MFB's Manfred Fricke Has Passed Away

Left: Manfred Fricke (via Amazona.de) back in the day with his first creations, the MFB-501 drum machine (right), and MFB-601 digital sequencer (left).

2nd image is Manfred Fricke with the MFB SYNTH II at SUPERBOOTH (unknown source).

We lost another legend in the synth world. Sad news in via STROMKULT: "'On June, 17th around 11am Manfred Fricke from Berlin alias MFB sadly passed away after having had a hard time with cancer for a while already. He left his wife Gloria and his son Jean-Marcel behind, we are all very sad having lost this partner, friend and father.'
HerrSchneider

Manfred Fricke was one of Berlins pioneers of analog synth and drum machine makers. He has been the weapon of choice for many (not only) starting musicians. Let’s be honest, who didn’t have one of his creations early in his or hers journey into electronic musical instruments – or at least thought about getting one – and why shouldn’t you? Manfred Fricke's machines always brought something unique to the table, they were mostly analog, affordable, in small plastic housings and just did the job. Manfred always focused on keeping his products affordable for his clients and the instruments quite often made their way to professional use later on, and the musicians often kept their first units as something almost holy, because it were these machines that paved the way into analog electronic music making.

But it would be too short-sighted to associate MFB only with budget entry-level products. Especially the drum machines Tanzbär and Tanzbär II, or the great Dominion 1 show that Manfred Fricke also built machines that met higher demands. The Tanzbär, in particular, is considered by many to be their favorite drum machine of the last few years, especially in terms of its amazing sound.

We hope that MFB will continue to exist and that it will continue to make it easier for many generations of musicians to enter the world of electronic sound production.

We wish Manfred Fricke's son Jean-Marcel continued success for the future of MFB and extend our condolences to him and his family. And lets hope that Manfred will finally meet up with all the other good guys on the other side.

Rest In Peace."

MFB TANZBAR 2 pic via STROMKULT.


video upload by 7V-STUDIO

MFB's Manfred Fricke's first procuct, the Fricke MFB-501 drum machine.

Description via this video:
"This little analog beatbox was developed in 1980 1979 by Manfred Fricke. It was offered at 380 DM. As a low-cost model on the market for analog rhythm generators the small black and white "Switch Box" quickly found a lot of friends, because its configuration could be compared to its expensive far east competitors: 64 patterns and as many fill-ins switchable via micro switches, speed ​​control via potentiometer, 10 analog percussion instruments (activated by means of micro switches), combined mono/stereo outputs (jack), In & Out (5 Vss) and trigger footswitch inputs (jack) for start and fill-in
(retail price for the switch at 16 DM). An external wall power supply provides 12 volts.

Approx. 5000 units of the MFB-501 had been sold. Not so bad for a one-man company. So this drum machine is one of the top-selling devices in the history of the Berlin engineer offices M. Fricke . If you're lucky, this iconic device can still be found on the relevant internet sales platforms.

Today, maintenance of this tiny noise machine is still easily feasible, because Fricke employed only commercially available components. Therefore, 'presumedly dead 501's' can be reanimated without major problems."

MFB 601 Vintage Digital Sequencer, Teardown, Repair and partial analysis


Published on Feb 2, 2015 FPV Electronics

Note this video is FPV Electronics of course, and not Manfred Fricke.
"This device is exclusively built from 7400 and 4000 series basic logic ICs. Making it must have been so much more difficult than just programming a generic µController as we would do today."

Timeline via http://mfberlin.de/en/about-us/:

1976: MFB was founded by engineer Manfred Fricke. So far there were more than some hundred products constructed and distributed. The first developments and products were primarly video games for industrial playmachines.

1979: A lowcost drummachine was introduced in 1979. (98 DM for the self construction kit). The legendary drumcomputer MFB-501 was finished and sold. Although it was not the most prominent drumcomputer of that time it surely was one of the best selling drum units in Germany. Some shops sold ten times more MFB-501s than Roland TR-808s. More products for the musician followed, such as the Digital-Sequencer MFB-601 and the digital drum machine MFB-512. All of these featured rich products were offered at exceptional low prices.

1984: The E-Drum module series 1000 and 2000 followed with corresponding pads.

1986: A new construction period started in 1986 with product launches of the MIDI-CV converter MFB-201 and the MIDI drummer MFB-SYNTH was finished in 1997, although its development dates back to the eighties. The machine never went into production since 2001, the year of the company´s 25th anniversary because of decreased interest in analogue synthesizer technology especially in the sales channels.

From 1986 Manfred Fricke specialized in products for video applications. Alone 20 different framegrabbers for the Apple II, C-64 und IBM compatible PCs were constructed. A very high percentage of these framegrabbers were and are still in use for special industrial purposes. Custom development is still done here, so these specialized tools are not available for other customers.

1994: MFB introduced the world´s first videomixer below 1.000 DM, the MFB-901. Its successor MFB-902 was available in 1995. Another important development in the video section was the model MFB-912, a digital video memory. This 1998 product was highly acclaimed by the press.

1999: The successor MFB-915 added sound and higher picture resolution. It´s available since October 1999. Another successor is the model MFB-920 with an integrated harddrive offering better options for nonlinear cutting and post processing of the recorded material.

2001: During this year, Manfred Fricke also developed another new MIDI drum-module. MFB-KULT, includes most of the famous sounds of the older machines. Both MFB-SYNTH and MFB-KULT are availabale since December 2001. Because of constant requests for the digital sequencer MFB-601 a successor MFB-602. was introduced in May 2002.

2002: Since August 2002 there´s also a little brother of the MFB-SYNTH, the MFB-SYNTH LITE

And of course the MFB DOMINION series and the MFB SYNTH PRO.

There have been 1747 MFB posts on the site prior to this one. MFB has been a mainstay on the site and Manfred Fricke will be greatly missed.

StromKult London

via StromKult where you'll find the links to more details.

"After some rumours we thought its a good idea: finally now we will open up a first showroom in London to touch, listen and feel the components of the modular world of nowadays. On October 10th we would be happy meeting you for our release of the modular testsalon inside Rough Trade East, please see more details on SchneidersBuero and/or here during next week."

Christian Guenther's XR-1

I spotted this one on StromKult. It is currently sold out, but Christian is working on a new model. I couldn't find any additional info, so I contacted Andreas Schneider of StromKult and Schneiders Beuro via @SchneidersBeuro. I asked him if there was a website with more info. Currently there is not, but his work is out there and has been featured at the Musikmesse Superbooth. You can see an article featuring his work with Moritz Wolpert here in German (Googlish here). You might recognize the "steampunk" modular in the image from this previous post.

You can find some nice higher res pics of the XR-1 that just went up today on Aliens-Project here.

"Soundtüftler. Moritz Wolpert (links) und Christian Günther. - Foto: Doris Spiekermann-Klaas"

MACHINA BRISTRONICA w/ Stromkult

video uploads by Stromkult

Playlist:

1. MPE on Supercritical Synthesizer Redshift 6 - Bristonica 25

Now capable of MPE!

The latest Redshift update introduces MPE functionality.
This feature, which addresses frequent customer requests, enables compatibility with MPE-capable controllers, such as the LinnStrument.

2. Verbos Electronics Multistage 16- Bristronica 25

New evolution of the Voltage Multistage, one of the first Verbos Modules.
The original Voltage Multistage has an analog sequencer core with several unique features that allow it to function as a sequencer with switchable slides on each step, multistage envelope of any length with sustain on any stage, any shape of LFO, voltage quantizer, and more.

The Voltage Multistage 16 is no longer based on a CMOS counter core, but is built around discrete transistor stages, which enables gate inputs on each stage. This allows external gates to jump it to any stage, multiple loops and sequences that start at one stage and then enter into a loop later.

3. Ohm Force Bohm - Bristronica 25

Explore uncharted kick territory. Choose from nine unique models (and counting) and let the randomizer surprise your creativity. Precision sound-shaping knobs with wide sweet spots make flawless tweaks effortless.

4. TouellSkouarn - Bristronica 25

Gael is revealing the modules that are currently housed in his suitcase. Including the Strakal Brulu and the one and only Germanium Mixer. If you check the prices of old Germanium mixers, such as the Siemens, you will see that this one is a real bargain. As always, there is a lovely sound at his booth; no sine is allowed to pass through this Eurorack system.

TouellSkouarn: Squaring your sines since 2010

5. Crosspatch Triggerpad Updates - Launchpad Sequencer - Bristronica 25

Mitja tells us the latest news about his module at this year's Machina Bristonica. The Triggerpad module converts your Launchpad into a standalone Eurorack. This allows you to repurpose an older Launchpad that might be gathering dust for your Eurorack system. The workflow is super simple and hands-on. You have features such as polymeter per track, swing and micro steps at your fingertips. The new features are BPM modulation and triplets.

6. UDO Audio DMNO 8-voice 2-part multitimbral - Bristonica 25

We have just had the opportunity to take a first look at the new, innovative synth from UDO Audio: the DMNO.
Here's a short interview and sound demo from George!

Features:
8 voice polyphonic, with 4 ‘super’ voices when in Binaural mode. Binaural mode gives each channel (ear) a full synthesizer voice with independent detuning and modulation, creating an expansive, rich and texturally wide sound 2-Part Multitimbral, comprising 2 independent hybrid synthesizers, each with its own dedicated set of front-panel controls
8 selectable ‘Play Modes’ that immediately reconfigure DMNO’s signal flow, redefining how its two independent synth engines interact with one another

7. Teaching Machines FuzzBillon: Numerical Tone Switching – Bristronica 25

Instead of using potentiometers for the device's settings, Teaching Machines uses numerical switches. This offers the advantage of total recall. The effects range from subtle overdrive to screaming distortion and are based on a completely analogue circuit with amplification devices from Germanium to Silicon and light-emitting diodes. Shipping soon!

0:00 Intro / Explanation 3:34 Sound Demo

Ken MacBeth to Speak at Schneider's Beuro

via STROMKULT

It looks like Ken MacBeth will be speaking at Schneidersladen on 3.12 (12/3) until 6 pm. You can find details on how to RSVP on STROMKULT.

http://schneidersbuero.de
http://www.macbethstudiosystems.com

via kidtesla

ALEX4 at the Musikmesse

via STROMKULT

"A company making everything for the retail business serving other companies like Schneidersladen with smaller manufacturers goods has introduced themselves as ALEX4 distribution GmbH in Frankfurt now."

That looks like Andreas Schneider, the man behind STROMKULT and Schneiders Buero. They are known for their super booths at the Musikmesse. Andreas also produced the film Totally Wired, A documentary film about Andreas Schneider's infamous 'Schneider's Buero' [Schneidersbuero], the boutique electronic musical instrument shop in Berlin..

Meng Qi with His Squishable Modular Synth Workstation

via StromKult

"Already a few weeks ago Meng Qi from China was introducing his Squishable Modular Synth Workstation in Schneidersladen. Product specialists Thomas and Carlo both was quite impressed by his ideas and innovations realized in this unit. Meng Qi wa talking about finishing some first models before the end of this year, were looking forward to get one."

Additional pics posted here.

NAMM: New Metasonix Modules

via StromKult

http://metasonix.com/

via Gregtronic

Update: some additional pics in via Josh at Big City Music below. Be sure to click on them. The D-1000 drum machine rocks. I took some good video of it that I will post in the next couple of days.

R-54 Super Module VCO/VCF
D-1000 Vacuum Tube Drum Machine
R-60 Self Tuning MIDI to CV

Analogue Systems to Exclusively Offer Pre-Built Modular Systems

You might recall, Bob Williams of Analogue Systems decided to retire while continuing to offer his products through Andreas Schneider's Alex4 distribution. It looks like modules will only be available via complete systems.

via Andreas Schneider's STROMKULT: "According to Mr. Bob Williams originally idea, his brand and product line – the integrator modular system a.k.a. analogue systems – will be sold in ready to go casings and wooden cabints again. They will come – just completely mounted up the way you want them – with a full five years warranty from now on.

After having had too much trouble from circuitries damaged with wrong or misused connector cabels, with (others) power supplies that did not serve enough ampere for some of the high class functionalities, or selfmade casings, where the modules has been returned once they did not fit, taking this excellent products out of the mixed systems is indeed a bad decision for the idea of the common eurorack, but a good one for the position of analogue systems.

aorsThe integrator system can be configurated on a comfortable modular planner and should be coming from the production to your retail store within a month now. For any kind of questions please get back to your modular stores over europe."

Flame MÄANDER-M Eurorack Module

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A post shared by StromKult (@strom_kult)

You might recal the 2020 Flame Maander wavetable desktop synth in white (see previous posts here). It's now coming to eurorack in black.

Flower Electronics T_NG

via StromKult

"Their latest product is now coming to europe very soon, the T_NG is a touch sensitive noise generator. When you touch the pads on the pcb, you create feedback loops around the circuit. You can make the t_ng hiss, squeak, chirp, groan, and squeal."

http://flowerelectronics.com/

NAMM: WMD Geiger Counter Pro

via STROMKULT

"NAMM 2012 / 11) William Matthewson alias WMD showed off his pre serial model a soon to be made Geiger Counter Pro. It should be black and yellow even if I had to say that I prefer the raw aluminium, but I guess this is not his thing."

New Frap Tools Falistri Eurorack Module at SUPERBOOTH18

via STROMKULT

"This year at Superbooth18, Frap Tools presents a new movement manager. It is a function generator with lots of interesting features. The Falistri is a full analog multipurpose trajectory manager designed to generate and process voltages.

A big improvement over other function generators is the fact that you can change the shape of the envelope without changing the time – times are independent from shapes which can be different for each stage, for each generator. Thus you can really use it as an oscillator without altering the pitch when you change the shape of rise and fall.

The module can be divided in two big parts: in the upper two third of the panel take place tow specular function generators, while the lower third is composed by a dual cascaded frequency divider, a linear slew limiter and a four quadrant multiplier.

Both manual button and external trigger/gate input are available, and are used in three possible play modes. In the loop mode, where end of fall stage triggers the start of rise, incoming triggers are not needed, but if present reset the rise. In transient mode only the low-to-high transition of the trigger/gate signal is used to start the rise stage while the fall stage is automatically recalled at the end of rise. In sustained mode, the low-to-high transition of the trigger/gate signal is used to start the rise stage, while the fall stage is triggered by the high-to-low transition of the trigger/gate signal. A Gate input for switching from Loop to Transient mode and vice versa is also available on the module.

Thanks to a Quadrature mode (Q) you will be able to combine both function generators, connecting various stages together.

There are two function editors : cascaded frequency dividers and a four quadrant multiplier.

Each of the frequency dividers, also known as flipflop or sub-octave processor, changes its logic state each time a low to high transition is performed. The two sections are normalled so you can achieve 1/2 and 1/4 outputs from a single input which is very handy. This works as a sub-octave generator if an audio signal is used. With a clock at the input it works as a clock divider.

Furthermore, there is a four quadrant multiplier section with an exceptional linearity and a bandwidth from DC to more than 20 kHz. This can be used as a ring modulator or as a VCA with linear CV response. Thanks to the four led matrix, you can see which of the quadrant is currently in use.

Finally, there is a linear slew limiter which can process any voltage. With independent rise and fall slew rates, you can precisely smooth any kind of voltage transition.

pittsburgh armed forces

Pittsburgh VILFO arrives at StromKult

"The modules are accompanied by an six-man-strong army of plastic soldiers and a sticker."

Korgator Studio Pics up a Synth for Free

Follow-up to this video post. In case you missed it, Jens, aka korgator won the Gotharman from SchneidersBuero for ordering what turned out to be their 10000th delivery. What did he order? Some cables.

via Stromkult here

"Thanks a lot to all of you btw for nearly 11 years as Schneidersbuero in between. I had a very nice time mostly with nice clients, manufacturers and friends, with all your analogue synthesizers and modular systems, we all hope, you did enjoy it, too"

New Flame Mäander Desktop Synthesizer & Filter Bank

Update:

Higher-res pic above, specs and demos in via Flame. Click the image to read the labels.

"4-voice synthesizer with dynamic controllable analog 12 channel filter bank
including live sequencer with 12 filter channel tracks and polyphonic note track
wavetable sound synthesis, compatible with 4VOX wavetables
individual filter/amp envelopes, morphing filter types
full midi-usb functions... and more
metal case 300x195x60mm
release date: april/may 2019

SOUND EXAMPLES (mp3)
All sounds and sequences come exclusively from the MÄANDER. No effects and drum machines were used.

MÄANDER EXAMPLE 1
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 2
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 3

MÄANDER EXAMPLE 4
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 5
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 6

MÄANDER EXAMPLE 7
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 8
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 9

MÄANDER EXAMPLE 10
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 11
MÄANDER EXAMPLE 12"

Original post via Stromkult:

"Flame showed a prototype of their first desktop synthesizer, the Mäander, at the NAMM show 2019. Calling this instrument extraordinary is almost an understatement. Thanks to its digital oscillator, which comes equipped with parameters like Contour and Unisono, the Mäander is capable of generating an astonishing spectrum of sounds. Huge basses, velvety soft to metallic leads and pads as well as a wide range of effect sounds can be created in no time. Highlight of the instrument, however, is its flexibly controllable, fully analog filter bank with twelve bands and eight filter types. In detail, there are high-pass, three band-pass modes, notch, low-pass and LP / BP as well as LP / HP combinations. The most impressive sounds that were heard at the NAMM show had a strong vocal-like character. Other synthesis features include two LFOs with variable shape as well as sync, re-trigger and one shot modes, an ADSR envelope plus a nifty live sequencer. The latter is not exactly made to notate melodies, but more of a complex, yet easy to handle arpeggiator. All in all, the Mäander appears to be a highly innovative instrument. – We can’t wait to give it a proper test drive!"

Cwejman and a Bunny

via STROMKULT

Just in time for Easter.

NOT NAMM: Tom Oberheim SEM to Ship in Europe

via StromKult

"We are very happy to announce, that Mr. Tom Oberheim has choosen us to become his partner on selling his famous SEM modules in Europe now. Because the number of units that we can get is quite limited, we had to agree that they will be sold from us to the endcustomers only. A first shipment with patchpanel units is on the way to us already, see more on tomoberheim.com."

New Tom Oberheim Two Voice In Production

via StromKult

"I just had a chat with Tom Oberheim who confirmed that the TwoVoice is in production now: First Units will be shipped in May if everything goes well."

Last Units of Gotharman's deMoon

via StromKult

"We are selling out our very last Gotharman deMoon synthesizer units now! This gotharman_demoon_beispiel should give you some impressions about whats possible with it. We did not buy the additional available updates for the extra money already, we just made the units extra cheap for you to afford it yourselves.

By the way.. the inventor of this brilliant little synth from denmark also designed the stepsequencer Cyclus3 that has been realized by a swiss company called spectral audio. One very last unit of the cyclus and two quite good racksynths called Neptune2 from our demo/support rack are selling out now, too. Please ask for availability."