Vintage Synth Explorer News Feed

Roland Gaia SH-01

Mon, 15 Apr 13 00:12:38 -0700

If you're in the market for a hands-on synthesizer, the Roland Gaia SH-01 is not to be overlooked. An analog modeling synthesizer that retains the basic traits of previous SH-series synths with user-friendly layout and compact design worthy of stage and studio.

Korg Monotron

Thu, 21 Mar 13 21:07:19 -0700

The Monotron is Korg's first analog synthesizer in nearly thirty years. It's small enough to fit in your pocket and runs on batteries but is a true mono-synth with a voltage-controlled filter straight out of the iconic MS-10 and MS-20. With a retail price around $50, who wouldn't want a few of these?

JoMoX MBase 11

Tue, 19 Feb 13 14:19:44 -0800

The MBase does only one thing, but does it well: it creates 100% analog kick/bass drum sounds. It is the bass drum from the XBase 09, XBASE 999 and the AirBase 99 in a small desktop module that can be triggered via MIDI and external audio/trigger sources.

Waldorf Blofeld

Sat, 09 Feb 13 14:58:32 -0800

The release of the Blofeld synthesizer in 2007 helped resurrect Waldorf Music GmbH from near extinction. This compact wavetable synthesizer boasts one of the most complex digital engines on the market and is well equipped to compete with other powerful digital synthesizers.

Moog Slim Phatty

Sat, 09 Feb 13 14:50:37 -0800

The Slim Phatty has the same engine as the much-loved Little Phatty but in a rack-mountable unit that can also be used as a tabletop unit or chained with other Phatty devices for the ultimate in multi-voiced Moog richness.

Moog MF-105M MIDI MuRF

Sat, 09 Feb 13 14:41:03 -0800

The MIDI MuRF is a filter sequencer, capable of creating animated filter effects across eight frequency bands. These warm and resonant filters can be applied to any sound source: guitars, synthesizers, vocals, etc. All processing is 100% analog and its parameters can be controlled from MIDI, expression pedals or CV-compatible instruments.

Movement MCS Drum Computer

Mon, 28 Jan 13 16:05:32 -0800

The MCS Drum Computer is a very rare British made drum machine circa 1981. It combines analog synthesized drum sounds and digital 8-bit sampled drum sounds with a computer-like interface for graphic editing of the sequencing of drum patterns. Its most prominent user was David Stewart of the Eurythmics on tracks such as "Sweet Dreams".

Yamaha SY20

Sat, 26 Jan 13 10:38:41 -0800

The SY20 was Yamaha's last analog synthesizer model before committing to digital FM synthesis with products like the DX-series. It's an all-analog mono-synth that came out in 1982 but was never commercially sold outside of Japan, making it very rare. Despite a its simple looks, the SY20 is surprisingly refined and expressive.

Dave Smith Instruments Tempest

Sat, 19 Jan 13 18:07:52 -0800

The Tempest is a collaboration between Dave Smith and Roger Linn, drawing on the strengths of each to create a hybrid of drum machine and polyphonic synthesizer all in one desktop unit, making this a truly unique analog drum machine experience.

Doepfer Dark Energy

Wed, 16 Jan 13 11:01:25 -0800

The Dark Energy is a monophonic analog synthesizer based on Doepfer's A-111-5 Synthesizer Voice module. It's a very capable little synth, able to produce complex sounds that belie its single oscillator nature and delivers quite a punch in a very small package.

Arturia MiniBrute

Mon, 14 Jan 13 23:05:21 -0800

MiniBrute is a new all-analog VCO synth from a company known mostly for its soft synths. Highly affordable and filled with great features, this synth meets the desire for a new hands-on analog synth that can compete in price and sound with the vintage synths of yesteryear.

Korg Polyphonic Ensemble S

Sun, 11 Nov 12 15:57:10 -0800

The Polyphonic Ensemble S is a classic 48-note polyphonic string machine with String, Pipe Organ, Chorus and Brass presets. A simple instrument with a unique and rich sound.

Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P

Sun, 11 Nov 12 15:54:55 -0800

The Polyphonic Ensemble P is a classic 60-note polyphonic keyboard with String, Pipe Organ, Brass, Piano, Electric Piano, Harpsichord and Clavichord sounds.

Roland S-750 / S-770

Sun, 11 Nov 12 15:50:49 -0800

The flagship models of Roland's digital sampler line-up of the early 1990's. Their excellent converters coupled with great sounding filters made for a really warm and rich sounding instrument. Add to that the large sound library that can be used with it and you have yourself one of Roland's finest and historic digital samplers.

Roland Juno-Di

Sun, 11 Nov 12 15:46:10 -0800

The Juno-Di is an updated version of the Juno-D. It's a good, cheap, entry-level synthesizer. Think of it as a Juno-G without the workstation features. It offer Roland's latest technologies in their most portable full-sized keyboard.

Dave Smith Instruments Tetra

Thu, 18 Oct 12 10:32:15 -0700

The Tetra is another Dave Smith designed piece of analog wizardry-four Mophos in one, four-voice poly synth, four part multitimbral synth with individual outs, Prophet '08 expander, or mini-Prophet '08-the Tetra is a big analog subtractive synthesizer in a little package.

Access Virus TI Polar

Sat, 30 Jun 12 14:29:36 -0700

The Virus TI Polar is a "roadster" version of the ground breaking Virus TI Desktop. It adds 37 keys and has a striking white design. Simply put, the Polar puts all the power of the Virus TI into a compact performance keyboard meant to be taken on the road.