Novation UltraNova: The synth engine

Video re-uploaded by Novation and added to this post.

Stimulating voltage - Don Buchla Interview & Live Performance Tonight

"The first Buchla Box, using touch-sensitive pads or ports rather than a standard keyboard, was funded with a $500 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. Today it's permanently ensconced at Mills College. On a side note, Buchla estimates it would easily go for $30,000. Buchla still tackles new designs — he has a multichannel filter that can serve as a Vocoder coming out next month — and his instruments, it seems, "don't depreciate at all, so they're good investments."

'But I prefer to build them for playing.'"

You can find the full interview on sfbg. Note Don Buchla will be performing with Alessandro Cortini at the San Francisco Electronic Music Festival (SFEMF) tonight [previously posted].

Moog Modular Poll

Lorne, aka kidtronic, asked what all modular synth geeks and sound tinkerers (myself included), wonder each time a new Moog product is announced - why don't they just make modules again? The market is growing and they could make a killing off them. I could be wrong but I'm guessing it's a combination of time, physical resources (manufacturing and people), prioritization, and size of the potential market. Modules are currently limited to people that have and/or want to build modulars. How big is that market? What would be the tipping point for them to consider modules and if so, what format? Eurorack is gaining popularity, but would it be sacrilege to go with Euro vs. the classic and original Moog format? Could they afford to do both? Technically you could design the guts for Euro and then mount them in both. Heck, you could make Mini-Moogerfoogers for the non modular market.

Moog could put a poll up but in doing so, it would mean they are considering it, and if it didn't pan out, they would be disappointing those that voted for it. That said, I thought I'd put up a few polls for fun. I'm doing these on the spur without much thought, so if I'm missing something obvious feel free to comment or shoot me an email (contact info on the bottom right). I went with Eurorack and Moog for the formats for now. If there is interest for other formats, don't vote and mention it in the comments or email me. I will add them. I don't want to dilute the poll with them unless there is genuine interest.

Spread the polls around so people see them. I included links to the embed code for those on other sites. Note there is no link back to MATRIXSYNTH, so you are safe. :) The polls are hosted on Polldady and I have to embed them as well. In order for the numbers to mean anything across sites, it's probably a good idea to have only one poll for each question.

Now the BIG assumption of course, is that the cost of the modules would be relative to Moogerfoogers as far as functionality vs. price.



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80s synth improvisation.

YouTube via TheSynthFreq | September 08, 2010

"Hi. :) This is an 80s improvisation featuring the Roland D-50, Alpha juno-1, and JV-880 synth module. The Korg EMX-1 drum machine is controlling the juno-1."

Moog and Buchla

YouTube via Oxix52 | September 08, 2010

"The Buchla is playing a neat little sequence while I doodle on my Voyager. I think the two go great together."

Jackson Pollock Teisco Synthesizer 100P

via this auction

Jackson Pollock passed away in 1956, so no, he didn't actually paint this one...

CLICK FOR MORE »

20100909123752

YouTube via panote09 | September 08, 2010
panote09 on Ebay

Eric Archer: electronic bass computer rock

YouTube via EA78751 | September 08, 2010
follow-up to this post
"real time electro-voice synthesis. vintage SP0256-AL2 chip controlled by new prototype circuit"
Another dimension... Another dimension...

Moog Little Phatty ARE (Australian Redback Edition)

via Moog Music

"The Little Phatty Australian Redback Edition is a specially designed for the Australian outback. Inspired by the Redback spider, it boasts a unique Redback colour scheme featuring Redback graphics, black side panels, flashing red pitch and mod wheels (synced to the LFO!) along with a custom red LCD and LEDs.

Good looks aren’t enough to survive in the Australian Outback. In addition to classic Moog sound and design, this Little Phatty features a powerful CV (Control Voltage) output section that transforms it into the heart of a portable modular synthesis system. Use it to control Moogerfoogers and other analog gear.

The five 1/4" analog CV outputs include:
- Gate (O to +5V)
- Pitch (1 volt per octave)
- Volume Envelope (0 to 5 Volts)
- Filter Envelope (O to 5 Volts)
- Mod Bus (Variable)

Sculpt Pitch/Volume envelopes CVs on the front panel by tweaking attack, decay, sustain and release parameters.

Send the Mod Bus sources (Square, Triangle, Sawtooth, Ramp, sample & hold LFOs and Oscillator 2) to bring new life to other analog gear.

Use the Pitch CV output of an arpeggiating Little Phatty like an analog step-sequencer.

Combined with the standard Little Phatty CV inputs (Pitch, Volume, Filter and Gate), MIDI Clock Sync and MIDI-over-USB, the list of possible applications is as endless as your imagination.

To complete this special edition, each Little Phatty Australian Redback Edition is individually numbered 1- 200 making it an instant collector’s item.

"Australian artists and customers are a very passionate group, and have a huge appetite for synthesizers that inspire” said Lewis Chiodo, Company Director of Moog’s Australian distributor, Audio Chocolate. “Now, we have our very own special tribute to Australia. Australians, be proud of your part in the wonderful world of Moog.”

Visit the Audio Chocolate website to learn more."

Dueling Moogs

YouTube via spoonster12 | September 08, 2010