Welcome to Synth Journal! This new weekly column from the GEARNEWS team of synth writers brings you all the latest stories, news, and gossip from the wonderful world of synthesizers. From fascinating inventions to sound demos to Eurorack modules that venture off the beaten path – Synth Journal is your weekly roundup of everything synth-related. Enjoy!
Synth Journal: Love Hultén Y-17 Ferrofluid Synth
Let’s kick off this edition of Synth Journal with the latest mesmerizing creation from Love Hultén. We don’t know exactly what’s going on inside of the Y-17 Ferrofluid Synth, but like all of the Swedish designer’s fascinating contraptions, it sounds just as unique as it looks. Once again, Love Hultén has integrated a Ferrofluid display that uses magnetic fluid to visualize the sound. It also seems to be at least duophonic, and there’s obviously a huge-sounding built-in reverb unit.
A commenter on YouTube suggests that it’s about time for a museum, and I think they’re absolutely right! How cool would it be to spend a day wandering through a room filled with Love Hultén’s amazing works and try out everything from the Carrier 37 to the Nintendo-powered MIDI Guitar for yourself!
Joranalogue Audio Design: Behind the Scenes of a Modular Factory
Have you ever wondered how Eurorack modules are assembled on a commercial scale? Maybe you’ve even experimented with building your own modules (e.g. with the educational DIY kits from Erica Synths and Moritz Klein). But how does the mass production of Eurorack modules work? Take an exclusive peek behind the curtain of the assembly line at Belgian Eurorack manufacturer Joranalogue Audio Systems in this fascinating new video from Sine Community!
While the company doesn’t own the assembly plant, the factory that manufactures Joranalogue modules to the developer’s specifications is also located in Belgium, which helps keep the communication lines short. Watch as Eurorack modules are being produced – from loading the components into the automated pick-and-place machines to reflow soldering to manually adding through-hole components such as jacks and switches. Despite a high level of automation, some components are still hand-soldered! Finally, the front panel goes on and the module is taken to the Joranalogue headquarters for final testing and packaging.
Next time you buy a module from Joranalogue Audio Design (for example from Thomann*), you know where and how it was made!
Synth Journal: Win a Minimoog Signed by Jordan Rudess!
Here’s your chance to win a Moog Minimoog Reissue signed by the legendary Jordan Rudess! In celebration of Bob Moog’s 90th birthday, the Bob Moog Foundation is raffling off this brand-new Minimoog donated by Moog Music.
As with previous raffles, the proceeds will support the Bob Moog Foundation’s various charitable activities, such as Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, an educational project that serves almost 3,000 elementary school students each year, the preservation of the Bob Moog Foundation Archives, and the Moogseum in Asheville, North Carolina.
To participate in the raffle, you can purchase tickets on the foundation’s website (see link below) for $25 apiece. If you want to boost your chances of winning, you can buy up to 35 tickets at a discounted price. The raffle is open internationally and ends on June 17, 2024.
Make Noise Erbe-Verb Discontinued: Last Chance to Get Yours!
Make Noise has announced that the popular Erbe-Verb Eurorack module developed in collaboration with Tom Erbe has been discontinued. A final batch in the Black & Gold color scheme is now available. If you’ve been holding off on adding this amazing digital reverb module to your setup, now’s your last chance to purchase a new one!
With a wide array of sound shaping options, continuously controllable size, pre-delay, and decay times, external clock sync, and comprehensive CV control, Erbe-Verb offers extensive sound design possibilities. According to Make Noise, they’re not currently working on a successor.
The Make Noise Erbe-Verb Black & Gold is available at Thomann*. Get it while it lasts!
RadioPhonic Synth by AJH Synth & Hans Zimmer: Mesmerizing Sound Demos
Just in time for Superbooth 24, AJH Synth announced the RadioPhonic Synth. Commissioned by none other than Hans Zimmer for the resurrection of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop at Maida Vale Studio, the RadioPhonic Synth is an impressive modular system comprised of 48 modules in a custom case. While most of the modules are stock modules from the AJH catalog, some limited editions are also included.
The manufacturer has now launched a new series on YouTube that showcases the system’s sonic capabilities. And I’m sure that you’ll be just as blown away as I was when I first heard these patches! A true Soundtrack Synth for sure.
If you’d like to purchase the RadioPhonic synth, your best bet is to email AJH Synth to have your name added the waiting list. According to the manufacturer, the system will be produced in strictly limited numbers. While the website doesn’t state the price, it is reportedly around £15,000. Many Eurorack modules from AJH Synth are also available at Thomann*.
That wraps up this week’s edition of Synth Journal. From now on, you’ll find this column every Thursday here on GEARNEWS! See you next week!
