MATRIXSYNTH

Tiptop Audio: Z-DSP

flickr by Analogue Haven

"The next Eurorack module to be released from Tiptop Audio will be the Z-DSP. Here is a picture of the incredibly complex prototype. The module will be out in around 4-6 weeks. It features many fx types and includes a memory card slot for loading additional algorithms/fx programs. Users and other manufacturers will be encouraged to program their own effects via a custom cable, and memory cards can be sold seperately with this data. LINK."

via Mr. Array

Update:

Tiptop Audio: Z-DSP programmer cable

"Here is a diagram of the programmer cable needed to hook up the Z-DSP to a computer. This is a USB to memory card connector and it will be sold seperately from the module itself. There will be a free programming compiler for writing code and downloading it to the Z-DSP via this cable."

Seer Systems Renews Demand for Accountability, Retraction from EFF

via Seer Systems

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Seer Systems Renews Demand for Accountability, Retraction from EFF

Portola Valley, California, USA - Seer Systems, CEO, Stanley Jungleib has renewed his demand for accountability at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and a retraction for false and defamatory statements made by the civil liberties organization.

In a move that should alarm all independent inventors and software developers, the EFF has come to the aid of corporations seeking to profit by denying the validity of Seer's patent (US Patent #5,886,274) on real-time music distribution systems. Seer Systems created the first host-based software synthesizer in 1992 and the first real-time interactive music distribution system, SeerMusic, in 2000. In 1999, Seer was awarded the '274 patent for the technology on which SeerMusic was based.

The EFF has repeatedly called the '274 patent "bogus" and "invalid" and engaged in a campaign to have the '274 patent revoked, listing Seer Systems on its Patent Busting project's "Wanted" list for "willful ignorance of prior art." By "prior art," the EFF refers to Jungleib's own 1995 book, General MIDI, which it asserts is a blueprint for SeerMusic. Music industry leaders and legal experts disagree and have already defended Seer in court cases dating back to 2004.

For the complete text of Jungleib's statements on the controversy, see
http://seersystems.com/?p=61."

I remember Seer Systems Reality which made it on this "first too" list. I added Seer Systems 1992 claim to the list.

Yamaha G10 Guitar MIDI Controller

flickr by ecallender

You can find a resource site on the G10 here and some quick specs on Synthony.com.

via Loscha

Simmons SDS-2000 E-Drum Module Synth

via this auction

SEM Nouveau - Unboxing the new Tom Oberheim SEM

See the update in this post for pics via brotherloco. Don't miss this.

Schneiders Beuro on Twitter

http://twitter.com/SchneidersBuero

Silent Way CV to OSC demo

YouTube via expertsleepers
"Proof-of-concept demo of Expert Sleepers Silent Way CV to OSC plug-in. The CV from a modular synth is controlling a plug-in in Ableton Live via Silent Way plug-ins and OSCulator.
The CV enters the computer via a MOTU Ultralite interface. The CV is recovered by Silent Way, converted to OSC and output to OSCulator. OSCulator in turn converts the messages to MIDI and routes them back to Live. Live's parameter automation is then used to map the MIDI messages to plug-in automation."

Pressure Sensitivity for the Rhodes Chroma - Aftertouch

via Chris on the Rhodes Chroma list:

"I talked to Frank/Senstronics in the past about some other ideas I had. I agree they were kind of pricey for development as Arun
(http://www.rhodeschroma.com/?id=2009&month=04#ongoingrdonpressuresensor) mentioned in last springs forum.

I've got a two piece pressure sensor and small interface board Kit designed and will have a few ready ship in about 3 weeks. It's a real simple design and easy install. The Kit has everything you need including instructions and replacement damper felt. The interface has adjustable sensitivity. The only caveat is I choose to forgo sensors on the first and last keys to keep the cost down. That saved $80 off the sensor cost. I just sold my 2nd Chroma (http://www.rhodeschroma.com/?id=2103#21030869) to fund development.

The price for the self install kit is $345. Let me know if any of you are interested. FeedingTimer *at* Ccomcast.net Id' like to make a production run of 10 at a time which is where the qty price breaks start at Digikey."

Monorocket: Mission9 "shell"

flickr by Analogue Haven

"Here is the framework to a purple Mission9 case by Monorocket. This 3-row Eurorack case should be delivered by the end of the week. The price is $450 retail and they are available in a variety of tolex options. Contact us for more details. An even smaller case is shown in the background. LINK."

Tom Oberheim SEMs Shipping - First Impression

via Matt on the AH list:
"The first 20 were delivered monday and have been shipped out. If you think you were one of those first 20 orders and haven't heard anything, would be worth calling."

Avaialable at AudioMidi

via WD:
"I received mine (a CV version) yesterday.

First impressions...

Soundwise, it is a SEM. Not just SEM-like. It's a SEM. And I say that after having set-up identical patches on my original SEM and the new one.

Appearancewise, the panel is identical enough to the original that it could be a drop-in replacement for an old SEM (in an 2/4/8-Voice), although the logo, obviously, is different, and the font is different and slightly larger. And, except for the OSC and NOTCH controls, the knobs are identical to the original in appearance--but, even the OSC and NOTCH knobs have the same "SEM look" to them. As for the comparison between the new and old SEM with regard to dimensions, the case is about an inch shorter in height, and the sides/bottom are black rather than red-brown. So, sitting side-by-side, old and new SEMs are not identical.

Buildwise, the new SEM is clearly of quality construction. Smooth, responsive controls.

In the new SEM, power is pumped via an external power supply, rather than having the internal PSU of the original SEM.

Okay, no more writing here. I'm going to play with the new SEM a bit more...

Cheers.
WD"

Update via brotherloco in the comments: "I just received mine and took some pictures of the unboxing. Now with that out of the way, onto making sounds!."