Category Archives: Synthesizers
Doepfer Dark Energy Review
Analog monosynths have become quite popular in recent years. These small synthesizers come from long established manufacturers such as Moog and Dave Smith, as well as newer companies with modern designs. One of the more prolific of this new breed … Continue reading
Modern Digital Synthesizers
With analog synthesizers getting most of the attention these days, it’s easy to forget about the digital side of the equation. Developments in digital technology have been the main driving force in synthesizer evolution over the past few decades. Digital’s … Continue reading
Made in the U.S.A. Analog Synth Shootout
The synthesizer as we know it today owes a lot to the analog pioneers of the past. Early designs from Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, and the late Bob Moog not only laid the groundwork for the modern synthesizer, but also … Continue reading
Modern Analog Synthesizers
Old analog synthesizers are famous, rare, and highly sought after. But when it comes to Analog gear, going vintage isn’t the only option. There’s a whole world of small companies out there producing modern analog synthesizers that sound just as … Continue reading
Four Good Books about Sound Synthesis
Vintage Synthesizersby Mark Vail Vintage Synthesizers is the definitive synthesizer knowledge book. It lays out nearly every aspect of the history and design of synthesizers in a well organized, easy to follow format. Sound Synthesis and Samplingby Martin Russ Sound … Continue reading
Sound Designers and Synthesizer Demos
It’s no secret that synthesizer manufacturers are better at designing synthesizers than they are at creating presets. Though occasionally a manufacturer will hire a sound designer to make some presets, this is often the exception rather than the norm. The … Continue reading
Sound Design vs. Music: Q&A with a Soft Synth Preset Designer
Today we have sound designer Lotuszia here from www.lelotusbleu.fr, a company specializing in creating custom presets and sound banks for soft synths. He’s with us today to share some thoughts on sound design and how it relates to music composition. … Continue reading
Roland A-500s Keyboard Controller Review
Not another USB keyboard controller. Yes, another USB keyboard controller. The A-500s is a 49-key minimalist USB keyboard from Roland (that happens to have the Cakewalk label written on it). Just one more piece of Roland’s ongoing identity crisis involving … Continue reading
Virtualizing the MPC: The Akai MPC-V
Welcome to the Akai MPC-V. The future of music technology gear. Well, maybe not. But back in 2005, I thought the concept was worth spending a little time developing. I was working for a synthesizer manufacturer and thought it might … Continue reading