2004 Kurzweil VA1 Musikmesse Video Demos

Published on Nov 16, 2015 matrixsynth

A collection of short demos of the original Kurzweil VA1 hardware keyboard synthesizer at the 2004 Musikmesse. The synthesizer never made it into production. The engine instead made it into the PC3X.

See this post from 2005 for pics & details on the Kurzweil VA1. Scroll down when you get there.

Chill Live Acid TB-303

Published on Nov 16, 2015 Kevin Polzer

"16112015 Analog Diary"

MFB SYNTH LITE II SN 08545 with Mods

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via this auction

"This unit has white noise on/off switch and noise balance knob MOD. If you turn off the white noise switch, the unit going to be original setting."

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Macro Machines Omnimod Eurorack Module

Published on Nov 14, 2015 Macro Machines

via Macro Machines

"limited edition preorder ships early 2016
Macro Machines presents an incredibly versatile new addition in the world of eurorack modules. The Omnimod will make a powerful new ally in your adventures through the universe of sound. Omni means all, and mod stands for modulation of control voltage.

Create unique new combinations of envelopes, LFOs and step sequences quickly and easily with the simple and intuitive waveform design interface. Centered around a crisp, high contrast OLED screen, the Omnimod provides vivid visual feedback for precise editing, as well as a scope mode to aid in configuring the inputs. This allows for deep, yet intuitive control over complex modulation sequencing. Endless possibilities become child’s play.

Once you have sculpted the perfect waveforms, you can store them for later, and recall them at any time in the future. You can also use the Macro Machines Storage Strip to allow multiple modules on the same power bus line to store and recall their settings at the same time, creating something never before possible in eurorack, instantaneous system wide storage and recall of entirely different configurations.

The Omnimod features:

– 4 powerful channels of LFOs, Step Sequencing, Envelope Generation and Envelope Following, in limitless combinations.
– user friendly interface with intuitive visual feedback.
– an oscilloscope mode to visualize input signals: fine tune the extraction of triggers, select different modes, and smooth or scale envelope following.
– full storage and recall of all parameters automagically before power cycling,
– user definable waves for reusing complex individual channel settings.
– 64 storable, recallable, sequence-able, and randomize-able presets
– only 14HP wide, packs loads of useful possibilities in a small space.
Located atop the beautiful OLED screen, there are four (4) inputs and four (4) outputs using the highest quality 1/8th inch jacks and four (4) eye catching white LED buttons that continually fade to show the output of each of the 4 channels. Below the screen are two encoders, the left encoder is stepped for parameter and point selection and the right encoder allows smooth parameter editing. This simple and quick to grasp control scheme will have you mastering this module quickly, manipulating and sculpting your own unique waveforms.

Settings are automatically saved between power cycles to easily resume where you left off. If used on the same power bus board as a Macro Machines “Storage Strip” module, several banks of settings can be stored, recalled and sequenced to allow even more possibilities from studio to stage.

The Concept:

Macro Machines first product, the Storage Strip realizes an entirely new method for complete patch storage and recall using the standard eurorack power bus board. When used in tandem with their second product, the Dynamic Destiny dual 4 to 1 switch router, entirely different patch cable routings can be saved and sequenced. You can, for example, create one setting with a deep analogue sub oscillator routed through a lowpass filter, and instantly switch this to be a complex high pitch FM oscillator through a spring reverb. This gives owners a new possibility to refine and explore vastly different sounds and come back to them in an instant.

Adding the Macro Machines Omnimod to the Storage Strip and Dynamic Destiny, the user could design an entire group of different settings using any modules they currenty have, and come back to them, refine, record different takes, perform and jam with quickly accessible, reliable start points."

Yamaha DX1 SN 1176

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via the seller: "People will go on and on about how the engine of a DX1 is two DX7s. This does not ring true to me. There are so many components and circuit boards inside the DX1 compared to the bare bones set up of a DX7. They may say how a FS1R can do more. This maybe true and they are cool units but the output sounds buzzy and shrill comparatively, plus scrolling through menu after menu is not fun. There is something about the "Rolls Royce" quality of the DX1, plus the sound, plus the interface that makes it really special. This of course is all my opinion. I can say I have compared the sound of the Yamaha DX5 and Mk1 DX-7(sold one of each on ebay and received positive feedback for both) and while they both sound nice the DX1 blows them away in just the weight and warmth of the sound. Comparing a DX1 to other FM synths is like comparing a Fairlight CMI to an Akai sampler. The Akai wins on paper but you don't play paper. Again, all the machines I mentioned are great and have their place. I just think the DX1 is extra special.

They only made 140 of these. My guess is only 75-100 remain in good functioning condition. This one looks and functions excellently. As you can see from the pictures it looks sharp. It has NO smoky, musty, or unpleasant smell. It does have a few minor cosmetic flaws that I have shown in the photos keeping it from being "perfect". It has a few flaws in the wood that are not very noticeable because they blend in with the rustic grain and texture of the REAL Brazilian Rosewood, but they are there and you can see them if you look for them. Overall this is a well taken care of DX1 with a small amount of wear, it is in far better shape than many other DX1 instruments I have seen. It has always been stored in a climate controlled environment. You will not be disappointed..."

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Audio Damage Odio and IOS Apps: Ep4 - Amazing Noises Reverb

Published on Nov 16, 2015 Synth Anatomy

"In this video, I connected my iPad with the Reverb - Feedback Delay Network App to the Audio Damage Odio Module. I want to show you how easy IOS Effects integrates into EuroRack Modular Synthesizers.

Odio is a 2-in 2-out USB audio interface that runs at modular audio levels, designed primarily for use with iOS devices such as the iPad and iPhone. Easily integrate iPad effects and instruments in to your modular rig for live performance or sketchpad recording, or use a Microsoft Surface Pro or netbook and a simple host to use VST plug-in effects as inserts in your modular."

PPG WAVE 2 (NOT 2.2 or 2.3!) digital-analog hybrid synthesizer vs Darth Digital

Published on Nov 16, 2015 NoiselabCH

"Here comes the first PPG WAVE on the market, the PPG Wave 2.

A fantastic digital-analog hybrid using wavetable synthesis for the OSC section and analog filters, envelopes and amps.

Only 8-OSCs instead of 16 in the 2.2 and 2.3. 8bit in the Wave 2 and 2.2, 12bit in the 2.3. 8-track sequencer onboard along with a arpegator. CEM 3320 VCFs for the 2 against SSM 2044 in the later ones.

This unit however has 2 issues:
- 2 faulty VCA's (I guess)
- a horrible keyboard nearly unplayable

This unit has no retrofit, so I'm using an arpeggio and mostly long release times to hide the distorted VCAs or try to use it as an effect.

So no deep exploring here - but this lovely synthesizer has something hypnotic and sounds rarely especially digital, more than that it's warm and organic.

Be the waveforce with you..."

Yamaha CS01 Mark II Analogue Synth SN 1272 with Original Box

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"A stunning example of the ultra-rare mark 2. Clean inside and out. No crackles, clean battery bay, no missing sliders or keys. Original box, polystyrene, manual. A genuine collectable."

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Something's Coming

Something's Coming from Bright Sparks on Vimeo.

New synthesizer documentary? Some amazing synth spotting in this one.

Jomox ModBase 09

Published on Nov 16, 2015 MrRostislove

"Here I tried to squeeze all possible kicks from this really versatile module. Still I think though it lacks some hammer steel like punch and zappy kicks, even with external pitch modulation. Anyway if this is not what you are after, jomox is your ultimate kick machine :)
0-9 are root note D, 10-20 are A"