LSPXPO 2025: Clacktronics: Flatpack Modular in a Ring Binder

video upload by sonicstate

"We've filmed this before, but it's such a cool idea we had to drop by again and see Ben*, who introduced us to the *Build Your Own Modular system. This Eurorack kit offers you the opportunity to construct your own modular synthesizer.

The kit arrives in a ring binder format, where the dividers themselves are the circuit boards. As Ben explained, the designs are open source, allowing you to modify or expand upon them.

The kit includes various modules like an LFO, envelope generator, VCOs, and more, and encourages a hands-on approach with simple through-hole components. A Discord community supports builders for troubleshooting and enhancements.

Ben also shared news about an upcoming non-DIY speaker module, designed with enhanced bass response. Fitting seamlessly into your rack, it is anticipated to be priced just over £100. Ben plans further developments and features, potentially unveiled at Superbooth in May."

Machina Bristronica 2024

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist:

1. Bristronica 24: MyVolts The Silent Alchemist Nears Shipping

We caught up with Caroline who gave us the latest update to the *Silent Alchemist*, a versatile power hub designed for musicians. Featuring five isolated USB-C outputs and a high-wattage sixth output capable of delivering 100 watts, the device can power a Mac with the remaining outputs providing 20 watts each. Its independent circuits ensure noise-free operation, catering to a variety of devices including the Dreadbox module and Sysmo slope generator.

The Silent Alchemist uses innovative step-up power tips to convert USB-C input to the correct voltage for various devices. There's also new feature: an uninterruptible power supply allowing seamless transition between wall and power bank sources. Also introduced were updated cables, such as silver candy cords and floating ring TRS to TS cables, expanding connection flexibility. The Silent Alchemist is expected to be available in December with a competitive pricing strategy.

More Info:
https://myvolts.com/

2. Bristronica 24: Circuit Happy ML2M Clock Sync module updates

At Bristronica 2024, we caught up with the creator of the *ML2M*, who introduced us to the latest version. The ML2M is a compact Eurorack module with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and iOS music apps using Ableton Link without the need for cables. It either connects to an existing network or creates its own, ensuring robust sync even in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. The module, which retains its 2HP size, now features MIDI integration through TRS jacks. Users can access a web interface to configure each output for different clock divisions and reset triggers, making setup straightforward and flexible.

Alongside the ML2M, there's also the Missing Link Junior. This desktop version offers the same functionality but in a box format, complete with MIDI and CV clock outputs. Both products are now accessible, with a starting price of $250.

3. Bristronica 24: Archaea Exchange Patching Module

At Machina Bristronica 2024, we caught up with Arran from ‪@archaea_modular_synthesis‬ who presented the *Exchange Module*. This programmable patcher, a year in the making, evolved from its early prototype stage to a fully functional module. Arran explained how the Exchange can route synth voices via a beam controller and three exchange modules installed within the skiff, allowing for versatile patching. Operating like a matrix patchbay, it enables users to select inputs and outputs with the push of a button, create presets, and chain multiple modules for synchronized patching.

Communication between the modules occurs over the Eurorack power bus as well as over MIDI via the USB-C connection. The Exchange maintains analog integrity, ensuring there’s no conversion latency. The forthcoming release expected in late November 2024, includes a USB-driven editor for enhanced control capabilities.

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SynthfestUK 24 Synth Coverage

video uploads by sonicstate

Update: moving this post up once as new videos have been added. Bookmark this post for updates.

Use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:

1.SynthfestUK 24: Knobula - Synth Modules and Toy Pianos

At SynthfestUK 2024, we met up again with Jason, who gaves us the updates in the world of Knobula. On display was the new 'dark mode' Poly Cinematic module, for more monochrome rigs ;-]

2. SynthFestUK 24: PWM - More Mantis News

At the show we made a beeline for the PWM stand, where Paul gave us the latest Mantis news.
And yes, it's out there in the world now!

3. SynthfestUK 24: Roland Unveils the Juno-D Series with Zen-Core Sound

We caught up with Andrew and Ludwig who showed us around the new updated Juno-D series: Juno-D6, D7, and D8. They have the same keyboard action as the Fantom-O series and a new colour screen, making it easier for performers to navigate on stage. And they can be powered by a USB-C mobile battery, perfect for buskers ;-) Running Roland's Zen-Core sound engine, they also incorporates features like a 64-step sequencer and a phrase pad for live sample triggering.
Prices range approximately from £949 to £1199.

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Knobcon 2024

video upload by Jeremy Parker

"Here's my rundown of what this year's Knobcon was like, with some highlights of new gear, performances and just the vibe of being there. Thanks to Cowboy Ben Alman a.k.a @TheEntireRobot for joining me, as well as the whole crew from The Golden Shrimp Guild for their efforts and just being there to make it that much more fun. Here are some handy links:

Ben Alman: / theentirerobot
The Golden Shrimp Guild: https://gsg.live/
https://pointandclicksystems.com/
https://swampflux.square.site/
/ @thebreathalyzer
https://www.circuithappy.com/
https://www.gsmusic.com/
https://hivemindsynthesis.com/

00:00 Intro
02:55 Welcome Reception
04:04 Point & Click Systems
06:00 Infrasonic Audio
08:27 Swamp Flux
10:29 Performance: The Breathalyzer
12:27 Circuit Happy
15:25 GS Music Bree6
16:14 Golden Shrimp Guild
16:42 Hive Mind Synthesis
18:49 Saturday Night Performances
23:59 Alan Intelligent Instruments
24:43 Prophet 10
25:56 Outro"

A Eurorack Mix & Output Problem Solver // The NEW! Output Bus from DivKid & Befaco

video upload by DivKid

"Introducing the new OUTPUT BUS module from me (DivKid) and Befaco. It's an 8HP summing mixer, output stage, soft clip limiter, line level integrator, LED meter visualiser, headphone monitor and more ... it has many features that aimed to solve typical mix and output problems you'll find yourself working with in a Eurorack modular system."

A 5 minute rave on the Divkid Output Bus.

video upload by mylarmelodies

"Weirdly Ben has made almost exactly the module I need right now, as I'm building a modular mixer in my latest live system, and I need to sum and 'vibe up' the Roland TR-8. My pal Ben @DivKid sent me one for free - so here's me starting to use it! (Video update on this case coming soon!) 🙌 "

via DivKid

"The Output Bus is your ultimate output module: Presented by DivKid and Befaco, meant to be the last link in your modular chain!

Inspired by pro audio and studio summing units the Output Bus allows for summing style mixing, external gear integration, soft clip limiting, flexible output types, headphone monitoring and level visualization.

The module works great mixing all your other mixers in your setup, to return mono or stereo FX into the master bus and for bringing in external stereo line level gear with ease. All of this in just 8HP while also being able to visualize your final levels, output appropriate signals on the right cable type and monitor in headphones.

FEATURES

Six stereo inputs.

Line/synth selector in input six.

Modular level minijack out.

6,5” Jack balanced out.

3.5mm and 1/4″ headphone outs.

Led VU-meter.

Soft clipping circuit at main output."

Knobcon 2023

video upload by Jeremy Parker

"My first Knobcon! What took me so long? It's about way more than just modular, and I simply had a great time. People were so nice, whether they were faces to names I knew online, or complete strangers that I just talked to randomly. This isn't a comprehensive view of everything the con has to offer, but it was a glimpse into my experience. So many people to thank and acknowledge below:

https://www.knobcon.com/

Ben Alman and The Entire Robot: https://www.twitch.tv/theentirerobot
@TheEntireRobot
Oberheim: https://oberheim.com/
Sequential: https://www.sequential.com/
Juanito Moore:

/ @ozerik
Modular for the Masses: https://modularforthemasses.square.site/
Hammond Organ: https://hammondorganco.com/
Circuit Happy: https://circuithappy.com/products/the...
The Golden Shrimp Guild:
https://gsg.live/
Kyaa & AE Modular: https://forum.aemodular.com/board/22/...
A Yellow Sine: https://www.ayellowsine.com/
@gerbilhamsterrecords3342

00:00 Intro
02:12 Friday Night Welcome
03:34 Saturday Exhibits
3:53 Oberheim OB-X8
4:35 Sequential Trigon-6
5:34 Juanito Moore
9:05 Hammond
12:05 Circuit Happy
14:08 The Golden Shrimp Guild
15:50 Lectures
16:06 Kyaa Modular
16:45 A Yellow Sine
16:56 Schedule
17:24 Golden Shrimp Jam & Outro"

NETWORK-ERROR - LIVE - AV #040 - Suzuki OMNICHORD OM-36 Folktek circuit bent synth improvisation

video upload by NETWORK-ERROR

"Playing with a Susuki omnichord OM-36 circuit bent synth
modified by Folktek, Ben Houston."

SOUNDMIT 2020 - LIVE STREAMING - DAY 1

SOUNDMIT

Check this post for updates throughout the day.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New England Synthesizer Fest Fall 2019 at Microsoft - Live Performances

Published on Oct 4, 2019 Bill T Miller

Poster Artwork by Dave C Lovelace. See this post for a walkthrough.

"New England Synth Fest September 28, 2019 at Microsoft Burlington/Boston. noon to 6pm.

THIS VIDEO produced/edited/fx by Bill T Miller
- xtra thanx to Sheri Hausey, Deftly-D, JP Tuttle, Konopka, Dewb

5 of the 12 Live Performances were captured via short iphone 1 minute or less clips with mono audio. The entire 18 minute Bill T Miller set was shot multi-cam (iphones) & stereo audio and will be released at some point.

1-Bill T Miller of Orgy Of Noise
2-Bob Familiar
3-Joe Brown
4-LIMBC
5-Andrew Neumann

Live Projection Screen VISUALS
-Christopher Konopka
-Michael Dewberry

=====
Second part is a random slide show of PHOTOGRAPHS of other performers, workshop talks, vendors etc that were shot by Bill T Miller. The synth soundtrack during slide show is by BTM as well. ALL the AUDIO you hear in this video is from the synthfest.

-PERFORMERS
-Bill T Miller
-Bob Familiar
-Ben Alman
-Joe Brown
-J.P. Tuttle
-Chris Konopka (visuals)
-LIMBC - Anda Volley
-Andrew Neuman
-Eleleletrix (duo)
-Eric Crawley
-Petridisch
-VERA
-Dewb = Michael Dewbery (visuals)

-ARTISTS, WORKSHOPS, VENDORS, ETC-
-Mandy and Bob Familiar
-Synth Petting Zoo
- Izzy Maxwell - Real Fake Knobs
-Piotr Rotkiewicz
-Luke Stark and SOUP
-Circuit Happy Jam Room
-Bob Chidlaw
-Sam Holland
-Joe Paradiso

This is only a fraction of what was going on that afternoon in six different rooms at Microsoft. Originally I was only going to PLAY SHOOT RECORD my BTM MOD SYNTH LIVE SET, but over the day ended up shooting pix and few short vid clips and edited it all together as a gift to the people that were there or wanted to be there.

+Poster Artwork by Dave C Lovelace

+THANX to hosts Microsoft & Bob Familiar and Eric Crawley o Analogue Heaven North East& Kent Lundberg & Paul Geffen of Boston Modular and all who where there.

NESF - http://nesynth.org

BILL T MILLER - ORGY OF NOISE via
http://OrgyOfNoise.com"

FTL Cosmos Remix on the Novation Circuit

Published on Sep 4, 2018 Ben Prunty

"I made a remix of FTL's Cosmos on Novation's portable standalone groove box Circuit. Cosmos Battle is arguably the most dance-able piece in FTL, so it made sense to make it a full dance party on the Circuit."

one more:

Neon - Live performance on the Novation Circuit

Published on Jul 9, 2018 Ben Prunty

"Buy my music at benprunty.bandcamp.com, or check it out on Spotify, iTunes, or Google Play Music.

I made this one night in a hotel room and then decided to polish it a bit and then record it live. Let me know if you want to more videos like this!"

Malekko Heavy Industry Q&A + Product Demo

Published on Jul 21, 2017 Perfect Circuit Audio

With Ben Davis of Malekko
July 19, 2017
at Perfect Circuit Audio, Burbank CA
www.PerfectCircuitAudio.com
www.MalekkoHeavyIndustry.com

MATRIXSYNTH Members get %10 off at Perfect Circuit Audio.

Polynomial-C [Circuit Remix]

Published on Apr 14, 2017 Ben Coleman

"A crude recreation of the legendary Aphex classic done entirely on my Novation Circuit, no external effects or sources, only sample was the drum loop. It's not perfect but what is..."

And one with the Ultranova:

UltraNova & Circuit - Ambient Improv

Published on Dec 21, 2016 Ben Coleman

RIP David Alan Luce - Former President of Moog Music & Creator of the Polymoog

News is in that Dave Luce passed away yesterday, April 15, at the age of 80.  That's him working on the Polymoog back in the day.   I spotted the image and news in this tweet by @casadistortion.

"RIP David Luce, designer of the groundbreaking Polymoog."

You can find a video interview with Dave Luce in NAMM's Oral Histories site here.

See here for a polymoog promotional film featuring David Luce.

via The Buffalo News:

"After a brief stint at Sperry Rand, where he worked on high-speed digital circuitry, Mr. Luce joined Moog Music in 1972 and invented the first commercial polyphonic synthesizer, the Polymoog.

He became head of engineering, was promoted to president of Moog in 1981, and became a co-owner in 1984. He oversaw and contributed directly to the development of Moog synthesizers and other products.

In developing those instruments, he worked with Keith Emerson of Emerson Lake & Palmer and many other artists on whose music his innovations had a significant impact.

After Moog closed in 1987, Mr. Luce embarked on a new career, helping to develop and refine ophthalmic diagnostic instruments at Reichert Technologies. In 2000 he made an important discovery relating to properties of the cornea, and in 2005 he published a now widely cited paper that earned him recognition as the 'Father of Corneal Biomechanics.'"

And via Marc Doty, aka Automatic Gainsay:

"Dave Luce has passed away.

Bill Waytena, the guy who bought R.A. Moog and turned it into Moog Music in the early part of the 70s, hired Dave to create a polyphonic synthesizer. The synthesizer he created was the Polymoog.

The Polymoog was a complicated design that tried to cope with the issues involved in creating an articulated polyphonic design. Polyphonic electronic keyboards had been created for years, going back to 1937, when Harald Bode created the Warbo Formant Organ. But the problem with applying Bob Moog's synthesis concept to polyphony was that the user was probably going to want each voice to be fully articulated... and that was complex and expensive.

Dave's design essentially addressed the challenge by creating an IC chip for each key that gave each key a synthesizer.

The Polymoog was riddled with challenges and failings, but overall, it was a huge success... being the first, and most effective, application of voltage control to polyphony.

Of course, it couldn't have a ladder filter per key, which meant that the Polymoog had great presets, but fell short when it came to polyphonic synthesis.

Bob described Dave as pursuing overly-complicated designs. Anyone who has ever owned or repaired a Polymoog, should probably agree.

But still... the Polymoog got us started in the modern age, and it was a popular and useful design. Dave Luce worked hard for Moog Music, and is responsible for a lot in regard to that which was created by that company in the 1970s.

Thank you, Dave, for all of your great work.

http://buffalonews.com/…/david-alan-luce-moog-president-pi…/

P.S. We should also thank Keith Emerson... because his input on the Apollo design led to the improved Polymoog."

You can check out the Moog Apollo in the Bob Moog Foundation Archives videos posted here.

Update via Ben Luce in the comments:

"This is Ben Luce, Dave Luce's son. I appreciate the commentary above very much.
Thank you for posting it. I would like to comment though that I have never agreed
with Bob Moog's characterization of my father as pursuing overly-complicated designs.
As your good commentary above notes, my Dad was struggling with very complicated design issues
with the polymoog, and was doing so in era where integrated circuits and instruments of the complexity
of the polymoog were quite new and unexplored.

But perhaps more to the point, to my understanding the primary failing of the poly was that the individual
circuit cards for each key were not soldered down: They were intentionally left removable because
there was some well grounded concern that voltage spikes from bad power on the grid
could cause the special chips that each carried to fail occasionally, necessitating
occasional replacements. As it turned out, these chips almost never failed, which I think is a testament to
the careful design of the chips in terms of component tolerances and such, and of the circuitry
that supported them. So in fact, the failure was really an engineering problem, not
a failure of my Dad's design work per se. Moreover, my Dad worked on all sorts of synthesizers for
Moog Music after that, and created some before that, and in no way were these generally plagued by some
tendency towards over complicated design. The same holds for his subsequent work on
ophthalmic instruments, which led to him finally to be recognized widely as "The Father
of Corneal Biomechanics".

In truth, my father actually loved and sought simplicity in
his work wherever it could be found. He was a true physicist, and physicists are steeped in the
virtues of simplicity and symmetry and mathematical beauty from the get-go.

Finally, it should be mentioned in this context that Bog Moog only worked directly with my
father for a few years, and I don't believe he worked very directly with him on
detailed circuit design issues, except perhaps when my Dad was first involved with improving
some of Bob's older designs. Bog also made those comments long after having left the company for
reasons that had little to do with my father, and that these may reflect some overall bitterness
about that not related to my Dad. For my Dad's part, I never heard him say an ill word about Bog.
He greatly admired Bob's work, and was proud to worked for him and for Moog Music in general."

Update: see this post for a recent restoration of David Alan Laces Polymoog.

Product Overview: The Novation Circuit

Published on Sep 23, 2016 Magnetic Magazine

"Magnetic contributor and Moody Records label manager Ben A drops an excellent overview of the Novation Circuit.

Earlier this year we got a look at the Circuit during the annual NAMM conference, and we were blown away. The Novation Circuit is actually an independent musical sketchpad that has it's own onboard drums and synths + it works with your DAW like any standard MIDI controller.

No computer no problem. The four–part drum machine and two polyphonic synths can be sequenced in real time or via steps. You can listen to your composition on the onboard speaker or plug in your headphones; this thing runs on batteries, so you are truly mobile."

https://us.novationmusic.com/circuit-components-components

Sony Walkman Synth

Published on Dec 29, 2015 Circuit Ben

"Using the motor as a sound source, changing the motor speed, passing the sound through the amplification circuit, overdriving the amplification circuit, using the motor control chip's unused outputs to modulate the motor speed."

An Interview with Barry Schrader

Hi everyone! As you know Barry Schrader will be giving his farewell concert at CalArts on September 26. The following is the beginning of my interview with him. I opted to post the questions and answers as they come in.  New QAs will get a new post so you do not miss them and they will be added to this post so we have one central post for the full interview. This should make it easier for all of us to consume in our busy lives, and it will allow you to send in any questions that may come to mind during the interview process.  If you have anything you'd like to ask Barry, feel free to send it in to matrixsynth@gmail.com.  This is a rare opportunity for us to get insight on a significant bit of synthesizer history, specifically with early Buchla systems, and I'd like to thank Barry for this opportunity. Thank you Barry!

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808 Cowbell Morse Code

Published on Aug 20, 2015 Circuit Ben

"Maybe we've been looking at this alien communication thing all wrong, perhaps they are looking for a combination of Morse Code and 808 Cowbell as evidence of an intelligent civilisation.

Special thanks to Holger M Mürk for the 808 cowbell schematic."

Cat Music.

Published on Jul 6, 2015 Circuit Ben

"Soporific"

More ART. by Circuit Ben

Published on Dec 7, 2014 Circuit Ben

"Babble babble babble art."

3D open electronic contraption sound device.

Voltage controlled tape player (sort of.)

Published on Nov 8, 2014 Circuit Ben

"Probably part of a tape delay/vibrato at some point, a good start anyhow."

Tape to synthesis to circuit bending back to tape.