MATRIXSYNTH: Synthtech


Showing posts with label Synthtech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Synthtech. Show all posts

Sunday, March 23, 2025

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.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Eurorack SEM filter comparisons


video upload by John Schussler

"Looking at several eurorack clones of the Oberheim SEM filter, including:

Doepfer A-106-5 SEM type VCF
God's Box Humpback
Studio Electronics SEM
Plankton Electronics Spice VCF
Bubblesound Dual SEM20"

Eurorack SEM Filter comparison - session 2

video upload by John Schussler

"This comparison is low pass only. It would take far too long to compare (in what I view as a useful way) every output and mode, so this is it for now.

In theory they're all based on the SEM circuitry, but some do have alterations.
I'm less concerned with "purity" or adherence to the "original" sound as I am with how good they sound period.

Source VCO is an Acid Rain chainsaw. Envelope is Zadar. Sequencer is Pittsburgh Modular microSequence.

00:00 Intro
00:20 Dry
02:57 Resonance
07:43 Input gain
15:57 Knobbage"

Also see SEM vs SEM - November 2023 edition

Friday, February 14, 2025

JLR's Stand-in Test


video upload by John L Rice

"Because I'm stubborn and silly, I made a 'stand-in' to try to get better focus when recording video of myself. It's silly because I have decent auto-focus lenses and my cameras have good face tracking BUT my most expensive lenses are manual only cinema lenses that aren't well suited for doing solo operator work in front of the camera, but because I think they are cool and I invested a lot of money in them I insist on using them, even when it's not practical! 🙄😆

The music here is from beta test I did last year for a new Synthesis Technology E430 VCF that is now in production. "

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Meandering On The Eve - A Berlin School Meditation


video upload by John L Rice

"An unplanned and unedited real-time performance on Christmas Eve 2024.

Modules Used:
Moon Modular - sequencer, switch, quantizer, VCFs
Synthesis Technology - VCOs, LFO
Club Of the Knobs - clock, poly ADSR
Oakley Sound - VCAs

Keyboard Synth:
Expressive E - Osmose
Mellotron - M4000D

Effects:
Strymon - BigSky and Timeline pedals
Lexicon - MX400

As always, thank you for watching! 🥳 If you found the content of this video helpful, interesting, or entertaining, please consider showing your support so I can stay stocked up on coffee and cookies. 😋 https://buymeacoffee.com/johnlrice"

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Testing the Synthesis Technology E430 Morphing VCF Beta Version


video upload by boxoftextures

"Testing a beta version of the new Synthesis Technology E430 Morphing VCF. It's in a sense the filter from the Oberheim SEM except with added filter morphing controls not in the original. The thing sounds amazing. It's a morphing VCF in that it goes from low pass to bandpass to high pass at the turn of a knob (or via voltage control), or at the press of a button the knob changes to low pass to notch to high pass. That's a ton of flexibility, and you can use it to make all kinds of sounds. It also has voltage controllable resonance as well. I've basically rearranged my smaller modular keyboard case to give the E430 a permanent home there and moved my "regular" filter into an empty spot in the big case.

Also used:
E330 Multimode VCO
E580 Resampling Mini-Delay
Intellijel Dual ADSR
STG .VCA
Batumi 1974 Quad LFO
2HP Mult (x2)
Waldorf kb37 Controller Keyboard

https://synthtech.com/

Mastodon: https://vmst.io/@selgart"

Friday, October 25, 2024

An A.I. Adventure


video upload by John L Rice

"Trying my hand at using AI generated image/video clips for fun.

Index:
0:00 Beginning
0:20 Desktop Synthesizers
0:39 Interstellar Synthesists
1:27 Keyboard Synthesizers
2:07 Desert Synthesists
3:00 Wizard Synthesists
4:10 Synthesized JLR
5:32 End

Music Equipment Used:
Synthesis Technology MOTM Modular
Moon Modular sequencer
Mellotron M4000D
Yamaha FS1R
Strymon BigSky and Timeline
Lexicon MX400
Acoustic Percussion: Mark Tree and Orchestral Chimes

As always, thank you for watching! 🥳 If you found the content of this video helpful, interesting, or entertaining, please consider showing your support so I can stay stocked up on coffee and cookies. 😋 https://buymeacoffee.com/johnlrice"

Friday, September 13, 2024

SynthTech E490 Ladder Filter Quick Minute


video upload by boxoftextures

"Synthesis Technology E490 Ladder Filter Quick Minute

This new filter arrived yesterday so this is my first time trying it out. Sounds amazing! Basically a version of the Moog modular ladder filter but with a few additions. I got the black faceplate, of course LOL.

Also used:
SynthTech E330 Multimode VCO (x2)
Intellijel Dual ADSR
2HP Mult (x2)
STG Soundlabs .VCA
SynthTech E580 Resampling Mini-Delay
Jones O'Tool Plus Oscilloscope
Waldorf kb37 Controller Keyboard

Recorded and edited in ScreenFlow

Mastodon: https://vmst.io/@selgart
Twitter: / selgart
Patreon: / boxoftextures"

Thursday, August 22, 2024

East-Coast Modular Eastern Osmosis


video upload by John L Rice

"Something just for fun. All first takes and some minimal editing.

Solo Synth:
Expressive E Osmose

Modular Synth Sequence:
Moon Modular - 569 sequencer, 591 switcher, 517 VCFs
Synth Tech - MOTM-300 VCOs
Oakley - Dual VCAs
Krisp1 - Octo LFO
Club Of the Knobs - C911p poly EG

Modular Synth Drone:
Modcan - 58B VCDO, 66B Control
Club Of the Knobs - C998B Spectral Modulator, C1660 VC Phase Processor
Marienberg Devices - Sine Phase VCO
Synthetic Sound Labs - 1250 Quad LFO
Oakley - Flanger/Chorus

Effects and Mixing For The Modular:
Strymon - BigSky and Timeline pedals
Lexicon - MX400 rack
Allen & Heath - MW3 20s mixer

Hand Percussion:
Generic - small Tabla, small doumbek, goat hooves
Zildjian - finger cymbals
PANArt - Hang Gede

Thank you for watching, rating, and commenting! :-) If you'd like to "tip your server" I would be most grateful and you can do so at the link below:
https://buymeacoffee.com/johnlrice"

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Eurorack Modular - July 25 2024


video upload by John L Rice

"It’s been a month since I’ve posted any new modular synth experiments so here’s one to get me back in the saddle! 🤓

Synth Tech: E102 Quad Temporal Shifter and four E330 Multimode VCO
Modcan: Quad LFO
Happy Nerding: 3x MIA
ADDAC: VC Rotator
VPME: T43 Precision Adder
Instruo: Quad Performance Quantizer
Klavis: Quadigy EG
Xaoc Devices: Praga VCA/mixer
Strymon: Magneto delay/reverb
Erica Synths: Black VC Clock v2
2hp: Delay
Doepfer: A-182-1 Switched Multiple (modified)
Circuit Abbey: Unify mixer"

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Another day, another modular synth!


video upload by John L Rice

"Modules from 4ms, Erica Synths, Happy Nerding, 2hp, Doepfer, Synthesis Technology, Bubblesound, Intellijel, Circuit Abbey, Synth-Werks"

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Dreamy Chords with MeloDICER, MOTM Modular, and BigSky


video upload by John L Rice

"Quick test of a three voice Eurorack + 5U patch I’ve been meaning to try:

Vermona - meloDICER and MEX3
Synth Tech - MOTM modules 190, 300, 650, and 800
Strymon - BigSky
Lexicon - MX400
Allen & Heath - MixWizard"

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Tiny Eurorack Modular Test #2


video upload by John L Rice

Erica Synths Black MIDI-CV (not used)
Modcan Touch-Sequencer
Instruo [1]f
Synthesis Technology E340 Cloud Generator
Erica Synths MODulator
2hp Verb

Saturday, April 20, 2024

California Highway 111 and Interstate 10, Palm Springs


video upload by CatSynth TV

"We take a trip along Interstate 10 and California Highway 111 in the desert from the vicinity of Cabezon to Palm Springs on a lovely Spring Day

Original music by Amanda Chaudhary, with G Calvin Weston on drums. All other parts played by Amanda using the following instruments:
Audio Modeling SWAM Trumpet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trombone
Cherry Audio PS-3300, Pro Soloist, Elka-X
Arturia Stage 73 V
Minimoog
QuBit Prism
E350 Morphing Terrarium
Strymon StarLab
EastWest Ministry of Rock (bass)
AudioThing Wires

For more music by Amanda Chaudhary, please visit amandachaudhary.bandcamp.com
For more music by G Calvin Weston, please visit soundscaperecordinglab.com

Filmed on 8 April 2024. We did not attend Coachella."

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

A Quick Wiggle With The Wave Warper


video upload by John L Rice

"Mostly Synthesis Technology modules: 510 Wave Warper, four 300 VCOs, 320 LFO, 440 VCF, and a Moon 569 sequencer."

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Drifting - An Ambient Journey


video upload by John L Rice

"Except for some occasional knob tweaking this patch was playing itself.

Modules used:
Modcan - 58B x 2, 31B, 69B, 66B, 53B, 73B, 55B
Club Of The Knobs - C914B, C914E
Synthesis Technology - MOTM-410
Synthetic Sound Labs - 1250
Synthesizers.com - Q125

Also:
Allen & Heath - MixWizard 3 20S
Lexicon - MX400

Thanks for watching! :-)"

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Quick Test After Repairing My Synth Tech MOTM-410 Triple Resonant Filter Module


video upload by John L Rice

"I built this module almost 14 years ago but made a mistake (I swapped positions of two adjacent resistors causing the Rate knob to not work correctly) so tonight I took the time to find the problem and repair it."

Monday, March 11, 2024

Phantom Of The Random


video upload by John L Rice

"A basic 4 voice poly modular synth patch (Synth Tech VCOs, Moon VCFs, Oakley VCAs, COTK EGs) with a lot of processing (COTK Spectral Modulator and Phase Processor, Oakley Flanger/Chorus) modulated by (Synth Tech, Krisp1, Modcan, and Marienberg LFOs)"

Monday, February 12, 2024

Short Flight Through Space


video upload by John L Rice

"I was initially going to add a couple extra keyboard parts to this and maybe even several percussion tracks but the more I listened to it the more I liked it as-is! ;-)

Modules Used:
2hp: Div
4ms: WAV Recorder, Row Power 40 x 2
Circuit Abbey: Unify, Unify Input Expander
Doepfer: A-182-1 (modified)
Erica Synths: VC Clock V2
Insrtruo: QPQ, kbd
Klavis: Quadigy
Modcan: Quad LFO
Mutable Instruments: Yarns
Strymon Engineering: Magneto
Synth Tech: E102, E330 x 4
Vermona: meloDICER, MEX3
vpme.de: T43
Xaoc Devices: Praga"

Friday, February 02, 2024

Explanation Of Previously Posted 5U Modular Synth Patch


video upload by John L Rice

"A quick unrehearsed video just handheld and using the iPad mic. The patch is almost the same but I hadn’t saved the effects settings so they are different and I notice I missed patching in modulation for two of the FM AIDS so I added that."

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Quick Test Patch After Successfully Repairing My Modcan Control 66B


video upload by John L Rice

"All 4 channels of the Modcan 66B go into two Modcan 55B quantizers to provide CV and gates to 4 voices (Synth Tech VCOs, Moon VCFs, Oakley/Krisp14u VCAs, Club Of The Knobs EGs, and Strymon + Lexicon effects. Recorded on iPad Pro."
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