Roland Supercharges FANTOM Synthesizer Series

Roland FANTOM EX Synthesizer | Performance featuring LZARUS
video upload by

"FANTOM EX is the latest chapter of the FANTOM legacy. Watch producer and session keyboardist Laurence Jepson, aka LZARUS, perform with the most advanced creative synthesizer ever. Check out an array of FANTOM EX features in action, including German Grand V-Piano Expansion, JUPITER-8 ACB Expansion, live bass recording with JX-8P Model Expansion, TR-REC step sequencing, vocoder, n/zyme Model Expansion, and Shimmer Reverb.

About FANTOM EX

FANTOM EX provides a complete creative ecosystem for professional sound design, sequencing, and performance.

Explore the most advanced Roland sound engines—ACB, ZEN-Core, V-Piano, SuperNATURAL, Virtual ToneWheel, and other Roland technologies. Plus, SH-101, JUPITER-8, and JX-3P* ACB Model Expansions and six additional pre-loaded ZEN-Core Model Expansions, including n/zyme for advanced wave design, vintage-inspired instruments, premium pianos, essential organs, and more.

Integrate seamlessly with any computer-based setup with dedicated modes for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, MainStage, Cubase, and Studio One. Sample directly into the synth and trigger, loop, program, create new tones from partials, or use multi-track sampling to stack sources into complex sounds. Then, refine your sound with Master FX and preset templates.

Developed in collaboration with renowned synth designer Axel Hartmann, the FANTOM EX hardware and user interface is built to support your creativity with intuitive operation and world-class playability."

Roland Fantom EX - Expansion In Use - Sonic LAB

video upload by sonicstate

"Roland's latest iteration of the Fantom is now the Fantom EX which is essentially the same Fantom you could buy yesterday, but now with the EX software expansion.

David aka @superfrogsavestokyo has a look at the new EX features, but with the regular Fantom hardware. He builds some musical sketches to demonstrate the new ACB models and the n/zyme Wavetable synthesizer."

Roland press announcement follows:

The Acclaimed FANTOM Synthesizer Series, Supercharged with the Latest Roland Sound Technologies and Updated Creative Tools

Los Angeles, CA, April 25, 2024 — Roland announces FANTOM EX, a new flagship synthesizer series for professional musicians and producers. Updating and expanding the popular FANTOM platform with the latest Roland technologies, the next-generation FANTOM EX delivers a complete creative ecosystem for sound design, sequencing, and performance. In addition to the FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, and FANTOM 8 EX models available to new purchasers, current FANTOM owners can expand their instruments with all EX sounds and features through the FANTOM EX Upgrade for sale on Roland Cloud.

Introduced in 2019, the Roland FANTOM has received worldwide acclaim for its diverse range of high-quality sounds, powerful synthesis tools, premium playability, and free-flowing user interface. FANTOM EX builds on the original’s foundation, supplementing the core feature set with Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) engine and numerous sound expansion titles, including the recently developed JX-3P ACB Expansion. New effects and a host of fresh workflow enhancements are also included.

Each FANTOM EX model provides the most expansive collection of premium sound engines available in a hardware instrument. Roland’s ACB, ZEN-Core, V-Piano, SuperNATURAL, and Virtual ToneWheel technologies spark inspiration at every turn, providing expressive and inspiring sounds for every musical style.

With FANTOM EX, users can compose and perform with over 7000 genre-defining Roland sounds and go further with premium sound content on Roland Cloud. Eleven sound expansion titles come as standard, including JUPITER-8, SH-101, and JX-3P ACB Expansions; n/zyme, JD-800, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, JX-8P, and SH-101 Model Expansions; the German Concert V-Piano Expansion 01; and the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion.

The powerful custom processors in FANTOM EX provide smooth and precise operation with plenty of overhead, enabling loads of polyphony and full patch remain for seamless transitions. There are dozens of simultaneous effects, including new studio-grade reverbs and updated Master FX for shaping the overall sound. A characterful analog filter is also available, perfect for infusing tones with extra warmth and grit.

FANTOM EX is primed to be the center of any production universe. Users can directly shape sounds and develop musical ideas with a friendly, ergonomic panel filled with buttons, knobs, and sliders. The color touchscreen dynamically changes to support the task at hand, and it’s now possible to personalize the look by importing custom images for the screensaver and startup view.

The deep onboard sampling and composition tools in FANTOM EX support fast sound creation and quick arrangement of song ideas. Multiple workflow options include the classic Roland TR-REC step sequencer, real-time recording with piano roll editing, and 16 RGB pads for triggering sounds, samples, and clips.

FANTOM EX flows effortlessly into any computer-based production setup. There are dedicated modes for popular software platforms, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, MainStage, Cubase, and Studio One. With the built-in 16x3 audio/MIDI USB interface, users can mix and layer soft synths with hardware sounds, send sequencer parts to computer tracks, route DAW sources through FANTOM EX effects, and more.

The loaded FANTOM EX rear panel supports connections with a wide range of gear. There are XLR combo connectors for mics and instruments and eight 1/4-inch outputs to route sounds to external destinations. MIDI I/O is also available, along with dual CV/Gate outputs for driving modular and analog synths.

Each FANTOM EX model comes equipped with a premium keyboard and aftertouch support. The FANTOM 8 EX offers the ultimate weighted experience with 88 hammer-action keys, while the 61-note FANTOM 6 EX and 76-note FANTOM 7 EX feature semi-weighted synth action. Precision-crafted with decades of Roland development knowledge, these inspiring keyboards deliver the most expressive playability available.

Released in November 2023, the FANTOM EX Upgrade on Roland Cloud allows owners of the original FANTOM 6/7/8 models to outfit their instruments with the newly added EX features, including JUPITER-8, SH-101, and JX-3P ACB Expansions, n/zyme and JD-800 Model Expansions, two new grand pianos, and all other EX enhancements.

Availability & Pricing
The Roland FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, and FANTOM 8 EX will be available in the U.S. in April for $3,199.99, $3,699.99, and $4,199.99 respectively."

Introducing Vongon: Replay // Polyphonic Synth & Muti-Mode Arpeggiator

video upload by MAS Distro

Update: new demos added below.

"Join us as we embark on a sonic journey with Replay, a new polyphonic synthesizer and multi-mode arpeggiator from Vongon. First up we test its prowess in the realm of synthwave - spoiler alert: it excels! In the latter half, we delve into the interface and its versatile capabilities complete with an immersive sound exploration, unleashing the arpeggiator and tweaking various parameters for a mesmerizing experience. Video and music production crafted by DeadMidi.

Gear Used:
Vongon Replay Polyphonic Synth/Arpeggiator
Vongon Polyphrase Stereo Echo
Vongon Ultrasheer Stereo Pitch Vibrato & Reverb"

Vongon Replay!

video upload by Fireghosting

"Replay is a six-voice polyphonic synthesiser and a little window into synth heaven. Lush pads, tiny plinks, snappy arpeggios, warbling melodies, resonant filters with midi connectivity and a sleek web interface!"

Vongon Replay Virtual Analog Synth | Overview + Exploration

video upload by Sarah Belle Reid

"A demo and walkthrough of the new polysynth Replay, by Vongon. Replay is a 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer with a compact form factor that takes inspiration from classic poly synths from the 1980s, like the Roland Juno series + the Korg Polysix.

This video includes an overview of what Replay is and how it works, along with a number of sound examples demonstrating Replay on its own and in combination with FX pedals, to create a wide range of sounds from classic synth leads, pads, and arpeggios to more experimental textures and noisy sound worlds."

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
02:45 Replay Overview & Tour
17:03 Musical Demo
19:09 Filter Experiments on Replay
23:50 Exploring the Arpeggiator
28:00 Combining Replay with FX

Vongon Replay: This synth rules!

video upload by Matt Lowery

"Today we take the beautiful Replay by Vongon out for a spin and also have a conversation about synthesis basics in honor of my five year synth-a-versary. Vongon really hit it out of the park with this instrument and--whether it's your first synth or your 10th-- there's a lot here to love."

VONGON REPLAY Polyphonic Synth & Arpeggiator | Can I write a synth-pop track with it?!

video upload by Ambient Endeavors

"Man, I just love gear that makes you approach writing differently. That reminds you how fun it can be to find new sounds and feels, explore new ways of composing. And today, the new Vongon Electronics REPLAY is doing that for me - a super fun, approachable, compact polyphonic synth and arpeggiator."

via Perfect Circuit

"The Replay is the first synthesizer offering from boutique pedal designers Vongon, offering a six-voice virtual analog sound engine with multi-mode arpeggiator. Inspired by beloved keyboard synths of the early 80s like the Roland Juno and Korg Polysix, the Replay faithfully delivers warm and lush vintage timbres in a compact package that drips with modern aesthetics and utility. In Replay, Vongon has struck an impressive balance between scope of features, user experience, and overall sound quality. The result is an instrument that sounds wonderfully rich and nostalgia-laden, with an interface that is easy to understand - perfectly approachable for a beginning synthesist, yet deep enough to inspire veteran wigglers to explore the edges of its capabilities.

Replay's front panel is incredibly straightforward, with simple controls for its primary functions conveniently accessible. Additional options are selected via the "secret menu" alt functions. At the heart of Replay's sound engine are multiple selectable waveforms for its primary oscillator, with ramp, square, triangle, and sine modes. Noise amount, pulse width modulation, and LFO pitch modulation offer further timbral manipulations before passing to the four-pole, low-pass filter. Highly resonant and warm, the filter includes modulation depth controls from the primary envelope, keyboard tracking, and the LFO. The VCA features options for maximum amplitude and modulation source. An organic and responsive ADSR envelope and the on-board LFO round out this straightforward voice, with flexible modulation routing options between the main controls and alt functions.

The multimode arpeggiator on the Replay opens up a variety of fun and engaging options for controlling the synthesizer voice. Latch and keyed modes, in addition to the three poly modes available on the alt functions, offer a variety of ways for creating snappy and spiraling arpeggios and fuzzy, morphing pads. Up/Down, order, and random modes provide further ways to organize pitch material. The alt functions allow the LFO to be clocked by the ARP speed, creating rhythmically modulated phrases that are a joy to get lost in.

All in all, the Vongon Replay delivers a premium virtual analog experience that feels streamlined and purpose-built for getting beautiful analog sounds quickly. With plenty of depth in sound color and just the right amount of tricks up its sleeve to keep you immersed in music making rather than menu diving, the Replay is sure to become a go-to instrument for lush pads and other classic synth timbres. Its physical design is beautifully simple, and the responsive feel of its Cherry MX keys invite playful interaction that is hard to put down. Of course, the Replay is a lovely source for running through Vongon pedals, creating an instant synthwave or soundtrack machine paired with an Ultrasheer or Polyphrase. If you're needing a straightforward synth with limitless sonic charm, the Vongon Replay is a wonderful choice.

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XFM Analog Waveform Pack - 50 Free Waveform Presets

video upload by ChrisLody

Download the free waveform pack from here:
https://www.sonicware.co.jp/DL/LIVEN_...

"I've been using the XFM in this Virtual Analog mode for quite a while but I've only recently thought of a good way of using a naming system that will fit into the X.X.X.X format available on the Livens that shows a decent amount of information about what the presets contain. It's a bit harder to read than I was originally hoping but it does contain all relevant information to show how all the analog style oscillators are setup across the different operators."

0:00 Intro
0:16 XFM as a virtual analog synth

Preset name code:
1:12 Envelopes types
3:17 Waveforms

4:27 Filtering
5:15 Acid example
5:42 Pulse example
6:49 Pad example
8:08 Sync waveforms
8:55 How to import presets
10:08 Outro

Rendez-Vous (J. M. Jarre) on Novation Nova Live!

video upload by yarosystems

"I am playing this great piece by master Jarre in a different way. The Novation Nova, a portal to sonic realms, becomes my instrument of choice, orchestrating a captivating composition using 5 tracks and 4 arpeggiators - all performed live. Almost a whole song on 1 virtual analog sythesizer. How mind-blowing is that!"

Roland Fantom-06 Ambient Zencore Exploration Virtual Analog Synthesizer JP Juno

video upload by Rik Marston Official

"Roland Fantom-06 - Ambient Zencore Exploration"
Synthesizer demo by Rik Marston
**Watch in HD!** ** No Talking!** **Turn it up!**
The Roland Fantom-06 Zencore engine in action!
Ah, gotta love the Fantom series & Fantom-0 series synthesizers!
Super worth the cash, either way you go. The Fantom has all the bells
and whistles, the 0 series lets you add on what you want with what you
can afford. Still worth picking up the 0 series, that's for sure!
In this video demo I play a sweet Pad sound. Then we explore away!
Sit back & trip out on the different OSC types, Filters & Waveforms tested!
Please Support Rik Marston Official!
Buy my Ambient & Electronic Synthesizer Music
"Best of Earth Empire"
"Digital Heart, Analog Soul" Vol. 1 + 2,
"Unity", "Dark Night of the Soul" & "Back To 2049"
on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon & more!
My NEW Etsy store: AhnyxianSoundDesign
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AhnyxianSou...

Viper Synths Harmony - New MIDI Controller Designed for Orchestration Libraries Such as Spitfire

Watch Harmony in action, a MIDI controller designed for orchestration libraries such as Spitfire! video upload by Viper Synths

Also see the Viper Synths Robotron MIDI Controller

"This video shows music producer Dan Keen using Harmony our MIDI controller designed for controlling orchestration libraries such as Spitfire, Cinesamples and more.

HARMONY - Deluxe Digital Control.
Precise and comfortable control for your MIDI instrumental libraries.

Harmony is a USB MIDI controller designed for controlling orchestration libraries such as Spitfire, Cinesamples and more.
Fully assignable on the fly with a built in Control Change feature - the rotary "Technique" encoder allows you to browse techniques in all your Spitfire plugins (also works on Kontakt based librairies).

Control any plugin with more accuracy, detail, and precision with this universal MIDI device. It works with any plugin in, you're not limited to orchestration librairies.

Hand-made by David Jacopin in limited batches, HARMONY is a boutique device, opening new doors for expression and creativity.

Harmony gives your virtual instruments the uncompromising control of a conductor’s batton.

Universal Instrument Control - Infinitely Expressive
This deluxe and flexible instrument control provides a sleek feel, with deep control - in a stylish format.

OLED Display Screen
A clear OLED screen to see your values and CC assignments.

Two Smooth, Precise Sliders
Harmony features two 100mm sliders, which are smooth to the touch.
Usually Slider 1 is used for expression and Slider 2 for dynamics - but it can be used for anything.

Three Expressive Potentiometers
The 3 potentiometers can be used to control effects and other values - reverb, release, vibrato, you decide.

Assign Button & Technique Encoder
A switch to trigger the CC programmation and a rotary encoder to switch between instruments techniques.

Universal Control
You have maximum control over your Spitfire instruments. Harmony can also be assigned to any DAW or VST parameter.

USB Connection
Harmony is fitted with a USB-C port, and comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable converter.

Get yours at http://www.ViperSynths.com"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Cherry Audio Introduces Virtual CR-78 Drum Machine

video upload by Cherry Audio

Introduction to Cherry Audio's CR-78 Drum Machine

video upload by Cherry Audio

"'I’ve had absolutely tons and tons of fun with this particular plug-in. I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it as much as I have. I’m not making it up. This is the most fun I’ve had with any plug-in I’ve ever played.'

Cherry Audio and Tim Shoebridge have again teamed up to create an extensive and entertaining video that introduces users to the classic CR-78 sounds and the new features of this tremendous virtual drum machine.

Get CR-78 today at https://cherryaudio.com/products/cr-78 for only $49!

Cherry Audio's CR-78 accurately recreates the punchy analog sounds and 34 onboard preset rhythms of the first true classic drum machine and takes it much further. We've done away with the complex beat programming, replaced it with a familiar X0X-style button-per-step interface, and added an easy-to-use song mode for pattern chaining. Unlike sample-based emulations, Cherry Audio's CR-78 uses modeled synthesis to recreate the classic tones of the original and makes a quantum leap forward by making these sounds fully editable. Four studio-quality effects are provided, with a uniquely fast and fun "send button" for each individual tone in the effects and mixer section, which also includes a complete mixer, compressor, and a six-band graphic EQ.

For more details on how to get the most out of CR-78, try the free demo and check out the User Guide at https://docs.cherryaudio.com/cherry-a...

00:00 - Introduction
01:14 - Overview - The Panels
02:50 - The Main Panel: Factory Preset Buttons and Variations
05:10 - Other Variation Options
09:55 - "Pop Quiz 1!"
12:34 - Programming Patterns
16:58 - Programming Songs
18:59 - "Pop Quiz 2!"
21:46 - Voice Edit Panel
26:26 - "Pop Quiz 3!"
27:15 - DAW Tools and Drag-Export
29:08 - Multi-Outs DAW Option
31:08 - Mixer/Effects Panel
33:18 - Melodic Tones
35:28 - "Pop Quiz Final!"
37:41 - Final Thoughts
40:20 - Outro Track"

Cherry Audio CR 78: A demo and tutorial of a class rhythm machine
video upload by CatSynth TV

"We take a detailed look at the new CR-78 from Cherry Audio, a recreation of the legendary Roland CR-78 "CompuRhythm". With its distinctive analog drum sounds and ability to program one's own rhythms in addition to the 34 presets, the CR-78 made the jump from the top shelf of home electric organs to mainstream pop music in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and set the stage for Roland's later drum machine line. Cherry Audio's version faithfully reproduces the sounds and rhythms of the original, along with some new features to expand it's possibilities an integrate into modern digital studios.


00:00 Introduction
00:23 History of the CR-78
00:57 Overview and preset rhythms
05:11 Additional rhythm controls (fade, cancel, variation, swing)
10:52 Mixer panel
12:35 Voice Edit panel (modify drum sounds)
15:19 Creating user patterns
19:54 Song mode
22:00 Effects
26:17 Factory Presets
30:20 Conclusion"

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.
Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
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via Cherry Audio

CR-78 -- Cherry Audio's first virtual drum machine -- accurately recreates the punchy analog sounds and 34 onboard preset rhythms of the first true classic drum machine and takes it much further. We've done away with the complex beat programming, replaced it with a familiar X0X-style button-per-step interface, and added an easy-to-use song mode for pattern chaining. Unlike sample-based emulations, Cherry Audio's CR-78 uses modeled synthesis to recreate the classic tones of the original and makes a quantum leap forward by making these sounds fully editable. Four studio-quality effects are provided, with a uniquely fast and fun "send button" for each individual tone in the effects and mixer section, which also includes a complete mixer, compressor, and a six-band graphic EQ.

In 1978, following the success of their AceTone electronic rhythm products, Roland introduced a not-so-little box that made a massive impact. Coming from a legacy of preset-based devices intended to sit atop an organ, the CompuRhythm CR-78 was entirely new: the first programmable, microprocessor-controlled, analog beatbox.

With its colorful buttons for pattern presets, distinctive analog tones, and basic pattern programming, the CR-78 was the first drum machine as we know it. Pro musicians such as Blondie, Ultravox, Phil Collins and Genesis, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Roxy Music, The Cars, Hall and Oates, and many others immediately embraced and immortalized this revolutionary gear.

Waiting for this Moment

For years, musicians have requested a virtual drum machine such as this, and in Cherry Audio fashion, we've delivered it with so much more.

Cherry Audio's CR-78 is a visionary virtual drum machine that re-envisions the original by meticulously recreating and extending its distinctive sounds and beats with new programmability features, and adds over 250 additional presets that take it from mild to wild.

Pattern creation has been simplified with X0X-style 16- or 24-step sequencing, copy-and-paste, and real-time entry using trigger, keyboard, or MIDI device. CR-78 also includes an expansive song mode for chaining up to 99 patterns. All of the original variations for fills, accents, voice cancel, and fades are present, along with new swing and velocity options.

Cherry Audio's CR-78 can be played standalone and includes versatile plug-in options loaded with such DAW-friendly features as auto-sync, drag-and-drop MIDI export, individual outs, and complete automation.

Unlike sample-based instruments, Cherry Audio has emulated the original's tones through modeled synthesis, and a Voice Edit panel allows extensive instrument parameter editing, enabling a range of sonic and melodic possibilities far surpassing the original.

The innovative Effects/Mixer panel delivers discrete level, pan, mute/solo; studio-quality effects, including overdrive, flanger, delay, gated reverb with effects send buttons; and a master compressor and a six-band graphic EQ.

In short, Cherry Audio's CR-78 goes deep inside the box to provide the ultimate outside-of-the-box experience.

Cherry Audio and Tim Shoebridge have again teamed up to create an extensive and entertaining video that introduces users to the classic CR-78 sounds and the features of this tremendous virtual drum machine."

Roland Fantom-06 Zencore Virtual Analog Waveform Test Synthesizer Rik Marston

video upload by Rik Marston Official

NEW Etsy store: AhnyxianSoundDesign

CLICK FOR MORE »

How to UNLEASH the Potential of the Sonicware Liven XFM in 2024

video upload by Dylan Ferno

The Sonicware Liven XFM is a great synth but also has its share of limitations. Here are some workaround solutions for these limitations as well as some hidden features to help unlock its potential:
text-align: center;
text-align: center; 0:00 Extra Voices
text-align: center; 1:20 Recording chords (Using 1 voice)
text-align: center; 1:45 Double Pattern Length
text-align: center; 2:02 Sidechaining
text-align: center; 3:08 LFO Sync
text-align: center; 4:25 Virtual Analog
text-align: center; 5:15 WaveShaping
text-align: center; 5:54 SubOscillators
text-align: center; 6:55 Detuning
text-align: center; 7:53 PWM?
text-align: center; 8:15 Bass and Melody on same track
text-align: center; 9:35 Wavetable basics
text-align: center; 10:10 Custom Wavetables
text-align: center; 11:16 More Wavetable options
text-align: center; 15:00 Modulation Matrix
text-align: center; 17:17 More Sources & Destinations
text-align: center; 18:55 4 LFOs
text-align: center; 20:01 Layering Kick and Snares
text-align: center; 20:40 Unquantizing
text-align: center; 20:50 Increasing grid resolution
text-align: center; 21:04 Kick and Snare on same beat
text-align: center; 21:35 Drum and Bass Drum pattern
text-align: center; 21:50 Extra Tracks
text-align: center; 22:45 High hat sound design
text-align: center; 23:22 Multi-Effects
text-align: center; 25:09 Full Track (Drum and Bass)
text-align: center;

The Crow Hill Company Announces Availability of SMALL STRING GESTURES

The best string sound I have ever heard!! video upload by The Crow Hill Company

Press release follows:

TCHC announces availability of SMALL STRING GESTURES as toolkit to dial up musical personality with intimate interpretative band behind each key

EDINBURGH, UK: having ‘softly’ set out its software stall late last year with a low-key launch of STRING MURMURATIONS that saw decades of award-winning experience in the music tech sector and at the composing coalface distilled into an easy- to-use, intuitive, and comprehensive sample-based virtual instrument plug-in and GUI (Graphical User Interface) introducing the cutting-edge concept of Gestures (whereby an orchestra interpreting its user’s composition and making it into music and art lies behind every key played), music-making community tools-maker The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce availability of SMALL STRING GESTURES as the latest incarnation of that concept — creating a set of tools where individual instruments and the playing style, strengths, and frailties of the intimate interpretative (3, 3, 3, 3) band behind each key are available for the user to dial up the personality of their composition, created from a collection of master recordings that have been mixed and edited into a sample-based virtual instrument plug-in with a GUI and preset browser that are as easy on the eye as they are in use — as of January 26…

An armada of strings can create awe — an epic tidal wave of human emotion, of scale, of wonder. While STRING MURMURATIONS makes it easy and intuitive to make music that sounds human thanks to three distinct palettes of expressions, each designed to feel like the user is collaborating with an orchestra of real musicians, creating endless harmonic possibilities that inspire from the moment a key is touched, sometimes music-makers need it to be intimate, truthful, personal, human — hence The Crow Hill Company creating SMALL STRING GESTURES as a set of tools where individual instruments and the playing style, strengths, and frailties of the instrumentalists involved are available for the user to dial up the personality of their composition. Cue humanity, in other words.

With this in mind, The Crow Hill Company specifically selected a 3, 3, 3, 3 — three Violin 1, three Violin 2, three Violas, and three Cellos — band size that ensured its sampling style brought every individual within that ensemble into beautifully detailed and intimate focus for SMALL STRING GESTURES. This toolset is provided with a different lens and aperture to play through.

The Crow Hill Company collectively likes to keep things moving, so while this latest incarnation of its Gestures concept is very much related to one of those distinct palettes of expression available in STRING MURMURATIONS, it is worth highlighting hysteresis — dictionary-defined as the phenomenon in which the value of a physical property lags behind changes in the effect causing it, such as when magnetic induction lags behind the magnetising force, for instance — in relation to SMALL STRING GESTURES. Getting in on the act of creating sample libraries involves always asking the instrumentalists involved to perform musical material that is incredibly easy to play in order for the end result to always be ‘together’. That is fine for programming or composing simple stuff since that would sound true to real life, but it becomes harder, however, for players to remain totally locked to each other’s tuning or timekeeping when playing more difficult passages. Pure sound becomes more problematic as a result — reduced fundamental meaning more character, which is why a lot of sample-based music used in films, games, and TV sounds ‘characterless’. Clearly the samples involved therein lack hysteresis as they were easy to play, yet playing something difficult with them does not sound natural, real, or human. Indeed, it is fair to say that what makes musicians ‘hysterical’ is speed — faster playing means looser playing that is less in time and also less in tune; reach — the wider the gap between the notes, the further they have to reach, resulting in less perfectly in tune playing; and pitch — the higher a player plays, the harder it becomes as it involves more intense accuracy from string players performing on fretless instruments.

It is for this reason that The Crow Hill Company decided to get its players to perform the hard stuff — not compositions, but mere fragments, which is why anyone working with SMALL STRING GESTURES will not feel like they are playing phrases; instead it is rather like having a string band under their fingertips. For Gestures are the very real sound of reach and performance. But by not giving the musicians behind SMALL STRING GESTURES simple stuff to play prevented them from getting bored. Better still, SMALL STRING GESTURES users are accessing the sound that musicians make when they are smiling... hysterically!

It is also fair to say, therefore, that the effect of hysteresis on a large string section — including that which was involved in the creation of STRING MURMURATIONS, for instance — is a silky, blurry sound. An audible example of this might be the fast string runs in John Williams’ ‘Hedwig’s Theme’ from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — ditto the closing bars of ‘Mars, the Bringer of War’ from Holst’s The Planets suite. Saying that, though, there are times when music-makers do not need awe, epic, and huge scale in pursuit of their compositional craft, but instead seek something more intimate, more personal, more human. The theory that led to SMALL STRING GESTURES revolved around if The Crow Hill Company could get a string band small enough then the impact of hysteresis would not be a musical blurring, but rather an exposure of each player involved in its creation — their own style of bowing and vibrato, their own fragilities to help the user’s audience connect more with the human nature of their music.

Making that happen meant designing SMALL STRING GESTURES to make its users approach composing and making music from a totally new angle, one where it feels like there are musicians at their fingertips — not samples. SMALL STRING GESTURES is a collection of master recordings — made by world-class producers and engineers at Glasgow’s Clockwork Studios, a new custom-designed scoring stage for the UK comprising of a large hall for full orchestra (up to 80 players) with a balanced and focused sound ideal for modern orchestral recording, as well as a smaller dry space in Studio B (up to 15 players), with the world-class Scottish Session Orchestra playing some of the finest instruments through the finest microphones and mic pre-amps — that have been mixed and edited into a sample-based virtual instrument plug-in with a GUI and a preset browser that are as easy on the eye as they are in use. Ultimately, it works within anyone’s favourite DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) with 25 presets — presented as six Gestures, four Longs, 10 Presets, and five Bonus — and additional hand-crafted Selects designed by The Crow Hill Company team. There are three mix-ready stereo signals — namely, CLOSE, WIDE, and AMBIENT, as well as unique REVERB controls and a granular effects processor.

Duly designed by professional composers with the sonic connoisseur in mind, The Crow Hill Company’s collective conclusion certainly rings true, stating, “We’re a small team and have worked hard to make everything as intuitive as possible.” Put it this way: with SMALL STRING GESTURES it is perfectly possible to make music that sounds intimate, truthful, personal, human! Hysteresis, of course, comes into play here, albeit with the desired effect — exposure of each player involved in its creation.

Clearly, then, big messages come in small packages when it comes to working with the diminutive-sized SMALL STRING GESTURES as another easy-to-use and intuitive virtual instrument plug-in from The Crow Hill Company, one which is also easy on the wallet for those wishing to step into this new world of gesture-based sampling.


SMALL STRING GESTURES is available to purchase — as an AAX-, AU-, VST-, and VST3-format-compatible sample-based virtual instrument plug-in comprising 8 GB of uncompressed material (compressed losslessly to 4.4 GB) that loads directly into a DAW — for £49.00 GBP (including VAT) directly from The Crow Hill Company here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/small-string-gestures

SMALL STRING GESTURES is available for free until February 29, 2024 when purchasing STRING MURMURATIONS for £199.00 GBP (including VAT) directly from The Crow Hill Company here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/string-murmurations/ (Note that SMALL STRING GESTURES is also available for free to existing owners of STRING MURMURATIONS until February 29, 2024.)

Watch The Crow Hill Company founder and composer Christian Henson’s must-see SMALL STRING GESTURES walkthrough video here: [video up top]

Free sounds for all are available by simply signing up to become a Crow Hill member here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/join-crow-hill/

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Video side note: Analogue Solutions Colossus in the background.

IN NATURE, part one. Live performance with modular synthesizer. Ambient music, Eurorack, relaxation.

video upload by Andrea Cichecki

"'In Nature' is a musical journey, where I record and play music live on location, around the area I live in. The idea of connecting nature with my music has been a long dream of mine and with this series, I want to show you the beauty nature has to offer and hope you will enjoy my music with it. In Part 1: Light, I composed a song that reminded me of sunlight coming through a forest. Enjoy!

Some nature and tree planting initiatives I support:

https://www.liquidskyartistcollective...


/ liquidskyproject27027
https://only.one/
https://theoceancleanup.com/donate/

We’ve filmed this video with the uttermost care, on main paths, no nature was harmed, no animals were disturbed and people could walk around us at all times. No artificial lights were used, no sound played out, everything was recorded silently using headphones.


This video was part of the Hashiconf 2023 virtual event

www.andreacichecki.com
www.peter-junge.com"

Korg Opsix: Bass Bank of Presets. Sound Demo. No Talking

video upload by Anton Anru

"Bass Pack is a collection of 50 bass presets for Korg Opsix.
The synthesizer provides a plenty of tools: different operator modes, FM and Ring Modulation, virtual analog features, wave shapes and effects, plenty of envelopes. As a result, it is very interesting to work with Opsix and produce diverse timbres.

🛎 Get the soundset: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/p/opsi...

The patches cover a variety of bass tones: mild and aggressive, deep and bright, soft and punchy, clean and noisy, modern and vintage.

The soundset is suitable for many genres: ambient, electronica, IDM, trip-hop, lounge, downtempo, funk, jazz, pop, chill out, new age, cinematic, trance, deep, progressive, techno, breaks, jungle, drum and bass, dub and others.

Velocity influences volume and brightness.
Modwheel adds expressiveness.

Use the official application (Opsix Sound Librarian) by Korg to import the presets to your Opsix.

Your Opsix should have firmware 2.0.1 or higher.
Inside the archive you will find .op6lib file, that contains all the 50 presets, and the folder with individual programs.
Compatible with all Opsix versions: hardware and software (VST/AU/NATIVE).

CLICK FOR MORE »

Casio CZ Synth PROGRAMMING

video uploads by Scifi Funk

Follow-up to this series below.

"How to really understand programming the Casio CZ Series from the CZ-101 to the CZ-1
https://hyperfollow.com/scififunk/

This series demonstrates how the synth works at a detailed level. By the time you have watched them all, you will have a great idea of how all the parameters interact for making sounds.

The Casio CZ-101 was my very first poly synth bought way back in 1985."

Playlist:

Casio CZ Synth PROGRAMMING. 1 of 4. “Creating movement”. (CZ 101, CZ 1000, CZ 5000, CZ 1 etc)

00:00 CZ-101, CZ-1 Introduction to programming using the Virtual CZ plugin.
00:40 We start with most basic sound BUT with Velocity sensitivity, so the sound is alive as you play (tone movement).
01:51 Fine tuning movement. The built-in chorus, plus Chorus defined (technically).
02:56 More fine tuning movement. A manual chorus - using the Vibrato section.
03:41 Harmonic movement. Using a chord that doesn’t resolve. E.g. C Maj 7 flat 5.
04:22 Add a vintage reverb with a long tail and the sound comes alive.
05:17 Using Detune to add movement. Line 1 + Line 1 or Line 1 + Line 2.
07:25 Future lessons will use the Envelopes to add further movement.

Casio CZ Synth PROGRAMMING. 2 of 4. “Combining Waveforms”. (CZ 101, CZ 1000, CZ 5000, CZ 1)

00:00 Combining Sawtooth and Square Waves (keeping the same octave discussion)
01:00 Combining Sawtooth with the other waveforms inc. Resonance waveforms.
01:51 How resonance waveforms can work the same as a resonance slider.
04:11 Using resonance to sound a bit like a vocal sound (low-end frequencies).
06:01 54% is the magic number for performance vibrato (demo as well)
06:25 Stacking. Super Saw wave examples.
07:29 Ring modulation add complexity (or fuzziness) to a sound.

Casio CZ Synth PROGRAMMING. 3 of 4. “2 Osc FULL CONTROL”. (CZ 101, CZ 1000, CZ 5000, CZ 1)

00:00 How to have full control over 2 oscillators. Set up explained.
02:16 Start point. A tiny delay means it sounds like its being phased/flanged.
03:19 Lets hear how each combination of waveforms sound.
04:00 The threshold for hearing the same waveform on the other oscillator.
04:50 Using envelopes to smooth filter sweeps.
05:35 More combinations.
06:39 Pulse width discussion. Using Filter sweeps to hear the differences in waveforms)

Casio CZ Synth PROGRAMMING. 4 of 4. “4 Osc STACKING”. (CZ 101, CZ 1000, CZ 5000, CZ 1 etc)

00:00 How to have full control over 2 oscillators. Set up explained.
02:16 Start point. A tiny delay means it sounds like its being phased/flanged.
03:19 Lets hear how each combination of waveforms sound.
04:00 The threshold for hearing the same waveform on the other oscillator.
04:50 Using envelopes to smooth filter sweeps.
05:35 More combinations.
06:39 Pulse width discussion. Using Filter sweeps to hear the differences in waveforms)

Casio CZ Series Programming (CZ-101, CZ-1, CZ-1000, CZ-3000, CZ-5000) Part 4 of 4

video upload by Scifi Funk

All parts here

"How to program the Casio CZ Series from the CZ-101 to the CZ-1
https://hyperfollow.com/scififunk/

A Step-by-step tutorial for programming the Casio CZ Series of Vintage Synthesizers. I explain what each Pot and Slider does on the synthesizer and how they interact to create sound.

PLEASE NOTE - Subsequent Casio Programming Tutorials will use Plug-in Boutiques Virtual Casio CZ VST plugin, as its so much quicker to program this way.

This series demonstrates how the synth works at a high level, enough to get you making sounds. For an in-depth look at programming the Synth as a whole. Please refer to my advanced programming series.

00:00 Key Follow. Change the sound as you play higher up the keyboard
01:58 Filter programming examples. Patience is required! (Better to program via Plugin Boutiques Virtual Casio CZ VST plugin).
05:14 Sharper sound example. (Taking chorus off, key follow off)
06:12 CZ-1 Name your sounds (pretty good for 1985/6)
06:50 Velocity key applies velocity sensitivity. (CZ-1 only) Examples shown. How to get your sound sharp.
08:30 Add waveforms together, Ring Modulator.
09:00 An old cliche: Get a sound close to what you want to achieve and start fiddling = quicker results.
Please watch the whole video to make sense of the chapters."

Casio CZ Series Programming (CZ-101, CZ-1, CZ-1000, CZ-3000, CZ-5000) Part 3 of 4

video upload by Scifi Funk

All parts here

"How to program the Casio CZ Series from the CZ-101 to the CZ-1
https://hyperfollow.com/scififunk/

A Step-by-step tutorial for programming the Casio CZ Series of Vintage Synthesizers. I explain what each Pot and Slider does on the synthesizer and how they interact to create sound.

PLEASE NOTE - Subsequent Casio Progamming Tutorials will use Plug-in Boutiques Virtual Casio CZ VST plugin, as it#s so much quicker to program this way.

This series demonstrates how the synth works at a high level, enough to get you making sounds. For an in-depth look at programming the Synth as a whole. Please refer to my advanced programming series.

00:00 Example CASIO CZ programming session. Waveform sounds.
01:58 The 8 stage envelope.
03:08 Envelope visual examples.
Please watch the whole video to make sense of the chapters.

The Casio CZ-101 was my very first poly synth bought way back in 1985."

Clavia Nord Rack 2 Virtual Analog Synthesizer + Rack Ears and Stand SN 97120953

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

via this auction

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"OS version 1.03

One of the most incredible synths. Using Virtual Sound Modeling technology the intricate nuances and character of analog synth sounds are beautifully recreated on this amazingly flexible synth.

It uses the same synthesis technology and sounds as good as the Nord Lead, but adds a few nice new touches. These features include a ring modulator, OSC 1 can sync with the white noise generator, increased LFO and arpeggiator waveforms and patterns, distortion in the squelchier punchier filter section and 4 individual outputs."

CLICK FOR MORE »

SoundForce Introduces SFC-OB Class-Compliant Boutique Oberheim OB-Style Hardware Controller

via SoundForce

"The SoundForce SFC-OB is a class-compliant boutique USB MIDI controller dedicated to OB-style synth plugins.

Features
With 37 rotary pots, 41 switches and 45 LEDs, you can finally control your virtual instrument in an instinctive and fun way. Create better synth sounds easier and improve your overall experience. A couple of extra “USER” controls are available to be freely assigned to additional parameters, for example Reverb size, Delay time, DAW FX sends levels. etc… The controller sends out standard MIDI cc messages and can be used with any software that is MIDI-mappable. A web-based control panel app allows the user to change the cc messages number for each control, change the MIDI channel and load the different plugin modes.

Plugin modes
Although the controller can be used with any software that can be mapped to MIDI CC messages, the SFC-OB has been specifically designed to work with the most popular OB-style synth plugins. Set the controller to the right plugin mode using the control panel. This will ensure that every switch on the SFC-OB is fitting the plugin used as well as possible. For more information, please check out the manual on the support page.

Build quality
The controller is assembled in The Netherlands with parts from Europe and Asia. It is built to last and withstand intense usage on tour and in the studio. SoundForce has an excellent track record for its controller line, with many units built and very little registered issues and repairs. The enclosure is made of 100% sheet metal and is manufactured by Grawart (http://www.grawart.pl). The case is made of bent steel and powder coated in black. The front panel is aluminum, also powder coated and screen printed with scratch-proof white and blue ink. Walnut wood side panels of 8mm thickness are fitted to both sides of the controller. On the electronics and firmware side, the controller is powered by the same STM32 Cortex-M micro-controller platform used successfully in previous products, insuring a very high level of compatibility with different computers and DAWs. The devices have been even used successfully with iPads.

2-way/1-way communication
As with previous controllers, users can enjoy 2-way integration using the latest Arturia OP-Xa V. This means that the controller interface can be updated when presets are changed in the plugin, when plugin instances are switched or even manually on demand. The controller even accounts for discrepancies between a plugin pot-position and a controller pot-position, and implements pick-up or smoothing modes to avoid juming values. This allows for an improved and tighthly integrated workflow. Other traditional 1-way MIDI CC mapping is available for the brand new GForce OB-X, SonicProjects OP-X PRO-II, DiscoDSP OB-Xd and Synapse Obsession. Those modes, even though more limited, still offer a fantastic new hands-on experience for virtual synth users.

Pricing and Availability
The SFC-OB is available on the SoundForce webshop for 399 euros incl VAT (exact price will depend on your local VAT %) in the EU and 329 euros for customers outside the EU. Perfect Circuit will be distributing the SFC-OB in the US, Signal Sounds in the UK, Cicada Sound in Canada and Dupertuis in Switzerland. Please get in touch with your local distributor for pre-ordering/ordering and pricing information."

JP6K Synthesizer by Adam Szabo (No Talking)

video upload by Elektronick Musick

JP6K made its first appearance on the site back in 2011.

https://www.adamszabo.com/vstplugins/...

"JP6K is a virtual synthesizer dedicated to emulating the famous Super Saw sound, first found in the Roland JP-8000 synthesizer in 1997. It aims to capture the essence of the sound and the behavior of the original oscillator. Even after decades, the Super Saw is still an important tool for producers and musicians all around the world, and is a crucial part of many kinds of electronic music!

Features
32 Voice Polyphony
2 Super Saw oscillators with Panning
1 Noise oscillator
Resizeable GUI
3 Filter modes: Low Pass, Band Pass and High Pass with -12 & -24 dB/Oct
3 independent LFOs controlling the Filter, Amp and Pitch
Pitch envelope
Glide (Portamento) / MIDI pitch-wheel support
Built in Delay and Equalizer
114 presets, which includes presets from CFA-Sound, MASCHINENBAUERMUSIC, Mikey O’Hare and Grzegorz"

Epic Orchestral Collection from Audio Imperia | Native Instruments

video upload by Native Instruments

"Adam Harvey from Audio Imperia takes us through how to use the libraries in the Epic Orchestral Collection to score a scene from a short film. Spark ideas and add authentic detail to your compositions with this exclusive bundle, for a limted time only.

Save over 70% on Audio Imperia with the Epic Orchestral Collection: https://www.native-instruments.com/sp...

00:00 - Introduction
00:52 - Scoring with The Epic Orchestral Collection
03:00 - Score Breakdown
03:30 - Scene 1
10:49 - Fluid Woods in Context
11:34 - The Fluid Series
14:08 - Scene 2
16:33 - SOLO
17:11 - SOLO - Descant Horn
17:48 - SOLO - Flute
18:10 - SOLO - English Horn
18:41 - SOLO - Cello
19:05 - Jaeger - Merethe Soltvedt
19:42 - Scene 3
24:19 - Scene 4
27:13 - Outro

Audio Imperia are a team of composers and creatives with a mission to provide bespoke compositional tools that both inspire the mind, and simplify the process of making music. They work with world-class musicians, sound designers and recording studios to create their virtual instruments. Whether you are starting out for the first time, or looking for a new addition to your template, Audio Imperia’s libraries will enhance and foster your creativity – adding extra flair to your next project.

Download the final video, MIDI and Cubase project files here: https://bit.ly/4a3wv8M

Huge shoutout to the Blender Team for creating the short film Charge, and allowing their work to be distributed under the Creative Commons license.
Charge credits: https://studio.blender.org/films/char...

Native Kontrol Standard (or NKS for short) integrates third-party instruments and effects into Native’s workflow. That means streamlined browsing, consistent tagging, instant sound previews, Smart Play features, and key parameters pre-mapped by plugin creators for Komplete Kontrol and Maschine hardware. A huge number of leading developers have NKS-ready plugins, so even those with super-sized sound collections can find what they need and use it fast.
Find out more: https://www.native-instruments.com/sp..."

Introducing Mariana | A New Bass Synthesizer from Moog Music

video upload by Moog Music Inc

"From the iconic Minimoog Model D to the Taurus Bass Pedals, Sub Phatty, and Minitaur, bass has been the foundation for the sound and power of Moog instruments for decades. With Mariana, we are proud to continue this tradition.

In a new video narrated by actor, writer, producer, and comedian H. Jon Benjamin, we invite you to journey through moments of the past and into the future of bass with a soundtrack built using all sounds from Mariana."

Update: playlist with new videos added to the player above with the following videos:

1. Introducing Mariana | A New Bass Synthesizer from Moog Music
2. Mariana | Gain Staging Overview
3. Mariana | Using Virtual Control Voltage
4. Mariana | Modulation Editor
5. Sound Design with Mariana | Bass Patch | Thavius Beck
6. Sound Design with Mariana | Drum Synth | Thavius Beck
7. Sound Design with Mariana | Synth Pad | Thavius Beck

"Made for Your Studio: Mariana's Key Sound Design Features

Mariana includes all the tools necessary for creating deep, pulsating, professional bass sounds and more. Tone layering, parallel filtering, cross-over control, doubling and detune, compression, dynamic saturation, and surgical stereo placement are all built into Mariana for streamlined, recallable access to your favorite bass chain—without needing to load up additional processors.

Powerful, modern Moog bass sound in an accessible format

Dual layers for complementary sound stacks or independent duophonic playing

Deep, complex modulation sources, destinations, controllers, and functions

A beautiful, resizable, and user-friendly interface for effortless control

Built-in effects, compression, and metering

Seamless interconnectivity with Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins via virtual CV

Flexibility as a plug-in within your DAW or standalone use via MIDI

More than 200 professionally designed presets covering a wide range of musical styles and genres"

https://software.moogmusic.com/store/mariana