MATRIXSYNTH: Sunday, October 21, 2012


Sunday, October 21, 2012

Exclusive Moog Minitaur Review - All the Bass & More for Less

This is a MATRIXSYNTH review...

A brand new Moog Minitaur will set you back $599, a Slim Phatty, $795, an RME Voyager, $2695. So how does the Minitaur sound compared to its siblings? Pretty darn incredible.

For this review I had access to both a Minimoog Voyager and a vintage Minimoog Model D for comparison, and the Minitaur more than held its own. Actually it was capable of sounding identical to the Voyager with roughly equivalent settings. The Model D, whether due to age or physical design, has a brighter, fizzier, more unstable characteristic to it compared to both. It's kind of like the original Minimoog has a wild beast inside it while the Voyager and Minitaur have managed to keep that beast under control. I used to think of an analogy where the Model D sounds like it has a Tasmanian Devil inside it, while the Voyager has Darth Vader. Well, the Minitaur adds a massive fat bull. All three are extremely powerful sounding synths. The bass the Minitaur produces is as full as it gets and the filter gets wide open. It was a bit shocking when I first heard it. The Minitaur might be slimmed down in price, but sonically it has all the fat you will ever need.

As the Voyager sounded closest to the Minitaur, I primarily focused on it for comparison. For the most part I could get the Minitaur to sound identical, but there were subtle differences. An interesting thing I noticed was that the filter on the Minitaur seemed to open more than the Voyager, but then I realized that on the Voyager the filter opens up more if you apply the envelope to it. Once I adjusted the envelope on the Voyager, they sounded nearly identical. The saw waves were identical and the pulse waves varied a little, but I believe this was likely due to additional pulse width settings on the Voyager that the Minitaur does not have. I found myself spending more time attempting to get the Voyager to sound like the Minitaur vs. the other way around. This was clearly due to the extra parameters on the Voyager, and it reminded me that sometimes less can be more. With pulse waves, the Minitaur sounded a little more rounded, smooth and fuller. In many cases where I couldn't sonically hear a difference, I could feel it. A funny side note is I have an overhead lamp in the studio I did my testing in. The lamp has a metal hood over a small glass dome for the bulb enclosure that rattles with significant bass. It rarely happens but I noticed it happening quite a bit with the Minitaur. I decided to take the Minitaur, Voyager and Model D to town with a rattle test. The Minitaur won. It consistently produced the most intense lamp rattle. :) This is not too surprising considering Moog's reputation for bass, and that the Minitaur is based on the Moog Taurus 3 bass pedals, which in turn was based on the original Taurus I released back in 1975 (note the Taurus II unlike the I & 3 was based on the Moog Rogue - this is significant, and I'll comment on this in the summary). It's worth noting that although there are other dedicated bass synthesizers out there, there are essentially two types - TB-303 emulators and thundering bass pedals. The Minitaur of course is based on the latter, and few synths sound as full. The Novation BassStation keyboard which is also analog, for example, was geared more towards TB-303 emulation and does not really compare to the Minitaur.

Before we get into specs and finally the summary, there are a few things you need to know off the bat regarding the Minitaur:

NovaDroneLights


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by casperelectronics synthesizers

http://casperelectronics.com/finished-pieces/nova-drone/

Elka Rhapsody 490 Video & Review on Astronauta Pinguim


Uploaded by astronautapinguim on Mar 15, 2011

Full overview and review on Astronauta Pinguim here.

loops, drones and nosie with 3 Anti-Nautilus (granular glitch machine)


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by muki123

"loops, drones and nosie with 3 Sonic Crayon Anti-Nautilus in series. random guitar at first, then I go mental with an ebow. next some percussive mangling with an op-1. turns my boring drums into tthhpbbhtbpppbthhbtpppdhhttthhbbdddd, etc. structure is no longer relevant"

Synthpop Sunday


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by Oliver Chesler

"Tiptop Audio 808 modules, Moog Slim Phatty, Wiard Oscillator into Toppobrillo Multifilter, Ensoniq ESQ-1 choir sound (off camera). Ableton Live Session View switching from Verse to Chorus. Make Noise Echophon at the end."

Update:

Sunday Synthpop Granulated

Published on Oct 21, 2012 by Oliver Chesler

"A few samples from the previously uploaded 'Sunday Synthpop' video put into the Borderlands granular synthesis app."

iTunes:
Borderlands Granular - Chris Carlson
iPads on eBay

Sunday Modular


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by Doug Parks

PPG Wave 2.3

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

via this auction

"Wave 2.3 (1984-1987) - 16 oscillators (two per voice), 12-bit resolution, dual modulation wheels, SSM 2044 VCFs, 8-part multimbrality.

The PPG Wave could be connected to multiple peripheral PPG components simultaneously, such as a 'smart' keyboard controller (PRK), 8-voice expansion units (EVU), and a sampling/editing/sequencing wave computer (Waveterm). Collectively, this setup was referred to as the "PPG Wave System", which was intended to compete with the Fairlight CMI..."

Note the following video although linked in the auction is not the one listed. This is just a demo of the PPG Wave 2.3 from thePPGs.com.


First thePPGs.com video - Showing my PPG Wave 2.3 to the public.

Uploaded by Kenneth Abildgaard on Jan 17, 2010

"Showing the first video to be featured on thePPGs.com.

The PPG Wave 2.3 is one of the most fantastic synthesizers ever made - period.
Its sound is out of this world and to me there is no synth more delicate and at the same time raw and unique.

The video features the PPG Wave 2.3 and at the end of the video you'll hear my old and trustworthy Hammond AutoVari-64 as well as I try - and fail - to play in time with it.
The audio from the PPG Wave 2.3 and Hammond AutoVari-64 has been recorded to disk and inserted in the video for the best possible audio.

Have fun listening to the wavetable fun !!

Kenneth
thePPGs.com"

Russian Analog Drum Synthesizer

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

"This is a very rare classic analog drum synth. It consists of 7 identical analog synthesizer channels, which are triggered by midi or by audio. Each channel can be tuned using the 7 knobs to create the a percussion / drum / percussive sound.

Its a fantastic unit and very multi purpose.

I used to route my drum tracks to separate outputs, then route them into this unit so each drum sound was triggering one of the channels of the synth. This was a great way of beefing up drum tracks with some analog fatness.

I have no idea what the different dials say, but its not hard to work out what they do once you route some audio into the synth to trigger one of the channels. The dials loosely work as follows. From top to bottom:

1 Sensitivity (to audio routed in)
2 pitch
3 Attack
4 Decay
switch (from memory this switches between kik / snare or tom sound)
5 Sustain
6 Release
7 dryness

The socket at the bottom of the unit is the monophonic audio output from the channel"

ANALOGUE SOLUTIONS LEIPZIG S

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

"Pure analogue voice and modulation circuitry.
Fat Moog style transistor ladder filter.
2 VCOs with Glide and Sub-VCOs.
Osc Sync & Cross-Mod
Plenty of modulation routing possibilities.
Analogue step sequencer – with plenty of clocking options.
Audio input so can be used as a sound processor."

Teenage Engineering OP-1

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

via this auction

Hohner-B/C Double Ray Accordion app for iPad


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by tradlessons

"Playing around with the B/C app."

Hohner-B/C Double-Ray Black-Dot Button Accordion - Michael Eskin
iPads on eBay

Bent HR-16 clocking SERGE DIY CGS !


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by Dmitri SFC

"Assigned a drum sound to the secondary output and hard panned it, through a distortion pedal and into 73 filter, filter rez cranked up and patched out to clock a Baby 10 Step Sequencer, Some pulse outs from baby 10 select steps on a Sequencer Programer while the distorted drum sound clocks the programer backwards. A square wave travels through three 73 Serge VCFs that are being Voltage controlled by a Serge VCS, an Oscillating Neg Slew modulates the release on the VCS"

"Analog Birds" (excerpts from Stravinsky's "Firebird")


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by TimeSynthis

"Here's a sparsely reduced arrangement I created of the "bird songs" from Igor Stravinsky's "Firebird". Sounds are from Ensoniq ESQ-M and the EMW WCS-1. Background seashore sounds from analog Marpac Marsona 1200 White noise generator. Hope you enjoy!"

EMW is layering on the bass notes,,,rest is ESQ-M

From the man who brought us Monotonic Labs U-73 and the "Secret Space Time Quartet" and "While you were Asleep" - Quad ESQ's meet the EMW WCS-1

Circuit Bent Bontempi Winnie the Pooh Tambourine by freeform delusion


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by freeformdelusion

"Bontempi - Winnie the Pooh - Musical Tambourine

switched mono mini jack output
blue LED
pitch up control
pitch down power starve control

Winnie the Pooh likes to eat honey and potentiometers!"

freeform-delusion (RSS)

Dan Deacon's Wild Wired World


via Moog Music Inc. on Facebook

"Moogfest alumni Dan Deacon's wild wired world.

Happy CV Sunday!

Love, your friends at Moog."

Custom White Make Noise Rene


via Richard Devine on Facebook

"@makenoisemusic Shared system arrives, with custom white Rene
sequencer!"

ether^ra PROMODULAR CLOQ


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by potterpaint2000

"improv featuring the ProModular Cloq recently purchased at CONTROL in Brooklyn. http://etherra.blogspot.com/"

Yamaha TQ5 tone generator

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

via this auction

"Yamaha TQ5 Tone Generator . The usual '80s 4 operator fm sounds in an unusual table-top box . Has some unique features like a sequencer and easy edit buttons ."


Moog Little Phatty with Stage 2 Upgrade

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

via this auction

Sequential Circuits Prophet 600 w/Pedal & Manual

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

via this auction

"It has the "Prophet ™ 600 Version 8 operating software ROM"

Roland System 100 Full Set

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
sir_analog (RSS)

"Cosmetic condition for the full set is near mint - an outstanding example:

101 keyboard: condition is near mint.The front panel is very clean and 99% free of marks, with the paintwork and printing in superb condition. There is a rectangular shadow on the paintwork on the right hand side just above the keyboard where a Roland sticker must have been fixed at some point. This is difficult to see in most lights. The side panels are excellent. The rear panel is also free of marks. The base panel is free of marks.


102 Expander module: overall condition is excellent. The front panel is very clean with the paintwork and printing in superb condition. A small mark at the bottom of the main front panel below the control area and a couple of tiny (1mm) blemishes on the front control area are all to report. The side panels are excellent. The rear panel is also free of marks. The base panel is free of marks.

103 Mixer module: Front panel is in near mint condition, with the paintwork and printing in superb condition.

109 Speakers: Both speakers are in near mint condition. All panels are clean and free of marks.

All knobs, buttons, switches and sliders are present, original and function correctly.

The original boxes for the 101 and 103 modules are also included with the sale.

These are 100v models - a small wall plug style stepdown transformer is included for each unit.

A set of patch leads is included with the sale."

Custom Joined Roland System 100 104 Analog Step Sequencer

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

via this auction

"Offered here is an incredibly unusual double System 100 104 step sequencer. The units have been professionally fitted together to make a 4 x 12 steps sequencer. The unit is in very good condition and the modification does not impair the unit's original functionality. Each unit has a toggle switch which as far as I understand is not wired (deactivated.) UK 230 volt power so a step up power converter will be necessary. However the unit has the standard IEC style power connector (pictured)."

Bass Koncept Studios Modded Roland TB-303 - Black Devil Fish

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

via this auction

"For sale a beautiful Roland Tb303 with alluminium case . The bassline has diverses modifications inside , all by Real World Interprise or in other words who make the devil fish mods. The mods are :

- CV, Gate, Filter, Glide, Accent Control IN for to drive TB303 with a Midi interface
- 32 Banks of memory for to improve memory capacity and special live applications
- Audio in to Filter with a switch that able ot disable oscillator. This permit to process a signal but without to have the 303 signal. So it's possible to have External signal + 303 or only External signal
- lithium battery for at least ten years battery backup, so there is no need to install C-cell batteries.
-Improved bass responce and resonance"

Roland TR-808 Drum Machine

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

via this auction

Oberheim OBX Six Voice Synthesizer SN 794803

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

via this auction
helpshah (RSS)



VINTAGE SOVIET ANALOG SYNTHESIZER "PIF"

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Oct 21, 2012 by Max Ugolnikov



via this auction

ARTURIA MINIBRUTE

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

via this auction



KORG POLY-61 VINTAGE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER SN 700438

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

via this auction

More pics of the inside below.

The Many Screens of the Teenage Engineering OP-1

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

via this auction

DIY dekatron synth module demo


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by MrPalebluedot

"Here is just a quick emonstration using the dekatron module as a CV source. It basically functions like a burst generator, outputting 3 pulses at the end of each rotation. The output is turning on the cycle of a 4MS PEG which is opening a VCA. Just showing basic speeds settings and the deketron being driven by external CV via a Jerkster Chaos module."

Kind of looks like a vacuum tube with LEDs in it.

Dekatron DIY eurorack module as oscillator / noise maker

Published on Oct 21, 2012 by MrPalebluedot

"Just a quick, dirty demonstration of how a ekatron can be "played" as a synched oscillator. Nasty and unpredictable"

Octatrack Dark Energy Dark Time SH-09


Published on Sep 19, 2012 by eastablishrec

"Dark Time modulate Dark Energy's pitch and filter cutoff frequency, Dark Energy's CV and gate out are connected to SH-09. Additional hat were overdubbed."

Roland SH-09 with Dark Energy Tetra and Octatrack

Published on Jun 16, 2012 by eastablishrec

"Add SH-09 to thicken up the sound. Octatrack's MIDI track controls DE and Tetra, use DE's gate and CV out to control SH-09. Trying to use OT's new Pick Up Machine to sample DE and Tetra's sound."

Dark Energy Tetra Octatrack

Published on Apr 4, 2012 by eastablishrec

"Both Dark Energy and Tetra was sequenced by Octatrack, audio outputs were connected to OT's inputs for real time sampling. Direct sound were sent out from OT's cue output to Kaoss Pad for more sampling"

TETRA with TIMEFACTOR


Uploaded by eastablishrec on Feb 12, 2011

"sequence DSI Tetra with Eventide Timefactor"

Moog Slim Phatty


Uploaded by eastablishrec on Sep 11, 2011

"jam with Moog Slim Phatty. RE-301 and Time Factor for delay and reverb, KP3 for sampling."

Moog Slim Phatty's on eBay

SMS Salamander Modular - Catalog


via SMS Salamander Modular System on Facebook

Click through for the full catalog.

Serge Modular + TKB


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by DavideModu

"Serge Modular + TKB

Audio http://www.mixcloud.com/Dave77/serge-modular-r/"

Without bounderies


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by skoulaman

"Still a week to go for my concert with AKS. I found this beauty setting of the Waldorf Q. Its a nice sample of a full resonant opened filter'(notch). It is controlled by the Moog Little Phatty and the funny thing is that although the Moog isn't velocity sensitive the keys are and it works perfect for other velocity sensitive MIDI instruments. Its sends also polyfonic. I tweaked some Juno 106 noise together with the Moog sequence.
The solo pieces are from the Concertmate MG-1 and the DS8. The pads came from my favorit DS-8 and a low string sound from the Korg 05r/w. In opposite is the string and e-piano sound from the Lamda. All processed with Lexicon, Yamaha, Ibanez, Alesis and Electric effects. It is best listened with good audio gear then you here the rich harmonics of the Waldorf, I filmed and recorded everything live without overdubs (I mostly don't use that).

Thx listening

greetings Hans 'Skoulaman'"

MFB NANOZWERG FILTER JAM


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by HOX808

"MFB NANOZWERG WITH TOM OBERHEIM FILTER"

New! ELECKTROID - Drum Machine Software FIRST LOOK - by AudioSpillage

New! ELECKTROID - Drum Machine Software FIRST LOOK - by AudioSpillage for Mac OSX

Published on Oct 21, 2012 by VJFranzK

"Plug-In Drum Synth and Sampler .AudioUnit - This is my "first look" review of "Elecktroid" by AudioSpillage - On my first day using it, I made these 5 beats in different styles to explore it's various features. It is an excellent hybrid of drum synthesis and sampling, and includes an innovative step sequencer including probabalistic drum programing, allowing much rhythmic variation to emerge from a single pattern.

( I have permission in writing from the company to review and demonstrate this program, and to monetize this video. )"

Hex Box V3 Industrial by FrankenMusik


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by FrankenMusik

"Industrial Volt/Amp meter turned drone box via a FrankenMusic 40106 Hex circuit. Quad oscillators, volume controls are standard with a 9-12VDC input power source and a 1/4" mono output jack.

Video is a sample from a recording with this device, running through a FX unit with a mix of delay and flanger."

korg ms 20 sq 10 crazy sequence


Published on Oct 21, 2012 by heodesalciphron

"crazy buddies !"
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