PNW Synth Gathering 07 Pics

click here for more shots of the event via brett.seattle.

click here for the full size shot.

Mattson Mini Modular pictured.

Introduction to Modular Synthesizers

For those of you new to modular synthesis and actually analog synthesis in general, Innovative Synthesis has a short introduction worth checking out.

"Modular synthesizers are one of the oldest types of synthesizers around, as well as being one of the most expensive and interesting. The philosophy of a modular synth is that it is made up of modules which are interchangeable, allowing new modules to be added with ease, as well as the customization of existing modules. Because of the constant expansion of most users modular synthesizers, many systems end up looking like a telephone exchange – this is often referred to as GAS (gear acquisition syndrome)."

What's interesting about the GAS comment, is that although the start-up cost for a base system may seem high compared to getting a non-modular synth, the cost for that next gear fix goes way down. Itching for something new? Get a new module for much less than a new synth - new or used. I will be satiating my GAS next with a new Mattson Mini Modular. Next stop, most likely Plan B and Doepfer eurorack. Cwejman, Livewire... That's what they call Gear Aquisition Syndrome.

MMM Demo via Inside Synthesis

click here for the demo. It's a good one.

MMM Video by inside synthesis

Remember the MMM Video posted earlier?

via William of inside synthesis in the comments of that post:
"I posted a much high quality version at insidesynthesis.com, since the YouTube compression hardly does it justice.

Only delay on the lead bits, and a highpass on the hihat were used. No chorusing, phasing, reverb, or compression/EQ, so it's overall a pretty raw sound.

I double-tracked the lead and bass parts for stereo width.

I'll make a more modern, less 80's song later. Assuming I have time - I'm only borrowing the prototype for a few days."

There is also a great shot of George and William in the post. Be sure to check it out.

Mattson Mini Modular MMM Debut @ PNW Synth DIY 2007

YouTube via redmartian.

"This is a little montage of footage shot at the PNW Synth DIY in Renton, WA. The music was composed entirely on the MMM by William Horne of inside synthesis aka williamroh."

Update via William in the comments: "I posted a much high quality version at http://insidesynthesis.com, since the YouTube compression hardly does it justice.

Only delay on the lead bits, and a highpass on the hihat were used. No chorusing, phasing, reverb, or compression/EQ, so it's overall a pretty raw sound.

I double-tracked the lead and bass parts for stereo width.

I'll make a more modern, less 80's song later. Assuming I have time - I'm only borrowing the prototype for a few days."

Thre is also a great shot of George and William in the post. Be sure to check it out.

5th Annual Pacific Northwest Synth Meeting

PNW Synth Gathering 2007

click here for the flickr set by Cypher Photography.

PNW Synth Gathering 2007

click here for more images of the event. The MMM as you can see was shown. Some good samples and video should be coming in the next few days.

Highlights incude:
DIY modulars
Synthesizers.com
Analog Systems French Connections
The Thereminchello
Korg Lambda
SIMMONS V
and more

From the Syntar to the MMM Phoenix

In case you missed it, click here for a letter from George Mattson on the MMM Phoenix series analog modular synth. I thought I'd pull some highlights from the letter below, but please do read the full letter. You can also find a detailed spec list for each module available for the system here, and you can find more info on the Syntar here and here.


"My name is George Mattson.
30 years ago I developed and manufactured a performance oriented analog synthesizer I called a Syntar. The synthesizer was innovative at the time, met with limited success and has recently become a topic of conversation in a variety of synthesizer forums.

Due to the growing abundance of new, analog synthesizer enthusiasts, I have been asked to return to manufacturing.

I took the core circuits of the Syntar (thus, the Phoenix Series) and designed a new format; a portable, true analog modular synthesizer specifically budgeted for the new market."
[Matrix: note the analog of the Phoenix rising out of the ashes of the Syntar.]

Some highlights on some unique modules to the system.

"Signal distribution: I do have one major design philosophy quirk. I don’t like passive multiples-period. Using a passive multiple for signal distribution degrades the signal. Using a passive multiple as a “mixer” sums the signals together and can lead to overloading the input of the destination module. I designed two new modules to replace these functions:
The 4X-1X2 buffer: Sort of a buffered “splitter”. It can take 4 different input signals and split them into two output signals for each channel. Each signal is buffered so, the signal is rejuvenated and doesn’t degrade. I took the liberty of cascading the channel outputs into the input of the next channel. So, if a signal is patched into channel 1, it is available on all 8 outputs until the chain is broken with a subsequent channel input. Then, the original signal is available on the preceding outputs while the new signal is available on all of the remaining outputs. It sounds weird but, once you’ve used it, you wonder how you were able to get by without it.

The 4X Mixer: The “other function” replacement of a passive multiple. The mixer has four inputs and actually two outputs, an inverting and a non-inverting output. I designed the mixer to be used for either audio or control voltage signals. This allows for precise adjustment of an audio mix or, a real nifty way to build complex control voltages by using multiple CV sources. In order to add a bit of excitement, my audio mixing days came back to me and I added a “punch-in” pushbutton on each channel to allow for an abrupt addition or elimination of the channel signal into or out of the mix. This is usually a subliminal function but, makes a big difference in audio or CV real-time control.

Filter: The Syntar utilized the SSM 2040 filter. They’re not available anymore at any kind of reasonable price or in guaranteed quantity. Since I had plenty to do with the rest of the system, I was able to get a custom filter designed specifically for this system kindly and graciously by Synth DIY guru Jim Patchell. He designed a 4-Pole 24dB/Octave state-variable multi-mode filter for this. That’s synth-speak for WOW. It sounds great. Thanks Jim. Way to kick a--!

Keyboard control: OK, I had to make some concessions here. Rather than designing an analog keyboard input module and trying to find and stock keyboards (they’re hard to find anymore in small quantities), I went digital and provided a MIDI-CV input module. It’s actually integrated into the power supply module, which makes this a double-wide module and isn’t available as a stand-alone module. I originally designed the system using a commercially-available MIDI-CV controller but, it had limited function, the manufacturer was hard to communicate with and they didn’t want to give me any reasonable OEM pricing. Sooooooo, I had a MIDI-CV controller designed to my specifications by Scott Rise of Division 6. This turned into one of the coolest modules. (even if it is d*g*tal) Read the module descriptions for a full description. This allows the owner to use any MIDI generating keyboard they desire, or any MIDI generating sequencer control. Mmmm- 16 systems, each utilizing a different MIDI channel. Yes, it blows the “Basic and inexpensive” philosophy out the door. But, it was actually less expensive to design and manufacture than pay the “not-so-OEM” pricing offer’s I was quoted for something less versatile. We all win. I’m negotiating with Scott (a nicer way of saying “convincing”) to produce versions of this in other formats or stand-alone units and allow me to offer them for sale on the web site." [Read this thread for more]. via Scott in that thread: "The rumors are true; I will be coming out with a standalone version of the MIDI-CV converter. As far as an exact time frame, I'm not entirely sure yet. I need to get through the MMM launch stuff first.

I also want to get some input from people like you who might possibly have a need for such a converter or are already using one. What would you like to see it do? Now is your chance to help shape it and make it useful. The initial version is going to be based on the one I designed for the MMM but some things will need to be different. For example, should the mod wheel continue to drive a separate 0-5v output or should it modulate the main CV? Does it need an S-Trig output?

Later down the road I will be making a multi-out version that has even more features, so even if your suggestions don't make it in this version they would probably make it into the next one."

click here for the full letter. click here for the modules. click here for the main site.
And don't miss the forums.

Mattson Mini Modular Size Shots

Carbon111 put some shots up on the MMM forum. They should give you a feel for the size of each module.

Come See the Mattson Mini Modular

Via John L Marshall on AH. If you want to see and here it, drop by.

"The Mattson Mini Modular will be live and in person at:

5th Annual Pacific Northwest Synthesizer Meeting:

Saturday, 29th of September
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Renton Technical College
Building C, Room 111
3000 NE 4th St
Renton, WA 98056

Bulgarian Pizza at Noon

All are welcome to attend.

Take care,
John
www.sound-photo.com
www.antenna-farm.com"

The MMM Mattson Mini Modular DEMO

YouTube via redmartian. Volume is a bit low on this, so turn it up, and don't forget to turn it down.
"Mattson Mini Modular Portable Modular Analogue Synthesizer demo"

The MMM Mattson Mini Modular TAKE 2!

YouTube via redmartian.
"Mattson Mini Modular Portable Modular Analogue Synthesizer." Follow up to this post.

MMM Phoenix Series Samples

click here for some samples and templates. You will need to download Serif DrawPlus to view the templates.
Update: Looks like the links changed: samples, templates

The MMM Mattson Mini Modular

YouTube via redmartian.
"Mattson Mini Modular Portable Modular Analogue Synthesizer"

MMM Faceplate Decals

via Guy D2.
"Been following the Mattson Mini Modular thread intensely for the last week, and saw the whole thing coming together nicely on George's new website...

Fascinating stuff.

The faceplates are designed in Illustrator, and I reckon they're fairly accurate (the holes and dimensions), give or take a few pixels. Since I've set up a rigid template, it is now very easy for me to design and re-design new decals... I can do one module in less than half an hour or so... Done the VCO and EG so far...

If there is any interest in this, I will finish the rest of the modules, and make them available [in different printable formats] for free. Right now I am not able to fullfill any requests for other decals designs, since I'm a bit overloaded with (paid for) work. That might change later though.

If everything works out ok, I will make the template available to the public for free (in different, editable formats), so to make the enthousiastic musician-designer's life just a tad more easy.

Cheers,
Guy D2"

Introducing the MMM "Phoenix Series" (Micro-Mini) Modular Synthesizer

The new MMM “Phoenix Series” (Micro-Mini) Modular Synthesizer
By Mattson Mini Modular.

The MMM Phoenix series synthesizer incorporates true-analog modules encased in a “grab and go” housing format.

Each of the two system cabinets contain space for 12 modules fed by a common power supply, providing for a truly portable, 24 module, analog modular system. When you’re ready to go, the cabinets latch face-to face into a compact, protective enclosure measuring 11-3/8” (28.89cm) W X 15” (38.1cm) H X 7” (17.78cm) D. Roughly, the size of 6 packages of printer paper stacked 3 high, side by side.

Open, the system measures 23” (58.42cm) W X 15” (38.1cm) H X 3.5” (8.89cm) D. As your budget and needs grow, the system has been designed to interlock with additional systems, horizontally and vertically, for virtually infinite system expansion. Each system responding to one of 16 MIDI channels if so desired. Grow your system into a larger system with more creative power available than is available in a larger format system of the same size. When it’s time to go, the entire system breaks down easily into independent, easy to transport cases.

The modules conform to the electrical audio and CV standards of most of the currently available systems and can be cross-patchable with other manufacturers systems.

Initially, the system will only be available in the US and in limited, built-to-order production runs. Individual modules won’t be immediately for sale but will be available to be purchased in addition to the “basic system” order.

The basic system consists of the case, power supply/MIDI module and the 10 modules highlighted on Matrixsynth over the past week, these modules fill the entire first cabinet providing for a plug-and-experiment, complete basic modular synthesizer. The second cabinet contains space for 12 additional modules of your choice.

The basic system is offered for $1,595.00. Additional “core” modules for the second case will be offered for $105.00 each, regardless off the module. Since the additional modules must be ordered initially with the basic system, the modules will be discounted $5.00 from the retail module value.

The Power Supply/MIDI module is a 2-space module that is integrated into the system and will not be available for individual purchase.
Visit us at http://www.mattsonminimodular.com"

MMM PS Module

Mattson Mini Modular
Power/ MIDI set
MIDI I/O- Mode Select

Note this marks the last module in the series. Click here for the full module list.

MMM JP VCF

Mattson Mini Modular JP VCF
Jim Patchell Signature
Multi-mode Filter

MMM VCO

Mattson Mini Modular VCO

MMM Dual LFO

Mattson Mini Modular Dual LFO