MATRIXSYNTH: Saturday, April 7, 2007

Sonic Arts Network EXPO 2007, Plymouth

"Semorphonic Orchestra – call for performers

Do you have an old analogue synth stashed away in the loft (or taking pride of place in your studio)? We are looking for performers for this unique world premiere event. The Semorphonic Orchestra will be made up from a large group of musicians playing analogue synthesisers scattered about the space where the Sonic Picnic is taking place on Sunday 24th June. Groups of musicians will communicate via semaphore signals (the origins of coded data transmission), playing a piece specially devised by composers Duncan Chapman and Mike McInerney of Devon-based ensemble Analogorak. Performers will be expected to bring their own synthesisers (which will need to be capable of being battery powered, either using internal batteries or 12v/240v inverter) and attend 2 x 1 hour rehearsals during the EXPO weekend before the grand premiere on the Sunday. No previous experience of signalling with flags is necessary.

(more info and contact at www.analogorak.co.uk/semorphonicorchestra.htm)"

Via Peter Grenader

Chris Muir and His Buchla 200e Live, April 15 2007 SF

As you might recall, I've posted a number of Chris Muir's Buchla 200e samples. Well, if you want to see the 200e live, here's your chance.

"I'm playing a gig Sunday, April 15 at 7PM

The ensemble consists of:
Jennifer Hicks butoh/movement
Aurora Josephson Voice
Henry Kaiser Guitar
Chris Muir Buchla 200E
Damon Smith Bass
Weasel Walter Drums

This will be 96% improvisation. Chance of cacophony 100%.

It's my first gig with the Buchla 200e and a custom Max program
driving it, so I'm a little nervous about it. (but in a good way)

Jon Sims Center, 1519 Mission Street, San Francisco
(between 11th Street and South Van Ness)

Marginally more information can be found here:
http://www.xfade.com/gigs/Hicks.html

-C"

Moog Little Phatty Toccata and Fugue in Dm

YouTube via gattobus. Sent my way via Mr.Array.

Kyma X + Wiimote

YouTube via inthegray. Sent my way via Dr. Future.

"For reference, the Kyma is the software (runs on MAC and Windows), and the Capybara is the box with the DSP's in it. There's a program, Osculator, that can be used to interpret Wimote and OSC and send it to your Kyma Sound running on the Capybara." Symbolic Sound's Kyma and Capybara

Synthesizers Unlimited - Electric Bazaar (1974, UK, electronic)

Title link takes you to the stream and download on Wiel's Time Capsule.

"Synthesizers Unlimited is a project by Anthony King of whom I don't know much. He performed Soul of the city on the album of Gunther Leonhardt (1971) and collaborated with John Matthews on Pots and Sides (1974)."

Groovy

via jeswa/phoenecia

Matrixsynth by Loscha

Title link takes you to one more. Thanks Loscha!

Update: I decided to go with the Leet version instead. You can find these Leet tiles here.

Roland TR-909

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

via Rod.

303

flickr by Easy Skywalker.

"This is the Filter, the Filter Made with Diodes..."

A while back I remember hearing a demo on one of the modular manufacturer sites with a vocal saying, "this is the filter, the filter made with diodes." About a year ago I went looking for it and couldn't find it. I gave up and forgot about it. Every now and then it gets stuck in my head. Today was one of those days. I decided to finally track it down and try the AH list. Sure enough someone not only knew what I was referring to but also had the mp3 and sent it my way. Thank you mark. The module of course was the Modcan Diode Filter 23a.

Update: the mp3s gone awol. You'll find the recording in a video here.

Wiard Suitcase Modular in the Works?

There's been some talk on the Wiard list about Grant working on a suitcase modular. Note this is purely speculation although Grant did write back to the list with the following when asked: "I am attempting to do something on the difficulty level of the Yamaha DX7. Whereas Yamaha has hundreds of people to work on such projects, I am only one person.
Also I have to invent all of this technology from the ground up. There are no existing designs to copy, and no reseach papers to "crib" from."

He also previously mentioned:
"I apologize for any confusion my remark has caused.

I have spent hundreds of man hours over the last 3 years researching new synthesizer technology in advanced controllers and advanced multidimensional waveshaper and wave terrain oscillators.

Like the other Wiard modules, these ideas are new and unique. Because they are so new, the exact method of implementing them is not entirely clear to me yet. But I have far too much invested already to simply abandon the ideas.

When I mentioned the Envelooper, I was hoping someone would come forward in the manner of "I think this would work for this application that I have in mind." People (and myself) still need more time to mull over the application for such advanced devices.

In regards to a fully integrated synthesizer; Many of the great synth companies historically began with modulars, and then released fully integrated instruments. ARP began with the 2500 series and later produced the Oddysey. Moog began with the 900 series and later produced the Mini-Moog. Emu began with a modular and later produced integrated instruments.

Of course, the integrated instruments never have the full capability of the parent modular. There are always design trade offs. While I would like to produce an integrated instrument sometime in the future, it will not be a replacement for the 300 or 1200 series, but will contain a scaled down version of those unique technologies. First I have to finish developing those technologies, before I can concern myself with how best to package them.

At his exact moment, my concern is with getting the existing designs so I can produce them for the next 3 to 5 years. The Envelooper design project has only been placed on the back burner until I can catch up with stocking parts and building your orders.

My use of the word "dropped" was unfortunate because it gave the impression I had abandoned the project. I have not. The Envelooper module and Walkabout Oscillator are still being researched. I have working prototypes of both designs, but they need to be improved for manufacture. I also need to reseach if ideas like downloadable wavetables are fesible.

I apologize again for any confusion."