Synth jamming on the Oberheim OB-Xa
This ’80s Italo Dance with Oberheim OB-Xa
The OB-Xa is a massive analog synthesizer with a very familiar and classic Oberheim sound. Its sound, size and power are very similar to the Prophet 5 from Sequential. However this one has up to 8 voices which can be split, layered and stored!
The OB-Xa was available in four, six or eight voice polyphonic models. They all featured patch memories, also in varying degrees. A minimum of 32 patches were available on early models (4 banks of 8). The maximum amount of patch memory storage found on many OB-Xa’s is 120 patch memories. All models of OB-Xa, however, featured the new Curtis chips which offered great stability for an analog synth and they are attributed to its great filters and sounds.
The OB-X was very similar to the OB-Xa except that its voices could not be split or layered and, more significantly, the OB-X had a lowpass-only discrete SEM 12dB/oct state variable filter, which had a great and classic Oberheim sound. The OB-Xa changed that in an attempt to economize manufacturing and increase stability by switching to CEM3320 Curtis chips for its filters. The Xa offered two switchable filter modes: 12 dB/oct (2-pole) or 24 dB/oct (4-pole). This hardware change resulted in a more agressive sound, not quite as creamy as the OBX original, but what still became a “bread and butter” sound of the Oberheim line.
Splitting the keyboard mode separates the OB-Xa into two 4-voice synths with two available patches. The Layer mode plays the two patches simultaneously. There are also some added effect sources, perfect for any analog polysynth, including portamento, unison, sample & hold, chord memory and three LFO’s!
However none of the original OB-Xa’s have MIDI, unless otherwise having been modified. The OB-Xa is a classic and fat analog machine.
Folktek Luminist Garden & Modular System
Folktek Luminist Garden & my modular system
First Session with this great instrument. All sounds (except the Luminist Garden) from my little modular system.
Sequencing: Pittsbsurgh Timetable, Doepfer A-155, MakeNoise Pressure Points & Brains, Malekko Wiard Noisering
Drums: Malekko Wiard Borg Filter, Doepfer A-117
Noise: 4ms Noise Swash, Bubblesound VCOb, MakeNoise Wiard Wogglebug, WMD Gamma Wave Source
Mello: Bubblesound uLFO
Recorded with Logic Pro.
Here you can find a hi-res photo of the patch: http://www.klirrfaktor.com/images/Klirrfaktor_patch26_Luminist_Garden.jpg
More @ http://www.klirrfaktor.com
Klirrfaktor
Techtron – Advanced Retro Synthesis Engine
Hollow Sun has introduced Techtron, a collection of virtual ‘Music Laboratory Machines’.
Here’s what they have to say about Techtron:
With big, brash oscillators, multi-mode filters, two envelope generators, two LFOs, a pitch EG and poly and mono playback modes with glide, Techtron delivers BIG, modern sounds aided and abetted by a comprehensive chain of multi-FX that include EQ, distortion, cab simulation, chorus, phase shifting, rotary cabinet, echo and convolved reverb featuring a wide range of impulses that include everything from vintage springs to massive ambient washes.
It also has a versatile arpeggiator.
Capable of of instant ‘techno’ sounds it is equally adept at producing smooth pads. silky strings, big basses, spiky arpeggios plus a broad range of dark and broody textures.
Features:
- 48kHz/24-bit
- Retro Synthesis Engine
- Two ‘iSaw’ Oscillators
- Two LFOs
- Multi-mode 2-pole/4-pole filter
- Two envelope shapers
- Pitch envelope
- Poly and mono play modes
- EQ, distortion, chorus, phaser, rotary and echo multi-FX
- Convolved reverb featuring vintage spring reverbs
Pricing and Availability
Hollow Sun Techtron is available now for US $10.
Link
How To Work Beat Thang Intro
Beat Kangz Electronics’ AJA gives you an introduction to the Beat Thang hardware.
The world’s first fully portable music production studio, The Beat Thang comes loaded with everything you need to make your own original Hip Hop, Dance, Pop, Dubstep and Electronica tracks in just minutes.
Fully portable, loaded with over 3,000 original and professionally mastered sounds, a built in mixer, effects rack, sampler, and performance keyboard – the Beat Thang gives you the tools you need to make music…just the way the Pros do.
After nearly 5 years of development, the Beat Thang levels the playing field – simplifying professional music production down to its core – redesigning the production experience in a way that lets any music enthusiast – beginner or pro – create music the way its meant to be made…in the moment. Forget about confusing menus, manuals and frustration – everything about the Beat Thang interface has been simplified to keep your time spent making more music, saving you valuable time while never compromising on features or functionality.
Create original songs in a matter of seconds, and finish radio ready songs in mere minutes – with access to the sounds that the world’s top producers have been using and keeping secret for years. Then share your music with your friends and fans…with full computer and studio integration and quick SD card and USB export.
Never before has the aspiring producer been given so many tools in one portable machine. Whether you’re an aspiring singer, dancer, rapper, DJ, songwriter, guitar player or producer…the Beat Thang has the versatility and uncompromising quality you demand…with unprecedented ease of use and portability. The playing field is officially leveled.
Rhythm Studio Browser and Workspace
http://youtu.be/zsekwcLgXxQ
How to turn your iPad into a virtual studio
Rhythm Studio is a workspace style app with a studio of realistic electronic music instruments. It is a universal app available on all current iOS hardware.
Rhythm Studio balances advanced features by using an easy to understand interface resembling real instruments. This means that one button does one thing just like it would with real hardware. Knobs turn, switches slide, and buttons press. You won’t get lost in abstract interfaces or design. Rhythm Studio is the next best thing to having the real hardware.
Rhythm Studio includes a full 808 drum machine, 303 synthesizer, sample based synthesizer, XY style control pad, and mixer with FX.
Rhythm Studio has three ways of creating music.
- Manually program the drum machine and synthesizers like the original hardware.
- Use the Control Pad to play the drum machine or synthesizers live.
- Create randomized patterns based on the key and scale of the song.
The Making of Start the Show on the iPhone
Everything iOS – from start till end in the music production process:
Hear more songs like this at http://www.reverbnation.com/onelikeson
Using apps and hardware for the iPhone Stephen Poff of One Like Son records START THE SHOW for their upcoming release.
Apps/Hardware used: AmpKit, FourTrack, Multitrack DAW, GuitarJack, Pocket Organ, Thumbjam, AC-7 Core Mini. Drums composed in Drumcore by Sonoma Wireworks.
New synth by Steve Hollow
Hollow Sun has released a new synth based on old Soviet Union submarine radio equipment that was languishing and due for cruel and ruthless de-commissioning. It’s called the Techtron. As Steve always make high grade products I will certainly check it out.
Original hardcase for MS20?
Someone is selling a Korg MS20 on eBay with an original hardcase. I never heard of a hard case for MS20! Looks like the hardcase for my grandmas sewing machine.
Field recording
No reason to sit indoors all summer if you are a modular noodler!
This is Frederic Gerchambeau recording his performance in one take by using two Doepfer Dark Energy, a Moog CP-251 and a Boss DD-7.
How to set up UAD-1 with Reaper
Here’s a nice deep tutorial on how to set up and use the UAD card with Reaper.
DATAMASKIN
