MATRIXSYNTH: Saturday, December 24, 2011


Saturday, December 24, 2011

An Interview with Alessandro Cortini

Alessandro Cortini is the man behind SONOIO. He played synths for Nine Inch Nails and brought us the SuONOIO synthesizer produced with Scott Jaeger of The Harvestman.  Alessandro  is known for his use of Buchla systems new and old.  He currently has a new free release featuring remixes from Alan Wilder, Telefon tel aviv, Eric Avery and more. There is also a 7 inch for sale on www.sonoio.org.

The following is my interview with him primarily focused on synths.

1. How did the world of synths start for you?

"I was schooled on guitar, back in italy. I am from a very small town so there weren't a lot of bands to play with... I got asked to "help" and record guitars on a record by a local band, called Autobeat, fronted by Franco Naddei (now francobeat). He was really into synths and electronica, so he basically opened a whole new world to me.... He ended up doing a remix for SONOIO on the upcoming remix record which is very cool, considering he was the one who introduced me to Depeche Mode (Alan Wilder is doing a remix too)."

2. What were your first synths and what did you think about them?

"Besides from my friend's instruments, my first "synth" was a Casio VL series, if I recall correctly, when i was 10 years old. On a more involved level, I personally started with software. The first one was Seer Systems Reality on PC...I moved to mac as soon as i could, and started using Cubase's Neon a lot (a small built in VST). Next were Bitheadz Retro AS-1 for synths and Unity DS-1 for samples, all "synced" to Logic (it definitely wasn't as elegant as it should have been).


Emagic's ES-1 was sort of a "step up" because of its integration with Logic...but didn't sound too good.

Bottom line is that I recall being extremely excited and happy for being able to record and compose on my laptop wherever I was, and didn't see the need for hardware synths.... until I borrowed a minimoog and spent a good 4 hours with headphones, a pencil stuck in a key to keep it going and tweaking knobs: that made it obvious that interface, much more than sound, were the reason why it was worth to commit to a dedicated hardware unit.

My infatuation with the minimoog quickly vanished, and moved onto NordLead, Nord Modular and lastly a small used Analogue Systems modular synthesizer. The AS was the beginning of a long relationship with modulars: for once, there were no rules, no predefined paths and no wrong moves (almost).

I expanded my AS until I sold it in order to buy an old paper faceplate Serge, which was then sold once I got Buchla fever…."

3. I still remember the day you announced you'd be working with Nine Inch Nails. What synths did you use at the time and what was that experience like?

"At the time I was still using my nord modular and AS modular.... The audition was odd: I was basically instructed to play on top of a live recording, which I did. The first two songs I played were Wish (on guitar and synths) and Closer. I remember preparing my little patches on the Nord Modular for the audition... I wish I kept those sounds cause they were pretty funny.


The whole NIN experience was amazing, especially the time in the studio working on Ghosts.
I have to admit the reason I left was touring, which became a bit too strenuous and not enjoyable anymore.

I got very involved in the studio side of things: I feel much more at ease working on music in a studio environment than performing live. Live performance always feels like a test, to different extents, generally with little room for spontaneity (my opinion, of course)."

4. Did you explore any interesting synths or new forms of synthesis at the time? I recall Trent Reznor used the Dewanatron Swarmatron for "The Social Network" He is also known for having a few coveted pieces of gear including one of two Waldorf Shadow XTks.

"Trent has a studio full of toys so I had the chance to play with a myriad of instruments I have never seen or heard before...but in the end I would always gravitate towards the modular."

5. You are known in synth circles for you use of Buchla modulars. How did you get introduced to them and what was it that gravitated you towards them vs. other synths? How do you approach the Buchla and how has it impacted your music?

"When I was teaching synthesis at Musicians Institute I basically had to write the curriculum myself. Part of it included an introduction to the history of these instruments and I remember being completely mesmerized by some of the Buchla photos I was able to track down... the way the instrument looked like a toy, like a self contained instrument that first and foremost called you to play with its looks.

I remember when Don announced the 200e series in 2004: I printed the whole site so i could have in my student role book and read it during breaks... I was obsessed.

Peter Grenader was responsible for introducing me to historical Buchla records such as Subotnick's Sidewinder and Sky of Cloudless Sulfur, and his Plan B modules kept my hunger for Buchla inspired technology in check for a while... until I was able to afford my own 200e system.


I am fortunate enough to own both a 200e and a vintage 200 system."

6. How do the Buchla 200e and 200 compare in your opinion, specifically in regards to sound and interface?

"I would say the interface is very close, unless you start analyzing high density 200e modules such as the 251e, where there's a lot going on in a small space. Soundwise, there are similarities, yes, but I see them as two different instruments, and approach them as such.


I love the 200e's 259e wavetable waveform generators, and the ability to use patch storing in a creative way.The 291e is undoubtedly superior to its 200 version, in my opinion. The 222e/223e input port is the culmination of Don's 40 years tinkering with touch surfaces.

The 200e has its own sound and you'd be disappointed if you wanted it to sound like a 200. It just doesn't do it well, mainly because it wasn't designed to recreate that aspect of the 200 instrument, in my opinion, but mostly its interface, applied to modern technology.

7. Recently you've been using the Teenage Engineering OP-1. What are your thoughts on it? How do you like working with it, specifically the physical design and interface, and of course as an audio processing tool?

"I think the OP-1, with its limitations and quirkiness, is a very creative instrument. I can't deny being a bit disappointed by the electro style demos that started popping up once it was announced, but as soon as I got my beta unit it was undeniable it could be used to do completely different things. It goes wherever I go!!! I enjoy the well laid out interface and its sound engines, which are fairly unique in their incarnation. It's a great sketchpad for ideas and sound design, and I have been using it on tour as a vocal effect also."

8. Aside from the Buchla and OP-1, what other synths and/or forms of synthesis do you find yourself gravitating towards when experimenting with sound and music?

"Definitely the more odd looking/sounding ones, preferably without a keyboard."

9. You recently worked with The Harvestman on the SuONOIO. How did that come about and what was that experience like?

"Once I finished recording the first SONOIO record, Blue, I wanted to come up with an interesting product to accompany its release. Something similar to a Buddha Machine, but playable, and something original like a BugBrand synth, but still linked to the album release.... It became clear that it had to be an analog/digital hybrid. Scott was the first to come to mind, as i believe he is extremely talented in bringing the advantages of digital design to an analog interface. After a few phone calls and 3 weeks later, we had the 1st prototype ready....2 protos later, the instrument was done. It was a very quick back and forth collaboration... almost makes us feel guilty, since we had so much fun making it!"
10. Do you see yourself more as a performer, an explorer of synthesis or a bit of both depending on context?


"I really just like playing with instruments and come up with interesting sounds. I am not too good at describing what I do... I just do it!"

11. Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?


"I am working on releasing my first instrumental record...it should be out early next year...i am very excited to release it!"

Photos above by Sarah Sitkin



You can find Alessandro Cortini's work at http://sonoio.org/. He currently has a new free release featuring remixes from Alan Wilder, Telefon tel aviv, Eric Avery and more. There is also a 7 inch available.

Christian/Vienna – Sync-Gen II PRO


Christian/Viena via Innerclock

"Merry Christmas David,

Man, it just works as you told me.

Installation was the easiest I have ever done.

But most of all, it does what you promised.

Thanks a very a lot!

Christian – Grow! Records, Vienna"

Merry Synth Christmas 2011 via Synthmania.com


YouTube Uploaded by SynthManiaDotCom on Dec 24, 2011

"Merry Synth Christmas :-)"

TB-303 with BYOC ESV Fuzz


YouTube Uploaded by SynthManiaDotCom on Dec 24, 2011

"A Roland TB-303 run through a self-built BYOC 'E.S.V. Fuzz' pedal."

Christmas Eve by CZ Rider

via CZ Rider
"A little Christmas song done on the old three oscillator Moog. Really got me in the Christmas mood making a Moog tune. This is one of my favorites "Carol Of The Bells" done on nothing but a single Moog modular with the percussion track from an Emu APS soundcard. Downloaded a MIDI file of the "Christmas Eve" version. Ripped the MIDI file apart and recorded about 70 different tracks with the Moog. Bounced down to 32 tracks.Played some live,only effects used was a phaser on one of the three intro guitar tracks, and some echo on one of the lead tracks. Mostly just a lot of straight Moog modular tracks. If you have a set of subs, crank it up! Nothing like that Moog Christmas bass. Hope everyone enjoys the season!"


Christmas Eve by CZ Rider by matrixsynth

Note this track is by CZ Rider. Uploaded to MATRIXSYNTH SoundCloud for embedding.






ALBA ECSTASY - xNight


YouTube Uploaded by adimsimion on Dec 24, 2011

"Christmas night

Merry Christmas everybody!

AE"

Jordan Rudess Christmas 2012


YouTube Uploaded by JCRUDESS on Dec 24, 2011

"Merry Christmas to everyone all around the world. My wish is for peace and music to fill our hearts and minds. In this video I am playing my iOS app MorphWiz. If you want to hear lots of Jordan Christmas arrangements go here:"

Jordan Rudess

And of course, Jordan's iOS apps:

Jordan Rudess: Wizdom Music, LLC

The Rabbit


YouTube Uploaded by SynthManiaDotCom on Dec 23, 2011

"A 1960s-style hard-bop song with Viscount OP-6 organ, Synthesizers.com modular synth, and Yamaha YPT-400 keyboard as the drum muchine. Played in real time to 2-track stereo, no MIDI, sequencing or multi-tracking."

"Silent Night" - Happy Holidays from TheSynthFreq


YouTube Uploaded by TheSynthFreq on Dec 24, 2011

"Happy Holidays everyone!! TheSynthFreq and the synths wish you and your family (and synths) a very synthy holiday season! :)

Crystal and I wanted to create our own version of Silent Night with a TSF sound to it with original TSF patches.

Synths used: Jupiter-8- ARP 72 Roland D-50- icy tines lead Yamaha Motif-6- strings/cymbols

PLEASE ENJOY!
HAPPY SYNTHTASTIC HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!
:) TSF"

A-111-5 + MAQ16/3 + 4ms SCM


KORG SQ-10

via this auction

"The SQ-10 is the perfect match for the MS-series of synthesizers, but works equally well with the Yamaha CS series (5, 10, 15, 20m, 30, 40m), Moogs, or anything else that accepts an S-trigger. Three rows of 12 steps (with ability to chain the top two for 24 steps), step trigger outputs, CV inputs to control or substitute the internal clock, portamento control, make this a really powerful sequencer."

Access Virus Indigo SN G10001347

via this auction

Disabling Mobile Templates

Just a heads up. I disabled mobile templates for the site. I find I prefer the default site template with black on green and it's much easier for me to make edits should I need to on the go. On a mobile device you should be able to double tap on any post text to get it zoom in perfectly on the post column. If you feel strongly about the change, feel free to comment.

Bro-Step v1.0


YouTube Uploaded by rishabhrajan on Dec 24, 2011

"A synth to create wobble bass sounds heard in most dubstep production.
Download the program from here: http://www.4shared.com/zip/MCvAzAhx/Bro-Step_v10.html"

Its a bit more than that actually. Note the import of a sample and using it as a wavetable.

KNOBZ.NET Synth Tutorial: Keyboard Tracking


More at KNOBZ.NET. Details via http://knobz.net/synth7.html:

"This tutorial explains the principles of Keyboard Tracking and it's applications in a modular synthesis environment. This technique involves using the control voltage generated by the keyboard to control various synth parameters.

Filter tracking, reverse volume tracking and LFO rate tracking are covered."

Rheyne - Live Jam #26

Lemur and NodeBeat with Analog Keyboards and USB Controllers

YouTube Uploaded by RheyneMusic on Dec 23, 2011

"Live jam recorded on 12/23/11 combining analog keyboards, USB controllers, and iOS devices. The NodeBeat app is running on an iPhone, and Lemur is on an iPad wirelessly controlling effects on NI's Massive in Ableton Live (played on the Oxygen 25). Drums from NI's Kontakt are triggered on an Akai MPD26, and the lead is played on a Dave Smith Instruments MoPho. A Moog Prodigy is on top of the Fender Rhodes. The Novation Launchpad and Akai APC20 are connected to Ableton Live on a Macbook Pro."

Switched on Santa


YouTube Uploaded by sommi4 on Dec 25, 2010

"Sy Mann playing "Switched on Santa" on a Moog Modular system"

ROLAND SH-32 MULTI-TIMBRAL VIRTUAL ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

via this auction

Click on these for the larger pics.


iPad lemur, MFB karfwerk, DSI Tempest, Xoxbox - Real Techno


YouTube Uploaded by inforlk on Dec 24, 2011

"iPad lemur, MFB karfwerk, DSI Tempest, Xoxbox - Real Techno Analog"

Lemur - Liine
iPads on eBay
iPod Touch on eBay

Vangelis - Memories of Green


YouTube Uploaded by Eventual422 on Dec 27, 2007

Listen to the bleep sounds in this piece. Then listen to the following:

Gameplay: Bambino Ufo Master Blaster

Uploaded by macskajanchi on Mar 24, 2011

"Playing on Bambino Ufo Master Blaster handheld game.
VFD game from 1979."

via Sound on Sound (Be sure to check out the full article): "One of the best scenes in the film occurs early on, when Deckard (Harrison Ford) has an awkward meeting with Rachael (Sean Young). The music heard in this scene fits it perfectly, yet was taken from an earlier Vangelis album. The piece, 'Memories Of Green', is distinctive for its melancholy, 'drunk' piano sound. Raphael Preston: 'We used an Electroharmonix Electric Mistress flanger pedal on 'Memories Of Green', putting a Steinway Grand through it. The electronic noises on there came from one of the first hand-held electronic games, a Japanese thing called the Bambino UFO Master Blaster Station! I had to play it for the length of the piece without losing the game, because when you lost, it made the most horrible noise.'"

This one in via adrien.

A TB-303 Christmas


via J, via 030303 on Facebook


Peace On Earth-Alnitak(Merry Christmas)


YouTube Uploaded by Kobolnova on Dec 24, 2011

I made this song for Christmas 2009 and i have decide to make a new version of it today for christmas 2011,because i had some very busy weeks before christmas i had no time to make a new song,i wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY newyear 2012!
I "removed" myself from the video picture like the original version,you also can not see me,it is about christmas time and about the music,i really hope you enjoy it!
Leadvoice:Roland D-50(Glasvoices II)
Choirs :GeneralMusic S2 Turbo/GeneralMusic Equinox 61
Bass :Moog Minimoog Voyager Oldschool
Noise :Roland Juno 106
Composed,produced and live performed by Bert Anjewierden(Alnitak)
The Original version is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD3XsPyMLpc



YouTube Uploaded by Kobolnova on Dec 25, 2009

"I made special for Christmas this simple song,with the D-50 lead "Glass Voices 2" leadvoice, my lefthand playing the GEM Equinox,and bass the Jx-8p, and noise from the Korg Radias
(this D50 i bought second hand and was 1 time used about one hour! so this D50 is in a absolutly mint new state,like it was made by roland yesterday!)"

Vintage RA Moog 907 , 904B synthesizer modules

via this auction

"Rare and highly desirable vintage RA Moog 907 Fixed Filter Bank with an added original RA Moog 904b Voltage Controlled High Pass Filter, added to its chassis. This is a vintage RA Moog 907 modified with an added vintage RA Moog 904b. Great idea, great workmanship but not for me. Unit is in working condition. Faceplate has some minor blemishes as well as some impact signs (slight bend top right corner). I have a several other original vintage RA Moog and MOOG modules I will be selling soon so keep checking my auctions."

Arp Odyssey Analogue Synth

via this auction
See the seller's other items for more.

"This is in stunning condition considering its over 30 years old! There is hardly a mark to be found on the top panel and all the lettering is like new! I assume it never got too much use or gigged.

This is the MK3 version which is the best build quality of all the Oddy's. Better metal case and choice of inputs and outputs. Has factory fitted CV, Gate, Trigger for external control and XLR high level output New set of the older style slider caps fitted to brighten it up a bit and they are much better than the original plastic ones in my opinion

Of all the vintage mono (duo) synths i think the Odyssey is the nicest sounding and smoothest to use. Features far better than on the Minimoog and much more control and options"



Moog Realistic MG-1 Analogue Synth

via this auction

Color matching slider caps.


Waldorf Micro Q Keyboard Synthesizer

via this auction

Note the OS in the display specifically calls out this is the keyboard version.  Thought that was kind of interesting. 


Rare Vintage Soviet Lider-2 Video




via this auction

YAMAHA CS80 POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER For Sale


via this auction

"This is the holy grail. And there's a good reason why they've been selling for $18,000. lately on eBay... this is the best synthesizer ever made. Used on hundreds of gold and platinum records and on many feature filmscores by the biggest names in the business. I've owned three of these over the past thirty-three years... in fact I purchased one of the very first ones in 1978 at Guitar Center in Hollywood,CA. MSRP was initially $6,800. and later was raised to $7,100. and if you were lucky enough to get one at all you paid retail for it. (BTW, using S. Morgan Friedman's internet Inflation Calculator that works out to $23,461.28 in today's dollars... so these used CS80s should really be selling for in excess of $20,000. today.) It is hands down the best sounding and most inspiring keyboard out there. Period. Nothing else even comes close. I used this one at a recording session last Saturday and everything works great on it. No issues.

Fat analog sound with 16 oscillators. That's like eight mini-Moogs at the same time!! (if you use the third oscillator on the mini as a control oscillator for vibrato like most players do). Velocity and pressure sensitive keyboard. Amazing glissando and portamento effects. A phenomenal ring modulator which can also emulate an arpeggiator. A wah-wah effect switch with a jack in the back for a pedal. And has the pitch ribbon bar which creates whammy-bar type subtle vibrato or soaring 8-octave dive bomb effects. Includes three different owner's manuals (pdf files). Has only been moved around twice in the past fifteen years. Front panel is very clean. See pictures."

Novation Nova Polyphonic Desktop ASM Synth SN 04709

via this auction
conwayair (RSS)


NthSynth Pics

flickr By NTH Synth
(click for more)

NTH Synthesizer.

nthsynth.com/

Photos by Amy Glass.


Tempest Analog Drum Machine - Dave Smith Roger Linn [Review]


YouTube Uploaded by sonicstate on Dec 22, 2011

"A review of the latest partnership between two of the most well respected synth designers around. This is a 6 voice analog drum machinesynthesizer."

The Harvestman: Polivoks VCG

flickr By Analogue Haven

"Finished! Now this is one that we've been waiting for.

Shown here is a production version of the Eurorack Polivoks VCG, aka the oscillator section of the semi-famous Soviet synthesizer of the same name. The module is made via collaboration with the Polivoks' original designer Vladimir Kuzmin and it uses vintage Soviet parts where possible.

Photo credit: Juliana Jaeger.
LINK to more Harvestman-related build content: www.mobypicture.com/user/julianajaeger/.

The Harvestman just shipped a batch of these modules to us. We expect stock before the New Year. LINK for more info: www.analoguehaven.com/theharvestman/polivoksvcg/."

What's the sound of modcan clapping


YouTube Uploaded by dudeohyeahable on Dec 23, 2011

"Yddgjh"

Serge Hammering


YouTube Uploaded by djangosfire on Dec 24, 2011

"Working out a more rhythmic patch this time - sort of a "hammering" "banging" type sound. Keys to this patch are the WAD (insane flanger!!), DSG's, Res EQ, Wave Multipliers (lower module) & Variable Q VCF. . . . and the heart of the "sequence" is the Smooth Stepped Generator - utilizing the "hold" function :)

100% Serge M-Class & Oakland Custom Panel - recorded straight to digital - NO processing, one take improv - sound exploration."

Ricordi di bambino


YouTube Uploaded by SynthManiaDotCom on Dec 23, 2011

"A ballad in the style of 'Il Guardiano del Faro', 1970s Italian Moog pioneer and one of my biggest influences for my music."

Loomeer - Ambient Drone 3 (11-12-24)


YouTube Uploaded by Loomeer305 on Dec 24, 2011

"http://www.last.fm/music/Loomeer/_/Ambient+Drone+3"

Pulsing Serge


YouTube Uploaded by theianboddy on Dec 24, 2011

"Experiment with Serge system using pulsing filters with analogue delay."

All 35 iControlMIDI Apps qualified IK Multimedia iRig MIDI

"All 35 iControlMIDI Apps are qualified with the recently released IK Multimedia iRig MIDI iPad CoreMIDI MIDI interface (link)

This is the 4th iPad CoreMIDI MIDI interface qualified with all iControlMID Apps, in addition to the following:
• Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer II (link)
• Apple Camera Connection Kit (link) + HDE USB MIDI Cable Converter PC to Music Keyboard (link)
• Yamaha i-MX1 (link)

In addition, you can use iControlMIDI FREE MIDIProtocolTester App (iTunes) to assess if your CoreMIDI compliant iPad MIDI interface is compatible with iControlMIDI."
iControlMIDI
iPads on eBay
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