"Patrick Jöricke (AKA DSLman) opened up his new Korg ARP 2600 FS to see what’s inside and its featured in an article on Amazona.de
It’s answers the question, “Are the circuit components thru-hole (like the original) or surface-mount?” The answer, with photographic proof, is: surface-mount.
Patrick, who is the leading authority on building and modding the TTSH (he’s built 60 of them and repaired 20), says in the comments below the article that the Korg 2600 is worth the 4000€ asking price, considering all of the labor and assembly.
Here are his comments, German—> English in google translate:
[quote]
If you first consider the following points:
material costs
Labor costs
Prototyping costs / development
Profit
Taxes
transport
Risk premium
Aftersales / support / manuals / firmware etc.
Then you take into account the two hand-made housings in terms of wages and materials, which you can't get really cheap even on CNC wood milling machines, not even in Asia.
The pcbs cost almost nothing, nor do the SMT components. (Approx. 100 € for everything)
It only gets “expensive” with the sockets and sliders.
The panel does not cost the world either (20-50 €).
What takes several hours is putting it together.
The roadcase probably costs another 100 € (presumably through external)
All in all, that fits with € 4,000.
We also want them to benefit and are willing to continue building more of them.
[end quote]"
Update: you can sign up for the kit here. You can reach Autonomik Circuits at autonomikcircuits@gmail.com.
Taking the 808 to a whole new level in tweakability. Full details further below. First the playlist for the videos above:
1. Cocteau demo (groove + mods)
"Cocteau (by Autonomik Circuits)-- overlay mod PCB for YOCTO v1.0 analog drum machine
Cocteau PCB fits over the top of the YOCto main PCB, adding 34 pots and 24 switches to the front panel to modify the original 808 sounds, plus it adds a second RS-CL and MA circuit hardwired to the YOCTO's Trig-1 and Trig-2.
This video demos the following:
- CH Decay (short)
- BD Tune (low)
- CP Filter is turned high and clap density increased to mostly eliminate the Clap sound, leaving just the Reverb
- CB Long Decay, OSC's tuned
- LT Reverb Off & On
- CL-2 2nd switch (the RS-CL DPDT switch split into two SPDT's) activated to create a CR-78-type RS sound
Front panel is laser-cut resin prototype of enclosure to be made by Kacper Pawluk"
2. Cocteau- RS-CL 2 + CP mods
"This video demos the additional RS-CL 2 voice on the Cocteau PCB, as well as some of the CP mods
The DPDT slide switch between the RS and CL sounds of the Cocteau's RS-CL 2 circuit has been split into individual SPDT switches to allow for variation of the CL sound as follows:
Both switches down = RS sound
Both switches up = CL sound
Left up, right down = CL sound altered s\to sound more like striking a glass bottle, not a wood block
Left down, right up = CL sound reminiscent of the CR-78 RS sound(?)"
3. RS-CL 2 & MA-2
"This video demos the additional RS-CL 2 and MA-2 voices on the Cocteau PCB, allowing for simultaneous sequencing of RS & CL and CP & MA sounds.
The DPDT slide switch between the RS and CL sounds of the Cocteau's RS-CL 2 circuit has been split into individual SPDT switches to allow for variation of the CL sound as follows:
Both switches down = RS sound
Both switches up = CL sound
Left up, right down = CL sound altered s\to sound more like striking a glass bottle, not a wood block
Left down, right up = CL sound reminiscent of the CR-78 RS sound(?)"
4. Cocteau Roll Call
SoundCloud demos:
Full details via effegee:
"Cocteau is placed over the YOCTO's front panel PCB to add 34 pots and 24 slide switches for modification of the YOCTO drum voices. Cocteau also adds duplicate RS-CL and MA circuits (RS-CL 2 & MA-2) hardwired to YOCTO's Trig-1 and Trig-2 switched jacks, allowing simultaneous sequencing of RS & CL and CP & MA (so you don't have to choose one sound at the expense of the other).
Cocteau ships as a DIY kit with PCB and hard-to-find/special-order parts (slide switches, 2M(B) pots, etc.), with a Tayda BOM for the Alpha pots and a Mouser BOM for all other parts. Build instructions will be provided.
Installation requires desoldering of some components (mostly resistors) and cutting of a few traces.
Cocteau is designed to allow the user to modify the existing circuits while allowing easy, realtime return to the original 808 sound. For example, the BD Tune pot functions only when the adjacent switch is activated; when deactivated, BD Tune returns to the original value.
Cocteau is also designed to fit within the existing panel clearance using low-profile pots, switches and connectors. A metal enclosure for the YOCTO + Cocteau will be available from Kacper Pawluk, who has already designed the front panel. A laser-cut resin panel, fabricated from his design, has been tested and fits perfectly.
Finally, there will be an expansion port on the back panel of the enclosure, connected to Trig-3 of the YOCTO sequencer, for installation of swappable drum modules available for future purchase.
Some pics sent my way via effegee on the NAMM floor. Click each for the full size shot. You'll see what appears to be a GC YNC? MIDI module and 3 008 VCF modules in black, clearly from the Modal 008 hardware synthesizer. In white, below you'll see five modules based on the Modal 002 - two 002 NCO modules, and three 002 VCF modules.
You should recognize a few faces including Dave Smith, Jordan Rudess, Mike Martin of Casio, Roger Linn, and Stephen Fortner of Keyboard Magazine on the far right. I recognize some of the others, but can't recall their names. If you know please comment and I'll update the post.
"Where are keyboard instruments going? Is hardware in its twilight, or is it having a renaissance for live performance? Is the analog revival here to stay, or a passing fashion? What will keyboards do in the virtual world of the future? Are mobile apps and touchscreens viable for serious music production? In this panel moderated by legendary music technology thought leader Craig Anderton, top experts in keyboard and software design, product management, and media will discuss the future of the electronic musical instrument industry. Panelists include:
Athan Billias, Director of Strategic Product Development, Yamaha and advisory board member, MIDI Association.
Stephen Fortner, Editor at Large, Keyboard Magazine.
Ralph Goldheim, President of U.S. Operations, Arturia.
Jimmy Landry, Head of PR and Artist Relations, Cakewalk.
Roger Linn, CEO, Roger Linn Design and inventor of the modern drum machine.
Mike Martin, General Manager of Marketing, Casio.
Jordan Rudess, Keyboardist in Dream Theater and Founder, Wizdom Music.
Dave Smith, President and Founder, Dave Smith Instruments and co-inventor of MIDI.
Topics covered will include virtual instruments, analog synths, traditional keyboards versus alternative controllers, and more. If you’re attending NAMM and into keyboards or synths, don’t miss what is sure to be one of the most thought-provoking discussions at the show.
When: Thursday, January 21, 2016, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Room 203 A/B (“The Forum”), Anaheim Convention Center
The PROMARS PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer is a complete reproduction of the rare and powerful PROMARS synthesizer first released in 1979. With two detunable VCOs and two sub-oscillators per voice, the PROMARS is easily one of the most deep and rich sounding monosynths ever created. Designed for SYSTEM-1 as well as Mac and PC hosts, the new PROMARS uses Analog Circuit Behavior to faithfully recreate every detail of the incredibly warm, dense sound of the original, with a level of authenticity that can only come from Roland.
Perfect replica of rare PROMARS COMPUPHONIC synthesizer
ACB provides the rich, warm vintage tone of the original
Two VCOs plus two sub-oscillators per voice
Fast envelopes and filters with classic Roland character
VST, AU and PLUG-OUT compatible
The original PROMARS was a sibling of the legendary JUPITER-4, and is often thought of as simply a monophonic version. But the PROMARS was more than that. While the JUPITER-4 had one VCO and one sub-OSC per voice, the PROMARS had two of each. The pitch of the two VCOs could be slightly detuned to produce a unison chorus effect, and a sub-OSC was provided on each VCO. Able to produce sounds similar to a four-VCO synthesizer, the PROMARS sounded positively huge , and is practically the definition of big, fat synth tone. While not as well known as the JUPITER-4, the thick sound and “compu-memory” function that allowed sounds to be stored and recalled made it a highly regarded instrument with a unique place among the classic Roland monosynths.
With the new PROMARS PLUG-OUT Synthesizer, the sound of this rare, vintage instrument is perfectly reproduced with Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology. ACB faithfully captures the sound and feel of our most revered classics, using original design specs, and a detailed, part-by-part analysis of each analog circuit. While the sound and behavior is reproduced with total accuracy, we couldn't help but improve a few things in this new version. The VCOs have increased range settings, the LFO has a “Random” waveform setting, and the Noise and and Pulse Width sections have full range control of those parameters. And like our other PLUG-OUT synths, the PROMARS has great-sounding effects and an advanced arpeggiator section.
While multiple instances of the PROMARS plug-in can be used in any VST or AU compatible DAW, the PROMARS PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer offers seamless integration and unique capabilities for SYSTEM-1 owners. Connect a SYSTEM-1 and it becomes a dedicated controller, only lighting the appropriate knobs and sliders pertinent to the PROMARS. Transfer sounds back and forth between the PROMARS and SYSTEM-1 and even use the SYSTEM-1 as a high-quality audio and MIDI interface. Or break free entirely and PLUG-OUT directly to the SYSTEM-1, creating a stand-alone, hardware PROMARS synthesizer with real physical controls that can go anywhere and doesn’t require a computer."
Some pics of this year's MMTA SYNTH PETTING ZOO. A great time was had by all! Huge thanks to everyone that attended and the MMTA, Decibel Festival and EMP for making this happen! Videos will follow.
In attendance: SYNTHWERKS, George Mattson (Mattson Mini Modular & Division 6), Lorne Hammond aka sealion with a Roland Jupiter-4, ARP Odyssey, Minimoog and various mini noisemakers, Larry Klinke aka Computer Controlled with his rhythm machines, ), Bryan O with an Akai Rhythm Wolf, Vsyevolod with 8 panels of Serge, Keith McMillen Instruments with Dreadbox Murmox, Madrona Labs, Lunchbox Audio with a Moog Sub 37, effegee with a TTSH (2600 clone) and modded YOCTO (808 clone), John Bowen Synth Design with the Solaris, Jeff with an OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) with TamTam SynthLab, Roland with the new AIRA gear & more. Thank you!
Side note: if you are on a Mac and your mouse pointer disappears, click off screen to get it back. Based on what I can find out there I believe it is due to a bug with Flash on Mac. If anyone knows of a solution, let me know.
This year's MMTA PNW SYNTHFEST will be a "Synth Petting Zoo" held on Saturday September 27 from 1PM - 5PM at the EMP's Level 3 as part of the Decibel Festival in Seattle, Washington. Note the dB Festival itself runs September 24 - 28. Be sure to see their site for a full list of performances, presentations and workshops. This year's conference will include Madrona Labs, Livid Instruments, Roland and Ableton amongst others.
The "Synth Petting Zoo" will be a synth meet and greet, open to the public, and open to all ages. You do not have to bring gear to attend, but if you'd like to bring your gear and share what you have with others, please sign up at the MMTA forum here. If you have trouble signing up feel free to email me at matrixsynth@gmail.com and I will make sure you are covered. If you do sign up be sure to bring everything you might need including power supplies, cables, and speakers. We expect some noise!!!
If you are in the area on Saturday the 27th, be sure to drop by. These events are not only a great way to check out gear that you might not normally have access to, but also a great place to meet and hang out with like-minded individuals. For pics and videos from previous events see the MMTA channel here (scroll down to get to older posts).
"I created a voice editor/control surface to use with Sonic Potions excellent new DIY kit drum machine, the LXR. The drum machine itself has only four potentiometers and one encoder. With this MIDI Designer layout, all drum voice parameters are accessible on one page. There is also a mixer with which volume levels, panning, output routing, etc., may be adjusted for all six voices-- on one page. It makes voice editing and mixing much more convenient.
"Good news for K3m/K3 owners!
I just uploaded a Kawai K3m iPad control surface that works in MIDI Designer. It allows virtual knob and slider control of almost all parameters that are accessible on the front panel of the K3m. In addition, it acts as a bridge between hardware controller knobs and sliders and the K3m, using MIDI Designer's Pedalboard feature. Currently, I'm using the knobs and sliders on my Roland GAIA to control the K3m, with the iPad in between.
This one is in via effegee:
