Synthesizers Archives

WORK 2022 Resident Trovarsi Is Shifting the Paradigm

March 30, 2022/in Music /by Skylar Schossberger

WORK is a premiere event collaboration between 6AM group and Synthetik minds, driven by the work-to-play mentality. Making its debut in 2022, WORK has launched its first-ever WORK Residency Program which will grow and feature talent within the local techno community. Newly inducted WORK resident Trovarsi has joined the talented roster of local artists that have put in their hours in the studio, behind the decks, and their presence in the community. She is known for her analog and modular style and will be able to give more to the Los Angeles warehouse scene with her residency at WORK.

The co-founder of the Southern California Synth Society, Trovarsi is a Los Angeles-based music composer and producer, live electronic artist, educator, and streaming YouTube host. With a hybrid blend of modular and analogue synthesizers, drum machines and Ableton, Trovarsi embraces Afrofuturistic electronic expression while remaining firmly planted by her musical roots.

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Hi Trovarsi! How did you become interested in the world of electronic music, particularly analog and modular synthesizers?

I started getting involved in music at a very young age, so it has always been always a major part of my life. My first instrument was the violin and then my focus shifted to playing the piano. I first heard dance music in the early 90’s and I was hooked! I grew up in the midwest, and Chicago was a short drive away, so I would drive down to pick up records and go out to the clubs and raves. I also worked at a record shop near the UW Madison campus. I was always following what was being released in all genres and I explored all types of music. Skipping ahead to when I got older, I started producing house and techno. I love being able to play and perform with instruments. That raw sound, tactile feel, and connection with the machines and instruments and music made it an easy transition to hardware synths, drum machines and eurorack modular.

Our motto is: “Shifting the paradigm in electronic music from what is expected, to being accepted!”
Trovarsi, founder of the So Cal Synth Society, speaks about shifting the paradigm in electronic music to be more inclusive of women and non-binary folks

We love your initiative, Frequency Shift. Can you share more about your streaming festival?

I am immensely proud to be a founder of the So Cal Synth Society and the Frequency Shift Festival. It began with the goal of shifting the paradigm in electronic music away from a male dominated industry, to be more inclusive of women and non-binary people. We have connected with hundreds of female/non-binary musicians around the world. Through SoCal Synth Society’s platform, we are able to curate shows and events which feature these amazing artists. Through this community they have connected and built new relationships, supporting each other, and creating new projects. Our motto is: “Shifting the paradigm in electronic music from what is expected, to being accepted!”

You’re part of the newly launched WORK Residency Program and as part of it, you’ll be playing at selected events throughout the year. What does it mean to you to be invited to be a part of it and recognized as a standout talent?

I think it’s an honor and great opportunity to play in a scene I really connect with and love. It takes a lot of hard work and continuous dedication. I value all opportunities to share my music and I appreciate that people want to hear it and dance! Nothing beats connecting with others through the love of sound and working it out on the dancefloor.

It’s nice to see a local promoter focus on local talent because it gives us an opportunity to support and build up our community in Los Angeles. Sometimes, all someone needs is a chance to showcase their talent.
Trovarsi on why WORK Residency program is important for Los Angeles’s community

Why do you think the WORK Residency program is an important initiative?

I think it’s important because this is fun as hell BUT it is not easy! There are a lot of people out there putting everything they’ve got into their music and often they go unheard. There is so much amazing talent out there. Most clubs and events focus on the big names, the ones that sell tickets, but everyone has to start somewhere. It’s nice to see a local promoter focus on local talent because it gives us an opportunity to support and build up our community in Los Angeles. Sometimes, all someone needs is a chance to showcase their talent.

Are there any new projects or events on the horizon for you?

I am going on a five day journey through California deserts with three other producers in a solar powered RV! #modularcaliforniavibes We will be producing, mixing and mastering a joint EP during the trip. This event will be captured by a camera crew and released as a short documentary. I’m really looking forward to the collaboration and working in a studio on wheels! My other project, Transduction Signal Collective, is growing and we have some great shows coming up this year, The next one will be at the Analog Astronaut Conference at Biosphere 2, in Arizona. Check out our website for more details on upcoming performances.

Premiere: DANZAH “The Test” – IAMT Red Records

September 28, 2021/in Music /by Chelsi Sherrell

Born and raised in the heart of Melbourne, DANZAH is an emerging artist who discovered his passion for music and connections with like-minded people at a very young age. Always finding himself drawn to the sounds of the underground and being greatly influenced by the heavyweights of the industry, he knew he wanted to be part of the scene and this became the driving factor to begin his music journey.

Thick Analog Tones From Roland’s New System-500

November 21, 2015/in DO NOT USE_News, Technology, Technophile /by Micah

We first got wind of Roland’s System-1M modular synth at this year’s Musikmesse, and even saw some demo prototypes of the System5500, but we haven’t heard anything about the latter until now. Roland is notorious for slowly teasing us with details regarding upcoming gear releases, so it’s definitely been a long time coming. Based on the iconic System-100M, the brand new 500 series has received a major overhaul, fitting in a sleek and sexy Eurorack format. However, while the AIRA series (including TR-8 and System-100M) are digitally modelled on analog gear, the 500 series is, in fact, fully analog. For the initial launch, we’re looking at five modules, including the 512 dual VCO, 521 dual VCF, 530 dual VCA, 540 Envelope/LFO, and 572 Phase shifter/Delay/LFO. It’s a lot of gear, but the tones you can get from a proper analog modular system are truly unreal. Scroll down for detailed explanations of each module.

System-500 512

For starters, we have the 512 dual VCO; as the name tells us, consists of two voltage-controlled oscilators, each of which can be set to pulse, triangle, and sawtooth waveforms. Pulse width can be manipulated by panel control or even CV modulation. The oscillators’ frequencies can also be synced with each other in one of two modes (weak or strong) to acheive a classic ‘sync’ sound.

For full specs and more info, visit the 512 product page.

System-500 521

Second in the series is the 521 dual VCF module, featuring two separate low-pass filters, each with its own frequency cutoff and resonance controls. Each filter also includes a high-pass filter with a fixed frequency (although there are two switchable cutoff points)

For full specs and more info, visit the 521 product page.

System-500 530

The 530 dual VCA module handles the amplification in your signal chain; each amp mixes three audio sources, and each source has three CV controls available. Finally, the 530 has an enormously useful switch to select between linear and exponential response settings.

Amplification duties are taken care of with the 530 dual VCA module, with each amp mixing three audio signals and three CV controls for each signal. The 530 also features a selector switch for linear or exponential response modes.

For full specs and more info, visit the 530 product page.

System-500 540

The 540 is the next step in the signal chain, featuring a dual envelope generator and LFO, featuring two independent sets of ADSR controls. The sections can be triggered internally, externally, or even manually (separately for each envelope), and the output can even be inverted.

For full specs and more info, visit the 540 product page.

System-500 572

Last, but certainly not least, we arrive at the 572, which features a five-stage phase shifter, analog delay, a control voltage gate decay, and an LFO. The phase shifter includes frequency and resonance controls, and the delay section allows you to set the delay time and feedback. Both the delay and phase shifter allow for modulation via the internal LFO or even external CV signals. Finally, the unit features dry/wet controls, which can be controlled on the front panel, or, (you guessed it) CV control.

For full specs and more info, visit the 572 product page.

SYR-E84 Eurorack Case

Now that we’ve gone over all five module units, it’s important to remember that we’re going to need a nice rack to put them in. Well, I suppose you could have them sprawled out across the room, but what fun is that? The best option seems to be the SYR-E84 Eurorack case, a rugged and portable rack with a high-current power supply. Although it’s truly perfect for mobile producers or live electronic music performers, we’re fairly certain that SYR-E84 find its way into the hands of producers of all ability levels.

From more information and full specifications on the SYR-E84 check out the product page.

syr-e84_1_gal-650-80

Battle of the Clones: Behringer Announces Their Take On The ARP Odyssey Synth

December 30, 2014/in Music Business, Music Production, Technology, Technophile /by DK

Last week, Behringer teased on their Facebook page that they will be releasing an authentic ARP Odyssey synthesizer, the synthesizer that helped define ’80s electronic pop, but with a unique 3-mode VCF circuitry (that replicates all MK I to III versions) plus full Midi/USB implementation, priced around $500 USD.

However, just last February, Korg announced that it was going to recreate the same synthesizer by releasing its own “Korg ARP Odyssey”. Korg also revealed that ARP co-founder David Friend was joining Korg as their chief advisor on the new Odyssey. “David Friend established ARP Instruments, Inc. along with Alan Robert Pearlman and is a past president of ARP Instruments, Inc. He was also the lead designer of the original Odyssey in addition to designing or co-designing many other products”, Korg’s press release explained.

The original ARP Odyssey was released in 1972 and came to define a certain crossover style incorporating electronic pop, jazz and progressive rock. It was favored by artists such as Jethro Tull, Nine Inch Nails, Pink Floyd and more recently, Todd Terje. ARP ceased production of the Odyssey in 1981.

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