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Keyboard/Synth News and Resources
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Native Instruments Introduces SONIC FICTION
(2009-11-16)
SONIC FICTION is a new KORE-Powered instrument that combines inventive field recording with advanced synthesis into an arsenal of hundreds of genuinely otherworldly sounds.
Discussion Forums
Whether you are a beginner looking for some help and advice, or an expert looking to share your knowledge, the Harmony Central User Forums are the place to be. Join the world's largest musician community and talk about gear, artists, technique, funny stories, and anything else related to the domain of electronic music.
If your interests go beyond the world of guitar, then jump right in and view all active forums.
Forum Areas:
- Keys, Synth, & Samplers
Hot gear, classic synths, favorite sounds, programming tips, and chops talk.
- DJ Booth
Get advice on turntables, CD players, scratching, mixing, and other tight-set techniques.
- Windows Software
Get a hand in making sense of all the complexities the modern-day PC brings.
- Macintosh Software
Maximize the music making potential of your Macintosh.
- Computer Hardware/Accessories
Audio interfaces, complex MIDI setups, and related technology like USB and FireWire.
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Product Review Databases
These databases are intended to be used as a reference when you are shopping around for new gear. It relies on people like you to share your comments, complaints, or praise. This is your chance to tell people how cool something is, what to stay away from, or just what you think people need to consider before buying.
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Synthesis Techniques
This series of articles is dedicated to demystifying the methods for sound synthesis. We'll take a look at a different technique in each article, compare it's strengths and weaknesses to other synthesis methods, and get into some of the technical details of the implementation, accompanied by sound files to illustrate these points. You are welcome to make requests for a particular topic that you would like to see covered, or ask for clarification on existing articles.
Physical Modeling
Other Articles:
Wavetable Synthesis 101, A Fundamental Perspective (186K) - A technical discussion of wavetable synthesis technology in PDF format, written by Robert Bristow-Johnson.
Subtractive and FM Synthesis - Contains two articles covering the basics of these two synthesis methods.
Browse Physical Modeling »
Sites with Patches and Samples
There are some good sources of patches on the Internet. To get started, you can try Synth Zone. It has lots of links to patches, software, and related web pages broken down by manufacturer. Another site is ftp.ucsd.edu. You can also try Synth.Site and Crowley'z World. The Manufacturers section has a listing of companies that sell patches/samples.
- The Freesound Project
A collection of free sounds/samples contributed by users.
- SoundZone.INFO
Free, original samples, with new additions weekly.
- reelsounds.com
Posts new samples on a weekly basis.
- EchoVibes
Free sounds in .wav and mp3 formats, with weekly updates.
- Analogue Samples
Freeware samples of analog synths.
- Looperman.com
Copyright-free dance/trance loops and samples.
- Sample Arena
Free samples, mostly in .wav format.
- SampleNow!
Generate samples from synths hooked up to the web for use in your own samplers.
- PinkNoise Studio's Soundbank
Sample libraries for sale plus free downloads in .wav, Reason, Giga, and other formats.
- Killerbeats
- Redshift, Soundwave's Sample Collection
has some samples and links to other sample sites.
- Dancetech
- Retro Sound
User site with links and patches for the Nord Modular, Korg Wavestation, and Yamaha CS1x.
- Oneshot Samples
Upload a sample and download five for free.
- Free Soundz
A library of samples in MPEG audio format.
- SoundProz.com
Sells sample CDs and offers some free samples to download as well.
- Kalava Drum Archive
Free drum loops and kits.
- eSoundz
Offers some free sounds for native software samplers and sells commercial libraries as well.
- J. P. Hovercraft's Mellotron Sample Page
- MEMI
Magazine for Electronic Music on the Internet Samples and patches to download
- Sound Effects Samples
Free computer generated samples.
- Chris' Real Guitar Samples
Samples of guitar chords, riffs, and other sounds.
- Tony Wallace
Under construction.
- JV-1080 Patches Download
Free patches for the Roland JV-1080
- Audio and Recording
Some free drum samples.
- Up Metal! Studio
Free SoundFont downloads
Newsgroups and Searchable Archives
Here's a listing of some newsgroups of interest to keyboard and synth players:
You can search these newsgroups via Deja News.
Classified Ads
The Harmony Central Classified Ads provide an area to buy and sell used equipment. You can Post a Classified Ad (for free, of course) if you have something to sell or are looking for a specific item, and use the form below to look at the ads currently available. You can also Search the Classified Ads or Edit or Delete Your Ad.
If you are buying (or selling) an item, and want to protect yourself from getting ripped off, you may want to look into escrow companies like Safe Buyer and escrow.ca to see what they have to offer. If you're looking for more places with classifieds, (for buying/selling gear and finding other musicians), there's a listing available on the Services page.
Keyboard Related Software
On the software pages, you will find demo versions of popoular sequencers and notation software, MIDI utility programs, and patch editors for some synthesizers. Click on your platform.
MIDI Resources
This link will bring you to the MIDI Page on Harmony Central. You'll find documentation and specs, info on making a MIDI interface, where to get MIDI files, software development tools, and more.
Browse MIDI Resources »
Effects
This link will take you over to the Effects Page. It has a FAQ that explains how some common effects work and how to go about building your own, a source for lots of effects schematics, and an Effects Database where you can browse reader comments and submit your own comments for others to read.
Browse Effects »
Magazines
Manufacturers
Major manufacturers like Roland, E-mu, Kurzweil, and Alesis, plus companies selling patches/samples, synthesis software, and accessories like cases and racks.
Browse Manufacturers »
Retailers
Sources for buying new gear or checking out prices. Some allow you to order on-line, and others list weekly or monthly specials, and invite you to ask for any prices.
Browse Retailers »
Online Sample Libraries
Other Synth Sites
These are some other web pages with general information you may want to explore.
- Chords By Key
Hundreds of piano and guitar chords sorted by key.
- Keyboard Tip of the Day
Daily tips on playing pianos, synths and other keyboard instruments. Daily ezine plus hundreds of archived tips; directory of thousands of related sites.
- DJ Tip of the Day
Daily tips on dj skills and turntablism. Daily ezine plus hundreds of archived tips; directory of thousands of related sites.
- Synth Zone
Lots of links to patches, software, and web pages devoted to specific synths/samplers, along with plenty of other music links.
- Synth.Site
Specs and reviews of many synthesizers.
- Synth Mania
Information on a number of past and present synths, including some audio/video clips.
- Electro-music
Site for electronic music artists with forums, reviews, and articles.
- Armada Electro
Directory of electronic music related links.
- MPC-Tutor
Dedicated to the Akai MPC 2000xl drum sampler with tutorials, FAQs, forum, and samples.
- Reasonfreaks
New, reviews, tutorials, downloads, and more stuff for Reason users.
- Synthtopia
News and reviews on electronic music as well as gear.
- SF Drum Machine Museum
Specs, photos, sounds, and some history about drum machines.
- World of Sampling
News, tutorials, and FAQs on various software samplers.
- Music Production Attic
- The Analogue Synthesizer Resource/FAQ
Links to numerous synthesizer sites.
- Synthesis
Lots of links, a small sample library, and calculator utilities.
- SampleNet
A site with free samples, sampler reviews, and useful tutorials.
- Dancetech
Samples, usage tips and tricks.
- serious-sounds
Music production community with a focus on using computer hardware/software for dance music.
- Songstuff
General musician site with articles related to music technology, recording, and more.
- Sample CD Review Site
- Loops.net
Links to free sample sample, sample CD makers, and related software.
- Van Aeken Software
Makers of Jackson software for DJs.
- Unofficial Virus TI Forum
Discussion forums for Access Music's latest generation Virus synths.
- Gear Fetish
Reviews for synths/samplers, recording gear, effects, etc.
- EX5Tech
A user site for Yamaha's EX5/7/R with forums, downloads, and more.
- Arranger Workstation.com
Site and forums for users of Yamaha's Arranger Workstation keyboards.
- Planet 303
Resources for the Roland MC-303, including specs, documentation, tone list, MIDI Implementation, SysEx, users manual, downloads, and more.
- Bass Line Land
A site dedicated to the famous Roland TB-303 including sounds, manual, schematics, original sales brochure, emulators, and more.
- RolandTalk.com
Discussion forums for Roland/Boss instruments and recording gear.
- Fantom-S Unofficial Site
A user site with product info, forums, and more to come.
- Fantomized.info
Site for users of Roland's Fantom-S and Fantom-X series with tutorials, forums, downloads, and more.
- TR-808.com
Manual, forums, samples, and more on Roland's classic drum machine.
- TR909.org
A site dedicated to the Roland TR-909 Drumcomputer.
- Roland G-70 User Club Denmark
Tips and tricks, downloads, discussion forum, and more for G-70 owners.
- Motifator.com
New site for users of the Yamaha Motif series synthesizers.
- MoBros.org
User run site for Yamaha's Motif series.
- Unofficial Access Virus Forum
- World of Classic Keyboards
Images, specs, and related links for keyboards of yesterday.
- Roland JD-800 Center
User page with info and links for the synth.
- Ensoniq TS-12 Homepage
A user site in German for TS-12 owners.
- The Unofficial E-Mu ESI2000 Website
- Emus On Acid
Forums and downloads for EMU Ultra and Emulator X samplers.
- Peavey DPM SP/SP+ Samplesite
User site with specs, sample downloads, tips and tricks, apps, and links.
- J. P. Hovercraft's Peavey SP Sample Page
A small but growing collection of samples for the Peavey DPM-SP samplers
- Rolamtech
MP3 demos and SYSEX files for some Novation, Yamaha, Waldorf, Oberheim, and Ensoniq synths.
- TS Station
A user page for Ensoniq's TS series keyboards with software, patches, and samples.
- Irish Acts
Downloads and forums for Korg's Tritons, Trinity, Karma, PA80, and OASYS.
- Korg 01/W Percussion Manual
A new book for sale.
- Korg N Series Site
Patches, related software, tech info, mailing list, and more.
- The Xtreme Lead-1 Playground
A user site for the E-mu sound module.
- JoMoX Midi Machines
A mailing list for users of the JoMoX products.
- SynthEdit Community
User drive site for the modular soft synth with downloads, reviews, forums, and more.
- The GarageDoor
User support site for Apple's GarageBand.
- Retro Sound
User site with links and patches for the Nord Modular, Korg Wavestation, and Yamaha CS1x.
- Teisco Synthesizers
A user site with specs and user manuals for Teisco synthesizers.
- Hohner Clavinet Resource Homepage
A user site with schematics, manuals, sound sample, message board, and more.
- Syntronic Labs
Sells a kit for adding MIDI to a Roland TB-303, or will do the mod for you.
- Synth DIY Page
A variety of analog synth schematics, patent information, and PCB info.
- Electronic Music Projects
Some schematics and info for those into building their own synthesizers.
- ZicWeb
Offers a wide variety of software and links for patches, samples, and MIDI file sites.
- Virtual Music
Products, parts, and downloads for vintage synths. Also performs service and repairs.
- Redshift
A collection of links to patches, editing software, and CAL scripts.
- Ambient Automat
A Java based ambient/techno composer.
- Sound Central
Sounds and info for Ensoniq products. Other areas Under construction.
- Beginner's Synthesizer FAQ
- The Virtual Synthesizer Museum
A collection of images and history about older and analog synths.
- Vintage Synth Explorer
A collection of specs, pictures, and even some sound clips of vintage and analog synths.
- Infinity Analog
Articles on synthesis, geared toward DIY projects and theory.
- Synth Fool
Photo gallery of analog synths, including some schematics.
- SYNRISE
A catalog of synths, samplers, recording systems, and more, plus a variety of related information. Mostly in German.
- Synthesizer Picture Archive
- Synthesizer & Sampler Picture Gallery
- MEMI - Magazine for Electronic Music on the Internet
Samples and patches to download, plus reviews of MIDI gear (the latter is only in German however.)
- Nuuj's Link Depository
A variety of links for synths and related eletronics.
- Digital Hell
A site for a mailing list for making music with digital gear (synth, effects, etc.)
- Rhodes Information Site
Some history of the Rhodes piano and information on some particular models. You can also subscribe to a Rhodes mailing list.
- ^Groove^: The Hammond Grounds
Some history of Hammond, a mailinglist on for the B-3, and a FAQ.
- GospelKeyboard.com
Community site designed for church musicians.
- Alexander Publishing
Books that teach you how to use MIDI, specific synthesizers, popular sequencing programs, recording, and more. Also offers on-line courses.
- Pegasus Multimedia
Produces videos for helping you get the most out of your synth. Current videos cover Alesis' QS series and the Roland MC-505.
- Electronic Music Foundation
Some news tidbits and a selection of related books and CDs for sale.
- EMUSIC-L web page
details on joining the mailing list. The web page also gives you access to past digests and has some useful documents, like suggestions on buying your first keyboard.
- Music Machines
Info on many different synths, keyboards, drum machines, and more, including pictures, some patches, software, and lots of general information.
- OnlyPiano.com
News and resources for piano players.
- miniorgan.com
A virtual museum of electronic toy organs and synthesizers.
- CreativeSynth.com
Observation, opinions, and insights on music creation and synthesis
- Crossloader
Open source workshop for e-musicians to collaborate through exchanges.
- Unofficial Yamaha FS1R Page
A page for those who program, hack, use, and abuse the YAMAHA FS1R synthesiser.
- Synth Cleveland
General community site with classified ads and forums.
- Serebella.com - Synth and Sampler Link
Other Items of Interest
- Songwriting Tip of the Day
Daily tips on songwriting and composition. Daily ezine plus hundreds of archived tips; directory of thousands of related sites.
- PianoTabs.net
- Karma Mailing List
A user mailing list for Korg's Karma keyboard.
- Logic Pro Files
Download and share files and templates for Logic.
- Karma Environment for Logic
Automation/control software for Logic to control your Karma from your computer.
- Gearheads 101: Free Memory
Tips and tricks for maximizing your sampler performance.
- Reviewed: Reaktor 2.0 by Native Instruments
A totally modular, and very powerful, software synth/sampler available for both MacOS and Windows.
- Voices From The Past
A review of Prosoniq's Orange Vocoder 1.5 VST Plug-In for Macintosh, a great way to create some new sounds to spice up your mixes.
- Theremin.info
News, history, recordings, and various other tidbits on the first electronic instrument.
- DarkSonus
A site specifically for Industrial/Gothic/EBM musicians.
- Loopwise.com
Collaboration site where you can get exposure and sell your services as a musician.
- Sounds Megastore
Sound/sample retailer.
- Logic Pro Help
Discussion forum for Apple's Logic Pro Digital Audio Workstation Software.
- Logicuser.de
News and forums for Emagic Logic, as well as Cubase and Pro Tools. In German only.
- Chord House
A JavaScript tool for generating chord and scale diagrams.
- ChordFind.com
A JavaScript chord display utility for guitar, keyboard, and 4-string instruments.
- Oddrealm
Links to piano sheet music.
- SAE Institute
Courses in recording, audio engineering, DJ, and multimedia with locations around the world.
- Cogswell College
Offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Audio Technology.
- SintesiDelSuono
A collaborative electronic music project.
- Knob Box DIY Project
Plans for building a 15-knob MIDI controller, very useful with some software synths.
- Wave-Idea
Plans for building your own MIDI controller to use with Roland's MC-303 and Propellerhead's ReBirth, a MIDI-to-Sync converter, parametric audio filter, and MIDI thru box, which can be purchased assembled.
- Schematic Connection
Sells vintage and hard to find user manuals, service manuals, and schematics.
- Cathedral Stone
A studio that provides info on lots of their gear, including some rarer and vintage items.
- Manual Manor
Sells owner's/service manuals and schematics for lots of synthesizers and effects processors.
- Getthatsound.com
Details the gear used on a range of popular songs, new and old.
- Making Music Now
Sells Play Piano Now, a self-paced course for learing to play the piano.
- Online Conservatory
Offers one-on-one, paid, live piano lessons over the net.
- Music Planet
Software for creating chords melodies that allows for on-line collaboration/lessons.
- Power Jamms
Play-along CDs, instructional books, and videos.
- GearSearch.com
Instrument manufacturer and retailer links.
- Java Metronome
- ACIDplanet
Sonic Foundry's web site for ACID users to publish their music.
- Jazzbacks
Jazz backing tracks.
- Aesthetic Artist Productions
Covers a variety of music theory topics.
- Keyboard Systems
Parts and supplies for organs including Lowrey organ parts, vacuum tubes, ICs, and MIDI retro kits.
- Musician's Health
Some info on common health problems for musicians plus some preventative advice and treatments.
- Musicians and Injuries
Advice and additional resources for coping with and preventing injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- Typing Injury FAQ
Although aimed at computer related hazards, this page has information about repetitive stress injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome that is useful to musicians. It will take you to information on preventative measures, treatments, mailing list support groups and more.
- Applause Music Careers
Sells guides to help you get a job in the industry.
- The Muse's Muse
A site for songwriters with articles, classifieds, and related links.
- Miller Freeman Books
- London School of Sound
Courses and seminars on production, software, and DJ.
- Pyramind
Music and audio production classes in San Francisco.
- The Dick Grove 'School Without Walls'
The School That Comes To You.
- Mr Ron's Music
How to Play Piano Like a Pro instructional e-book.
- Progressive Music Center
Private lesson facility in Raleigh.
- Guitar Workshop Plus
A summer program in Ontario offering guitar, drum, and keyboard classes.
- Music Tech
- SYNTH-L mailing list
To get on this list, send a message to listserv@auvm.american.edu with the message SUBSCRIBE SYNTH-L your-name .
- Analogue Heaven
A mailing list devoted to analog musical equipment. Subscription info plus access to back issues.
- The Complete Jingle Course
- MIDI Files/Software Archives on the Internet
Lots of little pieces of information for MIDI and Synths.
- A Tutorial on MIDI and Wavetable Music Synthesis (108K)
Also covers MIDI interfaces on a PC.
- ADG Productions
Instructional material.
- Wave of the Future
An article from Wired that discusses the history of sound synthesis, from FM up to Waveguide Synthesis.
- ThereminWorld
Website dedicated to one of the first electronic musical instruments.
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