Electric Avenue (BBC 1988) SpecDrum (Micro Live follow-on) [ZX Spectrum 'SpecDrum']

Uploaded on Apr 25, 2011 atariman1988

"A programme from the 1988 BBC series 'Electric Avenue'. This series was a late-night follow on from Micro Live broadcast in 1988/89 and presented by Fred Harris. This episode documents the two guys behind the old ZX Spectrum 'SpecDrum' add-on and their quest to produce a stand-alone drum machine for the mass music market in co-operation with Cheetah Marketing. Full of nostalgia! This programme is owned by the BBC."

This one in via ni.ce.ly (@PlaysNicely). There has only been two prior SpecDrum posts on MATRIXSYNTH, a demo video from March of 2013, and post from Music Thing back in 2005 with a link to some samples from Analog Industries.

Analogue Solutions Ships New Nyborg-12 Analog Mono Synth

First announced back in November, the new Analogue Solutions Nyborg-12 is now available.

"Analogue Solutions ships space-saving real analogue monosynth module with SEM-style filter

KINGSWINFORD, UK: British ‘boutique’ analogue synthesiser and accessory designer/manufacturer Analogue Solutions is proud to announce availability of its all-new Nyborg-12 — an Oberheim SEM-style 2-Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER-equipped standalone monophonic synthesiser module with real analogue voice and modulation circuitry — as of February 4...

An analogue renaissance has ensured that the one-time state-of-the-art sounds of analogue synthesisers have long since become highly sought after again. Why? Well, many musicians realised that the convoluted menu-driven access systems deployed on many ‘modern-day’ digital synthesisers with weaker sounds bathed in built-in effects are no substitute for the hands-on immediacy of having access to a control per function at hand when it comes to speedy sculpting of ear-opening and often powerful electronic sounds suited to a variety of musical genres. With more mainstream recording artists and producers than ever now relying on custom sounds as a result of this rising and renewed interest in analogue (subtractive) synthesis, is it any wonder, then, that yesteryear’s often wonderful-sounding (though not necessarily reliable) analogue classics are rapidly rising in value, pushing them out of reach of many musicians of more meagre means? Meeting this demand head on, more analogue synthesisers than ever before are available today from manufacturers both bigger and smaller. Into this healthy and highly-competitive climate comes Analogue Solutions’ latest analogue offering, the Nyborg-12 SEM synthesiser — so-called on account of its 2-Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER, the same flexible filter with LP (lowpass), BP (bandpass), HP (high pass), and NOTCH settings that is used on Analogue Solutions’ own Telemark SEM semi-modular synthesiser, similar (though not identical) to Tom Oberheim’s original 1974-vintage SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module®), much sought after itself.

So what makes Nyborg-12 so special so that it stands out from the sound of the synth crowd? To put it bluntly, there are analogue synthesisers and then there are real analogue synthesisers. As Nyborg-12 proudly states on its rugged steel/aluminium casing for all to see (and hear): REAL ANALOGUE VOICE & MODULATION CIRCUITS

But what does that actually mean? Meaningfully, apart from its high-quality 16-bit DAC (Digital-to-Analog Convertor) for MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) to CV (Control Voltage) conversion (which, by its very nature, has to be digital), Nyborg-12 is absolutely analogue through and through, hand built (by humans) using real transistors and op-amps. Unlike other so-called analogue synths you’ll find no CPU-stabilised and quantised circuits, DCOs (Digitally-Controlled Oscillators), digital LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators), or digital EGs (Envelope Generators) hiding here, thank you very much! Instead its circuitry is based on tried-and-tested, distinctive-sounding designs dating back to the mid-Seventies, so Nyborg-12 sounds suitably vintage in character. Cast aside those bland-sounding digital synths and DSP-based soft synths and dial in Nyborg-12 whenever fat basses, screaming leads, bleeps, zaps, and all manner of other sounds and effects associated with subtractive synthesis are the musical (and not-so-musical) order of the day (or night)!

Speaking of dials, Nyborg-12 boasts an abundance of high-quality, smooth potentiometers, fully sealed against dust intrusion, together with high-quality knobs with spun aluminium caps — all as appealing to look at as they are to turn! Two super-stable VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) — each providing a whole host of options and MODULATION sources — are available to start turning the most adventurous analogue musical dreams into reality. Thereafter, Nyborg-12 continues to follow the traditional, well-trodden analogue synthesiser signal path with its distinctive-sounding 2-Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER; AUDIO MIXER (VCO 1, VCO 2, NOISE/SUB); LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) with triangle and square wave modulation signals and MODE switch to route CV2 (velocity control voltage) or S+H (Sample and Hold) signals to that 2-Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER or those VCOs; VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier), controllable from EG2 or GATE with BYPASS option (allowing Nyborg-12 to be used as an external effects processor) and CYCLE setting (so the envelope is constantly re-triggered by the LFO, allowing for hands-off sound effects); and ENVELOPE 1 (VCF) and ENVELOPE 2 (VCA). As such, it should feel familiar to anyone with a modicum of subtractive synthesis skills... so much so, in fact, that reading of its accompanying user manual may only be necessary for finer operational detail: “Do not use a carwash or jet wash to clean this synth.” Surely as good advice as you’re going to get from anyone anywhere!

And speaking of communicating with the outside world, with an intentionally easy yet effective MIDI implementation — CUTOFF control of Nyborg-12’s all-important 2-Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER is available via MIDI velocity or a MIDI controller — and external CV (Control Voltage) sockets for PITCH1 (VCO), PITCH2 (VCO), CUTOFF (filter), GATE (to trigger the EGs), and EXT (for feeding an external CV to various circuits), DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) integration or working with an analogue step sequencer (such as Analogue Solutions’ own Oberkorn) is a breeze. Better still, simultaneous MIDI and CV operation is possible, so users could, for example, use an Oberkorn to play a little melody then transpose that step sequence using a MIDI keyboard controller (or MIDI sequencer). Child’s play? Perhaps.

Note Nyborg-12 can be user configured in various ways to save space to suit. Shipping as a vertically-orientated standalone monosynth module (much like its bigger brother, the Telemark), it is possible to rotate Nyborg-12’s front panel so that it can be used horizontally as a desktop device. Optional wooden side panels can be screwed to a single Nyborg-12 (from its inside so no ugly screws are visible) or to two Nyborg-12s that have been bolted together. It is also possible to rack-mount two Nyborg-12s that have been bolted together using the optional matching rack ears. Either way, Nyborg-12’s modified software allows two Nyborg-12s to be poly-chained together to play as a single two-voice polysynth. Four-voice polyphony is also available upon request for those looking to really push the boat out and purchase four Nyborg-12s, though one Nyborg-12 is still a very versatile, super-sounding, space-saving standalone monosynth module in itself. One that will serve any adventurous analogue renaissance man, woman, or child well for many years to come.

Nyborg-12 is available to order online directly from Analogue Solutions (http://analoguesolutions.com/nyborg-12/) for £599.00 GBP (plus tax and delivery) or through an authorised dealer, as are its optional rack ears (£19.00 GBP, plus tax and delivery) and wooden side panels (£39.00 GBP, plus tax and delivery).

See and hear an ear-opening ensemble of Nyborg-12s in full flight here:" [posted here - also see this demo]

CLICK FOR MORE »

NAMM 2015: Synthrotek Mattson Modules

Published on Feb 4, 2015 sonicstate

"NAMM 2015: Synth Rotek Mattson Modules A new collaboration with George Mattson all available as"

ANimALOGICA WORKSHOP | Buchla Music Easel + Enrico Cosimi 22.2.2015

"ANimALOGICA Bologna Synth Meeting
WORKSHOP | Buchla Music Easel + Enrico Cosimi

22.2.2015

Workshop in Bologna & live streaming on YouTube."

New Rhodes Chroma CC+ firmware 218 offers MIDI Syncable LFO/Sweep & Microtonal Tuning

You can find ull details on the update on the excellent Rhodes Chroma site here.

Some details for reference (see the full link above for the complete list)

Feature Additions (Summary)

MIDI Syncable LFO/Sweeps
Ability to assign arbitrary frequencies to each key of the keyboard (Microtonal Tuning)

Feature Additions (Detail)

MIDI Syncable LFO/Sweeps
Starting with this firmware release, initial support for sync’ing the Chroma's Sweep generators to MIDI is added.

The Sweep Clock Source can be chosen by going into the Configuration Interface [Set Split 36] and selecting parameter 28 [P28].

The user has two choices, as below:

int = Internal Clock (normal Chroma operation)
nIdi = MIDI Clock (external sync operation)
When ‘int’ is selected, the sweep rate is determined by Chroma Parameter #9 (as per normal).

When ‘nIdi’ is selected, the sweep rate is determined by the MIDI timing clock (MIDI realtime message 0xF8). In this mode, Chroma Parameter #9 no longer directly controls the rate; instead, it behaves as a MIDI clock multipler.

Further details are discussed in the CC+ user manual: see Syncing Sweeps/LFO to MIDI.

Microtonal Tuning
This firmware release provides the user the ability to arbitrarily assign frequencies to each of the 128 defined MIDI notes and will support the custom tuning from MIDI as well as the on-board keyboard.

This “Microtonal Key Map” support can be enabled/disabled by going into the Configuration Interface [Set Split 36] and selecting parameter 31 [P31].

The user has two choices:

Off = Standard key mapping used (normal Chroma operation)
On = User-Specific key map used (Microtonal tuning enabled)
When ‘On’ is selected, the frequencies for each ‘key’ are defined by an internal lookup table, 128 entries in size (one entry for each possible MIDI note). The table is initialized by the receipt of a MIDI Tuning Specification Bulk Tuning Dump message."

Rubicon - Noise of Outer Space

Published on Feb 4, 2015 bigcitymusic

"A trip to outer space with the Intellijel Rubicon.
This patch was inspired by the Solar Winds patch from the Rubicon illustrated supplemental manual.

The Rubicon outputs were mixed in the Low-Gain Electronics Submix and sent to the Korgasmatron II. The Intellijel Shapeshifter is TZFM’ing the Rubicon."

MOOG MINITAUR // 1st session

Published on Feb 4, 2015 LESINDES

"My first session with the tiny and simple but powerful Moog original"

Minitaurs on eBay

febmoon

Published on Feb 4, 2015 Ebotronix

Arp Odyssey 2811, 2821
Buchla System #1
Korg MS 20
Moog Taurus 2, Voyager, CP251, MP201, VF351
Oberheim Sem
Roland System 100
Simmons clap trap
Kenton Pro 2000, Pro Solo
Mackie the mixer²
Rane SP 26
FX Alesis 3630,Boss VF 01, BSS DPR 402,
Ibanez SF10,Lexicon PCM80 / 90, MXR Phase 100
vid # 1232

Firechild - Padre - Vintage synthesizers and Boy Soprano

Published on Feb 4, 2015 MrFirechild

"A composition with orchestral sounds , vintage synthesizers and Boy Soprano voice. Yamaha CS-80 , CP-80 , Memorymoog and SEM Pro.

Composed and Produced by www.firechild.se
The lyrics:
Padre

Hear my heart
You hear the sound of rain
I fall apart
My soul is in deep pain
Your smiling face
Your love I won
are now just lost and gone

A lonely star
is shining in the sky
Rainbow tears
are falling from my eyes
Your smiling face
Your love I won
are now just lost and gone

Save Me Tonight
Hear Me Call Your Name"

HAL Revealed

This one in via rosynth.

Now we know what was behind the red eye in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Rosynth messing around with his eurorack system in his studio.

Click and zoom for the full size shot.

"Analogue Systems Sorcerer keyboard/cabinet with RS-15 power supply + Moog MIDI CV GATE interface + the following modules:

Tiptop uZeus (for extra power!),
Elby Designs ED-115 SH Noise,
Intellijel: Rubicon + Dr. Octature + Corgasmatron + uVCA,
Frequency Central Wave Runner + System X envelope (x2),
Analogue Systems RS-20 Ring Mod, RS-95 VCO, RS-500E EMS SYNTHI filter, RS-100 Moog Style Low Pass filter, RS-230 CV Buffer, Mod Wheels,
YuSynth Minimoog VCF,
AMSynths 8328 the MIrage filter + 8109 JP8 LPF,
Doepfer A-124 Wasp filter"