The SBC+ Super Bus Converter Plus Version 2.0

Click here for shots via this auction. There are videos at the auction.

Details:
"00, GR-300, GR-700, GM-70, G-202, G-303, G-505, G-707, G-808, VG-88, VG-99, GI-10, GI-20, GR-30, GR-33, GR-50 and More!

The Link Between Vintage, Modern and Future Guitar Synthesizer Technology

Combines Roland US-2, US-20 and BC-13 Technology in One Rack-Mount Unit, with Internal Hex Fuzz, CV Pedal Inputs plus more!


* Use ONE Vintage Roland Guitar Controller to play Three Guitar Synths: a 24-Pin Vintage Roland Guitar Synth and two 13-Pin Modern Guitar Synthesizers
* Special GK-1 Mode for GK-1 Users
* Built-In Hex Fuzz adds G-202 Style Hex Fuzz to ANY Vintage Roland or Ibanez Guitar Synth Controller
* Dedicated Switches for 13-Pin Systems
* Interface Vintage Roland Gear with OTHER Analog Synthesizers and Control Voltage Devices.
* Footswitch Control over 24-Pin Output, 13-Pin Output, and Direct Guitar Output or Auxiliary 13-Pin Output
* Additional SW1/SW2 Latching Footswitch Assignable to Primary or Auxiliary 13-Pin Synth
* 4 Electronically Buffered Rear Panel Inputs for Control Voltage Pedals
* 6 Front Panel Control Knobs for 24-Pin String Output Levels - No Need to Adjust Tiny Trimpots for Level Control!
* 4 Front Panel Control Knobs Selectable as Control Voltage or Volume Level
* 2 Front Panel Switches for Volume and Mute Assign
* 6 Rear Panel Individual Outputs for Each String
* Individual Output for Hex Fuzz Sound
* Selectable Internal or External Hex Fuzz sound
* 13 Front Panel Function Switches
* 10 Front Panel LEDs Show Mode Status of all Control Knobs and Power Supply
* High Quality Internal Power Supply
* Rack mountable or Desktop Operation
* Elegant Design




"New to Version 2.0 are individual outputs for each guitar string. The output level is controlled by the six output control knobs on the front panel. The output of the hex fuzz is fixed. In addition to the four CV pedal inputs, Version 2.0 has a new 7-pin Mute jack. The new 7-pin jack contains both the Mute functions and S1/S2 functions. However, the 7-pin connector is backwards compatible with the Version 1.0 and 1.1 5-pin footswitches. And the S1/S2 input jack allows use of the Version 1.1 S1/S2 auxiliary footswitch that used momentary footswitches instead of the latching footswitches found on the new consolidated footswitch.

Finally, one detail note: the input on Version 2.0 has been moved to the front panel. Also, the front panel input does not include a locking ring, but an additional locking ring is included with the unit. I simply found it faster and more convenient to skip the locking ring connection on the front. The primary outputs are still on the back, but the auxiliary output is on the front.


The SBC+ V2.0 has an unprecedented level of documentation. The 81-page General Design and Construction Notes is divided into three sections: Design and Build Notes, Reference Schematics and Reference Specifications.

The first section, Design and Build Notes, explains in detail how to use the SBC+ V2.0, along with example applications. Next are four pages explaining how the circuitry actually works, related to the four pages of electronic schematics that follow. In addition there are two full page color photos of the circuit cards, followed by part layout pages identifying each part and how it is wired on the color photo pages. And then there many pages of addition notes. The second section, Reference Schematics, includes schematics of circuits used as a reference for the design of the SBC+ V2.0, such as the GK-2, the IMG2010, US-2, US-20 and more. And finally, there is the Reference Specifications section, which reproduces technical information on critical components, like the LM13700 chip used for the internal VCA, and NTE 2355 digital transistors used for muting functions.

This spiral bound technical manual is basically a collection of all my plans and notes on how I made the SBC+ V2.0. This is made available exclusively to the owner, so that they can understand how the unit works, or modify the unit if they choose. If the unit needs service, and for some reason I am unavailable, then a basic electronic technician will be able to easily repair any problems.

I modeled this reference manual after the original GR-300 service notes, that not only gave technical data, but also explained in detail how the GR-300 works in clear English."

Link to the videos while they are up.

Octave the Kitten

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Details:
"The Kitten is a classic analog synthesizer from 1977 (before the days of digital synths, sequencers, built-in disk drives, and MIDI cables). Manufactured by Octave as a competitor to the leading synths of the late '70s (from vendors such as Moog and ARP), this baby is a streamlined version of Octave's more powerful synth called the Cat (hence its youthful name).

The interface is very clean and friendly, thanks to its straightforward and well-labeled layout. The knobs and sliders all move well. The keys are all in great condition, as is the case, trim, and power unit. There are slight visible signs of wear over the years but the unit has no significant scratches, chips, dents, or other physical ailments.

This handy little synth is extremely useful as a lead machine. It purrs a great tune, and is awesome at space bleeps, bloops, and sound effects that are the best this side of Forbidden Planet. And what's even better is the massive sub-oscillator (actually, the two sub-octaves are independently controlled!) that fattens up the sound! We're talking serious bass here!"

Aries Analog Modular Keyboard

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

MOOG the Rogue

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Roland TB-303

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

ARP Avatar

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Michel Waisvisz - Touch Sound

Title link takes you to a fascinating post on Michel Waisvisz on We Make Money Not Art. Michel invented the crackle box.

"One of the co-founders of STEIM which co-hosted the MMW, Waisvisz is a composer/performer of live electronic music, who has invented new ways to achieve physical touch with electronic music instruments, for example by literally touching the electricity inside the instruments.

He discussed his fascination for the VC3, a synthetiser that can be used without a keyboard, adding that the idea of the keyboard comes from church music and thus carries a series of connotations with it. He bought a Putney VC3 synthesiser, opened its back and put his fingers inside. He thus used the body to extend the circuitry and modified the sound in ways he found interesting." This led to the invention of the crackle box.

Warning: Do not try this at home kiddies. I'd be a bit too paranoid of getting shocked myself.

via F-mass london

Rare Russian Synthesizer

According to this auction that is. Of course it's a stylophone. Title link takes you to shots pulled via the auction.

Via Amos

Switch-No Bach

Switch-No Bach #2

YouTubes via synthprocess. Sent my way via Yves Usson.

red sq

flickr by Girla Obscura.

"Multiple exposure shots of my husband's modular synthesizer (a Red Square) and the lights form my passanger window as we drove down the interstate. Shot with a Lubitel 2 TLR camera and medium format negative film."

Analogue Solutions Red Square