And I'm back. If you seen any quirks with the site, please post a comment in this thread and I'll look into it. BTW, check out the new search functionality on the top left of the site. Instead of taking you to the old blogger search page based on Google results it will bring up the results inline, meaning on Matrixsynth. I believe this is the internal search engine which will bring back better results - I noticed the old search would often miss posts.
Update: Hmm.. Maybe not. The search results seem lacking. I did a search for MOOG via my internal editing site and I get 696 posts. I clearly don't get that when I search in the box above. I think there is supposed to be a forward and back button at the bottom of each page in the new Blogger. I'll need to see how to enable that.
Just and FYI, but it looks like I can finally migrate to the new Blogger. Previously I couldn't because my blog was too large. I'll let you know when I come out from the other side. If there are any glitches with the site before I get back, this might just be why. : )
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
KORG KMS-30 MIDI Syncronizer
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.Details:
"This is The Korg KMS-30 Midi Syncronizer. If you have any Vintage drum machine or Analog Sequencer ( MC-202) or any synth that has SYNC IN than this Korg Korg KMS-30 will bring you to the MIDI world of today. Easy to use - Just plug the Sync cable and the Midi cable and you are in business of syncing. The Korg KMS-30 can strip a pilot to tape and read it for Analog recording sync with no Midi. The Korg KMS-30 is a MUST if you want to sync your old Analog gear directly to your Midi or PC. It uses a 9V DC power supply."
FAT FreeBass FB383 - MAM MB33
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction. Apparently the FAT FreeBass FB383 and MAM MB33 are the same. They are Roland TB-303 clones. You can read more about them here. This unit is the FAT FreeBass FB383.
The Development & Practice of Electronic Music
No title link. Just the shot and details pulled via this auction.Details
"The Development And Practice of Electronic Music by Jon H Appleton and Ronald C Perera. Hard cover with 384 pages of theory (analog and digital), history and pics of synthesizers. Pics of synths include Moog IIIC Modular, Buchla Modular, EMS Synthi 100 Modular, Complete Arp 2500 Modular, Moog Modular CEMS system, Arp 2600 and others."
The Complete DX7
No title link. Just these two shots pulled via this auction. I've heard of the book before, but never seen it.
SynthMaster
"SynthMaster is semi-modular software synthesizer and multi-effects plug-in that combines many different synthesis methods such as additive synthesis, subtractive synthesis, ring modulation, amplitude modulation, frequency / phase modulation, pulse width modulation, osc sync and waveshaping."
Title link takes you there.
David Rogoff's CS-80
Title link takes you there. Via David Rogoff in the comments of this previous CS80 post.
NAMM Oddities 2007
Title link takes you there. Pictured here are The Wag ring to MIDI controller and the Axis Natural Keyboard MIDI controller. You can find them under the Techno Geek Toys section. 
Yamaha CS80 Kenton MIDI Retrofit Project
Scott Metzger sent in these shots and a link to a thread on Velvet Acid Christ documenting a Yamaha CS80 Kenton MIDI retrofit. I never realized the front panel of the CS80 was actually wood. Title link takes you to the thread, you will need to sign in, but when you do you will see a ton of shots and information on the project.
Tips on Custom Modular Cases
Via Cynthia up on the Cyndustries list:"I seem to recall their being a maximum depth of about five inches on those pop-up mixer style cases from SKB, perhaps the Gator brand equivalent is a bit deeper?
Our SixPacs are 7" inches deep (168 mm or so?) A different approach would be to bolt two or four SixPacs together and then take them to a case company to put a thin wooden case around the SixPacs and to add a latching lid and carrying handle, etc.
Here are a couple of examples...
Gallery=20, Gallery=19, Gallery=6
If designing a custom case like that, you could design it with some extra room in either the back or the bottom to accommodate a reverb tank or two and power supply.
I always recommend adding 1" inch (24mm) of extra case around the front to protect all of the knobs if the synth should ever fall over or be placed face down for any reason. If you add a tiny bit extra to that, or design a bit of additional space in a removable front lid, then you can transport the rig with your patches still connected - so it's all ready to go when you get where you're going!"
Cyndustries Photo Gallery
I've put up plenty of posts on Cyndustries and Cynthia, however I don't believe I ever put up a post on the Cyndustries Photo Gallery. title link takes you there starting with image #1.
MOOG Sound Producer
Title link takes you to some shots pulled via this auction.via hinotori
Previous MOOG Sound Producer post
Isao Tomita MOOG Seminar
Click here for more info (in Japanese) and shots of a Tomita MOOG Seminar. Here is a Google translated link.
"冨 rice field teacher crossing many ten years, MOOG which is pursued. There are also circumstances of time, as for the part where this time you talked is just portion in the midst of experience of the enormous quantity which 冨 rice field teacher has, but it is possible to mention the possibility MOOG where various new expressions become possible with device circumstance having you could point to the very much good experience. Everyone of the staff, and the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music student participating to the latest seminar lastly the mark souvenir picture was photographed, but it seemed that has the deep reflection in music of everyone MOOG and 冨 rice field teacher."
Gotta love Google translation. The point of this post is there is a seminar on synths in Japan with non other than legendary synth artist Isao Tomita. I wonder if there are any in other countries. If you know feel free to comment.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
New Tapewarm Tracks
Remember the Sunrise at Tapewarm? Title link takes you to daddio's Tapewarm page on sevcom with a few tracks and this diagram of his setup. The tracks titled in green are new. Enjoy.
MDCB-2 Roland Juno-60 MIDI Interface With Internal LFO
Title link takes you to the full feature list, documentation, and samples of the internal LFO (check out the LFO waveform chart below). While there, be sure to track back to the root of CHD ELECTROSERVIS for more MIDI boxes and other products.
Wiard Wogglebug Controlling Plan B Modules
YouTube via Prototek.
Pete on AH sent in the following links if you are interested in building your own Wogglebug.
http://www.musicsynthesizer.com/WoggleBug/WoggleBug.html
http://web.pdx.edu/~rfahl/img/Wog/
Update via woggler in the comments: "it should be noted of course that those schematics are an old, pre-production model of the wogglebug. the real thing is somewhat different and improved."
On The Bench
You can find On The Bench at redshift-consulting.com. You will find a number of images and info on bringing back old synths to live. Currently the Sequential Circuits Pro One, Kurzwel 250rmx, and Roland Jupiter 8 are listed. According to Randel, "I hope to add more projects as they are completed. Currently on the bench are an Oberheim OB-Sx, Polymoog, and Rhodes Chroma."
BugBrand Oscillographics - Electronic Spirograph
Title link takes you to the post with video and more info by BugBrand on Synthwire.Previous BugBrand posts
This video was also on Sendling
Synths in Second Life
Remember this video of Reloop in Second Life? It looks like more synths are making their way into Second Life. I have no idea what these sound like or if they even make sound. Title link takes you to more on La Orange Factory including an Oberheim FVS, Roland TR-909 and TR-808, MOOG Prodigy along with this Minimoog, and I believe a Korg Trinity. You can find a Google translated page here.
Chronovalve
Saw this one on CDM. Title link takes you to Chronovalve. You will find a number of circuit bent instruments with samples and more. Some of these are really nice.Dark Matter pictured.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Inside the KORG Polysix
Title link takes you to shots pulled via Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.
EDP Gnat
No title link, just this shot and details pulled via this auction."The Gnat is a single-oscillator version of the Wasp. It has one digital oscillator and analog circuitry with a basic lowpass resonant filter, envelope with Attack and Decay controls, an LFO which can modulate the pitch or filter, and a built-in speaker. Like the Wasp, it has a very un-playable touch-sensitive flat keyboard with 25 keys. The Gnat also had EDP's propietary control that could be used to link the Gnat to a Wasp or other EDP gear. This item is in full working order, The keyboard works, the pots are clean and smooth, all knobs are present, even the small built in speaker is still clear and free from unintentionall hum."
The Lords of the Mini
Title link takes you to The Lords of the Mini, where you will find info on (you guessed it) the Minimoog including the Voyager.Update: new link: http://minimoog.monsite-orange.fr/
KORG PS-3100
Title link takes you to more images via MM who restored this particular KORG PS-3100. You can see a before and after shots after the hop.
HarriL - Ghetto Expander (Live)
video upload by HarriL
"MP3 VERSION: http://www.mikseri.net/music/play.php...
Hello again. I have some new stuff for you. Im currently testdriving my friends ESX (and maybe buying it later), and made this little hip-hop-ish track.
Gear used: Korg Electribe SX.
Enjoy.
Comments appreciated ;)"
Video Killed The Radio Star
The Buggles - Video Killed The Radio Star. YouTube via Barisaxman89.
This is actually one of two videos. Title link takes you to Failed Muso where you will find the second video, a current live version of this song that is simply amazing. Note the lead singer is the legendary producer Trevor Horn. This original video featured a MOOG Minimoog and the current live version features the MOOG Minimoog Voyager. Pretty cool. Anyone spot the others synths? : )
Marion MSR2
No title link, just this shot pulled via this auction."Up for auction is a used MARION #MSR2 modular synth rack mount. Marion was founded by Tom Oberheim in 1993. It is similar to a Matrix6R. The unit turns on but is untested. It comes from a user who kept his equipment in good working order so I expect it to function well. No manual is included."
I didn't realize it was toted as a "modular" synth. The Oberheim Matrix-6 and of course Matrix-12 are sometimes alluded to as modular-like in that they have extensive modulation capabilities via their "matrix modulation." I wonder if the MSR2 is straight forward enough to program without a manual. The one thing I liked about the Matrix-6 was its relative simplicity. Everything was only one layer deep - no submenus. Everything logically flowed from left to right and all parameters were printed on the surface for easy reference. Some of the trigger modes and modulation sources such as the Ramps and Tracking Generators could use the manual to full grasp them, however in general it's a pretty straight forward synth and you could get away without the manual and just explore. The Matrix-6 was my first and favorite synth. Hence the Matrix in Matrixsynth. I never picked up an MSR2 to compare.
Via Jimmy.
Update via Jimmy in the comments: "It was "Modular" because it had room for two voice cards - the 8-voice analog matrix-style, and another that was planned - though none were ever produced."
I remember this now. I did a little searching and found this great SOS article on the MSR2. According to Tom Oberheim in the article, "'The MSR2 is a modular synthesizer comprising a 1U mainframe and two plug-in cards, or modules. The card modules utilise a simple connection system which provides MIDI, DC power and audio out. Effectively, each module card is a complete synthesizer, so there's no limitation as to what we can do in the future, and we plan to make the architecture open to third-party developers. Not only can we build synthesizer boards using different synthesis technologies, we could also build boards for effects like reverb, or we could put in a hard-disk recorder for specialised applications.'"
Beepworld - MIDI303
"MIDI303 Interface for TB-303, TR-606, SH-101 and many other Synths .."Title link takes you there.
Analog Haven Videos on Sonic State
Videos currently include:Analogue Haven Synth tour
EAR Research modular
Future Retro XS
JoMox new stuff
Livewire Modular
Memotron digital Mellotron
Surfin Sequencer
Cynthia Industries Zeroscillator
Title link takes you there.
Also be sure to check out the rest of Sonic State's NAMM coverage.
Dave Smith on the BoomChik and Evolver
Title link takes you to a video from this years' NAMM show on Sonic State. Dave calls out it is not an MPC style drum machine but rather a more traditional box with the focus being on new sounds.
Yamaha YC45D
I originally posted this on MATRIXSYNTH-B, and figured I'd put it up here as well. Click here for shots pulled via this auction.
The Yamaha YC45D is an organ, however I'm wondering if it had any synth-like capabilities, particularly in the bass section. You can find the manual here. If anyone knows more about the YC45D, feel free to comment.
I love this image from the manual.via Loscha.
Update via Kitana in the comments: "The famous "Bionic" sound effect for the Six Million Dollar Man television show was made using a Yamaha YC45D Organ and a Morley Electrostatic Delay Line.
- SynSynth"
The Casio PT-1
No title link. Just this shot and details pulled via this auction."This is one of the cutest little synthesizers Casio ever made. It dates from 1981, and is the big brother of the Famous VL-1. You will know the sound of the PT-1 and VL-1 from famous songs like "Da Da Da" by the German group "Trio" (recycled into many different advertizing jingles over the last 26 years - most recently in Australia as "Sa-Ka-Ta"). It was also used in countless songs as a novelty fill in sound (The Bloodhound Gang have used their PT-1 on most of their albums).
This casio has been lovingly looked after, and is in a lot better condition than when I got her, she's been cleaned inside and out, and the key and button contacts were cleaned about 6 months ago, so, it works reliably. The batteries have never leaked, although, sadly, I received it with no battery cover, so, it has never had one to hold in it's 4 x AA power source - but this is not a problem as the batteries stay in. There is also a slider cap missing from one of the controls on the front. You can move this around to be which ever control you need it to be.
The PT-1 has all the famous beats of the VL-1, and most of the same sounds. It also has little letters in the plastic under the keys to let you know which notes you are playing (C D E F G). I don't know of any other small casios that have this feature. It's not very useful if you are an experienced player, but, again, cuteness. The PT-1 has an interesting set of capacitor filters and single transistor gates which drive the percussion section and melody tone generator, and, although the heart of the synthisizer is Digital (using Walsh Tones), there are a great many things which can be modified and changed to alter the sound (to make it harsher or smoother, depending on your tastes). The "bends" which can be accomplished (routing the drum tones to the pitch of the main instrument to make arpeggios and such) are varied, and don't require too much experimentation to get good results."
via Loscha
Matrixsynth by vgermuse
Click here for Buchla 200e tracks by Todd Barton, aka vgermuse. The following is the track listing along with synths used for each.
1. drifting--evi-2000, steiner-parker synthacon, boss rc-20
2. being and time--steiner-parker synthacon, boss rc-20
3. metalliton--buchla 200e
4. slowEvolution--buchla 200e, metasynth 4
5. cresting--buchla 200e
6. autumnAmbience II--steiner-parker synthacon, boss rc-20
7. stormBirds--buchla 200e
8. spaceMetal--buchla 200e, metasynth 4
9. exponentialSpace--serge modular music system, roland jp-8
10. horizoning--buchla 200e
11. offering--evi-2000, boss rc-20
Sequential Circuits MultiTrak Battery Leak Fix
Update: The original site appears to be gone. The following is from the Internet Archives WayBackMachine. Unfortunately the additional images referred to further below are gone, however you can make out the mod (albeit blurry) to the left. Update: pics added below.
"SCI MultiTrak (Model 615) battery drain fix
So you found this page. Maybe intentionally, as you don't like the lifetime of your backup battery of your MultiTrak, or just by browsing. Anyway - if you have problems with your backup battery only keeping up power for several months, you may want to modify your synth a bit. I found this fix today, when i searched the last problem of my MultiTrak after the monster repair i initially did on this synth. After the repair, i had a temporary battery in it, a button cell 3V lithium battery. It took about 3 months to drain the power from this battery. Even after the second one, after 3 months, end of lifetime. So i purchased the large cell this synth usually needs, but as i didn't feel very comfortable with this very short lifetime, i didn't put it into the synth. Until today, where i wanted to track down this problem and find a solution, if there is any. And i did.
For i impatient and the ones not interested in the technical description of this problem, just the following show modification is needed to fix the problem.
Modifying the MultiTrak
In fact, my MultiTrak had a design bug, which lead to the short lifetime of the battery. If you want to fix this, disassemble your MultiTrak (i don't describe the procedure here, you can find out yourself or somewhere else i think), remove the keyboard cable and put the electronics assembly in front of you, with the connectors away from you. Remove the voice board (the upper board of the stack of 2 large boards) to reveal the CPU board. Near the keyboard connector, you see a large 40 pin chip, which is the keyboard processor, and right of the keyboard connector, you find a CD4022 (maybe it has other letters, but it must have the number 4022 on it). Left of this chip, there are 2 resistors of 10KOhms. The left one (more away from the 4022) is the one we neeed to touch. Desolder the pin of the left resistor which is nearer to you (goes to a thick trace, which connects it with its neighbour resistor), you can also cut it, but we need to connect it elsewhere, so be careful when cutting it. Next, isolate the board and maybe the neighbour resistor, that your modification can't touch something it shouldn't. Now connect the resistors open end to pin 16 of the 4022. That's it. Maybe you want to fix everything with some hot melt glue or another piece of isolation tape. Of just use a piece of wire stiff enough to keep everything in place.
Have a look at the photo (sorry, it is very blurred, i seem not to be capable to do those near-shots in a better quality :) to see how it has to look.
If you are not interested on what you did in detail, you are done now and may reassemble your MultiTrak. Otherwise, read on.
What happens in this modification?
If you want to know, you may want to first measure the current flowing through the battery. On my synth, it was around 200µA. After the modification, it is around 1µA:
So why that? Let's have a look at the schematics:
(Strange. This near shot worked...) You see the 4022 here. As you can see, it gets power from Vnv, the non-volatile power. Besides this, what you can't see here, the RST pin is pulled high by the same signal turning off the RAM access when the main power goes away. Read the datasheet. Pulling RST of the 4022 high sets CARRY and Q0 high. For Q0 this doesn't matter if you don't hit any keys on the keyboard. And even if you would, it should make no trouble, as the CARRY signal also doesn't leak to the keaboard scanner (partially left in the photo). But there is a completely different problem. The 10KOhms resistor used as pullup for the CARRY signal is connected to +5Vd, which is the main power for all other electronics. So you have a high signal on CARRY. A signal of maybe 2,5V. This goes over the resistor, at the other end (the +5Vd) around 0,5V are left from this power. Use your calculator - 2,5V - 0,5V = 2,0V. Using Ohm's law, R = U / I, you get I = U / R, 2,0V / 10KOhm = 0,2mA = 200µA. Quite a lot. If your battery has 1000mAh, you need 5000 hours to drain the battery. 24 Hours per day (assuming you don't turn it on all the time) = 208,3 days and your battery is gone. After the modification, the NV circuits draw 1µA from the battery according to my multimeter. That's 1 million hours then, which again is 41,7 years. No, don't think "i never have to replace this battery again" - lithium batteries have a lifetime of about 10 years, so it's not the synth drawing the power, it's the battery itself, which leads to you replacing the battery after some years again. Maybe 5, maybe 10 - but not one year, as it might be the case until now."
Update: pics via the comments, via Deep Signal Studios:
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© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
