Chair Audio - Haptic Vibration Based Hardware Instrument at SUPERBOOTH18

Chair Audio - Gear Guide - Super Booth 2018

Published on May 4, 2018 FACTmagazine

Stand alone and eurorack as seen below.

via SUPERBOOTH.COM:

"Our mission is to make sounds tangible. That's why we are developing instruments with haptic interfaces for electronic sound - both analog and software synthesis. Our Instruments have excitable surfaces that you can scratch, hit or bow. A developer edition of our first product will be presented at Superbooth: Digital sound designers can get touch information and vibration via USB. For analog synthesis it can output CV for x, y, gate and additionally the vibration signal."

via chair.audio

Albert van Abbe - Against The Clock

Published on Apr 25, 2018 FACTmagazine

Insane. Here is something you do not see everyday.

"Albert Van Abbe has been releasing gritty, atmospheric techno for over a decade on underground labels like Semantica and his own No Comment imprint, so we figured he'd know his way around a synth well enough to make a track in 10 minutes for our Against The Clock series.

However, we were completely unprepared for what we got when we caught up with him at the Willem Twee studios in the Dutch city of 's-Hertogenbosch. There, he opted to make his track on a giant wall of oscilloscopes, pulse generators and filters from the 1950s and '60s along with an ARP 2500. Eurorack this is not."

Django Django - Gear Guide - the Yamaha D85 Electone

Published on Apr 19, 2018 FACTmagazine

"Found on eBay for just £30.

We recently visited Django Django’s north London studio to set the band the challenge of making a track in 10 minutes as part of our Against The Clock series. While we were there, one instrument caught our eye: keyboard player Tommy Grace’s rare Yamaha organ.

Made in 1977, the Yamaha D85 Electone was the GarageBand of its day, featuring three keyboards and an auto-accompaniment section that plays simple rhythms, allowing you to play a whole orchestra from one instrument.

In the video above, Grace shows us how it works and tells us how cheap and easy they are to get your hands on – as long as you have a van to transport it."

FACT review: ROLI Blocks

Published on Apr 17, 2018 FACTmagazine

"New innovations in hardware design are making music production easier and more accessible than it’s ever been. Spearheading this revolution is ROLI, a UK startup that has challenged perceptions of electronic interfaces with its Seaboard RISE controller, a keyboard that responds to strikes, glides, slides and lifts like an acoustic instrument.

ROLI’s latest system, Blocks, aims to take this technology to the mainstream. This modular, snap-together collection of controllers can be used to make rhythms, play notes, generate chords and add effects, either by using them with Ableton Live, GarageBand and other compatible software or with ROLI’s own mobile app, NOISE.

With the recent introduction of the Seaboard Block and updated Lightpad Block M, we decided it was the ideal time to give Blocks and NOISE a go for ourselves in the first of a new series of video reviews from FACT’s Make Music section. Are Blocks as good to make music with as they look? Watch above to find out our verdict."

East End Dubs’ custom studio is a cutting-edge synth paradise

Published on Apr 12, 2018 FACTmagazine

"A studio unlike any we’ve ever seen.

London-based techno producer East End Dubs popped up back in 2012 releasing deep house on Kote Records and hasn’t taken a breath since, self-releasing over a dozen EPs on his own East End Dubs Recordings label and curating the Eastenderz imprint while DJing all over the globe.

East End Dubs is also a serious hardware enthusiast. Back in 2015 he decided to remodel a room in his house and convert it into a proper studio complete with cutting-edge synths, modular gear and drum machines. He even dug two feet under the floor to create an air gap for optimum acoustics. Now that’s dedication."

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P.S. Created a new Synth Studios label for these moving forward. I'll update previous post with the label as I see them. Until then you can check out the interview label and search on keywords like studio tour and so on.

Mumdance demos his jungle-inspired Eurorack filter module, MUM M8

Published on Feb 27, 2018 FACTmagazine

You can find details on the ALM MUM M8 here, and a demo from Perfect Circuit Audio here.

"We visit Mumdance's studio for an exclusive look at his exciting new module.

Mumdance’s musical influences are many, but top of the list are two things: modular synths and hardcore. He's managed to combine his love of both with his latest release, a Eurorack filter module designed with UK boutique studio ALM Busy Circuits, the MUM M8.

The inspiration for the MUM M8 is Akai’s S950 sampler from 1988, whose unique filter sound is behind many classic jungle and hardcore records of the era. We visited Mumdance at his home studio to get an exclusive inside look at how the module – right down to the "rave baggie" the screws come in.

For more on the making of the MUM M8 read our interview with Mumdance and ALM's Matthew Allum. If you want to know where to start with building your own modular synth, check out our Eurorack beginner's guide."

Byron The Aquarius shows how to get more funk out of your synth

Published on Feb 13, 2018 FACTmagazine

"Funkadelic keys in a flash.

Byron The Aquarius is a master of Roland’s classic Juno-106 synth, as he proved on his recent Against The Clock episode. After he finished the challenge, we asked him for his tips on using the instrument – specifically how he gets his keys sounding so funky.

The solution to getting Funkadelic-style sounds with any synth – not just the Juno-106 – as Byron explains, is a lot easier than you might think. See how he does it above and revisit his Against the Clock here."

The Mike Dean Moog DFAM Jam

Published on Feb 8, 2018 FACTmagazine

"The legendary producer shows us how it's done.

Mike Dean knows his way around a beat. The Houston native has been is a veteran hip-hop producer, who's worked with not just with the likes of Kanye West, Jay-Z and Travis Scott, but who has a long CV teeming with legends like Scarface, UGK and E-40, among other.

After Moog invited us to their synth shangri-la, House of Electronicus, to see their new semi-modular analog percussion synth Drummer From Another Mother, we got to see Dean take the DFAM for a spin in his own studio where he showed off the rest of his hardware collection and showed us exactly what happens when you get him on the keys."

Moog’s synth-filled LA bungalow, the House of Electronicus

Published on Feb 5, 2018 FACTmagazine

"Cactus-powered synths, a bed that vibrates to bass frequencies, a theremin-controlled video wall and more.

Last month, Moog transformed a bungalow in Los Angeles neighborhood Echo Park into a synth wonderland called the House of Electronicus, filled with instruments and custom-built installations. Alongside the Asheville company’s new Drummer From Another Mother semi-modular percussion synth, there was a cactus-powered synthesizer, theremin-controlled video screens and even a synth-connected bed that vibrated to different bass frequencies.

FACT visited Moog’s one-of-a-kind house to experience it first-hand, where we spoke with Moog about how it all worked and beat scene linchpin Daedelus on why the new Drummer From Another Mother could be a Moog classic in the making. Watch above, and check out FACT’s photos from the event for more visuals of the House of Electronicus.

Filmed by Jesse Orrall."

Joe Hertz - Access Virus TI2 Synth - Gear Guide

Published on Jan 23, 2018 FACTmagazine

"A must-have synth according to the Brixton producer.

Late last year, electronic R&B rising star Joe Hertz treated us to an excellent Against The Clock at his South London studio. But, we wondered at the time, what's the deal with the Virus TI2 bit of hardware by Access he used during that session?

We asked Joe to give us rundown of that most treasured instrument, explaining to us why the Virus TI2 is one of the most unique synths on the market.

In the video, Joe breaks down its key features and demonstrates how easy, versatile and user-friendly it is. One word: want."

Ferro - In The Studio

Published on Jan 2, 2018 FACTmagazine

"An analog den.

Jasper Verrijzer is an Amsterdam club scene mainstay. Working as a resident DJ and A&R for go-to imprint VBX Records, while producing house and techno as Ferro for the past three years, he's certainly tuned into the city's dance music frequencies.

After filming his impressive session for Against The Clock in November, we took a tour of Verrijzer's industrious studio space, which is located right in the centre of Amsterdam. Step inside his vintage synth and drum machine-packed utopia."

This one in via Brian Comnes.

De Sluwe Vos - In The Studio

Published on Nov 28, 2017 FACTmagazine

"Vintage synths, classic drum machines and a seriously impressive modular system.

Known for releases on labels such as DJ Haus’ Unknown to the Unknown, 4 Lux, Soulfood and Patron Records, De Sluwe Vos has made a significant impact on the Amsterdam house and techno scene over the past few years. His spacious studio is located on the city's outskirts, in a newly refurbished building also used by a number of producers from Amsterdam's thriving house and techno scene.

When we visited De Sluwe Vos to film his recent Against The Clock, we took the time to check out his space in closer detail, where he explained his production process, his obsession with the Roland TR-909 drum machine and how he uses his impressive modular set up as an 'idea machine'."

Chromeo’s Californian Studio is a Synth Wonderland

Published on Nov 20, 2017 FACTmagazine

"Masters of funk.

Montreal duo Chromeo are electro funk legends, with a career that stretches back to 2002 and classics like 'Fancy Footwork' to their name. With a new single out and a fifth album on the way, we decided to pay a visit to their studio in Burbank, CA where they've been recording for the past year.

Here the duo walked us through the vintage synths that have shaped their sound, from the Juno-106 to the Elka Synthex. They also told us how Steely Dan inspired their studio location, gave us some insider tips on starting a synth collection and even recorded a FACT jingle. Watch it above."

Against The Clock Lab w/ AMyn, Colin Benders, & Sjamsoedin

AMyn - Against The Clock Lab Published on Oct 25, 2017

"Last weekend, we took Against The Clock to Amsterdam Dance Event’s Sound Lab and the results were spectacular. During the event, we had three artists create a track completely from scratch in front of an audience.

First up, Belgian producer AMyn steps up to the plate and creates a soulful hip-hop instrumental."

Colin Benders - Against The Clock Lab

Published on Oct 25, 2017 FACTmagazine

"A modular synth maestro.

After AMyn’s soulful session, modular synth wizard Colin Benders showed us his impressive setup, creating a powerful performance with a wall of modular synth gear."

Sjamsoedin - Against The Clock Lab

Published on Oct 25, 2017 FACTmagazine

"After two great sessions from Colin Benders and AMyn, Dutch producer Sjamsoedin takes the spotlight.

During his 10 minutes, Sjamsoedin creates an experimental jam using an MPC, a vintage synth and a small modular rig."

Steffi - In The Studio

Published on Oct 24, 2017 FACTmagazine

Follow-up to her Against the Clock performance here.

"Steffi shows us her slick studio full of unusual vintage gear

Dutch techno icon Steffi made her massive Against The Clock session look easy, effortlessly gliding from synth to synth in her compact studio to create a tightly-wound electro track in just 10 minutes.

After the time was up, the Ostgut Ton regular and Panorama Bar resident talked us through what she did and how she did it, giving us a guided tour of her enviable gear collection at the same time.

Steffi’s got all the classics you’d expect in her studio – a TR-808 drum machine, a Minimoog for basslines – but also a few unusual items, like the Waldorf synth she uses for string sounds and a Sequentix Cirklon sequencer. Check it out above and watch her go Against The Clock."

Step inside DMX Krew’s amazing studio full of vintage synths

Published on Oct 13, 2017 FACTmagazine

"Synth crazy.

Best known as DMX Krew, Ed Upton has been making electro, acid and IDM-laced techno since the early ‘90s for labels such as Aphex Twin’s Rephlex, Legowelt’s Strange Life and, more recently, Hypercolour. He’s also a gear fiend, with a studio full of vintage synths and drum machines.

While we were visiting Upton to check out his custom-made drum machine, the Opal Rhythm Computor, we had time to check out everything else in his studio, including his TR-606, SH-101 and Ensoniq ESQ-1.

Watch above, and check out his new album Strange Directions at Bandcamp."

Steffi - Against The Clock

Published on Oct 12, 2017 FACTmagazine

Some nice synth spotting in this one. Sequentix P3 sequencer appears to the brain.

"The Dutch house and techno explorer creates an intense track in 10 minutes.

Steffi keeps busy. Since moving to Berlin in 2007, the Dutch-born producer has – deep breath now – released three sublime solo albums on Ostgut Ton, founded not one but two successful labels, promoted hundreds of underground parties and kept the city's iconic Panorama Bar booming as one of its resident DJs.

With her most recent album World of the Waking State continuing to make waves a month after its release, we added another item to her already-frantic to-do list – our Against The Clock challenge. Crafting a beat in 10 minutes using a seriously enviable array of gear, the cult hero didn't disappoint. Watch above."

Update:

CLICK FOR MORE »

London Modular Alliance - Desert Island Synths: Buchla Music Easel

Published on Sep 29, 2017 FACTmagazine

"What piece of music gear would London Modular Alliance take to a desert island with them?

All is revealed in our forth episode of Desert Island Synths, where we asked the London producers to pick the most important piece of equipment in there studio.

The guys went straight for the classic Buchla Music Easel."

DMX Krew and The One of a Kind Opal Rhythm Computor

DMX Krew - Opal Rhythm Computor tutorial (Drum machine & sampler) - Gear Guide

Published on Sep 12, 2017 FACTmagazine

"A one-of-a-kind drum machine, made from scratch.

Best known as DMX Krew, Ed Upton has been making acid, electro and IDM-laced bangers since the early ‘90s for some of the underground’s best-loved labels, including Aphex Twin’s Rephlex, Legowelt’s Strange Life and, more recently, Hypercolour.

When Upton’s favorite drum machine – an ultra rare RSF SD140 – was stolen and he couldn’t find another one, he learned how to solder and designed and built his own. The Opal Rhythm Computor is a drum machine and sampler filled with sounds from his Roland Alpha Juno synth that doesn’t look or sound like anything you can buy in a store.

Watch it in action above and find his new album Strange Directions at Bandcamp.
https://hypercolour-records.bandcamp...."

Posthuman - Against The Clock

FACTmagazine
Published on Aug 16, 2017

"This is acid.

London duo Posthuman were at the forefront of the 303 revival long before it was fashionable. They’ve been making acid techno since 2001 and run a record label, radio show and club night called I Love Acid, which turned 10 this year.

Posthuman’s Josh Doherty rose to Against The Clock’s 10-minute challenge at his studio in London, where he created a thumping bassline using his Bass Bot 303 clone, Roland 707 and Fruity Loops in his signature acid style."