Numark Orbit DJ Controller Video

Video overview added to this post.

W I N D C H I M E S ELECTRONICS

"W I N D C H I M E S ELECTRONICS is Amanda Eicher and Yasi Perera making things that seem to depend on mass means, with the help of many collaborators, among them Thomas Buckler (web and graphics), Chris Cohen (accounting), Randall Fontes (state) and Walter Funk (waveforms)."

Yasi worked with Don Buchla & Associates.  W I N D C H I M E S current project is what they call "a light harmonizing time house".  The following is captured for the archives here.  Click through above for the animated gif and of course the rest of the site.

"It generates a single signal, suitable for both lighting and audio, in resolution of detected/imagined stimuli taken in by its touch and light sensors. It attempts to follow the circadian light-time around it and contribute to the harmony of its local time.

The visualization at left shows the kitten-sized cast-plastic structure, built to hold shoji paper screens. The patterned windows diffuse light from a complex of LEDs and electronic filters designed to behave like moving post-'black body' flame.

The pattern of illumination is, filtered differently, available at an 1/4" audio output, ready to drive an instrument amplifier. The audio is optionally emitted combined with sub-audio control signals, which can be demodulated to use later in the signal path by future modulation-aware signal processors packaged in 'stompbox' format.

The top, snooze bar, is a silver zigzag - capacitive touch sensor and CdS light sensor synthesizing touch and light information into a microprocessor-mediated response.

The Light Harmonizer is sensitive to touch-kinds: lightness of touch, timing of approach, and motions across and around. Unfinal attempts at categorical perception. First touches dim the light briefly, then it comes back in viscosity. Regular patterns of touches, it tries to predict and continue. ALSO 'day' to 'day': say, touches you give at lunch - every lunch - even if not regular per our usual clocks, are taken, speculatively, as regularities. Deviations from your regular lunchtimes, shown back in flushes, noticing what is astral weeks, what is dim weeks, when is the decade of french revolutionary 10 day weeks. In searching, we keep the memory sparse; without many bits, we find salience in action.

Its illumination varies also at frequencies we may hear, so at the audio output, fingers thump: bass drums, chimes, 100 metronomes' granular synthesis: embers, wind-through-trees, -through-chimes. We establish a circular heieracrchy of sound types: percussion, arrayed algorithmically, then stochastically, until, being noise, they form the elements of other drum sound syntheses. This carries on early work in computer music by Paul Berg, Herbert Brün, Arun Chandra, Rich Gold, S. R. Holtzman, G. M. Koenig, and Iannis Xenakis, among others, exploring sound manipulation at the machine instruction level as compositional. A physical platform for the exploration of seminumerical algorithms (Knuth's term) in relation to experience- both the experiences of music, and lived time. We take 'seminumerical' to pertain to aspects of postulation beyond Knuth's computer-scientific notion of 'hardware', into pertinence of form. Peter Naur displays this connection in examining problems, tools, and people as mutually constitutive.

We hope to take time as a place to display and collect user interface, generating informational 'persistence' in time itelf as a basis upon which to 'communicate'. 'Persistence in time' implies an expanded notion of rhythm, as qualia, consistent with classical concepts."

The Analog Lab NYC-Leo Delibes | Flower Duet from Lakmé on Moog Sonic V

Published on Jan 23, 2013

"Moog muSonics Sonic V that was recently repaired by The Analog Lab in NYC.

From Matrixsynth:
It has 2 osc's (saw, tri, square/pulse) 2 lfo's (saw,ramp,tri square) a ring modulator, a noise generator (white or pink), an external input, 2 outputs and 2 built in speakers. The speakers can be bypassed by using the second output. It is monophonic (plays one note at a time) and/or duophonic (plays two notes at a time). It even has a 'scale' knob on the front panel so it can play microtones.

The Sonic V has a 24db diode filter which is very expressive. It has that Moog sound when you want it, but you can also have it sound quite different. It can sound more gritty or aggressive then other synths containing the traditional Moog 24db transistor ladder filter thanks to the diode filter design and also to the addition of the ring modulator.

www.theanaloglab.com

(special thanks to http://m.matrixsynth.com/2009/10/moog-musonics-sonic-v-analog.html)"

Roland Juno-60 "Monoton"

'(C) 2013 vintage synthesizer demo track by RetroSound
all sounds: Roland Juno-60 Analog Synthesizer
drums: Roland TR-707
recording: multi-track without Midi"

via Marko on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Polivoks VCF VCG D01

Published on Jan 23, 2013 Ted James Butler·56 videos

"Testing out the replacement chips for my Polivoks VCG. Using Polivks VCG saw and triangle oscillators before and after the filter, modified by the Hertz Donut and Double Andore."

Rare EMS Synthi E SN 147.E Analog Synth For Auction

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

via this auction

"ultra rare EMS Synthi E (not Reheberg). This is an educational version of Synthi, using patch cables instead of pin points. It has been manufactured in 1975 and only about 200 units (and this one is s/n 147.E), so this is almost extinct as synthesizer. This unit is in a good shape, for an almost 40 years old instrument. Volume faders are a bit noisy when you move them and the touch pad needs to be pushed hard to properly play, but can be easily serviced..."

CLICK FOR MORE »

NAMM 2013: The place to be: Bob Moog Foundation booth at NAMM

Published on Jan 23, 2013 moogfoundation·64 videos

"Check out the amazing visitors we had at our NAMM booth in 2012. Our booth was a hub of excitement as throngs of people stopped by to check on our progress. Going to NAMM this year? Come see us in booth 5307!"

NAMM 2013: Numark Introduces Orbit - 1st Wireless Handheld DJ Controller

"NUMARK INTRODUCES THE WORLD’S FIRST WIRELESS HANDHELD DJ CONTROLLER

Orbit offers DJs unprecedented wireless control with 16 backlit pads, large aluminum control wheel, built-in 2-axis accelerometer, belt clip, and 8 hours of personality on a single charge.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, introduces Orbit, a first-of-its-kind wireless handheld DJ performance controller. Numark will unveil Orbit at and around Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

Numark’s Orbit is the next step in the evolution of the performing DJ. Made to be held in the hands, strapped to your body using its built-in clip, or placed on the table, Orbit packs an unheard-of amount of control into an ergonomic game-controller-on-steroids design, which has every inch, inside and out, tailor-made for live performance. Orbit can be used wired via the included USB cable, which also charges it, or wireless using 2.4 GHz ultra-low-latency connectivity. Orbit features 4 selectable banks of 16 backlit pads, 8 on each side, for adding and blending effects, launching hot cues and samples, and more. Located in the center of Orbit are 4 bank selection buttons, 4 virtual knobs, and a large aluminum-faced touch- sensitive control wheel, which controls the selected virtual knob for instantly tweaking effects and filters.

“If you want to be a serious DJ these days, you need the guts and the gear to get out on the stage and perform,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. 'Orbit embraces that reality to its core, empowering DJs with performance capabilities that will need to be seen and experienced to be believed. It’s intuitive, operating like an extension of the DJ—not to mention it’s the most fun you’ll ever have on stage.'

Orbit’s live-performance design extends even to the inside of the device, where it has an embedded 2-axis accelerometer, which can be assigned to 2 different parameters per bank and activated instantly via 2 shoulder buttons. All of Orbit’s controls are fully mappable, so DJs will be able to customize their settings for effects control, transport control, volume control, or any other MIDI parameter. Numark will demonstrate Orbit for the first time at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show."

Update:

Numark Orbit DJ Controller Video Talkthrough

Published on Jan 23, 2013 DigitalDJTips·204 videos

"Small, well made, and hi-tech, the Numark Orbit is a US$99 wireless Midi DJ controller that on first look appears a great product. It can we worn on your arm, and has an accelerometer built in for extra performance fun."

NAMM 2013: AIR ANNOUNCES VACUUM PRO AND LOOM VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS

"New AIR instruments provide both deep and simple access to fantastic sonic landscapes.
Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) – AIR Music Technology has expanded their virtual instrument offerings with the Vacuum Pro Polyphonic Analog Tube Synthesizer and Loom Modular Additive Synthesizer. Both programs are compatible with 32- or 64- bit Mac® or Windows systems, and both support the new AAX plug-in format, as well as traditional VST, AU, and RTAS formats. AIR Music Technology is the groundbreaking developer of acclaimed industry-standard virtual instruments and audio processing tools.
Vacuum Pro is a polyphonic analog tube synthesizer that travels light-years beyond the original monophonic Vacuum, first developed by the AIR team as part of the Pro Tools® Creative Collection from Avid®. The new Vacuum Pro is polyphonic, offering up to 160 oscillators plus substantial improvements in both horsepower and features. Loom is an entirely new modular additive synthesizer. While both of these new synthesizers offer an amazing amount of detailed control, each also provides programming aids and shortcuts to create custom user-created sounds quickly. Each contains 250 presets created by the AIR team. The Eco (economy) mode reduces the draw on the host processor, with minimal effect on the final sound.

'We offer the customer the best of both worlds,' said Samara Winterfeld, Principal Product Manager, AIR Music Technology, 'The organic sound of a vintage/analog synths, combined with the flexibility/capability of a virtual instrument.'

Vacuum Pro Polyphonic Analog Tube Synthesizer
The Vacuum part of the name Vacuum Pro relates to the six tube circuits that lend a particularly analog flavor to each of the main synthesis modules—oscillators, filters, mixer, etc. Vacuum Pro combines this vintage, organic sound with the versatility of up-to- date virtual instrument control. The interface is populated by single-function knobs, delivering a vintage feel that reflects the rich analog flavor of the instrument. Modulation effects, delay, and a classic arpeggiator add motion and depth to the sound.

Vacuum Pro sounds are created using one or two parts. When creating parts, the Smart Sound Randomizer allows new values to be created instantly for any or all selected modules. This makes it easy to keep an interesting oscillator sound, for example, while quickly trying out new filter settings. In addition, the Parts Lock feature allows the current settings of any modules (both parts) to be retained when changing sounds, providing a fast way to combine elements from different patches. Best of all, the Easy Sound Design Page reduces the dozens of front panel knobs down to eight, grouping related controls together for rapid results.

Loom Modular Additive Synthesizer
Loom weaves together a unique sonic spectrum, offering between 128 and 512 individual additive harmonics. Using an innovative modular approach, Loom has made additive synthesis both powerful and easy to control. Loom provides 30 sound modules, each with a distinct function—moving filter, octaver, repeater, second tone, etc. Up to 10 of these modules can be connected in a string. Spectral modulation, extensive envelope control, and multiple LFOs deliver deep control. Onboard effects provide the finishing elements for each sound.

The Smart Morph Page is where Loom really comes to life. In addition to real-time knobs offering sound, dynamic, modulation, and effect control, this simplified editing page also opens up the extensive morphing capabilities of the Loom additive sound engine and effects. Four assignable quadrants on an X-Y display provide incredible morphing control. Custom morphing paths can be plotted using points and segments. These morphing paths can then be automated, placed under MIDI control, and even synced to the tempo of the host program, creating a morphing pattern that takes 8 or 16 bars to complete, as one example. Intuitive color-coding makes the Loom graphical user interface easy to understand.

Air Music Technology will be exhibiting at Booth 6700 at the 2013 Winter NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California."

NAMM 2013: New Akai MPX8 Sample Pad Controller & MAX25

"MPX8
SD Sample Pad Controller

Add sound samples via standard SD card (sold separately)
8 velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive pads
Drag-and-drop sample editor for Mac and PC included
Built-in library of popular sounds, samples, and bumps
Tune, add reverb, save sample sets for easy recall
USB MIDI plus standard MIDI inputs and outputs
1/8” headphone output and balanced 1/4” outputs"

"MAX25
Compact USB/MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller

25 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 4 LED touch faders
Included AkaiConnect software automatically maps to VSTs
8 MPC pads, MPC Note Repeat, and MPC Swing
4 pad banks, 4 fader banks: 64 assignable pads, faders, and buttons
Step sequencer and expanded arpeggiator
CV & Gate outputs (1V/Oct), Mackie Control® and HUI® modes"

"AKAI PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCES MAX25 KEYBOARD AND NEW ULTRA-COMPACT SAMPLE LAUNCHER WITH MPC® PADS
Adding to Akai Pro’s keyboard controller and portable production instrument lines, MAX25 and MPX8 give musicians groundbreaking capability in space-saving designs.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013) – Akai Professional, the name synonymous with music production, announces MPX8, a standalone SD sample launcher with MPC pads, and MAX25, an innovative USB/MIDI/CV keyboard controller. Akai Professional will unveil MPX8 and MAX25 at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

MPX8 is one of Akai Professional’s most innovative pad instruments yet. Using a standard SD card, users can load virtually any sample onto MPX8 and then assign it to any of the unit’s eight backlit velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads. MPX8 also comes with a large library of standard samples built in, which can be used for live performance in front of a crowd, on a radio show, or for in-studio production. Its bright blue backlit display and intuitive interface make for easy operation in any amount of light. A 1/8-inch headphone output, two balanced 1/4-inch outputs, and five-pin MIDI and USB MIDI inputs and outputs are onboard. 'With MPX8, we’re giving musicians a quick and convenient way to have one-touch access to a virtually unlimited number of sounds, shots, stabs, and drops,' said Dan Gill, Akai Professional Product Manager. MPX8 comes with a drag-and-drop sample editor for Mac® and PC for easy sample conversion. Users can also save sample sets together as kits for easy recall and even tune and add reverb to samples.

Akai Professional will also exhibit MAX25, a compact version of the innovative MAX49 USB/MIDI/CV keyboard controller that was released in 2012. MAX25 has all of the same cutting-edge features as MAX49, including CV/Gate output, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, a built-in step sequencer, expanded arpeggiator, and revolutionary LED touch faders for gradual or instant parameter value changes. The difference between MAX49 and MAX25 only lies in the number of onboard controls. Where MAX49 has 49 keys, 8 faders, and 12 pads, MAX25 has 25, 4, and 8, respectively. Like MAX49, MAX25 will come with AkaiConnect automatic-mapping software and Mackie Control® and HUI® modes for instant compatibility with many DAWs. 'This is a controller that’s made to be in front of a crowd,” said Gill. 'It’s everything people love about MAX49 but in a compact package that will fit perfectly in front of a laptop on stage.'

Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Mackie Control and HUI are registered trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc."