VS-1 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer

Abstrakt Instruments

Abstrakt Instruments announces VS-1 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer 1:1 Oberheim™ OB-X in Rack

The VS-1 combines vintage analog sound with modern features, designed for those that find modern synths over-perfected. Based on the discrete analog design of the iconic Oberheim™ OB-X, the VS-1 utilizes many of the same design trade-offs, including a signal path comprised of discrete transistors, op-amps, & 3080 OTA’s utilizing through-hole components. Combined with modern digital control, a clean & simple interface, and packed into a 3U rack… this is the essence of the VS-1.

It’s all about the tone. Based on the classic OB-X, each voice consists of two analog VCO’s and a 12dB OTA Filter (LP/BP/HP) and VCA.

VCO’s Two discrete VCO’s per voice with saw and pulse waves. Pulse width can be adjusted from 0% to 100%. VCO1 can be modulated by VCO2 (crossmod) and VCO2 can by hard-synced to the frequency of VCO1. VCO’s can also be modulated by two analog LFO’s, two digital LFO’s per-voice, and a DADSR 5-stage envelope generator.
Noise Analog white & pink noise.

Portamento Analog polyphonic portamento gives a natural clustering effect between voices as the analog components are never perfectly matched. Although this requires many additional components it has been included – another example of small imperfections that impart character. In addition, digital portamento with both fixed rate and fixed time modes is also included. 12dB OTA Filter The classic resonant 12dB multimode filter is the desert island filter, simply awesome in a polyphonic synth. The classic OB-X had a fixed lowpass mode, the OB-R has lowpass, bandpass & highpass modes.

Panning VCA’s Each voice retains the classic 3080 OTA VCA but also includes a stereo panning VCA that can be modulated by several sources. The spread control make it easy to pan voices across the stereo field.

Envelope Generators Each voice has a dedicated analog ADSR for the filter and VCA. In addition there is a global five-stage DADSR with (20) modulation destinations.
Analog LFO’s Two global analog LFO’s with triangle, square and S&H waveforms can be sent to VCO1 frequency and pulse width, VCO2 frequency and pulse width, and filter cutoff.
Digital LFO’s Two LFO’s per voice with triangle, sawtooth, reverse sawtooth, square, and random waves with (20) destinations.  LFO’s also have dedicated attack-decay envelopes and can be free-running or synced to the arpeggiator, sequencer, or MIDI clock for tempo-synced effects.

The heart of the VS-1 is a 600MHz ARM-Cortex-M7-based System on Module. The module integrates all memory and I/O interfacing.

16-bit DAC Together with the fast core clock the VS-1 updates scans the controls and updates 16-bit CV’s 4,000 times per second for smooth operation with no lag or stepping.

Key Modes The VS-1 is bi-timbral and supports single, split and layer modes. When in single mode the selected program controls all eight voices. In split and layer modes the voices are split into two groups of four voices called Part 1 and Part 2. In addition to typical Part settings such as split points and transpose, each Part also has an additional setting called Cards per Voice which determines how many voice cards are utilized per voice – options are 1, 2 or 4 cards max (8 cards is the same as unison).

Alternative Tunings The VS-1 supports (15) alternate tunings in addition to standard chromatic western.

Autotune The VS-1 makes use of a modern 16-bit DAC vs the 10-bit DAC of the classic. Together with the 600MHz core processor this allows for high accuracy control voltages.  However, design limitations resulting in lower accuracy CV’s are responsible in part for the character of the vintage polysynth – so we have implemented two Autotune modes for Key CV’s. Low-Res mode tunes the voices at the same number of points and the same resolution as the OB-X. Hi-Res mode tunes the voices at many more points at 16-bit depth. In addition, the OB-X does not have auto-calibration of filter frequency and scale for each voice. The VS-1 includes this auto-calibration but it can be bypassed.

Polyphonic Sequencer Full-featured 64-step polyphonic sequencer with 240 patterns. Real-time and Step-Entry modes for easy programming.

Arpeggiator Modes include up, down, up/down, up/down (inclusive), as played, and random. Range between 1 & 4 octaves. An arpeggio can be recorded directly into a sequence pattern.

Chord Memory Chords can be programmed onto one key and played back with root pitch at Key C3.
Aftertouch MIDI Channel aftertouch can be routed to (16) destinations including VCO1 frequency, VCO2 frequency, filter cutoff, loudness, and LFO modulation amount. Eight velocity response curves have also been included to suit playing styles and to compensate for controllers with non-linear aftertouch response.

MIDI/MPE with polyphonic aftertouch is a stretch goal.
OLED High resolution display for visual feedback.

Abstrakt Instruments

Main Audio Outputs—Unbalanced, 1⁄4 inch audio outputs. These are the main stereo outputs for the synth. They carry Part 1 and also Part 2 if no cables are connected to the Aux Audio Output jacks.
Aux Audio Outputs—Unbalanced, 1⁄4 inch audio outputs. Connect audio cables to these jacks if you want separate stereo outputs for Part 2 (for splits and Layers).
Audio Inputs—Unbalanced, 1⁄4 inch audio inputs. These are inputs to the filters of Voices 1 & 2. Each input has a preamp with gain.
CV & Gate I/O—Voice 1 only.
Filter CV Input—Part 1 only
Assignable CV Inputs—Assign to any parameter.
USB Host—Bidirectional MIDI communication with a computer. The VS-1 is a Class Compliant USB device and does not require additional drivers when used with Mac OS or Windows.
USB Peripheral—Direct connection to a usb-enabled midi keyboard controller.
MIDI In, Out, and Thru—Standard 5-pin MIDI DIN connectors.

$3000 More info here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/abstraktinstruments/vs-1-polyphonic-analog-synthesizer?fbclid=IwAR13xSu9vtVCePMxE3VND0_uMgeIC6ILPxaUIHr2pz85MzSb6uvAHS_gjKU

Korg Arp 2600 FS Official

Korg Arp 2600 FS

Korg officially announced the reissue of a classic highly sought after synth. The ARP 2600 is brought back to life in a single, one-time-only production run. Now is your opportunity to own one of the most sought after and coveted instruments from the vintage synthesizer era. This limited-edition release is a loving reproduction of the 2600, handcrafted in Japan and includes USB and DIN-style MIDI connections, XLR audio outputs, plus the improved ARP 3620 Duophonic Keyboard with an added arpeggiator / sequencer. Your new ARP 2600 will arrive in a custom-branded hard shell case, complete with casters.

More than a synthesizer, the ARP 2600 is a complete sound design studio. Even today, the ARP 2600 stands as a bridge between the individual elements of modular synthesis and the immediacy of a production / performance instrument. Included are an ample supply of oscillators, envelopes, a filter and amplifier – all of the building blocks of analog synthesis. But the ARP 2600 goes even further, with a spring reverb tank and even a pair of built in monitor speakers. Also present is much of the versatility of a vintage modular system, including a ring modulation, lag and voltage processors, an envelope follower, audio preamp, a clock-able switch, noise source, a sample & hold module, signal inverters, an auxiliary mixer, and even a set of parallel-wired/multi jacks.

The ARP 2600 FS reproduces the sounds of these components at the circuit level. Under the supervision of David Friend, the co-founder of ARP Instruments, parts were carefully selected and every detail was adjusted to replicate the original unit’s distinctive synthesis.

More info available on the Korg website https://www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/arp2600_fs/

Korg Arp 2600 Reissue

Korg Arp 2600 Reboot Reissue 2

Leaked Korg Arp 2600 reissue with some improvements of course. The new full sized version will feature a USB MIDI and DIN MIDI connection, a new built-in arpeggiator and sequencer, XLR audio outputs, branded hard-shell case  (with casters), and an improved ARP 3620 duophonic keyboard with aftertouch.

You can get the (K) ARP 2600 but you’ll have to pre-order fast because it’s under an extremely limited one time ONLY production run. Price $3900 USD. This is no Behringer copy folks the price alone tells you they did not cut corners. Not knocking the Behringer synths though they sort of did Korg better than Korg from what I heard. It is not available yet though so please hang tight for more info. I will publish it when available. Cheers

Korg Arp 2600 Reboot Reissue
Click image to enlarge – Korg Arp 2600

New 3620 Keyboard

3620 Keyboard While faithful to the original design, the functionality of the 3620 Keyboard has been greatly enhanced for this limited ARP 2600 release. The 3620 Keyboard contains 49 full-size keys, aftertouch, portamento, and is also duophonic, allowing two keys to be played at once – Single or Multiple Triggering is available. In addition, the duophonic keyboard can use an optional foot switch to lock the interval between any two notes, without retuning the oscillators during performance.

Vibrato can be added via a dedicated circuit controlled by aftertouch, or by the onboard LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator), using any of three available waveforms. Most noticeable is the addition of a flexible Arpeggiator that allows a user-defined pattern to be manually sequenced and played back. Still present are the original Pitch Bend knob and the Two Octave Up / Two Octave Down Transpose switch. Connecting the keyboard to the main unit now uses a secure eight-pin din cable.

Korg Arp 2600 NAMM 2020
Korg Arp 2600 NAMM 2020

Processing Powerhouse

The ARP 2600 reveals its modular nature by the unique assortment of valuable, esoteric, and individually patch-able modules it contains. To begin, there are a set of parallel-wired Multiple jacks that enhance the patching possibilities – allowing the same control signal to be sent to multiple locations, for example. Three independent Voltage Processors provide scalable control voltages, or can act to attenuate any control signal.

Use the Lag Generator to delay the start of any control signal. The Noise Generator is tunable to deliver White, Pink, and Low-Frequency noise, plus everything in between. A series of three Inverters can reverse the polarity of any signal. The Electronic Switch can be sync’d to either the internal clock or any external clock signal, as can the Sample & Hold rate. Most importantly, the Arp 2600 includes a dedicated Preamp and Envelope Follower for processing an external audio signal.

Korg Wavestate Wavestation Reboot

Korg Wavestate Synth Wavestation Roboot

Legendary synthesis, radically re-imagined. Organic, inspirational, and mind-blowingly powerful. KORG’s legendary Wavestation introduced the world to Wave Sequencing, transforming raw samples into sounds that no-one had ever heard before. The flagship OASYS and KRONOS keyboards developed Wave Sequencing even further, expanding on its unique palette of lush, evolving pads and driving rhythms. Now, KORG is proud to announce the next step in digital synthesis: the wavestate. Featuring the radically re-imagined Wave Sequencing 2.0, the wavestate delivers astonishing, ever-changing sounds with extensive hands-on control. Far from a nostalgic reissue, the wavestate is designed from the ground up for a new generation of musicians, producers, and composers, taking cues from sources as diverse as modular synths, groove boxes, and algorithmic composition. The compact form-factor, with 37 full-size keys, transports easily and fits neatly into any stage, studio, or desktop setup. For more information, visit: https://www.korg.com/us/wavestate/

Behringer Cat Synth Clone

Behringer Cat Synthesizer Clone

Behringer announced today a mono duophonic analog clone of the classic Octave Cat Synthesizer. It comes with the CAT filter, 1 VCA, and 2 envelope generators. These include an AR and ADSR envelope with a looping function. Complete with 2 independent oscillators (sawtooth, square, pulse. VCO 1 has a triangle waveform). Each of the osc can be played simultaneously and mixed together. Each osc also has a sub osc.

Behringer CAT Synthesizer will be available in 2020 with expected price of $349.

Korg Triton VST Mac PC

Korg Triton VST Mac PC

Korg announced a Triton remake for Mac and PC yesterday. The classic 1990s and early 2000s rompler sounds now available on your desktop DAW. The price is a bit steep though coming in at roughly $199 for an upgrade.

The last masterpiece of the 20th Century, revived after 20 years. A perfect reproduction of the TRITON workstation in software.

The KORG TRITON series of synthesizer workstations was first released in 1999 to accolades and prestigious awards. Top musicians around the world loved the expressive PCM sound and used their TRITONs on countless songs.

This year, on the 20th anniversary of its release, the KORG TRITON will finally be realized in software as the KORG Collection TRITON. The plug-in faithfully reproduces the HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis system down to the smallest details and contains every one of the vast number of preset programs. Reclaim the true masterpiece sound that characterizes so many hit songs.

More info on the official Korg website https://www.korg.com/us/products/software/korg_collection/triton.php

 

BYTEBEAT No Man’s Sky Synthesizer

No Man's Sky Synthesizer

Hello Games surprised players with a new, completely functional in game synthesizer. The studio calls the machine the ByteBeat Device, and it’s capable of creating new music tracks for the game.

From the developer: ”

Base building is a big part of what people spend their time doing in our game, and a frequent request is for the ability to add sounds and music to their construction. Our team always likes a creative challenge, and audio is one of our big passions. Over the last few weeks one of our coders got obsessed with making an audio creation tool for the community, we were so excited about it we thought it’d be a nice surprise to release it.

We love playing around with music toys like Teenage Engineering Synths or FruityLoops, and we like the idea of creating something that can encourage anyone to make cool audio.

Once placed in your base and powered, the ByteBeat will immediately begin to produce sound. ByteBeat formulas are made out of simple waveforms that are manipulated through maths – but by default, the device handles all of the mathematical heavy lifting, procedurally generating random presets for you to play with. Dedicated audiophiles have the option to explore deeper, manually sketching out note sequences, rhythms, and even manipulating the raw sounds.

Audio enthusiasts interested in reading more about the original concept of ByteBeat music may find this article a good starting point.”