Drum & Bass at Sunset 🌅 LIVE Electronic Hardware Session

video upload by imagination.project

"🌅 A new Drum & Bass live session performed at sunset by the Black Sea in Odesa, Ukraine.

Built live with Elektron Digitakt II, Digitone and Roland S-1 🎛️ — melodic DnB, deep bass, psychedelic synth textures and evolving hardware sequences.

This time I also brought Virus synth sounds into the track, adding a deeper psychedelic character to the mix. 🌀

Roland S-1 takes a special role in the transitions, creating wild evolving effects and sequences, while Digitakt II and Digitone drive the groove, bass and melodic layers.

🌊 One of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve captured for an Imagination.Project session — electronic music, psychedelic sound and the Black Sea coming together in one live performance.

Recorded on the Black Sea coast in Odesa, Ukraine. 🇺🇦"

https://imaginationproject1.bandcamp.com

Previously:

Liquid Drum & Bass LIVE 🌅 Digitakt II | Sunset Session

video upload by imagination.project

"Liquid Drum & Bass performed live by the Black Sea in Odesa, Ukraine. 🌅

A melodic sunset DnB session built around Elektron Digitakt II, with live-recorded guitar and trumpet adding an organic atmosphere to the electronic groove.

Everything comes together with melodic samples, deep bass, live sequencing and evolving effects as the sun goes down over the sea."

Liquid Drum & Bass LIVE 🌅 Sunset Digitakt II Session

video upload by imagination.project

"Sunset Drum & Bass performed live by the Black Sea in Odesa, Ukraine. 🌅

This time the session moves into a warmer African-inspired DnB vibe — melodic rhythms, percussion and electronic textures performed live on Digitakt II as the sun goes down over the sea.
No studio. No prepared stage. Just hardware, music, rocks and the Black Sea.

🎛️ Performed live by Andrii Averin

• Elektron Digitakt II
• live sequencing & performance
• Drum & Bass grooves
• percussion & melodic samples
• live effects and transitions

🌊 Recorded on the Black Sea coast in Odesa, Ukraine."

https://imaginationproject1.bandcamp.com

Sonicware Introduces CyDrums - Expressive Drum Synthesizer

video uploads by SONICWARE



A Neo-Hyperactive Drum Synthesizer that truly stands out

https://sonicware.jp/pages/cydrums

First 100 Units for Loyal Customers Shipping on January 31st.

All sounds and sequences were created exclusively using CyDrums by @KubaSojka

● 4D Drum Sound Evolution
Wavetable x Velocity & Pressure Modulation = 4D Drum Sounds That React, Transform, and Evolve

● 22 Custom-Built Sound Structures
22 Sound Structures Tailored to Each Instrument for Endless Sonic Possibilities

● Versatile Effects & Flexible Routing
Two Insert Effects, Reverb, and Master Effects with Flexible Routing for Versatile Sound Processing

● Powerful 8-Track Beat Making
Non-Stop, Intuitive Beat Making Powered by an 8-Track Drum Sequencer

● Endless Creative Possibilities
Generative Patterns with Randomization and Probability, Plus Numerous Performance Features incl. VariSpeed and Snip Loop

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synthesizers.com Composition Contest Videos

Use the player controls on bottom to skip around.
You can find descriptions for each video below. You can find additional Synthesizers.com contest posts here.

Playlist:

1. O Z Hall: Zebra Synth

Dive into the enthralling world of synthesizers and witness O Z Hall's outstanding entry, "Zebra Synth", in the Synthesizers.com Composition Contest. Crafted with unparalleled precision and technique, this remarkable composition combines an array of captivating sounds that will take you on a breathtaking sonic journey.

Hall masterfully utilizes three distinctive patches in "Zebra Synth" to create an immersive soundscape. The first patch features a drone made using a Q106A oscillator, which is meticulously processed by a wave folder. Another oscillator, intertwined with linear FM from the wavefolder output, results in a fascinating "clang tone" that is beautifully amplified by a digital reverb.

In the second patch, a sequenced voice is artfully produced by employing two re-paneled Q106 oscillators. One output is channeled into the input of the linear FM, which subsequently provides intriguing timbral variations. The Q119A sequencer's 3rd row masterfully controls a Ratchet effect, adding even further depth to the composition. An expertly-applied digital delay effect enriches the output of this patch.

Lastly, the lead voice is ingeniously designed using the Q169 Dual Oscillator with Pulse Width modulation. O Z Hall skillfully manipulates the 24db/oct low pass filter in real-time to deliver an electrifying performance. The extended digital delay effect ties the entire sonic experience together.
O Z Hall's "Zebra Synth" draws its arsenal of modular synthesis tools from the Synthesizers.com catalog, including Q106, Q106A, Q119A, Q171, Q148, Q127, Q169, Q168, Q167, Q114, Q174, and Q175A modules. The creative process has been meticulously executed, showcasing how these modules can be combined to engineer a rich and dynamic sound adventure.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tom Leclerc - Moss Explorers

video upload by Bastl Instruments

- Skis 2 as envelope for Pizza
- Magneto as an effect for Pizza sequenced by Hermod
- Ensemble Oscillator for bass, Surface for strings, and Sample for drums

"« Tom Leclerc is part of Moss Explorers which is a multidisciplinary cultural and artistic association, between laboratory and exploratory discovery of new forms of dissemination and artistic expressions. This French collective of artists explores nature, mountains, and forests through sound and image. They hike and capture the beauty of wild nature in analog photography. Armed with their equipment, they film ambient sound performances that combine recordings of the natural environment where they take place and improvisations with a modular synthesizer. This is what we can see and hear from their excursions into the splendid untouched nature.
This association also includes a real laboratory of arts and techniques, questioning new forms of cultural diffusion. Transmission and awareness are also at the heart of this particular facet. Real efforts are being made to popularize and document these techniques: production of light scenography, energy autonomy, printing, production, etc. Many areas are addressed by the collective. Keeping in mind systemic and ecological issues, the collective also sensitizes cultural actors.
It is through this multidisciplinary approach that this project mixes the arts and can forge links between musicians.ne, photographer, visual artist, poet.sse and other artists as well as various craftsmen or public. Leaving free their imagination this collective allows the incubation and realization of the eclectic and conscious project.
In this changing world, we need to systematically change the arts, productions, and broadcasting. Many concepts are addressed by the collective, especially in terms of digital and new ways of designing devices for live performances, installations, and performances. This comes in large part through a low-tech approach to digital art. Given the climate emergency, it is important for artists to be at the forefront of new techniques requiring sensitivity and accessibility. Awareness of the impact of art and digital technologies is also a point of honor, as is the knowledge of equipment and material choices. Beyond the technical aspect, there is a new way of living and creating. We can talk about 'project infusion' with the idea of soaking up a place in the long term in order to better understand the social fabric of these territories and to do the best for them."

MidiTraC - Polyphonic Step Sequencer, MidiLooper & Pattern Generator

video uploads by EKL Alfred Labs

The above is a playlist starting Jul 7, 2022 and going back to Jan 24, 2019 featuring various stages of development.

The following is the description for the first (and latest video) followed by some details from the MidiTraC Manual.

MidiTraC - MidiLooper & StepSequencer...
_________________________________________
Sequential Prophet 6
Roland Jupiter Xm / JU06a
Clavia Nord Modular G2X
Arturia MicroFreak / Keystep 37
_________________________________________

info: miditrac(ät)mail.de
MidiTraC Manual: http://e.pc.cd/U2CotalK

1) using generator (C harmonic minor) to make a Init Sequence with Prophet 6
2) add some Juno60 sounding stuff using Step Mode
3) delete some Events - Live Eraser
4) Drums (Jupiter Xm) - Step Mode
5) recording Bass & Pads from G2X - Live Mode
6) mute some Tracks
7) add another Bass (Jupiter Xm) Track - Step Mode
8) small Melody by MicroFreak - Live Mode
9) showing Track Transpose...

From the user manual:

MidiTraC v1.01
++ 4Players ++

Preface:
Sometimes developer are so deeply connected to their project that they don't reach customers, so they don't manage to transport the real message. Hence this preface, which should explain the basic idea behind the concept of MidiTraC.

The actual inspiration comes from a video showing "Vince Clarke" and the "BBC Computer". Based on this, plus a lot of imagination and feedback from beta testers, the current version of the MidiTraC sequencer was developed.

The initial spark was the idea of the polyphonic step sequencer, which is often found in hardware synthesizers. Unfortunately many implementations are only half-hearted and have many limitations (monophony, number of steps or complicated impractical handling). MidiTraC tries to counter these shortcomings.

MidiTraC combines different device classes:
+ Midi Looper (Notes & CC Data)
+ Step Sequencer (polyphonic)
+ Conditional Sequence Generator
+ Note Editor & Modifier
+ Arpeggiator

MidiTraC can handle 16 tracks, each track is assigned to a fixed midi channel. The tracks can be independently muted, quantized, deleted or transposed.

All midi events, that arrives at the midi input are recorded. Therefore all settings have to be done at the midi input source, e.g. the choice of the midi channels. Usually the input source is a Midi-Keyboard, but it can be everything that send midi notes or CC data.

The principle is comparable to an audio Looper, with the difference that the amount of data is not generated by the time axis, but by the number of recorded events.

The device works on the basis of five slots, each slot can handle patterns up to 1024 midi events (a pattern manage 16 midi channels).

Notes can be generated, recorded live or step by step. An infinite number of overdubs are possible, each of these overdubs can have different lengths [Loop]. The longest recorded loop, represented here by the total lengths [Bars] (from 1 to 999 Measures).

Every operation can be done while running, so patterns can be loaded, saved, copied or merged to/from the Slots (for now, there are 128 memory locations). There is always one [Undo] step possible. [See the user manual for more].


Quick Specs:

+ 16 tracks, 1024 events (notes / midi CC) per pattern
+ 5 patterns with variable pattern lengths: 1 to 255 bars
+ Scales and quantization on recording or via ChannelQuantize
+ 18 quantization grids 1/64 - 1/1 (including triplets & dotted notes)
+ Note Editor (Microtiming 1/192, Pitch, Velocity, Duration, Channel)
+ unlimited smart overdubs with variable loop lengths (consolidate)
+ polyphonic step input with individually adjustable gate lengths
+ Pattern Generator (polyphonic / monophonic / drums / scales)
+ individual transposing / muting (live/lock) for all midi channels
+ Merge / load / save while sequencer is running...

sonicPlanet - First Experiment with StarWaves

video uploads by sonicPlanet


video upload by Richard Devine

"StarWaves is an audiovisual sound architect, the embodiment of sound, space and visual design rolled into one. Presented by sonicPlanet www.sonicplanet.com, it is a move towards the next generation of sound design apps.

Available for OSX and iPad (Windows version later), minimum hardware requirements : for iOS an 2019 iPAD (8th gen or pro) or newer, for OSX a recent Mac (2019 i7 or M1)"

via the user manual on SonicPlanet:
StarWaves is an audiovisual scene architect, the embodiment of sound, space and visual design rolled into one.

StarWaves gives the sound designer the architect’s role by creating possibilities of dialogue between these multiple elements.

IN THE MAKING OF SONIC ARCHITECTURES
StarWaves can import the sonic material in its concrete form as recorded files. Then this digital data is being represented as 3D rigid physical forms in space. We name them “the platform blocks” distributed spatially, a structure which stems from the sonic material being imported. There can be 100s of them, reaching the granular levels of sonic material. The layout of the platforms can be designed with 3D tools like positioning, rotation; they can be stretched, bent, scattered along their physical dimensions in continuous transformations.

As Goethe wisely stated : the architecture itself is 'frozen music'. How do we interact with this architecture to create the sonic textures ?

We know that sound travels as waves in an environment. It originates from a source and travels towards a distance, then interacts with the surface material of the environmental objects, gets

SONICPLANETTM
reflected, refracted, and absorbed within all the physical reality of its nature, granting a flexible relation to spatiality.

Sound remains as a hidden existence until it reaches our body. StarWaves uses on its scene the transmitters which send particles and beams of light to the space ( reminiscent to particle behavior of light or sound ) They hit the platform blocks ( representing the sonic material ) get reflected and collide with further objects, travel in distance until they die.

The time they collide with these rigid bodies they trigger sonic events and start a flow of synthesis processes. It is this continuous kinematic interaction, this physical realm which composes the sonic being and applies continuous transformations on its texture.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing NiftyKEYZ - from Cre8audio

video uploads by Cre8audio

And a video from Patchwerks:


NiftyKEYZ Makes Eurorack Polyphony Easier video upload by Patchwerks

"In this video Tom and Matthew form Patchwerks share an overview and demo of the new NiftyKeyz by Cre8audio. Demo includes a demonstration on building a 4-voice polyphonic synthesizer in eurorack format.

Learn more about the NiftKEYZ here: https://www.patchwerks.com

From Cre8audio:
'More than just a full-sized 49 key keyboard (with aftertouch), NiftyKEYZ has a whole load of space for a pile of whatever eurorack format modules you want to toss into it. All told, NiftyKEYZ has 112hp of available module space and its newly designed power supply provides 1500mA +12v, 1000mA -12v, and 1000mA +5v power. Stuff NiftyKEYZ with modules and you’ll have a franken-synth that’s only limit is the bounds of your imagination (or lack thereof).

So having 4 voices that you can assign willy nilly in your own Frankensynth is super cool, but we thought you wouldn’t want us to stop there! NiftyKEYZ also has a multi-mode arpeggiator that syncs to an external clock as well as NiftyKEYZ’s internal clock.

Speaking of clock, NiftyKEYZ can easily divide incoming clock to your heart’s content, as well as generate its own kicking pulse. Perfect as the center of your system or just being a part of it.

Pretty Mod right? Speaking of Mod, NiftyKEYZ’s modwheel can send constant voltage, allowing you to modulate like a mad person. Additionally, you can toggle the modwheel into LFO mode where now the modwheel will control the depth of clock-synced LFO with 5 fantastic user-selectable shapes.

We’ve only begun to scratch the surface. We haven’t even started to go on about the autochord, sequencing, expression I/O, velocity, and oh yea, there’s aftertouch too!!!!!'

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by : Tom Butcher and Matthew Piecora
Video by: Matthew Piecora ( EZBOT) and Stephen Ly (Project 32)
https://www.ezbot.live"

The press release w/ specs:



Introducing NiftyKEYZ - Eurorack case and keyboard!

Tuesday, April 19th, 2022, Cre8audio introduced NiftyKEYZ a eurorack friendly, utility packed case with an integrated full-sized 49key synth-action MIDI controller keyboard.

NiftyKEYZ melds a utility packed eurorack format modular synthesizer case into a modern MIDI controller keyboard, enabling users to configure their own “dream synth” out of eurorack format components/modules.

Configure your keyz…

Designed to bring the fun and flexibility of the eurorack modular synthesizer format to keyboard instruments, NiftyKEYZ provides an ample canvass for users that want to get creative with synthesizer their own configurations & modular synthesis manifested in keyboard form.

Much more than a eurorack case with a MIDI controller attached to it, NiftyKEYZ sets out to redefine the idea of what a synthesizer keyboard can be.

NiftyKEYZ first and foremost offers keyboard & MIDI control over 4 CV + Gate outs. NiftyKEYZ’s MIDI implementation enables the use of each of its 4 CV + Gate outs as either a part of a fully patchable polyphonic instrument or on their own monophonically. Additionally, each voice can be split across multiple MIDI zones on the keyboard. For example, it is possible to create a 4 voice polyphonic instrument or a 3 voice instrument in part of the keyboard range, while splitting another voice into a monophonic instrument elsewhere. The possibilities just begin there.

NiftyKEYZ also has a plethora of powerful performance functions that add expressivity and flexibility. These include a multi-mode arpeggiator, multi-mode clock synced LFO, aftertouch, velocity, sustain/latch mode, internal clock, expression out, and much more. All of these performance features are tied to CV outs, providing an unprecedented amount of modulation and control possibilities. Adding dimensions of depth to instruments is easy.

NiftyKEYZ’s CV & audio capabilities don't end with its performance capabilities. Users will appreciate the integrated 2x buffered mults as well as the 2x outputs and headphone out with dedicated controls.

Beyond NiftyKEYZ’s modular synthesis capabilities, it is also a very capable USB and 5 pin Din MIDI controller and device. It can not only take midi in from computers and external MIDI devices but also send MIDI back out to control them. Use NiftyKEYZ to control software-based instruments, other MIDI instruments, and/or let it be sequenced from DAWs, MIDI controllers, and sequencers. It's all possible!

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Etherwave Theremin Is For You and Your Modular Synth

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT) demonstrates the new Moog Etherwave Theremin along with a short tutorial on how to use it. After getting acquainted with Theremin Matthew demonstrates how to integrate the Theremin into a Eurorack setup.

Learn more about the Moog Etherwave Theremin here: https://bit.ly/MoogEth

For over 60 years, Moog theremins have captured the imagination of players and audiences alike. Most recently over the last two decades, Moog’s Etherwave Standard and Etherwave Plus have set the bar of performance theremin design. Now, the all-time highest selling theremin models get an update to become simply Etherwave Theremin.

With no reeds to blow, no keys to press, and no strings to pluck, the theremin defies all expectations of a musical instrument. It is instead played in a manner that seemingly conjures music from the ether, simply through the motion of the body when close to the instrument. Throughout history, performers have achieved unprecedented expression by mastering this unique connection between the hands, the body, the environment, and the instrument.

The theremin’s elegant simplicity and unparalleled expressivity fueled Bob Moog’s lifelong love affair with the instrument, from building his first theremin at age 14 and completing his final theremin design at age 70. Today, Etherwave Theremin carries on this legacy with a design that is refined for the modern theremin performer.

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

Meet the New Etherwave Theremin

The Octopus Project | Moog Etherwave video upload by Moog Music Inc

"To debut the new Etherwave Theremin, Austin-based electronica group The Octopus Project performs their original track 'I Saw the Bright Shinies' in a performance filmed in the Moog Sound Lab.

In this performance, Etherwave Theremin takes the stage as both a lead instrument and a CV controller for the Moog Matriarch paraphonic semi-modular analog synth (as a creative way to play its filter). To complement the two distinct theremin applications you see and hear, multi-instrumentalists Yvonne Lambert, Spencer Stephenson, Toto Miranda, and Josh Lambert reimagine the 2007 song using vintage and modern Moog synthesizers: Moog One, Prodigy, Matriarch, Grandmother, Mother-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon.

More about The Octopus Project: http://www.theoctopusproject.com"

via Moog Music

"For over 60 years, Moog theremins have captured the imagination of players and audiences alike. Most recently over the last two and a half decades, Etherwave Standard and Etherwave Plus have set the bar for performance theremin design. Now, the all-time best-selling theremin models get an update to become simply Etherwave Theremin.

The new Etherwave Theremin focuses on the preservation of Bob Moog’s legendary theremin circuits to retain all the charm and character that made its predecessors so unique and sought after, while adding a host of new benefits:

Improved bass response and stability in the lowest registers

Updated antenna connections to enable quick assembly and easy removal for travel

Quick-release mic stand adapter for attaching and detaching the instrument from mic stands

Mute control for setting the instrument into a standby mode or used for “pitch preview” via headphones

CV output integration from Etherwave Plus (Gate Out, Pitch Out, Vol. Out) for connecting with other modular, Eurorack, and CV-controlled instruments"

Sequential Artist Spotlight Interview with NICHOLAS VELLA

You can find the interview on Sequential's website here.

"Nicholas Vella is a pianist, keyboardist, and producer born in Palermo, Italy, and later moved to Paris in his 20s where he graduated from the Conservatory of Paris. He has played regularly at jazz clubs and quickly became one of the most sought sidemen on the French and international scene. Nicholas has recorded and performed on stage with Mayra Andrade, Joss Stone, Dam’nco, Etienne Mbappé, Paco Sery, Nina Attal, French pop star Tal, Slimane, Sinclair and many others.

Now he is the active leader in his project MONSIEUR MALA as a textless storyteller, sound painter, and gives freedom to everyone’s imagination and interpretation. MONSIEUR MALA, with a universe of unique colors, welcomes to a voyage full of trance, dream and dance. Through its music, it explores captivating atmospheres with a most exciting originality.

We chatted with Nicholas on how he uses the Prophet-6 in his music"

---
You can find additional posts featuring Sequential's Spotlight series here.

SYNTHR3 : THE BURNING SCHOOL TAPE ... the new coming album !

KurtzMindfields

"Hello! This is some extract from the new coming album, available for christmas 2020 !
The new project is a complete album made with 2 Synthr3, and few mellotron & Strings samples :
The SynthR3 is a French synthesizer born from the imagination of Rémy Wasselin (analog part), his meeting with Jean-Luc Lartigue (digital part) and Laurent Cartaux (oak woodwork part). I had the honor to be the artist chosen to test and develop musically this magnificent project presented in a quality wooden case.
The philosophy of Synthr3 is based on a modular patchable modulation matrix that can be stored in personal banks. But above all it is a true analog "chameleon", adept at taking the colors of any of the famous interchangeable filters that Remy has reproduced with his know-how: Moog, ARP, Oberheim, ... every day you can choose the synthesizer you want to hear.
The modern software encompassing it all transforms the SynthR3 into the perfect companion for the stage or the studio: polyphonic sequencer, arpeggiator, double mono or paraphonic synthesizer, synchronizable and stereo.
This album is the result of my artistic and tonal adventures, based on a cosmic and dreamy Berlin School style, where, except for a few samples, the SYNTHR3 is the star of the show.
Best regards."

The Bob Moog Foundation: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

Published on Dec 2, 2019 moogfoundation

"Through our hallmark education project, Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, and through our new Moogseum, the Bob Moog Foundation is educating and inspiring people of all ages at the intersection of science, music, and imagination. Over 13,000 children have been served through Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, and thousands of people from all over the world have visited the Moogseum. Help keep the Bob Moog Foundation strong and growing. Join us in inspiring the next generation of innovators. DONATE TODAY: http://bit.ly/ContributeBMF"

Phil's Rev2 Jam-torials with the Sequential Rev2

Published on Mar 20, 2019 Phil's Rev2 Jam-torials

Playlist:

1. Episode 1: Some Percussive Exploration on the Prophet Rev2

Foolin around with some percussive patching on the Rev2.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Novation // PadCulture - The Story Of The Launchpad Lightshow

Published on Aug 17, 2018 NovationTV

"Novation have released a new film, showcasing the community of YouTube artists who make Lightshow videos, which often garner millions of views from around the globe. Profiling six prominent Lightshow creators, the film unmasks those who have built, and continue to grow, the scene. Beginning with what is regarded as the scene’s catalyst — Madeon’s Pop Culture video (from which the film derives its title) — it follows the chronology of the Lightshow movement, from creators getting their first Launchpads to their first million video hits, and what it actually takes to be a Launchpad performer.

The film features in-depth interviews with Exige (AUS), Kaskobi (UK), Madeon (FR), M4SONIC (AUS), Nev (US) and R!ot (US). Each artist contributes to guiding the narrative, as they recall their personal milestones and give their perspective on the scene. They recall the early days of the Lightshow, the inherent limitations of the original Launchpad, and how Novation’s technical advances allowed them to make ever more complex performances. They also discuss the tensions in the scene — the accusations and implications of people ‘faking it’ by miming to or pre-programming their LED shows — but also the shared goal of moving the scene onward for the mutual benefit of the entire community of creators and their audiences.

As a brand, Novation has supported the Lightshow community in various forms over the years. In 2014, they invited Australian Launchpad artist M4SONIC as a resident artist on the Novation booth at Winter NAMM. More recently, collaborations with creators Nev and Kaskobi showed cutting-edge applications of the Launchpad. This latest project with the Lightshow community finally breaks open some of the secrecy surrounding the scene in a story of hard work, limitless imagination, extreme technical prowess and tremendous personal triumph.

Pad Culture // The Story Of the Launchpad Lightshow was produced in-house at Novation and was Directed by Chris Mayes-Wright, whose 2014 film about the Focusrite Studio Console captured the imagination of many music professionals. The aim for this latest piece, says Chris, was “To look at Lightshow creators from another angle, both metaphorically and literally — I didn’t want a single overhead shot in the piece! My goal was for the audience to actually meet the creators and find out what inspires them.

For more information on the story, visit: https://www.novationmusic.com/padculture”

Erica Synths Limited Edition Acid Simona VCF

via Erica Synths

"Acid Simona VCF is limited edition of Erica Synths Black Polivoks VCF celebrating collaboration between Erica Synths and techno opera Spazio Bar.

All money raised from the sales of Acid Simona VCF modules will be donated to Spazio Bar production team.

The project Spazio Bar brings together composer of academic contemporary music Platon Buravicky and author of the electronic soundscapes Leo Līcis, for an unprecedented performance joining together seemingly distant though not incompatible fields of music. 2 violins, a viola, 2 flutes and a bassoon together with live electronics will create a stimulating environment for one’s imagination to immerse the storyline of the techno opera Spazio Bar. For this special occasion Erica Synths Black Polivoks VCF obtains a fresh look and preserves its treasured sound as a limited-edition Acid Simona VCF module.

On 26th of November 6 PM CET Erica Synths Garage will create the opportunity to virtually witness the show of Spazio Bar through live broadcast.

Acid Simona VCF (Black Polivoks VCF) is one of the most authentic sounding emulations of the famous Russian synth - the Formanta Radio Factory Polivoks. The original Russian ICs K140UD12 are used in the sound circuit. Several updates were made to adapt the VCF for contemporary modular synth demands. Independently buffered inputs, extended Cutoff knob, eliminated clicks when switching filter modes and output stage added to eliminate signal inversion. As a result much punchier bass sound and very smooth controls are achieved.

Price: 165 EUR
+ 21% VAT for individual customers in EU without EU VAT registration number + shipping"

Tsurugami - At The Gallery - New Album

Published on Mar 5, 2017 Tsurugami

https://tsurugami.bandcamp.com/album/at-the-gallery

"The project Tsurugami arose from the desire to extend the spontaneous improvisation by compositional elements. Based on a guest performance of the STS (Synthesizer Treffen Schweiz) in the gallery Fafou in October 2014 the idea was created to realize this wish by musical interpretations of several paintings and pictures.

Like an artist creates a final painting on a blank canvas, a finalized picture was used as a blank canvas for the musical interpretation.

Tsurugami presented the idea to the gallery owners and these contacted the artists. The feedback then allowed the three musicians to agree on the realisation of music for six pictures.

Equipped with several instruments, the musicians met at the gallery Fafou in May 2016, which gratefully was provided by the owners.

Tsurugami implemented the creative process for all of the pieces in the same way. At the beginning they selected one of the six pictures. Then each member outlined his perceptions and musical imagination related to the picture to each other. The next step was the independent creative preparation of a musical idea, which was then exchanged and discussed. The discussion finally resulted in the structure of the composition.

The first take of the basics (drums, sequencer, harmonic structure) almost always lead to just one additional take of overdubs (additional pads, solos and fx sounds).

With this concept it was possible to create and record six different songs in just three days. The final mix was done in summer at an additional weekend.

Now Tsurugami is happy to present the result and bring the project finally to its end.

We used paintings and pictures from:
Reto Bühler - Sehnsucht
Urs Sohmer - Tänzer durch Welt und Zeit
Marlies Gerson - Diva
Dani Brechbühl - Estrecho de Magallanes
Frau Edixa - Michael & Celeste
artsilvan - Think About It"

HALia by Digitana Electronics In Collaboration with FSOL

via Digitana Electronics

"This product is still in development and the final list of features on production units may change.

Another new project being developed in collaboration with The Future Sound of London. This is an all digital 'pocket' synth using multiple powerful ARM-based microcontrollers. Sonic possibilities are endless. Everything from huge pulsating multi-oscillator drones, FM-synthesis to Buchla-esque noodlings (and everything in between) are all possible. Imagination is the only limit!

Details and audio samples to follow."

Digitana is also working on the SX-1 Stand Alone EMS SYNTHI AKS KS Expander posted here.

Love FSOL.

FORGOTTEN CAMBRIAN CREATURES Featuring Compositions with KORG Gadget and More

Also available on iTunes here.

Gear:

"If anyone is curious as to the hardware, iOS apps and process used in making the album:

Track 1., 4., and 7., are 100% Korg Gadget.

Track 2. Waldorf Blofeld, Korg MicroKorg, Folktek Microgarden, Folktek circuit-bent Omnichord OM-250m, Apple Logic, vocal.

Track 3. is Reactable, Thumbjam, AUFX Dub, AUFX Space, AUFX PeakQ, Audioshare, and Holderness Stereo Designer.

Track 5. is Noatikl generative software, Waldorf Blofeld, various Native Instruments synthesizers, Apple Logic.

Track 6. is Folktek Microgarden, Apple Logic, Buddha Box, and vocals.

Track 8 is Animoog, Sector, AUFX PeakQ, Turnado , and Holderness Caramel.

Track 9. is iMini, Holderness Crystalline, Audioshare, AUFX Dub, Space, and PeakQ.

Track 10. is Thumbjam, AUFX Space, Turnado, and ApeFilter.

Track 11. is an old vocal that I forgot I had from the app Improvox, and Apple Logic.

*All final tracks mastered in Ableton Live."

On the release:

"TRI:.OBYTE is an artist / musician experimenting within Electronic, Ambient, Classical, Avant Garde, and Noise music, preferring to not operate solely within a specific genre. TRI:.OBYTE uses an array of synthesizers (both analogue and digital / modern and vintage), odd circuit-bent instruments, and varied experimental techniques in performance and production to create textures in music which conjure a feeling or mental image within sound that is simultaneously primitive and futuristic . TRI:.OBYTE seeks to communicate intelligent emotional messages within instrumentation, sound design and composition, to manipulate and occasionally ‘break’ sound in order to create an engaging and sometimes challenging experience and environment that is rewarding to the listener.

TRI:.OBYTE insists that he explore sounds of his own imagination, and approach composition in a manner that forces him to start each project from a fresh perspective. His new album, FORGOTTEN CAMBRIAN CREATURES, is evidence of these personal artistic demands. The music builds in unexpected ways, and combines layers of sound and patterns that are unconventional. TRI:.OBYTE uses haunting and disjunct melodies, rhythmic tension, and harmonic dissonance as trademarks of his own sound. From the simplicity and vivid imagery in the opening track, “Beetle Annamite”, to the sweeping scope and immersive world within his magnum opus, “Conflicted Stargazer”, to the riveting sonic seance that summons “Tuvan Demon Sniper Scat”, and the other-worldly environments that envelop the listener in “The Butterfly Effect” and “The Shape of a Rain Drop,” the release of emotional tension orchestrated by TRI:.OBYTE on this debut can only result in the nearly apocalyptic prayer of “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep” a song that for this artist, embodies an undercurrent of tension and an outpouring of grace in facing the turbulent times in which we live."

An Interview with Barry Schrader

Hi everyone! As you know Barry Schrader will be giving his farewell concert at CalArts on September 26. The following is the beginning of my interview with him. I opted to post the questions and answers as they come in.  New QAs will get a new post so you do not miss them and they will be added to this post so we have one central post for the full interview. This should make it easier for all of us to consume in our busy lives, and it will allow you to send in any questions that may come to mind during the interview process.  If you have anything you'd like to ask Barry, feel free to send it in to matrixsynth@gmail.com.  This is a rare opportunity for us to get insight on a significant bit of synthesizer history, specifically with early Buchla systems, and I'd like to thank Barry for this opportunity. Thank you Barry!

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Brix System by Love Hultén - Giant Wooden Lego Synth & More

Published on Apr 28, 2015 Love Hultén

"Brix System; a collection of functional, hand crafted life-sized LEGO bricks, custom made from wood."

"This conceptual collection consists of eight scale 6:1 versions of classic Lego bricks, each fully functional in one way or the other.

'Like most people, I was raised by Lego. For this project, I chose to work with a set of decorated bricks from the iconic 79-87 'Legoland Space' line, mainly because of nostalgic reasons. These were bricks that would trigger my imagination as a kid. 25 years later, and they still trigger'

Size for a 4x4 brick is 20x20cm, that is scale 6:1

For more info, visit www.lovehulten.com"

Brix System part 2 - Additional music machines