Tuesday, August 23, 2005
ARP Quadra Retrofit
A common problem with the ARP Quadra is that the membrane switches can go bad. These guys replaced the membrane switches with buttons. They also got a mention in this Sound on Sound article on the Quadra (look for Frankenstein in the More Reliabilities blue box).
Before
After
The Tannerin and Theremin Like Devices
It is a common misconception that the instrument used in the Beach Boys "Good Vibrations" was a theremin. It instead was an electro-theremin, a theremin like device with a keyboard. It was built by Paul Tanner in the late 1950s.
Paul playing the final version of the electro-theremin.
The Tannerin is a similar device recently built by Tom Polk for the Brian Wilson Tour.
Via Francois Dion on AH:
"That's definitely a very very crude martenot keyboard. Looks like one of the 1926 early revisions of the Martenot keyboard. Missing all the tonal and expression parts as found in the "drawer" on the later martenot. Missing also the floating keyboard (for the vibrato), and the references for the slider.
It is interesting to note that by 1931, there were at least 4 commercial instruments with heterodyne oscillators:
1- the theremin
2- the Ondes Martenot
3- Clavier a Lampe (Armand Givelet)
##### Update: The 4- Trautonium (Franz Trauntwein) did not use a heterodyne Oscillator. See comments link below. Also neither did the Tannerin according to another thread.
(The Audion Piano was never available commercially)."
The Ondes Martenot (it had a ring device on a string that scaled the entire range of the keyboard).
The Trautonium:
I couldn't find a picture of the Clavier a Lampe and we all know what a theremin looks like right? : )
Also check out the Theremax. Some good sound samples there as well.
For a controller similar to the Ondes Martenot, check out Analog Systems The French Conncection:
Via Francois Dion on AH:
"That's definitely a very very crude martenot keyboard. Looks like one of the 1926 early revisions of the Martenot keyboard. Missing all the tonal and expression parts as found in the "drawer" on the later martenot. Missing also the floating keyboard (for the vibrato), and the references for the slider.It is interesting to note that by 1931, there were at least 4 commercial instruments with heterodyne oscillators:
1- the theremin
2- the Ondes Martenot
3- Clavier a Lampe (Armand Givelet)
##### Update: The 4- Trautonium (Franz Trauntwein) did not use a heterodyne Oscillator. See comments link below. Also neither did the Tannerin according to another thread.
(The Audion Piano was never available commercially)."
The Ondes Martenot (it had a ring device on a string that scaled the entire range of the keyboard).
The Trautonium:
I couldn't find a picture of the Clavier a Lampe and we all know what a theremin looks like right? : )
Also check out the Theremax. Some good sound samples there as well.
For a controller similar to the Ondes Martenot, check out Analog Systems The French Conncection:
Synth Polyphony Broken Down
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan01/articles/synthsec.asp
Carbon111 sent this to me. It's a great article from Sound on Sound that covers how digital technology was used to overcome the high expense of analog polysynths. It covers the Crumar Trilogy's cut-down paraphonic approach which I refered to in this post. The SOS article is a long and semi-technical read, but well worth it if you've ever wondered about how the different approaches to polyphony works on an analog synth. In pure laymen's terms you can essentially have a bunch of mono synths hooked up in a box to make a polyphonic synth or you can cust costs and increase stablity by having polyphony shared accross boards, this is the paraphonic approach. You start with one board for one note, say C, that covers all octaves of C. When you play more than one C, that same board is triggered. The obvious problem is the Envelope stage as well as other components are shared. So if you want a short attack while sustaining a C on a lower octave, it won't quite work as they are not independent. But you could have some interesting triggering effects which Gordon Reid notes in the article regarding the Crumar Trilogy. Note that most poly analog synths have separate components for each voice, so you esentially have x number of mono synths digitally controlled to keep them sounding similar. The great polysynths including the Prophet 5, Jupiter 8, Memorymoog and Andromeda A6 for example did this.
Carbon111 sent this to me. It's a great article from Sound on Sound that covers how digital technology was used to overcome the high expense of analog polysynths. It covers the Crumar Trilogy's cut-down paraphonic approach which I refered to in this post. The SOS article is a long and semi-technical read, but well worth it if you've ever wondered about how the different approaches to polyphony works on an analog synth. In pure laymen's terms you can essentially have a bunch of mono synths hooked up in a box to make a polyphonic synth or you can cust costs and increase stablity by having polyphony shared accross boards, this is the paraphonic approach. You start with one board for one note, say C, that covers all octaves of C. When you play more than one C, that same board is triggered. The obvious problem is the Envelope stage as well as other components are shared. So if you want a short attack while sustaining a C on a lower octave, it won't quite work as they are not independent. But you could have some interesting triggering effects which Gordon Reid notes in the article regarding the Crumar Trilogy. Note that most poly analog synths have separate components for each voice, so you esentially have x number of mono synths digitally controlled to keep them sounding similar. The great polysynths including the Prophet 5, Jupiter 8, Memorymoog and Andromeda A6 for example did this.
Twilight Electric - Tribute to Bob Moog
Patrick of Twilight Electric has taken down his website for a bit and put up a little tribute page fro Bob Moog. There are two tracks for download that he did in Bob's honor. They are done with softsynth moog modulars. Check it out! : )
LA Times on Moog
Another good obit', this one from the LA Times.
"His improved synthesizer, with the addition of a keyboard, did for the instrument what Les Paul and Leo Fender did for the electric guitar, said Trevor Pinch, coauthor of "Analog Days: The Invention and Impact of the Moog Synthesizer."
"The synthesizer "freaked people out," Moog recalled earlier this year. "One of the many things you could do was imitate vocal sounds — make it go 'Weeoooooww.' That really upset. The reaction was a bit like that of primitive cultures believing cameras could catch your soul."
"The Moog synth transcends technology, ergonomics and pop culture. It wasn't some novelty sound or gadget," Gavriluk said. "It was a continuously new sound that shook the entire music industry several times, in every decade, in every genre."
"His improved synthesizer, with the addition of a keyboard, did for the instrument what Les Paul and Leo Fender did for the electric guitar, said Trevor Pinch, coauthor of "Analog Days: The Invention and Impact of the Moog Synthesizer."
"The synthesizer "freaked people out," Moog recalled earlier this year. "One of the many things you could do was imitate vocal sounds — make it go 'Weeoooooww.' That really upset. The reaction was a bit like that of primitive cultures believing cameras could catch your soul."
"The Moog synth transcends technology, ergonomics and pop culture. It wasn't some novelty sound or gadget," Gavriluk said. "It was a continuously new sound that shook the entire music industry several times, in every decade, in every genre."
Moog - New Flickr Shot
via Flickr
Update: Via the comments, this is "the guy" from Toto.
I've seen this before, but I don't remember where or who that is. If you know, please share in the comments.
Update: Alan got it in the comments.
That's "totolly" the guy here:
http://musicthing.blogspot.com/2004/11/other-peoples-studios-4.html
The dude from toto.
I knew I saw that before. I track Music Thing all the time. Thanks Alan!
Anyware Instruments
Just ran accross this site searchin for more on the SEMtex. They make a couple of analog filter modules and step sequencer pictured below. Title link take you to their site with more pics and sound. I've also added them to my MFG link on matrixsynth.com.
Step Sequencer
Megapole Filter
Megapole Lite
SEMtex - New Analog Synth
Update in via the comments:
"here's the URL for the anyware Semtex:
www.anyware-instruments.com
I did some new tracks and demos recently, you can find it in the anyware section of sequencer.de
hope that one is of interest.."
Title link now takes you to the Anyware-Instruments site.
In via Vintage Synth Forums. Click through for more pics. Now off to see if they have a website...
Key points from the thread:
2 VCOs + 2 Suboscs incl. FM, Ringmod and Sync, 1 Multimode Filter with CV controlled morphing, 2 VCAs, 3 Envelopes (very very fast), 2 LFOs (very fast, too, CV controlled, syncable), 48 jacks for patching, MIDI with 4 CVs and 6 Gates (usable for other Synths, too, even for MS20 and the like)...
Cost: 1200 Euros. It´s new, it hits the market right now. Production has just begun.
1/4" jacks, with a very good feel to them. The knobs are excellent quality, too. The whole thing is very sturdy and heavy. It is available as 19", as Desktop, whatever you like.
There are two special pots for the filter, one morphs from Low to High Pass, one morphs from notch to bandpass. With these two combined, you can achieve a LOT of different filter characteristics.
Well, about a year from the first idea to the final unit.
It started as "Oberheim SEM clone", but was developed much further then.
Bob Moog Charitable Foundation
Just realized I didn't get to posting this. via http://moogmusic.com/?cat_id=84
"Family announces charitable foundation
Bob's family has announced the formation of The Bob Moog Foundation for the advancement of electronic music.
Many of his long time collaborators, including musicians, engineers and educators have agreed to sit on its executive board including David Borden, Wendy Carlos, Joel Chadabe, John Eaton, David Mash, and Rick Wakeman. For more information about this contact Bob's son, Matthew Moog, by email - mattmoog@yahoo.com."
And for those that would prefer a lighter good bye, this one just came in from the Suit & Tie Guy on AH. Perfect. : )
to quote the Slashdot poster: "So long and thanks for all the bass."
rest in peace, Doctor Moog.
"Family announces charitable foundation
Bob's family has announced the formation of The Bob Moog Foundation for the advancement of electronic music.
Many of his long time collaborators, including musicians, engineers and educators have agreed to sit on its executive board including David Borden, Wendy Carlos, Joel Chadabe, John Eaton, David Mash, and Rick Wakeman. For more information about this contact Bob's son, Matthew Moog, by email - mattmoog@yahoo.com."
And for those that would prefer a lighter good bye, this one just came in from the Suit & Tie Guy on AH. Perfect. : )
to quote the Slashdot poster: "So long and thanks for all the bass."
rest in peace, Doctor Moog.
RIP Bob Moog
Update: I just heard back from the author of the track I wanted to post. This link will take you to it. Four tracks of minimoog. A tribute to Bob Mood from David Brans via AH. Enjoy.
Well, the dust seems to be settling for the day. The boards and mailing lists were buzzing with kind words, thanks, and cherished memories of Dr. Robert A. Moog. I've spent the last couple of days reading, listening, watching and sharing. Someone on the AH list said something perfectly. Different people deal with loss in different ways. That was like a breath of fresh air to me. I (and I like to believe others) sometimes have a tendancy to second guess myself and how I may be perceived in my handling of such things. I sometimes feel guilt as to who am I to even comment on such a thing. I say two things to this, one, show others respect in this time of grief, and two, don't ever sell yourself short. If you feel and you care, do so. The pain and grief may pale in comparison to those closest to him, but if it is there, it is there, don't dismiss that. And don't disrespect others by selling that short. People deal with things differently. The amazing thing is this diversity is in Bob Moog's instruments. He always claimed to be a toolmaker not a musician. He spent time with musicians and took their feedback into the design of his instruments. He understood that, and most importantly he understood and cherished the uniqueness of each individual playing one of his instruments. I really wanted to link to a piece of music posted on AH, but I promised the author I would not post unless I had his permission. I haven't heard back so I will not post it until I do. I respect that. But I do want to share a song that brought tears to my eyes this Saturday. I was driving up to Bellingham with my wife and daughter and she played The Captain by Kasey Chambers. I couldn't help but think of Bob and what he meant to so many.
...
Well I have handed all my efforts in
I searched here for my second wind
Is there someone here to let me in I asked
So I slammed the doors they slammed at me
I found the place I'm meant to be
I figured out my destiny at last
You be the Captain
And I'll be no-one
And you can carry me away if you want to
And you can lay low
Just like your father and if
I tread upon your feet you just say so
'Cos you're The Captain, I am no-one,
I tend to feel as though I owe one to you, to you
Did I forget to thank you for the ride
I hadn't tried I tend to runaway and hide
You be the Captain
And I'll be no-one
And you can carry me away if you want to
And you can lay low
Just like your father and if
I tread upon your feet you just say so
'Cos you're The Captain, I am no-one,
I tend to feel as though I owe one to you, to you
You're the captain and I am no-one
and I owe one to you
We are all going to miss you greatly Bob. Not only did you bring music to our world, but you brought great diversity. You were a bit of everything to everyone. Nothing will ever change that. Thank you.
Well, the dust seems to be settling for the day. The boards and mailing lists were buzzing with kind words, thanks, and cherished memories of Dr. Robert A. Moog. I've spent the last couple of days reading, listening, watching and sharing. Someone on the AH list said something perfectly. Different people deal with loss in different ways. That was like a breath of fresh air to me. I (and I like to believe others) sometimes have a tendancy to second guess myself and how I may be perceived in my handling of such things. I sometimes feel guilt as to who am I to even comment on such a thing. I say two things to this, one, show others respect in this time of grief, and two, don't ever sell yourself short. If you feel and you care, do so. The pain and grief may pale in comparison to those closest to him, but if it is there, it is there, don't dismiss that. And don't disrespect others by selling that short. People deal with things differently. The amazing thing is this diversity is in Bob Moog's instruments. He always claimed to be a toolmaker not a musician. He spent time with musicians and took their feedback into the design of his instruments. He understood that, and most importantly he understood and cherished the uniqueness of each individual playing one of his instruments. I really wanted to link to a piece of music posted on AH, but I promised the author I would not post unless I had his permission. I haven't heard back so I will not post it until I do. I respect that. But I do want to share a song that brought tears to my eyes this Saturday. I was driving up to Bellingham with my wife and daughter and she played The Captain by Kasey Chambers. I couldn't help but think of Bob and what he meant to so many.
...
Well I have handed all my efforts in
I searched here for my second wind
Is there someone here to let me in I asked
So I slammed the doors they slammed at me
I found the place I'm meant to be
I figured out my destiny at last
You be the Captain
And I'll be no-one
And you can carry me away if you want to
And you can lay low
Just like your father and if
I tread upon your feet you just say so
'Cos you're The Captain, I am no-one,
I tend to feel as though I owe one to you, to you
Did I forget to thank you for the ride
I hadn't tried I tend to runaway and hide
You be the Captain
And I'll be no-one
And you can carry me away if you want to
And you can lay low
Just like your father and if
I tread upon your feet you just say so
'Cos you're The Captain, I am no-one,
I tend to feel as though I owe one to you, to you
You're the captain and I am no-one
and I owe one to you
We are all going to miss you greatly Bob. Not only did you bring music to our world, but you brought great diversity. You were a bit of everything to everyone. Nothing will ever change that. Thank you.
Moog Movie Site
Some just find the right words. From the Moog Movie site:
Bob Moog (1934-2005)
You live in our music and in our hearts.
Rest in peace...
Analog Days
http://www.hup.harvard.edu/features/pinana/index.html
Putting this up more for my own reference to get later.
"Tracing the development of the Moog synthesizer from its initial conception to its ascension to stardom in Switched-On Bach, from its contribution to the San Francisco psychedelic sound, to its wholesale adoption by the worlds of film and advertising, Analog Days conveys the excitement, uncertainties, and unexpected consequences of a new technology that would provide the soundtrack for a critical chapter of our cultural history."
Update from AH (make sure to read the comments section for more). Personally I still plan to get it. There may be some mistakes but overall it should be a good read:
"It's also said to contain a lot of B.S. with attributions to people
who simply didn't do certain things the author says they did.
For one, Dan Wyman who ran SoundArts in L.A. in the 70s, and who
WROTE the Moog modular manual, was quite ticked-off when he read the
book and saw so many historical inaccuracies."
Wonderful, now what? ; )
The first Minis
via Till Kopper
Check out this shot of the Minimoog Model A, B, C and finally D that became the standard. There is also a custom double mini in there. I had to do a double take. Funny. Title link takes you to bigger picture on Till Kopper's site.
Minimoog Voyager Prototype - Winter NAMM 2000
In via AH. Click here for Bob introducing the Minimoog Voyager prototype at the Winter 2000 NAMM show. I forgot aobut this one, but remember it when it came out. Note the lack of touch pad control surface, the bank of switches in the lower center, and full laden knobs accross the surface.
Update: It was a non functioning display unit.
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
