Complex System

video upload by Memetune Studio

"I was wanting a way of setting up an interactive environment to record sounds from some modular systems which could be the basis for some improvised performance based sound explorations

I figured that if I set up some cybersynth patches (ie patches that are evolving by themselves in some way, or are at least dynamically varied over time) and could record some long stereo samples (loops) that could be manipulated live, this might be an interesting thing to do

It occurred to me that the Octatrack, which I got a few years ago and use as a granulating sample mangler, might be perfect to pair with the modulars in this way

The thing about the Octatrack is that it is so unbelievably deep and sophisticated that it can be very difficult to set things up on. I see it as a truly Complex System (AI Overview definition: Complex systems are characterized by numerous interacting parts and emergent behaviors that are not readily predictable from the individual components) and the user manual is utterly hopeless beyond a very basic overview

With the Octatrack you have to basically tell it what you want to do for any given situation. You create a personalised environment inside it and then work within the limitations you set yourself. You have to think of a setup that you want to create, then you build it for yourself using all the different components. In other words, it's not a preset environment that does a few specific things, you have to decide what you want then make it yourself

So I thought it would be useful to have 4 stereo 'Tape Machines' that can be manipulated in real time, with control over the following in each: Pitch, Playback Speed (Timestretch), Direction (forward / reverse) basic Filtering (bandpass) and Delay with feedback. All the things you might find in a Musique Concrete studio in the 1950s (with the addition of granular timetretching)

I might do a more detailed breakdown of the Octatrack patch in the future, but I wanted to live with this setup for a while and make sure it does everything I want it to do in the most efficient way first

This is my first experiment with it, using the Buchla 200. There are two stereo outs from the Buchla - two independent patches running concurrently - going into the Octatrack's dual stereo inputs. These are then fed into the four "tape machines" I created in the Octatrack, which mixes them into one stereo output along with the two live feeds from the Buchla (so what you are hearing is a live mix of the Buchla's 2 voices plus 4 tape loops (30 seconds each) recorded as we go along from the Buchla. As I said, its a complex system 😁"

Future Sound Systems Cric SN 009

via this Reverb listing

You can find demos in previous posts here. You can find the announcement post with details here.

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1968 RA Moog Modular IIIC

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

via this Reverb listing

"A 3-cabinet authentic, period correct all RA Moog modules system that dates from 1968.

This instrument forms a part of the RL Music Vintage Synthesizer Collection. We have managed to keep some of the very best examples of Vintage Synthesizers that have come through our business over the last 22 years which we kept for our pleasure and interest. Whilst having a privileged position as a specialist dealer in this genre of equipment, we managed to hang on to particular instruments that were interesting and inspiring. The RA Moog Modular IIIC is one of 40 instruments we have, but is the oldest and most historically important.

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Casual Cric! Noise session with pedals + feedback 21st April 2025

video upload by Future Sound Systems

"Total feedback racket from Cric and friends..."

The past, present & future of AJH Synth // Celebrating 10 years of the MiniMod Eurorack range

video upload by DivKid

"I recently learnt that AJH Synth were celebrating 10 years since the release of their first modules with the MiniMod Eurorack range. Back then I was immediately taken by the quality of sound, vintage tone and open modular architecture capable of taking things way beyond the classic Moog MiniMoog Model D sound. I've got to know Allan over this past decade and we've worked together loads on modules that utterly nail that lush vintage analogue sound and also modern forward thinking new ideas ... so I jumped at the idea of making a celebration video!"

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Future Sound Systems Cric Patch Journal: Two Voice Paraphony

video upload by Matt Lowery

"With freshly tie-dyed hands, I demonstrate and explain a Cric patch that has been on my desk for almost two weeks. We'll use Rene 2 to sequence two channels of Cric, send the resulting audio through the Vongon Polyphase, and create a big granular cloud to sit behind that whole situation. It'll be fun, you'll see.

00:00 Cheeseball Intro
00:17 Cric Settings
03:07 Sequencing Strategy
06:40 Granular Cloud
08:50 Skip Here If You Just Want Cric Sounds"

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.

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Future Sound Systems Cric masterclass | 26 Feb 2025

video upload by Signal Sounds

"A recording of our in-store event on 26 February 2025, with Finlay of Future Sound Systems giving an in-depth demo of the awesome Cric matrix-patchable synthesiser!

Cric is available here:
https://www.signalsounds.com/future-s...

More on Future Sound Systems:
https://www.futuresoundsystems.co.uk"

Analogue Solutions TC5000 Patch Pin Matrix Synthesizer

video upload by Analogue Solutions



"The Analogue Solutions TC5000 reimagines the essence of classic synthesiser design, merging timeless analogue principles with contemporary innovation. Its modular architecture provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to sculpt sound with precision while exploring limitless sonic possibilities. Crafted for those who appreciate both artistic expression and technical mastery, the TC5000 is a modern evolution of the analogue synthesiser, connecting the rich history of synthesis with future-facing sound design.

Key Features:

-Modular design offering limitless routing options for sound exploration.

-Customisable configurations, allowing for tailored setups to suit your creative needs.

-Dual full-width patch matrices for seamless modulation connections.
-Multiple oscillators and filters, including CEM and SEM-style, for rich and dynamic sound creation.

-Dual spring reverbs for lush, immersive soundscapes.

-Innovative sequencer controls with parallel and chained operation for complex, evolving sequences.

-Extensive CV control for flexible integration with other modular systems."

Additional TC5000 posts

Future Sounds Systems Cric Oscillators are Unhinged and Wonderful

video upload by Matt Lowery

"A sleepy and untechnical exploration of the oscillators on the Future Sound Systems Cric.

00:00 Exploration
10:20 The SAUCE
15:00 A synth voice (skip here if you're busy)"

Synapse Audio DUNE 3 - "Berlin Legacy" Soundset (50 presets)

video upload by LFOstore

"Berlin Legacy: A Cosmic Journey Through Time!
Step into the heart of the 1970s electronic revolution with Berlin Legacy—a meticulously crafted soundset for Synapse Audio Dune 3, designed to channel the hypnotic pulse and ethereal textures of the iconic Berlin School. This collection of 50 exclusive presets is a love letter to the pioneers like Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream, blending vintage analog warmth with cutting-edge digital precision. Whether you’re looking for pulsating sequences, soaring leads, or otherworldly pads, Berlin Legacy offers the tools to recreate the magic of retro-futurism—or forge entirely new cosmic pathways!

🎹 What’s Inside?
50 wonderful multi-layered royalty-free presets - carefully crafted by OttO K. Schwarz, an experienced sound designer worked with Access Music, Modal Electronics, Native Instruments, etc.:
Sequences That Breathe: Driving arpeggios, hypnotic step patterns, and evolving sequencers that capture the soul of analog modular systems mixed with modern capabilities;
Leads With Character: From warm and cosmic character to gritty, oscillator-driven solos—every sound tells a story;
Pads With Warmth: Lush, cinematic textures designed to add depth and motion to your tracks;
Plucks In Neon Color: 70s and 80s-style plucks and synths with a fresh view.

🎹 Why Berlin Legacy?
Instant Inspiration: Ready-to-use sequences and presets for film scoring, ambient productions, or Berlin School revival projects;
Authentic Retro-Futurism: Every preset is dialed in to mirror the raw, organic imperfections of vintage gear, while leveraging Dune 3’s modern power;
Flexible Modulation: Velocity, Modwheel and Expression are assigned in each preset! So you can morph sounds on the fly;
Cosmic Versatility: Perfect for sci-fi atmospheres, meditative journeys, or rhythmic electronica.

🎹 For Whom?
The soundset is perfect for producers craving the timeless vibe of 70s/80s electronica; sound designers seeking ready-made textures with a retro soul; or nostalgic explorers who want to lose themselves in swirling analog galaxies!
Unleash the Legacy—where the past and future collide in a symphony of light and shadow. Berlin Legacy isn’t just a soundset—it’s a time machine both into past and the future!

🎹 Please find the soundset here - https://ottolfo.sellfy.store/software/"

Future Sound Systems Cric Analog Matrix-Patchable Synthesizer

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

via this listing

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BUCHLA & FRIENDS: THE SYNTH MAKER SHOWCASE Event Set for LA Next Weekend Jan 25 & 26

Tickets available at Eventbrite

"We’re gathering over 70 boutique synth makers in one awesome Silverlake spot so you can learn, listen, and live the latest in electronic music sound production. This hands-on, headphones-only gathering gives you a chance to hear the best sounds science has ever created. From additive to subtractive, analog to digital, keyboards to breath, audio to visual (yes- some video synths will be here too!), modular to full-size polyphonic, eurorack to Serge to Buchla, you’ll meet synth makers and synth enthusiasts alike. This will be January’s biggest two-day collection of hands-on synths on the West Coast! If you love creative sound, you need to be here."

Delicious food (including vegan) from Moby Rick’s fish tacos, incredible carbonated beverages from United Wild Brew. Exhibitors: 1010music • 4ms • After Later Audio • AIAIAI • AJH • ALM Busy Circuits • Animal Factory • Ashton Research • ASM • Bastl Instruments • Bitwig • Black Corporation • Bored Brain • Buchla • Catalyst • Circuit Happy • Crosspatch • Days of Yore • Rain City Modular • Doepfer • Dogbotic Labs • Dreadbox • Drift DJ • Elektron • Endorphines • eowave • Eternal Research • Five12 • Flame • Frap Tools • Future Retro • Genki Instruments • Groove Synthesis • Jomox • LA Synth Club • Mega Modular Corp • Melbourne instruments • MEMS project • Meris • Modbap • Moog Foundation • Mystic Circuits • Netherblade • New Systems Instruments • Noise Engineering • Noisebug • Novation • Null Modular • OXI Instruments • Polyend • Prism Circuits • Roger Linn • Schlappi Engineering • Sleepy Circuits • SoCal Synth Society • SOMA • Soundwork Shop • Studio Electronics • Supercritical • SynthRISE • TipTop • Tobinski • Touellskouarn • U.D.O. • Vermona • Wavea • Waveform Magazine • Wavesequencer • Weston Precision Audio • WMD ... & more!

Buchla organizes this event to make a stronger synthesizer community. We make it free to attend and affordable for exhibitors. This makes the vibes great - after all, we are all making our own waves!"

Casual Cric! 13th December 2024

video upload by Future Sound Systems

"Casual afternoon hangout with Cric"

The story of CRIC with Future Sound Systems

video upload by DivKid

"It was a pleasure to first see CRIC with Future Sound Systems back in October 2023 around a trip to Bristol that was extended around the event Machina Bristronica. Fast forward a year, past Spinal Tap mini stone henge vibe portrait prototypes to the final Renault Twingo coloured thing ... we have CRIC in its final form. It's signal path is based around the unique features and control of the Recombination Engine and Timbral Sculpture eurorack designs heavily extended around a large pin matrix and powerful modulation section, lots of routing, lots of integration. I'm really excited for CRIC, as a mega synthesiser or centre piece for a whole electronic music studio."

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Exploring Future Sound Systems Cric - a monster analogue patch-matrix synth

video upload by Signal Sounds

"The Future Sound Systems Cric is a fully analogue, matrix-patchable electronic music synthesiser. In this video, sound designer and composer Michael Manning shares some patches and thoughts on this monster synth after having it in his studio for the past few weeks.

Future Sound Systems say: 'Cric is far from yet-another-monosynth but the heart of an analogue electronic music studio. Rock solid VCOs give the user pitch precision and FM flexibility. A comprehensive filter section affords timbral sculpting from basic filtering to total transformation of incoming tones. Four cyclical function generators can be used as envelopes, LFOs or audible VCOs. Pin matrix patching allows for the synthesiser to be configured as a traditional 3 * VCO mono-synth, a paraphonic synthesiser, a drum machine, a noise and drone box, and so the list goes on. Four inputs and outputs with a microphone preamplifier on input 1 allow for audio processing, external CV control, feedback routing and much more.'

Cric is shipping now and you can order here: https://www.signalsounds.com/future-s..."

Machina Bristronica 2024

video uploads by sonicstate

Playlist:

1. Bristronica 24: MyVolts The Silent Alchemist Nears Shipping

We caught up with Caroline who gave us the latest update to the *Silent Alchemist*, a versatile power hub designed for musicians. Featuring five isolated USB-C outputs and a high-wattage sixth output capable of delivering 100 watts, the device can power a Mac with the remaining outputs providing 20 watts each. Its independent circuits ensure noise-free operation, catering to a variety of devices including the Dreadbox module and Sysmo slope generator.

The Silent Alchemist uses innovative step-up power tips to convert USB-C input to the correct voltage for various devices. There's also new feature: an uninterruptible power supply allowing seamless transition between wall and power bank sources. Also introduced were updated cables, such as silver candy cords and floating ring TRS to TS cables, expanding connection flexibility. The Silent Alchemist is expected to be available in December with a competitive pricing strategy.

More Info:
https://myvolts.com/

2. Bristronica 24: Circuit Happy ML2M Clock Sync module updates

At Bristronica 2024, we caught up with the creator of the *ML2M*, who introduced us to the latest version. The ML2M is a compact Eurorack module with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and iOS music apps using Ableton Link without the need for cables. It either connects to an existing network or creates its own, ensuring robust sync even in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. The module, which retains its 2HP size, now features MIDI integration through TRS jacks. Users can access a web interface to configure each output for different clock divisions and reset triggers, making setup straightforward and flexible.

Alongside the ML2M, there's also the Missing Link Junior. This desktop version offers the same functionality but in a box format, complete with MIDI and CV clock outputs. Both products are now accessible, with a starting price of $250.

3. Bristronica 24: Archaea Exchange Patching Module

At Machina Bristronica 2024, we caught up with Arran from ‪@archaea_modular_synthesis‬ who presented the *Exchange Module*. This programmable patcher, a year in the making, evolved from its early prototype stage to a fully functional module. Arran explained how the Exchange can route synth voices via a beam controller and three exchange modules installed within the skiff, allowing for versatile patching. Operating like a matrix patchbay, it enables users to select inputs and outputs with the push of a button, create presets, and chain multiple modules for synchronized patching.

Communication between the modules occurs over the Eurorack power bus as well as over MIDI via the USB-C connection. The Exchange maintains analog integrity, ensuring there’s no conversion latency. The forthcoming release expected in late November 2024, includes a USB-driven editor for enhanced control capabilities.

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Future Sound Systems Reveals Cric - New Patch Pin Matrix Electronic Music Synthesizer

Future Sound Systems · Cric demos

via Future Sound Systems

Cric is a fully-analogue patchable synthesiser, designed to showcase our approach and attitude towards subtractive sound synthesis. It is not a clone or derivative of a pre-existing musical instrument, nor is it simply our Eurorack modules cased up in a box. Whilst some of Cric’s functionality descends directly from our experience in designing modular synthesiser components, it has been designed as a fully fledged, standalone instrument, which can easily be introduced into an existing electronic music studio, or even form the heart of an entirely new set-up.

Rock solid voltage-controlled oscillators give the user both pitch precision and FM flexibility. A comprehensive filter section affords timbral sculpting from basic filtering to total transformation of incoming tones. Four cyclical function generators can be used as envelopes, LFOs or even audible VCOs. Pin matrix patching allows for the synthesiser to be configured as a standard triple-VCO subtractive synth, or a paraphonic synth, or a drum machine, or a noise box, and so the list goes on. Four inputs and outputs allow for audio processing, external CV control, feedback routing and more - there's even a microphone pre-amp on input 1. Steel casing, Mirrl-clad HIMACS end-cheeks and hand assembly and testing ensure a rugged and durable build quality.

RRP: £2,499.00 Available 7th November 2024

Technical specifications:

Oscillators : Three SSI2131-based analogue VCOs in Recombination configuration, white noise generator

Filter : SSI2164-based 18dB/octave state-mixable analogue VCF, with wave-folding, based on the Timbral Sculptor

Dynamics : SSI2164-based VCAs present in DNA oscillators, filter section and as a standalone VCA

Modulation : Sample and hold + four cyclical function generators offering AD and ASD envelope configuation, cycle mode, and slope and pulse sources

Routing : 24 source x 32 destination active pin matrix allowing for splitting and summing of all signals

I/O : Four DC-coupled inputs and outputs for multi-channel audio and CV use. Microphone pre-amplifier assigned to In 1. Headphone amplifier on Out 1

Dimensions : 550 x 310 x 80 mm, 5.3 kg

Power : +12VDC (centre positive, 2.1mm barrel jack connector), 2.5A, PSU included

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Three Eurorack Systems: Custom All-Black, Intellijel, & Buchla Based System

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

Thress systems via these listings

1. Complete All-Black 3U Eurorack Modular Synthesizer System

2. Full Intellijel Eurorack Modular Synthesizer System

3. Buchla Music Easel Eurorack System in Handmade 7U Suitcase

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Collaboration Between SYNTH-WERK and Matthias Nagorni

Press release follows:

Matthias Nagorni has many years of experience in the development of software synthesizers such as the AlsaModularSynth or the Add64. He was also consultant of various Synthesizer projects.

In 2021 Matthias bought a SYNTH-WERK Modular System and started experimenting to control the system via an external audio interface and especially developed software for this application.

He worked on the concept for frequency calibration of his SYNTH-WERK synthesizers 901oscillator banks and digitization of the 911 envelope generators. Matthias found a way to calibrate the tracking of the 901 oscillator bank by using his specially developed algorithm. This opened a complete new world on 901 oscillator banks in polyphonic mode without any modiQcation of the original 901 circuit design.

One day he sent a sound example that he had created with the SYNTH-WERK modular system and his new control system. This was the initial spark for the collaboration and the joint idea of integrating these functions into a keyboard that still offers unimagined functions today. Even old MOOG 3P ́s from the 60 ́s can be calibrated using the SW 955-CONTACT keyboard.

Years of hard work lie behind us, in which the idea and the concept have become a product in which both sides contribute their strengths. Matthias Nagorni's creativity, software and embedded systems expertise and SYNTH-WERK's many years of experience in the development of hardware and manufacturing. This enables us to offer our customers the best possible combination of reliability, quality and functionality that they expect from SYNTH-WERK products.

We are very excited and proud to work together with such an innovative and creative person like Matthias.

The SW 955-CONTACT keyboard is the Qrst product from the collaboration that marks the start of the R.A.3.0 series, which brings the modular synthesizer further into the future.