Thursday, November 24, 2005
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Hexdrums
Nice shot of Hexdrums via Engadget, via Distortion that Rocks, via Music Thing, via Shigeru's Hexagon room. Talk about a long list of vias. Maybe CDM will post this and add me to the train. ; ) Title takes you there.
Cwedjman Modules are Coming
Looks like actual Cwedjman modules are coming. Title link takes you to a PDF with the modules listed. Via this thread on electro-music.com. I haven't seen news elsewhere so I have no idea how real this is, but it sure looks real. I'm behind on email so I have no idea if this has been on AH yet.
Distorted 05 Music Festival - Melbourne, Australia
"Distorted 2005 is the first of planned yearly Electronic music festivals in Melbourne Australia.
The aim of Distorted is to bring Electronic Artists who usually you would only see Live in Europe to Australia. Each year we will select the artists as voted by Electronic music lovers in Australia. Distorted aims to deliver excellent value for money to the public.
This years Distorted will contain a whopping 12+ hours of live music. Then to top it off the artists will play DJ sets until late in the morning. Distorted is all about the Music and as such we ask you the Public to support both the international and local artists."
Via Vespine on the A6 mailing list. Vespine will be playing the show.
New Synth DB on Sequencer.de
Update: Moogulator has added an HTML version of the DB. You can now browse and link to individual pages.
Update: Updated title link to point to root site which is actually in english. The search interface for the db is on the top right center of the page.
Title link takes you to a great new synth database on Moogulator's synthesizers.de. At the top of the page you should see a drop down list and a blank search box. Select any manufacturer listed and click search *without* entering a synth and you'll get the full list of synths currently in the db for that manufacturer. Of course you can also enter a search term for more specific results. The db is rich in specs, info and pictures. Really, really nice. Thanks for sending this Moogulator! Hmm... So many pictures to choose from for this post... Found it! Hopefully this translates well in German. : )
Nice mug shot Moogulator. : )
Update: Updated title link to point to root site which is actually in english. The search interface for the db is on the top right center of the page.
Title link takes you to a great new synth database on Moogulator's synthesizers.de. At the top of the page you should see a drop down list and a blank search box. Select any manufacturer listed and click search *without* entering a synth and you'll get the full list of synths currently in the db for that manufacturer. Of course you can also enter a search term for more specific results. The db is rich in specs, info and pictures. Really, really nice. Thanks for sending this Moogulator! Hmm... So many pictures to choose from for this post... Found it! Hopefully this translates well in German. : )
Nice mug shot Moogulator. : )
VCS3 and Synthi Work Outs
Sent to me via Philip Sanderson. Title link takes you to a blog post on the story behind the first track, "Under Press of Sail." Thanks Philip!
Under Press of Sail by Philip Sanderson
http://www.psouper.co.uk/snatch/sound/Sail.mp3
Blackheath by Storm Bugs
http://www.psouper.co.uk/snatch/sound/blackhaeth.mp3
Under Press of Sail by Philip Sanderson
http://www.psouper.co.uk/snatch/sound/Sail.mp3
Blackheath by Storm Bugs
http://www.psouper.co.uk/snatch/sound/blackhaeth.mp3
Synton Modular
Update via the comments. Cool. Thanks John!
"Synton 3000 Modular Documents
These documents are from 1984 when Big Briar, Bob Moog's company, was distributing Synton in the US. The Synton 3000 appears to be a modest and cost effective but capable system. This is a banana jack system.
http://www.wavemakers-synth.com/synton/Synton_3000.html
For other interesting historical synths visit my Wavemakers site linked below.
John Loffink
The Microtonal Synthesis Web Site
http://www.microtonal-synthesis.com
The Wavemakers Synthesizer Web Site
http://www.wavemakers-synth.com
--------------------------------------------------------------
Synton Modular on the bay. Via Luca of SYTHOSIUM. Title link takes you to his site with some other interesting items including Snoop's Minimoog! : ) Thanks Luca! Two shots saved for posterity:
"Synton 3000 Modular Documents
These documents are from 1984 when Big Briar, Bob Moog's company, was distributing Synton in the US. The Synton 3000 appears to be a modest and cost effective but capable system. This is a banana jack system.
http://www.wavemakers-synth.com/synton/Synton_3000.html
For other interesting historical synths visit my Wavemakers site linked below.
John Loffink
The Microtonal Synthesis Web Site
http://www.microtonal-synthesis.com
The Wavemakers Synthesizer Web Site
http://www.wavemakers-synth.com
--------------------------------------------------------------
Synton Modular on the bay. Via Luca of SYTHOSIUM. Title link takes you to his site with some other interesting items including Snoop's Minimoog! : ) Thanks Luca! Two shots saved for posterity:
Buchla 200e on Sound on Sound
Word has it that the review is not favorable. Just might have to pick up a copy...
Update: The review is part 1 of 2. Some interesting notes in via Peter Genader on cost and complexity of the Buchla, via AH:
"On the 200's cost in general. Yeah - $1400 is a lot of money for a VCO.
$700 for four VCAs (LPGs) is kind of steep, too. But you've got to keep in
mind - the 200e is is basically a complex computer network - the modules
acting as the workstations and the 225e working as the server, all on a
customized bus --- all with an amazingly sophisticated musical instrument
laid on top. The technology in play here is mind-boggling. Once you see
one of the new modules out of the chassis, when you see how much componentry
is involved with even the 'simple' modules, the price point starts to make
sense and becomes practical - even inexpensive.. It seems like no big deal
to have a button that says 'save' which records all of the switch settings,
all but about 10 of the pot settings. It's like saying "bend light". Easy
to say, but you've got to be traveling faster than the speed of light to
pull it off.
"For anyone whose done synth DIY work or even produced modules products,
there are countless think tank meetings among the players in which they go
through this sort of mental diarrhea - it would be cool if it did this. How
about we make this control also do that? In the end you find that much of
that brainstorming ,while cool, would be completely impractical due to the
technology and $$ required to do some of it. It's obvious that the 200 was
no exception to this sort of brainstorming -the BIG difference is, he
actually pulled it all off. He DID the things most other designers scratch
off the list after two seconds of thought about the practicality of each
given feature."
Update: The review is part 1 of 2. Some interesting notes in via Peter Genader on cost and complexity of the Buchla, via AH:
"On the 200's cost in general. Yeah - $1400 is a lot of money for a VCO.
$700 for four VCAs (LPGs) is kind of steep, too. But you've got to keep in
mind - the 200e is is basically a complex computer network - the modules
acting as the workstations and the 225e working as the server, all on a
customized bus --- all with an amazingly sophisticated musical instrument
laid on top. The technology in play here is mind-boggling. Once you see
one of the new modules out of the chassis, when you see how much componentry
is involved with even the 'simple' modules, the price point starts to make
sense and becomes practical - even inexpensive.. It seems like no big deal
to have a button that says 'save' which records all of the switch settings,
all but about 10 of the pot settings. It's like saying "bend light". Easy
to say, but you've got to be traveling faster than the speed of light to
pull it off.
"For anyone whose done synth DIY work or even produced modules products,
there are countless think tank meetings among the players in which they go
through this sort of mental diarrhea - it would be cool if it did this. How
about we make this control also do that? In the end you find that much of
that brainstorming ,while cool, would be completely impractical due to the
technology and $$ required to do some of it. It's obvious that the 200 was
no exception to this sort of brainstorming -the BIG difference is, he
actually pulled it all off. He DID the things most other designers scratch
off the list after two seconds of thought about the practicality of each
given feature."
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Moog Music Bass MURF & CV Expander VX-352
Interesting. Via Synthopia.
"New to the Bass MuRF is a shelving filter on the lowest band, with a cutoff frequency of 110 Hz. This means that all very low frequency content passes through the Bass MuRF’s filter section clear and strong. The remaining 7 filters are resonant filters and are also voiced for low frequencies.
The Animation section includes some exciting new beat-oriented patterns and more of the great diversity of tone-mangling the original MuRF is capable of."
Also: Voyager Intros Rack Mount CV Input Expander
"New to the Bass MuRF is a shelving filter on the lowest band, with a cutoff frequency of 110 Hz. This means that all very low frequency content passes through the Bass MuRF’s filter section clear and strong. The remaining 7 filters are resonant filters and are also voiced for low frequencies.
The Animation section includes some exciting new beat-oriented patterns and more of the great diversity of tone-mangling the original MuRF is capable of."
Also: Voyager Intros Rack Mount CV Input Expander
Synth Oddity Forum
Title link takes you to Moogulator's forum of some interesting synth oddities including the shots below. An absolute Goldmine! Well worth checking out. Thanks Moogulator! P.S. Don't forget to go to each next page when you get there for more.
Odd, huh? : )
OBMx original design? I remember seeing this before.
"Im Deutschen Museum München stehen ein Fonosynth und ein Synthesizer Thowiphon III (Bild)"
Odd, huh? : )
OBMx original design? I remember seeing this before.
"Im Deutschen Museum München stehen ein Fonosynth und ein Synthesizer Thowiphon III (Bild)"
Acid Cats
Love this shot. Via legion on AH. Title link takes you to a bigger shot. I saved it offline, so ost a comment if it goes away and I'll put it up.
EDP Wasp Page
Just a cool little EDP Wasp page that I haven't seen before. Via Louis van Dompselaar on AH.
Alesis ION Demos by Kenneth Elhardt
Demos have moved here.
Via Kenneth Elhardt on AH. Enjoy.
"In a recent catalog I recieved, I noticed that the Alesis Ion was now
selling for $600. I had a 10% coupon for 8th Street, so at $540 it was just
too good of a deal to pass up. I bought one at the end of october. 2 weeks
later I had created a bunch of sounds on it and then recorded the demos
below. Since I like the music of Ennio Morricone, I decided to use that as a
vehicle to demo some realistic accoustic imitations. I don't have any
printed music scores, so I did it by ear, improvised stuff, and threw
together elements from different movies just to create a eclectic mix.
The only equipment used was an Ion + expression pedal, + sustain pedal + EQ,
+ reverb. I also played the whole thing on that little tiny keyboard because
the Ion wouldn't work properly with my 88 note RD-1000 piano. That's just
one of the many limits, cut corners, disappointments, and just outright
unacceptable behaviors on this lowcost synth. However there are many great
things about it, and physical construction is surprising good. A list of
sounds modeled is listed after, plus some other short demos follow.
Note that I have only heard these on clear detailed headphones and have no
idea what it sounds like on crappy computer speakers or dull sounding
monitors. There is some background noise in places, especially the acoustic
guitar parts. Please try to ignore that. I've found that a second listen
through makes it less noticable."
(3:33) Running time.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/Alesis_Ion_Western.mp3
Instruments in order of when they make their first appearence.
01) Kettle Drum
02) Bass Drum
03) Tenor Recorder
04) Mellotron Choir (filters modified with envelope to make it say "Wah",
and NO, the lame and useless Ion vocal filters were not used)
05) Alto Recorder
06) Acoustic Guitar (nylon string rythm guitar)
07) Whistling
08) Telecaster Electric Guitar
09) Acoustic Guitar (brighter sound, somewhere between a nylon and steel
string rythm guitar)
10) Trumpet
11) Trombones
12) French Horn
13) Snare Drum
14) Mellotron Male/Female Choir (sacrificed vocal clarity for density of
sound)
-------------
(2:20) Here is an attempt to model Tomita's mellotron choir sounds. He seems
to have two types, a typical "aah" sound and also a murky and sometimes non
distinct one consisting of "ooh" sounds on some notes, humming on others,
and almost synthetic vocal throat sounds with no vowels on others. The first
Ravel part shows four subtle patch variations ranging from delicate vocal
sounds to forceful "aah" sounds. The second part is trying to sound like his
murky type, though it's still a work in progress. That's followed by a
typical Tomita effect.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/Ion_Tomitas_Mellotron.mp3
(1:11) You only need to listen to this if you want to hear two snippets from
the above demo inserted into a real Tomita recording. He does the "ooh" and
"hmm" parts, I do the "aah" parts.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/Ion_Real_Fake_Real_Fake.mp3
(0:18) Here is an Ion recorder modeled with such realism and detail in
timbre and breathy attack, that it is indistiguishable from the real thing.
It can play side-by-side or replace recordings of real instruments without
anybody having a clue. Assuming your wires aren't crossed, my recorder is
playing in the left channel and the real one is in the right. I'll do a full
recorder demo later.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/Ion_Recorder_Compare.mp3
(1:37) This is orchestral power brass. It provides rather realistic and huge
brass sounds ranging from ppp to fff. This demo shows the trombone range,
followed by the high trombone/trumpet range, then the tuba section, then
octave brass - sounding large with just 4 notes, then french horn, then G.S.
Patton.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/Ion_Brass.mp3
Via Kenneth Elhardt on AH. Enjoy.
"In a recent catalog I recieved, I noticed that the Alesis Ion was now
selling for $600. I had a 10% coupon for 8th Street, so at $540 it was just
too good of a deal to pass up. I bought one at the end of october. 2 weeks
later I had created a bunch of sounds on it and then recorded the demos
below. Since I like the music of Ennio Morricone, I decided to use that as a
vehicle to demo some realistic accoustic imitations. I don't have any
printed music scores, so I did it by ear, improvised stuff, and threw
together elements from different movies just to create a eclectic mix.
The only equipment used was an Ion + expression pedal, + sustain pedal + EQ,
+ reverb. I also played the whole thing on that little tiny keyboard because
the Ion wouldn't work properly with my 88 note RD-1000 piano. That's just
one of the many limits, cut corners, disappointments, and just outright
unacceptable behaviors on this lowcost synth. However there are many great
things about it, and physical construction is surprising good. A list of
sounds modeled is listed after, plus some other short demos follow.
Note that I have only heard these on clear detailed headphones and have no
idea what it sounds like on crappy computer speakers or dull sounding
monitors. There is some background noise in places, especially the acoustic
guitar parts. Please try to ignore that. I've found that a second listen
through makes it less noticable."
(3:33) Running time.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/Alesis_Ion_Western.mp3
Instruments in order of when they make their first appearence.
01) Kettle Drum
02) Bass Drum
03) Tenor Recorder
04) Mellotron Choir (filters modified with envelope to make it say "Wah",
and NO, the lame and useless Ion vocal filters were not used)
05) Alto Recorder
06) Acoustic Guitar (nylon string rythm guitar)
07) Whistling
08) Telecaster Electric Guitar
09) Acoustic Guitar (brighter sound, somewhere between a nylon and steel
string rythm guitar)
10) Trumpet
11) Trombones
12) French Horn
13) Snare Drum
14) Mellotron Male/Female Choir (sacrificed vocal clarity for density of
sound)
-------------
(2:20) Here is an attempt to model Tomita's mellotron choir sounds. He seems
to have two types, a typical "aah" sound and also a murky and sometimes non
distinct one consisting of "ooh" sounds on some notes, humming on others,
and almost synthetic vocal throat sounds with no vowels on others. The first
Ravel part shows four subtle patch variations ranging from delicate vocal
sounds to forceful "aah" sounds. The second part is trying to sound like his
murky type, though it's still a work in progress. That's followed by a
typical Tomita effect.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/Ion_Tomitas_Mellotron.mp3
(1:11) You only need to listen to this if you want to hear two snippets from
the above demo inserted into a real Tomita recording. He does the "ooh" and
"hmm" parts, I do the "aah" parts.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/Ion_Real_Fake_Real_Fake.mp3
(0:18) Here is an Ion recorder modeled with such realism and detail in
timbre and breathy attack, that it is indistiguishable from the real thing.
It can play side-by-side or replace recordings of real instruments without
anybody having a clue. Assuming your wires aren't crossed, my recorder is
playing in the left channel and the real one is in the right. I'll do a full
recorder demo later.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/Ion_Recorder_Compare.mp3
(1:37) This is orchestral power brass. It provides rather realistic and huge
brass sounds ranging from ppp to fff. This demo shows the trombone range,
followed by the high trombone/trumpet range, then the tuba section, then
octave brass - sounding large with just 4 notes, then french horn, then G.S.
Patton.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/Ion_Brass.mp3
Alesis Andromeda A6 and MOTM Demos by Kenneth Elhardt
If the links below do not work, try https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=642528F1BD8958CC&sc=documents
Via Kenneth Elhardt on AH. Enjoy.
"Andromeda and MOTM sound effects and Misc."
(0:06) This is your head sticking up just above some stereo boiling liquid.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Boiling_Liquid.mp3
(0:04) Here is in impression of somebody pouring a bit of water into a cup.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Pouring_Water.mp3
(0:24) I was creating a string sound for a Greek style folk dance I was
making up when I did a few mods to make it more sitar-like.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_SemiSitar.mp3
(0:36) Needs to be played loud. This is what a diesel train sounds like out
here when one passes by, synthesized on the MOTM modular. Sounds range from
the train horn to the sqeaks, scrapes, and sounds shaking and rattling box
cars flying by.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/MOTM_Train.mp3
Via Kenneth Elhardt on AH. Enjoy.
"Andromeda and MOTM sound effects and Misc."
(0:06) This is your head sticking up just above some stereo boiling liquid.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Boiling_Liquid.mp3
(0:04) Here is in impression of somebody pouring a bit of water into a cup.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Pouring_Water.mp3
(0:24) I was creating a string sound for a Greek style folk dance I was
making up when I did a few mods to make it more sitar-like.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_SemiSitar.mp3
(0:36) Needs to be played loud. This is what a diesel train sounds like out
here when one passes by, synthesized on the MOTM modular. Sounds range from
the train horn to the sqeaks, scrapes, and sounds shaking and rattling box
cars flying by.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/MOTM_Train.mp3
Alesis Andromeda A6 Samples by Kenneth Elhardt
Via Kenneth Elhardt on AH. Wow. Enjoy. No title link, everything below.
Demos have moved here: https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=642528F1BD8958CC&sc=documents
"Here are some Carlos/Baroque style demos. All were done on the Andromeda.
The only onboard effect used was delay, the only post effects were reverb,
bass/treble, and some EQ on the Timpani. The time for each is given, so you
can figure out the file size from there if download time is an issue. About
512K for 0:30 seconds. And as always, every note was played by hand. No
sequencers, midi files, or half speed recording was used."
(1:30) I get annoyed when people repeat pieces Carlos has already done
instead of something new, but I had to use one of those Scarlatti sonatas
myself because its structured in a way that seems to best allow a variety of
timbres to be shown. This is the most colorful of the lot. The point was for
me to try out my Andromeda W.Carlos soundset and see if I'm on the right
track. 2 oscs per voice and subpar filters are quite a limitation when doing
Carlos impressions, though mix mode does help in the few places I used it.
Please ignore the slight flub at 0:47.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Scarlatti.mp3
(0:20) I don't have the music score for this one, so I faked it.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Monteverdi.mp3
(0:39) The point of this piece was to go from the solo instrument to full
out complex and energetic polyphony that hits you at 0:13.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Bach_Fast.mp3
(1:50) I wanted to try a slow movement that's kind of loose sounding.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Bach_Slow.mp3
(0:39) Timpani is the only acoustic mimicry here.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Bach_Gavotte.mp3
Demos have moved here: https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=642528F1BD8958CC&sc=documents
"Here are some Carlos/Baroque style demos. All were done on the Andromeda.
The only onboard effect used was delay, the only post effects were reverb,
bass/treble, and some EQ on the Timpani. The time for each is given, so you
can figure out the file size from there if download time is an issue. About
512K for 0:30 seconds. And as always, every note was played by hand. No
sequencers, midi files, or half speed recording was used."
(1:30) I get annoyed when people repeat pieces Carlos has already done
instead of something new, but I had to use one of those Scarlatti sonatas
myself because its structured in a way that seems to best allow a variety of
timbres to be shown. This is the most colorful of the lot. The point was for
me to try out my Andromeda W.Carlos soundset and see if I'm on the right
track. 2 oscs per voice and subpar filters are quite a limitation when doing
Carlos impressions, though mix mode does help in the few places I used it.
Please ignore the slight flub at 0:47.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Scarlatti.mp3
(0:20) I don't have the music score for this one, so I faked it.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Monteverdi.mp3
(0:39) The point of this piece was to go from the solo instrument to full
out complex and energetic polyphony that hits you at 0:13.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Bach_Fast.mp3
(1:50) I wanted to try a slow movement that's kind of loose sounding.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Bach_Slow.mp3
(0:39) Timpani is the only acoustic mimicry here.
http://home.att.net/~synth6/A6_Bach_Gavotte.mp3
More Arp Quadra Shots
Some more nice ARP Quadra shots from Heath in the comments section of my last post. Yes it's beat up, but Heath is hoping to ressucitate it. Hopefully another Quadra saved. I love the look of these synths. I saved these shots offline, so if the link ever changes, just post a comment and I'll update it.
Arp Quadra Shots
Title link takes you to some nice shots via this auction. Man I wis I were in Atlanta now. That's a nice looking Quadra. Local pickup would also mean I could most likely check it out first.
Synth T-Shirts
Title link takes you to a slew of t-shirts for sale on the bay. I don't know the seller or the quality of the shirts. I just saw the Buchla T below and checked it out. I clicked on what else the seller had and saw a huge list of Ts including other various synths. Hopefully this will be around come next summer. : )
Monday, November 21, 2005
OZNI Music Synthesizer Systems
I was checking out Technorati to see if anyone was linking back to this site. I found a blog called BloggieWoogie. Cool name, BTW. : ) I was checking it out and ran into the following picture. Title link takes you to the post. Anyone know what this is?
Update: I checked the AH archives and didn't find much other than the following (sounds like the ad above - also felt compelled to share the the comment regarding the dual VCOs. Yep... : )
"To add to the list of modular synths, I also have literature on the
OZNI modular synth from Process Electronics of Centerville, PA.
It touts "Distinctive Quality at a Sensible Price".
The front sheet shows a fairly large system, about 20 modules,
being displayed by a model with fairly nice dual VCOs of her own.
Also about 15 modules available, ranging in price from $75 to
$275, dated 1976. Actually, pretty nice looking stuff (the modules too!),
especially considering the prices."
Update via CAndres in the comments:
"I am to blame for the sexist marketing literature. I was only 22 at the time; seemed like a way to get our product known. The modules were actually of excellent quality, but we completely underestimated what it would cost to produce them in quantity. We actually built 3 synthesizers like this -- I still have one that still works 30+ years later -we built these in 1975 except I hacked in a digital keyboard about 1984."
"Oscillator range .05 - 50Khz;
envelope generator up to 5 minute envelopes, VCOs with sine, square, pulse, sawtooth, VCFs were hi low band pass. We thought we were so cool with 741 op amps; the power supply was completely overdesigned. But the case was not really roady ready -- thin vinyl over foam. We probably should have sold these for $10K to cover what it really cost to build, but at that price, you could get a Moog."
Update: I checked the AH archives and didn't find much other than the following (sounds like the ad above - also felt compelled to share the the comment regarding the dual VCOs. Yep... : )
"To add to the list of modular synths, I also have literature on the
OZNI modular synth from Process Electronics of Centerville, PA.
It touts "Distinctive Quality at a Sensible Price".
The front sheet shows a fairly large system, about 20 modules,
being displayed by a model with fairly nice dual VCOs of her own.
Also about 15 modules available, ranging in price from $75 to
$275, dated 1976. Actually, pretty nice looking stuff (the modules too!),
especially considering the prices."
Update via CAndres in the comments:
"I am to blame for the sexist marketing literature. I was only 22 at the time; seemed like a way to get our product known. The modules were actually of excellent quality, but we completely underestimated what it would cost to produce them in quantity. We actually built 3 synthesizers like this -- I still have one that still works 30+ years later -we built these in 1975 except I hacked in a digital keyboard about 1984."
"Oscillator range .05 - 50Khz;
envelope generator up to 5 minute envelopes, VCOs with sine, square, pulse, sawtooth, VCFs were hi low band pass. We thought we were so cool with 741 op amps; the power supply was completely overdesigned. But the case was not really roady ready -- thin vinyl over foam. We probably should have sold these for $10K to cover what it really cost to build, but at that price, you could get a Moog."
VCS 2 Segmentwave Synth
Update: Via Moogulator this came from AUDIO-LIGHT-STUDIOTECHNIK.
Update: Link to site via Moogulator: http://www.synthesizerarchiv.de/html/segment.html. Another shot from the site as well:
Update: Intersting. Looks like it was more than a Sage; not meant to be a fake but an actual idea according to Moogulator: http://maschinensound.de/blog/?p=197
"It has never went into production, it's an idea by some guys in germany.. there is a site in german&english discribing the synth.. it will not show up.. so no "sage" but some sort of "mephisto" ;)"
Another via Steveo on Sonic State's the-gas-station. Title link takes you to the post. Yeah, I don't think it's real either. Click image for a bigger shot. Another Sage perhaps?
Update: Link to site via Moogulator: http://www.synthesizerarchiv.de/html/segment.html. Another shot from the site as well:
Update: Intersting. Looks like it was more than a Sage; not meant to be a fake but an actual idea according to Moogulator: http://maschinensound.de/blog/?p=197
"It has never went into production, it's an idea by some guys in germany.. there is a site in german&english discribing the synth.. it will not show up.. so no "sage" but some sort of "mephisto" ;)"
Another via Steveo on Sonic State's the-gas-station. Title link takes you to the post. Yeah, I don't think it's real either. Click image for a bigger shot. Another Sage perhaps?
Site Updates - Let me know...
I'm finding that I'm posting anywhere from five to about ten posts a day on average, sometimes more, but rarely less. I want to keep it between five and ten as more than that starts to seem like too much, but if there's content to put up, I'm gonna put it up. The bar just kind of changes depending on how much is out there. Also, I try to keep posts short and to the point to make them easy to parse, but some simply warrant more verbiage. Let me know if you think I'm putting up too much.
Also, I originally had the home page set to show 15 posts. On busy days this can be annoying if posts you haven't seen yet get rolled into the archives. To remedy this I just set the homepage to show three days worth of pages, so hopefully this will be better.
What I'm interested in hearing is if three days is too much or too little. Would four days be better considering the weekends? How does the site download on your end after upping the setting to three days (is it any slower)? I haven't noticed a difference so my plan is to keep it.
Let me know...
Also, I originally had the home page set to show 15 posts. On busy days this can be annoying if posts you haven't seen yet get rolled into the archives. To remedy this I just set the homepage to show three days worth of pages, so hopefully this will be better.
What I'm interested in hearing is if three days is too much or too little. Would four days be better considering the weekends? How does the site download on your end after upping the setting to three days (is it any slower)? I haven't noticed a difference so my plan is to keep it.
Let me know...
The Tiracon
Update: According to Lutz in the comment section, "This is a prototyp made in 1989 from AAC (Automatisierungs- und Anlagenbau Cottbus). It is a keyboard with presetsounds, some effects and a rhytm-machine inside. Its not a Synth !!!"
Update: Via Moogulator of seqencer.de. The Tiracon was not a by Vermona but actually a prototype that never went into production by an east german company. He didn't state the name. If I get it I'll include it. Would be an interesting bit of synth history to know.
Via Steveo on Sonic State's the-gas-station. Title link takes you to the post. Nothing on the Vermona site yet. Click image for a slightly bigger shot.
Update: Another synth, the Tiracon 6 is on the Vermona site.
Update: Via Moogulator of seqencer.de. The Tiracon was not a by Vermona but actually a prototype that never went into production by an east german company. He didn't state the name. If I get it I'll include it. Would be an interesting bit of synth history to know.
Via Steveo on Sonic State's the-gas-station. Title link takes you to the post. Nothing on the Vermona site yet. Click image for a slightly bigger shot.
Update: Another synth, the Tiracon 6 is on the Vermona site.
Mini Wakeman Set
Music Thing is on a roll. Where did these all come from?! It's a mini doll synth invasion. I definitely need to get some of these for my daughter. Check out this mini Wakeman set-up. Amazing. Title link takes you to the source site with more shots.
Barbie and a Modular
Looks like Tom of Music Thing is on a doll roll. Title link takes you his Barbie post (I never knew he was into Barbies ; ). Also check out the GI Joe on a theremin while there. Too damn funny! : ) Tom, set up a Flickr set already!
Han Zimmer's Polyfusion Modular
First Brian Eno's gear on Vemia, now Han Zimmer's Polyfusion Modular is up on the *bay. Well a little different in that this was formerly owned by Hans Zimmer, but... Who cares?! It's a Polyfusion Modular! Title link takes you to two large shots saved for posterity.
Details from the auction:
Amazing analog system, formerly owned by Hans Zimmer . This is the main part of the monster synth that I received from Media Ventures Studios, the 2 wings having been sold recently . This particular system had been quoted in many books: Mark Vail / Vintage synths., Keyboard marg april 99, Martin Newcomb / Museum of synth. technology, and the A-Z of analog synths.
The sound is very close to the Moog modulars, Polyfusion having been founded by 2 ex-Moog employees. The modulation possibilities are endless.
MODULES LIST : includes a large number of standard modules produced by Polyfusion, and some very rare factory custom ones. All modules are fitted in a trail, and are easily moved and removed.
>3 VCO. 1 factory custom with waveform select ,from a single output
>1 VCF. Freq AND resonnance are volt. controlled.
>1 HPF with resonnance. Freq AND resonnance are volt. controlled.
>4 VCA ( 2 dual)
>4 DADSR (2 dual) : 1 standard dual, 1 dual factory custom :the upper with 2 gate selector , the lower with 2 outputs selector and attenuator.
>5 mixers .each with 4 ins and + - outputs.
>1 LFO. 5 waveforms, control over PW and freq.
>1 rare quadrature oscillator. 4 outs, for surround panning or other complex modulations.
>1 octave divider. for waveforms or impulses.
>1 dual Sample and Hold.
>1 dual ring modulation.
>1 (spring) reverb.
>1 enveloppe folower.
>1 phase shifter.
>1 voltage quantizer
>3 multiples .
>1 5 bands Parametric EQ. 5 X frequency / Q /Level.+cut / boost.
>1 bipolar attenuators. X 3.
>1 variableDC source. X 3.
>1 keyboard output controller, with pressure, dynamics, X/Y controls >corresponding to the polyfusion keyboards wide possibilities,or to be connected to a Kenton
>2 power supplies.
This system is located in Paris. Sold as is due to his age. Buyer is responsible for shipping and insurance fees. NO "0" feedbacks ebayers please. Good luck bidding !
Details from the auction:
Amazing analog system, formerly owned by Hans Zimmer . This is the main part of the monster synth that I received from Media Ventures Studios, the 2 wings having been sold recently . This particular system had been quoted in many books: Mark Vail / Vintage synths., Keyboard marg april 99, Martin Newcomb / Museum of synth. technology, and the A-Z of analog synths.
The sound is very close to the Moog modulars, Polyfusion having been founded by 2 ex-Moog employees. The modulation possibilities are endless.
MODULES LIST : includes a large number of standard modules produced by Polyfusion, and some very rare factory custom ones. All modules are fitted in a trail, and are easily moved and removed.
>3 VCO. 1 factory custom with waveform select ,from a single output
>1 VCF. Freq AND resonnance are volt. controlled.
>1 HPF with resonnance. Freq AND resonnance are volt. controlled.
>4 VCA ( 2 dual)
>4 DADSR (2 dual) : 1 standard dual, 1 dual factory custom :the upper with 2 gate selector , the lower with 2 outputs selector and attenuator.
>5 mixers .each with 4 ins and + - outputs.
>1 LFO. 5 waveforms, control over PW and freq.
>1 rare quadrature oscillator. 4 outs, for surround panning or other complex modulations.
>1 octave divider. for waveforms or impulses.
>1 dual Sample and Hold.
>1 dual ring modulation.
>1 (spring) reverb.
>1 enveloppe folower.
>1 phase shifter.
>1 voltage quantizer
>3 multiples .
>1 5 bands Parametric EQ. 5 X frequency / Q /Level.+cut / boost.
>1 bipolar attenuators. X 3.
>1 variableDC source. X 3.
>1 keyboard output controller, with pressure, dynamics, X/Y controls >corresponding to the polyfusion keyboards wide possibilities,or to be connected to a Kenton
>2 power supplies.
This system is located in Paris. Sold as is due to his age. Buyer is responsible for shipping and insurance fees. NO "0" feedbacks ebayers please. Good luck bidding !
Lemur and a Continuum - Video
Title link takes you to a great video of a Lemur and a Continuum fingerboard. Note how you can set an end point on the lemur and have it gradually move to it while you move on. Look for the scene towards the begining below; that little white dot in the purple circle will slowly move back when he lets go, modulating the sound on the way back. Pretty sweet. Via Edmund Eagan on AH.
Lemur Workshop
You've probably heard of the Lemur by now. If you haven't it's a tablet type device that you can use as a midi controller. It's pretty impressive to say the least. Check out http://www.jazzmutant.com/lemur_overview.php for more. The site's been updated since I was last there and they now have a few workshops including one on using the Lemur to control complex granular synthesis and one as a fantastic midi sequencer. Title link takes you there.
The Amen Break - The Winstons & 6 Seconds from 1969
Interesting documentory of the Amen Break, sampling, and a hit on Zero G. If you don't know what the Amen Break is off the top of your head, check it out, you will recognize it. Remember the history of the TB-303 documentary? This is from the same guy, Nate Harrison; you'll recognize the monotone voice. This is a really good documentary. Better than the 303 one in my opinion. Do take the time to check it out. Via humanoidalert on this Sonic State the-gas-station post. The Winstons and the Amen Break are also on Wikipedia.
The Winstons
The Winstons
Synth Orgy Video
Another via Michael Weeks. A Metasonix TM-1, Moog CP251, MF104 and Roland SH101s going nuts. Hmm... I wonder what they are saying to each other... Right click title link and save - it always seems to go faster that way on my end. Also saves bandwidth if you want to see it again later. Enjoy.
More Metasonix Shots
Two shots sent my way via schism of Analogue Haven. Title link takes you to bigger shots. Thanks Schism!
Metasonix Wretch
Metasonix TM6 Multimode Filter
Metasonix Wretch
Metasonix TM6 Multimode Filter
A Moog Modular for every studio
Well, sort of. : ) Now this is kind of cool. See the modular in the picture below? Click on this PDF. Get it? I think I'm going to print out a ton of these and build my own paper modular over time. : ) Via Music Thing, via Till Kopper. Title link takes you to there. There's also a Klaus Schulz version. Very nice. Next time someone comes to my studio, I'll be like, "Dude, check out my modular. Bitchen, huh?"
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Hollenangel - Yamaha CS80 showcase
I posted on Stephen Parsick's Hollenangel back on Oct 5 as an excellent showcase of the Yamaha CS80. He just posted a review and another sample on the Yamaha CS80 group. Below are links to the sample in different bandwidths. If you want to hear some Yamaha CS80 magic, check it out. Enjoy. Title link takes you to Parsicks.com.
http://www.neuharmony.com/56k/hoell.m3u
http://www.neuharmony.com/mp3/hoell.m3u
http://www.neuharmony.com/56k/hoell.mp3
http://www.neuharmony.com/mp3/hoell.mp3
http://www.neuharmony.com/56k/hoell.m3u
http://www.neuharmony.com/mp3/hoell.m3u
http://www.neuharmony.com/56k/hoell.mp3
http://www.neuharmony.com/mp3/hoell.mp3
Arp Odyssey and Moog Polymoog track
Update: Martin ('Liquidscreamer') did the track.
Very cool Odyssey and Polymoog track. Man I miss that sound. If Billy Currie of Ultravox and Gary Numan where morphed together, this is what it would sound like. Via Jordan Gibson on AH (track is by Jordan's mate). Enjoy.
Very cool Odyssey and Polymoog track. Man I miss that sound. If Billy Currie of Ultravox and Gary Numan where morphed together, this is what it would sound like. Via Jordan Gibson on AH (track is by Jordan's mate). Enjoy.
PREVIOUS PAGE
NEXT PAGE
HOME
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
