There is so much exciting hardware around at the moment and on the horizon and most of it isn't coming from the major manufacturers.

Korg's Monotron being the diminutive exception

Elektron's imminent Octatrack is set to drag hardware samplers out of the stone age

Teenage Engineering's Casio VL Tone on steroids the OP-1 is pure deep-fried DSP high in saturated phat!

Moog are positively on fire from monster Voyager's to rackmount Phatty's via a rumoured lap steel guitar - yes you heard correctly

The OTO Biscuit is certainly pricier than a pack of Hobnobs but will make you audio just as sweet and crunchy

The SuONOIO sound device is blurring the boundaries between hardware and music itself

They're just a few examples. There are the smaller players like Bugbrand and Make Noise. Dave Smith has been making analogue again for a few years and he must have surely contributed to Tom Oberheim's revival of the SEM. The Synthi A and VCS3 are back in production.

Exciting times. Hardware dead? No it just went boutique!

Now where did I put that massive wad of cash ....

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Original artwork and unique devices inspired by vintage technology http://www.thisisobsolete.com

Quote jellyjim:

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SEM. The Synthi A and VCS3 are back in production...

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Actually he never stopped making them - but check the waiting list. It's three years.

Quote narcoman:

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Quote jellyjim:

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SEM. The Synthi A and VCS3 are back in production...

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Actually he never stopped making them - but check the waiting list. It's three years.

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EMS? They made many claims which were a bit of a stretch to put it mildly. Like "We never stopped making them" and "We're making a new batch very soon" And thats going back 10-15+ years or so, and in all that time, sod all appeared.

Anyway, yes, im loving all these boutique audio gadgets. I can't wait to see whats next!

Paul

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Paul

Quote ~Paul:

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TheEMS? They made many claims which were a bit of a stretch to put it mildly

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January next year they claim ...

"Preparations to re-establish production of the original Synthi A and VCS3 Mk2 have been proceeding through the summer and we are now expecting the first completed units to be ready in January 2011. Currently we are building a large stock of assembled and tested circuit boards. This has taken quite a bit longer than expected, but you can rest assured that we are dedicated to ensuring a successful outcome, as well as the re-introduction of other EMS products to follow in due course. A new website will also be unveiled in 2010."

... but then again we all thought Roger Linn was making another drum machine

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Original artwork and unique devices inspired by vintage technology http://www.thisisobsolete.com

Quote jellyjim:

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January next year they claim ...

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That would be nice That said, I was looking to get one 10+ years ago, and contacted them about it. But im not so keen myself now, given how expensive it is going to be. Still, im sure they will sell!

It was nice to see the x0xb0x get an SoS review this month, as that is 'boutique', in a roundabouts kind of way.. (I made 2 myself)
I also have an Oto Biscuit on order, which I can't wait to get

Im liking this oddball boutique/cottage industry gear that is appearing these days

Paul

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Paul

Hey Paul. Yeah I think we're on the same page with all this stuff and I agree it was good to see the xoxbox review. I was going to add that along with the boutique stuff hardware has also gone DIY. Very jealous of the Oto Biiscuit but other stuff above it on the to buy list for me. How's things panned out with the 8-bit sampler you built a while ago?

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Original artwork and unique devices inspired by vintage technology http://www.thisisobsolete.com

Quote jellyjim:

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How's things panned out with the 8-bit sampler you built a while ago?

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It's nifty! It's a bit of a novelty though, so hasn't been used much. But it is certainly fun to tool around with now & again. There is a new & improved version coming out any moment now too, in case you are interested.

Earlier this year I got some other oddball audio gadgets also. A Squarewave parade Teaspoon (slight) pedal. And a Hexe Revolver. Both very similar pedals, in that they are micro window samplers/delay effects units. First rate for glitch sounds!

Im definitely about weened off mainstream boxes these days, preferring the smaller manufacturers instead. Perhaps not boutique, but not mainstream either, are other companies like Doepfer & Jomox. They always seem to be able to churn out some cool & interesting gear too.

Paul

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Paul

Ooh and another! I've got one on the way

http://meeblip.noisepages.com/

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Original artwork and unique devices inspired by vintage technology http://www.thisisobsolete.com

Quote jellyjim:

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Ooh and another! I've got one on the way

http://meeblip.noisepages.com/

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I saw this too.. But I wasn't too sure about how the demo's sounded.. Still, the concept is a good one.
There is another batch of Shruthi synth kits going on sale today though.. Hmm!

Paul

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Paul

Quote ~Paul:

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Quote jellyjim:

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Ooh and another! I've got one on the way

http://meeblip.noisepages.com/

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I saw this too.. But I wasn't too sure about how the demo's sounded.. Still, the concept is a good one.
There is another batch of Shruthi synth kits going on sale today though.. Hmm!

Paul

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Ooh I want one too How much is it? Where do I sign up!

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Original artwork and unique devices inspired by vintage technology http://www.thisisobsolete.com

Quote jellyjim:

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Ooh I want one too How much is it? Where do I sign up!

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I don't recall the exact cost now. But i believe it's pretty reasonable. We'll find out in 3.5 hours!?
www.mutable-instruments.net

Paul

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Paul

I can't edit my previous post, so..
€130, + €20 for the case and + €15 for UK delivery. = €165 (£140'ish)
Seems good to me!?
Oh, but no doubt i'll be stung for import duty etc too! We'll see..

Paul

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Paul

Quote ~Paul:

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Oh, but no doubt i'll be stung for import duty etc too! We'll see..

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Doh.. Im not with it at all. These things come from France. So no vat/duty/random other government import taxes..


Paul

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Paul

Quote ~Paul:

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Quote ~Paul:

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Oh, but no doubt i'll be stung for import duty etc too! We'll see..

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Doh.. Im not with it at all. These things come from France. So no vat/duty/random other government import taxes..


Paul

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Indeed

I've resisted for now.

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Original artwork and unique devices inspired by vintage technology http://www.thisisobsolete.com

For me the Korg Monotron seems like the most interesting one from price point of view - watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn4D79Jgn_4

Amazing!

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Pro. violinist who likes some experiments...
www.myspace.com/pagannini

Quote johnny Stecchino:

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For me the Korg Monotron seems like the most interesting one from price point of view - watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn4D79Jgn_4

Amazing!

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I think i'd call those more of a novelty, than boutique. But they are pretty neat none the less. I got one recently, so shall embark on the great hack up massacre shortly

Paul

PS, If you didn't see it already, there is a sizeable thread about them in the synth section here.

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Paul

Quote ~Paul:

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PS, If you didn't see it already, there is a sizeable thread about them in the synth section here.

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Gonna check it now! thnx!

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Pro. violinist who likes some experiments...
www.myspace.com/pagannini

Here’s a direct link for you

www.soundonsound.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=833465


Martin

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YewTreeMagic