Showing posts sorted by date for query The Sound Convergence. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query The Sound Convergence. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Touché: Don Buchla’s Rare Polyphonic Keyboard Instrument
video upload by Sarah Belle Reid
Follow-up to Sarah Belle Reid plays the Buchla Touché
"In this video, I explore an extremely rare electronic instrument called the Touché, created by Buchla and Associates in 1980. Filmed at the Buchla Archives in Vancouver, this is a rare opportunity to hear and see an instrument that very few people have ever encountered firsthand. Only around five Touchés are known to have been built, and very few remain functional today. Because of this, the instrument has remained largely absent from public performance and documentation. This video helps bridge that gap by sharing the Touché’s sound, design, and historical context.
While Don Buchla is best known for his modular synthesizers such as the 100 and 200 Series, he also created a number of non-modular, computer-based instruments that explored new relationships between performance, software, and sound. The Touché is one such instrument. Conceived by Don Buchla in collaboration with composer David Rosenboom, it is a bi-timbral, eight-voice polyphonic keyboard instrument that combines digital sound generation, analog processing, and computer-mediated control.
The video begins with a historical overview of how the Touché grew out of Buchla’s computer-controlled instruments of the 1970s, including the 300 Series systems. From there, the video moves into a detailed walkthrough of Touché’s sound architecture, including many musical demos.
This video was created in collaboration with the Buchla Archives, an organization dedicated to the thorough and thoughtful documentation and preservation of Donald Buchla’s work.
Special thank you to Ryan Gaston and David Rosenboom for research assistance."
Timbre & Digital Nonlinear Waveshaping (Buchla Archives): https://www.buchlaarchives.com/blog/t...
Nova Wind (1983)
video upload by David Rosenboom
"This video, shot informally in the Ensemble Room at Mills College in 1983, contains the only footage known of David Rosenboom playing his 1981 composition Nova Wind from Future Travel. In it, he plays the legendary Touché—digital/analog keyboard instrument produced in collaboration with Donald Buchla in 1979-1980—, violin, piano, and ancillary electronics. A complete studio recording of Future Travel was released first on a vinyl LP by Street Records in 1981 and later on a double-CD from New World Records in 2007."
Circuits and Fingers – Composer-Performer Convergence in Electronic Instrument Designs, Oct 5th
Shasta Cults - self titled album: https://shastacults.bandcamp.com/albu...
Future Travel (David Rosenboom): https://blacktruffle.bandcamp.com/alb...
Daytime Viewing (Jacqueline Humbert & David Rosenboom) https://jacquelinehumbertdavidrosenbo...
Zones of Influence (David Rosenboom) https://davidrosenboom.bandcamp.com/a...
Exploring the 1st Buchla 100 Modular Synthesizer
The Electric Music Box: Exploring a Vintage Buchla 200 Modular System
Free Intro to Modular Synths Course: soundandsynthesis.com/firstsynthpatch
LABELS/MORE:
Buchla,
exclusive,
exclusive2026
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Some Beginner-Friendly Musings on Eurorack Delay Effects (feat. Mimeophon, Ghost, Effexx RT1701)
video upload by The Sound Convergence
"Just some thoughts on Eurorack delay effects.
If you are buying your first effect module, make sure to not only look at the features but the layout and workflow."
0:00 Intro
0:30 Mimeophon as an Instrument
1:30 Mimeophon Karplus Strong / Reverb
2:00 Mimeophon with CV Modulation
2:42 Mimeophon Pros/Cons
3:03 Ghost as a Workhose
4:05 Ghost Karplus Strong / Reverb
4:52 Ghost Pros/Cons
5:43 Effexx RT1701 as a Studio Effect
7:17 Effexx RT1701 Pros/Cons
8:16 Take-Aways
LABELS/MORE:
Endorphin.es,
eurorack,
Make Noise,
Radikal Technologies
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Monday, December 15, 2025
A first look at the new Two of Cups by Endorphin.es
video upload by The Sound Convergence
"A first exploration of the newly released Two of Cups with MIDI control and SD-card reader on the front panel
0:00 Intro
0:24 Feature run-down
0:46 As a drum machine
1:21 Testing FM
2:20 With 909 Samples
2:33 Library sound examples
2:45 Round-robin hi-hats
3:37 As idea generator
4:10 new! MIDI in
4:55 Final thoughts"
LABELS/MORE:
Endorphin.es,
eurorack
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
PlantsSystem-ParallelPath
video upload by plantssystem
"The sounds simply move forward, side by side.
Two lines that never meet, yet share the same direction.
Within the coldness of electronics,
a faint breath can sometimes be heard.
Then the sound becomes something more than sound.
Parallel Path —
a quiet affirmation of coexistence without convergence.
#renoise #plugdata #sakura"
LABELS/MORE:
MATRIXSYNTH Members,
Pure Data,
Renoise,
SAKURA,
Soft Synths
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Friday, September 05, 2025
Ready for take off: A look at Endorphin.es Ground Control sequencer with practical examples
video upload by The Sound Convergence
"A short video about the stand-out features and usability of the Endorphin.es Ground Control Eurorack sequencer.
0:00 Intro and Previews
1:04 Overview of features
2:06 x0x-style Sequencing
2:46 Step Recording
3:09 Live Recording
3:57 Arpeggiation
5:03 Polymeter
5:52 Polyrhythm
7:08 Random Step Sequencing and Probability
7:57 Subtle Polyrhythm Example
8:35 Random Step Mode while Sequencing
9:36 Real Life Example: Live Jamming with the keyboard
10:19 Pro's and Con's
11:22 Comparative Ratings
This video is sponsored by Endorphin.es, many thanks!"
LABELS/MORE:
Endorphin.es,
eurorack
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Hyper Arpeggio | Roland JP-8080
video upload by Akihiko Matsumoto


"Roland JP-8000/8080 | A Convergence of Sonic History and Future Innovation
Greetings, fellow sonic architects.
In the relentless pursuit of unparalleled sound, we often find ourselves drawn to the very essence of what makes a waveform resonate with unique character. It is within this spirit of exploration that we wish to share a recent development, an evolution in the very fabric of digital sound design.
Before we delve deeper into the intricacies, allow us to present the coordinates for this journey:
Explore the evolution: JP-8000 - 8080 (Sample Pack) ver.3.5: https://akihikomatsumoto.sellfy.store...
The Genesis of Texture: Reimagining Digital Warmth
For decades, the digital realm has strived to replicate the organic nuances of analog synthesis. Yet, a select few instruments from a pivotal era achieved a distinct warmth, a "softness" that modern software often struggles to emulate. This unique sonic signature, characterized by a rounded edge in its harmonic contours, defines a particular epoch of electronic music. It is a sound that transcends mere emulation, rooted in the very architecture of its digital modeling.
Consider the foundational elements of electronic music: the driving pulse, the atmospheric expanse, the melodic narrative. Each requires a specific textural quality to truly captivate. Our ongoing research and development in this domain have led to a significant refinement of a collection dedicated to these very principles. This material is meticulously curated for beatmakers operating within the intricate landscapes of Neo Trance, Future Garage, Wave, Hardwave, and Witch House, where the precise articulation of sound is paramount.
An Unveiling: Hyper Arpeggio and Beyond"
Our latest iteration, designated as version 3.5, introduces a novel element that pushes the boundaries of rhythmic and atmospheric integration: the Hyper Arpeggio. These are not merely sequences; they are high-velocity, BPM-agnostic drones, meticulously crafted to emphasize the distinct, almost liquid phrasing inherent to the original sound source. This particular characteristic, a unique "rounded edge" in its articulation, is a direct consequence of the original hardware's design, a feature that remains remarkably difficult to replicate with contemporary synthesis methods. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of instruments like the Roland JP-8000 and JP-8080, progenitors of the legendary Super Saw, whose influence continues to shape the sonic landscape.
LABELS/MORE:
Roland
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Friday, August 01, 2025
The most versatile 3-module synth voice? (feat. Endorphin.es New Godspeed, Ghost, Airstreamer 4)
video upload by The Sound Convergence
"A unique 3-module synth voice that not only includes a VCO, Filter, and VCA. It also comes with a reverb, delay, compression, distortion, S&H, and much more. Tons of stuff to explore in this video.
0:00 Intro
1:18 The Setup
4:20 Basic Subtractive Patches - with a twist
6:32 Subtractive Wave Folded Patches
7:01 FM Patching
7:44 Interlude 1
8:16 Drones
10:01 Ethereal Leads
10:38 Bitcrushed Drums
11:34 Kick
12:18 Snare
12:47 Hihats
13:25 Bass
13:40 Interlude 2
14:08 Expanded Setup: Stereo
15:36 Expanded Setup: Filter
16:00 Final Jam
16:42 Final Thoughts on the Setup"
LABELS/MORE:
Endorphin.es,
eurorack
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Saturday, May 31, 2025
4 Quick Patch Ideas for the Piston Honda
video upload by The Sound Convergence
"A couple of things you can try out with your Piston Honda.
0:00 Intro
0:15 Custom Wavetables - Explanation
1:10 Custom Wavetables - Patches
2:30 My favourite patch this video
2:52 Wavetables w/o filters - Explanation
3:44 Wavetables w/o filters - Patches
4:34 External Mode - Explanation
7:53 External Mode - Patches
9:15 Morph Disabled - Explanation + Patch"
LABELS/MORE:
eurorack,
Industrial Music Electronics
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Testing new and affordable Eurorack modules by B:art instruments (feat. b:ond + b:righten)
video upload by The Sound Convergence
"B:art instruments is a new Poland-based Eurorack modul maker with a lot of affordable, functional modules available: https://bartinstruments.com/
0:00 Intro
1:10 b:ond dual oscillator - introduction
2:40 b:ond FM patches
3:49 b:ond FM kicks
4:25 b:ond AM patches
4:45 b:ond chaotic patches
5:20 b:righten dual filter - introduction
7:00 b:righten stereo patch
8:02 b:ond + b:righten full patch example
9:40 b:ond Pro's and Con's
10:30 b:righten Pro's and Con's
10:53 Utility modules Pro's and Con's
11:23 Outro jam
All price points mentioned in the video were correct at time of publishing but can change in the future."
LABELS/MORE:
B:art instruments,
eurorack,
New Makers,
New Modules,
News
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Saturday, February 01, 2025
Musical texture in electroacoustic music (feat. Piston Honda mk3)
video upload by The Sound Convergence
"A short introduction into the theory behind musical textures in contemporary electroacoustic music.
Feel free to share your own texture making techniques, as well!
0:00 Intro
0:49 What is a texture?
2:35 Definitions, features, usage, motion
3:08 Functions of textures
4:50 Patch 1 - Creating a moving texture from scratch
6:40 Patch 2 - From texture to track
7:39 Patch 3 - A note on layering
8:35 Thanks for watching!"
LABELS/MORE:
Black Corporation,
eurorack,
harvestman,
synth tutorials
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Wednesday, January 01, 2025
Sherman Filterbank vs. Skull & Circuits VCF-4 / a quick comparison (Standalone vs. Eurorack)
video upload by The Sound Convergence
Skull & Circuits VCF-4 was announced back in 2023.
"A quick comparison of the Skull & Circuits VCF-4 with the Sherman Filterbank - good times all around.
Thanks to Guillaume Dujat (and WEȽ∝KER) for the additional sound!
Check them out here! https://linktr.ee/gdujat
0:00 Intro
0:35 VCF-4 Sound Example - Piano Recording
1:15 VCF-4 Sound Example - Osc
1:41 Comparison setup
2:13 VCF-4 on Arbhar texture
3:10 Sherman Filterbank on Arbhar texture
4:04 VCF-4 on drum sample
4:40 Sherman Filterbank on drum sample
5:08 VCF-4 as oscillator
5:22 Final comparison VCF-4 vs. Sherman Filterbank
6:23 Filter sweeps - no commentary"
LABELS/MORE:
eurorack,
Sherman,
Skull And Circuits
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Wednesday, November 01, 2023
Buchla Touché (1980) – Hybrid Analog Keyboard Instrument
The following was sent in by Anastasia Chernysheva, a Ph.D. student at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
"In 1979, Donald Buchla invited experimental composer and his friend, David Rosenboom to collaborate on the design of a new, keyboard instrument with digital sound generation and hybrid, computer-controlled, analog outputs. The result was the Touché, released in the spring of 1980.
Among particular traits of the instrument are:
• flexibility in use – highly programmable, (64 programmable function parameters available), Touché offers a library of “instrument” structures that could be stored as “presets”;
• responsiveness – a user of Touché would enjoy a broad ability to program multiple stimuli and response structures in performance;
• non-linear waveshaping – Touché permits to produce an enormous range of sound with efficient means of control, i.e. using a small number of knobs
The guiding idea of the instrument design was to optimize it for live performance. The hybrid, digital-analog nature of Touché assumes the following.
• On the digital side: a sound-generating engine produced a wide range of timbre of sound possibilities with non-linear wave shaping techniques.
• On the analog side: a programmable analog circuit called Multiple Arbitrary Function Generator (MARF) enabled extensive control of all sound synthesis parameters.
Rosenboom’s recordings Future Travel (1981) and Daytime Viewing (1983) offer extensive exposure to some particular sound worlds created with the Touché. Other than being used for these recordings and in the recent release by Richard Smith a.k.a. Shusta Cults, (the current owner of Rosenboom’s Touché), the instrument barely may be heard in any other recording. Only 4 instruments exist today but just one of them is in the functional condition.
To learn more about the history and design of the instrument check out the lecture about Buchla Touché given at University of Illinois (2022). Technical parameters of the instrument may be found in the brochure for the instrument. Download the PDF here."
Circuits and Fingers – Composer-Performer Convergence in Electronic Instrument Designs, Oct 5th
video upload by Illinois Music
"Guest lecture at EMS Forum: Circuits and Fingers – Composer-Performer Convergence in Electronic Instrument Designs, Oct 5th
With the director of Experimental Music Studios – Eli Fieldsteel.
Learn more: https://davidrosenboom.com/miller-res..."
Also see Brainwave Music with Buchla 200 at Western Front.
LABELS/MORE:
Buchla,
exclusive2023,
scans
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Modbap Meridian Demo
video upload by Modbap Modular
"Meridian is what we call a "complex filter array." This isn't because it's hard to use. We take great pride in distilling complexity into a fun and performable user interface. It is a “complex filter array” because it has a harmonious set of features that let you create complex tones and uniquely interesting sounds. It's made to change the sound and tone of audio signals through a cleverly assembled set of features, such as an array of interrelated filter types, filter modes, phase shifting modulation, drive, and bit depth, which all work together to make complex soundscapes and textures.
The name Meridian represents the idea of a meeting point or a convergence of different elements. Filters are often used to blend, shape, and refine different sounds into a cohesive whole. Meridian is often represented through the idea of a barrier or a line that separates parts. This concept mirrors the way the filter delineates different frequencies and aural elements, generating a defined contrast that shapes the overall sound.
Available for pre-order on 04/12/2023
Shipping on 05/12/2023
Product Page: https://www.modbap.com/products/meridian"
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Modbap Introduces Meridian 14hp Dual Multimode Filter Array Eurorack Module
video upload by Modbap Modular
"Meridian is a 14hp dual multimode filter array, designed to offer users a choice between 4 selectable filter types per side and 4 selectable filter modes per side, plus 2 effects (drive & phase shift) and the ability to be pinged. This allows users the flexibility to easily create a range of unique sound textures and sonic landscapes using a single powerful eurorack filter module.
The name Meridian represents the idea of a meeting point or a convergence of different elements. Filters are often used to blend, shape, and refine different sounds into a cohesive whole. Meridian is often represented through the idea of a barrier or a line that separates parts. This concept mirrors the way the filter delineates different frequencies and aural elements, generating a defined contrast that shapes the overall sound.
Available for pre-order on 04/12/2023
Shipping on 05/12/2023
Product Page: https://www.modbap.com/products/meridian"


Press release follows:
Modbap Modular expands Eurorack range with Meridian module announced as DUAL MULTIMODE FILTER ARRAY
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA: black-owned electronic music instrument manufacturer Modbap Modular is proud to announce upcoming availability of Meridian as the sixth module in its expanding Eurorack range — duly designed as a DUAL MULTIMODE FILTER ARRAY to offer users a choice between four selectable filter types per side and four selectable filter modes per side, as well as DRIVE CIRCUIT and PHASE SHIFTER effects, plus a (low- pass gate-style) PING ability — as of April 12 (in advance of appearing at The 2023 NAMM Show, April 13-15, in Anaheim, CA, USA)…
As a MULTIMODE FILTER ARRAY — as the wording subtly sited across the top of the instantly-recognizable Modbap Modular brand color- coordinated front panel points out, Meridian affords users the flexibility to easily create a range of sound textures and sonic landscapes using a single Eurorack module. Meridian represents the idea of a meeting point or a convergence of different elements; after all, filters are often used to blend, shape, and refine different sounds into a cohesive whole. When defining meridian as a word, it is often represented through the idea of a barrier or a line that separates parts; this concept mirrors the way that a filter delineates different frequencies and aural elements, generating a defined contrast that shapes the overall sound.
Saying that, then, the naming of Modbap Modular’s 14HP-width Meridian module conveys a sense of balance, harmony, and unity, while also suggesting a clear and definitive separation between different sonic elements. Indeed, it allows the use of two selectable — mixed or matched — filter types and two selectable — mixed or matched — filter modes to reshape and refine the source material into new cohesive textures.
Those two filters each have independently adjustable CUT OFF, RES (resonance), and SHAPE (contour) parameters. PRIMEFREQ is the center macro control of both filters in tandem. The module also boasts PING, an aptly-titled dynamic control feature, the activation of which is enabled through the PING input. It also allows CONFIGURATION of serial or parallel routing.
Besides boasting comb, ladder, OTA (Operational Transducer Amplifier), and vocal formant filter types alongside LP (low-pass), HP (high-pass), BP (band-pass), and NOTCH filter modes to generate a vast range of textures, Meridian’s sound-shaping capabilities are also furthered by its two distinctive and characterful effects: DRIVE CIRCUIT (with AMOUNT, TONE, and CRUSH controls) and PHASE SHIFTER (with PAN, DEPTH, and SPEED controls).
Clearly, all of Meridian’s key features can be modulated via CV (control voltage) inputs — synchronization to tempo can be achieved with the CLOCK input, allowing for clock-synchronized phase shifting, for instance.
In essence, Meridian was designed with tweak-ability and performance in mind — as is typical of Modbap Modular modules. Indeed, it is the perfect playmate for Osiris — operating itself as a powerful (frequency modulation- and phase modulation-including) seven-plus TIMBRE MODE 12HP-width BI-FIDELITYTM WAVETABLE OSC (oscillator) module, neatly-packed with an independent sub-oscillator, LOFI processing, extensive CV modulation capabilities, a PITCH quantizer, four banks of 32 x 32 wavetables per bank, the ability to load user wavetables via microSD card (not included), and its own free open-source wavetable editor (OsirisEdit).
Modbap Modular will be exhibiting at The NAMM Show 2023, April 13-15, in Anaheim, CA, USA. Feel free to swing by booth #9800 — shared with Canadian startup This.is.NOISE inc, where it will be demonstrating its entire Eurorack range, including the Meridian module announced as a DUAL MULTIMODE FILTER ARRAY.
LABELS/MORE:
eurorack,
Modbap,
New Modules,
News
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Tuesday, December 27, 2022
Herzlich Labs OMEN / DUAL PASSIVE RESONANT LPG with BITE / quick playthrough
video upload by BRiES
"This is a short video demonstrating the basic sound and functionality of OMEN. There's two channels of LPG goodness which both sound really different, and you can further shape the sound with the on board switches and knobs. It's possible to use the channels seperately (for different sound sources) or to use the two channels of OMEN linked with just one signal going into the first input. You'll hear that this sounds really wonderful!
You can download the user guide poster I made for OMEN here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Opq...
Herzlich Labs hand-builds a variety of modules, but one of the things that they're extra proud of is the MMI. This module is a MAN-MACHINE-INTERFACE that lets you modulate parameters around your rack by touching the different capacative plates on the frontpanel. If you're interested in something like that you should definitely check out their Etsy or Reverb webshops (links below). If you have any questions about the Herzlich Lab modules, send LB a direct message, he's usually really quick to respond.
Herzlich Labs on Reverb: https://reverb.com/shop/herzlichlabs
Herzlich Labs on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HerzlichLabs
DISCLAIMER: LB from Herzlich Labs sent me this unit to explore and demonstrate. I think it's interesting to shine a light on some makers that are not as well known as the big names in the field, as sometimes they make really great designs and usually these modules are relatively affordable. I hope that by watching the video you can figure out if OMEN is right for you or not."
"The Omen is a dual LPG with a bit more than you might be used to. Like you, I once was lost in the world of low pass gates, seeking something more, something bigger and somehow juicier. The inspiration came to me as I was reading a particularly heavy book on passive filters, and I realized it was possible to make far more interesting LPG designs than the standard we've become so accustomed to.
In a convergence of old-school LPG design and more modern components, the Omen boasts two -6dB resonant filters, custom built vactrols, built in CV attenuation and no less than three cutoff modes per filter. Filter 1 is soft and light, imparting a gentle, naturally gated touch of filtering on your sound, while Filter 2 is darker and more resonant, and can turn downright growly and distorted when left wide open.
Designed to give you as many creative options as possible, the Omen has the unique ability to function as either two discrete LPG, or as one 4-pole resonant LPG. When plugging a signal in to Input 1, and with no signal plugged into Input 2, the output will be present at both Output 1 and Output 2, with Output 2 producing the signal as it passes through both filters. Tweaking both filters independently will generate a wide array of soft and sometimes harsh tones, ranging from Buchla bongos to early synthesis brass and organ sounds. There is much to love here.
CV is similarly handled, by plugging in only one CV source, it will act on both channels - this is useful for creating musically similar outputs as well as when using the dual filter operation. However, the dual filter mode greatly benefits from having two CV inputs: use an envelope in CV1 to act as a VCA, and an LFO in CV2 to create tremolo, for instance.
Using custom designed, hand built vactrols, care has been taken to mitigate the less desirable aspects of passive LPGs - in most modules, the user can expect zero bleed through on the LPG channels, and signal attenuation is minimal even with the 4-pole filter settings engaged. Of course, many of the natural features of vactrols remain, such as subtle memory effect when engaging the vactrol for long periods.
Finally, you receive maximum blinkenlights as LED's on the front panel simulate the action of the vactrols, so you'll always know what's going on under the hood. No collection of fancy LPG's is complete without the Omen."
LABELS/MORE:
eurorack,
Herzlich Labs,
New Modules,
News,
synth tutorials
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Monday, February 07, 2022
Sound Explorers Mexico | Shaping The Sound Of Mexico
video upload by Arturia
"Sometimes inspiration can be found in unexpected places. One such example is the curious convergence of nature and architecture in the designs of Javier Senosiain. We asked 2 artists to share their inspirations in 2 of his most famous locations: La Casa Orgánica, and El Parque Quetzalcoatl."
Sound Explorers Mexico Part. 2 | Microhm
Sound Explorers Mexico Part. 3 | Alyosha
Full Story → https://bit.ly/3B09q5z
LABELS/MORE:
Arturia,
Interviews
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Tuesday, April 02, 2019
Instrument Designer: Rare Buchla 700 Synth Coming to Software on Mac, Windows & iOS
via modosc designs
"a modern interpretation of the buchla 700, coming soon for mac, windows, and ios."
If you are not familiar with the Buchla 700, check out Chimeror by Benge on Vintage Buchla 700. According to that post, only about 12 of these machines were ever produced, and there are possibly only 4 working examples left in existence.
Update: Some additional info via modosc designs:
On the developer: "Jonathan Schatz has spent his life pursuing dual passions of music and computing, occasionally simultaneously. One of these convergences led to working with Don Buchla on the 200e system for several years. The latest such convergence is Modosc Designs."
FAQ:
"What is Instrument Designer?
Instrument Designer is a software synthesizer inspired by the Buchla 700.
Ok, what is the Buchla 700?
The Buchla 700 is a 12 voice 4 operator FM synth released in 1987 and designed by Don Buchla. There are several main ways the 700 differentiates itself from the other FM synths common in the industry at that time:
Each algorithm outputs through two independant waveshapers. This allows a single instrument defintion to output two different audio signals without requiring a separate stacked voice. This also increases the sonic palette by allowing a user to easily create non-sinusoid waveforms.
The waveshapers are cousins to the ones use in the Buchla Touche, Buchla 400 and the Buchla 259e. They are quite unique and use some interesting waveshaping techniques.
Each voice has 13 complex envelopes which control almost every aspect of the sound algorithm. The envelopes have a unique exponential display, are programmable with an arbitrary number of breakpoints, and include programmable features such as looping.
Programming was simplified with the help of a graphical user interface and an external monitor.
What does it sound like?
There weren't a lot of these produced so there's not that much out there, but what is out there is quite interesting:
Charles Cohen — Generator
Benge — Chimeror
Ode To Gravity — this is from the release party for the 700 and includes interviews with Don
So what happened to it?
The instrument never became very popular and today is one of the rarer of Don Buchla's instruments (which says a lot). The software itself was never finished, and the video card which connected up the external display was unreliable and eventually end-of-lifed by Intel. Probably 15-20 of these were made - I personally know of 3, of which only 1 currently works.
Why hasn't anyone made a reissue?
Good question. The design is quite complicated and includes 4 separate computers as well as a large membrane input surface. It would certainly be possible to build but it wouldn't be a cheap endevor, and unlike other recent reissues it probably wouldn't be a big seller - it's likely the most difficult instrument of Don's to use.
So why are you bothering?
I love the sound of Don's wavetable synths (specifically the 259e) and I've spent a lot of time implementing and reimplenting various related algorithms. I had the opportunity to play around with a 700 a few years back and the idea was hatched there.
Are you using the original source code?
No. This entire project was implemented using a scan of the original 700 manual as the spec (which was the usual Don way of doing things). You can view the original source code here, which is interesting because it seemingly contains code used for a NASA project as well:
Set ON_B700 non-zero to get a Buchla 700 PROM, or zero to get a NASA 3D Helmet Display PROM.
That source dump from Lynx Crowe is unfortunately incomplete but there is a project that's managed to get it to boot. Unfortunately the source code only includes some of the controller code and none of the DSP code so currently there's no sound generation.
Where can I learn more about the Buchla 700?
The Buchla 700 Preservation Page
Notes on the Buchla 700 audio synthesizer
Buchla 700 archeology
Buchla 700
Chimeror by Benge
The Buchla 700 Emulation Project
Alessandro Cortini of Nine Inch Nails playing a Buchla 700 in Twin Peaks — I don't know if the sound is actually 700 or not but who cares?"
LABELS/MORE:
Buchla,
iOS,
New,
New in 2019,
New Soft Synths,
New Soft Synths in 2019,
Soft Synths
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Bob Moog Foundation Moving to Location of the Future Moogseum
via The Bob Moog Foundation
"August 21, 2018 (Asheville, NC) — Marking its twelfth anniversary, the Bob Moog Foundation has announced it will be moving its headquarters to a new space in the heart of downtown Asheville. The new location at 56 Broadway Street will be home to the Foundation’s operations, and the future home of its long-awaited Moogseum.
The Foundation’s offices will relocate to the new space this October, with monthly events and a pop-up Moogseum store planned shortly thereafter. The Moogseum is expected to open in early 2019.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our mission through this new public space,” remarked Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Foundation. “The new location will be an ideal venue for inspiring people through our extensive archives and our varied educational initiatives. Both our offices and the Moogseum will benefit greatly from being part of the vibrant downtown Asheville community, and the millions of visitors that it hosts each year. We look forward to enriching Asheville’s cultural offerings by sharing the legacy of Bob Moog with tens of thousands of visitors every year.”
Since its inception 12 years ago, the Bob Moog Foundation has been a force for science education, historical preservation, and creativity. It has inspired over 10,000 elementary school students with the science of sound through its experiential 10-week curriculum, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, as well as preserving thousands of documents, photos, memorabilia, and a vault of vintage instruments. The Foundation has assisted with numerous historical books, including integral contributions to two upcoming biographies about Bob Moog, and played a formative role in creating the upcoming documentary, Electronic Voyager.
'The Moogseum will represent a convergence of the Foundation’s many ongoing projects, as well as opening the door to a wide range of new possibilities,' concluded Moog-Koussa. 'We are truly excited for the opportunity to share the Foundation’s efforts with a wider audience.'
The 56 Broadway location currently houses the Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center, which is moving to a new location at 120 College Street."
LABELS/MORE:
BMF,
MOOG,
synth museums
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Check with dealers on the right for pricing and availability on new and used gear.
Friday, May 06, 2016
10 Must-Experience Interactive Art Installations at Moogfest 2016
via Moogfest
"10 Must-Experience Interactive Art Installations at Moogfest 2016
New commissions + site-specific collaborations from artists such as
Yuri Suzuki, Kyle McDonald, and Floating Point Collective
showcase synthesis of music, art, + technology
Durham, North Carolina (May 5, 2016) - The public will experience the synthesis of technology, art, and music like never before at Moogfest 2016, where an extraordinary array of interactive art installations and immersive sonic environments will be exhibited for free at venues across Durham.
For the four-day festival exploring the future of music, art, and technology, Moogfest will present more than a dozen art installations, many of them new commissions and site-specific collaborations between artists such as Yuri Suzuki, Kyle McDonald, Floating Point Collective, Antenes, and Rangit Bhatnagar, and engineers, musicians, and coders. For the full schedule of Moogfest art installations visit here.
The art experiences are one of the many highlights of Moogfest 2016, which celebrates the legacy of Bob Moog, the visionary engineer who pioneered the analog synthesizer and other technology tools used by artists like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Kraftwerk. The four-day festival from May 19-22 will feature over 250 innovators in music, art, and technology -- from Gary Numan, GZA, Grimes and Laurie Anderson to virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier and transhumanist visionary Dr. Martine Rothblatt. For the first time, Moogfest will take place in Durham, North Carolina, a fast-growing capital of technology, culture and entrepreneurship.
The 10 Must-Experience Art Installations at Moogfest are:
"10 Must-Experience Interactive Art Installations at Moogfest 2016
New commissions + site-specific collaborations from artists such as
Yuri Suzuki, Kyle McDonald, and Floating Point Collective
showcase synthesis of music, art, + technology
Durham, North Carolina (May 5, 2016) - The public will experience the synthesis of technology, art, and music like never before at Moogfest 2016, where an extraordinary array of interactive art installations and immersive sonic environments will be exhibited for free at venues across Durham.
For the four-day festival exploring the future of music, art, and technology, Moogfest will present more than a dozen art installations, many of them new commissions and site-specific collaborations between artists such as Yuri Suzuki, Kyle McDonald, Floating Point Collective, Antenes, and Rangit Bhatnagar, and engineers, musicians, and coders. For the full schedule of Moogfest art installations visit here.
The art experiences are one of the many highlights of Moogfest 2016, which celebrates the legacy of Bob Moog, the visionary engineer who pioneered the analog synthesizer and other technology tools used by artists like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Kraftwerk. The four-day festival from May 19-22 will feature over 250 innovators in music, art, and technology -- from Gary Numan, GZA, Grimes and Laurie Anderson to virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier and transhumanist visionary Dr. Martine Rothblatt. For the first time, Moogfest will take place in Durham, North Carolina, a fast-growing capital of technology, culture and entrepreneurship.
The 10 Must-Experience Art Installations at Moogfest are:
Saturday, April 04, 2015
Music For Easels Excerpts
"Here are a few excerpts from our recent CD. [previously posted here]
We are excited to announce the release of our new CD: Music for Easels!
CD available here: www.cdbaby.com/cd/bartonbayardmononymscram
Digital downloads available soon on iTunes, Amazon, etc.
This is a live recording of a rare convergence on November 7, 2014 at the Schneider Museum of Art in Ashland, Oregon where Todd Barton, Bruce Bayard, Eden Mononym and Adam Scramstad gathered to explore the improvised interactions of four Buchla Music Easels.
In this historic performance these Oregon sound artists met in quadraphonic space surrounding the audience with speakers, offering them a unique listening experience. The CD is a stereo mix of all four channels.
The five tracks on this live performance album range from the world premiere of Todd Barton's composition, Butoh for Easels, to compelling solo improvisations by Eden and Adam to exciting ensemble soundscapes."
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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










































