"Only about 600 of these were made and are somewhat difficult to find. This is the Technics Wsa1 acoustic modeling synthesizer! A very unique workstation from the 90s that was light-years ahead of its time. This was very similar to the mythical Yamaha VP1 which is basically a unicorn of a synthesizer since there were only 3 sold.
Sounds:
The wsa1 was an acoustic modeling synthesizer that emulates acoustic nuances and features resonators and drivers to drastically change different sounds. The keyboard really shines with pads and orchestral sounds.
The soundcloud link below demonstrates some sounds from it. All sounds came from this keyboard plus some reverb and chorus.
Features:
I can't fully describe what this thing can do but it features a built in sequencer that can be manipulated in real time. With 64 note polyphony almost anything is possible. Has multiple editing parameters.
The wsa was released in 1995 with a hefty price tag of $5,000! But now they go for less but are pretty uncommon since they are fairly unknown.
Condition:
Every button and knob is working as a new one."
31 videos at the time of this post showcasing various synths. Note the list is out of order for whatever reason. You can use the controls in the player above to get to what you want. Be sure to read the list below. You don't see demos for some of these synths that often. Each (synth and demo) have something different and interesting to offer. Don't miss the formant demos of the FS1R. That's the actual synth engine - no samples.
Playlist:
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #30: E-MU Morpheus - Song 1
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #29: Bastl Instruments XOR - Song 1
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #28: Technics WSA1- Song 3
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #25: SM Pro Audio V-Machine - Song 3
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #21: M-Audio Venom - Song 2
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #18: Bastl Instruments Kastle - Song 1
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #16: Modal Craft Synth - Song 2
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #7: Yamaha FS1R - Song 1
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #17: Kawai K5000R - Song 3
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #12: Ensoniq Fizmo - Song 3
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #6: Korg Wavestation SR - Song 3
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #2: Yamaha TG33 - Song 2
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #X1: Bastl Instruments MicroGranny 2
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #27: Technics WSA1- Song 2
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #24: SM Pro Audio V-Machine - Song 2
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #20: M-Audio Venom - Song 1
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #19: Bastl Instruments Kastle - Song 2
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #15: Modal Craft Synth - Song 1
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #14: Kawai K5000R - Song 2
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #11: Ensoniq Fizmo - Song 2
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #9: Yamaha FS1R - Song 3
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #4: Korg Wavestation SR - Song 1
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #3: Yamaha TG33 - Song 3
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #26: Technics WSA1- Song 1
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #23: SM Pro Audio V-Machine - Song 1
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #22: M-Audio Venom - Song 3
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #13: Kawai K5000R - Song 1
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #10: Ensoniq Fizmo - Song 1
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #8: Yamaha FS1R - Song 2
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #5: Korg Wavestation SR - Song 2
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #1: Yamaha TG33 - Song 1
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."
"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..."
via the seller: "Very rare synth. The Technics SX-WSA-1 is a unique creature, and has a unique sound. The programming capabilities are very very deep, keep one guessing for years (in a good way). Technics variation on physical modeling. Really a very deep synth for programming fans. the programming capabilities are very deep and the majority of the sounds are, IMHO, unique, warm, and complex. It definitely has a sound of its own. This is a find for true synth aficionados. Only 600 were manufactured (so I read) ."
"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"
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
"This is a remarkable synthesiser launched by Technics in 1995. Technics did not produce them in large numbers because they were very expensive when launched at nearly £2,200. At the time, and even by today’s standards, it was revolutionary combining samples as the drivers for a physical modelling synthesiser. By using samples as the drivers, Panasonic Technics were able to produce a powerful 32-channel multi-timbre synthesiser with 64 notes polyphony. This means you can use the WSA1R for large productions and layered sounds.
Although deep in its capability, the WSA1R is easy to programme because it has an excellent user interface. The interface comprises of a large display and many function keys. The synth can produce some very powerful sounds with a lot of expression and dynamics. In my experience it produces much more expression than a typical modern sample-based synthesiser. It also has a two-axis joystick “ball” which you can modulate the sounds in real time.
The module has a floppy drive which can take 720kb and 1.44mb disks. The drive can be used to back-up sounds and also play standard midi files directly from disk. This, combined with its GM setting, makes it a great synth for playing back tracks live or in the studio for practice.
There is some interesting information about the WSA1R including a downloadable manual and other resources at http://xy.cx/synth/wsa1/
There is also a Sound On Sound review at... SoundonSound"
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"
"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
"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"
Technics WSA1 Analog Out by CoolColJ "Sound of Technics WSA1 using it's analog outs Guitar driver through a random resonator, and a sawtooth through a cone resonator (trumpet etc)
Analog out, sounds a touch warmer, and has a bit more lower mid thickness. But not quite as precise, the stereo image not as rock solid."
"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
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.
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"
"Only about 600 of these were made and are somewhat difficult to find. This is the Technics Wsa1 acoustic modeling synthesizer! A very unique workstation from the 90s that was light-years ahead of its time. This was very similar to the mythical Yamaha VP1 which is basically a unicorn of a synthesizer since there were only 3 sold.
