The Dark - Marty The Vampire

"Cheery (not) little ditty written as its Halloween this weekend. Enjoy.
Main Bass Synth/Strings are from a Technics WSA1 (all in a single patch), Scream at the intro is from a Fairlight with Audio Damage Discord 2, SSL's X-Orcism plugin is used (I had to use it somewhere on this one) on the waterphone again from the Fairlight. Drums are a combination of BFD, Kore and an Akai XE-8 drum module. Choirs are an Orchestron sample from an Akai S5000, this is doubled up with the clasic Fairlight Sarah sound. Piano is Korg SG-1D with the chorus on, Wierd sounds under the vocals is a mixture of Camel Audio Cameleon 5000 and a Technics WSA1. This is all underpinned by the fabulous Hahaha CS33 playing the distorted bass and later on the echo distorted synth at the end. Lastly, the strings are from a Yamaha SS-30 String Synth with extra processing. Vocals use my secret weapon.
The track is available as a free download.
Copyright 2010."
The Dark - Marty The Vampire by Marty The Vampire

See the Halloween label below for all posts.

Ambient using a Technics WSA1

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is ambient music with my Technics WSA1. While I am in progress to programm a bank of 64 amazing custom patches, I also start create the first song with it.

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks, while a specially prepared track exported an run through a tasty chips electronics GR-1 for granular time streching. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and iZotope Ozone on the master track."

Matrixsynth by Brian

Brian Comnes sent in a few shots including this Matrixsynth shot of a Technics WSA1. Title link takes you to the rest including a Redsound Elevata, Oberheim Matrix-6, and the Technics WSA1, all on Matrixsynth green felt. ; )

MISC Synth Demos

Title link takes you to demos of:

Yamaha VL1 VL1m VL7
Yamaha VL70m et PLG150VL
Yamaha VP1
Korg Prophecy
Korg Z1
Korg Oasys PCI
Korg Wavedrum
Technics sx-WSA1 et sx-WSA1r
GEM Promega 1, 2 et 3
Roland VG8, VG8ex, VG88, VGA7, VGA3

I always wonderd what the Technics WSA1 was like. Anyone know how deep it's synth editing is?

Short Technics WSA1 Jam with Ryan - "Garbage Truck" :)

YouTube Uploaded by CoolColJ on Jan 8, 2012

"Ryan loves his garbage trucks :)
I use the Technics WSA1 as a sort of master keyboard. Playing with a cutom sound/patch.
Was recorded well by the Canon G12's mic from the Event Opal speakers
Some Roland Jupiter 8 incidental music on the intro and outro"

Terratec Komplexer - Freeware Wavetable Tool

via sequencer.de (Googlish here). [Note a new version is available, see the second update further below]

"Is ne mixture of Waveterm and Fairlight including Lightpen - Operation ;-) , mit der man Transwaves für Ensoniq Sampler malen oder resynthetisieren kann. With which one can paint Trans Waves for Ensoniq Samplers resynthetisieren or. Version 2 wird auch noch ein HQ - Stereo - Morphing enthalten, wenn ich's dann mal fertig kriege. Version 2 will also contain a HQ - Stereo - Morphing, if I then get ready times. WTMAKER ist quasi Abfall... WTMAKER is virtually waste ...

Viel Spaß/Frust bei der Erstellung eigener Komplexer - Wavetables. Have fun / frustration when creating your own Complex - wavetables."

Update via matgrk in the comments:

"WTMAKER is 16/32 Bit OS only

- put the EXE into an own directory
- put a WAV (MONO, 44,1 kHz, 16BIT, >0.5 sec) into this directory and rename it "input.wav"
- doubleclick onto the wtmaker.exe
- if operation is successful, it writes a file named "userwt.wt"

I'm sorry for the circumstances, but wtmaker was only written for my personal use in less than 2 hours (I needed a wavetable ... *lol*). If there's a need for such a prgram, I'll write a more usable version the next days.

The picture above is from another program I'm working on. WTMAKER is a kind of batch utility, wich uses some code from the program you see on the picture.

Sorry for my poor english. :-)

Mathias Gurk
www.mathias-gurk.de.vu"

Update2: via matgrk in the comments: "A new version of wtmaker is available:

http://home.arcor.de/blacktomcat666/allg/WTMAKER.EXE

Now you can drag and drop WAVs (16bit,44,1 kHz,Mono,>0.5 sec) onto the exe. You don't have to rename the files. Futher the *.WT file has the same name as the input file. I hope this changes improve the usability. "

Update3:

TRANSWAVE - TERM small demo track

YouTube via blacktomcat666. via sequencer.de.
"Additive wavetable generator for samplers with loop position modulation.

Bass: Access Virus B
Drums: Technics WSA1
Transwaves: Wusikstation VSTi"

TECHNICS SX-WSA1R RACK SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction

Note there were three physical modeling synth engines, one from Yamaha, one from Korg, and one from Technics. They were all different. The auction description mentions Yamaha, but Korg of course had the monophonic Prophecy and the polyphonic Z1.

"The super rare TECHNICS SX-WSA1R rack mount digital synthesizer. Unobtainium in rack format. A MASSIVELY POLYPHONIC synth engine that is unique in the world of sound generation and sound design; a unique sound that can only also be found in the legendary polyphonic Yamaha VP1 (of with Yamaha made three (3) for astronomical prices), and the very limited 2-voice Yamaha VL1.

The SX-WSA1R is effectively the only alternative to access the POLYPHONIC sound generating capabilities of the fabled Yamaha VP1.

The technology to POLYPHONICALLY cross a horn section with the envelope properties of a plucked string instrument. From huge swirling pads to otherworldly leads, the sound design capabilities of this instrument simply have not been duplicated. Includes very usable onboard effects, a second set of MIDI IN/OUT/THRUs, and a second set of stereo (or dual mono) outs.

The keyboard version of the SX-WSA1 is fairly rare. But the rack version is, like the Ensoniq Fizmo rack and Wersi EX-20 (rack version of Stage Performer MK I), simply unobtainium. Technics made only about 100 of them, and almost all for the UK market."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Technics WSA1 Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"For those not familiar, this synth is a bit unlike any other that were or are currently on the market. It is a sort of combo physical modeling synth, where ROM driven sounds can be forced through various resonance modules and modeled into some truly otherworldy sounds. Anything from trance to dance and earthy to obscure..."

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Technics SX-WSA1 Acoustic Modeling Synthesizer

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

via this auction

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Technics WSA1: A closer look at the modelling synth engine

Published on Jul 26, 2019 Floyd Steinberg

"How to create a pad sound on a synthesizer (Technics WSA1R). As announced, I'm taking a closer look at the Technics WSA1R's synth engine and it's physical modeling capabilities. If you were wondering how the modelling synthesis on this machine works, this is the video for you. If you just want to hear some sounds, watch this video: [posted here]

Table of Contents:

00:00 Introduction
01:00 User Interface
01:37 Drivers ("oscillators") and resonators
02:15 Showcasing some resonators
02:28 Interactions
04:00 Connection of the driver to the resonator
04:35 Driver movement automation
05:22 Properties of the resonator
07:35 Amp Envelope & LFO
09:56 Pitch Envelope & LFO
10:41 Filter Envelope & LFO
13:34 Insert Effect
14:35 Global Effects
16:24 Controller Setup
17:34 Conclusion
18:31 playing some chords"

Technics WSA1

images via this auction

YAMAHA AN1x Analog Physical Modeling Synthesizer

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

via this auction

Kind of interesting side note is the AN1X was branded as an Analog Physical Modeling Synthesizer. You can see it on the top right. However, it did not feature physical modeling as the KORG Z1, Prophecy, Technics WSA1, and Yamaha's own VL synths. Back when physical modeling and virtual analog synths were new they were often referred to either physical or analog modeling synths. Somehow Yamaha mixed the two in the AN1X.

As for the oscilator modelling on the AN1X it featured 2 oscillators per voice: square/ sawtooth/ pulse width/ ring modulation/ noise/ FM/ variable wave-shapes (Edge - sine/triangle)/ Saw2/ Inner1-3/ slave(sub) osc on osc1

You'll notice the lack of any modeling of real world instruments - brass, bowed strings, plucked strings, etc... It is a great sounding synth and offers a bit more in the oscillator section than many other virtual analog synths.

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Kraftwork (Kraftwerk) Moog CZ-101 (Casio CZ-1) Review

Published on Oct 19, 2012 TR0LLreviews·5 videos

http://www.facebook.com/pages/T-Roll-...

via Nate Litz on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Playlist:
Kraftwork (Kraftwerk) Moog CZ-101 (Casio CZ-1) Review - Published on Oct 19, 2012
T-Roll does another hands-on synthesizer review! This time he showcases the Kraftwork Moog CZ-101 stereo synthesizer, the world's longest keyboard.

Korg JP8000 JP-8000 Review (Technics WSA1 WSA-1) - Uploaded on Sep 13, 2011
T-Roll reviews the Korg JP8000 all analog monophonic synthesizer. He showcases the features of this device, shows how to create original sounds, and explains the difference between computer software and professional music equipment.

Roland SY99 SY-99 Artificial Piano (Clavia Nord Lead 1) - Uploaded on Sep 14, 2011
T-Roll gives an in depth review of the Roland SY-99 artificial piano. He shows the unique features like front panel tuning adjuster, brightness and darkness controls, etc. It also has a comprehensive listing of all red synthesizers. This is the best review of the SY-99 on youtube.

Alesis AirSynth SLAUGHTERS Korg Kaossilator in Shootout - Uploaded on Sep 17, 2011
T-Roll puts the Alesis AirSynth and the Korg Kaossilator in the ring together for the ultimate face-off. The Alesis AirSynth motion-controlled synthesizer meets the Korg Kaossilator lame-controlled disappointment.

Dave Smith Instruments (DSI) Tetra Ambient Sequencer and Akai Miniak - Published on Feb 2, 2013
In this episode, T-Roll demonstrates Dave Smith's Instrument Tetra Ambient Sequencer using an Akai Miniak and Mopho Keyboard

TECHNICS SX-WSA1 Acoustic Modeling Synthesizer

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

via this auction

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Technics WSA-1 Physical Modeling Synthesizer Keyboard with Original Box

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"SX-WSA1 SPECIFICATIONS

• 64-note polyphonic.

• 32-part multitimbral.

• 32 MIDI channels.

• 61-note keyboard, Velocity & Mono Pressure sensitive.

• 2 Modulation Wheels.

• 2 Real-time Controllers

• 256 Preset ROM sounds.

• 16 Preset Drum Kits.

• 128 Preset ROM Combinations (Combis).

• 256 User sound memories.

• 4 User Drum memories.

• 128 User Combinations

• 3 MIDI Program Change remappings.

• General MIDI Program Change map.

• 12 Digital Effects, 44 DSP Effects,12 Reverbs.

• 16-track Sequencer: 47,000 event capacity, 96 ppqn resolution, 10 Songs (chainable).

• Built-in DD/HD 3.5-inch disk drive."

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TECHNICS SX K 700

via this auction

"Heavy duty steel chassis, pcm technology, with efects, drums, 128 patches, aftertouch (a must have), and built in sequencer. Not at all bad for 1985"

I'm guessing there's no extensive synth editing on this one. If anyone knows, feel free to comment or let me know. My contact info is on the bottom right of the site. Note Technics actually did create a couple of full blown synthesizers, the WSA1 and the SY-1010. You can find both in the archives via the Technics label below.

Update via MiK in the comments: "Just added the repair photos to my page about this thing - which is still quite imcomplete."

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Technics WSA1R Synth Module

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

via this auction

"Rare Technics WSA1 (and rack version WSA1R9 was Technics' first (and only) try at making a pro synth. It featured a unique approach to physical modelling synthesis and managed to do it with 64 voices polyphony.

Technical specifications

# * A new synthese called 'Acoustic Modeling'
# * 12 MB ROM
# * 64 voices polyphonic
# * 256 Preset Sounds + 256 User Sounds
# * 128 Preset Combis + 128 User Combis
# * 16 Preset Drum Kits + 4 User Drum Kits
# * Sequenzer capacity 47,000 Events on 16 Tracks
# * SMF Direct play from built in Disk
# * DSP-processor with 3 units (2x43 algorithms, 1x55 algorithms)
# * Extra Main out equalizer
# * Two stereo outputs
# * Complete mixer page
# * Two complete MIDI ports
# * Big graphic display for comfortable edit
# * comfortable event editor for the sequencer
# * 3 controler wheels and two balls for realtime controling/creating sounds"

Transwave - Term (now Audio Term): New functions

YouTube Published on Apr 3, 2012 by blacktomcat666

"A short demonstration of the 'synthesize loop' and convolution module. Sorry for the low visual quality, this video is for sound demonstration puposes only. The speed of the resynthesis is very slow, because it's an old Athlon 1800 and the video capturing software uses up to 80% of the ressources."

via Piet Wagner on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge
"Here's a small demonstration video of some new features, which will be available the next weeks: First a sample is looped and 'stereofied' and then multiplicated with a drum loop. Computing the sounds is very slow because of the ressource consumption of the video capturing software."

Previous videos:

Transwave - Term controlled by light pen

Uploaded by blacktomcat666 on Feb 1, 2011

"A short demonstration of controlling Transwave - Term with the light pen. The video was recorded in an early stage of development, resynthesis quality and light pen handling have improved by now. See also this video:"

TRANSWAVE - TERM small demo track

Uploaded by blacktomcat666 on Feb 15, 2010

"Additive wavetable generator for samplers with loop position modulation.

Bass: Access Virus B
Drums: Technics WSA1
Transwaves: Wusikstation VSTi"

Update some screenshots and details via blacktomcat666 on KVR

"I programmed a small windows based tool called "Komplex - Term" which can read and write WT files for the Terratec Komplexer. Further you can render it's wavetables to wave format, so you can use it in your Wusikstation, VAZ Modular, Reaktor... . It also offers wave file resynthesis and some editing functions like reordering slices, drawing spectra, a free formant filter (similar to the kawai k5000)and so on. I wrote a short manual, but please excuse my poor english. Very Happy

Download: Komplex-Ter m.zip"

Technics sx-WSA1R demo - that other acoustic modeling synth from the 90s

Published on Jun 22, 2019 Floyd Steinberg

"Technics sx-WSA1R - that other acoustic modeling synth from the 90s. (Table of contents below!) In this video, I'm playing a short demo with custom sounds and a number of presets. The Technics WSA1 is a 64 voice polyphony, 32 part multitimbral modeling synth from 1995 with some unique features. According to Wikipedia, only 300 of the rack mounted version shown in this video exist. I will have an in - depth look at the synth engine next week. (Subscribe if you want a notification on that).

00:00 short demo showing of the filters. Each voice can have 4 "oscillators" and each "oscillator" can have it's own filter, LFO and envelopes.
01:50 hello
02:16 Presets: WSA Piano
02:52 Piano
03:35 E-Piano 2
04:29 Modern E.P. 1
05:11 Harp
03:35 Spanish Guitar
06:00 12 String Guitar
06:22 Synth Strings 2
06:55 Stereo Vocal Ah
07:14 Vocal Daa
07:34 Drawbar Organ (with drawbars, you guessed it)
08:13 Synth Brass 1
08:32 Warm Synth Pad
08:58 Sweep Pad
09:46 Goblins
10:35 Windy Sweep
11:29 a very subtle hint that subscribing doesn't hurt you and is good for my motivation to post videos"

technics wsa1

YouTube via spunkytoofers
"short one for matrix since there doesn't seem to be much on this synth online.
www.spunkytoofers.com
(under construction)"
You can find some specs on the synth here.

Update via spunkytoofers: "it does physical modelling although it's a different approach. it starts with anywhere up to 4 drivers which are samples. the drivers feed up to 4 resonators and those can be blended, triggered, x-y, modulated, etc in alot of different ways.

the yamaha vl1 actually modelled the driver waveform which took up alot of dsp power so the technics used the sample driver waveforms to cut back on the processing and offer polyphony. whereas the vl1 could only handle 2 notes at a time.

i'm told the vl1 can't be touched in the physical modelling realm for realism but it seems really random and more mathematical then musical to setup it and the editors for it are lots of text boxes. but the technics seems alot more approachable and intutive. and easier to visualize "i want to make a reed vibrate a drum head and cross resonate that in a cello body and do that rather than the vl approach.. so it makes alot of sense to me!!! i'm just getting into it but i love the synth so far.."