Handsome Nico proudly shows off his Yamaha MOXF6 synthesizer. From Alan Kyle via Facebook.
The MOXF series is Yamaha’s current workstation line, which combines MOTIF XF with studio features such as MIDI+USB and DAW control. As for Nico, we hear he is quite the sweetheart. According to Kyle, he is “so well mannered and affectionate 😁”
Tabby cat checking out a new UNO synthesizer from IK Multimedia. Photo by Jackies Fridge via Facebook.
Someone has already stolen my Christmas gift.
Usually, the cats just take the boxes 😸
Our first post of 2019 is…a cat in the studio. From Matt Vraja via Facebook.
Purr-fecting the mix
Identification of the gear left as an exercise to the reader.
The end-of-year colage has become a long-standing tradition here at CatSynth, and one that I particularly enjoy. It was a complex year, and the images reflect that. Our cats Sam Sam and “Big Merp” (who has pretty much become an indoor-outdoor cat at his new home in Oakland), some great shows including outstanding performances with CDP and Vacuum Tree Head, a wonderful and restorative visit back to New York. It was also dark and fiery at times, as when the Camp Fire leveled the town of Paradise and bathed our sky in smoke and ash – beautiful and tragic all at once.
Another New Year tradition at CatSynth is to share some stats from the past year. First, the basics:
Our top posts for the year, using the somewhat shaky measurements of Google Analytics:
It was heartening to see such a diverse set of posts top the list. However, this belies the fact that blog readership is way down, and eclipsed by Facebook and YouTube / CatSynth TV. Most of our referrals to the blog come from these two sources; but most activity stays on Facebook and YouTube. On the plus side, CatSynth TV viewership has grown significantly. Here are the top videos for the year.
Clearly, the NAMM reviews and synth demos dominate the channel, though I am proud of the diversity of art, music, and culture topics shared there as well. Overall, we at CatSynth do see the writing on the wall, and the efforts in 2019 will probably accelerate the shift from blog to video in terms of time, energy and investment.
On a more personal and introspective note, 2018 was a year we accomplished a lot. At the same time, it ends feeling like I both did too much and didn’t do enough. There are still so many things going on, even as we tried to consolidate and focus. One of the challenges going into 2019 will be looking at how to stay organized and even more focused, without giving up on all that we do. Also, like birthdays, a new year is a reminder that time is passing, and we are getting a bit older. Taking care of myself will also be a priority.
Thank you all as always for sharing this past year with us, and wish wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Bondo sits proudly on an original-series Moog Voyager. Next to him is a Roland RE-501 chorus echo. In the corner, one can see a bit of a vintage Vox Super Continental organ. Quite a collection!
From Davor Gazde via our Facebook page.
Beautiful Persephone posing in the studio of our friend Rob Robinson.
We see a Behringer Model D (aka “the Boog”), a Korg Mini Kaoss Pad (original edition), and a vintage synth module that we can’t identify behind the kitty.
It’s the 99th Episode of CatSynth TV, and we have a special treat for all our readers and videos. It combines many of our interests: synthesizers, cats, experimental music and film, and highways.
Video shot along Highway 99 in California from Manteca through Stockton and heading towards Sacramento. Additional video and photography at CatSynth HQ in San Francisco.
Guest appearances by Sam Sam and Big Merp.
Original experimental synthesizer music by Amanda Chaudhary, based on melodies from “99 is not 100” by Moe! Staiano.
Synthesizers used:
A new picture from our friends Eric and Marcel at polynominal.com
Rackmount cat: done
A lot of amazing gear in this one picture. We leave it as an exercise to our readers to identify (but there are some hints in the tags).
From Melker Häggbom Klingberg via Facebook.
My buddy Dexter, figuring out how to set the MIDI channel on the driftbox.
The REON Driftbox series of small synthesizers was introduced last year. Dexter’s appears to be a Driftbox SE model.
The REON Driftbox SE is a digital paraphonic Synthesizer with 2 digital oscillators and an analog Steiner Parker filter. It features also an impressive amount of connections on the backside.
http://www.synthanatomy.com/2017/09/5-new-reon-driftbox-products-synthesizers-coming-soon-worldwide-presentation-at-synthfest-uk.html
We at CatSynth are learning more about these interesting little boxes. I find myself particularly intrigued by the J and S models.
Meet Marsi, who has a cool collection of synths and rhythm boxes. He is sitting on a Yamaha CS1-X, and also has a Roland MC-303 and Boss DR-202. From Sascha Kaus via Facebook.