Yamaha RM1X

dr00p on AH posted a link to the Yamaha RM1X review on Sonic State. I've always been curious about this box as a hardware sequencer. I'm curious how it compares to others. If you've had any experience with one, feel free to comment. Title link takes you to the review.

Virtual Music Synth Site

Title link takes you to the Virtual Music Synth Site. When you get there, click on the Synthesizer Accessories link on the left frame. You will find zones with info, accessories, and upgrades for ARP, DK Synergy, EMU Systems, Elka Synthex, Ensoniq, Fairlight, Kawai, Korg, Moog, NED Synclavier, Oberheim, PPG, Roland, Sequential, Waldorf, and Yamaha.

Found the site via Ethan Callender in the comments of this post on the PPG Rack. Note Virtual Music has shots of what looks like another PPG Wave 2.3 Rack.

Bleepandbloops Synthezier Pop

"Another little "demo" track, with DotCom and 606 for the rhythm." Title link takes you there.

Buchla 200e

Nice shot of the Buchla 200e on sequencer.de. Moogulator also included a shot of the Packrat's christmas tree. Check it out if you haven't seen it. : )

Won't Get Fooled Again

YouTube via analoghell. Pete Townsend of The Who.

Serge Promo Mailer/Brochure

Title link takes you to two full sized shots sent my way via Dennis Verschoor.

Podcast: Sonic State Talk - 013

"This weeks topics include: Kaoss Pad 3 - phono in debate, Digidesigns Mbox 2 Pro, Tamago - a new digital distribution network, new super tower from Dell, Native Instruments new plugs, the SM Pro Audios PM8 Summing amp, MXR Large Diaphragm USB mic, the great laptop battery fiasco and Pete Townsend and his massive modular on Youtube."

Title link takes you there. Hmm... I don't think I everput that Pete Townsend video up. Coming right up. : )

The Ghetto Drum System

Title link takes you there.

"Through some 'net research, I quickly discovered that piezo elements could be hacked and used as triggers. Others have managed to use PIC microcontrollers or similar hardware to read triggers and send MIDI output signals to other devices. Naturally, this approach seemed to point at what I was wanting...but it would need some customization.

While MIDI is great and flexible, I really wanted something that would allow me to play arbitrary electronic drum sets/kits. Because I don't own a single MIDI device, I decided that a PC would be the perfect sound generator. I had already done a few projects that use the serial port on a PIC, so this seemed like the way to go."

via GetLoFi.

ARP Rhodes Chroma for Auction

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction. Update: Peter originally had this listed as one of the first 50 by Phillip Dodd's ARP team. It turns out it was not.

Updated description:
"NB I've just had an authoritative source tell me that my naive and un-researched belief that 2101 would be the first run (since other runs were 2102, 2103, 2104...) could well be complete bollocks. I am researching this now and will make changes in the listing as soon as I know more.

This particular machine sounds totally gorgeous - rich, powerful, and all of course controlled by one of the best keyboards in the world. Wooden, beautifully weighted, and much nicer than the CS-80. (Of course it doesn't have the rare optional polyphonic aftertouch sensor, and it would be lovely to know if those are possible to find or reproduce.)

It has been fully serviced within the last 8 weeks by Roy Paynter, who is the UK's number one Chroma service guy, and universally recommended. He has a Chroma permanently in his workshop as a test-bed, and knows the machines inside out. His servicing warranty is three months, so there will be ample time for you to check the Chroma out within the warranty period.

This machine is European voltage. It was originally bought by Ken Freeman, famous inventor of the String Machine, who used it extensively in his music. It still has his little 'Ken' sticker on it. He eventually sold it in 1994 at the first VEMIA auction, where it was bought for £2000 by Global Communications (Mark Pritchard and Tom Middleton).

They then used it in their music for years, but Mark has now emigrated to Australia, and the Chroma was one thing that he couldn't fit into his suitcase.

It is in decent cosmetic condition - see the photos. A very reasonable 7/10, with some little knocks to the wood, and a few minor blemishes. The wood could easily be re-finished for certain, as it's solid..... but who knows if that's the right thing to do?

It works beautifully, and has the original factory presets loaded. Some of these are maybe a bit dated, and some definitely need a reasonable velocity to sound at all - unlike a standard plastic synth keyboard, this one has to be played like a piano, and just like a piano if you put your finger on a key and press slowly no sound will come out - but most are brilliant - powerful, full, meaty, smooth... altogether wonderful.

One of the nice things about this machine is that it comes with all the original literature - the Programming Manual, Performance Manual, Interface Manual, fold-out four side parameter map, and, best of all, the original preliminary Service Manual, complete with all schematics with ARP logos.

It has its original flight-case, which is in good condition except for the foam, which has started to deteriorate. We will cover ithe Chroma in plastic and pack it in polystyrene and bubble-wrap inside the flightcase, or pack it perfectly safely in polystyrene inside a carton without the flightcase, at the buyer's choice.

This is an absolute pleasure to play, and it would be a great thing to own.

For more information about Chromas generally, please check out the excellent rhodeschroma.com.

This machine isn't cheap, but it is very very special, and if you value beautiful keyboard feel and great rich analogue sounds you will love it.

I run the VEMIA online auction (Vintage Electric Musical Instrument Auctions). But the owner needs to sell now.... so here this is on eBay. (The next VEMIA auction isn't until November 4-11.) We are expert shippers at decent prices - please look at my feedback.

I also write the A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers books."

TB-303 PRO Eigenbau

Title link takes you to more info in German. Google translated here.

"Thus I offer the equipment here. Surely it does not sound exactly like correct 303, but with various effects in the back to one can get genuinly violent sound from this can."

Gotta love Google trashlator. : )

via sequencer.de.