ARP 2600 Vintage Modular Analog Synthesizer Video

video upload by 123synthland

Sent my way via HarriL.

"We deal in vintage synths, so we get to play a ...
We deal in vintage synths, so we get to play a lot of fun toys. One of our favorites is the ARP 2600. We've sold many of them over the years, and each one sounds different. This is a video of 1 of a couple short "jam sessions" I had with the next 2600 we plan on putting up for sale. It's knobs are off as we were wrapping up cleaning and servicing this unit. We've got a keyboard for it but it wasn't used for this noisemaking session. ARP 2600s are well known for their filter instability. This one in particular is quite unstable - the filter clips really easily when the resonance is low, to the point where the sound can sometimes disappear, so it's great for distorted noises. Simply altering the volumes of the signals going into the filter and VCA can cause some very interesting rhythmic effects. Because of its unique sound, we decided to leave the filter the way it is rather than tweak it or replace it with a "better behaved" one. This video is a departure from my normal 10 second clips, so hopefully this won't bore you guys to death. :) Enjoy. Email us anytime at minime123@onebox.com"

More Schematics via Mike Peake

Roland SH101 schematic (Osc/Filt/Env), if you think the SH101 had that sound.
Roland IR3109-based companded phase shifter. Really nice-sounding.
Polyfusion LPF schematic.
Polyfusion HPF calibration (sorry, don't know where the LPF cal doc is).
Oberheim 1495-based ring modulator.
Calibration for the Oberheim RM.
Electro-Harmonix Frequency Analyzer (RM) shemo, 1496 IC.
EMS Synthi blank patch sheet.
Synton Syrinx blank patch sheet.

SH101 Schematic Crop pictured. As usual, click on the "All Sizes" link for each when you get there for the full size shot.

Update: more links in the comments.

GetLoFi Lo-Fi Fest Saturday Sept 15 Iowa City, IA

Title link takes you to more info on GetLoFi.

Modular Synthesizer Pictures

Title link takes you to the thread on electro-music.com. Hopefully no one will ask anyone to take any images down. ;)

Pictured here is this monster Serge analog modular synth.

Sequential Circuits Six-Trak "Log"

Title link takes you to shots via this auction. Sequential Circtuits minus keys. via Stephen. Note it was "Modded by Phil, a Sequential Circuits Employee, while Sequential Circuits was still in business, prior to the firesale, in his garage, with the sledge hammer."

69 - auralla (real time music composition)

YouTube via atishmeh.
"Wrote a program that parses log files of mint.com to generate music on the fly"
More info on atish.net.

Vako Polyphonic Orchestron

Title link takes you to shots via this auction. Second one in under a week.

"The Orchestron will come with the following sound discs;

* Flute
* Violin
* Cello
* Vocal Choir
* Pipe Organ"

eDrum - DIY electronic drum controller

"This page is about electronic drums. Here you will find detailed information on how to build an electronic Trigger to MIDI Converter module, based on PIC Microcontroller, and how to build the triggers. This project has been developed for many years now, and it is constantly improving. You can expect professional results form your eDrum module. Let's start with the..."

Title link takes you there. Sent my way via Robert via MAKE.

Sixtoo Jackals and Vipers Documentary

http://sixtoo.blogspot.com/. Sent my way via Ben Shannon.
There's some fun with the Moogerfooger pedals about halfway in.

Yamaha Tenori-On Review on Sonic State

Moog LP & DSI MEK Comparison in Hi-Fi pt1

YouTube via shaft9000. Sent my way via Mr. Array.
"Here is a basic sound comparison between two incredible synthesizers. They are the two top analog monophonic keyboards on the mass market today...so rather than competing for your adulation, it is best to appreciate what they do differently. You NEED them both!"

Yamaha VSS-30

I just saw this posted on Synthwire by Inverseroom. He has a number of items up for auction. - circuit bent stuff and some modules.

Pictured is a bent Yamaha VSS-30.

"The VSS-30 was probably the ultimate in mini lofi samplers, and this one is in pretty good shape, a little dusty perhaps. I have added a series of buttons and switches that have various effects on the sound. The red buttons affect the sampled sound (listen to the samples below) and the switches affect the preset sounds and arpeggiations (also hear samples). The switches are labeled with the effect each has on the sounds--don't turn your headphones up too high, some of them are rather harsh (you can guess which ones). The "glitch" switch is unpredictable, and in the sound sample causes the song to stutter and eventually double in tempo."

Circuit-bent VSS-30 sound sample Images saved here for when the auction disappears.

Music From Outer Space Custom Face Panels

via Wild Zebra on electro-music.com.

"Panels are plexi glass that was laying around at work. Alittle photoshop magic printed to glossy cardstock at work(boy its nice to work in a print shop) Sparay glued voila."
Title link takes you to more.

Korg MS-20 - Endless space loop

YouTube via Newueel.
"The MG output is connected to TRIG IN to create an endless loop (so we don't need the keyboard anymore for triggering the envelopes). The other MG output is used to clock the SAMPLE & HOLD to generate the random space bleeps. Both VCO's and the NOISE GENERATOR are used to create the sounds. The amount of noise from the noise generator is controlled by the control wheel (using the VCA and EXT SIGNAL IN). Additionaly an (external) delay is used to sound even better.

Wanna try for yourself? Check out the patch settings below!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

KNOB SETTINGS:
VCO1: [Sawtooth] [(N/A)] [32']
VCO2: [Sawtooth] [-2] [2']
PORTAMENTO: [0]
VCOMIX: [10] [10] [ 0] [ 0]
HPF: [ 5] [ 7] [10] [ 0]
LPF: [ 5] [ 7] [10] [ 0]
MG: [(points to the right)] [4]
EG1: (N/A)
EG2: [0] [0] [1] [1] [1]
ESP: (N/A)

PATCHES:
(create endless trigger loop:)
1. MODULATION GENERATOR (OUT RECTANGLE) -> TRIG IN

(sample & hold:)
2. MODULATION GENERATOR (OUT TRIANGLE) -> SAMPLE & HOLD (CLOCK)
3. NOISE GENERATOR (PINK) -> SAMPLE & HOLD (IN)
4. SAMPLE & HOLD (OUT) -> VOLTAGE CONTOLLED OSCILATOR 1 (TOTAL)

(noise generator:)
5. CONTROL WHEEL -> VCA (CONTROL INPUT)
6. NOISE GENERATOR (WHITE) -> VCA (IN)
7. VCA (OUT) -> EXT SIGNAL IN"

Redsound Elevata

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Suzuki Omnichord

Click here for shots via this auction.

"This synthesizer has a very interesting sound. It has qualities of an organ,guitar and drum. The Sonicstrings that are strummed similar to a guitar or harp gives the instrument its unique unusual heavenly or not of this earth sound.Features: Level/ Mode Selection: Manual/ Auto-bass Chord; Chord Hold; Sonic Strings (Sustain and Volume); and Chord Volume.The Rhythm selection has: Rock 1 and 2; Disco; Latin; Country; March; Tango; Blues; Swing; and Waltz. There is a tempo dial and volume dial. Master Control has: the power button and volume dial. The case is gray and hard plastic with handle and locks. This unit can use the AC adapter or 8 C Size batteries ( Batteries are not included. Approximate dimensions: The OmniChord is approximately 20 1/2" in length; 1 1/2" in height; and 11" in width. The hard case is approximately 21" length; 3" in height; and 14" (including handle) in width. Included: OmniChord System One OM-84 Autoharp Synthesizer One AC/DC Adapter power cord, One car lighter plug and One Gray Hard Plastic Case. A unique instrument nice condition with an added chord memory feature letting you play rhythm and lead at the same time. It also has a 1/4" output connector. This Onmichord will provide guitar, piano, drums, bass, and organ all in one."

Sequential Circuits Six-Trak

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

"This Six-Trak has the upgraded ROM 11 from Wine Country, which expands its MIDI capabilities. The Six-Trak not only sounds great, but is very inspiring to play thanks to the six track real time sequencer. You can play 6 mono parts with 6 different sounds or stack the sounds using multiple sequencer tracks for chords, etc. There is also a stacked mode when playing which creates thick 6VCO mono sounds!! All the editable parameters are listed on the front panel and can be seen in the picture below. This is really a fun synth and due to its compact size, ability to store presets and extensive MIDI capabilities, the Six-Track is well suited for the studio or the stage, although since I have owned it, it's never made it past the studio. Overall I would rate this synth 9+/10.

The unit includes, original manual (not in great shape) and power cord."

Alesis Andromeda A6

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

MOOG Realistic MG-1

Two sets via two auctions.

set 1 via this auction.
set 2 via this auction.

Note the patent sticker.

Akai AX80

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

"Akai’s first venture into the synthesizer arena. Released in 1984 for $1,395 and later reduced to $999. The unit is mono-tambral eight voice with two DCO’s (plus a sub-osc) per voice. It features a 5 octave velocity sensitive keyboard with a nice amount of resistance. Velocity can be routed to control the filter cutoff and / or the VCA, and has a nice full range of 99 steps. A spring loaded pitch bend wheel and non spring loaded modulation wheel are at the base left on the keyboard (where they belong). The wheels parameters are global and are controlled by two knobs above the wheels. The pitch wheel has a maximum range of +/- 1 octave. The modulation wheel can control the oscillator modulation and/or filter modulation. The most interesting feature on the unit is its fluorescent display which details the parameter value of almost all parameters at once via bar graphs (only one envelope is displayed at a time). The display makes programming the unit a breeze and is very informative especially if your new to subtractive synthesis. Almost each parameter has its own switch (32 switches in all) and the parameter’s value is changed using a knob for large changes and membrane switches for +/- 1 increments. The know functions in real time so you can adjust a specific parameter as you play. In addition to the massive parameter display the unit also features a two digit and three digit L.E.D. which in edit mode displays the parameter selected for editing and its current value. When the unit is not in edit mode the unit displays the patch selected. The thirty two membrane switches are used to select the patch when the unit is not in edit mode. The unit holds three banks (A,B,P) of thirty two or 96 in total. And as you probably guess P stands for preset which are non volatile but the other 64 are volatile which is plenty of storage space. The display is one of the best on any synth I have ever seen or used. The voice parameter section is quite nice albeit fairly standard and makes some great sounds. The AX-80 uses CEM chips and has a two pole filter. Each voice is comprised of two oscillators with an additional sub oscillator, VCF (high pass and low pass), three LFO’s, and two envelopes. Note: The unit has only three LFO’s in total so each voice shares the LFO’s (see below). DCO 1 offers a frequency range of 16,8,and 4, choice of waveform between sawtooth, pulse width, and a mix of the two, pulse width control, pulse width modulation speed (which is controlled independently of the LFO!!!), and a sub oscillator which produces a square wave one octave below the frequency selected for osc 1. DCO 2 offers a frequency range at any half step interval between 16 and 2. In additional it may de-tuned +/- 36 steps to achieve a nice fat beating sounding when heard with osc 1. Osc. 2 offers sawtooth, square (no pulse width), and mix of the two. In addition osc 2 may be hard or soft synced to osc 1. Osc 2 pitch may be modulated by either envelope (note: the envelope may be inverted). Osc 2 may be modulated by LFO 2. Each oscillator offers it owns volume control for simple mixing. Its a shame that the mix can not be controlled by velocity or one of the envelopes. VCF. The AX uses a two pole filter. The filter is fine for leads, basses, sweeps, synth brass, etc. The filter parameters for filter cutoff, keyboard follow (99 steps), envelope depth (may be inverted), resonance, key velocity and high pass filter (which is non dynamic but 99 values are allowed). The resonance is nice and thick and the filter can self oscillate. The resonance has a bass boost circuit so the sound doesn’t fall out from underneath so quickly as it does on some other synths. When the filter is opened wide, the sound can be quite bright. LFO. The AX has three LFOs in total for all eight voice, however LFO 1 controls osc , LFO 2 controls osc 2, and LFO controls osc 3, which allows for some very nice effects. Its great for fat leads since each oscillator can be slightly detuned using different LFO amounts, and their is still one LFO left to modulate the filter. If you hold down a chord and play a lead on top, every time you play a new key, the LFO’s will re-trigger this affecting the held chord. Sometimes this type can be quite useful. I wish that you could select weather the LFO would re-trigger or not. The LFO section is a trade-off but is different from most other synths, so I view it as a positive since it allows me to do stuff I can’t do on other units. Each LFO has the following parameter: depth, delay, rate, waveform which include sawtooth, reverse sawtooth, square, and triangle. It would have been nice to also have sine and random. ENV. Two standard ADSR envelopes with key follow. Key follow has 99 values which is much better than off/half/on as found on some synths. One envelope is for the VCA, the other is for the filter. However the VCA envelope can be used for both the filter and the VCA (note: this is parameter 30 set to 2 (VCA-VCF mode), leaving the other envelope to modulate the pitch of osc 2. Either envelope may be used to modulate the pitch on osc 2. The AX has midi in / out / thru (wouldn’t it be nice if all synths had all three jacks opposed to the combination out/thru or worse no thru). At least the unit powers is always in POLY mode and you may select any channel to receive on. Interesting enough you may then select any channel to send on, and therefore these channels may be different. The save / load time is very quick and one of the most reliable I have used. A verify feature is provided. The back panel is angled upward making for easy access. The back pannel supports a ¼ mono output, headphone jack, sustain jack, program pedal (which can be used to change programs in an +1 upward manner), and midi jacks (as noted above). The unit also has a chord memory feature and the keyboard can be transposed upwards over a range of 11 semitones. A really good synth ... very good and different sounding. The sound reminds me a lot of the Chroma Polaris, and it couldn’t sound anything less like a Roland. I view these as positives and the AX was a welcome addition to my set up. Being different is what it is all about."