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Classic Synthesizers Synthesizer Models

PPG Wave

The PPG Wave synthesizer, also known as the Wavecomputer, was a digital synthesizer developed by the German company PPG (Palm Products GmbH) in the 1980s. The instrument was distinguished by its distinctive tone, which was produced by combining additive and wavetable synthesis methods.

With the debut of the PPG Wave 2.2 in 1981, the PPG Wave was first made public. This model has a 61-note keyboard and an integrated 8-track sequencer. Many well-known bands, including Tangerine Dream, Pet Shop Boys, and Depeche Mode, utilized the instrument. Musicians in the electronic and experimental music genres soon welcomed it.

The PPG Wave’s wavetable synthesis method, which lets users manipulate many single-cycle waveforms to produce complex and changing sounds, was one of its standout features. The device also has a variety of built-in waveforms, such as sine, square, and sawtooth waves, as well as some more complex waveforms, such as formants and noise.

The PPG Wave’s ability to perform additive synthesis was another noteworthy aspect. This method allows users to combine several sine waves with various frequencies and amplitudes to produce sounds. This made it possible to create sounds that were even more intricate and nuanced than with only wavetable synthesis.

The PPG Wave had a variety of valuable features in addition to its synthesis capabilities, including an arpeggiator, a built-in chorus effect, and numerous modulation possibilities.

Eventually, the PPG Wave was replaced by the PPG Wave 2.3 and PPG Wave 2.3 Turbo, which had better sound and more memory. The PPG Wave was well-liked by electronic and experimental musicians, but as newer and more sophisticated synthesizers became available in the late 1980s, production of the instrument eventually ceased.

Despite this, the PPG Wave is still regarded as a cult favorite among synth lovers, and its features and sounds are still in high demand.

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  • Tangerine Dream: The German electronic music band was one of the first and most prominent users of the PPG Wave. The band used the instrument on several of their albums, including “Exit” and “Hyperborea.”
  • Pet Shop Boys: The British synthpop duo used the PPG Wave on several of their early albums, including “Please” and “Actually.”
  • Depeche Mode: The British electronic band used the PPG Wave on their album “Black Celebration,” which was released in 1986.
  • Gary Numan: The British musician and pioneer of electronic music used the PPG Wave on his album “The Fury,” which was released in 1985.
  • Jean Michel Jarre: The French electronic musician also used PPG Wave on his album “Zoolook” which was released in 1984.
  • Art of Noise: The British band and pioneers of sample-based music used PPG Wave on their album “In Visible Silence” which was released in 1986
  • New Order: The British band used PPG Wave on their album “Power, Corruption & Lies” which was released in 1983
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Classic Synthesizers Synthesizer Models

Ensoniq ESQ-1

The Ensoniq ESQ-1 is a digital synthesizer that was first introduced in 1986. Ensoniq, an American company well-known for its electronic musical instruments, created and produced them. In the latter half of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s, producers and musicians frequently used the ESQ-1, and synth fans still covet it today.

The hybrid synthesis engine of the ESQ-1 is one of its fundamental characteristics. Because it combines the capabilities of digital and analog synthesis, a variety of sounds and textures are possible. The ESQ-1 comes with a library of pre-recorded samples that can be used to create sounds. The digital side of the synthesis engine is based on samples. Subtractive synthesis, which uses filters to shape and sculpt sounds, is the foundation of the analog side of the synthesis engine.

A strong sequencer included with the ESQ-1 enables users to construct intricate and complex compositions. The sequencer has numerous editing options and can hold up to 100,000 notes. Additionally, it has an integrated drum machine, which is excellent for making beats and rhythm tracks.

The ESQ-1 has a modern, straightforward user interface that is simple to use. It has a sizable LCD screen that shows all the crucial details, such as the settings for each parameter and the current patch. The keyboard has 61 velocity-sensitive keys, and the aftertouch feature on the instrument enables even more expressive playing.

The ESQ-1’s capacity to store and recall patches is among its most notable features. Users can save and load patches to and from external storage devices, and the instrument can store up to 64 patches in its internal memory.

In conclusion, the Ensoniq ESQ-1 is a traditional digital synthesizer that has withstood the test of time. It is a flexible instrument that can produce a wide variety of sounds and textures thanks to its hybrid synthesis engine and powerful sequencer. It’s a fantastic studio and live-use option due to its user-friendly interface and capacity for storing and recalling patches. The instrument is still highly sought after by collectors and synth enthusiasts.

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Korg M1

The Korg M1 is a digital workstation and music synthesizer that was first introduced in 1988. It quickly rose to prominence and became one of the most recognizable synthesizers of all time. Musicians from all genres have used it on countless recordings and live performances.

Korg’s AI (Advanced Integrated) synthesis technology, which combines samples of real instruments with synthesis techniques to produce a wide variety of realistic and expressive sounds, was first implemented in the M1 synthesizer. Additionally, the M1 was the first synthesizer with an integrated sequencer, enabling musicians to record and replay their performances.

The M1 offered a variety of synthesized sounds, such as basses, pads, and leads, in addition to an assortment of natural sounds like piano, guitar, drums, and orchestral instruments. It also included a variety of effects, such as distortion, delay, and reverb. Musicians could record and edit their performances on the M1’s internal sequencer, which could also import and export MIDI data.

Musicians of all skill levels can use the M1 easily thanks to its user interface, which was created to be clear and straightforward. The M1 also included many performance-oriented features that enabled musicians to construct intricate and expressive performances, such as split and layer capabilities, an arpeggiator, and keyboard scaling.

The M1 was renowned for its robust design, dependability, and powerful synthesis and sequencing capabilities. Many well-known musicians used the M1 extensively on tour and in professional recording studios. It was a mainstay in the Pop, R&B, and Dance Music scenes and the electronic music scene.

During its ten-year production run, the Korg M1 sold more than 250,000 units globally. The M1EX, an upgraded version of the M1, and the T-series succeeded it. Numerous software and hardware emulations are still available today, preserving its legacy.

The Korg M1 was a revolutionary synthesizer that altered how musicians compose and perform music. Realistic sounds, effective sequencing, and an easy-to-use user interface made it a must-have tool for musicians of all levels. It is still regarded as one of the most recognizable synthesizers in the history of electronic music because of its lasting legacy.

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Roland D-50

The Roland D-50 is a digital synthesizer that was first released in 1987. It is renowned for its distinctive sound, which combines real instrument samples with sound synthesis techniques to produce a fresh, hybrid sound.

The D-50 uses “Linear Arithmetic” synthesis, a technique that combines sample-based synthesis with the conventional subtractive synthesis method, making it one of its standout features. This makes it possible to have more control over the instrument’s timbre and a wider variety of sounds.

The D-50’s extensive use of presets is yet another standout feature. The instrument includes a wide range of pre-programmed sounds, such as accurate piano and string sounds and more experimental and abstract sounds. Because of this, even new users can quickly produce complex music that sounds professional.

Despite its age, the D-50 is still a preferred option for producers and musicians. Its unique sound has been featured on countless recordings and is still used in a wide range of genres, such as electronic, pop, and film scores.

The D-50’s lack of MIDI support is one drawback; it was introduced before MIDI became a standard, making it challenging to integrate with contemporary production environments. However, a MIDI retrofit or converter can be used to get around this.

Overall, the Roland D-50 is a legendary and classic synthesizer that is still highly sought after for its distinctive and adaptable sound. The D-50 is certain to spark creativity and give your music a fresh perspective, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started.

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Classic Synthesizers

Arp 2600

The ARP 2600 is a classic analog synthesizer first introduced in 1971 by ARP Instruments. It swiftly established itself as a standard in the music business, being utilized by many different musicians in various musical genres, such as rock, pop, and electronic music.

The adaptability of the ARP 2600 is one of its distinguishing qualities. Three voltage-controlled oscillators, a low-pass filter, and a number of modulation possibilities are just a few of its many sound-sculpting options. A built-in spring reverb is another feature of the 2600 that can give the sound more depth and warmth.

In addition, the ARP 2600 includes a semi-modular construction, allowing it to function both as a standalone synthesizer and as a modular synthesizer when patched with outside signals. Due to its increased adaptability, it became well-liked among experimental musicians and sound designers.

The ARP 2600 was renowned for being portable since it could be carried around simply while providing various sound-sculpting choices. It became popular among traveling artists, and well-known bands like Styx, Tangerine Dream, and Led Zeppelin use it in their stage arrangements.

The ARP 2600 was used in popular music and soundtracks for movies and television shows, especially in the 1970s and 1980s. It was the ideal instrument for adding complexity and emotion to a scene because of its adaptability and strong sound.

Although the ARP 2600 wasn’t produced until 1981, it’s still a very sought-after instrument, and original models sell for a lot of money on the vintage market. Numerous well-known bands’ music shows its impact, and its legacy continues to motivate new musical generations.

The ARP 2600 is a well-known vintage analog synthesizer with a strong reputation for portability, adaptability, and sound quality. Many well-known bands’ music can be recognized as having been influenced by it because of its semi-modular design and variety of sound-sculpting choice

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