Synth, Electronic & Audio article index

This section covers the range of synthesisers, keyboards, electronic music gadgets, and other audio devices used in making and recording music, from manufacturers such as Yamaha, Korg, Kurzweil, Roland, Casio, and Moog, as well as looking at projects and techniques for synth playing and programming.

Modulation Orgy Model 2260 launches from Synthetic Sound Labs

“We think you’ll find the 2260 Modulation Orgy to be the most fun you’ve ever had with a LFO!”

“The Best Product Name We’ve Heard This Year At The NAMM Show 2012″ – SynthTopia

Impressive words indeed for this new module from the wizards over at Synthetic Sound Labs.

They write:

“The SSL 2260 Modulation Orgy LFO is the illegitimate Euro cousin to our 1260 Tap Tempo LFO, and is a special module indeed. You can set the LFO frequency by tapping the TAP button, supplying a periodic gate to the SYNC input, or by changing the Tempo CV. You can build tap tempo effects vibratos and tremolos, tap tempo controlled drum machines or tap tempo sequencer clocks. Or use it the other way around – control the 2260 tempo with a sequencer! You can even use multiple 2260s to create polyrhythmic LFOs using the built-in Multiplier ratios. Awesome possibilities!”

Eight different waveforms can be produced — ramp up, ramp down, pulse, triangle, sine, sweep, lumps, and random — and all (except random) can be altered by the wave distortion CV.

A tempo multiplier allows the LFO frequency to be set at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3 and 4, allowing half, double and triplet times.

The LFO tempo, multiplier, waveform selection, wave distortion, and output level are all voltage-controlled using 0 to +5V. Negative voltages are are permitted, but may sometimes cause unexpected results.

The LEVEL CV input responds linearly to 0 to +5V and is normalled to +5V so that with no input, the 2260 outputs are at maximum. This convenient input can frequently save a separate VCA when doing voltage controlled modulation depth.

Modulation Orgy Model 2260 Specifications

Controls

- Tempo, Multiplier, Waveform, Wave Distort External CV Amount
- Tempo, Multiplier, Waveform, Wave Distort Initial Setting
- Tap Button / Tempo LED: Manual Rate Setting

Inputs

- Tempo, Multiplier, Waveform, Wave Distort, Level CV: 0 to +5V.
- Sync: Logic ~1.2V threshold

Outputs

- Clock (CLK): Rate – Logic 0 to +5V
- Orgy Out : LFO Outputs – +/-5V (10V P-P)

Indicators

- Tap Button / Tempo LED: Rate Setting

Frequency Range

0.025Hz to 50Hz

Power

+5V @14ma, +12V @16ma, -12V @18ma, 16 pin Euro standard.
Jumper selectable option: +5V source – Internal (from +12V) or External from host power supply.

Size

Width – 16 HP (Euro rack)
Depth – 30mm (1.2″) behind panel comfortably

Available now for $250 from the SSL eBay store

Circuit bending Yamaha PSS-30

Check out the latest blog post over at noystoise. It details the process of circuit bending a Yamaha PSS-30 (which by all accounts is notoriously difficult to do) and building a pretty incredible piece of kit.

Read about the whole experience (frustrations and all) from start to finish then check out the cool 12-minute video demo of the finished synth.

Panasonic R-1088 AM Portable Radio / Mini Organ [Vintage]

We love digging up cool/bizarre little instruments and the Panasonic R-1088 is just such a find.

Sorry, Panasonic? Since when did they make musical instruments? Well, they may not be in the same league as Yamaha, Roland or Korg, but that doesn’t mean they can’t produce a product you only now realised you really wanted.

An AM radio and mini organ combined. Complete with the ability to mix the sound between the two.

You have to admit, for 1974 (almost four decades ago) this is a pretty cool little object. Though it’s notoriously difficult to get the exact specifications for this, it’s fairly obvious this is a very simple device.

There’s the AM radio, tuneable using the dial on the right hand side. There’s the slider on the left that balances the mix between organ sound and the radio. Then there’s a single “organ” sound emanating from the device whenever a key is pressed.

There’s a single speaker output. Probably no other outputs and presumably it simply runs off batteries. This video demos what it sounds like:

We’re not sure if this little beauty ever officially made it outside its home country of Japan. What do you reckon? I wonder if there’s any circuit-bending opportunities here?

EMS VCS3 [Vintage]

Overview

One of the very first synths created, in the late 1960s, by England-based Electronic Music Studios.

The highly portable modular synth featured a three octave keyboard, monophonic sound, noise generator, two input amps, one ring mod, one voltage controlled low-pass filter and spring reverb unit, one trapezoid envelope generator, joystick controller, and two stereo output amps.

Artists to have used these synths include Brian Eno, Pink Floyd, Stereolab, Yes, Aphex Twins, Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre, Astral Projection, Depeche Mode, The Who and Recoil.

Specifications

Company: Electronic Music Studios (EMS)
Year First Produced: 1969
Produced Until: 1994
Polyphony: Monophonic
Oscillators: 3 VCOs (subtractive/FM analog synthesis)
LFO: Yes
Filter: Low Pass VCF
VCA: Trapezoid waveshape Envelope generator
Keyboard: No
Memory: No
Control: CV/Gate

Links

• Vintage Synth Explorer
• EMS VCS 3 @ Wikipedia
• Synthtopia
• EMS VCS3 Videos @ YouTube
• Electronic Music Studios Home Page
• EMS Synth Range 1969-1979 @ EMS Home Page

EML ElectroComp 200 [Vintage]

Overview

One of the very first synths created, in the late 1960s, by Electronic Music Laboratories. Similar to Moog and ARP synths, the company designed for the educational market.

The ElectroComp 200 included a number of features including stereophonic sound, a Wave Shaper. It has a great front panel and over 60 patch points. It can be used with other analog synths with the correct type of CV/Gate connections.

Specifications

Company: ElectroComp Labs (EML)
Year First Produced: 1969
Produced Until: 1980
Polyphony: Monophonic
Oscillators: 2 VCOs (sine/triangle/pulse/noise)
LFO: Yes
Filter: Low Pass, High Pass, 2 Ring Mods
VCA: ADS envelope generator
Keyboard: No
Memory: No
Control: CV/Gate

Links

• Synth Museum
• Vintage Synth Explorer
• 1973 Sales Booklet for EML ELECTROCOMP 200 Synthesizer @ Matrixsynth
• ELECTROCOMP EML-200 For Sale
• EML ElectroComp 200 Images @ PhotoBucket
• ElectroComp 200 YouTube Videos
• EML ElectroComp 200 @ Synthfind
• Electronic Music Laboratories Wikipedia entry

Casio XW-G1 groove synthesiser and XW-P1 launched [NAMM12]

Casio’s musical instrument department enters a new era as it announces the launch of two new professional music synthesisers.

First up is the XW-G1 Groove Synthesiser, targeted specifically at DJs and club performers with its interactive step sequencer and sample looper.

Key features of the 61-key XW-G1 synth are:

• 6 Oscillator Monophonic Solo Synthesizer
• Sample Looper – Up to 19 Seconds of sampling time
• Sample Player – 10 user tones with up to 5 samples each can be stored in Flash Memory for instant recall
• 300 fully editable PCM based sounds
• Step Sequencer with 9 instrument tracks and 4 controller tracks
• 16 step programmable Arpeggiator
• Phrase sequencer to record and playback your riffs
• Performance mode providing 4 internal or external instrument zones with instant recall of effects, Step Sequences, Arpeggiators and Phrases
• 4 real-time controller knobs
• Pitch and Modulation Wheels
• 1/4” Mic and Line puts to process your voice or other instruments
• Stereo 1/8” line input to connect an MP3 player, laptop or tablet
• USB and MIDI ports
• 1/4” Line Outputs
• Included Power Supply
• Can operate on 6 D batteries

The 61-key XW-P1 features:

• 6 Oscillator Monophonic Solo Synthesizer
• HexLayer – A single sound made up of 6 components for gig ready splits and layers
• Drawbar Organ Mode  with 9 sliders, adjustable rotary speaker, key click, vibrato and percussion
• 400 fully editable PCM based sounds like stereo pianos, vintage electric pianos, strings, guitars, drums and more.
• Step Sequencer with 9 instrument tracks and 4 controller tracks
• 16 step programmable Arpeggiator
• Phrase sequencer to record and playback your riffs
• Performance mode providing 4 internal or external instrument zones with instant recall of effects, Step Sequences, Arpeggiators and Phrases
• 4 real-time controller knobs
• Pitch and Modulation Wheels
• 1/4” Mic and Line puts to process your voice or other instruments
• Stereo 1/8” line input to connect an MP3 player, laptop or tablet
• USB and MIDI ports
• 1/4” Line Outputs
• Included Power Supply
• Can operate on 6 D batteries

More details of this new breed of synth follow.

Control

The XW-P1 and XW-G1 have 4 real- time controller knobs, pitch bend and modulation wheels, along with 9 sliders to provide control over internal sounds and external devices. Through standard MIDI ports and with a class-compliant USB port the keyboard can be used as a controller for other instruments, including computer software and iPad® based software applications. It also includes an audio input allowing you to monitor an MP3 player, computer or other device without the need for a mixer.

Step Sequencer

Providing everything from pulsing dance grooves to animated synth textures and arpeggios, the Step Sequencer in both the XW-P1 and XW-G1 is the first of its kind. With nine tracks for drums, basses, synths and chordal parts, four controller tracks for adding panning, filter changes and other animation to existing parts and eight patterns make up each sequence; the user can build and mix their performance on the fly. Sequences can even transpose live from the keyboard, providing a completely interactive experience.

Drawbar Organ

In addition to the solo synth and HexLayers, the XW-P1 performance synthesizer is armed with an arsenal of gig ready sounds like stereo pianos, vintage electric pianos, strings, brass, guitars, basses, drums and more. It also has a new drawbar organ mode. Utilizing the nine sliders on the XW-P1 you have full range control over each drawbar. The XW-P1 even has dedicated controls for key percussion and rotary speaker while also providing vibrato, distortion and more for the ultimate drawbar organ experience.

Solo Synth

Utilizing Casio’s exclusive (HPSS) Hybrid Processing Sound Source, a six oscillator monophonic solo synth is just one of the amazing sound engines in both the XW-P1 and XW-G1. The solo synth has the power to deliver classic analog sounds and sounds with an aggressive edge unlike anything else. Two virtual analog style oscillators, two PCM based oscillators, a noise oscillator and an external oscillator via mic and line inputs can be combined to make up a single solo synth tone. Each oscillator has an independent filter, envelopes, independent key tracking, portamento, two LFO’s and access to master resonant filter. With impressive modulation and control capabilities at your fingertips, the solo synth is capable of a wide range of sounds and expression.

HexLayer

In addition to the solo synth, the XW-P1 also features HexLayer tones. A HexLayer is a single sound comprised of up to 6 components, allowing complex layers, splits and velocity switched sounds. The sliders on the XW-P1 can be used to mix sounds on the fly to create evolving pads and rich synth textures while key velocity can be used to create dynamic velocity switched orchestral sounds and more.

Arpeggiator and Phrase Sequencer

The XW-P1 and XW-G1 both have powerful Arpeggiators. In addition to typical arpeggio patterns, this Arpeggiator can create polyphonic synth gated patterns, acoustic instrument emulations and is even fully programmable allowing you to create your own unique sounds. An additional phrase sequencer allows you to quickly capture any riff that you play on the keyboard and have it available on a front panel switch or triggered and transposed live from a range of notes on the keyboard. The combination of the Step Sequencer, Arpeggiator and Phrase Sequencer provides an endless array of sound possibilities.

Take a look at the video below for demos and explanations:

The XW-G1 will be available in April 2012 for an MSRP of $799.00 while the XW-P1 arrives in March 2012 for an MSRP of $699.00.

Korg Kaossilator 2 bursts into life [NAMM12]

Korg has updated its hugely popular Kaossilator with the arrival of the Kaossilator 2.

Still sporting a vibrant yellow body (whether it comes in pink is another matter) it boasts a range of features including:

• Simple control with finger taps/slides on the integrated X-Y touchpad
• 150 built-in sounds cover every style of dance music
• PCM sound engine serves up realistic drums
• Scale Key and Note Range eliminates “wrong” notes
• Built-in Gate Arpeggiator with adjustable gate time and swing settings
• Loop Recording allows the creation of layered phrases with unlimited overdubs
• Dual Loop Recording banks allow DJ-Style mutes and cross-fades
• Record using the built-in mic; or use the mic input for recording of external input
• microSD/SDHC card slot for saving loops and recorded performances

More details, specs, pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Korg Mini KAOSS PAD 2 hits [NAMM12]

Korg has announced a new addition to its KAOSS family of DJ-friendly audio products with the arrival of the Mini KAOSS PAD 2.

Highlights include:

• Control effects in real time using the intuitive touchpad interface
• MP3 player with microSD card slot for data storage/exchange;
  
  Perform on the Mini Kaoss Pad 2 without needing any other equipment!
• 100 effect programs, ideal for DJ mixes or sound design
• 3 Program Memories provide instant recall of favorite effects
• Powerful Looper, Vinyl Break, and Ducking Comp effects borrowed from the Kaoss Pad Quad
• Internal mic plus external audio inputs
• Support for pitch change and cue point settings allows serious DJ play.
• Record your performances and save then to using the microSD card slot
• 6 preset audio demo loops

We’ll keep you updated with full specifications, pricing and availability as soon as we know it.

Yamaha intros EZ-220 lighted keyboard [NAMM12]

Yamaha has updated its EZ-200 lighted keyboard with the introduction of the EZ-220.

Information is pretty sparse at present, with no spec sheet and a minimal description.

What we’ve managed to glean is that it will include 100 preset songs designed to help beginners learn to play the keyboard.

It features 392 built-in voices including realistic acoustic instruments including drums, plus synths and sound effects. There are 100 preset accompaniment styles on board.

Finally, the Yamaha Education Suite offers various lessons and tutorials for the budding pianist.

Exact pricing and availability are still to be confirmed.

Roland intros FR-1x V-Accordion [NAMM12]

Roland takes another step on its decade-long V-Accordion journey with the introduction of the FR-1x V-Accordion.

It builds upon the current FR-1 V-Accordions with the following key features:

• FR-1x Piano type and FR-1x Button type with stereo speaker system onboard
• USB memory port for Wave/MP3 player, new-sounds upload, data loading/saving
• Professional look with friendly user interface and 7-segment LED
• Standard and Free Bass modes
• 16 Accordion Sets, 16 Orchestral sounds, four Virtual Tone Wheel presets, eight User Programs
• Available in black or red

It’s light and small so is easily transportable. Its on-board speakers and battery operation make it instantly usable in a performance setting.

Read more about its features below.

Perfect for Students and Pros

Light and small, the FR-1x series is perfect for young players, music studios, and schools. They are the most compact of all V-Accordions, but cut no corners in sound quality. It’s also a perfect instrument for the professional accordionist and live performer. The FR-1x’s battery power and onboard speakers make it ideal for the strolling accordionist. The FR-1x is great instrument for musicians who perform musical styles such as folk, rock, roots-rock, blues, zydeco, and more.

Play Anytime, Anywhere

Enjoy instant, high-quality sound from the onboard speakers or play privately with ear buds or headphones (sold separately). The FR-1x is also the perfect instrument to travel with. Because of its compact size, it fits in the overhead storage compartment on most commercial airplanes.

Advanced Musical Expression

With the FR-1x series, you can access over a dozen different accordion sounds instantly. There are even orchestral instruments onboard, as well as virtual tonewheel organs with realistic rotary effects. The FR-1x also includes onboard manual drum/percussion sounds that can be played with the bass and chord buttons!

Exact pricing and availability to be confirmed.

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