Rare Italian Synths, WirePluck, Quiver: Synth Journal
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Rare Italian Synths, WirePluck, Quiver: Synth Journal · Source: Anthony Marinelli Music, Rob Papen, WORNG Electronics
In this weeks edition of Synth Journal, Anthony Marinelli and Hainbach check out some rare Italian synths, Rob Papen releases a new software synth, and WORNG Electronics crams heaps of modulation into a hugely versatile Eurorack module.
Synth Journal
Amazing Rare Italian Synths with Anthony Marinelli and Hainbach
My favorite synth video of the week comes from Anthony Marinelli. The composer and YouTuber recently stopped by Hainbach’s studio in Berlin to explore a bunch of rare synths, more specifically Italian-made ones. I usually consider myself to be pretty well-versed in synth history, so I’m always delighted to discover instruments that weren’t on my radar before. And judging by his amazement at the Farfisa Polychrome, Webo Welson, and Realton Variophon Gig, I think Anthony feels the same way.
He says that the Polychrome is “hands down the best string machine” he’s ever heard, and I think he has a point. While they’re without a doubt an important chapter of synth history, the string machines of the 70s aren’t usually thought of as being particularly versatile or deep-sounding. But in Anthony’s hands, the Polychrome delivers an astounding palette of warm, lush, mysterious, and even haunting timbres that instantly tell a story. It’s a real pity that so few of these beasts were made!
Anthony also has a go at the Welson Syntex, a mid-70s monophonic preset synth that just “oozes character”. And finally, there’s the Variophon Gig, an early breath-controlled wind synthesizer.
Join Anthony and Hainbach as they explore the history of these rare Italian synths, and read about some better-known ones here. And if you feel inspired by the Variophon to try a modern, physical-modeling-based wind synthesizer, check out the delightfully unconventional Erica Synths Steampipe, which has just received a firmware update with additional features.
Rob Papen WirePluck: New Software Synth for Unique Pluck Sounds
Rob Papen, the creator of classic software synths like Predator, Vecto, and Blade, just released a new synth! As the name suggests, WirePluck specializes in unique and highly customizable pluck sounds for your chords and arpeggios.
Each of the three layers gives you a choice of four synthesis methods. Wire is a newly developed sound source that sounds like hitting a wire. String uses Karplus-Strong synthesis, while FM is a 3-operator phase modulation synth. Lastly, Wave is a 1-oscillator subtractive sound source. WirePluck lets you mix and match up to three of these sound sources to create custom pluck sounds. It also offers a built-in arpeggiator, modulation and reverb effects, and a ribbon controller for real-time control.
Rob Papen WirePluck is now available from Thomann* for $48 / £42 / €49.
WORNG Electronics Quiver: How much Modulation Can You Fit into 14 HP?
Got a spare 14 HP in your Eurorack that you want to fill with as much modulation as you possibly can? Then the new Quiver by WORNG Electronics could be a perfect fit. Quiver is an analog patch-programmable modulation source and processor that can be anything from a quad LFO to a complex web of evolving modulation signals.
At its core are four analog triangle core LFOs. While there’s a macro control and CV input for controlling their frequencies all at once, they also have individual CV inputs, allowing for cross-modulation. In addition, Quiver includes an array of CV mangling tools, such as an analog wave folder and phase shifter, a full wave rectifier, a voltage comparator, sample and hold, and an analog min/max circuit. It also features an analog noise source, as well as a modulation cube based on the WORNG Vector Space module.
Everything is of course fully patchable and interconnectable, which gives you all the tools you need to create unique, highly customizable modulation signals. A hugely versatile module that provides a wide range of modulation options in a compact size.
WORNG Electronics Quiver is now available for $349.
*This post about rare Italian synths and more contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
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