Vince on roland JP-4

flickr by Neil Vance (click for more)

full size

Vince Clarke
Roland Jupiter-4

Untitled

flickr by yousoundhollow

Cyclus 3 Sequencer

via the Techno section of NAMM Oddities 2008, the Spectral Audio Cyclus 3. You can find more info including specifications in this previous post.

"This gives you an updated control for vintage-style sequencing. One of the nice features is that each of the tracks can have a different length so your sequence mutates as the individual tracks loop at different points."

BTW, do check out the NAMM Oddities site for some of the bizarre items from this year's NAMM. I wouldn't call the Cyclus 3 odd, but only seeing it on the Oddities site so far is... kind of odd. Hmm...
via Dave.

Synthasonic Mystery Module Demos

Demos are up on the Synthasonic website.

Frontline x-2 aka DrumFire DF-2000

via this auction

via paleface in the comments of this audio post on the DrumFire: "The united kingdom version was known as the frontline x-2 same machine as the DF-2000."

Details from the auction:
"COOLEST MOST CAPABLE DRUM SYNTH EVER MADE + OLIVER LIEB'S SECRET WEAPON
THE ITEM IS THE BOTTOM UNIT IN RACK
Frontline X-2 also known as the Drumfire DF-2000
Adjustable pre set/Dual Channel Percussions Synthesizer
The Ultimate in Analogue drum synths
This thing smokes the Syndrums and just about all others as far as sound, functionality, adjust ability and can create many many more variations via its adjustments Basically a MOOG for drummers!
Each Channel has 2 adjustments which include
Manual trigger button
Sensitivity control
Oscillate decay1
Oscillator decay 2
Noise decay
Sweep
Pitch
Wave form shape
click on/off control
Noise filter
osc/noise balance
master volume
Audio On Off
Pre-set or manual switch
Each channel also has adjustable presets for these same controls there are 4 inputs for various footswitch functions allowing for on off control and shift between preset and manual settings for quick sound changes and 2 1/4" ins for triggers
Includes 2 standard 1/4" Acoustic triggers or use with any drum triggering device,
Outputs are standard 1/4" (2), top output sends ring or tip depending or your mixer setup
Each channel also has fully programable presets for these same controls"

Roland System 100 Schematics

includes:
# Mainmodule 101, mechanical oversight
# Mainmodule 101, VCO
# Mainmodule 101, VCF, VCA
# Mainmodule 101, Powersupply
# Sequencer 104, mechanical oversight
# Sequencer 104, block diagram
# Sequencer 104, schematic
link

EMS VCS3

click here for some amazing shots of the EMS VC3 - note it is also for sale (more info at that link). Be sure to check these out full size. I was given the OK to mirror them as well.

via mono-poly.

"The 3 inputs on the right are for voltage controlled waveshape. This machine is in very good condition for it's age and the mods are nice done to."

THE SQUARE (T-SQUARE) - PRIME

YouTube via bassa5112. sent my way via Dave. synths come in at 2:09
Takeshi Ito (Lyricon (EWI) )
Masahiro Ando (g)
Hirotaka Izumi (key)
Toyoyuki Tanaka (b)
Tohru Hasebe (d)

BBC2 Culture Show ft. Soulwax

BBC2 Culture Show ft. Soulwax

Uploaded by Frauleinnoise

novelty synth functions

Remember the novelty synth? Here's an image of it's main functions.

NAMM: Alesis SR18

Finally, a successor to the Alesis SR16. Anyone know how long the SR16 was in production? It leaves me wondering if it holds the record for the longest production run of any electronic instrument in the sense of synths, sequencers and drum machines.

"Alesis knows drums. The legendary SR-16 ignited the drum-machine market in 1990 and has remained a classic ever since. The SR-18 is designed to meet the demands of today’s musicians.

Introducing the SR-18. Following in the tradition of its ancestor, the SR-18 is loaded with cutting-edge drum kits, electronic drums, hits, and up-to-date percussion sounds for any modern drummer. From hip-hop, to country and everything in-between, the SR-18 has you covered.

The integrated effects engine includes Reverb, EQ and Compression for customizing the sounds to your liking. Since the SR-18 can be powered by AC or batteries, it ensures that whenever you need to lay down a groove, you're fully-equipped.

The new era of drum machines is here, only from Alesis.
_Large, 32MB sound set with percussion bank and bass synth
_Built-in Effects- Reverb, EQ and Compression
_Battery Power for max portability
_Pattern Play Mode enables different patterns to be triggered from the pads directly
_Mute/Solo Function for parts- Drums, Bass and Percussion and per pad within a bank"

WNAMM08: Plugiator – An 8 Synth DSP Box

Be sure to see the write-up on Sonic State.
You can find all NAMM videos by Sonic State here.
Update: Some interesting notes and a question on the Plugiator after watching this video:
In a prior video he referred to the audio input for use with the vocodizer only, in this video he says you can use it with the synth engines as well, so this is good. However, in this video he mentions or implies that you need the PC editor for extensive editing as the hardware only has five knobs? This is actually a show-stopper for me. I'm interested in the Plugiator as you can basically get the same synth engines as the Creamware ASB boxes in one device, but if you can't edit all the paramaters w/o the use of the PC, it kind of kills it for me. Anyone out there confirm this either way?

WNAMM08: Surfin Kangaroo Sequencer Updates

Be sure to check out the write-up on Sonic State.

WNAMM08: CME VX and UF Keyboards – More For Your $$

Be sure to see the write-up on Sonic State.

WNAMM08: More Korg n VOX Bits

Be sure to see the write-up on Sonic State.

Analogue Systems rs600 Performance Wheels Eurorack module

YouTube via bigcitymusic
"The Analogue Systems rs600 'Performance Wheels' module is a nice alternative to the rs220 Joystick Controller for the Demon or Sorcerer keyboard. The rs600 can also be used as a module in its own right in any Eurorack modular setup.

Clear backlit wheels change color as they are moved while the modulation wheel LED changes in intensity as it is moved showing the internal LFO frequency."

Also be sure to check out the new Big City Music Blog.

Marc Barreca + Allen Strange Live

Update: "DUE TO ILLNESS, ALLEN STRANGE WILL NOT BE PERFORMING)" click the link below for more info.

Via CHAPEL PERFORMANCE SPACE
Saturday February 2
"8:00 PM; $5 - $15 sliding scale donation at the door; presented by The Island Music Guild.

Marc Barreca, a Seattle pioneer of electronic music will be making a rare appearance with new works for electronic accordian, computer and interactive video. The evening will be shared with colleague Allen Strange, active in electronic music performance since the early 1970s.
Both Barreca and Strange will be releasing new CDs of recent works later this year. They will be joined by guest artists Pat Strange, violin, and William Trimble, saxophone. Both composers are current residents of Bainbridge Island and this is their first Seattle performance in many years."

The performance will be at the Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, 4th Floor, Seattle, WA; in Wallingford, 1/2 block south of 50th St., 1 block east of Meridian; 206-789-1939
See these prior posts for some synth books by Allen Strange.

WNAMM08: EAR Plan B Synth Modules Too

Be sure to see the write-up on Sonic State. What's that on Peter's jacket? ;)

WNAMM08: Livewire Oscillator Module Nears Production

Be sure to see the write-up on Sonic State.

WNAMM08: More Modules From Doepfer

Be sure to see the write-up on Sonic State.

DeltaLab Echotron

Another scan via LDT.

Roland D-50 Part 1

YouTube via alphacode909. vis fischek.
"All the best Patches for that great synth are here ,it's the best ambient and pad machine..."

Roland D-50 Part 2

Analog Synthesizers VS Digital

YouTube via OldSchoolJungle
"A little poll that I ran at one of the popular music production boards shown some interesting results."

Jomox Xbase 888 Livetrack by priox

YouTube via Monolaend. www.myspace.com/hack999

MOOG Sonic Six

YouTube via e200001
"This is the Original MOOG Sonic Six Synthesizer and it is in Argentina"

EQUINOXE IV Jean Michel Jarre Cover

YouTube via gattobus
"Yet another JMJ song... This is one of my favorites. Drums, Arpeggio, Lead and all the variations are programmed on the Nord Modular G2. Pad from Virus TI and Sample Hold FX from the Moog LP. Enjoy!"

Trash_Audio interviews Dieter Doepfer

YouTube via justjustjustmcg.
"This is a great interview with Dieter Doepfer who makes Doepfer analog synthesizer modules, as well as other products. This particular interview is about his background/life/history and not about any specific products."

Rock On

flickr by mjp3000

full size

"Josie takes a turn on the Moog"

MOOG Little Phatty

RITM-2

images via this auction
" A rare subtractive analog synth, manufactured in 1982 by the Kirov radio plant in the former Soviet Union is here now! Fully functional! There is an original soviet factory structure - i.e. method of synthesis, knob resistors, parts, connections, voltage etc. It runs on 220V AC (US customers will need an adaptor). NO MIDI, CV-GATE OR SYNC ARE INSTALLED.

HERE DESCRIPTIONS FROM BOOK "VINTAGE SYNTH'S A-Z" BY PETER FORREST:

Ritm-2: 32-note (F-C) 1-VCO monophonic synth.
- Neat little synth with a mix of knobs and sliders. Sprung pitch-bend
wheel; modulation slider. Portamento / glissando; LFO - saw, triangle or
random; VCO: three waveforms; noise; VCF with resonance, switchable key
follow. Two ADSRs.
- This seems to have a feel of early Korg about it - nice. Made in the
Kirov factory."

KORG MS20

images via this auction

Inside a Rhodes Chroma

images via this auction
"Rhodes Chroma (Originally an ARP project) 16-voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer with JL Cooper MIDI interface now for sale. Registration # 21030348. Cosmetic condition is fair to good. All Voices tune. The Chroma (Quite a rare synth) comes with a box of manuals, factory-patch cassette tapes, and two extra voice-cards. (I believe these 2 extra-Voice-cards are not working)"

Yamaha SK20

images via this auction

No whimpies

"The SK20 adds the POLY-SYNTH SECTION: a 7-note polyphonic synthesizer with basic filter, pitch, envelope, and portamento controls. It features two (detuneable) oscillators per voice so it's good for thick pads. It lacks any bite whatsoever and, even in normal attack mode, has way too slow an envelope to be used for any bass or percussion sounds. But, the pads and strings you can get certainly shine and glitter like Bowie a-la Ziggy Stardust (especially when layered with the Strings section). It's like a good entry-level synthesizer. Basic and simple LFO, filters and ADSR envelopes. It has a built-in sustain and the Tremolo and Ensemble chorus effect also apply to this section."