MATRIXSYNTH

C64 AlphA Mod

via bigmech.com where you'll find the instructions.

"Since the C64 is an 8-Bit system, and the SID is controlled by 8-bit values generated by the C64, it has gained popularity among a community of musicians who utilize 8-bit technology in order to create modern music containing sounds reminiscent of 1980's video games (8-Bit Music). However, the sound of the SID chip is far from limited to bleeps and blips.

In early June, 2006 Prophet64 made the bold move of releasing its SID music software on C64 cartridges. This completed the transition of the C64 from a computer system dependant on floppy and/or tape drives, to an independent piece of pro audio studio equipment. Could the union of Prophet64 with the C64 as a musical instrument be further improved upon? I thought so. The following pages explain what I have done.

If you decide to perform these mods to your C64, I recommend that you do so one at a time, stopping to test each mod as you progress. It’s also a good idea to do them in order. You don’t want to create a difficult situation such as removing the original video connector before you have the S-video mod working."

via AlphA in the comments of this post.

Kraftwerk: 'Beach Boys with machines'

I almost didn't post this one as I have a strict policy on the site of only featuring synths, but I will make the exception. When I think of Kraftwerk, I think of synthetic automatons. It's almost like they are the synth which is reflected in that you never see what's behind their desks. I should just create a label for them. It's fascinating that this is more of an art exhibition than a concert.

Doepfer A189-1 VBM Modulation Demo-Sample Rate

YouTube Published on Apr 12, 2012 by raulsworldofsynths

"Demonstration of the Modulation Capabilities of the Sample Rate parameter of the Doepfer A189-1 VBM Voltage Controlled Bit Modifier.Track "glimaxc" by Raul Pena III used with permission of Raul Pena III, available on iTunes.Sound and Video by Raul Pena.
Next Video in Series: CV Processing with the Doepfer A189-1 VBM."

All parts here.

Milkymist One - Open Source Hardware Video Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction
"You'll get:

a Milkymist One video synthesizer
a CVBS mini-camera
a silicone USB keyboard
an RCA video cable
a minijack-minijack and a minijack-RCA audio cables
an Ethernet cable
a 5V power supply for the Milkymist One
a 12V power supply for the camera

US, EU, UK and AU power adapters
remote control
development and repair tools:
a programming adapter (JTAG/serial)
a USB cable for the programming adapter

From Milkymist website:

It’s easy to create an entertaining video installation with the Milkymist One. No computer needed – everything is included in a small device that has it all. Connect a camera and a video projector, press the power button, and seconds later, everything you film becomes live psychedelic effects of color and light.

Point the camera at a dancer on stage, at people attending your party, at toys, use UV-glow paint… there are no limits to creativity!
If no camera setup is available, the Milkymist One can produce purely generative effects which react to the ambient sound, making it an ideal option for music bands, clubs and party organizers who want a turnkey solution for simple visual effects.

To control the Milkymist One, the possibilities are endless. The device supports inputs from MIDI keyboards, USB computer keyboards, DMX desks and OpenSoundControl (OSC) clients. You can use a smartphone with an application such as TouchOSC to interact with the visual performance wirelessly, by connecting a WiFi router to the Ethernet port. You can even tap into the immense diversity of the sensor interfaces which have been developed for the Arduino board, and use the Arduino to control the Milkymist One over MIDI.

VJ’s will appreciate the possibility to design new visual effects using the Flickernoise Patching (FNP) language, which allows you to create unique and personal shows without requiring extensive experience with computer programming. And if you do program computers, you will certainly like the fact that the complete Milkymist One design is open source.

More info:
http://milkymist.org/wp/
http://milkymist.org/wp/2011/12/milkymist-one-interactive-video-synthesizer/

Milkymist One Youtube examples:
http://youtu.be/0o59QCKIUhE
http://youtu.be/KAX-zjRTtnM
http://youtu.be/gpz1-w-03hQ
http://youtu.be/dKsOzBZGXX0"

Polychrome for kontakt 4 and higher.avi

YouTube Published on Apr 12, 2012 by SPFXsynthesisers

1982 Oberheim OB-Xa & OB-Xs Ad

via Retro Synth Ads where you'll find the write-up.

"Oberheim OB-Xa and OB-SX "Oberheim Updates" 2-page colour advertisement from pages 46 and 47 in the January 1982 issue of Contemporary Keyboard."

Retro Joy - Serial Serendipity

YouTube Published on Apr 12, 2012 by sonodrome

"Some fun with an old joystick and a sampler made from an Arduino + the Adafruit Waveshield.

http://adafruit.com/products/94"

Powertan Transcendent 2000

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Keyboard contacts are a bit erratic, some keys work fine and others don't make proper contact so the tuning is a wobbly! The sample and hold feature looks to be not running as the pitch should be random in this setting but it's not

Other than these issues on a quick test it looked like all the controls were working. OSC is ok as is wave shapes, filter working, AD and ADSR for filter and amplifier working. LFO working"