Below: "ZS-XPApros with Ableton Live color coded fingerboard and sysex layouts with .als optimization."
"Finally! Some new software available for download here! You'll find a Master Sysex file that allows you to reset your up-to-date Ztar to factory installed 'song' settings. We've also included a zip-file full of individual sysex files for you to pick and choose from. But what we're really excited about is our Ztar Ableton Live Demo Session pckg download. In it we give you our in-house demo .wavs and samples, sysex files for Ableton Live fingerboard layouts, and the actual .als file. Think of it as a template to use as a starting point from which you can modify and customize to your needs!"
"Nord Keyboards are proud to announce the Nord Stage 2 Series featuring our latest sound generation technology in the Piano, Organ and Synthesizer sections. [click the image for a larger shot]
0111 Nord Stage 2 panel
The Piano section includes String Resonance, Dynamic Pedal Noise, and a completely user-replaceable piano memory, twice the size of Nord Stage EX, compatible with the free of charge Nord v5 Piano library.
The Organ section features the tonewheel and transistor organ modeling of the C2 Organ together with a newly developed rotary speaker model.
The Synthesizer section includes an arpeggiator and the Nord sample playback functionality with a memory size storing 120 sounds from the Nord Sample Library including Mellotron and Chamberlin samples. In addition, Nord Stage 2 users can also create their own samples by mapping sound files in .wav format with the Nord sample editor. The genes of the Nord Wave brings analog-style and digital waveforms as well as FM synthesis.
Additional new features include MIDI over USB, monitor input, midi sync for the global master clock, and master clock sync for LFO, arpeggiator, and delay.
With the performing musician in mind the control panel gives immediate access to all key functions and instant visibility of all settings. Single function controls and dedicated selectors make for exceptional ease-of-use.
The Nord Stage 2 is handmade in Stockholm, Sweden by Clavia DMI and is scheduled to ship in February 2011."
Update: NAMM: Nord Stage 2 - New Pics and Info
"There is a new Nord Flagship instrument on the horizon."
"The Stage 2 is compatible with the huge and free Nord Sample Library. The powerful new synthesizer engine is built from the DNA of the famous Nord Wave. Capable of classic analogue synthesis, three operator FM synthesis and Wavetable synthesis.
The Nord Sample Library not only give Stage 2 owners access to the huge free library of world-class sounds, including the famous vintage Mellotron and Chamberlin samples, but thanks to the included Nord Sample Editor for Mac and PC, allows user-created samples to be loaded into the instrument and thus opening up a whole new creative world of sound.
It is over ten years since we made our first digital model of a tonewheel organ. The Stage 2's dedicated organ section now features our third generation B3 Organ model as found in the acclaimed Nord C2 and an improved Rotary model.
The rear panel with the USB connector that also carries MIDI information and the Monitor Input for playing along to your favorite music.
Here is the Piano section with the Acoustics controls, for the String Resonance, the Pedal Noise and the new Selectable Release feature. When Release is activated pianos use a slightly longer release, which is more suitable for legato playing. This important feature reflects adjusting the damper tension in an acoustic or an electromechanical instrument.
The Pedal Noise feature from the Nord Piano is available in the Nord Stage 2 if the optional Nord Triple Pedal is used.
The Piano section has a memory of 500 Megabytes. Each and every Piano sound in the instrument is replaceable with any piano sound from the Nord Piano Library.
The Synth section also features a new Arpeggiator that can be synchronized to the Stage 2 Master Clock for perfect timing with elements of the Stage 2 including the rate of effects and the delay time. The Master Clock tempo can be set numerically, ''tapped'' on the tap button or set by incoming MIDI Clock.
There are 400 Programs (recent change) in the Nord Stage 2 - These are organized in 4 Banks with 20 Pages, with 5 programs in each Page. There are 5 Live Memories that automatically saves all the settings. And a programmable Transpose.
The Effect section sports a new member: the Vibe. This is modelled from a desirable foot pedal and is a great addition to the Stage 2's sonic arsenal.
The production of the Nord Stage 2 will begin in February, 2011.
Every Stage 2 will be delivered with both the Nord Piano and the Nord Sample DVDs. These two expanding Libraries represents more than 6.5 Gigabytes of sounds at the moment. "
"Chris from Nord demos the Nord Stage 2. Which uses modeling and synthesis. Grand Piano, Organ sounds and strings, and Nord Wave. Avail End of March. MAP 88 Note $4199"
"Play synths by singing into your iPhone/iPod Touch!
Voice Control is a wireless MIDI controller that converts the pitch of your voice into signals for controlling MIDI devices networked to your computer.
HOW TO USE: • Download a wireless MIDI interface such as DSMidiWifi (http://dsmi.tobw.net) and install on your computer. • Launch Voice Control on your iPhone or iPod Touch. • Connect your device’s MIDI stream to the synthesizers you want to control. For example, on a Mac use Audio MIDI Setup to connect your iPhone/iPod Touch to Garage Band or other MIDI units networked to your computer. • Start singing. You can even harmonize with others on the same wireless network using two or more Voice Control apps.
FEATURES: • Select your vocal range – from bass to soprano (center picker wheel) • Shift the pitch of converted MIDI signals up or down (right picker wheel) • Display the note you are currently singing (left picker wheel) • Sliders let you change the input audio level and the amount of pitch “smoothing” • Tap “Set Up” to switch to the “Control” screen • Control the volume and expression in real time using the x-y control pad while you sing • Rotate the device to pan the sound left to right"
First up, details on the KORG KRONOS are in for those just coming to the site. Next, NAMM officially starts tomorrow but things are already trickling in. Be sure to see The NAMM List for updates. Now that we are past pre-NAMM speculation, all updates will be added to the bottom of the list, so you can go straight to them. Note that not all NAMM posts will get added to the list though, so be sure to check out the NAMM label often as well. Normal posts will be going up alongside NAMM posts, so use the label to filter everything else out when you just want NAMM coverage.
I'll be glued to the site posting everything that comes in all day long tomorrow, so check back often. If you have anything NAMM-related to send in you can find my contact info on the bottom of the site.
"Beat Thangz are on the Boat from China! Pre order now because this first 1,000 units is gonna go FAST!! Half are sold already! Dont miss your chance to be the first to get your hands on the baddest portable beat machine ever made!!!"
"This was recorded entirely with the MFB Kraftzwerg, a small, cheap semi-modular analog synthesizer. All sounds heard are exclusively the kraftzwerg.
There is another version of this album made with [BLOK] Modular, a new software modular synthesizer for VST. The music is the same, but the recording is different.
There are 4 separate tracks in the album, as well as a fifth combination track. Each track is meant to flow between the next based on tempo, rhythm, key, and mood. The fifth track, nonsynonymous, is a mixed down version of this. I am fully aware that nobody will actually listen to this in its entirety, but it is there just in case."
via santahatandponcho in the comments of this post.
Lazerbass
The newest addition to the REAKTOR library is a monophonic synthesizer delivering a pure and direct sound without additional effects. The new additive synthesis module means Lazerbass can create a large number of timbres, themselves made up of multiple harmonic or non harmonic partials. The result is a sound of immense quality, equally at home creating spacey sci-fi sounds as full and punchy sub basses ideal for dubstep and other leading-edge electronic productions that need that signature 'wobble.'"
"Experiments in making tangible evocations of visual-auditory synesthesia." via Wikipedia on Synesthesia: "Synesthesia (also spelled synæsthesia or synaesthesia, plural synesthesiae or synaesthesiae), from the ancient Greek σύν (syn), "together," and αἴσθησις (aisthēsis), "sensation,"is a neurologically-based condition in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway.[1][2][3][4] People who report such experiences are known as synesthetes."
"Yamaha and Karma-Lab announces the development and release of KARMA Motif Software for PC and Mac. This new entry in the renowned developer’s line of software applications brings the award-winning and patented KARMA algorithmic music technology to the Yamaha Motif XS and Yamaha Motif XF platforms.
“This exciting new collaboration brings the power of KARMA to a completely new user base using the great sounds and features of the Yamaha Motif series,” said KARMA developer Stephen Kay, who will demonstrate the software at NAMM.
“This will add a whole new dimension to the Motif experience.” KARMA Motif debuts the new KARMA 3.0 technology with a host of new features including eight-track design (six KARMA Modules and two Keyboard Layers) per Performance, per-track Volume and Mute stored in each of the 32 Scenes and the ability to individually adjust the mix of all parts in each Scene.
Users are also able to control Velocity Response Curves by individually tailoring the velocity response for the left hand keyboard, the right hand keyboard, the input to KARMA from the keyboard, and the 16 Chord Triggers (pads), without editing the Motif's programs or songs. A Fill/Stop Feature allows for the use of one or more modules as a melodic or drum fill with the ability to stop and start other modules automatically.
The Advanced Stutter Feature lets users retrigger the entire groove at different rhythmic resolutions, from machine-gun stutters to slow triplet hits. It also features a real-time Master Transpose function, Chord Triggers that can activate pre-programmed chords, hits, sound effects and even the Motif's arps. And, with the new KARMA software, all of the buttons and sliders on the Motif's interface (in Remote Mode) can be used to trigger the Chord Triggers and Fills, the Stutter feature, Scene changes, Scene mixes and real-time algorithmic variations.
KARMA Motif's Performances use the Motif's Song/Mixing mode, where each of the 64 songs is a complete KARMA algorithmic music groove with a left hand and right hand zone for controlling KARMA and soloing on top of it. The Motif's arps are also integrated in many performances as additional elements that can be added via the 16 Chord Triggers. While in Song Mode, players are just one step away from recording their KARMA-created musical performances into the Motif's sequencer, or the output can be routed to any DAW for external sequencing.
Furthermore, a KARMA Performance can call up any Motif Voice, Performance, Song, Pattern, or Master slot when loading, so that KARMA can be used in any of the Motif's modes.
“KARMA is one of the most innovative and interactive music software programs ever developed,” said Athan Billias, Director of Marketing at Yamaha’s Pro Audio & Combo division. “Combined with the incredible variety of Motif arps and unique features, like real-time Loop remix, KARMA and Motif combine to create one of the most powerful music production platforms available today.”
KARMA Motif Software for PC and Mac ($199) is scheduled to be available directly from Karma-Lab in April 2011"
"Another crappy point & shoot cam video. Phoenix Modular is a modular synth I'm building, some parts I'm using were salvaged from my dead ESQ-1, hence the name. Right now it has a cardboard "faceplate" (temporary), I'm planning to use aluminum for the final module panels. Currently it has an APC-style oscillator, a 566-based VCO with square, saw, and triangle outputs, a white noise generator, an analog multiplier/AM device, a simple square/triangle LFO, and a mult panel. I'm planning to add a filter/VCA based on one of the ESQ's CEM3379's, and possibly a sample and hold module. In this video, it is being run through a tabletop filter unit, which is being modulated with both the Phoenix LFO and a second 566 VCO on a breadboard which is sitting next to the unit, not visible in the vid. The sources are being mixed with a small passive mixer I built as a companion unit."
Phoenix vs. Mimsy round 1- DIY modular synth noise
synthgeek13 | April 25, 2010 |
"Video of the Phoenix and Mimsy modular synths being used together. In this one, the 555-based LFO in Mimsy is being used as a mod source for one of the Phoenix oscillators. Gets pretty noisy at times."
YouTube via synthgeek13 | November 07, 2010 | via this auction
"This is a standalone noise synth based on the TrigPulser module I built for the Lunettoid modular noise machine. This version has three squarewave oscillators. One is used to turn another on & off, giving an AM effect, and the output from this second oscillator is fed into one input of a NAND Schmitt trigger, while the third oscillator is fed into the second input, and the output from the NAND Schmitt trigger then goes to the outside world. The range of sounds it can make is pretty amazing- though it can do the beepy & droney stuff you might expect, it can also do much more (especially when controls are swept)- harsh static-like noise, vocal-like sounds, oscillator-sync type stuff, etc."
via this auction "The TrigPulser Mini is a noisy, 9V battery-powered, three-oscillator squarewave synthesizer, housed in a yellow plastic VHS tape case. One oscillator is used to turn another on & off (this is where the "Trig" comes in, for "trigger"), giving an amplitude-modulation or ring modulator-like effect, and the output from this second oscillator is fed into one input of a NAND Schmitt trigger, while the third oscillator is fed into the second input, and the output from the NAND Schmitt trigger then goes to the outside world. This final stage is what takes it beyond squarewave AM and into truly strange territory. To translate the tech-speak, it's kind of like having a fourth oscillator which is synched to both the single third oscillator and the AM output of the first two. The range of sounds it can make is pretty amazing- though it can do the beepy & droney stuff you might expect, it can also do much more (especially when controls are swept)- harsh staticky noise, vocal-like sounds, oscillator-sync type stuff, etc- watch the video and listen to the audio demo for an idea of what it can do.The audio-only demo is much better quality (no crappy camera mic involved), if you only hear one or the other, it should be that one.
Each oscillator has a knob to control its frequency, and there is also a power starve knob (at the top, in line with the on/off switch and LED). Since all 3 oscillators are linked in some way, the controls are very interactive with each other."
YouTube via GruithuisenCityMan | January 12, 2011 |
"My first album is now available at Ruralfaune ( ruralfaune@gmail.com or http://www.myspace.com/disquesruralfaune ) SYNTH018 FREDERIC GERCHAMBEAU "3 Suites" CDR - limited 90 - file under : french avant-garde electronic, GRM music for theoretical minds
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Hello ! My name is Frederic Gerchambeau. This music has been made using Plogue Bidule (sequencer, mixer and various delay effects), a Doepfer Dark Energy (playing the solo) and a Moog Slim Phatty (playing the sequence). This my first try with my new Moog Slim Phatty and my purpose was to test my older Doepfer Dark Energy face to face with the Moog Slim Phatty. That's why you'll be hearing a lot cutoff frequency and resonance level changes in the filters. Enjoy ! http://www.myspace.com/fredericgercha..."
"This one has individual pitch control for all the instruments. Decay control for the hats and cymbals. 5 instruments' pitch can be modulated by the trigger out. 3 x 5 position switches for loads of bending effects. All mods apart from decay are bypass-able."
via Hispasonic, translated to Googlish from Spanish:
"We have the first data and images of Kronos, the new Korg workstation. The Japanese brand has pulled the house out the window, bringing to market a synth with more than 12 GB SSD hard disk samples, 9 synthesis engines together, 16 units of effects and KARMA technology.
Features in detail
There are 9 synthesis engines on a single workstation, available in 61, 76 and 88 keys. The engines are:
* SGX-1 Premium Piano: German piano with more than 4 GB in samples. 8 layers and the choice of opening angle of the tail of the piano.
* EP-1 MDS Electric Piano, electric pianos (with sound "signature" by George Duke, Herbie Hancock Rodan Rudess or others)
* CX-3 Organ Tonewheel: integrating technology famed CX-3 in the Kronos. Drawbars controllable from its faders. Leslie Posilibidad to adjust the joystick, from speed to the position you just rotate.
* MS20-EX Legacy Analog Collection: emulation of vintage Korg MS20 synth.
-EX * Polysix Legacy Analog Collection: Polysix emulation.
* AL-1 Analog Synthesizer
* NOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer
* STR-1 Plucked String Synthesizer: a new generation of modeling. You can choose from the material of the rope, until the tension, the execution (if pick, rub with your finger ...)
* HD-1 High Definition Synthesizer: A portion of all types of samples.
Account with a set of 16 "sets" may be, from Programs, to vans, to sequences. What makes the live performance much easier and full of possibilities. One of the most exciting new features is that you can move from one set to another without interruption of sound (so if you keep notes of the previous set, still playing).
It eliminates the concept appears rompler and integration / provision of more than 12 GB of content hosted on a hard disk SSD.
Has integrated USB connection to your computer, not just save / edit, but also as a USB interface with 2 inputs and 2 outputs.
"This is for something you don't see very often, in fact you'll probably never see another one of these again! This is a control / switch board for a Korg KPR77 drum machine that has had every one of the original tactile switches replaced with a new switch. Unlike the original switches, the new ones are sealed so they won't become full of dust particles and start either triggering randomly, double triggering or just not responding at all. These are also rated at 10 million clicks over their lifetime, which is something like 10 times what the original switches could supposedly deal with!
If you own a KPR77 you'll probably have noticed that half the front panel buttons now only work using steam hammer pressure and even if you can get them to work they are more than a little unreliable. With this replacement board it's like you've got a brand new drum machine
It will take some soldering to remove the 12 way ribbon cable connector for the old board and install this new one but if you can use a solder sucker or solder wick with even the most basic proficiency then its a very easy job. We would be quite happy to install this for you for a small fee if you wanted to send your unit to us, but if we mention that here then ebay will just take down the auction for some reason. Get in contact if you want any more details. Other than that, installing this board is as difficult as unscrewing the old one, pulling off the button caps and sticking them on the new board."
"Connect all of your audio gear to the entire world of apps for iPad.
The StudioDock is the first device that enables anyone with an iPad to create, produce, and perform music with virtually any pro audio gear or instruments. The StudioDock is a universal docking station specifically designed for the iPad, and it gives musicians, recording engineers, and music producers the connectivity they need to create and perform with iPad. Connect all your pro audio gear to virtually any app in the App Store with the StudioDock.
FLEXIBLE FUNCTIONALITY Songwriters, music producers and performers of all kinds will find that the StudioDock connects the iPad’s powerful processor, touch-screen interface and extensive library of apps to their collection of microphones, instruments, professional speaker and PA systems, MIDI controllers, sound modules, video projectors and much more.
With the StudioDock and an iPad, musicians and producers can record, perform, craft and create music in virtually any situation or location. Built to accommodate all current app-development standards including Core MIDI, the StudioDock is a universal device that bridges your choice of music-creation apps, instruments, and devices.
COMPLETE CONNECTIVITY The StudioDock provides microphone and instrument users with two combination XLR and 1/4-inch inputs, each with its own gain control and switchable phantom power for condenser microphones. Guitarists and bassists will appreciate the StudioDock’s guitar-direct switch, enabling them to play, perform and record right into amplifier- and effects-modeling apps. Bands can connect outputs from their mixer and easily record their performances and rehearsals or use the StudioDock as a metronome or loop-playback device. Producers can use the StudioDock’s MIDI jacks to sequence external keyboards, samplers, drum machines and synthesizers, or perform using the StudioDock as the sound module and their favorite MIDI-compliant keyboard, drum pad or other controller. An assignable 1/4-inch footswitch input enables remote control of any app-defined function such as stop/start or record. Users can also connect the StudioDock to their Mac or PC using the USB port to send MIDI back and forth for creative, new applications of the iPad and computer used in tandem.
Users can connect the StudioDock’s stereo pair of 1/4-inch main outputs to studio monitors for critical listening, or to PA systems for use in performance settings. They can monitor on headphones, and independently control the levels of the two outputs, each on its own knob. Recording musicians will appreciate the StudioDock’s direct-monitor switch, which enables them to toggle between the incoming and playback signal on their headphones. Rounding out the StudioDock’s output section is a composite video connector, enabling users to employ the StudioDock as a source for video projection behind bands on stage, or for connection to most televisions and computer monitors.
RUGGED RELIABILITY The StudioDock was built for the real world. Whether you're keeping it in the safety of the studio or taking it out for recording or performance use in the club or on tour, the StudioDock will not only deliver the connectivity you need for audio applications, but it also serves as a rugged, protective case for the iPad. The StudioDock completely houses the iPad on the bottom and three side surfaces. It also encases the iPad's screen in a protective bezel on three of its four edges, further shielding the mobile computing device from the potential for damage in punishing environments.
The applications of the iPad for music creation, production, and performance are limited only by your creativity. As an imaginative, cutting-edge music maker, the StudioDock empowers you to seamlessly connect the world of pro audio gear and instruments to the iPad and the massive collection of apps.
Apple Certification Pending. iPad™, App Store™, Apple® and Mac® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries."
"It's such an obvious idea no one else thought of it: Create a pro audio dock for the iPad, including USB, MIDI I/O, video out, balanced XLR, I/O, and 1/4" audio connections. Very cool."
Introducing PHATTY TUNER Alternate Scale Editor for the Slim Phatty and Little Phatty
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (January, 2011) – For decades, Moog instruments have been used by adventurous musicians to map the sonic universe. Now they can be used to explore the more exotic reaches of our own planet. With Moog’s Phatty Tuner software, musicians can retune each note of the octave and compose in scales once available only to players of hard-to-find world instruments. Indian, Chinese and Turkish scales are now easily accessible along with Meantone, Pythagorean, Just and other historic and experimental temperaments.
Available for the Slim Phatty and coming soon for the Little Phatty with OS v3.0, this free download makes experimenting with alternate scales a breeze. Tuning data is easily editable and is displayed as a ratio, frequency and in cents. Scala files (www.huygens-fokker.org/scala) can be imported and exported for use with other tuning software. An unlimited number of tunings can be saved on your computer and the synthesizer’s hardware can store up to thirty-two different tunings; enough to take you around the world and back again.
'The alternate scale capabilities of the Slim Phatty and Little Phatty make Moog’s analog synths right at home in everything from Indian ragas and Arabic maqaams to Balinese gamelan scales.” said Mike Adams, President of Moog Music. “The world may be a little smaller, but the sound just got a lot bigger.'
If your musical explorations actually take you around the world, the Little Phatty and Slim Phatty’s convenient size and universal power supplies make them ideal travel partners.
About Moog Music: Moog Music and its customers carry on the legacy of Bob Moog, the inventor of the synthesizer. Moog designs and manufactures electronic musical instruments, including Little Phatty® and Minimoog® Voyager® synthesizers, Moogerfooger® effects modules, Etherwave® theremins, Taurus Bass Pedals and The Moog Guitar. Founded by Bob Moog, Moog Music designs and manufactures its products in Asheville, N.C."
SynthStation49 is the most advanced, intuitive music controller designed specifically for use with the iPad and the first true iPad performance tool for musicians. Working seamlessly with Akai Professional’s heralded SynthStation software, SynthStation49 provides unparalleled music creation capabilities, including direct in-app MIDI recording from its velocity-sensitive keyboard, nine MPC-style drum pads and array of transport controls. In addition to its integration with the SynthStation app, SynthStation49 is also completely iOS CoreMIDI compatible, making it instantly compatible with dozens of music apps already in the App Store and hundreds more on the way.
Dock, power and position the iPad perfectly using the adjustable-angled cradle, or establish commanding control over your favorite computer software using SynthStation49‘s USB/MIDI port. Professional ¼” outputs and extreme portability ensure you’ll be able to take your sequences straight to the stage at a moments notice.
SynthStation49 is the only full-featured, professional keyboard controller allowing direct MIDI performance recording onto an iPad. Bridging Akai Professional’s popular MPK controllers with the previously released SynthStation25, SynthStation49 provides immense software control with forty-nine, full-size velocity-sensitive keys, nine backlit MPC-style drum pads and full transport buttons. An adjustable-angled dock for iPad allows the user to easily slide their tablet into the SynthStation49’s cradle and position the screen to their preference.
SynthStation49’s keyboard, pitch/modulation wheels and sustain pedal input provide great feel and the essential controls for musicians and producers to compose, record and perform. The nine drum pads of SynthStation49 give users immediate, intuitive beat-creation capabilities over the 50 classic and modern kits available within the SynthStation software. Program, Sequence, Song select and Transport buttons also provide quick navigation to the SynthStation App’s most used components for a seamless, efficient workflow.
SynthStation49 also contains a stereo pair of professional ¼” TRS outputs with volume knob for easy connecting to other pro audio equipment on stage or in the studio. A headphone output also lets users practice and compose in private. The SynthStation49’s USB port can be connected directly to a Mac or PC computer to receive power in addition to transmitting MIDI to and from music software – a great way to turn the SynthStation App or other CoreMIDI compatible App into a sound module. You can even use SynthStation49 as a traditional USB MIDI controller with your computer - no iPad required!
AkaiConnect SDK allows third-party developers to take advantage of all the professional controls and capabilities of Akai Pro’s SynthStation49 keyboard controller and incorporate support for those controls within their iPad applications. Software developers interested in creating programs compatible with SynthStation49 can submit an application now at SynthStationApp.com.
Pending certification from Apple. iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries."
"SynthStation49 is the most advanced, intuitive music controller designed specifically for use with the iPad and the first true iPad performance tool for musicians. Working seamlessly with Akai Professional's heralded SynthStation software, SynthStation49 provides unparalleled music creation capabilities, including direct in-app MIDI recording from its velocity-sensitive keyboard, nine MPC-style drum pads and array of transport controls."
"Just got the jup8, took a quick crap iPhone video of my little synth studio before I strip it down and make it more useable. Just messing with synth, will make better video when I "can afford" a video camera.."
via this auction "The bC8 is probably the smallest production synthesizer in the world and certainly the cutest.
Packed into the bC8's tiny round body is a hand-assembled gold plated circuit board, eight high-quality potentiometers, a stereo jack socket, push-button, no less than four LED's, battery holder (3xAAA cells) with a robust stainless steel base.
Sophisticated digitally based oscillators are housed on the DSP as well as an innovative recording system and internal control voltage patching. Choose between single-shot and repetive envelope generator modes; use the seperate ATTACK and RELEASE knobs to create long and soulful drones; select the recording system to record and playback complex patterns of control knob movement, speed up or slow down the pattern playback to add > extra glide detail or confusion, override any of the controls during playback to adapt, complicate or simplifiy your composistion.
The bC8's VCO goes from the subsonic to the upper end of human hearing, introduce suble amounts of modulation from the LFO or envelope generator to create gentle vibratos or progressively wind in more than 700% modulation for almost impossible-to-predict and perhaps never-heard-before sounds. VCO is capable of 'thru-zero' modulation (frequencies run backwards).
To sum up: Eight LFO and four VCO morphing waveshapes, 128 different patchings, deep modulation options, wide ranging ATTACK/DECAY envelope generator and recording sequencer in a hand-built-by-one-man-in-a-tiny-factory-in-England - pocket sized - self powered - round package carefully machined from high-quality acrylic plastic (Perspex)."
"the technological terror is a cmos-based, squarewave noise synthesizer. there are ten, patchable modules (yeah, we really packed them in there) for your aural and tactile enjoyment. these include:
OSCILLATORS – 6 single oscillators of varying frequency ranges. highest frequencies at the top. the bottom two oscillators are sub-audio frequencies and can be used as lfo’s.
SYNC’D OSCILLATORS – one oscillator running through another into the same output
DUAL INPUT OSC – patch two oscillators into this module to create tremolo or ring modulator type sounds. there is also a knob that changes the waveshape a little bit.
SHIFT REGISTER – patch two oscillators into this 4-stage shift register for even weirder ring mod-ish sounds. or send sub-audio oscillators into it to get different rhythms with which you can control the arpeggiator or dual input osc. top input is for data, bottom for clock. the reset switch turns the sound off/on. all four stages are summed together into one ouput.
FILTER – this is a resonant, low-pass filter based on the one in ray wilson’s weird sound generator. the left knob is the cut-off frequency, right knob is resonance
ARPEGGIATOR – this is a simple arpeggiator. the three inputs determine which tones are heard and when. doesn’t sound like the kind you are used to, but we think it’s still neat.
MIXER – a passive four channel mixer with separate volume controls. you have to plug things into here if you want to hear anything.
EXTERNAL INPUTS – these allow you to plug other instruments into the technological terror. the left input is for things like guitar, microphones, most synthesizers and keyboards. going straight from this input to the mixer gives your instrument a nice, gated fuzz effect. the right input is for other squarewave instruments like your atari punk consoles and optical theremins and whatnot.
OUTPUT- from here you can plug into your amp or other, external effects. (might we suggest phaser and delay pedals?) there is also a master volume control.
the modules are patched together via banana jacks. we will provide you with six cheap (homemade) patch cables to get you started. but we suggest that you look into getting some good cables with stackable banana plugs. these will allow you to use each output or input for multiple purposes at the same time.
red banana jacks are the inputs
black banana jacks are the outputs.
the technological terror is powered by a 9volt, negative tip dc adapter…like most boss pedals. this is not included, sorry. there is no battery option."
STARR Labs on eBay
