Here’s an in-depth look at the Moog Liberation and the rise of the keytar….
Synthesist Alex Ball – in his latest video – takes an in-depth look at the Moog Liberation and the rise of the keytar.
Ball discusses keytar history, the precursors to the keytar and offers a lot of musical demonstrations of the Liberation. Ball argues that the keytar is in equal parts “intriguing and silly”, and that’s definitely true. But the physicality and performance technique of the keytar is arguably an important part of the music, too.
In the early ’70s, there was a lot of interest in this, and in turning the synthesizer into a live performance instrument. Check out this 1973 performance of Frankenstein, by The Edgar Winter Group:
With Frankenstein, Winter singlehandedly turned the synth into a live performance instrument that could hold its own as part of a rock band.
Watch the videos and share your thoughts on the Moog Liberation and the keytar in the comments!
Erica Synths has introduced Echolocator, a hardware stereo delay effect, with an algorithm developed by 112db.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
“Echolocator is a hands-on precision tool that lets you take manual and very musical control over small nuances. Like a bat navigating its environment in the dark, you can feel your way through your live performances and shape the delay response and character on the fly.
Featuring 12 parameters for detailed sound design, save/recall functions for all parameters, MIDI control over all parameters and a sleek aluminum case to match our lineup of compact desktop units, the Echolocator will let your setup take flight in any live show, studio or sonic experiment.”
Erica Synths Echolator Demo:
Features:
A unique stereo delay algorithm developed by 112dB
Selectable delay, filter, and shimmer modes
12 parameters for detailed sound design
Freeze function
A configurable footswitch input
30 factory presets and 70 user preset slots
Preset export via USB
Full MIDI implementation
Dimensions: 23cm x 14,5cm x 7cm (including knobs)
Erica Synths Echolocator is available now, priced at € 490.00
Developer Fred Anton Corvest let us know that he’s released FAC Clipper, a new Universal (iOS, Mac & Vision Pro) plugin, designed to enhance your mix’s loudness and add “signature harmonic warmth”.
FAC Clipper features both a full-band clipper that processes the entire spectrum and a multi-band clipper, allowing you to independently clip low, high, or both frequency bands. This provides the flexibility to maintain transparent processing or experiment with creative adjustments, depending on your needs.
The official intro video:
Features:
Enhances Mix Loudness and Adds Harmonic Warmth
Full-Band and Two-Band Clipper in a Single Plugin
Quick, lightweight, and designed for effortless flexibility!
Precise Visual Metering for Fast Peak Control
Knee Curve Adjustment, from Super Soft to Hard
Shape Control of the Harmonic Profile
Dry/Wet Mix for a Natural, Balanced Sound
Low Latency with Optional Oversampling
Advanced Responsive Design, portrait and landscape views
Universal Purchase: AUv3 for iOS (iPad/iPhone), macOS and Vision Pro
FAC Clipper is available now, with an intro price of $6.99 (normally $9.99).
