MATRIXSYNTH

All set up

flickr By jboberg

"This was before my gig at the SNAC gallery in Tokyo. I played a mini Buchla and computer with a Electro Harmonix reverb (thanks J.A.)"

Teenage Engineering OP-1 NAMM Floor Demo Videos

Added to the bottom of this post. Don't miss the link at the bottom of the first video.

via this auction

"The Monomachine combines several types of synthesizers with an intuitive beat-box-style programming interface. Think of it as five synthesizers in one package with a flexible sequencer and plenty of real-time controls for a unique twist on desktop music machines! It has 6-part multitimbral capability which allows for up to 6 mono-synth sounds at once, or a single 6-voice polyphonic sound.

The SuperWave synthesizer, which is analog modeled, gives warm and thick sounds made from unique algorithms that makes sounds free from the artifacts normally associated with digital processing. Traditional (and 303-like) saw and pulse waveforms and sub-oscillators give you fat bass synth and lead sounds, while the ensemble is specialized in creating polyphonic textures, chords, and harmonies.

The Mono-synth SID is based on the synthesis of the legendary SID chip, from the Commodore 64. The SID 6581 machine offers one oscillator of high quality synthesis, complete with ring-mod and sync. Just like the original, the oscillators are derived from an extremely fast main counter, giving the crisp highly recognizable sound.

DigiPRO offers raw digital waveforms, which can be put into animated life. The BeatBox, which is a part of DigiPRO, offers a percussive toolbox shaped in the traditions of the Machinedrum E12 synth. The sounds of DigiPRO WAVE are harsh and electric and stand out in the mix.

FM+ is 21st century FM synthesis. It implements world class frequency modulation algorithms that address the complexity problem normally associated with FM. All three FM+ machines are based around a number of custom made FM blocks. The machines have been handcrafted, each with its own personality.

VO is inspired by classic voice modeling methods using formant synthesis. The goal was not to recreate any existing voice or speech synthesizer, but to create a new way of building and controlling a synthetic voice in a way that suits musicians. VO-6 is the VO incarnation of the Monomachine. User controllable between pulse or white noise, formant filters and a set of predefined consonant-like sounds.

While the Monomachine's 6-part beat-box-style sequencer can be used to create your own synth grooves, it offers six additional MIDI tracks that can be used for controlling external MIDI gear. MIDI control data can be generated realtime, with parameter locks and with LFOs. Each MIDI track offers a full implementation of the Monomachine arpeggiator.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Korg Maxi-Korg vintage analog synth

via this auction
"First of all this synth sounds amazing. It has a strong analog sound that really dominates any other instruments accompanying it. As might be expected one of the best parts is the filter. In addition to frequency and resonance it also has a "bright" to "dull" switch, and an "expand" switch, which seems to activate some kind of an envelope (although there are no ADSR controls). Monophonic. Has two parallel voices - upper and lower - each with separate output. Unintuitively, the sliders work from top to bottom (i.e., "0" is at the top, "10" is at the bottom)...

The "repeat" mode key on the lower right hand side has some sort of function - it delays the trigger - but it may not function properly (and I can't see how it's musically useful anyway). I am not sure exactly what it does. The two key transpose keys on the top right also either do not work or have no apparent function - they do not transpose an octave up or down as one might expect. The middle C# and E-flat keys seem to require slightly more pressure or a slightly sharper touch to trigger. The lower voice seems to be stuck on a square wave, nothing happens when you move the switch to sine or triangle, however the "chorus" function does work fully. On both the upper and the lower mode, the ranks (64', 32', 16', 8', 4', 2') work best on 16', 8' and 4'.

Note: I only copy portions of descriptions that have to do with the functionality of the synth. Posts here are about the synth, not the auction. If you consider bidding, always read the full description at the auction.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Williamsville MiniMoog Model D Vintage Synthesizer

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Novation Supernova Synthesizer OS 4.1 - 20 voices

via this auction

Novation Supernova expansion board - 44 total voices

via this auction

"Novation SuperNova expansion board. This will give you 44 total voices with OS 4.1. It also adds an extra 512 program and 256 performance memory locations. This is for Novation SuperNova NOT for SuperNova II."

CLICK FOR MORE »

CASIO SK-1 SAMPLING KEYBOARD

via this auction

Alesis A6 Andromeda Synthesizer - Serial #003

via this auction

via the seller's description: "I bought this in 2002 directly from Mike Peake, who was one of the designers, during the period when Alesis was in bankruptcy and the units were off the market. It was his personal unit and is serial #003! I used this synth on tours and sessions from 2002-2005. Since then it has been kept in my smoke free private studio and used sporadically."

CLICK FOR MORE »

DAVE SMITH MOPHO

via this auction

"Mopho is a compact and affordable—but powerful—monophonic analog synthesizer. The voice architecture is identical to a single voice of the Prophet '08, but with a couple of unique twists to distinguish it from its award-winning sibling. We have added two sub-octave generators—one per oscillator—for additional girth and crushing basses. It also has an audio input that lets you process external audio and mix Mopho's own audio output back in pre-filter for feedback effects that can range from subtle distortion to extreme skronk. The Push It button is a manual trigger that lets you play a specific note or latch notes and sequences on. It can also step through a sequence to play short melodic lines without a keyboard. Of course, Mopho can also be used with a MIDI controller or external sequencer."