Udpate: Watch out for scams when donating (click this for an article on Boing Boing).
John P of m/n/m/l. Posted this on AH. I thought it was pretty cool. My prayers and well wishes go out to people hit by Katrina. I simply can't imagine what they might be going through.
Click here for the synthy section of the cds, you can click the all genres link to see others.
----------------------------------------------------------------
All my CD sales thru the end of September will go to the Red Cross for
hurricane relief.
If you hate my stuff there's other electronics available too....
http://cdbaby.com/group/redcross
--
m/n/m/l
surreal electronic music, sound, noise
http://www.mnmlnoise.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
Or the Red Cross directly:
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Moog Memorial September 4th
Just found out about this. Missed the show yesterday, but there is still a chance to hear it on September 4th. Click through for more.
"In this special edition of Echoes, we hear comments on Robert Moog and his invention from Wendy Carlos, Redshift's Mark Shreeve, Sun Ra, Klaus Schulze, Robert Margouleff from Tonto's Expanding Headband, Jan Hammer and Jimmy Lavalle of The Album Leaf."
"In this special edition of Echoes, we hear comments on Robert Moog and his invention from Wendy Carlos, Redshift's Mark Shreeve, Sun Ra, Klaus Schulze, Robert Margouleff from Tonto's Expanding Headband, Jan Hammer and Jimmy Lavalle of The Album Leaf."
Focusrite Stolen Gear
If you haven't heard, apparently a bunch of stock gear was stolen from Focusrite including Novation gear. Focusrite has a list up with serial numbers. It's simple. If they don't get paid for their work, they can't afford to work. If they can't afford to work they don't make our products. We lose in the end. Keep an eye out for this gear, either via matching serial numbers or missing ones. This is just plain bullshit.
One Bit Synth in CD Case
Via Boing Boing. The One Bit Synth in a CD case. Apparently it plays "minimalist glitch electronica." : )
Update:
From the man himself, Tristan Perich, via the comments:
"Just read about the One Bit Synth from this article. My One Bit Music project has been in development since May 2004, just to be clear. It has 11 programmed tracks in 1-bit stereo."
Update:
From the man himself, Tristan Perich, via the comments:
"Just read about the One Bit Synth from this article. My One Bit Music project has been in development since May 2004, just to be clear. It has 11 programmed tracks in 1-bit stereo."
Synth Park at the c/o pop - New Flickr Shots
http://www.flickr.com/photos/indeed/38735341/
Wow. Synthesizer heaven. Anyone know more about this?
Update via the comments:
"The C/O Pop Festival is an art/music festival at the "Panoramahaus" in Cologne. It runs 8/30 thru 9/05. The official website is:
http://www.c-o-pop.de/"
Wow. Synthesizer heaven. Anyone know more about this?
Update via the comments:
"The C/O Pop Festival is an art/music festival at the "Panoramahaus" in Cologne. It runs 8/30 thru 9/05. The official website is:
http://www.c-o-pop.de/"
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Groove Analogizer
Via Harmnony Central News. Interesting bit is that it can be triggered by analog audio in. Click through for more.
Sound Lab Mini-Synth Makes Make:
Pretty cool. The Sound Lab Mini-Synth DIY made the Make: blog. I wonder if this means it will make the paper Make: magazine as well. I still need to check one out to see how it matches the blog.
Fenix , Modcan/Cynthia Samples
Samples here, in via Kevin via AH. Enjoy.
Also check out his:
Static Insect (music)
Static Insect (studio)
"I've created a profile on acidplanet.com to showcase
some of the snipets I've made over the past few months
using a Fenix, Modcan/Cynthia rig and some FX... and
the one track, "mcnm001" which is Nord Modular, ModCyn
and FX...
streaming WMA versions only for the time being, though
I'll be starting the process of adding mp3s for
download as soon as I send this msg...
anyhoo, here's the link:
http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?songs=413239&T=9264
enjoy (or not),
kevin"
Also check out his:
Static Insect (music)
Static Insect (studio)
"I've created a profile on acidplanet.com to showcase
some of the snipets I've made over the past few months
using a Fenix, Modcan/Cynthia rig and some FX... and
the one track, "mcnm001" which is Nord Modular, ModCyn
and FX...
streaming WMA versions only for the time being, though
I'll be starting the process of adding mp3s for
download as soon as I send this msg...
anyhoo, here's the link:
http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?songs=413239&T=9264
enjoy (or not),
kevin"
Moog Memorial - Flickr Shots
Make sure to click through to see the whole set.
Flowers for Bob from Keith Emerson and Pur sein!
Moog Voyager, Moogerfooger Tower
Moog's Home
Moog Photo Album
It reads:
"Joy is not in things, it is in us."
"Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms, you would not see the beauty of their carvings."
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
1926-2004, Phychiatrist and Author
Monday, August 29, 2005
Virtual Drum Machines Online
In via AH. Wow, check out this list! I can't wait to check these out. There are also a few virtual keyboards including The Rheem Kee Bass, Technosaurus Microcon, and the Mattell Bee Gees Rhythm Machines. Bee Gees. Woot! ; )
List of drum machines:
Boss DR-55
Univox Microrhythmer
Electro-Harmonix Rhyth
Wurlitzer Swing Rhythm 5020
Maestro Rhythm MRQ-1
Oberheim DX
Roland TR-33
Roland TR-330
Seeburg Rhythm Prince
Yamaha MR-10
MXR Computer Rhythm 185
M.P.C. The KIT
Bos CR-110
Korg Mini Pops 35
CONN Min-O-Matic
Electro-Harmonix DRM-16
Electro-Harmonix DRM-15
EMU E-Drum
Rhythm Box Tronix
Rhythm Box Austin
ELI Computer Rhythm CR-7030
Boss DR. PAD (DPR-I)
Boss DR. PAD (DPR-II)
Boss Dr. PAD (DPR-III)
Suzuki RPM-40
Roland TR-66 Rhythm Machine
Siel MDP-40
Seeburg Select-A-Rhythm
Roland PB-3000 Rhythm Plus
Electro-Harmonix Space Drum
Synsonics drums by Mattel
Boss DR-220a
Univox Microrhythmer 8
Boss DR-220e
Yamaha EM-90a
Roland TR-55
List of drum machines:
Boss DR-55
Univox Microrhythmer
Electro-Harmonix Rhyth
Wurlitzer Swing Rhythm 5020
Maestro Rhythm MRQ-1
Oberheim DX
Roland TR-33
Roland TR-330
Seeburg Rhythm Prince
Yamaha MR-10
MXR Computer Rhythm 185
M.P.C. The KIT
Bos CR-110
Korg Mini Pops 35
CONN Min-O-Matic
Electro-Harmonix DRM-16
Electro-Harmonix DRM-15
EMU E-Drum
Rhythm Box Tronix
Rhythm Box Austin
ELI Computer Rhythm CR-7030
Boss DR. PAD (DPR-I)
Boss DR. PAD (DPR-II)
Boss Dr. PAD (DPR-III)
Suzuki RPM-40
Roland TR-66 Rhythm Machine
Siel MDP-40
Seeburg Select-A-Rhythm
Roland PB-3000 Rhythm Plus
Electro-Harmonix Space Drum
Synsonics drums by Mattel
Boss DR-220a
Univox Microrhythmer 8
Boss DR-220e
Yamaha EM-90a
Roland TR-55
PPG Realizer - the first virtual synth
The PPG Realizer was the first digital virtual synth. Pictured below you will see a number of knobs with lines for each making it's way to the green monochrome monitor. In that monitor you might recognize something very familiar - the Moog Minimoog. That's right. The PPG Realizer was to have a model of the Minimoog back in 1986! It was to be the ultimate synth in its ability to host software versions of other synthesizers. Unfortunately it never made it to production and it put PPG out of business. Click here for more and make sure to check out the rest of the site. It is a fantastic PPG resource.
Amazingly ahead of it's time:
"'An impressive exhibit from PPG was the Realizer (about $50,000). This consists of software versions of familiar synthesizer configurations. It allows you to design your own analog, FM digital, and sampled sounds, patch any of the components of one instrument into another instrument, and then sequence or sample the resulting sound. Wolfgang Palm, designer of the Realizer and head of PPG Instruments, earns the quote-of-the-show award for explaining how he designed it: 'I copied the circuit diagrams into software.' No easy task."
Seer Systems - First software synth
Boot up that copy of Win98! : )
"Seer Systems invented the software-based 486 music synthesizer in 1993. From this experience grew the RealityTM, SurRealTM, and reMixerTM professional-strength software-based synthesizer engine for Win98. By making the instrument as well as its sounds distributable, the comprehensive, patented SeerMusic system (U.S. #5,886,274) accomplishes everything that is needed for the music delivery system of the future.
Please note that all Seer Software runs on Windows 95 or 98™. An XP™ version is in preparation but no release date can yet be offered. You can try to set up a "dual-boot" system. But committing a fast legacy Win 98 machine with digital output from Reality™ is still justifiable in many cases. "
BTW, check out the history page on Dave Smith Instruments. Dave Smith founded Sequential Circuits, is responsible for the Prophet 5, Prophet VS, MIDI, the Korg Wavestation and this. He also worked at Yamaha where I wouldn't be surprised if he worked on the Yamaha TG33 Wavetable synth.
"Seer Systems invented the software-based 486 music synthesizer in 1993. From this experience grew the RealityTM, SurRealTM, and reMixerTM professional-strength software-based synthesizer engine for Win98. By making the instrument as well as its sounds distributable, the comprehensive, patented SeerMusic system (U.S. #5,886,274) accomplishes everything that is needed for the music delivery system of the future.
Please note that all Seer Software runs on Windows 95 or 98™. An XP™ version is in preparation but no release date can yet be offered. You can try to set up a "dual-boot" system. But committing a fast legacy Win 98 machine with digital output from Reality™ is still justifiable in many cases. "
BTW, check out the history page on Dave Smith Instruments. Dave Smith founded Sequential Circuits, is responsible for the Prophet 5, Prophet VS, MIDI, the Korg Wavestation and this. He also worked at Yamaha where I wouldn't be surprised if he worked on the Yamaha TG33 Wavetable synth.
Phoenix
Interesting connection to Syd which I posted about earlier. Antonio Tuzzi, author of a software synthesizer named Phoenix developed in 1997 for the Mac, dropped by to post a comment on the Syd.
"I think I've seen for the first time Syd in 1996. Was my inspiration: I wrote a couple of emails to Jim and after that I decided to write a virtual analog real time synth and by the 1997 I had Phoenix up and running on MacOS9.
Phonenix is (was) a very powerful tool! It was used in couple of schools.
If you have a powermac still running MACOS9... let me know
the url contains a snapshot of Phoenix running"
I find the very first software synthesizers fascinating. I remember when I saw Dave Smith's Seer Systems Reality for the first time. I thought this is it. The time has finally come for synthesizers in software, the realization of the PPG Realizer. I remember thinking the next step would be less powerful but more accessible shrink wrapped synths in software. Now we have thousands of software synthesizers available to us, many even free.
Update: you can get the software here: link. Install and use at your own risk. Antonio Tuzzi sent this my way with the following comments:
"Hi M,
attached phoenix...
remember, was a development stage application (used in digidesign in
1997~1998...)
is written for MACOS9 (but still run with some chocking on MACOSX calssic mode)
is a RAR file that contais a DMG image, file should be copied in
alocal directory on the final computer
there is pratically no documentation. but the synth is still able to
create real time AIF files that can be reused in samplers or in
composign software (ProTools ?).
implemented oscillators tables filters string filters delays reverb
analyzer and room simulators
ciao
antonio"
Buchla Complex Oscillator
In via AH:
"I've been gathering some bits for a web page on the Buchla Music Easel
which isn't done yet. However, I've posted an example of the complex
oscillator here:
http://www.alt-mode.com/buchla/sounds/Waveshape_Example.mp3
There are 9 sounds in this example. Each sound has the "timbre" swept
by the pulser. The sounds are in groups of three for each position of
the waveform switch (narrow pulse, square, and triangle). For each of
these waveforms, I recorded the sound with the waveshape knob fully
counter-clockwise (sine), 12 o'clock, and fully clockwise. [I hope that
made sense.] No filters were used in these examples at all and it is
just one oscillator!
Anyway, the complex oscillator in the Music Easel is like nothing else I
have ever heard. This basic example shows just some of the possibilities.
Eric"
"I've been gathering some bits for a web page on the Buchla Music Easel
which isn't done yet. However, I've posted an example of the complex
oscillator here:
http://www.alt-mode.com/buchla/sounds/Waveshape_Example.mp3
There are 9 sounds in this example. Each sound has the "timbre" swept
by the pulser. The sounds are in groups of three for each position of
the waveform switch (narrow pulse, square, and triangle). For each of
these waveforms, I recorded the sound with the waveshape knob fully
counter-clockwise (sine), 12 o'clock, and fully clockwise. [I hope that
made sense.] No filters were used in these examples at all and it is
just one oscillator!
Anyway, the complex oscillator in the Music Easel is like nothing else I
have ever heard. This basic example shows just some of the possibilities.
Eric"
Sunday, August 28, 2005
The Keyboard Player Cartoon
In from Dave on Synth Sights. Click through for a bigger image you can actually read. One thing, at least we don't have that ear piercing guitar feedback. Or do we? : )
Hi there,
Figured y'all would get a kick out of this scan from a 1989 book
called "The Rock Musician's Survival Guide" about keyboard players.
As we all know, around 1989 us keyboard players were enjoying their
final days on Earth as respectable members of the human race. I blame
this book for our collective downfall in the few short years after it
was printed.
Just kidding. It's funny crap (out of print, too...so we get the last
laugh). Enjoy!
--Dave
Rob Papen 1983
I stumbled across this picture reading up on Rob Papen and his new Blue Synth. Rob is on the right. Check out those outfits! : ) Synths I recognize from left to right:
Roland SH101 - Grey
Juno 6 on stand next to blue space suit?
Korg Mono/Poly on top right
Roland Jupiter 8 below that
Second Roland SH101 - Grey on right side
Simmons drum pads?
The rest I can't make out. If you know feel free to share.
Oberheim OBX Band Pass Filter Mod
As with any mod, don't even try this unless you know what you are doing. I take no accountability. Just sharing what I come accross out there.
In via AH:
> Would it be possible to mod the OBX for;
> Band Pass filter option, 2 pole obviously.
Ys, if u cn rd ths:
http://www.bitshifted.com/images/OBX_VCF_mods.gif
Use that with JH's OB8 mod technique -- analog switch ICs, using the noise
bit for switching (if you want), etc.
VCO3 reported that it works but the signals were overloading the switch
chip; I think he was using a 4066. One of the DG switches (Maxim?) should be
able to handle it, though. This is a synth-DIY topic, now.
Ben Shannon - Synth Art
Wow. Ben Shannon commented on this post with links to his work. He did the Elektron Monomachine posters as well as a get well fan art piece for Bob Moog before he passed away. Pretty amazing work. Click here for his page. Thanks for taking the time to share this Ben. I love the energy and just plain good vibe behind the characters in your art. Reminds me a bit of Daft Punk meets JSRF, but obviously different and definitely as amazing.
Ben Shannon Moog Tribute Art (click here for source).
Ben Shannon Monomachine
Ben Shannon Moog Tribute Art (click here for source).
Ben Shannon Monomachine
Syd Software Synthesizer
Syd by Jim Bumgardner.
"I wrote Syd so I could reproduce some of the sounds produced by the Buchla 200 analog synthesizer I used to play with at CalArts in the early 80's. It has since evolved into an interesting computer-music tool in its own right."
The Buchla Music Easel
Click here for Buchla's page on the Music Easel.
"The Music Easel contains many of the elements commonly used to generate and process sound: a keyboard, sequencer, pulser, preamplifier, envelope detector and balanced modulator; oscillators, gates, envelope generators and filters; facilities for mixing, monitoring and reverberating. Many of these elements possess an unusual degree of sophistication. The keyboard is solid state, with touch sensitive, chromatically organized keys, accurate and reproducible pressure output, tactile feedback, octave shifting, and voltage controlled portamento. A complex oscillator, developed through computer aided simulation studies, is a rich source of complex audio spectra. featuring voltage control of pitch, timbre and waveform, this oscillator provides the Music Easel with a timbral range unapproached by other musical instruments."
Charles Cohen and the Buchla Music Easel
http://phobos.serve.com/charles_cohen/
Warning: That first track seemed noticably lower in volume than the others. Remember to turn it down before moving to the next track. Watch your ears!!! : )
Update, Charles Cohen does have a CD out.
Update: Charles Cohen's homepage.
Via AH. Ever wonder what a Buchla Music Easel can sound like? Well here you go. Well over six hours worth of Charles Cohen on the Buchla Music Easel. Pretty amazing stuff. More on Charles Cohen.
Someone asked if it was all Music Easel:
"charles also uses effects.. but mostly he just really
knows whats hes doing with the easel as hes been
playing if for over 25 years"
-rick
More on Charles Cohen.
Warning: That first track seemed noticably lower in volume than the others. Remember to turn it down before moving to the next track. Watch your ears!!! : )
Update, Charles Cohen does have a CD out.
Update: Charles Cohen's homepage.
Via AH. Ever wonder what a Buchla Music Easel can sound like? Well here you go. Well over six hours worth of Charles Cohen on the Buchla Music Easel. Pretty amazing stuff. More on Charles Cohen.
Someone asked if it was all Music Easel:
"charles also uses effects.. but mostly he just really
knows whats hes doing with the easel as hes been
playing if for over 25 years"
-rick
More on Charles Cohen.
Aaron Jasinki - Synth Art - My Fabulous Micromoog
At Carbon111's place I noticed the painting below on the wall. It's a guy playing a Moog Micromoog. I thought it was pretty cool. I asked him about it and he said a friend of his actually painted it. Click here for the painter's website with more of his art. If you know of any other synth art, please feel free to share.
My Fabulous Micromoog (click here for bigger version).
Waldorf Synth Blasphemy
More synth blasphemy for Carbon111. This Waldorf Q is gonna make him cringe. : )
Waldorf Q
Waldorf Q
Waldorf Pulse
Army Green Waldorf uWave (this actually is a limitted edition from Waldorf, not a custom job. I forget how many where made. Also it was Carbon111's! I thought of it when I visited, but I forgot to ask! Oh well, next time...)
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Leopard Skin Minimoog - Purrrrrr.....
I hung out with Carbon111 today! Had a great time and hope to see him soon. While hanging out I asked him what he didn't like about my blog if anything. He mentioned the Korg Microkorg Converse All Star post. Blasphemy to synths! : ) Well, I asked him if he saw this one before. He hadn't so, here's to you Carbon111!!! Enjoy and thanks again. : )
Update: link to wetdragoon.com.
Talk about growl...
Kurzweil Midiboard & Polyphonic Aftertouch
There's a Kurzweil Midiboard currently on the *bay. It's supposed to be quite an amazing controller with weighted piano style keybaord. What attracts me to it is that it has Polyphonic Aftertouch. Polyphonic Aftertouch allows you to apply the aftertouch of one note to a given modulation; if you are holding down several keys, only the note you apply aftertouch to will respond. This allows you do do things like hold a low chord down with the filter cutoff set low while playing an expressive lead with the filter more open. Most synths do not allow this; instead they will apply the modulation to all keys being played. I believe the Yamaha CS80 was the first synth to offer Polyphonic Aftertouch followed by the Sequential Circuits Prophet T8. Kurzweil offered it in the Midiboard and eventually Ensoniq obtained the patent on it (or rather they obtained the exclusive patent on an affordable implementation). From that point forward only a handfull of Ensoniq synths offered Polyphonic Aftertouch. However many synths like the Waldorf Q will respond to it. The Alesis Andromeda was supposed to respond to it but reports have it that there is a bug that prevents it from working. It's a same that no current/new keyboard controllers offer the feature.
Metasonix TS12 Analog Tube Synth - Samples
Click here for more info from Audio Playground.
Update:
One more: http://s30.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0EUNJOP92CLTS0GAK2WVLF3JE
Update: Also check out this link.
In via Dennis on AH:
I just got an Metasonix TS-21 Hellfire Modulator.
Woow what a crazy machine.
I just tweaked a bit with some 606 sounds.
Don't expect some nice sweet stuff.
Here are the snippets
http://s6.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=10BGT7WZNWMX21YV1SJCI0PVAN
http://s20.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2F5VSUZ4EIL0V1AYFKMCLMTZ4X
http://s10.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1YXQB748HKVQZ3NRI3G80SBR0J
http://s10.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3B3U7SD29NSMI1RGHGAWL4XV31
It is fat as hell.
Alesis Andromeda A6 Bug List sent to Alesis!
In a previous post I mentioned that Alesis actually asked for a list of items users of the Andromeda A6 would like to see traction on. Well, that list has been completed and sent off to Alesis! I think it is amazingly cool that they asked for the list. Hopefully more synth manufacturers will follow in their footsteps. Here's crossing fingers... : ) I'll let you know how it turns out.
Bob Moog's Toyota - New Flickr Shot
I heard about his car. I never thought I'd actually see it. I feel speechless and humbled. You think you've moved on just a bit and then something like this comes up. : ( Not many people would drive a car like this around. You really have to be a beautiful, egoless person.
"Taken with the phone, the late genius' Toyota wagon sits all a
"Taken with the phone, the late genius' Toyota wagon sits all a
Friday, August 26, 2005
Hard Sid Quattro PCI
Update: closing the comments section on this post because the comment spam has gotten really bad on this particular post for whatever reason. This isn't real people posting valid comments, but automated spamming.
Get LoFi has a post on the Cynthcart. It's a cartridge for the Comodore 64 that let's you utilize the on board SID Chip of the C64. The SID Chip was revitalized by the Elektron Sidstation. The post also mentiones the Hard Sid Quatro which is basically four sid chips on a PCI card for Windows. Trip, I never knew about it. Click through for more on these.
Updates:
Create Digital Music post on the Hard Sid Quattro PCI.
Reflex Studio will be manufacturing the Hard Sid in North America.
zZounds Remembers Bog Moog
I normally wouldn't post something like this, as it is a business, but if I'm going to be unbiased and focus on synths I'm going to post it. I just got the Zzounds newsletter and this was in it. Well done zZounds. Here's a free promo on me. : )
============================
zZounds Remembers Bob Moog
============================
This week, zZounds pays tribute to the late godfather of
the modern synthesizer, Bob Moog. On Sunday, August 21,
2005, Robert A. Moog passed away at his home in Asheville,
North Carolina. He leaves behind a legacy that has shaped
the world of music from rock to techno, classical to hip
hop. Moog's instruments sparked an electronic revolution
that left no genre untouched, no musical stone uncovered.
Bob Moog's electronic instrument legacy began with an
early obsession with the theremin, one of history's first
electronic musical instruments. In 1954, Moog began
building theremins with his father, developing his skill
with electronics. After later buildling voltage
controlled oscillators and envelope generators as a
student, a friendship with experimental composer Herbert
Deutsch led to the development of Moog's first "Moog
Modular Synthesizer". The Moog Modular debuted at AES in
1964 to warm acclaim and R. A. Moog's first few orders.
After its release, Moog's Modular Synthesizer was
championed by Wendy Carlos' hit album "Switched on Bach",
performed exclusively on Moog's Modular. Selling over a
million albums, Moog's sound could be heard on phonographs
and in concert halls throughout the world-- and the
instrument had begun to catch on to an audience of its
own. The Beatles used a Moog synth for their Abbey Road
album. Wendy Carlos returned to the Modular to produce
the soundtrack of Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange".
Stevie Wonder employed Moog synthesizers on his albums of
the time and countless artists followed suit.
In the following decades, Moog's synths became smaller,
lighter, and more affordable. The Minimoog brought
electronic music to a wider community of musicians, making
synthesis more accessible to every musical genre. The
result is now a part of history, as other synth
manufacturers like ARP, Korg, Roland, and Yamaha began
following Moog's lead. Robert A. Moog essentially pushed
music synthesis out of the laboratory and into the hands
of musicians across the globe. What could have expired as
a musical novelty was given immortality in Moog's synths.
Today, you can't listen to any hip hop or electronic song
without hearing Moog's influence. Rock has felt it just
the same-- try listening to Radiohead, Gwen Stefani, or
the Gorillaz without hearing a synth. We all owe a lot to
Bob Moog, his dedication, and his amazing dream. In his
memory, throw on Floyd, some Parliament, or some Kraftwerk
and get Switched On. Thank you Bob.
============================
zZounds Remembers Bob Moog
============================
This week, zZounds pays tribute to the late godfather of
the modern synthesizer, Bob Moog. On Sunday, August 21,
2005, Robert A. Moog passed away at his home in Asheville,
North Carolina. He leaves behind a legacy that has shaped
the world of music from rock to techno, classical to hip
hop. Moog's instruments sparked an electronic revolution
that left no genre untouched, no musical stone uncovered.
Bob Moog's electronic instrument legacy began with an
early obsession with the theremin, one of history's first
electronic musical instruments. In 1954, Moog began
building theremins with his father, developing his skill
with electronics. After later buildling voltage
controlled oscillators and envelope generators as a
student, a friendship with experimental composer Herbert
Deutsch led to the development of Moog's first "Moog
Modular Synthesizer". The Moog Modular debuted at AES in
1964 to warm acclaim and R. A. Moog's first few orders.
After its release, Moog's Modular Synthesizer was
championed by Wendy Carlos' hit album "Switched on Bach",
performed exclusively on Moog's Modular. Selling over a
million albums, Moog's sound could be heard on phonographs
and in concert halls throughout the world-- and the
instrument had begun to catch on to an audience of its
own. The Beatles used a Moog synth for their Abbey Road
album. Wendy Carlos returned to the Modular to produce
the soundtrack of Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange".
Stevie Wonder employed Moog synthesizers on his albums of
the time and countless artists followed suit.
In the following decades, Moog's synths became smaller,
lighter, and more affordable. The Minimoog brought
electronic music to a wider community of musicians, making
synthesis more accessible to every musical genre. The
result is now a part of history, as other synth
manufacturers like ARP, Korg, Roland, and Yamaha began
following Moog's lead. Robert A. Moog essentially pushed
music synthesis out of the laboratory and into the hands
of musicians across the globe. What could have expired as
a musical novelty was given immortality in Moog's synths.
Today, you can't listen to any hip hop or electronic song
without hearing Moog's influence. Rock has felt it just
the same-- try listening to Radiohead, Gwen Stefani, or
the Gorillaz without hearing a synth. We all owe a lot to
Bob Moog, his dedication, and his amazing dream. In his
memory, throw on Floyd, some Parliament, or some Kraftwerk
and get Switched On. Thank you Bob.
Rob Papen's Blue Synth
Rob Papen has made some amazing sound sets for various synthesizers. He is as good as it gets. It will be interesting to see how this new synth of his pans out. The demos on site sound fantastic.
Direct link to specs.
Little Blue Demons
Retrothing has an interesting post on why he hates blue LEDs. I love the picture of the blue LEDs in a row.
My vote for best statement on a blog:
"Right now I have two of the little demons glowing at me in the gloom. I swear I'm wasting half my time glancing at them." : )
MOTM/synthtech.com going down for the weekend
Update from Paul of synthtech:
"There is 1 point of confusion: when it comes back up, the shipping cart
will not be there at first. I expect to go on-line by Sept. 10th
when I have the new MOTM-995 .com to MOTM power connector boards ready
($29ea, cheap!)."
Via AH:
I'm upgrading my 'level of service' at my ISP over
the weekend. So the MOTM site will go down
(and hopefully, back up) over the weekend.
This is Phase 1 of a complete site overhaul. I'm
adding a shopping cart and links to PayPal for
making CEM chip buying easier (I can load the
inventory into MySQL and not have to root around
the storage closet every month).
Paul Schreiber
www.synthtech.com
"There is 1 point of confusion: when it comes back up, the shipping cart
will not be there at first. I expect to go on-line by Sept. 10th
when I have the new MOTM-995 .com to MOTM power connector boards ready
($29ea, cheap!)."
Via AH:
I'm upgrading my 'level of service' at my ISP over
the weekend. So the MOTM site will go down
(and hopefully, back up) over the weekend.
This is Phase 1 of a complete site overhaul. I'm
adding a shopping cart and links to PayPal for
making CEM chip buying easier (I can load the
inventory into MySQL and not have to root around
the storage closet every month).
Paul Schreiber
www.synthtech.com
Peavy Paradox - The Synth that Was Not
Click here for a site on the Peavy Paradox sub titled, "The Synth that Was Not." Well, this actually refers to it not being mass produced. The synth itself "WAS." But, there were only four of these produced. Click through for more including sound samples of this amazingly rare analog synth from Peavy of all companies. I remember when one of these came up for sale. I'm still kicking myself for not going after it. Note that the synth consisted of a 1U rack mount synth with the controller below being separate and not the synth itself.
Update: see this post for additional pics.
Update: see this post for additional pics.
Bahn Sage
Here's a beauty. I remember when this started making its rounds. People were going nuts over it. Slowly more and more info came out only to find it was the biggest hoax in synth history. If you know of a bigger one please share. Thank you Elhardt for an amazing time and congrats on a master prank well done. You have made it into synth history. : ) BTW, this hoax had such an impact on the synth community that when the first pics of the Cwejman S1 appeared people were reluctant to believe it was real, thinking it was yet another one of Elhardt's pranks. A few people were admitedly a little surprised to find the Cwejman was real, including myself.
Alesis Aurora
The one thing I love about the synth world is that its just as much about the old as it is the new. Take for example the Alesis Aurora. Krhen took it upon himself to convert his Alesis Andromeda into this beauty of a synth alluding to the old analogs of yore. It has wood side panels and a full tilted front panel. Not sure about the ribbon controller, but the knobs definitely look more accessible. Click here for more pics and the story behind the Alesis Aurora.
Alesis Ion Prototype
Check out this Alesis Ion Prototype with yellow/green side panels and logo. These were the first shots of the Ion when introduced. Later they updated it with the red side panels that stuck with production. I wondered if there would be an option, but unfortunately there wasn't. Would have been cool if they came with a set of colored side panels you could swap out like skins for the synth. : ) No title link as this comes from my private collection of pics - not sure if there is a site out there with more on this. If you know of one, please feel free to share.
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH