The World's First Programmable Synthesizer and its Pulitzer Prize Winning Music

video upload by ITSPmagazine

"This synthesizer is the world's first programmable music synthesizer. The first piece of electronic music to win the Pulitzer Prize was made on it.

basically a two voice synthesizer with tone generation and composing in the left hand side and processing on the right hand side, including manual binary for the, uh, ordering of the effects processes. Um, which for its time, uh, essentially like a uh, touring computer. Um, uh, was it You know, one and a half tons, seven feet tall, 14 feet wide, it's quite a behemoth, but now it's a very large paperweight.

Watch the full video:" [The above comes in at 22:41 - vintage Buchla, Serge & more follow. See this post for the red Buchla LSD module]

How Technology is Changing the Way We Make Music | A Conversation with Seth Cluett

video upload by ITSPmagazine

"Guest: Seth Cluett, Director of Columbia University’s Computer Music Center | On LinkedIn: / seth-cluett-7631065 | Columbia University Computer Music Center Bio: https://cmc.music.columbia.edu/bios/s...

Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

Show Notes

Music and technology have always shaped each other, and few places embody that relationship as deeply as the Computer Music Center (CMC) at Columbia University. In this episode of Music Evolves, Sean Martin sits down with Seth Cluett, Director of the Computer Music Center and Assistant Director of the Sound Art MFA program at Columbia, to explore the center’s rich history, its role in advancing music technology, and how it continues to shape the future of sound.

The Legacy and Mission of the Computer Music Center

The CMC is housed in the same 6,000-square-foot space as the original Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center, which dates back to 1951 and is one of the world’s oldest university-based electronic music research facilities. This was the birthplace of early electronic music, where pioneers learned to use cutting-edge technology to create new sounds. Many of those musicians went on to establish their own studios around the world, from Egypt to Japan.

The center has played a role in major milestones in music history, including the work of Wendy Carlos, a former student known for Switched-On Bach, the score for Tron, and The Shining. The first piece of electronic music to win a Pulitzer Prize was also composed here. Today, under Cluett’s leadership, the focus remains on creativity-driven technological innovation—allowing composers and artists to explore technology freely and push the boundaries of what’s possible in sound and music.

One of the center’s guiding principles is accessibility. Cluett emphasizes the importance of lowering barriers to entry for students who may not have had prior access to music technology. The goal is to make sure that anyone, regardless of background, can walk into the studio and begin working with 80% of its capabilities within the first 20 minutes.

Exploring the Labs and Studios

The episode also includes a tour of the labs and studios, showcasing some of the center’s groundbreaking equipment. One highlight is the RCA Mark II Synthesizer, the world’s first programmable music synthesizer. Built in the late 1950s, this massive machine—seven feet tall and weighing over a ton—was instrumental in shaping the sound of early electronic music. The system worked by punching holes into paper to control sound generation, similar to a player piano. While no longer in use, the CMC has collaborated with iZotope to model some of its effects digitally.

CLICK FOR MORE »

#NAMM 2025: String Armonica from Merkaba Electronics

video upload by CatSynth TV

A demo of the String Armonica, an electro-mechanical synthesizer by Merkaba Electronics. It has 12 tuned strings, which are resonated by a custom internal synthesizer, and can be played via a MIDI controller.

To find out more, please visit https://soundstone.co/products/the-st...
_________
Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.
Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

"The String Armonica: A New Class of Synthesizer

The String Armonica has been upgraded with several key improvements and new features to expand its capabilities. This version includes adjustable string height with redesigned bridges and custom-polished steel pickup plates for improved tone and performance.

Each unit comes with a custom hard shell case.

New built-in modes:
• Staccato Mode: Adjust note duration for sharper, more defined sounds.
• Harp Sweeping Function: Use the pitch wheel to sweep seamlessly across strings.
• Arpeggiator: Choose from five patterns for dynamic, rhythmic sequences.
• Envelope Mode: Notes automatically fade in with adjustable timing for smooth, expressive playing.


We’re producing 50 units in this initial run, with the first 10 available for purchase next week."

NAMM 2025: Circle Guitar's New Rhythmic Possibilities

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Anthony, who presented the *Circle Guitar*. This innovative instrument features a wheel with plectrums that dynamically strum the strings, offering possibilities beyond human capability. Anthony mentioned the latest firmware update, which now leverages MPE MIDI for controlling wheel speed more dynamically.

The guitar's design incorporates a multi-channel pickup, allowing you to isolate each string's volume. Two modes are available: a Player mode for real-time expression with tap tempo, and a Producer mode using MPE MIDI to enable complex rhythms and programmable gate patterns for creating arpeggios.

Anthony expressed hopes to start with a limited batch release by mid-year, with the vision of making the instrument more accessible through potential licensing. Priced at £9,995 plus VAT, the Circle Guitar is aimed at redefining sonic exploration and expression for a diverse range of guitarists.

More Info:

https://circleinstruments.com/"

Junkie XL's Chaos Guitar - Rare Aum Chaos Lap Steel Experimental Ambient Slide Guitar

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Aum Guitars - Journeys into Sound

"Trying out the instrument that we made for the film composer Junkie XL AKA Tom Holkenborg. We're kinda hoping it'll be used in one of his film scores at some point.. Technical note - the instrument is capable of self oscillation due to the active drive circuitry on board. The feedback frequencies are determined by a number of factors determined by the player. I used a Zoom G3 in part of the demo to sequence the feedback. The Matrixbrute wasn't used in this demo btw.. http://aumguitars.co.uk/"

Note this video was from 2019. Note the listing below is one from 2022 and has a different finish.

via this listing

"Up for auction is a very rare, custom-built device from France. This was ordered in 2021, and received in 2022, having taken 10 months to construct. It was used in the studio on a soundtrack recording, and is in excellent 100% operational and cosmetic condition. A detailed Owners Manual is included. Please see below for a video demonstration.

The Chaos Guitar is an 8 string Lap steel with dual piezo elements, (one is magnetic), and an E-bow sensor as well as a standard magnetic humbucking pickup. It features a passive mixer and and active section that allows the user to sustain notes using an inbuilt feedback system, (actually 2 of them). One of these systems is built into a slide, (see Vibraslide page) and plugs physically into the guitar when not being held thereby transferring the vibrations back into the body of the instrument. Furthermore, it is possible to insert an effect into the input of the sustain system to process the feedback signal. This can either be added to the original signal or remain independent of it via a switch. Each of the sound producing elements has a direct output for individual processing if desired."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Playing Music on the Oldest Running Computer in America!

video upload by Usagi Electric

This one is in via David. Music bit starts around 24:40. The Bendix G15 Computer.

"What it says on the tin, we do some epic stuff today!
It wasn’t easy though, there were battles galore, but in the end, we got there and the result is stunning. Merry Christmas y’all!

Check out System Source here: https://museum.syssrc.com/"

What Does This Museum Sound Like? Pt 1 (No Talking) #asmr

video upload by THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

"Today we listen to some of the museum exhibits, headphones on!
-----
Support the Museum Patreon : / lookmumnocomputer"

Muro Box-N40 Standard, Continuum, Osmose and Onde

video upload by Christophe Duquesne

"Muro Box-N40 Standard music box track with an Onde from La Voix du Luthier, a Continuum and an Eagan Matrix Module from Haken Audio and an Osmose from Expressive E The N40 is an enhanced version of the N20, the main additional feature being a chromatic scale and internal piezo microphone, both being huge improvements !

The Muro Box-N40 s controlled via MIDI by a Korg SV1.

The voice is built from and analysis of the voice of Khatija Rahman and resynthesised by the Continuum. The pitch and shimmer effect on the Murobox are done by an Eagan Matrix Module. Both are done thanks to the new 10.40 features of the Eagan Matrix.

The murobox is recorded with 3 internal piezo and an IQ7 microphone. The piezo are connected to a small preamp (TubeMP from ART, but multiple others will work). The output of the preamp goes to a Eurorack (in an Eagan Matrix Module). I then a processing chain with a notch filter cuting a frequency band aroud 280/300 Hz, and a noisegate in order to lower the motor noise. The Eagan Matrix module then adds shimmers and pitch effects."

https://murobox.com/en/
My review of the Murobox https://murobox.com/en/our-users/fren...

Lullatone "Corduroy" played on a Muro Box N40 and OP-1 Field

video upload by Lullatone

"Muro Box sent a prototype of their upcoming N40 midi music box to test out. This new unit can also do the black keys on a keyboard! (the original N20 version is limited to the C major scale) Here, I'm controlling the plucking of the music box's tines with the OP-1 Field's keyboard by MIDI over USB-C, while sometimes adding in soft sine tone synth sounds coming out of the OP-1 at the same time. Soft sine tones and music boxes have been the Lullatone dream team since the early 2000s : )"

See the Muro Box label below for additional posts.

"Which Music Box Has the Best Sound?

The Beautiful Sound of a Music Box Comes from these key components: Comb, Metal Base, and Wood Box

The N20 and N40 Standard models share the same material and design, differing only in the number of notes and the inclusion of semitones. The N40 Sublime is our flagship model, featuring a four-comb configuration, an acacia wood box, and pure brass base that adds a unique character to its resonance."

"Since its inception, the Muro Box’s external MIDI functionality makes the dream of using a music box as an instrument a reality. Especially with the N40’s 40-note scale, which includes semitones, it meets the arrangement and composition needs of musicians!"

Gieskes 4 Relay Module: 1,2,3,4,5

video upload by Gijs Gieskes

via gieskes

4 RELAY MODULE

THIS MODULE USES THE MECHANICS OF RELAYS TO GENERATE PERCUSSIVE SOUNDS.

WIRING MARBLE POWERED COMPUTER TO A MODULAR SYNTH

video upload by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

"Today we revisit Jem Finer's Supercomputer.
Download the Sounds from this video to be used as samples here :-
/ marble-computer-112151109"

One-of-a-Kind Mechanical and Doepfer Based Eurorack Sequencer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video uploads by Temporary lines

Note the sequencer is listed for sale below with full details. Use the player controls above to skip through videos.

First video:
Patching my picture reader into my eurorack system
Moog grandmother for bass
Moog dfam for percussion and noises
Tiptop 909 kick, clap, cymbals, hats, one
Polyvoks vcfs
Serge 1973 vcf pinging

via this listing

"A one of a kind Eurorack sequencer and case ( 3 x 126HP).

This case was painstainkling crafted from aluminium extrusuions and 6mm hoop pine plywood. It has removable aluminium legs at the rear that posistion the case on an ergonomic angle.

Inside the bottom of the case the 'clock' is mounted. The clock consists of a geared stepper motor 5:1 driving an aluminium arm with magnets. These activate reed switched on the four different time tracks on the custom made circuit board, 4/4,5/4,6/4,7/4, over 8 bars. The stepper motor is driven by a stepper motor controller, this is connected to a panel installed in the lower left position of the eurorack. This panel has an input 2.1mm barrel socket for a 12V (1A Min) supply, a enable switch, a pulse switch and a direction switch, there is a 3.5mm socket for the input pulse from the oscillator; (the frequency division of the oscillator can be adjusted by dip switches on the stepper motor controller). The oscilator I used was a Doepfer A-145-1 LFO set to High range.

The time signatures are then available over 14 'channels' to have each step turned on or off by the array of miniture toggle switch on the control panel over the 8 bars. The ouputs of each channel are available on 3.5mm sockets on the output panel mounted center-top on the eurorack rails. This panel also features the following outputs - 1 every 8 Bars, Kick drum 4/4, Off beat, 2,4 and 2,3,4 on 4/4 time. Also direct outputs for each time signature.

The case also comes with a custion beat counter module, this displays the BPM in binary.

A selection of spare parts is provided, including - a stepper motor and gearbox (high precision) reed switches, toggle switches, diodes.

Note - this device best suits those with some electronic skills as this device will likely need servicing at some stage. Also it my require trouble shooting should it become damaged during transportation. It will be well packed and marked fragile. The damage will like be a solder joint becoming faulty it the device is bashed about. The circuits are very simple and easy to trace. The 'clock' board is mounted to the botem panel that can be 'quickly' removed from the bottom of the case via wingnuts."

CLICK FOR MORE »

THIS IS AN ELECTROSTATIC TONEWHEEEL | BELIEVE IT OR NOT THIS IS A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT...

video upload by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

I think LMNC just might have the funnest job in the world of synths.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT THIS IS A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT...

video upload by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

https://this-museum-is-not-obsolete.com/

Update: I was curious what a "Compton church organ" might be. A quick search brought up the following via Wikipedia:

"John Compton (1876–1957) was a pipe organ builder, born in Newton Burgoland, Leicestershire, England.[1] His business based in Nottingham and London flourished between 1902 and 1965.[2]"

And:

"Compton cinema organs, built by the John Compton Organ Company of Acton, were the most prevalent of theatre organs in the UK. 261 were installed in cinemas and theatres in the British Isles. Comptons made many fine church and concert organs as well. The company's cinema organs employed the latest technology and engineering and many are still in existence. One of the most notable is the large 5 manual example at the Odeon Cinema Leicester Square in central London."

See the Wikipedia link above for more...

Korg Acoustic Synthesis-phase 8 // Update from Superbooth 2024

video upload by Starsky Carr

"A quick update from #Superbooth2024 from Tatsuya Takahashi about the Korg Acoustic Synthesis Phase 8."

Gieskes is a Special Eurorack Experience

video upload by NOISEBUG

"VU meter percussion, Alarm clock Klok generator and sound source, Starving Binary and Voice Rec are just a few of the wildly unique Gieskes modules now carried by Noisebug. Check out our full selection at Noisebug.net and be amazed and the wonderful creates from Gieskes.

#synthesizer #eurorack #eurorackmodular #modularsynth #synth #gieskes

https://www.noisebug.net/collections/..."

Mechanical Techno Studio Set (with annotations)

video upload by Graham Dunning

"A recording of a live mixdown of a new track, made 8th March 2024. Includes annotations of some of the elements of the instrument and various actions during the recording.
Note that I did a second pass live mixing effects: reverb on the bass synth and 909 hi-hats, delay on the squelch synth."

A4988E1A

video upload by Gijs Gieskes

https://gieskes.nl/eurorack/?file=A4988E

0:00: No-Drums and other modules
1:30: Guitar
2:08: TR-707
3:05: Elastic bands

CLICK FOR MORE »

The SINGER - Toy sewing machines and synths

video upload by Love Hultén

"Commissioned setup using two MOOG Mother-32s, a Strymon Magneto and 3x toy sewing machines from the 70s. The machines are triggered via MIDI and can be played using sequencers or the hidden pull-out keybed.

Very happy how this one turned out!"

Jamuary 13th 2024 "robojam"

video upload by Captain Credible

"Today i got a bunch of kids to build a bunch of drumbots and jam with me! #microbitorchestra #Jamuary2024 #microbit #drumcircle #techno #dawless"

Voltage Controlled Knob

video upload by ultra cacophony

"Thin module can control any knobs.
・eurorack
・motion recording
・motion CV IN/OUT
By using multiple modules, you can use it like a macro knob.
2016 ulcasiva"

Music Made From Telephone Exchange Sounds - SAMPLE PACK

video upload by THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

"The Museum Is now going to Offer sample packs of its machines,
a couple of sample packs a month to help fund improvement of the running of the museum to be open more often and offer more this coming year after the refurbishment we are doing over the next few months.
Johnny is now recording some of the machines at the museum and offering them as sample packs.
This one is the telephone Exchange! Various sounds from the clicks and bangs made from it, recorded with various microphones, as well as all of the common service sounds ie ring tone, dial tone etc, that also have been effected in some of the samples, 150+ sounds
Check it here :- https://this-museum-is-not-obsolete.c...
Also available on the look mum no computer patreon."

Murobox N40

video upload by Christophe Duquesne

"Halloween style Murobox N40 music box demonstration with La Voile from La Voix du Luthier, an Eagan Matrix Module from Haken Audio and an Osmose from Expressive E
The N40 is an enhanced version of the N20, the main additional feature being a chromatic scale and internal pies microphone, both being huge improvements !

Murobox Kickstarter campaign page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Murobox website: https://murobox.com/en/
My review of the Murobox https://murobox.com/en/our-users/fren..."