MATRIXSYNTH


Thursday, December 04, 2008

The Siel Kiwi on Synth.nl

"The Siel Kiwi. It is an Italian build 6 voice polyphonic analog synthesizer with two DCO's per voice. It has quite good filers with nice resonance. For that Siel used SSM chips. And it also has 3 LFO's. Actually quite a nice machine. It sounds a bit like a Roland JX3P only a bit better even I think. It is quite nice for bass sounds. And it looks quite different from what I have seen before as well."

You can find the full post on Synth.nl.

Digitana Micro Acid Drone

via Digitana: "Like the Micro Punk Console it is a small handheld synth with a simple yet musical interface, again quantities will be limited to around 30 worldwide. The Micro Acid Drone is played by pressing the pedal and tweaking the pitch and tone controls, the sounds that it makes vary from resonant sounding acidic bleeps to drones and pseudo filter sweeps, a video demo will be coming to my youtube channel soon http://uk.youtube.com/user/DigitanaUK
The price will be £65UKP plus shipping but as a subscriber to the mailing list I am offering you a 10% discount to the first 10 pre orders, so if you think you may be interested let me know.
The first batch of 10 will be ready to ship before Christmas, more details will be posted on the website over the next few days.

Thats all for now
Best wishes
Zoe"

Elektron Monomachine as a Guitar Processor Part I


YouTube via bigcitymusic. http://bigcitymusic.com

"This is the Elektron Monomachine synthesizer. We're running a Strat into the external input, using the "Thru" machine. There are a lot of effects you can use to process external sources in the Monomachine. In this example we start by using the internal delay. The Monomachine has a built in sequencer and we've set it to play 8th notes.

You can adjust the decay time (as you can hear at 0:21 sec), giving you choppy tremolo effects.

You can also adjust the attack time which can give you some backwards guitar sounds (heard at 1:09 sec).

There are lots of possibilities in this synth for processing. In the next video we'll play with rhythmic variations, sample rate reduction and some cool LFO tricks."

six trak II


YouTube via WISSJE. 1:16 is one of my favorite types of patches on the Six-Trak and Multi-Trak. The velocity sensitivity on the Multi-Trak makes it come alive.

Sound Lab Plus all Patched Out


YouTube via YpsiSynth

Roland Tb-303 and Marshall Time Modulator


YouTube via b3nsf
"With the help of David Kulka from Studio Electronics in LA and my good friend Judah, the Marshall Time Modulator is working nicely... I went for the Tb-303 because everyone knows what that sounds like... But the Marshall -- not everyone has heard that-- oh wait, Darth Vader.. nevermind!! Enjoy the freaky Modulation!

later,
ben"

DIY Analog Synth Demo #5


YouTube via rodriemi
"On http://arsamus-lineal-tml01.blogspot.... you can see details

This is another demo of my synth. Better audio here: http://www.goear.com/listen.php?v=5f1...

Here the post on my blog: http://arsamus-lineal-tml01.blogspot...."

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

microKORG XL SYNTHESIZER/VOCODER - Available Early 2009

"The microKORG range expands with a new big brother to mega selling microKORG synth

The original microKORG is loved and used daily by musicians around the world – from keyboardists to guitarists – enabling everyone to experience the enjoyment of a great synthesizer. Now an advanced microKORG is available; a synthesizer that lets you generate your own personal sound, packing a cutting-edge sound engine and powerful effects into a compact, vintage-like body. Welcome the microKORG XL

Main features
New vintage design is both fresh and nostalgic.
Korg's renowned MMT Multi Modeling Technology, optimized for the microKORG XL.
Sixteeen band vocoder for voice controlled effects. A gooseneck microphone is included, so you can begin vocoding right away.
128 powerful sounds are built-in and ready for immediate use.
Intuitive sound selection; simply specify the music genre and instrument category.
Seventeen powerful KAOSS derived effects.
Newly developed natural touch mini keyboard is compact, yet easy to play.
Editing software can be downloaded from the Korg website, as well as converted MS2000 and microKORG programs.
Battery powered for on-the-go enjoyment.

The new top of the range microKORG --- XL power in a micro body
The microKORG has continued to be a best-seller since its arrival five years ago, and remains enormously popular today. This latest model boasts Korg’s powerful RADIAS/R3 derived MMT Multi Modeling Technology, as well as a powered-up vocoder. The updated ROM includes PCM data for recreating in-demand vintage keyboards such as piano, electric piano, and clav. Externally, the microKORG XL boasts a completely new vintage design with a textured black body and industrial silver panel. The interface has also been enhanced, making it easier than ever to use. Sound selection is controlled by two large dials; three smaller knobs allow the main parameters to be easily selected. The newly-developed mini-keyboard is firm and responsive for even greater playability. And best of all, it’s battery-powered so you can take it anywhere and still enjoy serious sound. For beginners, advanced musicians, and sound designers, this is a synthesizer that will stimulate your musical creativity.

Korg's MMT Multi Modeling Technology

Korg’s MMT engine provides a compendium of Korg’s various modeling technologies, offering a robust range of sounds – including great analog re-creations. Korg’s famed MMT is the same high-fidelity synthesis that powers our RADIAS, R3, and ElecTribe MX, optimized to provide the microKORG XL with phenomenal performance. The microKORG XL uses two MMT oscillators to generate powerful sounds. Oscillator 1 (OSC1) provides not only the standard waveforms you expect from an analog synthesizer, but a total of seven types of oscillator algorithms, including formant waveforms such as human voice, noise, and PCM/DWGS waveforms such as vintage keyboards and strings. Cross-modulation, unison, and VPM (Variable Phase Modulation) let you create sounds that would be impossible for a conventional PCM synthesizer. Oscillator 2 (OSC2) can be used for modulation (sync or ring) in conjunction with the first oscillator, making it easy to create complex and powerful sounds.

Dynamic synthesis power
Two multi-mode filters, a drive/waveshaping circuit for distinctively distorted sounds, and EG and LFO for creating time-varying tonal change, provide plenty of parameters for serious synthesis. Virtual Patching simulates the patching capability of Korg's classic MS series, and the arpeggiator can run six types of patterns, all adding up to a high degree of creative freedom. There’s also an external audio input jack, so you can process external audio material from a sampler or other source device. In the full-edit mode you have unlimited access to all of the microKORG XL's synthesis parameters.

Versatile Vocoding covers every angle – including those robot voices
Using a microphone, the microKORG XL’s amazing vocoder allows you to add vocal characteristics to any sound, creating everything from “talk-box” filtering, pseudo choirs, talking instruments and vintage Sci-Fi robots. You can also use a nother instrument – such a drum machine – to add rhythmic dexterity to your synth tracks. Our unique Formant Hold allows you to freeze the vocal input for continuous vocoder effects. In addition to simulating the classic vocoder sounds of the past, the microKORG XL also allows you to shift the filter frequencies (Formant Shift function) and adjust the level and pan of each of the sixteen bands, greatly altering the tonal character. This allows you to easily create fascinating textures and sounds that go far beyond traditional vocoding. A gooseneck microphone is included, so you can immediately start using these superb vocoder functions.

128 professional sounds, organized for immediate use

Finding the right sounds is easy. To choose a sound simply rotate the two large dials. The first selects the musical genre, while the second defines the instrument category. From the familiar "ROCK / KEYBOARD," the standard "R&B / LEAD," and the distinctive "HIPHOP / BASS," a wide range of presets are instantly available. For the diehard synthesists and sound designers, you can use the three performance edit knobs for fast, effective editing in performance. You're also free to select and assign your favorite parameters

Advanced dual effect engines
The two master effect processors were perfected on our KAOSS series. These up-to-the-minute effects go far beyond traditional delay and chorus, delivering a total of 17 powerful algorithms, including ring modulation and a grain shifter. In addition, delay effects can be synchronized to MIDI clock for expanded possibilities in a live performance and other “beat-sensitive” situations.

Compact expression and playability
Our new Natural Touch Mini Keyboard is firm and easy to play, inspiring confidence and greatly enhanced expressivity. The proportion of the black keys to white keys has been adjusted to make chording easier, and the improved touch allows rapid-fire phrases. The “waterfall” keys project a feeling of quality, and also make it easier to play glissandos, smears and slides.

FREE! Downloadable sound editing software
You can use a USB cable to connect the microKORG XL to your computer, and use the free sound editing software to organize your sounds and edit all of the parameters from your computer. In addition to the editing software, you can also download and use converted programs from microKORG and the MS2000/MS2000B free of charge.

Please note: Cosmetic and Technical specifications are subject to change without notice

microKORG XL Specifications
Tone Generator System: MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology)

Multi Timbral= maximum 2 (when using Layer, Split, or Multi)
Voices=8 voices
Structure: [Synth] 2 oscillators + noise generator, Oscillator 1: Wave: 8 types (Sawtooth, Pulse, Triangle, Sine, Formant, Noise, DWGS, Audio In), Modulation: Waveform, Cross, Unison, VPM, Oscillator 2: Wave: 4 types (Sawtooth, Pulse, Triangle, Sine), Modulation: Ring, Sync, Ring+Sync, Waveshape: Type: Drive, Decimator, HardClip, OctSaw, MultiTri, MultiSin, SubOSCSaw, SubOSCSqu, SubOSCTri, SubOSCSin, LevelBoost,

Multimode Filters: Filer 1: -24 dB/oct LPF ~ -12 dB/oct LPF ~ -12 dB/oct BPF ~ -12 dB/oct HPF ~ Thru, Filter 2: LPF, HPF, BPF [Vocoder] 16 channel vocoder, adjustable level and pan for each channel, Formant Shift function, Formant Hold function

Keyboard: 37 notes (mini-keyboard, velocity sensitive)
Effects: Timbre: 2 band EQ, Master effect x 2, 17effects
Arpeggiator: Six types: UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger, Individual step on/off function
Programs: 128 programs (A/Bbanks x 8 genres x 8 category)
Inputs:
[AUDIO INPUT 1] jack (with MIC/LINE switch) – Rear Panel
Connector: 1/4” phone jack (unbalanced)
[AUDIO INPUT 1 (MIC)] jack – Front Panel
Connector: XLR jack (balanced)
Outputs:
[L/MONO, R] jacks
Connectors: 1/4² phone jacks (unbalanced)
[PHONES] jack
Connector: 1/4² phone stereo jack
MIDI: IN, OUT, THRU connectors
USB: Type B connector
Display: Custom LCD
Power Supply: DC 9 V (AC adapter), or six AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)
Battery Life: approx. four hours (with alkaline batteries)
Dimensions: 556(W)x231(D)x73(H)mm/21.89"(W)x9.09"(D)x2.87"(H)
Weight: 2 kg/4.41 lbs. (without batteries and included microphone)
Accessories: AC adapter, Gooseneck Microphone
microKORG XL Sound Editor
Operating requirements
Windows:
• Computer
A computer that satisfies the operating requirements of Windows XP or Windows Vista, and has a USB port
• Operating system
Microsoft Windows XP (SP3 or later), Windows Vista (SP1 or later)
Macintosh:
• Computer
An Apple Macintosh computer that satisfies the operating requirements of Mac OS X and has a USB port
• Operating system
Mac OS X version 10.4 or later
03-Dec-2008"

monkey sh0nein

flickr by shistec ra

full size

Roland SH-09 and CSQ-100

NEPTUNE 2 squelchy bass & kick drum


YouTube via Dogboy73
"OSC 2 with OSC1 coming in later. Filter & filter envelope are being tweaked. The kick drum is a seperate track that was recorded earlier from the Neptune 2. It's very good at drum/percussive sounds thanks to the fast envelopes. More of that to come soon ...... "

x0xWASP 001


YouTube via BIM0X

x0xWASP 001 rear

"Bohemian Rhapsody" - on 5 organs...


YouTube via organfairy.

Interestingly this one kicks in at :51 as well (see last post).
"...and two synthesizers, two toy keyboards, and a computer soundcard. This is one of the most complicated arrangements I have ever done. Most of the orchestra was pre-recorded as a MIDI file that runs on the computer driving the Roland soundcard, the Yamaha HE-8 and ELKA X-30 organs, and the SIEL DK-80 and Roland JX-8P synthesizers. The parts that I am playing manually is performed on the ELKA EP-8 and X-1000 and Technics SX-C600 organs, the little CASIO SA-1 toy keyboard, and the MT-240 for the gong in the very end. I don't know if Freddie Mercury who wrote it was a genius or a madman. But it is one of the strangest pieces I have ever played.... "

Dj Skyline br - Prodigy ( rs7000 / yamaha )


YouTube via kamitnick. "try idea of dnb ..." picks up around :51.

LONDON V.C.O.



via this auction

"RARE 'LONDON V.C.O.' MAGAZINE/BROCHURE No1 FROM 1980
8 page (16 face) synth magazine that was sponsered by the London Synthesizer centre and published monthly as a supplement of International Musician and Recording World
Contains many pictures / details / prices of early synths such as:
THE CAT
THE KITTEN
ARP AXXE
ARP QUADRA
ARP 2600
ARP OMNI
ARP PRO/DGX
ARP ODDYSSEY
ARP QUARTET
ARP ELECTRIC PIANO
ETC.."

Modular Buying Tips on The Stretta Procudure

The Stretta Procedure has some good buying tips on a base euro-rack modular system. Worth checking out if you are in the market or just curious of course.

Blacet News: Half Price/ FREE Modules!

"Our Multi 2210 has been superceded by the more versatile active Splitter 2780.

We have a couple dozen kits and assy'd modules left. These are half price with any other module order over $100. Limit one.

If your module order is $500 or more, you get one FREE Multi.

Put Code 2210 in the Notes field when you order.

****YOU MUST ORDER IMMEDIATELY! Limited quantity. Offer expires 12-10-08 Midnight Pacific Time.*****

Only Modules apply toward the order total. Accessories, racks, power supplies, tax , shipping, etc do not apply.

The discount will be taken when we process your card and will show up on your CC statement and on the shipped invoice."
http://blacet.com/

Oscillojazz


YouTube via rhetiaproject
"Jazz dedicated electronic impressions by ELECTROLIMES (www.electrolimes.com)"

Muzik 4 Machines Live @ Pi Studio dec 1st 2008 Update

New video at this post.

RC CIRCUIT BENT RARE CASIO MT 45 SYNTH KEYBOARD


YouTube via djwidow420
"A RARE WHITE CASIOTONE MT45 MODIFIED WITH 12 MODIFICATIONS BY RESONANCE CIRCUITS"

[KORG DS-10] March 30 , Miami


YouTube via aqi. "only a KORG DS-10" 47 minutes and 22 seconds of it.

とりあえずインスト♪


YouTube via PXE02321. Sylenth 1 VST and Vember Audio Surge.

RC CIRCUIT BENT YAMAHA DD-10 DRUM MACHINE


YouTube via djwidow420
"MODIFIED WITH 12 MODIFICATIONS/8 POINT GLITCH PATCHBAY AND MIDI IN BY RESONANCE CIRCUITS"

Klee Sequencer Demo 3 - Gate Bus Merging


YouTube via ScottStites
"Using the gate bus merge switches for variation of a fixed sequence."

TouchOSC / Ableton Live


TouchOSC / Ableton Live from max Min on Vimeo.
"Quick Demo of controlling Ableton Live with iPhone-Application TouchOSC.
Made by gomakemusic.de"
You can find TouchOSC here:
TouchOSC

Have you seen this man ???

flickr by sebilden

full size

spot the synths

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 on Khoral Cafe 80

"From the rather prolific Dave Smith Instruments, the 8-voices analogue wonder that is the Prophet 08…
First thing that should actually be said is that the Prophet 08 isn’t meant to be a recreation of the Prophet 5. Hence the name. I’d like to nice about it, but the truth here is that online comments about how the Prophet 08 isn’t a Prophet 5 are badly misguided, if not completely stupid. They’re tantamount to criticize the Oberheim Xpander from not being, say, an OBX. It’s a brand new synth for 2008. Now, is it indeed a true Prophet or not? Well, on the one hand I do think it is, but on the other hand I’m not really sure that I give a damn anyway because it sounds fantastic in its own right and comments like “I just played some Prophet 08 presets in a shop this afternoon and it’s not like a Prophet 5” make me, if not mad, at least slightly out of balance."

see the full review with more images and audio at Khoral Cafe 80.

Happy GenoQs Octopus Midi Sequencer

images at this auction

via the forum

"One of my favorite uses (aside from the great midi sequencing) is triggering clips in Ableton Live from each step button. That is 160 individual clips (10 rows by 16 steps) you have access to at once! No other regular midi controller can match that.

Please check the GenoQs site for more information on this incredible musical tool and essential "hands on" control unit."

Yamaha DX100

images at this auction

via the forum

Yamaha TG33

images at this auction

via the forum

KORG MS10

images at this auction

via the forum

New Serge m-odule released: Multifilter


via Bakis

"a new Serge M-odule has been released: the Multifilter Module.

it contains a VCF-Q (extended range), a Variable Bandwidth VCF, a Variable Slope VCF and a CV Mixer module.

price is 1700 USD"

Muzik 4 Machines Live @ Pi Studio dec 1st 2008


YouTube via muzik4machines
"I forgot to film this one so i had to rely on lame pictures/old cell movies to have something

gear used
Korg ESX1: All Sequences/Drums
Yamaha TX81z: Reverby/Pumpy Sawtooth Bass (chain:TX81z-Akai MFC42-Alesis Nanoverb-DBX266 ch1 (pump)-ch2 (Compression)-Mixer)
Roland MKS50: Hoover/Saw/Lead/Pumpy Synth (Chain MKS50-Boss SL20-DBX266-Zoom RFX2200-Mixer)
Redsound SoundBite Pro: Vocals/looping
Korg Kaoss pad 2: Tempo Delay
Korg Kaoss Pad 3: Loops, Looper(snare rolls), Grainshifter
Korg Kaossilator: Noise Sweeps (path: K01-Mini KP(Delay)-Mixer)
Korg ER1: Beatbox AND sidechain signal (Chain: left out-ProCo Turbo Rat-Boss V-Wha-Mixer)
DX200: Fm E-piano, pads, 303-esque sequences, etc (Chain: Left Out-Boss DD5 delay-Mixer)
Motu Midi Mixer 7s: My mixer, controlled by the BCF2000)
Kawai Midi Patchbay:Guess
DBX MC 6: Output Compressor

NOT used:
a computer, besides recording it; no edition, no mastering, What you hear is what I send out of the main outs

BIO"

Update:

Muzik 4 Machines Live @ Pi Studio Dec 1st 2008 part 2

"gear used
Korg ESX1: All Sequences/Drums
Yamaha TX81z: Reverby/Pumpy Sawtooth Bass (chain:TX81z-Akai MFC42-Alesis Nanoverb-DBX266 ch1 (pump)-ch2 (Compression)-Mixer)
Roland MKS50: Hoover/Saw/Lead/Pumpy Synth (Chain MKS50-Boss SL20-DBX266-Zoom RFX2200-Mixer)
Redsound SoundBite Pro: Vocals/looping
Korg Kaoss pad 2: Tempo Delay
Korg Kaoss Pad 3: Loops, Looper(snare rolls), Grainshifter
Korg Kaossilator: Noise Sweeps (path: K01-Mini KP(Delay)-Mixer)
Korg ER1: Beatbox AND sidechain signal (Chain: left out-ProCo Turbo Rat-Boss V-Wha-Mixer)
DX200: Fm E-piano, pads, 303-esque sequences, etc (Chain: Left Out-Boss DD5 delay-Mixer)
Motu Midi Mixer 7s: My mixer, controlled by the BCF2000)
Kawai Midi Patchbay:Guess
DBX MC 6: Output Compressor


NOT used:
a computer, besides recording it; no edition, no mastering, What you hear is what I send out of the main outs"

GorF Video

see the update here.

trance trash


YouTube via ripe909
"Well I am sick with a cold and wanted to turn the studio equipment off... So you get to suffer through my attempt at cheesy supersaw trance! Sequenced on the Octopus, SE BassLine x0xb0x, machinedrum, revolution, JP-8080, oh and some virus."

Thingamagoop Party

Various color combos available at big city music's Ebay shop

via the big city music blog.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

JP VIDEO: SPOOKY ACTION AT A DISTANCE

"JP VIDEO’S NEW RELEASE
‘SPOOKY ACTION AT A DISTANCE’"

White Roland AX-7

links:
www.wavefactory.tv
www.sinatraundead.com/jpbio.htm
http://cdbaby.com/cd/jpvideo
on failed muso
www.jpvideo.tv
www.soundclick.com/jpvideo

"The bulk of the information for ‘Spooky Action at a Distance’ will be posted on the CD BABY website by the end of the month."

Acxel Resynthesizer Samples


You'll find some samples of the original Acxel Resynthesizer and the Axcel 2 at the bottom of this electro-music.com thread.

For more info on the Axcel Resynthsizer, see iDarca Audio. Also see the labels below for previous posts featured here.

GorF and Defender


via Vaco Loco where you will find more info.

"Gorf is a simple 8 step sequencer. It isn't as clever or complex as the Sequentix P3 nor as expensive as certain other sequencers.

I was bored one sunday, and wanted to build a simple sequencer I could use to test Defender and other synths I was building."

snip on Defender: "Defender is my current project, and as such, is a work in progress, so please, don't ask for schematics, code or if you can buy it.

The synth is broken down into three parts,

1. The Voice Card, which holds the filter, oscillators, EGs and LFOs
2. Controller Card, which handles midi, voice assignment and patch storage
3. Front Panel card, which handles the rotary encoders, pitch wheels, etc, etc"


Update via Lord Avon in the comments:

Video demo of GorF (playing Monowave II skin on the SoundArt Chameleon)

YouTube via VacolocoSynth

sounds for Defender ;- http://www.vacoloco.net/synths/defender/sounds.shtml

I'll add more soon, using GorF to control it.

Paul"

Video details:
"GorF is a minimal step sequencer.
I built it to help testing my synth designs.

It sends MIDI notes and velocity on a user selectable Midi channel along with two MIDI CC's (user selectable) and of course has variable sequence length.

You can turn steps on and off using the buttons, but I forgot to show this feature. When I do the next video I'll be sure to show this feature.

It's still in the early stages of development, and has one or two little bugs in it.

The sound is coming from the MonowaveII sound skin.

www.VacoLoco.net"

GorF (Ver 0.15)

Train Sequencers...

see the update to this post.

BBC Radiophonic Workshop - Fourth Dimension

via Dinasaur Gardens where you will find more.

"I came across this album in a dilapidated Leeds (UK) record shop for just a couple euros and have held onto it for dear life — BBC Radiophonic Workshop on vinyl doesn’t sell cheap. The standout track for me is easily Vespucci, a funky saunter with a very sampleable cool synth melody. The abstract cover from this 1973 release looks quite a bit like a CD exploding, perhaps another ahead-of-their-time move from these old-timers."

via Denis

EMS SYNTHI 100

mopho_t_res


"starts with Novation Drumstation into spring reverb, adds some Track Team Aetherweave for ambiance, then the mopho shows up , at the 1 minute mark the t-resonator is turned on and the LFO in that starts to do its work, hence the volume ups and downs on the mopho then I twist t-resonator knobs, which is the source of the squelches, near barks, etc. the t-resonator is really touchy and goes crappy way too fast unless you move knobs real slow and very little at a time, at the 3 minute mark, the T-res is turned off and its fade out time"
a note from baghead on this:
"this turned out tamer than I expected, I thought the mopho and the t-resonator might get a ltlle more edgy ...maybe its the drums ...borders on boring ....... sigh ....but its late and its what will happen for tonight ....everything is one take at this house"
If you don't like the piece, focus on the sounds. You can really hear the drumstation on this one. I like it.

Ensoniq ESQ-1 demonstration part 2


YouTube via teanegro. follow-up to this post. No video, just audio
"...more clips from the 80's hybrid beast. 100% Ensoniq ESQ-1"

ark synth.MOV


YouTube via snazelle. follow-up to this post.
"the final video before it left my home...i was trying to show off some of the freakier sounds but the batteries died again. this one is the best for showing sustain mode"

ark and hold.MOV

"more ark...freakier sounds...
this video shows the SUSTAIN mode in a little more detail..batteries die on the camera though"

electro.wmv


YouTube via pac209
"recording session, it later became http://www.zshare.net/audio/521752252..."

session.wmv

Octave CAT


via this auction

“The original Octave Cat was a beast. Some features included a four-note sequencer patch, in which using the sub-oscillator on VCO-1 and the additional pulse, were allowed to form steps. Switching the sample and hold to VCO-1 could accomplish pseudo '4-step-sequencing' on VCO-2. More important than flashy tricks was the ease of use associated with Octave instruments. The machine was carefully and logically planned out, with ADSR and AR located on the upper left hand side (this arrangement allows for easy release or attack variations, which should be considered quite nifty). Unfortunately, the pitch bend slider seemed to be in poor review with many users (in the Cat's defense, the pitch slider is equipped with a "dead zone" in which any position 4 millimeters above or below the center hardly affects the pitch. This is probably achieved with the use of diodes). The original A-1000 of 1975 lacked voltage control, and had an external fuse. An updated version included CV control, but retained the external fuse. What I believe to be the final A-1000 revision places the fuse internally, and seems to be the most common of the A-1000 Cats. (Apparently VCO-1 has a different circuit design than VCO-2. It seems that VCO-1 has a better circuit design, so side by side comparisons will be made in the audio sample section.)
Three waveforms with two sub-oscillators offered a pleasing variety of waveforms and a ripping sound. Audio frequency pitch modulation was available, along with cross modulations of VCO-1 & VCO-2 and vise versa. Four envelope destinations along with the squirmy discrete A-1000 filter were enough to bring a smile to any synthesist of the era (a terrific November 1977 A-1000 Octave Cat ad can be seen here).
It is without doubt that the Octave Cat is a "special" synthesizer. Many mid to late 1970's synthesizers fit into this category as well (Crumar DS-2, EML Electrocomp 500, Powertran Transcendent 2000, KORG 800DV, Roland SH-1, Jen SX-1000, etc etc). These are the synthesizers that really never received the exposure of Arps and Moogs. The Cat has been considered a knock-off Arp Odyssey, and unrightfully so. Various sources claim that Arp took Octave Electronics to court, but the reality is that Arp dropped charges, and they were no strangers to "borrowing" ideas themselves. Comparing the Arp Odyssey to the Octave Cat is completely beside the point; they are both amazing instruments of the 20th century.
The Cat electronic music synthesizer has strong metal sliders. They feel very comfortable and precise. Unfortunately Arp opted for plastic sliders, which often feels stiff and hard these days. A good portion of the Cat is sliders, and perhaps 1/3 is knobs. The Cat is a synthesizer that rarely becomes boring, and new original sounds can always be developed. The actual sound of the Cat is unique as it is relatively indefinable, partly because no one has popularized it like the Minimoog.”

Text from- octavecat.homestead.com. The link isn't working for me. If anyone has any ideas, feel free to comment.

1970 LUDWIG PHASE II SYNTH CATALOG

images at this auction
(mirrored here)

"1) This is an original 1970 Ludwig 4 page catalog brochure showcasing the new Ludwig Phase II.
2) Along with the catalog is a dealer order form and discount structure that would be folded into a mail-in addressed envelope to Ludwig Electronics, Chicago, IL.
3) There is also dealer letter expaining the whole package and more.
The sizes of each of the 3 items are approx. 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches."

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Special Edition


via this auction

"The Prophet '08 SE was limited to a run of 300 instruments total, with unique features such as leopardwood end panels and lighted pitch and modulation wheels. The best part is the commemorative nameplate, hand-signed by Dave Smith on the right end of the front panel - commemorating 30 years between the original Prophet 5 and the introduction of the Prophet '08." DSI Prophet'08 Product Page

# Prophet '08 SE Analog Synthesizer - Serial # 41
# Power Cable/Adaptor
# Original Prophet '08 Manual
# "Instrumental Innovators" DVD documentary on Dave Smith
# Original Box

Roland SH-5

images at this auction

inside a Roland SH-5

Moog The Rogue

images at this auction

33 Electronic Music Projects You Can Build

images at this auction

"Includes construction manuals and schematics for a number of analog circuits. Great book to learn more about building a Modular Synth."
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Switched On Make Synthesizer Evolution Vintage Synthesizers Creating Sound Fundlementals of Synthesizer Programming Kraftwerk

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