Make Noise PoliMATHS Overview (feat. Sarah Belle Reid)

video upload by Perfect Circuit and Sarah Belle Reid

"Make Noise PoliMATHS is a revolutionary new Eurorack module — an eight-channel function generator designed to create complex, evolving arrays of control voltages.

While it was designed to work as part of Make Noise's new NUSS ecosystem, it also brings a lot of possibilities to a non-NUSS Eurorack system. To help explain how it can play along with the rest of your modular synth, we reached out to our friend ‪@sarahbellereid‬ to see how she has been using it.

She covers the module's basic features, and then discusses a few interesting ways to approach it:
1:38 Module Overview
14:08 PoliMATHS as a Multi-CV Tool
17:00 PoliMATHS as a Polyphonic Synth
23:15 Double Gating with PoliMATHS
26:02 PoliMATHS as a Clock Divider

Learn modular synthesis with Sarah Belle Reid: https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/
Buy a PoliMATHS of your own: https://bit.ly/4otM5kX
Learn more about PoliMATHS on Perfect Circuit's blog, Signal: https://bit.ly/4qEcjm5

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ Perfect Circuit is an independent electronic instrument shop with an online store at https://www.perfectcircuit.com/ and a Burbank, California showroom at 2405 Empire Ave. We're open seven days a week, 12-8 PM, and our entire inventory is available to try out in person. Get your hands on the most excellent analog and digital synthesizers, effect pedals, Eurorack modular synths, drum machines, recording gear, and more!

Learn about electronic music, techniques, and gear on our blog, Signal: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal"

MIGSI: Connecting Acoustic Instruments, Modular Synths & Max Event at Perfect Circuit

RSVP here


"Sarah Belle Reid and Ryan Gaston will give a short performance with their MIGSI augmented trumpet instrument and then explain its design

About this Event
Sarah Belle Reid and Ryan Gaston present MIGSI: an electronically augmented trumpet designed for performing experimental electronic music. Reid and Gaston will discuss the process of developing MIGSI, as well as strategies for integrating traditional instruments with computers and modular synths—including a demonstration of their own Max/MSP and Buchla-based performance setup. Reid will present a performance using MIGSI, Max/MSP, and a Buchla modular synthesizer.

Wednesday 2/12/2020 7-9PM at the Perfect Circuit Event Space (next door to the showroom)"

Enter the Moog Labyrinth

video upload by Moog Music

Labyrinth | Moog Demo Library
video uploads by Moog Music

User videos:



Playlist (use the player controls to skip around):

1. Perfect Circuit: Moog Semi-Modular Comparison 2024: Labyrinth, Mother-32, & More (feat. Sarah Belle Reid)
2. Sarah Belle Reid: Moog Labyrinth Semi-Modular Synth: Overview + Explorations
3. Loopop: Moog Labyrinth // A Synth that’s a Generative Idea Machine // 13 patch ideas, review & tutorial
4. mylarmelodies: Moog Labyrinth Demo: Explanation & Generative Techno Jams
5. Reverb: Exploring Generative Synthesis with the Moog Labyrinth
6. Jorb: Moog Labyrinth // Generative Synthesis At It's Best
7. SUTURE SOUND: A ton of Moog Labyrinth sounds (no talking)
8. Bonedo Synthesizers: MOOG Labyrinth Sound Demo (no talking) - Preset Sheets
9. Limbic Bits: MOOG Labyrinth Sound Demo (no talking): 6 Improvisations on the Labyrinth
10. Starsky Carr: Moog Labyrinth // 3 Minute Manual + Full Review & Demo

AN UNEXPECTED PATH FORWARD

Labyrinth introduces a classic West Coast sound into the Mother Ecosystem experience rich analog synthesizer history in both surprising and recognizable sonic textures. Two generative sequencers bring to life sounds that bloom over time, letting you control their evolution and scale, then play them off of each other for striking polymetric melodies.

With parallel analog signal paths, this adventurous instrument shines when adding color to the steady backdrop of a drum pattern or bassline.

GENERATIVE SEQUENCER
The beating heart of Labyrinth is a robust dual sequencer, which uses chance calculations to generate two unique eight-step paths which twist and curve around one another.

SONIC WANDERING
A parallel voice processing path with a voltage-controlled blending allows you to morph sounds over time.

VOLTAGE-CONTROLLED WAVEFOLDER
A fresh interpretation of the Moog sound via a voltage-controlled wavefolder. Two oscillators drive duophonic melodic counterpoints, metallic FM tones, and analog synthetic drums.

Moog's semi-modular lineup expands to include the Labyrinth, a generative synthesizer that brings you two parallel sequencers, two oscillators, and endless possibilities. Based around a core sine VCO and a triangle Mod VCO, these sound sources have independent level controls, as well as a Ring Mod and Noise level control that all feed a saturating mixer that can add a touch or grit. From the mixer, we have the switchable option to go into a voltage controllable wave folder then into a classic Moog filter, the opposite with our filter going into the wave folder, or have both of these run in parallel.

The heart of the Labyrinth is the sequencer section. A dual 8-step sequencer gives you interactive quantized melodies that can affect various parameters, based on the labeled trimmers. These sequencers send out both notes CV and triggers and with a Trig Mix you can get rhythmic interplay that is quite satisfying. Each sequencer has a Length settings and a Bit Shift when adjusts the position of activated steps. The Bit Flip and Corrupt parameters present gives you more randomness and serendipity allowing you to create evolving patterns.

As with all of their semi-modular synths, Moog gives you access to 32 patch point patchbay with 12 outputs and 20 inputs. This gives you the option to self-patch and integrate it into your existing Eurorack ecosystem. Moog's Labyrinth is the perfect expansion to your existing system or a great starting point as an entry to modular synthesis, especially for those who are looking to get expressive rhythmic patterns quickly.

LABYRINTH FEATURES

- Parallel generative analog synthesizer

- Two oscillators, a sine-based and triangle-based

- Switchable wave folder to filter, filter to wave folder, or parallel processing

- Diode-transistor hybrid wavefolder with smooth Fold and Bias control

- Morphable Low pass to Band pass 2-pole filter

- Adjustable decay time for both decay envelopes

- Blend Sequence 1 and Sequence 2 triggers for complex rhythms

- Each sequencers has options to adjust length, per-step adjustments, adjustable randomness (Corrupt), and shifting the pattern on-the-fly

- Quantizable pitches to 16 different scales

- 32-Point patch bay, 12 outs 20 ins

CLICK FOR MORE »

Text-to-MIDI Modular Synth Sequencer

Published on Dec 30, 2019 Sarah Belle Reid

"Text-controlled modular synth sequencer, using Max/MSP to convert text into MIDI and CV to control a Buchla modular synthesizer, a Eurorack synth, and a MicroKORG.

2019 was an exciting, productive year with lots of new creative projects and growth. I made this little video to say thank you to the wonderful folks who support my work through Patreon, and make it possible to continue creating new music, tutorials, and videos.

Huge shoutout to the folks at Perfect Circuit Audio and Ryan Gaston for inspiring and helping with this project!

Join me on Patreon!
patreon.com/sarahbellereid

Sarah Belle Reid is a Canadian performer-composer, active in the fields of electroacoustic trumpet performance, intermedia arts, music technology, and improvisation.

www.sarahbellereid.com"

Planning Your First Eurorack Synthesizer with Sarah Belle Reid

Perfect Circuit

"Sarah Belle Reid came shares some tips about how to decide which modules to include in your first eurorack modular synthesizer system. She goes over picking sound sources, modulators for those sound sources, and sequencers and controllers to interact with the modular.

You can get eurorack cases, modules and accessories on our site here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/eurora...

And if you want to learn more about modular synthesis from Sarah you can sign up for her course here: https://www.soundandsynthesis.com

Timeline:

00:00 - Intro
00:07 - Performance
01:13 - Sarah's Introduction
02:23 - Starting Small
03:12 - Choosing a Case
03:58 - Picking Sound Sources
09:05 - Balance of Generators and Controllers
11:09 - Hands on Controllers
12:47 - Recap"

MIGSI: Connecting Acoustic Instruments, Modular Synths & MAX

Published on Feb 13, 2020 Perfect Circuit

"Sarah Belle Reid and Ryan Gaston are at Perfect Circuit to present MIGSI, their system for electronically augmenting the acoustic trumpet. They discuss MIGSI's development, as well as tactics for using acoustic instruments to control Max/MSP and modular synthesizers for experimental music. Sarah Belle Reid presents a short performance with MIGSI, Max, and a Buchla modular system.

Read more about MIGSI here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal..."

Getting Started with Semi-Modular Synthesizers (feat. Sarah Belle Reid)

video upload by Perfect Circuit

"Getting started with modular synths can be daunting — but semi-modular synthesizers can be an affordable + accessible entry point, providing a streamlined workflow and a huge range of musical possibilities.

In this video, our friend ‪@sarahbellereid‬ walks through some of the advantages and disadvantages of semi-modular synths. She then offers recommendations of some of her favorite instruments for folks new to modular and semi-modular gear: namely, the Moog Mavis, the Cre8audio East Beast and West Pest, and the Make Noise 0-Coast.

Get started learning modular synthesis with Sarah Belle Reid's FREE online course:
https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/fir...

Or, join the waitlist for her full program, Learning Sound & Synthesis:
https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/wai...

Learn more about our favorite semimodular gear:
https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal...

Scope out a brief history of the idea of so-called 'East Coast' and 'West Coast' synthesis:
https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal...

0:00 Introduction
1:00 What is a Semi-Modular Synthesizer?
2:28 East Coast + West Coast—What Does it Mean?
4:17 Moog Mavis
7:28 Cre8audio + Pittsburgh Modular East Beast
10:56 Cre8audio + Pittsburgh Modular West Pest
15:39 Make Noise 0-Coast
20:25 Takeaways + Next Steps"

Introducing Vongon: Replay // Polyphonic Synth & Muti-Mode Arpeggiator

video upload by MAS Distro

Update: new demos added below.

"Join us as we embark on a sonic journey with Replay, a new polyphonic synthesizer and multi-mode arpeggiator from Vongon. First up we test its prowess in the realm of synthwave - spoiler alert: it excels! In the latter half, we delve into the interface and its versatile capabilities complete with an immersive sound exploration, unleashing the arpeggiator and tweaking various parameters for a mesmerizing experience. Video and music production crafted by DeadMidi.

Gear Used:
Vongon Replay Polyphonic Synth/Arpeggiator
Vongon Polyphrase Stereo Echo
Vongon Ultrasheer Stereo Pitch Vibrato & Reverb"

Vongon Replay!

video upload by Fireghosting

"Replay is a six-voice polyphonic synthesiser and a little window into synth heaven. Lush pads, tiny plinks, snappy arpeggios, warbling melodies, resonant filters with midi connectivity and a sleek web interface!"

Vongon Replay Virtual Analog Synth | Overview + Exploration

video upload by Sarah Belle Reid

"A demo and walkthrough of the new polysynth Replay, by Vongon. Replay is a 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer with a compact form factor that takes inspiration from classic poly synths from the 1980s, like the Roland Juno series + the Korg Polysix.

This video includes an overview of what Replay is and how it works, along with a number of sound examples demonstrating Replay on its own and in combination with FX pedals, to create a wide range of sounds from classic synth leads, pads, and arpeggios to more experimental textures and noisy sound worlds."

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
02:45 Replay Overview & Tour
17:03 Musical Demo
19:09 Filter Experiments on Replay
23:50 Exploring the Arpeggiator
28:00 Combining Replay with FX

Vongon Replay: This synth rules!

video upload by Matt Lowery

"Today we take the beautiful Replay by Vongon out for a spin and also have a conversation about synthesis basics in honor of my five year synth-a-versary. Vongon really hit it out of the park with this instrument and--whether it's your first synth or your 10th-- there's a lot here to love."

VONGON REPLAY Polyphonic Synth & Arpeggiator | Can I write a synth-pop track with it?!

video upload by Ambient Endeavors

"Man, I just love gear that makes you approach writing differently. That reminds you how fun it can be to find new sounds and feels, explore new ways of composing. And today, the new Vongon Electronics REPLAY is doing that for me - a super fun, approachable, compact polyphonic synth and arpeggiator."

via Perfect Circuit

"The Replay is the first synthesizer offering from boutique pedal designers Vongon, offering a six-voice virtual analog sound engine with multi-mode arpeggiator. Inspired by beloved keyboard synths of the early 80s like the Roland Juno and Korg Polysix, the Replay faithfully delivers warm and lush vintage timbres in a compact package that drips with modern aesthetics and utility. In Replay, Vongon has struck an impressive balance between scope of features, user experience, and overall sound quality. The result is an instrument that sounds wonderfully rich and nostalgia-laden, with an interface that is easy to understand - perfectly approachable for a beginning synthesist, yet deep enough to inspire veteran wigglers to explore the edges of its capabilities.

Replay's front panel is incredibly straightforward, with simple controls for its primary functions conveniently accessible. Additional options are selected via the "secret menu" alt functions. At the heart of Replay's sound engine are multiple selectable waveforms for its primary oscillator, with ramp, square, triangle, and sine modes. Noise amount, pulse width modulation, and LFO pitch modulation offer further timbral manipulations before passing to the four-pole, low-pass filter. Highly resonant and warm, the filter includes modulation depth controls from the primary envelope, keyboard tracking, and the LFO. The VCA features options for maximum amplitude and modulation source. An organic and responsive ADSR envelope and the on-board LFO round out this straightforward voice, with flexible modulation routing options between the main controls and alt functions.

The multimode arpeggiator on the Replay opens up a variety of fun and engaging options for controlling the synthesizer voice. Latch and keyed modes, in addition to the three poly modes available on the alt functions, offer a variety of ways for creating snappy and spiraling arpeggios and fuzzy, morphing pads. Up/Down, order, and random modes provide further ways to organize pitch material. The alt functions allow the LFO to be clocked by the ARP speed, creating rhythmically modulated phrases that are a joy to get lost in.

All in all, the Vongon Replay delivers a premium virtual analog experience that feels streamlined and purpose-built for getting beautiful analog sounds quickly. With plenty of depth in sound color and just the right amount of tricks up its sleeve to keep you immersed in music making rather than menu diving, the Replay is sure to become a go-to instrument for lush pads and other classic synth timbres. Its physical design is beautifully simple, and the responsive feel of its Cherry MX keys invite playful interaction that is hard to put down. Of course, the Replay is a lovely source for running through Vongon pedals, creating an instant synthwave or soundtrack machine paired with an Ultrasheer or Polyphrase. If you're needing a straightforward synth with limitless sonic charm, the Vongon Replay is a wonderful choice.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Moog Mavis Semi-Modular Analog Desktop & Eurorack Synthesizer - Demos & Details

Priced at $349. The differentiator on this model is in the (East Coast) wavefolder - see video #6 & 12 in the playlist.

Update: New vids added.

Playlist (you can use the player controls to skip around):

1. Meet Mavis: A Moog Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer - Moog Music
2. Moog MAVIS Semi-Modular Synthesizer: A Beginner’s Guide + Demos - Sarah Belle Reid
3. 7 Fun Patches With the New Moog Mavis
4. Moog Mavis Semi Modular Analog Synthesizer Voice : DIY Standalone Synth + Eurorack Module - Perfect Circuit
5. Moog Mavis Semi-Modular Synth: Overview and Demo with 5 Patch Presets - Patchwerks
6. First Look: Moog Mavis semi-modular synthesizer - Marcus Schmahl
7. Review: MOOG's MAVIS goes west! // 18 modular and wavefolding patch ideas explored // Full tutorial - loopop
8. Moog Mavis Is More Complex Than Its Size Suggests - HAINBACH
9. Everything Moog Mavis. - mylarmelodies
10. Moog Mavis Sound Demo (no talking) with Empress Reverb - Limbic Bits
11. Moog Mavis Sound Demo (no talking) - Bonedo Synthesizers
12. MAVIS - The New Moog Synthesizer 🐸 - PanicGirlVids

The press release:

"Meet Mavis: The Newest Addition to the Moog Semi-Modular Family
Mavis, a new all-analog semi-modular synthesizer, delivers legendary Moog sound in an affordable and compact musical machine. An inspiring and expressive instrument, Mavis offers serious value to anyone looking to learn synthesis or explore Moog sound in a new way.

This build-it-yourself synthesizer kit is ready to come to life as a powerful, patchable analog instrument, either mounted in a Eurorack case or on its own. Mavis's intuitive design allows for immediate musical exploration (no patching required) and is ready to guide your journey through the expansive world of modular synthesis through its flexible patch bay and accompanying educational resources.

Mavis features the first-ever Moog wavefolding circuit, allowing for additive synthesis to sit alongside traditional subtractive synthesis, unlocking sounds never heard before on a Moog instrument. Mavis offers incredible value through its clever collection of circuits, including two oscillators, full ADSR, a ladder filter, sample and hold, attenuators, mixer, mults, and much more, providing all the tools needed for creative patching and sound design.

Mavis delivers huge depth of sound to any creative looking to begin their journey into synthesis, expand their Moog ecosystem, or enhance their Eurorack setup."

Additional details & pics:


"As one of their most affordable semi-modular synthesizers to date, Moog's Mavis is equally at home as a standalone instrument, companion to the Mother series, or active member of a bustling Eurorack system. Shipped as an easily assembled kit, the excitement of putting together your own instrument gives way to a wonderful journey of sonic exploration.

Mavis packs all of the essential elements of a full synthesis voice into a compact package—oscillator, filter, ADSR envelope generator, and VCA—as well as some special surprises, including Moog's first-ever wavefolder! Best of all, everything is accessible through 24 patch points, overriding the internal normalled connections and putting Mavis's signal flow under your control.

As with all Moog's best synths, Mavis begins with an all-analog VCO, with this particular design featuring a blend control crossfading between sawtooth and pulse waveforms. PWM and pitch modulation are available with independent level controls, and may be shaped by the LFO, envelope generator, or a mix of the two. The hallmark of any Moog synth, the resonant lowpass ladder filter, makes an appearance on Mavis, and may be similarly controlled with the LFO and/or envelope with positive or negative polarity. As for the VCA, leave it wide open for drones or shape it with the ADSR for lush swells or snappy plucks.

Mavis subscribes to the same modular philosophies as Moog's legacy instruments as well as their hit Mother series. With the 24-point patch bay, additional elements are available to coax more interesting patches out of Mavis. Split and distribute signals with the multiple, inject uncertainty with the sample and hold, and balance audio or control signals with the DC-coupled mixer. Most surprising of all is the inclusion of a diode wavefolder—the first such design on any Moog instrument—bringing a touch of West Coast-style waveshaping into their world of traditionally subtractive designs.

Though Mavis can exist totally independently, it shines in collaboration with others. Place it on your desk alongside your other patchable instruments, or remove Mavis from its enclosure and mount it in a Eurorack case as a 44hp module for highly nested interactions. Mavis ships with a handful of patch cables, overlay sheets, and a protective plastic dust cover for when the instrument isn't in use. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a fully-featured Moog synth voice, Mavis delivers in spades.

MAVIS FEATURES

Fully analog semi-modular synthesizer
Easily assembled
24 patch points
VCO with sawtooth and pulse waveforms
PWM and frequency modulation
Resonant lowpass filter
4-stage ADSR envelope generator
Analog VCA
Utilities section includes mixer, multiple, sample and hold, and more
First-ever Moog wavefolder design
Onboard keyboard with scale and glide controls
May be removed from enclosure and mounted as a 44hp Eurorack module
Includes patch cables, patch sheets, dust cover, and assembly tools"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Perfect Circuit Artist Picks: Best Music Gear of 2023 Part 1

video upload by Perfect Circuit

Part 2 here

"2023 is soon drawing to a close—so, we're taking a look back at the year, and taking account of all of the weird and wonderful instruments that gave us some inspiration this year. Synthesizers, drum machines, and Eurorack modules to samplers and effects, this year had no shortage of inspiring instruments.

So, we reached out to some of our friends and content creators to fill us in on their year, asking one simple question: what was the coolest piece of gear you got this year? For some, that meant brand new releases, but for others, it meant sitting down and digging into classic instruments.

In this video, we hear from:
0:00 Mylarmelodies on the Nord Micro Modular
4:14 Sarah Belle Reid on the Fairfield Circuitry Roger That
8:07 Molten Music Tech on the Blukać Endless Processor
14:04 Liam Killen on the OXI One
17:24 Oora on the Meris MercuryX

Read more about all of this gear on our blog, Signal: https://bit.ly/3MEhpfE"

Reminder: MIGSI: Connecting Acoustic Instruments, Modular Synths & Max Event at Perfect Circuit

Follow-up to this post.

"Tomorrow! #ryangaston and @sarahbellereid will perform with their custom-designed MIGSI, and share some ideas on augmenting acoustic instruments with electronics, modular synths, and Max. Don't miss it - tinyurl.com/s9z44tz"

Check out previous posts featuring Sarah Belle Reid with her MIGSI (Minimally Invasive Gesture Sensing Interface) for trumpet here.

Buchla Easel Command + Sensel Morph Controller (Free Ableton Instrument Download)

video by Perfect Circuit

"Sarah Belle Reid came by our studio to demonstrate the new Buchla Easel Command semi-modular synth and how it works with a Sensel Morph (especially with the Buchla Thunder overlay).

Also Sarah worked with Sensel to make an Ableton Live instrument (Sound Worlds) that uses samples from the Buchla Easel Command and is designed to work with MPE control from the Sensel Morph. Download it here: https://morph.sensel.com/pages/sbrbuchla​

Timeline:

Intro - 00:00​
Jam - 00:05​
Buchla Easel Command Overview - 02:17​
Sensel Morph Overview - 03:59​
Jam #2 - 05:26​
Final Thoughts - 06:55​

Sensel Morph available here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/sensel...

Buchla Easel Command available here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/buchla...

#PerfectCircuit​ #SenselMorph​ #Buchla​"