Showing posts sorted by date for query Composing Music. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Composing Music. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Ambient Generative Music | Ableton Air & Roland JP-8080
video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto
"Generative Sequencer: Ableton Air https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
Inspired by Timeless Techniques
"Air" draws its inspiration from Brian Eno's Music for Airports and the concept of overlapping tape loops. This Ableton Max for Live plugin translates these ideas into a modern generative sequencer, enabling you to explore infinite musical possibilities without repetitive programming.
Effortless Note Generation
Forget the constraints of the piano roll. "Air" generates notes autonomously, creating endless variations of melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. Your music becomes a living, breathing entity that evolves over time, making each moment unique.
Perfect for Experimental and Ambient Music
Whether you're crafting immersive ambient soundscapes, exploring experimental electronica, or composing intricate minimal music, "Air" provides the tools to elevate your creativity. Its generative approach ensures that no two performances are ever the same, offering a fresh perspective with every playback.
Features Designed for Limitless Inspiration
Evolving Sequences: Generate infinitely unique patterns that never repeat.
Customizable Settings: Fine-tune parameters to align with your artistic vision.
Seamless Integration: Designed for Ableton Live users who value creativity and experimentation.
Create Music That Breathes
"Air" is more than a plugin—it's a partner in creation, designed for musicians who embrace unpredictability and seek to push boundaries. Unleash the power of generative composition and let your music take flight."
Monday, November 10, 2025
Monday, November 03, 2025
Anthony Marinelli Music Synth Studio Revealed | Studio Tour 2025
video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music
"I finally agreed to make a video showing my synthesizer studio. I'm NOT a collector, so you'll see the instruments I've used for over four decades to do my work. It's also my space for composing. In this deep dive studio tour, I walk you through every corner of my space, showing how everything’s connected for performing, recording, and creative flow.
You’ll see icons like the 'Plantasia' Moog Modular IIIc, Synclavier II, Rhodes Chroma with Expander & Enabler, Oberheim Four Voice, Elka Synthex, Roland Jupiter 8, Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, ARP 2600s, Korg MS modular synths, some classic Minimoog — plus a few modern synths I’ve added as I look to the future. Alongside the synths are vintage drum machines, string machines, and rare electric keyboards including a 1973 Fender Rhodes Suitcase and Hohner Clavinet/Pianet Duo.
We'll also explore racks of outboard gear, vocoder units, tape echoes, and a vast array of my custom guitar pedal options, efx pedal boards and studio effects racks that make this room endlessly inspiring. I'll also reveal how my entire studio is designed for instant creativity, featuring 48 channels of synth drivers and stage boxes, so any synth can be patched and recorded on the fly."
https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/pages/about
LABELS/MORE:
ARP,
BOSS,
Chroma,
Death by Audio,
EHX,
Elka,
eurorack,
Interviews,
Korg,
MOOG,
MXR,
Oberheim,
PWMusic,
Rhodes,
Roland,
Sequential,
strymon,
Studio Tours,
Synclavier,
Yamaha
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Cameron Jones: Synclavier and beyond, a life in music
video upload by CatSynth TV
"Cameron Jones: Synclavier, singing, and a life in music (Interview)
We sit down for an in-depth conversation with Cameron Jones, co-inventor and principal software architect of the legendary Synclavier synthesizers. We talk about his early interests, his time with New England Digital and the Synclavier, and his life in and love of music.
The interview was recorded at Knobcon 2025, where Jones was a featured speaker.
To find out more about Cameron Jones and the past, present, and future of Synclavier, please visit the official website: https://synclavier.com
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Cameron Jones introduces himself
01:11 Being in the right place at the right time
05:25 Additive synthesis, FM synthesis, and sampling
11:45 Synclavier
15:05 The symbiosis of musicians and music technology
19:09 Composing in this era of music technology
22:59 The individuality of musicians and their instruments
27:00 Cameron Jones journey in music (orchestras, singing, theater)
41:20 Conclusion
Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.
Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: / catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"
Monday, September 01, 2025
Prismatic Sonic Forest Journey | 2 person free composing on Novation Summit & Eurorack modular
video upload by Blue Forest of Wires
"We play a set of improvised music on the Novation Summit and Eurorack modular synthesizer, following the creative impulse from moment to moment, connected in a flowing river of sound, with energy and note reflecting back and forth like light in a prism.
This set was played entirely in the quarter comma meantone tuning system, with 3 sharps and 2 flats."
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Organizing Sounds! | Make Noise
video upload by MAKEN0ISE
"Now on Iteration 2 of our 12-String Iterative Music Process, let's take a look at some ways to categorize sounds when Organizing them for Morphagene or other electronic music tools! With the help of the classic book 'Composing With Tape Recorders' by Terence Dwyer.
All the project iteration Reels as well as the Iteration 3 spreadsheet can be found in this Drive folder:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folder...
http://www.makenoisemusic.com"
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Synth Setup Tips #5 // How to perform breaks, drops and transitions ft. Electric Sea's DAWless set
video upload by loopop
"Thanks to Electric Sea for putting in the time and effort to make this video!
Follow her work here:
► / _electric_sea ► Streaming: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ele...
Get all the ideas, tips and insights from this video and all my others in my ever-expanding book of electronic music ideas, tips and tricks here:
► Patreon: / loopop"
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:00 Background
1:55 Composing
3:35 Digitakt
4:50 Electribe MX
5:25 Mod and FX
6:00 Minitaur
6:50 MicroKORG
7:50 Drumbrute
9:00 Mixing
9:55 Song seq
10:30 Breaks
11:50 Perf walkthru
14:20 Vocals
14:40 Live looping
16:00 Song transitions
18:10 Extreme BPM chg
19:40 Sample design
21:05 Track walkthru
24:00 Final tip!
24:30 Outro
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Minimoog & Ableton SOLFA – A Generative MIDI Sequencer for Minimal and Experimental Music
video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto
"SOLFA – A Generative MIDI Sequencer for Minimal and Experimental Music
https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
Inspired by Arvo Pärt, Designed for Creative Exploration
SOLFA is a generative MIDI sequencer for Ableton Max for Live, built for electronic music producers, experimental composers, ambient sound designers, and those interested in algorithmic composition. Inspired by the works of Arvo Pärt, this tool allows you to create evolving, hypnotic patterns that seamlessly blend tonal minimalism with rhythmic complexity.
Minimal Pitch, Infinite Possibilities
At the core of SOLFA is a simple seven-note sequence. These notes are randomized across octaves, generating organic melodic shifts. This structured yet fluid approach results in endlessly varying musical textures that maintain a coherent harmonic identity.
Independent Rhythmic Structures
SOLFA employs isorhythmic principles, where the pitch sequence operates independently from the rhythm pattern. This allows for intricate, evolving interactions between melody and rhythm, giving rise to unexpected yet deeply musical results.
Ideal for Generative and Experimental Music
Whether you're composing ambient soundscapes, intricate polyrhythmic pieces, or avant-garde electronic music, SOLFA provides a unique method for crafting evolving compositions with minimal input. By embracing randomness within defined constraints, it encourages exploration while maintaining musical cohesion.
Unlock New Creative Dimensions
Transform simple ideas into dynamic, evolving sequences with SOLFA. Experiment with chance, structure, and unpredictability to discover new musical possibilities. Now available for Max for Live.
Neo minimoog Sample Pack: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store..."
Thursday, July 17, 2025
SOLAR 42 | Erica Synths PERKONS HD-01
video upload by ELTA music
"ELTA MUSIC - SOLAR 42F
Erica Synths - PERKONS HD-01
Gamechanger Audio - FX pedal
SOLAR 42 is a unique experimental electro-music instrument, an analogue microtonal ambient drone machine. It will inspire you to find a new and spontaneous approach to composing music.
The instrument is oriented for live performances, creating film soundtracks, theatre soundtracks, atmospheric sounds, microtonal and background music. The instrument was inspired by early electronic musical instruments of the 1920s and 1950s, notably Leo Theremin's «Harmonium» instrument, as well as science fiction film soundtracks."
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
DARK AMBIENT | SOLAR 42
video upload by ELTA music
"SOLAR 42f is a unique experimental electro-music instrument, an analogue microtonal ambient drone machine. It will inspire you to find a new and spontaneous approach to composing music.
The instrument is oriented for live performances, creating film soundtracks, theatre soundtracks, atmospheric sounds, microtonal and background music. The instrument was inspired by early electronic musical instruments of the 1920s and 1950s, notably Leo Theremin's «Harmonium» instrument, as well as science fiction film soundtracks."
Sunday, July 06, 2025
The Seventh Wave Festival of Electronic Music: Number Sixteen
Pess release follows:
The Seventh Wave
Festival of Electronic Music: Number Sixteen
Music festival delivers one of its best line-ups yet!
Edition 16 of an Electronic Music Festival established in 2016 takes place in Birmingham in October of this year.
In October 2025 the sixteenth ‘The Seventh Wave Festival of Electronic Music’ takes place across three days at The Castle and Falcon.
For a relatively small festival The Seventh Wave continues to get some of the biggest names in electronic and progressive music.
The stellar line-up for #16 includes Plaid, Ultramarine, Richard Norris (The Grid), Mark Van Hoen/Locust, White Noise (featuring the legendary David Vorhaus) & much more.
Tickets can be purchased for individual events at Skiddle and SEE tickets.
Full line-ups follows, flyer attached for the festival… for more information, press inquiries contact theseventhwave@btinternet.com or visit https://seventhwavefestivalofelectronicmusic.com/
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Introducing Sonicware LIVEN Evoke - A New Category of Ambient Music Box
video uploads by SONICWARE
"Following the success of Ambient Ø, we’re introducing ‘LIVEN Evoke’ — a new category of ambient music box that blends acoustic-inspired synthesis with hypnotic granular textures.
‘Evoke’ builds on the emotional soundscape tradition we pioneered, offering A creators a deeply expressive tool for composing cinematic ambient and post-classical music."
https://sonicware.jp/pages/liven-evoke
MSRP: US: $239 UK: £229 (incl. VAT) AU: AU$399 (incl. GST) CA: CA$329
First Batch: 100 units — Shipping Starts from June 30. Check with dealers on the right for availability.
Additional Details:
■ Nostalgia-Evoking Ambient Music Box
Timelessly interwoven with synthesized acoustic instruments and a hypnotic granular effect.
■ Acoustronic Flux Oscillator
New synth engine that turns acoustic-instrument essence into a unique 'acoustronic' sound.
■ Grain FX: Musical Granular Effect
Micro-grain slicing transforms phrases into musical glitches and evolving textures.
■ Dense & Multi-Dimensional Reverb
10 diverse reverbs—including the veiled ambience 'Mirage'—for deep atmospheres.
■ All-in-One 4-Track Sequencer
LIVEN’s signature 4 -track sequencer, known for recording performances and sound changes.
Friday, May 30, 2025
Ambient Generative Music | Ableton Air & Roland JP-8080
video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto
"Generative Sequencer: Ableton Air https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
Inspired by Timeless Techniques
"Air" draws its inspiration from Brian Eno's Music for Airports and the concept of overlapping tape loops. This Ableton Max for Live plugin translates these ideas into a modern generative sequencer, enabling you to explore infinite musical possibilities without repetitive programming.
Effortless Note Generation
Forget the constraints of the piano roll. 'Air' generates notes autonomously, creating endless variations of melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. Your music becomes a living, breathing entity that evolves over time, making each moment unique.
Perfect for Experimental and Ambient Music
Whether you're crafting immersive ambient soundscapes, exploring experimental electronica, or composing intricate minimal music, "Air" provides the tools to elevate your creativity. Its generative approach ensures that no two performances are ever the same, offering a fresh perspective with every playback.
Features Designed for Limitless Inspiration
Evolving Sequences: Generate infinitely unique patterns that never repeat.
Customizable Settings: Fine-tune parameters to align with your artistic vision.
Seamless Integration: Designed for Ableton Live users who value creativity and experimentation.
Create Music That Breathes
'Air' is more than a plugin—it's a partner in creation, designed for musicians who embrace unpredictability and seek to push boundaries. Unleash the power of generative composition and let your music take flight."
Friday, May 23, 2025
Clatters Machines Introduces SONORA Spectral Mixing Output Module
Video Manual upload by Clatters Machines
Chapters:
0:00 Meet Sonora
0:09 What's Sonora?
1:15 Headphones on!
1:30 12 pre-panned inputs summing mixer
1:59 Dive into stereophony possibilities
4:18 Pro Line outputs
4:28 Headphones output and loudness indicators
4:35 LED meter and soft clipping limiter circuit
4:53 Why Sonora?
5:15 Ciao!
"Sonora is a 6HP, skiff friendly, spectral mixing output module designed to be the ultimate sound stage of your eurorack setup.
A place where all your mixes meet and find a stereophonic solution for your final track thanks to its twelve fixed panning inputs that allow you to give each track its own space and importance in the stereo field. While being a 12 inputs summing mixer, Sonora also features a LED meter, a soft clipping limiter circuit at the output stage, a headphone output section with loudness indicators and 3.5mm pro line output jacks.
Features:
12 pre-panned audio inputs:
2 hard left inputs;
2 hard right inputs;
2 mid left inputs;
2 mid right inputs;
1 low left input;
1 low right input;
2 mono inputs;
3.5mm stereo headphones socket (300mW headphone amp @200Ω impedance) with dedicated volume control and stereo LEDs loudness indicators;
3.5mm pro line outputs jacks (+4dBu);
master volume control;
stereo LEDs meter with 0dB reference indicator;
soft clipping limiter circuit;"
Update: press release follows:
"Clatters Machines announces availability of Sonora spectral mixing output module as ultimate sound stage for Eurorack setups
SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO, ITALY: small town lovers of music and electronic instruments Clatters Machines is proud to announce availability of its Sonora spectral mixing output module — aimed at acting as the ultimate sound stage for Eurorack setups by being marketed as a place where all of a user’s mixes meet to find a stereophonic solution for the final track, thanks to 12 fixed panning inputs that allow each track to breathe in its own space while also determining its importance in the stereo field — as of May 23…
Translated to generally meaning sound (in English), sonora is actually an Italian feminine adjective that stands for loud, resonant, ringing, and sonic — depending on the context in which it is used; however, in the context of Sonora being aimed at acting as the ultimate sound stage for Eurorack setups as Clatters Machines’ latest module, who better, then, to introduce it than company Co-founder, engineer, designer Michelangelo Nasso. “A compact, final sound stage module was an obvious — and needed — choice for us,” he begins, before briefly detailing how it came into being: “As musicians, we’ve always struggled with headphone/output/mixing modules. Most modules in this field take up way too much space inside a case — space that we’d prefer to fill with other effects, sound sources, and utilities. And although some other output
modules are super-small, which is nice, they usually lack features, so we tried to solve this problem with what we think is the
perfect combination of what’s already out there.”
Think 12 pre-panned audio inputs — including two hard-left inputs, two hard-right inputs, two mid-left inputs, two mid-right inputs, one low-left input, one low-right input, and two mono inputs. “So Sonora has 12 pre-panned audio inputs, which is great if you’re composing with multiple sound sources,” says Michelangelo Nasso, continuing: “We came up with the idea of additionally assigning a fixed panning space to each input, so the possibility of creating a perfectly stereo balanced final track is pretty straightforward.”
Further features abound, as Michelangelo Nasso notes: “Once we created what is basically a spectral 12-input summing mixer, we decided to go all in and added all the features we think are a must for an end-of-chain module, such as a 3.5mm stereo HEADPHONES socket, with dedicated volume control and stereo LED loudness indicators; 3.5mm pro LINE outputs; stereo LED meter, with a 0dB reference indicator; and a soft clipping limiter circuit, which we believe is always handy, both to protect your gear and spice things up!”
And as if that is not an exciting enough prospect in itself, all those features fit neatly into a 6HP-wide module with an anodised brush aluminium front panel that is available in either black or silver, so standing out from the sound of the crowd with what is surely the ultimate sound stage for a Eurorack setup also applies to what a Sonora purchaser prefers that proposition to look like.
Sonora is available worldwide — with a choice of silver- or black-coloured aluminium front panels — from Clatters Machines’ growing global network of retailers (https://clattersmachines.com/retailers-3/) or directly via its online Store (https://clattersmachines.com/shop/) for €245.00 EUR (plus VAT). For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated Sonora webpage here: https://clattersmachines.com/prodotto/sonora/"
Check dealers on the right for availability.
Monday, May 05, 2025
A human composing livestream: Ambient Cinematic with Steampipe!
video upload by Quincas Moreira Music
"Writing a song a week for my independent music library: Site forthcoming: HumanMusic.org!"
Monday, April 28, 2025
Touch 2 by Synthux Academy!
video upload by Quincas Moreira Music
"This is an edit (by Edgar Lopez - Thanks Edgar) of the composition livestream I did (I try to do them daily) centered around the Synhux Academy Simple Touch 2 synthesizers I was given by the brand at Superbooth 2024. It's the first in this new format where I focus certain livestreams on composing with a particular instrument and then turn that stream into a review or tutorial. Hope you like it!"
https://www.quincasmoreira.com/
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Minimoog & Ableton SOLFA – A Generative MIDI Sequencer for Minimal and Experimental Music
video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto
"SOLFA – A Generative MIDI Sequencer for Minimal and Experimental Music
https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
Inspired by Arvo Pärt, Designed for Creative Exploration
SOLFA is a generative MIDI sequencer for Ableton Max for Live, built for electronic music producers, experimental composers, ambient sound designers, and those interested in algorithmic composition. Inspired by the works of Arvo Pärt, this tool allows you to create evolving, hypnotic patterns that seamlessly blend tonal minimalism with rhythmic complexity.
Minimal Pitch, Infinite Possibilities
At the core of SOLFA is a simple seven-note sequence. These notes are randomized across octaves, generating organic melodic shifts. This structured yet fluid approach results in endlessly varying musical textures that maintain a coherent harmonic identity.
Independent Rhythmic Structures
SOLFA employs isorhythmic principles, where the pitch sequence operates independently from the rhythm pattern. This allows for intricate, evolving interactions between melody and rhythm, giving rise to unexpected yet deeply musical results.
Ideal for Generative and Experimental Music
Whether you're composing ambient soundscapes, intricate polyrhythmic pieces, or avant-garde electronic music, SOLFA provides a unique method for crafting evolving compositions with minimal input. By embracing randomness within defined constraints, it encourages exploration while maintaining musical cohesion.
Unlock New Creative Dimensions
Transform simple ideas into dynamic, evolving sequences with SOLFA. Experiment with chance, structure, and unpredictability to discover new musical possibilities. Now available for Max for Live."
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Ableton SOLFA – A Generative MIDI Sequencer for Minimal and Experimental Music
video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto
"SOLFA – A Generative MIDI Sequencer for Minimal and Experimental Music
https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
Inspired by Arvo Pärt, Designed for Creative Exploration
SOLFA is a generative MIDI sequencer for Ableton Max for Live, built for electronic music producers, experimental composers, ambient sound designers, and those interested in algorithmic composition. Inspired by the works of Arvo Pärt, this tool allows you to create evolving, hypnotic patterns that seamlessly blend tonal minimalism with rhythmic complexity.
Minimal Pitch, Infinite Possibilities
At the core of SOLFA is a simple seven-note sequence. These notes are randomized across octaves, generating organic melodic shifts. This structured yet fluid approach results in endlessly varying musical textures that maintain a coherent harmonic identity.
Independent Rhythmic Structures
SOLFA employs isorhythmic principles, where the pitch sequence operates independently from the rhythm pattern. This allows for intricate, evolving interactions between melody and rhythm, giving rise to unexpected yet deeply musical results.
Ideal for Generative and Experimental Music
Whether you're composing ambient soundscapes, intricate polyrhythmic pieces, or avant-garde electronic music, SOLFA provides a unique method for crafting evolving compositions with minimal input. By embracing randomness within defined constraints, it encourages exploration while maintaining musical cohesion.
Unlock New Creative Dimensions
Transform simple ideas into dynamic, evolving sequences with SOLFA. Experiment with chance, structure, and unpredictability to discover new musical possibilities. Now available for Max for Live.
ver.2.1 ... Fixed UI bug. (4/1/2025)
ver.2.0 ... Added random mode. (3/31/2025)"
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Ableton Air & Ciat Lonbarde Plumbutter 2
video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto
Sequencer: Ableton Air https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
Delay: Shoegazer Reverse Gate https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store... "Ableton Air
Inspired by Timeless Techniques
'Air' draws its inspiration from Brian Eno's Music for Airports and the concept of overlapping tape loops. This Ableton Max for Live plugin translates these ideas into a modern generative sequencer, enabling you to explore infinite musical possibilities without repetitive programming.
Effortless Note Generation
Forget the constraints of the piano roll. 'Air' generates notes autonomously, creating endless variations of melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. Your music becomes a living, breathing entity that evolves over time, making each moment unique.
Perfect for Experimental and Ambient Music
Whether you're crafting immersive ambient soundscapes, exploring experimental electronica, or composing intricate minimal music, 'Air' provides the tools to elevate your creativity. Its generative approach ensures that no two performances are ever the same, offering a fresh perspective with every playback.
Features Designed for Limitless Inspiration
Evolving Sequences: Generate infinitely unique patterns that never repeat.
Customizable Settings: Fine-tune parameters to align with your artistic vision.
Seamless Integration: Designed for Ableton Live users who value creativity and experimentation.
Create Music That Breathes
'Air' is more than a plugin—it's a partner in creation, designed for musicians who embrace unpredictability and seek to push boundaries. Unleash the power of generative composition and let your music take flight."
Friday, March 21, 2025
The World's First Programmable Synthesizer and its Pulitzer Prize Winning Music
video upload by ITSPmagazine
"This synthesizer is the world's first programmable music synthesizer. The first piece of electronic music to win the Pulitzer Prize was made on it.
basically a two voice synthesizer with tone generation and composing in the left hand side and processing on the right hand side, including manual binary for the, uh, ordering of the effects processes. Um, which for its time, uh, essentially like a uh, touring computer. Um, uh, was it You know, one and a half tons, seven feet tall, 14 feet wide, it's quite a behemoth, but now it's a very large paperweight.
Watch the full video:" [The above comes in at 22:41 - vintage Buchla, Serge & more follow. See this post for the red Buchla LSD module]
How Technology is Changing the Way We Make Music | A Conversation with Seth Cluett
video upload by ITSPmagazine
"Guest: Seth Cluett, Director of Columbia University’s Computer Music Center | On LinkedIn: / seth-cluett-7631065 | Columbia University Computer Music Center Bio: https://cmc.music.columbia.edu/bios/s...
Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/
Show Notes
Music and technology have always shaped each other, and few places embody that relationship as deeply as the Computer Music Center (CMC) at Columbia University. In this episode of Music Evolves, Sean Martin sits down with Seth Cluett, Director of the Computer Music Center and Assistant Director of the Sound Art MFA program at Columbia, to explore the center’s rich history, its role in advancing music technology, and how it continues to shape the future of sound.
The Legacy and Mission of the Computer Music Center
The CMC is housed in the same 6,000-square-foot space as the original Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center, which dates back to 1951 and is one of the world’s oldest university-based electronic music research facilities. This was the birthplace of early electronic music, where pioneers learned to use cutting-edge technology to create new sounds. Many of those musicians went on to establish their own studios around the world, from Egypt to Japan.
The center has played a role in major milestones in music history, including the work of Wendy Carlos, a former student known for Switched-On Bach, the score for Tron, and The Shining. The first piece of electronic music to win a Pulitzer Prize was also composed here. Today, under Cluett’s leadership, the focus remains on creativity-driven technological innovation—allowing composers and artists to explore technology freely and push the boundaries of what’s possible in sound and music.
One of the center’s guiding principles is accessibility. Cluett emphasizes the importance of lowering barriers to entry for students who may not have had prior access to music technology. The goal is to make sure that anyone, regardless of background, can walk into the studio and begin working with 80% of its capabilities within the first 20 minutes.
Exploring the Labs and Studios
The episode also includes a tour of the labs and studios, showcasing some of the center’s groundbreaking equipment. One highlight is the RCA Mark II Synthesizer, the world’s first programmable music synthesizer. Built in the late 1950s, this massive machine—seven feet tall and weighing over a ton—was instrumental in shaping the sound of early electronic music. The system worked by punching holes into paper to control sound generation, similar to a player piano. While no longer in use, the CMC has collaborated with iZotope to model some of its effects digitally.
LABELS/MORE:
ARP,
Buchla,
documentaries,
exclusive,
exclusive2025,
Interviews,
mechanical,
RCA,
Serge,
test equipment
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© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
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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



























