MATRIXSYNTH: Friday, November 14, 2008

Friday, November 14, 2008

New Optigan Disc - RADIOAKTIVOX

YouTube via peahix. Note: Oregon is pronounced Origgun, Optigan is pronounced Optigon. Think about it.
follow-up to these posts. We finally get an answer to the clock thing on the wall!
"It's the news you've been waiting for! We are now ready to release the first in a series of new, high quality Optigan discs. We've listened to your feedback and have produced a disc that contains the sounds most requested, and in the style that scored the highest in our survey. We call the disc Radioaktivox. Is in the style of a familiar German synthesizer band from the seventies. We used the much sought after Optigan/Orchestron choir sound for the keys- a sound made famous by said band. We used the original source material from the master tapes and have totally eliminated the clicks and pops at the loop seams.

We are now accepting advanced orders for Radioaktivox. You can help us reduce the cost of the discs by placing your advanced order by 12/15/2008. The more orders we receive, the lower the cost. The minimum quantity we can make is 25 pieces for a price $100 a disc. We think that price is too high. If we could get about 100 advanced orders, we believe we can knock off another $10 to $15. Whatever the savings ends up being, we will refund that amount to you at the time we fulfill your order.

Please visit http://shoptigan.ecrater.com/product.... to place your order!

Thanks for your support! We are excited about releasing the first Optigan disc in 34 years, and we hope that there will be many more."

Moog CP-251 Control Processor Applications

YouTube via MoogMusicInc
"An overview of the Moog CP-251 Control Processor, featuring Jordan Rudess and Brian Kehew."

ARP Quadra Model 2463

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

via this this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

IVL CHAPMAN STICK GRID 1 RACK 7000 PITCH TO MIDI SYNTH

via this auction
"This is a one space rack unit for a half grid or 5-6 string design of the chapman stick. It is in it's oem ivl grid box with foam and wrap. It is rare and works well… this unit converts a pitch signal through a synthesuzed sound. A master midi output which will connect to a midi slave or synthesizer output, thus producing synthesized sounds or to trigger other midi slave devices.

Ivl history: ivl pitchrider 7000 units are guitar and multi-string pitch input to midi conversion units. We have them also in stock, and they are for sale on line. These 7000 units are identical to the chapman stick "grid" system which work with any number of string guitars (up to 6) and the 5 or 10 string chapman stick systems. 1/2 and full grid, 5 or 10 string systems. They are all 1 space rack units."

Roland System 100

images at this auction

"Roland Synthesizer 101, the keyboard synth component of a System 100. It has a single oscillator, LFO, low pass resonant filter, highpass filter, and an envelope. It comes with its original box."

Oberheim Stretch1984 OBERHEIM DX STRETCH

images via this auction

"OVERVIEW
The DX Programmable Digital Drum Machine from Oberheim fills the professional musician's need for an afford able. easy to use, state- of- the- art drum computer. Based upon the modular Oberheim DMX Drum Machine, the DX offers the sound and features of the DMX in a less expensive, more integrated package . The DX is not a drum synthesizer; it is a complex microcomputer system programmed with digital studio recordings of real drums. It doesn't sound like a rhythm box. it sounds like a drummer. Not only does the DX sound like a drummer, it can play like a real drum mer; with rolls, flams, odd time signatures, uneven phrases, changing tempos, or even off the beat. Up to 2200 notes can be stored in the DX, recorded in any of 100 Sequences of any length or time signature. Drum sequences can be recorded in real time or one note at a time. Any of the 18 individual drums (including crash cymbal) or individual notes can be recorded, erased, and then re-recorded until the drum beat is exactly right. The sequences can be combined to form up to 50 songs. Each song can contain up to 255 sequences, arranged in any order, to form a complete composition. Tempo and Time Signature are programmable for each sequence, and with the DX's extensive editing capability, a song's structure can be changed quickly and easily. The DX has several Quantize modes, which correct your rhythm to any beat between l/4 notes and 1/32 note triplets, or turn the Quantize off for the human feel. In addition, there is a Swing mode which will give rhythms the uneven feel that is used so often in jazz and other music.

There are individual tuning controls for each voice on the rear panel and each of the six DX voices has its own output. so you can record them on separate tracks. or EQ them separately. There is also a 7 input stereo mixer to allow you to mix all of the drums into the stereo and mono outputs. The DX can run in synchronization with the Oberheim DSX Digital Polyphonic Sequencer and the other components of the Oberheim Music System as well as other sequencers. There is a programmable external trigger, so you can control the DX with sequencers, synthesizers. or even a drum kit. A battery maintains power to the memory when the DX is turned off. so that you don t lose your sequences when you turn off power. A cassette interface is provided which enables quick changes of all of the sequences and permanent data storage. original list price $1395.00

STRETCH expander for Oberheim DX drum machines. The Stretch adds the two things DX owners want most of all: more sounds and more features for older model DX drum machines. For those DX machines, features are added like variable clock, auto start, cue tempo, midi clock out & more. Each Stretch voice has its own buttons, tuning, output jack and level control for the mixed output of the DX. Zif sockets are included to make it easier to add new sounds, containing chip locations for 4 more rows. original list price $495.00"

Roland TR-808 with MIDI

images via cl516 in this forum post (note it is for sale)

Roland TR-909

images via cl516 in this forum post (note it is for sale)

Three Models of the Moog Taurus Pedals?

If you read the description of this post you will see mention of three versions of the Moog Taurus Pedals. I was only aware of two, so I thought maybe there was a revision of one of the two at some point. I checked with a respected synth enthusiast and he also is only aware of two models. If anyone knows of a third or some revision that might lead to one referencing three versions, let us know. Leave a comment at the other post or shoot me an email (contact info is on the bottom right of this site).

Update: see the update at the bottom of the prior post.

Synthpond 2.0 Now Available

"synthPond is a relaxing spatial sequencer and audio toy.

Unlike a normal sequencer where you place notes on a grid and a moving playhead plays them, in synthPond you place nodes in a field (pond).

There are two major types of nodes.
-Circular nodes release waves at certain intervals.
-Hard-edged nodes release waves when waves hit them

Moving these nodes about allows you to create complex and relaxing melodies.

Additionally, because all the nodes are spatially organized, the audio generated can also be placed in a 3D space, occurring around the listener coming from the relative positions of each node. synthPond was built with mobileFrameworks, an iPhone related c++ library for artists"
You can find it here:

Build: Mini-Theremin in under a minute

YouTube via makemagazine
"Assembly of the Gakken Mini-Theremin kit @ warp-speed - complete with error correction!
http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKGK"
Note this is from the magazine Gakken, who brought us the Gakken SX-150. Each issue comes with a DIY kit that requires no soldering.

sweet nov.

YouTube via vonhaulshoven

sweet nov. part 2

Roland HS-60 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer JUNO 106

YouTube via caroy111

"Here a demo of my Roland HS-60 Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer. It a Juno 106 but with 2 speaker so it made some awesome analog sound for cheaper."

Nord Lead 1 through a Frostwave Blue Ringer

YouTube via soundxplorer
"The carrier wave goes down into LFO range for tremolo effects. "Input B" can be used in place of the built-in carrier wave, or you can use a 50/50 mix of both."

RC CIRCUIT BENT WARP DRIVE MODULATION PHASER/EFFECTS UNIT

YouTube via djwidow420

"CUSTOM BUILT SPECAIL EDITION PHASER BY RESONANCE CIRCUITS"

Watch your speakers at :59.

Casio SK-1
Roland TR-505 comes in at 3:30

Panda

flickr by karismafilms

full size
KORG MicroKORG

"To start my collection of weird pictures - that's a Panda playing Korg. Taken some weeks ago on Future Shorts fest opening, in Kotibaari."

Check The Patch By Swapping Pins

via THE SYNTHI blog

"This album was officially released in 2003 by theesonicabyss.com. Now available in mp3 format at amazon.com. All sounds were made with a EMS Synthi AKS only."

You can listen to samples of it on Amazon

GForce M-Tron Pro

"The M-Tron Pro virtual instrument is a remarkable emulation of the classic Mellotron — the unique tape playback keyboard made famous by such luminaries as The Beatles, Yes, Led Zeppelin and The Moody Blues.

The 3.5GB sound library features over 200 tape banks (sample sets) including those from the M-Tron, 19 of which have been remastered at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios resulting in a warmth of tone surpassing the originals.

M-Tron Pro also delivers 45 brand-new tape banks and over 700 patches, many created by world-class recording artists and programmers. Utilise the patches or open the lid to access G:sampler’s easy editing controls for layers, splits, reverse, halfspeed and much more. It can be used in standalone mode (Mac/PC) or as a plug-in for most popular host applications.
A Virtual Classic... and Beyond
Dating back to the pre-digital 1960s, the Mellotron was one of the first sample-based keyboards. Artists such as The Moody Blues, Yes, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Genesis and later OMD, Radiohead and Oasis have used them to emulate strings, choirs and other orchestral instruments, while the BBC used them extensively for sound effects.

When pressed, each key engaged playback of a discrete strip of tape containing an eight-second recording of that note played on an instrument such as a violin. The tape rewound after key release. The lack of looping forced the player to adapt his playing style giving the instrument a unique playing characteristic in addition to its already distinct sound. The more commercial models featured the ability to switch between three different sound sets within the installed tape bank — and adventurous owners were able to physically swap tape banks with care and patience.

We first paid homage to this venerable keyboard with the M-Tron. Now M-Tron Pro goes far beyond — and is as much a labor of love as the Mellotron itself. As well as the aforementioned Abbey Road remasters, we're also supplying over 40 of the tape banks looped.

More Under the Hood
Lift the lid of the M-Tron Pro and you’ll discover a whole new set of easy yet powerful editing controls that take the Tron experience way beyond what the original inventors ever imagined.

Set up your own splits and layers, apply vintage ensemble and delay effects, and sculpt your sound with low-pass, band-pass and high-pass resonant filters. And that’s just the beginning. You’ll find tape reverse, tape half-speed and a slew of synth-type parameters—making the M-Tron Pro a remarkable source for unique signature sounds far beyond the basic tape banks sounds themselves.

Programmable MIDI CC control implementation with MIDI Learn lets you control it all from your MIDI controller and there’s dynamic keyboard control including filter aftertouch.
Standalone or Host Operation
You can use the M-Tron Pro by itself or as a plug-in for most popular host applications including Live, Cubase, Logic, GarageBand, SONAR, Digital Performer, ACID and Pro Tools|HD®, Pro Tools LE® and Pro Tools M-Powered™ software.

Compatible formats include VST 2.4 (Mac/PC including VSTi), RTAS® (Mac/PC), MAS (Mac) and Audio Units (Mac). In other words, it’s easy to integrate M-Tron Pro with the rest of your studio and use it just about any way you want."

Be sure to see this overview video by Sonic State.

My lair - 2

flickr by richarddubreq
(click for more)

full size

A synth cellar.

KORG MicroKORG
Casio ?

Acidlab Bassline

more images here

it's for sale, contact: ctrl_(at)_robotmuzak_(dot)_com if interested

Chris Reccardi - "COSMODELIC"

You might remember Chris Reccardi's work for this post. He will be putting on a show this Saturday, the 15th, 7-10PM at M Modern Gallery in Palm Springs, CA.

You can find the invite to the show here and a preview with links to his art here.

elektron anniversary editions

via bleepology where you will find more info.

Philips / Brother PCM 100 Composer Digital Sequencer

via this auction

"Philips / Brother PCM 100 Composer Digital Sequencer
Very Rare portable digital sequencer from Philips / Brother
Somewhat of an oddity - tape based sequencer, with FM style digital synth
Playable with membrane keyboard, 100 onboard fm sounds
Fully featured rudimentary sequencer, with step and realtime input, 4 channels
Record results or data to inbuilt cassette! (see photos for details)
This unit also includes connectors for a guitar strap, or similar
uses 6 AA batteries (included), or a 9v power adaptor (not included)
Unfortunately, no english manual is available for the pcm 100, but a foreign language copy is available here"

Update via audiblesmiler (at) audiblesmile dot co dot uk:

"At one point in my career I ended up as the Technical Manager for the group within Philips that supported this gizmo.

(I remember how I found that out too - one day I found a stash of them in a store cupboard, and called the Philips Support main product support line to see if they could put me through to the tech support for it. Every time I tried it was busy, so after 3 or 4 attempts I asked if I could have the name and number, which they wouldn't normally give, but since it was an internal call, they trusted me. They gave me my own name and number...)

I've got a copy of the English user manual, and I'm happy to take requests for individual copies until I can get it scanned in and PDF'd. If there's enough demand I can do that over the coming holidays."

CLICK FOR MORE »

SH09 - Part 1

YouTube via soundxplorer
"Roland SH-09 for sale on Ebay. Some sliders really need cleaning. You can hear the intermittent slider action when I start adjusting the pulse width modulation in this video. (Part 1 of 3)"

SH09 - Part 2

SH09 - Part 3

Top 20 Weirdest Instruments - The Optigan

see the write-up on Sonic State

Song Created with Dimension Pro

YouTube via CakewalkSoftware
"Dimensions library includes tons of thumping bass, grand piano, searing electric guitar, kickin drum kits, a full orchestral suite, instruments from around the world, and more. The library also explores the worlds of techno, trance and electronica, providing a comprehensive collection of synth leads, electronic basses, lush pads and gripping atmospheres. With such a library, making compositions like this one is possible."

Zorch at Sussex University 1976

flickr by basilb

"Basil and Gwyo at the end of a Zorch concert at Sussex University in 1976. The show was promoted by Hamish Macdonald who also took this photo.

Equipment consisted of 3 EMS Synthi A synthesizers, 2 EMS KS Sequencer keyboards, an EMS DK2 keyboard, an EMS Synthi HiFli effects unit, an EMS Frequency Shifter and a Sony reel to reel tape recorder for echo.

There was also a full lightshow provided by John Andrews and Mac Moody, sadly not visible in this photo due to the use of flash.

PA system was by Tony Andrews who went on to found Turbosound and now runs Funktion-One."

Minimoog Patches

YouTube via PeterAlbrektsen.
Playlist:
Kit Watkins Minimoog lead setting
Keith Emerson moon chord Minimoog setting
Keith Emerson Minimoog patch setting for Tarkus
Trilogy Minimoog patch by Keith Emerson.
trumpet, trombone, and tuba patches for Minimoog

AudioCubes at Brussels Geek Girl Dinner 9

flickr set by percussa
(click for more)

via http://percussa.com/

Reaktor Spiral Sequencer in Kore 2

Reaktor Spiral Sequencer in Kore 2 from Create Digital Media on Vimeo.
"This is a demonstration of some creative possibilities using the new Spiral Sequencer Reaktor ensemble in Kore 2 with different Koresounds, including synthesizer, guitar, piano and drum / percussion sounds.

Big ups to madman Lazyfish for programming the Spiral Sequencer."

The Moog Guitar with Moog Filter

I was a little slow in posting this one as it is a guitar. I checked out the official Moog Guitar site and saw this in the feature set:

"MOOG FILTER - control the frequency of the built-in, resonant Moog ladder filter using the foot pedal or a CV Input."

That and Moog gets a post. Not to mention the green. We likes the green...

A True Rompler: 8-bit Drum Machine

YouTube via littlescale
"I wanted to make a device that plays back digital audio, without the use of any programming or a microcontroller or a computer. In other words, the most basic rompler, as a hardware-only device. This is an example of a drum machine.
http://little-scale.blogspot.com"