Introducing Photosynthesis - Solar Powered Generative MIDI Instrument

video upload by Olydian Musical Instruments

"The Photosynthesis is a portable, solar-powered, generative MIDI synthesizer and drum machine. It has a unique tonal touch keyboard, which can be selected to play in any key and 16 different musical scales. It features a powerful arpeggiator and sequencer, which can be controlled very precisely, or let loose to create new and unexpected results.

The built-in sounds are made with beautiful, nostalgic, wavetable synthesis. There is MIDI out, so you can control other instruments with this one. There are also built-in effects.

The case is made from a hardwood: North American Cherry. The solar charging top piece of the case comes standard and protects the instrument from damage while on the move."

Photosynthesis In-Depth Demo - 👽 Solar Powered Synth ☀️

video upload by Olydian Musical Instruments

"Hello! This is a portable, solar-powered synthesizer, sequencer, and drum machine. It has internal sounds as well as MIDI out. I am hand-building these on a small scale, and they will be available for purchase early 2025. We are a small company with very big hearts and ideas. Much love to everyone ❤️

website: olydianmusic.com
email: kyle@olydianmusic.com
instagram: olydian_musical_instruments

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:14 - Physical Features
05:05 - Keyboard Mode
06:15 - Arpeggiator Mode
08:36 - Triplet
09:18 - Swing
10:00 - Sustain
10:40 - Sequencer Mode (sorry for the out-of-focus!!)
11:37 - Eraser Type 1
14:04 - Eraser Type 2
15:45 - Harmony
20:58 - Effects
22:26 - Harmony Jam
27:31 - Drum Machine
32:54 - MIDI Out (Juno Synth Hardware)
41:38 - MIDI Out (Laptop)
44:12 - Final Thoughts, Production Plans, and Features NOT on this instrument"

Gijs Gieskes WD80 Solar Powered Touch Synth

video upload by Gijs Gieskes

via gieskes.nl

"A solar powered synth where the solar power is integrated into the interface.

The WD80 refers to WD40, my French neighbour made the joke that it sounds like it needs WD-40, so i decided a good name for it is WD40 (i changed it to WD80 because of personal reasons and because WD40 is copyrighted).

The idea behind this synth is that you power it from the sun, but that the power is not just providing power, but it also acts as part of the interface. When there is less light the voltage goes down and then the frequency is also going down. When you use the synth you can walk around and for instance a tree above you will make a shade with allot of branches, this will give nice modulations in the sound especially when the wind blows a little bit.

It is using resistive touch contacts, so you can turn on the sound on the left side with one finger and the sound of the right side with another finger. There are two switches to turn on the left and right side on permanently, but it will be less loud then when you touch it. it will also be a little low pass filtered it seems when the switches are closed. So then when you touch it the osund will be louder and teh lowpass with be gone while you touch it.

The potmeter starves the power of the IC (HEF40106). The socket is a DIP socket so you can also try other versions of the 40106 series, for instance the CD40106, it might sound different.

The circle is connected to a oscillator that runs by itself, it is not directly connected to the output, but it somehow effects it allot.

The 4 lines are connected to 2 schmitt trigger circuits of the 40106, the center two lines are connected to the outputs of the schmitt triggers.

The output can drive headphones, there is no volume control so if it is to loud for you or the volume is to low you can use other headphones. I am using Sennheiser HD480ii.

For use in concerts you can use a halogen light to power the synth, and because it uses you bodies resistance to transfer the sound you can get hum (50hz or 60hz). To reduce this hum you can use a hum reducer that i am also selling."

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Making a Track Only Using the Nord Drum 3p

video upload by TOSKABYSS

"I sold most of my hardware and all that remains is the Nord Drum 3p. I decided to make a track just using the Nord Drum 3p to see how far I could take it.

---- TOSKABYSS.bandcamp.com"

Nord Drum 3p Drum Synth

video upload by TOSKABYSS

"This was my first solar powered jam. We had a camping trip about 30 minutes outside of our city and brought the Nord Drum 3p to test out the solar in our van."

SynthPlex Sun. - solar techno bus tour

video upload by SynthAddict

"solar techno bus for mobile jam parties
pretty posh..."

And one from sonicstate:

SynthPlex 2022: LA Good Vibe - Mobile Solar Recording Truck

video upload by sonicstate

"LA Good Vibe is a solar powered mobile recording truck, with the ability to go completely off grid, enabling some incredible locations for recording. Its a private facility created by Joachim Garraud, designed (we think) to enable him to live the dream, collaborate and demonstrate that its possible to go off grid and use 100% renewable energy (assuming you have a few $$ to set it up)

Jim took a tour around the studio based inside a large truck, custom fitted for the purpose. Joachim seems to be up for collaborations and interesting opportunities, so check it out at:

https://www.lagoodvibe.com/"

Spitfire Audio Mercury — Unearthly Sounds from Hollywood's Secret Weapon

video upload by Spitfire Audio

Spitfire Audio collaboratively creates MERCURY library like no other by harnessing hotshot Hollywood instrument designer Chas Smith’s unearthly sounds for all


“Chas’ instruments have been a crucial part of all of my film scores, and although I’m a little sad that I will no longer have him all to myself, I am thrilled that he has finally succumbed to years of urging on my part and has at long last collaborated with Spitfire Audio.”

- GRAMMY® Award-nominated composer, keyboardist, record producer, and remixer Charlie Clouser (Saw, Wayward Pines, Nine Inch Nails), 2022


LONDON, UK: created in close collaboration with hotshot Hollywood instrument-builder Chas Smith, famed for transforming disused metal into Hollywood’s most menacing, most mysterious instruments for forty years (yet still sought after by blockbuster film composers needing to score the awe-inspiring, the mystical, the mechanical, and the alien), sound- specialising British music technology company Spitfire Audio is proud to announce availability of MERCURY — harnessing his unearthly sounds for all by sampling 14 of the hotshot Hollywood instrument-builder’s most celebrated acoustic instruments, then fusing, warping, and reinventing them in Solar, Spitfire Audio’s new eDNA-powered synthesiser, to deliver 600+ organic and synthesised textures, tones, and pads perfect for tweaking, twisting, and recombining to unleash the sinister, unshackle the industrial, and unveil the impossible worlds orbiting just beyond reach — as of August 25…

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The Solar-Powered Pool

video upload by Laurent Baloran

"Unpretentious test of The Pool powered by solar energy. The sound is warmer, no ?"

Solar Powered Synths - THEY'RE HOT AF!!! (literally)

Noir Et Blanc Vie

"I'd like to say that both the Zoia and Subharmonicon performed great in 104 degree weather, I was surprised myself. Obviously I'd have the solar panel in the sun and I'd be in the shade if I were acually going to do this, but I needed even lighting.

I'm not an expert on solar, or renewable energy, BUT, what I wanted to do was take a road-trip, enjoy synths I wouldn't normally bring and take you with me for the journey. Most of the time you wouldn't consider synths that use AC/DC adapters as part of your portable outdoor rig, but I thought why not.

~Any incorrect terminology I use was because it was 104 degrees and I was having a heat stroke. Yeah, they'll believe that lol.~

(Within are subjective opinions, those who don't understand subjective opinion may be excused.) lol"

Solar powered Volcas

Published on May 1, 2020 myVolts

"Solar powered volca anyone? 😎

Spring sunshine, time to ⚡USB solar power ⚡some beats!

We've hooked up our 🌟 9v #ripcordusb 🌟to a couple of #korgvolca #synths 😍.
.
No problem powering two from one port, but the 🌞#solarpanel 🌞 couldn't go 3 volcas. I'm sure using the second port would have got us there, or maybe just wait for the summer sun! ☀️
.
🏖️🏖️🏖️🏖️🏖️🏖️🌅🌄🏖️🏖️🏖️
.
Ripcord allows you to convert any usb output to the voltage you want. 6v, 7.5v,9v, 12v, 18v.
.
. ⚡☀️😎☀️⚡"

Solar Powered SUNSET ROCK: Elektron #Model:Cycles Jam at Sunset Rocks, Mount Victoria, Blue Mtns

Published on Apr 22, 2020 Gary P Hayes

"Simple four chord jam / improvisation on Elektron Model:Cycles Outdoor Jam recorded on #ZoomH6 no other processing. All power supplied from solar panels in shot

Composed & Performed © Gary P Hayes at Sunset Rocks Mount Victoria
Blue Mountains Australia Drone video (filmed afterwards) by Gary P Hayes"

Sewn -- A Solar-Powered Analog Modular Synthesizer

Published on Dec 17, 2018 ellis tronics

"Etsy Listing::: https://etsy.me/2rIFnfS

Sewn is a Solar-Powered Analog Modular Synthesizer. Consisting of 3 Internal Synth Modules, this Musical Instrument specializes in exploring audio chaos hidden within the infinite Analog Spectrum.

The 3 Internal Modules are to be interconnected via patch wires in various and experimental ways. These connections create new circuit pathways that often result in wildly unexpected sounds and textures.

The 3 Internal Modules are: (2) Independent Primitive "Push/Pull" Oscillators and (1) Mixer/Amp with 5 Unique Gain Stage Inputs to shape incoming Signals.

The Oscillator Modules Pitch Range is set by Selecting and Plugging in Different Sized Capacitors into the "Capacitor-Slots". The Larger the Chosen Capacitor is, the Lower the resulting Pitch/Frequency will be. Each Oscillator contains 2 Slots for Inserting the provided Capacitors, by Mixing and Matching different Capacitor types and sizes, many variations of Waveform Symmetry and Resulting Tonalities are Possible. Playing the Sewn Synthesizer is all about Experimentation!

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An Evening with Peter Blasser - Live from Control

Published on Nov 18, 2017 Control Synthesizers & Electronic Devices

"Peter Blasser, the artist + inventor behind Ciat-Lonbarde, Ieaskul F. Mobenthey and synthmall.com, visits Control to discuss his handmade SHTAR, the Cocoquantus, aspects of his programming language SHLISP and Fish, the solar powered Tocante series, jazz and other inspirations. Shot on location at Control, a synthesizer brick & mortar shop located in the South Williamsburg Neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY.

Control specializes in Eurorack Modular, vintage traditional and unusual eccentric electronic devices both analog and digital. Please do not hesitate to get in touch. www.ctrl-mod.com

Video synthesis created by Matthew Morandi. Production by Rachelle Rahmé."

Tocante Karper Love

Published on Jun 17, 2016 Smokey Quartz

"Be witness to my first time playing the Tocante Karper, a solar powered synthesizer that does Karplus-Strong string emulations and is filled with little crevices of harsh percolating noise!"

Ciat-Lonbarde Tocante - Bass Bistab Model

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Up for auction is a Ciat-Lonbarde Tocante touch synthesizer, the Bass Bistab version. This unit is an open circuit square-wave synthesizer. It is in 100% working condition, played a total of 10 to 15 times. It comes with the original box, which i have thoroughly decorated in pen-and-ink drawings.

The synth has 24 notes, each corresponding to a relatively arbitrary scale, based upon the E6 capacitor series, an industrial standard for electronics building. Each touchpad has three corresponding nodes that are linked directly to the components inside the synth, allowing cross modulation with every part of the circuit. This allows for a lot of dynamics and intermodulation sounds, and it can get very strange.

The synth is powered by solar energy - by flipping the synth over and exposing the solar panel to sunlight - or a power supply(not included). There is an 1/8" output for hooking it up to an amplifier or headphones.

The synthesizer functions completely, and cosmetically is in almost perfect shape. The copper traces have little to no oxidization. The synthesizer is, essentially, in like-new condition."

Ciat-Lonbarde Tocante - Zenert PHASHI solar powered synth

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"this is a small electronic instrument powered by solar energy... you can use it just about anywhere... and is a fantastic electronic object to play. take a search for "ciat lonbarde" and you will find some of the most unique instruments in the vein of the baschet brothers or the history of synths... these folks are magicians with low brow materials. there are three versions of the tocante - this one is the PHASHI...

here's some info:

Zenert is a simple name, deriving from the source of its noise, a zener diode, and the spectral flavoring applied by a simple resonant circuit, the twin-t. Its operation diverges from the previous Tocante pieces, where finger-touch simply connected oscillator outputs to an amplifier. In Zenert, finger-touch injects the zener noise into the inputs of the flavoring circuits. So instead of a number of discrete symbols at its rim, Zenert has a band of copper tracing, scripted to mimic the waveform of noise. The inner nodes, for circuit bending on Thyris, Bistab and Phashi, are now the injection points for each resonance. The resonators on Zenert share the same tuning-by-capacitor scheme, establishing continuity with the previous ones. Thus Tocante shares a two-faced nature with its nemesis, Ieaskul F. Mobenthey; looking backward to previous designs for the general framework and manifesto, but looking forward to new ways to break out of the mold.

The Tocante line of musical instruments is "about" and "touching" the materials of electronics. Each touchpad represents a pitch according to industry "preferred numbers," chosen by old wartime engineers for non-musical purposes. Here they form a unique and haunting musical scale, not unlike that of a gamelan or the neutral intervals of Persian music. Beyond these base pitches, three golden sandrodes flank each touchpad; touching these androgynous nodes yields intermodulation, pitch and timbral shifts, and emergent chaotic masses. The instruments come in three flavors: thyris the triangle, bistab the square, and phashi the circle. The oscillators sound like a bowed string, a most powerful clarinet, and a howling serene whistle, respectively. Each responds to touch differently. Solar panels charge the onboard batteries, that power the oscillators and a speaker. They are the perfect self-contained instrument for nightly music at the campground.

Technical Details

-Dimensions: 28x8x2 centimeters.
-Range: 24 notes, four octaves.
-Power: 6x300mah NiMH cells.
-Diffusion: 0.5watt speaker.
-Output: 3.5mm mono audio jack.
-Cloudy Day: 2.1mm tip-positive 12vdc power jack (not included)."

Solar Powered Modular & Synths in a Tent in the Forest

That's my kind of camping.  :)

Via Phil999 on sequencer.de, translated by Florian Anwander who sent this one in:

"I came back today from the forest and have gained experience with solar and Euroracksystem. Extremely impressive both.

The batteries and solar panels from http://www.sistech.com are just great. With no effort I could run a small modular system, a Windows tablet, and other devices completely independent of the power grid.

The highlight of the batteries is that you can simultaneously charge and deliver. I have to explain this a littlebit: A XXL88 accumulator loads a maximum of 2A / 17V, can therefore absorb only 34W. The large panel provides 112W in ideal conditions. That means you can charge the battery on the one hand and still have (theoretically) at 78W output.

The Endorphin.es modules are simply awesome. I can only recommend. The high price is justified, it is definitely worthwhile to save some. I am modular for some time on the road (but with antique equipment), but what Endorphin.es has since transported me into a new league. It has turned out that I simply need LPG's. And a complex oscillator. That's the sound that I want. And it'll still be cheaper than with Buchlasystemen. And Shuttle Control makes the whole thing so much easier. Simply create with the editor a couple of presets, then control with an iPhone (Lemur) objects, or of course on the computer in the studio. This extends the capabilities of the system enormously.

Everything is still a bit new to me, although I would be attributed more to the old-timers. There are simply the new developments on the market that will change the thing. So what was a few years ago just is not available.

Here are a few impressions."

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Tocante Phashi Love 1

Published on May 10, 2015 Smokey Quartz

"After an afternoon for charging in the sun, I have a short post-sunset Phashi jam while getting sucked on by mosquitos. I'm not licking the instrument but breathing on it to unleash some nice drones."

"These are solar powered synthsizers with built in speakers, made by the guy who does the Ciat-Lonbarde stuff."

First Solar Powered Mini Electronic Studio?

Solarstudio Published on Mar 30, 2015 Kanal von cms4f

"First solar-driven electronic studio.
More Infos: http://solartudio.ch"

Depends on how you define it.

Korg Volcas on eBay

Time To Tinker

Published on May 13, 2014 rswwwchannel·119 videos

"Ordering all your most favourite parts just got that bit easier! RS Components is proud to announce its brand new an improved mobile site: http://bit.ly/1jVQIzL

You can now order on the go wherever you are. Don't let anything stand in the way of you and your creativity.

To celebrate the launch of this mobile marvel - we're giving you the chance to have your own invention brought to life. We want you to tell us what you would make if you could invent anything in the world (solar powered jetpack anyone?). So, if you think you can do better than Ronald in the video, simply tweet us ideas using the hashtag #TimeToTinker. The best idea will not only get their invention built by the RS Components team but will also win a brand new Samsung Galaxy S4.

What are you waiting for, drop us a tweet, it's #TimeToTinker!"

Sismo Instruments - New Synth Manufacturer from Brazil

sismo-qadrox from sismo on Vimeo.

"Features
- Create powerful noisy rhythms and unpredictable sounds
- Portable design in wood and acrilic
- Sync by Clock, lead or follow the pitch
- CV output
- Stereo oscillators output"


sismo-qad4 from sismo on Vimeo.

"The Sismo Qad4 is a portable squarewave generator with four analog oscillators, ajustable by pitch potenciometers, built in amplifier and output, powered by batery or external power source.

Features
- Create a drones, noises and atmospheres
- Record to make a sample bank or play alive at your home studio, stage or any other place
- Low current design extends battery life
- Built in amplifier and speaker"

You'll find Sismo on eBay here.

via http://www.sismo.net.br:

"Sismo is a collection of analog tools and conceptual instruments. Uniques. The materials used for its construction are diversified for each collection.

Sismo’s instruments combines the process of creation in new media art, centered more on a sound experiences than a technique, datasheet or schematics.

The main idea reminds in 2004 by the artist Cristiano Rosa (http://panetone.net) when started developing modular synths and in his journey discovered a new family of instruments. Low current sequencers (0 – 5V), low consumer devices, and portable systems. Sometimes power by battery, solar cells or external power source.

Designing for live-performance, audiovisual installations, educational practices and experimental interaction.
Sismo creates instruments for artist by artist."

"The Sismo Qadrox is a squarewave generator with four analog oscillators built in eight step sequencer, input to external clock, CV and sync outputs.

The audio outputs have two options, one mono by the 3/4 inch (guitar plug) and RCA stereo, split the oscillators two per each side. Front panel have nine potenciometers, is the CV sequencer (0-5 Volts) controlling the sound generator.

The potenciometer in the middle is the sequencer pitch control.The lower panel have an external clock input and the clock output, internal or external and the CV sequencer output. The one switch change completely the sound generator, increment some sweeps, noises and lfos, charge and discharge capacitors. The another switch is a sequencer reset.

Features
- Create powerful noisy rhythms and unpredictable sounds
- Portable design in wood and acrilic
- Sync by Clock, lead or follow the pitch
- CV output
- Stereo oscillators output

Specifications
Polyphony: monophonic
Oscillators: Four fixed oscillators square/pulse
Control: CV in-out, Clock in-out
Power source: 12 Volts (center positive) (Not included)

IMPORTANT SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS!
- Do not exceed a 15VDC wall wart
- Make sure the wall wart has at least 300 to 1000mA capacity

Weight: 500g
Dimensions: 10,5cm(H) x 13cm(D) x 13cm(W)"

"The Sismo Qad4 is a portable squarewave generator with four analog oscillators, ajustable by pitch potenciometers, built in amplifier and output, powered by batery or external power source.

Features
- Create a drones, noises and atmospheres
- Record to make a sample bank or play alive at your home studio, stage or any other place
- Low current design extends battery life
- Built in amplifier and speaker

Specifications
Polyphony: monophonic
Oscillators: Four oscillators square/pulse
Power source: 9V Battery or 9VDC adapter (center positive) (Not included)

IMPORTANT SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS!
- Do not exceed a 15VDC wall wart
- Make sure the wall wart has at least 300 to 1000mA capacity

Weight: 500g
Dimensions: 8cm(H) x 5,5cm(D) x 9cm(W)"

::vtol:: solar parasit & Solar Powered Synth Workshop

via vtol

"Solar Parasit is a small audio synthesizer for personal use.The parasite is charged during the day by a solar panel from the sun or a bright light. When a bright light disappears, the device begins to 'sing' through headphones. The parasite has a little eye on the end of a long tube through which the light is captured when it is surrounded by darkness. With the headphones on, users can walk around the city at night, listening to the parasite's singing in response to the light from headlights, advertising and other ambient lighting.

The principle of the parasite is very simple: it is a small square-wave generator for IC 555 with integrated photoresistor that controls the frequency of the oscillator. This kind of devices is sometimes called 'light theremin'.

first release- Polyfest, VDNKh, Moscow, 07.09.2013"

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