Vinyl Debut by NYZ - SHFTR FRQ - Featuring Aphex Twin's Sequentix Cirklon & PreenFM2

"+ [Special note for track A9 - SHFTR_CA#BB1] => A huge shout of thanks to Richard D James for gifting me a Sequentix Cirklon sequencer and PreenFM2 synth during my Regional Arts Fellowship in 2017! This was the first track I made using this gear. You can also read up more about my open source Farey Sequence FM programming tool for the PreenFM here =>
github.com/noyzelab/FareyPreenFM2

++ Folks interested in using cellular automata can also check out my open source Arduino based synth module here =>
github.com/noyzelab/uMANIAC"

NYZ of Noyzelab has a new release out on neon orange vinyl (limited to 300 copies) titled SHFTR FRQ which features PreenFM2 sequenced by the Sequentix Cirklon. You will find a track off the release above. Below you will find some exclusive pics sent my way from NYZ and info on the release from Forced Exposure where it is available in the US. The album is available in the UK from Boomkat here. Update: it's also available at Phonica Records, Norman Records, Juno Records, Redeye Records, and Bleep.

"The Death of Rave is honored to plate up the vinyl debut by NYZ; the cult, algorithmic/ generative music project of award-winning artist/scientist Dave Burraston (Bryen Telko, Noyzelab). The A-side revolves 14 succinct blatz, ranging from cranky percussive pieces to queered microtonal dissonance and SAW II-like atmospheres -- notably including one track made on a Sequentix Cirklon sequencer and PreenFM2 synth gifted him by Richard D. James. The B-side contains a steeply immersive spectral drone tract that (never) ends in a locked groove, especially cut at D&M, Berlin. The results are wholly unique and speak to the endless, playfully experimental variation of NYZ's art/research. They reveal visceral, alien microcosms of curdled microtonal tunings and proprioceptive chicanery bound to thrill and induce strange, new sensations in even the most hard-to-please fiend of electronic music. It's strongly recommended to followers of Russell Haswell's chaotic gnash, the mind-bending tunings of Aphex Twin, the visionary algorithmic scapes of Roland Kayn, and Eliane Radigue's microtonal meditations. In Dave's own words:

"SHFTR FRQ is a series of experimental studies into simple synth setups controlled by varying levels of generative complex systems [MANIAC cellular automata]. SHFTR FRQ was recorded over the last six years on an ever-changing hybrid of equipment encompassing the domains of modular and MIDI-based microtonal sound synthesis [analog and digital]. Setups were always ultra-minimalist, often with just the MANIAC cellular automata sequencer and one or two modules/synths to provide a consistent sensory focus. The studies range from ultra-short sequences, micro-ditties, investigatory motifs, to a full length high spectral drone meditation."

Burraston has previously collaborated with Alan Lamb on recordings of a mile-long telephone wire in the Australian outback, and more recently he issued nearly a dozen NYZ tapes and CDs with some of the most crucial modern music labels, as well as a number of releases under the Noyzelab and Bryen Telko aliases. In 2014, Dave self-published SYROBONKERS!, the most technical and in-depth interview ever given by Aphex Twin. Screen-printed jacket. RIYL: Russell Haswell, Aphex Twin, Eliane Radigue, EVOL/ALKU, Roland Kayn."

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Exploring PreenFM2 with Max for Live PreenFM2 Patch Degrader

The above is a composition by John Keston featuring PreenFM2 being manipulated by a custom patch he created with Max for Live. According to John, the patch "allows me to degrade, morph, and/or scramble sets of parameters on the synth. This is similar to a device I designed for the Yamaha TX81Z. This process creates an algorithmic approach to the sound design." You can read all about it on his site AudioCookbook.org here. The following is a screenshot of the patch and the description for the track above.  You can click the image for a larger version.

Note John is heading to ISSTA 2018 for an upcoming performance utilizing his custom patch and PreenFM2. See his site for more info.

"MODULATOR is a series of pieces composed using a sequence of stochastic, deliberate, and arbitrary processes. A hybrid of algorithmic and improvised methodologies were devised to evolve textures beyond aesthetic considerations allowing peculiar, harsh, and even grotesque sounds to emerge. These processes were applied to a particular hardware-based, FM synthesizer called the PreenFM2. The instrument uses carrier and modulator waveforms organized through a series of algorithms to create a nearly infinite array of complex synthetic sounds.

The series was composed using custom software developed in Max for Live that morphs parameter values on on the synth. The values, applied to a pool of possible parameters, are interpolated over time to new values using a multi-threaded technique that allows many parameters to be changed simultaneously.

Because of chance factors in the algorithms the textures and rhythmic content will be significantly different each time the piece is performed. However, some identifying characteristics are maintained, such as how the performer “plays” the algorithm, and the peculiarities of the FM synthesizer."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #53: preenFM2 - Song 1

Published on Aug 21, 2018 Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the first song with the preenFM2. It's a 14 voice 4-part multitimbral polyphonic DIY FM generator with 28 FM algorithms from 3 to 6 operators, 7 default and 6 user waveforms, filter, arpeggiator, etc.

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
preenFM2 - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

The signal went through a small Behringer mixer into the pc for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track."

Too hot for a studio tour: let's make a chilled beat instead ( with Deluge and Pyramid

Published on Aug 13, 2018 Olivier Ozoux

Check out the grass! That's a refreshing setup. Nice mellow track.

"I was going to publish a video about my updated studio, but it's too hot here, the AC is broken, so I decided to publish a chilled beat to help us cooldown.

This track is based on my first jam with the Synthstrom Deluge [posted here] reworked to use the entire studio ( yes, I'll edit the tour video next )

Squarp Pyramid: sequences all the things
Synthstrom Deluge: sampled drums and percussions
MFB Tanzbar Lite: analog drums
Preen FM2: Bass and more
Waldorf Blofeld: Ambient Pads
Audiothingies MicroMonsta: Keys
Dreadbox NYX: lead ( modulated by the ANTS! LFO)
Bastl Instruments MicroGranny: vocals processed by THYME"

MOD Duo Effect Pedal Meets Synths - Granular Soundscape | SYNTH ANATOMY

Published on Jul 6, 2018 SYNTH ANATOMY

"MOD Duo by MOD Devices is a modular audio processor with unlimited possibilities (Max Patches...) In the first demo, I used the preenFM2 FM Synthesizer with the MOD Duo pedal to create a granular soundscape"

https://www.patreon.com/synthanatomy

FM Synthesis, Preserving Preset Data

Published on Jun 15, 2018 Element433

"Digital data, including synthesiser data is gradually eroded as new incompatible technologies emerge.

This video tests how F.M. synthesis data from a 1985 machine is preserved, by step conversion, across 3 decades, from one machine to another as new technologies arrived. Did it work?

From 1985 till 2017, features the Yamaha CX5m, FB01, N.I. FM8, VOPM VST and the shiny new Preen FM2 hardware.

Goodies for FM8, DX7, VolcaFM, PreenFm2, VOPM etc below

GOODIES:

Presets for VOPM VST/AU, converted from my original CX5m 80s:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Xu0...

for DX7, Korg Volca FM, N.I. FM7/8 (LFOs are slower on DX compatible machines so they might need adjusting):

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dx9...

FEATURED:

Preen FM
http://ixox.fr/preenfm2/

SAM VOPM
http://www.geocities.jp/sam_kb/VOPM/i...

TX-CONVERT by Martin Tarenskeen
http://dxconvert.martintarenskeen.nl/"

-CALC- BMC Novation party gig with Novation, Make Noise, Preen FM, Bastl and Leploop

Published on Apr 30, 2018 -CALC-

"A rehearsal for the Brighton Music Conference Novation Party. Making use of:
Circuit
Circuit Mono Station
Peak
Leploop
Make Noise Morphagene
Make Noise 0-Coast
Preen FM2
Piattino
Tea Kick
Big Sky
Timeline
Mackie 1604VLZ4"

Noyzelab PreenFM2 Farey Programmer Open Source Project

Another one in via Noyzelab:

"The PreenFM2 is an exciting little Open Source project for making a small, portable FM synthesizer with full microtuning. I decided to write a little Open Source programming tool for it in the Processing programming language. Full details of the program can be found in the PreenFM2 forum here and its available on github here ---- but briefly it is a tool to help with choosing the fundamental parameters of FM synthesis.

Farey Sequences for FM programming were introduced in the classic text by Barry Truax: Organizational Techniques for C:M Ratios in Frequency Modulation. http://www.sfu.ca/~truax/

In order to get the best from this program please read up on Farey Sequences for FM programming, I did an article here : and there are lots of places to read further."

Monday 2:22AM: a Live Jam with Dreadbox NYX, Elektron Digitakt, and friends

Published on Feb 16, 2018 Olivier Ozoux

"This track started as a quick background music for my video about the Pyramid Mk1 vs Mk2, but turned out to be really good, so I decided to keep working on it and turn it into a real track.

This is also the first time the Dreadbox NYX makes an appearance, and I love it's foghorn-like reverb!

Gear List: https://kit.com/o0/musique-electronique

Squarp Pyramid: Sequencing all the things
Dreadbox NYX: reverb-drenched melody
Elektron Digitakt: drums
PreenFM2: Bass
Audiothingies MicroMonsta: acid bassline
Modor NF-1m: plucked key stabs
Waldorf Blofeld: pads and atmospheric effects"

Quick demo of 2x PreenFM & 1x Ambika with 6 SMR4 voice cards. HQ Sound

Published on Oct 30, 2017 Todd Murray

"This is a nothing planned, adhoc session just to demonstrate the sound quality of these two DIY synth projects. Both synths are open source code, and open hardware. You can still obtain prebuilt PreenFMs or you can DIY and build the entire synth from scratch.

The Ambika is not longer made by Mutable Instruments. It too is Open source and open hardware, and there are some sources who still build them or you can DIY

In both cases you can build these synths yourself by downloading all of the CAD files for the circuit boards and case, sourcing their build, then source the components and assemble the circuits.... then download the software and install it.

If you want to build these yourself, and have experience you should have little issues as both are fairly straight forward and the build doc quite clear. The PreenFM may be a particular challenge if you choose to DIY the MCU board. Soldering a STM32F405 takes practice and a steady hand. In both cases you will also need to upload the firmware to the processors.

You can learn more about the Ambika
here: https://mutable-instruments.net/archive/

and the PreenFM here: http://ixox.fr/preenfm2/"

A Fistful of Ants!: Live Jam with Elektron Digitakt and Plankton Electronics Ants!

Published on Oct 27, 2017 Olivier Ozoux

"I sold and bought a few different synths over the Summer, and it took me a while to integrate the new instruments into my workflow. Here's the first track I've made with my Studio In A Box V2.0.


As usual, everything is recorded live and in a single pass. Here's the instrument list:

- Squarp Pyramid: sequence all the things
- Elektron Digitakt: sample based drums
- MFB Tanzbär Lite: analog drums
- Yamaha MU-80: Additional percussion, piano, and pizzicato strings
- PreenFM2: Bassline, and wooden arpeggio
- Audiothingies MicroMonsta: 2nd Bassline
- Modor NF-1m: main chord progression
- Waldorf Blofeld: ambient pads
- Plankton Electronics Ants!: analog plucky arpeggio"

Viva La Convolution! Exploring the Logidy EPSi Reverb with Synths

Published on Oct 5, 2017 Olivier Ozoux

"I have no idea why everyone doesn't have this little reverb unit in their arsenal. Software convolution reverb are great! but having one in hardware form is even better.

And I'm surprised how easy it is to capture IRs (Impulse Reverbs) to add to this unit, or how non-traditional sounds can become awesome reverb tails.

- Squarp Pyramid: Sequencing all the things
- Preen FM2: Percussive melody x2
- Lifeforms SV1: Bassline ( sadly only at the end, because i forgot )
- Elektron Digitakt: Sampled drums
- MFB Tanzbär Lite: Analog drums
- Logidy EPSi: Convolution reverbs"

PREENFM2

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via this auction

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Preen FM2 demo..

Lee Perry
Published on Aug 3, 2017

PreenFM 2 PREEN FM Synthesizer

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

via this auction

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New Beginnings | Ambient Eurorack Modular Synthesizer

Published on Apr 1, 2017 Lightbath

"The Fool Embarks on Another Journey

It feels good to be exploring a full 208hp system again. I spent the past two months without a proper case and finally this week, my Submodular Systems case arrived! Whew, this thing is a beauty. So well-designed and manufactured.

This piece emerged as I was experimenting with layout and choice of modules. I was so happy to be patching with two full rows that I didn't even take the time to screw any of the modules into the rails.

This patch features four parts played by arpeggiators in the Squarp Pyramid: a melody/counterpoint sort of situation with two STOs shaped by Just Friends, a semi-stochastic granular vibe with Rings into Clouds, and a Reich-inspired arpeggio with the PreenFM2 into OTO BAM. Noise/percussion is Dunst shaped by Just Friends. The thing hanging off the left side is a passive attenuator I'm using as level controls for Clouds and Dunst. Planar shapes the STOs via Belgrad and the DLD provides the space on those STOs."

Double Mimicry - PreenFM Track by Phantom Modulation

"All Sounds from PreenFM 2. Wanted to do something ambient - turned out somewhat different. Double mimicry insofar as a Synthesizer emulating a DX7 is emulating a 303."

Preen PreenFM2 Desktop FM Synthesizer - Loaded with over 100 DX7 Sysex Banks

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

via this auction

Some pics of the inside below.  SoLatelyBass on the display to the left is a reference to the Yamaha TX81Z's classic LatelyBass preset.

via the listing: "Bought the kit from VanDaal Electronics (Creator of the metal enclosure).
Good easy build that includes screen mod for the OLED screen.

Great FM desktop synth with lots of custom DX7 sysex banks that are loaded on the USB memory stick. Loaded with latest OS."

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Chilled House for the Summer: a live jam with Pyramid and Blofeld

Published on Mar 13, 2017 Olivier Ozoux

"Progressive Chillout House track. Recorded live, mild dynamics post-processing. Strangely enough this 5 min track was recorded between 1:00am and 2:10am saturday night. I freaked out a little bit when an hour disapeared from under me. I had forgotten about daylight saving time....

Instruments:
- Squarp Pyramid ( sequencer )
- Korg Electribe ( drums, percussions, and that vocal one shot )
- Audiothingie MicroMonsta ( keys )
- PreenFM2 ( bassline, and that strange metallic melody )
- Waldorf Blofeld ( everything else )"

Technostalgia: a live jam with MicroMonsta and Electribe

Published on Feb 27, 2017 Olivier Ozoux

"Thanks to the Squarp team for sending me a quick patch to save this project from a misbehaving PyraOS v1.5 beta that attempted to eat this own....

Instruments:
- Squarp Pyramid (sequencer)
- Audiothingies MicroMonsta ( bassline )
- Korg Electribe 2s ( drums and percussions )
- PreenFM2(clean bass and percussive arp)
- Waldorf Blofeld (pads)
- MakeNoise 0-Coast (generative melogy)"