Fifty Years of ARP 1970-2020 at AES

Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"In 1970, at the 39th AES Convention, the first ARP Synthesizer was announced... changing the history of music.
Visit https://www.alanrpearlmanfoundation.org to learn about our projects"

Eventide Enters Eurorack World With EuroDDL Module AES New York

via Eventide

"LITTLE FERRY, NJ, USA: recording technology trailblazer Eventide is proud to release the EuroDDL — entering the ever-expanding Eurorack modular market with a 16HP digital delay (DDL) module made to sound less digital than the average delay while enabling external control of every feature and function — at AES New York 2017, October 18-20, Jacob J. Javits Convention Center, USA…

With the EuroDDL, Eventide’s old school design strictly limits the amount of digital circuitry to only what’s required for delay. Soft saturation clipping, LP (low pass) FILTER, FEEDBACK, insert loop, and +20 dB boost are all analog.

The digital section is minimal and constrained to do nothing more than simple, yet flexible, delay. The DDL itself is pristine. It’s long. It’s short (0.11msec resolution). It’s smooth, it loops, and it goes backwards (REVERSE). The delay converter is 24 bits with a maximum delay time of up to 10 seconds at 192 kHz sample rate and 160 seconds at 16 kHz sample rate. Delay time can be varied smoothly and over a wide range — either manually, via TAP (BPM) tempo, or by remote control voltage. Short delays can be used for comb filtering and flanging effects. Longer delays for echo effects. Infinite delays for looping. Backwards delays for reverse effects.

To be a true performance instrument, all the controls of the Eurorack module must be remote controllable. The EuroDDL does just that with jacks — clipping, KILL, REVERSE, FEEDBACK, MIX, and LP FILTER — to accept VC (voltage control) and T/G (trigger to gate). It’s designed to be played as an instrument... and it’s designed to ‘play nice’ in the rack with RETURN/SEND and CLK (clock) IN/OUT.

“There’s usually a modular this or that floating around at Eventide; we wanted to create a delay that can be played by musicians — musicians like our own resident experimental music artist Anthony Saunders,” says Eventide Director of Marketing Communications Nalia Sanchez. “Plus, we wanted it to sound, feel, and behave like an analog instrument by doing as much as possible with analog components. It adds cost, but makes a clear difference. There seems to be something that happens to sound when it’s operated on in quantized time. The EuroDDL module keeps whatever that ‘something’ is to a bare minimum.”

The EuroDDL design is derived from the Eventide DDL-500, the 500 Series delay module about which Tape Op’s Eli Crews wrote: “...it has a unique feel and sound, partly due to the fact that the only digital part of the audio path is the delay line itself.”

Eventide will be demonstrating the EuroDDL alongside award-winning plug-ins on Booth #321 at AES New York 2017 — the 143rd International Convention — on October 18-20, Jacob J. Javits Convention Center, USA.

Currently available in limited quantities, general availability of the EuroDDL is scheduled for January 2018 with an MSRP of $399.00 USD.

For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated EuroDDL webpage here: https://www.eventideaudio.com/euroddl"

Moog at AES - The Future is Female

via @moogmusicinc

"The future is female. #AES2016 #aes #AESLA #womeninelectronicmusic"

Great shots!

CLICK FOR MORE »

More Cowbell: a Physically-Informed, Circuit-Bendable, Digital Model of the TR-808 Cowbell

A paper on the Roland TR-808 cowbell at academia.edu
"ABSTRACT
We present an analysis of the cowbell voice circuit from the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer. A digitalmodel based on this analysis accurately emulates the original. Through the use of physical and behavioralmodels of each sub-circuit, this model supports accurate emulation of circuit-bent extensions to the voice’soriginal behavior (including architecture-level alterations and component substitution). Some of this behavioris very complicated and is inconvenient or impossible to capture accurately through black box modeling orstructured sampling. The band pass filter sub-circuit is treated as a case study of how to apply Mason’sgain formula to finding the continuous-time transfer function of an analog circuit."

[AES] Moog Recreates Keith Emerson's Modular System

Published on Oct 11, 2014 Audiofanzine

"Probably the most striking product at the show was Moog's 50th anniversary recreation of Keith Emerson's Moog modular system. Watch the video to learn more about how Moog did it, and to hear some vintage modular sounds."

50th Anniversary of the Moog Modular Synthesizer - Details on the Emerson Moog Modular Clone

Published on Oct 11, 2014 Moog Music Inc

"October 12, 2014 marks the 50 Year anniversary of the unveiling of the Moog modular synthesizer at the Audio Engineering Society's (AES) New York convention. On that day in 1964, Dr. Robert Moog introduced the world to a completely new type of instrument that would go on to change the course of music history and influence decades of future instrument design. Told by a Moog engineer, Moog Historian, and Bob Moog himself, this mini-documentary explores Moog Music's quest to resurrect the original methods, materials and designs used in the foundational modular synths. Through recreating Keith Emerson's modular system, Moog Music rediscovers the power, elegance, and enduring legacy of its first instruments.

Find out more at www.moogmusic.com"

"Moog’s 1:1 Recreation of Keith Emerson’s Modular Synthesizer shown at AES ‘14

Asheville, NC, October 11, 2014 — Tomorrow, October 12, 2014, marks the 50 Year anniversary of the unveiling of the Moog modular synthesizer at the Audio Engineering Society's (AES) New York convention. On that day in 1964, Dr. Robert Moog introduced the world to a completely new type of instrument that would go on to change the course of music history and influence decades of future instrument design.

The Moog modular synthesizer was comprised of individual electronic modules, housed in a wooden frame, and it made use of voltage-control as a new way of creating powerful sounds that had never been heard before.

After its debut at AES, the scientific-looking Moog modular instrument that made extraordinary new sounds with rapid alterations and exotic tonal colors, started to gain in popularity. Musicians began to establish the Moog system as the archetype of synthesis. One of the earliest and most famous artists to adopt the new instrument was Keith Emerson, keyboardist for the innovative band Emerson Lake and Palmer. Touring the world for over forty years with this unique instrument, Emerson has made his Moog modular system the most recognizable synthesizer of all time.

The 50th Anniversary of the Moog Modular is a historical landmark for musical instrument design and popular music. In celebration of this momentous occasion, Moog Music has faithfully and painstakingly recreated Keith Emerson’s Moog modular. This new Emerson Moog Modular System (EMMS) utilizes original design material and parts to duplicate each facet of Mr. Emerson’s custom instrument down to the smallest detail. The modules in the EMMS are built exactly as the originals were in the Moog Factory in Trumansburg, NY in the 1960s: by hand-stuffing and hand-soldering components to circuit boards, and using traditional wiring methods. Today, Moog also released a mini-documentary featuring a Moog engineer, a Moog Historian, and Bob Moog himself, that explores Moog Music's quest to resurrect the original methods, materials and designs used in the foundational modular synths.

"It's a dream come true for us to bring back these instruments that our company is so known for, and to make them visually and sonically perfect. It's even more perfect that exactly 50 years after the first Moog synth was shown to the public, people can come to AES 2014 and experience the new Emerson Moog Modular System," said Brian Kehew, Moog’s Historian.

This towering recreation of the world's most recognizable synthesizer will be on display in Moog booth 1028 at the 137th AES convention in Los Angeles, CA through Sunday 10/12/14. It is the first time the Emerson Moog Modular System has been shown to the public since it’s unveiling at Moogfest 2014.

Of the 5 Emerson Moog Modular Systems Moog will build, only 1 remains available for sale. The price is $150,000 USD. To inquire about purchasing the last remaining Emerson Moog Modular System, contact Steve Maass at Moog Music. 828.251.0090 ext. 205 or email steve.m@moogmusic.com. Serious buyers only please."

Bob Moog at AES 1964

via The Bob Moog Foundation on Facebook

"50 years ago this month an engineer named Bob Moog presented his new invention at the Audio Engineering Society Convention: handmade 'voltage-controlled electronic music modules' that allowed a performer to create sounds by patching the modules together and adjusting knobs. He started taking orders (and made a new friend at AES, Wendy Carlos), and the rest is, literally, a part of musical history.

Today we’re at #AES2014, stewarding a piece of our shared cultural history and celebrating 50 years of a total revolution in music. Photo: Bob Moog at AES 1964"

Update: Bob Moog's exhibitor badge for the 1964 AES convention, also via the Bob Moog Foundation.

Steve Turnidge to Present Modular Synthesis at AES Seattle This Thursday

via Steve Turnidge on Facebook:

"I'll be exploring modular synthesis - in and out of the box at Thursday evening's AES meeting... http://ow.ly/q4WBB"

Also "Lance Hayes will show us his use of Reason to make game soundtracks: http://www.djdm.com/"

Steve is a founding member of the Mostly Modular Trade Association as well as Synthwerks.

Steve and Synthwerks of course will also be at the MMTA SYNTHFEST at Shoreline Community College north of Seattle Washington, this Saturday. Details in this post and Facebook here.

State of the Art in Modular Synthesis Presented by Steve Turnidge October 24

via http://www.aes.org/sections/pnw/

"NOTE: anyone can attend this meeting regardless of their status as an AES member.
AES MEMBERSHIP IS NOT REQUIRED.

AES PNW Section
October Meeting Notice
State of the Art in Modular Synthesis

Presented by
Steve Turnidge
Past PNW AES Chair and co-founder of the Mostly Modular Trade Association (MMTA)
Tuesday, October 24th, 7:30pm
Shoreline Community College, Music Building, Room 818
Directions to Shoreline Community College

Steve brings us up to date with current trends from the re-emerging art and science of modular synthesis. He will introduce representatives from several local and remote modular synth manufacturers and ask them to discuss their individual approach to modular design and their new spin on this time honored art form. The meeting promises to be an inspirational mix of technical discussion, product demonstrations and an excellent preview of the October 26 MMTA Synth Fest at Shoreline Community College.

MMTA Synthfest link

About Parking

Parking for evening events at Shoreline CC is no longer free (it may have never been free, but we apparently were lucky). Be sure to purchase a parking permit at one of the machines. You can find out more info here:
Shoreline CC Parking Info."

This Tuesday in Seattle: An Engineer's Perspective on Analog Modular Synthesis

For those of you in the Pacific Northwest, Daniel Casado will be giving a presentation on modular synths. It will be held at Shoreline Community College (map) in room 818 of the Music Building. The talk is open to the public.

via http://www.aes.org/sections/pnw/

"AES MEMBERSHIP IS NOT REQUIRED.
AES PNW Section
September Meeting Notice
The Circuit Is The Sound
An Engineer's Perspective on Analog Modular Synthesis

With
Daniel Casado
Tuesday, September 24th, 7:30pm
Shoreline Community College, Music Building, Room 818
Directions to Shoreline Community College

Modular synthesizers offer endless sonic potential, but they require a deeper level of understanding than most instruments. The intuition of the musician must be complemented by the insight of an engineer.

In this presentation Daniel will briefly review basic electronics (so we're on the same page) and then apply those concepts to the operating parameters of a synth module and how it interconnects to others in the system. He will also discuss important points to be aware of when mixing modules from different manufacturers. Joins us for an evening of sources & signals, modules & modulators, controllers, sequencers, and patch cords, lots and lots of patch cords.

About the Presenter

Daniel Casado was a PNW AES Committee member until his job got in the way. He recently retired, having just completed a stint as Director of Engineering Support for McCauley Loudspeakers and is now able to serve again. Previous to that, Daniel was the N. W. manufacturer's representative for a number of leading audio manufacturers. With over 30 years in the professional audio industry, his experience includes front of house for national acts, mixing live performances for radio & television broadcast, sound system design & installation, manufacturing, R & D, and teaching electronics & audio theory. Daniel has extensive studio experience, and is a musician as well, with a life-long interest in electronic music."

James Husted of Synthwerks at PNW AES

"James Husted of Synthwerks took the PNW AES Section through the history of Synthesis, with particular emphasis on Modular Synthesis. Today's modulars are related to early patchcord synthesizers such as the Moog 900-series, Buchla, and Arp instruments. It took instruments like the MiniMoog or the Arp Odessy to bring synthsesizer sounds to the performance stage, but these instruments, since their capabilities are predefined by the manufacturer, play a minor role in today's modular scene."  Read the full post at AES here.

AES PNW Section March Meeting on The State of Modular & IDOW Trailer

via http://www.aes.org/sections/pnw/

Note this event is on Friday March 14, the day before the MMTA Spring SYNTHFEST.  The AES meeting is free to the public and also at Shoreline Community College.

AES PNW Section
March Meeting Notice
The State of the
Mostly Modular Art of Synthesis

Presented by
James Husted — Synthwerks & MMTA
and the
AES Pacific Northwest Section
Date: March 14, 2013, 7:30pm
Shoreline Community College, Music Building, Room 815

NOTE: anyone can attend this meeting regardless of their status as an AES member. AES MEMBERSHIP IS NOT REQUIRED.

James Husted, of Synthwerks and the MMTA (Mostly Modular Trade Association) gives a short history of synthesis, then walks through a "typical" Eurorack Modular synthesizer setup. This will be a preview of the sorts of things you will see and hear and feel at the upcoming MMTA Synth Fest on March 16th, also at SCC.

We will also show the trailer for the new documentary I Dream Of Wires."

Moog 500 Series Analog Delay AES Demo

Published on Nov 2, 2012 by HarmonyCentral

"This analog delay with digital control offers more options than you might expect, as well as options for computer editing and footswitch control."

M-Audio Axiom Mini 32 keyboard controller

Published on Oct 30, 2012 by HarmonyCentral

"This keyboard for musicians on the go, which debuted at AES 2012, features pads, a control surface, mini keys, and Hyperlink control for Pro Tools."

AES 2012 SF Moog 500 Series Analog Delay by Rock oN Report

Published on Oct 29, 2012 by RockoNCompany

"AES 2012 SF Moog 500 Series Analog Delay"

Brian Kehew Talks Synths at AES Studio City LA

via Brian Kehew on Facebook

"Hey music friends - I'm giving a talk on (cool, old) synthesizer instruments at the Audio Engineering Society meeting this TUESDAY night 8.00pm at Sportsmens Lodge,
12833 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604. It won't be technical, and I have tons of old photos and catalogs from a collection I've hidden-away all these years. It will be fun, informative and, hopefully, inspiring!"

John Chowning "Origins of FM Synthesis" (Web 85)

YouTube Uploaded by AESorg on Jan 2, 2012

"AES Oral History - Composer, John Chowning, gives a brief overview of his role in the discovery of FM Synthesis - for more go to: http://www.aes.org"

Novation Impulse - AES 2011

YouTube Uploaded by soundonsoundvideo on Oct 21, 2011

"MIDI Controller Keyboard"

Novation Ultranova - AES 2010 - Conductive Rubber Controls

YouTube via soundonsoundvideo | November 06, 2010

Novation Ultra Nova AES SF 2010 Rock oN Report

YouTube via RockoNCompany | November 06, 2010

"Novation Ultra Nova AES SF 2010 Rock oN Report"