The Yamaha DX-7 is one of the most successful synthesizers of all time – but it also has a reputation as being one of the most cumbersome synths to program. DTronics has introduced a new hardware controller, the DTronics DT7, designed to provide hands-on control of the synthesis options of Yamaha DX series synths.
Korg has officially announced the Volca FM synthesizer – a three-voice digital FM synthesizer that they say reproduces the sound of ‘a classic FM synthesizer’ (aka the Yamaha DX 7) and provides compatibility with it, as well. Here’s their official intro:
Developer Frédéric Meslin has announced a Kickstarter project to develop the OP-A, a multi-timbral FM synthesizer Arduino Shield. The Arduino is popular open-hardware microprocessor platform. A Shield is essentially a PCB that plugs into an Arduino and gives it new features. The OP·A is an FM synthesizer shield for Arduino, that Meslin says is “great… Read More OP·A – A Multitimbral FM Synthesizer Shield for Arduino
At the 2016 NAMM Show, Yamaha introduced its new Montage synth keyboard line – a new flagship full-size synth line that features advanced versions of two of the company’s iconic synth lines – Motif and DX. In this video, Yamaha’s Blake Angelos takes an in-depth look at the capabilities of the Montage line, demos a variety of sounds… Read More Yamaha Montage In-Depth Demo
At the 2016 NAMM Show, Korg was displaying an as-yet-unannounced Volca FM synthesizer. The Volca FM is a 6-operator FM synth that can read and play DX-7 patches. It also offers an enhanced version of the Volca sequencer. The Korg Volca FM synthesizer isn’t official yet – but we’ve got an exclusive audio preview of… Read More Korg Volca FM Synthesizer (Sneak Preview)
Dave Smith Instruments has released a new operating system for the Prophet 12 that adds a number of user-requested features, including: Linear frequency modulation for classic FM synthesis Support for up to 16 alternate tunings (a set of 16 popular tunings is included) Assignable voice-stacking in Union mode MIDI note output for the arpeggiator New modulation… Read More Dave Smith & John Chowning Introduce FM Synthesis On The Prophet 12
Dave Smith Instruments shared this image, capturing Dave Smith talking with John Chowning, creator of the FM synthesis algorithm. FM synthesis revolutionized keyboards in the 80s, as a result of Yamaha’s implementation in its DX line of synths.
This video, via Voltage Control Lab, takes a look synthesizer kick drums using FM synthesis on the Roland Scooper. While the Scooper is, by default, a looper and effects processor, it can be repatched, using the Aira Modular Customizer, to customize its functionality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmbjDZaLstQ Audio Damage has released a video sneak preview of their new Neuron Eurorack FM drum synthesis module. In the official intro video, above, AD’s Chris Randall gives an overview of the Neuron, followed by ‘Captain Crazypatch’ audio demos.
Sunday Synth Jam: This video, shared by Juan Irming, aka Amplitude Problem, captures a synth jam on the Yamaha Reface DX FM synthesizer.
