MATRIXSYNTH: Tuesday, February 24, 2009


Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Memorymoog Plus and KORG Radias

flickr by aleph3000ac
(click for more)

There are some incredible shots in this set. Note the double radias keyboard.


POLYKLiNiK

image via:

http://www.myspace.com/polyklinik

"All tunes made with Waldorf Blofeld, XTK, Yamaha TX81z. The drums from Ableton Live. Dubstep from Hungary"

INFREQUENCY

"Richard Lainhart among the sound artists who create new compositions based on the earliest known recording of the human voice.

The original recording was made by Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville on April 9, 1860 using his own invention, the phonautograph, and consists of a series of scratches on a roll of blackened paper. Scott had never developed a way to play back his recordings and they went unheard for 148 years. In 2008, scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory converted the thin lines back into audio, allowing us to hear a woman singing a segment of the folk song “Au Clair de la Lune”.

INFREQUENCY made an open call was made for artists to submit their own interpretations of the 1860 recording by Édouard-Léon Scott. This project is a conceptual extension of breathing life back into this document through modern technology; deciphering a voice that was etched into a thin layer of oil lamp smoke, and featuring a diverse group of international contemporary composers, creating new works from this ten second piece of history.

Richard Lainhart's contribution, "La Lune dans la Lumière de Jour" (The Moon in the Light of Day) uses only the original recording as its sound source, to which he applies extreme time-stretching and spectral transformations to create a haunting new work of mysterious metallic timbres.

This free, digital-only release from INFREQUENCY collects together nine exceptional submissions as high quality MP3s.

VARIOUS | AU CLAIR DE LA LUNE (digital)
MP3 | INFREQUENCY D001 | Duration 55min

featuring:
PHILIPPE JELLI
JIMMY BEHAN
VENUS VULTURE
THOMAS ANFIELD & DAVID BIRCHAM
RICHARD LAINHART
CIMARRON CORPÉ
SHIN ICHIRO A
ROB THEAKSTON
SIGHUP

For more information:
http://www.infrequency.org/

To download the release:
http://www.zshare.net/download/56128530acd1141d/

To hear the original recording:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Édouard-Léon_Scott_de_Martinville

Richard Lainhart
http://www.otownmedia.com"

Note the label below. Click it for one prior post including an image and audio of the original recording.

KEYBOARDS AND VINES! black and white

flickr by argyleacademy.com
(click for the color version)

Moog Prodigy by Numbers

flickr by The Ultimate Pits

full size

Mixxx 1.6.2 & SCS.3d "DaScratch" sneak preview


YouTube via SCSystem

"DJ Pegasus gives a preview of advanced MIDI controller handling coming in Mixxx 1.6.2 (http://www.mixxx.org) Featuring the Stanton SCS.3d "DaScratch" controller.

Sorry I spoke so fast... I was afraid of running into the 10 minute video limit!
Running on Linux (Debian Lenny) with an Intel Celeron D 2.53GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, and integrated sound. And 2ms latency using the ALSA sound system!"

Showing off the SCS.3d in Mixxx


"DJ Pegasus showing off the power & flexibility of Mixxx's advanced MIDI handling for controllers like the Stanton SCS.3d "DaScratch." http://www.mixxx.org"

Diabolical Devices Modified TR-505


YouTube via bigcitymusic
"The Diabolical TR-505 is similar to the 707 and 727. It has four knobs to manipulate the pitch of kick, snare, toms, timbales and congas. It also has a ten point patch bay for linking various bends. The cymbal sounds are crazy!"

Roland The Synthesizer 2nd Edition


via this auction

"the synthesizer. four-book softcover set with slipcase. 1979: roland corporation. 2nd edition. the slipcase is in very good condition - shows some wear; the four books are in excellent+ condition. the four books are as follows:

1. multichannel recording for electronic music - 48 pages
2. practical synthesis for electronic music: volume one - 103 pages
3. practical synthesis for electronic music: volume two - 107 pages
4. a foundation for electronic music - 67 pages"

Roland MC-202 Modded

via this auction

"There is something very unique about this MC 202. For one, as you can hear from the recordings, it has a little bit of a harder, edgier sound than other 202's. I don't know if it's due to the modifications or just the fact that no two analog synths are alike, but this particular 202 sounds good! It can go from a total acid box to a bass monster that transcends musical genres.
The sound of the 202 is generated by a Curtis CEM3340 analog Voltage Controlled Oscillator IC. This VCO is the same that is found in the Sequential Circuits Pro One. On offer are a Saw, a Square (with Pulse Width Modulation), and Sub Oscillator wave shapes. What's great about the 202 is that it let's you mix in waveforms so that complex wave shapes are possible without much fuss. Also, since the sliders in the VCO section attenuate the LEVEL of each waveform, the control one has with the 202 is different from other synths (like the Pro One) that only allow you to switch waveforms on and off. This is ideal in a live or recording setting when an individual wishes to seamlessly transform a saw wave into a massive Pulse-Width modulated square or feed in the deep sub-oscillator.

The filter is a genuine Roland IC. This filter has SQUELCH! Many claim that the 202 sounds similar to the 303. I would have to agree but with an amendment: while the 202 will do TB 303 type sounds with little trouble, the filter is much better and more versatile than a 303 filter could ever be. Basically you can go into self resonating sine waves or deep and rumbly sub-bass that rival any other monosynth of this era. If you are looking for a synth that can be as much Roland SH 101 as a Roland TB 303, then this is the box for you. The fact is that since the filter is so versatile, a myriad of sounds are possible. The filter is extremely tweakable and the sweet spots are not hard to dial in as on other filters (meaning that the filter has been calibrated to provide the best response when attenuating from completely open to completely closed and vice versa). Also, the filter takes on a whole different characteristic when combined with the modification for the LFO.

This particular Roland MC 202 has been modified so that a switch on the front panel permits the LFO's frequency to double. What that means is that with this switch, the user is able to set the LFO to oscillate at audible frequency ranges. What's great is that the user is still able to attenuate the LFO speed when the frequency is doubled and when put back into the original position, the stock frequency range is still present. This modification is mental. If you set the filter to self oscillate and then feed some LFO modulation via the MOD slider in the VCF section, the user is able to generate some serious clangs. I have an Arp 2600 and some of the sounds you can get with this mod border on the 2600's territory. Also very cool is that this frequency doubled LFO will go anywhere that the LFO goes to so you can do FM Pulse Width Modulation or modulate the pitch of the Oscillators to get FM sounds that are out of this world. And since the switch is mounted right on the front panel, the user can flip back and forth between the LFO rates on the fly while the synth is being played. With the sequencer running and tweaking some knobs and the mod switch, the sound palette is HUGE!

The envelopes on the 202 are extremely fast. Anything from percussive and tiny clicks to in your face basses are possible. On board is a complete ADSR that can be used to tweak the amp, the filter, and the pulse width of the square oscillator wave-shape. Also great about the amp section of the 202 is the fact that the envelope can be switched off and a gate can be used to open and close the amp instead of the ADSR. This frees up the envelope for filter duties and the sounds are great. Imagine resonant bass sequences that hit hard but still sound even after the filter closes. Because the envelopes are so fast, the 202 is able to produce some very heavy sounds. When combined with the sequencer, the gated VCA response yields the much sought after 303 sound.

The 'brain' of the MC 202 is the onboard sequencer. First of all this sequencer will clock to Din Sync (so use something like a Kenton or Doepfer MIDI to Din Sync Converter) so integrating it into a modern set-up is easy. Second, the sequencer is a two track sequencer meaning that in addition to sequencing the internal synth, the 202 can send a DIFFERENT sequence to another analog synthesizer. This is really a big advantage if you have other synthesizers that have cv and gate inputs. The sequence will also transmit PORTAMENTO (slide) over the cv output so you can get THAT signature Roland slide integrated onto another synth! The sequencer itself is very straightforward to program and once the basics are learned, it becomes second nature. The fact is that this sequencer is much better than the TB 303's sequencer because crazy rhythms are possible. Triplets are a breeze. The user decides whatever subdivisions for each step and also regulates what kind of note a step is (meaning if it's played legato, staccato, or tied to the next note) and if it has accent and slide. Since the accent can be routed to accent the AMP and the FILTER, the infamous 303 sound is possible. Seriously, this sequencer is amazing and is able to replicate the intricacies of a TB 303 without a problem. However, it can do SO MUCH MORE than the humble silver box could ever dream of doing

The modification has not hampered on the performance of this synth and electronically the beast in excellent (just listen!). There were other mods performed for this particular MC 202 and mostly they were done for the previous users integration preferences. The CV and Gate inputs have been disabled. This really doesn't matter as the MC 202 would route external CV and Gate data through its ancient microprocessor and there was no real way to play it accurately over these inputs. The user (and I can provide A LOT of resources for this and additional MODS) can open the box up and modify the unit to have PROPER CV and Gate inputs if they so desire. For me, this box was best used with the internal sequencer. Also, the buzzer that clicks when edits are made was bypassed and the Din Sync OUTPUT sends Clock but no start stops. This is INTENTIONAL because when we needed to send DIN from the 202, we used a button switch to start and stop other Din Sync units so that we could, on the fly, start and stop a Roland TR 808 independently of the 202 or anything else. The unit slaves to external Din Sync without a single problem whatsoever."

Akai AX-80


via this auction

"The Akai AX 80 is one of the most underrated polyphonic synths of yesteryear. It is an 8 voice DCO based monster. Do not be fooled by DCO's as this synth can sound as warm or as cold as you program it. There are two discrete oscillators with a sub oscillator for beefing up the low end. The oscillators provide a saw, a square with pulse-width modulation (with an independent LFO for the PWM), or a combination of both saw and square waves. There is something very raw and unique about the oscillators and are unlike other DCO based synths. They have a lot of punch, depth, and richness in pure tone. Also, oscillator two can be de-tuned beyond a simple octave jump for inbetween tunings (like adding a fifth or a third). Combined with the synths excellent chord memory, this can generate some really thick sounds that will cut through a mix like a knife slitting water.

The filter is a genuine analog CEM 3372, which also handles the amplification (a real Voltage Controlled Amp). This filter is DEEP and aggressive. It is the same filter that's in the Oberheim Xpander and Matrix 12 and a lot of that character is present with the AX 80. Not only does the filter fully self resonate, but the sine wave that it produces has a very up front and full bodied quality to it. The filter also has a High Pass so it is possible to thin out sounds when you need to make them sit in a mix better.
The modulation section is plentiful. There are separate LFO's for each oscillator (one for each DCO) and an independent LFO dedicated for the filter. Each LFO has several possible wave-shapes and resets its cycle on each keypress. This makes it possible to do pseudo-sync to BPM which a lot of analog synths aren't capable of.

The envelope section is the usual full featured faire. Two ADSR's are on-board for the filter and the VCA, and there is a setting that will route one envelope to both section's. The infamous right side problem that plagues many AX 80's has been remedied so that all the membrane buttons work and are sure to last. The other very nice feature about the AX 80 is that it is also a very playable because there is a very nice velocity modulation section that is routable to the filter and to the amp. The synth really opens up when played and the keyboard action for an 80's synth is very nice.

The synth is in very good shape. It has the usual wear and tear of a keyboard over two decades old. However, everything electronically functions. Also, the synth has been calibrated for our studio use. The internal trim pots have been set so that one of the voices is a little bit more aggressive than the others. I would enable chord memory and use this for a little more pronounced distortion tone. The user can reset and re-calibrate the synth with the internal trim pots but I think most will like the sound. Nothing is faulty about the synth either. A filter has been replaced with a brand new old-stock CEM 3372, so this was an tonal preference that the user can retune to their liking."

Sequential Circuits Multi-Trak

via this auction. Note this is the Multi-Trak from this video. Hi res pics here.

Star Trek Communicator


YouTube via VoiceEncoder.

Nothing too synth in this one, but it probably has some potential for circuit bending. This one is from the vocoder king VoiceEncoder. In case you missed it, and if you are a bit of a masochist, you can find his Oscars Coverage vocoded on his YouTube Channel. You'd think he'd go with something a little less ear piercing...

Analog Sequencer Swing Time MFOS MFOS Music From Outer Space


YouTube via djthomaswhite

MFOS Analog Sequencer Expander


follow-up to this earlier post.

Solaris Demo Three

You can find it on the John Bowen Synth Design forum. follow-up to this video.

Studio via CustomSoundLab

flickr set by CustomSoundLab
(click for more)

There are some incredible shots in the set. Be sure to click on them followed by the All Sizes link in the header menu for each.

Pictured:
EMS Synth
Oberheim Matrix-12
Driscoll/Serge with MOTM modular

AudioMulch 2.0 Preliminary Information

via AudioMulch.com where you will find more info including pricing.

"AudioMulch 2.0 is now in the final stages of development. Due to the scope of development things have taken longer than anticipated. The release will take place on May 1, 2009. Apologies to existing users for the delay, and thank you for your patience.

AudioMulch 2.0 is not just a new version, it is the next generation of AudioMulch. It will provide a foundation for a new cycle of feature development and improvements that will be rolled out in regular updates after the 2.0 release. Currently we are focused on delivering a stable and reliable release as soon as practical.

AudioMulch 2.0 will run on Windows (XP, Vista) and natively on Macintosh OSX (Intel only). Click the screenshots at the right for a closer look at the current (unfinished) user interface.
Features

AudioMulch 2.0 will be backward-compatible with AudioMulch 1.0. It will provide all AudioMulch 1.0 functionality. The Macintosh version of AudioMulch will be able to load AudioMulch 1.0 patches.

Improvements to the AudioMulch core will include:
* Significant performance increases for audio processing (up to twice the efficiency in some cases)
* Patchable MIDI routing
* MIDI and Automation control of Metasurface, tempo and transport
* Support for complex time signatures including automated time signature changes and additive meters
* Improved support for consumer multichannel audio
* Settings for enabling audio, MIDI and network functions at start-up

The AudioMulch 2.0 user interface has been re-coded from the ground up. This has lead to numerous work-flow improvements, including:
* A new Patcher with advanced drag-and-drop patching
* Dockable windows improving multi-monitor operation
* Faster access to MIDI control and parameter values
* Floating Parameter Control (formerly Parameter Modulation) window
* Nameable contraption presets"

"the Third German medley" - on Technics SX-C600


YouTube via organfairy
"For a moment I thought this was going to be my last video on the Technics organ. Because shortly after playing this medley it had a major breakdown making it completely useless. Fortunately I managed to repair it (and made a video of the process).
This is a collection of three German schlagers that I know from my old Klaus Wunderlich records. But it is not a Klaus Wunderlich medley since these three melodies were not originally in the same medley - as a matter of fact not even on the same LP. In Denmark this would probably be called "røvballemusik" but I find it fun to play from time to time.
The melodies are: "Im Wagen vor mir", "Sieben Fässer Wein", and "Kreuzberger Nächte"."

Motor Keys Tape


YouTube via ggijs

"For more info go here: http://gieskes.nl/instrumen..."

Motor Keys Optical


Motor Keys Pot

DSCN4994


YouTube via djthomaswhite

ZebraOsc 1 - 6


YouTube via UrsHeckmann. Six part tutorial.

CHORUS/DELAY by S-CAT


YouTube via PHONICPOTION S-CAT/PHONICPOTION on Ebay
"CIRCUIT BENT WITH 6 MODIFICATIONS"

ANALOGUE DELAY by S-CAT

"CIRCUIT BENT WITH 4 CONTROLS"

CASIO VL-1 (10 MOD) by S-CAT

"CIRCUIT BENT WITH 10 MODIFICATIONS"

YAMAHA DD-6 by S-CAT

"CIRCUIT BENT WITH 15 MODIFICATIONS"

Martenot Controller Demo, Part 3


YouTube via happymoogman. follow-up to this post.
"Here is my 3rd video, showing how my homemade Ondes Martenot controller works. In this video, I show the left-hand volume control, and give an overview of the entire system. At the end, I play "Ave Maria" on the instrument, live in my studio. More info at http://www.danacountryman.com"

Oberheim XK MIDI Controller

fixed after a little cleaning and maintenance.

images and words on Pickleinn

inside an Oberheim XK

"i am having a hard time finding information about these (manuals and such). i am interested in replacing some of the buttons or at least cleaning them as they are getting unresponsive to the touch."

Silver Synth

A chromed or rather aluminum cased KORG Mono/Poly.

via the KORG DS-10 blog via nightpager where you'll find more images and the making of in Japanese. Googlish here.



Roland Alpha Juno-1 and PG-300 on Cafe 80

You can find some great images, words and samples on khoral's Cafe 80

Hartmann Neuron on Aliens Project

More images on Aliens Project
PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE HOME


Patch n Tweak
Switched On Make Synthesizer Evolution Vintage Synthesizers Creating Sound Fundlementals of Synthesizer Programming Kraftwerk

© 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