MATRIXSYNTH: Monday, January 3, 2011


Monday, January 03, 2011

MacBeth MK1 Oscillator 'A'


via Ken MacBeth's Photos

Left: "Now that I have all the MacBeth Mk1 Modular Metalwork and PCBs in stock- I normally build each thing I'm working on as a final test before they go off to the assembly plant. This is the MacBeth Mk1 Oscillator 'A' that I built up yesterday..."

Right: "This is the rear view of the MacBeth Mk1 Oscillator 'A'.......this module, like the other that I am doing has a very flat profile- ideal for suitcase etc!
I included to jack sockets (minijacks) that feature on the tunable elements such as oscillators and filters. Instead of having to use multiples and multiple cables to send CV to each unit- I thought it would be neat to send CV from one module to another using minijack cables.....in the background so to speak!"

Also see the X-Series Oscillator

http://www.macbethstudiosystems.com/

Marco Rosano's "Analog Bach - Baroque Synthesizer" on the Rhodes Chroma


via the Rhodes Chroma site where you'll find some audio.

"This is an outstanding album of baroque composisions showing off the Chroma's capabilities in a genre that's relatively uncommon for the instrument. Thanks to Marco for providing the two sample tracks available here. Be sure to pick up the rest at the iTunes store."

Analogue Solutions Vostok Version 2 - White

via Noisebug on eBay
"Full Spec:
All circuits are totally analogue with the exception of the MIDI interface. This is the brand new Version 2 Vostok with 3 analog oscillators and new metal case!

484 Matrix patch panel points / 69 Sockets / 52 Rotary controls / 13 LEDs / 20 Switches / 2 Displays

Dimensions
Dimensions shown do not include feet/handles/catches/corners pieces.
Complete closed case: 274 (H) x 440 (W) x 188 (D)
Lid depth: internal 50mm (enough to leave in patch leads). External 134mm

Control Modules
MIDI to CV Converter
CV1 (pitch) / CV2 (controller) / Gate / Accent / Legato, MIDI Thru, channel select, manual trigger

Joystick
2 way joystick controller

Sequencer
8 step CV & Gate analogue sequencer, range switch, manual step

Signal Arts Tetra MAPS III


via this auction

"Sequencer Specifications
Real-time Interface
Real-time Flexibility

* Continuous turn "encoder" knobs and LCD display for instantaneous access to any parameter
* Display step parameters as bar graphics, octaves, en-harmonics, or numbers
* Perform from the sequencer using its encoder knob buttons to trigger and control sequences
* Perform the sequencer remotely using MIDI or Ethernet Open Sound Control

Some of TETRA MAPS Version 3.2 Features

* Ethernet Open Sound Control (OSC) Networking
* Now communicate with OSC-enabled applications such as MAX/MSP, Lemur, iPhone/iPad TouchOSC
* Network multiple Tetra MAPS sequencers using Ethernet OSC
* More sequences - over 24,000 note capacity
* New Track View includes:
* volume - mixer like control of sequence volumes
* mute on/off individual sequence tracks
* single knob modulation of sequence tracks
* meta-link - easily links sequences into long tracks
* polyphonic MIDI record
* Sequence track and bank Stop and other short-cut key combinations
* Plus 4 Channels of Control Voltage Output
* Available in multiple rack formats

Analogue Solutions Matrix64 - Eurorack

via Noisebug on eBay

"Pin Matrix Patch Panel

22HP

note: this is a passive module and uses no power.

This is a pin matrix similar to that used in the Vostok modular synth.

It has 8 inputs and 8 outputs wired to mini-jacks. You can then patch these I/Os to your modules using CV leads.

As the panel is 10x10, there are an additional 2 ins and 2 outs that you can hard-wired (solder) to any modules you wish. Or, leave them empty and use as a place to store spare pins!

16 jacks

10 x 10 pin matrix.

Pins not included."

OBERHEIM OB-XA/QB-SX SYNTHESIZER/DMX DRUM MACHINE AD

via this auction

OB-Xa Programmed Patches - 120 Factory Patches


You can find the full OB-Xa Patch Book here. via electrongate in the comments of this post.

New Improved YuSynth ADSR

via YuSynth on electro-music.com:

"I now propose an improved design of the yusynth ADSR.
The changes are :

Now the input stage is a discrete Schmitt trigger. As such any signal (this means not necessarily a regular GATE signal) can be used to trigger the ADSR as soon as its level goes above 2V.

The input impedance is now very high which makes it possible to feed more than four ADSR on the same GATE signal source without problem.

A buffering stage as been added between the SUSTAIN potentiometer and the DECAY potentiometer. This fixes a slight bug that made the DECAY rate dependant of the SUSTAIN setting. Now they are completly independant.

A short/long envelope option is now provided by setting jumpers on the PCB which select proper timing capacitors and ATTACK resistors. Note that this can be as well connected to an "on panel" DPDT switch to allow interactive selection of the ADSR mode.

And ultimatly, a resistor can be added or ignored to set the range of the REVERSE ADSR mode. Without resistor, the range is 0V (quiet status) to -10V (max range); with the the resistor installed, the range is +10V (quiet mode) to 0V (max range).

Check this at http://yusynth.net/Modular/EN/ADSR/index.html

Another important change is that from now the yusynth PCBs will provide prints for both DOTCOM style PSU connector and MOTM style PSU connector !"

Sonic Charge Bitspeek

"Sonic Charge Bitspeek is a real-time pitch-excited linear prediction codec effect. Right now you are probably thinking, "oh, another one of those"? Or perhaps not. Chances are that you have never heard about "linear prediction", although most of us use it daily when we talk on our cell phones. Linear prediction coding is a voice compression technology that appeared in commercial products in the seventies and was implemented in some well-known speaking toys of the early eighties.

We have applied this technology to create a VST / AU effect plug-in that analyzes audio, extracts a number of parameters (including pitch, volume and formant data) and then resynthesizes the audio using a simple oscillator, noise and filter architecture.

We have added a number of playback parameters that adjusts the pitch and tonal quality of the sound as well as support for MIDI and a beat-synchronized "formant freezing effect". Despite having only a few simple controls, this box can produce a broad range of sounds from cheap speaking toys to high-end vocoder and talkbox effects."

Samples and demo on site.

Grainslide for Monome

via The B-Roll where you'll find a sample and more info.

"...a friend and fellow monome user Jared just recently released his new monome app called Grainslide. I tested an early version of the app on Day 213 and he has since made adjustments and released it to the community. It’s a simple but effective concept. His layout design is unique to most other monome apps which I think is great. It’s not a quick sample cutting app although you could play it that way. It’s a layering tool really."

lfo scuzz vivetar.avi


YouTube via drmoonstien | January 03, 2011 |

Brown Box (First Integration Test)


YouTube via SeaweedFactory | January 03, 2011 |

"Here's a quick video of the first integration test for the Brown Box. What you hear is guitar direct in through the effect, then direct out to a small test amp. The effect has been re-patched. Just a few things to fix and it should be ready to put in the enclosure. A better, sharper demonstration video with better sound will follow.

Check http://seaweedfactory.blogspot.com for more."

35 Q119 Analog Sequencer Showcase


YouTube via 7thDanSound | January 03, 2011 |

"This is a showcase of the synthesizers.com Q119 analog sequencer. Analog sequencers are fun and useful, especially if they are as capable as this one with quite a few different options for modulations. I show how to use the different outputs of the sequencer for different purposes and how to use the clock input for speed manipulation. I also show a "secret" mode!"

Maestro W-2 "Sound System For Woodwinds" demo


YouTube via superfroe | October 08, 2010 |

"As the title says, this is demo of the W-2, as used by Kraftwerk, Van Der Graaf Generator, The Mothers, Wayne Shorter, and MANY other greats! The delay is added (for effect). NOTE: The high-end digital noise (aliasing) in the audio seems to be an anomaly of the video compression. In any case, please enjoy..."

Baldwin combo organ BC-1


via this auction

"This is the original "made in USA" version, made in 1967. Original lid, music stand, legs, pedal, power cord and accessory case are included... This quote is from the "Combo Organ Heaven" website: 'Baldwin's "made in the USA" answer to the growing combo organ movement. According to some "old Baldwin guys", there were probably only 100 or so of these made. They're very well built, but quite heavy. The BC-1 has been described as having "a very clean, clear, well defined sound" - not at all raspy like the Howard, and with much better Flute sounds...'"

Yamaha GS-2 digital FM synthesizer


YouTube via superfroe | November 17, 2010

via this auction

"Just a quick "run through" of some of the sounds of the elusive GS2 (Well, I tried to be quick about it anyway...). This is one of the 2 early "precursors" to the Yamaha DX line (DX-7, DX-5, TG-77, etc.)..."




via this auction

"Original lid (legs), pedal assembly, and all the associated leg braces, power cord, and ORIGINAL magnetic sound strips (in their own booklet), and ORIGINAL FLIGHT CASE are included. The flight case is in very good shape, and holds the main unit AND the pedal assembly (please see pics). The included magnetic strips ("Yamaha GS2 Voice Library Vol. 2") are as follows: 1. Harpsichord IV Harpsichord V 2. Percussive Synth Marimba 3. Vibraphones II Glockenspiel 4. Harp Celtic Harp 5. Banjo Electronic piano V 6. Electronic Piano VI Electronic Piano VII 7. Electronic Piano VIII Acoustic Piano IV 8. Acoustic Piano V Honky Tonk Piano 9. Strings III Strings IV 10. String Ensemble II Legato Strings 11. Special Strings Staccato Strings 12. String quartet Brass V 13. Horns Electronic Organ III 14. Electronic Organ IV Electronic Organ V 15. Electronic Organ Pipe Organ 16. Church Organ I Church Organ II 17. Glass Harp Calliope 18. Pan Flute Concertina 19. Gong Splash Gong 20. Tubular Bells Untuned Bells 21. Cowbell/Agogo Bells Electronic 22. Piano-Add Strings Piano-Add Brass 23. Hand Clap Brass Split 24. Bass / Brass Vibe / Flute + 5 blank strips (each holds 2 programs) It's in good to excellent aesthetic condition for its age (again, please see pics), and is fully functional! This is a Pre-MIDI version (the GS2 "MIDI kit" can still be installed if you know where to find one. Due to the vintage of this piece, it is being offered AS-IS. Sounds great and plays nicely (nice keyboard action) [Sidenote: The previous owner told me that he aquired this unit from Bobby Caldwell (of "What you won't do for love" fame (remember him?), though I have no provenance to that effect] Apparently, he was a Yamaha endorsee in the 80's. Once patches are loaded, they stay in backup memory (even if it's unplugged, due to the battery backup) 2 fresh AA batteries installed. A PDF of the owners manual can be downloaded here: (Thanks to "Devicemanuals.com)"

Korg iMS-20 - Fun on the iPad

Korg iMS-20 - Fun on the iPad from pulsewidthmod on Vimeo.


KORG iMS-20 - KORG INC.
iPads on eBay

Xenon

Xenon from pulsewidthmod on Vimeo.


"This is just a quick demo of my first impression with the app "XENON Groove Synthesizer" on my iPad. I was holding my iPhone 4 taking the video and playing at the same time so the video is not the greatest, but it gives you an idea of what the app is like"

iceGear
iPads on eBay
iPod Touch on eBay

The Magic Echo Music GEM Optical Theremin


via Magic Echo Music

"These GEMs are noise making art objects that are so much fun to play and perform with.

It is a single square wave oscillator that changes in pitch depending on the intensity of light exposed to it.

There is an additional LFO (low frequency oscillator) that can be switched on or off to modulate the primary oscillator.

The LFO is a Sawtooth wave that can create tremolo effects while oscillating at a higher speed. There is a speed knob to control its frequency.

There is also an additional CV (control input) 1/4" jack so you can use this with your other analog synthesizer outputs!

Outputs to both stereo headphones and your amplifiers. These GEMs get LOUD.

This video [below] was taken during its prototype stages, so the product looks different. You're looking at the real deal in the photos." Magic Echo Music formerly designed with Health Club Music that brought us the synth on a rope. You can see more of her new projects at www.magicechomusic.com.



YouTube via magicechomusic | October 27, 2010 | "demo of the MEM GEM optical theremin prototype. Go to magicechomusic.com for more info."

Glitching a Circuit with a Trash-Picked Photovoltaic Array and a Desk Lamp


YouTube via RothMobot | January 03, 2011 |

"Resurrected Loud Objects Circuit (battery compartment popped off), Found Photovoltaic Array, Desk Lamp, Stereo Headphones. Moving the desk lamp towards the array causes the circuit to glitch."

Screw New Year resolutions


YouTube via DrOctave1 | January 03, 2011 |

"angry me angry synth = happy new year noises."

Sound Laboratory 1


flickr By Attila Hajdu
(click for more)

Device:Nikon D60
Focal Length:18mm
Aperture:F/3.5
Shutter Speed:1/6s
Exposure Comp.:-0.3EV
ISO 1600

365-345


flickr By gottalittlespacetofill


"Bear & friend play with the Roland D2."

EML sequencer refurbishment update


via George Mattson of Mattson Mini Modular. This is a follow-up to the EML Modular Restoration Project.

"The first pic is a repeat of the left module panel I'm making to add to the Sequencer compilation. The second pic is the cosmetically completed left module panel.

I had to take the 16" x 24" aluminum panel, lay out the module arrangement and find a point where I could gracefully cut the panel into two pieces. My oven isn't big enough to hold a 24" long panel. That makes the left panel two parts 'A' and 'B'.

The left ('A') side has two Syntar board PMS1's, a Syntar PMS4 and an MMM VC Filter.

The right ('B') side has another Syntar PMS1 board, two EML exponential amplifier modules, two EML VCO modules, an EML VCF module, an MMM 4x Mixer module, an MMM noise module and two MMM Buffered multiple modules.

The graphics were laser printed in reverse image onto Lasertran and applied to the panel. After baking for about 3 hours, I drilled the component holes then, applied 2 coats of satin spray-on polyurethane. After a day of curing, I added the panel components. I didn't melt off the decal this time with IPA. It was a PITA last time and I rubbed off large sections of graphics. The decal adds another layer of protection and totally disappears under the polyurethane.

Most of the circuit boards are attached. I ran out of mounting hardware and am waiting for their arrival.

The Syntar PMS1 boards consist of a Pratt-Read keyboard driver circuit, a gate generation circuit, a glide circuit, an exponential amplifier, a VCO and a slave VCO.

I made provisions for interrupting the keyboard driver and gate circuitry to allow patching of external 1V/O signals and external gates. I also provide 1V/O outputs pre and post glide simultaneously.

The Syntar PMS4 board contains a VC LFO and a sample and hold. The board will be mounted on panel 2-A and the LFO signals routed to Panel 1-A.

Once I have all of the boards mounted, I'll start wiring up the panel controls. Then, get started on the right panel.

G "

JagJoyJam.divx


YouTube via rezzn8r | January 03, 2011 |

"Using a Joystick and J.A.G. from Wiard Synthesizer to control multiple parameters in a patch.
Full patch details available @ http://noisesource.wordpress.com/2011..." [getting a 404]

Digisound 80 Modular Synth 80-16 Dual Resonant Filter

via this auction
"Digisound 80 Modular dual resonant filter (DRF) module number 80-16 with Curtis CEM 3350 chip... It was built from an original Digisound kit purchased in the early 1980s. The module is fully functional but requires +/- 15V power supply, potentiometers and connectors to complete (all readily available). A copy of the original construction notes will be included and can also be downloaded from http://www.digisound80.co.uk/digisound/index.htm where you can find lots more information about this synth."

OBERHEIM OB-XA SYNTH PATCHES BOOK



"VERY RARE ORIGINAL PROGRAMMED PATCH BOOK, FOR OBERHEIM OB-XA SYNTHESIZER. 26 A4 SIZE PAGES , 104 PATCHES."

Update via electrongate in the comments: "if anyone is interested in this patch book, I have a scanned copy available for free download at: [link]"

1973 Moog Minimoog

via this auction

296e installed


flickr By buchlajoe
(click for more)

Moog Slim Phatty And Tuner


flickr By scott3eh

"The new Moog Slim Phatty synth in my rack. Unfortunately analog synthesizers are not good at staying in tune, so I wedged my guitar tuner onto the front of the rack and patched a cable from the headphone output of the Slim Phatty to the Tuner. Every time I change patches I have to check the tuning before recording."

Giotto Studio 001


flickr By gordonhulley

"going modular (by degrees)..."

Rhythm Trax Overview


YouTube via PulseCodeInc | December 30, 2010 |

"This video explains the basics for each view. Look for more videos explaining advanced features like pitch and automation!"

Pulse Code, Inc.
iPads on eBay
iPod Touch on eBay

Fairlight Updates: iPhone App in the Works, Clear iPhone Case & More


See the updates in this post.

Devi Ever Effector 13 Console II

"What is the Effector 13 Console II?
Quite simply it is a guitar pedal in which you can insert two specially designed cartridges to create your own unique effects unit.

What do the cartridges do?
For now the cartridges designers will be focusing on Fuzz, Distortion, Overdrive, and Boost fx, but there is the possibility of expanding into other kinds of fx in the future!

What are the controls?
The Effector 13 Console II consists of two "channels" that can be switched on / off independently, with the channel on the right cascading into the channel on the left (like a standard signal chain). Each channel has four knobs whose functions change depending on which cartridge is inserted into the unit. "

Full details: http://www.effector13.com/index.html

The San Francisco Tape Music Festival - January

"America's only festival devoted to the performance of audio works projected in three-dimensional space, The San Francisco Tape Music Festival returns this January! Curated by sfSound's San Francisco Tape Music Collective, the festival features three distinct evenings of classic audio art and new fixed media compositions by 20 local and international composers. The collective is one of the major proponents of live sound projection, and the members, along with guest composers, will be shaping the sound live over a pristine surround system consisting of 16+ speakers while the audience is seated in complete darkness. It's a unique opportunity to experience music forming - literally - around you."

Full details including performance roster on http://sfsound.org/tape/

via brian c

Susan Rom - Spinning Vocs&Choirs


YouTube via susarom | October 09, 2010 |
Roland TR-808 samples and Orange Vocoder.
via retrosound72

Feed My Speaker - by Danny de Graan

Feed My Speaker - by Danny de Graan from Danny de Graan on Vimeo.


"Feed My Speaker is a composition completely based on feedback. It is written for 4 player, 4 microphones, 4 speakers and a computer.

Every players has a score in front of him where instructions tell when the player needs to place the microphone above the speaker.

The feedback that occurs is tuned by means of the computer (and MaxMSP) which is placed in the feedback loop. The first player can select presets which are indicated in the score and change the scales so harmonic content can be played.

Lunapark Ensemble asked me to write a compositon based on Pendulum Music by Steve Reich. Feed My Speaker is the result.

This composition is written for Lunapark and was funded by the Fonds PodiumKunsten in the Netherlands.

This performance was in de Toonzaal in Den Bosch on october 7th 2010

A score of this composition can be obtained via the composer:
dannydegraan.nl"

The 1983 Digipoly

"Digipoly was an 8 voice polyphonic keyboard synthesiser designed in 1983. It used entirely digitial synthesis and it was a contemporary of the 'groundbreaking' Yamaha DX7, which also claimed entirely digital synthesis. Digipoly had an intelligent automatic arpegiator mode that would still be considered good today.

Actually, the Digipoly was not entirely digital, because master tune, vibrato and tremolo were implemented by respective analog modulation of the master digital clock and the DAC reference voltage." You can find more info on the Digipoly here. It was designed by Dr. D J Greaves. You can find more of his projects here.

Update: I originally had the wrong image on top. It is now updated. I accidentally had the CBG posted here. Thanks goes to Mars for calling out in the comments.

CBG Elric Synthesiser (Circa 1984/5)

"Elric is/was a dual-VCO monophonic keyboard synthesiser designed in 1984. It used the Curtis Electromusic analog synthesiser ICs under control of a microprocessor.

Elric has one, fixed patch: a four channel audio mixer feeds a VCF whose output feeds a VCA with stereo outputs. There are two VCOs and a ring modulator. The four inputs to the audio mixer are sourced from the VCOs, the noise generator and the ring modulator. The ring modulator inputs are hardwired to the VCO outputs. One VCO can be synched to the other."

You can find more info on the CBG Elric Synthesizer here.

The Harvestman Polivoks VCF

via this auction
"The first widely available modular release of the Polivoks filter circuit is an officially clone built on the basis of original russian spareparts. So this first "analogue" module by the still young american inventor will be limited sooner or later and seems to be authentic. The 12dB Filter has parrallel lowpass and bandpass outputs sounding quite round. Against the original here you have CV-inputs as usual probably offering still some new sounds probably.

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.

Backside doepfer compatible bus connector for +/-12V power consumption, CV1 bipolar and CV2 with attenuator going to cutoff, (2x) 6dB BP out and 12dB LP out, 2 x audio-In each with attenuator. Euro-rack module (for 3 rackspace systems), 10 HP, approx 3cm deep"


Yamaha CS01

via this auction





RADIKAL TECHNOLOGIES SPECTRALIS

via this auction


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