Cosmic Love by Modula - Featuring MacBeth X-Series Eurorack Modular

Macbeth X-Series eurorack system with Modcan Dual Delay and Doepfer Spring Reverb (with a big tank) for effects.
All sound sources (oscillators) are MacBeth.

"Modula’s second release Cosmic Love is full of thick analog brightness and deep vintage warmth.

Despite also being fully composed on the same eurorack system loaded with Macbeth X-Series modules, the feeling of Cosmic Love is quite different from Vibrations.

This new release is the ultimate way to experience this engaging work of sound design.

released December 18, 2016

Written and produced by Sacha Ketterlin"

Macbeth X-Series Dual SV Filter PROTOTYPE

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via this auction
"This module does not have the metal faceplate from the production version. The faceplate is some kind of fibre board or blank PCB, with a printed sticky plastic (or paper) cover. (Please see photos)

My guess is it probably differs very slightly from the production version in terms of the circuit/sound too, but I cannot confirm that as I don't have a production version to compare. CONFIRMED see below.

Sound is okay, quite flexible, but not exactly what I'm looking for.

Made in Scotland.

UPDATE 07/11/2016: Ken Macbeth says this is a prototype, home-made board, and the factory unit circuits are different compared to this one.

IMPORTANT: Ken DOES NOT support this module if it fails to function!!

Ken Macbeth's original product blurb: 'I was asked to design a filter with a difference to compliment the X-Series 'Backend' Filter (42hp) but in a smaller space of the same dimensions as the 21hp X-Series Single Oscillator which was a good challenge! Well this is what I've produced- a dual State Variable Filter with a remarkable 'organic' sound and great functionality. The X-series Dual SV Filter is a stereo 12dB/Octave design featuring Low Pass, Band Pass and High Pass responses.

Both sections are manually controlled by a master frequency control- but they can also be controlled together or independently by one 1V/Octave input socket. The 'left' side CV input is normalized to the 'right' side CV input jack socket. Should two different control voltages be applied to the two CV inputs for either side- each filter will react completely separately from each other- and that's where the stereo fun begins!'"

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macbeth micromac d desktop analog synth

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via this auction
Overview videos from macbeth synthesizers below.
"Up for sale is one of the best desktop analogue synthesizers, the
amazing MacBeth Micromac-D. The synth is in mint condition,bought it 1,5 years ago from schneidersladen.de,kept it in a non smoking studio. Here is a description from schneidersladen.de

​OVERVIEW

The Micromac-D is a small and powerful, fully analog standalone desktop synthesizer. It is the expanded version of the Eurorack module Micromac-R including the Kenton MIDI-Interface and some extra features. Unlike his competitors it has three voltage controlled oscillators and a classic Moog lowpass filter, as a tiny desktop synth it could become indeed the bonsai-version of the* M5* the huge MacBeth synthesizer!

DETAILS

The desktop version of the Micromac has not just CV and gate inputs to play the synth but also a MIDI/CV interface from Kenton, who stand for very reliable and stable interfaces .. and a few news with the additional LFOs:

3VCOs: VCO1 and 2 have saw, pulse, triangle and sine waveforms and the pulse width can be voltage controlled by external CVs. A low frequency noise with level control is available as well. VCO 1 can hard sync VCO2. VCO3 can be used as a modulation oscillator and can be disconnected from the master CV. Modulation targets are filter cutoff frequency and/or pitch of VCOs1and2. All VCOs have individual outputs, coarse and fine frequency controls, separate CV inputs for controlling frequency and pre-filter level controls.

The filter is a Moog 24dB lowpass filter. It´s input is a mixture of all three VCOs and noise. The cutoff frequency can be controlled by the first envelope generator as well as by an external CV. The filtertracking is switchable between off / half / full (0%, 1V/oct and 1.5V/oct).

The envelopes are ADSRs with a switchable release parameter thats time is depending on the decay parameter, just like the Minimoog. The filter envelope can be also used to control VCO2´s pitch what sounds great when VCO2 is synchronised. Furthermore you can invert this envelope´s characteristic. The second envelope modulates the VCA. If an external CV is patched to the VCA the internal modulation is broken up. A momentary button allows for manual triggering of the envelopes

CONNECTORS

MIDI input
CV in, CV out (1V/Oktave), Gate In, Gate out.
3x frequency CV inputs for VCO 1-3. 2x PWM CV inputs for VCOs 1 &2;
external audio input pre-VCF, individual outptus for VCO 1-3,
CV input for filter cutoff, external audio input pre-VCA, Main-Out

DIMENSIONS

Desktop synthesizer in a stable metal case, approx. 31 x 14 big with a
depth of 8cm. External 50W power supply.

For more details please visit:

http://www.macbethstudiosystems.com"

Micromac D Part One: Introduction

Published on Oct 4, 2013 macbethsynthesizers

"This is the first video aimed to demonstrate the diverse capabilities of the three oscillator desktop sized MacBeth X-Series Micromac-D analogue synthesizer. In this video, I briefly explain the functionality of the unit. Next video to follow..Thanks for watching!"

Micromac D Part Two: Oscillators

Published on Oct 7, 2013

"This is the second video aimed to demonstrate the diverse capabilities of the three oscillator desktop sized MacBeth X-Series Micromac-D analogue synthesizer. In this video, we get to hear what the Oscillator section does, plus a few extras! As always, when things get going- hows does one adequately show what the potential of this thing has? Watch on...........there's some Trio-phony too!"

Superbooth 2016: Ken MacBeth New X-Series Proton

Published on Apr 4, 2016 sonicstate

"Superbooth 2016: Ken MacBeth New X-Series Proton Evolution of a new voice core module coming soon"

Macbeth X-Series Sync+FM Excellence

Published on Mar 23, 2016 jakobsweb

"Bit of a demo to let you hear my Macbeth x-series VCOs and Dual SV-Filter. First using the second 1V/Octave IN to add a second melody and then sync'ed and using FM.
NO SONG - just sound demo!"

Rare Fonitronik Analog EFM 1900 and 3500 Modular Synthesizer Modules, Kits, and Parts

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via this auction

"Manufacturers of similar modern modular synthesizers include Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments, Doepfer Musikelektronik, Macbeth, Moog Music, Synthesis Technology, PAiA Electronics, Pittsburgh Modular, Analogue Systems, and Synton.

This lot of complete modules and parts are from the EFM series 1900 and 3500 series synthesizers from Tom Gambles Electronics For Music. Nearly everything you need to build a beastly analog modular synthesizer!

Full lot contains the following:

Complete Modules
4 x 3541 VCO
1 x 5x3 multiplier
1 x DEG2A dual ADSR
1 x RX-CV Midi to CV gate
1 x EGLFO1A ADSR/LFO
1 x VCO4E Moog Rogue
1 x VCA5B hybrid VCA/mixer
1 x VCF1E Oberheim 2pole HP/BP/LP filter
1 x PSU 12V power supply

PCB’s only
2 x 3506 – LAG slide/glide/pitch bend
1 x 3541 - VCO
3 x 3508 – ADSR
2 x 1605 – VCF6C EMS diode ladder
1 x 4303 – LFO5A vc lfo/s&h/noise
1 x 1003 – RMP1B ring mod/lfo/preamp

Components
5 x PT146 precision resistors
50 x MF1/4DL3303F Metal Film Resistors - Through Hole 330K
4 x 064W503 Trimmer Resistors - Through Hole 50K 10% 3/8"MULTITURN
100 x 1N4148 Diodes - General Purpose, Power, Switching 100V Io/200mA BULK
25 x CHB471k1H821 ceramic capacitors
25 x C1C101J1H551 ceramic capacitors
100 x 3319P-2-503 Trimmer Resistors - Through Hole 9MM RND 50KOHMS 25% 0.2WATTS

Integrated Circuits
20 x NJM072BD Operational Amplifiers - Op Amps Dual
16 x NJM13600D Transconductance Amplifiers Dual
10 x CD4001UBE Logic Gates CMOS Quad 2-In
5 x NTE912
10 x NJU4066BD Analog Switch ICs CMOS Quad
20 x LM393N Analog Comparators 2-36V Dual
3 x NE555N Timers
90 x 8 IC socket
30 x 14 IC socket
25 x 16 IC socket

As well as miscellaneous LEDs, ~100 knobs, ~40 Al faceplates, resistors, capacitors, diodes, and trim potentiometers.

Sound Samples
bntic.mp3
PS3100_02_15V.mp3
modular6_07.mp3
SL01.mp3

The Plan....The whole point was to design a series of small boards that could be used as building blocks as well as individual modules. They can be mounted on a panel or put on a motherboard and used a single board modular. Most of the boards are designed with the i/o connectors all on one side of the board. Using 90 degree headers they can even be mounted vertically.

More information about the modules, diagrams, and mods can be found here"

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Macbeth X Series Micromac D Desktop Semi Modular Synthesizer

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via this auction
"- 3 Macbeth x-series oscs
- 2 LFOs,
- noise,
- 2 EGs,
- 24dB LP ladder filter,
- semi-modular, patchable, including CV in/out to all 3 oscs.

It nails that classic Minimoog-D sound, probably the closest of any synth I've heard, but with the modulation options and the patching, you can of course do a hell of lot more.

It's in near mint condition. It's rare, Ken Macbeth having made only 120. It's built like a tank. It's got a Kenton midi-CV built in, and 2 LFOs not available on the rack mount version. Will be sad to see it go."

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Macbeth X-Series MicroMac D Desktop Synthesizer

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Macbeth X Series BBD fun

Published on Apr 26, 2015 jakobsweb

"I had some fun with my modular synthesizer and thought I'd share this with anyone interested.

BBD stands for Bucket Brigade Delay (with Doepfer the D stands for Device). A technique used in pre-digital times to create audio delay, flanger or chorus effects (says Doepfer).

In this vid I played around using my much loved Macbeth X-Series VCOs and filter, arpeggiated by a Mutable Instruments Yarns midi/cv modul. The 2 LP outs of the SV filter go into a Doepfer BBD module with 1024 stages (means quite fast delays - I also have the Tapped BBD module with various outputs worth another vid). The slower the delays the more noise is added by the BBD module (good filters can reduce this to some extent). From the Doepfer BBD module the signal goes into a Synth Tech E580 Resampling Delay module that also has a BBD setting, creating the effect digitally. Funnily enough the SynthTech module also produces a slight noise floor in the BBD setting ... The E580 however is a stereo module and offers an wide range of delay settings. From there each audio output of the E580 (delayy out plus tap out) goes into a separate VCA (Doepfer A-132-3) from there into a panning module (Doepfer A-134-1).
I added some beats and stuff to show that an effect like that can work in a musical context."

Macbeth Studio Systems oscillator + Filter

Published on Sep 27, 2014 FSK1138

"x-series dual oscillator
Backend Filter

sequenced with Arturia BeatStep

audio processed with
Audio Damage Dr. Device"

The Last Two of the MacBeth X-Series Single Oscillator Eurorack Modules

via Ken MacBeth on Facebook

"Seen here...the last two of the MacBeth X-Series Single Oscillator- built up over the Weekend for a German client!.........."

MacBeth Elements Synthesizer Videos 2 and 3

MacBeth Elements SynthesizerVIDEO2

Published on Mar 24, 2014 macbethsynthesizers·108 videos

"Here is another video of the MacBeth Elements Synthesizer...more spaced out meanderings! I will be doing what I call *standard* demos....but some people seem to like the off beat stuff that I'm doing...! All sounds on here- one machine! Available for purchase from Analogue Haven/Schneiders/Alex4/Awave....and direct! Release date June 2014"

MacBeth Elements SynthesizerVIDEO3

Published on Mar 24, 2014

"Here's a slightly more dramatic video- a face off between the Elements Synthesizer and the MacBeth MK1 Monster 5U Modular Synthesizer! The keyboard and modulation functions are driving the bottom row of the Mk1 Modular - that is (including the Elements synthesizer) 6 audio oscillators. The Elements Spring Reverberator is well active here too....! The row above on the Mk1 is another 3 Oscillators/Mixer/Filter/EGs etc and that is being driven in a percussive way froma Korg SQ-10 Voltage Controlled sequencer...watch out for one of my (own) x-series modules fly out of the rack I'm at as I bash away! I wasn't screwed in- and it made a soft landing! As mentioned in previous videos- the Elements Synthesizer is available for pre-order from Analogue Haven/Schneiders'/Alex4 and Awave! THings should be out in June!"

Part 1 here.

Macbeth Elements Synthesizer VIDEO 1

Published on Mar 23, 2014 macbethsynthesizers·106 videos

"Presenting the MacBeth Elements Synthesizer!
The MacBeth Elements synthesizer is a full scale Electronic Music Synthesizer built around analogue circuits and sound!
Where to start? I get lost 7 minutes in!
This VIDEO 1.....Video 2 shortly!
The Elements Synthesizer is currently available to order at Alex 4/Schneiders Buero, Analogue Haven and Awave it can be bought directly as well"

MacBeth Elements SynthesizerVIDEO2

Published on Mar 24, 2014 macbethsynthesizers·108 videos

"Here is another video of the MacBeth Elements Synthesizer...more spaced out meanderings! I will be doing what I call *standard* demos....but some people seem to like the off beat stuff that I'm doing...! All sounds on here- one machine! Available for purchase from Analogue Haven/Schneiders/Alex4/Awave....and direct! Release date June 2014"

MacBeth Elements SynthesizerVIDEO3

Published on Mar 24, 2014

"Here's a slightly more dramatic video- a face off between the Elements Synthesizer and the MacBeth MK1 Monster 5U Modular Synthesizer! The keyboard and modulation functions are driving the bottom row of the Mk1 Modular - that is (including the Elements synthesizer) 6 audio oscillators. The Elements Spring Reverberator is well active here too....! The row above on the Mk1 is another 3 Oscillators/Mixer/Filter/EGs etc and that is being driven in a percussive way froma Korg SQ-10 Voltage Controlled sequencer...watch out for one of my (own) x-series modules fly out of the rack I'm at as I bash away! I wasn't screwed in- and it made a soft landing! As mentioned in previous videos- the Elements Synthesizer is available for pre-order from Analogue Haven/Schneiders'/Alex4 and Awave! THings should be out in June!"

MacBeth Elements Synthesizer VIDEO4 (A)

Published on Mar 25, 2014 macbethsynthesizers·109 videos

"Here's a short burst of arpeggiated sound coming from the MacBeth Elements synthesizer.....for me, it's a familiar sound from some of my favourite Brit records from the seventies! It's a short burst- and the demo is called VIDEO4 (A) as my darned cam battery ran out out of charge! I'll do 4 (B) shortly....but this gives you another taste of things coming!"

MacBeth VIDEO5: Elements Synth- Spring Reverberation- Send/Return

Published on Apr 9, 2014 macbethsynthesizers·110 videos

"This VIDEO5 of the Macbeth Elements synthesizer! Here I explore some of the qualities of the deep Spring Line Reverberator that come with the synth- there is a Send/Recieve to the Spring Line Tank- it's not just the Spring line that you can attach to the Elements- as was suggested to me at the Frankfurt Musik Messe- why not use other things too......towards the end of this video- I've connected a Yamaha RX50 that I dug out to experiment with. I use pitch shifting and echo! The best part of the Spring Line unit circuit that I've done- is that it is practically, noise free!"

MacBeth Elements Synthesizer VIDEO6: Look North.

Published on Apr 11, 2014 macbethsynthesizers·111 videos

"This is my Sixth video of the Elements Synthesizer which features the 'Send/Return' Jack on the back! I've coupled once again the somewhat ancient Yamaha RX-50 effector that I have here. Also used- a Korg Sq-10 sequencer and some of the MacBeth Mk1 5U modular units...I wanted to record this as I was pretty blown away by the hugeness of sound! Again- whilst plying the Elements- it's the control/tactile feel of the larger controls that makes this thing very instrumental/mental!"

VIDEO7: DRONE- LIKE! MacBeth Elements Synthesizer

Published on Apr 14, 2014 macbethsynthesizers·112 videos

"I recently got asked to do a drone-like video of the Elements Synthesizer.....! So, here I go- can't keep my hands off the synth though! Also included- some sample and hold from the Mk1 Modular....again, I've put the vintage Yamaha RX-50 in the effects loop instead of the Spring Reverberastion Tank!....and indeed, that curatain needs fixed!"

Full Details on the New MacBeth Elements Synthesizer Including Price

price : $6,499.00

Pics of SN 000

"Out of the macbeth stable comes this year's analogue synthesizer sensation! the macbeth elements synthesizer and the macbeth elements eurorack series in 84hp units.

once again, the no comprimise in sound and build quality philiosophy is imeadiately apparent- as are the ergonomics that synth designer, ken macbeth sees as an important issue in the design of his instruments!

if you desire 'that' sound- look no further, if you desire the 'real' feel of a traditional analogue synthesizer- these instruments are what it's all about. in the world where economy decides how contemporary instruments are laid out- macbeth views this differently. historically, mr macbeth has designed instruments with large controls- basing an emphasis on user 'playability' – coming from the old school himself- macbeth instruments reflect a passion for ergonomics and ease of play. many contemporary designers are lost in the world of the minature, compacting as much as can fit within the width of a penny...not so here. and, importantly, it's the sound too- in this world of robot built audio gear- the designs offered reflect a truly vintage character- apart from midi...the circuits are purely analogue- all macbeth synthesizers or modules are built from the same, exact type of parts that the manufacturers of old used to use to get 'that' sound that we all desire...and that comes from not just the old school parts, but from the old school design, from the circuit boards up!

introducing elements:
" ...around about november of 2013, i began to realize some ideas that i'd been mulling over for some time- the ideas that i was having were to make larger sized modules, with larger sized controls built in to them as a set- or series of modules that were not necessarily aimed at the tradtion formats of 3u modular, or even 5u modular. it's tradtional for me to design synthesizers and now a tradition to design modules where the user gets more than just the original module function. on my x-series dual oscillator (for example) – i designed the oscillators first- then added ancilliary functions such as attenuators, ring modulation and noise- infact- a full bodied, multiple sound source module with 'matched' circuits to give 'that' sound. i'm not known for design simple, plain functioning equipment! the dual oscillator and it's partner, the 'backend' filter broke the mould in the eurorack camp because while everyone else was making things smaller- it turned out that i was making things bigger...and of course, the reason for that was the control size on the panel...and ultimately the complex circuits built from the older, tradtional, larger parts.

the elements became an idea that i was fixed on. i wanted to make a real sized synthesizer panel that had top quality features in it and without sonic compromise. i bought some aluminium panels (which just happened to be 84 hp) and started work. during this time- i also thought that i'd like to go down the 'british look' style...from my very early days i had always like the looks of two british synthesizers of old- the dewtron synthesizer and the ems. finding that those and indeed, radio ham equipment were the traditional vernier dial- plus the availability of real cliff knobs...i set about making element one! element one is the first in a series of five elements modules- well, there has to be a fifth element!

element one is a full scale synthesizer voice and contains some rather ubiquitous and desirable features...one of them being a seriously acidic voltage controlled filter. the signal path is like this- two of my modified x-series oscillators- prone to emphasise a 'glitch'.common to sawtooth oscillators, converting to triangle and sine. trimmers on the rear allow the user to 'preset' the glitch, or 'spike' as i call it. infact- the trimmers on the rear of the elements one module can be twisted and tweaked so that the user themselves can dial in the sound of their module! play away...

the diode ladder filter came from a series of experiments that i did in my quest to find a filter that had both depth and substance that didn't distort when approaching 'high q' or resonance...some good, some bad, some excellent! experimentation is where it comes from!

the sound is both fat and delightful! you have two vcos, noise, lot's of cross mod, sync, a crazy filter and two punchy envelope generators...and what sets the element one apart from mixing and matching modules, is that each 'element' in this module is perfectly matched to the other, sonically!

...so, the result was top...

while playing the element one module with the touch keyboard that i'd developed- it occurred to me- that both the module and the keyboard could be integrated together! and if they could be integrated together- why not go the whole way and make a full scale synth out of this! ideas came together...and fast.....i decided to add yet another oscillator for that full 3 oscillator sound...and also i felt that the inclusion of a fourth modulating oscillator had to be. and while i was at it- make that modulating oscillator a fully blown vco/lfo....born is the elements synthesizer! it's a lightweight, thin, compact synthesizer that take in external cv and gate, sends out cv and gate to external voltage controlled equipment, and when you don't need to use that dynamic touch keyboard- you can use midi to control it!

i've gone on a bit here...........time for you to try!
rock on........ken macbeth 19/03/14 "

vco2: 5 waveforms: ramp, square, enhance, triangle, sine.
multi turn vernier dial tuning frequency: 1 hz ~ 20khz and beyond.
volume output direct to vcf.

shared enhance rate between vco1 and vco2, variable from slow ~ fast.

vco3: 6 waveforms: ramp, square,triangle, sine, saw, s&h
multi turn vernier dial tuning frequency: 0.01 hz ~ 20khz and beyond. transpose switch: lo, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2.
cv on/off switch.
vco3 hard synchronization to vco2.
volume output direct to vcf or cross modulate vco2.

temperature compensated vc low frequency oscillator/oscillator (vco4): 6 waveforms: ramp, square,triangle, sine, saw, s&h. frequency rate variable from slow ~ fast- approx: 0.01 hz ~ 20khz and beyond. cv on/off switch. fast ~ slow switch. s&h selector switch: noise source or vco3 source. mod vco3 potentiometer, mod vcf potentionmeter, audio to vcf potentiometer, large global modulation potentiometer.

noise generator: white noise, pink noise. volume output direct to vcf and s&h circuits.

external audio input amplifier: volume output to vcf or ring modulator.

ring modulator: mc1469 based double balanced modulator. inputs: vco1 sine, vco2 sine or external audio input amplifier. volume output direct to vcf.

voltage controlled filter/ resonator (vcf): self oscillating, 5 'rung' diode ladder type approximating 32db/octave roll off slope. self correcting volume gain at high 'q' (response). cv/keyboard tracking switch: off (centre) half, full. vco3 modulation potentiometer, vcf eg sweep potentiometer. pure sine output at maximum resonance/reponse. targeted to ca3080 based voltage controlled amplifier (vca)

vcf envelope generator: full attack, decay, sustain, release with long ~ short timing switch. vcf eg polarity switch: positive or negative going slopes. vcf eg > vco3 sweep switch.

vca envelope generator: full attack, decay, sustain, release with long ~ short timing switch.

tape delay simulator: input direct from vca. delay time potentiometer, delay modulation potentiometer, delay modulation control switch: vc lfo ~ kbd cv, delay repeats potentiometer, delay mix potentiometer. final output to spring reverberator circuit.

spring reverberator: external spring line tank connect via ¼" jack socket, standard tank supplied: compact belton/accutronics bmn3bb2c1 for wall/under desk mounting. other tanks/accesorries can be used.

keyboard: touch capacitive gold plated articulator allows 4 octave f ~ f chromatic span.
control source via switch can be touch keyboard, midi or external cv/gate. keyboard can send 1v/octave and +12v gate signals from outputs on the rear of the unit to suitable ancilliary equipment, ie, external vc synthesizer/vc synthesizer modules.

other controls: ultrabender: dynamic pitch bend + - 2 octaves either side with dead band in the centre of play. master tune- + - ½ octave either side. global portamento- applies to all cv controls.

rear section interface: midi in/thru, cv in, gate in, vco1 cv in, vco2 cv in, vco 3 cv in, vcf cv in, external audio in, cv out, gate out, synth out, power in.

dimensions: 19.2" width, 15.1" depth, 2.0" height. with detachable rubber feet: 2.15" height."

Details via Analogue Haven.

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Macbeth X Series Modular Synth - Dual VCO and Backend Filter Eurorack Module

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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.

------

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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MacBeth Elements 3U Eurorack Sized 84HP Synthesizer Modules

via Ken MacBeth on Facebook

"I had a brainwave a couple of months ago- but built it up over the last couple of days! A series of 3U Eurorack sized 84HP synthesizer modules- Brit Looks- Jap sound! This is Element 1 of 5- Element 1 is a full scale 2 Oscillator Synth featuring my 'Spike' Oscillators, Analogue Ring Modulator (MC1496), Noise Generator, Acidic Diode Ladder Filter, 2 x Envelope Generators and CA3080 based VCA!.......production is January! Please see other pics!.....and yes, there is a Fifth Element!"

Update1: video posted here.

Update2 via Ken MacBeth on Facebook: "Here's the front and rear of the Elements One prototype- this pic should answer some questions from yesterday! There are plenty of trimmers to mess this synth up to your own sound! Also note on the rear the two jack sockets- these are there to drive other Elements module parameters..."

Surfing the edge of the Diode Ladder

Published on Dec 17, 2013 macbethsynthesizers·99 videos

"Just before work today- I switched on the experiments again! Here we have a new filter type that I've been working on- it's very squelchy at the poit of self oscillation. I've used a Korg SQ-10 sequerncer as a modulating oscillator, a function generator sweeping a low freq triangle waveform and a Macbeth X-Series Oscillator for the audio......also- I'm using my experimental 'tape delay simulator' stuff! I just wanted to record this before I take it down for work again...one of those patches!"

Macbeth MICROMAC X-Series Desktop Synth

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Macbeth Studio Systems X Series Dual Oscillator

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