MATRIXSYNTH: Friday, November 9, 2007


Friday, November 09, 2007

The ??????

"The ?????? (we don't know what to call it, ask Lyle Workman from Beck who had this custom designed to his specs) I think this guitar came from somewhere in space. We received the coveted KNOB AWARD for this guitar. It sports a Sustainac Sustainer and a built in Kaoss Pad FX with red to gold color shifting finish. We lost a bit of sanity on this project."

via MJ Guitars under Custom Shop. via A.

Oberheim Xpander programming


YouTube via 123synthland.
"As vintage synth dealers, we get to play with a lot of fun toys, but you already know this... I love the Oberheim Xpander! Here's me programming a patch or 2 on the next Xpander we plan to sell. I started out with Oberheim's initialized patch. Though the Xpander isn't as tweak friendly as an analog synth with 1 fader for every parameter, it's still an amazing and deep tool that can be programmed pretty quickly once you're familiar with the layout. Enjoy, and email me anytime at minime123@onebox.com"

Midibox MB-6582 Basic Test 1


YouTube via karnlund. via Nusonica.
"This is probably the first video of a midibox MB-6582 project that contains 8 commodore 64 SID synthesis chips. Visit http://www.midibox.org/ for more information on open source, community built synthesizers, sequencers, and other midi projects."

Moog Prodigy Minimal setup

flickr by g e o ff r e y.

full size

Minimoog Display Case

images via this auction

"Alright you Moog fraks, check this out! This is a display case designed and built specifically for the Minimoog. Show your Minimoog with pride in this display case. It has a plexiglass window, veneer covered wood panels, foam padding on the inside walls, a spot for a cooling fan, and some ventilation slats in the back. SWEET! There is one corner that is a little rough but it could be fixed very easily with some glue or a tack. Local pickup in Los Angeles area only!"

For the true collector in you, or as Nick who sent this to the AH list called it, it's the "Minimoog Bubble Boy." Seinfeld fans should get that one.

Apparently its an old "dot matrix printer noise isolation box."

Simmons SDSV with MFB SEQ-01

"If you own a Simmons SDSV drumbrain and asking yourself what to do with some of the free module slots (if any), here’s the idea how to fill it: Use a MFB SEQ-01 drum sequencer and create a stand-alone Simmons drum machine. This will be a really fun device!"

click here for more info.

BTW, this is from the same site, quadratschulz, as the previous post. Be sure to check it out for more synth goodness.

Quadratschulz Korg SQ10 Extention

"This handcrafted device is intended to extend the capabilities of a vintage KORG SQ-10 without the need of opening or modifying this valuable device. The QUADRATSCHULZ SQ10 EXT provides loads of step switches (3 channels à 12 switches) and advanced
synchronization capabilities using the ROLAND Sync-24 format (sometimes also referred as DIN Sync). This device fits perfectly on top of the KORG SQ-10 so that the step switches of the SQ10 EXT are perfectly aligned to the CV potentiometers of the KORG SQ-10.

Using the Sync-24 format allows to sync a KORG SQ-10 to other vintage gear, e.g. the ROLAND TR-808. It’s also easy to synchronize with your MIDI equipment using a standard MIDI/Sync interface (e.g. from DOEPFER, KENTON, etc.)."

click here for more info and shots.

When One Yamaha CS80 is Not Enough

Image of Vangelis via Vangelis Movements.

Update via Doug in the comments:
"Do they have his ass mic'ed up or something? Look closely at the largest frame... "

Nice catch. Good thing its not a cup.

The Ensoniq VFX - "Vintage Digital"

Carbon111 just put up an Ensoniq VFX Page. His pages are always informative filled with info and images, so do check it out.

"A recent discussion got me thinking about older synths that are overlooked, still very powerful and available dirt-cheap these days. The one that came first to my mind is the wonderful Ensoniq VFX released back in 1989. It was the synth that followed up their hugely popular ESQ-1 and SQ-80 models and had more "features" but has now faded to general obscurity. Its current disfavor probably stems from the fact that it was Ensoniq's first all-digital synth and the User Interface looks rather uninviting - a forgivable misconception as you will soon see.

...you could do things like sweep the flanger with an envelope or modulate delay time with an LFO, syncing FX to the rest of the synthesizer - this was an Ensoniq "trademark" feature that they continued in their subsequent synthesizers."

Also posted on SYNTHWIRE.

Polyphony Magazine

"The years from 1975-85 saw electronic music realize the promise of the previous decades as monophonic voltage controlled synthesizers evolved into the polyphonic, multi-timbral music workstations of today. The pages of Polyphony magazine documented this time of great change with innovative DIY and theory articles, interviews with the artists and engineers who helped shape the future and much more.

There are a limited number of copies of less than 20 issues of Polyphony remaining, far too few to continue offering a complete set at a reduced price. This page will soon have the list of back issues that are still available and the complete list of all Polyphonys and their table of contents. Archive copies are available for photocopying either completely or by article."

Available via PAiA. Also check out Synapse.

Press Cafe


YouTube via stretta. Don't miss the cat at the end.
"A demostration of a quick monome 256 music application I wrote."
Also see this search for stretta. You can do this for others as well using the search box on the top left.

Sequencing And MIDI - how to.


YouTube via DimensionFourMusic. Sent my way via Aleksandar.
"A basic demonstration of MIDI and sequencer posibilities."

Where's me cape?


flickr by Six of One

full size

Korg Prophecy
Korg MS2000
? Anyone know what it is?

Update via Brian in the comments:
"That would be a Yamaha SY85 - gotta love sliders!!!!!"

MS20

flickr by nachzehrer.com

KORG MS20

Admin: Note on YouTube Videos

It looks like YouTube changed their embedded player behavior again. Playlists no longer show the number of videos in the little movie reel looking clips on the right of the player. It just goes from one video to the next. With that, be sure not to miss any with multiple videos like the genoQs set I put up earlier as well as the ARP Avatar set. If you missed the other videos in the sets thinking they were just a repeat of the first video, go check them out. The genoQs has three vids with the third being an instructional video of what happened in the second. It is a really good video that shows you a bit of the interface on the genoQs. The other Avatar vids showcase a wider range of sounds as well as the Roland Space Echo. All good stuff.

Analog Man Chorus Pedals

I try to stay clear of effects unless they are designed specifically with synths in mind, or they come highly recommended for use with synths. Synth80s posted a link to Analog Man Chorus Pedals with the following notes. I wanted to bookmark the site and his notes, so I asked him if I could put up a post. He gave me the OK.

via Synth80s:
"I picked up an analog bi-chorus last year with the true stereo option and the 3-position DEEP toggle switch which changes the frequency spectrum of the chorus. I've found it to be very impressive on guitar, synth and (my favorite application) CP-70. It really nails the late '70s to early '80s chorus sounds I love (think Peter Gabriel's "Melting Face" album).

Officially, it's an Electro-Harmonix clone by design, but it was sufficiently Boss/Roland-ish for me to ditch my Boss CE-300. Like any analog chorus, it can get a bit noisy at extreme settings, but the payoff is in the quality of the sound. The DEEP toggle is really useful when you're trying to find just the right chorus for the source.

While I've never used a real Dimension D or CE-2, the UAD-1 plug-ins are also fantastic, unlike any other chorus plugs I've every used and better than the chorus sound on most outboard digital effects units I've ever used."

Update via WindowsLicker in the comments:
"I own several of his pedals and they are worth every penny. I'm in the process of getting this pedal and this is considered to be THE best chorus pedal you can get your hands on today. The design is based on the Electro Harmonix Small Clone but Analogman worked with the original EH Clone designer and was able to improve on the circuitry to come up with an even better pedal than the small clone.

For the same money of the Analogman chorus, i could pick up a vintage Boss CE-1 which is considered the holy grail of chorus pedals, but then there is always the issue of it failing because of its age.

Glad to see pedals included in MS for once!"

EML 400/401

images via this craigslist post. Another via Ben of mus-ok.

"EML 400/401 analog synth / 32 step sequencer. This synth is in virtually mint condition and recently serviced by Ed Miller."

Be sure to check these out full size.

EML 101

images via this craigslist post. Note this is for sale via Ben of mus-ok. Be sure to click the All Sizes link for the full size shots. You can click the image in this post for the full size as well.

Roland JX-8P and Juno-60


YouTube via Analogger.
"Two great Roland synths together. The midi note data is also being converted to a control voltage which modulates the Juno-60's filter. The hold button on the Juno sustains a drone chord."

Roland MKS-70 "Super JX" Analog Synthesizer


YouTube via retrosound72.
"some factory sounds from the Roland MKS-70 "Super JX" recorded with a small pocket camera"

MFB Synth Lite


YouTube via DjPuzzle73.
"MFB Synth Lite demonstration.
# two oscillators with range, tuning, and saw or square waveforms
# oscillator sync
# ring mod
# LFO with three waveforms and oscillators or filter as a destination
# glide with three settings
# four pole moog style filter with contour
# two ADS(R) envelope generators with selectable release (release time = decay time)
# MIDI in with velocity and mod wheel modulation routings
# external audio input"

Introducing The Harvestman Polivoks VCF

The mystery module (scroll) revealed.
Now in-stock and ready for shipment from Analogue Haven.
"The Harvestman is proud to present the first widely available modular release of the Polivoks filter circuit. The filter is made via a collaboration with the synth's original designer, Vladimir Kuzmin, and Shawn Cleary of Analogue Haven. The filter circuit is identical to the original design and uses the exact same schematic as the Polivoks synthesizer as well as new old stock Soviet integrated circuits (KR140UD1208 and KR140UD608, not Western "equivalents"). A signal mixer and bipolar CV multiplier were added in order to use the filter within the modular realm but no other additions are present. This helps to preserve the unique and unstable sound character without compromising signal flow authenticity.

First sold in the USSR in 1982, the Polivoks was the first voltage-controlled Soviet synthesizer. Boasting an impressive set of features comparable to Western designs, the synthesizer was noted for its extremely aggressive sound, particularly within the filter. Easy to overload, unstable at high Q values, and self-oscillating with a dirty pulse.



Specifications:
Made in cooperation with Vladimir Kuzmin
Manual and voltage-controlled cutoff frequency
Manual control of resonance
Bipolar CV input multiplier
2-input signal mixer (easily overdrives filter)
Low- and bandpass outputs
Original Soviet integrated circuits - no capacitors used in the design!
Panel size: 10HP"

Click here for more info. via Scott Sebastian Jaeger of The Harvestman as well as bbob.
For more info on the legendary russian synthesizer, the Polivoks, see these posts (be sure to scroll).

Blue Sky Rain

flickr by Rico Morán.

click here for the full size shot.

WC Olo Garb - Four Sixty

flickr by polaranta. The man behind these videos.

click here for the full size shot

E-Mus via VEMIA

More up for auction on VEMIA.

E-Mu Drumulator
E-Mu Emulator II
E-Mu Emulator
E-Mu SP-12

Click here for the full set of posts featuring VEMIA items. Note that there or more items for auction on the VEMIA site. These are just some of the images sent my way via Peter Forrest.


Synth Manuals on fdiskc

Click here then click on flat or tree.

Cygnet


YouTube via stretta.
"Cygnet is an extension of the original fourths application. First, it grew the ability to play different grid configurations, then I added a 4-tap delay, then I added an 8-track sequencer. I created this to realize a piece of music which I'm still working on. The max patch is far enough along to create a demonstration video, and share with the patch with the monome community. Hopefully at some point in the future, I'll be able to share a real music statement and not simply a bunch of noodling.

Additional information and the software can be downloaded at stretta.com"
Would be nice if it the monome had velocity sensitivity. ;)

MC-909 // Virus // Equipment test 2: Mindless Techno ;)


YouTube via siedgey.
"Evening all...here's another wee video I made today in a couple of hours. I managed to beat the last video's record of a 2 bar loop. Yup, this is 1 bar. It's created with 909 on drums, CS6x on sub bass, Virus on bleeps, bloops, bass stab and pad. Tweakalizer is used to fun things up a bit. No samples.

I also cock it all up royally in the middle somewhere, but it's only a test track so it doesn't matter to me. Thanks all for watching again. Hope you're not getting bored of these test vids - once I've got to grips with the Virus fully I'll start producing proper again!"

A Guide For Using the PAiA 4700/S


via this auction

Yamaha CS15

images via this auction

D-Lab Electronics Multi Plexer


images via this auction

Details:
"GETLOFI.Com
The Multi-Plexer will produce those famous sounds that you grew up hearing on Lost and Space, The Forbidden Planet, Star Trek and other Sci-Fi classics. The name was assigned, simply because that’s what it does. The circuit sends an analog signal around in a circle, bending and distorting it, like a ring modulator. However, the MP is a FREE RUNNING Synth. No input is required for it to operate. But if you input a signal (like your guitar) it will ride the MP self generated wave. The end product is a result of many manipulations. I cannot describe its sounds in words. Please listen to the links and judge for yourself.

Multi-Plexer.MP3
Multi-Plexer.MP3
Multi-Plexer.Wav

Circuit:
The circuit is a basic pure Analog Synth (not noisy digital) with Depth, Sustain, Impact, Rate, Frequency and Volume adjustments. Only TOP Quality components were utilized. “Spared no expense” The circuit board was custom manufactured using a photo-etch system. It runs on 2- 9vdc batteries (included). Totally isolated circuit will not produce hum or ground loops on your Guitar amp or stereo as other plug in the wall synths do. This is a great gadget to add to your rock band as a creepy, self running, sound generator. It’s also a lot of fun to just play with on your home stereo. This device runs at a low frequency, therefore, it responds well to Bass guitars and keyboard inputs. It's initial design was intended for generation of neat sound effects. The input jack came later.

Check out the MP3 files that my friend in OK sent me (see links above). The original circuit was developed in the 1970’s. 30 of them have sold on the ebay so far. See my feedback for great comments on this device. This gadget is not available anywhere besides D-Lab. In other words, you will be getting a very unique item. My investment per unit is $70.00 (parts), excluding numerous hours of layout and construction time. The cost have elevated due to the cosmetic upgrades. I am doing my best to provide a top notch product. I realize that my gadget is small league compared to the big hitters (Moog, Paia & Korg). I just hope that you enjoy it. Bands around the country have been e-mailing me with great reports incorporating the Multi-Plexer's weird sound into their gigs. This device is great for Band Background weird noise or making your instrument act crazy!

This device is intended for fun or interface with your band equipment, not for development of a new Outer Limits episode. The cost is much less than store bought models and it is fully portable, unlike anything else on the market. Please e-mail me with questions or concerns before bidding. Unit comes with a nifty overview sheet for operating this crazy instrument."

Studio Electroncs SE-1


via this auction

click the image for the full size

Sequential Circuits Pro-One

images via this auction

Farfisa SoundMaker

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

Roland Juno-60

images via this auction

Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer

Univox Mini-Korg Service Manual

via this auction. Note the seller has a ton of other up for auction. I'm just grabbing the screens of a few I find interesting.

MOOG Synth Amp Manual

via this auction

follow up to this post.

Vember Audio Short Circuit Free Sampler

"Sampling is supposed to be fun

Prior to shortcircuit it wasn't as fun as it could be.

Shortcircuit was created as a reaction against the ongoing trend where software samplers are being designed with the primary intent of library playback. It is intended for people who, like us, consider a sampler to be a musical instrument in its own right, and not just a way to emulate other instruments. It has been a very high priority to make sure that adding and editing individual samples is as fast and logical as possible.

The sample hierarchy in shortcircuit allow you to place samples directly at the highest level of the multi, without having to deal with instrument hierarchies and patches. Want to add a sample to your song? Just drag & drop the sample into shortcircuit and you're ready to go. Samples can be put in groups for multi-sampling and kit-building, but the complexity is only there when you need it.
let your ears be the judge

Sound quality is of highest concern, and shortcircuit uses very high-quality interpolation to ensure that your samples sound as good as the source material, regardless of the pitch you play them at. All filters & effects are calculated at the precision required for them to sound the way intended and oversampling are used when required to prevent aliasing.

Shortcircuit was designed to sound great, all other concerns have been secondary. But don't take our word for it, download 'shortcircuit free' and find out for yourself.
...and the toys, don't forget the toys!

Each voice in shortcircuit features two filter-slots, and the selection isn't limited to the traditional pick. In addition to the regular lowpass/highpass/bandpass/notch & peak-filters and variations thereof there is an array of filter algorithms (not strictly filters in the traditional sense, but called so because of their location in the audio path) including distortion, parametric/graphic/morphing equalizers,bit-reduction/decimation, gating, limiting, slew-rate distortion, ring-modulation, frequency shifting and phase-modulation (better known as FM). The selection even includes analog-style oscillators that you can mix with the sample."

[link]

NuDSP Mod271

" Mod271 pronounced as "Mode" (the 271 being a play on Euler's constant) is really a DSP playground with unified audio/MIDI support and functionally is supposed to exist somewhere in between Reaktor, reacTable and Reason (although this isn't the case quite yet). I will refer to Mod271 as M271 throughout the documentation.

This all started out as my own personal frustration with clumsy knobs and sliders in current use by most audio software. I wanted to have an intuitive interface with variable resolution control built-in. The entire interface is rendered in 3D, so you can zoom in and out with the mouse wheel. Zooming in on a node will give you more precise control over its position, zooming out does the opposite.

Really I wanted an environment where there is no different between MIDI or audio signals, so an audio effect will work the same with a MIDI signal. Also I wanted an integrated way to handle envelopes, something that has a direct and visual connection with a node, this ended up meaning the removal of the GUI all together, there is only one interface for everything :) PCs are fast enough now to make this happen.

I'd like M271 to end up as a total modular environment where you can easily make performances just as easy as a synthesizer or effect.

Some cool features include:

* ASIO/MIDI support
* built with portability in mind, a mac/linux version shouldn't be terribly difficult.
* everything is a full audio-rate signal which means you can do DSP type stuff to say a MIDI stream.
* there is a VSTi version in the works but it is still pretty unusable in a general case.
* every node can be automated with unlimited control points and automation takes place right in the 3D environment.
* nodes can influence any amount of other nodes or switched into a singular state.
* all signals are drawn at audio rate and with full hardware acceleration, although this can be disabled.
* the entire environment is rendered in 3D.
* radial and linear influence modes are supported for every node.
* all envelopes and motion are completely sample accurate, meaning you can make an oscillator out of an envelope.
* over 25 node types, of course this is going to grow.
* Python node type that will allow easy extensions.
* and most importantly it's fun! "

Click here for more including the download. Via CDM.
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