"Clarity Retro polyphonic Midi C/V convertor from the mid 1990's. Brand New in box. Unit is untested and sold as is, but has never been used. If you are here.... then you know what this is!"
No I don't! :) Never seen one before. This is the first Clarity Retro post on the site.
No title link. Three shots via this auction. Not much as far as details (note the Clarion typo):
"here we have a CLARION RETRO, a polyphonic MIDI-to-CV converter that also acts as 4 seperate LFO with variable waveforms if needed :)
i used this unit with my modular for the past 4 years with NO complaints. the buttons function smoothly with no resistance or double triggering. the input and outputs are all dust free and connect firmly. since i recently sold me modular i now have no need to take this with me so i'm hoping it can go to a good home."
"Another creation from the TRS-80s and MIDI80/Orchestra90. Taking it a little slower with this one, introducing a little more wah into the mix to give a spooky vibe. Did you ever take a ride you knew was a bad idea?
'ATerribleRide' takes you on a sonic journey through the interplay of vintage technology and modern production techniques. Created using TRS-80 Model 4 computers with Orchestra-90 and MIDI-80 accessories, the track emanates an organic electronic soundscape that's both intricate and evocative.
The song features rhythmic pulses reminiscent of classic chiptune music but evolves into a layered composition enriched with dynamic timbres and harmonic progressions. The lo-fi charm of the TRS-80 hardware is seamlessly intertwined with polished, modern effects, giving the track a unique balance of retro grit and contemporary clarity. Listeners will experience a haunting, almost cinematic narrative, where the analog textures of yesteryear meet the precision of today’s music gear. It’s a vivid, experimental piece that encapsulates innovation while paying homage to the pioneers of electronic sound.
As always, no electric guitars or basses were hurt during the making of this film haha! Just a bunch of TRS-80s sharing the light with some retro synth tunes! Check out the other videos if this is not your style, and thanks for watching!
Hi everyone! As you know Barry Schrader will be giving his farewell concert at CalArts on September 26. The following is the beginning of my interview with him. I opted to post the questions and answers as they come in. New QAs will get a new post so you do not miss them and they will be added to this post so we have one central post for the full interview. This should make it easier for all of us to consume in our busy lives, and it will allow you to send in any questions that may come to mind during the interview process. If you have anything you'd like to ask Barry, feel free to send it in to matrixsynth@gmail.com. This is a rare opportunity for us to get insight on a significant bit of synthesizer history, specifically with early Buchla systems, and I'd like to thank Barry for this opportunity. Thank you Barry!
"🎛️ Time of the Sines | In this deep-dive FM synth comparison, we explore the core tone and sonic character of two standout FM synthesizers: the Kasser Synths DAFM Genesis (featuring the legendary YM2612 chip) and the powerful Twisted Electrons MegaFM mk2. Whether you're into retro game audio, FM sound design, or modern synth tones, this video is a must-watch!
🔊 We'll compare sound design flexibility, core tone differences, and real-world applications in music production. From basses to leads and everything in between, discover how these FM synths stack up against each other in a tone-focused showdown.
🎹 If you’re searching for the best FM synth for your setup or are obsessed with sound design synth workflows, this video delivers the clarity you need to make the right choice.
✅ Perfect for fans of the Kasser Synths DAFM Genesis, Twisted Electrons MegaFM, or anyone diving into FM synthesis with a creative twist. Hit subscribe for more viral synth content and FM deep-dives!"
Major Tom is a eurorack sequencer designed for percussive synthesis in eurorack modular context. Technically it is a 4 track cv-gate sequencer (expandable up to 12 tracks with expanders modules) and with some unique features focused on rhythmic and polyrhythmic aspects.
In 1972, EKO COMPUTERHYTHM introduced the first programmable drum machine to the market and invented the 16 STEP writing, which would become a standard for all subsequent programmable drum machines and step sequencer and has remained unchanged until now.
50 years later, NONO MODULAR with his Major Tom, introduces a small but fundamental modification to this standard, that allows for easily creating more complex and groovier rhythms without losing the ease and immediacy of the classic system, thus expanding the possibilities we have had so far with hardware sequencers.
MAJOR TOM presents itself as a classic 16-step CV/gate sequencer but also implements triplet steps in parallel (the outer orbits of the 16-step circle), making it the only hardware step sequencer to offer this possibility and, above all, in such an immediate way.
It is a 4-track Eurorack CV/gate sequencer (expandable up to 12 tracks with 2-channel expansions) with a focus on writing rhythmic and polyrhythmic parts and on treating the width, length, and fragmentation of the gate for each step.
All these features are extremely useful for creating more dynamic rhythms, easily creating burst effects, rolls, ratcheting, and for precise work on percussive synthesis in the Eurorack modular context (for example, working with ping/ring techniques with low-pass gates and filters of West Coast systems or stimulating delays and resonators).
A quantized CV for each track allows you to tune or modulate your patches. Of course, the sequencer also allows you to work with drum modules and create classic melodic sequences like any other CV/gate sequencer.
ROUND COLOR DISPLAY A large round display allows you to keep track of everything that happens. For clarity, each track has its own color (white, yellow, blue, red, and white and green for expansions).
There are very few submenus in this sequencer, which presents itself with a very analog and "one button, one function" philosophy that helps with orientation and provides great immediacy in live performances.
Underneath what you see directly with your eyes, there are only quantization and clock dividing parameters, sequence group saving banks that are saved directly on microSD (to facilitate export, management, and backup), and various copy/paste/freeze tricks that are essential for both fast programming and performance/variation.
EXPANSIONS Each expansion adds two channels with all their respective controls and allows for expanding the sequencer tracks according to the need, up to 12 total channels tops, connecting by 4 expansions.
Expandability is not the only advantage of this structure because, in addition to expanding the available channels, it allows us to keep the project open and develop other types of expansions with different characteristics and different controls to meet other needs.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
• 4 CV/Gate tracks (expandable up to 12 with expansions) • 16-step sequencer with the addition of triplet steps (total of 24 steps) • 4 independent parameters per step, adjustable via dedicated button and encoder (3 for gate and 1 for CV) • LEVEL (gate amplitude, from 0V to 10V) • LENGTH (gate length, from a very short trigger of 1% of the gate to a full gate step) • SPACER/FRAGMENTER (gate fragmentation up to 10 parts and application of dynamic masks to the impulse group, such as increasing, decreasing, linear, random, alternating, etc.) • CV (Quantized voltage in different scales)
A large part of the module is dedicated to sequence controls in order to have direct and immediate contact and maximum playability.
3 performance controls and a colored button for each track: • LARGE VAR SWITCH KNOB with 10 positions switch where you can save 10 different sequences instantly switchable for use as variations. • LAST STEP SWITCH KNOB, allowing independent change of the LAST STEP of the individual track from 16 STEPS to 1, easily creating polyrhythms. • SHIFT KNOB to finely delay the entire sequence independently from others. • COLORED BUTTON, colored button to select the track to program. Other functions are associated with this button such as pattern copy/paste and track reset.
Additional features include: • Encoder for sequence speed • Start/Stop button and Reset button (general reset and individual track resets in combination with the colored track button) • CLOCK OUT and RESET OUT • CLOCK IN, RESET IN, and CV IN • MAJOR TOM is 42HP, expander IS 14HP , DEPTH is 3,5cm • MEMORY: hundreads and hundreads of “LIVE SCENE” can be saved and reorganized on SD (LIVE SCENE is the set of 10 patterns saved in the large knob of each of the tracks)
"Yamaha FB-01 Frequency Modulation Sound Generator w/ Original Box - Classic FM Synthesis
Unleash the sonic brilliance of classic FM synthesis with this Yamaha FB-01 FM Sound Generator. This compact, rack-mountable unit is a treasure trove of retro digital textures, delivering the unmistakable warmth and clarity of Yamaha’s legendary FM technology. Featuring multi-timbral capabilities, it can handle up to 8 parts simultaneously, making it perfect for layering lush pads, snappy basslines, and shimmering keys. Whether you're diving into vintage sounds for your next project or expanding your studio's versatility, the FB-01 is your gateway to timeless tones.
This unit is in good working condition, with all functions and outputs tested and performing beautifully. Cosmetically, there are some surface marks consistent with its age, but nothing that detracts from its reliability or aesthetic charm. The front panel’s buttons and display are intact and fully operational, offering an intuitive way to navigate its impressive 240 preset voices. It’s an excellent choice for producers, sound designers, and performers who appreciate the gritty magic of early digital synths.
With its MIDI connectivity and user-friendly interface, the Yamaha FB-01 integrates seamlessly into any setup, whether hardware or DAW-based. From crystalline electric pianos to growling bass tones, this unit excels in capturing the essence of 80s and 90s FM synthesis. If you're ready to add some authentic vintage flair to your sound arsenal, this Yamaha FB-01 is the perfect addition to your rig!"
Back to 90s V2 – Modern Sound with Vintage Soul Step into the second chapter of the Back to 90s series – a fresh collection of custom-designed presets & patches for the Roland JD-800 Model Expansion. This sound pack beautifully blends the nostalgic warmth of the 1990s with the clarity and precision of modern sound design.
Compatible with:
This pack works only with instruments supporting the JD-800 Model Expansion. These include:
Roland FANTOM series (FANTOM 6 / 7 / 8 and FANTOM-06 / 07 / 08 – with Expansion installed) Roland JUPITER-X / JUPITER-Xm Roland JUNO-X / JUNO-Xi Roland ZENOLOGY (software plugin)
Therefore, ensure your device has the JD-800 Model Expansion.
Soundbank includes 50 Roland JD-800 Model presets, which are:
