Please vote on these new ASBs!
Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 8:28 am
Hi everyone!
I created this thread to discuss some ideas about a new wave of ASB synthesizers that I'd really like to see put into production. I was seriously considering buying an ASB just a while ago. However the progressive rock band I'm playing in needed more sonic flexibility, and thought that these vintage classics were just too 'old school' for our needs (without some of the modern bells and whistles). Grudgingly, I bought a standard virtual analog instead.
However I've contacted Sonic Core recently (the new owners of Creamware), and discussed the possibility of a new series of ASBs, modeled after some of the more flexible vintage synths. However needless to say before they put any of these into production they want to be fairly assured these products would sell. That is what falls to you, my fellow synthesits. I've set up a poll where you can vote on which ASBs you would seriously consider buying. You can also vote on whether or not you would like to see ASKs (Accurate Sounding Keyboards), keyboard versions of some ASBs already in production. Here is a description of the different options:
1)An ARP 2600 ASB. This synth is a classic, and is famous for its brilliant semi-modular design. 2600s are in huge demand but finding one in good condition with all the desirable filters/sequencers is nearly impossible. An ASB, on the other hand, could have the best oscillators without the stability issues, the best filter without the copyright issues, and that elusive sequencer. The polyphony would also be a real plus. Best of all, it would even be possible to use REAL patch cables, something that would undoubtedly make this an instant success. This would be any hobbyists dream come true (as well as all of those musicians who want the tactile pleasure of creating an analog patch without the cost of a custom Synthesizers.com modular system). Patch storage would still be possible as well! Once you have the patch cables all set up your liking could save your sound to the user bank. When you recall the preset in the future the ASB would recall your patch cable settings, allowing you to get the sound again without having to rearrange the cables. You could, of course, and then overwrite your own internal connections with real patch cables if further editing was needed. If one of these was made available, I would buy it instantly. Before my other synth even sold. I imagine it would be priced around same as a System 1200, which seems more than fair. An ASK version of this would be terrific, and I’d be quite willing to pay extra for that original looking keyboard controller.
2) An EMS VCS3 ASB. The EMS VCS3 was a classic in its time, made famous by its excellent Sci-Fi worthy sounds and it’s incredible sequencer (used so tastefully on Pink Floyd’s ‘On The Run’) With good polyphony and some patch storage this has tons of potential. Patch storage would be possible in the same way as the Arp 2600 ASB mentioned above.
3) A Mellotron ASB/ASK. For those of us who are sick of the overpriced Memotron and its 12 presets but still want Mellotron sounds. The way I imagined it, it would have the same 256 memory slots as all of the other ASBs. However each of the slots would actually be a tape bank, containing three separate sounds which can be changed/layered in a manner similar to the original Mellotron. The built in librarian software would allow you to combine the different presets to create dream tape racks for easy real time use. Built in effects could include tape flutter. Epic polyphony would be welcome. Sure, most people can find some good Mellotron sounds in their workstation. But I wouldn’t underestimate the demand for modern Mellotron emulations.
4) A Hartmann Neuron ASB/ASK. This is one of the most demanded oldinstruments out there. Many people who desired one were unable to buy these first time around due to its originally quite excessive pricing. I’m sure that ASBs could lower the cost of producing these considerably, making them much more affordable and available.
In addition to these new ASBs I also have listed ASK versions of all the original ASBs. In each case these keyboard versions would be just like the originals synths, with the same number of keys and same left handed controls. The only difference would be optional aftertouch and a switch for monophonic/polyphonic mode.
Please take the time to fill out the poll that I have created: http://www.learnmyself.com/poll19839x069EaA61
I look forward to hearing your opinion on these potential ASBs. If you have any additional vintage synths you’d like to see in production, you can put them in the ‘other section’. Please fill out this poll honestly. If these instruments get enough support behind them Sonic Core may put them into production. Thank you for spending a bit of your time giving me this feedback. Happy polling and I look forward to hearing from you!
All the Best,
Kyle
I created this thread to discuss some ideas about a new wave of ASB synthesizers that I'd really like to see put into production. I was seriously considering buying an ASB just a while ago. However the progressive rock band I'm playing in needed more sonic flexibility, and thought that these vintage classics were just too 'old school' for our needs (without some of the modern bells and whistles). Grudgingly, I bought a standard virtual analog instead.
However I've contacted Sonic Core recently (the new owners of Creamware), and discussed the possibility of a new series of ASBs, modeled after some of the more flexible vintage synths. However needless to say before they put any of these into production they want to be fairly assured these products would sell. That is what falls to you, my fellow synthesits. I've set up a poll where you can vote on which ASBs you would seriously consider buying. You can also vote on whether or not you would like to see ASKs (Accurate Sounding Keyboards), keyboard versions of some ASBs already in production. Here is a description of the different options:
1)An ARP 2600 ASB. This synth is a classic, and is famous for its brilliant semi-modular design. 2600s are in huge demand but finding one in good condition with all the desirable filters/sequencers is nearly impossible. An ASB, on the other hand, could have the best oscillators without the stability issues, the best filter without the copyright issues, and that elusive sequencer. The polyphony would also be a real plus. Best of all, it would even be possible to use REAL patch cables, something that would undoubtedly make this an instant success. This would be any hobbyists dream come true (as well as all of those musicians who want the tactile pleasure of creating an analog patch without the cost of a custom Synthesizers.com modular system). Patch storage would still be possible as well! Once you have the patch cables all set up your liking could save your sound to the user bank. When you recall the preset in the future the ASB would recall your patch cable settings, allowing you to get the sound again without having to rearrange the cables. You could, of course, and then overwrite your own internal connections with real patch cables if further editing was needed. If one of these was made available, I would buy it instantly. Before my other synth even sold. I imagine it would be priced around same as a System 1200, which seems more than fair. An ASK version of this would be terrific, and I’d be quite willing to pay extra for that original looking keyboard controller.
2) An EMS VCS3 ASB. The EMS VCS3 was a classic in its time, made famous by its excellent Sci-Fi worthy sounds and it’s incredible sequencer (used so tastefully on Pink Floyd’s ‘On The Run’) With good polyphony and some patch storage this has tons of potential. Patch storage would be possible in the same way as the Arp 2600 ASB mentioned above.
3) A Mellotron ASB/ASK. For those of us who are sick of the overpriced Memotron and its 12 presets but still want Mellotron sounds. The way I imagined it, it would have the same 256 memory slots as all of the other ASBs. However each of the slots would actually be a tape bank, containing three separate sounds which can be changed/layered in a manner similar to the original Mellotron. The built in librarian software would allow you to combine the different presets to create dream tape racks for easy real time use. Built in effects could include tape flutter. Epic polyphony would be welcome. Sure, most people can find some good Mellotron sounds in their workstation. But I wouldn’t underestimate the demand for modern Mellotron emulations.
4) A Hartmann Neuron ASB/ASK. This is one of the most demanded oldinstruments out there. Many people who desired one were unable to buy these first time around due to its originally quite excessive pricing. I’m sure that ASBs could lower the cost of producing these considerably, making them much more affordable and available.
In addition to these new ASBs I also have listed ASK versions of all the original ASBs. In each case these keyboard versions would be just like the originals synths, with the same number of keys and same left handed controls. The only difference would be optional aftertouch and a switch for monophonic/polyphonic mode.
Please take the time to fill out the poll that I have created: http://www.learnmyself.com/poll19839x069EaA61
I look forward to hearing your opinion on these potential ASBs. If you have any additional vintage synths you’d like to see in production, you can put them in the ‘other section’. Please fill out this poll honestly. If these instruments get enough support behind them Sonic Core may put them into production. Thank you for spending a bit of your time giving me this feedback. Happy polling and I look forward to hearing from you!
All the Best,
Kyle