Thomas Dolby at the Scala - New Flickr Set

flickr by towsercat. Yes, cat. Title link takes you to the set. A bit blurry but think of it as the abstract. : ) You can see this midi knob box in the background.

Gary Numan's Access Virus Used in Jagged 2006 Up For Sale

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction.

Details:
"This Access Virus B synthesizer is offered to you from the studio of Ade Fenton, co-producer of Gary Numan's critically acclaimed 2006 album 'Jagged'. This fantastic synthesizer was used extensively on Jagged and many of the programmed patches will be instantly recognisable to Numan fans. It was featured in Ade Fenton's kit list in the May 2006 edition of Future Music Magazine's article about the making of Jagged. It is signed on the rear by Gary Numan and Ade Fenton and carries the phrase 'Jagged 2006', written in silver ink by Gary Numan."

SK-1 Modular

Title link takes you to the post on GetLoFi.

Yamaha CS70M Demos

Title link takes you to a post by clusterchord on HC with samples. Also saved them here for posterity.

Synths That Never Were on DVDBorn

Another via DVDBorn. More pawn shop dreams... These synths almost made it.



Prototypes
Emulator IIIx
Oberheim OBMx prototype
Yamaha CDSX prototype (DX1)
Akai VX90 (rack pictured above)

Synths That Never Were Part 3
Akai MWS-76
Akai AX80
Mellotron Digital Workstation III

la pâte à son

This is pretty cool.

"Drag instruments, switches, and transporter pipes from the conveyor belt to the checkerboard above to make music. Rotate the pieces. Choose a melody. Change pitch, tempo and volume to fine-tune your composition."

Title link takes you there. Requires Flash. Via Scott Metzger.

The Yamaha VP1

16 voice polyphonic physical modelling synth. I knew about the VL1 and VL7, but not this. Wow. Click here for a VP1 site with specifications and samples. Check out DVDBorn for more.

Update via Javeline the comments: "The link above is dead, but I have a LOT of information and demos of the VP1 on my website"

Patch Memory - New Flickr Shot

flickr by unrest. Note the Buchla and Oakley labels. Anyone know who makes the Burst Generator?

Update via the comments: "The Burst Generator is a Ken Stone module."

Moogfest 2006 Pics

Title link takes you there. Also make sure to track back to bigsynth.com for more synth goodness.

electronic devices digital interface (EdDi)

Glitch Station - 2 * 25 dtype inputs
midi in - midi thru
16 midi to switch interface
light organ interface - 3 photo cell link
3 momentary push switches
3 hold switches
5 variable resistors
eddi is used to interface electronic devices such as kids toys - cheap keyboards - video signals - mechanical devices - anything that switches
shown linked to casio sk1

via GetLoFi.

The EDP WASP Special

Carbon111 got himself an EDP Wasp. Title link takes you to a page he put up with more info and shots. Also posted on Synthwire.

FracSID

Commodore 64 SID in a rack. Title link takes you there. Via gerald.

"A uCApps midibox SID, built in a 3U frac-rack modular synth panel. All the power of the midibox SID, with 6 routable analog CV inputs, two gate outputs, and 8 analog CV outputs. Since the midibox OS is open source, you can write your own apps for it, and turn it into a CV I/O beast!"

Inside an Oberheim SEM

Title link takes you to the post on Orac. He's looking for Rev B schematics so if you have or know where to get them, post a comment.

"The color-coded Molex connectors which route signals to and from the SEM have wonderful, gemlike hues. In the second shot the new electrolytic cap is evident (the big blue can)."

Kraftwerk Vocoder

via this auction

Update: scan of the eBay auction sale added below.

Details:
"The mother of all transistorized vocoders, prototype of early 70´s custom built for german electronic duo of that period: documented by back cover photo of KW's album "Ralf & Florian" and in some part in the artwork on inside sleeve.

The device was used for two studio productions, title "Ananas Symphonie" including synthetic vocals and rhythm track in conjunction with lapsteel guitar and rhythm machine , as well for "Kristallo" with rhythm machine and EMS-Synth.

Later used to sound the KW's intro for "Autobahn"

The vocoder contains 12 analysis and synthesis filter channels, 2 compressors for speech or carrier signal and excitation signal inputs, voiced /unvoiced detector and switch board for filter-matrix.

It was conceived , built and constructed by electronic engineers in the area of Physikalisch-Technische BundesAnstalt (PTB) Braunschweig, Dipl.Ing P.Leunig and Dipl.Ing. K.Obermayer.

Later the well known german music studio engineering and supplier company R.Barth K.G.,Hamburg, Germany, boiled down the know-how gained from this project into so called MUSICODER which was produced in small quantities."

Via sequencer.de.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oldstyle Evolver

Title link takes you to a 4.22M mp3 of the Poly Evolver by Stefan Trippler.

"I listened to the great CD collection "Synthesizer von Gestern" again, lend
some chords and structure from Ralf Weber and tried to make a track in a
similar style with Poly Evolver sounds.

Here is the result:

Oldstyle Evolver

Some softer sounds again. I won't ever be able to produce a reasonable
mixing quality, but anyway, I think it is good enough to get an impression
of the Evolver sound character. Btw I didn't try to imitate the sounds from
the original track too close, would habe been too much work, if possible at
all...

All sounds from the Poly Evolver, PSP Easy Verb, some delays and compressors
from Cubase"

Via AH.

Roland SH-101 Shots

Title link takes you to a couple more shots pulled from this auction.

Lot's of Knobs

Title link takes you to more Waldorf Q shots via this auction.

via Loscha.

Synthmaster

Trip. When I had severe GAS (Gear Aquisition Syndrome), I used to have these dreams where I'd walk into a pawn shop and see all these bizarre and obscure synths. Sometimes they were rare models of Oberheims and Rolands, etc, but usually they were obscure synths from manufacturers I've never seen before. Right before I was waking from the dream, I'd think if I only grab one I might be able to take it to the other side. : ) If you ever had dreams like this you probably know what I'm talking about.

Well, when I saw the Synthmaster post on sequencer.de, I had that same feeling, like I just walked into a pawn shop of obscure synths in dream land. There are a ton of bizarre and obscure synths I've never seen or heard of before. Looks like he brought them over from the other side. Click here for more.

Pictured above top down: E-Pro Minisynth, Firstman FS-4V       Polysynth, and Antares 1.

Synths on Synthmaster:
Antares 1
E-Pro Minisynth and Spirit - this looks like the Crumar Spirit to me.
CRB Daimond Vocostrings Ser.1, Ser. 2
Crumar Spirit, Compac Synth
Conn Electrik Band
Elka Accordion Synth Soloist 505
Excelsior Digital Synth, EK 4
Excelsior EK 4
Firstman SQ-01, FS-4V Polysynth
Jen Synx 508
Keytek CTS 5000, 2000, 1000, 400
Paia System 4700
Powertran Transcendent Polysynth, Transcendent 2000, Transcendent Variation
Pulser M 75
Salamander SMS 400
Skyline Orchestra
Steelphon S 900
Stramp Synchanger 2
Welson Syntex

Jordan Rudess Shot

Found this one on the-gas-station. Title link takes you to Jordan Rudess' site.

Synth Legends Symposium DVD

via AudioMIDI

"If the Musical Instrument industry had rock stars, there's no doubt that Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim, and Dave Smith would be in the Hall of Fame. These men are as beloved by electronic musicians as Les Paul and Leo Fender are to guitar players. The recent death of industry legend Bob Moog brings into even greater focus the impact these men have had on music in the last three decades. And as interest in these "retro" instruments grows it seemed like a great time to bring together these "Synth Legends"; to speak about their accomplishments, tell some stories, and talk about what they have planned for the future.

Russ Jones, owner of audioMIDI.com, brought together his longtime friends, former competitors, and former partners to create a memorable night. The panel was moderated by Roger Linn, a synth legend in his own right and he set the warm, lighthearted tone for the evening. Each presenter spent about 15 to 20 minutes giving a brief history of their respective careers and how they initially got involved in creating the products that changed the MI business and what they are doing presently as well as their views of the future. Then the Q&A panel was formed and Marcus Ryle, former design engineer at Oberheim and co-founder of Line 6, joined in.

See the video and hear from these "Synth Legends" as they offer insights into music making past, present, and future. Also see the warmth and humor that was Bob Moog in his last public appearance."

Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith and Roger Linn going left to right, top down.

Update via Brent Hoover in the comments:

There was some mixup and Kevin finally got a hold of us and we are straightening it out. Russ never got an email from Kevin (which I am probably to blame for since I'm the IT guy too). The cover was done by Axel Hartmann (of the Hartmann Neuron and art design of most Waldorf synths) who I don't believe would knowingly use copywritten material without taking care of it, he hates having his stuff stolen too. So apologies to Kevin and I am sure it will get worked out to his satisfaction.

As to why its American-centric is because the event was really made up of people that Russ knew personally. He worked at Oberheim in the beginning and thus came into contact with Roger, David, Tom, Bob, and Marcus. Marcus, David, Roger and Bob (until he passed away) we still dealt with all the time cuz we still sold their products. So it was not so much American-centric as Russ-centric. And not being a rich company I don't know if we could have afforded to fly and house someone from Japan (everyone else came on their own nickel). But we are all very much aware the contributions the Japanese have made to electronic music.

The point being that this was a labor of love and we are so in the hole on this we will probably never make a profit, but that was never the point. It was to contribute in our own way since we don't make synths and utilize Russ' unique relationship with all these guys.

So I sincerely hope people enjoy the DVD though we wish the sound was better (its a long story) but its a unique opportunity to really see and hear the people behind the famous gear. I know its easy to be cynical about a retailers motivations (and I certainly would) but if you spend all your times at big retailers, you might be suprised about how many others of us are in it for the love of music, because it's certainly not making me or Russ rich men (although I do have a very nice studio).

Brent Hoover - Webmaster - audioMIDI.com

These views expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone elses including Russ, audioMIDI.com, or Fox Television.

ps. I heart Matrixsynth and read it almost every day. I don't know how you do it."

Thanks! : )

Carbon111 Bathes

Title link takes you to Carbon111's site. : )

Carbon111 takes a bath.

Tali

Brain to CV Converter

This one via Andrew aka drewtoothpaste. Thought this was pretty funny. Why isn't he smiling? Yeah, I prefer knobs as well. Title link takes you to Toothpaste for Dinner where this shot comes from. Thanks Andrew!

TENORI-ON Report

Remember Toshio Iwai and the Tenori-on?. Looks there is a Tenori-on blog with info, pics, video and more. The blog was set up by One Tonne Music. Title link takes you there; also added to my blog roll on the right.



via CDM. BTW, do check out the CDM post for more on Toshio Iwai.

Glitchsim - Video Synthesis

Although my posts are mainly about audio synthesizers, every now and then I see something that interests me on the video synthesizer and circuit bending front. GetLoFi has an interesting post up on Glitchsim, an artist that bends old video equipment.

"I have started modifying secondhand and obsolete video tools to create my own tools. By making my own tools I create the image together with the tools. I let technology play an important role by bringing the mistakes and imperfections of the tool to the front."

Title link takes you to the post on GetLoFi including links to more info, video, pics and more.

New World Order - New Flickr Shot

flickr by insane jane.

MSIC Synths - New Flickr Shot

flickr by jo co.

Anyone know what that red box is? I'm thinking Red Square, but not sure. Also what's to the right of it and to the left of what looks like a Juno 6/60? Sherman Quad filter? Click image for a larger shot.

Update: Ortho thinks the red box could be an Oberkorn Sequencer. Definitely could be. You can see images of both the Oberkorn and Red Square on this sequencer.de page.

Sync Analog Sequencer and Arpeggiator on YouTube

Fun with a Roland Juno-6.

CMS - ARP Odyssey Upgrades & Restorations

Title link takes you to the ARP Odyssey Upgrades & Restoration page on Phil Cirocco's CMS site. If you haven't been to CMS, you owe it to yourself to check it out. It is probably the richest ARP site out there. You might also recognize Phil from The Novachord Restoration Project.

filter - New Flickr Shots

flickr by Heath Finnie. Click here for more shots of the EML 100.

Update via Heath in the comments: "I'm actually selling it for $1,400. Or trading it for a Waldorf Q (or XTK plus a little cash)"

If you are interested just post in the comments and I'll make sure he gets it.

Xpander With Black Wood Ends by James R. Coplin

Remember this post? James just sent in this shot of an Xpander with black wood ends he created. Very nice.

BTW, if you are interested in having James create something for your synth, you can contact him here.

Earsmack Studio

Shot of earsmack's studio. Title link takes you to earsmack.com with the list of gear.

Bob Moog Demos the Voyager Prototype

Title link takes you to a Real Media video of Bob Moog introducing the prototype Voyager. Clip courtesy of zZounds.

The Stylophone

Hmm... Move over Buchla Multi-Dimensional Kinesthetic Input Port. I want one of these. I think I need to hit the local Value Villages again. Maybe I'll find a Thunder sitting with the toasters. Remember, always check the toaster section.

Tite link takes you to more on the Stylophone on Retro Thing.

Update via the comments: "I have two of the little buggers, one black and one white. The main difference, apart from the color, is that the white one is an octave higher than the black one."

Update2 via solipsistnation in the comments: "There are a few versions, actually. I had a black one, a white one, and a woodtone one, and the black was an octave lower and the woodtone had a slightly different timbre from either. It's a really simple little circuit, and it went through a bunch of iterations. Each version is slightly different.

I bought 2 of mine from this guy, and I highly recommend his refurbished Stylophones:

http://www.stylophone.co.uk/

Plus he has loads of info. Check out the 350S!"

RSF Kobol Schematics

Title link takes you to them. Via synth ollie.

Ion Shadows - New Flickr Shots

Flickr by NoNightSweats. These are shots of PhilT's setup. Title link takes you to more including an ARP Odyssey.

PhilT's sites:
sydney post-punk
a slow rip

Moog Factory - New Flickr Shots

flicky by minimoog7000. Title link takes you to more.

Update. This top shot is the prototype Voyager shown in Winter NAMM 2000: link.

Aliens Project Happy Knobbing 2006 Shots

Title link takes you there. Click on the "zu den Bildern.." link to get to the gallery. Via sequencer.de.

Rob Papen's Albino 3 Released

"There are loads of amazing new creative features added like the two new filters "Scream" and "Comb"; four FX units with new FX like LoFi and WahWah; a Compressor and an improved Reverb. But the biggest new feature is that you can layer up to four instances of Albino in one single preset!"

Title link takes you to more info.

Sonic State Podcasts

I didn't realise Sonic State started doing podcasts. The second one just came out. Title link takes you to there. There's a link to the first one at the bottom of the page.

"Our second round-table discussion once again with Andy Jones and Dave Spiers ranges in topics from monitor choice – Dave have just bought a pair of ADAM monitors and wants a Roland D50, Andy wants something like the Lemur polyphonic touchscreen but not quite and the best and worst of Ebay. We also talk of Imgoen Heap, Thomas Dolby, Russian synths, EML Polybox, Daves enormous synth collection, the Optigon and a few grumpy words on ringtones and more."

New Source of Inspiration

This one in via Paul. A new kid introduced to the world of synths. : ) Just make sure to keep those volume levels low. Hmm... That's one nice pillow. Title link takes you to more gear shots. Thanks Paul!

NI Traktor MIDI controller - New Flickr Shots

flickr by fibra. Title link takes you to more.

Keith Emerson Band at Ramshead Tavern - New Flickr Shots

flickr by gerenm. Title link takes you to more.

Solvent Bunnies 300 - New Flickr Shot

flickr by burnlab.

Update: Link to Burnlab.

Update2: One more Solvent flyer via Deathlab featuring Solvent and a synth below. Anyone know what that is? Tip via gerald in the comments.

A King with a Polivoks - New Flickr Shot

flickr by polaranta. Gotta love WC Olo Garb.