MMM Phoenix Series Samples

click here for some samples and templates. You will need to download Serif DrawPlus to view the templates.
Update: Looks like the links changed: samples, templates

Wacky Wonky

via Dennis, aka mono-poly.

"Fridaynight i did this noodle witch is completely generating it's own melody and variation. Sorry for the boring beat but it's just a little idea with this noodle.

Drums DR55 trough an EMT 266 limiter
Noisering used for the melody generation
Clockdividers for dividing clock signals.
Logic module to merge the clock from my dyn sinc with the noise ring clock.
Slope generator for envelope firing to the noisering inputs.
Wiard vco to modulate the Cyndustries Zero oscilator."

The MMM Mattson Mini Modular

YouTube via redmartian.
"Mattson Mini Modular Portable Modular Analogue Synthesizer"

MMM Faceplate Decals

via Guy D2.
"Been following the Mattson Mini Modular thread intensely for the last week, and saw the whole thing coming together nicely on George's new website...

Fascinating stuff.

The faceplates are designed in Illustrator, and I reckon they're fairly accurate (the holes and dimensions), give or take a few pixels. Since I've set up a rigid template, it is now very easy for me to design and re-design new decals... I can do one module in less than half an hour or so... Done the VCO and EG so far...

If there is any interest in this, I will finish the rest of the modules, and make them available [in different printable formats] for free. Right now I am not able to fullfill any requests for other decals designs, since I'm a bit overloaded with (paid for) work. That might change later though.

If everything works out ok, I will make the template available to the public for free (in different, editable formats), so to make the enthousiastic musician-designer's life just a tad more easy.

Cheers,
Guy D2"

Episode 2: Sequencing drums and melodies using LFOs

YouTube via williamenroh of inside synthesis.

"Not many synths have a mod sequencer like the Korg MS-2000 (demonstrated in Episode 1). But that doesn't mean you can't use LFOs to trigger drumbeats and melodies.

This video features an ESQ-1. While it has a sequencer, it doesn't have an arpeggiator, or any decent internal drum sounds, and certainly no way to key-trigger those sequences. This tutorial will show how to get decent drums and even simulate an arpeggiator, all dynamically triggered via the keyboard.

Plus, the techniques are relevant to almost any synthesizer."

Oberheim Two Voice Demo Part 1

YouTube via therealretrosynth.
"Noodling on the Oberheim Two Voice to demonstrate its sonic abilities."

Roland JX-8P and PG-800

images via this auction.

"Six voice, two oscillators per voice. Poly, Unison, and Solo modes. Unison operates with all 12 oscillators firing on one note or 6 oscillators firing on each of two notes or 4 oscillators firing on each of 3 notes, etc. (depending on the number of keys held down) The Solo mode is 2 oscillators on a single note. Because the JX-8P has extensive cross-mod capabilities you can get really fat bell timbres - anything from melodic to clangorous illness

Future Retro Revolution

via this auction. Interesting choice of knobs.

Roland MC-202

more images

Livewire Electronics Audio Frequency Generator

"General info regarding the new Livewire
Electronics Audio Frequency Generator:

- The AFG is planned to go into production in October 2007 (next month)

- The target US retail price is $395.00 USD

- There are 2 FM CV inputs, both switchable between linear & exponential

- There are a total of 9 CV inputs, all of which have attenuation knobs
except for the 2 1v/oct inputs

- The AFG will only be offered in Eurorack format initially

- The AFG has 9 output waveforms, including 2 switchable sub-octave
waveforms

- The Harmonic Animation section of the AFG offers a type of timbral
modulation unseen on any other modular VCO

More information will be available soon at the main Livewire website and on the Livewire Yahoo group.

Thanks for your interest!

Mike Brown
Livewire Electronics

Metasonix TX-1D Agonizer

image via Deviant Synth

Xelius Project - Retrò electronique "Live Version"

YouTube via albatronia. info@xeliusproject.com
Spot the synths. Hints in the label. Let me know if I missed any.

Sequence Time with Gazdatronik

YouTube via Gazdatronik. Sent my way via E. S.
"As I live here in 1986, I goof around with some coded passages in real-time.

Korg dw-8000 on bass
Roland JX-3p on more bass
Yamaha TX81Z on random arpeggio
Oberhiem Matrix 6 on atonal, gong, and occasional lead.
Emu SP-12 on drums

Available on videocassette or laserdisc" No link though. Hmm...
Remember, if you want me to put up a post it MUST feature specific synths either showcasing them in video, pics or audio. I've been getting a few requests for stuff that may feature a given synth or two, but don't really showcase them. This video does. BTW, you are free to post your synth music on SYNTHWIRE along with anything else synth related. Just shoot me an email and I'll sign you up. Contact info just under the right search box on SYNTHWIRE or down below on the right here on MATRIXSYNTH.

Introducing the MMM "Phoenix Series" (Micro-Mini) Modular Synthesizer

The new MMM “Phoenix Series” (Micro-Mini) Modular Synthesizer
By Mattson Mini Modular.

The MMM Phoenix series synthesizer incorporates true-analog modules encased in a “grab and go” housing format.

Each of the two system cabinets contain space for 12 modules fed by a common power supply, providing for a truly portable, 24 module, analog modular system. When you’re ready to go, the cabinets latch face-to face into a compact, protective enclosure measuring 11-3/8” (28.89cm) W X 15” (38.1cm) H X 7” (17.78cm) D. Roughly, the size of 6 packages of printer paper stacked 3 high, side by side.

Open, the system measures 23” (58.42cm) W X 15” (38.1cm) H X 3.5” (8.89cm) D. As your budget and needs grow, the system has been designed to interlock with additional systems, horizontally and vertically, for virtually infinite system expansion. Each system responding to one of 16 MIDI channels if so desired. Grow your system into a larger system with more creative power available than is available in a larger format system of the same size. When it’s time to go, the entire system breaks down easily into independent, easy to transport cases.

The modules conform to the electrical audio and CV standards of most of the currently available systems and can be cross-patchable with other manufacturers systems.

Initially, the system will only be available in the US and in limited, built-to-order production runs. Individual modules won’t be immediately for sale but will be available to be purchased in addition to the “basic system” order.

The basic system consists of the case, power supply/MIDI module and the 10 modules highlighted on Matrixsynth over the past week, these modules fill the entire first cabinet providing for a plug-and-experiment, complete basic modular synthesizer. The second cabinet contains space for 12 additional modules of your choice.

The basic system is offered for $1,595.00. Additional “core” modules for the second case will be offered for $105.00 each, regardless off the module. Since the additional modules must be ordered initially with the basic system, the modules will be discounted $5.00 from the retail module value.

The Power Supply/MIDI module is a 2-space module that is integrated into the system and will not be available for individual purchase.
Visit us at http://www.mattsonminimodular.com"

Roland JD-800 Digital Synthesizer - *Pad Sounds*

Youtube via retrosound72.
"Some Pad-Sounds from the Roland JD-800 Synthesizer. used by: Vangelis (1492 Soundtrack), Underworld, Pet Shop Boys, Jarre, Genesis and many more more info: www.retrosound.de"

Ken Stone (CGS) Seqencer

via this auction

4 channel 8 step Sequencer
MOTM format

Unisynth XG-1

via this auction.

Chamberlin M-300

images via this auction.

"For your consideration is this 1959 Chamberlin M-300 electro-mechanical keyboard in 100% ALL ORIGINAL condition. This one-of-a-kind Chamberlin M-300 was invented and crafted by Harry Chamberlin for the great Bobby Darin. This exact Chamberlin is the one which was later used on Darin's 1960 hit "Mack the Knife." Harry Chamberlin only made ONE M-300, which is essentially the better half of an M-600.

This Chamberlin has been completely restored to factory specs and is ready for professional studio recording use. In the early M-600s, and in this M-300, the tapes themselves have much more dynamics and detail than the later tapes found in the M1s. This is probably due to fewer generations of copies to the original masters. Additionally, the vacuum tube preamp and amplification stages are far superioir sounding to the transistorized amplifcation stages found in the M1.

The sound of this M-300 is far superior to that of an M1 and M4, and it sounds most similar to a Mellotron Mk II. The keyboard action on the 300 is much better suited for the mechanical tape keyboard system. The keys have much better response to the tapes than an M1.

Recording directly off the speaker is much more dynamic than going direct, as both the amplification stage and quality of the speaker are amazing.

There were a couple owners between myself and the great Bobby Darin- none of whom are very interesting musicians are who were able to express the greatness of this keyboard.

None except the notorious and legendary Vincent Gallo who used it for recording and performance on several occasions. I tried to buy this unit from Gallo for years offering cash or whatever it would take to get it, but finally during a restoration Gallo was doing on his Universal Audio board I was able to offer the unfindable parts he needed to complete the task. So I acquired this machine from Gallo after he relucatantly did a deal with me, even insulting me as I left.

I expect him to bid if he finds out it is for sale."

KORG Poly-61

images via this auction.

Linn LM-1

images via this auction. via kerry

Note the "Linn and Moffett Electronics Inc." on the front panel.

inside the MG 1 Realistic Moog synth

via alka
"I recently borrowed my friend's half-working Realistic Moog MG 1and decided to clean it up for him. Upon opening, I was greeted with about a pound of hair (cat and human), bits of paper, an army figure and a horribly decomposing "foam" dust guard. As I'm not too familiar with this synth, I am unaware if this is a common problem or if something was perhaps spilled into this machine at one point. My friend that owns the board said he purchased it from a coffee shop and that it never did work correctly." Click here for more shots.

Hail, Stanford, Hail: Keytar Hero / Guitar Hero

YouTube via tyhsu. This gem sent my way via Ian.
TV commercial from Stanford University, showcasing the FM synthesizer. See http://hailstanford.stanford.edu for more like this."

Three Fracs of Fun

flickr by lesser_inc.

Click here for the full size shot
Click here for mouse overs for each module.

Dueling Retake - Appliancide

Remember Applieancide? Click here for another track featuring his 2 suitcase eurorack modular.
"This one is two passes of the same patch being tweaked as it plays. One pass is panned left and the other right. I didn't set out to do this. I justed wanted to see if I could get a better take and as I was comparing the two (the first one was better of course) I decided that I liked the way they sounded together. Other than EQ and compression, no effects were used/added."

ARP Ensemble Organ

This image was sent into AH via Ivan (link). Anyone know more about this particular unit?

MMM PS Module

Mattson Mini Modular
Power/ MIDI set
MIDI I/O- Mode Select

Note this marks the last module in the series. Click here for the full module list.

5th annual Pacific Northwest Synthesizer Meeting

"The 5th annual Pacific Northwest Synthesizer Meeting will be:

September 29th
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Renton Technical College
Building C, The Technology Resource Center Room 111 3000 NE 4th St Renton, WA 98056

Late breaking news: The Mattson Mini Modular will be unveiled at this meeting. Yes, the happily married Jim Patchell will be present.

More information about the meeting is available at www.sound-photo.com. Unfortunately I have not updated the site from last year. Lazy or busy. The room has changed 111 which is the larger room next door.

I know that someone wants to carpool from Vancouver Island. It is probably okay to make one solicitation on these lists. In the past people have carpooled from Portland.

Take care,
John
www.sound-photo.com
www.antenna-farm.com"

Note: This will be the first public appearance of the Mattson Mini Modular, so if you want to see it and you are in the area, please come. If you have a synth to bring, feel free to bring it as well.

Serge Modular

This beauty was sent in via Peter Grenader of Plan b on the AH list. I asked him if I could put it up and he gave me the thumbs up.

1. 24 channel comb filter
(4) Quad VCA
(4) 4 channel unity gain mixers
(4) 2 channel unity gain mixers

2. (8) Extended ADSR

3. (8) Extended ADSR

4, Touch Activated Keyboard, w/mod 16 inputs, 1 output

CLICK FOR MORE »

Modified Linn LM-1

images via this auction. via Bill.

"Extremely rare, only 500 were ever made. This is the machine that changed the way we record, and became the voice of pop music in the eighties. It’s the classic sound heard on Prince’s When Doves Cry, 1999 and others. It was used by The Human League, Art of Noise, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and just about everybody else back then. It was the first programmable drum machine to feature samples of real drums. It retailed for $4995.00, and is the only piece of equipment that I ever paid list price for—there was a waiting list, and I was lucky to get one! Yes, I am the original owner. Auction includes the original owner’s manual.

About this particular unit, serial no. 00331: It has been sitting in its Anvil case in the garage for about twenty years. Sad, but true, how fickle we are with equipment. It worked perfectly when I put it away, and after bringing it back to life, I am happy to say that it is about 97% fully functional. Here’s what’s going on:

The batteries are possibly (probably) dead, and one of the connecting leads has come away from the battery pack. It appears that a screw is missing. Not being a tech, I don’t want to risk hooking up this lead in case I’m wrong. I don’t have a schematic for the machine, and probably couldn’t read it if I did. Therefore, the machine will not retain anything programmed into it when the power is turned off. Be that as it may, the unit still records, and functions as it did back in the day. I haven’t gone through and tested every single function such as swing, and linking up patterns, but recording a pattern works fine. The sliders on the mixer are a little bit dirty, and the upper conga will disappear from the mix sometimes because of this. It comes back from moving the fader up and down, so I assume a good cleaning will take care of that. I haven’t tested the individual outs, they need cleaning as well. After sitting in the Anvil case all that time, some of the foam from inside the case dried up and stuck to the outputs. The left and right stereo outs work fine, as do the pan switches for each individual channel.

Long ago, I had the machine modified to allow more chips to be installed, and there are three switches on the back panel that change the kick, congas and snare. There are two kicks installed, and the snare channel has a nifty fingersnap sound when one of the switches is thrown. There is also a ¼” unlabeled jack on the back that I have no idea what it’s for—it was all a long time ago.

Cosmetically, it’s not too bad; a few scratches on the top panel, most likely from other gear being set on top of it. This machine was only used in the studio, and only transported in the case, but it IS 25 years old, and shows some wear and tear that you can see in the photos."

HarriL - Electronic Tripping (Live)

video upload by HarriL

NOTE: The above is a 10 minute version of the following:

"Hey again!
No testing this time! Here's a (rather long - 14minutes!) electro-house jam/song mixed with live guitar and harmonica sounds.

Gear used:
Video here (in stereo)
Mp3 here

Gear used:
Quasimidi Rave-o-lution 309, FutureRetro Revolution fed through EMX for effects. ESX for some samples. K-station as an effects unit for the harmonica and the guitar. I had a sequence planned for KS, but actually forgot to play it."

harbinson - ohh the moonshine

YouTube via LukeHarbinson.
The onhand version of the song so you can see whats going on. mp3 available free on myspace"

Alesis A6 Andromeda: Bass sounds

YouTube via YpsilonVector.

JoMoX Sunsyn

images via this auction.

Roland SH-2000

images via this auction.




YouTubes via mavropigi.

E-MU Emulator III

via this auction.

Roland JX-8P

images via this auction.

MAM MB33 II

via this auction.

sample 1
sample 2

• 100% analog audio synthesis
• VCO : Square wave and Sawtooth
• Suboscillator
• 18 dB low-pass filter like the original TB-303
• Pulse width modulation (PWM)
• Distortion effect
• VCF IN (External audio signals can be applied to the VCF IN socket for processing by the MB 33 II.)
• MIDI In / Out / Thru
• MIDI can send/receive controls for the cutoff, resonance, ENV mod, accent, decay, distortion, and autoslide on/off
• Reso adjust
• Autoslide

Plexus Instruments CR-800

via royce on AH.

"the only trick with the triggering is the cr8000 voice boards need a downgoing (positive to negative) trigger. this can be accomplished with an inverter, such as a doepfer or analogue solutions inverter module. i wound up using an elby midi-trigger converter, with a reprogrammed pic. the upside is that THE TRIGGERING IS VELOCITY SENSITIVE. this is fantastic, and allows for subtle nuances."

More images here.

MMM JP VCF

Mattson Mini Modular JP VCF
Jim Patchell Signature
Multi-mode Filter

Jim Patchell's DIY Synthesis

Many of you might recognize the name Jim Patchell. For those of you that do not, Jim is about as respected as it gets in the Synth DIY community. He started his first synth project back in 1973:

"Well, this project was started in 1973, or there abouts. I was at Santa Barbara City College at the time. The library there had Radio Electronics magazine, and I would go there to read and do home work. When I saw the article on building your own synthesizer, I was hooked immediately. This was, of course, the legendary Paia 2700. Some of the circuits were build as is, others I didn't like. The VCO was one of those. I used the national semiconductor application notes for the LM324 to build the voltage controlled triangle oscillator. Back then, I had no money to speak of, so everything was pretty much built from salvage parts. The LM324 was a free sample. They were not cheap back then. I did buy some LM741/747/748 type opamps to make some of the modules. All of the transistors were salvaged. Pots were a very strange collection of pots salvaged from old radios (I could kick myself for that misdeed)."


Low Pass Filter pictured. He's contributed quite a bit to the synth community. You can see a bit of his work in the following three sites.

The Jim Patchell Synthesizer D.I.Y. Web Page
Jim Patchell's First Synthesizer Project
A New DIY Synthesizer Project

He is also responsible for the electronic design and PC Board layout for the MIKADO Analog Sequencing System posted here.

Plan B releases two new MMModules :)

Two new Plan B products wil begin shipping in two weeks:

1) The Model 9 Mixer/Attenuator is the forth in a series of utility modules from Plan B. A truly modular, multi-tasking 5 in, 3 output mixer, it's balanced inputs are suited for either AC signals or DC control voltages, or both simultaneously.

Along with these mixing options, each of the four main inputs channels are fitted with dedicated Attenuator Outputs which allow access to the leveled output from each channel by itself, independent of the mix. Many thanks to Plan B Norman Fay for thestellar idea of adding independent post fader outputs.

Go here for details.

2) The third in our utility module series, the Model 29 Dynamic Mult is a unique 1-to-5 signal splitter in which four of the outputs are equipped with manual level pots, allowing for both contour control and signal distribution. The perfect companion for non-attenuated VC inputs, the Model 29 requires no power supply connection to operate as it takes it's ground reference from the cables patched into it.

Go here for more details.

The 'mama massacre kein sex' project by syndrome

Click here for a number of tracks, in most cases, created by using only one synth. Warning: the title to the tracks may be offensive to some and possibly banned in Germany. I forget if that particular word is or not. I do know it was on the black list for most search engines. This one via Serge.

MMM VCO

Mattson Mini Modular VCO

MOOG Needs Help for Restoration Project

Bryan from Alka found this one on the amia-l job posting mailing list. It was forwaded and posted by:

David C. Spencer
Senior Curator / Cinema Studies Faculty
NCSA Moving Image Archives


"Hello All!

My name is Michelle Moog-Koussa. I am the Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. located in Asheville, NC. For those of you who are not familiar with Dr. Moog's work, he was a synthesizer pioneer, largely credited with inventing the first synthesizer and changing the face of music forever. Dr. Moog lived and worked in Asheville for the last 25 years of his life and passed away in August of 2005. We created the Bob Moog Foundation soon after that and received our non-profit status in March 2007.

In January of this year, we went through Dr. Moog's extensive archives, which include 50 years of prototype instruments, photos, schematics, articles, notes, correspondence, vintage recording equipment, reel to reel tapes and other historic ephemera. Unfortunately, Dr. Moog stored this unique, historic and fascinating collection in a hot, humid buidling out in the country and everything is covered with mold. Additionally, time has taken its toll on just about every item. With the help of a core group of dedicated volunteers, we have moved the most important materials into a climate controlled storage space in Asheville. We have begun to seek help in preserving this important collection.

We are presently in the midst of applying for a grant from the Grammy Foundation to help us retore the reel to reel tapes and the vintage recording equipment. The Grammy Foundation requires that we find a qualified archivist to help us with this project. If you are an interested archivist with knowledge of reel to reel tape preservation, please contact me immediately.

The grant application is due on October 1st, so time is of the essence. Please respond at your earliest possible convenience.

Thanks so much for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Michelle Moog-Koussa
Executive Director
The Bob Moog Foundation
(c) 828.215.8414
www.moogfoundation.org"

Limited Edition Akai MPC 4000 via Guitar Center

"GUITAR CENTER INTRODUCES HI-TECH CUSTOM SHOP FEATURING UNIQUE ELECTRONIC MUSIC ITEMS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR TODAY’S ARTISTS
Limited Edition Akai MPC 4000—Exclusively Designed By Master Customizer Bruce Forat—Is Premiere Offering

Westlake Village, CA: Guitar Center, the nation's leading musical instrument retailer, announced today the introduction of its exclusive Hi-Tech Custom Shop. A new model for the retail chain, the Hi-Tech Custom Shop gives musicians unique access to rare and specialized items designed to break the homogeny of mass-market gear. The planned inventory for the Shop includes limited custom editions, exclusive product and artist-endorsed items. These will be conceived and designed by industry experts to celebrate the legacy of genre-defying pieces as well as appeal to musicians with a desire to own a piece of history.
These exclusive collaborations will be on display at select locations but can be special ordered at any Guitar Center nationwide.

To launch the Hi-Tech Custom Shop, Guitar Center purchased the last eleven Akai MPC 4000s ever made and partnered with Bruce Forat, who has been at the forefront of music electronics for the last 25 years. Forat, who has personally customized drum machines and keyboards for top musicians including Prince, Dr. Dre, Jermaine Dupree and Madonna, customized the eleven to create one-of-a-kind MPC 4000s, of which only six remain for sale exclusively through the Guitar Center Hi-Tech Custom Shop. The Akai MPC series, used by influential musicians and producers such as Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Pete Rock, has been instrumental in the development of hip-hop music and is widely regarded as the industry’s gold standard. Additional information can be found at www.guitarcenter.com/forat.

“For the launch of Guitar Center’s Hi-Tech Custom Shop, we wanted to offer something incredibly special,” said Tony Baraz, assistant buyer for Guitar Center. “The Akai MPC is iconic in and of itself, but when customized by a monster talent like Bruce Forat it is a work of art.”

“To make each of the remaining Akai MPC 4000s truly unique we headed to the Caribbean for inspiration,” says Forat. “There’s something about the atmosphere and cool breeze that gets the creative juices going—I count these Hi-Tech Custom Shop MPCs among my best work.”

About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the leading United States retailer of guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment. Our retail store subsidiary presently operates 214 Guitar Center stores across the U.S. In addition, our Music & Arts division operates more than 100 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician's Friend, Inc., and its catalog and Web site, www.musiciansfriend.com. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company's Web site at www.guitarcenter.com.

The Guitar Center logo is a registered trademark of Guitar Center, Inc. Other brand or product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated."

BTW, the first person to comment with the correct number of remaining MPC 4000s, and WITH a registered account gets a $100 GC gift certificate courtesy of GC. : ) Sorry anons, but there is no way to confirm who you are for this one.

More images here.

Genoqs Octopus Basic Demonstration 5

YouTube via DayflightTrok.
"A short demonstration about how to program chords up to 7 notes and how to strumm this chord up- or downwards (also called "the Chris Franke" effect). Have Fun!"
click here for all demonstrations. genoQs website

Roland TR-808

click here for more.

MMM Dual LFO

Mattson Mini Modular Dual LFO

HarriL - Revolution Acid Testing (live)

video upload by HarriL

Hey, I got the Future Retro Revolution today. Revolution is synced to-and fed through EMXs' effects. The overdrive is from the revolution."

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Vector Synthesizer

YouTube via retrosound72.
"short demo of the legendary SCI Prophet VS Vector Synthesizer

used by: Brian Eno, Ice House, Apollo 440, Depeche Mode, Vince Clarke, Kraftwerk, Erasure, John Carpenter and many more

more info: www.retrosound.de"