Korg Volca Series finally hits consumers' hands!

After a long blog break, I'm back, and ready for more.

The Korg Volca series seems to be out and about in Japan, and possibly the UK as well, so if you're been keeping an eye on these highly anticipated modules, the wait should soon be over.  The easiest way to track the new videos if you're still deciding is to use YouTube's newest uploads (linked here for quick access).  This way, you'll get a sense of how they actually sound in the hands of the users, and not the official Korg videos-- while the official videos are cool, they of course can't show the full dimensions of this, or any synth.

If you're looking for more info on specifications or using a Volca, you can read the manual on the official Korg site.  Overall, these look like a ton of fun for a great price ($150 street each).  If you have one, tweet at me (@TheSynthSymp) and let me know how it is.

Above is someone's review of the Bass.

Here is someone doing a cover of Daft Punk on a Beats and Bass.

Synthmania quick tip #9 - The 1980s pop ballad sound

If you're not already subscribed, SynthMania has one of the best YouTube channels, always examining gear and the making of 1980s style tracks.  The above shows how easy it is to create an 80s ballad with an 808, MiniMoog, and DX7.  You can hear a ton of other trance, house, and italo style sounds on his channel.  Check it out here.

Bonus: Using a sequencer

Korg MS-20 Mini Video Updates

The MS-20 Mini is slowly making its rounds around the globe, and we're finally seeing some user videos come up, but the majority of us haven't gotten one yet-- Korg's distribution is strained, and there are rumors that there's a major slowdown, but let's hope that's not the case.  Obviously, the MS-20 Mini is a big hit, so let's hope it encourages more Korg analogs in the future.

Videos found on MatrixSynth

More videos below.

CDM uncovers more about the Korg Volca series

Dying for more info on the Korg Volca series?  So are we.  Fortunately, the Create Digital Music blog got the inside scoop on the Volca series from its creator, Tatsuya Takahashi.  Important tidbits from the interview: the Volcas can be hacked to give MIDI out, the delay circuit is new, and that these boxes are not "toys"-- they're serious instruments, especially thanks to their MIDI in capabilities.  Check out the whole article on CDM.
 

In-depth look at the Novation Bass Station II from Sonic State

Curious about the new Novation Bass Station II? Sonic State goes through the sounds and interface with a Novation spokesman, giving the most in-depth look at this synthesizer yet.  Be sure to check out my upcoming synth guide 2013, where the BSII will get a mention or two.

Korg MS-20 Mini Song Demo

Cool little demo of a track completely made with the MS-20 Mini.  Very Japanese-y melody, but if you get beyond it you can hear a great range of stuff.

Future Music's In the Studio with Chromeo [Video]

It's no secret that Chromeo has a knack for synthesis, and this Future Music In the Studio demonstrates just how synth crazy they are-- and hits home with what this blog is all about.  The above video shows their studio (I believe in Canada) with their fantastic array of analog and digital synths and drum machines.  Currently, the band is writing its next record in New York City with a reduced synthesizer setup, judging from their Vine account, so this video is slightly outdated, but they still have some of the same gear and work the same way.  The video below shows them working on a song from scratch, so there's a wealth of great information here.  This video was in Future Music magazine a couple years back, but has only become available on YouTube this week.  Be on the lookout for their new record in the fall.

New Korg MS-20 Interviews with the engineers of the Original and Reissue

Curious to see the behind the scenes of new Korg MS-20 mini?  Here are two interviews with two of the original engineers, Mr. Fumio Mieda and Mr. Hiroaki Nishijima.  They go into detail about the making of both synths, the choice of components, and some of the characteristics and quirks.  Great video for electronic specialists and MS-20 fans.

Dave Smith demos all the features of the Prophet 12 [Video]

I'm a huge fan of everything Dave Smith does, and the Prophet 12 is no exception.  I'm normally a pretty die hard analog fan, but the P12 shows the strength of 4 digital oscillators, plus sub oscillator.  This thing sounds absolutely huge, and the quick modulation routing is fantastic.  Dave has really outdone himself.  Check out this demonstration of all the cool features, and tell me you don't want this thing.

Korg Volca Beats, Bass, and Keys are Official [Videos]

Korg currently has its finger on the pulse of analog enthusiasts everywhere, and the new Volca series is no exception.  With a rumored price of $150, these should be a no brainer for the public-- an analog drum machine, 3 voice VCO polysynth, and a 3 oscillator 303-style bass sequencer are all easy buys for musicians.  I'm tempted to grab all three, considering the price.  For a full spec sheet, visit the official Korg site.

More Korg MS-20 mini videos to count down to release

There's not much in the way of news this week on releases, but the Korg MS-20 mini's first batch is rumored to be headed out next around April 4th.  It's also slowly making the rounds on the typical YouTube synth channels as well, which is a good sign, and an excuse to post more videos.  Here's hoping for few or no delays!

KORG MS-20 mini vs. MS-20 vintage

If you're still not sold on how comparable the new MS-20 sounds to the original, watch this video.

Dave Smith & Roger Linn Interview with Ean Golden

Dave Smith and Roger Linn interview.  Nice and lengthy.  Need I say more?

Don't forget to check out my interview with Dave back in 2011.

Watch the full retro Korg line together in one track via Newueel

Found this video via Matrixsynth, and it just charmed the hell outta me.  While we wait for the Korg MS-20 Mini, looking back on the full line of the Korg MS gear is a treat (not counting the recent MS-2000).  Here user Newueel shows off his skills and programming in an impressive collection of Korg gear.

Analog Drums for under $250? Meet the Delptronics LDB-1

Believe it or not, what you see above is a programmable analog drum machine for $240.  Based on circuitry from the drum machines of the 80s, the LDB-1 is a small programmable drum machine with hacking capabilities.  While the complete kit doesn't feature individual drum sound edits, it does have user programmable patterns, MIDI and modular capabilities, and if you decide to go cheaper, you can get a 140 dollar kit to build your own case, or add on those extra drum sound edits to push it even further.

If you're on a tight budget, this is absolutely a cool way to go for a drum machine, considering you can play this machine in a variety of ways, either through keyboard, or by mapping each step with the buttons.  Perhaps the only thing is falls short on is individual drum sound edits, but perhaps if this does well enough we'll see a revamped version with more knobs to tinker with.  To find out more or to buy the LDB-1, click here.

Dave Smith Instruments announces the Mopho x4

From GearJunkies:
"Dave Smith Instruments is just a week away from introducing DSI's new Mopho x4 synthesizer keyboard to the world. This new synth is polyphonic Mopho keyboard! The Mopho x4 is the newest addition to DSI's revered line of analog subtractive synthesizers. Building upon the same award winning voice architecture of the Mopho and Mopho Keyboard, the Mopho x4 boasts huge sound and 4 voice polyphony in an ideally sized, portable, and elegantly designed package. Use it to create huge unison basses, creamy leads, maniacal sequences, and ethereal pads. The Mopho x4 is sure to satisfy all your polyphonic analog synthesis needs.

Minibrute Jam 7/28/12

Here's a video that shows off some great sounds of the Arturia MiniBrute courtesy of Keith Handy on Vimeo.  Check it out!

MiniBrutes hit consumer's hands, Finally

After months of desperate questioning of Arturia and local music shops, synth heads are finally plugging in their new Arturia MiniBrutes this past week (at least, in the USA).  Various posts from around the web confirm the excitement, and people seem to be impressed.  There's also been a fair collection of new YouTube videos being uploaded.  A few are below.

Well, was it worth the wait?  Are people happy?  Early reports seem to be a resounding "yes".  Future Music recently ran a review claiming it was well worth the price.  The few complaints I've seen on the net seem to be the external power supply is shoddy, it has a few missing buttons for features (that can only be accessed by computers) and that there are slight issues with software, but nothing that seems to deal breaker for anyone.

Check out the videos below, and be on the lookout for more posts on the MiniBrute.

 

Jupiter's new record 'Juicy Lucy' is Fantastic

If you dig 80s style funk dance music, a new record by Jupiter was just released yesterday, called Juicy Lucy.  I first got word of this record through Electronic Rumors, and boy does it deliver.  Every track by the French duo is incredibly danceable and upbeat.  The most exciting part for me, however, is the fact that it's an entire album of these gems.  This isn't one track that you'll listen to for a couple weeks and get burn out; there's heavy rotation to be had here because there's such a good selection of sounds.  It's hard to pick highlights because so many tracks are spot on, but "Saké" above is pretty awesome, as well as "Oh I".  Head on over to iTunes to buy Juicy Lucy, or listen to the set of previews if you're not convinced yet.

Korg Microkorg: Chillin

So this guy makes his MicroKorg sound pretty awesome, and if you click this video and go to the actual YouTube Page, he shows you the patches.  Rad.