitely no deep menu diving involved here. Pairs well with the Lifeforms and other sub modulars"

Superbooth 2018: Pittsburgh Modular Sequence Designer First Look | SYNTH ANATOMY

Published on May 9, 2018

"Pittsburgh Modular presented on Superbooth 2018 the Sequencer Desinger, a new compact powerful hardware sequencer.

Join the Patreon page to get access to free sound content (sample & preset libraries, free plugins... & participate on exclusive giveaways) https://www.patreon.com/synthanatomy"

Pittsburgh Modular Electronic Sequence Designer Hands-On Demo

Published on May 9, 2018 Synthtopia

"Here's a quick demo of the new Pittsburgh Modular Electronic Sequence Designer, a powerful step sequencer for Eurorack modular synths, from company head Richard Nicol."

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms Primary Oscillator Hands-On Demo

Published on May 9, 2018 Synthtopia

"Here's a hands-on demo of the new Lifeforms Primary Oscillator from Pittsburgh Modulars."

The Origin & Development Of The Behringer DeepMind 12

Published on Sep 29, 2016 Synthtopia

"At the Knobcon 2016 synth convention, we talked with Pete Sadler, Project Lead on the development of the Behringer DeepMind 12.

Sadler told us the story of the origin of the DeepMind 12, from initial discussions with Uli Behringer, to breadboarding circuits, to creating the full-size prototypes."

Update: Two videos added:

Behringer DeepMind 12 Synthesizer Audio Demo

Published on Sep 29, 2016 Synthtopia

"At the Knobcon 2016 synth convention, we got a sneak preview of the sound of the new Behringer DeepMind 12 synthesizer."

Behringer DeepMind 12 In-Depth Hands-On Demo


"In this video, we talk with Rob Belcham, who is the lead engineer on the DeepMind 12. He gave us an in-depth overview and demo of the new DM 12."

NAMM 2013: Buchla Electric Music Box In Depth

Published on Feb 9, 2013 James Lewin·26 videos

"At the 2013 NAMM Show, Buchla electronic Musical Instruments' Jeffrey Vallier gave us an overview of the new Electric Music Box.

Vallier talks about the goals for the project, some of the challenges and Buchla's plans for releasing the new synth.

From Synthtopia.com's 2013 NAMM Coverage:

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/tag/2013-namm-show/"

The Moog DFAM with Bana Haffar at the House of Electronicus

Published on Feb 8, 2018 Synthtopia

"Ahead of the 2018 NAMM Show, Moog Music took over a house in Echo Park, CA and turned it into the 'House of Electronicus'.

They invited synthesist Bana Haffar, who co-founded the 'Modular on the Spot' series of electronic music picnic events, to come and perform at the House, with Moog's new DFAM.

The DFAM (Drummer From Another Mother) is a Eurorack synth module that's tailored to percussive sounds. But, as Haffar demonstrates in the video, it's useful for a lot of other types of sounds, too."

Modular on the Spot, with Bana Haffar

Published on Feb 8, 2018 Synthtopia

"At the Moog 'House of Electronicus', we talked with synthesist Bana Haffar about 'Modular on the Spot', a series of free outdoor electronic music events.

Haffar and her partner Eric Cheslak (Rodent), started Modular on the Spot in Los Angeles. But the idea for the series has taken on a life of its own and there have been similar events around the world."

Art + Music + Technology Podcast 183: Dave Rossum Interview

You can find the full transcript on Synthtopia here.

via Art + Music + Technology:

"Dave Rossum has quite a history. From helping to start up E-mu Systems, managing its acquisition by Creative Labs (and working with them through a 10-year run of amazing designs) and the creation of Rossum Electro-Music, Dave has been designing the heck out of music instruments. I was really excited when the Synthtopia folks we able to pull this interview together, since I've been a fan of E-mu devices for a long, long time, and have been mesmerized by the new modules he's been developing.

In our chat, we talk in detail about the development of the early E-mu modular system, the move into sampling technology, the effect of the Creative purchase and the technology developments behind the Proteus lineup. We also go into detail about Dave's design work with the new series of modules that he's working on, as well as the upcoming sampler module that has everyone humming.

This was a lot of fun, and super-educational; I learned an awful lot about the various technological advances behind samplers and sample-based systems. Given my renewed interest in sampling, that was very interesting to me. But his views on analog and digital modular designs, and his willingness to take on impossible projects and find a way to make 'em work - it was inspirational."

New Full Size KORG MS20 DIY Kit from KORG?

"The MS-20 Kit is a true-analog, 1:1 scale reissue of the MS-20, with both filters built in (the more aggressive early production filter and more mellow late production one). Every details has been replicated, right down to the packaging, which includes a letter from the original MS-20 engineers and the President of Korg, Inc.

Just like the MS-20 mini, development of the MS-20 Kit was led by the original engineers themselves, who spared no effort to perfectly replicate the circuitry of the original unit. When it was necessary to substitute a part, the engineers made the decision based on their own ears, ensuring that the exact sound of the original unit has been reproduced. According to Korg, the sound of the MS-20 kit has a ‘somewhat bright and extreme quality’ to it, because its sound is that of an original MS-20 in mint condition at the time it went on sale, before any of the components aged.

The MS-20 Kit comes dissembled, and can be put together with simple tools (some included), providing the user with a bit of the experience that often went hand-in-hand with ownership of vintage modular analog gear.

No soldering or understanding of circuit diagrams required. The updated MS-20 also features the same modern connectivity (MIDI and USB MIDI) as the mini.

The MS-20 Kit is a being released as a limited edition product.

Features:

A full-size, true analog MS-20
Build yourself with simple tools
Early and late filters at the flip of an internal switch
¼” patch cables
Limited edition
The Korg MS-20 kit is expected to have a street price of about $1,400 and to be available in March."

via Synthtopia.  Not seeing this one in KORG news section, or via any press release emails yet, so we'll see.  Synthtopia does not give a source.

Update: it is legit.

Korg MS-20 Kit -- Build Your Own Analog Legend!

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Korg·423 videos

"Introducing MS-20 Kit - a true-analog, 1:1 scale reissue of the original MS-20, with both filters built in (the more aggressive early production filter and the mellower late production one). Every detail has been replicated, right down to the packaging!

MS-20 Kit comes disassembled, providing you, the owner, the excitement of putting together your very own MS-20 (no solder required!). Just like MS-20 mini, MS-20 Kit includes MIDI In and USB-MIDI functionality.

Learn more about MS-20 Kit at http://www.korg.com.

"Like" Us - http://www.facebook.com/korgusa
"Follow" Us - http://www.twitter.com/korgusa"

Update2: And the press release:

"WINTER NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 23rd, 2014 - As a follow-up to the in-demand MS-20 Mini, and with musical do-it-yourselfers in mind, Korg has debuted the MS-20 Kit, a limited-edition kit that allows anyone-from musicians to the musically curious-to easily and safely build a working reproduction of Korg's original, iconic MS-20 analog synth. Only 1,000 units will be available worldwide.

The MS-20 version in the kit contains all the original MS-20 product specifications and features. New updates found only in this version include MIDI IN and a USB connector for receiving external MIDI notes. This kit version is also still true analog, with the same circuit path as the original. Also like the original, the MS-20 kit features a complete patch bay with 1/4" connections.

Owners can assemble the kit with no soldering or electrical know-how, using just a few simple tools and picture diagrams. An owner's manual and settings chart from the original MS-20 are also included.

The original MS-20 used different VCF circuits depending on the date of production. Units produced in the earlier period used a filter noted for its distinctive distortion and self-oscillation, while the filter used in later units was a low-noise design with a more mellow character. The new MS-20 Kit provides both filters and easy switching between the two.

The Korg MS-20 Kit will be available in March 2014 for a US Street price of $1399.99. For more information, visit Korg.com'

Update3: NAMM floor pics via Russ:

Update4:

NAMM 2014: Build Your Own Korg MS-20

Published on Jan 23, 2014 sonicstate·614 videos

"NAMM 2014: Build Your Own Korg MS-20 Full size, limited edition DIY kit announced"

One more via Future Music

NAMM 2014: Korg MS-20 Kit

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Future Music Magazine·345 videos

"FM see a new, like-for-like version of the Korg MS-20 analogue synth classic. This time in a limited edition DIY kit format to build yourself!"

Novation Circuit 1.7 & Mono Station Update SUPERBOOTH Sneak Previews

Novation Circuit 1.7 Sneak Preview Published on May 8, 2018 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2018, Novation's Chris Calcutt gave us a sneak preview of the upcoming update to its Novation Circuit."

Novation Circuit Mono Station Update (Sneak Preview)

Published on May 8, 2018 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2018, Novation's Chris Calcutt gave us a sneak preview of the upcoming update to its Novation Circuit Mono Station."

Aphex Twin at the 2016 Summer NAMM Show

Uploaded on Jun 28, 2016 Synthtopia

"At Summer NAMM, Aphex Twin (Richard D. James) had a booth, to introduce his new album and to display his rare Cheetah MS800 synthesizer.

We talked with Hannah from Warp Records, who gave us a quick booth tour."

You can find details on the release and the Cheetah MS800 previously posted here, and coverage on Synthtopia here.

MOTM NAMM 2006 via Synthtopia

Synthtopia has a post up on MOTM and the Analogue Haven booth. Title link takes you there. Also track back when you get there for the rest of their NAMM coverage.

Paul Schreiber of MOTM

Knobcon 2017 Videos by Synthtopia

Published on Sep 12, 2017 Synthtopia

Playlist:

KVgear Vixen Mixer Sneak Preview At Knobcon 2017
Roland D-05 Hands-On Demo
Synthesis Technology WaveEdit & Wavetable VCOs
Conductive Labs NDLR Polyphonic Arpeggiator Sneak Preview
Modal Electronics CRAFTrhythm First Look
Elektron Digitakt Sampling Workflow
Couture Voltage Synth-Inspired Clothing At Knobcon 2017
Using Elektron Analog Heat With Overbridge
ZORX Electronics CV Controllers
SYINSI Intros Compact 1U Modular Synthesizer
Five12 Vector Sequencer (Sneak Preview)
Roland TR-08 Drum Machine Hands-On Demo At Knobcon
Roland SE-02 Analog Synthesizer
Roland SH-01A Synthesizer At Knobcon 2017
Mystic Circuits Eurorack & 1U Modules At Knobcon

Roland's AIRA Officially Unveiled - Massive Pic Gallery, Details, Videos

AIRA — Artists make first contact with AIRA

Published on Feb 13, 2014 RolandChannel·835 videos

"Groundbreaking artists talk about their experiences with Roland instruments and make first contact with the AIRA gear. Artists appearing are: Arthur Baker, Ricardo Villalobos, A Guy Called Gerald, Rain Man, Netsky, Oscar Burnside, Boys Noize, Dr Meaker, Hardfloor, John Heckle, Hisashi Saito, and Akkord."

This post might take a bit to load. :)

Update3: You can find a write-up on Novamusik here.

Update2: You can find comments and discussion on this post on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge here. I also added a page break for this post on the main site so it doesn't slow the site down for new posts. Click the "Click for more" link to get to the full post.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Amazing Machines VOLCANO - MIDI OUT for KORG Volcas

"Coming next from Amazing Machines, the VOLCANO Interface will turn your KORG Volca into a neat MIDI Sequencer, it will also enable you to record Parameter Automation directly from your KORG Volca to your External MIDI Sequencer or DAW!"

Update via Keston in the comments: "This can be done with two leads and a female 9 pin din. The solder point have already been added to the circuit board by Korg. See http://audiocookbook.org and http://blog.utopianlabs.com"

Update2 via JMT hellen in the comments: "From Synthtopia's comments about the difference between using two leads with a female 9 pin and the Volcano mod : 'The circuit offers protection and filtering, which makes it safer and more accurate, also the kit comes with a custom built separator for the MIDI connector to better accomodate it on the case, and a top quality German made DIN5 connector for the MIDI Out Port. - Gabriel Rodrigues, Amazing Machines'"

Hello Stranger Take it to the Maxx

YouTube via saltyone69 (think about that one for a sec). MOOG Polymoog.
BTW, the video freezing after 2 seconds issue? I'm still having the problem after the fixes here. I'm going to try Firefox 3 RC2 as suggested by Moogulator in the comments.
via synthtopia

Update: Hello Stranger on MySpace

Dave Smith and Sequential at Synthplex 2019

Published on Apr 5, 2019 Synthtopia

"At SynthPlex 2019, Sequential introduced updates to their Prophet XL.

We talked with Dave Smith, who gave us a quick demo of the new features."

James Bernard at the Korg Booth

Published on Jan 26, 2014 Synthtopia·4 videos

"James Bernard did a live improvisation in Korg's demo space at the 2014 NAMM Show, showcasing the possibilities of their Volca series.

Gear used:

Volcas (beats, bass and keys)

Kaoss pad KP3+ and Kaossilator +

TB-303 w/quicksilver mod

TR-606 w/quicksilver mod

Makenoise Shared System"

CYNTHIA VERSION 1. 0

YouTube via UPROAR24
"CYNTHIA VERSION 1. 0 This VSTi used to be called putney. It emulates the old classic modular synthesizer , EMS Synthi A. Now you too can make your own crazy sounds. Foe more info visit http://ninecows.dk/cynthia/ or
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/200...
All i have done here is to play a few presets. one preset sounds like PINK FLOYDS breath in air intro two minutes into the video"

Korg Wavestate Hands-On Demo At NAMM 2020

Published on Jan 29, 2020 Synthtopia

"At the 2020 NAMM Show, Korg introduced the Wavestate wave sequencing synthesizer, an updated take on Korg’s 90’s Wavestation, which featured wave sequencing and vector synthesis.

Here's an intro from Korg product rep Raymond Johnson, aka Theta Flux."

Moog Reintroduces The Minimoog Model D - Moogfest Video

Published on May 19, 2016 Synthtopia

"At Mioogfest 2016, Moog Music has reintroduced the classic Minimoog Model D.

We talked with Moog's Nick Montoya about the new Minimoog Model D, what's changed and what they've kept the same.

They've gone to great lengths to recreate the iconic Minimoog sound - but also added a new LFO, a better keyboard and support for additional control voltage options."

Added this one to the original post here.

d.v.d live pinball visualisation

d.v.d live pinball visualisation from PingMag on Vimeo.
"Processing animation by Japanese VJ and band project d.v.d playing live with 2 drum sets. dvd-3.com/" via synthtopia

Matt Morton on Moog IIIc Modular Synth and the Apollo 11 Soundtrack

Published on Jun 3, 2018 Matt Morton Music

Playlist:

1. Moog IIIc techno sketch

Stumbled on this little sketch while I was taking a break from scoring (finishing up 'Apollo 11' which will premiere on opening night of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, and then hit theaters and TV in the spring/summer of 2019) and I was playing around with my Q963 trigger busses. Seems like the really fun ideas usually come when you're not looking for them too hard.

Gear used: Moog Synthesizer IIIc reissue, Soundgas modified Binson Echorec 2 (with varispeed and wet-only out), Synthesizers.com Q960 sequencers, trigger bus, signal selector, and foot control for filter cutoff, BAE 1073MPF mic preamps, Radial JDI direct boxes and ReAmp feeding the Binson (via RME Fireface 800)

2. Moog IIIc and valve varispeed Binson Echorec 2 T7E

This is me improvising on my 2017 Moog Synthesizer IIIc reissue, fed into a Soundgas Ltd. valve Binson Echorec 2 T7E (with varispeed and wet-only mods). The kick is a mixture of two sources: a kick I synthesized on the Moog using sine and triangle waves, and a kick I recorded from my 1967 Ace Tone Rhythm Ace. The eighth note bass line is coming from my Minimoog Model D reissue. For the main part (that you see me doing live), the dry signal is panned hard right, and the Binson's wet-only output (thanks Soundgas!) is panned hard left. I captured them with BAE 1073 MPF preamps and Radial JDI Jensen-equipped DIs. Also, the Moog-style sequencers (along with most of the other non-Moog modules I'm using) are by Synthesizers.com.

3. Matt Morton on Moog IIIc Modular Synth

This is a quick sketch on my 2017 Moog IIIc Modular Synthesizer Reissue (serial number 19 of 25 made). I'm also using modules by Synthesizers.com (including two Q960 sequencers) and STG Soundlabs (Post-Lawsuit Filter on the non-sequenced bass voice).

And from the Apollo 11 soundtrack:

The soundtrack is currently available on Amazon.

via Synthtopia

"The highly-acclaimed film (currently rated 100% on Rotten Tomatoes) features a score by composer Matt Morton, who chose to score it using an expanded palette of orchestra + electronics – but only using instruments that would have been available in 1969.

Morton says that every instrument and effect used in the score existed at the time of the mission in 1969 including the Moog modular Synthesizer IIIc, the Binson Echorec 2 tube echo, the Mellotron sample playback keyboard and the instruments of the orchestra."