MATRIXSYNTH: polls


Showing posts with label polls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label polls. Show all posts

Sunday, January 01, 2012

Welcome to the Other Side

Just getting situated and ready to start the morning's post.  Note this isn't my official New Year's post, you can find that directly below, or here for those coming in directly to this post via RSS, Twitter or Facebook.  To get a taste of the MATRIXSYNTH audience, I thought I'd put up the following poll.  Please take it as it is of the utmost non-importance.  Don't worry, it is completely anonymous. 





New posts for the year will commence now...

Any new year's resolutions? 


Friday, May 20, 2011

A Poll on Computers In the Studio




I'm curious how many people currently use computers in their studio and if so, do you use it for audio, MIDI or both. Feel free to share and expand your opinion in the comments.

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Moog Modular Poll

Lorne, aka kidtronic, asked what all modular synth geeks and sound tinkerers (myself included), wonder each time a new Moog product is announced - why don't they just make modules again? The market is growing and they could make a killing off them. I could be wrong but I'm guessing it's a combination of time, physical resources (manufacturing and people), prioritization, and size of the potential market. Modules are currently limited to people that have and/or want to build modulars. How big is that market? What would be the tipping point for them to consider modules and if so, what format? Eurorack is gaining popularity, but would it be sacrilege to go with Euro vs. the classic and original Moog format? Could they afford to do both? Technically you could design the guts for Euro and then mount them in both. Heck, you could make Mini-Moogerfoogers for the non modular market.

Moog could put a poll up but in doing so, it would mean they are considering it, and if it didn't pan out, they would be disappointing those that voted for it. That said, I thought I'd put up a few polls for fun. I'm doing these on the spur without much thought, so if I'm missing something obvious feel free to comment or shoot me an email (contact info on the bottom right). I went with Eurorack and Moog for the formats for now. If there is interest for other formats, don't vote and mention it in the comments or email me. I will add them. I don't want to dilute the poll with them unless there is genuine interest.

Spread the polls around so people see them. I included links to the embed code for those on other sites. Note there is no link back to MATRIXSYNTH, so you are safe. :) The polls are hosted on Polldady and I have to embed them as well. In order for the numbers to mean anything across sites, it's probably a good idea to have only one poll for each question.

Now the BIG assumption of course, is that the cost of the modules would be relative to Moogerfoogers as far as functionality vs. price.



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Saturday, September 04, 2010

PPG-300 Modular



via Aliens Project close-up of the week.

PPG or Polyfusion. Which would you pic?


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Korg PS 3100 for Hard Cash

via this auction
"this KORG PS 3100 just recently had a massive recapping. 100 capacitors including the PSU, OSC cards, Control boards, etc. Cabinet has seen some better days but it's nothing too bad. Minor scratch on front panel but nothing that major. Also replaced were a lot of opamps. This was all done as precautionary maintenanceThe synth sounds phenomenal. . It should be good for many years to come.

Must pickup in the PA/NJ area. Local pickup only. Paypal or Cash only. I prefer Cash." $4,750.00 BIN

I'd be a little leery bringing cash msyelf. Would you do it?


Thursday, July 15, 2010

ARP-SOLUS.mov


YouTube via CINEpocalypse | July 15, 2010
via this auction
"short detail of the manipulation of the broken faders & broken switch.
sorry for the flip"HD" image."

Listen in at :44 - :46 and see if that sounds familiar. Poll below.





Monday, June 28, 2010

Poll: One Pic Per Post?

Update: if you caught this post earlier, I was debating whether to limit posts to one image or video with a link to the full post for the rest. The site would look more streamlined and could be quicker to load, but it could take away from the current look and feel of the site. Another option that came up in the comments would be to just have the more link for posts that are a bit long, like auction posts with tons of images or video posts with multiple parts. I wasn't sure I wanted to sign up for that as it could become a bit of work considering how much does go up, but it might not be that bad after-all, and it would keep the general look and feel of posts currently on the site. That said, there are three polls below. An updated poll with this option, the original closed poll, and a poll on site performance. Note I added the "Click for more" link to a couple of posts including this one on the main page. Take a look and see what you think.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Electro-Harmonix Ring Thing demo by Bill Ruppert


YouTube via EHX
"Sonic Master, Bill Ruppert, will dazzle you with the sounds he creates using the Ring Thing Single Sideband Modulator."

Why am I posting a guitar effect video? See this post.

Then take these polls:





Sunday, March 21, 2010

Why You Should Consider Getting a Modular

I wasn't sure when I was going to put this post up, but considering the previous post on a grunge effects module, I figure now is a better time than ever. You will see more effects based posts moving forward, but they will be focused on using them from a synth perspective. My gut tells me you will begin to see more effects based modules over time as well. Here's why, and why you really should consider getting into the modular world if you haven't already.

I'll try to keep this short: a modular doesn't have to be a full blown synth. It doesn't have to be a synth at all. It can be an extension to your existing setup; it can be a simple way to process your synths, guitar, drums, etc.

Start with an empty case that suits your needs and budget. Then buy a single module or two max. Be sure to pick the right size format to start (see this post for modular formats). Once you have a case, a modular can actually be a more affordable way to deal with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) than other gear. Modules are usually cheaper than synths. Also worth noting, is if you are into effects pedals, a modular system is much less messy and much easier to transport. In time I'm sure more effects oriented modules will be made. What's interesting to note is most modules do not have an on/off bypass switch like pedals. You'll need a bypass mixer module to work around this if this matters to you.

Note the biggest price of entry will be the case, but they can be affordable.

An example would be the following:
Monorocket Mission6 Case - $350
Tiptop Audio Happy Ending Kit - $149 (added 1/20/11)
Or if you want to go really minimal - a Doepfer beauty case for $120
Note the above are just examples and are both Euro-rack format cases.
Be sure to see the format chart for others and plan before you buy. See the shops below to research more and of course search for the other formats.

As for modules and what to start with. There are far too many to list. What you'll want to ask yourself is how do you want to use it. That will be dependent on your current setup. There are pretty much three types of modules to consider - those that process sound (filters, ring mods, effects, etc...), those that produce sound (Oscillators, noise sources, etc...), and those that control sounds (LFOs, envelopes, sequencers, etc).

Examples of how to integrate a modular with your synth:

1. If you have a Pedal input on your synth you can start with any controller module like a sequencer or LFO. I use a Tiptop Audio Z8000 sequencer for example. Plug it into the Pedal or CV in on any of your synths and let it sequence whatever you can route to. You will need something to clock the sequencer or in layman's terms, to get it going. If you have a drum machine, you might be able to use it to clock and sync the sequencer. For example on a Roland TR-909 you can use the Rimshot Out to trigger the sequencer. If you don't have something to clock it, you can get a low cost LFO module.

2. If you pick up a filter or effects module, simply run your audio through it. Pick up a second module like an LFO or sequencer to modulate the filter.

3. Add a sound source module to the mix.

The point of this is that you don't need to buy a full blown modular to get started. My experience was kind of funny. I was waiting for years to get a modular because every time I priced out a base system it was just too high. I finally picked up a Mattson Mini Modular because I wanted a Syntar but knew I couldn't afford one and by the time I did it might not be available. Once I had the MMM, I thought great, now I can get a eurorack case and buy a module here or there over time. I picked up my case and then found myself using it with my synths more than my MMM!!! It was a very duh moment. I realized I could have started a long time ago.

As for what modules to start out with, there are way too many to go into detail here, and it really is a personal thing. The best thing to do is to research and start thinking about what would make sense to you - size/format, cost, and what sort of modules would best work for you.

Shops to research modules and prices:

US:
http://bigcitymusic.com/
http://noisebug.net/
http://analoguehaven.com/

UK and Europe:
http://schneidersbuero.de/
http://postmodular.co.uk/motm
http://modularsquare.com/

BTW, I want to be super fair in this post. If I missed any shops for modular gear, let me know and I will update the post. If you prefer to remain anonymous shoot me an email. My contact info is on the bottom right of the site.

Modulars are like legos for synths - legos of the synth world.


Tuesday, January 26, 2010

A New World in Synthesis


YouTube via Pic2008Lex

Note the above video does not feature any synths. It is a concept video for a tablet UI. The hardware looks like the majority of artist renders for the upcoming Apple iPad/iSlate. If you haven't heard, tomorrow, Apple will announce their new tablet device. Rumor is it will essentially be an iTouch with a 10" screen, more power, memory and may have the ability to run multiple apps at the same time. [Update: it most likely will]

Why is this a new world in synthesis? In short this is a new hardware platform for synthesis. Yes it is an extension of the iTouch platform, but the obvious key difference and game changer in my opinion will be the size of the screen. For example, imagine controlling all of your synths running Numerology on the device in that video. Imagine interfacing with your modular with a UI optimized version of VOLTA or Expert Sleepers. Imagine running Way Out Ware's iSample, or how about an ARP2600 emulation with sliders. Imagine running Audio Damage's tattoo on one, etc. And don't forget the accelorometer. Processing power, additional memory, and potentially running multiple apps at once will only add to the advantage the slate will have over the iTouch.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

NAMM: Winter NAMM 2010: Dave Smith Instruments

flickr set by matrixsynth
(click for more)

Two prototype Mopho Keyboards. One in yellow and one in black. Which do you prefer? Vote below the image of the man behind the machine, Dave Smith.

http://davesmithinstruments.com

I had a short but nice conversation with Dave Smith. He is so down to earth!





Mopho Poll

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Synths 5


flickr by PulseWidthMod
(click for more)

I'm guessing that's a bed to the right, which means... it's time for a poll.


Thursday, November 05, 2009

John Cage about silence


YouTube via jdavidm. Do you play sound or do you play music with your synths?


Thursday, July 02, 2009

How Do You Juno Contest is Closed - Time to Vote!

Cast your official vote at the official Roland "How do You Juno?" contest site. Then come back and vote here. I thought it would be interesting to see what people here vote for compared to there. Below are the vids and below that is a poll for MATRIXSYNTH ONLY. Be sure to vote at Roland otherwise your vote will not count in the official contest and your favorite will not have your support. The polls below have zero weight in the official contest. Just thought I'd put them up for fun. Note there are two polls below, one without Jexus so we can compare the official entries to Roland's official poll and another poll with Jexus for the heck of it. :)

This Is How I Juno!! Using the Sequencing Template 002!!!

YouTube via NOlivarria

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Admin: And Back to Blue

One last poll. I think what I really didn't like about the blue was how much it stood out with the older (large) header menu. With the font smaller there I think it looks much better. Blue makes the site look more lively / less dreary than the grey. Blue also did better than I expected in the last poll with the larger header menu, so... One more poll now that you've seen the grey for a bit of the day... Click on the image below the poll for a screenshot of the site with grey. And remember, the site is about the content, so obviously don't get worked up on this one.



Tuesday, March 24, 2009

T-Shirts: Size Poll

It looks like I have to order a minimum of 30 more T-Shirts to get the XXLs. Why I didn't order some to begin with, I don't know... I was XL myself, so you'd think I'd get one size up as well. So before I place an order, I'm curious, if you were to buy a MATRIXSYNTH T-Shirt, what size would you get?

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Renaming the Keytar

Some in the comments of this post think we should rename the mighty keytar. Like it's too geeky or something. If you have anything better to call it, feel free to comment. I'll leave you with these classic keytastic videos while you ponder what could possibly relabel the classic keytar. Update: Polls added.

Brilliant Key Solo!

YouTube via t0asta. Vladima

Keytar - Song For Michael

YouTube via DrRyman. via the worst keytar videos ever on oobject


Wednesday, January 14, 2009

MATRIXSYNTH WIKI and Discusson List?

Update: I've decided to put this on hold. It turns out the Wiki site has a 100M limit which is a non starter for synth images, audio samples and the like. The votes on the list vs. forum below favor the forum and I do not want run both as it would just dilute information further. So.. for now things will remain as is. Thanks for taking the time out to vote and provide feedback everyone.

NOTE: this would have zero impact on the blog. This would mainly be for your use, not mine.

I've been toying around with the idea of a WIKI and Discussion/Email List.

Here's why:
WIKI
A number of people have suggested I turn MATRIXSYNTH into a WIKI that everyone can contribute to. That obviously isn't going to happen. MATRIXSYNTH the blog is what it is, a blog and it will remain the same. I do see the value of a WIKI though. There's Wikipedia, but when it comes to "EVERYTHING SYNTH" it can be difficult to navigate. There are also other synth wiki's out there, but most are either centralized on a single synth/topic or they get lost in the shuffle. I'd like to think our WIKI will have a chance as I can make it a permanent link in the header above. Note a WIKI is only as good as those that contribute to it and with the blog I will have very little time myself. That said, it will probably be a slow process, but I like to think long term. In five to ten years from now it could be quite the resource. I created one here and I added the list of manufacturers from my labels. Note in our world manufacturers include one offs and people that design synths, not just businesses. Vote below on whether or not you think this is worth doing.



Discussion/Email List
We currently have the Forum, however there are two problems with it. One it's hosted on a paid server so as it grows the cost of hosting it will grow and should something happen to me it will go down. Two, you have to actually go to it to see what's new and if you are tight on time like me, you may not check often. There are questions there that go unanswered and honestly there hasn't been much traffic on it, so I'm thinking now might be the right time to move to a Discussion Group. With a list, you don't have to do anything. The emails come to you and you can decide to engage or not. You can organize everything that comes in on your end as you want it and everything will be archived online. The Analog Heaven, SDIY and Waldorf lists are amazing for this. But... Analog Heaven has a strict rule on analog only, SDIY is pretty much SDIY and Waldorf, Waldorf. There's a list called Digital Hell that is supposed to compliment Analog Heaven for everything else, but it really doesn't get much traffic. The discussion list will be hosted here. Note that although the UI isn't great, most activity will be via email. The site will just serve as a searchabe archive. Another thing worth noting is that with the old forum you had to create a new separate account. The WIKI and the Discussion List are hosted by Google, so you can use a gmail account for them as well as comments here on the blog. Vote below on whether or not you think this is worth doing.



NOTE: for those voting no, feel free to comment why and/or email me directly with why. You can find my contact info on the bottom right of the site.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Klang Werks (assembled) back in stock

http://www.blacet.com/store2.html

(Note that quantities of this module are limited and this is the final run due to ICs going out of production.)

NOTE: I'm subbed to a few manufacturer news lists. Should I put up all emails I get from manufacturers or just the new product announcements?

Monday, August 25, 2008

Voice of Saturn ~Modulator Question

via Travis of voiceofsaturn.blogspot.com:

"Hi, Just a quick update, our new unit, the ~modulator should be ready to go in about a week. I've got the panel designed (attached file) and I was curious which people would prefer for interface jacks, 1/4" or 1/8"

The module contains an Attack-Release generator, LFO with tri and square outputs (and wiggle/wobble controls - kind of like pulse-width modulation), and a VCA with amplitude modulation capabilities similar to a ring modulator.

Thanks.
-Travis"

Vote via the poll below.



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