Meng Qi ZLH-04 Optical Theremin PCB

flickr By Meng Qi

"Here is a pic of PCB of my upcoming optical theremin, with a few improvements over this classic simple circuit."

Synth DIY in mainland China.

Chroma Polaris Membrane Replacement Instructions

Full details with tons of pics on the excellent Rhodes Chroma website here.

"This describes the replacement of the Chroma Polaris membrane switch assemblies. The process is not terribly difficult, but great care should be taken, because the adhesives are quite sticky, and if the panels are accidentally misaligned, it is unlikely that they can be lifted and realigned without damaging them. We cannot be responsible for your installation errors, so get it right the first time."

Patrick Cowley early Hi-NRG style with Prophet-5- test 1

YouTube Uploaded by SynthManiaDotCom on Mar 8, 2012

Oakland Era Serge Modular Custom Shop Panels

Two panels listed on French eBay. One here and one here.

One: "This panel is a custom shop panel no longer available. It's basically almost a Sequencer Panel from the Oakland period. It contains (left to right) : Sequencer (8 steps x2), Dual Analog Shift Register, Dual Transient Generator, Boolean Logic, 5 Stage Sequencing Programmer. Everything is working as it should and every modules have been tested deeply. It comes in a 2,5" shallow boat."

Two: "This panel is a custom shop panel no longer available. It's one of the last custom STS panel from the Oakland period. It contains (left to right) : Precision VCO, Resonant Equalizer, Active Processor, Active Processor, Scaling Buffers, Quantizer (TKB), Dual Comp, Boolean Logic, Wilson Analog Delay."

The seller also has a Roland TR-606 on French eBay here.

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Wayfar MidiNES

via this auction

"This is a rare MidiNES cartridge made by Wayfar, a.k.a. x|k. MidiNES is a cartridge that offers robust MIDI control of the Nintendo Entertainment System's internal 5-channel synthesizer - a serious chiptune tool, or just a great way to get iconic Nintendo sounds! Here are the 5 channels:

2 square waves
triangle wave (the iconic NES bass sound)
noise (great for percussion)
DPCM sample playback, preloaded with classic drum samples

MidiNES is extremely difficult to find. It is difficult to buy them from Wayfar due to an extended waiting list, and they appear on eBay only rarely. This one is in excellent physical shape, and perfect working order.
It will ship in an anti-static bag inside a padded box, and will come with a Nintendo cartridge sleeve, which is not pictured. No manual is included - all the documentation is primarily kept online at Wayfar's site."

Signed Future Retro Revolution Analog Synthesizer Sequencer

via this auction

"Mint condition future retro revolution. It has the classic sweet///wooden sides\\\ and is such fun synth/sequencer. Very easy to use and intuitive. It has a filter input for a sweet effect. You can even use the sequencer to modify the filter in and together with the cv mod knob..it can kind of sounds like a moog MURF effect. The distortion is superb and 100% analog! Oh yeah and the digital effects are a sweet surprise... Especially the hall reverbs. The revolution can sound like a tb-303 and then some!!! Plus it has midi, din sync, voltage outputs... So it's very versatile! These are pretty rare and this one is signed by Jared of future retro."

DSI Prophet '08 with Extra Encoder Board

via this auction

Moon Child

YouTube Uploaded by Ebotronix on Mar 8, 2012

"4ms Peg RCD VCAMatrix
Analogue Systems RS 100 RS 110 RS 360
Doepfer A 134 pan by Moog MP 201
Flame Talking Synth Modul
Make Noise Maths Moddenix QMMG Wogglebug
Malekko 4x Unkle 4x Anti
Ringmodulator Anti& Unkle to 2x Moddemix
Roland System 104 Sequencer
Toppobrillo Quantimator Sportmodulator
Master Clock Logic via Kenton Pro 2000II and 2x 4ms RCD"

The Punisher

YouTube Uploaded by davidryle on Mar 8, 2012

"Numerology 3 Pro and analog step sequencers in the modular. A real-time studio recording in Cubase 6. Synths used were the modular synths, Waldorf MWXT, MicroQ, TX816, Nord Lead 2X, Prophet 8, DX7II and Korg ES-1. Using a Novation Launchpad to control the Numerology tracks. Step sequencers are dotcom Q960, Q119 and STG Soundlabs Time Suite. The opening and closing sound is a new SSL1130 DDVCO through a CGS01 harmonic sequencer and back into the DDVCO exponential and linear modulation inputs. Video editing in Final Cut Pro X."

Rachel Flowers on the Modular Moog - intro by Keith Emerson

YouTube Uploaded by 12stringbabe on Mar 2, 2012

She comes in at 2:02. Note what appears to be a patch preset selector on the bench to her left when she starts playing the Moog.

"On February 11, 2012 Rachel got permission from Keith Emerson to play his Modular Moog."

Rachel Flowers - Trilogy w/ the Modular Moog - ELP

Uploaded by 12stringbabe on Mar 3, 2012

The Miselu "neiro" Portable Net Enabled Social Touchscreen Keyboard

miselu neiro from Miselu on Vimeo.

"The Miselu “neiro” is a portable, net-enabled social music device with a musical keyboard and a wide multi-touch display, and a variety of musical apps and cloud services.

This mobile companion invites users to perform, create, learn, discover and share — from anyplace they go. Social is integral to the Miselu “neiro” and permeates through all applications. The open platform environment will also enable developers and users to build their own custom apps and solutions.

Yamaha is providing the upcoming “neiro” with the Yamaha AudioEngine (TM) Series Sound Chip NSX-1. This powerful synthesizer engine delivers a quality that almost matches the sound of real musical instruments. The DSP chip offers a larger variety of sound effects such as reverb, chorus and EQs that create a rich sound experience.

More info at miselu.com

Music: ”Ken Ishii presents Metropolitan Harmonic Formulas - After The Rainstorm (feat. Jazztronik) (Yogurt & Koyas Remix)” from Sublime Records

Video credit: Fade-In Fade-Out"

Miselu will be in Austin for SXSW.

Update: Some additional info via Malte of Miselu:

"We are also announcing that we are using Yamaha's unmatched sound technology and will be the first feature their next generation synthesizer engine, the Yamaha AudioEngine (TM) Series Sound Chip NSX-1: [link]

Besides we partnered with Onkyo and Trigence Semiconductor to bring their cutting edge digital speaker technology to our device: [link]

We also partnered with touch-based music software studio Retronyms: [link]"

Meditation 001 15 Minutes of Synthetic Rain.wmv

YouTube Uploaded by theraywilsonshow on Mar 8, 2012

"MFOS modular in a totally non-tonal synthetic rain patch. Random gates, noise, sample and holds, filters galore, and VCOs all combine to form rain, thunder, dripping water and a droning plane that comes and goes. Various weather related photos in this video are courtesy of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This is the first in the Meditations series and I find it very relaxing. I hope you enjoy it. Produced by Ray Wilson at MFOS Studios."

MiniMoog Voyager XL and Korg Radias - Sneak Preview by Andy Barrow

YouTube Uploaded by MrRidgebackman on Mar 8, 2012

"Hi everyone, this video MiniMoog Voyager XL and Korg Radias is a sneak preview on a piece of music I am working on - I suggest a Pair of Headphones or Big Speakers, This is still being worked on. The Minimoog Voyager XL being put through its paces at some basic modular work, mainly itself being used with a little interaction from me.

The patch panel is being used to modify and control the Oscillators, to produce an effect as if it is being sequenced. Only the the Two LFO outputs Square and Sawtooth are being used to drive the 2nd LFO and the Four input Mixer, which has 2 outputs. These are then being sent to the Pan via the LAG processor and the other output of the Mixer is being sent to the Filter Cutoff

Playing with the controls on the Mixer produces different effects on the Cutoff and affects the pattern. This is just a sneak preview, using the XL and the Korg Radias for the Lead synth. Recorded into Logic Pro and using Compression, Reverb and Delay. Sends are being sent to additional Reverb and compression. Trying to contain the Moog Bass line was a tricky one, it wanted to climb out of the Headphones So until I can add Rhythm and additional Synth tracks, thought you might want to grab an ear load of Moog Bass.

The Lead synth will be switched round with the Korg and Moog.

Apologies for my comments at the end of this video, but saying Mooooog does sound sexy. I don't apologize for being biased towards this synth."

ROLAND System 100M 191-J Analog Modular Synthesizer

via this auction

More pics at the auction while up.

System-100M 112 - SN 9311x0
System-100M 121 - SN 051506
System-100M 130 - SN 051527
System-100M 140 - SN 041997
System-100M 150 - SN 051682

Moog Source Synthesizer with Spare Panel Overlay

via this auction

Pics of the new overlay and connectors below.

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64 Oscillators and 475 Knobs

via Randel Osbourne

"My latest batch of Enablers - 95 knob physical controllers for the CC+ equipped Rhodes Chroma.

For more information, please see:
http://enabler.redshift-consulting.com/"

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Legendary Moog OSCar Up for Auction

via eBay

Some of you might remember this one from this post back in September of 2005.

"For sale is the legendary moogOSCar, there is only one of them on this planet. A real Oscar with latest OS, everything working perfectly in a Moog Source housing. Was once owned by Roger Lyons and was restored some years ago after it arrived here in europe in a terrible shape. It has an audio input for feeding audio through the filter and a CV-input for controlvotages on the cutoff-frequency. This is not a fake or diy-crap, it's a fully working OSCar in a funny and extremely servicefriendly housing. The pitchbend-pot is a bit crackly, if you plan to use the synth on stage you should replace this pot. Worldwide shipping with excellent packaging. Keep in mind this OSCar wants 220 V, maybe you need a converter in your country. I ship with the original "Sound on Sound"-Article on this unique thing and with a complete OSCar manual. Please have a look how other bayers have rated me."

This one in via gregor.

Update: see the comments below from the person that created it.

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Circuit Bent Bear Box Bleeper by freeform delusion

YouTube Uploaded by eecouk on Mar 8, 2012

freeform-delusion

"Bear Box Bleeper

A cheap mobile phone toy rehoused with pretty little glittering bears all over it

Switched 1/4inch jack output
blue LED
small button to trigger little tunes
large button to trigger the bleeps
pitch up/down control
on/off toggle switch"

I Dream of Wires, Extended Interview Series: Drumcell

I Dream of Wires, Extended Interview Series: Drumcell from I Dream Of Wires on Vimeo.

Vimeo by I Dream Of Wires

"In January 2012, the I Dream of Wires team stopped by the studio of techno producer Drumcell, to discuss his evolution from producing with hardware, to software, and now back to hardware again, with a focus on eurorack modular synthesis. The interview was conducted for inclusion in "I Dream of Wires: the Modular Synthesizer Documentary." Drumcell is also the founder of Droid Recordings, and co-founder of Droid Behavior, one of LA's longest running techno event promotion companies, standing at the centre of the West Coast techno community for nearly a decade.

I DREAM OF WIRES is a forthcoming documentary film about the history and resurgence of modular synthesizers. The film is currently in production. This is the 3rd in a series of extended interviews, which will be produced and released in various formats throughout the production, and following the release, of the film. I DREAM OF WIRES extended interview segments are sponsored by MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

For more info on Drumcell, visit:
soundcloud.com/drumcell
droidbehavior.com/blog/artists-team/drumcell

For info on the film: idreamofwires.org"

Sync-Gen IIPRO Setup E.mp4

YouTube Uploaded by innerclock2004 on Mar 8, 2012

"Brief overview of our new Sync-Gen IILS Eurorack DAW Tempo-Sync Interface.

http://www.innerclocksystems.com/New%20ICS%20Lab%20Series.html"

Sync-Gen IILS Setup F.mp4

Uploaded by innerclock2004 on Mar 8, 2012

"A slightly more musical example of the Sync-Gen IILS Eurorack DAW Tempo-Sync Module."

Upcoming MoCM Workshop with Andreas Monopolis and the TAPETRON

YouTube Uploaded by TheMOCM on Dec 19, 2011

"The tapetron module It is based on the idea of the early samplers. 4 walkmans playing 8 mono lines from stereo pre recorted tapes (perhaps loop tapes) the controls are on/off, volume (for each line-loop) speed, forward/reverse. Dc -- battery power, line out."

"Andreas Monopolis will introduce us to his unique sound devices and he will discuss the notions of DIY on sound, sound moddules and music composing. 

A composer and performer of electronic and computer music himself, he soon caught on to the potential of both live shows and the experience of music making in terms of "instrument" use. MoCM sound solutions come as an answer to those fields which rely largely on software's algorithmic "point, scroll and click" routine; however they can easily adapt to all kinds of music genres.


By focusing on circuit-bending, prototyping and junk instrument philosophy, these DIY sound modules open a whole new world of creativity and experimenting for studio recordings or live performances. 
All modules are unique, incorporating a variety of materials and features. Hacked toys, old consoles, electronic components, pieces of wood and any kind of random objects are turned into synths, sound generators and noise makers which produce, reproduce and modify sound. Their feel is equally old school and futuristic, elegant and edgy, fun and inspiring.

MoCM workshop will follow on Saturday 31/3 and Sunday 1/4."

Custom EML Spotted in IDOW Pere Ubu Interview

To the far right. EML was known for doing custom work for people including for George Mattson of Mattson Mini Modular and his PMS Syntar back in the day. See this post for the video and update.

close to nowhereland

YouTube Uploaded by pianoloft on Mar 8, 2012

"a psychodelic journey into the rich and colourful world of sound, realised with DEMENETIA DM1, routed through the filter of the KORG MONOTRON, KORG SLICER SL-20, RAINBOWMACHINE by EARTH QUAKER and a delay. soundwalls arrive, dissolving shapes, wiping out reality, opening doors to the adventure of endless space."

Roland Jupiter 80 by Tatsuya Nishiwaki.webm

YouTube Uploaded by tedjaprasetya on Oct 12, 2011

"Roland Jupiter 80 " The Great Red Spot " by Tatsuya Nishiwaki"

Thomas Ankersmit at Lampo - 2/25/12

YouTube Uploaded by LampoVideo on Feb 26, 2012

"New 4-channel work from Thomas Ankersmit. Presented by Lampo in partnership with the Graham Foundation."

pics here

via marc

MODULAR DIY EURO FORMAT POWER STRIP PCB

via this auction

"SPECS:
(14) 16 PIN IDC LOCATIONS
*THERE ARE MULTIPLE SOLDER HOLE LOCATIONS ALLOWING YOU TO DAISY MORE OF THESE POWER STRIPS. YOU CAN ALSO USE A 16 PIN RIBBON CABLE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SOLDER JUMPER CABLES TO DAISY CHAIN.
*THERE ARE LOCATIONS TO USE SMT SPADE CONNECTORS
*THERE ARE (2) LED LOCATIONS TO SIGNAL + AND - VOLTAGE IS WORKING FINE.

HERE IS A MOUSER BOM:
http://www.mouser.com:80/ProjectManager/ProjectDetail.aspx?AccessID=bf7d1add77


HERE ARE PICTURES OF THE PCB. DIMENSIONS ARE 10"X 1.250"."

70's ORIGINAL PAIA GNOME MICRO SYNTHESIZER

via this auction

"[from an interview with John Simonton, PAiA Electronics, Inc.]
"While it started out as purely an electronic instrument to make wind sounds, the Gnome turned into one of the smallest, most portable analog synthesizers ever manufactured." [It was also battery powered.]

'The Gnome started out as an instrument that wasn't going to do anything more than make the sound of wind - not like a flute, but real wind. Ssssshhhhew. That kind of wind, which could be played with a little vinyl controller strip that was part of it. The Gnome was one of those things that just grew. After the instrument that did the wind sound was done, it became pretty apparent that you could stick other components in there and essentially come up with a small synthesizer, a thing that captured the central ideas of voltage-controlled synthesis at the time - Oscillators, filters, transient generators, and so on - but stripped down to the essentials or the core. It was an attempt to get rid of that keyboard that was always by far the single most expensive part of anything we made, by order of magnitude or more.'"

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Roland JV-1080 with Custom Expansion Cover

via this auction

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KORG MS-20 SN 140277

via this auction

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CREATE at SXSW - Dorkbot, ATX - Bleep Labs to Present

via Bleep Labs on Facebook

"SXSW is coming!

One event I'll be a part of is Create which features presenters from Dorkbot, ATX Hackerspace, and more.

March 13th in Palm Park from 11am-6pm. I'll be speaking at 1:30."

Gummi Bear Concert

flickr By oliverchesler

1978 OB-1 Ad

via Retro Synth Ads, where you'll find the write-up.

"Oberheim OB-1 programmable lead synthesizer "Holiday '78" 1-page black and white advertisement from page 25 in Contemporary Keyboard December 1978."

303, 808, and 909 locked to Reason 6 DIN Sync Generator

YouTube Uploaded by PeffTV on Mar 7, 2012

"just another backwards compatibility test. Reason 6 Session example file posted here: http://on.fb.me/hcUx81"

RC CIRCUIT BENT SHAMANIC VISIONS AMBIENT LFO DRONE SYNTHESISER

YouTube Uploaded by djwidow420 on Mar 8, 2012

"ONE OFF DRONE AND GLITCH MACHINE"


Resonance Circuits on eBay (RSS)

Xils3_Presets.m4v

YouTube Uploaded by xilslab on Mar 8, 2012

"XILS 3 (version 1.5 x64 bits) preset management tutorial"

Soft synth inspired by the EMS VCS3 aka Putney.

Introducing The Ladder - Moog 500 Series Ladder Video

YouTube Uploaded by MoogMusicInc on Mar 8, 2012

"The Ladder brings a new dynamic dimension to the 500 Series. It smooths out the harshest of tracks and adds warmth and body to any sound. The Ladder excites dull or lifeless tracks, and has the power to shape sound in a way that is excitingly unique"

Moog Minitaur - Unboxing Video

YouTube Uploaded by sonicstate on Mar 8, 2012

"Review coming soon, any questions or comments [on YouTube] and we will try and answer them in the full review." If you can't comment on YouTube, you can leave them here and I'll forward it along to Nick. Korg Mono/Poly in there.