Old School Sequencing

video upload by Asteroid Killer

"Another Tutorial Tuesday!

How did they sequence synthesizers 40 years ago? I'll show you how I played the song Christine in the John Carpenter Tribute I did some weeks ago.

Bass - ARP Oddyssey
Spooky arpeggio - Roland SH101
Melody - Roland Jupiter 4
Percussive sound - Korg MS20
Drums - Roland TR707
Reverb - OTO BAM and Strymon Nightsky
Delay - Neon Egg Planetarium, TC Electronic 2290

Original song was recorded and released by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth 1989.
The song was also released by The Splash Band in 1984."

'Creepy Soundtrack 15' - Yamaha CS-15 + Arturia Keystep 2 Voice,1 Synth Jam

video upload by DreamsOfWires

"The Yamaha CS-15 has two complete synth voices, so here I'm using the Hz/Volts mode of the ‪@ArturiaOfficial‬ Keystep to control one voice, and the synth keyboard to control the other. This time I'm channeling my affection for 70s/80s horror movie soundtracks (again), particulary John Carpenter, although I've missed Halloween by a few days.
Using the two voices independently reduces the sonic possibilities of the synth, and they share a single audio output, but it can be quite fun to see what can be squeezed out of a single vintage synth of the 1970's.
As a single monophonic synth the CS-15 is very unique and surprisingly flexible, as it has two of almost everything (2x VCO, multi-mode VCF, ADSR, VCA), but only one LFO, and the otherwise independent voices (both of which have their own CV & Gate inputs) are both routed to the same audio outputs (high & low), which is a bit of a bummer.
Anyway, I don't suppose it was intended to replace two single oscillator monosynths, and this is from the late 70's, so it's a pretty killer design when viewed in context. I can imagine it being super-useful in a minimal, early synthpop band on a budget."

Find my music at: https://tomorrowthecure.bandcamp.com

Halloween Theme ~ Vintage Synthesizer Recreation ~ RetroSound

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-24 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

One of my favorite movie tracks from the late 70s.
Halloween Theme by John Carpenter from the album Halloween (1978)

Featured here the Emulator II sampling synthesizer

This cover song series contains my own recreations of my favourite songs from the last 50 years. The original music from which I take inspiration belong to their respective owners. I recreate tracks only for personal passion and to pay homage to these tracks.
My intention is not to create covers that sound exactly like the original (if you want to hear identical sounds, please listen the original). It's more of an inspiration with my sounds from the old synthesizers from the past and of course the great appreciation for the original performers and producers."

Christine - John Carpenter cover by Asteroid Killer

video upload by Asteroid Killer

"This video is a tribute to the legendary film director and music producer John Carpenter

Chrisine is a horror movie based on a novel by Stephen King about a car.

Bass - ARP Oddyssey
Spooky arpeggio - Roland SH101
Melody - Roland Jupiter 4
Percussive sound - Korg MS20
Drums - Roland TR707
Reverb - OTO BAM and Strymon Nightsky
Delay - Neon Egg Planetarium, TC Electronic 2290

Original song was recorded and released by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth 1989.
The song was also released by The Splash Band in 1984."

ARP Quadra

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

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"Rare ARP Quadra in near mint condition.Serviced and working perfectly. Runs on 240V power. Arp Quadras were famously used by Tony Banks Genesis and John Carpenter. Im based in Bristol and arrange delivery to UK and Internationally. Heres some info from about this classic synth on Vintage Synth explorer... The Quadra is pretty much a hybrid version of ARP's Omni II and Solus synths. It's a four-section synthesizer consisting of a Bass synth, Poly synth, Lead synth, and String synth. It is quite good at emulating each of these sounds and can function in any of its four modes at a time with the ability of layering the different sections! Sounds you create in any of the four sections are instantly recalled from memory by the push of a button! There are 16 program patches for storing your sounds. Other major features are the incredible phase shifter, tons of balanced audio outputs for each section, dual portamento controls and a superior arpeggiator...that's pretty good for 1978! On the downside, it has a fragile mylar front panel, very limited programability and a weird feature that autotunes the keys to play weird intervals. The Bass synth section is monophonic and can be programmed to occupy the lower two octaves of the Quadra's 5-octave 61-note keyboard. The bass sounds pretty good and has 16' and 8' presets each for Electric and String Bass sections. The string section is based on the Omni II String synth. It sounds excellent and implements a phase-shift effect that is sort-of like a chorusing effect that thickens its already great string sound. In Polyphonic synth mode there are more effects available such as sample-n-hold and the phase-shifter. String and Poly Synth sections have 8' and 4' Polyphonic Waveform Generators each along with a preset called Hollow Waveform. In Lead synth mode the Quadra becomes a two voice screamer with aftertouch sensitivity in the upper octaves of the keyboard! It's duophonic (like the Odyssey). Get a bass sequence going, switch over to another section and play along! The Quadra is a synthesizer well suited to live performance use and has been used by 808 State, ELO, Genesis, The Human League, Pink Floyd, New Order, Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran), Joe Zawinul, and film-maker John Carpenter."

Sequential Prophet 5 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer Signed by John Carpenter?

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

via this listing, also on Reverb

"The triumphant return of Sequential Circuit's Prophet 10, signed by the Horror Master himself, Mr. John Carpenter.

[The Story] I purchased this synthsizer direct from Sequential in 2020, shorly after it's initial release and have owned it ever since. Being a massive John Carpenter fan, and noting he created a lot of his famous score work on the original Prophet 5, I sought out to have him personally sign this keyboard. This autograph was aquired on August 12th, 2022 at the Monroeville Convention Center's Steel City Con via a brief VIP meet and greet with Mr. Carpenter. It was autographed along with one other item I brought along, a model of the Christine movie car.

[The Details] I am the original owner of this synthesizer and it has never left my climate controlled studio. I would rate this unit in mint condition. No visible blemishes, scuffs, dents or scratches. Functions as expected. Please see photos.

Unit comes with power supply, framed comemorative poster, and full sized soft road case. No original manual or box included.

Unfortunately, I am unable to provide any sort of certificate of authenticity verifying the signature on this item."

CLICK FOR MORE »

EMS Synthi AKS & Extras

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

via this listing

"Rare transition example that has been used but very well looked after - supplied serviced and ready for use. Recent extensive servicing and modifications by Europe's premier EMS tech to create what we consider to be the ultimate Synthi AKS. All features are fully working and expertly calibrated. Includes many extras and upgrades (see description for full details). This is the AKS to buy if you want the maximum possible sonic options...

EMS Synthi AKS for sale in perfect working order - highly modified to be the ultimate AKS with an even greater range of sonic possiblities over a standard Synthi.

It comes complete with the following accessories:

CLICK FOR MORE »

ARP 1601 Sequencer

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

via this listing

"The legendary ARP-1601 Sequencer. One of the very first analog sequencers ever made. Used by Paul McCartney on ‘Temporary Secretary’ and John Carpenter on countless film scores.

This particular example is in very good shape. All sliders cleaned by the top synth tech in Toronto a few years back. One fader cap replaced. Custom Black Walnut Sides. Some minor scratches on the bottom front of the panel. A beautiful example of an iconic piece of synth history. A perfect pairing for your ARP 2600 or modular setup.

16 Step Sequencer
16 x 1 or 8 x 2
3 seperate gate buses
2 Quantized outs
2 Unquantized outs
4 mix outs"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Prophet VS Synth: Sound Selection Showcase

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Analog Synthesizers Rewind: Top 10 Classics!
S1:Ep1 - The first in a series of 11 videos!

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS – All the Best Sounds

Here's a very cool keyboard from Sequential. Notice the joystick for controlling your sound modeling. The Prophet VS uses Vector Synthesis as its revolutionary new means of sound creation. It uses a total of four oscillators per voice with 127 waveforms (32 user) and dynamic waveform crossfading via the joystick. This was Sequential's first digital synth, and it was also their final synth unfortunately. But after Sequential was gone, Vector Synthesis technology went into the popular Korg Wavestation and Yamaha's SY-22 and TG-33.

The Prophet VS is still a very sought after instrument because it has an incredible range of sounds! Its only problem is that there's practically nobody left that can fix it if something went wrong. It is used by Brian Eno, Trent Reznor, Apollo 440, Depeche Mode, Vince Clarke, Kraftwerk, Vangelis, Erasure and filmmaker/composer John Carpenter."

Mega Killer - Carpenter Brut “Turbo Killer” cover with Sonicware Liven MEGA SYNTHESIS

video upload by Robert Saint John

"“Mega Killer” - a cover of @carpenterbrut’s #synthwave classic with the @SONICWARE Liven MEGA Synthesis #synthesizer / #groovebox."

Fragmented (DiN83) by Parallel Worlds Listening Party February 9th @ 8:00 PM GMT

You might recall Parallel Worlds latest release Fragmented (DiN83) posted here. For those interested, a listening party for his latest release will be held on February 9th on Bandcamp.

Details follow:

February 9th @ 8:00 PM GMT - chat starts @ 7:30PM

A gentle reminder of this listening party on Friday. Join Greek synthesist Bakis Sirros and DiN label boss Ian Boddy to listen and chat about the new Parallel Worlds album "Fragmented" (DiN83).

This fourth solo sonic journey from Sirros on the DiN imprint sees him focusing in on his modular synthesiser systems. It has certainly be noted before, but is worth reiterating, that there is a certain John Carpenter like soundtrack quality to the music of Parallel Worlds. Seemingly simplistic they shroud a wealth of detail and beauty that is revealed over repeated listening.

dinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/fragmented-din83

Looking forward to seeing some of you there.

Fragmented by Parallel Worlds (DiN83) Demo Mix

ianboddy · Fragmented by Parallel Worlds (DiN83) Demo Mix

A new release by Parallel Worlds is coming February 16th. Details follow.

Parallel Worlds Fragmented DiN83 Release date 16th February 2024 Limited to 200 copies Digipak CD Bar Code CD 5028423240839

Greek synthesist Bakis Sirros who records under the name of Parallel Worlds has become a familiar name to followers of the DiN label. His debut release was “Obsessive Surrealism” (DiN26) back in 2007 and since then he has released two further solo albums, “Shade” (DiN32) and “Plector” (DiN76), as well as several collaborative albums with different artists including DiN label boss Ian Boddy & Node guru Dave Bessell.

This fourth sonic journey from Sirros on the DiN imprint sees him focusing in on his modular synthesiser systems, especially the Eurorack format with some able support from Buchla. These massive constructed patches live and breath like a crepuscular organism waking from its slumber. Indeed “Fragmented” is bookended by two wonderfully deep, textural tracks appropriately titled “Dawning” and “Sunset”. With the exception of the organ-like drone soundscape of “Time Flow” the remaining seven tracks encapsulate everything we have come to expect from this unique artist, namely dark, menacing bass lines overlaid with glitchy percussive patterns and beguiling, floating melody lines. It has certainly be noted before, but is worth reiterating, that there is a certain John Carpenter like soundtrack quality to the music of Sirros. Seemingly simplistic they shroud a wealth of detail and beauty that is revealed over repeated listening.


Lovers of Electronica, Dark Techno, Downtempo & IDM will find much to admire in “Fragmented” and this new album once again showcases the unique talent of this highly individual musician.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Escape from Manhattan | Sequential Take 5, Moog Grandmother + Mother-32

video upload by hvegel

"another live performance, that harkens a bit to some John Carpenter film from the early 80s, can't quite remember the name."

HWJ Extra - ’Noisevember' 28 2023 ImpOSCar 2 jam

video upload by SynthAddict

"'one synth/all parts' jam with noisy 'drums'
Hirajoshi scale (pentatonic minor)

GForce ImpOSCar2 app and custom hardware controller, TheoryBoard, RC-505 looper

I made a live layered collage of sounds from the amazing ImpOSCar 2 - as it was live, timing got a little wonky. :-) has a little John Carpenter vibe…

I recently bought the last 'new old stock' Touch Digital Controller for ImpOSCar 2 on the planet. :-) It's glorious."

See the Touch Digital Controllers label below for more.

All Hallow's Eve

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Having some fun with John Carpenter's classic Halloween theme.
Happy Halloween!"

A Conversation with Alan Howarth: A Halloween Watchparty!

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

Note: "For those attending the watch party on Monday if you make a donation during the premiere, your name will be put into a drawing for a poster or tee shirt from our shop (don't forget to check out new merch!) The winner announced on Halloween."

"Right in time for Halloween! Join d'ARP (Dina Pearlman-Ifil) as she chats with Alan Howarth about his life and work as a Music Composer, Sound Designer and Producer!

Alan Howarth’s award–winning film work started on Star Trek–The Motion Picture, launching him as a sound designer for the following 6 Star Trek feature films. Next was 'Escape From New York', collaborating on music with director and composer, John Carpenter, and scoring for 'Halloween sequels 2–6″, 'Christine', 'Big Trouble in Little China', 'Prince of Darkness' and 'They Live'. He has since composed music for over 50 films with his most current score of “From the Shadows” set to release in this fall of 2023. (read more on his website: https://alanhowarth.com/)

Stick around after the Interview for a special Demonstration video with Alan discussing and makeing some of his sound-making techniques. Not to be missed! You'll have time for a short break, then go right to the video!"

Alan Howarth - Demonstration! (premiers at 3:30 PM after the above show)

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"After the initial visit with Alan Howarth, d'ARP (Dina Pearlman-Ifil) and Alan met once again where he shows how he created patches for his new and upcoming films! Celebrate Halloween and learn how to make some really cool sounds!"

"Other details...
The watch party is FREE, however, if you choose to donate during the watch party, your name will be put into a drawing for a poster or tee shirt from our shop (don't forget to check out new merch!)The winner will be announced on Halloween."

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

"Prize details:

For those attending the watch party on Monday if you make a donation during the premiere, your name will be put into a drawing for a poster or tee shirt from our shop (don't forget to check out new merch!) The winner announced on Halloween."

Synth Nerd Covers

video uploads by nicola neeco

Playlist at the time of this post:
Aphex Twin - Vordhosbn (Prophet REV2 synth cover)
Aphex Twin - Polynomial-C synth riff with the Prophet REV2
Boards of Canada - Pete Standing Alone synth riff (Prophet REV2)
Aphex Twin - Flim (Prophet REV2 Synth Cover)
Aphex Twin - Iz Us (Nord Drum 3P & Prophet REV2 Cover, feat. @JannisLeWolff )
Autechre type beat with the Nord Micro Modular & Prophet REV2
Aphex Twin's ON synth riff (Prophet REV2 & Valhalla Delay)
Autechre's SLIP synth riff (Nord Lead 2X)
Aphex Twin's THA synth riff (Prophet REV2)
Aphex Twin - Curtains (Prophet REV2 Synth Cover)
Boards of Canada - Melissa Juice (Prophet REV2 Synth Cover)
Radiohead - Everything In Its Right Place (Prophet REV2 Cover)
Aphex Twin - Stone in Focus (Prophet REV2 Synth Cover)
John Carpenter - Halloween Theme (Prophet REV2 & Piano Cover)
Nine Inch Nails - The Becoming (Cover - Moog Minitaur, Nord Lead 2X, Nord Drum, NI Noire Piano)
Squarepusher - Tommib (Prophet REV2 Synth Cover)
Aphex Twin - Ageispolis (Prophet REV2 Cover)
Boards of Canada - Roygbiv (Prophet REV2 & Roland SH-01A Cover)
Boards of Canada - Reach For The Dead (Prophet Rev2 Cover)
Boards of Canada - Bocuma (Roland SH-01A & Prophet REV2 Cover)
Aphex Twin - Polynomial-C (Roland SH01A & Prophet REV2 Cover)
Boards of Canada - The Devil is in the Details (Prophet REV2 & Soundtoys Echoboy) #shorts
Boards of Canada - One Very Important Thought (Moog Minitaur & Prophet REV2 Cover)
Aphex Twin - Schottkey 7th Path (Prophet REV2 Synth Cover)
Aphex Twin - Alberto Balsam (Prophet REV2 Synth Cover)
Alpha Rainbow - Boards of Canada (Roland SH-01A & Prophet REV2 Cover)
Olson - Boards of Canada (Prophet REV2 Synth Cover)
Boards of Canada - Turquoise Exagon Sun (Nord Lead 2X cover)
Boards of Canada - Kaini Industries (Prophet REV2 Synth Cover)
Aphex Twin - Rhubarb (Prophet REV2 Synth Cover)

125 Hardware Synthesizers In One Place! Our Sound Design Laboratory & Private Synthesizers Museum!

video upload by LFOstore

https://lfo.store

"What does heaven for sound designers and synth lovers look like? Welcome to Nick Klimenko's Synth Museum! Long-awaited dream is now true. Nick built a whole house near Moscow, which will be available to every synth enthusiast and serve as an office for LFO Store projects. The space can be used for composing, mixing, sound tweaking, re-amping midi notes and all possible needs.

It is worth noting that synthesizers have been a big part of film music for the recent 50 years. Just think of Vangelis and 'Blade Runner', John Carpenter and 'Halloween', Daft Punk and 'Tron' movies...

Now many of these instruments that are used in film scoring, available for our synth community. Welcome to our new home!

Yours,
LFO Team

Timecode:
00:00 Otto's Flight
01:22 Nick's Welcome
02:00 Yamaha
04:38 Arturia
05:47 Roland
06:36 Behringer
08:01 LFO Store
08:33 Kawai
09:26 Alesis
10:59 Modal
12:28 Ensoniq
13:44 Novation & Access
15:05 Korg & Quasimidi
15:35 Outro"

Stand by Me: The Sounds Made for the Film

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this video, Anthony tells the story surrounding the musical score from (1986) hit film Stand by Me which features an All-Star cast that incudes River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, Kiefer Sutherland, Casey Siemaszko, John Cusack and Richard Dreyfuss.

We learn that the first version of the film was titled The Body, named after the novel by Stephen King. The film's director, Rob Reiner intuitively changed the film's name to Stand by Me after licensing the rights to the song with the same name written by Ben E. King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The name change was made only one week before the film's delivery date. With little time to spare, the musical score was re-created using the sounds and melody from the song and performed on the Synclavier Digital Music System using it's on board sequencer/recorder and employing a sound modeling technique unique to the Synclavier called "Resynthesis".

Anthony describes "Resynthesis"as creating synthesizer sounds based on samples analyzed by the computer that use cross fades of back-to-back wave tables. "Resynthesis" gives you the tonal character of the original sampled sound with all the benefits of a synth (e.g less memory, same length across the keyboard, more editing capabilities...) Along with Brian Banks, Anthony programmed all the sounds and replayed the entire score in this way after the original score by Oscar Winning composer Jack M. Nietzsche was abandoned. The film's director Rob Reiner was present throughout the scoring process. The duo had just completed work programming and performing Jack's score for the John Carpenter Oscar Nominated film Starman.

In this video you'll hear the actual sounds used in the film that Anthony loads from the original 5.25" floppy disks (that still work perfectly after being in storage for close to 40 years). The final score used a core instrumentation of resynthesized versions of a flute, stand up bass, bowed wine glasses and piano. There was no DAW in existence so all the tracks were input into the Synclavier's internal sequencer/recorder and locked to picture using the latest feature SMPTE time code. With this set up, everyone could watch the film while the music was being recorded.

Anthony also states the importance of a good film or a good song. It's all the difference in the potential of your work as a programmer, arranger or performer. He advises to step back and really listen to what you are creating to find the emotion in the sounds.

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

https://www.discogs.com/release/19915...

Instagram: https://instagram.com/anthonymarinell...

Website: www.anthonymarinelli.com"

1970's ARP Demo featuring Tom Piggott & Conversations with Tom Piggott & Greg Phillinganes

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"PLEASE NOTE: The beginning of the video is glitchy... both the sound and video will resolve at between 1:30 and 2:07.

Originally aired on WOVB-TV, in association with The Ohio University Telecommunications Center, this is one of several UMATIC demo tapes found in a box when d'ARP (Dina Pearlman-Ifil, Alan Pearlman's daughter) was going through her father's effects.

Tom Piggott was one of several educators that worked at ARP Instruments in the 1970s. He worked closely with Al, helping write the classic: 'Learning Music with Synthesizers' David Friend, Alan R. Pearlman, Thomas D. Piggott)."

A Conversation with Tom Piggott


"d'ARP had several conversations with Tom over the past few years. This interview highlights some recent footage.

Tom Piggott has been a product specialist and clinician for numerous companies, including ARP, CRUMAR, SYNERGY and more, and worked with Peter Nero, Stevie Wonder, Nyle Steiner, Linda McCartney, Vangellis, John Entwhistle, Klaus Schulze,T Lavitz, Wendy Carlos, Dr. Richard Boulanger, Mike Bergeman, Donald Fagan, Edgar Winter, Tom Coster, Jimmy Page, Roger Powell, Jerry Kovarski, and many others.

Tom Piggott was one of several educators that worked at ARP Instruments in the 1970s. He worked closely with Al, helping write the classic: 'Learning Music with Synthesizers' David Friend, Alan R. Pearlman, Thomas D. Piggott)."

A Conversation with Greg Phillinganes


"D'ARP has a conversation about ARP Synthesizers with Greg Phillinganes, who has recorded or toured with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, George Harrison, the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Anita Baker, George Benson, Karen Carpenter, Eric Clapton, Donald Fagen, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson, Richard Marx, Paul McCartney, Al Jarreau, Quincy Jones, and Stevie Nicks (whew!)!"