Goodbye 2008 - The Most Important Decision of 2008

Two vids. One good, one bad, you decide below. Not sure if this is fair as the bottom video isn't even from 2008, but neither is most of the content on this site, so... :) Vintage or...

Guru Josh Project - Infinity 2008 (Official Video - Klaas Vocal Edit)

YouTube via HammerDontHurtEm. via Lt. John Rambo's Goodbye 2008 post which obviously instigated this post and thus gets the title. "A freak like me... just needs the Trinity."

Disclaimer: so as you've probably figured out by now, my number one rule in putting up a post is that you have to be able to ID the synth. I'm usually pretty strict on this, but during the holidays I lighten up a bit. As for this post, the excuse for posting is the KORG Trinity. Or is it the Triton? Who knows... Enjoy the sax... or not.

As for the second video...

Fluke - Atombomb (Video Version)

The synth connection is... the KORG Trinity... and the Synth Babes of course, although the only real Synth Babe is in Fluke. I actually saw Fluke live over a decade ago. I remember the female in the band playing the Trinity live. I was quite impressed. At the time my friend gave me a call and let me know Spectrum was playing the same night. I already had tickets to Fluke so I went with Fluke. My friend told me Spectrum had this funny little suitcase synth which turned out to be the EMS Synthi. In hindsight, Synthi aside, I made the right choice. Fluke was indeed impressive and this video was a track for the times. Good memories... New Years shouldn't just be a reflection of the prior year in my opinion, but rather your life up until this point. Past. Present. Future. Make it all good.



The vote for the hell of it...



BTW, I'll be putting up my traditional Happy New Years post with stats for the year tomorrow on the day. As the festivities will obviously happen before then, have a VERY HAPPY (AND SAFE) NEW YEAR! SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!!!

MB-6582

flickr by SineSurfer
(click for more)

inside the MIDIBox SID

Noisebug Buchla and Plan B at Winter NAMM

http://noisebug.net/
http://buchla.com/
http://www.ear-group.net

Dictee Supreme

YouTube via bubagoo.
"This is a heavily modified learning toy called La Dictee Magique.
That's the french version of the much more common Speak&Spell.
I added the standard range of glitch and pitch bends and also added:
-Pitch modulation LFO
-2 Baby driver toy sound circuits
-Voice changing megaphone sound processor circuit
-Atari joystick control port (for triggering sounds and glitches)
-Defibrillator paddle control jacks (trigger sounds and HOLD effect)
For more info go to casperelectronics.com"
The Magic Dictator! as in dictation of course.

Roland TR 700 Rhythm 1974?

YouTube via abertronic. "its big and from the 70'S"

Big Toad with Newt Sequencer Demo

YouTube via bluelantern320
"Demo of a rare Big Toad Synth with all CV's routed for Semi Modular action. Only 1 was made and auction on ebay."

BIGTOAD alone

"DEMO OF A RARE SEMI-MODULAR TOAD SYNTH USING A KORG EA-1 AS A MIDI CONTROLLER (NOTES ONLY)."

Doepfer Analog Modular Synthesizer System

via this auction
"Livewire:
Frequensteiner multimode filter

Doepfer:
2x A-110 VCO
A-146 LFO
A-131 Exp VCA
A-143-2 quad ADSR
A-119 Ext. In.
Blanking panels"

Update: this was supposed to go up on MATRIXSYNTH-B. Oh well... there you have it. Click on each for the full size shot.

Oberheim Matrix-12

via this auction

via N o n p l u s

Paul McCartney - Coming Up (Music Video)

YouTube via beatlesfan4ever13. Yamaha CS80. I'm guessing the brass is the CS80.

Transanalog Casio SK-1 MIDI Retrofit

via TRANSANALOG
"Works for SK-1, SK-5, SK-8, SK-10, and DM-100 (top keyboard). Available soon for PT-1, VL-1, Yamaha VSS-30 and many others.

All features accessible from side of keyboard!

User selectable MIDI channel or set it to respond to all MIDI channels. Can also be set to respond to the first MIDI channel received after reset.

SK-MIDI retrofit turns on and off with the keyboard. Will not drain the batteries.

Responds to MIDI notes 53 to 84.

Optional out of range loop feature allows the SK-MIDI to respond to MIDI notes 0 to 127.

Best of all - the internal speaker is retained!"

ARP Axxe 2310 (Old Version)

flickr set by transanalog
(click for more)

"WWW.TRANSANALOG.COM

The original version of the ARP Axxe in surprisingly good condition. Has the Moog type ladder filter that caused all the patent infringement problems for ARP. Part of my personal collection."

inside an ARP Axxe

Eurorack Modular Synth

flickr by Richard M
(click for one more)

full size

Joe and Synth

flickr by benus

full size

KORG MicroKORG

frost

via customsynth.co.uk

"have a great new year"

Access Virus TI Polar
Roland VSynth White
Roland Fantom White

Last MoPho noises in 2008

mopho16.mp3 via Stefan Trippler.

"Stylus drums, lots of fx, little patience as always ;)"

salzmanufaktur feat. psychotronic - scheisskreis

YouTube via salzmanufaktur
"Playing around with the Elektron Machinedrum, Sony Vegas 8 and an old VHS recorder.
Happy 2009!"

The Buchla Bongo - MAKEN0ISE

YouTube via MAKEN0ISE http://makenoisemusic.com/

"One of the defining sounds of 60's electronic music created with the Buchla instruments, the electronic bongo is easily re-created using modern euro-rack format synthesizer modules such as the Quad Multi-Mode Gate."

Underworld "Cups" Tutorial

.
YouTube via Felix2036. Anyone ID the synth?
"Check out my vid on how to play that searing synth pattern from Underworld's "Cups" (the second part). It was kinda hard putting it all together; the syncopation between left & right hand is a killer. Took me a couple of hours to master. Still, it's worth it. Enjoy!"

MaxMSP 5 synthesis experience

YouTube via jamesvla
"here you have another synthesis patch I've made with MaxMSP.. It combines pre-estabilished stuff with generative/stockhastic elements, in order to make some sort of crazy thing"

DS-10で除夜の鐘2008/2009

YouTube via aqi
"自然発生的に起こった「KORG DS-10による除夜の鐘」制作ムーブメント！僭越ながら、そのまとめ動画を制作いたしました。まだ買ったばかりの方からスゴ腕の名無しさん、そして有名なアノ 人まで・・・十人十色の除夜の鐘を堪能しつつ、新年を迎えましょ う！！！ 尚、108つめはスタートから大体19分のところとなっておりま す。 本年中は本当にお世話になりました。また来年もよろしくお願いい..."
Googlish:
"Just happened "KORG DS-10 from the bell," making movement! The僭越, has produced a video together. SUGO名無SHI arm has just bought from the still, while 10 people enjoy the colors of the bell of the famous people and ANO,迎EMASHOU the New Year! ! ! The second is about 108 from 19 starts and you are minutes away. Thank you very much this year. I also request for next year's best ..."

ThumbDrum

"If you’ve ever found yourself drumming with your thumbs on your keyboard or tapping on the table, then you’ll love Thumb Drum. It’s made to be fun for everyone, adults and children, musicians and non-musicians alike. It’s all about the simple enjoyment of tapping and making music. ThumbDrum is way more than your ordinary drum machine. On top of being able to play five different Drumkits (Real Drums, Drum Loops, Ancient Music Box, Cool Sounds & Singer Voices) you can also record up-to 16 short sounds samples which can then be mixed together to create a new customized drum-kit.

It has a stunning user-interface, and if you have large fingers, or prefer to play using landscape mode - you can select to view 4, 9, 12 or 16 drum pads - whichever setting you find more comfortable.

You can also choose between different skins to change the appearance. ThumbDrum also has virtually no lag and can play jams super-fast.

Have fun ThumbDrummin’."

You can find ThumbDrum here:

via Palm Sounds.

Voyager Spacecraft

SonicStateTV via moognut
"A space video made using video clips from NASA and music soundtrack created using a M-AUDIO KEY RIG keyboard and Synth software. http://www.webwonder.co.uk/"
Not sure what soft synths were used, but I figured this one was worth posting for the new year. The last day of the current year is usually when people look back and reflect on their lives over the past year. Watching this video definitely made me reflect on the planet. It's absolutely mind boggling to think we live here just floating around in space. Life is a fractal of sorts.

a very good 2009 to all!

YouTube via vonhaulshoven. via the forum.
"happy new year. I say it with a stone age sequence improvisation (the last thing I do in 2008)"

GForce Webcast 2008

"GForce Webcast 2008

It’s been a busy year as usual culminating in the release of the M-Tron Pro in late October and no sooner had people started taking delivery of the instrument, the tracks started to arrive here at GForce HQ.

Once again we were uber-impressed at both the high quality and wide variety of musical styles cascading out of our speakers and within weeks we had so many good ‘uns we realized we had enough for another webcast.

So welcome to what seems to be an annual event for us, highlighting and broadcasting the pick of the bunch. Also, as this is a reflective time of year, we’ve compiled a small pdf document giving you some inside info as to what went on in 2008 along with some of our favorite images of the last 12 months.

GForce 2008 Retrospective

We’ll see you in 2009 but in the interim best wishes to everyone who’s both helped and inspired us during 2008.

Have a great Holiday

Dave, Chris and the entire GForce team."

You can find the webcast with track listing and instruments used here.

Klee Sequencer and Appendage: Klee Bit Shuffle

YouTube via ScottStites
"The Klee is controlling my modular - the Appendage Touch Ribbon makes an appearance as well, controlling a couple of VCOs through my Triple Wilson SVVCF."

Fever Dreams

YouTube via bigcitymusic
"Ever had those? We start with the King Capitol Punishment Utopia Synth, then the Zvex Box of Metal, to the Moog MuRF, and on to the Analogue Systems rs290 Delay/Sampler module.

All of these pedals sound incredible on their own. The A.S. delay time is being modulated by the rs80 LFO module. No, you do not need the huge system. You can buy these modules separately and there are a variety of cases available including small ones. I don't wanna go back to sleep."

Doepfer Unplugged

Doepfer Unplugged from Isotope Of Me on Vimeo.
http://www.isotopeofme.com
"Here's a short noisy one for all of you Modular purists out there. These are a couple of cuts from some time playing with a few ideas on the Doepfer. Essentially VCO 1 is frequency Modulating VCO 2 through the linear input. The signal being fed into VCO 2's FM input is being gated/enveloped via VCA and EG 1 so that it only modulates the attack, leaving the sine output unchanged during the decay phase of the sound.

LFOs 1 and 2 are driving the S&H unit, which in turn is feeding the VC input of LFO 3 which is in turn triggering the EGs.

Cubase is feeding in a 4 note sequence for a bit of tonal change in addition to the rhythmic element to the patch.

The final output is coming from the VCF bandpass output, which is also being modulated by EG1."

tranqui // kp3 basic sampling demo

YouTube via abfahrtranqui
NOTE: I'm thinking of picking up a KP3. I'm actually looking for a decent hardware looper and I'm pretty sure I'm down to the KP3 or the Electro Harmonix 2880. If you have an opinion of either, feel free to comment. The one thing I like about the 2880 is the volume faders for each loop, so you can adjust the volume of four loops in real time. Can you do this with the KP3? Update: I just checked the manual online and once the sample is recorded you can adjust the level via the touch pad, so the answer is yes. I also read that the sample time at a tempo of 140 is 16 beats or roughly 7 seconds. It then states that at 73 it goes down to 8, 39 goes down to 4 and so on. Does that mean 7 seconds is the max per loop? The 2880 with the included 1G card can do 31 minutes per track.

Video description:
"this is a short vid recorded upon request to demonstrate the very basic sampling functions of korg's kp3.

sorry for the audio quality, I have a shitty camera (11 kHz audio / 3 minutes max time for video recording) and didn't take the time to prepare any decent sounds or record the audio separately. also, instead of making explanatory subtitles and stills, I wrote this text 'cause I'm a lazy bastard.

but enough with the apologies, I think most people should get the idea; this is not supposed to be an in-depth tutorial, but merely a short demo on how to sample and resample on the kp3. nothing fancy - just the tip of the iceberg...

all 3 fx units are set to 130 bpm. actions are as follows:
- activate poser mode and show off kp3 text scroll function
- launch a loop on kp2 (prog 63)
- record the loop into the efx-1000
- destroy the loop a bit using the feedback loop trick on the efx-1000 (credits to james zabiela or whoever discovered this easteregg)
- record the loop into the kp3 (sampling button), pad A
- record a loop generated by the kp3 (prog drm.4) by resampling (shift button + sampling button, then sample pad), pad B
- sync the beats (shift + sample pad + program knob), switching between pads to verify sync
- layer white noise synth (prog syn.9) over pad B and record it to pad C by resampling
- layer bass synth (prog syn.1) over pad A and record it to pad D by resampling
- overwrite pad A by sampling random bleeps from kp2 (prog 75)
- cacophonia

like I said, this is NOT supposed to be a "look what I can do" vid because the sounds obviously suck. it's a "look what the kp3 can do" vid.

I might do a show-off vid sometime, but not today ;) this vid is for those among you who are curious about basic sampling and resampling on the kp3, nothing more. I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.

cheers to all fellow fx bendin' knob tweakin' bastards out there!

http://www.tranqui.net (now relaunched!)
http://myspace.com/tranqui"

lp kp md live looping

YouTube via vcovcfvca
"Machinedrum MD UW MKII as master clock to a Korg Kaoss Pad KP3. Also starring a Moog Little Phatty Stage II and Nord Electro 2.

Basically I start with a simple MD beat. I then lay down a few loops from the Electro into the KP3. The mixing board (Mackie 802-VLZ3) has Alt3/4 going to the KP3 so when the switch is engaged there is no noticeable volume change but the KP3 can sample/effect whatever particular channels are Alt3/4.

I then sample (with a mistake due to forgetting to Alt3/4 the board!) the LP into the KP3. By 3 minutes in I get all the tracks in place :-)

Finish it off with a little KP3 and MD tweaking and we're done. The nice thing about this setup also (not shown here) is that by simply enabling Alt3/4 on the MD channel I can use the KP3 effects on it as well.

A very powerful little live looping setup that I've been having fun with lately."

MonoMiK Demo 1 Part 1

YouTube via MusicMiK
Welcome to a more complete demonstration of my current DIY synthesizer project, the MonoMiK. I needed a bit more to carefully test the latest module, which consists of the waveform selectors and the sub oscillators for the VCOs. The setup uses one VCO module (2 VCOs), the new VCO mixer module (waveform mixer and sub oscillator per VCO), the ladder filter module (only transistor ladder used in the video) and the envelope modules.

MonoMiK Demo 1 Part 2

click here and scroll for more videos by MonoMiK previously posted here on MATRIXSYNTH.

EXS Minimoog

YouTube via twelvebits
"I just discovered the sampled minimoog in EXS24 in my logic express 8 - here I use the lead synth sound. It sounds so nice that now I have to get a real moog!"

E-mu SP 1200 - Roland Alpha Juno 1 - Oberheim Matrix-6R

YouTube via twelvebits
"Beats: SP
Chord: Juno
Bass: Matrix
String arpeggio: Matrix
Audio interface: Echo Audiofire 12

Beats are sequenced with the SP to get that nice swing. The SP is synced to Logic 8 which controls the synths, records the audio and adds some delay effects. This tune is just something I'm still working on."

E-mu - Oberheim - Korg

"SP 1200, Matrix-6R and Wavestation sequenced with Logic 8. Synths are without external efx."

"Slaps", E-mu SP 1200

YouTube via twelvebits. "SP vehemence."

Dirty house beats with the E-mu SP 1200

"Live mix. Raw, as I prefer. Sorry about the overcompressed sound."

DSI Evolver + Jomox MBase 01

YouTube via twelvebits
"Got these new toys today. Synths are completely unprocessed (no EQ, efx, compression etc.). The delay effect is from the Evolver itself. Hi-hat noise comes from the Yamaha DX7."

Waldorf Blofeld

via this auction
"Most important features
Unbeatable price tag
sturdy Metal Enclosure
7 endless stainless steel Dials
Graphic Display 128 x 64 pixels, b/w, white background LED
more than 1000 Sounds
3 Oscillators per voice
Frequency Modulation between the Oscillators
All Q Oscillator Models
All Microwave II/XT/XTk Wavetables
2 independent Multi Mode Filters per voice
Filter FM
2 Drive stages per voice with selectable Drive Curves
3 fast LFOs per voice
4 fast Envelopes per voice
powerful Arpeggiator
freely programmable Arpeggiator Pattern with up to 16 Steps per Sound"

DSI End of '08 Update - LinnDrum Update and New MoPho OS

via Dave Smith Instruments:
"December 24 , 2008—Those of you who are paying attention (and we know there are at least a few of you…) may have noticed a relationship between how often the site gets updated and how busy we are. In fact, you might even be able to speculate when we’re getting ready to release a new product by the general lack of activity here. The absence of recent updates can mainly be attributed to the annual distraction of preparation for the NAMM show. We won’t be showing or announcing any new products this year (unless you count Mopho, which continues to fly out the door and is still backordered), but it takes a lot of work to get ready anyway. If you’re coming to the show, please stop by booth 6948 and say hello.

And, since we’re talking about NAMM and new products, you might ask, “What’s happening with the LinnDrum II?” Dave and Roger have been hard at work on the new design of LinnDrum II and now have a better idea of the ship date, which we currently estimate to be during the third quarter of 2009. We wish we could ship sooner but there's still a lot of work to do and it's important to us that we get it right. As a result, we don’t anticipate showing it—in any form—at the NAMM show. Thanks so much for your patience. We think it will be worth the wait.

In Mopho news, there is a new version of the OS that squashes a few annoying bugs. Go to the Current OS page for details. Also, the Mopho Pro editor is now available. Additional features include patch librarian functionality, program genetics, phantom banks, and automation for the sequencer section. We are also pleased to announce that Soundtower is working on VST and AU support with a projected release sometime in Q1 of 2009.

2008 has been action-packed, but fun. The Prophet ’08 received numerous honors and that is extremely gratifying. Mopho has already racked up a couple, as well (though only one we can talk about right now…). And Future Music has had the Prophet as the #1 recommended hardware synth on their gear chart for several months running. (Mopho just appeared in the latest issue at #4!)

Last, but not least, the ranks of DSI employees have swelled by an astonishing 33% in 2008. That’s right: there are four of us now. Chris Hector (AKA “the new guy” and “the young guy”) has joined us as Audio Engineer. Chris has already proved his worth by filling some significant “knowledge gaps” at DSI. Welcome, Chris!

Thanks to all the faithful for your continued support and to all of you who have more recently taken the DSI plunge. We literally couldn’t do it without you. We hope you have as much fun with our instruments as we have making them. All of us at Dave Smith Instruments wish you a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2009."

circuit bent HOLIDAY keyboard

YouTube via noystoise
"mini toy keyboard with added drum circuit that modulates the keyboard notes. this is one of ten in the series. for more info, go to www.noystoise.com"

synthPond + OSC

synthPond + OSC from zach on Vimeo.
"Thanks to my musical friend Carlos Hernandez.. Just showing off some of the new features coming up in synthPond 2.5. Showing how synthPond can integrate with MAX/MSP (or any OSC device) wirelessly.

I know it sounds a little odd, but what's cool about it is that even though i'm no good with max, you can basically make it sound any way you want!"
You can find synthPond here:

and synthPond lite here:

PS3100-DT

flickr set by fonitronik
(click for more)

the finished PS3100 DT front panel
PS3100 DT prototype

CLICK FOR MORE »

Libcube: New Percussa AudioCubes Library

Percussa now has a library you can use to develop custom applications for AudioCubes - you can integrate AudioCubes with your own software.

"The library is written in C and is available for Mac OS X and Windows. The goal is to make a library that is robust, easy to learn, and that covers most the functionalities the cubes are offering. We think that this component makes a good foundation that will help AudioCubes enthusiasts to develop innovative and creative new applications. We even have some new stuff in stores, but I’ll let Bert show you that when it’s time …"

You can find more info including the downloads for Mac and PC on the Percussa AudioCubes blog.

AS modules demo3

YouTube via SQRSAW.

One and two here.

Aliens Project Toy of the Month 70 - EMS Snthie Logik

More info including samples at Aliens Project.

Kaossilator & KP3_(p002)

YouTube via F8sequence
"Kaossilator & KP3_(p002)
All sound sources are generated in Kaossilator."

KAOSS PAD KP3 (p001)

"KAOSS PAD KP3 (p001)
All sound sources are generated in Kaossilator (Other than drum kits)

Bank-A : drum_mp3 edited
Bank-B,C,D : Kaossilator
Over Dub (synth, SE) : Kaossilator
Recording : GarageBand

mp3 : creativecommons-Attribution
『Electrified camouflage』dj_beast
http://gbuc.net/modules/myalbum/photo..."

KAOSS PAD KP3 (p002)

"KAOSS PAD KP3 (p002)
All sound sources are generated in Kaossilator（Other than drum kits）

Bank-A : Ableton
Bank-B,C,D : Kaossilator
Over Dub (synth, SE) : Kaossilator
Recording : GarageBand "

KORG DS-10 and mini-KP

YouTube via Denkitribe

Korg Preset 900 PS analog monophonic synth

YouTube via abertronic

"up for auction soon ebay... external reverb added @2.30" Link to auction


KORG PS900 preset synthesizer demo
YouTube via chechimusic.
I am "electro boy..." Well, not quite the same but a similar feel.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Korg MS-20 Fireworks Zone

YouTube via Newueel
"This must definitely be the safest fireworks on the planet. Two simple patches mixed up together for creating your own fireworks on a Korg MS-20. A fire arrow patch and a 1000 shot patch. Both patches are triggered with random time intervals using the ESP. Knob settings should be readable when watching in high quality/fullscreen.

Although this is the safest way to play with fireworks, in order to prevent accidents and other problems:
- Use at your own risk only
- Keep children and pets out of range at all times to protect them and their hearing — and to make sure animals don't get scared and bolt.
- Dont try to reignite a firework that doesn't go off. Leave it alone for at least 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water. :$

I wish you all a very happy and synthful new year!"

damn hoss

damn hoss from edison on Vimeo.
"hello all....
introducing "64 fingers"
a new project by edison.......

64 buttons.....
63 sounds....
1 stop button......
no quantize......
no loops.......

there will be 7 videos in this project.....
this is the first.......
you can download this full track for free, right here
drop.io/p05tkko
thank you for your time.......

the yellow box is a monome 40h, hand built and installed in an old kids lunchbox......
the monome is controlling ableton.......

monome.org
myspace.com/bearless"

Circuit Bent Casio SK-1 Green

via this auction
"1: Circuit Bent CASIO SK-1 sampling keyboard w/fx box !!!

The custom paint job and all bends were done by DIABOLICAL DEVICES.
FEATURES:
20 point patch bay
6 toggle switches (holds, delays, ect.)
5 push buttons (random glitches) additional custom made FX box that features 2 LFO's and a Photocell.
comes with 4 banna jacks for making patches.
The FX box connects to the SK-1 via a 1/4" instrument cable and a banana jack.
The FX box also has 3 cool little green lights to show you what effect(s) are activated. They match the paint job! The SK-1 has a 1/4" output and a AUX output."

Sequential Circuits Studio 440 Part 5

YouTube via WISSJE. Parts 1-4 previously posted here.

christmas toy

flickr by recompas
(click for more)
"Just build a rack to hold my evenfall minimodular and my new blacet darkstar chaos. woo! Thomas Henry MPS, Voice of Saturn Sequencer and Blacet Darkstar Chaos"

full size

A bit blurry but you don't see the Evenfall Minimodular too often and the shot should give you a perspective on it's size.

The Serge on felix inferious

felix inferious has a post up what makes a Serge modular different from others. It's a fascinating read and useful if you are not familiar with Serge systems. Note that it is written from the perspective of someone researching a system. If you've ever had GAS (gear acquisition syndrom) and have researched a synth ad nauseam, you will appreciate this post. The following is just an excerpt so do check out the full post for more.

"That brings me to my next advantage of the Serge. Functional density. In Serge-land, they call this "patch programmability". Depending on how you patch a particular function block, you can achieve different results. The "Smooth / Stepped Generator" (SSG) for example, can not only be a S+H, but also a VC slew limiter, VC LFO (triangle and square), clock, LPF/LPG, lo-fi VCO, zero-crossing detector, and more with any combinations of these (that's right, most of those functions only require one half of the module!). This module is even one-upped by the "Dual Slope Generator" (DSG) which has an unprecedented number of patch programmable functions, yet on the surface, it's just an AD envelope generator. It's this "patch programmability" that really attracts me to the Serge system. The flexibility and range of sounds possible in even a single panel (or even M-odule) is rather astounding."

Radikal Technologies Spectralis II

"Spectralis II is the even more powerful successor of Radikals sophisticated Hybrid Synthesizer. With up to 2 GB sample memory and tons of new features Radikal raises the bar again for our competition. Never stop the sequencer engine again with our fully redesigned sequencer engine that allows for on the fly realtime sequencing, recording of MIDI controllers and overdubbing. Quick Sound Selection for every part - your most favorite sounds are just one fingertip away. Transpose your patterns and step sequences with the attached keyboard and control the Spectralis parameters via MIDI from your computer. There is only one thing, we left untouched in our new design - the sound engine. Still the warmest and richest sound out there with the power of a modular synthesizer in a box.

The Hybrid Synth
The SPECTRALIS II hybrid synth, fueled by the latest DSP- and true analog technology, delivers maximum tonal capabilities and leads you into a radical new world of sounds full of life and animation. The SPECTRALIS’ oscillator section takes sound design to new extremes. The 4 oscillators offer continuously variable waveshapes plus time linearity modulation, FM, PM, oscillator synchronisation, bit reduction and independent pitch and volume envelopes. The self resonating filters, a 4 pole lowpass and a 2 pole multimode filter with LP, HP, BP and notch outputs, use two highly improved true analog circuit designs to overcome the restrictions of modelling based synths. The way players can interact with the destinc-tive user interface makes the SPECTRALIS II hybrid synthesizer a killer live instrument with unbeatable richness and stunning flexibility. The synthesis engine takes advantage of a sophisticated step sequencing system - 32 independent parameter control lines with up to 192 steps let you explore an universe of previously unheard rhythmic effects and atmospheric textures. Punchy high resolution envelopes, are the cutting edge of todays synthesizer technology. They are the perfect weapon for the creation of floor pounding kicks, state of the art sequencer staccatos and numerous percussion effects.

The Filterbank
Rumbling noises, nasal sounding oboes, booming SciFi-drones and vocaloid solo-voices - all these different sounds have one thing in common - the fixed filterbank. Consisting of 8 bandpasses, one lowpass and one highpass filter, the filterbank allows the selective modification of certain frequencies. The spectrum of the sound is divided into separated frequency bands where each resulting spectrum slice has an individual attentuator. Like the instrument corpus forms the frequency response of an acoustic instrument, the fixed filter bank provides a new approach in the creation of realistic instrument timbres and bizarre FX-sounds. In contrast to big modular systems of the past, where the filterbank had fixed filter response curves and simple pots to regulate the levels of the frequency slices, the SPECTRALIS comes with sequencer controlled level modulation and in depth parameter editing like individual frequency band panning, Q and roll off slope control and filter stage spacing. The usage of the fixed filterbank isn’t limited to hybridsynth voices - simply feed any DSP synth part thru the filterbank or even any external signals from the external analog inputs. The SPECTRALIS II step sequencer comes with step envelopes, where normal step-sequencers only offer a fixed value setting per step. In conjunction with the filterbank, these step envelopes allow for instance the creation of a new drum beat by simply feeding noise into the filterbank and programming some decay steps for selected frequency slices.

The sampling section
In contrast to many other groove oriented sampling instruments, the SPECTRALIS II offers real multisampling and a 32 stereo voice polyphonic sound engine with powerful subtractive synthesis capabilities. Lush strings ensembles, dramatic soundscapes or earthshaking drum grooves - simply drag and drop the highlights of your personal soundlibrary from your computer onto the SPECTRALIS II. The highspeed USB2 interface transfers even large sample instruments in a few seconds. An included sample conversion utility allows importing wav- and soundfont2-files. After finalizing your music production, the entire song content with patterns, sounds and samples can be stored back to the computers harddrive. Satisfied with the backup functionality but still wondering about the LIVE situation? Don’t worry about that! The SPECTRALIS II comes with a SD-Card slot and has an onboard 1GB flash memory (expandable up to 2GB) for permanent storage of samples, songs and sounds. Features are only one side of the story - but realizing them with the latest Texas Instruments floating point DSP generation and featuring HiEnd Burr Brown DA converters gives the SPECTRALIS II the no compromise touch of a groundbreaking new star in the sonic wonderland of electronic music instruments.

The sequencing system
As a groove oriented system the SPECTRALIS II features a powerful pattern based sequencer playground with realtime, overdub and step by step recording as well as grid based drum programming. Additionally, the state of the art step sequencer opens a complete new universe of tempo dependent sound manipulations and freaky polyrhythmic sequencer battles. Designed with the live situation in mind, you will enjoy the absolute freedom of realtime manipulations during your session. Mute/unmute tracks, exchange the motifs on the fly, tweak volumes, panning or FX-sends with the built in mixing console or transpose an entire pattern by simply pressing a note on your keyboard. Editing of sequences can be done without stopping the sequencer - one of the most desirable features in todays groove oriented live instruments. Start your session with a simple basic groove and add steps on the fly until the audience is totally freaked out. Are you into more serious music production? Well, the SPECTRALIS also comes with a song section, where you can arrange the patterns to complete songs."

You can find more info including samples on Radikal Technologies. via zamise.

PlanB Model 10 as an audio source

YouTube via dkimcg
"a model 15's morph output controls cycling of a model 10 with envelopes fast enough to generate audio. Basically it's a wave shapeable synced oscillator that's especially neat when you feed it multiple outputs from the same model 15. some powerful wave shaping...with an envelope generator.

I had read the m10 was fast enough to use as an audio source, n the scope shows the proof. :)

add the usual ending for stereo. top scope on left, bottom on right.

pardan the bad camerawork, my arm was stopped abruptly by a taxi door in downtown LA."

Inside an Ensoniq ASR-10

flickr set by firegroove
(click for more)

Akai MPC 2000XL and S1000

via this cl post also on Ebay. via R

MPC2000XL: "max memory and 8 outs, even has the EFX Board, internal floppy, external zip drive"
S1000: "S1000 has a maxed 32mb of RAM, 8outs, the scsi option card, AND i'm throwing in an external SCSI 135mb removable media scsi drive, with 3 discs full of samples, and three NOS wrapped in plastic discs. The s1000 is running OS 4.04"

VAKO ORCHESTRON DOUBLE "C"

via this auction
"Vako double "c" model orchestron!!!!! Exceedingly rare, exceptional, dual manual version of the legendary orchestron, only a handful of these dual manual versions remain in existence, only fifty units, including all models, were ever made!!! I unearthed this beauty in a forgotten, hidden back room, in a basement of an ancient music store and recording studio in butte, montana! Of all places!! It literally sat, in a room, for 28 years in a flight case, forgotten. Can you just believe it???? Well, it's all true, kiddies. So now, you got a shot at owning a piece of progressive rock history, and i don't think it will pass by this way again. You can google up all the info you desire on this unique and wonderful contraption, of course, it's the much more developed big brother, to that upstart snotty optigan, and it's other bratty sibling, the chilton talentmaker. They all read optical light discs, and, i have it on pretty good authority that these optical light discs are all about to return to production, with custom versions available to god's special people. That means expanded beyond the original master tape libraries. So, on the double "c", you get to play two different discs at the same time!!! What more could you ever want? Anyway, it comes with the aforementioned heavy duty flight case, but, and i want to shed a tear here, (sic) the original (8) optical light discs are corrupted from exposure. But, i do have them, and the special custom original partitioned case that they originally came in! So, there it is. What are ya gonna do? Take out 2nd mortgage on the house, or, rob the kid's college fund? I know, beg the folks for an advance on your inheritance!! >>>>>>>>>>>>> vako dual manual double "c" orchestron!!!" via Ivan

Smule: Zephyr [Pass it on...]

YouTube via smuleage

"Zephyr, for iPhone and iPod Touch, by Smule.
http://www.smule.com"
You can get Zephyr here:

Smule are the makers of Ocarina:

Gadget Orchestra with RockStar

YouTube via jetdaisuke

"http://webdog.be/archives/081230_1153...
Nintendo DS Lite(ELECTROPLANKTON), Nintendo DSi(KORG DS-10), iPod touch(Mokugyo 木魚), iPhone(Bloom) and KAOSSILATOR connected to Belkin Rockstar.
ヘッドフォンスプリッターとしても簡易ミキサーとしても。BELKIN「RockSt ar」でつながる楽器ガジェットの音 "

Broken Oscillator

YouTube via nevenen. "Wat's wrong with my VCO??? Should I keep it this way?"

making a "hoover" on the mks 50, slicing it with the SL20 and jamming with it on a C@132 BPM

YouTube via muzik4machines
"I got a few requests for sound tutorials/demo so here's an easy one, the simili-hoover, and as I can't stop just tweaking, a little jam at the end(see comments for links to the time it starts being a jam) and annotation to show some of what I do as my camera sucks to get stereo sound/ widescreen embeds use &fmt=22 at the end of the URL

gear used
Korg ESX1: All Sequences/Drums
Yamaha TX81z: Reverby/Pumpy Sawtooth Bass (chain:TX81z-Akai MFC42-Alesis Nanoverb-DBX266 ch1 (pump)-ch2 (Compression)-Mixer)
Roland MKS50: Hoover/Saw/Lead/Pumpy Synth (Chain MKS50-Boss SL20-DBX266-Zoom RFX2200-Mixer)
Redsound SoundBite Pro: Vocals/looping
Korg Kaoss pad 2: Tempo Delay
Korg Kaoss Pad 3: Loops, Looper(snare rolls), Grainshifter
Korg Kaossilator: Noise Sweeps (path: K01-Mini KP(Delay)-Mixer)
Korg ER1: Beatbox AND sidechain signal (Chain: left out-ProCo Turbo Rat-Boss V-Wha-Mixer)
DX200: Fm E-piano, pads, 303-esque sequences, etc (Chain: Left Out-Boss DD5 delay-Mixer)
Motu Midi Mixer 7s: My mixer, controlled by the BCF2000)
Kawai Midi Patchbay:Guess
DBX MC 6: Output Compressor

NOT used:
a computer, besides recording it; no edition, no mastering, What you hear is what I send out of the main outs"

trippin with my Max 5 synth together with generative music patch and transport bar

YouTube via jamesvla
"this is my last youtube video where I show you me trippin up with my new max 5 synthesizer in its last encarnation, together with a generative music patch and the Max 5 transport bar"

drum and bass hardware demo

YouTube via filtersweeperVCO
"Cubase sequencing various synths: Waldorf, Neptune 2, Juno 106, and MPC running beats. Some filtering done by Sherman filterbank."

Roland SH 1000 phat phunk son

YouTube via filtersweeperVCO
"Playing some electronic funk on the Roland SH 1000"

TB303+TR707 DEMO

YouTube via etonepan

Analogue Synthesizer ETI Project circa 1979

via this auction
"This ETI Synthesizer project was built around 1979 by my father, the modules all worked when I powered them up recently (the original keyboard and power supply is not available due to someone connecting the mains to a +/- 12Volt input!) The modules consist of :

4 x VCOs
2 x VCFs
2 x VC Variable state filters
1 x Reverb unit
1 x VCLFO
2 x VC Mixers
1 x Noise/Sample & Hold module
1 x DRF
1 x Ring Modulator
2 x Dual ADSR modules
2 x Dual VCAs
1 x Dual Envelope Generator
1 x VC Envelope Generator
1 x D-A Convertor
1 PA (not tested)"