Synthesist and developer Ian Dixon shared this overview of his new patch editor and librarian for the Yamaha TX7 synthesizer.
Video Summary:
The Yamaha TX7 is effectively a DX7 in a desktop module, originally designed as an expander for the DX7, but it has its own function memory differences that make a dedicated editor useful.
This tool runs locally in the browser, reads voices from the TX7, saves full libraries, loads DX7 SysEx banks, edits six-operator FM voices visually and lets you send individual sounds when you need them.
Dixon’s Yamaha TX7 Patch Editor and Librarian is available now at his site.
Vintage Emulator Studio (VES) is a free plugin virtual instrument collection that features vintage synthesizers, samplers, drum machines and sound modules emulated by MAME.
Autodafe shared this intro to Vintage Emulator Studio (VES), a free, open-source virtual instrument collection that they say brings vintage synthesizers, samplers, drum machines and sound modules emulated by MAME into a modern, musician-friendly environment.
VES lets you load these machines from a single application, play them from a MIDI keyboard and use many of them directly inside your DAW.
Vintage Emulator Studio, or VES, is designed as a common host environment for vintage digital musical hardware emulations. Rather than creating simplified software recreations or sample-based approximations, VES uses underlying machine emulation to reproduce the original hardware platform, firmware execution, device logic, controls and, where supported, storage devices and peripherals.
VES adds a modern integration layer around these emulations, including machine selection, interactive front-panel artwork, audio and MIDI connectivity, media handling, standalone operation and DAW plug-in support.
The project deliberately preserves the individual workflows and operating systems of the original machines rather than attempting to standardize them into a conventional software synthesizer interface.
VES is available for macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel), Windows and Linux, both as a Standalone application and in plugin formats where supported (AU / VST3)
*Note: VES does not include or distribute any ROM files. The required ROMs must be obtained separately by the user and used in accordance with the applicable licenses and laws. In other words, you need to download the firmware files that you want to use separately.
The Antonus 3620 is a full-size keyboard controller designed around the form and control philosophy of the original ARP 3620.
Antonus 3620 is a MIDI/CV keyboard, sequencer and controller inspired by the classic ARP 3620, with 37- and 49-key versions, velocity and aftertouch, split operation, an arpeggiator, step sequencer and expanded connectivity.
It provides simultaneous MIDI and CV operation and can function with Antonus instruments or as a standalone controller for other synthesizers and devices. CV operation supports monophonic, duophonic, biphonic and bi-timbral modes, while MIDI supports full polyphony and bi-timbral split operation.
The instrument features a Fatar keybed with velocity and aftertouch, along with CV-controlled portamento, interval latch, LFO synchronization, two random generators, an arpeggiator and step sequencer. Its control system is designed without a display or menu-based interface.
Features:
Original 1:1-scale design based on the classic ARP 3620
37-key and 49-key versions
Fatar keybed with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch
Simultaneous MIDI and CV operation
CV modes supporting monophonic, duophonic, biphonic and bi-timbral operation
MIDI polyphonic and bi-timbral operation
Split mode with independent upper and lower MIDI/CV routing
Built-in step sequencer with external-clock control
Built-in arpeggiator
CV-controlled portamento
Interval latch control
Multiple LFO waveforms with dedicated control inputs
Two independent random generators with selectable waveforms and levels
USB and 5-pin DIN MIDI connectivity
Optional interface for connecting to vintage ARP 2600 systems via Cinch-Jones connector
Adjustable front-panel illumination, with the option to disable the lights
Grey or orange-and-black panel finishes
Tolex-covered or metal chassis options
The Antonus 3620 is available in four configurations. The 37-key Tolex version is €1,450, while the 49-key Tolex version is €1,500. The 37-key metal version is €1,050 and the 49-key metal version is €1,100. Prices are listed excluding VAT.
