Ian Helliwell's Tone Generation

[Note: I'm not seeing how to skip episodes in the player above aside from sliding the progress bar to the end to get to the next one.]

You might remember Ian Helliwell mentioned in previous posts on the site here, including his book Tape Leaders. Atomic Shadow wrote in to let us know about his 34-part history of electronic music titled Tone Generation [player above/episode list below], as well has his work on SoundCloud.

The following is a short blurb from his website, http://www.ianhelliwell.co.uk:

"Leaving school and full time education aged 16 armed with six O-levels, Ian is a self-taught and self-funded multi-media artist, working in music, film, animation, analogue electronics, instrument building, collage, installations, live performance, light show projection, graphic design, writing and film programming.

Ian coined the term ‘creative soldering’ to best define his ‘intuitive electronics’ approach, and since the 1990s he has designed and built a unique range of electronic tone generating machines – Hellitrons and Hellisizers – which he uses to realise his compositions."

"The Tone Generation is Ian's audio series looking at the early period of electronic music history, focussing on experimental tracks mostly drawn from his CD and record collection.

TG 34 - Louis & Bebe Barron
TG 33 - Cybernetic Serendipity
TG 32 - Electronics in Space
TG 31 - Synthetic Sound
TG 30 - Beaver & Krause
TG 29 - Electronics in Rock 2
TG 28 - Electronics in Rock 1
TG 27 - Edinburgh Festival Concert 1961
TG 26 - Electronic Odyssey 1967
TG 25 - QEH Concert 1968
TG 24 - Analogue Synthesizers
TG 23 - Electronics for Feature Films
TG 22 - Moog
TG 21 - Buchla
TG 20 - Electronics and Voice
TG 19 - Women in Electronics
TG 18 - Computer Music
TG 17 - EMS
TG 16 - Electronics for Expos
TG 15 - Electronic Music Authors
TG 14 - Electronics for Dance
TG 13 - Electronics in Jazz
TG 12 - The RCA Synthesizer
TG 11 - Expo 58
TG 10 - EM Worldwide
TG 9 - Canada
TG 8 - USA
TG 7 - Soviet Union & E. Bloc
TG 6 - Scandanavia
TG 5 - Holland & Belgium
TG 4 - Italy
TG 3 - Germany
TG 2 - France
TG 1 ..."

Metasonix TM-2 Dual Vacuum Tube BandPass Filter& VCA SN TM2-54

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via this auction

"Metasonix TM-2 Vacuum Tube Dual Bandpass Filter and VCA. These are rare and highly sought after. This one is SerNum 54. It is also the early gold version before Eric Barbour went to bright yellow. They are rare, some sell for ridiculous prices, this one is fairly priced.

This filter is very raw, It can growl, bark and squeal like a stuck pig. It has CV inputs for Filter and VCA, which means you can rock out with this interacting with your modular synth, or stick in an expression pedal for your guitar.

There are several videos of the TM-2 on Youtube (not mine if you want to hear it.

This one is in great shape, everything works and it has very low hours of use. I'm only selling it because I am downsizing and I'm not using it much. Time for someone else to have fun with it.

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Flight of Harmony QUAD PLAGUEBEARER SN 15/20

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via this auction

"Not one PlagueBearer, but 4 in a case. This is unit 15 of only 20 made. Version 1.1

As such it has CV for High and Low knobs but not GAIN.

The coolest part of this is that you can feedback from one section to another for some great head ripping effects.


The Plague Bearer is called a filter, but that is just a description of the circuit topology, what it can actually do goes way beyond that. It has been described as a filter, a waveshaper, a mangler, a crusher, and – my favorite – as an “FSU module”.

Calling it a filter may be a bit misleading, but I have no idea what else to call it. It is a filter, but it does more (all at the same time, really) excessive phase shifting, waveforming, ringing, formant generation, and so on. I guess it could be called a waveform modifier or enhancer, but those don’t sound good either. It was named the Plague Bearer for a reason.

All f(h) devices are designed in accordance with how they sound, not to achieve mathematical perfection.

FofH avoided the conventional design approach while designing this circuit, so it’s very problematic to try to describe this filter in the normal terms. The slope is directly tied to the gain of the circuit, making it variable, and the Q is affected by all three filter controls. The setup is actually a combined High- and Low-pass. The corner frequencies are adjusted by the controls and can be overlapped completely, which gives a comb-filtering effect.

Runs on two 9vdc batteries or from included power supply.

Manual is for V2.3 single unit but is applicable to operation."

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Roland TR-8S triggering the Moog Subharmonicon #shorts

video upload by Piotr Garbaczonek

"Just got the Roland TR-8S and wanted to make a #short with it and see how it sounds with the Moog Subharmonicon. Lmk in the comments what you think of this short piece. Cheers!

Here are some links of mine:
https://linktr.ee/pgarbaczonek
Go follow my Patreon here:
https://www.patreon.com/pgarbaczonek?..."

Wake the Dead (The Dead are Woke) ("Illumination in the Final Dark Age" version) by Audio Illustrator

via supporting member Audio Illustrator.

"Here's a revamped piece for my upcoming new album called 'Illumination in the Final Dark Age'.

This is called 'Wake the Dead (The Dead are Woke)' and the entire album will have a Gothic Pink Floydian vibe to it.

I hope you enjoy this piece."

Behringer Model D, Eurorack Modular, & various VSTi's.

New Keyboard Synth Teaser from Waldorf

"Something is coming our way! #waldorf #synthesizer"

At least we assume it's a synth.

Working. Under. Pressure.

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

Moog Subsequent 37 and Matriarch - Jam session

video upload by ollilaboratories

"If you like my music you can find it here http://bit.ly/BurgMusic and also please consider supporting me at patreon for as little as 1 USD http://bit.ly/BurgPatreon

##

Please say hello to my new little friend in the studio, the Moog Matriarch. With this jam session I just wanted to capture the first explorations into this modern godess of vintage Moog sounds.

Gear Used:
** Moog Matriarch, 4VCO in Unison mode, PWM ( no external FX; built in analog delay only )
** Moog Subsequent 37, 2VCO + sub solo sound ( Timeline ICE + Empress reverb Modulated Hall )

All live and recorded down on Zoom H5 2 track, no overdubbing.

Apologies for the right hand cam which was left with autofocus turned on ( rookie mistake deluxe ). I hope that it is still enjoyable.

#subsequent37 #matriarch #moog"

PSF Todd Barton

video upload by Todd Barton

"I had a blast at Phoenix Synthesizer Festival yesterday! Thanks to all that made it possible and to all that watched. Here's the brief set and a walkthrough of the performance patch. Wonderfully, in the live stream, Youtube decided to grab a phrase of my voice during the walkthrough, loop it a slowly pitchshift it . . . what a trip! You can hear that here:"

Phoenix Synth Fest YouTube Random Pitchshift

video upload by Todd Barton

"Unsuspected Youtube glitch which spontaneously looped and pitchshifted a single phrase until it turned into a glitch beat. Fascinating! Enjoy . . ."

Patch of The Week: Envelope-Controlled Phaser - with Next Phase, an all-analog module for Eurorack

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"This week I'm using an envelope generator to control the phasing effect of an analogue phaser - the AJH Synth Next Phase, which can be used in a similar way, or as an alternative to a filter/VCF. Phasers are often heard swirling around in answer to their own internal clock, but with the Next Phase's CV control of frequency, this can be controlled by an ADSR in the same way you would control a filter, producing similarly expressive, but also unique results.

The Next Phase can be configured to sound more akin to vintage phasers of the past, with perhaps only 4 stages, less emphasis (resonance), and the colour control to create a darker tone. However, with it's huge range of possible combinations of both stages, and emphasis stages (up to 12 for each), extensive frequency and emphasis range, depth and modulation controls, it can go way beyond famous vintage units and produce some otherworldly modulations, from subtle to extreme.

Next Phase User Guide video coming soon.

Index:
00:00 Start
00:29 Overview & Patching
01:05 Envelope control of Phaser
03:35 Performance Example
05:25 Patch Sheet


Video by DreamsOfWires

Vermona PerFourMer MkII: Dark ambient (no talking)

video upload by Richard DeHove

"Two DB-01s are used to sequence the Vermona PerFourMer MkII. The bottom DB-01 is just a single note sequence sent to channels 3 (bass) and 4 (scream thing) which alternate. The top DB-01 is on random payback and triggers voice 2 which is low rumbly noise. This voice also has the SpaceTime pedal as an insert effect. Voice 1 is played by me on the little Korg keyboard. It uses the B3K pedal as an insert effect. The master stereo outs go direct into the Zen delay which has a good dose of overdrive. With an overdribe through an overdrive it has a bit of a noisefloor which headphones will reveal as soft soothing noise. No other effects or processing.

I was tempted to include the sounds of the DB-01 units, which fit rather well, but thought it was more useful to just have the P4 as the only sound source. Sometimes in demos I find it fristrating if there's too many machines playing since you never know what each machine is doing.

Instead of talking I used captions. Better or worse? Would love some feedback. Some people hate voiceover stuff even if it is a far faster than text and want the audio kept pure. Ob the other hand maybe captions are distracting?

No timestamps since it's all just a big noodle.

My site: https://richarddehove.com/
Lots of downloads for supporters on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/richarddehove"

Can Floyd Steinberg Repair This Alesis Micron Synthesiser?

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"I picked up this damaged #AlesisMicron #synthesizer on 'bay for a really good price. The previous owner said it's output is noisy and jittery, so let's take a look under the hood together and see if I can succeed at a #diyrepair ! Table of contents:

00:00 introduction
00:27 what is the Alesis Micron?
00:53 the problem
01:26 why even try?
01:59 diagnostics mode
02:42 local mode off!
02:58 disassembling
04:23 reassembling, but without casing
05:00 narrowing down the cause of the problem
05:32 inspection with a multimeter
06:09 examining the capacitors
06:33 resoldering/reflowing solder
06:50 further narrowing down the problem
07:22 back to the service manual, identifying components
08:39 DISCLAIMER
08:59 a close look at the mainboard
10:08 short sound demo (disassembled Micron without external effects)
12:29 some important considerations to make"

Support: https://www.paypal.me/alexselck

Can I repair this Alesis Micron synthesizer? (Part 2)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Two weeks ago, I posted a video showing my thought process on finding the flaw in a used Alesis #Micron #synthesizer and an attempt at starting a #electronicsrepair. Here's a follow up and a conclusion to that story. No table of contents this time, you well need to watch the whole thing or not at all. ;-) There's a conclusion at 08:54, though, if you're in a hurry."

Sequential Prophet-5 REV4 61-key Analog Synthesizer SN 0279 w/ Original Box

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via SYNTH CITY Reverb

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"Super clean condition, one owner. Works perfect and includes the original box, cables and manual. Beautiful example/reissue of one of the world's most famous synthesizers. Just look at the gorgeous wood grain pattern on this one! Serial number: 0279"

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Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Additional Analog U.S Listings

"This one is in fair cosmetic condition and working 100%. It has just been serviced and with restoration. As you can see, this is the first model. It will come with the original manual."

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Musicaid Clap Trap

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Additional Analog U.S Listings

"This one is in excellent cosmetic condition and working 100%. This is the first, analog Clap Trap by Musicaid (later Simmons) and not the later digital model. As you can see, this model doesn't have the 'humanizer' function which was on the second revision."

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ARP Pro Soloist SN 27-595

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via Switched On Reverb

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

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Casio CZ-1 61-Key Synthesizer w/ Case

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The hard case is a heavy duty Calzone case. The foam on the back and one side has been removed, but the CZ still fits snug and leaves a little room for cables and whatnot."

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Waldorf Microwave + Access Programmer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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Oberheim Matrix-6R

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via this auction

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Moog Source Monophonic Analog Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Pics of the inside below.

"Cosmetically it's in excellent shape, just some scratches and dings here and there but nothing major. I believe it's missing a little bit of wood trim looking at other pictures. Powers on just fine, all of the membrane inputs seem to work but...

The battery inside has died and needs to be replaced but my technician is booked out months. I have the battery on hand you just need to solder it in a very simple job if you have a soldering iron. This is also preventing the patches from being loaded which I can supply as a wave file if you don't have a back up of your own."

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Roland Jupiter-8 w/ Kenton MIDI

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Pic of the inside below.

"This Jupiter 8 has the Kenton MIDI kit installed. It’s also recently been serviced and had three voltage regulators replaced. It is in amazing condition and functions without any issues."

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KORG 900 PS PRESET SYNTHESIZER

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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BRANDA SIEL EX 8500

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Anyone know what BRANDA electronics is?

"upgraded by BRANDA electronics"

Or rather Branda Sound Systems based on the sticker on back. Anyone fmailiar with Branda Sound Systems and what the upgrade might entail? This is the first post to mention them.

You can find a demo of the EX8500 in general here.

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STUDIO ELECTRONICS SE-1 ANALOG SYNTHESIZER RACK SN 1011

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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New Classic Looks: Korg Monotribe - analog synthesizer

video upload by Synthana

"My custom 'vintage look' of the Monotribe, analog (or analogue) synthesizer.
A little away from the boring standard black steel looks.
All sounds in the music of this video: Korg Monotribe."

V-Synth | Synthesizer - Roland

video upload by MYSYNTH

Roland JD-800 one of the best digital synths ever?

video upload by synthlegends

"The Roland JD-800 was my dream synth when it came out, but I couldn't afford it, because I just finished school. Now I had a great opportunity to grab one with dysfunctional keyboard, I repaired.

The Synth is an early 90ies a rompler with 112 waveforms and 4 Parts, which you can control via a sophisticated user interface. It has 2 LFO and a nice effect section.

The JD-800 is now available in Roland Cloud and also as JD-08 Boutique.

In this Demo I played some really powerful Prophet VS like Choirs, PPG like bells and Choirs, Oberheimish Pads, cutting leads and atmospheric drones.

All effects are from the JD-800, there is no additional processing or extra FX.

I hope you enjoy. I really love this machine. I used to have two times a JD-990, which has much more functions, but it annoyed me to program it."

SUNDAY SYNTH JAMMING LOOK MUM NO LIVESTREAM

video upload by

"Join me for an hour and a half recording parts for the next LIVE MODULAR MEGAMIX
Download the last megamix (part 8) here :-
https://www.patreon.com/posts/live-mo... also all of the other megamixes and much more are available there too
------------
See some of this at THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE next open feb 26th :-
https://this-museum-is-not-obsolete.com/
------------"

Error Instruments Loopman

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I am sure this is not everybody's cup of tea, but I love the exotics of Paul Tas. Even if you never ever contemplate a module like this, I feel this video still has some entertainment value! Loopman is a 'crappy' cassette tape recorder fused with a eurorack panel to provide some level of CV control. It has a built in mic and AM/FM radio but I wasn't able to pick up any sound or music. But even the static had 'cinematic sound design' value. This module also gave me the opportunity to play music I made four decades ago when I still lived at my parent's house. Old cassettes become 'time capsules'. I had great fun creating this video and I hope you like to walk with me down memory lane."

Polyend Tracker - Beat for Sunday

video upload by Polyend

"How's Sunday treating you? Hopefully, it's all good and that the sun came out for a moment today!
This video is closing the seven days a week Tracker videos series. Hope you've enjoyed it!

This is the Polyend Tracker
Standalone Audio Workstation

Go for it
Make an album

www.polyend.com/tracker

Picture & sound by Isobutane"

Roland SP 404 MKII Workflow Demo (no talking)

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

0:00 Beat Programming
1:52 New FX Section
3:38 Sampling and Editing
5:00 Recording
5:51 Chromatic Mode
6:29 Sample Chopping
6:32 Skip Back Function
7:11 Resample