Modular Monthly: TipTop Audio Z DSP Tutorials

Modular Monthly: TipTop Audio Z DSP – Part 1: Chorus

Published on Jan 27, 2017 Future Music Magazine

"In this series of special Modular Monthly tutorials, we're going deep in on TipTop Audio's powerful Z DSP processor. In this first episode we take a look at what its chorus algorithms can do."

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Future music magazine Korg Kaoss demos, The Orb & Orbital

YouTube Uploaded by FOCtv on Nov 3, 2011

KORG EA-1, ER-1, & original KAOSS Pad. Links will bring up price comparisons on eBay.

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Chromeo : In The Studio With Future Music Magazine issue 239

YouTube Uploaded by FutureMusicMagazine on Apr 7, 2011

"Their current album places them at the forefront of foward- thinking throwback funk.
You can Buy this issue here: http://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/music/future-music-magazine-subscription"

Moogfest 2014 Presenters Include Makers Roger Linn, Dave Smith, Tom Oberheim, Don Buchla, Forest Mims & More

"Moogfest 2014 Announces Daytime Presenters Including Futurists, Musicians, Scientists, Authors, Filmmakers, and Pioneers of Electronic Music Instrument Design

Phase 1 tickets start at $199 for 5-Day General Admission, and $499 for 5-Day VIP Admission while supplies last through December 19 when Phase 2 GA tickets go up to $299. All prices exclusive of applicable fees.

ASHEVILLE, NC – November 14, 2013 – Moogfest is a five-day festival dedicated to the synthesis of technology, art and music. Since its inception in 2004, Moogfest has been a magnet for artists, engineers, and enthusiasts of Bob Moog. With an experimental lineup of daytime conference programming featuring cultural, artistic and technological luminaries and punctuated by a diverse line up of landmark nightly performances, Moogfest honors the creativity and inventiveness of Dr. Robert Moog and pays tribute to the legacy of the analog synthesizer. This is no ordinary festival.

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Modular Monthly: How to make a DIY Eurorack 3U case

Published on Mar 13, 2015 Future Music Magazine

"In this edition of our monthly modular synthesis column, we show you how to create your own DIY Eurorack casing to help you get your system going without breaking the bank. For more, check out issue 288 of Future Music magazine: http://bit.ly/FMU288

Modular Monthly continues in every issue FM!"

Akai APC Musikmesse Videos

MESSE 2014: Akai APC40 MKII

Published on Mar 12, 2014 Future Music Magazine·388 videos

messe14 akai apc keys

Published on Mar 12, 2014 sonicstate·735 videos

[Musikmesse] Akai APC Mini

Published on Mar 12, 2014 Audiofanzine·1,062 videos

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[Musikmesse] Akai APC40 mk2

Published on Mar 12, 2014 Audiofanzine·1,062 videos

"Here's a presentation of the Akai APC40 mk2 at the Musikmesse 2014."
MESSE 2014: AKAI APC Mini

Published on Mar 12, 2014 Future Music Magazine·388 videos

"Musikmesse 2014: Akai announce the APC Mini, a compact, cut down version of their flagship APC40."

[Musikmesse] Akai APC Key 25
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Published on Mar 12, 2014 Audiofanzine·1,062 videos

"Here's a presentation of the Akai APC Key 25 at the Musikmesse 2014."

Superbooth 2022: Teenage Engineering OP 1 Field Sound Demo

video upload by Future Music Magazine

Superbooth 2022: Teenage Engineering OP 1 Field & TX 6 Sound Demo

video upload by Future Music Magazine

Superbooth 2018: Bastl Instruments 1983 and Timber modules demo

Published on May 7, 2018 Future Music Magazine

"Václav shows us the brand new Bastl modules; the 1983 polyphonic MIDI to CV interface and a waveshaping module called Timber."

Superbooth 2018: Bastl Instruments Thyme demo

Published on May 7, 2018 Future Music Magazine

'Lennart gives us a rundown of the Thyme robot operated digital tape machine."

“MIDI Creators and Innovators” Panel Coming to NAMM

"MIDI Creators and Innovators Alan Parsons, Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, Jordan Rudess, George Duke and Craig Anderton to Discuss Past, Present and Future of MIDI at 2013 NAMM Show H.O.T Zone Session

Who:

Alan Parsons is British-born audio engineer, musician, and record producer. Parsons has been involved with some of the biggest recordings of all time, including The Beatles Abbey Road and Let It Be, in addition to Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon. He has been involved in all aspects of the music business and is well known for his own work, The Alan Parson's Project. When not engineering and producing, Mr. Parson's is a highly sought after guest lecturer, product and technology consultant and is the co-creator of the highly- acclaimed educational DVD series called The Art & Science of Sound Recording.

Tom Oberheim is a synthesizer pioneer having created several legendary synths, effects processors, and drum machines as the founder of Oberheim Electronics, Marion Systems, and SeaSound. Oberheim was a key contributor to the original MIDI specification and was an early evangelist of the technology.

Dave Smith was the co-author of the original MIDI specification with Roland's CEO and founder Ikutaro Kakehashi. Mr. Smith was the founder of Sequential Circuits while developing the MIDI specification, and has since developed dozens of synthesizers, drum machines, and effects processors. His current company, Dave Smith Instruments, continues to develop cutting edge MIDI-based instruments that enjoy a worldwide following.

Jordan Rudess, is an American keyboardist, clinician, composer and software entrepreneur best known as the keyboardist in the band Dream Theater and the progressive rock supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment. Rudess is a graduate of the Julliard School of Music and is an extremely well respected consultant to many music instrument companies, and has his own music software company called Wizdom Music, which designs innovative tablet- based musical instruments.

George Duke is a legendary musician, keyboard pioneer, composer, singer and producer in both jazz and popular mainstream musical genres. Duke has composed, produced, and played on dozens of gold and platinum records, received numerous GRAMMY awards, and has toured extensively as a band member, music director, and as a solo artist.

Craig Anderton, is a musician, author and music magazine editor/writer who is well known to anyone who has ever picked up a music technology magazine. As the editor of Electronic Musician and author of hundreds of articles on music technology, Anderton is an esteemed journalist and expert in all aspects of MIDI and MIDI technology.

Tom White, (MC) is the President of the MIDI Manufacturers Association, and a highly- regarded contributor and consultant to several industry trade and technology groups including but not limited to CES, USB, IEEE, AES, IASIG, and as long-standing president of the MMA. White has had a long career in the music industry, including a lengthy period in marketing and business development for Roland Corporation.

What: Panel discussion “MIDI Creators and Innovators” For 30 years, MIDI has been always been at the forefront of music technology even as musical trends changed. Come hear from a star-studded panel of MIDI creators and innovators -- stories and opinions about the past, present, and future of MIDI.

When: Sat. Jan. 26, 2013 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: The NAMM Show, Anaheim Convention Center Room 204B (Inside NAMM H.O.T. Zone)

Presented by the MMA

The MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1985 to encourage companies implementing MIDI to make their products interoperable through compliance with MMA Recommended Practices. MMA publishes the official MIDI Specification, provides education about MIDI, licenses MIDI trademarks, and promotes the use of MIDI technology for new applications and in various industries. For more information, please visit www.midi.org"

New KORG taktile / TRITON taktile USB/MIDI Controllers

New KORG taktile -- A controller designed to inspire

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Korg·423 videos

"The KORG taktile / TRITON taktile are USB/MIDI controllers equipped with the same great-feeling, semi-weighted keyboard found on Korg's KingKorg and Krome. Taktiles are loaded with functions that make them fun to use. Of course, the taktile also delivers the functionality expected from a MIDI controller. It provides all of the basic controls such as sliders, switches, and transport controls, all to make Interfacing with your favorite DAWs and plug-ins a seamless experience.

In addition, TRITON taktile adds 512 sounds from the legendary KORG TRITON - KORG's best-selling Music Workstation. From your desktop to live stage performances, TRITON taktile is a USB MIDI controller that can be trusted in any performance situation.

This video features Adriano Clemente performing on the KORG taktile49.

For more information on the KORG taktile, head over to http://www.korg.com

"Like" us -- https://www.facebook.com/korgusavideos
"Follow" us -- https://www.twitter.com/korgusa"

Update: and the press release with price:

"Korg Unveils Taktile and TRITON Taktile USB Controller Keyboards/Synths

WINTER NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 23rd, 2014 - Korg (Booth 6440 / Hall A) announces the Taktile and TRITON Taktile USB Controller Keyboards. These small, lightweight USB/MIDI controller keyboards provide a wide variety of functions for song production, and are available in either 25 or 49-key variations (semi-weighted). TRITON Taktile takes the full functionality of the Taktile series and adds 512 sought-after Programs from Korg's classic TRITON Music Workstation. This enables musicians to use their controller as a standalone hardware synth or as a sound source in combination with existing plug-ins. Users have the ability to immediately play back MIDI data from their DAW without the need for additional software. TRITON Taktile also offers today's musicians rare access to coveted TRITON sounds.

Various knobs and sliders are available for controlling the numerous parameters of software synthesizers. The onboard controllers include:
Touch-sensitive, illuminated Drum Trigger Pads (8 for the 25-key models 16 for 49-key models)
Pitch Bend & Mod Wheel controls
A KAOSS-style X-Y Touch Pad that provides CC, note and track pad input
A ribbon for fast parameter selection or right/left click when in track pad mode
Assignable controllers (8 sliders, 8 knobs, 8 switches)
Dedicated DAW transport switches

A bright, clear OEL screen displays parameters and program names.

Touch Scale functionality lets users automatically generate phrases in the specified key and scale by simply moving a finger on the X-Y touchpad. This practical alternative enables anyone to easily play their software synth by using the same simple gestures as on a Korg Kaoss instrument. The Chord Trigger function allows chords to be assigned to the pads and played back. When utilized in conjunction with the Touch Scale function, users can quickly develop musical patterns/ideas into songs without the need for deep editing.

A generous array of licenses/discount coupons are bundled with the Taktile/TRITON Taktile, enabling users to start performing with popular music software immediately. Included are: Korg M1 Le software; EZDrummer Lite; Ultra Analog Session; Strum Acoustic Session; Lounge Lizard Session; Ableton Live discount coupon; and Reason Limited DAW software.

The Korg Taktile/TRITON Taktile will be available in June 2014 with US Street prices as follows: Taktile 25 - $249.99; Taktile 49 - $349.99; TRITON Taktile 25 - $349.99; TRITON Taktile 49 - $499.99 For more information, please visit www.korg.com."

Update: NAMM Floor Videos:

[NAMM] Korg Triton Taktile

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Audiofanzine·966 videos

"Here's a presentation of the new Korg Triton Taktile at the NAMM Show 2014."

NAMM 2014: Korg Taktile MIDI controllers and Triton Taktile synths

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Future Music Magazine·346 videos

"Korg release a new range of MIDI controllers in various formats, including the Taktile Triton's with built in synth sounds. Future Music get a demo at NAMM 2014"

Kraft Music - Korg Taktile Triton NAMM 2014

Published on Jan 23, 2014

Roland Introduces New MC-101 & MC-707 Groveboxes

Published on Sep 5, 2019 RolandChannel

Playlist:
Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX for Live Electronic Music Producers and Production
Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX for Beatmakers and Mobile Producers
Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX: Overview
Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX: Overview
Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX: Performance
Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX: Production
Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX: Sound

ROLAND MC707 User Videos


Playlist:
ROLAND MC707 IN-DEPTH REVIEW - BoBeats
Roland MC-707: Unboxing & Playing - Doctor Mix
Roland MC707 Groovebox - Hands On - Future Music Magazine
Roland MC707 Groovebox | Roland 1909 Launches - sonicstate
1st test with the Drum Machine part of the Roland MC 707 - Sound Provider


"The Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX has everything electronic music producers need to create a song or perform a live set without a computer. The MC-707 is armed with an eight-track sequencer optimized for fluid production, our latest deep synthesis engine, a powerful sampler, massive effects palette and 16 ultra-sensitive pads for playing or sequencing drum parts, melodic basslines, or polyphonic chord progressions.

The MC-707’s eight-track sequencer is made for today's electronic-focused music styles and ever-evolving subgenres. The TR-REC step sequencer is just like those found on classic Roland drum machines, perfect for building rhythm parts quickly. There are also 16 ultra-sensitive pads for playing or sequencing drum parts, melodic basslines, or polyphonic chord progressions.

The MC-707 features our latest sound engine, which fuses virtual analog and modern PCM. It’s flexible, powerful, and lets you dig deep into its sonic capabilities. It has the sounds of legendary Roland rhythm machines and synthesizers that are the foundation of electronic music—including the TR-808, TR-909, TB-303, JUNO-106, and SH-101. But the MC-707 also looks forward, with modern digital and hybrid sounds perfect for creating future classics—today.

In addition to its deep synthesis engine, the MC-707 has a powerful sampler with on-the-fly recording that synchronizes to your project's tempo and works as an updateable and expandable platform that never gets stale. Keep things fresh with new loops, one-shots, phrases, and synth sounds—all available online."


"The Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX combines premium-quality synthesizer and drum sounds, samples, patterns and effects in a compact four-track sequencer that’s go-everywhere portable. Create whenever, and wherever, inspiration strikes with this pocket production studio and add performance-ready tracks to your DAWless or compact synthesizer setup.

The MC-101 has a four-track sequencer optimized for beatmakers, producers and mobile music makers creating today's electronic and dance-oriented music. You can use the 16 ultra-sensitive RGB pads to create drum, bass, and synthesizer patterns and create your own original music. It's your musical playground, where you can freely combine loops and one-shots with melodic phrases including your own imported audio recordings and MIDI sequences. Compose and trigger clips, rearrange, re-sample, record your knob movements, and more.

On top of that, add the Roland sounds that have defined electronic and dance genres for over forty years. Legendary instruments like the TR-808, TR-909, JUNO-106 and SH-101 are all here, ready to replicate classic sounds or be combined, tweaked, and processed into entirely new sounds.

With the MC-101's massive effects palette, your music sounds polished and fully-produced. Each track has independent effects processors with a huge number of variations. The lush chorus brings depth to pads and other synth sounds. Delays and reverbs create evocative spaces and add movement to delicate sequences. Overdrive, distortion, and amp simulation add grit and intensity to synths, guitars, drums and more. You can also run your entire mix through master effects like filters, bit-crushers and a master bus compressor that glues it all together with punch and clarity."

Monthly Modular: Beat making with the Tiptop Audio Trigger Riot

Published on Jun 25, 2015 Future Music Magazine

"Let’s make a funky Acid breakbeat with a complex ever-changing hi-hat pattern above it using Tiptop Audio's Trigger Riot. See more in Future Music issue 291: http://bit.ly/FMU291

Modular Monthly continues in every issue of Future Music."

Modular Monthly: How to create a DIY modular compressor

Published on Feb 11, 2015 Future Music Magazine

"Let’s make a modular compressor! With a few simple elements, we can build a studio classic inside of our modular. Here’s how to get started... See more in Future Music issue 287: http://bit.ly/FMU287

Modular Monthly continues in every issue of Future Music."

Modular Monthly: Sequencing with the Intellijel Metropolis

Published on Jan 15, 2015 Future Music Magazine

"We show you how to get sequencing with Metropolis, then add musically quantised complexity with clockable external voltage sources. For more see issue 286 of Future Music: http://bit.ly/FMU286

Modular Monthly continues in every issue of Future Music."

Superbooth 2019 Make Pro Audio Networked Controllers

Published on May 10, 2019 sonicstate

Previous posts.

New eurorack module:

"We all love Eurorack for all the infinite possibilities it presents to create new sound machines. However, when you aspire for more voices and more timbres within Eurorack, that usually requires a significant amount of space and budget outlay. That leaves you no viable options, other than to leave your Eurorack and attempt to connect with outboard gear that does not easily integrate. Now – with Dino Park – you gain access to a world of infinite sonic possibilities, while staying within your Eurorack!

Dino Park is not fixed synthesis architecture – it is as flexible as your Eurorack. It can load different “synth models” which feature radically different forms of synthesis – including vintage subtractive, additive, wavetable and FM – providing infinitely expandable and exciting sonic capabilities in every Eurorack.

Now increasing the sonic potential of your Eurorack has never been easier, or more affordable! . For newbies, Dino Park offers an easy, cost effective and gratifying way to start off their rack journey with a big sound foundation. For Eurorack veterans, Dino Park can close a lot of gaps and enrich any Eurorack performance. True “ best of” utility in big analog sound with the recall-reliability of digital.

We offer three Dino Park kits for the Eurorack"

CLICK FOR MORE »

M-Audio Introduces the Trigger Finger Pro

Trigger Finger Pro USB Controller with Step Sequencer

Includes the M-Audio Arsenal; 8+ GB of instruments, one-shots, loops & more
Built-in step sequencer for building jaw-dropping grooves
16 ultra-responsive pads with illuminated RGB feedback
Customizable, backlit controls with instant automapping
High-resolution display lets you focus on the music, not the computer
Slimline design travels from studio to stage with ease
Detachable, 3-position rugged metal stand for angled use
Extensive expression controls; pitch bend, modulation & more
USB-MIDI connection to a Mac or PC
Arsenal includes Hybrid 3 High Definition Synth by AIR Music Tech
16 custom drum kits from Black Anomaly (Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown)
Arsenal also includes 10 Prime Loops Expansion Packs:
TrapTranceProgressiveNudiscoMinimalHard DanceElectroDubstepDrum N BassDeep House
Includes 5 ToolRoom Records artist sound packs from:
Mark KnightReve AmeszTocadiscoMacro LysD Ramirez
Over 2000 combined artist patches and presets for Hybrid 3 and Prime Loops content

Press release:

"M-Audio Introduces the Trigger Finger Pro

Legendary computer interface and studio integration manufacturer debuts an advanced performance pad controller with onboard sequencing and software integration.

Cumberland, RI, USA – January 22, 2014. M-Audio (www.m-audio.com), industry-leading manufacturer of award-winning computer interface and studio integration solutions, announces the debut of Trigger Finger Pro, an advanced performance pad controller with onboard sequencing and software integration.

Trigger Finger Pro is a fully encompassed performance instrument and software control station in the form of a portable, 16-pad (4x4 configured) instrument with onboard sequencing. Nearly a decade ago, M-Audio revolutionized the industry by introducing the first performance pad controller and effectively set the stage for the MIDI controller market with the Trigger Finger. The Trigger Finger Pro draws from its predecessor’s performance pad roots but features an entirely new hardware design, user experience, and creative functionality to serve both the live performer as well as the music producer. It’s modern design features 16 ultra-responsive RGB illuminated pads, 16 backlit step sequencer key controls, a road-ready chassis with brushed aluminum faceplate, and a high resolution screen.

The all-new Arsenal software integrates with popular DAWs, hosts VSTs and includes automatic mapping, providing seamless integration between the hardware and software. Along with AIR Drums and Hybrid 3 plug-ins, Trigger Finger Pro includes 8 GB of ready-to-play sounds, loops, one-shots with exclusive content from Black Anomaly, Prime Loops, Toolroom Records, and more.

Highlights:
• 16 Ultra-Responsive Pads – velocity sensitive, illuminated pads with RGB feedback
• Onboard Step Sequencer – accompanied by 16 backlit keys, and high-res screen
• Extensive Expression Controls – 48 assignable controls are offered between 4 faders, 4
knobs, and 4 buttons with 4 banks each, and includes pitch bend, modulation and more
• Arsenal Software – allows for instant DAW/VST integration with full tactile control
parameters; or operates as a standalone program with powerful presets & VI’s
• AIR Drums and Hybrid 3 – includes two dynamic VST instrument programs, a drum
sample player/editor compatible with REX files and a high definition analog synth suite
• Built-in Instruments – 8 GB of sounds, one-shots, loops, and exclusive content
• Customizable Controls – backlit controls instantly map to popular DAWs on the market
• Road Ready Chassis – brushed aluminum faceplate with detachable 3-position stand

'We’re excited with the Trigger Finger Pro because it offers true hands-on control for today’s multi-talented musicians who require software integration as part of their live performances – and we’re equally thrilled with its place in the studio environment providing seamless DAW integration,” said M-Audio Product Manager JC Sutherland. “The addition of the new onboard M-Audio Arsenal software makes for a powerful package onstage or in the studio.'

Trigger Finger Pro will be available Spring 2014, distributed worldwide with a $399 USD street.

M-Audio will unveil Trigger Finger Pro in Hall A, Booth 6700, at the 2014 NAMM Show, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California. For more information, visit: www.m-audio.com/wnamm2014"

Update: Discussion on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge here & NAMM floor videos:

[NAMM] M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro

Published on Jan 22, 2014

"Here's a presentation of the new M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro at the NAMM Show 2014."

NAMM 2014: M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro

Published on Jan 22, 2014 sonicstate·599 videos

"NAMM 2014: M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro Updated pad controller"

NAMM 2014: M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Future Music Magazine·342 videos

"At NAMM 2014, Future Music get a video demo of M-Audio's new Trigger Finger Pro and Arsenal software."

Obsolete?

Obsolete? from Pixelh8 on Vimeo.

follow-up to this post
"Pixelh8’s work “Obsolete?” is a audio and visual study of the people, machines, history of The National Museum of Computing, Bletchley Park and looks closely at the themes of mathematics, logic, code-breaking and enciphering. The project was funded by the PRS Foundations new music award and commissioned by The National Museum of Computing.

The music itself is composed using some of the oldest and rarest computers in the world such as the WWII code-breaking machine Colossus Mark 2 Rebuild, and the 1960’s Elliott 803 largely used for mathematics and some of the more commonplace machines such as the BBC Micro. With over thirty machines studied and utilised within the music, it is a combination of both sounds from the internal sound chips and the external electro-mechanical sounds. In addition to this, the piece also utilises such items as the early non-electrical mechanical adding machines.

The project was comprised of twelves pieces of music and accompanying visuals and culminated in two performances at the prestigious Bletchley Park Mansion on March 20th and 21st, 2009.

The project attracted widespread media attention and has been featured on BBC New 24, BBC Look East, BBC South Today, New Scientist Magazine, Dazed & Confused Magazine, Games TM Magazine, Future Music, BBC Radio 4, BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Suffolk, BBC Three Counties and covered on several news websites including The Register, MacWorld, bit.tech, Slashdot, The IET, IT Pro and several more.

Available on iTunes, Napster, Spotify and more.

You can watch a interview with me about the making of Obsolete? here vimeo.com/3847750 [below]

Enjoy!"

Pixelh8 Chip Concert at National Museum of Computing from Alper Cagatay on Vimeo.

Billy Cardine: Looking Forward, Looking Back & The Moog Lap Steel

Playlist:
Billy Cardine: Looking Forward, Looking Back
Improvisation for Moog Lap Steel, Synthesizers & Effects
Billy Cardine on the Moog Lap Steel & the MakeNoise René (previously posted)
The Moog Lap Steel (previously posted)
The Moog Lap Steel [2nd vid]

"Moog Lap Steel powers groundbreaking EP exploring uncharted expanses of Ameritronica

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (September, 2011) Mix cutting-edge electronic vibration control technology with an instrument born on a train track, put it in the hands of musical omnivore Billy Cardine and the result is music with one foot in the past, one foot in the future and both ears wide open. Refining a lifetime of musical influences and liberating them with a combination of string and studio wizardry, his new EP Looking Forward, Looking Back shines a light on a musical future true to its roots yet constantly growing and evolving.

To know where you’re going though, you have to know where you’ve been…

The story goes that the lap steel guitar was invented in the 1880s by seven-year-old Joseph Kekuku as he walked along a Hawaiian railroad and experimented with playing his guitar using a metal bolt he found. By the 1930s, Hawaiian music had become one of the first waves of American interest in exotic “world music” and the lap steel became the first stringed instrument to be electrified, predating Les Paul’s first electric guitar. Also in the ‘30s, the Sacred Steel tradition was born in African-American House of God churches, fueled by the low cost and highly expressive nature of this new instrument. From there it spread to many far-flung homes, including Indian classical music and American country and bluegrass, the genres in which it and its musical progeny, the dobro and pedal steel guitar are most closely associated.

Fast-forward to the present… While a spin across the radio dial today results in very little country music featuring the lap steel, the instrument has been embraced by a number of innovative players pushing musical boundaries, including U2 producer Daniel Lanois and Wilco guitarist Nels Cline.

The lap steel guitar itself is now even more suited to “boundary pushing” with the introduction of The Moog Lap Steel, an instrument that brings state-of-the-art control technology to the instrument born on a 19th century Hawaiian train track. It incorporates the same electronics that earned The Moog Guitar numerous industry accolades including Guitar Player Magazine's Reader's Choice Award, Electronic Musician Magazine's Editor's Choice Award, NAMM "Best In Show" honors, a “Best of What’s New Award” from Popular Science magazine and a Mix Foundation TEC Award.

Billy Cardine is an Americana/Bluegrass phenomenon who has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to the Ryman Auditorium and Bonnaroo. He is a member of the renowned Americana band Acoustic Syndicate and leader of the new music ensemble The Billy Sea. He also studied in India and will perform at the 2011 Bangaluru International Arts Festival with chitravina master Ravikiran. Billy was instrumental in the development of the Moog Lap Steel and played an early prototype for its debut at Moogfest 2010.

“In one of those moments of wonderful synchronicity, I met Billy about the same time I finished the first Moog lap steel prototype which I had dubbed “The Monster” said Moog Music’s Chief Engineer, Cyril Lance. “Billy and I got together and the first music he made on this crude instrument was stunning. It was immediately clear that not only was Billy perfect for this instrument, but the instrument was perfect for Billy. This began an extremely rewarding collaboration that resulted in the current Moog Lap Steel.”

Combining the unique expressive qualities of the lap steel with the innovations of the Moog Guitar results in an instrument with unlimited sonic potential. Like the Moog Guitar, it is in not a guitar synthesizer, but features an onboard Moog filter (with control voltage input) that places it firmly in the Moog family tree and allows for some amazing creative connectivity with devices ranging from theremins to massive modular synthesizers.

"For me the Moog Lap Steel represents the invention I've worked on for so many years finally taking flight on its own.” said Moog Guitar inventor Paul Vo. “Cyril Lance had the inspiration that really drove this project home. He expertly placed the same vibration control technology that I developed for the Moog Guitar into this beautifully crafted instrument, co-designed by luthier Wes Lambe. I mostly just watched. Now Billy Cardine, virtuoso of the lap steel and dobro, brings it all together and takes it to heights of musical expression that completely amaze me. I am a very grateful spectator!"

“Looking Forward, Looking Back”, the historic first EP of music for the Moog Lap Steel, is the creation of a composer and player at the height of his powers in control of an instrument that extends those powers like no other innovation since it was first electrified.

The EP kicks off with the opening track “Moolodious” whose soaring melodies and pulsating beats sweep the listener along so thoroughly that it is easy to miss the technology behind the magic. While the Moog Lap Steel plays long anthemic notes that seem to defy the laws of physics, its big brother The Moog Guitar cranks out rhythms that, although created using advanced modular synthesis techniques (routing beat-synced control voltage signals from ProTools to The Moog Guitar’s onboard analog filter), are still very much the product of strings, a pick and a guitarist’s callused fingertips… in this case, the fingertips of Moog’s Cyril Lance.

“Jet Li”, the second track moves from Americana to Asiana. Inspired by the fluid movements of martial artist Jet Li, it starts with the low rumble of Moog Taurus Bass Pedals and a unique melody created with a two-handed phrasing technique impossible on an instrument without the precise sustaining abilities of The Moog Lap Steel. This may be the first recording in history in which a lap steel gets mistaken for an erhu.

The title track “Looking Forward, Looking Back” takes the Moog Lap Steel and Moog Guitar in a new direction. As it unfolds, the Lap Steel’s timbre is more reminiscent of a dobro while the Moog Guitar takes on a surreal, funky banjo-like role. When the long, sustained-note melody comes in, being played on the same instrument with the same strings creates a pleasing timbral cohesiveness.

“Stacks”, the most electronic of the tracks, showcases the instrument at play with its other Moog siblings. Built on an analog filtered drum beat, the Moog Lap Steel intertwines with the sounds of the Moog Guitar and Slim Phatty synthesizer while a Little Phatty synth generates a beat-synced control voltage making the Lap Steel’s filter dance in time with the rhythm. Meanwhile other keyboards and vocal processors fill out a soundscape proving that analog and digital can get along quite nicely.

The closing track, “The Curious Boo” was written on the original Moog prototype and combines sacred steel feel with an Indian approach to slide guitar phrasing. A Moog MF-102 ring modulator adds a unique metallic edge to these fluid lines.

The Roman god Janus, for whom the month January was named, is depicted as having two heads, one looking into the past and the other into the future, making him the archetype of beginnings, transitions and gateways (and New Year’s parties). When listening to “Looking Forward, Looking Back”, it’s hard not to hear the music in a similar light… as a harbinger of new beginnings, transitions and gateways… as a new voice… as “Ameritronica”. It’s also hard not to hear it as just damn good music.

Looking Forward, Looking Back is available from Indidog Records through bandcamp at:

http://billycardine.bandcamp.com/album/looking-forward-looking-back



Visit billycardine.com for more information."

Via Chris Stack of experimentalsynth.com

Modular synths - Future Music presents - preview

Published on Feb 1, 2013 FutureMusicMagazine·231 videos

"On sale now - Get the full 40- minute interview, tutorial and studio tour by purchasing the February issue of Future Music Magazine. Buy this print magazine from http://bit.ly/T4mr6w or purchase digitally from http://bit.ly/vTsHr2"

Synth Books

See the Synth Books label for more.
Also see the scans label for more synth documentation.


The A-X of Analogue Synthesizers by Peter Forest


Vintage Synthesizers by Mark Vail


Essential Retro by James Grahame

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