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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Lou Reed Gear Up for Auction

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

You'll find the items listed here.

Kurzweil PC2X pictured.

Happy New Year! The Year in Synths 2013

Happy New Year Everyone!

What a busy year it has been in the world of synths.

This is going to be one doozy of a post, so bear with me. This post is a review of the year in synths for 2013. We begin with Tributes to Those We Lost This Year, followed by New Manufacturers & Makers, Older Manufacturers Added to the Site, New Gear Announcements, Top 10 Posts by Traffic,  My Standout Posts for the Year, and finally This Years' Synth Events. I did my best to keep things as short and concise as possible.

Let's begin with the hardest part of the post.

Tributes to Those We Lost This Year

RIP Bernard Parmegiani - Electronic & Acoustic Composer
Lou Reed RIP
RIP Dick Raaymakers aka Kid Baltan
RIP George Duke - DreamWeaver
RIP Ralph Dyck, Sept 28, 1941 – May 20, 2013
RIP Ray Manzarek

All missed and never to be forgotten. Take a moment to remember them.

------

New Manufacturers & Makers

Starting last January, I decided to keep a running list of every new manufacturer and maker introduced to the site during the year.  This is something I haven't done before and I thought it would be interesting to see how many there were in the year.   It's easy to focus on the big synth announcements throughout the year, but what about all the new makers and brands? I shouln't have to go considerably into the significance of new designers on the scene, so I'll just say two things regarding them.  One, the number of new makers is a direct reflection on the interest in our scene, and two, these are the creators of new gear which directly translate into new designs not previously available to us.  Think about that for a moment.  These are makers and designs that did not exist before.  They are part of our synth history.  So what is the total count of new synth designers for the year? A whopping 113. Think about that a bit. One hundred and thirteen new synth designers and brands this year alone.

Here they are (note a handful date back to 2012, but 2013 marked their momentum and availability):

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Atomic Shadow: Metal Machine Monster

Metal Machine Monster from Atomic Shadow on Vimeo.

"This piece started out with a Halloween theme and slowly morphed in to a tribute to the late Lou Reed's groundbreaking album Metal Machine Music. The album was maligned by fans and critics when it was released, but has since come to be considered the foundation of drone music.

In the course of making this video my Moog Theremin packed up and stopped working just before recording. This required a reworking of the set up with the Kaoss 2 pad standing in for the MIA Theremin. There is a Dave Smith MEK just off camera providing a drone bass. Also featured are the EMW 200, Kaoss Quad, Eico signal generator and various effects pedals. The off camera modular system is providing the moaning sound courtesy of the Phonogene module from make Noise/Voltergeist.

The video was shot with an iPad that also decided to act up and I was unable to export the video to my Mac. I ended up shooting the screen of the iPad with another camera on a tripod, thus making the low quality, grainy film look even 'arty-er'."

via Rod Mitchell aka Atomic Shadow on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Lou Reed RIP

Published on Oct 28, 2013 retrotechnical·46 videos

"Tribute to Lou Reed of The Velvet Underground who died 27th October 2013.
The song is Guess I'm Falling In Love (Instrumental) from the album Another View.
Garageband - 808 drums and multitracking
Arturia iMini - bassline
SynthX - atonal lead
Strat copy - rhythm guitar"

Huge thanks to retrotechnical for posting this. I wasn't sure if I was going to have the opportunity to post something on Lou Reed's passing. This site is synths only after all.

As most of you know, Lou Reed passed away yesterday at the age of 71. He wasn't a synth freak, but he was known to play the Haken Continuum. He was also referred to in various posts on the site.

Lou Reed was one of my favorite artists and his tracks specifically with The Velvet Underground marked some pivotal moments in my life. His music more than anyone else taught me to be open and tolerant of alternative lifestyles. I was into alternative music in the classic 80s sense, but the whole purpose which began as "Taking a Walk on the Wild Side" turned into so much more.  His music wasn't wild.  It wasn't about glorifying the alternative.  It was about the calm, peace and acceptance of what some might perceive as strange.  It was just life and he made living life better.  I will miss him and his music.

You'll find a great interview with Lou Reed by Neil Gaiman here.

Update:  Lou Reed was married to Laurie Anderson who of course is a big synth buff and has been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH numerous times.  Sincere condolences to her and his friends and family.

REWORK_ App (Philip Glass Remixed)

Published on Dec 12, 2012 by ssnibbe

"REWORK_ (Philip Glass Remixed) is an interactive tour through the amazing new REWORK_ album that remixes Philip Glass' music. The app includes eleven interactive visualizations for the remixed songs, along with an interactive "Glass Machine" that lets people create their own music inspired by Philip Glass' early music.

The idea for the REWORK_ album came together during a conversation between Philip Glass and his friend and new collaborator Beck. The pair recruited producer Hector Castillo (David Bowie, Björk, Lou Reed) to help assemble a collection of remixes of Glass' works by a list of critically acclaimed artists including Beck himself, Tyondai Braxton, Amon Tobin, Cornelius, Dan Deacon, Johann Johannsson, Nosaj Thing, Memory Tapes, Silver Alert, Pantha du Prince, My Great Ghost and Peter Broderick.

To complement the album, app developer Snibbe Studio (creator of Björk's Biophilia app) created the REWORK_ app to give fans an interactive musical experience."

iTunes:
REWORK_ (Philip Glass Remixed) - Scott Snibbe Studio, Inc.

iOS Devices on eBay - Don't miss the Daily Tech Deals

Salamander Modular Synth Analog Voltage Controlled Filter

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

"Up for auction is a Salamander Modular Synthesizer single analogue voltage controlled filter module-UAF 227. It is in museum quality condition and functions and tunes perfectly. Everything electronically and physically is in perfect condition. It is one of few made in San Francisco, California in the late 70's/early 1980's.

This module includes one voltage controlled analogue filter that is generated from a CEM 3320 VCF IC, the same filter in a Prophet 5! The surrounding circuitry has been greatly expanded and the best possible parts were used in constructing the UAF VCF module by SMS. All of the knobs and switches are military grade (as in literally).

This module comes from the full SMS system that can be seen in the video below. I overtook the modular when I became the sound designer and producer for Asphodel Records/Recombinant Media Labs from Naut Humon. Nothing, and I mean nothing, sounds remotely close to what this module can do.

The bandwidth is so high that I used the SMS to modulate and generate video signals for several installations. From a tuning and musicality standpoint, there is nothing that rivals the absurdly over built quality of the system.

The buyer will have to design their own power supply to run this module. Don't miss a once in a life time opportunity to add one of the rarest synthesizer modules ever made to your modular. All the connectors are standard 1/8" which will interface directly with all Eurorack modulars and similar gear."

"A bit about the studio from which this comes from ... Asphodel Records/Studios and Recombinant Media Labs was San Francisco's cutting edge and award winning production, recording, and performance/research facility. We worked both with artists internal and external to the record label. Some of the clientele has included Academy and Grammy Award nominated M.I.A., members of Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed, Kode 9, Speedy J, Blixa Bargeld, and many many others. The facility was home to many talented professionals who were the users of the equipment we are selling."

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Salamander Modular Synth Analog Voltage Controlled Oscillator & Waveshaper

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

"Up for auction is a Salamander Modular Synthesizer single analogue voltage controlled oscillator and waveshaper. It is in museum quality condition and functions and tunes perfectly. Everything electronically and physically is in perfect condition. It is one of few made in San Francisco, California in the late 70's/early 1980's.

This module includes one voltage controlled analogue oscillator that is generated from an E-MU Modular VCO Sub-block and discrete components. The surrounding circuitry has been greatly expanded and the best possible parts were used in constructing the VCO and Waveshaper module by SMS. All of the knobs and switches are military grade (as in literally).

This module comes from the full SMS system that can be seen in the video below. I overtook the modular when I became the sound designer and producer for Asphodel Records/Recombinant Media Labs from Naut Humon. Nothing, and I mean nothing, sounds remotely close to what this module can do.

The bandwidth is so high that I used the SMS to modulate and generate video signals for several installations. From a tuning and musicality standpoint, there is nothing that rivals the absurdly over built quality of the system.

The buyer will have to design their own power supply to run this module. Don't miss a once in a life time opportunity to add one of the rarest synthesizer modules ever made to your modular. All the connectors are standard 1/8" which will interface directly with all Eurorack modulars and similar gear."

"A bit about the studio from which this comes from ... Asphodel Records/Studios and Recombinant Media Labs was San Francisco's cutting edge and award winning production, recording, and performance/research facility. We worked both with artists internal and external to the record label. Some of the clientele has included Academy and Grammy Award nominated M.I.A., members of Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed, Kode 9, Speedy J, Blixa Bargeld, and many many others. The facility was home to many talented professionals who were the users of the equipment we are selling."

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Salamander Modular Synth Analog Voltage Controllable Delay

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

"Up for auction is a Salamander Modular Synthesizer Analog Delay It is in museum quality condition and functions and tunes perfectly. Everything electronically and physically is in perfect condition. It is one of few made in San Francisco, California in the late 70's/early 1980's.

This module includes one voltage controlled analogue delay that is generated from an E-MU Modular BBD Sub-block and discrete components. The surrounding circuitry has been greatly expanded and the best possible parts were used in constructing the delay module by SMS. All of the knobs and switches are military grade (as in literally).

This module comes from the full SMS system that can be seen in the video below. I overtook the modular when I became the sound designer and producer for Asphodel Records/Recombinant Media Labs from Naut Humon. Nothing, and I mean nothing, sounds remotely close to what this module can do.

The bandwidth is so high that I used the SMS to modulate and generate video signals for several installations. From a tuning and musicality standpoint, there is nothing that rivals the absurdly over built quality of the system.

The buyer will have to design their own power supply to run this module. Don't miss a once in a life time opportunity to add one of the rarest synthesizer modules ever made to your modular. All the connectors are standard 1/8" which will interface directly with all Eurorack modulars and similar gear."

"A bit about the studio from which this comes from ... Asphodel Records/Studios and Recombinant Media Labs was San Francisco's cutting edge and award winning production, recording, and performance/research facility. We worked both with artists internal and external to the record label. Some of the clientele has included Academy and Grammy Award nominated M.I.A., members of Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed, Kode 9, Speedy J, Blixa Bargeld, and many many others. The facility was home to many talented professionals who were the users of the equipment we are selling."

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Salamander Modular Synth Quad Voltage Controlled Amp VCA

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

"Up for auction is a Salamander Modular Synthesizer Quad Voltage Controlled Amp! It is in amazing condition and functions and tunes perfectly. Everything electronically and physically is in perfect condition. The only physical flaw is one missing knob cap that absolutely has no effect on the operation of the unit. It is one of few made in San Francisco, California in the late 70's/early 1980's.

This module includes four voltage controlled analogue amps that are generated from a combination of CA 3080's and other classic parts. The surrounding circuitry has been greatly expanded and the best possible parts were used in constructing the Quad VCA module by SMS. All of the knobs and switches are military grade (as in literally).

This module comes from the full SMS system that can be seen in the video below. I overtook the modular when I became the sound designer and producer for Asphodel Records/Recombinant Media Labs from Naut Humon. Nothing, and I mean nothing, sounds remotely close to what this module can do. The bandwidth is so high that I used the SMS to modulate and generate video signals for several installations. From a tuning and musicality standpoint, there is nothing that rivals the absurdly over built quality of the system.

The buyer will have to design their own power supply to run this module. Don't miss a once in a life time opportunity to add one of the rarest synthesizer modules ever made to your modular. All the connectors are standard 1/8" which will interface directly with all Eurorack modulars and similar gear."

"A bit about the studio from which this comes from ... Asphodel Records/Studios and Recombinant Media Labs was San Francisco's cutting edge and award winning production, recording, and performance/research facility. We worked both with artists internal and external to the record label. Some of the clientele has included Academy and Grammy Award nominated M.I.A., members of Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed, Kode 9, Speedy J, Blixa Bargeld, and many many others. The facility was home to many talented professionals who were the users of the equipment we are selling."

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Salamander Modular Synthesizer Dual Analog Voltage Controlled Filter UAF147

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. via this auction
See the seller's other items for more.

"Salamander Modular Synthesizer dual analogue voltage controlled filter module-UAF 147. It is in museum quality condition and functions and tunes perfectly. Everything electronically and physically is in perfect condition. It is one of 20 made in San Francisco, California in the late 70's/early 1980's.

This module includes two voltage controlled analogue filters that are generated from an exact E-MU Modular sealed VCF modules. The surrounding circuitry has been greatly expanded and the best possible parts were used in constructing the Dual VCF module by SMS. All of the knobs and switches are military grade (as in literally). This module comes from the full SMS system that can be seen in the video below. I overtook the modular when I became the sound designer and producer for Asphodel Records/Recombinant Media Labs from Naut Humon. Nothing, and I mean nothing, sounds remotely close to what this module can do.

The bandwidth is so high that I used the SMS to modulate and generate video signals for several installations. From a tuning and musicality standpoint, there is nothing that rivals the absurdly over built quality of the system.

The buyer will have to design their own power supply to run this module. Don't miss a once in a life time opportunity to add one of the rarest synthesizer modules ever made to your modular. All the connectors are standard 1/8" which will interface directly with all Eurorack modulars and similar gear."

"A bit about the studio from which this comes from ... Asphodel Records/Studios and Recombinant Media Labs was San Francisco's cutting edge and award winning production, recording, and performance/research facility. We worked both with artists internal and external to the record label. Some of the clientele has included Academy and Grammy Award nominated M.I.A., members of Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed, Kode 9, Speedy J, Blixa Bargeld, and many many others. The facility was home to many talented professionals who were the users of the equipment we are selling."

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Salamander Modular Synthesizer Dual Analog Voltage Controlled Oscillator

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

"SMS Dual Voltage Controlled Oscillator
1 of 20 in the world
Containes E-MU modular sub module blocks
Museum Working and Aesthetic Condition

It is one of 20 made in San Francisco, California in the late 70's/early 1980's. This module includes two voltage controlled analogue oscillators that are generated from an exact E-MU Modular sealed VCO module. The surrounding circuitry has been greatly expanded and the best possible parts were used in constructing the Dual VCO module by SMS. All of the knobs and octave/semitone switchers and joysticks are military grade (as in literally). This module comes from the full SMS system that can be seen in the video below. I overtook the modular when I became the sound designer and producer for Asphodel Records/Recombinant Media Labs from Naut Humon.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, sounds remotely close to what this module can do. The bandwidth is so high that I used the SMS to modulate and generate video signals for several installations. From a tuning and musicality standpoint, there is nothing that rivals the absurdly over built quality of the system. The buyer will have to design their own power supply to run this module.

Don't miss a once in a life time opportunity to add one of the rarest synthesizer modules ever made to your modular. All the connectors are standard 1/8" which will interface directly with all Eurorack modulars and similar gear..."

"A bit about the studio from which this comes from ... Asphodel Records/Studios and Recombinant Media Labs was San Francisco's cutting edge and award winning production, recording, and performance/research facility. We worked both with artists internal and external to the record label. Some of the clientele has included Academy and Grammy Award nominated M.I.A., members of Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed, Kode 9, Speedy J, Blixa Bargeld, and many many others. The facility was home to many talented professionals who were the users of the equipment we are selling."

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Oberheim TVS-1 Two Voice Vintage and Rare Triangle Modification Board

via this auction

"Oberheim Two Voice Triangle Mod Aftermarket vintage modification Adds triangle wave for LFO

Up for auction is an extremely rare Oberheim Two Voice Triangle Modification! This unit came from our fully working Oberheim Two Voice Synthesizer! The only parts that need to be replaced are the two blue switches (roughly fifty cents a piece). The user needs to install Molex pin connectors onto the cables themselves. While the wires on this mod fit our Two Voice, the user might want to change the lengths and solder their own wires to better fit their Two Voice! I unfortunately do not have a wiring diagram. This mod was tested and works however it must be sold as is and with no returns accepted due to the fact that the user must install the modification themselves.

A bit about the studio from which this comes from ...
Asphodel Records/Studios and Recombinant Media Labs was San Francisco's cutting edge and award winning production, recording, and performance/research facility. We worked both with artists internal and external to the record label. Some of the clientele has included Academy and Grammy Award nominated M.I.A., members of Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed, Kode 9, Speedy J, Blixa Bargeld, and many many others. The facility was home to many talented professionals who were the users of the equipment we are selling."

See the seller's other items for more.

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Uber Rare SMS Analog Modular Synth Sequencer & Voltage Memory Unit

via this auction

[don't miss the Asphodel and Recombinant Media Labs video below]

"SMS Modular 252 Sequencer//Program Memory Programmable Control Voltage Sequencer and Memory System Beyond Rare

Up for auction is a non functioning Salamander Modular synthesizer 252 sequencer and control voltage memorizer! For those in the know, SMS modules are beyond rare as very few systems were built in the late 70's/early 80's due to the overbuilt and expensive nature of SMS modules!

This 252 sequencer/memory unit is in non working condition. It was part of one of the larges SMS systems put together in San Francisco in the early 1980's. From what I've been told this sequencer developed some problems and was pulled from the main modular frame only to never be repaired. I do not at this time have the means to fully test out what exactly is wrong with it and would love to pass on this gem to someone who is interested in devoting some serious service time to get it going. I believe all parts are present on the unit itself except for four 1/8 audio connectors at the very top of the module. These are available almost anywhere for thirty cents to a dollar! Once working though, the SMS operated on standard One Volt Per Octave configuration and as such this unit can be used with a vast assortment of modular synthesizers. I can cycle through 16 different memory locations via an advance and reset inputs. This means it can be used as a programmable voltage sequencer clocked by a standard +5 volt trigger pulse. See the video below for more information regarding where this system comes from. The big black modular is the SMS.

A bit about the studio from which this comes from ... Asphodel Records/Studios and Recombinant Media Labs was San Francisco's cutting edge and award winning production, recording, and performance/research facility. We worked both with artists internal and external to the record label. Some of the clientele has included Academy and Grammy Award nominated M.I.A., members of Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed, Kode 9, Speedy J, Blixa Bargeld, and many many others. The facility was home to many talented professionals who were the users of the equipment we are selling. Below is a little video profile of Asphodel and RML to give you a better idea about what the facility looked like and did."

See the seller's other items for more.

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Star Labs iTar - turn your iPad into a guitar on Kickstarter

via Kickstarter

"Our project is designed for musicians, guitar heroes, electronic artists, iPad junkies and hackers looking for a fun and easy way to take their show on the road. At it's heart the device is a button-based guitar fretboard (Starr Labs patented fingerboard) integrated with a dock for the iPad which will transform the tablet into a 21st century musical instrument we call the iTar (tm).

Our fingerboard has been battle-tested and proven for years to be a professional-quality electronic music instrument. Our fingerboard has been used on instruments we've built for the likes of Vernon Reid (of the endlessly awesome Living Color), the Chemical Brothers, Pendulum, Linkin Park, Lou Reed, and many TV/film studios. Check out the gallery at www.starrlabs.com to see the high quality instruments we've been building around this impressive technology for years. Our line of Ztars and Z-boards are each custom built by hand, from scratch."

STARR Labs on eBay (RSS)

Serge Modular Analog Synthesizer & Processor w 8 Preamp Detectors & N Comparator

via this auction
"Up for auction is a beautiful condition Serge Modular Fully Loaded Panel! As you can tell from the photographs, the synth is in immaculate shape and feels exactly like it did straight from Rex Probe at Sound Transform Systems! This Serge is a 1996 Serge and features the build quality and routing of the older more expensive (and expansive) Serge designs. For anyone looking to expand on their Serge rig or their current modular system, this is a great panel to buy. Because this panel features balanced line level inputs it can also be used as a standalone studio/live processors. It's particular strength in this arrangement is multichannel audio processing, but due to the versatility of the modules included, it could also be used for generative and trigger synthesis work. This Serge has had only one owner and I was in charge of maintaining and programming it while I worked for Asphodel Studios and Records/RML. I can assure you that you will not find a better Serge panel unless you order a new one straight from STS. Everything is in mint working order physically and electronically. Scroll towards the bottom to see a video in which the Serge made an appearance in ;-) Also, the information on each module below has been quoted from the original Serge product catalogue. One last important note is that there is no power supply included with this panel. One will have to be ordered from STS if the highest bidder does not already have one.

Preamp Detector:
The new Serge preamps and envelope detectors provide an exceptionally responsive link between external audio signals and the Serge synthesizer modules. The key to this responsivity comes from the fact that our detector was designed to respond to the POWER rather than to the AMPLITUDE of a sound. No other synthesizer system offers this sophisticated capability. Human perception of loudness is proportional to the POWER content of a wave, rather than to its AMPLITUDE. Detecting the AMPLITUDE of a signal produces an inaccurate envelope, sometimes too soft, and most of the time too loud. The new Serge detectors are exceptionally accurate, responsive devices which output a control voltage envelope that is directly proportional to the perceived loudness of an input signal. It operates over a very wide dynamic range, in excess of 70 db, (or the difference between a whisper and a subway train at IS feet!). The output is accurately log--linear at 12 .5 db per volt, a taper which mates perfectly with the. control characteristics of our newest VCA's. Thus it is possible, for example, to control the loudness of a synthesizer sound by the sound envelope of a locomotive, a dog barking, or a voice going from a whisper to a shout. The effect is especially remarkable because of the accuracy of the responses the whisper is really a whisper, and the shout a shout. The PREAMP DETECTOR (PRNV) allies a Serge detector with a multi - purpose preamp suitable for a wide variety of inputs. The LO - Z input accepts high output microphones in the 200 t o 1000 Ohms range (such as most electret microphones), with a sensitivity suited for close - mitring applications such as instrument or voice pickup. The H I - Z input accepts transducers such as guitar pick-ups and contact microphones. It is also suited for- amplifying low level signals from tape machines, tuners, etc. Detector and Preamp can be switched to work separately or Coupled. Sensitivity for the various microphones and audio sources can be adjusted over a very wide range using the Preamp's gain control. Please note that it will not cut the gain to zero. With the Dual Comparator Module, exceeding a pre-set loudness level can be used to provide a trigger pulse to initiate any number of activities within the synthesizer.

N Comparator and Voltage Divider:
The NCOMPARATOR (NCOM) consists of two sections: a comparator and a voltage-control led pulse divider. The divider section outputs a pulse once every "N" comparator pulse, where "N" is a number from 1 to 31, settable with a control voltage at the divider's VC input (or manually via the divider's control knob). Additionally, the Divider outputs a staircase wave with "N" steps. This will produce whole-tone steps when plugged into the 1 V/Oct input of a VCO. This module has two distinct areas of use (in addition to the normal functions of the comparator). For audio frequencies, the divider can be set to Output sub-divided frequencies with digital precision. Output frequency depends on "N". If "N"= ` . 3,4, etc., the output frequencies will be an octave, an octave and a fifth. Or two octaves below the input, respectively. Because "N" is voltage controllable, arpeggios and various melodies can easily be programmed. The nature of this type of division (integer division), results in frequencies that fal l along the sub--harmonic series, a series that has great tonal charm. For sub--audio frequencies, the divider acts like a counter, outputting a pulse only after "N" number of input Pulse. Input pulse's can be fairly random, or regular . This capability is especially powerful for determining tempos and rhythmic patterns when using several sequencers (especially if the "N" vc input is taken from one of a Sequencer's rows of controls). In a more random Situation, using a microphone preamp/detector as input, the divider might be set to count how many times a sound of a certain loudness will have occured, and be set to trigger an event upon reaching the count . Since the Count can be made variable (from 1 to 31), fairly complex and subtle interactions can be generated.

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Starr Labs Summer 2011 press release

"Ztar Models Z6S-XPA & Z7S-XPA, Z6S Ultra MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) Guitar Controllers, the Most Professional MIDI Guitar on the Market
[Starr Labs on eBay]
Guitarists can now control and interact with their modern studios and performance rigs in incredibly creative and accurate ways. The latest Ztar from Starr Labs brings guitarists complete control over synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, keyboards, computer audio software, and other modern music making technologies, in an easy, expressive, and intuitive way without the glitching and delay problems that affect other digital guitar systems.

San Diego, CA May 3, 2011 Harvey Starr, CEO Starr Labs, announces the arrival of the Z6S-XPA, Z7S-XPA, and Z6S Ultra, the flagship models in their line of professional MIDI guitars. Starr Labs Ztars allow guitarists and other musicians to control the vast sonic world of synthesizers, samplers, software and computers, creatively, accurately, and expressively. The XPA’s and Ultra expand on the base Ztar adding powerful new features and functions geared towards providing the professional musician with ultimate control of performance, and creativity of composition within todays tech laden music industry.

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Less than 25 Tickets Left in Raffle for Lou Reed's Moog Guitar

"Asheville, NC --- Less than 25 tickets remain of 200 issued in a raffle to win Lou Reed's Moog Guitar, a fundraising project of the Bob Moog Foundation. The raffle began on March 8, 2010; 177 tickets have been sold. Music fans from all of the world have participated in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tickets have purchased been from Canada, Chile, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Kuala Lumpur and from over 30 states within the United States. Tickets can be purchased through The Bob Moog Foundation's online store.

The raffle will conclude when all 200 tickets are sold. A winner will be chosen by an automated random selector and will be informed via email and announced on the Foundation's website..." Follow-up to this post.

DISCOVERY: Garaj Mahal and Fareed Haque Present The Moog Guitar

"ASHEVILLE, N.C. (March, 2010) – Take the guitar considered by many to be the most innovative instrument of the decade; put it in the hands of a musical visionary and you’re sure to embark on a voyage of discovery. Moog Music did just that and the soundtrack to this musical journey has been captured on a new CD titled DISCOVERY, Garaj Mahal and Fareed Haque Present The Moog Guitar.

DISCOVERY was inspired by Garaj Mahal’s exploration of the Moog Guitar’s sonic palette and the limitless ways that it can be incorporated into traditional and modern playing and production styles. The result is a vibrant, eclectic yet coherent body of work from players at the top of their game. The songs span a range of styles from clubby euro/electro and jazz/rock to traditional jazz and classical. Whether overdubbing seven Moog Guitar parts to recreate a Vivaldi lute concerto or sampling, processing and remixing The Moog Guitar with Ableton Live (by Garaj Mahal keyboardist and Moog synth wiz, Eric Levy), Fareed and company never sacrifice musical expression for technical showmanship.

In addition to his work with Garaj Mahal, jazz, classical and world music virtuoso Fareed Haque has played with a stellar list of top artists including Sting, Joe Zawinul and Medeski, Martin and Wood. Throughout his career he has balanced a love of guitar tradition with a spirit of sonic exploration, making The Moog Guitar the perfect musical vehicle for him.

Introduced at the Summer NAMM tradeshow in 2008, the Moog Guitar has received numerous industry honors including Guitar Player Magazine's 2009 Reader's Choice Award, Electronic Musician Magazine's 2009 Editor's Choice Award, 2008 Summer NAMM "Best In Show" honors, a 2008 “Best of What’s New Award” from Popular Science magazine and a 2009 Mix Foundation TEC Award. The instrument’s unique ability to control string vibration opens the door to another musical dimension without sacrificing traditional guitar tone and playing techniques.

Along with Lou Reed and Vernon Reid, Haque was one of a handful of top musicians given access to The Moog Guitar prior to its launch. During a Garaj Mahal tour, a brief stop at the Moog factory in Asheville, NC led to his first encounter with a Moog Guitar prototype. After a short session in the Moog sound room, the band continued their tour and Fareed’s mind filled with musical possibilities.

By the time they reached Atlanta, plans were already underway to immediately secure a Moog Guitar for recording. When Moog could not ship their only prototype to Atlanta, the band did a 4 hour U-turn back to Asheville. Borrowed the Moog guitar prototype that evening and then drove all night and all day to their next gig in Florida. The song Moog Improv #1 from that session appears on the DISCOVERY CD.

The CD’s extensive liner notes paint a fascinating picture of the many ways that The Moog Guitar’s innovations were used to advantage in the creation of this work. In addition to Fareed’s offbeat performance notes, Moog synth wiz Eric Levy describes how he created many of the electronica influenced tracks by manipulating Moog Guitar recording clips in Ableton Live.

“I have long been a fan of Fareed, Eric and Garaj Mahal – both for their incredible musicianship and who they are as people.” said Cyril Lance, Moog Chief Technical Alchemist and resident blues guitarist. “As the Moog Guitar came to market, I knew Fareed would know what to do with this axe as he was instrumental in its development. I’m extremely proud of this CD by Garaj Mahal. It represents the best of collaboration and the unique link between us as inventors and the musicians who use our instruments. Fareed takes us on a seemingly effortless but breathtaking tour of the sonic landscape of the guitar supported by his colleagues. His ability to explore so many genres and bring new voices to each is extremely gratifying and inspiring.”

DISCOVERY is available on iTunes and other online music sources and on the Moog website at moogmusic.com/booksandmusic.

For more information, visit www.moogmusic.com/moogguitar

About Moog Music: Moog Music and its customers carry on the legacy of Bob Moog, the inventor of the synthesizer. Moog designs and manufactures electronic musical instruments, including Little Phatty® and Minimoog® Voyager® synthesizers, Moogerfooger® effects modules, Etherwave® theremins, Taurus Bass Pedals and The Moog Guitar. Founded by Bob Moog, Moog Music designs and manufactures its products in Asheville, N.C."

Bob Moog Foundation To Raffle Lou Reed's Moog Guitar

"March 8, 2010

Asheville, NC --- The Bob Moog Foundation announces a once in a lifetime raffle opportunity to begin Tuesday March 9, 2010 at 12pm (EST). The Foundation will be selling $50 raffle tickets for a chance to win one of Lou Reed's Moog Guitars. Only 200 tickets will be made available. Participants can purchase raffle tickets online at the Foundation's online store http://moogfoundation.org/shop. The raffle will close when the 200 tickets have been sold and a winner will be chosen by an automated random selector and notified via email. All proceeds go to benefit the programs of the Bob Moog Foundation. Employees and volunteers of Moog Music, the Bob Moog Foundation and Lou Reed are not eligible to participate in the auction.

Moog Music Inc., the company which carries on the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog through its innovative instruments, is donating the Paul Vo Collector Edition (1 of only 300) Moog Guitar, serial #005, signed and played by Lou Reed. The strikingly beautiful instrument is a maple top Tiger Eye Flame with an ash body, maple neck and ebony fret board. Reed has signed the front of the guitar; his labels for the guitar's controls remain on the instrument as well as the brackets for his guitar strap.


Lou Reed, best known as the former guitarist, vocalist and principle songwriter for the experimental rock band Velvet Underground, has enjoyed a prolific career as a solo guitarist known for the pioneering of many sound effects including distortion, high volume feedback and nonstandard tunings. His love affair with the innovative Moog Guitar began early, as he played the instrument in its prototype phase. Reed experiences the Moog Guitar for the first time in this YouTube video. Upon hearing the guitar for the first time, Reed exclaimed “This is amazing....this opens the door”. Reed performed on the Moog Guitar on the David Lettermen Show in the fall of 2008.

Mike Adams, President of Moog Music, states “Our thanks to Lou Reed, who experienced the Moog Guitar in its earliest evolution and inspired us to continue our development efforts. Gratefully, the proceeds from this raffle will support the Bob Moog Foundation. Both the Bob Moog Foundation and Moog Music serve to honor the genius of Bob Moog.”

Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation acknowledges “The Bob Moog Foundation is deeply grateful for the support of Lou Reed and Moog Music. The funds raised from this raffle will be of great assistance in expanding our Student Outreach Program, the program in which we bring Moog instruments in to the schools and teach children the science behind the sounds of electronic music. This program, even in its infant stages, has opened children's minds and engaged their spirits to explore the extensive sonic possibilities that Moog instruments offer.”

Moog Music and its customers carry on the legacy of Bob Moog. Moog designs and manufactures electronic musical instruments, including Little Phatty® and Minimoog® Voyager® synthesizers, Moogerfooger® effects modules, Etherwave® theremins and The Moog Guitar. Founded by Bob Moog, Moog Music designs and manufactures its products in Asheville, N.C. www.moogmusic.com

The Bob Moog Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to carry on the legacy of Bob Moog through educating and inspiring children and adults through the power and possibilities of electronic music and through the intersection of science, music and innovation. The foundation has three main projects: preserving and protecting Bob Moog's archives, creating a Student Outreach Program that brings electronic music into the schools, and its hallmark project, the creation of a Moogseum in Asheville, NC, for which it was recently awarded a $600,000 lead grant by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. For more information see

www.moogfoundation.org.