Super Modular Drum Machine for Ableton Live Element by 36db

video upload by Isotonik Studios

"Creating unmistakable and quirky drums is a science within itself. Adding some spice to your tracks is exactly why we created the Super Modular Drum Machine.

This third Elements release not only contains unique analogue drum and percussion samples from our Modular Synth, but also four exclusive 36db Drum Rack™ Kits, each with a unique flavour for creating glitchy drums and patterns. The 36db Glitchtastic and Warp & Stutter Effects Racks will send your ideas to new realms of sonic goodness we know you’ll find essential!

If you like the production style of Jon Hopkins, DJ Koze, James Holden, Flume, J Dilla and Aphex Twin then this selection of Drum Rack™ kits is for you..

AVAILABLE HERE: https://isotonikstudios.com/product/s..."

Alan R Pearlman Foundation: The Year in Review 2024

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

"What a fantastic year! From our ARP 2500 wing cabinet coming to Boston, to Stevie Wonder, Pete Townshend, Patrick Moraz, Jon Batiste, Greg Phillinganes and Anthony Marinelli playing and displaying ARPs for the world to see. We have summarized all of it in this video... music by the immensely talented Chicago musician Rick Reger, used with his permission.

Thank you to all of our supporters, partners, volunteers, sponsors, friends and donors. We are literally nothing without you and. your ARP Love. A Very Happy New Year!

About Rick Reger:
arpchive interview: • ARPCHIVES Live! Episode 24 with Rick ... [posted here]
websites : https://modular-station.com/modulisme... and https://regermusic.com/
instagram: / rick.reger.75
bandcamp: https://modulisme.bandcamp.com/album/..."

SynthfestUK 24 Synth Coverage

video uploads by sonicstate

Update: moving this post up once as new videos have been added. Bookmark this post for updates.

Use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:

1.SynthfestUK 24: Knobula - Synth Modules and Toy Pianos

At SynthfestUK 2024, we met up again with Jason, who gaves us the updates in the world of Knobula. On display was the new 'dark mode' Poly Cinematic module, for more monochrome rigs ;-]

2. SynthFestUK 24: PWM - More Mantis News

At the show we made a beeline for the PWM stand, where Paul gave us the latest Mantis news.
And yes, it's out there in the world now!

3. SynthfestUK 24: Roland Unveils the Juno-D Series with Zen-Core Sound

We caught up with Andrew and Ludwig who showed us around the new updated Juno-D series: Juno-D6, D7, and D8. They have the same keyboard action as the Fantom-O series and a new colour screen, making it easier for performers to navigate on stage. And they can be powered by a USB-C mobile battery, perfect for buskers ;-) Running Roland's Zen-Core sound engine, they also incorporates features like a 64-step sequencer and a phrase pad for live sample triggering.
Prices range approximately from £949 to £1199.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Yamaha CS80 - The Ultimate Famous Songs Collection

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Whitmore takes the iconic Yamaha CS80 & meticulously replicates 36 famous songs to create a wonderful landscape of classic 70s 80s & 90s songs, stings, themes & intros by artists including Vangelis, Dr Who, Kate Bush, Bruce Springsteen, Prefab Sprout, Genesis and more.
The licks are played to the original recordings so they are in time - true to the original, effects are duplicated too & the camera set up is made so you can duplicate the sounds yourself on emulation plug ins or the original.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Bruce Springsteen Born in the USA Intro Synth Chordal Melody
00:19 Prefab Sprout If You Don't Love Me Intro Brass
00:37 Genesis Duchess String Glide
00:49 Genesis Duchess Pluck Line
01:03 Genesis Turn It On Again Brass line
01:14 Paul McCartney Wonderful Xmas Time Middle 8 Lick
01:23 Kate Bush Babooshka Intro Lead
01:44 Vangelis To the Unknown Man Intro Melody
02:11 Vangelis Chariots Of Fire Brass Melody
02:44 Paul McCartney Ebony and Ivory Intro Brass
02:57 Dr Who Signature Sting
03:05 Dr Who Theme Bass
03:40 Toto Takin' It Back Sine Glissando Pad
03:50 Toto Africa Brass pad
04:34 Toto Rosanna Brass pad
04:56 ELO Time - Prologue String Intro
05:30 Vangelis Blade Runner Brass line
06:37 Genesis Behind The Lines Intro Brass
06:53 10cc Tokyo String Pad
07:11 10cc Tokyo Flute line
07:28 ELO Twilight Brass Line
07:45 Michael Jackson Human Nature Brass pad
08:05 Paul McCartney Wonderful Xmas Time CS80 Solo
08:16 Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder Ebony and Ivory Lead Synth
08:46 Vangelis Blade Runner String Pad
09:46 Jon & Vangelis I Hear You Now Main Theme
11:21 Vangelis Chariots Of Fire Brass Lick
11:57 Kate Bush Babooshka Flute Glide
12:24 10cc Dreadlock Holiday Lead line
12:45 10cc For You And I String Pad
13:22 ELO Yours Truly, 2095 Flute Line
13:41 Quincy Jones Betcha' Wouldn't Hurt Me Lead Synth
14:09 Michael Jackson Billie Jean String Part
14:43 10cc For You And I Flute Line
14:59 Vangelis Blade Runner Flute Intro Line
16:25 Vangelis Blade Runner Brass line-no bass

Thank you KSR for doing such a complete restoration on this CS80 - that had been stored in a garage for 25 years!
In this video, take a look at the legendary CS-80 with Andy Whitmore. This beloved eight-voice analog synthesizer with great controls like polyphonic aftertouch and a ribbon controller. Its extremely fat sound makes it an honourable member of the hall of fame of synthesizers. The CS80 was produced between 1977 and 1980.

CLICK FOR MORE »

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Apollo View - Manic

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, a new modular module collaboration between DivKid and Apollo View Modular was showcased in a video featuring Ben and Jon-Mark Hampson. The highlight of the demonstration was the Manic module, designed to give VCA's superpowers with precision dual VCA, input, modulation, and output features. Manic offers unique capabilities such as unipolar and bipolar VCA modes, ring modulation, four quadrant multiplication, wave shaping circuits, and more. The module allows for mono to stereo, true stereo, and dual mono configurations, providing a range of creative possibilities for musical experimentation.

With a strong emphasis on stereo wave shaping and innovative VCA design, Manic offers a versatile tool for producers and musicians looking to enhance their modular setup. The collaboration between DivKid and Apollo View Modular has yielded a module that promises to inspire a new wave of sonic exploration in the modular synthesis community. For more information on the Manic module and other products mentioned in the video, you can visit the respective websites of DivKid and *Apollo View Modular*.

Manic Price: 333 GBP

https://divkidvideo.com/

https://www.apolloviewmodular.com/"

See the announcement post here.

Bill Wolfer-The Man Behind MJ’s “Billie Jean” CS-80

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Bill Wolfer has referred to himself as "the least famous musician that everyone has heard play". He was a rising star in 80's Soul Music working with Stevie Wonder, Shalamar, Vanity, Dynasty and was responsible for programming and performing the iconic CS-80 synthesizer chord riff on Michael Jackson's biggest song 'Billie Jean'. Michael remembered a CS-80 sound he heard Bill play while they were on tour together and the rest is history.

This video provides a rare behind the scenes look at Michael Jackson's creative process while composing "Billy Jean" all the way through a detailed account of the final recording session at Westlake Studios. We discuss what it was like to work closely with producer Quincy Jones, engineer Bruce Swedien and of course Michael.

Bill was a trusted friend of Michael, someone that he could rely upon to develop his 3 original songs for the Thriller album - 'Billy Jean'. 'Beat" It', and 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin’. Bill helped Michael feel comfortable working out musical ideas and played an important role getting Michael's original songs ready for the album.

He also put together a truly great unlikely hit solo album in the vein of Quincy Jones' The Dude. The lineup of musicians include mega-stars Stevie Wonder (harmonica solo), Michael Jackson (backing vocals on two cuts), Finis Henderson (vocals) and Gospel star Jon Gibson."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Surfing the Feedback

video upload by Todd Barton

"Thanks to Modular World for putting out the Reverb Challenge.
Here is my offering from yesterday's marathon, Buchla 275 Dual Spring Reverb in Feedback mode. The only other modules are the 281 Function Generator controlling reverb depth and panning of the 207 Mixer. Here is audio only: https://soundcloud.com/user7621213/su... See all participant offerings here:"

Patch-On // REVERB (Patch-challenge tribute to reverb!)

video upload by Modular World

"Our patch-challenge series returns to Modular World with a celebration of REVERB.
50 artists from 15 countries perform 5-7min sets expressing their love for reverb as they see it.
You will see it ALL on this remarkable marathon experience."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Patchwerks Showroom Sessions: Jon Scheid and ybot

video upload by Patchwerks

"Patchwerks Showroom session featuring Jon Scheid and ybot.

Jon Scheid is a Portland/Seattle based experimental artist. Their music combines all sorts of unique textures that will take you on an ear candy filled atmospheric journey.

https://www.instagram.com/j.s_cheid/

Ybot is an electronic dance musician from Seattle. Utilizing Elektron boxes, vocoders, and modular synths, ybot composes a range of various styles from house to dub techno. Ybot is here to make you dance.

https://ybotmusic.bandcamp.com/

https://patchwerks.com/
Video by: Matthew Piecora ( EZBOT), Steven Ly (Project 32)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Cherif Hashizume | A Tale of Two Prophets | Prophet-5 V

video upload by Arturia

"Between his improvised live performances, sharing his passion and knowledge on modular gear, and his stunning collaborations with the likes of Jon Hopkins, Brian Eno, and Kelly Lee Owens, Cherif Hashizume is a sound explorer in every sense of the phrase. In this interview, we discover his approach to inspiration, his favourite sounds, and his take on V Collection’s reimagined Prophets."

A Space Full Of Everything | Modular World 2 Year Anniversary Performance | Sworn64

video upload by Sworn64

"Modular Synthesizer Performance From The Modular World 2 Year Anniversary Show"

Full show (part 2 further below):

2nd Anniversary Show (Part 1, May 14)
video upload by Modular World

"Spanning two days (May 14 & 15, 2022), 140 Artists from 23 countries will come together for this historic celebration of the global modular synthesizer scene as Modular World celebrates its 2nd Anniversary.

0:00 - Intro/outro music:
IIITAIII, from his brand new release, Panic In Slow Motion, available for the first time TODAY:
http://iiitaiii.bigcartel.com/
https://www.instagram.com/iiitaiii/
05:03 - Welcome to the show!

Artists performing (in blocks) on May 14, their countries and Instagram handles:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Paganini, Capriccio 24 on Modular Synthesizer

video upload by Jon Modular

"Caprice No. 24 in A minor by Niccolo Paganani played on modular synthesizer based on the mythical interpretation of Itzhak Perlman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWnGc...

Notes are generated by MIDI and sequenced using Ableton Live. Tempo changes has been automatized completely inspired by Perlman's interpretation of this piece. 8 Channels are sent to modular synth to generate 8 sound layers.

Layer 1 - VCO III - BP-22 - VC ADSR
Layer 2 - Braids VOSM - BP-22 - Slope Generator
Layer 3 - Braids CSAW - BP-22 - Slope Generator
Layer 4 - Braids PLUK
Layer 5 - Operator - Vibrazum
Layer 6 - Elements
Layer 7 - Furthh Generator Sine Wave - Clouds
Layer 8 - Furthh Wave to Wasp filter

Additional reverbs by Dervish & Clouds, also some CH-1 Pedal for Chorus.

Thanks for watching and reading this."

The ARP 2600 Synthposium (Trailer)

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"TICKETS: bit.ly/2600-event

Join the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation online Saturday, September 18th, for a virtual Festival and Fundraiser honoring the 50th anniversary of the mighty ARP 2600, hosted by The Record Co. in Boston, MA!

This online celebration will feature live performances, live panel discussions, a 2600 synthesizer clinic, premiered videos of performances and interviews, special guests, a silent auction, and more. All proceeds will benefit the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation and the ARPs For All project. (For schedule please see below.)

Panelists include:
Alsún Ní Chasaide, Alison Stout, Antonio Guitterez (Antonus) BT, Brian Kehew, David Baron, David Friend, David Frederick Jr, David Mash, DJ CherishtheLuv, EMEAPP, Jack Hotop, Jennifer Hruska, Jean-Michel Jarre, Jon Carin, Korg, Lisa Bella Donna, Marie Ann Hedonia, Michael Bierylo, Michael Brigida, Richard Boulanger, Richard Devine, Steve McQuarry, Tom Piggott

New and exclusive content by:
Alex Ball (video performance), Berklee Ensemble (video performance), Bill T. Miller (video performance), David Van Pelt (video performance), DJ CherishtheLuv (video performance + interview), Don Slepian (video performance + demo), EMEAPP (video performance + Live Stream), Ernesto Romeo (video performance + demo),Renzo Torti Forno (video performanc),, Glen Harlock (2600 video patchbook)*, Jennifer Hruska (video performance with ensemble), Jim Mitchmerhuizen (interview excerpt), Lisa Bella Donna (video performance), Marie Ann Hedonia (video performance + interview), Steve McQuarry (video performance + interview)

The ARP 2600 is one of the most influential synthesizers ever created and has been played by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Edgar Winter, Joe Zawinul, and sound designer Ben Burtt (as the voice of R2D2). Recently brought back into production by Korg, the ARP 2600 is once again a beacon of unlimited possibilities for a whole new generation of musicians.

The event will live stream from Boston’s own The Record Co, a community music workspace with professional recording and rehearsal studios. The event will focus on the ARP 2600, the iconic synthesizer that brought semi-modular synthesis to performers and educators around the world. It will feature panel discussions, performances, and interviews with world-renowned artists, technicians, engineers, and more. Participants will be able to interact live with panelists via Zoom.

Proceeds will benefit ARP Foundation initiatives, including The ARPs For All project, a joint effort by The Record Co. and ARPf, enabling anyone who rents studio or rehearsal time to use these incredible instruments at no additional cost.

Come join us!

CREDITS
Video Editing by Margot Bennett
Music by Omer Berger"

Reminder: THE ARP 2600 SYNTHPOSIUM is Coming Saturday, September 18TH

This is a follow-up to this post. You can purchase tickets at the event page here. For Group rates and free scholorship tickets see the admission section below.

"Join the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation online Saturday, September 18th, for a virtual Festival and Fundraiser honoring the 50th anniversary of the mighty ARP 2600, hosted by The Record Co. in Boston, MA!

This online celebration will feature live performances, live panel discussions, a 2600 synthesizer clinic, premiered videos of performances and interviews, special guests, a silent auction, and more. All proceeds will benefit the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation and the ARPs For All project.
Who
Panelists include:
Alsún Ní Chasaide, Alison Stout, BT, Brian Kehew, David Baron, David Friend, David Frederick Jr, David Mash, DJ Cherish the Luv, EMEAPP, Jack Hotop, Jennifer Hruska, Jean-Michel Jarre, Jon Carin, Korg, Lisa Bella Donna, Marie Ann Hedonia, Phil Cirocco, Richard Boulanger, Richard Devine, Steve McQuarry

New and exclusive content by:
Alex Ball (demo), Berklee Ensemble (video performance), Bill T. Miller (video performance), David Van Pelt (video performance), DJ Cherish the Luv (video performance + interview), Don Slepian (video performance + demo), EMEAPP (video performance + Live Stream), Ernesto Romeo (video performance), Glen Harlock (2600 video patchbook)*, Jennifer Hruska (video performance with ensemble), Jim Mitchmerhuizen (interview excerpt), Lisa Bella Donna (video performance), Marie Ann Hedonia (video performance + interview), Steve McQuarry (video performance + interview)

Why
The ARP 2600 is one of the most influential synthesizers ever created and has been played by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Edgar Winter, Joe Zawinul, and sound designer Ben Burtt (as the voice of R2D2). Recently brought back into production by Korg, the ARP 2600 is once again a beacon of unlimited possibilities for a whole new generation of musicians.

How
The event will live stream from Boston’s own The Record Co, a community music workspace with professional recording and rehearsal studios. The event will focus on the ARP 2600, the iconic synthesizer that brought semi-modular synthesis to performers and educators around the world. It will feature panel discussions, performances, and interviews with world-renowned artists, technicians, engineers, and more. Participants will be able to interact live with panelists via Zoom.

What
Proceeds will benefit ARP Foundation initiatives, including The ARPs For All project, a joint effort by The Record Co. and ARPf, enabling anyone who rents studio or rehearsal time to use these incredible instruments at no additional cost.

Come join us!

When

EVENT SCHEDULE:
There will be an approximate 5-minute break after panels.

11:00am – Berklee Synth Ensemble (opening music)

11:30am – Opening Address

12:00pm – Panel 1 - ARP 2600: The First 50 years

1:00pm – Intermission (videos)

1:30pm – Prerecorded- The Next Fifty Years (remaking, restoring and reimagining)

2:00pm – Panel 2 – Maintaining Vintage 2600s in a Modern World

3:00pm – David’s 2600 Tutorial/Demonstration – A comparison of the original ARP2600, the new Korg ARP2600 FS, and the upcoming Korg ARP2600M Module. Demonstrations of some of the more esoteric capabilities of the 2600.

3:30pm – Intermission (videos)

3:45pm – Lisa Bella Donna

4:15pm – Panel 3- Artists using ARPs

5:15pm – Jennifer Hruska Group

5:45pm – Finding a New Voice

6:15pm – Live Stream from EMEAPP

6:30pm – Results from Silent Auction and Closing Remarks!

ADMISSION:
Students (Only): $10.00

Access to the Synthposium
Price of admission will increase to $12 on Sept 15th
General Public:

$20.00

Access to the Synthposium
Price of admission will increase to $25 on Sept 15th
$50.00

Access to the Synthposium
10% Discount off a t-shirt at our store
Special access to full length interviews & concerts
$100.00

Access to the Synthposium
10% Discount off a t-shirt at our store
1 ARP CD Download
Special access to full length interviews & concerts
Special access to tutorials

Synthposium Scholarship: In light of our challenging times, we can provide access to free scholarship tickets if circumstances dictate. Please send an email to dina@alanrpearlmanfoundation.org

Group Rates: For group rates, please email dina@alanrpearlmanfoundation.org

Interested in being a sponsor: For inquiry please email dina@alanrpearlmanfoundation.org"

Reminder: Knobcon Number Nine Set for Next Weekend, Sept 10-12

"Knobcon Number Nine is set to kick off this Friday, September 10 at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg with two full days of synthesizer and pro-audio exhibits, informative lectures and workshops and live music throughout the weekend.

Two Days of Informative Workshops

The Littoral Myth: Dismantling a Coastal Metaphor with the undisputed king of YouTube Synthesizer videos, Marc Doty.

Sampling, Re-Sampling, and Generative Sequences with Circuit Rhythm & Tracks with Novation Technology Evangelist, Enrique Martinez.


Presenting Electronic Sound Naturally with synthpop polymath, Jon Sonnenberg.

Additive Synthesis with Synergy presented by long-time Synergist, Fred Becker.

Simplifying Complexity: Live Rig Breakdown, a show and tell by Suit & Tie Guy.

Learn the basics of Synth DIY and soldering with build workshops where you can build an EasyEi8ht Step Sequencer with Modular for the Masses, or a 2hp MiniAtt 2hp Utility module with Zlob Modular.

New this year is the Lecture Luncheon, an informal get together on Sunday afternoon where attendees can further interrogate any of our presenters about their ideas.

Door Prize Giveaway

On Sunday, attendees can enter the drawing for a chance to win one of over twenty door prizes including Nu:Tekt NTS-1 synthesizers from Korg USA, an Uno Drum from IK Multimedia and a gift box full of patch cables and accessories from Hosa Technology.

Live Music Friday and Saturday

Welcome Reception (Friday Night) - Kri Samadhi, Moot Booxlé vs Cory Flanigan, Suit & Tie Guy vs Alexis Rogers, Also Special Guests

Knobcon Big Room (Saturday Night) - Trovarsi vs Nasty Nachos, Scott Danesi, Glacial 23, North Coast Modular Collective Relay Performance

Knobcon Chill-Out Room (Saturday Night) – Dysonant, Valcove, Meridian Alpha, Aaron Higgins, Witchbutter, R. Mann

Knobcon Number Nine is September 10th through the 12th, 2021, at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg in Chicagoland. Tickets are $60 and are available for purchase at knobcon.com."

SOUNDMIT 2020 - LIVE STREAMING - DAY 1

SOUNDMIT

Check this post for updates throughout the day.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Modular as a Keytar?

Rodney B - Prosound Audio Wollongong Published on Dec 14, 2019 Jon Dent

Tangible Wave AE Modular with guitar strap.

A few more from this event:



The 5th volt - Wollongong Synths
post global disorder - Wollongong - Pro sound
Vitals - Prosound Audio Wollongong
Adam 2 - Prosound Wollongong

Jinje Patches for the Novation Peak

via @WeAreNovation

"Our latest Peak Patches update features Jinje, a skilled DJ and an established electronic solo artist with releases on
@MessrsKickDrum
. 🎛🎚🎹

Check out our newest patches and hear the skill and talent of some incredible sound designers. https://bit.ly/2ZbE33y"

"Jinjé (aka Lee J. Malcolm) is the founding member and principal song writer of experimental Leeds-based band Vessels who have morphed into a maximalist live techno outfit, as evidenced by their last two albums - Dilate, released in March 2015 and The Great Distraction which came out on Different Recordings (PIAS) in Sept 2017. Lee also had a run of techno releases under his Lee J. Malcolm moniker for EPM Records.

Lately, efforts have been concentrated towards his Jinjé project which, following on from the success of Amya (his first release back in 2014), has seen him move from strength to strength with many more releases on Messrs, Kick&Drum and a release on the mighty Ostgut Ton (the in-house Berghain label) with Big Skies which also had a vinyl release. With plenty of support from XLR8R and Nemone at 6music, 2019 has been another positive year including a return to Panorama Bar at The Berghain to perform live and having Jon Hopkins open up his Glastonbury set with I'm Psychic (released Aug 2019).

With plenty more in the pipe line for release and performance, the incorporating of modular synthesis and interactive visuals into his live set, the rest of the year is shaping up to be an interesting one. Watch this space."


Jinjé - Silicon Bubbles | Yutaru Sessions Yutaru Group

Knobcon Announces Speaker Lineup

via Knobcon:

"Since 2012, Knobcon has consistently delivered high quality electronic arts content, and this year is no different. From the very basics of electronic sound all the way to FM synthesis theory from its creator himself, there is something here to interest anyone that plays an instrument that plugs into the wall.

Saturday, September 7 2019

The Basics of Synthesis
Marc Doty, the undisputed king of YouTube synthesizer videos, provides as comprehensive a primer about synthesis which could be reasonably expected to fit in ninety minutes.

Summit: Novation’s Flagship Synthesizer
Novation Technology Evangelist Enrique Martinez will talk through the features and technology of Summit and how it gives the serious producer or performer everything they need to design and play stunning basses, leads, arps, pads, effects and beyond.

Buchla Music Easel Masterclass
Synthesiser virtuoso and discoverer of The Krell Patch, Todd Barton, demonstrates advanced patching and listening techniques using the Buchla Music Easel.

Sequencing with TORAIZ SQUID
SQUID stands for ‘sequencer inspirational device’ since it provides a feature-rich and user friendly workflow that can be used to sequence a variety of analogue and digital hardware, and software. Get an in-depth look at what the TORAIZ SQUID can do.

Sample Proof Instruments
Jon Sonnenberg explores concepts of "sample proof" instruments and the limitations of sampling as he demonstrates intentional non-repeatability as a feature in new instruments.

Sunday, September 8 2019

Ergonomics for Artist
Industrial designer Brian Alexander (Herman Miller, Design Within Reach) breaks down the correlation between cognitive processing, the physical body, and your ability to perform in the electronic music environment. He will detail key principles and practices for creating an optimal workflow from studio to stage.

Warm Star Electronics' Orbit
Experience a live modular infomercial! Bradford Kinney of Warm Star Electronics will walk us through the world of his odd and powerful modules, including the newly-unveiled Orbit. Something will be raffled!

Learn FM Synthesis from Dr. Chowning Himself
FM synthesis has a reputation for being as impenetrable as it is dynamic. Fortunately its inventor, Dr. John Chowning, is here to help us understand it better. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity you won't want to miss!

Modular for the Masses
Extreme synth DIYer and circuit sculpture specialist Juanito Moore returns with his unique approach to synthesizer design. Learn to break free from the confines of the PCB to create functional, musical art.

The Horror of Marketing-Driven Nomenclature
The history of synthesizers has been a wild blur of technological development, visionary composition, and manic entrepreneurial spirit and as a result, synthesizer terminology can be very confusing. Presented by Marc Doty."

https://www.knobcon.com

Note Exhibitor Locations are Still Available

Polynorth - a hybrid analog/digital polyphonic synthesizer

Published on Jul 31, 2019 Jon Petter Skagmo

via skagmo.com

"The Polynorth is my first attempt at designing a polyphonic synthesizer. It's got a completely analog filter section, combined with a powerful 200 MHz 32-bit microcontroller.

I've always wanted to build an analog polyphonic synthesizer, but they often end up being very large and complex because the size of the electronics pretty much scales linearly with the number of voices.

In many ways I think the filters are the hardest part of a digital synthesizer to get to "sound analog", so I figured out a good compromise would be to keep the filters analog and do all the rest with a microcontroller. The mostly digital architecture also has some important benefits:

- Flexible internal signal routing like a modular synth, but without a ton of patch leads
- More advanced modulation options (FM)
- Patch store/recall (including the routing)
- Much smaller size

I stumbled upon the SSI2144 filter, which is a modern remake of the classic SSM2044. It's very similar in many ways, but in a much more compact package and with better dynamic range, so a 6 voice synth could be made pretty compact. This is what kicked off the project.

The system architecture is explained in this block schematic."


See skagmo.com for additional details.

The Ganesh - Probability-based Eurorack Sequencer

via @BelaPlatform,
via The Bela Blog:

"The Ganesh is a probability-based hardware sequencer created by Jon Pigrem. The sequencer uses Bela and the Multiplexer Capelet and is built for the Eurorack modular format providing varied and exciting rhythmic patterns. Over to Jon to tell us more:

Sequencing with chance
The Ganesh provides 3 channels of 16 step sequencing. Each potentiometer corresponds to a step and sets the probability of a trigger occurring on that specific step (0%-100%). The device has two gate outputs per channel for sequencing external sources, as well as two audio outputs for internal sample playback. As inputs the sequencer accepts Eurorack standard clock and reset signals."

Head over to The Bela Blog for the full post.