CATSYNTH

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Tag: Synthesizers

  • NAMM 2014: Waldorf 2-pole

    Waldorf introduced a new analog filter, the 2-pole at this year’s NAMM show.

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    Those of us who spend time with analog synthesis are quite used to all sorts of complex filter topologies, most of which have at least four poles. So a two-pole filter seems a bit simple by comparison. But Waldorf is known for taking simple concepts and turning them into complete instruments. The 2-pole includes low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass elements, and also includes drive and rectify settings. It also includes its own envelope and LFO, as well as live triggering capabilities.

    You can see a full demo of the Waldorf 2-pole in this video:

  • NAMM 2014: Moog Theremini

    NAMM 2014: Moog Theremini

    The most notable new offering this year from Moog Music, Inc. was the Theremini, a very accessible incarnation of the classic theremin.

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    The design of the instrument evokes classic science fiction of the 1950s and 1960s (in which the theremin was a mainstay), and it features modern enhancements including a variety of tones and effects, support to stabilize pitch, and CV and MIDI for external control. And it’s MSRP is $299.

    I decided to try my hand at this fun and photogenic instrument.

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    You can see a bit of my attempt to perform one-handed in this video.

    I can see this being a great tool for live performance, both standalone and as a controller for analog synths. I look forward to learning more about it.

  • NAMM 2014: Teenage Engineering OP-1 and OpLab

    NAMM 2014: Teenage Engineering OP-1 and OpLab

    Our friends at Teenage Engineering were back at NAMM, with the latest iterations of the OP-1 and OpLab.

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    The little screen on the OP-1 continues to delight, with one of the most unique interfaces from a non touch screen.  They added a new module that allows one to use the device as an Etch-A-Sketch and draw out pitch contours.  It even includes the shake-to-erase gesture.  The little cranks that go on top of the knobs are also new.

    The OpLab, including some branded sensors, seems to finally be ready for prime time.

     

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    The OpLab does allow one to use alternative sensors, and outputs control voltage suitable for analog modular synths in addition to controlling the OP-1.

  • Dave Smith Instruments at NAMM 2014

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    I have long been impressed with the offerings from Dave Smith Instruments, such as the Tempest pictured above. They’re easy to play and offer rich sound possibilities that one can either keep tame or push towards more extreme. Last year I was quite taken with the Prophet 12, and still coveting one of those. This year, they have introduced a tabletop version of the P12. I was fortunate enough to get a demonstration from Dave Smith himself! You can see it in the video below.

    The Prophet 12 features 12-voice polyphony, anchored by digital oscillators that feed into analog high and low-pass filters. It has some aggregate controls for the oscillators with odd names like “Air” but are pretty intuitive once one tries them out.

    So maybe the tabletop edition would be a practical alternative to the keyboard?

  • NAMM 2014: Big City Music (Metasonix, Mellotron, Leon Dewan)

    One of our perennial stops at NAMM is to the Big City Music booth to see what’s new and play with old favorites. There is always an impressive display of analog modules, including the “wall of synth” from Analog Solutions.

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    Of course, Big City Music also prominently displayed a full complement Metasonix modules. This included the new spring reverb (at the bottom) that does not conform to the usual yellow color.

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    I spent a little time with the Mellotron, including a demonstration of the original instrument and its extensions. You can see a bit in this video:

    Towards the end, you can see the mechanical elements for the tapes at work.

    We also visited again with Leon Dewan, who presented his Swarmatron instrument. Here he demonstrates, and I tentatively try to play as well (one handed as I am also holding the camera):

    Although most of these instruments were familiar ones, it is great to see them in action again.

  • CatSynth at NAMM 2014

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    Once again, we at CatSynth are going to be attending the big NAMM show in southern California, starting on Thursday. I will be focusing on synths and other music technology, but I also enjoy finding fun and esoteric musical instruments of all sorts.

    Stay tuned to these pages for full coverage during the show, along with live updates via Twitter @catsynth and Instagram. And if you’re attending, maybe I will see you there 🙂

  • CatSynth pic: Metasonix Synth Cat

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    From metasonix.com.

    I really should get a Metasonix R54.

  • CatSynth pic: still life with Mixtape Alpha (and Nord)

    CatSynth pic: still life with Mixtape Alpha (and Nord)

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    This one is my own composition, with the Mixtape Alpha atop the Nord Stage EX 🙂

  • CatSynth video: Uninterested Synth Cat

    CatSynth video: Uninterested Synth Cat

    Uninterested Synth Cat in uninterested.

    From Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, via matrixsynth:

    “Playing with one of the Pittsburgh Modular cases headed to NAMM in a few weeks.”

    Looking forward to seeing this and much more at NAMM 🙂

  • CatSynth pic: Turn (Taro and Mopho)

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    Taro plays a DSI Mopho. From Sawa Masaki on flickr.