Yamaha AN1x vs Oberheim OB-X8: Can an analog synth match the glory of a vintage VA???

video upload by thesrabbit

"A bit of a click-baity and facetious title. But there is a goal here. The Yamaha AN1x "005 Soar" preset is magical, majestic, glorious, epic, wonderful, etc. It uses 2 layers, or "scenes" as they're called on the AN1x. 1 layer is a soft floaty arpeggiated line and the other is an epic whooshing pad. It maxes out the use of onboard FX, using chorus, delay, and reverb. The FX mix is obviously very wet too, and maybe too much as it can get kind of muddy.

Anytime I get a synth that can do layers, I try to make a similar patch. It doesn't matter if it's an analog or digital synth. Some synths that I've tried have been the Sequential Rev2, Nord Lead 2, and Roland System-8. Out of those, the System-8 got pretty close, though not quite as epic. The other 2 didn't really impress me at all. So I guess you could say I'm still searching for something that can capture the magic of the original. And by the way, the goal isn't to make them sound exactly the same, but more to get similar epic vibes and feels. I just got the OB-X8, so I had to try it. I added delay and reverb from my go-to Audiothingies Doctor A. The dry/wet mix is about 50/50. The Audiothingies unit just seems to meld well with input sources, rather than taking them over. The arpeggiated layer uses the OB-Xa 24db low pass filter, and the pad layer uses the OB-X SEM 12db low pass filter. A winning combo, if you ask me!

Thoughts and opinions welcome in the comments."

KORG - miniKORG 700FS

video upload by NOISEBUG

https://www.noisebug.net/products/korg-minikorg-700fs

"The miniKORG 700 was KORG’s first mass-produced monophonic synthesizer released in 1973 at a time when the form of synthesizers as musical instruments had not been fully established. After a lot of experimentation the miniKORG 700 arrived bringing the world of synthesizers to a wide group of users by offering simple operations that could producing extreme changes in sound, and was championed by a strong base of admiring musicians.

The miniKORG 700FS is an authentic revival of the miniKORG 700S, (an improved version of the miniKORG 700) that was released the following year. The revised miniKORG 700FS offers added functionality such as an arpeggiator, spring reverb and aftertouch. The miniKORG 700FS is a fully-realized analog synthesizer that was developed in conjunction with the original designer, Fumio Mieda.
Why revive the miniKORG 700 now?

The real beauty and awesomeness of the sounds produced by the miniKORG 700 could not be realized through analog modeling technology that uses computational integrated circuitry such as DSPs and other devices to model analog circuitry. And although KORG continues to produce analog synthesizers such as the prologue, the minilogue and many others, we recognize that these instruments owe their existence to the miniKORG 700.

While theoretical know how is important when designing analog circuitry, deep experience is also required to understand what the results will actually be once the circuitry is completed. Ten years have passed since the monotron, a next-generation analog product from 2010 was developed by young KORG engineers and analog enthusiasts. It took some time for the full vision of these engineers to be explored and delivered but at last we’ve finally arrived – at the start.

Our wish is for customers to experience the beauty and awesomeness of the authentic analog sound through the miniKORG 700FS designed by the KORG analog engineers under the supervision of Fumio Mieda, who designed the original circuitry, ensuring that the elements that go beyond the circuit schematics would be faithfully represented.
Beautiful synth leads, thick bass – and more

While the miniKORG 700 was KORG’s first synthesizer, it also produced some of the fattest and most dense sounds of all of our synthesizers. The miniKORG 700FS, features oscillators with a penetrating sound and an authentic recreation of the Traveler controller, one of the key features of the miniKORG 700.

The volca keys and volca bass use the filter circuit from the miniKORG 700, because the clear and penetrating characteristics of this filter were a perfect match for products that specialize in lead and bass synth sounds with a strong presence. The miniKORG 700 sound sits easily in today’s music, particularly with its lead and bass synth sounds.
The possibilities as a sub keyboard

The miniKORG 700 came about as a sub keyboard that players would set atop their organs (frequently used in the 1970s) to augment the organ’s sound palette. Nowadays, the beautiful lead synth sound of the miniKORG 700FS works well with stage keyboards such as or electric pianos, organs and so on.

The controls on the miniKORG 700 were laid out below its keys in a row, so that players who set the instrument on top of their organ would find them easy to access. Even today, this layout is intuitive and easy to understand, with a unique look that no other instrument offers.
Functionality we added to the original

When the miniKORG 700 was originally released, electronic components were larger in size, limiting its functionality due to the small space inside. Thanks to changes in technology, we now have more space to add a spring reverb effect as well as a joystick for pitch bend and modulation. The new version also features aftertouch for added expressiveness, as well as important features an arpeggiator, USB port, MIDI IN connector and a CV/GATE IN jack.

We’ve also added a memory program button, so there’s no need for players to write down the positions of the knobs and levers to recreate their favorite sounds.
Traveler controller

The most characteristic feature of the miniKORG 700, the Traveler controller consisted of two sliders situated below the keyboard. With these controls, players could adjust the cutoff frequency, with the upper lever controlling the low-pass filter and the lower lever controlling the high-pass filter. This gave players the freedom to adjust the expressive character of the sound according to the position of the levers. By moving the levers to the left and right while playing the keys, wah-wah and muted sounds could be created along with the iconic 'traveling' sound.

https://www.noisebug.net/products/kor..."

Behind Bloom - Vintage Synths

video upload by Minimal Audio

"Bloom - An ethereal sound FX library with 1000+ designed sounds.
Learn more → https://www.minimal.audio/products/bloom

Discover evolving atmospheres, nuanced drums, melodic loops, foley textures, vocal SFX, and more. Whether you're looking for deep soundscapes or subtle sonic embellishments, Bloom offers an unparalleled library of expansive sound design elements.

Free Sample Drops → https://www.minimal.audio/sample-subs.."

1978 Roland GS-500 Vintage Analog Guitar Synthesizer and Controller

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

via this auction

"1978 Roland GS-500 Guitar Synthesizer and Controller in collector-grade, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the hardshell case for guitar controller and the original manual. Exceedingly rare, with said rarity elevated further by the pristine condition and completeness of this example, the GS-500 was the world’s first guitar-controlled synthesizer. Introduced as a string-based alternative to keyboard-controlled synthesizers, this system gained popularity with musicians including Mike Rutherford of Genesis and Alex Lifeson of Rush.

CLICK FOR MORE »

1981 Roland Studio System-100M Modular Synthesizer & Model 181 Keyboard w/ Cables & Original Box

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

via this auction, also on Reverb

"1981 Roland Studio System-100M Modular Synthesizer and Model 181 keyboard controller in exceptional condition and in perfect working order. Stunningly well-kept and complete with numerous patch cables as well as the original shipping box for the keyboard controller, this vintage analog synth is complete and freshly serviced.

First released in 1978, the System 100M was Roland’s scaled-down follow-up to the iconic System 700, their first truly modular unit. It was released in tandem with 13 individual rack modules available for integration into the system. This particular System 100M features the 191-J 5-module case rack. While the 181 keyboard and 191-J case are not not from the same original unit, they were (according to serial numbers) produced in short proximity to each other.

There are 5 individual modules currently mounted in the 191-J case:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland SH-5

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

via this auction

"The Roland SH-5, one rare and very cool vintage synth, probably one of the best looking synths ever made, truly unique sounds, the bandpass filter is incredible sounding on this! FULLY SERVICED two months ago, this is 110 voltage for U.S. No international shipping on this one sorry! I am NOT super eager to sell this! All latches present and working, tolex in good shape, even has the original rubber feet! The only issue is the door for where the power cord gets stashed came off, pretty simple fix, just need two tiny screws to reattach, otherwise condition is 8 out of 10,"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Waldorf Micro Q Keyboard

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

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Bill Wolfer: It's the 50th Anniversary of my Minimoog!

video upload by Bill Wolfer

"I bought this Minimoog Model D in 1972, and have had it ever since. It was recently restored, so I made a video to celebrate it and its birthday!

All the sounds are straight from the Mini plugged direct into a Focusrite interface connected to an iPad, with reverb and echo provided by the iPad.

Thanks to David Rogoff for the excellent restoration work."

P.S. "It was my first synth--I bought it in 1972! Serial number 1407, clear wheels and all. Still has the original oscillators."

P.P.S. Bill Wolfer played in Michael Jackson's Thriller. You can find his self title releases and a short bio on discogs here.

[first take] I got a synthesizer

video upload by Fumia

"I got a synthesizer."

---

Yamaha CS1X

Sequential Circuits Pro-One SN 5573

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

via this auction

"Great working pro one. Nice keyboard (j-Wire). Has some scratches and dings, check the pictures.
Fully working properly.

MTG TURBO + Midi is a huge boost to this unit. All the original features, and all the original analog circuitry plus the following:

Check out music technologies group dot com
Each sequence can be up to 256 steps (compared to total of 40 steps on the original).
Sequences are retained in memory even after power-down. The CPU module does not use a battery.
Power-on settable parameters for clock start mode, arpeggio up/down end notes, arpeggio down mode and arpeggio gate time.
Sequence Tie mode allows for a variety of note lengths.
Sequence End mode lets you chain the two sequences.
Firmware update (�re-flashing�) over MIDI (using MIDIOX or similar).
Monophonic MIDI output of arpeggiator and sequencer data.
Polyphonic MIDI output of keyboard data.
Arpeggiator and sequencer sync-able to MIDI Sync In (settable clock rate).
Load/Save sequence data over MIDI.
MIDI In, MIDI Out and optional MIDI Thru.
Optional MIDI In/Out activity LEDs.
This unit also includes a 3 prong power supply and a ground loop fix. (look into Pro One hum grounding mod, the units have some issues with that for some people).
All mods professionally installed and are done with connectors, so the voice board can be removed for any future service."

CLICK FOR MORE »