Moog Subharmonicon Semi-Modular Synthesizer Sounds (with DFAM)

Published on May 11, 2020 Perfect Circuit

"The Moog Subharmonicon has been anticipated since it was the synth built during the 2018 Moogfest Engineering Workshop. It is finally here as a production synth with a few upgrades from the Moogfest version. This production version has midi, a built in quantizer, more envelope controls and a slightly different sequencer section.

The Subharmonicon is built around divider circuits. There are two VCOs that each have two dividers that output frequencies between the base frequency 1/1, an octave below 1/2, an octave and a fifth below 1/3, two octaves below 1/4, two octaves and a fourth below 1/5, all the way down to four octaves below 1/16. The two oscillators and the four subdivisions can be mixed together into six note chords that span multiple octaves, the oscillators then of course go through a Moog ladder filter. There are a pair of envelopes for the VCA and VCF.

The sequencing also works with subdivisions of the tempo clock, there are four dividers that divided the master clock from 1/1 to 1/16 in integer divisions. These four dividers can trigger the envelopes and clock the two four step sequencers. The sequencers can then modulate the pitch of the two main VCOs, or select which divisions the subdividers are set to. Since the Subharmonicon is semi-modular its has a patch bay where different signal and control routing setups can be experimented with. The patch bay also makes connecting the Subharmonicon to a Mother 32, DFAM, or any other semi-modular or eurorack synth easy.

In this video we showed a combination of the Subharmonicon by itself as well as with a DFAM for percussion and with a Cooper FX Outward V2. The sidechain style patch at 5:09 uses a Ritual Electronics Anima Function generator to create the sidechain envelope and the Subharmonicon is going through a Tiptop Echoz delay module.

Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:05 - Fast sequence with DFAM
01:58 - High resonance sequence
03:34 - Plucky sequence with DFAM drums
05:09 - "Sidechain" to DFAM kick drum
06:29 - With Cooper FX Outward V2
07:37 - Melodic sequence cross-patched with DFAM

Subharmonicon available here"

Update: Moog announcement, demos & more here.

Roland Zenbeats 1.2

Published on May 11, 2020 Roland Zenbeats

"Roland Zenbeats 1.2 — Available Now!

Zenbeats introduces the next evolution in mobile music-making with Bluetooth MIDI support on Android and iOS. Enhance your creative flow with added Zenbeats MutliVerb effects on your tracks, find fresh store sounds, additional MIDI Output Support for Android, MIDI effect Track Routing, and more. Update now: https://www.roland.com/us/products/ze...

Music composed by STATIK LNK exclusively using Roland Zenbeats
IG: @statiklnk"

Sounds of the Roland FANTOM Synthesizer: SuperNATURAL

Published on May 11, 2020 RolandChannel

"The Roland FANTOM Synthesizer is a new type of creative hub that eliminates all boundaries in music composition and live performance. Inspiring onboard production tools and deep computer integration fuel an experience that's fast, fluid, and full of possibilities. An expandable sound engine delivers Roland’s best electronic and acoustic sounds, with the depth and control to combine and shape them in exciting new ways. And you command it all via an efficient, streamlined interface and your choice of the best 61-, 76-, and 88-note keyboards Roland has ever made.

FANTOM’s creative tools continue to expand and evolve with ongoing firmware updates. To complement the instrument’s powerful ZEN-Core Synthesis System and V-Piano engines, Roland’s famous SuperNATURAL Acoustic sound engine has been recently added with Version 1.5, along with a variety of SuperNATURAL-based strings, brass, basses, vocals, and world sounds. Version 1.6 extends things even further, bringing premium SuperNATURAL acoustic and electric pianos to the mix.

Backed by decades of Roland R&D, SuperNATURAL technology leverages advanced behavior modeling to bring a new level of realism to acoustic sound reproduction. SuperNATURAL’s organic tonal and dynamic behaviors instantly connect you with the sound, fueling fresh inspiration and infusing your tracks and performances with authentic acoustic vibe.

Going far beyond static sample-based playback systems, SuperNATURAL instruments don’t just sound like the acoustic instruments they’re based on—they also respond with natural acoustic behaviors as you play them. And you’ll always experience smooth transitions between different notes and velocities, with no looping and other unwanted artifacts.

In this video, Mark takes you through the SuperNATURAL sound engine with a demonstration of the following instruments:
1:13 — Strings
2:03 — Violin
2:36 — Trumpet
2:50 — Fing Bass 1
3:10 — Alto Sax
3:21 — Harp
3:57 — Concert Jazz
4:11 — Tine MkII Trem

If you’re a FANTOM owner, be sure to sign up for a free Roland Account. Using the latest version of Roland Cloud Manager software, you can download free SuperNATURAL acoustic and electric piano sound collections for your FANTOM and explore a huge variety of sound expansions for FANTOM and Roland Zen-Core instruments.

In addition, Roland Cloud offers a growing collection of Roland virtual instruments for use in modern workflows. Producer, beatmaker, gigging musician, or just getting started—you'll find something to inspire you. The original TR-808, classic JUNO-106, powerhouse JUPITER-8, and genre-defining TB-303 are all part of the 50-plus instrument collection. And Roland's legacy of innovation evolves yet again with the new ZENOLOGY Software Synthesizer, an advanced plug-in with deep sound design capabilities and seamless compatibility with your FANTOM and all ZEN-Core hardware instruments."

Roland Introduces ZENOLOGY & Roland Cloud Virtual Instrument Collection

Published on May 11, 2020 RolandChannel

Playlist above:

1. Roland ZENOLOGY Software Synthesizer: the ZEN-Core Synthesis System Virtual Instrument
2. Roland ZENOLOGY Software Synthesizer Overview
3. Introducing Roland Cloud: Roland's Virtual Instrument Collection
4. Roland Zenology Plugin Synthesizer Demo & Fun w. Doctor Mix

"Synthesizers are in just about every style of modern music, so you need something versatile, authentic, and forward-thinking. ZENOLOGY embodies nearly 50 years of synthesizer research and development. Its roots go back to the dawn of synthesis. Its future is what you make it. 

For decades, Roland sounds have had a massive influence on music. A string of legendary instruments defined genres like techno, house, rap, trap, and hip hop, and deeply influenced pop, rock, and film music. This experience has culminated in the ZEN-Core Synthesis System. It's the most advanced sound engine we’ve ever made, powering our professional synthesizers like JUPITER-X and FANTOM, used on stages and in studios around the world. 

ZENOLOGY is an expandable plug-in version of the ZEN-Core Synthesis System. ZEN-Core is based on discrete synth voices—each containing a flexible oscillator, filter, amplifier, dual step-LFOs, and lush effects. It mixes multiple synthesis types, combining vintage Roland oscillators and filters with PCM waves capable of PCM-SYNC and cross-modulation. Layer up to four voices in a single tone for rich, complex sounds, both classic and modern. 

With ZENOLOGY you have access to an ever-expanding, always-evolving universe of sound. Driven by the powerful ZEN-Core Synthesis System, a steady stream of new sounds and expansions focus on specific genres and instrument types, or feature sounds from leading artists. 

ZENOLOGY puts the ZEN-Core Synthesis System in your DAW and provides access to a universe of amazing sounds—but this is only the beginning. In the coming months, ZENOLOGY will get new synth engine expansions and grow into a sound designer's dream with deep editing capabilities.  The ZENOLOGY plug-in works in AU, AAX, and VST formats and is ready for use on your tracks.

ZENOLOGY will soon support Model Expansions for perfect recreations of classic Roland synthesizers like the JUPITER-8, JUNO-106, SH-101, JX-8P, and more. They use Analog Behavior Modeling to capture the essence of these legendary instruments and are optimized for high polyphony with an interface inspired by the original—but reimagined for use in your DAW. "

"Roland Cloud is a growing collection of virtual instruments, creative applications, and sound expansions for use in modern workflows. Producer, beatmaker, gigging musician, or just getting started — you'll find something to inspire you. From techno, acid house, and ambient to trap, rock, and hip hop, Roland Cloud has instruments and tools that will elevate your tracks.

Use over 50 Roland virtual instruments. Embrace the future with the ZENOLOGY Software Synthesizer that lets you share your sounds across software and hardware with ZEN-Core. And keep your music fresh with genre and instrument-specific patches, patterns, and sound packs for both Roland software and hardware instruments. 

The original TR-808, classic JUNO-106, powerhouse JUPITER-8, and genre-defining TB-303 are all part of the 50+ instrument collection. In addition, from Roland's legacy of innovation comes the new ZENOLOGY ZEN-Core-compatible synthesizer. Plus, enjoy a library of sound expansions for both software and hardware with the convenience of cloud-based mobility.

Download the app, create a Roland Account, and shape your musical experience starting with our free ZENOLOGY Lite Software Synthesizer. Once inside, you can explore membership options as well as purchase Instrument Keys, patch collections, ZEN-Core Sound Packs, and Wave and Model Expansions. 

Roland Cloud offers three paid membership levels: Core, Pro, and Ultimate. Pick a plan and supercharge your sound. All Roland Cloud access begins with a Roland Account. Sign up for free inside Roland Cloud Manager. No credit card required. 

With Roland Account as your passport, you’ll have access to redeem Lifetime Keys, applications, and sound expansions. Roland Cloud plug-ins work in AU, AAX, and VST formats and are ready for use in your DAW.

Roland Cloud works with a variety of compatible Roland hardware. Host plugins in the SYSTEM-8 synth for computer-free performance. Share sounds with ZEN-Core compatible gear including FANTOM and Jupiter-X. Or use your TR-08 or Roland Boutiques to control their software equivalents, with all controls mapping automatically. 

From there, expand your music with sound collections. From Synthwave vibes and Legendary instrument collections to ZEN-Core Sound Packs (SDZ), Wave Expansions (EXZ), and model expansions, these genre-specific sets will provide an extra shot of creative inspiration.

You can even get 24/7 access to individual instruments with Lifetime Keys Purchase a Lifetime Key and use your chosen instrument for as long as your Roland Account is active–even if you’re not a paying member. "

KORG ARP 2600 FS UnBoxing and Setup

Published on May 11, 2020 oscDrift

"After a lovely five days of getting the run around from FEDEX.....I hopped in my Van and picked it up at the distribution depot.

Hopefully I saved one or two FEDEX driver's back(s) in the process.. ;)"

ARP & Moog 5/11/2020

Published on May 11, 2020 SynthMania

"This is my song 'La Bellezza' (The Beauty) played on ARP and MOOG. The original piece with ELKA Synthex and Therevox is here:" [posted here]

Blade Runner-esque.

3 Synths, 3 Notes (TX Wiggles 61)

Published on May 11, 2020 poorness studios

"I was just messing around with my Mopho and I really liked the way these 3 notes sounded with this patch. I built this jam those 3 notes, including the Eurorack parts. It's just the Mopho, Volca Beats, and the Eurorack. I thought I'd share it with the rest of the synth nerds out there."

poorness studios TX Wiggles

Allen Strange Firgure 21 for Easel

Published on May 11, 2020 Todd Barton

"An impulse broadcast today at 5pm PDT 8pm EDT on my Instagram @synthtodd I'll be exploring the legendary Figure 21 patch by Allen Strange found in his 1974 manual for the Buchla Music Easel. Join me!
https://www.instagram.com/synthtodd/
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd"

Monster Patch Demo: KARP

Published on May 11, 2020 Learning Modular

"This was the first patch demonstrated during the 'Patching the Monster' live webcast [below] with Chris Meyer of LearningModular.com, Ben 'DivKid' Wilson, and Kim 'Bjooks' Bjørn.

The arpeggiator in a Korg taktile 49 keyboard controller is driving a Mutable Instruments Rings, 2hp Pluck, and an analog synth voice consisting of a Birdkids TheBateleur, Livewire AFG, Rossum Evolution, and Erogenous Tones VC8, modulated by an Ian Fritz Hypster, Befaco VC ADSR, and Erogenous Tones RADAR. Voltage-controlled panning is from a Happy Nerding PanMix; reverb is from a Happy Nerding FX Aid.

The patch diagram for this is available on the Patch & Tweak website: http://editor.patchandtweak.com/patch...

It is also broken down in detail on the Learning Modular Patreon channel: https://www.patreon.com/posts/37007415"

The MONSTER speaks: initial patch ideas // Patching the Monster

Streamed live on May 9, 2020 DivKidVideo

"We had ' Feeding The Monster' where alongside Kim Bjorn and I Chris Meyer walked us through module choices and ideas for filling up his ADDAC Monster system case. Going through the high end power rig and sections of the case. Now we have PATCHING THE MONSTER with audio and with patches!"

Sequential Artist Spotlight Interview with MATTHEW S

You can find the interview on Sequential's website here.

"Matthew S (aka Matteo Scapin) is an Italian-based electronic music producer who has been releasing music since 2009. Matteo teaches Ableton Live music sequencing software courses at the Istituto Musicale Veneto di Thiene, and also teaches at Pantarhei in Vicenza. He collaborates as a sound designer with Gruppo L’Espresso and Gruppo Magnolia, a TV production leader in creating new entertainment formats that include different genres.

In 2020 he released the single Daydream (for INRI Classic) in collaboration with accordionist Pietro Roffi and pianist Gian Marco Castro. The piece was written during the coronavirus quarantine.

We chatted with Matteo on how he’s been using Sequential instruments in his music.

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You can find previous posts featuring Sequential's Spotlight series here.