MATRIXSYNTH


Friday, March 31, 2006

Waldorf is Back!

Title link takes you there. The message is in German, babblefished below into English. The English site just states coming soon... And... Stefan Stenzel is back!!! Too cool.



"Is it that? What is to at the rumors around the German Synthesizer legend...? Now, here some unspektakulaere facts are to provide for little light. Yes, it does which in the Waldorfer Laendchen... the rights became by that whale village SL, represented by Joachim Flor and Kurt Wangard, acquired. The new whale village Music GmbH is in the establishment phase and Stefan Stenzel and franc cutter as well as Michael of Garnier and Wilfried Eckl will enter. Who is that now again? Joachim Flor is the head and Macher the new whale village Music GmbH Joachim was already in the establishment phase the whale villages Electronics on board and contributed considerably to their success. Kurt (Lu) Wangard, accompanied the whale village Electronics as Office manager by all heights and depths and is completely wild to see lighting up the old battle ship in the gloss of the modern times. Stefan Stenzel, Mastermind and former director/conductor of the research and development department, as well as the franc cutter, one of the initial members the whale villages Electronics, responsibly for hardware and production management, engaged themselves also during the dark days for the whale village municipality. Now the two guarantors for continuity and innovation work again with commitment and high pressure on new projects for the rope-fresh whale village Music. For fresh wind provide Michael of Garnier and Wilfried Eckl, which throw their bundled know-how for selling and marketing into the scale pan. In the next weeks still further partners will on board come and the team will complete, which was written ambitious goals on the flag. Curiously? Well so! "

HCGPF on Analog Industries

And it's a synth one. : ) Title link takes you there. Yowsa.

Old Veterans Home

Now that the Little Phatty is out...



Brian Comnes sent this in, both the link to the shot on Analog Industries and the joke. Thought it was pretty funny. Thanks Brian. : ) The strangest thing is I didn't put this shot up back when Chris first posted it on Jan 30 of this year. I meant to get back to the shot, but never did. Funny how that works...

Moog Phatty on Audio Fanzine

Title link takes you to videos and audio. It's in French. Enter ass for the username and assburg for the password. No I didn't come up with that. Courtesy of ex action figure on this VSE post.

JB's Giant Modular - New Flickr Shot

flickr by antfactor.



Update via the comments:

"In case you didn't know, that's a Polyfusion.
There's some photos on my site somewhere of the same system."

Update via anonymouse in the comments:

"actually, it's MOSTLY Polyfusion - but don't be fooled - LOTS of other modules, synths, and some custom designed/built goodies."

USB DSP Drive Based Synths?

Update via David in the comments:

"TI just introduced a $20 microcontroller development kit in a usb drive that's probably up to the task. Check out the TI site for more info:"

http://www.ti.com/ez430
"It’s easy to rev up your application in minutes with the new eZ430-F2013, the world’s smallest complete development tool for only $20! The tool provides all hardware and software needed to evaluate the MSP430 MCU or complete an entire F20xx project. The F20xx combines 16 MIPS performance, less than 1 microamp standby current, with your choice of analog converters - from a comparator, fast 10-bit ADC to 16-bit sigma-delta with integrated PGA - all in a package as tiny as 4x4 mm. Designing with the world’s lowest power MCU just got even easier."


That's a mouth full, say it 10 times really fast. : ) So, what you are looking at is a 512M USB drive. No DSP. This post is about what it might be like if we had DSP based USB drives. So... I copied over VSThost, a free VST Host app and a few soft synth dlls on my USB drive, and now I can take my soft synths on the road. This is kind of cool, but only kind of.

What would be really cool is if this were a DSP based drive so I could just plug it into a midi controller and play; with no PC, monitor or other. What would be even cooler is if my midi device automatically mapped it's controls according to the synth I was using. What would be even better? If soft synth developers and hardware manufacturers turned all of this into a standard.

Think of that. No OS dependencies that could mean the demise of most softsynths. For example, the Waldorf PPG Wave 2.v will not install on Windows XP. And... hardware based soft synths - you'd finally be able to run your soft synths like actual hardware synths. Another interesting thing is you'd have a wide variety of hardware controllers to chose from. Feel like a small portable device for the road or the couch, no problem, just plug in your USB device and go. MPC style controller, X0X, full weighted keys, knobs, sliders, you name it. You can't do that with hardware VAs.

Thanks goes to Doktor Future's and Jimmy's comments in this post on the Terratec Area 61.

WENDY CARLOS INTERVIEW / May,1979 PLAYBOY MAGAZINE

Two shots pulled from this auction.



If only the scans were bigger...

I am made from the wires of my synthesizer

Tons of updates on Bleepsandbloops including shots, samples and thoughts. Title link takes you there.


The Q107 Filter

Synesthesia and the Mandala

"Essentially, the mandala detects where and how hard you hit it and translates that information into sound and sound controllers for your playing pleasure and exploration. " The mandala comes with it's own brain drum containing sounds and it can be used as a MIDI controller for other gear as well. Via meeglosh in the comments of this post.

thank you, stereolab - New Flickr Shot

flickr by tromasbronot.

About the Little Phatty

In case you missed it, the following touches on how the new Moog Little Phatty was born. Note that Axel Hartmann, designer of the user interface for many Waldorf products, the Andromeda A6 and of course the designer of the Hartmann Neuron, was involved. It's fascinating to realize that the physical design of the Little Phatty has ties to Waldorf, the A6, and the Hartmann Neuron.

"Mike talks about the conception of the Little Phatty.

I cannot think of a better transitional topic from my previous memo “Moog without Bob” to “Little Phatty”; Bob’s last project. He was very excited about the possibilities of this keyboard from our earliest discussions. I believe he felt that the technology and the team that we had (have) in place would finally enable him to bring a synth to thousands of musicians who were previously in no financial position to enjoy a Moog synth. I am very proud to say that is exactly what we are about to accomplish with the release of the Little Phatty.
As a starter, let me give you a bit of history about the development of the project. I am not exactly sure when the concept first entered Bob’s mind but I do have notes on it from early 2004 when we had a product planning meeting and Turnkey requested us to give this some consideration but I am sure he had thought about of it long before that. Then during the Summer of 2004 Steve and Bob really began the serious work of technical conception which resulted in Steve writing the initial technical spec in August, 2004. From there my memory gets a little fuzzy because 2005 was such a difficult year. What I do remember is that we sent off our first ideas to Axel Hartmann around October of 2004 and we met with him at the NAMM Show in 2005. (Axel Hartmann and his Design Box industrial design associates have been a long time collaborators of the company.) At NAMM and then subsequently at last year’s Messe, the first concepts of this keyboard began to take shape.

From there, Cyril Lance came on board. While he did not have the time he wanted with Bob, Cyril is an extremely talented engineer in his own right. This will be evident to those who discover the Little Phatty. The project team that worked on this design has come from the far corners of the world – Asheville, North Carolina where Moog is headquartered; Germany where Design Box is located; software from our consultants in California; and importantly our Chinese partners. Yes, our Chinese partners. No, we are not making this keyboard in China. It still will be made right along side the Voyager in Asheville but without the component level support from our Chinese partner we could never reached the low price point of this product.

So what about the name, Little Phatty? Taking a cue from Bob’s choice of the name “moogerfooger” for our line of effects modules, we adopted the moniker “Little Phatty” for our new synth because of its irreverent; tongue-in-cheek nature. At first it was just funny, but it grew on us as the personality of the synth developed. The Little Phatty name is a description of what we wanted this synth to be: smaller, less imposing, a chip off the old block as far as the sound character, and a price point people have a chance of reaching. It is a true Moog synth. It sounds really fat and ballsy. In this way we feel the name echoes the “minimoog”. Bob liked the name Little Phatty. He had a great sense of humor about these things. I know if he were still here we would be enjoying some great laughs, and I think he would really love the way the LP sounds. It definitely contains the sound that he created.

So that’s it. We hope you will buy one, enjoy it, and drop us a note about your experiences with this or any other Moog product.

As always, we appreciate every single one of you.

Warm Regards,


Mike Adams"

Korg Keyboard - New Flickr Shot

flickr by Ke Wynn.

Analog Dust - New Flickr Shot

flickr by violator3.



Me & a Yamaha CS10

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Terratec Area 61 Expandable Keyboard System

Now this is interesting. The Terratec Area 61 is a MIDI controller with optional built in DSP boards that can host different synth engines. To start they will offer the Terratec Komplexer (basically a Waldorf uQ) and the WaveXtable (more below). In via Harmony Central News. Title link takes you to full release.



"TerraTec Producer will unveil a unique keyboard at the Frankfurt Musikmesse - AREA 61. Based on an unprecedented design, AREA 61 is an expandable keyboard system for studio and gigging musicians. It is a genuine musical instrument with freely selectable, integrated sound generators (optionally available DSP soundboards) that may also serve as a central control unit for all software sequencers and virtual instruments in computer-based music studios.

Sound Generation Options
In addition, keyboardists can equip AREA 61 with optionally available sound modules for use as a classic synthesizer, that is, without a computer. To this end, TerraTec Producer now offers KOMPLEXER, a synthesizer that runs as a VSTi plug-in and as a standalone DSP application. Comprising a real synthesizer based on the Waldorf μQ, it provides more than 400 parameters for shaping the perfect sound. And if this complexity seems a bit overwhelming at first, keyboardists can go to the Easy Edit page, choose from the many presets and easily manipulate their selections using eight Macro controls. Best of all, entire banks port from KOMPLEXER VST to AREA 61's on-board KOMPLEXER DSP. This means KOMPLEXER VST goes wherever the keyboard goes, without having to tote a computer.

Released last year, the WaveXtable module is a 128-voice, GM- and XG-compatible Waveboard offering more than 500 top-drawer sounds. Further modules are in the works. Users can employ other vendors' compatible Wavetable cards, making the AREA 61 a remarkably extendible instrument.

The integrated sound generator's analog output signal goes to the output mixer and may be auditioned with the 2.0 audio system's playback signal as well as over the input monitor. Recording the output signal via USB 2.0 is also an option. The AREA 61 Controller Keyboard will be available in stores in Q 3/ 2006 retailing for 749.00 USD (MSRP)."

SUPERBUTH at the Musikmesse

Title link takes you there. This is the equivalent of the Analogue Haven booth at NAMM. Can't tell if it's actually live or not, but there is some webcam action going on.

Memotron on One Blue Monkey

Title link takes you there. Video link under date under title.

Ambient 24 Video - Zengomi

Roland JP8000 and Korg Z1 drones. Zengomi posted the video on the-gas-station. Title link takes you to a 10M WMV. There is a 60M version in the post.

"In part, the JP8080 is making 'the cycling higher pitched drone followed by the sander sounding piece', which is triggered by channel aftertouch. The JP only is fed to a lexicon MPX500. The Z1 makes what sounds to me like a cello. "

Charles Cohen - New Flickr Shot

flickr by antfactor. For more on Charles Cohen see this post. Title takes you to Flickr.

Roland SH-101 Samples and Filter CV Mod

Title link takes you there. Sent my way via Ed of dmxkrew.




"One thing the SH-101 is missing is a CV input to control the filter. I scoured the internet and found several mentions of modifications you can do to add a filter-CV input, but they all involve doing some fairly brutal stuff to your 101. I kept looking at the socket where the modulation grip plugs in. It says "modulation." I thought there must be a way to use it to control the filter, and there is. After experimenting with a kids' electronics kit, I made the little box pictured above. Using this box as an interface you can control the filter cutoff frequency or the oscillator pitch with an external CV. You can even plug in an audio signal and do filter FM or oscillator FM. If you use an external envelope and trigger it only on certain notes, you can acheive and "accent" sound similar to the TB-303 and make some very cool acid lines."

The Little Jointer

Thought this was pretty funny. That's one hell of a roach clip.



Came in via Per Mattson on AH. Also check out these definitions.

Update via synthbaron in the comments:

"That's a wood planer, not a roach clip. LOL.

http://www.sawdustmaking.com/Hand%20Planes/hand_planes.htm"

Doh! Oh well, two funnies in one post. : )

Phatt and Juicy

Title link takes to a full size shot on Harmony Central.

Moog Little Phatty Shots on GearJunkies

Title link takes you to more shots.

Fenix Modular - New Flickr Shots

Title link takes you to more shots put up by unrest.

TerraTec KOMPLEXER VST

Title link takes you to more. Update via Duvalle in the comments:
"Great news! I was waiting for the KOMPLEXER because it can import Waldorf Micro Q soundsets. I found this audio clip comparing the KOMPLEXER VST and the Micro Q. First one playing is the Micro Q."

http://s45.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0BN4JVRY65JNL2G23UJEO9MUAI



Key features & special attributes

* Virtual analog software synthesizer
* Wavetable synthesis
* Imports Waldorf microQ® sounds
* Eight macro controllers
* Up to 256 voices
* Unrestricted access to the sound synthesis engine
* Three oscillators featuring sync and ring modulation
* Two multimode filters (8 types including comb filters)
* Flexible modulation matrix
* Four ADSDSR envelopes
* Audio input with vocoder
* Three LFOs (LFO3 with user waveform)
* Arpeggiator
* 16x16 modulation matrix
* Five effect units offering delay, reverb, chorus, phaser, distortion
* Fully automatable and controllable via MIDI controller
* VST plug-in for Windows 2000, Windows X
* Standalone Mode for use without VST – Host

BTW, apologies for the lack of Messe coverage, but there honestly isn't much new when it comes to synths this year. I've covered most items in previous posts already. If you beleive I've missed anything, please feel free to post a comment and I'll put it up.

Voyetra 8 Shots

Title link takes you to a load of shots on retrosynth. The Voyetra 8 is considered to be an 8 voice polyphonic Octave CAT. Update via mono-poly in the comments: "An 8 voice Octave Cat SRM2. These don't sound like the first ones."

Wiard Borg Filter Shot

Send my way via damon.

Linn Sequencer

Trip. Never seen one of these before. Shots pulled from this auction.



Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Moogulator on the Musikmesse

Title link takes you to Moogulators coverage on the Musikmesse.

Don't miss the link in the post to more.

Little Phatty Video on Sonic State

Title link takes you there.



Yep, it sounds like a Moog.

La sintesi sottrattiva - New Flickr Shot

flickr by uddematic.



Korg MS20

Robert Rich Concert Shots

Title link takes you to more shots.

LEDs - New Flickr Shots

flickr by Luca Capozzi. I absolutely love his shots.

Cut Copy Synth Pop

Title link takes you to the Cut Copy website. Somone (dw66) sent me a couple of tracks to check out by them. They are on Yahoo! Unlimitted, so I'm listening and downloading their album now. They sound a bit like Wire, if you know who that is. Really good synth pop. Nice shot of the Odyssey. Also check out the stack of classic rhythm machines in theer photos.

American Contemporary

Ryan Faubion sent this little gem my way. This is an album composed solely with an EMS Synthi 100. Title link takes you to the post with more info. Seek and yee shall be rewarded. Enjoy. Thanks Ryan!

Ceephax Acid Crew - Video

Via James Anderson. Title link takes you there.



Audio is pretty distorted, but good show regardless.

Studio - New Flickr Shot

flickr by Ike-o-lizer. Roland Juno 106, Yamaha RS7000, and Akai SG01v.

Royce's Roland CR8000 Project - New Flickr Set

Title link takes you to the set.

Aliens Project Toy of the Month - Minimoog

Title link takes you there. Via Moogulator.

Birth of a Synth

Title link takes you there. There's a ton of samples and more on site.

Via this post on electro-music.com. Check out the schematics for the Klee Sequencer in the post as well.

Korg Electribe MX - New Flickr Set

flickr by ryanbauer. Title link takes you to more.

Korg X5D - New Flickr Set

flickr by MUTE MATT. Title link takes you to more.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

New Moog Shots Are Up

Title link takes you there. Say hello to the Little Phatty.



Update via Carbon111 in the comments: http://carbon111.com/moog_lp.html.

New Tracks on Gnostic Rocket


via Gnostic Rocket

Tracks include the Casio CZ1000, Springboard Dub, Korg Electribe ER1, and the Korg X911 Guitar Synth's low pass filter (same filter as the Korg MS-20). Title link takes you there.

Future Retro Revolution - Signature Edition

Via Synthtopia. Title link takes you to the post.



"Two versions are available: 9 UV orange units. which are available exclusively in the UK through Analogue Addiction, and 10 silver metalic units which are available exclusively in the USA through Nova Musik."

Cwejman Modular

Title link takes you to more on Analog Industries.

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