MATRIXSYNTH: Tuesday, July 16, 2013


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The Differences Between the Ensoniq SQ-80 & VFX

This one is via Paul McLean on the AH mailing list, posted here with his permission. Someone on the list asked how the two compared and Paul chimed in.  It's a fascinating insight on two synths from someone that worked closely with both at Ensoniq:

"I have both an SQ-80 and VFX and was working at Ensoniq in those days (both are prototypes actually), so I feel qualified to chime in. They sound very different.

First off the wave samples are all different and there are a lot more in the VFX. That being said, there are a number of total junk samples in the VFX (guitar sting, duct tape pull, really?). So what does this mean?

For what its worth, the organ samples come from my 1950s Hammond M2. Unfortunately they were hacked up and had all their charm removed by the sound designer in charge of the wave table and given meaningless names (ORGAN1, ORGAN1....) instead of the drawbar number names that I gave him (ORG888000000, ORG888880000....).

Second, the resolution of the samples are different. The SQ-80 is based (like the ESQ-1) on technology from the Mirage (first-generation DOC chip, MC6809), so the samples are 12-bit with no interpolation on playback. The VFX is based on the technology in the EPS (DOC2, MC68000) and so uses (if I recall correctly) 13-bit samples with linear-interpolation on playback.

I suppose the over-used cliches are true, the SQ-80 sounds "grittier" and the VFX sounds "smoother".

Third, the filters. The SQ-80 uses CEM 24db/oct resonant filters for each of its voices. The VFX implements its filters on the DOC chip for 2 filters per voice and they have a variety of cutoff rates and types (lowpass/highpass). They DO NOT offer resonance. This isn't as much a problem as you might think due to the "Transwaves" in the VFX (of which more later). I asked Bob Yannes (founder and some sort-of technology executive at Ensoniq) why they dropped the resonance, he answered (as I recall) that it came down to a cost trade-off for the silicon and as mentioned would be mitigated by the wave-samples and Transwaves. I think also that that sort-of filter sweep sound was considered to be pretty dated at the time and so maybe not so important.

Transwaves. These are sets of single-cycle samples that can be swept through giving wonderful moving sounds. Things like pulse width modulation which wouldn't normally be possible on a wavetable-based synth can be emulated here. I've also gotten wonderful 'resonant' sweeping sounds with these. That said they don't quite replace filter resonance. I don't think the transwaves in the VFX, or TS series ever lived up to their promise. I haven't tried a FIZMO though.

Miscellany: The VFX lets you layer up to 6 voices (complete synthesis chains) per key, the SQ-80 mixes 3 oscillators into a VCF-VCA chain. The VFX has many more and much deeper modulation options. The SQ-80 voice has a ring modulator, none on the VFX. The effects on the VFX are mostly wonderful (8-voice chorus is a dream, the Leslie sim is bloody awful).

I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff.

Conclusion? I'm afraid its the same AH conclusion. Get both if you can, they really do not overlap. I like that the VFX makes me seriously rethink my approach to sound design. It has been my main keyboard since 1989, though recently retired for a TS-12 which unfortunately also does not replace it! I still use both the SQ-80 and VFX for recording.

The good thing is, they are both insanely cheap. (and the poly-pressure keyboard on both is to die for!)

Regards,
Paul McLean
Denver CO / San Jose CA"

Made Of Wood - Compilation Featuring Ciat Londbarde Instruments




"Compilation of various artists working with Ciat Lonbarde instruments

Group: soundcloud.com/groups/ciat-lonbarde
credits
released 17 July 2013
a big thanks too, Elina for her help and support all this time, everyone who contributed for this release, Peter.B for making all those great instruments and sharing his designs, thank you all from the heart, punks"

via Floppy Brain on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Madrona Labs Alto on Sale for the Summer


"Until July 30, the full version of Aalto is on sale now for $50. That’s $49 off the regular price of $99."

The Buchla of software synths. Details & demos: http://madronalabs.com/products/aalto

Yamaha CS-15 & CS-30L


via Connor 'Macleod' Eck on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

YOUTH by KiNo & Video with Jeff Blenkinsopp & Malcom Cecil's TONTO

YOUTH from KiNo on Vimeo.



KiNo and his producer Sonic Wizard Jeff Blenkinsopp [Pink Floyd insider]

KiNo Live Rig from KiNo on Vimeo.

The above is a video on KiNo's live rig featuring Jeff Blenkinsopp & Malcom Cecil's TONTO. You might recall the suitcase sized rig Jeff refers to from this previous post on KiNo's Kickstarter campaign. KiNo is working on an new concept single called YOUTH.

About KiNo
http://poetofsoundandimage.com/9

Details on YOUTH via Facebook (be sure to click through for a gallery of pics):

"Written, demoed and performed in New York.
In production: Los Angeles, New York, With contribution from Nyc, Roma, Istanbul, Paris, Korea.

I got on to making YOUTH, ever since the Gezi Park events in Istanbul broke out the mass movement of young people, among them my friends, mostly apolitical creatures lunging protests against their mobster government led by a cunt. YOUTH is a concept/single that I wasn't planning on embarking on until I secured some sort of backing. But, I found myself in the thick of it, thanks to my friends who have been demonstrating incredible tactics of subversion, to expose, expose and disarm their oppressors in the government and the media. It has been an intense period of pounding successful resistance coordinated on facebook and twitter. I couldn't escape the net of solidarity. They are young people getting some results. So, I couldn't resist turning to YOUTH. It's my reaction, a unifying (re)action in fact to connect the dots on what has been happening across the globe for quite sometime, created by the organic, non-idealogical energy, the sole capacitor of change, bearer of subversion and crafty people of liberty, the youth! As a poet, instead of sticking labels on people, I must help remove them to remind the essence of a human being unadulterated by nationality, religion, language and ideology. The concept-single is all about this. It's form is in the ubiquitous cross-cultural language of image, sound and word. And it is being made as we speak, with many collaborators contributing. It's an exciting time to focus and inspire each other, the bolt of awareness is conducting in a very fast pace. We all know what's in progress. We are the current face of change.9, Los Angeles"


Also see the KiNO and TONTO labels below for more.

Trigger Riot doing long techno drone

Published on Jul 16, 2013 GM1ify·33 videos

"Capturing some moments here at the lab"

Buchla Tunes Vol 5 Teaser 2




Teaser 1 here.

lyonel.bandcamp.com/

via Lyonel Bauchet on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Working Arp Avatar Guitar Synthesizer Video Demo


Published on Apr 28, 2013 nyc3631·4 videos

Yamaha FS1R FM Formant Rack Mount Synthesizer SN OZ01205 Factory Demos

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Jul 6, 2013 nyc3631·4 videos


via this auction

You can find a TB MIDI Stuff FS1R iPad editor for the FS1R here, and a TouchOSC editor for The Missing Link here.

Roland TB-303 Bassline Synthesizer SN 142000

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via this auction

Circuit Bent Kawai K1M Vector Synthesizer With Sound Source Fantasy Presets

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via this auction

Scans of the Sound Source Factory Set presets with details for each below.

"Kawai K1M Vector Synthesizer Circuit Bent
Interesting Vector Synth Similar To A Yamaha TG-33, And Modded Into A New Beast.
The Bends Allows Everything From Pitch Up-Down, Ring Mod, And Bit Crushed Type Sounds.
The Mods Are Well Done And Built To Last, Using High Quality Components.
The Stock Sounds Are Erased And the Unit Was Loaded Via Card With The "Sound Source Unlimited' "Fantasy Collection" Rom Set.
I'll Include The Fantasy Pamphlet For Reference, And Can Email Buyer ALL The K1 Cards Ever Made Which Can Be Loaded Via Sysex

the K1 is one of Kawai's most economic digital synthesizers in the K-series.
The K1 has 256 digital samples of waveforms, 50 of which are from acoustic instruments.
You combine up to four wave shapes to create very new and unique sounds.
The K1 is capable of very good acoustic recreation, excellent unique synth sounds or at times, completely noisy walls of complex sound."

VINTAGE KORG RHYTHM 55B DRUM MACHINE SN 398680

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via this auction

SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS PROPHET VS SN 0118

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via this auction
helpshah (RSS)

MOOG Source Analog Synthesizer SN 2110

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via this auction
helpshah (RSS)

MOOG MEMORYMOOG PLUS

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via this auction
helpshah (RSS)

Oberheim Matrix-1000 Vintage Analog Synthesizer

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via this auction

Blue Roland SH-101 Vintage Synthesizer Including Mod Grip

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via this auction

Sequential Circuits Pro-One SN 7088

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via this auction

Arp Axxe Vintage Analogue Synthesizer

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via this auction

69 chord machine²s

Published on Jul 16, 2013 Ebotronix·704 videos

"Flame two Chord Machines CM1 arp out to CM2 in, CM2 arp out to CM1 in
4ms Peg ,RCD
Doepfer A 143-1, A 134 panning by A 143-9 , Maths ,Moog MP 201
foh choices to A 152 (4 ms RCD all outs to A 152)
Make Noise,Maths, 2 x Moddemix (Ringmodulators Antis & Uncles),
Optomix,QMMG, 2xWogglebug
Malekko 4x Anti Oscillator cv by CM1, 3x Uncle cv by CM2 ,Noisering
Moog Freqbox 4x
Tip Top Audio Z 8000 cv source for Chord Machine 1&2 chord input
Toppobrillo 2x Quantimator (~CM²s), Sportmodulator filter S&H
SSL Modulation Orgy
Logic midi masterclock
kick RS 110 QMMG
snare Noisering RS 110 QMMG
FX Boss VF 1, Lexicon PCM 80 / 90"

hexinverter.net AteOhAte Mutant HiHats Demo


Published on Jul 16, 2013

"The AteOhAte Mutant HiHats are a DIY analogue hihats module based on the infamous TR-808 hihats.

You can build one yourself at home (along with many other x0x-based drum modules) once PCBs are available from me at hexinverter.net

I will be releasing the AteOhAte Mutant COWBELL at the same time as this project. Stay tuned for a video of that as well!

This module adds a few features over the TR-808, most notably: voltage control of the open hihat decay parameter!

Receive an email when PCBs are available by signing up for the mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/pDf_5

Visit the Muffwiggler forum thread for updates on the project: http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/view..."

Kudzu Creative Drops Price of Koushion: Pads to $1.99


"GREENVILLE, SC - July 16, 2013

Kudzu Creative drops the price of its pad-based controller, Koushion: Pads to $1.99.

From the company who brought you the MIDI Step Sequencer iPad app, Koushion, created Koushion: Pads, which adds a new twist to the popular controller by adding a key lock feature and programmable pads.

The key lock feature empowers you to improvise with a larger range of pitches by removing those that are not in the desired key. If locking yourself to one key sounds a bit too limiting, but you want to reach a few notes that are out of the 16-pad range, or even if you just want a custom controller layout, each pad can be edited independently to trigger a different note. Once you've found a custom layout that you like, you can easily save it for future use.

About Koushion MIDI Pads

Features:
16 easy-to-tap pads in a familiar MPC-style layout
Key lock: with the flick of a finger you can lock the pads to any major, minor, or pentatonic scale
Programmable layout: every pad can be re-assigned to any MIDI note / channel
Automatic integration with other apps via CoreMIDI virtual ports: open up a synth in the background and Koushion: Pads will trigger the notes

About Kudzu Creative Group: Based in Greenville, SC, Kudzu Creative Group specializes in mobile and web services including application & software development."

Koushion: Pads is available on iTunes here:
Koushion: MIDI Pads - Kudzu Creative Group

Water Proof 7U Portable Eurorack Case From Synthrotek

via Synthrotek

"Synthrotek's Original 7U Waterproof Eurorack Case is here! We start off with a very rugged SeaHorse band case (very similar to Pelican) and fit it with 7U x 84hp vector rails and 20 square rail nuts per row (2.5mm). This allows you to have 2 x 3U @ 84 HP AND a full 84hp rail dedicated to the 1U format. You can find plenty of 1U modules from Pulp Logic at Erthenvar.com.
We had some custom brackets made for just this case, a one of a kind.

KEEP YOUR GEAR SAFE! while traveling or in the elements!

DOES NOT COME WITH A POWER SUPPLY -
2 TipTop uZues work really well. We are currently in development on a power supply and will have it soon.

FEATURES:

Automatic pressure purge system

Molded-in padlock holes (fits standard size Masterlocks®)

Available with easy-to-install Panel Kits supplied with o-rings and screws

Inside Dimensions:
18.38" x 13.28" x 6.22"
(48.7cm x 33.7cm x 15.8cm)

Outside Dimensions:
19.75" x 15.53" x 7.48"
(50.2cm x 39.5cm x 19.0cm)
Available Colors: Black, Gunmetal Gray, Safety Yellow (OSHA) and Intl. Orange (SOLAS).

A padded detachable shoulder strap is available for an additional $17.

MADE IN THE USA!!!"

Siel Mono Analog Synthesiser with Modified Red Pitch Bend Knob

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via this auction

KORG Synth Lot with Original Boxes

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via this auction

"Korg poly 800 synth,boxed ,instructions,data tape -perfect condition-Battery or mains
Korg ex 800 module (same as above but without keyboard-doubles the possibilities)-boxed perfect-Data tape ,mains only-rack mounts supplied
DDM 110 digital drum machine-battery or mains
KMS 30 midi sync-enable all to run together using click track (remember those reel to reels on TOTP!)
All boxed and perfect"

Mod-o-Tron: Modified Korg Monotron Delay Ribbon Synth

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

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

You can find video of one previously posted here.

"Circuit from a Korg Monotron Delay, put into a custom-built case with a larger ribbon and force-sensitive volume control. 3 x 17 x 1. The faceplate and backplate are both 1/8" tinted acrylic around a 3/4" MDF body. Runs efficiently on two AAA batteries (not included) replaceable by friction-fitting them from beneath. Intended for tabletop use, with clear rubber feet on the underside.

There are no mechanical means of attachment between the plexiglass front and back plates and the wooden body; they're permanently glued on with silicone. So hacking into the circuit isn't much of an option, unless you want to re-glue it all together. And the sides of the piece are black electrical tape. There are a few cosmetic flaws, in other words, but it's a handmade, one-of-a-kind prototype instrument, and it plays magnificently.

From left to right: volume knob, slide switch, volume pad (the switch disables the knob and enables the pad, and vice-versa), traditional layout of Korg Monotron Delay controls (power/waveform select slide switch, two LFO knobs, VCF knob, two delay knobs) and a switch that isn't wired to anything; Its intent was to reverse the direction of the ribbon, but I couldn't get that going, so now it just sits there."

QuNeo iPad Mode for Truly Mobile Music Making

"QuNeo's robust visual feedback system has been optimized for the limited power provided by the iPad through its Camera Connection Kit or Lightning connector. Now the iPad can power QuNeo directly, so artists can create and perform virtually anywhere.

Faster, meaner and cleaner
QuNeo v.1.2.3 has optimized firmware with a faster scan rate that increases pad performance. Users executing drum rolls or rapid percussive techniques will notice improved responsiveness.

Released less than a year ago, the QuNeo has raised the bar for computer pad controllers and received praise from artists and users across many musical styles.

Artists using QuNeo include Herbie Hancock, Jack Conte, Thavius Beck, Ana Sia, illGATES, Richard Divine, Laura Escude, Krazy Baldhead, Infinite Sinewave, Amy Knoles, Diwon and Ghost Beach.

With the same sleek design dimensions (9.5" x 7.3" x 0.3"), QuNeo can use the same stands, cases and other accessories made for iPad.

See the QuNeo in action at: www.keithmcmillen.com/QuNeo/tour

QuNeo has a street price of $199.00 USD, and is available now at leading musical instrument retailers worldwide.

About Keith McMillen Instruments
Keith McMillen Instruments develops innovative hardware and software technologies that allow musicians to interface with computers in exciting new ways. Based in Berkeley, CA., KMI's products provide today's modern musician with the tools needed to bring new dimensions of expression and control to their performance. We believe when a computer is played as a musical instrument it should feel and respond like one, with all the nuance and sensitivity that makes an instrument musical."

QuNeos on eBay

Harvestman English Tears


Volt Per Octave Converter for KORG MS20 - details here.

http://theharvestman.org

El Capistan Jam


Uploaded on Jul 16, 2013 GForceSoftwareTV·79 videos

"Testing the newly arrived Strymon El Capistan together with the modular sequencer, Roland VP330, Oberheim 8 Voice, OB 8 and ARP Pro-DGX.

I'm in love with this little pedal so it's a bit indulgent but hey, sometimes you forget time when you're having fun :)"

Time To Riot!

Published on Jul 16, 2013 MrLouk4·11 videos

"First patch with TipTop Trigger Riot!
Triggers to:
TipTop BD808, SD808, HH808, Jomox Mbase11
Renè sequencing Intellijel Rubicon filtered through Makenoise MMG."

BEAT THANG | How to make your own music


Published on Jul 16, 2013

"Get free software and sounds at http://www.bketech.com/how-to-make-mu...

Learn to make your own music

Create full songs with BEAT THANG.
It includes a 16-track real-time sequencer & 24-bit sampler. You can record, compose, mix and master in sample-accurate 44.1kHz stereo with no computer required. BEAT THANG also comes with an exact software replica (BTV Software) that you can use on your PC or MAC.

FAQ: Why does BEAT THANG look the way it does and what's up with the name?

The BEAT THANG design is bold and memorable, because it helps you make music that is bold and memorable. The exterior look of BEAT THANG is an indication of the 'sound color' you can produce with it. The preset sounds and the technical specifications of the entire unit help you produce bold music.

The name BEAT THANG does not indicate that it's specific to anyone genre of music. The name is meant to imply in a fun way that BEAT THANG will give you punchy sounds that will stand out in your mix as they are not flat, thin or tinny.

In many ways we defied conventional thinking to engineer and innovative workstation that is not only faster to operate and simpler to use but also sounds better out-of-the-box when compared to professional drum machines or hybrid systems."

Original EMS Scans - System 100 Diagram, SYNTHI AKS & More


You'll find the rest on Switched On Austin's Flickr page.


1977 PAIA 4700 MODEL J MODULAR ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

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via this auction

"For your consideration is this vintage 100% all original vintage 1977 Paia 4700 Model J modular synthesizer. This impressively complete set includes; the complete modular unit with all original modules, the original keyboard, original banana patch cables, original program tapes and ALL of the original manuals!

This is probably the best example of a Paia 4700 modular you will ever see. It is capable of polyphonic arrangement, custom programming and even an early implementation of computer-generated polyphonic composition, thanks to the digital control system on board.

Modules:
- 4720 Voltage Controlled Oscillator (x3)
- 4730 Multi-modal Filter
- 4740 Envelope Generator (x2)
- 4710 Balanced Modulator (x2)
- 4712 Reverb Module
- 4711 Mixer
- 4770 Watt Block (x3)
- 4761 Wing (x2)
- 2720-5 Control Oscillator/Noise Source
- 8780 Digital to Analog Converter
- 8781 Quad Addressable Sample & Hold

While this set is in perfectly intact and excellent cosmetic condition, the individual modules operate differently to other modular systems i have used, so i will outline the functionality of the modules and you can get assess the working condition! All three 4720 VCO modules operate flawlessly with clear powerful waveforms and accurate pitch tracking. The 4730 filter module is deep, squelchy and performs flawlessly. The 4740 EG modules operate flawlessly with great a,d,s and r timings. The 4710 modulators operate beautifully, a true swiss army knife of a module. The 4712 reverb module is one of the most organic, cavernous analog reverbs i've ever heard and works without fault. The 4711 Mixer operates perfectly. The watt block and wing modules are very stable and have been calibrated to smooth out any supply hum. The 2720-5 LFO module operates brilliantly but seems to have a ridiculously slow oscillation rate on the lowest setting! The noise source is flawless. Now for the stuff I'm not an expert on: the 8780 and 8781 seem to work really well with the keyboard/computer controller system. There is a polyphonic program stored in the controller which can be initiated in a few seconds by entering a few digits on the keypad. The instructions are all included and there is even a whole guide on the programming language included! The functionality of these modules however is dependent on how far you want to go with programming the thing and what codes you enter from the tapes. For this reason it is hard for me to assess whether these modules operate completely flawlessly. They're definitely capable of the kind of thing a moog modular or roland controller keyboard can do though, even with the pre-programs fired up!

As can be seen, the unit is in beautiful condition, was clearly successfully built, and still retains all hardware.

If you are a synth lover, electronically gifted, or a tinkerer with patience, I could imagine no better investment. With modular synths sky-rocketing to the prices of nice real estate, I would suggest grabbing even the more accessible synths while possible.

This modular runs on 110v, but i will provide a 110v transformer which can be used with the system."

Roland SH 101 Synthesizer

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via this auction

Roland TB 303 + Manual

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via this auction

"Up for sale is the ultimate acid machine … the legendary 303.
There are tons of clones out there but the original TB303 is still the original.
Probably the most influential synthesizer in electronic music, contributed on countless records.

The unit up for sale is in good working order with some age related wear.
Some scratches and usual wear. The unit had no battery leakage but the original battery cover was missing and replaced by a cover from another unit.

All switches and knobs work fine without crackling or noise.

Comes with the original TB 303 manual ( english ) and PSU."

Korg X911 Guitar Synthesizer SN 274130

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via this auction

"This is a very cool machine to create weird effect sounds and to feed with all kinds of signals.
As a guitar synth it is quite ok but as effect unit it is a fantastic toy.
This Korg X911 is in good condition, with some normal age related wear and fully working.
No crackling pots or dead switches.
Comes with original manual."

Oberheim DX Midi

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via this auction


"The Oberheim DX is a legendary drumcomputer from the early 80ies.
You’ll get that typical punchy eprom drumsound known from Linndrum, SCI Drumtraks etc.

This DX has been fully serviced and checked :

★ All potentiometers, switches, jacks and pcb connectors resoldered in advance for failsafe usage in the studio future
★ New battery
★ Contact service on all potentiometers, switches, jacks and pcb connectors
★ Cleaned in & outside, fully calibrated to factory specs – sounds awsome !"

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