Modular techno soundcheck : howl from beyond

Published on Feb 24, 2016 Maxime F

"Nothing crazy, just me trying the new configuration for my next gigs, designed to be plugged on a 4 channels dj mixer, and that could be used for improvisation over djing and standard live pa with sequenced patterns from the octatrack and doing both the same night with no repatching :), I might switch the m303 for a shapeshifter..."

The Korg Minilogue-07-The CLICKING Part 1

Published on Feb 24, 2016 AutomaticGainsay

"Here is a demonstration of one of the most exciting synthesis features of the Korg Minilogue!

Support your local synthesizer demonstrator!
http://www.patreon.com/automaticgainsay"

KORG minilogues on eBay | Korg minilogues on Amazon

All parts here.

Testing CV Toolkit synced to Cubase via MIDI

Published on Feb 24, 2016 Computing.Sound

"I'm using a Presonus Audiobox 1818 VSL (not DC coupled) to get enough I/O to sequence various voices of my Doepfer modular with the 'Gate Sequencer' module in CV Toolkit.

CV Toolkit is synced to Cubase via MIDI
I'm using Windows 10."

M569, Control Yourself! Part 6

Published on Feb 23, 2016 John L Rice

"My first video for the new 569ESB and 569EGB expansion/accessory modules that connect to the Moon Modular 569 sequencer. This video is partially an overview and partially just fun time for me! ;-) The next video will likely be a more technical and in-depth look at the features and capabilities."

Rare Vintage 1977 ROLAND MC-8 Sequencer for CV / Gate Analog Synths SN 600000

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Roland MC-8 vs Arturia Microbrute vs Korg Monotribe

via this auction

"Vintage Roland MC-8 Micro-Composer, interface unit, and a reproduction data cable (sorry, no hard copy of the manual is included, but you can download a copy here). 8-channel digital sequencer for analog (CV / Gate) synthesizers, circa 1977. This particular MC-8 is the only one I've seen with a blue cover. Also, it's serial #600000 (both units match). I don't know how these units were numbered (my other MC-8 is serial #680904), but in theory it's possible that this could be the first one off the line. You can learn more about the MC-8 by visiting my blog.

In any event, this unit is currently in good working order, though as always with vintage electronics, you should not expect it to work perfectly up to factory spec indefinitely without ever having to troubleshoot problems. This is a delicate old computer, and frankly it's amazing that it still works at all. When I originally got it, it was missing the proprietary data cable, without which it won't work. Previously I've used it with the factory data cable that came with my other MC-8, but for this auction, I had a new data cable made for it, which cost me around $300 in parts/labor. The new cable (see last pic) actually uses better quality cabling than the original, and it was made well and fully tested. It's the same length as the original factory cable. The only thing is that you might want to find some sort of tubing to cover it with.

I used this very MC-8 to sequence an Arturia Microbrute (multitracked using the MC-8's own FSK sync signal) and a Korg Monotribe (drums, synced via programmed clock pulses generated by the MC-8) for this little demo track" [embed above]

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Roland RS-505 Paraphonic Strings SN 972274

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via this auction

"The RS-505 is a synthesizer which has 3 sections, bass, synth and strings. This piece of beauty has rich, analog sounds which are very warm.

The Synth section has 4 waveforms, which can be chosen by the white buttons located in the center section of the unit. The Synth section has its own filter cutoff, resonance, VCA, envelope and LFO.

The Bass section has three waveforms and this also comes with its own VCA attack and release sliders. The string has two presets and this part contains the features from the previous RS-202.

The sounds from the three sections can be blended to create interesting tones. This unit also comes with Chorus and Ensemble effects which can instantly warm and thicken the sounds up. The RS 505 is known to be Rolands one of the finest string synthesizer of its era, so a must have for your studio!!!"

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An Introduction to The Mellotron (1965)

Published on Apr 13, 2014 British Pathé

"The personalities Eric Robinson and David Nixon introduce us to the musical instrument the Mellotron, London.

Various shots of large country garden. L/S of swimming pool. L/S of garden with white doves on the grass. M/S of large country cottage. The narrator introduces us to the personality Eric Robinson who explains to us from his living room armchair the new instrument we are about to see which can make all the sounds of an orchestra, but can be played by one person - The Mellotron.

The camera pans as Eric walks to introduce us to his son-in-law the magician David Nixon. M/S of David Nixon seated at the Mellotron that looks very much like a piano or organ. Eric and David talk about the complexities of the machine. Then David gives a demonstration and lets rip with two fingers only to produce an awesome sound!. C/U of Nixon's hands as he twists a few knobs to add a trombone sound, and starts to play again.

M/S of Eric asking David what other rhythms the machine can play. David replies by launching into a French accordion with a Viennese waltz. C/U from inside the machinery of the Mellotron. We see the various components at work as David plays.

Finally, Eric introduces us to Geoff Unwin an expert pianist to show what the machine can really do. M/S of Geoff playing great piece of music, the Mellotron produces a variety of amazing sixties musical sounds. M/S of Geoff finishing the piece. He turns to the camera and smiles.

Note: this is one of the best! A rare Colour Pic almost completely in natural sound, and what funky natural sound it is! - SL."

via Retro Thing

KORG MS-20 w/ Original Hard Case SN 145930

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via this auction

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Fizmo by Ensoniq

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via this auction

F: Effect modulation.
I: Wave modulation.
Z: Filter cutoff.
M: Oscillator detuning.
O: Varies from Preset to Preset. (Sys4 mod)

Checkered Yamaha CS-15 in the background, listed separately.

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Hackaday Features DSP Synthesizers Jan Ostman

Hackaday has an interview with DSP Synthesizers' Jan Ostman and his line of open source DIY chips. They cover his drum machine chips, the O2 Minipops, the Solina, Keyboards and what's next. Click through for some insight into synth DIY.