Thursday, June 26, 2008
Rolling with 88 weighted keys, live on bike.
YouTube via rockthebike. You know you want one. I want one that will hold this.
"Paul Freedman of Rock the Bike mounts a seat and instrument rack on a Mundo utility bicycle. Watch as Janaysa performs her song, London Bridges, on the back of the bike on its maiden voyage."
via Synthtopia.
The San Francisco Tape Music Center Images via Pete - Update
This post updated with some notes by Pete.
Club of the Knobs and Synthesizers.com FAQ
YouTube via synthesizerman
"A video showing how the Club of the Knobs power conversion board hooks into the synthesizers.com wire harness."
Pink KORG Polysix
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
images via this auction
Looks like the Pink KORG Polysix in these videos is up for auction.
"Modifications...
Once I had restored the Polysix to working order and wired the retrofit properly (with help from the guys at Kenton) I decided to go a little further...
Case...
The original chipboard base and sides were rather battered. So they were the first things to go, and I replaced them with solid pine sides and a plywood base, covered with multiple layers of varnish.
Next I sanded down and resprayed the control panel pink. Then using Waterslide Decal paper (look it up) I recreated the lettering and artwork, adding extra lettering for the Kenton interface, and transferred it to the control panel before applying some layers of clear acrylic laquer.
LEDs...
Then I replaced the original LEDs with bright blue ones and also added blue LEDs to the pitch bend and modulation wheels. Inside the Polysix on the voice circuit board are six small LEDs that indicate which of the six oscillators are in use at the time. I also added this to the front panel.
Modulating the VCFs with the VCOs...
It is a feature on some of the more expensive synthesisers, that you can modulate the cutoff of the filters with the voice oscillators (as well as the LFO.) I have added a switch for each voice to enable the Polysix to do this. It is quite a hard effect to describe (see the first video for a demo.) It can be applyed to any number of the six voices, which makes it quite effective when using the arpeggio and unison modes. In short this Polysix is now capable of making sounds that no other Polysix is able to! I believe that this is the first time this mod has been done.
ExtendaBend!..
I have also added a switch to extend the range of the pitch bender. This is best used for effects as when the bend range is set to full and the switch is active, the tuning will be slightly unstable.
Finishing touches...
I have also added an IEC socket to the back,instead of the mains cable, and replaced all the knobs with rubberised soft-touch knobs. The panel screws are now all shiny steel.
Please note that the although fairly hard wearing, the paint on the control panel is not as durable as the original, so care must be taken when transporting or moving this keyboard.
Kenton MIDI retrofit...
The Kenton retrofit has sockets for MIDI In, Out and Thru.
It can control the Polysix's Notes, Program change, Pitch bend, Modulation, Filter cut off and Note Volume (Filter cutoff and note volume are monophonic and use last-note priority. You can also transpose. It would also cost you a small fortune to fit one of these into a Polysix (see Kenton website for prices.)
Here is a direct link to the Polysix Kenton retrofit instuction manual..."
images via this auction
Looks like the Pink KORG Polysix in these videos is up for auction."Modifications...
Once I had restored the Polysix to working order and wired the retrofit properly (with help from the guys at Kenton) I decided to go a little further...
Case...
The original chipboard base and sides were rather battered. So they were the first things to go, and I replaced them with solid pine sides and a plywood base, covered with multiple layers of varnish.
Next I sanded down and resprayed the control panel pink. Then using Waterslide Decal paper (look it up) I recreated the lettering and artwork, adding extra lettering for the Kenton interface, and transferred it to the control panel before applying some layers of clear acrylic laquer.
LEDs...
Then I replaced the original LEDs with bright blue ones and also added blue LEDs to the pitch bend and modulation wheels. Inside the Polysix on the voice circuit board are six small LEDs that indicate which of the six oscillators are in use at the time. I also added this to the front panel.
Modulating the VCFs with the VCOs...
It is a feature on some of the more expensive synthesisers, that you can modulate the cutoff of the filters with the voice oscillators (as well as the LFO.) I have added a switch for each voice to enable the Polysix to do this. It is quite a hard effect to describe (see the first video for a demo.) It can be applyed to any number of the six voices, which makes it quite effective when using the arpeggio and unison modes. In short this Polysix is now capable of making sounds that no other Polysix is able to! I believe that this is the first time this mod has been done.
ExtendaBend!..
I have also added a switch to extend the range of the pitch bender. This is best used for effects as when the bend range is set to full and the switch is active, the tuning will be slightly unstable.
Finishing touches...
I have also added an IEC socket to the back,instead of the mains cable, and replaced all the knobs with rubberised soft-touch knobs. The panel screws are now all shiny steel.
Please note that the although fairly hard wearing, the paint on the control panel is not as durable as the original, so care must be taken when transporting or moving this keyboard.
Kenton MIDI retrofit...
The Kenton retrofit has sockets for MIDI In, Out and Thru.
It can control the Polysix's Notes, Program change, Pitch bend, Modulation, Filter cut off and Note Volume (Filter cutoff and note volume are monophonic and use last-note priority. You can also transpose. It would also cost you a small fortune to fit one of these into a Polysix (see Kenton website for prices.)
Here is a direct link to the Polysix Kenton retrofit instuction manual..."
PAIA PROTEUS 1
via this auction
"MONOPHONIC SYNTH -2 VCO.-ADSR-VCF-LFO-GLIDE-PITCH-VOL.16 PRESETS PROGRAMMABLE- PATCH BAY- LOW-LINE OUTPUTS-RS-323 COMPUTER PORT-ANALOG WITH DIGITAL INTERFACE-THE KEYBOARD"
PAiA Gnome on MATRIXSYNTH-B
ESTRADIN-230
images via this auction"Altair-231. It was made in USSR at Zhitomir factory "Estradin" in 1983. A monophonic synthesizer Estradin - 230 (plant "Elektroizmeritel" of Zhitomir) contains 4 main sources of sound - 3 tone generators and the source of noise. Such external sources as electroguitar and electroorgan can be connected to the instrument. The filter of lower frequencies is intended for changing harmonic compound of signals of audible frequency in self-excitation condition. This filter can be used as fifth source of sound. There is a possibility to control attack, release and sustain. One use such an interesting effect as sliding transition from one sound to another. There is a memory device in the synthesizer that saves sounding of tone as soon release time. There are some other devices in the instrument such as glissando, modulation mixer and filter controlled from the keyboard. Frequency range is from 1 to 20000 Hz One can use an internal generator "A" for tuning (440 Hz)
Tara and Thighpaulsandra
Image of Tara Busch and Thighpaulsandra via AnalogSuicide. Tara paid a visit to Aeriel Studios. You can find a few more images in her teaser post. You'll also find a few videos of Thighpaulsandra, Coil, Spiritualized, and Spacemen 3.
Mono Synth --- Poly Synth
YouTube via btpro. via Waveformless.
"Using EML Polybox, you can make polyphonic sound with 1 VCO monophonic synthesizer.
Connection is Korg MS-10(1VCO synth) VCO out (customized) --- Polybox --- MS-10 VCF in"
The San Francisco Tape Music Center Images via Pete
You can find some great images of Buchla (both man and machine) at the recent San Franscisco Tape Music Center event from Pete here. Be sure to check these out full size by clicking on the "All Sizes" link when you get there. These are great shots. You can click on the images in this post for full size shots as well.
Update: Some additional notes from Pete regarding the Buchla 100: "Mort mentioned that half of it wasn't working. Bill told me that the Frequency Modulator that's in it is one of a kind, and it requires a filter to smooth out the steps it created. Don never built another one. The Buchla sounded really nice. Bill had a few reel to reel decks that he had been trying to get something playing, but they broke right then and there. Its too bad the gear was in such a state. The Buchla that was there was the actual one they had at the Tape center. It now resides at Mills college in Oakland."
The San Francisco Tape Music Center Images and Words via Jan-Hinnerk
Remember The San Francisco Tape Music Center event?
Jan-Hinnerk attended the event and sent in some images and words.
"The place was packed, the Fire Marshall told 40 people to leave or they'd have to shut the whole thing down. Terry Riley could not come, but Don Buchla, Morton Subotnick, Ramon Sender, Bill Maginnis and Stu Dempster were there at the panel and talking about how it was back then. Very nice memories. Hope I have that many smiles on my face when I am their age.Some excerpts were played from the DVD, and Morton Subotnick did a quick demo of the Buchla 100 system (note: it was not the one Silver Apples were done on, but also a very ancient one). Stu Dempster played Dijeridu.
Don Buchla didn't want to say a word at the panel, he just smiled.
I was glad I could make it. Thanks to musicologist David Bernstein for hosting the event, and for Johannes Goebel for getting the book started. I bought three copies for me and my friends."
Analog Sequencer SQ-10 and MS-10
YouTube via johnnyruru
"Me and a friend discovering the noodling of a Korg SQ-10 analog sequencer. It stayed at his home for years(he imagined i was like a kind of space ship) and now its mine as I had a Korg MS-10.
These are the first videos.
I now discovered other possibilities.
Korg inventor were totally mad. But so creative. More videos soon
WWW.myspace.com/supermercato "
Mind Meld 2008 via jk
via jk
"Images from a recent trip Richard Devine and I made to Duncan Laurie's Lab in Jamestown, RI. There we made music with fruits, vegetables, plants, rocks, our own muscles & brainwaves, and oh yeh, with other musicians as well.
Jeswa's Picasa Album
Flickr photostream from Peter Kirn (of Create Digital Music)
Mind Meld 2008 Site
Duncan Laurie
From the main page on duncanlaurie.com:"This site documents efforts by artist Duncan Laurie, electrical engineer Gordon Salisbury and designer Todd Thille to develop and articulate art methodologies which employ subtle energy or engage Nature intelligence. 'Panpsychism' is a term employed to describe a world where consciousness exists at every level of matter. Our 'Rockstar' video is an attempt to illustrate this concept.
Radionics, an alternative healing technology, is explored as a methodology for visual art and design. Radionically based tools and techniques are presented that lend themselves to experimental art and multi-media praxis.
Experimentation by visiting artists ilustrates an ongoing exploratory approach to subtle energy. Currently featured is the sonification of small voltages produced by plants and minerals.Two books by Duncan Laurie provide contemporary and historical insight into the experimental basis for our research: OUTLAW TECHNOLOGY (2006) and A SHORT HISTORY OF RADIONICS: INSIGHTS FOR ARTISTS WORKING WITH SUBTLE ENERGY (2007).
EXPERIMENTAL FACILITATION is a special section based upon the contributions of Gordon Salisbury, designed to provide a window into each type of device we have developed or employed experimentally." More pics and videos will follow...
Akai Now Shipping MPC5000, MPD32 and updated MPD24 firmware
http://www.akaipro.com/
"MPC5000 delivers a comprehensive compliment of production features including:
* Sixty four-voice drum/phrase sampler with 64MB memory built-in; expandable up to 192MB RAM
* Three-oscillator virtual analog synth engine with arpeggiator
* More than 300 Virtual Analog synths including
* Eight-track direct-to-hard disk recording
* More than 40 unique effects within a modular four-bus effects processor
* Master equalizer and compressor
* “Old school” mode provides vintage sampler sound
* Built-in 80GB hard drive
* Optional CD-R/DVD drive
* USB 2.0 port for computer connectivity
* CF Type-2 card slot (up to 2GB)
* Chop-Shop 2.0 software included - slices stereo loops into individual samples and automatically assigns to pads
* Patched Phrases - creates multiple splits in looped samples to ensure proper tempo sync without changing pitch
* Continuous Sample Track - ensures samples play in perfect sync no matter where you start the beat in a loop
* 12 Q-link controllers for internal automation, external MIDI control and quick parameter editing.
* 240 x 128 hinged backlit LCD is double the size of previous MPC displays
* Ten analog outputs, eight ADAT-optical outputs, and stereo S/PDIF I/O
* Powerful new multimode filter
* Two MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs
* Turntable phono inputs with RIAA preamp
* XLR + 1/4-inch combination inputs, selectable mic/line for use with any input source"
"Key features of the MPD32 include:
* MIDI-synced note-repeat with MPC swing
* Sixteen full-sized, genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure-sensitive response
* Three banks of eight assignable switches, sliders and endless knobs for a total of 72 controllers
* Two assignable Foot Switches
* One assignable Foot Pedal controller
* Large, easy-to-read backlit LCD
* Thirty user-definable presets for use with software applications
* MMC/MIDI Start/Stop transport buttons
* Ableton Live Akai Edition software included
* BFD Lite software included
MPD32 is available for purchase now, with an MSRP of $499.00."
drift
drift from Richard Lainhart on Vimeo.
"An abstract HD film created in After Effects. The soundtrack is an improvisation for lapsteel guitar processed with Kyma."
http://www.otownmedia.com
Squarecave: a DIY analog/digital synthesizer
Squarecave Breadboarded
Squarecave Breadboarded from Logan Williams on Vimeo.
"The Squarecave, a DIY analog synth by Logan Williams, being demoed while it is still on a breadboard. For more details, go to 47Ω.com/squarecave.html."
Squarecave: a DIY analog/digital synthesizer
"The Squarecave is a hybrid digital and analog music synthesizer. It uses digital CMOS ICs to generate a sequence of oscillations of varying pitch and volume, and then pipes the result through analog filters (lo-pass, hi-pass, band-pass)."
Squarecave Breadboarded from Logan Williams on Vimeo.
"The Squarecave, a DIY analog synth by Logan Williams, being demoed while it is still on a breadboard. For more details, go to 47Ω.com/squarecave.html."
Squarecave: a DIY analog/digital synthesizer"The Squarecave is a hybrid digital and analog music synthesizer. It uses digital CMOS ICs to generate a sequence of oscillations of varying pitch and volume, and then pipes the result through analog filters (lo-pass, hi-pass, band-pass)."
WP20 mini-synth
flickr by Collin Mel(click for more including some of the inside)
"full synth in a small package."
full size
Michael Waisvisz - the Hands
YouTube via davidjmerrill. via Music Thing. Michael Waisvisz of STEIM and creator of the Crackle Box recently passed away.
"This is a video from the NIME conference in 2003. It features Michel Waisvisz, performing with his "Hands" musical interface."
Documentary Trailer for RAYMOND SCOTT: ON TO SOMETHING
Documentary Trailer for RAYMOND SCOTT: ON TO SOMETHING from Stan Warnow on Vimeo.
"Documentary Trailer for the work in progress RAYMOND SCOTT: ON TO SOMETHING, a biographical documentary by his son, filmmaker Stan Warnow, about the 20th century musician, composer, and inventor whose musical career included the swing era, electronica, and everything in between, including use of his music in Warner Brothers Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. For more info go to scottdoc.wordpress.com/"
via dalas
iDARCA Audio Updates
iDARCA Audio
updates include a forum, rare pics, and history of the original acxel 1
You might remember from this post that a new Acxel resynthesizer, the Acxel II, is coming.
You can find more info on the history of this rare and unique synthesizer as well as the new Axcel II on the iDARCA Audio website.
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
