MOTM / Synthesis Technology's Paul Schreiber Has Passed Away

Paul Schreiber at CONTROL in 2018


It has come to my attention that Paul Schreiber has passed away.

Pictured: Paul Schreiber at the 2006 NAMM show. Top from this previous post (pic by fr1zz), and bottom from this post (pic by Synthtopia) - this is the first image of Paul on the site. There is one comment in that post: "He's a good guy." Indeed.

Readers of the site should be familiar with his work. He was the man behind MOTM and Synthesis Technology.

To say Paul was one of the greats to influence the synth community would be an understatement. He was pivital to the rebirth of modular synthesizers. He started when modular as we know it today was in its infancy, as one of a very small group of large format DIY modular manufacturers along with Blacet, Modcan, Cynthia, Wiard, Oakley, STG, Catgirl/CGS, Tellun/Lower West Side Studio YuSynth, Jurgen Haible, and of course DIY staples like Thomas Henry/ MFOS, Ray Wilson and PAiA (see this post for some modular formats back in 2007). I focused mainly on those offering DIY. There were other manufacturers including Synthesizers.com, Club of the Knobs, MOS-LAB, Moon Modular, MacBeth, CMS, and more. Feel free to mention others in the comments. This post is about Paul, but I think it's important to reflect on some of the large format modular manufactures he was amongst at the time.

Paul created the MOTM format of 5U modules in 1998. MOTM stood for Module of the Month offering monthly DIY kits. From Wikipedia: "MOTM was created by Paul Schreiber in 1998. The system was created in part due to the renewed interest in large-format analog modular systems that occurred in the late 1990s. Between 1998 and 2021, over 8000 modules were sold. The company, Synthesis Technology, also offered a limited number of modules in Eurorack[2] and Frac[3] format."

He was also helped design the Moog/Realistic MG-1. From Wikipedia: "In 1980, Moog Music was seeking to contract manufacture a mass-marketable synthesizer which could be sold via a large retailer. Moog representatives secured an appointment at the Radio Shack corporate offices for a 5-minute demonstration. Radio Shack approved the concept, and Paul Schreiber (then employed by Tandy Systems Development) worked together with Moog on the synthesizer's design to achieve Radio Shack's price requirements.[2][3]"

He later joined the eurorack scene with Synthesis Technology branded modules. FYI, his site for MOTM was always http://www.synthtech.com/, short for Synthesis Technology. The first post to mention Paul and MOTM was posted just under twenty years ago here on MATRIXSYNTH back on August 26, 2005. If you click through you will see it was a post announcing the MOTM/synthtech.com site was going down for the weekend. He announced he was retiring from the synthesizer business in August of 2023.

I beleive the first synthtech eurorack module was the MOTM E340 Cloud Generator. The first demos were posted on July 14, 2009, followed by a mockup of the front panel on July 20. The first post to mention Synthesis Technology was an Epic Son track by John L Rice in August of 2011. Since then there has been approximately 845 posts to feature MOTM, and at least 398 Synthtech.

You can find a number of interviews with Paul in previous posts here.

It's worth repeating, Paul Schreiber was one of the key figures that brought modular back to the masses. He was both respected and loved by the synth community. It's impossible to overstate his influence. He will be missed.

The following are the first the last video interviews with Paul to be featured on the site:

The SynthSummitShow Episode 2: Paul Schreiber (Synthesis Technology) and A.Dapt (music producer) ...

Streamed live on Oct 2, 2015 Flux302 of Fluxwithit.com. Details previously posted here.

SysEx Dumpster - Episode 44 - a conversation with Paul Schreiber
video upload by Sysex Dumpster on Jul 30, 2023. Details previously posted here.

The first videos to feature Paul presenting a module was back on January 3, 2010, and the first interview on SoundCloud in 2013, and he was of course featured in the modular documentary film I Dream of Wires.

KORG President and Representative Director, Seiki Kato Has Passed Away

via KORG

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our President and Representative Director, Seiki Kato, who passed away peacefully at 8:00 PM on February 21, 2025, at the age of 67, following an illness.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and support he received during his lifetime and respectfully share this news with you.

For many years, Mr. Kato dedicated himself to the growth and success of our company, guiding us with exceptional leadership and a warm, compassionate spirit.

Born in Tokyo on March 28, 1957, he was the eldest son of Tsutomu Kato, the founder of Korg. After graduating from Tokai University’s Department of Marine Science and Aquaculture, he joined Keio Giken Kogyo Co., Ltd. (now Korg Inc.) in 1980.

Early in his career, he worked in domestic sales, handling Korg products. By 1985, he became Head of Product Planning, playing a pivotal role in the development of innovative instruments such as the M1, a groundbreaking music workstation.

In 1988, he moved to KORG USA Inc., and in October 1989, he was appointed President of KORG USA, where he played a key role in expanding Korg’s presence in the U.S. market. In 1995, he became Executive Vice President of Korg Inc., and in October 2003, he assumed the position of President and CEO.

Throughout his career, Seiki Kato made significant contributions to the music industry.

For decades, he was a driving force behind Korg’s success, earning the deep respect and trust of colleagues and industry partners alike. The instruments he helped bring to life have empowered musicians around the world, shaping the future of music and artistic expression.

We remain committed to carrying forward his passion and spirit of innovation, striving to create products that inspire. We sincerely appreciate your continued support.

February 28, 2025
Korg Inc.

Midwinter Nocturne (composition) for Moog Voyager, Mellotron, Clavinet and Nord Electro.

video upload by R. Reger

"Dedicated to the memory of my friend Alex Abajian."

IN HEAVEN Optigan Variations for David Lynch

video upload by optigandotcom

"In heaven, everything is fine. You've got your good things and I've got mine.

RIP David Lynch.

Music by Peter Ivers. Music recorded, and 35mm negatives found, by Pea Hicks. Made with Panoptigon and vintage Optigan discs."

DnB Live Set (INKY DA CAT TRIBUTE) 🐱

video upload by Electronisounds Audio

"This is a live set I put together for a Tribute show for INKY DA CAT (Lisa Beynon) 🐱
I MISS YOU, LISA! RIP 💙

Whatever kind of music you are making - KEEP IT UP, Friends!
Don't stop making *YOUR MUSIC*!! ---
▼CONNECT with me / SUPPORT creativity and good content▼
WEBSTORE ► https://www.electronisounds.com/
PATREON ► https://www.patreon.com/DeanDaughters"

Keith McMillen Has Passed Away

Some sad news in via Keith McMillen Instruments

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith McMillen.

Keith McMillen, a pioneering force in audio and music technology, passed away this week leaving behind a legacy of innovation and a profound impact on the music industry. Born July 10, 1957 in Bermuda, Keith dedicated his life to revolutionizing how live interactive music is played and experienced.

A passionate advocate for the intersection of technology and music, Keith’s academic foundation was laid at the University of Illinois, where he earned a BS in Acoustics under the mentorship of James Beauchamp. He further honed his skills in classical guitar and composition under the guidance of Herbert Brun, Scott Wyatt, and Sal Martirano. Over the years, Keith developed MAPPS, an integrated computer composition, notation, and performance system that became the bedrock of his group TrioMetrik.

Keith’s professional journey began in 1979 when he founded Zeta Music, a company that would become synonymous with the modern violin. His revolutionary electronic instrument designs set new standards in the music industry, creating a market that continues to influence musicians today.

In 1992, as Vice President at Gibson Guitars, Keith founded G-WIZ, an R&D lab where he developed ZIPI, a groundbreaking musical instrument control language that evolved into the Open Sound Control (OSC) protocol and lay the foundation for MPE and MIDI 2.0.

In 2005, Keith founded Keith McMillen Instruments, a company that quickly became known for its cutting-edge approach to musical technology using patented Smart Fabric sensors. Keith established the company to bring his innovative vision to life, and under his leadership KMI introduced groundbreaking products that combined Smart Fabric with musical artistry, including the K-Bow, QuNeo, QuNexus and K-Board Pro. These instruments, recognized for their versatility and advanced capabilities, reflected Keith’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in music technology. His work through the company solidified his reputation as a pioneer in the field and left a lasting impact on the music industry.

In 2014, Keith founded BeBop Sensors with a mission to expand Smart Fabric applications into the fields of wearable sensors and haptics. This led to the development of several products and patents, including virtual reality gloves and insole sensors. This work inspired Keith to form Sensible Robotics, a new company where Keith focused his full attention on Making Robots Feel Better™ by using Smart Fabric to develop robotic skin.

Keith McMillen’s work exemplified a lifelong commitment to exploring how computer intelligence and user interface can enhance and expand musical performance. His passing is a great loss to the world of music and technology, but his innovations and achievements will continue to inspire and shape the future of both fields."

His instruments have been featured throughout numerous posts here on MATRIXSYNTH (271 posts to date including this one). You can find a handful of posts featuring Zeta here.

Howard Jones' Keyboardist & Behringer Synth Demonstrator Dan Clarke Has Passed Away

Some sad news via @howardjones

"Breaks my heart to bring you the news that our lovely Dan passed away on Sunday of cardiac arrest. Dan Clarke was a beloved member of my band, he brought energy and joy every night to the stage and was such great company on tour."

And via @behringer:

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dan Clarke, a truly wonderful person and a joy to collaborate with. His work on the Behringer synth videos was nothing short of amazing. Dan's musical talent and positive spirit will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace, Dan."

RIP Gert Jalass of Moon Modular

Some sad news sent my way via John L Rice who helped man the Moon Modular booth at NAMM every year. Gert Jalass, the man behind Moon Modular has passed away. I met Gert serveral times at NAMM and he was always a pleasure to talk to. He always welcomed me with a smile. He was genuinely passionate about synthesisers and the synth community. I haven't been able to make events lately and was looking forward to seeing him again. I'm so saddened that I won't be able to. I am sincerely going to miss him.

You can find posts featuring Gert here, and of course posts featuring Moon Modular here.




Musicianews NAMM 2011 Moon Modular Controller for Analog Synthesizers

Jan 2011 video upload by musicianews

The above is the first video featuring Gert on the site posted back in 2011.

The image of Gert above is from this 2019 video.

RIP Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues & Streetly Electronics' Mellotron

video upload by Beat-Club

I heard the news on Marty Willson-Piper's Music of the Daze.

Mike Pinder was the keyboard player and a founding member of The Moody Blues. Prior to that he worked on the manufacturing of the first Mellotrons in the UK. According to mellotronics.com, "Streetly Electronics are the original UK manufacturer of mellotrons and world experts in the instrument."

via Wikipedia:

"Between 1962-63 Pinder worked for 18 months as an engineer at Streetly Electronics, in Streetly, Birmingham, a factory manufacturing the first models of Mellotron in the UK.

In May 1964 Pinder left Streetly Electronics to co-found The Moody Blues with Ray Thomas, Denny Laine, Clint Warwick and Graeme Edge."

His impact becomes clear when you read the following from Music of the Daze:

"This from my friend Nicklas Barker, guitarist, singer and composer from Swedish proggers Anekdoten. He is also a connoisseur of the Mellotron:

'Very sad, imagine if he had not started working at the Mellotron factory and done something else before joining The Moody Blues and introducing the glorious Mellotron string sound to a wider audience through Nights in White Satin. What would have happened then? No King Crimson? He was also friends with John Lennon and introduced the Mellotron to him. No Strawberry Fields? Mike Pinder was the first, and the impact of his use of the Mellotron changed music history. He was also the greatest Mellotron player ever. Just listen to Out and In from To Our Children’s Children’s Children. He was the wizard of the astral orchestra.'"

via mellotron

"Mike Pinder of the Moody Blues and the Mk II"


Mike Pinder describes how the mellotron works

video upload by reversengr

"Mike Pinder describes how the mellotron works in the fabulous 'Live at Isle of Wight Festival (1970)' You really should buy this DVD, it's not only a great documentary but a wonderful concert film as well. The sound is surprisingly good, you will enjoy it."

Update via Atomic Shadow:

"Here's the Moody's live on French TV. You can really see/hear what Mike Pinder contributed to the sound of that band. Without him and the MK 2, they would have just been another guitar band. It's startling how much they sounded like the records live!"

The Moody Blues - Full Concert - French TV Special 1968 (Remastered)

video upload by BrunoSamppa

"Audio and Video Remastered by BrunoSamppa - Support me on KO-FI http://ko-fi.com/brunosamppa
CHAVE PIX: brunovideopix@gmail.com

1. Tuesday Afternoon 00:01
2. Nights in White Satin 04:54
3. Legend of a Mind (Part 3) 09:36
4. Bye Bye Bird 12:42
5. Fly Me High 17:33
6. I've Got a Dream 24:12
7. A Beautiful Dream 27:36
8. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood 31:49
9. Peak Hour 35:18
10. Nights in White Satin (Reprise) 41:38"

RIP Barry Schmetter aka Resonant_Space

The following is in via Supporting member, Poorness Studios.

"I have some more bad news. My friend Barry Schmetter passed away earlier in the week. He died of a heart attack in his home. It's hitting me really hard so I just can't find the energy to sing a Sunday Song this week, but I will play a snippet from one of Barry's art installations."

Curium (a tribute to Barry Schmetter)
video upload by Musical Miscellany (Poorness Studios)

"Resonant_Space, aka Barry Schmetter is a Washington DC-based artist creating ambient and experimental electronic music using modular synthesizers and field recordings. He also creates sound and video installations, and video art."


The following is a playlist of Barry's synth related videos followed by his works on SoundCloud.

video uploads by resonant_space

matrixsynth · Resonant_Space

Jimmy Hotz, Inventor of the Hotz MIDI Translator Hardware and Software Has Passed Away

video upload by Hotz777

"Jimmy Hotz uses the Hotz Box to explore new musical frontiers of real-time performance. The Hotz Box was invented by Jimmy Hotz and first manufactured by Atari.

For more information about Jimmy Hotz and his music and inventions visit jimmyhotz.com or the Hotz store at hotzstore.com."

Image via Wikipedia

[1985 Jimmy Hotz (age 30)plays daughter Rains first keyboard]

credit: Gamegridrain - Own work

Sean McKee wrote in to let us know Jimmy Hotz, inventor of the Hotz MIDI Translator, passed away on June 5th of a heart attack.

"He created the rare and ahead of its time Hotz MIDI Translator hardware and software. If you remember I made a video about it. [video below]

End of an era. May he Rock In Peace."

From wikipedia:

Jimmy Hotz is an American inventor, record producer, recording engineer, electronic music pioneer, audio expert, author and musician.

Hotz began playing guitar at the age of seven.

He plays a number of instruments such as the guitar, keyboards, flute, drums and his own inventions such as the "Hotz Box" and the "Hotz MIDI Translator". Hotz has done a number of recordings where all of the instruments were played by him using only the Hotz Box as an input device.[1][2]

In the music business Jimmy Hotz has worked with Fleetwood Mac,[3] Dave Mason,[4][5] NSYNC,[6] Mobius 8 [7] B.B. King,[8] Yes, Jon Anderson,[9] Haven[10] and dozens of other recording artists as either a producer, engineer, mixer, studio musician, or musical instrument designer. Hotz was engineer and did programming on B.B. King's Grammy-nominated King of the Blues: 1989. Hotz was also the engineer on King's Grammy-nominated "Standing on the Edge of Love", for Best Contemporary Blues Recording in 1988 (from The Color of Money soundtrack).

You Rock Guitar featured a video of Jimmy playing their MIDI guitar through the Hotz Midi Translator software.[11]

In 2011 he released his debut novel, The Gates of Time.[12]

Hotz lived and worked in Southern California while developing his inventions.[13]

Inventions
He is noted for his pioneering work with electronic music synthesizer MIDI controller development[14] / programming and as a technical consultant to Microsoft, Intel, Electronic Arts, Atari,[15][16] JBL and other concerns for new product development.

He is the inventor of the "Hotz Box", Hotz "MIDI vest" and the "Atari Hotz Box", "Hotz MIDI Translator",[17] computer software which has won interest and acclaim at the annual NAMM Show. Performers such as Mick Fleetwood, Jon Anderson, Paul Haslinger, Scott Gershin and others have been using Hotz products in their creative work.[9]

He is the inventor of numerous electronic devices and software innovations and has received three US Patents[18][19][20] in music technology.

As an expert in 3D computer graphics, Hotz was the chief visionary behind the 3dMAxMedia "Zuma Project",[6] assembling the team which developed the technology to manipulate 3D imagery in real-time with audio, MIDI and other real-time control devices).

"Zuma" won a 2001 Innovation award from Computer Graphics World Magazine and was used on the 2001 NSYNC PopOdyssey tour.[21]

Hotz Box MIDI Translator - The Original Theoryboard w/Polyphonic Aftertouch

video upload by Sean McKee - previously posted here

"A history, overview and tutorial of the very rare Hotz Box MIDI Translator hardware and software, invented by Jimmy Hotz. I decided to make this video because the only videos I found of this synth MIDI controller were of people playing the Hotz Box, but there was really no information out there on how it worked, and on forums it was very misunderstood. Hopefully this video will provide enough insights to educate people interested in this system and how it can be used. If you'd like to get a custom system built of any size, Jimmy can add polyphonic aftertouch and other features. For more information visit www.jimmyhotz.com."

Jimmy Hotz playing the SpaceHarp through the Hotz Translator software.

video upload by Hotz777

"Jimmy Hotz playing the SpaceHarp through the Hotz Translator software. Jimmy quickly shows a variety of playing styles and sounds
The light rays have been enhanced to make the hand movements more clear.

To get your own SpaceHarp visit. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sp..."

John Burdick of Grove Audio has Passed Away

Some sad news in via John L Rice.

We have lost John Burdick of Grove Audio.

via legacy.com

John "Jack" Charles Burdick

Dec. 1, 1948 - March 22, 2023

RACINE - John "Jack" Charles Burdick, 74, passed away on March 22, 2023, at his residence.

Jack was born on December 1, 1948, in Racine to Milton and Frances (nee: Ferguson). After serving in the United States Army, he earned his BA in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin. Jack was a member of the Racine Astronomical Society. He owned and operated Grove Audio in Cottage Grove. In his free time, Jack enjoyed astronomy, computer technology, photography, and music - he worked as a roadie for Jackson Browne and Chick Corea.

He is survived by his brother, Paul (Jeni) Burdick; sisters: Carol (Thomas) Rudey and Susan (Michael) Lambert; nephews: David (Casey) Rudey and Scott Rudey; aunt and uncle, John and Donna Ferguson; and other cousins, family members, and friends.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Frances Burdick.

A public celebration of life will be held in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the Modine-Benstead Observatory in care of the Racine Astronomical Society.

Some pics of Grove Audio at Knobcon last year via their last post on Facebook on September 21, 2022 with the following:

"Knobcon Ten was a great event, once again. Thanks to all the people who made it the largest show in Knobcon history. Several friends dropped by the Grove Audio booth to see what we have new for this year. We emphasized new modules for 5U as part of a renewed effort to build the popular format. This effort also includes accessories to support new systems such as power supplies, cables, and cabinet options."


And a video with John from Synthtopia at Knobcon in 2018:

Grove Audio Expands Its 5U & Eurorack Modular Lines
video upload by Synthtopia

"At Knobcon 2018, we talked with John Burdick of Grove Audio, who makes a range of MOTM-compatible, Dotcom-compatible and Eurorack synth modules."

See teh Grove Audio label for additional posts.

Ryuichi Sakamoto Has Passed Away

via @KorgUSA

"We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ryuichi Sakamoto. He was a trailblazing composer and producer who scored films such as the 'Last Emperor' and 'The Revenant' to name a few. He was a pioneer of electronic pop music by founding the 'Yellow Magic Orchestra' which produced hits on synthesizers and sequencers in the 70s and 80s. He will be missed 😔"

Indeed. He created magic.

Two of my favorites below.

via Wikipedia:

"Ryuichi Sakamoto (坂本 龍一[a], Sakamoto Ryūichi, January 17, 1952 – March 28, 2023) was a Japanese composer, record producer, and actor who pursued a diverse range of styles as a solo artist and as a member of Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO). With his bandmates Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, Sakamoto influenced and pioneered a number of electronic music genres.

Sakamoto began his career while at university in the 1970s as a session musician, producer, and arranger. His first major success came in 1978 as co-founder of YMO. He concurrently pursued a solo career, releasing the experimental electronic fusion album Thousand Knives in 1978. Two years later, he released the album B-2 Unit. It included the track "Riot in Lagos", which was significant in the development of electro and hip hop music. He went on to produce more solo records, and collaborate with many international artists, David Sylvian, Carsten Nicolai, Youssou N'Dour, and Fennesz among them. Sakamoto composed music for the opening ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and his composition "Energy Flow" (1999) was the first instrumental number-one single in Japan's Oricon charts history.

As a film-score composer, Sakamoto won an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Grammy, and 2 Golden Globe Awards. Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) marked his debut as both an actor and a film-score composer; its main theme was adapted into the single "Forbidden Colours" which became an international hit. His most successful work as a film composer was The Last Emperor (1987), after which he continued earning accolades composing for films such as The Sheltering Sky (1990), Little Buddha (1993), and The Revenant (2015). On occasion, Sakamoto also worked as a composer and a scenario writer on anime and video games. In 2009, he was awarded the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the Ministry of Culture of France for his contributions to music."
Ryuichi Sakamoto - Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

video upload by Decca Records

"Official music video for Ryuichi Sakamoto's 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence'."

YMO Technopolis Live

video upload by matrixsynth

Herb Deutsch Has Passed Away

video upload by Moog Music Inc



Herb Deutsch passed away yesterday. He was born on Feb 9th, 1932, making him 90 at the time of his passing. If you come to this site you know who he is. You can find pages of posts featuring him here. He was constantly active in the synth community, from it's birth as the co-inventor of the Moog Synthesizer with Bob Moog, to this day. I thought I would share the recent GIANTS video featuring him above from February this year.

When the greats pass away, I like to capture images and bios at the time of their passing. To the left is Herb Deutsch's current Facebook profile image. Directly below that is the last update of his posted on December 7. Below that is an image from the Wikipia page for him with the text that immediately follows. Finally, below that are some images of him from the early days from Moog Music's Herb Deutsch Looks Back on the Early Days of Electronic Music tribute.

He and Morton Subotnick likely had the greatest influences on the design of synthesisers as we know them. Herb brought us the tonal influence via the keyboard as the direct interface for a synthsizer and Subotnick brought us atonal sound exploration akin to tape manipulation.

via Wikipedia

"Herbert A. Deutsch (February, 1932 - 9 December 2022[1]) was an American composer, inventor, and educator. Currently professor emeritus of electronic music and composition at Hofstra University, he is best known for co-inventing the Moog Synthesizer with Bob Moog in 1964.

Deutsch died on 9 December 2022.[2]

Herbert A. Deutsch (February, 1932 - 9 December 2022[1]) was an American composer, inventor, and educator. Currently professor emeritus of electronic music and composition at Hofstra University, he is best known for co-inventing the Moog Synthesizer with Bob Moog in 1964.

Early life and education
Deutsch was born in 1932 in Baldwin, Nassau County, New York. At the age of four, he first realized he had a musical gift. Through his childhood, he studied music and began composing at a young age. Deutsch attended the Manhattan School of Music, earning his B.A. and M.A. there.

Work with Moog
Deutsch had assembled a theremin based on Moog's design in 1962 and in November, 1963 he introduced himself to Moog at a music-education conference in Rochester, NY.[3] In 1964 Moog and Deutsch started investigating the possibilities of a new instrument to aid composers.[4] Deutsch has been credited with the keyboard interface of the Moog.[4] He composed the first piece ever for the Moog ("Jazz Images - A Worksong and Blues"[3]) and performed early Moog concerts at The Town Hall and The Museum of Modern Art in New York (1969's Jazz in the Garden [5]).[6] The prototype Moog synthesizer, developed by Bob Moog and Herbert Deutsch in 1964, is part of the collections of The Henry Ford museum.[7]

Career
Deutsch was a dedicated educator. In the early 1970s he taught at St. Agnes High School in Rockville Centre, New York. He has taught at Hofstra University for over 50 years and was twice the chair of the music department. Deutsch co-founded the Long Island Composers Alliance in 1972, and worked with music foundation NYSSMA. In 1994 he proposed its Electronic Music Composition Showcase.[8]

via Moog Music's article Herb Deutsch Looks Back on the Early Days of Electronic Music

"On October 12, 1964, Bob Moog unveiled the first modular voltage-controlled synthesizer, an instrument that forever changed the course of modern music.

It began quietly, in 1964, when Bob Moog designed a new electronic instrument to composer Herb Deutsch's request. Herb wanted something to create complex and experimental sounds, tones not easily found from other instruments or with studio trickery. What Bob designed was not wholly new, it sprung from a powerful new combination of existing ideas. The concepts, when combined with some elegant design choices, made a very powerful and revolutionary new system. The new ideas found in the Moog synthesizer took several years to catch on, and it is likely even the first users had little idea what range the new instrument could truly offer."

RIP Rob Hordijk - Creator of the Blippoo Box, Benjolin, and Hordijk Modular Systems

video uploads by Pedro Trotz

"Rob Hordijk explains his modular designs at the European Electro Music Event 2012 that took place at Mallorca - Spain."

Sad news in via an anonymous reader today, who spotted the following from Pedro Trotz on Mod Wiggler. Those of you that have been following the site should be familiar with Rob Hordijk's work through numerous posts on the site. Two of his most famous creations were the Benjolin and Blippoo Box.

"I am deeply saddened to announce that my friend and mentor, Robert Ernst Hordjik, passed away earlier today. He was an important part of my life and I am sure also of many others here. He will be greatly missed.

I first met him in the Chateau Sonore event he organized in Belgium, in July 2007. There, lots of similar souls shared our passion for electronic music and electronic instruments. There was a lot of G2 and modular talk, but also performances, instrument demos, concerts, rehearsals... That's when I first heard of the Blippoo, one of his first creations that made him famous.

A few years later he started his work on the modular system that has his name. I felt so grateful for his initiative in Belgium that I couldn't help but planning a follow-up, this time in Mallorca. This time, our meeting had a lot less participants but it was an even better opportunity to make friendships that will last for a lifetime. I believe that in this meeting, in a trip we made to the north coast of the island, between the mountains of the Serra de Tramontana and the Mediterranean Sea, is when Rob decided that he wanted to retire to Mallorca. I can't blame him. It was the middle of January and we were having a pic-nic on the side of a curvy road facing the sea and enjoying what we natives call "the little summer" which is something that happens from time to time in mid-winter when the sea suddenly calms and temperatures rise up to 20 degrees Celsius.

We had a Benjolin workshop, we talked a lot about his design philosophy, and I was happy to record the first series of videos about his modular System. The ones you can find in my Youtube channel. After that series of videos I asked him to build a modular for me and soon enough he came back to Mallorca to deliver it in person.

During this visits I introduced him to Biyi and they automatically made a great connection. Biyi went a few times to The Hague to assist him in the building of Blippoos and modular systems. He even built his own under Rob's supervision. We all three had the idea to start a company in Mallorca where Rob would make the designs, Biyi build the stuff and I would take care of the business side of things. It was all set-up. As soon as his obligations in the Netherlands were fulfilled he would come to Mallorca. The moment arrived but almost at the same time his illness and COVID made things extra difficult.

In one of our talks he said to me that the Benjolin, the Blippoo and the Modular System were his dearest creations and that he was honored to have made so many people happy with them. Let's honor his memory by using them and making the most beautiful sound imaginable.

Farewell, my friend. I love you." - trotz

The following is from the Synth DIY wiki page on Hordijk.

Born in 1958, self described "synthesizer designer and builder,[3]" Rob Hordijk began learning electronics from around age 12 after developing a fascination with the glowing tubes in stereo amplifiers.[1][4] When he was 14 his father who had noticed young Rob's interest gave him a subscription to an electronics course, which lead to an examination for a ham radio license.

Trained as a designer and not a musician, Rob came from an arts background, studying as a sculptor and jeweler in the 1970s. He approached electronic music in a similar spirit to abstract painting, inspired by the ambient works of Brian Eno, and Luigi Russolo's Intonarumori instruments; where attempts were made to blur the boundaries between music and art:[1]

"In those days I was quite interested in the idea of sound as a material to be sculpted, in the same way you can sculpt wood and metal. [...] You can make mechanical objects that make all sorts of sounds, or you can make electronic objects that make all sorts of sounds. but what I like about the electronic objects is that you don't see what makes the sound. [...] It opens the way to sort of make it a bit mysterious."[1]

In the early 1980s as various integrated circuits, micro-controllers, and processors became available to hobbyists, Rob began buying things such as the early Curtis chips and RCA 1802 based SuperElf processor board out of curiosity more than professional ambition.[1][5] Later switching to an Apple ][+ and the Mountain Hardware Music System, for which he developed a Forth language version that could do all sorts of stuff with the Mountain cards, like KarplusStrong-type plucked string sounds and pitch shifting.[5] His first introduction to a DSP was to the DMX1000 around 1984. In 1986 he switched to Atari ST and an Akai S900.[5] These days he is a Clavia Nord Modular G2 aficionado.[5]

"I am not really a gear freak. But I do believe in mastering synthesis techniques, in making synthesis a second nature, so to be able to fully concentrate on the creative processes."[5]

After finishing art school, Rob also completed 11 years of study in Information Technology, learning about design methods and inventory control.[1] As well as his own instruments Rob worked on the Nord Modular G2 including contributing many patches to the Nord Modular online community, and wrote a comprehensive unofficial manual of the instrument. He has produced music for environments, buildings, film, and dance performances, but is yet to produce an official release on a label.[5] As of 2022 Rob has announced his retirement and will no longer be taking orders.[6]

Design Philosophy
Rob's personal definition of a modular synthesizer is more to do with modulation than modularity; referring to functional modules as 'sections'. Everything is supposed to be able to modulate or effect everything else. All levels within the system are optomised for comparability with one another.[1]

See https://sdiy.info/wiki/Rob_Hordijk_Design for more.

Update via brian comnes: Hordijk info on synthesis: https://rhordijk.home.xs4all.nl/G2Pages/ - quite in depth.

WMD Winding Down Production and Closing Shop w/ Announcement of Three New Modules

via WMD

3 new modules are available for preorder now! More info, and videos to come soon! Each of these products will be a limited run. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Preorder today at wmdevices.com.
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We also have some important and not so exciting news. Due to the state of the world, WMD is planning to wind down production and close by the end of the year. We have these new modules and a bit more stuff coming, but that’s all we can do. Please read the post linked in our bio before flooding the comments with questions.
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Huge thanks to everyone that’s ever supported us, we appreciate it so, so much. We will be conducting biz as usual for the next few months, supporting products, firmware for Metron, attending Velocity, and Knobcon showing the new products and hanging with friends.
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Freq Boutique and Patched Out will continue to happen as well. Come party with us tomorrow at Freq if you can!
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Get your orders in, lots of stuff is discounted right now, please help us push through the next few months so we can land as smoothly as possible.
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We love y’all.
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WMD.
#eurorack #modularsynth #modularsynthesizer

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Note: I created a Global Chip Shortage label for businesses and products/projects impacted by the global supply chain issue. For companies going under I've added the RIP label for now as well. You can click on either to see other companies and products impacted.

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EEHs Natural Sound Store Unit Zaunkönig Brochure - The FIRST Sampler w/ Realtime Time Stretching

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

This one was spotted and sent in via M Me. I beleive this to be the first post to feature the Zaunkönig/Zaunkoenig. EEH also made the Banana and the DS 500. I just like saying they made the banana. See the EEH label for more. Why it wasn't yellow or even yellowish green, we will never know...

via this auction

"Original brochure, allegedly only 2 devices were built. FIRST sampler with realtime time stretching. Was bought by Akai and in a stripped down version, without realtime, for the S 1000. So the wren is the father of the Akai S 1000"

Update: you can find an article in German on the Zaunkonig here.

Update2: scan of the brochure added below along with a close-up pic of the front of the Zaunkönig, in via an anonymous reader. Also some interesting background added.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Future Retro Closes Shop

via Future Retro

"Due to the current state of the world and global parts shortages we are forced to close our doors.

Thank you for 25 years of business, and all the relationships we had with our network of dealers and wonderful customers all around the world!"


Yet another synth manufacturer impacted by global supply chain shortages. Also see:

Synthesizers.com Is Up for Sale

Mos-lab Switches to ARP 2500 Production Only - Moog Format Production Put on Hold

Synthesizers.com Is Up for Sale

The message to the left was posted on the Friends of Synthesizers.com Facebook group by the administrator, James Allen.

I reached out to Roger Arrick, and James at Synthesizers.com and James confirmed.

This is stunning news. Synthesizers.com is a leader in the 5U/MU/Moog modular market and have been around since before Eurorack took off. The first post on MATRIXSYNTH to mention them was a plain text post back on July 30 of 2005, just 10 days after this version of MATRIXSYNTH began.

Synthesizers.com was founded in 1996.

Darwin Grosse of Cycling 74, 20 Objects and the Art + Music + Technology Podcast Has Passed Away

Some sad news sent my way via Joshua Shroyer, also feauted on Synthopia, where you'll find additional info on the impact Darwin Grosse has had in the synth community.

You should be familiar with his 20Objects Art + Music + Technology podcasts posted here on MATRIXSYNTH, as well as numerous other posts. His website is hosted at 20objects.com. He also worked with Cycling 74 and participated in LEAF (Lafayette Electronic Arts Festival). The image to the left is from the LEAF website which has the following bio on him:

"Darwin Grosse works in a modular world, combining modular synthesizers, video tools and compositing software to combine minimalist visuals with generative soundscapes. Based out of Northfield, Minnesota, Darwin uses natural movement as source material for geometric visual pieces, and writes custom audio-reactive software for his multimedia work."


His final podcast from May 15, 2022:
video upload by 20Objects

"Unfortunately, today is the last day of podcasting for the Art + Music + Technology podcast. Health issues have gotten in the way, and it would be impossible to continue.

You can read the transcription of this article, as well as finding some interesting writing on my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/posts/66445163

Thank you for being such a great group of friends and supporters during this long series of music"

And the full run of Art + Music + Technology Podcast


And a playlist of tutorial videos hosted on his YouTube channel: