Due to the current situation (rain, winter time) I have some time for my favorite hobby – synth programming. I’m currently comparing several machines side by side, including an Access Virus and my beloved Korg Z1. Though all of my gadgets are based on software and provide similar architectures, they still differ at what each […]
While I have excessively done synth programming in my youth, I rarely find time for it nowadays. Nevertheless it happens, especially when it is raining all day.
Modulation is a key ingredient to synthesizer sounds. Modulation adds movement to the sounds, making them less static. Common modulation techniques include envelopes to shape the volume and partials over time, low frequency oscillators (LFO) to periodically alter the pitch of oscillators (vibrato) or the volume of the sound (tremolo), or velocity to add volume […]
Anders als Gitarristen hat man als Keyboarder keinen direkten Einfluss auf die Tonhöhe. Dafür finden sich an Synthesizern üblicherweise Spielhilfen, um Vibrato und Tonhöhenbeugungen vornehmen zu können. Mit den klassischen Rädern bin ich nie richtig warm geworden. Glücklicherweise verfügte mein langjähriges Masterkeyboard (Roland A50) über den Rolandtypischen Jammerhaken. Für Korg ist der Joystick typisch. Die […]
Seit ich mit Synthesizern spiele, sind es Digitalmaschinen. Nun, stimmt nicht ganz. Der Microwave aus dem Jahre 1989 war teilweise noch analog aufgebaut, insbesondere die Curtis-Filter. Dennoch habe ich glorreichen 1970er Jahre mit diversen Moogs, Oberheims, ARPs und so weiter nicht aktiv miterlebt. Dennoch bin ich musikalisch geprägt von der Musik jener Zeit, ganz egal […]
As the synth addict I am, I’m completely overwhelmed by the machine John Bowen has designed. I had no occasion yet to put my hands on a real device. However, musictrackjp provides a great overview, regardless I do not understand japanese :) . Even via the internet, one senses the organic character of its audio […]
The Access Virus is a very flexible analogue modeling synthesizer. Besides its oscillators, the two filters contribute to its premium audio qualities. General The two filters can be used in two serial modes, a parallel mode, and a split mode. Filter 1 can be used in both 12 and 24 dB modes. It also provides […]
After excessively testing the Kronos, I’m completely overwhelmed. I didn’t expect it being that great. Though the grand and electric piano, the organ and string modelling engines already provide a more than pleasing playground, I’m especially impressed by the AL-1 analog modeling and MOD-7 FM engines. Reliability Despite the complexity the device runs relatively stable. […]