Teaser: iVCS – virtual version of the EMS VCS3 synthesizer
The original VCS3 is a very rare monophonic synthesizer, introduced in 1969. It offers a 3 VCO/VCF/VCA/ subtractive synth architecture, and includes a flexible patching matrix and some interesting control options, including a joystick.
iVCS comes from Densitygs, creators of Density asynchronous granular synthesizer for Mac & Win, Pulsaret microsound granular synth for Mac & Win, and iPulsaret and iDensity for iOS.
Specifications and pricing/availability details are to be announced.
Description:
The VCS3 has three oscillators (in reality, the first 2 oscillators are normal oscillators and the 3rd an LFO or Low Frequency Oscillator), a noise generator, two input amplifiers, a ring modulator, a 18dB/octave (pre-1974) or 24dB/octave (after 1974) voltage controlled low pass filter (VCF),[citation needed] a trapezoid envelope generator, joy-stick controller, voltage controlled spring reverb unit and 2 stereo output amplifiers. Unlike most modular synthesiser systems which use cables to link components together, the VCS3 uses a distinctive patch board matrix into which pins are inserted in order to connect its components together.
Keyboards controller
Although the VCS3 is often used for generating sound effects due to lack of built-in keyboard, there were external keyboard controllers for melodic play. The DK1 in 1969 was an early velocity sensitive monophonic keyboard for VCS3 with an extra VCO and VCA. Later it was extended for duophonic play, as DK2, in 1972.] Also in 1972, Synthi AKS was released, and its digital sequencer with a touch-sensitive flat keyboard, KS sequencer, and its mechanical keyboard version, DKS, were also released.
Related models
The VCS3’s basic design was reused by EMS in many other of their own products,[citation needed] most notably in the EMS Synthi 100 (1971), and the Synthi A (1971) and AKS (1972) (essentially a VCS3 housed in a plastic briefcase). The AKS also has a sequencer built into the keyboard in the lid.
Also an earlier agent of EMS in the United States, Ionic Industries in the Morristown, New Jersey, have released portable-keyboard version of VCS3 clone. The Ionic Performer in 1973 was designed based on VCS3’s circuit, replaced patch board matrix with over hundred of push-buttons, and added built-in keyboard and effects units.
Utopia – new soundset by Shaun Wallace for the Twin 2 synthesizer
Sonic Elements has launched Utopia, a soundset by Shaun Wallace for the Twin 2 synthesizer instrument by FabFilter.
It features a focus of modern techniques to achieve new tones and textures with Twin2. If you have been looking for a sonic update to Twin2 look no further.
Utopia has basses of all varieties, rich legato leads, mind bending pads, and spectrum filling plucks. Special attention to the unique filter design and variations of Twin2. Each patch has specially selected filters for each patch to help the sound cut through a mix.
Utopia features
- 140 presets.
- Developed for usability and quality.
- Focus on modern synthesis methods.
- Presets categorized in easy to sort folders.
The soundset is available to purchase for $21.50 USD.
REVERSE EMISSION / KORG DS-10 / Nintendo 3DS
KORG DS-10で久々のクランチー＆クリスピーな曲を。
VCFが荒ぶってますが、ワウギターっぽいのをやろうとして右往左往しているだけなの
今までドラムはデフォ使ってたんですが今回初めていじってみました。 前半はウェッティーですが、後半はカリッカリです。
Google translate:
Songs crunchy and crispy after a long time in the KORG DS-10.
VCF will I Susabu, but since only have Uosao and trying to do from like Waugita, w please do not mind
I was using the default drum until now, but I applied for the first time. The first half is U~etti, but the second half is Karikkari.
iamamiwhoami – hunting for pearls
New track from iamamiwhoami
More info here:
http://www.towhomitmayconcern.cc/
Snakebite – hybrid digital analog synthesizer for the Reason rack
New Reason Rack Extension, Snakebite by DLD Technology is a hybrid digital analog synthesizer which is designed to make sounds that aren’t possible using traditional virtual analog (VA) synth design. Sound creation begins with the triple oscillator bank where each tone can be morphed in real time. The sound is then passed through bit-crush, a screaming 18dB filter and finally digital distortion to create sounds not heard from tamer synths.
A retro BBD delay finishes the sound off, and can be modulated in real-time for crazy pitch shifting effects. Analog control is available to detune things a bit (or a lot) and the binaural system can be enabled to create sub audio bass and increase the stereo field. Plenty of external CV control is available, and the audio path can be broken to insert external audio or pre-filter effects.
Features
- Triple oscillator with variable shape and morph controls
- 18db highly resonant low pass filter
- Venom control for filter overdrive
- Pre-filter bitcrush for extra harmonics
- Bucket Brigade Device (BBD) delay
- Binaural sub audio bass (8-15Hz)
- Flexible matrix LFO / CV routing
- Low DSP usage
- Glowing snake eyes(!)
Pricing and Availability:
€25.00 in the Propellerheads shop.
Xen-FMTS 2 – free 4-Operator FM Synthesis for alternative intonations
Xen-Arts has released Xen-FMTS 2, a 4-Operator FM Synthesis with a specialized set of features for computer musicians interested in exploring the expressive possibilities of making music with alternative intonation systems. It includes 115 patches, 55 microtunings and 56 partials files.
Microtuning:
- Internally loads and externally receives both MTS (MIDI Tuning Standard) Bulk Dump and Single Note Microtuning Files.
- Operator ratios can easily be set to values that are coincident with the microtuning being used, thereby producing intonation related sidebands in the timbre of the instrument.
- Microtonal pitch-bend ranges may be configured in cents, harmonics and superparticular ratios.
- Arbitrary microtonal pitch shifting makes it possible to easily pitch transpose the oscillators in both octave and non-octave increments.
FM-RM Oscillator:
- 4 Operator FM Synthesis with Ring-Modulation.
- 57 Operator Algorithms.
- 11 different Operator Waveforms.
- Analog Pitch Drift Emulator.
- Transposition by cents offsets.
- Partials text files may be used to quantize the frequency ratios of the operators to user specified values.
- Velocity-to-Harmonics Modulation enables oscillators to dynamically sound harmonics of the fundamental pitch.
Modulators:
- Seven dedicated hybrid modulators for Operators A, B, C, D, Filters, Amplifier and Pitch.
- Each modulator includes an ADSR style envelope generator, and an LFO which can be switched to run at audio-rate.
- Each ADSR Envelope Generator features Per-Stage Keyboard Tracking.
- LFOs can either be synchronized to the host DAW tempo or set in Hertz. They include 24 Waveforms, a Slewer and can be switched to run at audio-rate.
Filter Section:
- Pre-Filter Saturation Stage with 20 Saturation Types.
- Two Independent Filters with Six Filter Types: LP4, LP2, HPF, BPF, BRF, APF.
- One and Two Stage Filter Cascade.
Performance Control:
- Full controller MIDI Pitch Microtuning with MTS (MIDI Tuning Standard).
- MTS Support for both Single Note and Bulk Dump.
- Loads MTS Microtuning Format Files Internally and Receives MTS Externally.
- Local (Per-Patch) and Global Microtuning (Static Microtuning for All Patches).
- Microtunings can be loaded from any directory on hard drives or storage devices connected to the PC.
- 12 Note Polyphonic.
- Monophonic Legato Mode.
- Monophonic Portamento.
- Microtonal Pitch Bend.
- Vibrato.
- Effects include Chorus, Lowpass Filter Cascade (Warm Filter) with 6 dB to 48 dB per-octave filters and Stereo Ensemble.
Price: Free.
rrarrow – new experimental modular audio effect and noise machine
Alexey Nadzharov has introduced rrarrow – described as an ‘experimental modular audio effect and noise machine’ for the iPad.
Features:
- Simplicity – The interface is simplified for faster assembly and more flexible connectivity – you can assemble your effect very fast and control all the processing parameters with the audio signal!
- Feedback capabilities – You can add feedbacks to the audio chain to get some chaotic noise sounds .
- Twelve blocks for audio processing:
- Sine generator. Basic oscillator with sine waveform
- Signal multiplier
- Delay
- Frequency shifter
- Envelope follower
- Lorenz attractor
- Quantizer
- Sample-and-hold
- Reverb
- Special Lowpass filter
- Clipper
- Nonlinear shaper (for self-oscillating circuit)
- Audiobus support. Now you can stream live audio directly to other Audiobus-compatible apps! See http://audiob.us for more information. Works as input and filter.
- Background audio support: enabled when connected to Audiobus and user switchable otherwise.
Moonlight Matters – Why I Love My…Alesis Andromeda
Sebastiaan Vandevoorde aka Moonlight Matters explains why he loves his classic analogue synth, the Alesis Andromeda.
CREDITS
Producer: Chris Barker
Videographer: Will Seelig
Video Editor: Will Seelig
The Andromeda A6 is a true analog synthesizer using two analog oscillators per voice, sub-oscillators, hard and soft sync and more! It features 16-voice polyphony. With the Andromeda, you’ll find a huge range of tonal possibilities: searing leads, warm pads, fat bass lines, extreme sound effects and more. And of course there are plenty of knobs (72) and buttons (144), even an assignable ribbon controller for addictive hands-on real-time control! The large high-resolution LCD display is excellent and shows you actual rather than relative values of parameters. Andromeda will integrate seamlessly into any studio with its total MIDI control and sync, individual voice outputs, stereo outputs and several audio inputs.
Andromeda is completely analog – no emulation! It features two analog filters per voice that sound great! They are a multimode 2-pole and a 4-pole lowpass. External audio can be routed through these filters too (three 1/4″ jacks)! As for modulation, Andromeda has three LFOs, each with six waveforms and they can be synced to MIDI clock. And there are three 7-stage envelopes with very creative and flexible functions. Also onboard is an extensive mod matrix for enormous freedom in configuring Andromeda’s sounds!
No analog synth would be complete without a set of classic effects and features. Andromeda also offers Portamento with nine slopes and legato functions. A built-in arpeggiator and analog-style sequencer are available, with MIDI sync! There are also some high quality digital effects such as reverbs, chorus, echo, distortion and more! Andromeda comes with 256 breathtaking preset patches plus 128 user. A PCMCIA-format memory card slot allows for additional programs and mixes. Andromeda is pure analog bliss, with all the features, stability and widgets of modern digital synths.
Roland Aira TR-8, TB-3 and VT-3
DemoBackground video description:
I`ve had a chance to try out these new toys. Not for too long though… Anyway I out together a tech-like, rap-like, chill something with no use of external FX, compression or EQ. Some standard limiting added. I had lots of fun with the gear 😉
ERASURE – The Making of the ‘Gaudete’ and ‘Make It Wonderful’ videos
To mark the release of Erasure’s ‘Make It Wonderful’ single Tonya Hurley takes us behind the scenes at the ‘Snow Globe’ video shoots, and talks us through the making of the stop-motion animated videos for both ‘Gaudete’ and ‘Make It Wonderful’.
DATAMASKIN
