PPG Waveterm A - waves and wavetables

Published on Nov 2, 2014 RetroSound

"(c) 2014 vintage synthesizer demo by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

PPG Waveterm A (1982)
8" floppy disc loading and wavetable scanning

The Waveterm is the heart of the legendary PPG system and based on an old german computer called Eltec Eurocom II with Motorola 6809 processor.

- creation of own Waves and Wavetables
- fourier analysis / resonator
- additive synthesis
- 8 bit Sampling for the WAVE 2.2
- sequencer / event generator
- storage of sounds on 8" floppy disc"

Super Rare Clear Gleeman Pentaphonic Synthesizer

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

via this auction

Here's something you don't see every day.  Although the description states anywhere between 30 and 50 were made, previous accounts state 50 solid black and only 20 clear were made.

"This is a genuine Gleeman Pentaphonic clear synthesizer. I acquired this in 1986 from the original owner. It has spent most of the last 28 years in its case. I did not gig with it. Its been in a smoke free environment. The clear synth case as well as the keys are in excellent condition with no cracks or deep scratches. Everything works. I’ve checked every switch and knob and all are working.

It has been repaired twice. Once in 2008. The red light would come on but no sound. A guy that has experience working with high-end vintage synths repaired it. He said most of its problems were there because it hadn’t been used in almost 2 decades. After playing it and using it for recording I put it back in the case for 6 more years. In 2014 I again got it out and it would power up but I was not able to hear my patches. Again I sent it to the same repairman and again it had some minor issues from not being used for 6 more years plus maybe a little user error. It is now in 100% working order.

For those that don’t know…this is an extremely rare synth. Estimates vary but maybe as few as 30 and maybe as many as 50 of these were made [see above]. The original flight case is included. It is missing a handle and also its interior foam. I’ve been using cloth towels inside the case for padding. The flight case does have an aged look. It will come with a reprint of the original manual as well as a couple of Gleeman advertisements. It will ship FedEx well packed."

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"Sequence" for Moog Synthesizer (1970) - Don Muro & Music Concrete Study Excerpt (1969)

Published on Oct 29, 2014

"An experimental piece focusing on non-harmonically related frequencies and featuring the 960 Sequential Controller module."

Music Concrete Study Excerpt (1969) - Don Muro

Published on Oct 4, 2014

"A sonic investigation into tape techniques including speed variation, splicing, reversal, echo, distortion and feedback. Composed in 1969."

ELI CR-7030 Preset Drum Machine - 1st Compurhythm Beat Box

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

via this auction

"Vintage Rare ELI CR-7030 preset drum machine in good working and cosmetic order.
240v mains version (adjustable to 110v).

Believed to be the first unit to use the term 'Beatbox' and "Compurhythm'- little info on the unit but either ELI copied Roland or vice versa. This is made in Taiwan so I would say it was based on the Roland drum machines.

Has 28 of the usual standard preset rhythms, Volume and Balance dials, also a dial for the Guiro instrument setting.

Adjustable speed setting and tempo, Rolling feature which provides drum rolls, switchable voltage to 110v if required (useful if touring the USA with it)"

1985 Greengate DS:3 German Ad

The Greengate DS3 was mentioned only once before on MATRIXSYNTH in this video post.

via synthmuseum.de

Update: better translation via Chris in the comments: "The Greengate DS:3 is the sound sampling system for musicians, composers, producers and sound engineers. There are bigger names - and also bigger prices - but which system with 4 voice polyphony, 15 kHz, 2.8 seconds and 4 x 2000 step sequencer can keep pace at this price?

All Simmons/Linn/Oberheim/Drummulator etc. owners listen up! Burn your own eproms with the DS:3. With any sound you like. With great sound quality, thanks to the feature rich optical and acoustic editors! Extend your Simmons - endlessly.

Give your Linn the boost it needs. Write or call us, we'll tell you what's up!"

German:

"R&S Musicpartners Alleinvertrieb der Greengate Productions Ltd.

Das Grenzte DS:3 ist das Sound-Sampling-System fur den Musiker/ Komponisten/ Produzenten/ Toningenieur. Es gibt zwar grausere Namenbund auch grausere Preise - aber welches System Kann Mit diesem Preis-Leistungsverhaltnis 4stimmig polyphon, 15 kHz, 2, 8s, 4x2000 steps Sequenzer, mithalten?

Alle Simmons/Linn/Oberheim/Drummulator- etc. -Besitzer suhoren! Brenn Deine Eigenen Prom’s Mit dem DS:3. Mit jedem beliebigen Sound. Mit einer Super-Sound-Qualitat dank des leistungsstarken optischen und akustischen Editors! Erwidre Dein Simmons - endlos …

Gib Diener Linn den richtigen Drive. Schreib uns oder ruf an wir sagen Euch, wie’s geht!"


New Greengate channel below created for these moving forward.

"Setting Up You Moog Synthesizer" Operations Guide for Synthesizers I, II, & III

via Retro Synth Ads where you'll find the rest of the scans and the full write-up.

"Moog Modular System I, II and III "Setting Up Your Moog Synthesizer - A Guide to Installation and Operation of Synthesizers I, II and II" 16-page installation and operations manual, 1970."

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.

GODWIN SISME P 32 RHYTHMAKER

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

via this auction

"GODWIN SISME ARRANGER DRUM MACHINE, BASS, ARPEGGIATOR WITH SYNTH AND CHORDS."

This is the first one to be featured on MATRIXYSNTH.

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The Weather Warlock - Weather Controlled Analog Synthesizer

You might remember Quintron's Singing House. It was an analog "drone synth" from New Orleans experimentalists Quintron and Miss Pussycat. The instrument was unique in that it was capable of being completely modulated by the weather. It is now called The Weather Warlock and currently streams at WEATHER FOR THE BLIND, a new website dedicated to the instrument.

Weather Warlock is also the name given to a heavy drone ritual (click through for details) which "only happens at sunrise or sunset involving zero to nine members performing sets which may last from 30 minutes to one year long."  I'm guessing the never ending Weather Warlock instrument is the one band member that continues to play endlessly all year long.

The following are some details pulled from WEATHER FOR THE BLIND for the archives:

"Since 2011 Quintronics – the company which brought you the Drum Buddy – has been actively developing a low voltage weather controlled drone synthesizer. Base station number 1, called WEATHER WARLOCK was finally finished in the Spring of 2014 at the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation in Captiva, Florida.

www.weatherfortheblind.org will stream sounds from this musical weather station most every day and night as a free public service. This giant analog synth and it’s weather sensors will live primarily in New Orleans Louisiana at the Spellcaster Lodge. The entire apparatus will occasionally travel as part of a live band, also called WEATHER WARLOCK or as a part of QUINTRON AND MISS PUSSYCAT.

A weather controlled synthesizer had long been on the books for Quintronics but it took a fairly serious health crisis and a forced “vacation” from touring to steer these sounds towards consonant drone…E major to be exact. Mental and cellular relaxation became a part of the invention process.

This site is called “weather for the blind” in reference to a circadian rhythm sleep disorder suffered by many sight impaired persons. Our hope is that this instrument could be of some help to those experiencing any type of sleep disorder or to anyone suffering from stress or health issues which might benefit from a direct musical connection to nature. Windowless office buildings and crappy hotels may want to tune in as well.
Another future mission for this endeavor is that more base stations be built around the world so that listeners may experience musical interpretations of a variety of different climates and time zones – from Iceland to the Amazon. Please contact rhinestonerecords@hotmail.com if your museum, school, or private institution would be interested in commissioning a custom base station.

Occasionally weatherfortheblind.org will broadcast other sounds, stories, and special events. We will also invite guests manipulators to come and jam on the base station knobs and communicate with the weather gods for our listening pleasure. Thanks for visiting and please enjoy.

This project would not have been possible without the assistance of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, New Orleans Airlift, Tulane University, artist / engineer Mars Brown, Rami (Ballzack) Sharkey, and the ever brilliant advice of Miss Pussycat."

Video Demo of the Rare Peavey Paradox Analog Synthesizer

peavey paradox movie Published on Aug 4, 2014 Paul Mirkovich

"Peavey Paradox. One of two or three in existence. Prototype analog synth. One filter"

Via Nathan in the comments of this post.

Rare Vintage Synth Scans via Brian Kehew

Brian Kehew gave a presentation on his vintage synthesizer brochures at Knobcon this year. He sent in a few select scans to share with readers of MATRIXSYNTH. Enjoy! Be sure to see the channel labels at the bottom of the post for any you are not familiar with. Three of these warranted separate posts that just went up. You'll find links to them below. These are an amazing bit of synth history, many of which have never been shared online before. HUGE THANK YOU to Brian Kehew for sharing these with us!

The scans pictured in order:

Moog Sonic V Synthesizer "Makes Waves"

ARP Synthesizers

ARP Modular Synthesizer Lab

EML

EMS SYNTHI FLI (always thought of it as the Hi-Fli but the had only has FLI)

Performer by Ionic

Variophone

Sequential Circuits Model 600 Sequencer (see this post for a write-up)

Digelius Electronics Finland DEMI (see this post for a write-up)

DMX-101 Computer Sound Processor for a whopping $35,300 at the time. (see this post for a write-up)

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Sequential Circuits' First Product, The Model 600 Sequencer and Complex Wave Generator

Brochure scan in via Brian Kehew.

This is a scan of a product flyer for the the Sequential Circuits Model 600 Sequencer and Complex Wave Generator.  It is first image of the  unit shared on the internet that I am aware of (click here for a search).  It was Sequential Circuits first product. Approximately only four units were made a couple of years prior to the Model 800.

An interesting side note is the aesthetics of the unit.  See if you can spot what's missing before you read on.  Sequential Circuits (along with Oberheim) started out creating products to work with existing synthesizers at the time.  So what's missing?  The trademark knobs and section outlines.  It wasn't until the Model 700 programmer in 1977 that we begin to see what was to become Sequential Circuits trademark look.   Another interesting side note is that the model numbers for Sequential Circuits first three products where not actually sequential, the Model 600 (1974), the Model 800 (1975), and the Model 700 (1977).  They broke out of the "Model" line for the name with the Prophet-5 (which was the Model 1000) in 1978, but came back once with the Model 64 Sequencer for the Commodore 64 in 1983.  One final thing I thought was kind of neat was that the final bullet point in the brochure called out how the Model 600 made for an excellent teaching aid for electronic music.  Indeed.

The following is the description from the scan (note the reference to the unit as a teaching aid):

"MODEL 600 SEQUENCER and COMPLEX WAVE GENERATOR

As A Sequencer -

- Three rows of 16 controls, each row with its own output.
- Built-in sequential control for up to 48 note sequences by turning only one knob.
- Voltage controlled clock can be set internally and/or controlled externally.
Patch one output row back to the VCO input, and the length of each note can be precisely controlled.
- Can sequence slower than one pulse every 30 seconds through and beyond the entire audio range.
- Any one level can be skipped by simply throwing its corresponding switch; hence, any combination of levels can be set.
- Direction switch for forward or backwards direction.
- Handy three-way mixers at the output for easy patch changes.
- LED (light emitting diode) visual display.
- Switch trigger output compatible with Moog synthesizers, including the Mini-Moog.
By flipping one switch, gate and trigger outputs can be obtained for other synthesizers, suck as the ARP 2600.

As A Complex Waveform Generator -

- The quality of the Model 600 makes it possible to be used as a complex waveform generator, with up to 48 segments constructing the composite waveform. Below is an oscilloscope plot of a 48 segment sine wave at 300 hertz, with the lower wave-form the output after being run through a low-pass filter.
- One can easily see the possibility for complete waveform control. With an internal adjustment, the external input can be adjusted to the standard 1 volt/octave; hence, the sequencer can actually be played as an oscillator by any keyboard.
- This capability makes the Model 600 an excellent teaching aid for electronic music, as well as a quality waveform generator for the perfectionist synthesizer performer."

The Digelius DIMI Music Instrument, Computer, Synthesizer, Studio, Rabbit

Brochure scan in via Brian Kehew. This is the first time Digelius has been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH. The following is the description from the scan followed by some info on the man behind Digelius, Erkki Kurenniemi.

“DIMI IS A MUSIC INSTRUMENT. DIMI IS A COMPUTER. DIMI IS A SYNTHESIZER. DIMI IS A MINIATURE ELECTRONIC MUSIC STUDIO. DIMI IS A RABBIT.

The essential part of the digital instrument DIMI is an integrated circuit memory which is capable of storing an almost endless variety of musical structures.

The digitally controlled sound generators can be operated either by manual instructions from the keyboard or by instructions stored in the memory.

Any manual instruction can be recorded into the memory by touching the R-key. The selective erase function permits flexible editing of the stored program.

The interplay between manual and stored instructions results in a music instrument with possibilities not surmised earlier.

* MOS integrated circuit content addressable memory, 100 words 16 bits each.
* two sound generators, eight octaves chromatic scale
* vibrato unit, amplitude variable in eight steps and several frequencies
* two external general purpose inputs
* two selectors for eight sound sources
* two attenuators, seven steps six decibels each and off
* two banks of eight octave band pass filters
* three modulators
* rhythm generator, 48 different durations or tempi
* all parameters are digitally controlled and thus programmable
* contains about 250 integrated circuits
* dimentions 40x40x15 cm
* price 15 300 Fmk (about 3750 US$)

Digelius Electronics Finland Oy
Huvilakatu 24
Helsinki 15
Finland”

Some info on Erkki Kurenniemi via Wikipedia:

"Erkki Kurenniemi (born July 10, 1941 in Hämeenlinna, Finland) is a Finnish designer, philosopher and artist, best known for his electronic music compositions and the electronic instruments he has designed. He is considered one of the leading early pioneers of electronic music in Finland. Kurenniemi is also a science populariser, a futurologist, a pioneer of media culture, and an experimental film-maker.

Kurenniemi completed the majority of his instruments, electronic compositions and experimental films in the 1960s and 1970s. Between 1962 and 1974, he designed and constructed ten electronic instruments and studio devices when he was working as a volunteer assistant at the Department of Musicology at the University of Helsinki, and as designer at Digelius Electronics Finland Oy, founded in 1970. In addition to the Musicology Department, Kurenniemi also worked as assistant and senior designer at the Department of Theoretical Physics from 1962 to 1973. Kurenniemi earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree in 1968.

He subsequently worked as a designer of control systems for industrial robots at Oy W. Rosenlew Ab (1976–1978), and as a designer of industrial automation and robotic systems at Nokia’s cable machinery division (1980–1986). He also worked as a specialist consultant and Head of Planning at the Science Centre Heureka in Vantaa, Finland (1987–1998).

Kurenniemi received the Finland Prize of the Ministry of Education and Culture in 2003.[1] In 2004, he was elected honorary fellow of the University of Art and Design Helsinki.[2] 2011 Kurenniemi received Order of the Lion of Finland medal from The President of Finland Mrs. Tarja Halonen."

Update via Unknown in the comments: There's an article on Erkki Kurenniemi in the September 2013 issue of Sound on Sound (available online here). Definitely worth checking out.

Pictured: "Erkki Kurenniemi's first instrument was the Integrated Synthesizer. Completed in 1967, it used pin-matrix programming on a huge scale."

1982's Digital Music Systems DMX-1010 Computer Sound Processor with $35,300.00 Price Tag

Brochure scan in via Brian Kehew. This is the first post to feature Digital Music Systems and the DMX-1010. The following is the description from the scan. I wasn't able to find any info on the company including whether or not they had additional products.

"The DMX-1010 is the most advanced and powerful audio signal processor available today. It contains two computers - an LSI-11 microcomputer and a super-fast DMX-1000 digital audio signal processor. MUSIC-1000 software allows this system to be programmed easily in an intuitive way for almost any synthesis or processing task.

Features
- Real-time digital synthesis and processing of sound
- User-Oriented software makes system fast and easy to use
- Flexible enough to do any type of audio signal processing
- 16-bit converters and arithmetic for ultra-high fidelity
- Stereo input and output - expandable to quad
- Price competitive with other systems that do only limited synthesis

For Synthesis

Features
Units include:
Oscillators
- generate any waveform
- waveform tables up to 2048 16-bit words
- interpolation between waveform table values may be specified
- double-precision (32-bit) phase accumulation may be specified
White noise generators
Variable high-pass, low-pass and band-pass filters
Reverberent comb filters and all-pass filters
Line-segment, exponential-segment and arbitrary-function envelopes
Frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation and ring modulation
Table lookup
MUSIC 1000 allows programmable control and connection of these software units with control and audio signals.
Ultra-high fidelity — 16-bit arithmetic is standard. 32-bit arithmetic may be used when required. 16-bit A/D and D/A converters.
Real-time user inputs - 10 knobs, 5 switches and a foot pedal — may be used to control any synthesis parameters while sound is being generated or processed.

For Sound Processing

The DMX-1010 is a real-time digital audio signal processor and can replace virtually all of the signal-processing units found in a recording studio, including:
- delay lines
- phasers
- flangers
- tape echo units
- reverb units
- graphic and parametric equalizers
- compressors
- limiters

The DMX-1010 Includes:

DMX-1000 Signal Processing Computer
Two channels of audio input (A/D conversion)
Two channels of audio output (D/A conversion)
4K x 16-bit data memory
64K x 16-bit delay memory
PDP-11/03 Computer
64 Kbyte memory
VT-100 terminal
Dual 8” double-density floppy disk drives — 1
Mbyte total capacity
Real-Time Control Panel
10 knobs and 5 switches
Footpedal jack
MUSIC-1000 and DEC RT-11 Software
The DMX-1010 is a complete turnkey system containing all the hardware and software necessary for audio synthesis and processing.

DMX-101 Price
April 1982 is $35,300.00 U.S.”

The HELMHOLTZ SOUND SYNTHESIZER. HELMHOLTZ, HERMANN VON. 1821-1894.

Up for auction on Bonhams

Lot 245W Y
HELMHOLTZ SOUND SYNTHESIZER.
HELMHOLTZ, HERMANN VON. 1821-1894.
Chemnitz: Max Kohl, c.1905.
US$ 20,000 - 30,000
£12,000 - 18,000

Some info on the synthesizer in general from Explore Whipple Collections where you'll find additional pics. Note there are two known electronic instruments prior this. The Denis D’or, the “Golden Dionysis” and the Clavecine Électrique or the ‘Electric Harpsichord’ both of which you'll find at the excellent 120 Years of Electronic Music website. Currently they do not list the HELMHOLTZ.

"This ingenious device, designed by Herman von Helmholtz XR (1821-1894), was the very first sound synthesizer: a tool for studying and artificially recreating musical tones and the sounds of human speech.

Background

Suppose I sing the word 'car' and then on the same note sing 'we'. The two vowel sounds will be similar in so far as they have the same pitch G , yet they have a clearly distinct sound quality, or timbre G . What is it that accounts for this difference, and the timbres G of musical sounds in general? Helmholtz set out to answer this very question in the mid 19th century, building on the work of the Dutch scientist Franz Donders (1818-1889).

Complex tones

Helmholtz showed that the timbre G of musical notes, and vowel sounds, is a result of their complexity: just as seemingly-pure white light actually contains all the colors of the rainbow, clearly defined musical notes are composed of many different tones. If you play the A above middle C on an organ, for example, the sound you hear has a clearly defined "fundamental" pitch G of 440Hz G . But the sound does not only contain a simple "fundamental" vibration at 440Hz G , but also a "harmonic series" of whole number multiples of this frequency G called "overtones" (i.e., 880Hz G , 1320Hz, 1760Hz, etc.). Helmholtz proved, using his synthesizer, that it is this combination of overtones at varying levels of intensity that give musical tones, and vowel sounds, their particular sound quality, or timbre G .

How the synthesizer works

Helmholtz's apparatus uses tuning forks, renowned for their very pure tone, to generate a fundamental frequency G and the first six overtones which may then be combined in varying proportions. The tuning forks are made to vibrate using electromagnets and the sound of each fork may be amplified by means of a Helmholtz resonator with adjustable shutter operated mechanically by a keyboard.

By varying the relative intensities of the overtones, Helmholtz was able to simulate sounds of various timbres G and, in particular, recreate and understand the nature of the vowel sounds of human speech and singing. Vowel sounds are created by the resonances G of the vocal tract, with each vowel defined by two or three resonant frequencies G known as formants. When we say or sing 'a' (as in 'had'), for instance, the vocal tract amplifies frequencies G close to 800Hz G , 1800Hz and 2400Hz amongst others. When we require a different vowel sound, the muscles of the throat and mouth change the shape of the vocal tract, producing a different set of resonances G ."

Baldwin Fun Machine Polyphonic Synthesizer Demo Overview Video

Published on Sep 15, 2014 The Circuit Symphony

"An in depth look at this odd instrument from 1974. There is a slight audio edit error at the end. Sorry."

Baldwin Fun Machines on eBay

EML Electronic Music Lab Synthesizer Modules SUPER RARE

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

via this auction

"Super rare EML synth modules. These can be used to run any instruments through them. Great filter sound as well!"

They remind me of the ARP educational modules. I don't believe these have ever been featured on MATRIXSYNTH before.

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Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell Rare Chrome KORG MINI-KORG 700s

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

SN 503364 via this auction

"For sale is a very rare vintage MINIKORG 700S Analogue synth from 1975 in excellent condition. A brilliant compact and versatile keyboard, the MINIKORG was made in Japan and is built to an exceptionally high quality. It produces fantastic innovative sounds and features quality controls and is simply one of the very best analogue synths ever. This particular synth is very rare aluminium. Used by many top acts, including, The Cure, Human League, N-Trance, Vangelis, Stevie Wonder, The Cars and Paul Hardcastle. This particular synth has been used by BOOTSY COLLINS and Bernie Worrell of Parliament and FUNKADELIC and delivered great results during studio sessions with myself. There is some wear and tear to the chassis. Some knobs and buttons require cleaning. With a little TLC attention and service, the MINIKORG will continue to deliver great sound and performance The SYNTH is being sold as the studio is now closed and I'm having to reduce my vintage stock. Please note, it's a heavy item and is currently in storage in Edinburgh Scotland. This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase a brilliant and quality vintage synth with genuine history and pedigree at a great price."

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Vintage Korean "Moog 75" Vinyl LP

flickr by moreska

"Seoul Korea vintage Korean vinyl LP 'Moog 75' with oddball doll on cover - 'Groovy Moog'
This vintage Korean LP features works done on the legendary Moog synthesizer and was part of a series, itself likely a response to the popularity of Wendy Carlos' 'Switched on Bach.' Some Roger Moore James Bond stuff rounds out the picture. ;-)"

Rare Vintage Prototype Moog Minitmoog Number 001

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

via this auction

"There is only one of these..this is a Prototype, number 001 of the minitmoog Synthesizer. I bought this about a year ago from the son of an employee of Moog who worked directly with Bob Moog in Buffalo, NY back in the 60's and 70's. This is really a special item..

I even have the service Manual , owners manual and extra paper with corrections or actually updates to calibrating procedures..if this doesn't sell, I am going to make copies of this stuff becasue no one else has this..

I do not know how to text it..I do notice that some of the plastic by the slide levers is broken off or missing..I haven't plugged it in..the son I bought it from said it worked...IDK..from what I read, I can do more damage turning it on..if you have any insights to this...please let me know."

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