MATRIXSYNTH: Open Music Labs


Showing posts with label Open Music Labs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Open Music Labs. Show all posts

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Eurorack TB-303: Three all-in-one modules compared


video upload by John Schussler

"More 303 comparisons. I've looked at the Hydronium and the Bassline before, but have only recently acquired an x0x Heart. Up to this point my favorite 303 emulation has been the Hydronium, but it's much larger than it needs to be, and I'm always on the lookout for something that sounds just as good but is smaller.

No, I don't have an Acidlab M303. I should probably get one. It seems to be the only other module that's an entire 303 behind one small panel.

Sequencer is Next Tuesday, which has slide and accent outs, a critical component when evaluating a 303 style module.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Hydronium
06:47 x0x Heart
12:35 Bassline"

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Lucia - Marinero [80s italo disco pop synth cover]


video upload by Synthfluencer

"I first listened to that song on a mixtape I copied from my grandparents in mid 80s. After decades I remembered that song when listening to that mix tape again (yes, it still exist!) and med this quick cover using my Vermona Synthesizer and other gear."

Reminds me of Alphaville, Big In Japan at times.

Tuesday, December 08, 2020

Open Music Labs MixTape Alpha Synth Sequencer

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


via this auction

Friday, August 14, 2020

Behringer's Cool Audio Clones the Roland BA662A


This one is in via Jose of sonicplug.com, spotted on Future Music Spain.

Per Behringer:

"Great news. Our sister company Coolaudio who designs mixed architecture semiconductors has just released the holy grail of synthesizer chips - a clone of the BA662A.

It is the THE chip responsible for the unique sound of so many classic synths.

Not only has Coolaudio cloned the BA662 “A” version, which is the highest specified version, they also managed to greatly improve noise performance and included even two chips in one packaging.

We’re beyond excited:-)"

The BA662 was used in the Juno-6/60/106, JX-3P and TB-303, Jupiter-4, and Jupiter-8.

via AMSynths:

"The BA662 is a custom made DC controlled variable transconductance amplifier (or OTA) that Roland had manufactured by Rohm from the late 1970’s and is now obsolete. There are two types of chip with different suffices; the A version has been selected for lower offset than the B version. They are further classified by gain/gm. The BA662B can only replace another BA662B, whilst an A can be used in either application.

To quote Roland from the 100M Service Manual: 'Color has great importance in circuits of some models'. However there is nothing mystical about the sound of the BA662, it is just a reasonable good OTA chip which is often carefully matched and selected."


Note Open Music Labs made a clone as well (last edited in 2014):

"They just don’t make IC’s like they used to, and is this case, they just don’t make them at all! So, we decided to bring the BA662 back to life, in all it’s Frankenstein glory. This is a direct replica (to the best of our knowledge) of the now obsolete OTA, made from well matched transistor pairs. It can be used as a drop-in replacement for most applications. So if you have an old synth or effects pedal that is no longer synth’ing or effecting, this just might be the cure...

The BA662 clone is a replica of the very rare BA662 OTA which was used by Roland in a number of their synthesizers and effects pedals from the 80's. The internal wiring of the BA662 was reverse engineered from an original part by applying external voltages and currents, and seeing how it responded. For example, you can find out how many transistors are at the top and bottom of the output stage by measuring the saturation voltages. From this it was found that they used Wilson current mirrors. Also, by measuring the current consumption under varying signal levels, the value of the emitter resistor on the buffer stage was found. A fair bit of the anaylsis was based on recollections from seeing a datasheet a long time ago, and the fact that OTA's have very similar topologies."



Saturday, July 27, 2019

Open Music Labs Mixtape Alpha

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

via this auction

You can find a demo of the Mixtape Alpha here.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Sinulator - some knob twiddling!


Published on Mar 24, 2019 openmusiclabs

"OML and WOMS (West Oakland Music Systems) teamed up to make the Sinulator. here it is doing some phase modulation, with a sequenced tone used as the modulator. the depth of modulation is adjusted manually through the video, and there is a drum back beat. it can also be used as a wavefolder and sinewave shaper.

http://wiki.openmusiclabs.com/wiki/Si...

currently availabe via Perfect Circuit and soon at Synthcube."

Note this is the first post to feature West Oakland Music Systems.

Saturday, February 09, 2019

KORG VOLCA MODULAR Videos by Audio Wanderer


VOLCA MODULAR SOLO Published on Feb 8, 2019 Audio Wanderer

"NO Fx, NO Synth, NO Drum machines
Just wandering around through the Volca Modular testing my DIY voltage mixer
Check it out"

Volca Modular + Volca FM + PO-32 + Mixtape Alpha = Portable Electronic Jam nÂș2

Published on Feb 6, 2019 Audio Wanderer

"2nd chapter of the Portable Electronic Jams serie where we will play with tiny music machines just for fun
In this dreamy hypnotic set we play with the Volca Modular and the Volca FM while the Tonic (PO-32) add a minimal rhythmic support flavoured with some random noises coming from the ultra rare cassette sized synth Mixtape Alpha. The Candle flame flow with the sound until the end."

Saturday, February 02, 2019

Portable Electronic Jam Vol. 1 = Volca FM + PO-32 + Mixtape Alpha + Sony Minidisc


Published on Feb 1, 2019 Audio Wanderer

"1st chapter of the new serie called Portable Electronic Jams where we will play with tiny music machines just for fun
In this slow and smokey jam we play some ambient pads on the Volca FM while the Tonic (PO-32) walks down with a dark electro rhythm flavoured with some random noises coming from the ultra rare cassette sized synth Mixtape Alpha and an old Minidisc. A lucky cat witnessed all"

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Open Music Labs / MixTape Alpha w/ Cassette Case

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

via this auction

"Rare, cool, and discontinued. Very Good Condition. Comes in a clear cassette tape case with original instructions.

Description:
Mixtape Alpha is the smallest synthesizer made. It has a stylophone style input for continuous note generation, and 6 buttons for discrete notes. With 4 voices, 4 effects, and 5 note polyphony there is quite a range of expression. But, the best part is, you can record the songs you make, and trade mixtapes with your friends! Perhaps even better, it’s based on the ATmega328p, and can be hacked to make even crazier sounds than we came up with. Mixtape Alpha was done in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab."

Monday, July 30, 2018

Mixtape Alpha and Moldover Four Track [Episode 80]


Published on Jul 30, 2018 CatSynth TV

"For our 80th episode, we demo the Mixtape Alpha and Moldover Four Track, two tiny cassette-shaped synthesizers.

'The Mixtape Alpha has a stylophone style input for continuous tone generation, and six buttons for discrete notes. With four voices, four effects, and five-note polyphony there is quite a range of expression. You can even loop a pattern and play a second part on top. But, the best part is, you can record the songs you make, and trade mixtapes with your friends! And it comes in its own cassette case, with instructions.'

https://www.crowdsupply.com/open-musi...

Musician, artist, and inventor MOLDOVER presents a new original album packaged in a playable circuit board instrument! [video below]

https://moldover.bandcamp.com/album/f...

For more synthesizer demos, please subscribe to this channel and visit www.catsynth.com"

Moldover's Kickstarter: Waaaaay more than an album - FOUR TRACK

Published on Nov 10, 2013 Moldover Musical-AntiHero

"Musician, artist, and inventor MOLDOVER presents a new original album packaged in a playable circuit board instrument!"

Friday, February 24, 2017

x0x-heart Demo - Eurorack Modular Experiment


Published on Feb 24, 2017 FatSynthDude

"Putting the x0x-heart through its paces with some ASSEEEED!!! The x0x-heart's signal chain is straight to the mixer with a bit of reverb from the FX-16. Sequenced by the Stillson Hammer mkII.

I haven't ever owned a real TB-303, but compared to other clones I've owned (FB-383, TBX-303, Rebirth) it's pretty good. I like the built-in overdrive circuit. It's like an all-in-one 303 acid machine.

Marbles:

Monday, October 17, 2016

OpenMusicLabs Mixtape Alpha

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

via this auction

"from the makers:

'Mixtape Alpha is the smallest synthesizer we could make without a prescription. It has a stylophone style input for continuous note generation, and 6 buttons for discrete notes. With 4 voices, 4 effects, and 5 note polyphony there is quite a range of expression. But, the best part is, you can record the songs you make, and trade mixtapes with your friends! Perhaps even better, it’s based on the ATmega328p, and can be hacked to make even crazier sounds than we came up with.

If you want to dig into the guts of this 8-bit synth, check out the . There you will find all the schematics and code, and we even have a Pure Data patch for making your own wavetables. Mixtape Alpha even comes in its own cassette case, with instructions!'"

Monday, May 09, 2016

Open Music Labs x0x-heart Eurorack Module Seeks Funding on Crowd Supply




The Open Music Labs x0x-heart has been available as a desktop DIY project for quite some time. Open Labs is now seeking funding on Crowd Supply in order to produce a eurorack version.

"The heart of a TB303 synth recreated in modular format.

The Roland TB303 voice practically defined Acid music, heavily influencing the development of electronic music. Add that voice to your own setup with the x0x-heart Eurorack Module.

The x0x-heart module is the analogue section extracted from the x0xb0x (a TB303 clone) and made small enough to fit the Eurorack format. More nimble as a module, you no longer need to work within the constraints of the original TB303’s sequencer.

Features
CV control of frequency, gate, accent, slide, env-mod, decay, and cut-off
Switches for waveform selection (square and sawtooth), external/internal oscillator mix
VCA and VCF outputs

Specifications

Eurorack standard format (3U height)
18hp
~1.75in depth (45mm)
+/-12V current draw 10mA
5V current draw: 50mA

Includes

10” Euro power cable (16 pin to 10 pin connector)
Black anodized aluminum knobs with a diamond knurl pattern and two set screws (with slot heads and flat points)
A .063” (1.6mm) highly durable satin aluminum Metalphoto panel with a black print
Stretch goals
If, during the campaign, the funding amount reaches $15,000, the pacemaker circuit board (the one with the knobs) will be re-designed to allow for easier tuning and manufacturing.

If and when the first stretch goal is met, more goals may be announced during the campaign - let us know what you’d like to see as a stretch goal! No promises, of course. Here are some things we’ve been considering to make available - either for additional purchase or as options:

Red-anodized aluminum knobs
Laser-cut and engraved wood faceplates (which would be more fragile, of course!)
Open source hardware
To help you truly understand and control what you and your module are doing, Open Music Labs makes all schematic and board layout files available for your perusal and use."

Open Music Labs were also behind the Mixtape Alpha, and other devices.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Happy Birthday Commodore Amiga!

The Amiga Demoscene Mixtape Vol. 1 - mixed by DJ Arvy (The Old-School Classics Edition)

Published on Jun 11, 2013 DJ Arvy

The Commodore Amiga turns 30 today! via Boing Boing

Playlist:

1. The Amiga Demoscene Mixtape Vol. 1 - mixed by DJ Arvy (The Old-School Classics Edition)
"A non-stop DJ Continous Mix featuring some of the greatest and most popular Soundtracks from the early 90s Old School Amiga Demos.

Playlist:
0:05 "Deep Space" by Greg (from "Odyssey" by Alcatraz, 1992)
0:45 "Stardust Memories" by Jester (from "World of Commodore" by Sanity, 1992)
4:15 "Part6" by Greg (from "Odyssey" by Alcatraz, 1992)
6:35 "Hyperbased" by Firefox & Tip (from "Enigma" by Phenomena, 1991)
11:19 "Checknobankh" by Laxity (from "Desert Dream" by Kefrens, 1993)
14:25 "Elysium" by Jester (from "Elysium" by Sanity, 1991)
17:50 "Vite and Plack" by Virgill (from "Interference" by Sanity, 1993)
21:41 "Part3" by Greg (from "Odyssey" by Alcatraz, 1992)
23:21 "Overload" by Firefox & Tip (from "Voyage" by Razor 1911, 1991)
29:30 "Nagual Dance" by Jugi (from "Paradigma" by Complex, 1993)
33:35 "Demomodul#3" by Laxity (from "Desert Dream" by Kefrens, 1993)
37:55 "Cyberride" by Jester (from "Extension" by Pygmy Projects, 1993)
42:16 "A nice Day for a Walk" by Julius / Mad Freak (from "3D Demo II" by Anarchy, 1992)

Free MP3-Download at soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/deejay-arvy/th..."

2. The Amiga Demoscene Mixtape Vol. 2 - mixed by DJ Arvy (Old Skool) ft. Mods by Moby, Laxity and more

Friday, March 06, 2015

Loco con poco - Plastic food, clothes pins & tiny machines


Published on Mar 5, 2015 Fernando Garcia Tamajon

"The pocket operators trio (PO-12, PO-14, PO-16) from teenage engineering with the mixtape alpha making strange noises in the background. The last LOCO con POCO jam"

Playlist:
Plastic food, clothes pins & tiny machines
White gloves controlling cheap pads sounds & mechanical lazy rhythms
Interferenza di radio malsonante e minipiano Echo in tempo larghetto
A Cheesy Pocket Techno Jam
An Ultra Lo-fi Psychedelic Beat

Thursday, January 15, 2015

3030303 - x0x heart


Published on Jan 15, 2015 Tomash Ghzegovsky

"3 tb 303 builds and a digital warrior sequencer
acid p0rn x0x0x0x
tb3030303
more info:
http://tomashg.com/?p=1130
http://digitalwarrior.co/"

Monday, December 01, 2014

Hand made TB-303 clone (x0x heart)


Published on Dec 1, 2014 Tomash Ghzegovsky

"Hand crafted TB-303 build based on the x0x-heart board and the Teensy Synth control board developed by myself.
Recorded with a little bit of reverb.

More details: http://tomashg.com/?p=1130
Orders: http://digitalwarrior.co/shop/tb303-b..."

Wednesday, September 03, 2014

Open Music Labs Mixtape Alpha & Sony MX-14 Vintage Portable Mixer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
These in via the same seller.

Mixtape Alpha via this auction

Sony MX-14 via this auction

"Mixtape Alpha is the smallest synthesizer we could make without a prescription. It has a stylophone style input for continuous note generation, and 6 buttons for discrete notes. With 4 voices, 4 effects, and 5 note polyphony there is quite a range of expression. But, the best part is, you can record the songs you make, and trade mixtapes with your friends! Perhaps even better, it’s based on the ATmega328p, and can be hacked to make even crazier sounds than we came up with."

"Sony MX-14 Vintage Portable Mixer A Vintage Mixer for your Vintage Synths. Comes with adapter and can also run on batteries."

Update: A little trivia according to the seller, Tomita used a similar model mixer in some of his recordings, including "Snowflakes are Dancing". Looking at the back of the album you can see the Sony MX-16 and MX-12 listed. The MX-16 does look similar in design. Not sure about specs though. Regardless, it is an interesting bit of trivia.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Mixtape Alpha 8-bit Wavetable Mini-Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"Mixtape Alpha is the smallest synthesizer we could make without a prescription. It has a stylophone style input for continuous note generation, and 6 buttons for discrete notes. With 4 voices, 4 effects, and 5 note polyphony there is quite a range of expression. But, the best part is, you can record the songs you make, and trade mixtapes with your friends! Perhaps even better, it’s based on the ATmega328p, and can be hacked to make even crazier sounds than we came up with.

If you want to dig into the guts of this 8-bit synth, check out the wiki page. There you will find all the schematics and code, and we even have a Pure Data patch for making your own wavetables. Mixtape Alpha even comes in its own cassette case, with instructions!

Mixtape Alpha was done in collaboration with Jie Qi from the High-Low Tech group at the MIT Media Lab. It’s an attempt to break down the barriers between people and electronics: To get them comfortable touching PCBs, and change expectations about how electronics should look. To this end, there are resistive touch pads, and all the trace routing took aesthetics into consideration as well. These are ideas very familiar to circiut benders, and we’re hoping they catch on with other folks as well."

Sunday, June 01, 2014

Featured Listings for June 2014

This post hosts all Featured listings that drop off the top of the site for the month. You'll find a link to previous months below. Many of these listings will obviously end in time and some will get re-listed (always check the listing). They will remain here as a record of what went up over time. For some, you can click on the image to see what they went for on eBay. Some expire from eBay and some expire from MATRIXSYNTH CLASSIFIEDS. This list only hosts some of the more interesting and unique items that have gone up over time, so be sure to check out the Auctions channel for everything else. You can of course search for any synth with "auction" in the search box on the top left of the site. If you click through the auction links you can see what items went for. You can also search by serial numbers to track the history of specific synths.



Featured Listings for May 2014
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