analogsynth
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Moog's Werkstatt-01 synth is back and it's more affordable than ever
The easy-to-assemble kit costs $199, but it's only available for a limited time.
Moog's latest Sub 37 synth has even more grit than the original
Last year at Moogfest, the namesake synth maker set up a temporary instrument factory to crank our its Model D reissue. For the 2017 installment of the analog soiree, Moog is building another synthesizer on-site in Durham, North Carolina, but this time it's a retooled version of the more compact Sub 37. Officially dubbed the Subsequent 37 CV, this new model carries a similar overall construction as its predecessor. However, the front panel is now silver and the side panels are solid aluminum with inset North American hardwood. I won't be shy about it: This thing is a beaut.
Moog adds to its analog arsenal with the Mother-32 semi-modular synth
Moog announced that it would no longer produce the legendary Minimoog Voyager earlier this week, but that doesn't mean the company isn't slowing down. Today, the North Carolina-based synth maker revealed the Mother-32: a semi-modular analog synthesizer that's built to "inspire unique sound creation, new music and endless sonic exploration." How exactly does it go about doing that? For starters, there's a voltage-controlled sequencer and 32-point analog patch bay to create a load of unique sounds. No patching is required to get started, so musicians at any skill level can begin making music in no time.
Korg debuts pocket-sized Monotron analog synth, and we want it (video)
Don't take this the wrong way -- we're glad to be in Las Vegas with all our friends at CTIA, playing with new handsets from Samsung and Motorola. But as you know, we also love us some new music gear, especially when it sounds good -- so we wouldn't exactly mind being in Frankfurt for Musikmesse right now, either. Currently on display at Korg's booth, Monotron is a two AAA-powered, pocket-sized analog synth featuring a ribbon keyboard, VCO, VCF, and LFO controls, and the same analog filter found in the Korg MS-10 and MS-20 -- and it sounds great. Check it out in the gallery below and in the video after the break to see / hear the thing in action. Look for it in May for about $67. %Gallery-88925%
Yoshi Akai's Wireless Catcher senses nearby wireless waves, makes music (video)
What's cute, cuddly, and makes all sorts of bizarro noises when it senses wireless waves? Yoshi Akai's Wireless Catcher, of course! This analog synth contraption is simplistic in nature and complex in design, utilizing an onboard antenna to sense WiFi signals and then alter the sounds being outputted depending on signal strength and direction. It's not exactly the symphony that Bach forgot to write, but it's certainly beautiful in its own nerdy way. Have a look at the video past the break, won't you?
Dave Smith's Mopho keyboard prototype wows analog fanboys at NAMM (video)
Dave Smith's name is as revered in the synth business as those of Tom Oberheim and "Handsome Ron" Casio. Having had his hands in everything from the Prophet 5 synth to developing the MIDI specification to his own company (Dave Smith Instruments), the man has given electronic musicians plenty to be thankful for. The boutique's latest, the Mopho Keyboard (seen here in prototype form at NAMM 2010) takes the existing Mopho synth module -- a pretty sweet deal with its sub-octave generators, audio input (you know, for modulating stuff), and feedback options -- and adds a thirty-two key keyboard and a whole mess of controls. Like original, this new Mopho has a 100 percent analog signal path, ships with a sound bank editor for both Windows and Mac, and it sounds pretty, pretty bad ass. Look for it in the near future for around $800. Video after the break.
Thingamagoop: the synth with personality
Meet Thingamagoop. Like regular analog synthesizers, this Bleep Labs creation emits all sorts of wild, far-out sounds, but unlike most other synths, its main oscillator is controlled by a photocell instead of the usual keyboard -- frequency is adjusted by turning the main knob, and the type of modulation is selected by toggling the device's, um, nipples. Okay, we're cool with non-traditional input methods, but why endow this $100 handmade model with such a creepy-looking face? "Because there are not nearly enough beeping, zapping, bixxerfouping, anthropomorphic synthesizer monsters in the world," according to the creators. How very true.[Via Music Thing]