Nord Modular Comparison Chart

A $300 Nord Modular recently came up for sale. I always wanted one but I put it on hold as I figured I'd get the G2 instead. But at $300 I decided maybe I should go for it. I checked out the Clavia site and couldn't find a comparison chart. I wanted to know if the Nord Modular and G2 were totally different in sound character or if the G2 was built off of the first generation modular. Like the Nord Lead 2 is built off of the original Nord Lead, but the Nord Lead 3 was redesigned from the gound up - totally new software. Well, I haven't found the definitive answer yet, but I have found some interesting bits.

1. Title link takes you to a comparison chart (thanks Wout!)


2. You can't upload Nord Modular 1 patches into the G2


3. The Nord Modular classic has a Filter Bank and Spectrum OSC that the G2 does not have (thanks to Vincent and fizmo)


4. Vincent who has both hasn't had a chance to fully compare them, but he said they do sound different


5. The G2 can send it's sequencer data via MIDI so you can build sequencers to control external gear. The original can't

This above is just a short list. Check out the title link for a more comprehensive list. Regarding the $300 Nord Modular I found. Looks like four others beat me to it. Oh well, another day...

Metasonix S1000 "Wretch Machine"

Metasonix S1000 "Wretch Machine" prototype. Damn, that is one sexy looking behemoth of a synth (never thought I'd ever say that). Look at that thing! It's got tubes poppin out of it. Be careful... Title link takes you to a bigger shot and a PDF with details (I copied and pasted the details below in case you don't have a reader). Via Michael Weeks of www.endmusik.com, via the floor of the VTV expo. Thanks Michael!



Specs via the PDF in case you don't have a reader:
"The Ultimate Tube Synthesizer.
Pitch sources: two independent VCOs.
Made entirely of vacuum and gas-filled tubes.
Range >2 octaves using CV, octave switching allows range from
33 Hz (low C) to more than 2 kHz.
Three waveforms: thyratron sawtooth, square, and square with
suboctave.
VCO 2 may free-run or be soft-synced to VCO 1.
Numerous patch points allow enormous flexibility.
Waveshaper: unique circuit, with soft clipper and pulse adder
(shapes waveforms from VCOs by adding small pulses to top of
waveform at discontinuity).
Made entirely of vacuum tubes.
Settings: disable, soft-clip only, and soft-clip with pulses added to
signal. Latter circuit allows simulation of noise source.
Filter: unique multimode circuit, allows its use as a lowpass,
treble/midrange bandpass or bass bandpass filter.
Continuously variable control allows mixing of filter forms in any
proportion.
Made entirely of vacuum tubes.
Range of treble resonance switchable, 400-1700 Hz.
Bass resonance tunes from ~100-350 Hz.
Filter sweep is performed with photoresistor element.
VCA: unique circuit using a pentode tube.
Made entirely of a vacuum tube.
May be modulated with the AR generator only, or with the control
voltage generated on modulation bus 2.
Modulation: two envelope generators, A(S)R and AD.
Both triggered with input gate signal. Both may be combined on
either modulation bus to create ADSR.
Two independent LFOs, triangle waveform, range <0.3 Hz to more
than 5 Hz.
Two modulation buses allow combining the A(S)R, AD, and two
LFOs as needed to effect any CV input in the audio circuit (VCO
pitch, VCO squarer waveshape, waveshaper pulser, filter tuning).
Main CV input controls pitch of both VCOs (Hz/V response).
Gate input triggers envelope generators, accepts 0-5v or 0-10v
gate voltage.
6AL7 "eye" tube displays status of LFOs and A(S)R control voltages
on three separate glowing green bar graphs.
Miniature joystick performs multiple jobs: vertical motion affects
pitch of both VCOs, horizontal motion affects tuning of filter.
Press joystick in to trigger envelopes.
Size: 6U high standard EIA rack mount, 3" depth below rack panel.
11 vacuum/gas tubes. Weight about 20 pounds with AC adapter.
Draws 12 volts AC ONLY at 3 amps.
Expected availability mid-2006, expected retail price $2500.
Optional internal MIDI-CV interface, add $300."

Moog Rogue Shots

Title link takes you to some nice shots of the Moog Rogue saved for posterity, via this auction.

Audio Realism ABL Pro

Via Wiglaf on this VSE post. Title link takes you to the Audio Realism ABL Pro page with more details and screen shots.



"The Pro version is intended to take what ABL is good at and extend on that to reach new sonic possibilities but with the same feeling. Extended range on oscillators and filters (which now goes up to self oscillation). Audio rate modulation is possible on the excellent filter and oscillators which can be swept from bass up to treble ceiling while retaining low aliasing and without any other digital artifacts. The slave (audio) oscillators can be tuned +/- 48 semitones with 1 cents accuracy from master oscillator. This range aids in making sweeps that feel unconfined and lets your music breath. The modulation generator can be used as a third oscillator while routed to multiple destinations. A stereo delay unit with modulatable delay times will aid you in making interesting and atmospheric sounds."

Scott Stites "Buchla 200e" Demo

In via John P of m/n/m/l, via AH. Title link takes you there (look for Scott Stites). BTW, John "thinks" this is the 200e. It sounds like it based on other samples I've heard. I'll update the post if I hear anything back on AH.

Update: Via AH. It's not a 200e. : )

"Scott Stites speaks:
"For samples, the thread pointed here:

http://www.mnmlnoise.com/misc_samples.html

I found that there was a sample of mine linked there, one I'd
discussed with you a while back. I'm absolutely thrilled to you would
put it on M/N/M/L (a heck of an honor!). The only problem is that
it's labeled as a 200e sample, and I think all these guys are thinking
that it is a 200e (actually I did it with some Buchla stuff I'd
cloned)."

Buchla Breaking the Mold

One of the achilles heels of digital virtual analog synthesis has always been aliasing. Another has been the precision of digital oscillators and of course stepping. Buchla has always sat on the pinacle of analog modular synthesis. Buchla is considered to be the holy grail along with only handful of others. Buchlas have always been considered to break the mold when it comes to synthesis and design. What I find fascinating and am coming to realize is that the new Buchla 200e just might be breaking another mold. The mold of aliasing and digital oscillators and their negative perception. I posted earlier on Buchla's digital oscillators. I was just reading the Keyboard Magazine Review on the Buchla 200e (title link), and I just read the following:

"Did he say “digital?” Yes, the 259e is a digital oscillator. Analog purists may not be pleased about this. I’m happy to have lots of waveforms at my fingertips, but I found that many of the wavetable combinations produced aliasing. Pure sine waves, which don’t alias, are available among the waveforms, and it was possible to coax some sweet tones out of the 259e, especially at low warp settings and at lower pitches. However, the higher-pitched tones of most of the waveforms alias spectacularly, making them ideal for edgy, glitchy mixes but not desirable for traditional definitions of “beautiful.” According to Buchla, this design was intentional."

So, if the Buchla does it...

Buzzclick Music

Title link takes you to Peter Grenader's website, Buzzclick-Music. If you've been following my posts, you might notice that the last two had Peter Grenader's name on them. Now you know how I end up on a role, one thing really just leads to another. I started with a simple link to a Buchla review with samples on Keyboard Magazine, that Peter sent to AH, I dropped by Sonic State for the NAMM demo of the 200e he did, and I ended up on his site, Buzzclick Music, dropping by the EAR and Big City Music sites on the way.

So, Buzzclick Music...



There is just too much content on Buzzclick-Music to do it justice in a single post. Just go check it out if you haven't been there before. There are music samples, pictures, a bio and a few slices of synth history including Buchla, Serge, Morton Subotnick, John Cage, and much, much more. Peter Grenader is also involved with EAR which I've posted on a few times. He designs the Plan B line of modulars. You can hear it on Secret Life on the Music Samples link of his site. Really amazing stuff.

Also make sure to check out the Son of Frankenstein when you are there. : )

Buchla 200e Video on Sonic State

I thought I put this up already, but apparently not. Title link takes you to a video demonstration of the Buchla 200e given by Peter Grenader for Big City Music during Winter NAMM 2005.

Buchla 200e Keyboard Mag Review and Samples

Looks like the Buchla 200e Keyboard review is online with samples. Via Peter Grenader of Buzzclick-Music and Plan B, via AH. Title link takes you there.

Radikal Technologies Spectralis Demos

Title link takes you to the Spectralis demo page. Some amazing samples there. If you are a Pink Floyd fan, definitely check out the Spectralis_Shine_On_Pf.MP3. Wow. Make sure to also check out the left nav menu items (pictured below) when you get to the site. These are links to more component focused demos. The Spectralis has a much wider palatte of sounds than I was expecting. Based on previous demos, I thought it would be more inclned to rougher industrial sounds. Some of these demos show that it can definitely do that, and... much... much... more. Very nice indeed. It's awesome seeing ex Quasimidi Jörg Schaaf building synths again. Now if we could only get those Waldorf guys going again...

Synth Videos on Music Thing

I've posted a few synth videos over time, but like my synth shots they tend to go up one at a time, as I find them. Well Music Thing just put up a post that conglomerates a number of them and more, and... Tom gave me credit for the ones he found here. Very cool. Thanks Tom. Title link takes you there. I'm off to go check them out myself.

Retro-Moog - New Flickr Set

I swear there's a synth resurgence on Flickr. Some great Moog Prodigy shots. Title link takes you to a whole lot more. Some really nice ones in this set.

ARP 2600 Shots

Title link takes you to some amazing shots of the ARP 2600. Seems like we are on a picture roll. Lots of em coming up lately. I'll try to only post the really interesting ones to keep the noise down. Enjoy. : ) This set came from Jeffrey Needham on AH. And yes it is for sale as well. Info below.


Call me crazy, but I actually like how beat the casing looks on this 2600. Like a comfy pair of jeans.

Notes:
"extras things:
No keyboard (keyboard CV output is now the input)
IEC power plug
CMS designed 4012 sealed VCF
If you care, 2 OSCs are sealed, 1 is not
The sample/hold is sealed, everything else is not
1 spare (unsealed) OCS
SYNC switches on OSC 2 and 3 (both back to 1)
Phil cleaned all the sliders (all of the CMS work orders will come with it)
Phil rebuilt the power supply.
This is different from REPLACING the power supply with a switching one.

2 1/4" jacks added to get the audio out (barely visible in master shot)

Just give me a shout with questions.

It is located in the San Francisco Bay Area (south bay), California
I assume most people in the world know where that is, but don't want to be
too North American centric.


Jeff Needham, Principal, Scale Abilities, Inc.
Oracle Performance Architect / Music and Film Production
VOX 408 739 2344 FAX 408 739 2394 IP jneedham [@] scale-abilities.com"

Kawai K1 - New Flickr Shot

This looks to be part of the set from the SidSation shot I posted earlier. It just came up on my reader and it's a nice shot, so I figured I'd put it up.

Novation e-zine

Novation email magazine. You can sign up via their email list here. Title link takes you to the Sonic State article with more detail.



"Each issue of the E-Zine contains news, competitions and user advice from some of the many stars using Novation gear. In the first issue Rennie Pilgrem and Fischerspooner revealed their top tips while Ferry Corsten is lined up to talk tech in the next issue out in January."

PSPRhythm V2

I posted about PSPRhythm back in August. Well it looks like an upgrade is out. It will still only run on PSP OS 1.0 and 1.5, so if you've upgraded, you are out of luck. Title link takes you there. Via Sonic State News.

Look familiar? V2 is inspired by the Elektron MachineDrum


"Inspired by classic drum machines such as the Linndrum and Roland TR-series, PSP Rhythm has been created to use the simple, yet effective 16 step style drum sequencer. PSP Rhythm incorporates the use of audio sample playback instead of drum synthesis. Version 2.0 has been directly influenced by one of our favorite modern drum machines, the Elektron MachineDrum. The most significant change between ver. 1.5 to 2.0 is our use of "parameter locks" (as used by the MachineDrum). Parameter locks enable you to change the pitch, volume, and pan per step to create moving, changing melodies and effects. This control over your sounds will give you much more creative freedom and allow you to not only use drums, but to use instruments in your music. Song Mode has been enhanced with a mixer function, allowing you even more versatility with your song writing. The user interface has been made more intuitive and easy to use."

Pattern Mode
- 16 Step Pattern Sequencer
- Flam
- Parameter Locks
Pitch
Volume
Pan
- Memory Banks
- 16 Patterns per bank
- 16 sample sounds
- Mute

Song Mode
- 1 Song per bank
- 512 Pattern Step Sequencer
- Sample Mixer

System Mode
- Tempo (30.0 - 280.0 BPM)
- Swing (50 - 80%)
- Save Bank (0-3)
- Load Bank (0-3)
- Copy Pattern (current pattern > 1-16)
- Clear Pattern
- Clear Song

Blue Screen of Death - New Flickr Shot

Nice shot including a Korg MicroKorg, Electribe S, and Roland MC-307. Title link takes you to the Flickr set including a bigger shot of the below.

HAARP - High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program in Alaska

Title link takes you to a post GetLoFi put up on HAARP, the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program in Alaska. There is a link to an Art Bell show that has audio from HAARP and Art Bell's commentary. It's amuzing hearing Art Bell get worked up on what he's hearing. Well worth checking out. It sounds like an analog synth to me. Whenever I hear that ringing in my ears, I usually think, "Looks like I'm getting reprogrammed again!" Now I'll be thinking, "There goes HAARP again!"

Hiwatt Echo Theremin

Via GetLoFi. Theremin with built in delay and a pretty interesting design. Title link takes you to the Hiwatt website with some videos of the piece, well worth checking out.

Me & Charlie of NIN - New Flickr Shot

Look at who's in the background. Talk about a lucky shot.
Oh, that's not actually me, it's just the title of the Flickr shot.

Pro One Shots

Some really nice shots of an SCI Pro One via this auction. Title link takes you to shots saved for posterity.

Prophet 5 Shots

Some absolutely fantastic shots of the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 via Paul Wagorn on AH. Title link takes you to more. BTW, this is for sale. Info below.



> Prophet 5 rev 2 with midi installed. Wood is beautiful, some of the
> lettering is a bit worn.
> Pics: www.orange-records.com/prophet
>
> $1750 if I don't have to calibrate/tune it (it needs it) plus shipping
> includes road case
>
> Peterson VS-2 Virtual strobe tuner. Essentially new. So many uses.
> $179+shuipping
>
> Paul pwagorn [@] pinc.com

Yamaha CS5 Shots

Nice shot of a Yamaha CS5 and Moog Opus 3. Title link takes you to some more, most of which unfortunately are a bit blurry. But... They are there. This is via Bob on AH.

Sony Block Jam

Update via Paul Maddox on AH:

Flash version you can try out: http://www.sony.net/Fun/SonyDesign/2003/BlockJam/future.html

More info: http://www.csl.sony.co.jp/IL/projects/blockjam/

Don't get too excited. I beleive this is still only a prototype. I remember seeing this a while back on Gizmodo and Engadget. Title link takes you to a bit on it on Sonic State. I just rediscovered it via this VSE post. The following is a link to a video of it. Pretty cool. http://www.csl.sony.co.jp/IL/projects/blockjam/downloads/BlockJam_0.mov.



Via Sonic State:
"Block Jam is a musical interface controlled by the arrangement of 25 tangible blocks. By arranging the blocks musical phrases and sequences are created, allowing multiple users to play and collaborate. The system takes advantage of both graphical and tangible user interfaces. Each block has a visual display and a combination of a gestural input and a click-able input. Each Block metaphorically contains a sound group that can be chosen via the gestural input, the click-able input changes a block functionally. Thus, musically complex and engaging configurations can be rapidly assembled. The tangible nature of the blocks and the intuitive interface promotes face-to-face collaboration, and the presence of the GUI allows for remote collaboration across a network.

By creating both a tangible and a visual language, we are able to create endless meaningful musical structures in a novel and intuitive way that predisposes itself to collaboration and exploration, face to face or via a network, pushing interactive music towards the casual user."

SidStation - New Flickr Shot

Nice close-up of the Elektron SidStation data pad.

Oberhiem Xpander Shots

Oberheim Xpander up on the *bay. Title link takes you to shots saved for posterity.

Terratec Komplexer = Waldorf Micro Q?

Interesting. Komplexer loads Waldorf Micro Q patches. Terratec and Waldorf partnered before Waldorf went out of business, so this makes sense. Via Moogulator (sequencer.de) on this post of Sonic State's the-gas-station. Title link takes you details on KVR.



"Komplexer has eight macro controllers onboard and features three oscillators, two multi-mode filters, four ADSDSR envelopes, three LFOs, and includes the ability to import Waldorf microQ sounds."

Yamaha GX-1 Video Clips

Via AH, Mattias announced some new snippets of video on his Yamaha GX-1 site. Title link takes you there. Enjoy.

If only...

No, it's not. : ( Every now and then I see something I feel compelled to post, even if it isn't a synth, just because it would make for an amazing synth/interface. Well, this thing just popped up on Boing Boing. Man that would be fun. If only it produced some earth rattling bass, LFO filter sweeps, ripping FM... OMG... I think I actaully am a geek. My wife called me one when I asked her to add the Different Skies DVD to my xmas list. She just doesn't understand... : ) Look at that thing!!!

Terretron\\ 505

Via GetLoFi. Circuit bent Roland TR-505. Apologies to those that consider circuit bending on anything but toys blasphemy. The case and aluminum do look impressive. I must say that. Looks like samples are yet to come. Title link takes you to more detail.

Master Hammond B3

This has been making the waves, so I figure I'd put it up as well, just in case you haven't seen it. It's an update the Syntheway's Master Hammond B3 VST. Via Synthtopia; title link takes you there.

Silver Keys

Don't know why I'm posting this, but... I just like those silver keys! Someone ought to make these for a real synth. Via Senso on AH.



Info from auction for when the link goes down (m'kay...):
"Up for auction is a Beautiful Vintage Toy Magnus Organ Mo 320 - we think it srom the '50s. Made in Linden NJ. ABSOLUTELY MINT CONDITION in original box. Its been stored in an attic for many years. We plugged it in and it works perfect and sounds great. Measures 19" wide, 10" deep and 8" high. Kids will like this organ because its not Michael Jacksons'....hi ohhhhh!. "

Analogue Workshopt/MESI/Paris

I recently posted about the MESI Modular System Workshop in Paris. Well, Ken Macbeth of Macbeth Studio Systems sent the following to AH. He gave me the ok to put this up (the message - I put the shot up myself). Thanks Ken!



"Hi All!.............for those that may be interested, MESI http:www.mesi.fr are having an analogue workshop from Friday the 18th of November until Saturday 19th of November...
It should be good fun fun a stack of analogue gear and not so analogue gear for those who come along to try out and discuss. There should be some intersting vintage items as well as some of the new modular stuff being produced and there shall be some interesting softsynths to try out too. I'm going to be there along with an M5, and I'll be happy to demonstrate to those who come along and would like to see it in action and play the thing!
Have a look at the MESI site, or even my own, there's a link.

Kind Regards, Ken

http://www.macbethstudiosystems.com
Home of the M3X Analogue synthesizer..."

Jarrelook Lazer Harp - via SYNTHOSIUM

Update: Lame on me. It's Jarrelook's Lazer Harp, not JMJ's. Jarrelook is a JMJ tribute band. Nice lazer harp.

Sent to me by Luca Capozzi of Naples Italy. He just set up his new blog on you guessed it, synths and music. Very, very cool. I also announced the site on SYNTHWIRE. BTW, don't forget to use SYNTHWIRE! It's meant for stuff like this. Posting about your site and your work is exactly what it should be used for. It can be anything you want it to be as long as it's focused on synthesis and music. Use it to promote yourself already! Anywho. I can't wait to see what Luca starts posting. Congrats on the new blog, Luca! Title link takes you there. P.S. Obviously I love your site design. ; )

Number of the Beast TR 666

I posted earlier about Julian producing those modded, knob ladden Roland TR-606s. Well, he just put up an official site on them! Check out the face plate that reads, Number of the Beast TR 666. Nice touch. : ) One thing I really wanted to mention was the reason why Julian decided to do this. He said he thought the modded TR-606s he saw for sale on the *bay and the recent Vemia auction where way overpriced. He wanted to produce these for others who might want them for a much more realistic and reasonable price. I thought that was pretty cool of him to do, as he could just build and pop these on the bay for more. I have a tremendous amount of respect for people that do things like this. Very, very cool in my book. Title link takes you there.