BAF2024 - Wavesequencer Hyperion - Impressive Modular Software Synth

video upload by sonicstate

"At Buchla & Friends 2024, Sonic State had the opportunity to chat to Paul from Wavesequencer about the Hyperion modular synth. The Hyperion is a VST-3 and AU plugin(also standalone) that is optimized for multiprocessing, allowing for up to 32 voices and 16 layers. Each layer acts as an individual modular patch with unlimited nodes, and there is also an arpeggiator and MPE mode for added versatility. The synth offers a wide range of synthesis types and comes with over 150 node types for patch design. It can be used for both complex and simple sounds, with the capability to handle sample playback and act as an effects processor as well. With its robust features and affordable price tag of $129, the Hyperion offers immense value and has been flying under the radar until now.

For more information about the Hyperion synth and to check out demo videos, visit Wavesequencer on Tracktion Market place.

There's also Theia, a patch player product that provides access to Hyperion's patches at half the price. Theia is a curated set of patches with more musical presets. For keyboard players, while still offering the flexibility to edit levels, arpeggiation settings, and more. To learn more about Theia, visit the Traction marketplace.

Overall, the Hyperion synth impressed with its powerful capabilities, clean UI design, and the dedication of its one-man developer. As a synthesizer, effects processor, and patch player, the Hyperion offers a range of possibilities for both keyboard players and those interested in generative ambient patch generation. With wavesequencer.com as a resource for demo videos, users can get a better sense of the synth's potential.

https://www.tracktion.com/products/hy..."

ARP 2600 OWNERS MANUAL

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

via this auction

"This ARP 2600 Owner's Manual is a must-have for any synth enthusiast. With detailed information on how to use and maintain this vintage keyboard synthesizer, you'll be able to get the most out of your instrument. Whether you're a professional musician or just starting out, this text book guide is an invaluable resource. Learn about the unique features of this ARP 2600 model. This listing is for the manual only. The synthesizer is not included."

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Yamaha SHS-10 - a mini FM keytar

video upload by Alfonse

"Music: 'Adventure Plank' (C) Copyright 2023 Alfonse
Download the track here: https://alfonse.bandcamp.com/track/ad...

Yamaha SHS-10 'Sholky' (1987)

This is a 2-op FM synth in the form of a mini-keytar, with pitch bend wheel and vibrato in easy reach of the left hand on the neck. It has a MIDI Out port, which allows you to use it to control other instruments.

The lead line uses voice 32 Horn, making use of the vibrato and portamento effects and the pitch bend wheel. The main drum pattern used was 03 Fusion 2. The track starts with 01 Rhythm and Blues 2, and 02 Fusion 1 is used for a fill-in at the middle and end of the final solo section.

Big thanks to @musicbroth for the loan of this keyboard. They're a fantastic community music resource in Glasgow, UK, lending instruments and running workshops with a mission to provide access to music for everyone. https://www.musicbroth.org"

Modbap Modular Osiris WavPak Volume 3 by Learning Modular’s Chris Meyer

Press release follows:

Modbap Modular announces availability of Osiris WavPak Volume 3, carefully crafted by Chris Meyer to integrate seamlessly with Eurorack module namesake

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA: Modbap Modular is proud to announce availability of Osiris WavPak Volume 3 — carefully crafted by Learning Modular’s Chris Meyer to integrate seamlessly with the black-owned electronic music instrument manufacturer’s own Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC (originally introduced to a captive audience at Knobcon Number Nine, Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, IL, USA, September 10-12, 2021), providing four banks of all-new custom 32 x 32 wavetables which have been meticulously curated and designed to expand anyone’s approach to wavetable synthesis using its Eurorack module namesake — as of November 2…

As the owner of Learning Modular, an online resource to help anyone master their modular synthesizer, Chris Meyer is perfectly positioned to help expand anyone’s approach to wavetable synthesis using Modbap Modular’s Osiris, operating powerfully in and of itself as a (frequency modulation- and phase modulation-including) seven-plus TIMBRE MODE 12HP BI-FIDELITYTM WAVETABLE OSC (oscillator) module, neatly-packed with an independent sub-oscillator, LOFI processing, extensive CV (control voltage) modulation capabilities, a PITCH quantiser, four banks of 32 x 32 wavetables, the ability to load user wavetables via Micro SD card (not included), and its own free open-source wavetable editor (OsirisEdit). After all, Chris Meyer is the talented individual responsible for creating the-then-trailblazing Vector Synthesis technology behind the 1986-vintage Prophet VS DIGITAL VECTOR SYNTHESIZER, supposedly intended to revive the flagging fortunes of US synth ‘giant’ Sequential for whom he worked in an engineering role. Subsequent stints at Digidesign, Music Maker Publications, and Tom Oberheim’s Marion Systems soon ensued, before becoming the Chief Engineer at the now-defunct Roland R&D US while serving also as Technical Chairman of the MIDI Manufacturer’s Association. A transition into the video and film industries followed thereafter as his storied career continued, coming full circle to ultimately end up where he originally started — playing with modular synthesizers.

Duly derived from Chris Meyer’s sizeable studio modular synthesizer — affectionately called The Monster, the four banks of all-new custom 32 x 32 wavetables included in Osiris WavPak Volume 3 are a result of undergoing a meticulous sampling process drawing upon the talents of one of the industry’s leading experts to offer Osiris owners a wide range of timbral possibilities catering to different sonic aesthetics: BANK A — otherwise known as the ‘East Coast’ bank — features wavetables that have been carefully crafted as a result of working with Livewire Electronics AFG’s Animated Pulses and Alien Saws waveforms, as well as Serge-filtered waveforms, using techniques such as audio rate waveform crossfading to offer a diverse palette of sounds, ranging from smooth and evolving textures to aggressive and cutting tones; BANK B — the ‘West Coast’ bank — incorporates techniques like Serge rectification, wave folding, and Serge resonant EQ, the resultinwavetables providing a more experimental and abstract sonic experience suited to those interested in pushing the boundaries of sound design and diving into harmonious tones and textures; BANK C — Formants — focuses on different vowel sounds with a sound design approach anchored around both digital and analogue formant filters for creating expressive vocal-like textures and tones that are ideal for adding a human touch to compositions or exploring more abstract and otherworldly sounds; and BANK D — Harmonics — utilises tube overdrive, filter banks inspired by both Buchla and Moog stylings, as well as featuring analogue and digital additive oscillators.

On the face of it, then, the results are all a testament to the expert craftsmanship involved in ensuring the highest-quality sound production possible. Put it this way: Osiris WavPak Volume 3’s four sound banks were sampled at 96kHz, perfectly aligning with the Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC module’s unique, high-quality 96kHz sample rate operation. Ultimately, users can enjoy pristine audio clarity, enabling exploration of full depth sonic landscapes.

Lending themselves a knowing nod in the direction of Chris Meyer’s trailblazing achievements, the X-axis in all the banks contain different waveforms, while the Y-axis introduces different harmonics for each X-wave; the harmonic series used in Osiris WavPak Volume 3 are: H1 (root up), H2 (one octave up), H3 (one octave, plus perfect fifth), H4 (two octaves up), H5 (two octaves, plus major third), H6 (two octaves, plus perfect fifth), and H8 (three octaves up). It is worth noting that in some cases — especially the filter banks, formant filters, and resonant EQ — the waveform also changes with ‘harmonic’ on the Y-axis, allowing for sculpting and refining patches with extraordinary detail thanks to this precise control over harmonic content. Modbap Modular encourages experimentation with different modulation sources patched to its Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC module’s WAVE Y to further enhance sonic explorations with the texture-rich Osiris WavPak Volume 3 — think velocity/accent from a sequencer or keyboard, a mod wheel, aftertouch, ribbon controller, or even a sample & hold triggered on each new note to create dynamic and evolving timbres that respond to playing style.


Osiris WavPak Volume 3 is available for free as a digital download exclusively from Modbap Modular’s online Shop here: https://www.modbap.com/products/osiris-wavpak-vol-3-by-chris-meyer

Watch Learning Modular’s Chris Meyer mentioning the-then-upcoming Osiris WavPak Volume 3 — while talking about Modbap Modular’s Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC module as a new way to wavetable — at Knobcon Number Eleven, Chicagoland, USA, September 8-10, 2023 here: https://youtu.be/tYkDT82wxx0

a NEW way to WAVETABLE! with Alias Zone & Osiris // Chris Meyer & ModBap at Knobcon 2023

video upload by DivKid

"Chris Meyer of Learning Modular & Alias Zone has A NEW WAY TO WAVETABLE!

Chris has been working on a new X and Y based wavetable systems that does two fascinating things, firstly it "samples" his whole large studio system while keeping that performable and responsive in the ModBap Modular Osiris and secondly he's using harmonics and interval sets to create morphing tunings within those sounds too.

The WavPak is out now through the ModBap site here // https://bit.ly/WavPak3-ChrisMeyer"

New Batch of Synthfest UK 23 Videos

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist: (you can use the player controls to skip around)

1. Synthfest UK 23: Sequential - Trigon 6 Desktop

At SynthFest UK 2023, we had the opportunity to chat with Chris from Sequential, a part of the Focusrite group. Chris introduced us to the Trigon 6 Desktop, the latest addition to Sequential's synthesizer lineup. This compact desktop version of the Trigon 6 packs a powerful punch, offering three oscillators and a distinctive Dave Smith ladder filter. Designed for those seeking a space-saving solution without compromising on sound quality, the Trigon 6 Desktop retains all the features of its larger sibling, including patch recall, a versatile effects section with various modulation possibilities, and the distinctive feedback control that allows you to sculpt sub-harmonic richness.

Trigon 6 Desktop Price: $2,499

https://www.sequential.com/

2. Synthfest UK 2023: Calc And the Prophet X

At Synthfest UK 2023, we caught up with Calc from Sequential, and he gave us the lowdown on the Prophet X. Now, you might be thinking, Prophet X? Haven't we seen that before? Well, you're right, but this hybrid instrument has been quietly making waves in the music world. It combines digital and analog elements, with digital oscillators and a unique twist in the form of multi-sample-based instruments. Yes, you heard that right, it's not just your run-of-the-mill synth; it's a full-on sampler too, boasting an impressive 50 gigabytes of memory for your custom samples. You can treat it like a rompler, a sample player, or even use those samples as oscillators, creating a whole new realm of sonic possibilities.

Plus, it's packed with stereo goodness, allowing you to explore a wide soundstage with ease. It's not your typical synth, and that's what makes its a favourute of Calc's

Looking for some more info on the Prophet X? Check out Sequential's official page: www.sequential.com/prophet-x/

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Yamaha SY22 Dynamic Vector Synthesis

video upload by Alfonse

"Music: 'Convolution' (C) Copyright 2023 Alfonse
Download the track here: https://alfonse.bandcamp.com/album/syfy

Yamaha SY22 Music Synthesizer (1990)

All sounds in this track are SY22 factory presets, including the drums. The SY22 was launched in 1990 and is effectively a hybrid of Yamaha's outgoing FM synthesizer technology with their new AWM sample-based engine, with 2 FM operators and 2 AWM oscillators. A joystick provides vector control to blend between the chosen waveforms in the patch in different ways, either by affecting their volume (Level) or their pitch (Detune).

Patches used:
P25 ICE FIELD
P28 THRILLER
P74 VCO SYNC
P62 SYN BASS
P23 SAD ANGEL
P27 VECTASEQ
P77 GROOVER
P32 PINPIANO
P14 DIST GTR
P81 SUPERPAD
P18 NOSTROMO
P82 PROPHECY
P88 DRUM KIT

Programming new patches via the front panel is a fairly thankless task, but there is a good editor out there: https://ctrlr.org/sy35-voice-editor/

Big thanks to @musicbroth for the loan of this keyboard. They're a fantastic community music resource in Glasgow, UK, loaning instruments and running workshops with a mission to provide access to music for everyone. https://www.musicbroth.org

Store: http://alfonse.bandcamp.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/alfonsemusic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/alfonsemusic Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/alfonsemusic"

Steve Fisk's 1976 ARP 2600 with 3620 Keyboard SN 0732 ?

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

You can find a demo by Steve Fisk at the 2011 PNW SynthFest demoing his ARP 2600 posted here (see this post for additional videos of the event). P.S. If you aren't familiar with Steve Fisk, see this Wikipedia article. His Yamaha CS60 went up for sale back in 2013. According to this auction by Salamander Labs, his 2600 is up for sale. I have no way of verifying, so do your due diligence if you are interested. Note in the video linked above there is a green monkey sticker on the front panel. It's missing from this ARP 2600 but you can see a slight discoloration where it would have been. As always, who knows...

Details via the listing:

"Ok, this is it. An Arp 2600 with keyboard used extensively as a live and studio instrument by Steve Fisk, whose comments and the unit’s pedigree are below. This instrument has been used on the road internationally, in studio, and live performance settings, and as a result has some cosmetic scratches. The power supply caps, speaker amp driver transistors, key bushings, and a few key springs have been replaced…and the shittyist plug ever used for a keyboard has been replaced as noted below….otherwise it is original. It is fully discrete, and the circuit boards are NOT epoxied so it can be serviced. A full factory calibration was completed by Gemma at Sound Audio Repair in Olympia, Wa…"

"From Steve Fisk;

My 2600 is the first synth you see on the Arp 2600 Wikipedia page. I am the original owner. I bought the synthesizer in 1976. It was my primary instrument for years. I wrote and performed several noisy live pieces with the ARP. It was also my “jam” instrument for many improvs in Olympia and Seattle in the late 70’s. It was a key part of my live setup for Pell Mell, Pigeonhed, Customer Service, and Tiny Holes. It is also featured in much of my studio work with Pell Mell, Soundgarden, Pigeonhed, Reggie Watts, Unwound, Some Velvet Sidewalk and Seacats. The beast was my goto box for 808 kick drums(see Soundgarden’s “Spoonman” remix). It also did duty on several film soundtracks and corporate work. In 1995 the Jones plug that connected the keyboard to the main frame was replaced with a robust milspec connector by Omega Intl, a vintage synth service run by an ex roadie from the Moody Blues. It is in excellent working order despite some well earned cosmetic blemishes. I’m going to miss the spring reverb, a great resource for sound effects."

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Introducing FORCE Features Update 3.1

video upload by AkaiProVideo

"FORCE 3.1 delivers the most creative, feature-packed update to FORCE ever with new plugin instrument sounds, new insert effects, the AIR Vocal Suite, and for the first time to Akai Professional standalone devices, Disk Streaming."

FORCE Features Update 3.1 Full Overview Video

video upload by AkaiProVideo

"The ultimate standalone performance system is expanded with 3 new plugin instruments, 7 insert effects, the new AIR Vocal Suite, class-compliant audio interface support, Disk Streaming, and much more. Visit akaipro.com/force to discover FORCE Features Update 3.1."

Akai Force V3.1 First Look - Sonic Lab Presentation

video upload by sonicstate

And the press release:

AKAI PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCES FORCE FEATURE UPDATE 3.1 WITH NEW INSTRUMENTS AND EFFECTS, DISK STREAMING, USB AUDIO INTERFACE SUPPORT, AND MORE

FORCE 3.1 Feature Update introduces 3 new synth plugin instruments, 7 new plugin insert effects including a Vocal Suite, Disk Streaming, Class Compliant USB Audio Interface Support, and many other major upgrades for new and existing Force users.

Ft Lauderdale, FL USA (October 19, 2021) — Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, is proud to announce FORCE 3.1, its latest and most substantial update to the FORCE standalone music production system. FORCE 3.1 introduces the next chapter of standalone performance with revolutionary features and functionality alongside inspiring new sounds and sound processing. Powered by the unrivaled tactical control and interface of FORCE standalone hardware, the FORCE 3.1 update will engage the modern music creator like never before.

New Instruments, Insert Effect Plugins, and AIR Vocal Suite
From the beginning, FORCE set a new bar for what standalone hardware music production could be. The FORCE 3.1 update builds on that precedent with 3 new plugin instruments: AIR Solina, AIR Mellotron, and WayOutWare’s Odyssey. These new plugin instruments are faithful recreations of iconic synthesizer and keyboard instruments, now with powerful graphic interfaces for visually striking feedback and interaction. Mellotron and Solina feature the Flavor effect processing sections, enabling creative applications of additional texture and character to your sounds with Distortion, Noise, Flutter, and more.

FORCE 3.1 also introduces 7 new plugin insert effects for creative arranging and performance, as well as mixing and mastering. The versatile group of insert effects including Stutter, Half Speed, Granulator, Diffuser Delay, and Stereo Delay will quickly insert an inventive spark into your tracks for unique drops, edits, and transitions. Diode Clipper will add grit and distortion to any source while AIR Limiter will bring dynamic signal processing to your music for a punchy, finalized mix.

The creativity doesn’t stop there as the new AIR Vocal Suite delivers the power to create, record, and mix the perfect vocals right inside FORCE. The adaptive Vocal Tuner handles any tuning tasks from subtle pitch correction to the modern auto vocal tuned sound found in all genres of modern music. AIR Doubler adds depth and dimension to solo or group vocals with spectrum-filling width and presence. Finally, the AIR Harmonizer will transform any single voice into 4-part harmony instantly. Create full background vocal arrangements with ease and accuracy with built-in volume, pan, delay, and eq.

Now Streaming Superior Performance
The essence of the standalone experience is hardware that responds immediately to the needs of your dynamic workflow. Users can now enjoy a more accessible and efficient workflow with the power of Disk Streaming from external storage devices. Disk Streaming enables better system resource allocation and performance for expanded creativity and performance. Record and playback longer audio tracks, perform an entire DJ set, or create larger keygroup programs all while enjoying faster project load times.

Major Workflow Enhancements, Engine Updates and Expandability
With the power of Disk Streaming comes added expandability. With FORCE 3.1, instantly expand your hardware connectivity with Class Compliant USB Audio Interface Support. Route up to 32 audio inputs and outputs to-and-from FORCE, all via a single USB cable. Increase your input count to record more tracks directly to FORCE, or route audio into your favorite outboard gear.

Get more performance out of the drum and keygroup engines with the new portamento function for gliding notes and percussion, like 808 kick drums. Dial-in the perfect sample shape with dedicated pitch envelope. Smooth out your drum breaks and chops with Akai Sample Tail and access up to 10 drum pad effects including Ringmod, Bitcrush, Tubedrive, Lowpass, and more.

Force 3.1 also ads new functionality to Buses (Submixes/Returns/Masters) for more control and creativity. Now the Recording, Playback and Editing of automation follows the same workflow on buses as other tracks. Control submix and master tracks with the “Select,” “Rename,” and “Clips” functions as well as dialing in automation on the fly.

Finally, Force 3.1 expands MIDI integration with the ability to load and export MIDI files to and from FORCE. For even more MIDI integration, assign your FORCE parameters to your 3rd party MIDI controller for additional tactical control.

New FORCE 3.1 Features Include:

• 3 New plugin instruments Solina, Odyssey, and Mellotron
• New AIR Vocal Insert Effect Suite with Automatic Vocal Tuning, AIR Doubler, and AIR Harmonizer Plugins
• Disk Streaming: Audio files can now be streamed from disk
• Class-Compliant Audio Interface Support
• New MIDI file Compatibility enabling MIDI file loading
• 7 New Insert Effects such as Half Speed, Diode Clipper and Stutter
• Drum and Keygroup Engine Enhancements including Akai Pro Sample Tail, Dedicated Pitch Envelope, and Keygroup
Portamento
• 10 New Drum Pad Effects including Ringmod, Bitcrush, Decimator and more
• New functionality to Buses (Submixes/Returns/Masters) including Automation
• Automatic sample Key Detection

“Force Features Update 3.1 is not only a major upgrade for Force users, but it’s also a major evolution in standalone music production,” said Akai Professional, Senior Product Manager, Dan Gill. “Disk Streaming is a significant advancement to this product as well as standalone music production in general, because it opens up recording and playback possibilities without content limitations. Combine that with a Vocal Suite which includes an adaptive Vocal Tuner, and powerful new synths and insert effect plugins, and you have an inspirational modern music creation system for any genre.”

FORCE 3.1 will be available on October 19, 2021, as a free update for FORCE users.

For more information on FORCE 3.1, visit www.akaipro.com/force

All information subject to change akaipro.com

1983 KORG Poly-61 Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by keyboard resource

via this auction

"Works good. Some damage to bottom edges. Joystick is bent. Number 1 button sometimes re-triggers. See pictures.

This was Korg's answer to the Roland Juno-60 and it looks like a Juno-106 but the Poly-61 is more interesting in many ways.

Features:
- Six-voice polyphonic analog synth with digital controls
- Two digitally-controlled oscillators using square/pulse or saw waveforms
- Arpeggiator with latch, one-, two- or full octave range and up, up/down or down modes
- Polyphonic and Chord Memory/mono (unison) modes
- Hold button (any key pressed stays on until polyphony reached or turned off)
- Pitch bend joystick with DCO (pitch) modulation (up) or VCF (filter) modulation (down)"

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Kurzweil ME-1 Micro Ensemble w/ Original Box

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by keyboard resource

"The first banks are similar-sounding piano patches. The electric pianos are very good. It gets more interesting in the synth/pad banks K & L. The drum and percussion sounds are great as well."

via this auction

Bank list at the bottom of this post.

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UNIVOX Crumar Multiman MM2000 Vintage Italian Analog String Synthesizer 1975

video by keyboard resource

Kawai K4 Patches

keyboard resource

Cheetah Marketing Specdrum EP1 Introduction

Published on Mar 31, 2020 Really Nice Audio

Corona Beerus.

"This was supposed to be a quick video about the fantastic Specdrum by Cheetah Marketing. It turns out there is a lot I want to get through so this will be an introduction to this Oberheim DMX wannabe.
Stay tuned for demos of the preset rhythms, explanation of programming, alternative kits and syncing to modern daws!!

Add SD card with the Divmmc Future
https://www.thefuturewas8bit.com/shop...

Fantastic resource for repairing ZX Spectrums
https://www.youtube.com/user/Joulespe...
http://zx.zigg.net

Keyboard and case new parts
https://zxrenew.co.uk"

Sinclair ZX Spectrum.

The MCS70 by ELKA's Mario Maggi - Only One In Existence Might Come to Soundmit

Published on Feb 10, 2020 Badilevintage

Details on Soundmit with the pics further below.

"Hello everybody , my Hobby it's restore the old Combo organ and Synth.
In this video i show you the test after restored of ultra rare MCS70 made by Ing. Mario Maggi .
The only piece in the world!!"

[Side note: Mario Maggi was the man behind the ELKA Synthex. There was only one previous post that mentioned the MCS70 here on MATRIXSYNTH posted back in 2006. This had me wondering whether there are any other one-off synths, and what are some of the rarest synths out there? There was the ASE Modular also by Mario Maggi. There is only one S.W.A.N but it shares the same synth engine as the Syntar. There was also the ConBrio ADS, protoype Minimoogs if you want to count them, prototype Orchestron (not technically a synth, but...), the original Acxel Resynthesizer, clear Gleeman Pentaphonic (same engine as the solid black ones though), rare EMS synths, rare PPGs (here and here for example), and I'm sure others I forget at the moment. If you can think of any, leave a comment below! BTW, the New Old Label is a great resource for exploring vintage gear that never appeared on the site before. I highly recommend it and the exclusive labels for some of the more exclusive synths out there.] Also see the first synth to post.

via SoundMiT

"The rarest synthesizer on Earth comes back to life thanks to the patient restoration work of two passionate Italian technicians

Recently the Soundmit has been involved in an event of those that happen once in a lifetime.
Two longtime friends, passionate about synthesizers, musicians and technicians, have accomplished a feat deemed impossible.

They have completely restored the rarest Italian synthesizer, the MCS70 designed by Mario Maggi, just him ... the father of Elka Synthex.

The MCS70 is a monophonic synth with many surprises inside, perhaps the most evident in the presence of the presets! In an era in which microprocessors were not yet widespread, Maggi succeeded in the enterprise of creating the first analog, monophonic synthesizer with memories!

There is only one MCS70 in the world and has been owned, for almost 40 years, by Patrizio Fariselli, the famous keyboard player of the Progressive Rock band "AREA".

Recently two friends, one technician (Marco Molendi) and the other a musician (Andrea Manuelli), specializing in the restoration of Italian electronic musical instruments, have succeeded in the impossible task of bringing the instrument back to life.

According to the engineer Maggi, it is not possible to give technical details beyond what can be seen in the video.

Francesco Mulassano of Soundmit was invited by Marco and Andrea during the last phase, that of the toast for the goal reached and in fact is one of the very few people in the world who have seen tried and listened to the instrument that, after so many years, remains a jewel of technique and sound.

Special thanks go to engineer Mario Maggi for the work he has done (and continues to do) in our sector.

We hope to hear the MCS70 in new compositions soon and hope to see it at Soundmit in November 2020!"

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Kawai K4r 16-bit Digital Synthesizer Module some patches

Published on Jan 30, 2020 keyboard resource

For those interested also check out the Kawai K4 ROM Card demos that just went up here.

1989 Kawai K4 16-bit Digital Synthesizer factory sound banks

Published on Jan 23, 2020 keyboard resource

"Loading SYSEX files using MIDI-OX is a super easy way to replace all or some of the patches on your synthesizer. These are a few sounds from https://kawaius.com/technical-support....

The 3 key on this synth doesn't work so I wasn't able to select those patches."

1938 Hammond NOVACHORD SN 105

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

via this auction

Some incredible pics of the inside below.

Update via Kenny in the comments worth noting: "Beautiful instrument but no where near the first synthesizer. The Trautonium was already in use and for sale long before the Hammond came out. Even the Hohner Multimonica predates the Hammond. One could say that the Hammond design was heavily inspired by these earlier synthesizers. The Hammond is an amazing instrument so there is no need for false information."

This reminded me of the 120 Years of Electronic Music site. It's a great resource for the timeline of electronic instruments.

Listing description:

"In the late 1930's, Hammond engineers went way above and beyond to create the worlds first electronic synthesizer, and built it the Hammond way ~ the best. I could ramble on all day about this device, but you're honestly better to visit this website, they've fully documented their Novachord and it's restoration.

As for my specific instrument, it's among the very earliest built (#105) and features what I believe is a factory blonde cabinet accent, which I've never seen before. I think it's original because it's so expertly installed, and wraps around the back to the amplifier compartment. The material feels like a grained vinyl (leatherette) with a canvas backing? It's been stripped off on the left side, but you get the idea. The cabinet will need refinishing as seen, but is in remarkable shape for it's age.

When I decided to power it up for the first time, I brought up the voltage on a Variac - slowly. I heard a loud popping sound and found a bad 2A3 tube, which I replaced with a good/tested one. Once up to line voltage, I was able to actually hear this thing play! Volume, vibrato, attack, and various variations of all the controls were essentially functional on the upper half of the keyboard. I didn't get a response from the lower half of the keyboard. This tells me that the basic components (pre-amp, amplifiers, speakers and motor were all functioning) There are 160 vacuum tubes to check, and about 1000 capacitors! You'll have a good and worthy project ahead of you. I do have a short video of my experimentation, happy to email or text it to you! The wiring harnesses, speakers, amplifiers, and other components appear to be in very good cosmetic condition!

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1979 ARP Omni 2 Vintage Analog String Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Aug 1, 2019 keyboard resource

via this auction

"Works good. Top key is a little higher than the rest. Includes Hybrid hard case."

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1978 ARP OMNI-2 Vintage Analog String Machine

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Feb 15, 2019 keyboard resource

via this auction

"1978 ARP OMNI-2 Vintage Analog String Machine & Synthesizer + Hybrid Hard Case

LFO slider is intermittent. See video. Otherwise works good.

This is the more desirable second version. Metal case. Built like a tank.

Includes Hybrid hard case, original Service Manual and a color print of the Owner's Manual."

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1979 Multivox MX-880 MX-2000 Duo Super Roland SH-2000 Vintage Analog Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Oct 19, 2017 keyboard resource

via this auction

Two flyer/ad scans below.

"Works good (including after-touch sensor). Keys are severely yellowed from age.

You can customize the presets using the "Manual Filter" switch and "Modulation", "Cutoff Frequency" and "Resonance" sliders to get huge leads, fat basses and percussive SFX out of this little beast. You can even process external sound through the filter using the 1/4" input jack on back.

It's like a super Roland SH-2000 because it has very similar sounds and layout with the addition of a second oscillator for thick double sound or variable interval (5th, 3rd or whatever you choose up to an octave above or below)."

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