Switched-On-Country: "I Walk the Line" (Moog cover)

YouTube via cridantis
"from 'Switched-On-Country: Featuring Rick Powell at the Moog'"

Buchla 222e Test

Buchla 222e Test from todd barton on Vimeo.

"A small Buchla 222e system just out of the box.
Informally patched just to explore. Enjoy."
"The only added fx is a digital delay line."

Roland Alpha Juno-2 Modified - Custom Table Top Version

flickr set by krisamadhi
(click for more)

"Besides the one knob control on the far right it can be controlled with
http://xmidi.com/juno.html"

Note this unit is for sale. Contact info at AudioValve.

inside a Roland Alpha Juno 2

The GCP EGG Basket Observer - Social Siesmograph

This one in via Gerard. In the simplest terms, the GCP Basket Observer is an audio generator that triggers sounds fed to it from random generators throughout the world. GCP stands for the Global Consciousness Project.

"The purpose of the project was and is to create and document a consistent database of parallel streams of random numbers generated by high-quality physical sources. The goal is to determine whether any correlations might be detectable of statistics from these data with independent long-term physical or sociological variables. In the original experimental design we asked the more limited question whether there is a detectable correlation of deviations from randomness with the occurrence of major events in the world."

In short: random generators that somehow are not so random during major events:

CBS News segment on the Global Consciousness Project

YouTube via GCPvideos
"Correspondent Brendan Keefe reports on the Global Consciousness Project for CBS News2 NY May 13, 2005"

Check out the eerie hartbeat at the GCP Basket Observer

Roland GR-500 vintage guitar synthesizer

via this auction

Roland System 100 Model 101 vintage analog synthesizer

via this auction

monotonic labs Type N38 Synthesizer: Sequencer VCO Analog FM PWM Noise

via these auctions
"Overview
The Type-N38 is the next iteration of the monotonic labs N-Series synthesizers. The N38 is a completely self contained musical instrument featuring a 4-step sequencer and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The sequencer features control voltage (CV) dials for each step, a clock/tempo dial, and a step hold actuator. The VCO features Frequency and Pulse Width Modulation (FM/PWM), as well as a HI/LO octave toggle. The N38 output waveform is square wave (or an infinite sum of sine waves) providing an extremely rich harmonic portrayal of the fundamental. The output can be shaped to other waveforms (sine, triangle, etc.) by applying external filtering circuits to the signal path prior to amplification. The result is a unique and compact device enabling artists to add new dimensions to their musical projects.

How it works
Everything begins with the clock rate control – this determines how fast the sequencer changes steps. Each step of the sequencer has a CV setting which drives the VCO (which can really be thought of as a voltage-to-frequency converter). The more voltage applied to the VCO, the higher the output tone. The sequencer provides a means to program the output sequence of tones from the VCO which can sped up or slowed down with the clock control. The Center Frequency control sets the reference tone on the VCO which CV from the sequencer modulates. For example, if the center frequency on the VCO is set to 440 Hz, applying CV data from the sequencer (i.e. setting any CV dial greater than zero) will proportionally increase the tonal frequency of the VCO above 440 Hz. The Pulse Width control sets the duty cycle of the VCO which creates several interesting effects such as stepped tones and high pass filtering. See demonstration below.
[posted here]

Improvements
Although the N38 is very similar to the N37 synthesizer, it has several improvements. Several N37 users have commented that the Center Frequency (or Frequency Modulation) control is too sensitive. To address this we have broken the Center Frequency control into 2 octaves (switchable by the HI/LO octave toggle) allowing finer tuning of the VCO reference tone. We have also added a step hold actuator to the sequencer which acts as a “pause” button. Internal circuitry improvements include a completely new PCB layout, thicker traces, and a new buffered output stage."

Links
Website
Myspace Page

Synthesizers.com Q171 Quantizer Bank

Prelim info from Synthesizers.com:

"The Q171 Quantizer accepts a varying input voltage and produces a voltage that is locked into a pre-selected scale.

The main purpose of a quantizer is to simplify tuning of an analog sequencer, but there are many other musical applications. Any voltage source can be processed by the quantizer including envelope generators, oscillators, noise sources, etc. The Q171 can also be synchronized with external events and operated as a programmable Sample & Hold using the Gate Inputs.

Three independent channels are provided. Each channel uses a 12-note per-octave semitone scale unless an alternative scale is selected using the option switches. Possible scales include Major, Minor, Augmented, Diminished versions of 7-note scales, Triad chords, and Root+5th."

Open Labs SoundSlate

"Introducing Open Labs' SoundSlate™, the ultimate virtual instrument player and hardware DAW for your keyboard workstation or MIDI controller, contained in a sexy 1U rackmountable case.

SoundSlate™ redefines music production and performance by incorporating Open Labs' music operating environment including the critically acclaimed virtual instrument host Riff™, 8000+ of sounds and effects, a robust audio i/o, and a powerful computer core running Windows XP into a 1U-ultra compact case that packs a punch."

Stylophone

flickr set by mrmole
(click for more)

You'll find scans of the user manual and shots of the Stylophone. Circuit diagram pictured below.

"Rolf Harris at his best!"
via wikipedia: "Harris went on to use an array of unusual instruments in his music, including the didgeridoo (the sound of which was imitated on "Sun Arise" by four double basses), Jew's harp and, later, the stylophone (for which he also lent his name and likeness for advertising)."