MATRIXSYNTH

musical synth R&D

YouTube via nathanielscott
"The first device is an Optical Theremin, and is a Forrest Mims design. The second device is a bent design of Mim's. The last third of the video shows a 10 step sequencer which is where I will be spending more time trying to develop it into a viable performance device.

I have been toying with the idea of building a modular synthesizer. I was fortunate enough to have had access to a minimoog for a year and I am a huge fan of that design but would like a system that is more modular.

I have started by building some very basic ocillators and sequencers, as you can see. I am using Radio Shack Electronic Project Kit 150 in 1, and the Radio Shack Electronic Learning Lab to learn the the basics. So far so good."

Siel Expander 80 Resource Site

"This page is dedicated to the Siel Expander 80 synth module, which seems to constantly be slated for being an inadequate copy of the Korg EX800. This web page is a complete resource for the Siel Expander 80, showing that if time is given to understand it, and accepting it's limitations, then a very capable synth will become apparrent."

Roland JSQ-60

via this auction

"Roland JSQ-60 digital keyboard recorder. It is an amazing device designed to give you more control and variety on your DCB keyboard... The JSQ-60 is a polyphonic sequencer compatible with DCB synthesizers such as the JUNO-60 or the JUPITER-8. Due to its large memory capacity of approximately 2,000 notes, the JSQ-60 can memorize a complete musical composition . The JSQ-60 can also memorize changes in the patch memory of the JUNO-60. The JSQ-60 is capable of both real-time and single-step loading. In the real-time mode, all performances played by the keyboard are loaded. And in the single step mode, the pitch of each note is loaded in each step. While listening to previously loaded performances, you can overdub up to three times in real time. Shifting the JUNO-60's patch memory and starting/stopping the JSQ-60 can be controlled by the DP-2 pedal switch. A cassette interface is provided for limit less data storage. Two Sync out jacks are provided to sync with devices such as the TR-606 DRUMATIX or TB-303 BASS LINE. Easy to carry. Weight: only 1.5 kg!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Multivox MX-20

via this auction

ELKA OMB 3

via this auction

The auction states this is analog. Anyone out there know?

Studio Electronics SE-1X

via this auction

"More Information from the Studio Electronics website: Seen where the sound of success was heard, the SE-1 recreated the power of the classic Moog tone and far more. The distinctive Oberheim filter and numerous additional features helped to make this Hiphop and R&B legend the serious professional's source for the boominest basses and smoothest, wormiest leads on the planet. The SE-1X continues in this tradition, remaining true to its roots, while stepping up its functionality and form; wide open to future expansion and exploration via its Flash-ROM operating system –not to mention the boundless creativity of our supernal sound designers!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

machinedrum 01

machinedrum 01 from Zane Brzezinski on Vimeo.

Machinedrum02

Machinedrum02 from Zane Brzezinski on Vimeo.

Atari Punk Console 2.0 Kit from GetLoFi

more info including how to order on GetLoFi

"The Stepped Tone Generator circuit by Forrest M Mims III has been around for ages. Recently the same circuit was rediscovered and reborn catching the attention of the Internet as the Atari Punk Console for its coarse and crunchy tones. When it became apparent that the demand for this sound was still great it was decided that offering a Kit is not such a bad idea. The original schematic and PCB transfer drawn up by Matthew Helm seemed like a good place to start, however it is riddled with needless complexity and was not something one could wrap their head around easily. Plus it was not taking the advantage of superior PCB mounting capabilities. Behold the Atari Punk Console (APC) 2.0! Redesigned entirely from scratch and based on the original schematic from the Radio Shack Book. The APC 2.0 is designed so that its components solder directly to the matching traces on the printed side of the board. It is quick and easy to put together even for a novice."

A New Access Virus at NAMM?

Rumor has it that there might be a new Access Virus coming at NAMM.

via Mr. Array:

"Tons of speculation is going on out there in regards to a new Virus being released at NAMM. Apparently online stores are listing all lines except the Snow as discontinued. Check out this thread for more info. This might be the last exciting NAMM in quite some time, given the state of the world's financial system."

Again, this is all rumor, so take it as you want. What's a little scary is that last sentence. Hopefully there won't be too much of a lull in the synth market. There's also rumors that Clavia/Nord has discontinued the G2: here and other threads on electro-music.com.