MATRIXSYNTH: 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.