Tatsuya Takahashi is a synthesiser designer and maker. He was the chief engineer at Korg between 2006-2017. Creating well known synths like the volca range and the minilogue. He then left for yadastar, a brand agency allowing him to work with artists to create one off synthesisers. Before moving to Germany to set up his own independent synth development unit funded by Korg. A running theme between all his creations is accessibility and affordability, making high quality synths that are accessible for people on a tighter budget. He aims to create synthesisers that can be used and carried around like an acoustic instrument, hence the creation of the portable and battery run volca series.

I found Tatsuya’s talk very useful as someone who wants to get into circuit bending and eventually start making my own synthesisers. It was inspiring seeing the development of some of his original projects he started and the route he took to get to the point he has reached now. Like the battery powered sequencing oscillator and built in speakers he made during university which also fits into the overarching theme of portability.

He recommended reading ‘Make: Analog Synthesisers’ by Ray Wilson which I have now bought and started reading through. I have been practising soldering DIY eurorack modules and learning circuit design basics which will eventually lead to the design of my own synthesiser. Having the ability to create a synth to my taste that combinging features of all my favourite synths, or designing my own circuits would be beneficial for my music production as well.