MATRIXSYNTH

Monday, January 16, 2006

Sam Ecoff's Electronic Music Books

Update: Updated title link to new location. Also there are samples online.

Title link takes you to a page containing dowloads of Sam Ecoff's electronic music books.

Fundamentals of Music Technology - On Synthesis
"I wrote a book a couple of years ago on modular synthesis to use in the courses I teach at a conservatory. It assumes zero knowledge of synthesis and it includes an example CD*. You may download a PDF of the book, below. One of the major shortcomings of my book (as I see it) is that it is specific to the ARP 2600, which is what I generally use to teach modular synthesis. It might be an interesting read for ARP fans, though. That having been said, it was my first attempt at writing a book, and there are some things that I would definitely do differently if I had it to do again."

Still sounds good to me.

MOTM in Frac Rack

Two shots:

www.synthtech.com/pix/1485_test.jpg
www.synthtech.com/pix/1490pcb.jpg

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Creamware ASB Site

Missed this in my last post. Creamware has launched a separate ASB site. Title link takes you there.

Creamware B4000 ASB

First the Minimax, then the Pro-12 and now the B4000 Hammond B3 in a box. Title link takes you there.

Via CDM.

Moog Source - New Flickr Shot

Title link takes you to the set with a few more shots mixed in.

Sherman Filterbank 2x2 Samples

Some samples up on Big City Music. Title link takes you there.

Update via the comments:
"Hi there, Unfortunately these samples are the FB2 samples (not 2x2) which are on their website since years."

Free Nord Modular G2

You'll find it here [mirrored here]. I remember when this was announced. I haven't heard much about it for some time and it occurred to me that some might be missing out, so why not put up a post on it. For those that did miss it, Clavia put up a free mono version of their Nord Modular G2 engine for the PC and OS X. You can build your own mono modular synths and even save your patches. It doesn't expire, it doesn't time out after x minutes of playing with it, and it doesn't insert noise or mute out every x seconds like some demos. It's virtually a fully functional mono version of the G2 synth engine with the limitations below. I say virtual because Clavia claims it is severely limited, but only when comparing it to a full blown G2. This is a fully functional stand alone synth. Owners of the G2 have stated that the sound quality is exactly the same. Why did they do it? Well if you hear how good it sounds, maybe you'll consider getting an actual G2 with full polyphony and the extra functionality. And, you have to love Clavia for doing this right? Title link takes you to the download. BTW, this is obviously a great way to explore the world of modular synthesis. Have fun and explore. : )

The only limitations are:

* Polyphony is limited to one voice while the hardware has a maximum of 32 voices per sound.
* The demo can only play one sound at the time while the hardware is 4 part multitimbral.
* A couple of modules are disabled.
* The demo does not support audio in and MIDI out.

Oakley Sound Systems

I've noticed a few Oakley DIY synths lately like The Ocean I just posted on. I thought I'd take a look at the Oakley Sound Systems site again and put up a post. They offer synth repair services, standalone music projects, including the TB3030, and of course the Oakley Modular. Title link takes you there.

The colorful 'Bergfotron' modular synthesizer