Monday, August 20, 2007
Metasonix TM-1 in MOTM Format
via this auction
via brian comnes.
"This is a Metasonix TM-1 Wavefolder in MOTM format, 2U of tube mangling ready for your modular synth! This is a prototype that works great, but there are some behind-the-scenes... engagements, shall we say, that dissuade me from selling it with the forecoming modules (still a month out) from The Bridechamber. This unit's PCB was not made for conversion, so there are some wires that are spliced, things of that nature that I couldn't rightly let go of. Now, to let you know, some things are sent out into the world in converting a big yellow 3U stompbox into a tidy 2U black MOTM format module WITH A CLEAR WINDOW THROUGH WHICH YOU CAN SEE THE TUBES GLOW -- that is, sweat, many choice words, a bit of blood, and not a small amount of sanity (I won't admit to tears!). The back is covered by a metal bracket which was engineered to protect you, and for you to plug in the included wall-wart power supply. Unlike the stompbox, there are CV attenuators for the VCA and Beam Mod CVs. Do note that the output is at stompbox level, and will need to be amped. Tubes yo."
x0xb0x

x0xb0x serial number #496

(Note that the red RUN button isn't painted; it's a proper molded plastic piece from the same series as the other buttons and should stand up to years of mashing it with your thumb. Please also note that the resistors used with the LEDs have also been properly selected so that the LEDs are not overpowered. Many individuals doing custom LED replacements haven't bothered to select the proper resistors and risk cooking the LEDs.)
Because the original x0xb0x design includes no power switch (it must be plugged and unplugged in order to toggle power), I have fitted a toggle switch on the back of the enclosure. With this x0xb0x there will be no unneeded wear placed on the connectors, nor on you as you crawl behind things to unplug the power.
In order to further enhance the 303-ness of the x0xb0x I took the additional step of selecting only high-beta 2SA733P transistors for the key positions in the x0xb0x. This is noted on the x0xb0x site as one of the best "mods" to be done to the x0xb0x, and the one which will make it as 303-like as possible. (It's already spot-on, I just wanted to take it that extra step and be certain it sounded good.)
So, since people seem to like bullet points, here's a summary of this x0xb0x, #496:
· Roland TB-303 Clone: One of the best available!
· Built-In Step Sequencer
· Triggerable via MIDI
· Professionally Hand Assembled
· Custom, High Quality Artwork
· Power Switch
· Diffuse Red LEDs
· Red RUN Button
· Hand-Selected 2SA733P Transistors
· Knurled Black Aluminum Knobs
· Black Rear Panel
· Internal Headphone Jack: Compose without external mixing equipment!
· 128 Banks of Pattern Memory
· 64 Banks of Track Memory
· External Power Supply
· RED PCBs"
Yamaha AN1x Demo via elmosexwhistle
Cool Yamaha AN1x demo posted by elmosexwhistle on this VSE thread.
"hey fellow synth heads, on this here mp3 file you can hear what kind of sonic madness i've been creating with my an1x these past few months...interestingly there are no external effects (albeit a little treble added to brighten the sound slightly) and a little crossfading to shorten down the track...a load of patches are on this demo, includng melotrons, harpsichords, mad fm shiz and big lush pads...also alot of points where you'll be thinking *how the hell did he do that on a 4osc synth?* i don't even know myself sometimes"
Breakaway Vocalizer 1000
via this auction
"If you don't know what this thing is, it's a crazy synthesizer controlled by the microphone. You can sing into it and it accompanies you with a corresponding synth sound. That is, if you sing a 'C' it will make a 'C' sound with the selected instrument. It does some recording... It also has rhythms and other functionalities."
Update via retrosynth in the comments: "It's an ESQ-1 digital synth engine without the analog filters. Interesting, and supposedly useful for thereminists for doing pitch to MIDI conversion. I personally thought it sucked for pitch to MIDI but I never tried it with an electronic source such as a synth or theremin, just guitar and piano."
"I have one of these. Two of my friends started the Breakaway company and when they dissolved it I inherited one. I wish I had gotten more of them. I have use this extensively back in the days when I was doing dance tracks with Psychic TV. It works great with synths as the sound source. The kazoo aspect I found very limited. The cheese element outshines your musical intent when humming into it. But it actually is a very helpful tool when using it with synths. Since it forces notes to pitch you can come up with some very interesting and usable "accidents". I used this on some tracks on PTV's Trip Reset. Does anyone know what these sell for? I have friends who want one. I have no idea the current value. A note of trivia here. Roman Babiak, cofounder of Breakaway said Stevie Wonder was one of their first customers. He picked one up at a NAMM then after trying it called them up and bought another one. I thought that was kinda trippy. I would be curious what he used them on."
Cosmic Blooper FM Synth
via this auction

Update via Stamba in the comments:
"Well.. everybody can build it as it's only a software you can DL here http://www.kolumbus.fi/sami.wilenius/fmking.htm
You just need a PC under DOS sytem and adlib, sb or sb pro-compatible sound card.
It evens works with dosdox !
:)"
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© 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