666000666

flickr by heckadecimal

THE HARMONIUM

"Mechanical Fourier Analysis and Synthesis"

click here for more info.

via sendling

RIP Albert Hofmann

A synthesist of other sorts. You can find a nice write-up here . Some claim his "gift" influenced the early Buchla and MOOG days. I'm sure it influenced more than a number of synth compositions.

via Rick

Taking the ASys Modular for a Ride

via Big City Music.

Descubrimiento del Sintetizador Moog. Walter Carlos

YouTube via sergiourraca
"La Historia del descubrimiento del sintetizador..."

AHNE 2008 via alt-mode

click here for the images.

DX5 playing Alphaville Big in Japan

YouTube via DX5.

"New cover. Just a "quick done" backtape and some sounds that remind the song. It is not perfect, but I spent a nice time recording. New covers coming soon.

Low Keyb: Roland JP8000
Mid: Roland D10
Top: Roland JX8P"

Casio CZ-101

images via this auction

Korg Mono/Poly MP-4

images via this auction

Anyone know more about the overlay pictured below? What does the text on the top of it say?

Update via Dan: "if i recall correctly, at the top are a few tutorials on how to design different sounds. i think i found a scanned copy of this at synthesized dreams and nightmares or zen monopoly."

Update via plug it in, in the comments: "It say: Korg Mono/Poly Sound Chart, followed by 'presets' for BRASS, SYNC SWEEP, KING GONG, STEEL DRUMS, SYNTHE GUITAR and BOWED VIOLIN"

Stamba's Live Act @ Deviant Machine (BT59-Bordeaux-FRANCE)

You can find more images via Stamba on the forum.

"Here is the recording of my live act: [link1] and [link2]. About 45min and 192kbps

Gears used :
Roland TB-303
Roland TR-505
Clavia Nord Modular
Elektron Machine Drum
MFB Synth Lite II
MFB 503
MAM MAP1
AKAI MPC500
BOSS SE-50
X-FADE LVP110
Pioneer DJM-400
Mackie 1604VLZ
http://www.stamba.fr"

YAMAHA CS-10

YouTube via elfferichfour
"Can't live without him ; my YAMAHA CS-10. Best bass sounds I have ever heard. Never let me down. listen( download for free) to 5 albums ( only analog synthesizers) at www.wmrecordings.com."

PT-20 by S-CAT

YouTube via PHONICPOTION. "CIRCUIT BENT CASIO PT-20 WITH 12 MODIFICATIONS"

TYU-40 by S-CAT

"CIRCUIT BENY YAMAHA TYU-40 WITH 2 SWITCHABLE MODIFICATIONS"

BTW, for coverage of this year's NYC Circuit Bending Festival, NYC Bent Fest 2008, check out GetLoFi

Alesis Ion easy synth-ing 3: some osc sounds

YouTube via se7ense7
"I tried to make a decent video with some good sounding clean osc sounds of the Alesis Ion synthesizer. The Windows Movie maker f*cked up the sounds in the louder parts (some wind-like sound has sneaked in for no reason). But it's still quite decent.

People always ask how the sawtooth sounds, in relation to other synths. Now you can compare for yourself.

Feel free to add comments, requests, ...

I'm not the synth god, so I do not pretend to know it all.

Pz
ARD"

Yamaha Design Exhibition 2008

Yamaha Key designs by Milano Salone 2008

click here for more.

via Synthtopia

Notebook Keyboard

classic cs60

via rafkey on VSE: "Here is a demo of my beloved Yamaha CS60"

EML-101 Multimode VCF Schematic

via Aaron on the sdiy list:
"One project idea that I tossed out to my students, which one student is trying to get work, is to use the idea of an NPN differential amp driving a "differential integrator" to build a 1-pole LPF, which you could then do four times to get a usual 4-pole LPF.

I got the idea from the EML-101 filter schematic [mirror], as expertly redrawn by Marjan Urekar:

The EML-101 is a state variable filter, and said diff amp/diff integrator configurations form the variable gain integrators.

My thought was that we could take the output of such an integrator, and feed it into the opposite input terminal of the diff pair, and that feedback should form a 1-pole LPF, as follows:

The NPN pair driving the differential integrator forms a variable gain integrator with transfer function A/RCs, where A is the voltage gain of the diff pair and R and C are the resistor values used in the integrator. Let's denote wo = A/RC. Now imagine we take the output of this integrator and feed it back into the input with a minus sign. You get something like this:

Y(s) = (wo/s) [X(s) - Y(s)]

Y(s)[1 + wo/s] = (wo/s) X(s)

Y(s)/X(s) = (wo/s) / (1+wo/s) = wo/(s+wo)

Which is the transfer function of a single-pole LPF with cutoff wo with unity gain at DC. (This is the same idea as a usual OTA-C filter 1-pole LPF).

Three questions:

1) I sent my student, Justin, this sketch to get him started, where I just blindly ganked the resistor and cap values from the EML circuit.

Anyway, I just realized I drew that wrong - the EML integrating stage is _inverting_, so we should actually either:

A) Swap the inputs on the differential integrator, to make a noninverting stage, or

B) Take the feedback to the left NPN instead of the right NPN

Does (A) or (B) sound like the safer option?

2) Given the way the "differential integrator" is going to load the differential amp, should I even be thinking of this as a differential amp followed by a differential integrator? Or are they interacting so much such thinking breaks down?

3) Does this whole crazy idea of mine sound like a decent idea at all or is it doomed to insanity?

- Aaron

P.S. This got me wondering if there's an "integrating version" of the standard 3-op-amp instrumentation amplifier? A differential integrator with high input impedance, but something more elegant than just slapping noninverting op amp buffers at the inputs to the above differential integrator?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Opampinstrumentation.svg"

Switched-On-Rock

flickr by mpeake

full size

Page 2

SCSI for Samplers - Flash Drive for Your Sampler

"Do you need a better storage method for your data than the unreliable zip drive or the slow floppy drive? Card Reader drives are the new state-of-the-art storage solution - stop worrying about when your zip drive will fail or how many boxes of floppy disks you will need to save your latest sample. Now you can have as much reliable storage space as you need with inexpensive Compact Flash cards.

The MCDISK-2 is a solid-state Media Card drive that has no moving parts and makes no noise during operation. It comes in a small beige case that is 8.5" x 6.75" x 2.25" and can be used in any orientation, flat or on its side. It is very sturdy and solid, equally at home on the road or in the studio. This case has a fan in it but we ship the drive with this fan disabled in order to keep the unit completely noise-free. The fan is not needed in this configuration because the internal MCDISK drive puts out no heat at all and the internal power supply puts out only a very small amount. The case stays cool internally from natural air flow.

The MCDISK-2 has one PCMCIA slot which enables you to use Compact Flash or Smart Media cards for storage (with the correct PCMCIA adapter). We sell the PCMCIA-to-CF adapters in our Package deals or separately (see Related Products below)."

click here followed by Card Reader Drives for more info. They also have standard CDROM Drives, SCSI Cables, External Hard Drives, Rack Enclosures, and SCSI Hard Drives.

via Giles: "I've just got hold of a SCSI flash drive from http://www.scsiforsamplers.com/ - the "news" part is until recently these flash drives were an unknown/untested alternative to hard drives for many of these old samplers like my Ensoniq EPS16+. This place has done some really good compatibility testing and JD from there provides sterling service. Anyone with a vintage sampler or considering getting one can bring these classics into the the present with these drives, they're a hell of a lot better than ratty old SCSI hard drives"

Korg EX 800

flickr by MetroSonus
(click for more)

click here for mouse over descriptions of the inside.

Bobby on the Minimoog

flickr by K.R. Jackson

full size

"I'm looking into bird-sized, shimmering capes."

kompressor - synthesize

YouTube via Skrabrug. via Mr. Array. Spot the synths.
"youve got to synthesize
KOMPRESSOR :P"

185 Roland 100m analogue sequencer test 1

YouTube via carbontony
"Testing an analogue sequencer by RYK
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryktnk/s...
Synced by a modded Boss Dr 110.
Tweaking gate switches.
Mastering compression courtesy of Sony Camcorder :_)"

via -ryk:
"In the video the note lengths and pitch have been set by the pots. and switches, and then live tweaking the gate mode and sequence length switches. Drums supplies by modded DR110, that drives the clock input on the sequencer."

M185

The Rife Machine - Healing With Oscillators

This one in via jeswa.

via wikipedia:

"Rife said that he could find a Mortal Oscillatory Rate[17] (M.O.R.) for various pathogenic organisms, and directed his research accordingly, culturing and testing various pathogens with his Universal #3 microscope and his directed radio frequency energy 'beam ray' tube machine. Rife claimed to have documented the precise frequencies[18] which destroyed specific organisms, and claimed that many, if not all, contagious diseases could be cured using this radiation treatment, using frequencies that were typically in the 10 kHz-100 MHz range (HF to mid-VHF).[19] Rife claims that a clinic was set up by a Dr. Milbank Johnson M.D. which conducted tests using Rife's machine on the growth of typhoid in medium, which he claimed demonstrated no motility of typhoid rods which were exposed to Rife's machine.[20][21] There is no independent verification of any of these claims."

Image via http://www.rife.org/rifemachphotos.html
You can find more info on http://www.rife.org/
You can find a software Rife Machine here: http://www.rife.bztronics.com/
And Australia is cracking down: link.

Not directly related, but there is mention of using sound for therapeutic purposes in this Hataken Interview - check it out when you have time - it's an interesting read.

Update via alfried in the comments: "Its good to see your post, thanks for the information. Rife generator is a machine that generates electromagnetic frequencies especially targeted to deactivate harmful toxins on the body."

Homage

"28 minutes of modular noises with a theremin overdub. All improvised and un-edited. The modules in use are two osc., two multiband filters, delay, env, lfo, vca from Analogue Systems. The theremin is an EtherwavePro."

via L. D. Terkelsen www.myspace.com/ldterkelsen

Yamaha TQ5: Apparently, Bill Holland CAN Touch This

YouTube via gearwire. follow-up to this post.
"Now that Bill Holland has got you all MIDI connected and whatnot, it's time to bust out more of the Yamaha TQ5's capabilities. The TQ5 is basically the 1980s crammed into a stealth-looking box. Be sure to put on some neon pants and level your flattop before you watch this video about tone, LFO and envelope controls. See more on gearwire.com."

Solstitium-Alnitak

YouTube via Kobolnova
"A basic classical string sounding song,2 synthesizer were used: Korg Radias and the much older Roland JX-8P, performed and composed by Alnitak c 2008"

KORG Mono/Poly

images via this auction

Roland SH-5

images via this auction

Endorphin

click here for the flickr set by fibra.

MonoMachine and MachineDrum

flickr by Chris Randall of Analog Industries.

full size

Update: The images where captured with a LensBaby 3G. The same lens used in the Charles Cohen Buchla Music Easel video. You can find more info including another shot of the MOOG Source on Analog Industries.

Solar powered random sound generator

YouTube via headresonance. via Califaudio where you can find more info.

09 live modular and the Mega Eurorack Modular Planner

flickr by cray5656

full size

A proposed portable live modular setup done with the Mega Eurorack Modular Planner. Note, new modules have been recently added to the planner.

wogglebug2

flickr by sduck409
(click for more)

full size

"This is my motm format wogglebug #3. Very cool multi purpose random noise generator."

Roland TB-303

images via this auction
Interesting note about the AC Adaptor:
"Roland TB-303 Bassline (Serial 291700). This is the sound of Acid and Techno music. As can be evidenced in the photos, this particular TB-303 is in excellent condition and functions perfectly. All knobs functions are nice and tight and there is no signs of wear and tear on the unit. The battery compartment is extremely clean and the unit powers up fine with a AC Adaptor or with a set of Batteries. Perfect for making analogue music on the plane or the beach! The unit comes with an original AC Adaptor. For those of you who know, the ACA-120 is the longest manufactured Roland product, having been produced since the early 1980's!"

Voice of Saturn Sequencer Released

Voice of Saturn Sequencer (analog)

YouTube via CuriousInventor

Curious Inventor product page: http://www.curiousinventor.com/kits/voice_of_saturn_sequencer

Sonic LAB: Prophet '08 Review Pt2

See the write-up on Sonic State. Note, Part 1 is now on YouTube, posted below.
Also see the source, Inside Synthesis for some interesting notes on what makes a good review.

Prophet '08 Review by Inside Synthesis - Part 1

YouTube via insidesynthesis
"This is part 1 of a 2 part series reviewing the Prophet 8 Analog Synthesizer created by Dave Smith Instruments."

Access Virus TI - Software Public Beta 2.7

"Just released today by Access, the version 2.7 Public Beta of the Virus TI Software which now includes:
- The Atomizer (Glitch/Beat chop effect, controllable via keyboard)
- Extra USB output, bringing the total USB outputs to three. (Using this removes the ability to use the TI as an audio interface)
- Support for multiple Virus TIs on one system!"
You can find more info on trash_audio. You can find the dowload and more here on Access Music.

hassslerhealy

via Ross
"I have been swapping CDs with Don Hassler. I send him improvisations on my Serge/ Eurorack modular and he has sent me his Buchla 200e improvisations....today i decided to play both recordings at the same time and this is what you will hear



it suffers from 128k mp3 but its fun if you like improv electronics as much as i do

Ross"

old e&mm synth-diy articles - Circuit Maker

Three scans via synth ollie.

keybdwizrd - Prophet '08 Demo #5

YouTube via keybdwizrd
"Demonstration of the Prophet '08 8-voice analog synthesizer from Dave Smith Instruments. Lexicon MX200 used for effects (reverb, delay). For more information visit http://www.davesmithinstruments.com."

keybdwizrd - Prophet '08 Demo #6 (stereo)

Roland JX-8P + PG-800 Analog Synthesizer by RetroSound

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo by RetroSound

'the demo shows the real time possibilities of the Roland JX-8P with the optional programmer PG-800'

The programmer PG-800 makes the JX-8P to the perfect classic analog synthesizer!

'demo of various Oscillator, VCF and ADSR-envelope settings, X Modulation, Sync, Chorus and more'

'Roland JX-8P triggered by the MFB Step64 step sequencer and sync with the Roland TR-707 drum machine'

This video demo is not a musical statement, only demonstration of the sound possibilities of the instrument."

megapole midi

flickr by pac209

full size

IMG_0430

flickr by buchlajoe

full size

"me and my buddies moog"

Interview: Scott Jaeger aka The Harvestman by Bryan Erickson.

"Let me start by saying I love my polivoks filter and my malgorithm bit crusher. The Harvestman makes really unique analog and digital modules for the doepfer eurorack modular format. I could not live with out either of these, In fact when I was freaking out over the unstable tracking on my oscillators, I was going to sell my modular system, But I kept going, what would I do with out my custom faceplated Malgorithm and the brutal resonance of the Polivoks filter? Die I think. The Harvestman gave me the real reason to keep my modular, so I could make mean evil sounds, and skin peeling resonant acid sounds(Not to mention he is a totally cool guy to talk to, and yeah, I think he will get his guitar pedals out before Gun’s and Roses gets their new LP out). LOL. I really appreciate that Scott took the time to answer my silly questions."

You can find the full interview on VAC.

SCRL

SCRL from 7oi on Vimeo.
"This is the first part of my performance called SCRL/CRCL which i performed at the spring concert at the Iceland Academy of the Arts. I'm using a wacom drawing board and my monome 64 and they're controlling a max/msp patch i made."

via 7oi on the CDM forum where you will find links to more.

Wire to the Ear takes you to Jomox.

Wire to the Ear takes you to Jomox. from wiretotheear on Vimeo.
"Oliver Chesler (The Horrorist) goes to Jomox in Berlin, Germany to purchase a Mbase 01 analog kick drum module. At Jomox the owner Jürgen Michaelis shows Oliver his workshop and toys.

jomox.de/
wiretotheear.com/
myspace.com/oliverchesler"

Update: see the write up on wire to the ear.

Modular Synthesizer Meeting 9.-11.5.2008 (Happy Knobbing)

"Modular Meeting - we” gonna do another modular synth meeting in germany.

Info: Happy_Knobbing_Modular_Meeting

& Forum: viewtopic.php?p=253849#253849"

via sequencer.de

Something Wicked This Way Comes

flickr by _mpd_

full size

Virion

flickr by _mpd_

full size

Piero Umiliani - Musica Elettronica Vol. 1

track list and link on 36 15 MOOG

I'm guessing that's EMS. If anyone knows otherwise, feel free to comment.

VA - Moog Madness (Compilation)

track list and link on 36 15 MOOG

Access Virus TI Atomizer

YouTube via pong2600. via /m. I spy Richard Devine. He keeps popping up in these videos. I swear, the next time I walk into my studio, he's going to be in there, just plugging away. "M: Hey, what's up? R: Not much. M: Cool," as I shut the door on the way out to get me a sandwich...
"Random footage from Remix Hotel 08 at the Access booth. Access folks were all showing the Virus + Atomizer, while show-goers enjoyed music, drinks and the POOL!"

Emu Emulator II Sound Designer software

via this auction
"Sound Designer software for the Emu Emulator II sampler. Includes custom cable, Apple LC III computer, MOTU Midi Time Piece interface and 98 page manual (pdf on CD-r). Does not include monitor. Note: Dual drive Emulators with s/n below 1100 may be incompatible with the software. Also, EPROMS should be version 2.1 or higher and OS should be 2.2 or higher."
via nick

Roland SH-09 with Malekko 300ms Analog Delay

YouTube via bigcitymusic
"This is the "bright" version of the amazingly awesome and affordable analog delay from Malekko Heavy Industry. Squawk!

http://www.bigcitymusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/bigcitymusicdo...
http://www.bigcitymusicblog.blogspot.com"

Mondo Modular Episode 4

YouTube via scootermccrae
"What kind of modular madman makes use of not one, but TWO Sample & Hold modules at the same time?!? Prepare to have your ears seared right off by the twinkly-dinkly beauty of randomly generated tones and whatnot.

This episode has a very special guest whom I hope will be making many more appearances as these audio experiments continue (and I hope you find her as adorable as I do).

Thanks as always to the faithful, patient and downright curious who choose to give these videos a perusal.

Scooter McCrae"

Dave Smith Prophet '08

images via this auction
"Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Synthesizer Specifications:
* 5-octave keyboard with semi-weighted action, velocity, and aftertouch.
* Spring-loaded pitch wheel and assignable mod wheel
* 256 fully editable Programs (2 banks of 128) with 2 Layers (2 separate sounds) in each Program.
* 16 x 4 gated step sequencer
* Arpeggiator
* 2 digitally controlled analog oscillators (DCOs) per voice with selectable sawtooth, triangle, saw/triangle mix, and pulse waves (with pulse-width modulation), and hard sync.
* White noise generator
* 1 Analog Curtis low-pass filter per voice, selectable 2- and 4-pole operation (self-resonating in 4-pole mode).
* 3 Envelope Generators: filter, VCA, and assignable (four-stage ADSR + delay); Envelope 3 can loop.
* 4 LFOs
* Glide (portamento): separate rates per oscillator.
* Analog VCAs

Ins and Outs:
* MIDI In, Out, Thru, and Poly Chain
* Main stereo audio output: 1/4" unbalanced
* Output B stereo audio output: 1/4" unbalanced
* Sustain pedal input: accepts normally on or normally off momentary footswitch.
* Pedal/CV input: responds to expression pedals or control voltages ranging from 0 to 5 VDC (protected against higher or negative voltages).
* Headphone output: 1/4" stereo phone jack.
* Includes power supply for 110V 240V AC operation (13-15 VDC, 400 mA) and operation manual.

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Synthesizer Features:
* Two analog oscillators per voice
* Classic Curtis analog low-pass filters
* Extensive modulation routing capabilities.
* Four-on-four splits and layers with separate stereo outputs for each layer
* Arpeggiator, gated 16 x 4 step sequencer, and LFOs all syncable"

Waldorf Q

images via this auction

KORG DW-8000

images via this auction

The BIN on this one is low. Always be careful. Always buy with a CC that will cover you should the deal go south.

MFOS WSG Weird Sound Generator

images via this auction

"MFOS--- Music From Outer Space---- WSG----Weird Sound Generator!!!! Analog Synthesizer---Noise Funk Box!!!! This one is in perfect condition, built by Ray Wilson of MFOS himself"

RS370 Polyphonic harmonic generator - Samples

via Bakis on AH:

click here for the samples

"For the above audio demo clips the following has been used: apart from the sound source that is an Analogue Systems RS-Integrator modular (including two RS370's, two RS375's and two RS290's), many Doepfer envelopes, multiples, mixers, vca's, lfo's, plus Metalbox/CGs, sequential switches, Gated Comparators, Burst generator, Pulse Divider/ Logic, VC Divider, Gate Sequencer, Digital Noise, plus Blacet VCO's, Attenuator. Reverb, Delay and Chorus from Sony and Roland Digital Effect processers have been also added sometimes."

MOONMODULAR trigger sequencer M563

YouTube via moonmodular. via moonmodular in the comments of this post.
"Prototyp test of the M563.

Text from the http://www.Matrixsynth.blogspot.com YUSYNTH says: "This Moon Modular 563 module is apparently the commercial version of a module that was custom-made for Gert Jalass. For Xmas 2006, Gert Jalass sent me a Xmas card showing his sequencer unit including two prototypes of the module that were labelled 963. This is a four voices 8 steps trigger sequencers.
Each switch has three states:
Trigger on, OFF, reset.
The pulse width of the triggers can be adjusted independantly for each row.
The module has a clock of its own, but each row can be independantly driven by an external clock."

The M563 drives two ARP sequencer, one ARP for the VCOs and the second for the VCF of a minimoog."

Amplitude Modulation, AM

"What is amplitude modulation?

In order that a radio signal can carry audio or other information for broadcasting or for two way radio communication, it must be modulated or changed in some way. Although there are a number of ways in which a radio signal may be modulated, one of the easiest, and one of the first methods to be used was to change its amplitude in line with variations of the sound.

The basic concept surrounding what is amplitude modulation, AM, is quite straightforward. The amplitude of the signal is changed in line with the instantaneous intensity of the sound. In this way the radio frequency signal has a representation of the sound wave superimposed in it. In view of the way the basic signal "carries" the sound or modulation, the radio frequency signal is often termed the 'carrier'."

You can read more about AM here.
Note the John Bowen Solaris features AM. You can read about that here.

"Good Evening Mr.Echo" Gattobus LIVE Experiment

YouTube via gattobus
"I made this video about a month ago. It was an experiment using an old Ibanez Analog Delay AD100 I found at work in the shop. The song wasn't very good so I didn't upload it at first, but... what the hell... It was fun while playing it, so here it is...
I also added some tutorial comments about the sounds..."

Universal Techno - Thema Arte

Universal Techno - Thema Arte - Partie 1
Uploaded by Tahiti_jul

Universal Techno Part2 (2/2)
Uploaded by electromind22

AQ Interactive Korg DS-10

flickr by jochenWolters
(click for more)

full size

Inside a Roland SH2 Synthesiser

via David:
"We had to replace the pot (slider) for the LFO rate as the speed varied randomly. Unfortunately we couldn’t find an exact match so the LFO now runs fast than it did before!

Now that it’s fixed, we use this synth a fair bit in our band, Destination Moon. Probably the most prominent use is in ‘Just Out Of Reach.’ This features the SH2’s white noise being filtered, with the filter cutoff modulated by the LFO in sample and hold mode. Meanwhile the bass guitar is played through the synth, so it’s filtered in sync with the white noise. Then we added violin and voice over the top, plus some whooshes (more white noise!) from an Alpha Juno.

If you think your readers might be interested in hearing this, they can download the song from
http://www.destinationmoonband.com/Reach.html
There’s no link to the download from the main part of our website, so this would be sort of an exclusive for Matrixsynth readers."

Interviews: Wowa Cwejman by Bryan Erickson.

You can find the interview on VAC.

"I took it upon myself to interview Cwejman because I need a little bit more information about his products. Well, that was one of the reasons. The other reasons were that I felt that there is not enough coverage about these products and their creators. There are a lot of synth companies out there now making new and interesting analog synthesizers that have their own sound and bring something new to the table. Cwejman makes a full synth and Modules for the Eurorack(doepfer) modular systems. I wanted to pick his brain on a few subjects regarding his products. I seriously am fed up with most magazines that cover this gear. I wanted an even more in depth form of covering and asking questions about this gear that true synth-nerds will understand. I cannot thank him enough for answering my questions."