MATRIXSYNTH

via Manuel:
"Hi everyone, the second release of Nomad - Nord Modular Editor is finally out. After 1.5 years of developing since the first release we are happy to announce that Nomad is almost feature complete. Apart from the basic things we implemented some new features to improve the experience with the editor: - embedded file browser - macros: create tiny template patches which can be inserted into other patches - module transformation: transform a module into another without loosing parameter values and connections - randomizer: randomize the parameters of a patch or a set of modules - arbitrary number of Nord Modular/Micro Modular synthesizers supported." Runs on Windows, MacOSX and Linux. More info including video at http://nmedit.sourceforge.net/ For support, questions, bug reports or anything else visit the forum.

The Swiss Army Bass

"Yup-that's right. It's a bass guitar with a midi keyboard mounted on it. Yes, the two are played simultaneously. The bass is played with the left hand alone by means of a guitar technique known as “hammer-ons” while the keyboard (which emulates a distorted slide guitar most of the time. among other things) is played with the right hand. This instrument has a weight equivalent to that of a small motorcycle, and as you might imagine, requires years of time and patience to 'master'."

click here for more including some video. Also check out The Droning Betsy. via cebec who found it on Ektopia.

Admin: Word Verification is Back on for Comments

Been getting a bit of spam in the comments lately, so word verification is back on.

Estradin Analog Russian Phaser

images via this craigslist post.
"This is a rare soviet military type phaser. I have owned the Moog 12-stage, Boss, Ibanez and DOD phasers and this phase has a unique sound of it's own.

The front controls are frequency, balance and brightness. The back panel features input, dry and wet outputs, and a shift switch. A red LED flashes to the rate of phasing. The pedal is 7 ½” wide by 6” long. Estradin made synthesizers in Russia in the 60's and 70's.

I’m including a brand new Step Up/Down Transformer 220V-110V setup to plug and play a unique phaser sound. The pots are not scratchy and it is not noisy."

via brian c

Synthesizer-Welt at Frankfurt Musikmesse

Just a reminder for those fortunate enough to be attending this year's Musikmesse, do not miss Synthesizer-Welt (World) hosted by Synthesizer-Magazin.

Halle 5.1, Stand B66
March 12-15, 2008

Industrial Grade Digital Synthesizer for Linux

"Minicomputer is a standalone Linux softwaresynthesizer for creating experimental electronic sounds as its often used in but not limited to Industrial music, IDM, EBM, Glitch, sound design and minimal electronic. It is monophonic but can produce up to 8 different sounds at the same time. It uses Jack as realtime audio infrastructure and can be controlled via Midi. Minicomputer is free open source software distributed under GPL 3 written by Malte Steiner 2007/2008." Click here for more info including samples and manual. The software will be shown at the SYNTHESIZER-WORLD booth (hosted by Synthesizer-Magazin) at the Musikmesse.

Logan String Melody 2 + EHX Small Stone + Moog by RetroSound

YouTube via retrosound72

"analog strings: Logan String Melody 2, the presets and different settings through original EHX Small Stone phase shifter from the 70`s years
bassline: Moog Prodigy, triggered by the SCI Pro-One internal sequencer
drums: Roland TR-606"