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Tag: Electro-Harmonix

  • Review: The Electro-Harmonix Mini Synthesizer Brings a Classic to the iPad

    Review: The Electro-Harmonix Mini Synthesizer Brings a Classic to the iPad

    Way back in the 80s I owned an Electro-Harmonix Mini Synthesizer. A small battery-powered analog beast with a membrane keyboard and internal speaker, I used it to frighten both neighbors and pets with my shrill hammer-on technique. It featured a unique sound possessing a strong bite.

    Needless to say, the synth simply disappeared somewhere along my travels. In fact, I never actually bought the one I owned; it just showed up in my life somehow. Memories escape me. Easy come; easy go applies in this case.

    Thankfully, the team at EHX released the Mini Synthesizer as an iOS app. Separate versions for the iPhone and iPad are available for purchase. An Android version also exists for select smartphone models – good luck. I picked up the iPad version and found it to be a great emulation of the original… with notable improvements.

    EHX Mini Synthesizer for iOS Features

    • Great Emulation of the Classic EHX Mini Synthesizer
    • Pulse Waveform Oscillator with Sub-Oscillator
    • Sweep-able Filter with Resonance Switch and Phase Shifter
    • Filter Operates in Series or Parallel
    • New Delay and Reverb Effects
    • New 4-Voice Polyphonic Mode
    • 88-Key Virtual Keyboard
    • Includes a Host of Presets, plus Saving Your Own
    • Support for Audiobus, IAA, and MIDI
    • Available at the App Store for $4.99 (iPad) and $2.99 (iPhone)

    The new features of the Mini Synthesizer app definitely make it worth checking out. It perfectly simulates a classic synth from those halcyon 80s. Let’s take a closer look.

    Like the Original Electro-Harmonix Synth on a Tablet!

    Simply put, EHX did a great job on their Mini Synthesizer app. The interface looks like the original and it sounds pretty close to the real thing as well. The iPad allowed me to reproduce those resonance-laden hammer-ons just like it was 1987. 

    The EHX Mini Synthesizer iOS App
    The Mini Synthesizer app emulates the interface of the original. Screenshot by author.

    The synth features a simple pulse oscillator waveform with a sub-oscillator (sub-octave) switch like the hardware version. The unique filter includes a phase shifter, a resonance switch (Q), and an interesting frequency sweep function. Use the sliders to set the start and stop sweep frequencies as well as the sweep rate. You are also able to switch the filter between series and parallel modes; note the retrigger switch as well.

    Check out the various factory presets to get a better feel for the Mini Synthesizer’s capabilities. I personally love using it for bass drones. The virtual keyboard on the app supports all 88 keys, including a ribbon controller for sliding notes. You are also able to program the keyboard to display a subsection of keys. All told; it’s a definite enhancement over the original synth. Speaking of which…

    Mini Synthesizer App Adds Delay, Reverb, and Polyphony

    EHX added some extra functionality to the Mini Synthesizer app obviously not included in the original hardware unit. The delay and reverb effects are definitely welcome. Both enhance the overall sound, especially when conjuring up drones as is my wont.

    The app also provides a 4-voice polyphonic mode which sounds great as well. Am I weird for preferring the monophonic mode? Still, it’s a nice feature to have as an option.

    The app supports Audiobus, IAA and MIDI, which lets you incorporate the app in your larger iOS music projects. Sadly, there’s no AUv3 support; perhaps that’s coming in a future update? I’d love to use the Mini Synthesizer with Rozeta.  Ultimately, if you ever owned the Electro-Harmonix Mini Synthesizer, getting the iOS version is a no-brainer. For the rest of you, it’s a fun and inexpensive synth app with a unique sound that’s worthy of your interest.

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  • Virtual Dispatches from NAMM 2017

    Virtual Dispatches from NAMM 2017

    The fact that I didn’t attend this year’s NAMM conference doesn’t stop me from writing about a few of the interesting announced products in the synth realm. This same rule applied in both 2015 and 2016. Like many of you, I watch from afar, typically overcome with an acute case of gear lust. Maybe some year I’ll make it?

    toraiz as-1
    The Pioneer DJ/DSI Toraiz AS-1 analog monosynth. Photo copyright Pioneer DJ.

    Unfortunately, NAMM 2017 didn’t feature the same level of innovation as the past few years, but a few synths still managed to pique my interest. Let’s check them out!

    Korg’s ARP Odyssey Re-creation goes Full Size

    When Korg reintroduced the ARP Odyssey a few years back, many synth-heads praised the sound but complained about the mini-keys. Now those naysayers get a chance to put their money where it counts, as Korg announced full-size versions of all three Odyssey models.

    The street price for this analog duophonic synth – known as the ARP Odyssey FS – is $1,599, and all editions grace the market in February. So check with your favorite music retailer if those dreaded mini-keys were keeping you from purchasing Korg’s original ARP remake/remodel.

    The Pioneer DJ/Dave Smith Instruments Toraiz AS-1 Intrigues

    This mashup between a DJ equipment company (Pioneer DJ) and one of the most respected synth designers in the business (Dave Smith) looks like a Korg Monotron on steroids. An analog monosynth, the Toraiz AS-1 features a synth engine that’s essentially a one-voice version of the DSI Prophet 6. The touchpad keyboard triggers the comparison with the Monotron.

    A 64-step sequencer and a host of filters and effects from the Prophet 6 help round out the Toraiz feature set. The synth also integrates with the Toraiz SP-16 sampler/sequencer. The small LED display helps DJs control the device when inside a club.

    At a street price of $499, this is a product that intrigues me and my limited budget, but my eyes are still trained on the Make Noise 0-Coast – I’d already own one if not for the Arturia DrumBrute. Expect the synth in March.

    The Electro-Harmonix Blurst Modulated Filter Pedal

    As a drummer and synth player, I only recently discovered the sonic joy of pairing guitar effects pedals with synthesizers – late to the party as usual. I love my EH Deluxe Memory Boy delay pedal, and Electro-Harmonix’s new Blurst filter pedal looks like something to fill a current need in the studio. It’s an analog low-pass filter featuring LFO modulation with tap timing – perfect for any modern keyboardist wanting an edgier sound.

    ElectroHarmonix_Blurst
    EH’s Blurst analog filter effect pedal. Photo copyright Electro Harmonix.

    The availability of the Blurst is still TBA, but at a unique street price of $137, expect many to grab one when it arrives on the marketplace.

    The Eurorack community probably had most of the innovative synth products at this year’s NAMM – new modules abound. Since I am still successfully avoiding that bottomless pool – the 0-Coast lust being an exception – these two synths and effect pedal appear to be most alluring synth-related products for my tastes in a down year for NAMM.


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