Synthmaster for $10

[jens]

What a pethetic webstore - I live in Switzerland but am n Spain right now and the site tells me the item currently can't be shipped to Spain - if I would be a US-citizen on holidays n Europe the exact same thing would happen - what a joke.

no it wouldn't. You can change your location in the store settings and if you're a US citizen on holiday then you'd have a USA address connected to a credit card/paypal account.

Just change the location to USA, put your address down as some American hotel and pay with your paypal.

I'm in the UK and my order hasn't been declined, it's just on hold pending. It looks like, as stated earlier on the thread, that they've run out of stock and are awaiting more keys to be authorised.

How can I change my location? I added a US-Adress it accepted and it still tells me it won't ship to Spain and hence doesn't even let me add it to the cart...

[shonoob]

What a pethetic webstore - I live in Switzerland but am n Spain right now and the site tells me the item currently can't be shipped to Spain - if I would be a US-citizen on holidays n Europe the exact same thing would happen - what a joke.

no it wouldn't. You can change your location in the store settings and if you're a US citizen on holiday then you'd have a USA address connected to a credit card/paypal account.

Just change the location to USA, put your address down as some American hotel and pay with your paypal.

I'm in the UK and my order hasn't been declined, it's just on hold pending. It looks like, as stated earlier on the thread, that they've run out of stock and are awaiting more keys to be authorised.

How can I change my location? I added a US-Adress it accepted and it still tells me it won't ship to Spain and hence doesn't even let me add it to the cart...

Likewise, I am from Canada and it won't let me add to cart despite my account was made with US credentials.

[mgw38]

How can I change my location? I added a US-Adress it accepted and it still tells me it won't ship to Spain and hence doesn't even let me add it to the cart...

Likewise, I am from Canada and it won't let me add to cart despite my account was made with US credentials.

Use a VPN connection. There are free VPN services that you can use. An IP Anonymizer should works as well.

[godly]

I tried guest checkout while logged in as google and it worked.

[Scotty]

So I ordered from Canada. I used the login as guest option and changed location to US at the flag prompt on the bottom right of the screen as it auto detected my region as Canada. Then when ordering I gave it a random US address. So far it has processed one of two purchases. Liquid Notes came through and I am still waiting on the Synthmaster... word from someone else was that they ran out of serials and requested more from the developer.

[wickfut]

How can I change my location? I added a US-Adress it accepted and it still tells me it won't ship to Spain and hence doesn't even let me add it to the cart...

bottom of page, change country on right side next to little flag.

[ghettosynth]

Technically, Synthmaster is semi-modular. You may experiance this differently, but it is a semi-modular architecture. And i use it as such, just like A.C.E.
--
I like SM and i'm wondering when they will release the update with the bigger UI.

We simply have different perspectives. You cannot use Synthmaster like I use my actual semi-modular hardware. Essentially, a true semi-modular architecture allows you to freely route signals that are available at patch points. Strictly speaking, even ACE's modularity is limited because you cannot route the patch points to other instances of ACE. Only tools like Reaktor allow you to build synths that are truly semi-modular in that sense, and even then, only really within the Reaktor environment. Of course one can view DAW routing as a limited extension of this, but there are other limitations there, e.g. feedback, that also limit it's notion of modularity.

Software allows much more flexibility in routing than hardware so many synths are given the label, but, IMNSHO, don't really deserve it. The Matrix-12, often considered the prototype for this abuse of the semi-modular label, is not semi-modular and neither are almost all softsynths that simply have modulation matrices and some flexible routing choices. Moreover, since I was talking about with respect to my own valuation, nobody else's definition has any bearing. It really doesn't matter who's definition that you think is "technically" correct, what matters is how "I" will be able to use the synth.

ACE gets the semi-modular bump in my personal valuation because, within itself, it at least allows truly flexible re-wiring at audio rates via its patch points, Synthmaster is just flexible, so it doesn't get that bump.

We can ofcourse agree to disagree here. However, again, technically speaking, you're just wrong. Whether or not patching is done by cables, or by a mod-matrix, it is (semi-)modular. And one can treat it as such as well.
Now, i get your feeling. It feels different and it certainly appears different, but that's just because of the layout of the digital synth (and ofcourse the lack of certain mod sources).

No, I'm not wrong. Semi-modular is simply a synth that is modular but has normalized routings that can be broken and rerouted ANYWHERE. You cannot do this with synthmaster.

Synthmaster is a fixed architecture synth with some switched routing options. You cannot freely re-route those choices. We can be charitable and call it a flexible architecture synth, but all the hype in the world won't make it semi-modular.

Seriously, I'm not confused about it "feeling different", I build synths in hardware and software, I'm well educated technically, the concept of abstraction is hardly alien to me. If the synth was truly modular within the mod matrix, then it could be semi-modular, or even modular, but it isn't. Your sources are limited to control rate elements and even limited based on your chosen target. The only audio rate sources are restricted to the oscillator inputs. This is just abuse of the phrase semi-modular, as I said, just because a synth has open modulation routings does not make it semi-modular in the same sense that ACE is semi-modular. The Matrix-12 isn't semi-modular, it wasn't sold as a semi-modular, it was simply called programmable.

If Synthmaster made it's audio rate outputs from at least some of the basic modules available as modulation sources and and inputs as destinations, then you would have a point. A modular synth allows this, hence, a semi modular synth must allow rewiring of at least some of the audio flow flexibly. It must also allow audio outputs to be plugged into control inputs. If you don't even support this at a basic level, you do not have the fundamental value of what makes a semi-modular synth semi-modular.

Your NSHO has nothing to do with what is happening technically. You can ofcourse use your synths the way you want, but it has nothing to do with the term (semi-)modular and if it fits a certain synth or not. Modularity comes in all sizes and forms these days.

But "technically" you're talking about a marketing term and little more. So believe whatever you want, semi-modular isn't a meaningful technical phrase, it was invented to sell synthesizers. It's perfectly reasonable to be something of a purist about it. If it makes you feel better to call non-modular synths, that's your prerogative, but it doesn't make them modular. Whether it's through patch cables or a mod-matrix, you must be able to route basic audio patch points of a synth to control inputs for it be be semi-modular. This is the entire concept of ACE, that it is like hardware semi-modular synths, e.g., the Arp 2600, or the Roland System 100. Again, the distinction is how one is able to use it, not how one is able to sell it. Synthmaster is cool, but it's not modular in any sense.

Also, Reaktor can be used fully modular.

This is one of those situations when you think that you are teaching someone something, but in reality, you are the student. Of course Reaktor can be fully modular, it is a synth construction tool, a programming language, albeit, an awkward one. My point was that one can build true semi-modular synths within Reaktor. That you are able to re-route the audio connections, even from within the synth's user interface and, if you build your synth to support this, you can route audio outputs to control inputs. Further, compared to hardware, it is still limited in its "modularity." You cannot FM synthmaster's filter with an oscillator in Reaktor no matter how clever your programming skills. Yet, with one cable I can use my SH-101 to FM the filter in my System 100 which can then be ran back into the control inputs of the SH-101. I can use both of these synths with my DIY hardware modular in a truly "modular" fashion.

So, referring to my original post, this cannot be done with Reaktor even, unless you use the host as an extension of the modular concept and even then, only with certain synths, e.g., not Synthmaster as there's no way to use the audio input to FM the filter.

[.jon]

Hmmm, this synth does nothing for me. Feels clunky and awkward for what it does, and maybe I just have all I need cause none of the VSTis released this year got me really excited

[BBFG#]

Always felt this was a great bang for the buck multi tool type synth. Eventually sold mine and like the old adage for boat ownership, I found the two best days with it were the day it was fully delivered and the day I was able to sell it. Even though I don't really miss it because of other things I use, I still like the synth for what it is and feel the developer is great to deal with too. Chances are, I'll most likely take a strong look at what version 3 brings to the table. Although my greatest concern with it, is not the product or the developer, but the country of origin's current turmoil.

Will pass even on this deal, but still interested in what he's got in store for the future.

[nicksohn]

This situation is bad for dev.
Now, people tend to think 'SM is a 10 bux synth'.
Maybe SM Ver.3 is coming.

[exmatproton]

No, I'm not wrong. Semi-modular is simply a synth that is modular but has normalized routings that can be broken and rerouted ANYWHERE. You cannot do this with synthmaster.

(semi-)modular has nothing to do with synths generally speaking. But can be applied in synths. In the case of Synthmaster, a.c.e. and Reaktor for instance, different levels of modularity are possible. You are taking the "modularity" of analog gear and apply it to devices that are around these days. If you wanted to make Synthmaster in the form of a hardware device, you need a (semi-)modular approach. Your view on this is quite close minded, imho.

Synthmaster is a fixed architecture synth with some switched routing options. You cannot freely re-route those choices. We can be charitable and call it a flexible architecture synth, but all the hype in the world won't make it semi-modular.

No it isn't. It is quite comparible (although completely different in lay-out) with XILS4. A mod matrix makes it (semi-)modular. It is as simple as that. That's just what that term stands for. To be able to patch any (or some in this case; hence the term semi-modular) source into any other source. Because it is restricted (in other words, some paths aren't patchable), we call it semi-modular (except you ofcourse. you call it a fixed, or flexible architecture).

If Synthmaster made it's audio rate outputs from at least some of the basic modules available as modulation sources and and inputs as destinations, then you would have a point. A modular synth allows this, hence, a semi modular synth must allow rewiring of at least some of the audio flow flexibly. It must also allow audio outputs to be plugged into control inputs. If you don't even support this at a basic level, you do not have the fundamental value of what makes a semi-modular synth semi-modular.

Audio-rate modulation possibilties aren't necesarry to call it (semi-)modular. The usual suspects (moog modular, bazille, a.c.e., xils4, make this possible, but that doesn't mean that synths that don't allow that, aren't (semi-)modular. Dune2 allows for audio-rate modulation, but has less routing options. Still, Dune2 is just as much (semi-)modular as Synthmaster. BTW, audio-rate outputs can be used as mod sources in Synthmaster. Namely 4 dedicated MOD osc's which can be added or multiplied. These mod sources can applied as phase or frequency modulation. They can only be used at the osc section. But they are there.

So, referring to my original post, this cannot be done with Reaktor even, unless you use the host as an extension of the modular concept and even then, only with certain synths, e.g., not Synthmaster as there's no way to use the audio input to FM the filter.

You have a very strict view on the term (semi-)modular. I think different about all this, which technically holds ground. By no means am i trying to teach you anything, i wouldn't dare. But i recognize people who are just saying something because they believe something is true, or if they made some rule for themselves which actually isn't accurate.

In that sense, i am no more student (in this particular field) then you are. And i know how the difference feels between patching a modular hardware synth and dragging a little knob in a digital vst synth.

[ghettosynth]

No, I'm not wrong. Semi-modular is simply a synth that is modular but has normalized routings that can be broken and rerouted ANYWHERE. You cannot do this with synthmaster.

(semi-)modular has nothing to do with synths generally speaking

The phrase semi-modular, as applied to synths, is specific and only makes sense when connected to the original concept of modular synths. By your definition, any synth with a routing choice is semi-modular and that is nonsense. Your attempt to overgeneralize it is exactly the abuse of terminology that I'm talking about. I've given you specific examples from synth history, if that doesn't convince you then, by all means, keeping on believing what you wish.

Your ideas are exactly the problem that I'm talking about. It the same disease that seems to infect everything regarding overgeneralization. Calling VA synthesizers "analog" and referring to any subtractive synth as a VA and then arguing pedantically from the english definitions as if you're some kind of scholar.

Your point of view completely lacks any history. A semi modular synth was originally used to describe synths that were patchable but lacked the ability to change modules. The normaled routings are just a side effect of being able to accomplish a standard routing with switched jacks.

The only reason that I explained to you was so you would understand my point of view, it wasn't an invitation to engage in disagreement and debate. But seriously, I'm not at all interested in your point of view, you're wasting your breath. I have no interest in useless definitions just because they make you feel like you've got a shinier toy.

You can't even route an oscillator to the filter cutoff in Synthmaster, calling it anything-modular is just masterbation.

[digitalboytn]

Calling it anything modular is just masterbation.

There's a lot of that going on around here

[Dan_E10]

Is this Guitar Center deal for the latest version? I sprung for it this morning but haven't received the download link or serial number yet. I'm curious to know exactly what I'm getting!
Dan

[JoeCat]

Doesn't matter if it's a fookin' aardvark, it's 24 hours and no license