EMC SCHMIDT 8 VOICE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER - Handmade Miniature 1/6 scale.

video upload by Ronaldo Lopes Teixeira ROLT

White model featured here.

EMC SCHMIDT 8 VOICE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER (white) - Handmade Miniature 1/6 scale

video upload by Ronaldo Lopes Teixeira ROLT

Schmidt: 8-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer (White)

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

via NOISEBUG Reverb

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See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"The last Schmidt from Run #4 (Serial Number 99) is White and it has arrived at Noisebug! As usual, built In Germany and contains the latest Operating System and full of analog goodness. Run #5 is scheduled for late spring of this year with units estimated to arrive here in the Fall of 2022 if all vendors are correct with their part estimates. That has not been a sure thing of late with supply chain issues, so if you are so inclined, now is the time. Price includes freight delivery in a flight case to your location in the USA. If you want more information or are in the greater Los Angeles area and want to hear a Schmidt in person, we have one at the shop so please give us a call at 909-622-4556. "

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The Schmidt Returns

The Schmidt is back with a new production run. The press release follows (additional pics below):

"Schmidt-Synthesizer starts shipping fourth batch of no-expense-spared Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer namesake

LANGENAU, GERMANY: having since sold out of its previous built-to-order batches of between 25 and 27 instruments each, the first of which followed from interest in namesake hardware and software designer Stefan Schmidt’s hand-crafted prototype unit’s show-stopping debut at Musikmesse 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany, Schmidt-Synthesizer is proud to announce that it has started shipping an eagerly-anticipated fourth batch of its no-expense-spared Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer — available in classic anthracite- or cool white-coloured configurations with visually improved hardware operation, courtesy of cosmetic colour changes to several key knobs, and feature-enhancing firmware, currently at version 3.6 — as of December 16…

Starting shipment of the fourth (25-unit) batch of the still-sought-after Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer has taken time with time spent waiting while production partner e:m:c (electronic music components) successfully solved procurement problems relating to hard-to-source components. “Now nothing stands in the way of further construction of these unique instruments,” says Schmidt- Synthesizer Product Manager Axel Fischer.

“From a hardware perspective, the new Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer is identical to the previous batches, save for the fact that 11 knobs have been changed to a grey colour, making for a more clearly arranged operational layout,” Axel Fischer finally notes — not before highlighting some welcomed additions: “It includes the current firmware, which adds an easy-to-use onboard polyphonic step sequencer capable of recording 40 steps with each step made up of up to six notes — designed to be used as a live performance tool, and an arpeggiator.”

Apart from that, the beautifully-built Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer’s specifications as an eight-voice polyphonic, true analogue dream machine with digital control and preset memories — 1,028 single sounds and 256 multi-sounds are available at any given time — are as they were before. But bearing in mind that it includes almost everything subtractive synthesis is capable of, including some truly unique features — for example, creating colder, wavetable-like sounds thanks to its chain of five ring modulators fed by six pulse-waves, each with different pulse-widths — that have never before been implemented in an analogue synthesizer let alone an analogue programmable polysynth, those impressive specifications are well worth revisiting, as highlighted here: discrete sound generation circuitry — no integrated oscillator/filter circuits on a single chip; dual and true multitimbral modes; separate audio outputs per voice, plus summing outputs and headphone output; 61 keys, semi-weighted with velocity and aftertouch; sophisticated glide/portamento capabilities; several realtime modifiers, fully programmable per preset; comprehensive MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) implementation with USB (Universal Serial Bus) port and DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) connectivity; adjustable-angle capacious control panel with dedicated knobs and buttons for all sound programming functions; precise information on parameter names and current values via a large LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with changeable colour background; multi-colour LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes); internal power supply; and, last but not least — though there is clearly so much more besides, an included flight case.

As a case in point, the fourth batch of the no-expense-spared Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer surely epitomises the age-old adage: anything worth having is worth waiting for. Indeed, it has been well worth the wait. With e:m:c recently receiving a sizeable order from the only store it supplies, anyone interested in owning a premier league instrument that will be hand crafted in Germany to meet the highest possible production standards with a metal and wood — carefully selected with a close eye on environmental sustainability — casing that is as beautiful as it is sturdy should seriously consider placing an order directly with Schmidt-Synthesizer’s production partner. After all, the Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer is truly a subtractive synthesis world unto itself!

Schmidt-Synthesizer and production partner e:m:c (electronic music components) have had to increase pricing for the fourth batch of the no-expense-spared Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer by approximately 10%. Within the EU (European Union) it is €21,900.00 EUR (including VAT) for one in classic anthracite, while white weighs in at €22,900.00 EUR (including VAT), with shipping costs not included. Outside of the EU it is €18,500.00 EUR (excluding VAT) for one in classic anthracite, while white weighs in at €19,300.00 EUR (excluding VAT), with customs and shipping costs not included. Interested parties should contact e:m:c here: info@emc-de.com

For more detailed information, please visit the dedicated Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer website here: http://www.schmidt-synthesizer.com/en/index.html

Enjoy taking a Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer ‘sneak peek’ in the suitably-impressive surroundings of the Giesshalle (casting hall) at Sayner Hütte, a German industrial heritage building in Bendorf, here:"

Schmidt Synthesizere Intro

Published Nov 9, 2017

Click the pics for larger versions.

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Schmidt Analog Synthesizer Gets New Arpeggiator, Sequencer & More

Published on May 15, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2019, we talked with Product Manager Axel Fischer, who gave us a quick demo of the latest updates to the Schmidt Analog Synthesizer."

White Schmidt

New Run of The Schmidt

You might remember, back in March of 2016 the final run of Schmidt synthesizers was announced. It looks like a new batch will be made of both the white (announced here) and black versions.

“Last year, we assumed that the second batch would also be the last. The Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer’s sound engine electronics are mainly of ‘old school’ stock, with through-hole mounting technology, and pricing for those components have been rising steadily for years. Yet since the second batch of 25 units — ultimately, we ordered some extra components, so there were actually 27 — sold out within 14 months, those component prices are acceptable.”

“So, since the Schmidt Eightvoice Analog Synthesizer still enjoys serious support, we’re happy to announce that additional units of this wonderful instrument will be available in 2018. At the moment, we’re still finishing fulfilling orders for the second batch, but orders for the third batch can be placed as of now.”

Happy New Year From MATRIXSYNTH! - A Quick Look Back at 2016

Happy New Year Everyone!

This post is a little late going up, but better late than never! :)

I'm going to keep this one a little shorter than usual as I am aware I have a tendency to get a little too wordy at times.

First of all, I want to thank you all for taking a little bit of your day out to visit the site. I want to thank those that contribute to the synthesizer scene and actually give me something to post! Finally, I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to all the individual supporters of the site, and the sponsors you see on the right and above! Your support literally makes the site as it is possible!

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And a look back at 2016...

Update: I forgot to mention, we had a total of 13,679 posts in 2016!
Update2: also, as always take a look back at the exclusive label for the most interesting bits of synth history.

First a look back at some of the people (and companions) we lost last in 2016.

2016 was rough. On the maker front we lost Don Buchla, who along with Bob Moog, was undoubtably the creator of the synthesizer as we know it today. We lost Ray Wilson of Music From Outer Space, arguably one of the greatest, if not the greatest, influencers in synth DIY. Many makers out there started with his projects.

On the musician front we lost some of synths' greats including Keith Emerson, Isao Tomita, Bernie Worrell and Jean-Jacques Perrey. We lost a couple of pioneers of electronic music as well, namely Jean-Claude Risset and Pauline Oliveros.

The following is the list:

David Bowie - January 10, 2016
Else Marie Pade - January 18, 2016
Stanley Lunetta - March 3, 2016
Keith Emerson - March 11, 2016
Isao Tomita - May 5, 2016
Bernie Worrell - June 24, 2016
Ray Wilson - July 21, 2016
Don Buchla - September 14, 2016
DJ Spank-Spank - September 21, 2016
Jean-Jacques Perrey - November 4, 2016
Jean-Claude Risset - November 21, 2016
Pauline Oliveros - November 24, 2016

And never to be excluded, a couple of the companions we lost:

nonlinear circuit's Bill - March, 2016
CatSynth's Luna - October 31, 2016

Note the above are only those I could tie in with synths. Two artists you might notice missing are Prince and George Michael. Both deserve a mention. Prince I could have tied in with an Oberheim connection. I still remember lusting after an OB-8 after seeing his videos in the 80s.

RIP posts are the hardest to write. Not only because you are mourning the loss of someone great, but because you know your post will never be good enough.


As for new gear in 2016, you might have noticed all of the "New in 2016" labels that have gone up in posts throughout the year. I created the labels back in 2015 as a means to keep track of all the new gear coming in. I also thought it would be a quick, easy, and interesting way to get total counts of everything at the end of the year. Here are the numbers (links will take you to posts for each):

New in 2016 (753)
New Cases in 2016 (18)
New Controllers in 2016 (38)
New DIY in 2016 (108)
New Makers in 2016 (101)
New Mobile Apps in 2016 (65)
New Modules in 2016 (299)
New Old in 2016 (21)
New Soft Synths in 2016 (55)
New Sound Machines in 2016 (34)
New Sound Packs in 2016 (24)
New Synth Effects in 2016 (9)
New Synths in 2016 (112)
New Tools in 2016 (51)

Note, as with anything, labels can be a little tricky. Sometimes there will be overlap, sometimes items will be announced one year, but released in another if at all, and of course, if I'm not made aware of an item it gets missed. You'll likely see a few items from 2015 in the 2016 list for that reason. I also found it can be difficult to categorize certain items. Drum machines for example get bucketed under synths, but I think for 2017 I will create a new label for them and just use both.

All that said, if you look at the numbers above we had 753 new products/items appear on the site last year. Always of notable interest were the items from vintage synth history that were never featured on the site before. Last year there were 21. An interesting side note is that matches the 21 we had the year prior in 2015. I won't go into any in detail as you can take a look at the label yourself and as I mentioned above I'm going to try and keep this post short. You can check out any of the categories above.  Also worth noting is there were 101 new makers to the site in 2016!  Check them out via the link above.

I was never one for top 10 lists, as although they can be fun, I'm a firm believer that all gear has something to offer. It's up to us to use the gear and find out. That said I do think it's worth mentioning some of the major synth releases this year. Not only does it gives us a quick look at what the major players released but it also lets us see when they were released in the year.  The following is a quick list:

1. Korg Minilogue - January 8
2. Yamaha Montage AWM2 & FM-X - January 11
3. Clavia Nord Piano 3 - January 18 & January 21
4. Roland A-01 - January 19
5. Korg Limited Edition Kronos Platinum
6. Make Noise 0-Coast - January 20
7. Artuia MatrixBrute - January 21
8. Dave Smith Instruments OB-6 - January 21
9. Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators - January 21
10. MFB Tanzamus & Tanzbar Lite - January 22
11. Mellotron Micro - January 22
12. Modal 008 Rack - January 25
13. Anyware Instruments Modulator - March 23
14. Nord Drum 3/3P - April 4
15. New Minimoog Model D - May 18
16. Moog Brother From Another Mother - May 18
17. Audiothingies Micromonster - May 27
18. Mini GRP A2 - May 28
19. DSI OB-6 Desktop - June 22 & June 23
20. Mode Machines ADX1 - June 28
21. New Black Oberheim TVS - June 28
22. Ninstrument SynthBoy+ July 2
23. Behringer Deepmind 12 - July 7
24. New Red & Blue Korg Electribes v2 - July 20
25. Yamaha FM Synth for iOS - July 21
26. Jomox Alpha Base - July 23
27. Korg Desktop Odysseys - August 28
28. Percussa Remote - August 29
29. KORG MicroKORG-S - August 31
30. Korg Volca Kick - August 31
31. KORG Odyssey Desktop Modules - August 31
32. Roland System-8 - September 3 and September 9
33. Roland TR-09 & TB-03 - September 3
34. Roland VP-03 - September 3
35. Synthstrom Audio Deluge - September 8
36. CMS 2607 - September 23
37. Dreadbox Murmox V2 - September 25
38. Arturia Drumbrute - October 7
39. Bastl Instruments Kastle - October 7
40. Korg Monologue - November 1
41. Full Size Korg Arp Odyssey Keboards - November 4
42. Cyclone Analogic TR-606 Clone - November 16
43. Tangible Waves AE Modular - November 16
44. Modal Electronics CRAFTSynth - November 18
45. Cyclone Analogic TT-78 - November 23
46. The White Schmidt Synthesizer - November 25
47. Plankton Electronics Ants! - December 9
48. Dreadbox NYX - December 15
49. Cyclone Analogic TT-303 MK2 - December 15

Note this is only 49 of the 112 items in the new synths in 2016 category. I'd recommend checking them all out.

What stood out for you in 2016? What are you looking forward to in 2017? Leave a comment or two below.

I want to end this with a humble thank you to everyone that makes this site what it is!

Thank you and Happy New Year!!!  On to 2017!

Meet the White Schmidt Synthesizer

This one in via Schmidt.

Details coming next week. :)

Happy New Year! The Year in Synths 2013

Happy New Year Everyone!

What a busy year it has been in the world of synths.

This is going to be one doozy of a post, so bear with me. This post is a review of the year in synths for 2013. We begin with Tributes to Those We Lost This Year, followed by New Manufacturers & Makers, Older Manufacturers Added to the Site, New Gear Announcements, Top 10 Posts by Traffic,  My Standout Posts for the Year, and finally This Years' Synth Events. I did my best to keep things as short and concise as possible.

Let's begin with the hardest part of the post.

Tributes to Those We Lost This Year

RIP Bernard Parmegiani - Electronic & Acoustic Composer
Lou Reed RIP
RIP Dick Raaymakers aka Kid Baltan
RIP George Duke - DreamWeaver
RIP Ralph Dyck, Sept 28, 1941 – May 20, 2013
RIP Ray Manzarek

All missed and never to be forgotten. Take a moment to remember them.

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New Manufacturers & Makers

Starting last January, I decided to keep a running list of every new manufacturer and maker introduced to the site during the year.  This is something I haven't done before and I thought it would be interesting to see how many there were in the year.   It's easy to focus on the big synth announcements throughout the year, but what about all the new makers and brands? I shouln't have to go considerably into the significance of new designers on the scene, so I'll just say two things regarding them.  One, the number of new makers is a direct reflection on the interest in our scene, and two, these are the creators of new gear which directly translate into new designs not previously available to us.  Think about that for a moment.  These are makers and designs that did not exist before.  They are part of our synth history.  So what is the total count of new synth designers for the year? A whopping 113. Think about that a bit. One hundred and thirteen new synth designers and brands this year alone.

Here they are (note a handful date back to 2012, but 2013 marked their momentum and availability):

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ARP 2600 with Matching Keyboard

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

via this auction

"ARP 2601- The sale includes the synthesizer and matching serial number keyboard, original non copied manuals for synth and keyboard,old 1975 promotional materials, 4 patch cables, and dual 1/8" to 1/4 " synth to mixer(Amp) cables. This model is the Arp 2601P V1.0 circa 1975 with matching serial number 3620 duo-phonic LFO keyboard..This unit has the 4012 Moog ladder filter which was discontinued in the subsequent 2601P V2.0 model. It is serial number 0087 as is the serial number of the keyboard.This unit is in excellent cosmetic and functional condition for being close to 40 years old and has been brought up to showroom condition within the past year.

When searching for a 2600 , my goal was always to find a unit that had essentially been frozen in a time capsule and then replace dried out electrolytics! This is it. This synth was sequestered for nearly three decades in a closet in Calgary away from indoor lighting and moisture. Until recently, last played in 1978. Consequently, the grey faceplate shows no evidence of any fading as does the tolex.The tolex is original and exhibits no brittleness.All the 1/8" input/ outputs and faceplate nuts and screws are like new- shiney silver. Not even a hint of rust on any jack which would be evidence of poor environmental storage and moisture exposure. The internal speakers are great. No distortion or vibration at high volume.

In addition to the 12 standard photos, there is a link with 53 higher resolution photos of the synth, keyboard, and tolex cabinets/covers at all possible angles at wwwdotflickrdotcom/photos/ john316_golf ( sorry, have to list the site this way or it will be blocked by you know who).If you are serious about purchasing, you will definitely be reviewing these.

In order to bring this synth up to current standards, the following work was done in 2011 by John Smith of Davidson Electronics(NY) who apprenticed under Don Buchla:
All keyboard contacts cleaned, busbars polished, and bushings replaced(action feels great)
All tantalum capacitors were replaced
80% of op-amps were replaced
All sliders lubricated( no scratchy pots)
The typical signal path upgrade was done and the original VCA " thump" inherent in the 2600 series synths eliminated. Upgrade included replacing all gain stages in 2601 in preamp, VCF mixer, output mixer,output buffers,reverb stages, and voltage processors.
Additionally, Rob Currier of England Analog in August 2013 performed the following work:
replaced the standard 9" reverb tank with a 17" reverb spring which matched the original Blue Marvin/ Grey Meanie spring length. This spring is installed with an insulated sleeve so external vibration will not affect the reverb tank.
Replaced all voltage regulators
Calibrated the PSU to factory specs
All together, over $2800 of work was done to this synth and you would be hard pressed to find one in similar functional condition with the high quality original cosmetics of this unit .Reason for selling is I just put a 50% deposit on the Schmidt synthesizer and need to raise funds for the other 50%. That and my wife and 9 year old daughter could no longer take my full volume Frankenstein filter sweeps!This was a tough decision.I'll never find another 2600 down the road that sounds and looks as good as this one.

For anyone who has lived in a cave since 1971 and has never heard of the Arp 2600, here are a few basics:
Polyphony- monophonic(but can be patched via the 3620m keyboard to be duo-phonic )
Filter-25db self oscillating 4012(Moog) ladder with ring modulator
Osc-3 VCOs 4027 VCO 1- saw, square VCO 2-saw, square, sine, pulse, triangle VCO 3-saw, square,pulse; white noise
Envelopes- 1ADSR type 1AR type
Effects-17" spring reverb
LFO- 4015 sample and hold and many patchable options for modulation
Keyboard- 49 keys with portamento and LFO vibrato amount and rate, pitch bend knob.."

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KNAS Ekdahl Moisturizer

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

"Barely used, this is the tuxedo model with black and white knobs. basically, the ekdahl moisturizer is a spring reverb where the springs are exposed so they can be played/hit/fiddled with. as well as being capable of creating sound in itself, you can of course also play sound through the springs like a regular spring reverb - this makes for happy-fun-time finger-modulation of the reverb on whatever audio that's going through it. on top of this there's an analog multimode filter that can be used to attenuate or exaggerate certain frequencies in the sound, this is real handy while playing the springs as you can - for instance - cut all the highs and just make thunderous doomy sounds or do the opposite; cut all the lows and make that ear piercing high frequency special love. also, it incorporates an lfo that's internally routable to the filter and that also has some external routing-stuff. the ekdahl moisturizer has tons of cv / expression pedal options on the back for even more hillarious moments. the moisturizer is a mono unit.

the moisturizer was developed with the help of jason willett (half japanese, leperchaun catering), martin schmidt (matmos, instant coffee), joshua atkins (polygons, major powers), mom & dad and many more - thanks y'all!

what's in the box:
the ekdahl moisturizer contains exactly:
preamp (up to 10 times gain)
reverb
reverb / preamp wet/dry crossfader (knob & cv/ep controllable)

state variable filter with
lowpass/bandpass/highpass seamless crossover (knob, cv/ep & lfo controllable)
cutoff (knob, cv/ep & lfo controllable)
resonance (without resonance limiter)

lfo with
speed control (knob & cv/ep controllable)
square / triangle crossover
external output with output amplitude knob

filter / no filter wet/dry crossfader (knob & cv/ep controllable)"

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MATRIXSYNTH Turns 7!!!

Today marks the seven year anniversary of MATRIXSYNTH! The original matrixsynth.com actually launched way back in October of 1997 as MATRIX SYNTH. I never took it down, BTW. Click here to see it in all it's old school glory. If you thought there was too much green on this site, just check that baby out. BTW, check out the manufacturers list under MFG. I stopped updating it about the time I started this site in 2005. You can see what modular manufactures, and of course others were around back then. It's an interesting look back in time... Kind of why I started this version of the site actually. I'll get to that further below.

Last year I skipped the site stats and kept the anniversary post relatively short. I used to post stats for the site and a general blurb on what makes the site tick, but it began to feel redundant so I skipped it last year. Well, I kind of missed it, and I know some of you enjoy the stats thing, so I'm bringing it back. And CatSynth did it for their six year anniversary post yesterday, so there you have it. Actually I was planning on including stats before I read that post, but I do like CatSynth. The site has grown quite a bit and we have a ton of new readers who don't really know the background of MATRIXSYNTH so I thought I would share some of that as well. I've also had a few people ask me to do personal interviews. I always turn them down as I do my best to keep myself out of the site so I don't ruin it for anyone. It's kind of like the whole Wizard of Oz thing. Enjoy the Oz in MATRIXYSNTH, and don't let the wizard ruin it for you is my only advice. That said, I decided this year to reveal a little more about my synth history than I normally do. Don't worry though after this post that's it. This site is about the gear only. I see it as my job to bring it to you unbiased and get the heck out of the way. Seriously though, I really do my best to present what is out there free of bias for you to consume and form your own opinion. I do this for three reasons; one, out of respect for the person that created the content, two, so I don't accidentally prevent you from getting your own experience out of the post, and three, because of how much goes up on a daily basis - it saves you and me time.

But, in the anniversary and New Years posts I do tend to make up for my lack of words big time, so bear with me or just skip to what you like.

Before I begin with the stats I do want to give a big thanks to everyone that visits, supports and contributes to the site. THANK YOU!!! It really is a tremendous amount of work, so all the kind words and support make a huge difference. Every single post you see here is hand posted. There is no automation. The site takes roughly four to eight hours on average a day (closer to eight) and sometimes up to ten hours. This is every single day, including weekends. Out of the seven years running the site I have only missed one day (by accident - more on that below), and the only day I take off is Christmas day when I put up only one post, which surprisingly can be torture in not posting. The posts you see here are a combination of stuff I find out there on my own and stuff people send in, which is quite a bit. The site started as a hobby and has fortunately grown into a small business with the help of sponsors. Note sponsors are always on the right. In the history of the site there has never been a paid post on the main site, and if there ever is, I will be sure to call it out in the post. That said, THANK YOU SPONSORS! It's one thing if the work only consumed my time, but it in turn consumes my family's time, so every little bit helps. THANK YOU! You make the site possible!


First the stats!

We still haven't reached world domination. Everything you see with a shade of green is a visit to the site. Check out Africa! The few in white mean no visit came in. The top map is for the seven year history of the site and the bottom is for this last year. Click on each for the full size shots. As you can see they are pretty much the same. Still no hits from North Korea.

On the other hand we had 122 visits from Syria within the last year along with traffic from other war torn countries. Incredible! Please keep safe out there! You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

The top 10 visits by country:

1. United States 982,943
2. United Kingdom 258,070
3. Germany 183,138
4. France 168,649
5. Canada 142,553
6. Italy 109,605
7. Japan 84,202
8. Sweden 76,948
9. Australia 73,881
10. Netherlands 72,680

And the overall stats:

Source: Google Analytics for the year (July 20, 2011 - July 20, 2012):

6,364,538 pageviews
2,838,084 visits
972,065 unique visitors.

Source: Site Meter for the life of the site:

32,734,610 pageviews (18,557 average per day)
15,658,114 visits (7,822 average per day)

Google Analytics (started April 5, 2006):
30,795,628 pageviews
14,313,210 visits
4,258,879 unique visitors.

Note unique visitors can be a bit misleading as I believe it's based on the individual browser and cookies vs. IP Address or individual, so for people checking in on multiple devices and even multiple browsers on the same machine, each one counts as a unique visitor. The numbers are likely lower.

Unfortunately I do not see a top posts for the last year in Blogger so we will have to go with the top posts for all time:

New Schmidt Analog Synth Debuts at the Musikmesse
Apr 5, 2011, 22 comments 13,412 Pageviews

RIP Mr. Tsutomu Katoh - Founder of KORG
Mar 15, 2011, 6 comments 12,542 Pageviews

New Tom Oberheim SON OF 4 VOICE
Jan 25, 2011, 10 comments 7,811 Pageviews

M-Audio Venom Review and Interview with Product Manager Taiho Yamada
Mar 23, 2011, 6 comments 7,186 Pageviews

New KORG Monotribe In the Flesh
Apr 4, 2011, 26 comments 7,149 Pageviews

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MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2012 MEGAPOST

Just thought I'd consolidate everything into one post. First is the flickr set of pics I took (288 in total) in the order taken, followed by the videos in the order taken. Links to the individual posts at the bottom.

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M-Audio Venom Review and Interview with Product Manager Taiho Yamada

A quick note: This review is long. You can jump to sections that interest you vs. reading it straight through if you prefer. This review focuses primarily on the synth engine for one single patch on the Venom. The Venom supports Multi mode with up to four multitimbral parts. Not only can you layer sound programs but you can set global parameters for the set. Be sure to see the Multi mode section of "Tips and Tricks via Taiho Yamada" at the end of this post. Taiho is the Lead Project Manager of the Venom and served as my contact during the review. I want to thank Taiho for his help and enthusiastic generosity. He is a true synthesist and the Venom is his baby.

Synth connections: Taiho previously worked at Alesis on the Andromeda A6. The DSP developer of the Venom worked on Radikal Technologies' Spectralis and the Accelerator. People that contributed to the presets via sound design include Richard Devine, Francis Preve, Mark Ovenden (Avid's AIR Instruments, ProTools VIs), Joerg Huettner (Waldorf, Access, Alesis), and of course Taiho Yamada.

*Don't miss the "Q&A with Taiho" section towards the end of the review. Also keep an eye out for "Taiho's Tips and Tricks" throughout the review in grey. You can find the consolidated list below the Q&A section.

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Curetronic Modular Sample Set

"DTS023 - Curetronic Modular Volume II

Part 2: The Patches

This library introduces a diversified collection of sounds exclusively patched on two CURETRONIC modular cabinets. CURETRONIC is a classical sound synthesis system developed and continuously expanded by Matthias Schmidt. Each module of his ever growing product line gets carefully handcrafted and tested before beeing released.
For the creation of the CURETRONIC Modular Volume II Live Pack 18 of currently over 30 available modules were used. The Pack includes 50 instruments with each one basing on its unique set of velocity-layered multisamples. So the CURETRONIC Modular Volume II library gives a comprehensive overview of Curetronics infinite sound creation possibilities.

List of used modules:
C100 - VCO (Sin, Tri, Saw, Pulse - Sync, FM, PWM)
C101 - VCO-Light (Saw, Pulse, PWM)
C201 - DUAL-Shape LFO (Saw, Tri, Pulse - Shape, 1Hz up to 10 kHz)
C302 - VCF-CV-Reso
C306 - Classic VCF (Moog)
C401 - VCA
C402 - Dual-VCA (exponential)
C502 - Digi-Noise (White, Pink, Random Pulse)
C601 - Tool 1 (Gate-Delay, Slew-Limiter, Inverter, Portamento)
C603 - Switch-Tool (2 switches triggered by any impulse)
C705 - Clock-Divider (/2 /4 /8 /16 /32 /64 /128)
C706 - Clock-Sequenzer (10 steps, Hold, Reset, 2x Clock-Input)
C801 - ADSR (Retrigger, INV-out, Time)
C802 - Dual-Mixer (8x in / 2x out + inv)
C803 - Attenuator
C804 - Dual-Ringmod
C808 - 2x5 / 1x10 Multiple
C901 - MIDI-CV-Clock (CV, Gate, Velocity, Aftertouch, Clock)"

Available at Detunized.com. Samples on site.

Jomox MBrane 11 [engl.]

YouTube via MusikSchmidt — May 05, 2010 — "http://www.musik-schmidt.de/gb-Jomox-...

www.musik-schmidt.de

Musik-Schmidt,
eine Niederlassung der S-MUSIC GmbH & Co. KG,
Hanauer Landstrasse 338,
60314 Frankfurt,
Germany

Facts of Jomox MBrane 11: * 110 presets (10 user RAM, 100 FLASH) * Sound Engine: fully analog with storable parameters * 2 analog envelopes for membranes and Noise * White Noise, Noise Metal with 65535 combinations of various types of noise patterns * Gate Trigger (up to 4-fold multi-trigger possible) * LFO with 8 waveforms * Display: LED 7-segment 3 digit * Midi In, Midi Out * 1 Data Wheel * 1 potentiometer * 5 keys * 16 LEDs for parameter and functions * 1 mono out, 6.3 mm jack * external analog trigger input * 9V DC external power adapter (included in Liefrumfang) * Weight: approximately 1.1 lbs. * Dimensions: 14.5 x 15.5 x 3.5 cm"

Doepfer Dark Energy [engl.]

YouTube via MusikSchmidt — May 04, 2010 — "http://www.musik-schmidt.de/gb-Doepfe...

www.musik-schmidt.de

Musik-Schmidt,
eine Niederlassung der S-MUSIC GmbH & Co. KG,
Hanauer Landstrasse 338,
60314 Frankfurt,
Germany

Features of Doepfer Dark Energy: * triangle-based analog VCO * range switch -1 / 0 / +1 Oktave * PWM control with modulation source switch (LFO2 / off / ADSR) * waveform switch (sawtooth / off / triangle) * external CV input for VCO frequency * 24 dB low pas VCF * manual frequency control * external audio input (this signal is added to the VCO signal) * AM (amplitude modulation) control with modulation source switch (LFO1 / off / ADSR) * LFO1 and LFO2 with manual frequency control * LED display (dual green/red color for positive/negative share of the signal) * ADSR with manual controls for Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release * USB/Midi-Interface * all In/Outputs with jack sockets (except USB, Midi and power supply) * metal case is made of 1 mm steel, black coated with white printing * wooden side plates * Size: ca. 18,5 x 14,5 x 6,5 cm * Weight: around 1,2 kg"