jeudi 25 mars 2010
Why Big Audio Companies CANT STAND the FREEWARES & Refuse competion ?
THIS BLOG IS the Point of view of A Synthesizers and Music FAN
Synthi AKS EMU
This is an imitatation of the Synthi AKS synthesizer.
The Synthi is really a special synthesizer - there is nothing like it! The original design is from late 60's and released as VCS3 or also known as the Putney. The models Synthi A and Synthi AKS came a few years later 72'-73'. They are a bit different in appearance from the VCS3 as they are fitted into a attaché briefcase. The AKS includes a sequencer and a touch keyboard (KS=Keyboard & Sequencer) !
Keep in mind that I have made this imitation without ever using the real thing. I used documents and articles found on Internet and also with great help from Sowari (who have used the real thing) giving important input, suggestions and beta testing.
The Synthi is of a modular design and will make no sound without connecting the modules together in a sensible way. Therefore the SIAC not for the beginner or faint of heart! Also there are some "odd" design - remember the Synthi was designed before the success of the Minimoog, which defined how synths where supposed to work! There is no standard ADSR envelope shaper and the VCA is integrated with the envelope. This tends to be very confusing for most people! Also the output mixer is somewhat difficult to understand without a diagram. Also the matrix makes no difference in audio and control signals, which is sometimes confusion but also opens many ways to those weird modulations.
Given all that, it's still a great synth that takes a lifetime to explore (so they say) and excel at special effects (the envelope is the most limiting factor to make standard synth sounds). Not saying it's not possible to do standard synth sounds but it's not what it does best.
I did the Reaktor design from scratch including the graphics, except for the handle that I cut from a photo, the reverb is a tweaked reverb by Len Sasso (Wizoo) and the sequencer is based on a sequencer by Clist (stripped down).
I tried to be as close as possible to the original design, but adding some common customizations such as the oscillator sync, shape control for both waves of oscillator 1 and bi-polar envelope. I also included delays for effects. I find delays too important to do without so I added two of those in the output unit (also nice to have delays inside the signal & modulation matrix, which is not so common).
Remember that the sequencer is based on event table and is separate from the snapshots, so when you edit a sequence it is changed for all snapshots that use that particular sequence #, and there is no undo!
Read more about the Synthi here:
http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/
http://www.vintagesynth.org/misc/synthi.shtml
http://www.oldschool-sound.com/index.php?rub=3 (handbook)
http://www.sonicstate.com/synth_reviews/emssynthi.cfm
Ensemble made on PC, Windows XP, tested on Mac OS9.
Warning - it is quite a CPU hog and requires a large screen (1200x1024).
Two snapshots banks are included, one by Sowari and one by myself. Some snaps start making noise without any maual interaction other are supposed to be controlled by the joystick, sequencer and/or Attack button!
I use a game joystick sending bend & modulation wheel MIDI. Great fun and soo much better than using the mouse!
You are obviously free to download and use this ensemble but you are not free to distribute it in any form (e.g. CD or web publishing etc) without my written permission.
SIAC 2 ---------------------
The GUI is updated and lots of snaps from Sowari. Also the output channel is modified to support 4 channels in parallell (L+R & rL + rR). This includes a change of the Output channel modulation behavior.
back
The Synthi is really a special synthesizer - there is nothing like it! The original design is from late 60's and released as VCS3 or also known as the Putney. The models Synthi A and Synthi AKS came a few years later 72'-73'. They are a bit different in appearance from the VCS3 as they are fitted into a attaché briefcase. The AKS includes a sequencer and a touch keyboard (KS=Keyboard & Sequencer) !
Keep in mind that I have made this imitation without ever using the real thing. I used documents and articles found on Internet and also with great help from Sowari (who have used the real thing) giving important input, suggestions and beta testing.
The Synthi is of a modular design and will make no sound without connecting the modules together in a sensible way. Therefore the SIAC not for the beginner or faint of heart! Also there are some "odd" design - remember the Synthi was designed before the success of the Minimoog, which defined how synths where supposed to work! There is no standard ADSR envelope shaper and the VCA is integrated with the envelope. This tends to be very confusing for most people! Also the output mixer is somewhat difficult to understand without a diagram. Also the matrix makes no difference in audio and control signals, which is sometimes confusion but also opens many ways to those weird modulations.
Given all that, it's still a great synth that takes a lifetime to explore (so they say) and excel at special effects (the envelope is the most limiting factor to make standard synth sounds). Not saying it's not possible to do standard synth sounds but it's not what it does best.
I did the Reaktor design from scratch including the graphics, except for the handle that I cut from a photo, the reverb is a tweaked reverb by Len Sasso (Wizoo) and the sequencer is based on a sequencer by Clist (stripped down).
I tried to be as close as possible to the original design, but adding some common customizations such as the oscillator sync, shape control for both waves of oscillator 1 and bi-polar envelope. I also included delays for effects. I find delays too important to do without so I added two of those in the output unit (also nice to have delays inside the signal & modulation matrix, which is not so common).
Remember that the sequencer is based on event table and is separate from the snapshots, so when you edit a sequence it is changed for all snapshots that use that particular sequence #, and there is no undo!
Read more about the Synthi here:
http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/
http://www.vintagesynth.org/misc/synthi.shtml
http://www.oldschool-sound.com/index.php?rub=3 (handbook)
http://www.sonicstate.com/synth_reviews/emssynthi.cfm
Ensemble made on PC, Windows XP, tested on Mac OS9.
Warning - it is quite a CPU hog and requires a large screen (1200x1024).
Two snapshots banks are included, one by Sowari and one by myself. Some snaps start making noise without any maual interaction other are supposed to be controlled by the joystick, sequencer and/or Attack button!
I use a game joystick sending bend & modulation wheel MIDI. Great fun and soo much better than using the mouse!
You are obviously free to download and use this ensemble but you are not free to distribute it in any form (e.g. CD or web publishing etc) without my written permission.
SIAC 2 ---------------------
The GUI is updated and lots of snaps from Sowari. Also the output channel is modified to support 4 channels in parallell (L+R & rL + rR). This includes a change of the Output channel modulation behavior.
back
VANDAL 2 worlds, 1 software: AMPlifier for bass & guitar
For sound that's alive
Conventional software amps work on the basis of sterile-sounding impulse responses, which leave no space for the details in the characteristic sound of guitars and basses. All instruments tend to sound the same and exciting sound properties are replaced by standardized algorithms.
Vandal is different! Physical modeling technology guarantees that everything, from the signal input, stomp boxes and tube amplifier to the microphoned loudspeakers and
studio effects added in post production are all displayed and played in top quality.
Custom amplification: Implement your own ideas in amp design
Want to combine components from different amplifiers and customize details yourself? Want to build your own custom amp or build a copy of a well-known model? With Vandal, it's easy!
Vandal is based on a variable concept for amps and cabinets. This lets users adjust sound individually and change and manipulate it according to their ideas. Of course, the program also includes various presets compiled by experienced musicians and producers, giving users a head start and allowing them to obtain fantastic results quickly.
Intuitive program interface
Overloaded software amps, confusing controls and long learning periods are a thing of the past!
The intuitive program interface is based on workflows that are optimized for guitar and bass players who are familiar with these kinds of work processes from working with hardware. This makes it easy to get started with the program! All important functions are clearly displayed and leave enough room for implementing sound ideas of your own – hook up your guitar or bass and simply start playing!
Two worlds, one software: AMplifier for bass & guitar
A real bass and guitar amp in a single box – is that even possible? The answer is yes – and in top quality!
Even when starting Vandal for the first time, you can choose between two amplifier models. The guitar and bass amps are extremely flexible and can be adapted to the individual needs of any musician. Whether bass or guitar, with Vandal you'll get the best of both worlds!
In the studio and live - an amp for any occasion
If you want to rock, you've got to be able to count on your amp!
No drop-outs, no latency, no internal signal delays and the highest possible operational reliability. With its reliable engine, first-class sound quality and flexible MIDI functions, Vandal is the ideal companion for long studio sessions, rehearsals, and live gigs.
Countless effects & stomp boxes
The real world has produced many of the "stomp box" devices popular with guitarists and bassists. We've also included a rich palette in Vandal. We researched real models for inspiration, but also let ourselves be guided by our own ideas about sound, designing completely new models.
Distortion effects that don't always sound good "before" the amp are usually attached to the end of the signal chain. That's why we integrated an additional, comprehensive effects rack at the end of the signal path.
Top performance - low consumption
Worries about system load, CPU, hard drive, and RAM shouldn't be part of making music – you'll get the best results when you concentrate on what's important – playing!
Vandal guarantees top performance at the lowest possible resource consumption. Thanks to physical modeling technology and a particularly small program size of only 12 MB, you can use Vandal for any production or session, in multiple ways and as often as you please, without having to worry about overtaxing the system.
System requirements
Windows:
- For Microsoft® Windows® XP | Vista™| 7™
- Intel® Pentium® or AMD® Athlon® 1,5 Ghz and higher
- Memory: min. 512 MB RAM (1 GB auf Vista)
- Hard drive space: min. 50 MB free
- ASIO and/or WDM compatible sound card
- Host software supporting VST interface
(Samplitude® 11 Silver included)
Mac:
- Intel based Mac with OSX 10.5
- Hard drive space: min. 50 MB free
- Host software supporting VST or AU interface
Some examples
demos etc
http://www.vandalamps.com/de/media/.27.html
mercredi 24 mars 2010
Sure you know the Bliptronic5000® or the Tenori-On™
Sure you know the Bliptronic5000® or the Tenori-On™. If the first one lacks MIDI and the second one is too expensive for you, you might try this VST-version of a matrix stepsequencer:
Blip2000
Every column corresponds to one step, each line represents a note. Just click the buttons to enable the notes to be played. The orange line runs thru while playing. Select the number of steps to play (2-16), the speed in relation to the host clock, the direction (forward, backward, random etc.). Blip2000 outputs MIDI notes, so you can use your favourite synth (-plugin) as the sound source. MIDI channel, note length and velocity can be set.
With the fields on the left side you can adjust any scale to be played - or use Blip2000 as a drum sequencer!
Features:
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Available for Windows PC as VST-plugin. You’ll need a standard host program that sends correct VST sync information.
Download now. No installer, no copy protection, just place the plugin in the plug folder of your favourite DAW.
lundi 22 mars 2010
FREEWARE and EXCELLENT EMS SIM
It is unusual for me to work on VA.
But when Burnie asked us Nova and me to do a VCS3 plugin I was
interested.
This old EMS synthesizer is great with its modern matrix concept, its
joystick and its possibility to do feedback patches
Nova collected some docs and Scot Solida sent to Nova his recordings
I used them to research the way to do a close oscillator simulation.
I did a new filter based on the KX filter code.
Nova built a modern skin.
We did not built another SE clone of this synthesizer
but added some great features on the original concept.
One of the new features of the 2.0 version is the polyphony with a
total respect of the original feeling of this synthesizer.
A new KXMOD system is implemented to create fat vintage leads or nice
polyphonic instruments.
A CV and gate sequencer has been added to create real vintage sequences.
Common features
with the VCS3
Three variable shape oscillators,tweaked to simulate the color and
bandwidth of Vcs3's oscillators.
16*16 pin matrix with feedback connections.
LP filter, 18 db per octave with self oscillating.
Noise generator with EQ.
Ring modulation.
Two external inputs.
XY joystick.
Added features
Polyphony up to 6 voices.
Total control of the polyphony features with the extended KXMOD system.
Each voice can be controlled with RELATIVE parameters (KXMOD).
Analog sequencer (CV & gate) with a memory of 256 CV and 256
gates, files saved on disk, 2 accent lines, random clock, keyboard
input to transpose or to reccord the CV...
Mini knobs to adjust each matrix modulation, 0 to 1.
Modern skin with notepad and variable color background.
You can adjust the response curve of the oscillators.
The original ASR (trapezoid) is extended to 2 ADSR with Attack Reset
mode, Host and internal sequencer synchronization.
Delay fx with host synchronization and lfo modulation. It replaces the
original spring reverb.
LFO, Sample & Hold and third ADSR envelope added (monophonic
modulations), they can replace the external inputs (In1, In2).
Keyboard scalers.
X Y matrix Midi controllers.
All main parameters have a Midi CC controller.
Velocity to envelope segments, cut off
and volume.
Midi in splitter.
Omni Midi output to control external monophonic instruments
and build polyphonic ensemble, each instrument is one voice...
Sequencer Midi ouput.
KX presets:
27 polyphonic instruments
12 unison presets
36 monophonic presets (v 1.04)
17 sequencer demos
14 tutorial and initialization presets
Last update
*02/2010: new version, KX-SYNTH-X16-V 2.5
IU is Blue Now
THE MATRIX
0
About the VCS3
The creator of the original VCS3 (1969) and Electronic Music
Studios(London) is Peter Zinovieff.
The REAL Stuff & Its History
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMS_VCS_3
The old days are back... Do you miss the old days when a synth was not plug n play, but a challange in routing? Where you had to tune a synth before you could play it and where spring reverbs and filters would go nuts? With Cynthia you can do all that crazy stuff you cant do with a modern synth. Cynthia is monophonic VSTi, very Old School, but will still be able to keep in tune throughout the song, patches can be stored and it is of course fully MIDI controllable. Cynthia is free to use and will send you 30 years back in time to the dawn of modular synthesis... As the name implies its inspired from the old EMS CynthiA. I did my best to match the specifications of the SynthiA, but as I got bored I threw in a bit extra... Latest build: v1.02 Stay tuned - be creative! |