Synthesizer Library Podcast

Discover the beauty and quirks of a classic Roland string machine. Plus, a phase distortion follow up; and a pointless contest!

After a quick summary of NAMM 2016, let's dive into amplitude modulation and ring modulation. What are they? What are the differences? What does it sound like and how can I use it?

After a quick summary of NAMM 2016, let's dive into amplitude modulation and ring modulation. What are they? What are the differences? What does it sound like and how can I use it?

In this episode, we'll take a look at an advanced topic: oscillator sync. If you've enabled it on your synth but heard no difference in your sound, come figure out why. Or, if you just don't remember what it does, come have a refresher.

In this episode, we'll take a look at an advanced topic: oscillator sync. If you've enabled it on your synth but heard no difference in your sound, come figure out why. Or, if you just don't remember what it does, come have a refresher.

Casio's CZ pro line of synthesizers from the 80s offered a new approach to synthesis called "phase distortion". We'll take a look at what it means, how it was implemented and its usefulness today.

Casio's CZ pro line of synthesizers from the 80s offered a new approach to synthesis called "phase distortion". We'll take a look at what it means, how it was implemented and its usefulness today.

The Korg Poly 800 analog synthesizer is a favorite among tinkerers for its ease of modification. But how does the stock instrument stack up?

The Korg Poly 800 analog synthesizer is a favorite among tinkerers for its ease of modification. But how does the stock instrument stack up?

The microKORG is a virtual-analog synthesizer and vocoder. It has 37 mini keys, several control knobs, an on-board arpeggiator, a complete MIDI implementation, and a PC/Mac patch editor. This episode takes a different approach from past episodes by playing LOTS of sounds from the instrument.

The microKORG is a virtual-analog synthesizer and vocoder. It has 37 mini keys, several control knobs, an on-board arpeggiator, a complete MIDI implementation, and a PC/Mac patch editor. This episode takes a different approach from past episodes by playing LOTS of sounds from the instrument.

Featuring digital oscillators and analog filters, the now-vintage Ensoniq ESQ-1 offers flexible sound design options. Prices these days won't hurt your wallet, but lugging it around may hurt your back. We'll showcase how sounds are built in the ESQ-1 and touch on some of the other features in this '80s classic.

Featuring digital oscillators and analog filters, the now-vintage Ensoniq ESQ-1 offers flexible sound design options. Prices these days won't hurt your wallet, but lugging it around may hurt your back. We'll showcase how sounds are built in the ESQ-1 and touch on some of the other features in this '80s classic.

It is popping up a lot lately--the Suzuki Omnichord. Let's have a listen to it and learn what makes it such a unique instrument. Warning: If you don't already want one, you might start dreaming of omnichords after this...

It is popping up a lot lately--the Suzuki Omnichord. Let's have a listen to it and learn what makes it such a unique instrument. Warning: If you don't already want one, you might start dreaming of omnichords after this...