MATRIXSYNTH

at 5/09/2006 01:21:00 AM

Shot of the Russian Junost' 21 pulled via this auction. Via bodo peeters.

at 5/08/2006 01:14:00 PM

Trip. Looks like Cynthia has Riyaz Master Pro and Tanpura modules. Via Doktor Future in the comments of this post. Thank you Doktor! I never would have even guessed...

at 5/08/2006 01:11:00 PM

Dave of umop sent this one it. Title link takes you to a 4.18M mp3 by Transformer di Robotor, using early Mac sounds. It's a good showcase of... Actually, neither of us know what exact system was used, other than itwas an early Mac. If you know, feel free to comment.

Update via Derek in the comments:

"That's the startup chime of a late second/third generation PowerMac... not very early. :)

On a related note, I just sampled a classic Mac's floppy drive. Does someone want to make a song out of this? ;)

http://derek.trideja.com/media/seek.m4a"

at 5/08/2006 11:52:00 AM

Absolutely amazing shot of a Steiner Parker system sent my way via Rolf Eichert. Image link takes you to a slightly bigger shot. Title link takes you to the full size shot. Thanks Rolf!

Update from Rolf:
"It is only now - when i have a look at other systems -that the concept really becomes clear. Professional Sound, Bakalit Potis like on the Moogs with enough rooms for tweaking. multiple inputs and outputs for most of the modules. You hardly need any multiples for splitting up outputs and VCO, VCF, VCA all have several inputs so you don`t need mixers. You never have to think "how do i patch it?" Just get going.
THIS is a very BIG difference to all the systems i have seen since!"

Module list

Steiner Parker Synthasystem

1 VCO Type A Sine/Tri/Saw/Square PWM and Hardsysnc
2 VCO Type B Sine/Saw Hardsync
1 VCO Type C TRI Hardsync (mostly vibrato though)
2 VCF LP/BP/HP
1 VCA
2 Frequency Divider Divides 2 - 120 Output Square/divides Triggers as well
3 even dividing/1 odd dividing outputs simulanously
2 Mixers/Selective Inverters Audio or Voltage
2x3ADR Minimoog style but you can add 3 to 1 or/and, a lot of functions... delay/Hold time... a dream to work with
1 Input Amp incl. record player sensitivity
1 Envelope Follower/Slew Limiter
1 Dual S/H
1 VC Phaser 720 deg.
1 Output/Tuner
2 Trigger Gen. VC Trigger/VC Width
1 Sequencer 151
1 Sequencer 161
1 Input Selector/Trigger
2 Ring Mod. can double frequencies->divider = several Squares
1 Noise
1 Frequency Counter
4 Multiples

at 5/08/2006 11:01:00 AM

"Taalmala Digi-100 - The first MIDI compatible Indian musical instrument. The digi-100 is a state-of-the-art digital musical instrument that has been designed by the pioneers in Indian electronic musical instruments. This instrument has a sampled natural tabla sound along with sophisticated features unmatched by any other model of electronic tabla.

These are:
* 100 thekas in various taals that can be played at any tempo.
* Thekas to suit classical music, Thumri, Ghazals, Bhajans and light music.
* MIDI Compatible -the first Indian MIDI instrument
* Tihayee facility for various thekas.
* FILL-IN facility for all 100 thekas.
* Laggi for selected thekas.
* Ten of the thekas can be modified by the user and stored in memory.
* A multi-functional digital display for indicating taal number, matra number, pitch, tempo and laggi group.
* Digital tuning of pitch with facility for fine tuning within half notes.
* Two settings for bayan (dagga) depth.
* Memory for storing the fine tuned pitch, tempo and bayan setting.
* Two user programmable thekas that can be stored in memory.
* Automatic operation on any voltage from 90-260v or six (‘C’ size 1.5v) internal dry batteries.
* Line-out and Speaker/headphone-out facility (to fit 1/8" jack)"

I remember seeing the Riyaz (pictured below) at a local music shop before, and thinking, hmm, this might be interesting; they kind of look like an old funky SEM type module. Unfortunately the Riyaz did not have MIDI.

Title link takes you there. Via fmasseti.

at 5/08/2006 10:31:00 AM

flikcr by dkcaudill. Don't miss this set. Title link takes you there.

at 5/08/2006 10:27:00 AM

Title link takes you to a site dedicated to the RSF synthesizer company. Tons of info and pics.

Now check out the current RSF site. Note the logo is the same. Interesting how companies change over time.

"RSF is a French manufacturer of audiovisual equipment that has more than 30 years of experience in applications dedicated to museums and live shows. RSF produces the largest, most advanced, and most innovative range of audioguides on the market."

at 5/08/2006 09:54:00 AM

I'm still in research mode looking for the best PC sequencer (btw if you have any recommendations for the PC feel free to comment - unfortunately I don't have a make yet and can't afford one at the moment).

I want something similar to miniMusic's beatpad to use with a small tablet PC.

So, back to Sonicbytes. I heard about them via Sonic State News. The post was on Phrazor Preview #3, a fully functional "virtual synthesizer workstation" with sequencing. I decided to check it out, but the sequencer looked like your standard piano roll - not what I'm looking for. However they do have a dedicated sequencer called ERA (pictured) that I will check out.

Their products as of this post: EST - Sampling Groovebox VSTi, Gat'R - Trancegate MultiFX, ERA - Midi Step Sequencer VSTi/MFX, Phrazor - Virtual Synthesizer Workstation.

Title link takes you there.

at 5/08/2006 09:32:00 AM

flickr by stigeredoo. Korg Polysix.

at 5/08/2006 09:26:00 AM

New forum for modular synthesis. Title link takes you there.

at 5/08/2006 09:21:00 AM

Title link takes you there.

at 5/08/2006 02:05:00 AM

Update: George sent me an MP3 of one of our jam sessions and I just put up a post here with details.

George Mattson, creator of the Syntar, invited me, James(Carbon111), and Greg (Alpha Wave Movement) over for an afternoon jam session and get together. We had a great time, and I finally got to see and hear the Syntar along with George's EML semi-modular. We spent most of the afternoon in a "tangerine dream" playing along to Greg's rhythms and a very nice sequence George patched up on the EML. After the session we had some delectable sandwiches and brownies made by George's wife Celeste. Thank you Celeste! We had a great time. Definitely not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Title link takes you to a ton of shots I took and a couple of short AVIs; unfortunately the audio did not come out. George has promised to send us a few mp3 of the session, so I'll put them up when I get them. Apologies for the quality of some of the shots - the room was dimly lit (great atmosphere), but the tranlsation was lost in many of these shots.

That's James in the Green T, George by the EML and Greg up front.

George and Syntar Prototype #2

at 5/08/2006 02:04:00 AM

Title link takes you to Syntheasy.com, home to a few miscellaneous items including MX4 patches, docs on MIDI timing on a Mac, Studio Electronics Omega 8 samples (focused on features), and upgrade tutorials for the Omega 8 and SE1/SE1x (image of an Omega 8 voice board to the left).

at 5/08/2006 12:07:00 AM

via Mister Beep, a site with music created by the Timex 48Kb Synclair and it's beeper. Samples onsite. Watch the volume level. : ) This one via phloem.

at 5/08/2006 12:06:00 AM

flickr by Elektrofant.

at 5/08/2006 12:05:00 AM

Title link takes you to Algorithmic Arts, makers of some interesting software midi tools including SoftStep, and BankStep sequencers. Two more I need to check out for coming UMPC.

SoftStep (Pink Flamingos!)

BankStep

Update via the comments:
"The most amazing soft sequencer i ever tried. Lots of wicked and unique features. The idea of the bouncing "ball sequencer" recently released as a VSt Plug In originates from Softstep. John Dunn the mastermind of algorithmic arts is a very helpful guy and has a long history as a developer (he did eg the sounds for some old Atari 2600 console games back then)

Softstep is now replaced by Artwonk.
The application has a steap learning curve and might not be suited for beginners, but the online documentation and tutorials are very good.

So, if you have never been satisfied with the features of your standard stepsequncer or ever wanted to turn DNA sequnces or Pitcures in to Midi controllers
give it a go."

at 5/08/2006 12:04:00 AM

flickr by Sameli.

at 5/08/2006 12:03:00 AM

Remember this post? Title link takes you to another Quicktime 360 by the Aliens Project. This one is of thier "Walhalla" modular. Via Digital Music Mag.

at 5/08/2006 12:02:00 AM

Editor posted a link to his Fruity Loops Resource, in the comments of this post. What's interesting is that it's a blog! I don't think I've ever seen a resource site dedicated to a given instrument as a blog before. I think it's a great idea as you can subscribe to it and get udpates over time. Pretty cool. BTW, I'm thinking of replacing my Palm running miniMusic with a UMPC/Origami so I have more room and more software to sequence my synths with. Fruity Loops is on my list for it, so this blog will come in handy. Title link takes you there.

at 5/08/2006 12:01:00 AM

Title link takes you to the post on GetLoFi including video.

at 5/08/2006 12:00:00 AM

Title link takes you to an A6 unison sample on VSE by Bitexion. The sample is a recreation of a Prophet 5 preset.

at 5/07/2006 09:31:00 AM

For you lucky Mac users.

"MRP Sequencer is a software step sequencer conceptually very similar to vintage analogue step sequencers such as the ARP 1601/1603 and Korg SQ10, and recent digitally controlled step sequencers such as the Frostwave Fatcontroller and Colin Fraser's P3.
MRP Sequencer goes a little beyond the feature set of most step sequencers.

sequences of up to 64 steps
track count limited only by processing power
output MIDI port and channel can be set per step
select-modify paradigm enables any set of steps to be affected by editing operations
extensive randomisation/variation functions
graphic user interface
text user interface enables full scripting"

Title link takes you there. Via Jason Proctor on AH.

Update:
Three more for the mac via Chris Muir on AH:
Roll your own in Max:
http://www.cycling74.com/products/maxmsp

Numerology:
http://www.five12.com/index.html

M from Cycling74
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.365211/sc.2/category.24/it.A/id.258/.f

at 5/07/2006 01:29:00 AM

Title link takes you to an 18.8M mp3 of a guitar running through an EMS Synthi AKS, via deb7680 of Chroniques de la Mao.

In via the comments section of this post:
"Harghh, I remember when I inject my guitar into my Ems Synthi Aks just for youn this is recorded in live in 1981 (guitar in Ems with ring modulation and RSF and other synth...)"

The Synthi shot to the left is from this post on Chroniques de la Mao. I wonder if this is the same Synthi used in the mp3.

BTW, this is a great showcase of the Synthi. Thanks deb7680!

Update via deb7680 in the comments:
"Thanks Matrixsynth. For you question, the Ems Synthi Aks it's the same. Here, other picture many "machines" in 1981 : www.deb7680.com/photosblog/matos200.jpg

And another sample:
"A voice passed in my Ems Synthi Aks while JP plays a psychedelic melody. Recorded at the time of the same concert of HplanK as "Images Mouvantes" in 1981.
www.deb7680.com/mp3/UnJour.mp3"

at 5/07/2006 01:25:00 AM

Title link takes you there.

at 5/07/2006 01:24:00 AM

flickr by AdamVandenberg.

at 5/07/2006 01:22:00 AM

flickr via lukatoyboy. Title link takes you to more.

at 5/07/2006 01:21:00 AM

flickr by arrrika.

at 5/07/2006 01:20:00 AM

Another Zom Zoms shot. flickr by Khaotikit.

at 5/06/2006 02:03:00 AM

This one via Loscha, via this auction.

"Music Aid (Simmons) Claptrap

Super rare and highly collectable. 100% analogue circuitry!

This was made sometime in the 1970s by the company that was to become Simmons (famous for their digital percussion instruments).

I have never actually seen another one of these, and certainly not on ebay. I think Mouse on Mars have one.

Can be triggered from just about anything (see rear panel). I was triggering it from a TR-808 and MPC 3000 no problems.

Please note: it does not do 'realistic' handclaps. It is an analogue machine, so if freaky analogue percussive noises are your bag then this is the box for you. It is capable of all maner of classic Rolandesque snares, crashes etc aswell."

Title of post also curteousy of Loscha. Thanks Loscha!

at 5/06/2006 02:02:00 AM

Published on Feb 21, 2006 danbhala

"Me playing electroplankton and also playing a melodica put throught a boss gt6 guitar fx pedal. Some vocal samples from myself too with the aid of the ds!"

This one via Martin Neumann. More on Electroplankton: 1, 2, 3. Thanks Martin!

at 5/06/2006 02:01:00 AM

Bob actually sent me an email to let me know he put up some super hi resolution shots of the Oxford Synthesizer Company's OSCar. He said these are "most-likely these pictures are the best most folks will ever get to see of an OSCar." Yep... I think he might be right. These are really nice shots. Title link takes you there, including more shots of his studio and bigger shot of the one in this post. Thanks Bob!

at 5/06/2006 02:00:00 AM

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction. Details:

"Legendary and very rare guitar synthesiser, designed by David Cockerell, and launched in 1973. As used by David Gilmour, Steve Hackett, Pete Cosey, and Chemical Brothers, to name a few. Serviced by EMS in Cornwall in 2004, when they fitted the envelope bypass modification. Unfortunately the stand is long gone, but the unit is in good condition (considering it’s age), and full working order. Took me a year to come round to the idea of selling it, but I don’t use it anymore, and this unit doesn’t deserve to end up gathering dust on a shelf. Please contact me if you’ve got any questions."

Via fabmass. Thanks fabmass!

at 5/06/2006 01:59:00 AM

Looking for an MFB in the US? Infant Noise has 'em. Rumor has it this is Geoff Farr's new distribution channel. He was the US distributor for Waldorf, Access, Cwejman back in the day.

at 5/06/2006 01:58:00 AM

flickr by AdamVandenberg. This is the credits to the shot in the last post, done with the Apple II according to the caption. Check out the synth list.

Also check out this Dick Hyman Moog album cover.

at 5/06/2006 01:57:00 AM

flickr by AdamVandenberg.

at 5/06/2006 01:56:00 AM

flickr by larskflem.

at 5/06/2006 01:55:00 AM

"Yo to all.

Over the past few weeks, the EAR consortium folk have been busily developing
a custom performance system for a band some of you may have heard of - their
acronym being very close to the number which falls between 8 and 10.

While this instrument was being conceived, it was obvious that some product
development would be required as essential components from what we
considered to be a complete system were missing from our stable.

Not all of these new devices will be released to market as they are highly
specialized, not so much in function but more due to their
configuration...but many will be released, and I I'm happy to announce that
the first of these - The Plan B Polyphonic Envelope.

Polyphonic? whu?

Go here to have a look:

http://www.ear-group.com/model_10.html

The Model 10 should be available at our dealers in about a month's time,
therebouts.

Keep your eyes on the EAR site over the next couple of weeks as more devices
born from this development effort are brought to market...especially from
the Livewire line.

More Plan B News:

Quick updates on other Plan B new product development efforts - The Model 14
Dual Processor should be available in three or so weeks The PCBs are in, as
are the components, we are waitng for faceplates. The Model 16 Spectral
Multiplexer and Model 23 Analog Shift Register are in the PCB design stage -
prototype designs for both have been finalized. The Model 18 Milton's -
steady progress is being made in the programming - this instrument is on
time for an early summer release - pots and tactile switch have been ordered
(many), with the Model 16 Output Processor will be coming quickly after
that.

Please do not respond to this email directly as I cannot read mail sent to
this account. However, feel free to contact me at the address listed below.

best,

- P
_________________
Peter Grenader
w: http://www.ear-group.com
e: peter[]ear-group.com
p: 818 761 9906"

at 5/05/2006 11:42:00 AM

I'm happy to announce that the SynthSights audio blog, SynthSpins! is here.

SynthSights is a mailing list for people that use synthesizers to make music. The interesting spin on the list is that "it's not about the gear." It's a great list with a myriad of discussions on technique, style and well, just about anything as long as it's not about gear.

Not too long ago Jim Aikin, former senior editor of Keyboard magazine, joined the list and asked people what they did to get their music heard. The usual range of replies came back from playing shows to hosting websites with their music. I thought, hmm... This is all great but what will keep people coming back and... what do we all have in common? Then it clicked. Why not have a Synth Sights audio blog or podcast. Members could submit their music with links to their websites and people could subscribe and hear what people on the list are doing. I threw out the idea, people discussed the idea and ultimately we decided to do it. Four of us got together to work on it.

The moderator and owner of the list Cikira directed us, Doug Wyatt of Sonosphere developed the interface and feed for the audio blog, and Paul Maddox of Modulus Electronics, home of the MonoWave, and host of the SynthSights website, revamped the look and feel of the site. Me? I just kind of sat around and said, "uh-huh, yeah, cool... gotta go post something on Matrixsynth!" : ) Well, in truth I did some of the verbiage.

Title link takes you there. When you get there, click on the "Listen to us" link on the left to get to the SynthSpins! audio blog. I've also added it to my blog roll on the right. BTW, don't forget to check out the member pages for some mass gear p*rn.

at 5/05/2006 11:31:00 AM

Click here for details. I want one. Via Henrik.

at 5/05/2006 11:03:00 AM

Update: Looks like it's the Moog System 1.

Title link takes you to more shots via Suit & Tie Guy.

Via Suit & Tie Guy on AH:
"so i visited a local college's EM lab tonight because i knew they had an early moog system.

"early" begins to describe it.

it was so old, the mixer and ribbon controller both had perfboard circuits, and the ribbon controller was made from a chuck of Formica tabletop!

now, i know you're probably thinking i'm quite naïve: "whoa hold it there STG, _everyone_ knows the ballsy tone of Keith Emerson's ribbon controller solos was because of the Formica base." but it seemed pretty damn freaky to me at the time. the Dymo legending on the console panel is a nice touch as well.

anyway, here are the pics:

http://www.suitandtieguy.com/sights/050406_bu_moog/

apparently i'll be spending more time with this beat up old bitch of a modular. if anyone wants me to A/B it with my Liberation i'd be happy to do so.

the keyboard acts so stupid on this thing i kind of want to play a solo with it just once so i can mystify everyone as to how i got that crazy sound. the best part is none of the knobs on the keyboard change anything at all.

also: no you are not seeing things, that really is an 18 space moog slant cabinet."

Hmm... Wonder if I beat Analog Industries on this one... : )

at 5/05/2006 09:33:00 AM

Remember this post? Well, the previews are up. Title link takes there. Via Sonic State.

at 5/05/2006 09:31:00 AM

Just thoght this was a cool shot of Thomas Dolby Live at Joe's Pub in NYC. Title link takes you to the post on Thomas Dolby's blog.

at 5/05/2006 09:23:00 AM

Hmm... Open Labs is claiming to be able to clone any synth.

"Open Labs has introduced Mimik, a new keyboard cloning software application that enables users to sample the sounds of virtually any MIDI-enabled keyboard or sound module directly into an Open Labs NeKo or MiKo keyboard station."

Hmm... Sounds like sampling to me.

"Open Labs tell us that, in addition to sampling actual sounds, Mimik can virtually replicate intricate nuances, including keyboard after-touch, at up to 128 velocities, as well as any note range and length, and note-off sound at up to 96 KHz/32 bit samples, in both stereo and mono."

Hmm... Still sounds like sampling to me.

Title link takes you to more on Sonic State. When I first saw this I thought it could be a realization of the PPG Realizer or some sort of resynthesis like the Hartman Neuron. But... It just looks like a sampler with sound editing capabilities. If anyone knows more, please feel free to comment.

at 5/05/2006 08:54:00 AM

And it's a synthy one. I see Arthur. Title link takes you there.

at 5/05/2006 12:11:00 AM

flickr by cray5656. Title link takes you to more shots of the Roland Jupiter 8 sent my way via Ross Healy.

at 5/05/2006 12:10:00 AM

flickr by mikest. DSI PEK display board.

at 5/05/2006 12:09:00 AM

Title link takes you to the full sized shot. Via Benjamin Ward on AH.

"I found this nice picture of Michael Cotten and part of his synth
arsenal in the mid-1970's.

For Tubes fans, MC is currently putting together an in-depth
documentary DVD of the Tubes in their halcyon days: http://
www.thetubesproject.com/

Ben
Korg Kornucopia - analogue synthesizers"

Via Chris Muir: "The top row in this picture is a bunch of SMS stuff, some of it custom."