Oberheim OB-Xa LFO to Filter

Oberheim OB-Xa in Unison mode. Reverb and phaser followed by none. WAV file.

"Autodrive" by Herbie Hancock

YouTube via backporchvideos. sent my way via Ed. Roland Jupiter-8 and ARP 2500.
"I think the same guy who did Thomas Dolby's early videos had a hand (no pun intended) in this one. Aired 5-12-84."

RICKWAKEMAN - Orpheus Song, Lisztomania (1975) (RARE!)

YouTube via dwiananda28
"Lagu Magis dari Rick dgn Moog synthesizernya..terkenal di th 1975 setelah album six wife of henry XIII"

FutureRetro XS self-generating patch

YouTube via radambe
"Here is a self generating patch on the new futureretro XS. Just received this incredible machine from Big City Music this afternoon.
Audio is run from the XS into a Lexicon MX-400."

Synthesizer Treffen Schweiz 2006

YouTube via Metunar
"Video of the Swiss Synthesizer Meeting in 2006.
(Rapid Equipment Movement)"

Update: videos now on a different YouTube account:
http://www.youtube.com/user/SwissSynthMeeting

Korg Poly Ensemble S K-5

images at this auction

Oberheim OB-8

images at this auction

Macbeth M3X

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

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AtomoSynth Abyssal Clear Edition

more images at AtomoSynth

Oberheim Xpander

via this CL listing
"The Oberheim Xpander was an analog synthesiser launched by Oberheim in 1984 and discontinued in 1988. It was essentially a keyboardless, six-voice version of the Matrix-12. Utilizing Oberheim's Matrix Modulation (TM) technology, the Xpander combined analog audio generation (VCOs, VCF and VCAs) with the flexibility of digital controls logic.

The Xpander "Owner's Manual, First Edition" describes the technology as this:

"An analogy to the Matrix Modulation system might be all of those millions of wires that existed on the first modular synthesizers. As cumbersome as all of that wiring was, it alllowed the user to connect any input to any output, resulting in sophistication and flexibility unmatched by any programmable synthesizer...until now."

Analog Components

Each of the six voices of the Xpander is completely independent. That is to say, each could be configured to create a different timbre - this is accomplished via the multi-patch mode which will be described below.

Starting at waveform generation, each voice has two voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs). Each of which is capable of generating sawtooth, triangle, pulse or noise waveforms. Furthermore, the "duty cycle" of the pulse width can be modulated as well. Although perhaps better known for subractive synthesis, the Xpander is also capable of frequency modulation (FM) synthesis by modulating VCO 1 with VCO2.

Moving on from the VCOs, the signal then passes through a multi-mode voltage controlled filter (VCF). The available modes on the filter are:

* one-, two-, three- and four-pole low pass
* one-, two and three-pole high pass
* two- and four-pole band pass
* two-pole notch
* three-pole phase shift
* two- and three-pole high pass plus one-pole low pass
* two-pole notch plus one-pole low pass
* three-pole phase shift plus one-pole low pass

From the filter, there are two sequential voltage controlled amplifiers (VCAs) through which the signal must pass. And finally the audio is delivered to a variety of outputs: mono, stereo and six independent outputs (corresponding to the six voices).

Digital Controls

Of those analog audio components (VCOs, VCF and VCAs), each can be modulated by several different digital controls.

* ADSR Envelopes - each voice can have up to five envelope generators. Each envelope is of the standard Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release model (ADSR), with the addition of an initial Delay phase, thus making them DADSR envelopes, to be exact.
* Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) - each voice can have up to five LFOs applied. Each LFO can have a different waveform: triangle, square, up-saw, down-saw, random or noise. Additionally, a sampling mode is provided, whereby an independent source (e.g. a different LFO) is sampled at a set frequency.
* Lag Generator - the lag function is similar to portamento on traditional sythesizers. However, the lag modulation in the Xpander can be applied to any control or audio signal.
* Ramp Generators - each voice can have up to four ramp generators. Similar to the attack portion of an ADSR envelope, the ramp generates a linear signal from zero to the user-defined ramp height.
* Tracking Generators - there are three tracking generators available for each voice. The tracking generator provides a mapping from a control source (e.g. key range on the keyboard, or volume pedal, or mod wheel) to a modified output, based on the user-defined settings of the generator."

Nord Wave - Impressions

You can find the full review with samples on Carbon111
"As an added bonus, Clavia has licensed the original Mellotron library (with their hissy, warbly, warts-and-all character) for use in the Wave as well as some very high-quality samples from some respected third parties so there's plenty of fodder for interesting sound design right out of the box. Integrating samples into a VA environment is a blast with all the cross-modulation and unusual filtering that can be done!"

via SYNTHWIRE

Richard Brewster MegaHz 101108 modular analog synthesizer

YouTube via halmcgeevideo
"Richard Brewster in performance at Day One of the MegaHz Fest at The Bridge PAI, 205 Monticello Road, Charlottesville, Virginia, Saturday, October 11, 2008. This was Richard Brewster's first live performance in 25 years, and presented here is most of one of two performances by Brewster that day on his MOTM-style modular analog synthesizer. The MegaHz Fest was a two day experimental music and noise event in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia, presented by the HzCollective. Filmed by Christopher Miller, with Hal McGee's Sony CCD-TRV138 NTSC Hi8 analog video camera."

LYNC LN-1000 JAN HAMMER Keytar

via this auction, via the forum.
see the update below
"The most mythical, the most wanted keytar in the world. The keytar which was used (a custom model) by Jan Hammer. It has been nicknamed "The Rolls-Royce of the keytars".

This is not the (inferior) LN-4: this is the next (and improved) model LN-1000.

Much better than the Roland AX-1 / AX-7 and others:
- 49 keys / 4 full octaves (The Roland only has 45 keys).
- Velocity sensitive keys with AFTERTOUCH (Roland keys only transmit velocity).
- Real continuous controller mod/pitch wheels (The Roland only has a very awkward and almost unusable ribbon / D-beam control).
- ...And much more (if you are looking this article, that's because you already know what type of jewel the Lync LN-1000 is, compared to other keytars...)

The original manual and cables are included. It feeds directly from the MIDI port by means of an ad-hoc little box which is connnected both to the electrical plug and the MIDI cable (as I'm not the original owner of the keytar, I'm not sure if this was the default configuration, but I suspect that it was modified in order to allow this MIDI-feeding)."

Update via Richard Lainhart of O-Town Media:
"One comment about this - the LN-4 is actually the superior controller. The LN-1000 was designed to be a lower-cost, less fully-featured version of the LN-4.

For example, the LN-4 had a separate rackmount interface/power supply that provided 4 MIDI outputs; each MIDI output was separately programmable and controllable from the LN-4. The LN-1000 had a single built-in MIDI output, and was battery-powered.

That's not to say that the LN-1000 is a dog; far from it. But it isn't superior to the LN-4. (I owned an LN-4, used to work for Lync, and wrote the manuals for both controllers.)"

machinedrum RAM machines

YouTube via vcovcfvca
"Sampling from the audio inputs on the machinedrum in order to layer loops and tweak samples. Once recorded and looping you can easily tweak the samples just like any other track on the md. I do minimal (safe) tweaks here to (try to) keep the groove going but you can easily mess with start and end points for stutter effect, etc.

A simple 1 bar pattern, 3 RAM machines filled w/ keyboard parts live, nord electro2, dsi mono evolver keyboard (MEK), mackie 802-vlz3, ehx holy stain, ehx stereo memory man with hazarai"

VEMIA - Yamaha CS40M

via this VEMIA auction

"Yamaha's huge programmable analogue duosynth in good working order and basically good condition - three knobs and one switch have been replaced, it seems, and the new white parts do show up the yellowy originals. Looking at pics on google, though, this seems to be the same with almost all CS40Ms."

VEMIA - LL Electronics Rozzbox One V2

via this VEMIA auction

"The Rozzbox with tubes. This one is the third ever made, and in practically immaculate condition except that either the maker or the owner has put felt on the bottom of the wooden end cheeks, and that is starting to peel away and look a little messy. The label underneath says Rozzbox One V2, 5 Voices w/ Tube Filter. Made in 2007."

VEMIA - SMS Analogue Modular Synthesizer

via this VEMIA auction

"Wow, if the previous lot of SMS gear was pretty rare, this set of seven 1U modular synth rackmounts is extraordinarily rare, and quite possibly the only one available in the world. There are supposed to be five sets possibly in existence, but I've never heard of anyone being able to buy one. It's also very beautifully made, with an excellent choice of colour and solid, tough materials. I'll be playing with this during the week - it only arrived at VEMIA 48 hours ago - and so far have enjoyed it a lot - **bubbly backgrounds are one of its strengths, squelchy filter lines, and percussive syncopations**. Huge potential, and a pleasure to mess about with. 2x CV Buffers, HB Morph Lag, 2x DC Level Shifters, 2x Attenuator/Inverters, 2x Oscillators with Wave Modulation, Linear Oscillator, Sample & Hold, Noise, Lag, Ring Mod, 2x Envelopes, 2x Amplifiers, and 2x Filters."

Appendage Touch Ribbon Controller Third Video

YouTube via ScottStites. follow-up to these videos.
"100mm. It's not the size that counts...."

Minimoog + SCI Pro-One + Prophet VS + Roland Juno-60

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo by RetroSound

'The Machine'

bass-drone: SCI Pro-One;
lead sound and deep bass: Moog Minimoog;
analog pad and fx sounds: SCI Prophet VS;
sweep sound: Roland Juno-60 in hold-mode;

no overdubbing, no sequencer software used

Unfortunately it came by the youtube sound compression to a few unwanted digital noises in the sound."

【DEMO】musictrack MT-1

YouTube via musictrackjp
"musictrack Original VirtualAnalog Synthesizer【MT-1】

まさにDTMビギナーのためのアナログ・ソフトシンセ。
シンセの原点は、これでマスターすべし！

ミュージックトラック　オフィシャルレビュー

ビギナー向け、ソフトウェア・シンセサイザーMT-1の魅力に迫ります。

レビューの詳細なレポート、高音質バージョンはMusicTrackのオフィシャルレ ビューで公開中です。"

Googlish:
"musictrack Original VirtualAnalog Synthesizer MT-1 []

For beginners just Analog DTM software synthesizers.
Since the origin of the master SUBESHI it!

OFISHARUREBYU music tracks

For beginners, the software synthesizer迫RIMASU with the charm of MT-1.

The report reviews the detailed, high-quality version of the OFISHARURE MusicTrack public view."

【DEMO】ROLAND JUNO-106

YouTube via musictrackjp
"往年の国産アナログシンセ【JUNO-106】
そのサウンドに迫る！

ミュージックトラック　オフィシャルレビュー

国産のコンシューマ向け、ポリフォニックシンセサイザーJUNO-106。
いまだに人気のその秘密を探ります。

レビューの詳細なレポート、高音質バージョンはMusicTrackのオフィシャルレ ビューで公開中です。 "

Googlish:
"ANAROGUSHINSE old domestic JUNO-106 []
Close to the sound!

OFISHARUREBYU music tracks

Domestic consumer, PORIFONIKKUSHINSESAIZA JUNO-106.
Most still seeking the secret.

The report reviews the detailed, high-quality version of the OFISHARURE MusicTrack public view."

Circuit bent friend face

YouTube via frostedminipete
"I don't know why this idea didn't cross my mind until recently. The touch contacts on my MT-55 produce awesome sounds... here's another way to achieve them :P EVERYBODY CLAP FOR JENNIE FOR BEING SUCH A GOOD SPORT.

(obviously, one person touching each contact, touch the other person for the sound...just in case anybody was still unsure)"

Analogue with Digital

via Veqtor

"I made a little tutorial and sound example about the art of extending analogue modular sounds with digital effects, with some ideas and tips."

"So, for fun I wanted to do something with my currently extremely limited modular: I patched 2 ADSR's from my A-143-2 into self-trigger mode, with their speeds set to high. This creates two oscillators with a waveform which goes from saw-wave, to triangle and into ramp. Then I ran them into my passive ring-mod. The output was recorded while I tweaked away at it."

preliminary schematics for subtle chorus

via JH on the AH list:

"I've put the schemos for my subtle chorus project online at
http://www.jhaible.de/subtle_chorus/jh_subtle_chorus.html.

BBD Board has been finished (and tested) for some time. Main Board schemos are new. Main Board prototype PCB is currently being manufactured at Olimex. I hope I'll be able to offer boards before Chrismas - if not, probably in January. I'm not taking orders for this yet. But if you're interested in this project, and haven't told me yet, send me a mail and I'll notify you when I'm ready to take orders."

VEMIA - ARP Ultra-Odyssey, Saint Eric's max mod

via this VEMIA auction

"All the amazing work on this Odyssey was done by ARP guru, Saint Eric in Holland. Over 1000 euros spent. Front panel very nice and clean. Side cheeks have marks and scratches, back has a couple of marks. Overall I'd say it was in nice condition, but not as nice as the EMS. Heavily modified. Fully recapped. Sliders all pulled apart and relubricated. All key bushings done. Mods: Mono/ Duo 2 way switch for selecting monophonic/ duophonic modes. Extra LFO for PPC, with switch for Square or Sine waveforms. 3 way Switch for LFO for extra slow/ normal / fast speed ranges. 3 way Switch for AR envelope for extra slow/ normal / fast speed ranges. 3 way Switch for ADSR envelope for extra slow/ normal / fast speed ranges. 7 new pots in mixer section: Pot 1 ring mod... Slider 1 above pot 1 is for noise Pot 2 VCO 1 square volume to mixer... Slider 2 above pot 2 is for VCO 1 Saw Pot 3 VCO 2 square volume to mixer... Slider 3 above pot 3 is for VCO 2 Saw Pot 4 S/H mixer or Pedal to VCF.. Slider above pot 4 is for Keyboard CV Pot 5 LFO sine to VCF.. Slider above pot 5 is for S/H Pot 6 AR to VCF.. Slider above pot 6 is for ADSR Pot 7 ADSR to VCA.. Slider above pot 7 is for AR The idea is instead of the switch, you get a pot so access to all functionality at the same time.. so for example you can mix 4 waveforms at the same time, the 2 saw waves on the sliders and the 2 square waves on the pots. In addition Pots 2 and 3 have 3 way switches, so you can switch from Square / Triangle / Sine waveforms. Switch for inverted/ normal ADSR to filter. Also have midi installed on the back, Synhouse midi jack. Its on a switch so can be turned on or off (bypassed). Plus extra cv inputs on the back too: resonance cv, vcf cv, vca and another one which i can't quite remember! No slider caps, was going to get some tic tac tops from RS components, but didnt get round to it!"

VEMIA - VCS3 "Putney"

via this VEMIA auction

"Original, un-modified example of this classic synth. A MkII, with improved power supply and presto-patch socket. The rare Datanomics version. Very good condition, I mean it's really, really nice. It's not like an unblemished museum piece, it has one scratch in the wood on one side and has two little marks on the front face panel. But its all very minor, it really looks very good. Everything working great too as far as I can tell, no problems. Comes with a custom-made dust-cover. No keyboard."

Commodore Bent 64 Blackout

You might remember the Commodore Bent64 Blackout from this video.

You can find more shots and info on BIGHEAD ELECTRONICS.

Note Bighead also brought us the MFX24. You might remember the MFX24 from these posts.

Analogue Solutions Leipzig Keyboard

via digitizer

see this link for some prior posts on the Leipzig.

E-mu Drumulator

images at this auction

Eminent Theatre 310 Unique

via Synth.nl where you will find the full post and another image.

"This Eminent is a Dutch build organ with a String Ensemble on the top layer. It was actually one of the first string synthesizers. It was build in 1972 and it is very well knows as the typical 'Jarre' synthesizer. Actually most sounds on his 'Oxygene' album come from this organ run through some phasers like the Smallstone and Mistress from EHX."

oxygene

flickr by hotblack_desiato87

full size

"jean michel jarre live@teatro degli arcimboldi milano"

Note the Alesis A6 on the far right. I don't think Sequential Circuits is represented. If anoyone sees one, feel free to comment. Also I'm not sure what the box is between sets on the right. Looks like a Linndrum, but that could be the lighting.

Top 20 Weirdest Instruments - The Novachord

see the write-up on Sonic State.

The Tone Generation Programme 12 - The RCA Synthesizer

"This special 45 minute edition examines the leviathan synthesizer introduced by RCA engineers in 1955, and features electronic sounds created only with the Mark 1 and 2 machines. Included are tracks composed by Otto Leuning, Vladimir Ussachevsky, Milton Babbitt and Charles Wuorinen."
You'll find it at the bottom of this post.

Nice Italian girl playing the Moog Theremin

YouTube via ferrocinque. via Synthtopia.
"A Moog Theremin played at the MidiWare booth at the Meet Show '07 in Milan"