CATSYNTH

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Tag: analog

  • New CatSynth TV: Hidden Sub Phatty

    New CatSynth TV: Hidden Sub Phatty

    We have a brand-new CatSynth TV!  This one demonstrates a couple of the hidden features of the Moog Sub Phatty synthesizer.

    In particular, we look at filter-topology selection and Oscillator 2 beat frequencies.  The filter selection makes the instrument much more powerful, moving between the extra crunchy 1 and 2-pole filters to the smooth 4-pole that is “quintessentially Moog”.  The beat frequency is a bit more esoteric – it maintains beating frequencies across different pitches, leading to some odd detunings in different registers.  But it can add a new timbral-metric component to compositions – something to explore in more depth.

    We also look at the Editor/Librarian software from Moog, which is really handy for accessing these features as well as saving patches.

    If you have not yet subscribed to our YouTube channel, please do so 😻

  • CatSynth Pic: Cat and Moog Sub 37

    CatSynth Pic: Cat and Moog Sub 37

    It seems like it is a week for Cats on Moogs, and in particular cats on Moog Sub 37.  From Drew Millar via the Facebook group Synthesizer Freaks – part of the same thread that included Monday’s Cat-on-Sub-37 photo.

  • CatSynth Pic: Moggie on the Moogie

    CatSynth Pic: Moggie on the Moogie

    Moggie on the Moogie

    This “moggie” has found a nice warm resting place atop this Moog synthesizer.  From Campbell Dye via Facebook.

    We’re pretty sure the Moog in question is a Subsequent 37 😺 [CORRECTION:  It’s just a “plain old Sub 37”.  They do look alike.]

  • Passover Synth Jam with the Matzoh Man

    Passover Synth Jam with the Matzoh Man

    The Matzoh Man returns for Passover on CatSynth TV, this time accompanied by a Minimoog, Roland VP-03 vocoder and our trusty Nord Stage EX.

    The Dayenu song is a tradition on Passover.  The word dayenu approximately translates to “it would have been sufficient” and is used as a phrase of gratitude for each of the miracles recounted in the Passover Hagaddah.

    Chag Pesach Sameach!

  • CatSynth Pic: Carmen and Moog DFAM Again

    CatSynth Pic: Carmen and Moog DFAM Again

    Carmen returns with her Moog DFAM (Drummer from another Mother), courtesy of Julia More, aka The Synth Witch.  And yes, this is clearly her DFAM 😸

    You can all of Carmen’s appearances on CatSynth via this link.

  • CatSynth Pic: Cat and “Blue-Eyed” Korg Polysix

    CatSynth Pic: Cat and “Blue-Eyed” Korg Polysix

    We recently found this pic featuring a cute cat and a Korg Polysix on matrixsynth.

    Cat and Korg Polysix

    More from the matrixsynth post, where you can also see more photos:

    via this auction

    “Sadly, something has to give. Too much kit in my life!

    This is a 1982 Korg Polysix in excellent condition. It’s been fully restored within the past two years, and is in really good cosmetic condition. If you’re looking here, you know the specifications already, so no need for copypasta here.

    Work done:

    Old NiCad battery replaced with a brand-new NiMH battery. Not a lithium cell. The CPU card was blissfully unharmed by the usual battery leak problems that these get – check the photos.
    The power supply transformer has been replaced with a super quiet, efficient toroidal unit, capable of running at 220V as well as 110V.
    One VCF chip – an SSM2044 – was replaced with a brand-new old stock item.
    Synth was completely recalibrated and tuned and is working perfectly.
    A Tauntek MIDI input board was fitted. This really enhances the machine by allowing MIDI note in, as well as syncing the arpeggiator clock over MIDI.

    Yes, I changed out the LEDs for blue ones, while replacing some scratchy, worn pots. Series resistors were recalculated to dial back the intensity. It’s not as piercing as in the photos. Will take some more pics soon. I think they really match the panel decals well, by YMMV. I’m happy to change them back to generic red (or anything, really) for the lucky buyer.”

    No, it does not appear that the cat is included.

    Additionally, there is a sample of a bass line played on this synth.

    “A rather familiar bass-line. I’m just testing a newly-repaired Korg Polysix. This is playing in unison mode, although with only five ganged voices. No effects other than a small amount of reverb.”

    When I went synth shopping for the first time in the mid 1980s (right after a birthday), among the first I encountered was one of this instrument’s more modest successors, the Korg Poly 800 II. The Polysix was long gone from the catalogs by then, and it was the time when digital synths were eclipsing analog instruments. I was quickly pulled in the direction of the Yamaha synths that dominated that era.

  • CatSynth Pic: Carmen and Moog DFAM

    CatSynth Pic: Carmen and Moog DFAM

    Carmen and Moog DFAM

    Carmen is eager to try out the new Moog DFAM (“Drummer From Another Mother”).  We would love to try one out, too 😻

    From our friend and fellow traveler Julia More, aka The Synth Witch.

    You can see Carmen’s previous appearance here.

  • CatSynth Pic: Miep and Roland JX8P

    CatSynth Pic: Miep and Roland JX8P

    Miep returns to CatSynth, this time with a Roland JX-8P.   You can see some of Miep’s previous appearances via this tag.

    The JX-8P was a follow-up to Roland’s popular JX-3P. Some more info on it from Vintage Synth Explorer:

    Though it is far more advanced than its predecessor, the JX-3P, the JX-8P has its drawbacks. Hands-on programming is sacrificed and reduced to assigning the parameter you want to tweak to a data-slider near the pitch/mod bender. Enter the PG-800 controller which gives you total control of all the JX-8P’s editable parameters with hands-on traditional slider control. Membrane buttons dominate the front panel of the JX-8P providing access to the various preset and user patches and to page through and assign editable parameters.

     

  • Weekend Cat Blogging with Sam Sam: Exploring the Modular and Roland JP-08

    Weekend Cat Blogging with Sam Sam: Exploring the Modular and Roland JP-08

    Sam Sam checking out the next studio setup

    Sometimes Sam Sam ends up in CatSynth pics of her own, as when she recently got up to explore the redesigned studio space.  She is fascinated by the new decorative shelves as well as the narrow band between the video/office corner and the modular synth.

    Perhaps she is picking up some scents on the modular case from our recent live performances.

    I have been having a lot of fun in the studio lately, especially making videos and exploring our synthesizer collection in greater depth.  I really should be working on some more formal compositions, but it seems I am in more of experimenting and exploratory mood at the moment.  I have also, unfortunately, been battling insomnia.  It ebbs and flows, and on the worst night (about a week ago), I decided to sit up for a while and play with the Roland JP-08 boutique synth.

    Sam Sam and the Roland JP-08

    The size is actually ideal for playing in bed late at night.  I spent some time exploring the architecture (it’s basically a Jupiter 8 with a few extensions) and came up with some new and unusual patches.  We hope to share them with you in an upcoming CatSynth TV.

     

  • CatSynth Pic: Cat Mug and TTSH (Arp 2600 Clone)

    CatSynth Pic: Cat Mug and TTSH (Arp 2600 Clone)

    Cat mug with a TTSH, a clone of the Arp 2600 synthesizer.  By Alexander Henriksson‎ on Facebook.

    And another cat has found its 🏠

    The TTSH is an Arp 2600 clone that can be built as a DIY project, as described by The Human Comparator.  San Pedro Labs builds full versions, including wood casings. (They used to be here in San Francisco, but have recently relocated to New Mexico.)