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Synthesizers

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    Doepfer A100 Modular

    Synthesis Modules

    Since the launch of their A100 modular synth in the mid-'90s, Doepfer have been quietly adding modules to the system, some fairly simple, others splendidly esoteric. We explore some of the latest...

    Reviews Dec 2003
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    Novation Virtual BassStation

    Software Plug-in [Mac & PC]

    Novation's V-Station plug-in provided a software version of their hardware K-Station — now there's a software version of their mid-'90s hardware monophonic analogue bass synths, the BassStation and BassStation Rack...

    Reviews Dec 2003
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    Synthesizing Tonewheel Organs: Part 2

    Synth Secrets

    If you followed last month's advice, you'll know how to synthesize a basic Hammond tone on a Roland Juno 6. But can the same technique be applied to any other synth?

    Techniques Dec 2003
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    Yamaha S90

    Weighted-action Keyboard Synth

    Yamaha have taken a weighted keyboard from their latest digital pianos, added high-quality piano samples and Motif sounds, and thrown in a playback sequencer and arpeggiator, and master-keyboard facilities. Left to simmer, the S90 is the result...

    Reviews Dec 2003
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    Roland XV & JV Power User Tips: Part 2

    Programming Masterclass

    We untangle the intricacies of the XV file system, as well as track down some useful software utilities and web sites for Roland synth users.

    Techniques Dec 2003
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    Native Instruments Absynth 2

    Soft Synth [Mac/PC]

    Absynth gets a significant overhaul, including tempo syncing, sample playback, granular synthesis and a module library. What do we think of it? Read on...

    Reviews Nov 2003
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    Access Virus Indigo 2 Redback

    Modelled Analogue Synthesizer • Virus OS 6 Update

    This limited edition collectable synth comes complete with the advantages of new features in the latest Virus OS — and these features can also be added to previous Virus synths via a free update.

    Reviews Nov 2003
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    Analogue Systems RS Modular

    Synthesis Modules

    The monster AS modular synth system continues to expand with the launch of another batch of new sonic tools.

    Reviews Nov 2003
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    Korg Electribe EMX1

    Music Production Station

    This new member of the Korg tribe offers synthesis, sequencing, drum programming, tons of real-time control plus genuine valves to light up your studio and your sound.

    Reviews Nov 2003
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    Synthesizing Tonewheel Organs: Part 1

    Synth Secrets

    Long before Bob Moog built his first synth, there was the Hammond tonewheel organ; effectively an additive synthesizer, albeit electro-mechanical rather than electronic. So emulating a Hammond with an analogue synth shouldn't be too hard, right? Well...

    Techniques Nov 2003
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    Roland XV & JV Power User Tips: Part 1

    Programming Masterclass

    Ubiquitous though Roland's long-lived range of sound modules appear to be, not many users get the best out of the vast synthesis and processing potential they offer. So here's how to coax circus-pony tricks out of your studio workhorse.

    Techniques Nov 2003
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    Novation V-Station

    Software Synth [Mac/PC]

    Widely admired for their hardware synths, Novation have now taken the bold step of releasing a software plug-in synth. But is it the wave of the future, or a software pirate's delight?

    Reviews Oct 2003
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    Native Instruments Reaktor v4

    Modular Software Synth [Mac/PC]

    Native Instruments' flagship modular software synth has now reached version 4, dispensing with the dongle copy-protection that bothered v3 owners, adding many user-friendly features and allowing even greater scope for personalising your patches.

    Reviews Oct 2003
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    Roland Fantom S & Fantom S88

    Synth Workstations

    Despite the synth-spangled history of the company, it's been many years since a Roland product ruled the high-end keyboard roost, and 2001's Fantom workstation failed to change this. However, there's much more to the new Fantom S than one extra letter...

    Reviews Oct 2003
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    Soundart Chameleon

    Reprogrammable DSP-based Instrument

    Times change. When announced in 2001, the Chameleon, a reprogrammable DSP unit, looked out of date compared with the software studio concept. But with piracy rife, and software companies being bought out everywhere, the idea of reprogrammable, unhackable hardware now seems quite timely...

    Reviews Oct 2003
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    Practical Flute Synthesis

    Synth Secrets

    As we saw last month, there's much to synthesizing a convincing flute sound — and yet basic analogue monosynths have offered reasonable flute patches for 30 years. Surely the process can be simplified?

    Techniques Oct 2003
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    Alesis Ion

    Modelled Analogue Synthesizer

    The Ion might be a latecomer to the world of analogue modelling, but this has afforded Alesis the opportunity of learning from all the virtual analogues already on the market. Free and radical, or negative particle? We find out...

    Reviews Sep 2003
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    Access Virus Indigo TDM Plug-in

    For Pro Tools TDM & HD Systems

    Just as Access's hardware Virus synth was followed by the snazzy Virus Indigo, so the TDM plug-in version for Pro Tools has benefited from an upgrade to Indigo status, making it more infectious than ever...

    Reviews Sep 2003
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    Synthesizing Simple Flutes

    Synth Secrets

    The Monty Python team once famously claimed that being able to play the flute was a simple matter of 'blowing here, and moving your hands up and down here'. But there's a lot more to it than that...

    Techniques Sep 2003
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    Studio Electronics ATCX

    Analogue Tone Chameleon Rack Synth

    The ATCX really could be seen as four synths in one, as its unassuming exterior conceals not only an adaptable true analogue synthesis architecture, but also the filter characteristics of classic synths that include the Minimoog and the TB303.

    Reviews Aug 2003
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    Synthesizing Pan Pipes

    Synth Secrets

    The characteristic sound of flute-like instruments is complex — but fortunately not so complex that it can't be emulated fairly successfully with a synthesizer...

    Techniques Aug 2003

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