MATRIXSYNTH

BugBrand BugCrush 08 Desktop Filter/Rate Reducer/CV EXP

via this auction
"*Info from Tom Bugs @ BugBrand.
BugCrushers:
BugCrushers are Sample-rate Reducer pedals - I guess I confused things by naming them Crushers - just to be clear, they are not actually Bit Crusher effects! If you look at a standard BitCrush plugin you have controls for Bit Depth (thats the part I can't (yet) do - I work in analogue) and Sample Rate -- my pedals just do the second bit. That's not to say they're sonically lacking - the sound of RateReduction is very fine - at high rates you get fizzly distortionary sounds, while turning down the rate brings you into sounds quite like ring modulation (though perhaps more musical?) - really great for droning!
In technical terms the BugCrusher uses a Sample & Hold circuit running at audio rates. Sample & Hold is found in various analogue synths, but generally running at low frequencies to provide randomised voltage steps. The circuit is often fed from a pure noise source (so you've got randomness) and then clocked by an LFO.
BugCrushers currently come in three standard forms:
BugCrusher08, BabyBugCrusher, BugCrusherMicro

BugCrusher08
"Released Jan08 in a batch of 8
Here's the new and updated big version BugCrusher! Its a desktop unit with quite a complex design (check the block diagram in the photos) that packs in many features -> analogue rate reduction followed by a resonant filter, plus voltage control so that rate and/or filter can be controlled with an external CV or expression pedal.

* Input preamp for guitar or line level signals - switchable Hi or Lo gain plus input level control
* Voltage controlled Crusher circuit ranging from fizzle-highs to drone-tone lows, with a large chickenhead dial for the master CrushRate, plus variable modulation depth from an external source
* Pre-filter mixer to blend the dry and crushed signals - also with switchable phase inversion on the crushed signal for a extra mixing possibilities (audio phase cancellations!)
* Voltage controlled Filter with switchable LoPass or BandPass responses and variable resonance. This has a main Cutoff dial plus variable modulation depth
* Switchable output levels for guitar amps (lo level signal) or mixing desk (hi level signal)
* External input switchable between CV or Foot Pedal, with variable modulation depth for CrushMod and/or Filter Mod - ie, you can use a standard expression pedal to change the Crush Rate or the Filter Cutoff - or both at the same time - or use a CV (standard +/- 5v) signal from an analogue synth
* Electronic true-bypass switching with input socket for an external momentary footswitch - the main big red bypass button is NOT suitable for foot operation!
* Powered by an external 12vAC plug-in power pack (supplied)
* Housed in a metal case measuring 12.5 x 12.5 x 7.5 cm"

Ensoniq Fizmo

images via this auction
"The Ensoniq Fizmo was Ensoniq's last attempt at creating The perfect synthesizer. The Fizmo is a 48-voice synthesizer which uses 2nd-generation Transwave technology to create very organic sounds unlike any other synth available. Every programming function has its own dedicated knob or button, and there is a limited but useful 4-character LCD display. The Fizmo features an Arpeggiator and 24-bit VLSI effects with 41 algorithms, including a Vocoder and the ability to process incoming audio through the Vocoder and effects.

Transwave synthesis uses wavetables of sound data with layered variations in harmonic structures such that their timbres progress naturally from one end to the other. This allows for sounds to modulate over time, or by velocity, wheel, pressure, or any number of other options. Just like Waldorf MicroWave and PPG WAVE.

There are 2 oscillators available for each of the 4 presets allowing for 8 unique oscillators at the same time, not to mention individual LFO and Noise generators for each Osc. Another wonderful feature is the ability to stack up to four individual presets together into one sound and map them across the keyboard. This synth is very capable of some very complex sounds.

The built-in Arpeggiator has 118 presets which can be easily edited to your liking, and 26 real-time control/editing knobs make mutating your sound a pleasure. All controls may be recorded in real-time to an external sequencer.

Lots of info including audio demos HERE and THERE"

MFB 502

images via this auction
"The full analogue MFB-502 is a drum computer with versatile sound and intuitive realtime control. Its easy, TR-808 style, integrated step sequencer offers memory locations for 72 rhythms and 8 songs. The following instruments are included:
Kick Drum with adjustable Attack, Pitch, Decay and Level. 2 programmable pitches. Individual output.
Snare Drum with adjustable Attack, Noise, Pitch and Level. 2 programmable pitches. Individual output.
Hand Clap with adjustable Attack, Tone, Decay and Level. The number of virtual claps can be programmed.
Tom with adjustable Attack, Pitch, Decay and Level. 3 programmable pitches.
Bongo with adjustable Attack, Pitch, Decay and Level. 2 programmable pitches.
Cymbal with adjustable Attack, Tone, Decay and Level and individual output.
Open and Closed Hihat with adjustable Decay and Level and individual output.

The stepsequencer has memory locations for 72 rhythms and fill-ins. The 8 programmable songs allow to chain up multiple rhythms.
The additional stereo output is used alone or in combination with the individual outputs. MIDI In: The MIDI Input allows dynamic triggering of the internal sound sources by any MIDI source - keyboard or sequencer. The sequencer can also be synchronized to MIDI-Clock.
Dimensions: W/H/D 175 x 38/72 x 125 mm. External power supply included.
· 7 analogue instruments
· integrated 16 step sequencer
· 26 controls for Attack, Decay, Pitch and more
· Kick and Snare each programmable with two different pitches
· Tom programmable with three different pitches
· Memory locations for 72 rhythms and 8 songs"

Audio demos HERE

Korg Trident MK1

images via this auction

"Korg Trident vintage analog synthesizer. It is an original MK1 version which is more rare than its counterpart .... the MK2."

via baptman
Anyone know the main differences between the two?

Synthesizer von Gestern - Rhodes Chroma Tracks

You can listen to two Rhodes Chroma tracks on the Rhodes Chroma site. You will also find the full track listing with notes for Volume 1. This is a follow-up to these posts.

via Chris Ryan in the comments of this post. Chris actually hosts the excellent Rhodes Chroma site.

Flying GX-1

YouTube via cnxww893. via Failed Muso.
"this is how the GX-1 was delivered. It must be interesting for many people to see GX-1 flying."

GX-1のチューニング how to tune GX-1

Ausin and Roland JP-8000

via CatSynth. Note the wood sides and what looks like a custom paint job.

LIBRATIONS OF THE MOON 18/08/2008

You might remember this post on Liberations of the Moon. You can find pics and notes from the show here. The DIY synths are by Zul of luzart.net. He actually just started DIY synths about 6 months ago. Be sure to check the others out.

The bottom image is our friend sonicbrat at the performance. You might remember sonicbrat from these previous posts.

Photos by Yuan Zhiying

Moog Prodigy Analog Synthesizer

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo by RetroSound

Moog Prodigy Analog Synthesizer (demo of various filter and envelope settings, Sync, FM and more);
sequenced by the SCI Pro-One (CV/Gate) and triggered by the Roland TR-606 "Drumatix"
drums: Roland TR-606

no external effects or EQ used

This video demo is not a musical statement, only demonstration of the sound possibilities of the instrument.

more info: http://www.myspace.com/retrosound72"