Matrixmoog

Ok, time to move on from the Voyager Matrixsynth post! So it doens't get completely lost in the archives, I put up this smaller image on the right pane of this site. It links to the previous post. If you think this would be a great idea, feel free to post a comment in the previous post, not this one! I want to keep all the comments in that post as that is the one we will refer to if this actually looks like it could happen. Also, feel free to comment even if you can't afford one now but would consider it in the future, who knows, you might win the lotto. I obviously want one. : )

Moog Voyager Matrixsynth Edition?

Some readers in the comment of this post voiced interest in a Minimoog Voyager Matrixsynth edition which would have green instead of the current blue or solar illumination. I'm going to contact Moog and possibly Novamusik to see how to go about doing this. If you are seriously interested in picking one of these up, please post a comment in this post. If you commented in the previous post, please comment again here. This will give me a better idea of how many are seriously interested. Note that I cannot afford to front the bill, so that bit would need to be worked out. If there is enough interest, maybe Novamusik or even Analogue Industries would be willing to move forward with the idea? BTW, if they steal the idea and come out with another name, we will of course have to protest. : )

Update: Image via Bee Jay in the comments. WOW! I want it. Thanks Bee Jay!

Update: If you are not interested in one now, but might be at a future date, or if you just think it would be cool to see a green Voyager like this made, feel free to comment as well.

EML Electrocomp 101 Mods and Sample

This one in via cornutt:

"The modifications include adding a patch point to the sample-and-hold signal input (which comes from the factory hard-wired to VCO 4), and jacks to break out the individual lowpass, bandpass, and highpass signals from the multimode filter.

Also, in an earlier thread, someone asked me for a sample of the 101's sample and hold in action. Here is a link to a rather long sample (about 6 minutes).

This patch uses all four VCOs. The S&H is sampling VCO 1, in low range; as the piece proceeds I gradually advance the rates of both VCO 1 and the S&H's trigger oscillator. VCO 2 and 3 are generating the sound, and VCO 4 is being used as the carrier for the ring modulator. The output is fed into a Lexicon MPX 500, set to some rather extreme large-hall settings."

Thanks cornutt!

NED Synclavier

Click here for shots pulled via this auction.

Details (check out the original cost):
"Still the finest composing keyboard and DAW ever devised. Many composers and producers still use and swear by the Syncalvier. Even Pro Tools can't touch this for creativity and composing songs. This originally cost us $180,000.00. Yes, you read that right! We are closing our studio after 20 years. Our loss is your gain. This system has been maintained by CTG of Atlanta, GA. It is is beautiful condition, electroncially and cosmetically. This Synclavier is being sold by us, the original owners, and has been kept in our smoke-free, environmentally controlled studio since we purchased it new. It has been used on one hit album and many motion picture scores. There is no better composing instrument for doing hip-hop, scoring to picture, or composing full sampled or MIDI orchestrations. Nothing on today's market allows you to compose music as fast as a Synclavier. 196 digital tracks-fast access from banks of buttons on front of keyboard or from software. Digital editing and DSP processing of soundfiles onscreen. Runs on any Mac that accepts PCI cards. No need to upgrade because with the PowerPC card, this system runs lightning fast, even on an older G3. Maintained and upgraded; in beautiful condition Upgraded to new mahogany velocity/pressure keyboard! Upgraded to new Power PC card. Synclavier PSMT ?PowerMac PC card Release 5.0 software Medium Blue Tower Model C processor with 15" Apple flat panel monitor 8 MB RAM (plenty for a Synclavier--we never needed more, even for cutting full albums). 32 poly panning voices (PSV style) 32 FM synth voices Stereo sampling STM module Mono sampling (much sought after sound for hip-hop drums) 16 analog outputs Fabulous Frontier D/A converters 2 in 8 out MIDI SMPTE reader card"

via Marc.

Casio CK-10 AM/FM Radio With Keys

Title link takes you to a few shots pulled via this auction. Check out the antenna in the picture of the box.

"Here is one of the rarest Casio keyboards around, I have never found one on Ebay: A Casio CK-10 keyboard and AM-FM radio. Comes with original box, which is in OK condition, the keyboard however is in fine condition, no noticable marks or scratches or discoloration. Great conversation piece, it even comes with a built in stand so you can easily display it. The sounds are typical toy keyboard from the early eighties, but it does feature a nifty step sequencer, although that is not feature rich."

These things always trip me out. I never had one, nor knew anyone that did. One day...

Rhytmicspaceorgan and Koelse.org

flickr via anttia.

"Sound device made from two circuitbended drum machine toys, keyboard and a joystick. Made by Harri Vähänissi from koelse.org"

Via Koelse.org:
"Our basic idea is, that all electronic sounds are just amplification of alternating current, so any device that can be used to produce or modify the current can be used as an electronic instrument. We just take any device, open it, test it, bend it and experiment with it as long as we get it to work in a way we consider interesting.

We work mostly with electronic waste. We do that for two reasons:

1. The stuff we dig from the thrashbins sounds so much better than any pluginshit.
2. Todays digital technology -based lifestyle is not ecologically viable. The lifespan of all devices is getting shorter and shorter, and the amount of consumers wanting all new digital gizmos is rising exponentially. Think about it, how long can this continue?"

via Synthesizer-Magazin

Spectralis Gets More Features

Title link takes you to the video on Sonic State.

Update: I just got around to checking this video out. If you haven't yet, do it, it's a good demo - lot's of interesting bits. One thing that stood out for me is the implementation of the random sound generator. Instead of just randomly setting parameters that can end up with garbage it randomly selects parameters from the 200 onboard sounds. The result? You are most likely get get something useful out of it. Check out some of the random patches he gets out of it. Pretty cool.

Another simple pleasure

flickr via whatevermortal.

Kawai Synthesizer 100f

Zorch Synths

flickr by basilb.

EMS Synthi
Access Virus
E-MU XBoard
Moog Prodigy
Yamaha VL1

Fairlight Voicetracker

Ian Cooper sent in these two shots of his Fairlight Voicetracker along with a link to this site for more info. Via the site:

"In 1985, Fairlight Instruments introduced the Voicetracker VT-5, a device that allows you to operate MIDI and control voltage synthesizers with your voice or any monophonic instrument, rather than with a MIDI keyboard. It was priced at US$2495 when it first came out."

BTW, if you are on the look out for a Voicetracker, check out the comments section of this post. Thanks Ian!

Folktek

Shots pulled via this auction. Title link takes you to Folktek on MySpace.
Details:
"First...Folktek is something you're going to see a lot more of. There are many of us, but here we begin with the feature of 2 artist's work - there will be a much more extensive bio, portfolios, musical ventures, mixtapes and displays of art works and sound devices by us and others. You will also see Folktek grow as a community venture. Stay tuned and have your mind blown through your ears and sucked back in through the powerful force of conductivity.

Folktek designs connect with the past and reestablish these ideas in the present...You'll notice with anything we do, whether it be Instruments, sound art installations, puppets, bookmaking, music or visual works that there is a common theme or a common asthetic. This design work is based on the concept that things of the past built extremely well...Properly rock solid and made to last - fraught with ingenuity - even the parts you can't see. If you ever find a meter from the early 1900's have a look inside, you'll be amazed and maybe more so to know that it probably still works. This is the idea we travel with. We often build our own switches and buttons for example and we're working on making our own potentiometers and knobs. Analog mechanical styles that will outlast."

"This particular instrument is entitled "the Filanthoid". It is part of a series entitled "philanthropoid" that you'll see a bit more of in the future if you stick around to see us come up. We have another of this series also currently listed here on ebay. Sounds for this and the other are under the same mp3's named: Growling 1 and 2. Though they are of the same series, each has it's own sonic character. It is a sonic symphony of nasty and grimy sweetness - honey that's gone crusty, peanut butter from the fridge, endless layers of sound possibilities emenating from High quality OSC originally based on high tech speech synthesis. This however is a language nothing else speaks - seemingly random bits that can be rediscovered time and time again. The main controls for altering the synthesis are 2 knobs that work together with extreme sensitivity - the slightest turn of either changing the texture to a great extent. Waveforms (individual, or multiple layers) can be captured and maintained, often intermodulating in beautiful and/or disturbing ways. Albums are waitng to be created here as the sound is quite different from anything else you'll find and we're certain you'll be amazed.

There are two folktek designed buttons and switches on the panel that are the primary activating controls. One is intended to activate waves either as a button or a switch, the other to capture waves. Once a wave is captured there is a button that will allow you to cipher through new waves at random. And we've included a switch that will change the overall texture of the sound. We've got a power starver knob that drastically changes the way this piece functions, and a gain knob to play it hot or cool. A bright white lamp will indicate the power level and the sound travels out to 1/4" jack and the meter will go crazy and is extremely useful in getting fine details with the main controls. The Growling Insect runs on an included battery pack

The housing we've used is a very high quality vintage cloth covered wood case."

via sonicbrat.

New Audio Damage Product Teaser

"Meet Replicant. It should be fairly obvious as to what it does, especially to those of you familiar with Live's built in Beat Repeat."

Title link takes you to more info on Analog Industries. Having been on a bit of a looping kit recently, I can't wait to check this one out.

Rhodes Chroma Updates

A couple of interesting bits from the Rhodes Chroma Group.

Chroma interface lead (pictured). Allows you to communicate between Chromas and applies to the ARP Chroma, Rhodes Chroma, and Chroma Polaris. Title link takes you to the details on the Rhodes Chroma site.

And... A knob box for the ARP/Rhodes Chroma just might be coming via jesper:
"My knob project will take advantage of Sandro's and David's CC+ and then add a Doepfer Pocket Dial on the midi chain. I spoke to Sandro about this and he said it should work. I'll keep you posted when the CC+ has arrived, has been installed and the Pocket Dial has been programmed to send on the right channels... (expect a few more months ;) If it works as I hope I'll do a Chroma-style new case for the Pocket Dial."

It's stuff like this that makes the Rhodes Chroma group and site pretty amazing. I find it pretty fascinating that out of all vintage synths, the Rhodes Chroma ended up with the best direct support group and site.

Update: When I put up this post, I wanted to call out a big thanks to Chris Ryan, the owner of the Rhodes Chroma site and list, but I wasn't sure if the thanks should be limited to just him or others. I contacted Chris directly and he let me know that although he maintains the site on his own, we can find a list of the contributors here.

"David Clarke has been the most consistent and prolific contributor of articles and information, and to the mailing list. Sandro worked with him on the CC+ and contributed a couple of articles. There are lots of other people active on the list as well (as you've seen), and contributors."

Anyway, thanks Chris, David, Senso and everyone else that contributed. It really is one heck of a group.

Googoofish Updates

Yamaha MR10


Dick Smith OSC Box


Philips PMC Samples

Chris sent me some updates worth checking out on his site Googoofish. Each link above takes you to more info and samples for each. Enjoy.

Build me a time machine

Title link takes you to more on Googoofish.

via Chris.

Chewbacaca Puppet Theatre

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


YouTube via azotus.

Rogue Moog + Ring Mod + MuRF

YouTube via azotus.

Suzanne Ciani Live Tonight

Just got this so apologies for the short notice, but if you are in New York, check this out. Title link takes you to more info. I have idea what she might bring, but she was a pretty big Buchla fan. : )

"An Evening with Suzanne Ciani
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
8:00PM

Guest flautist Matt Eakle will accompany 5-time Grammy nominee Suzanne Ciani in a program of her own compositions."

More on Ciani here: 1, 2.

Sherman Filterbank II Demo on SoNiCbRaT

Title link takes you there.

Oakley Sound SuperLadder VCF

Via Tony Allgood:

"The new issue Oakley Superladder filter printed circuit boards have now arrived and we are now taking orders. Details, pricing and samples here. Sorry but we are not offering ready made units as yet. Although, I do have a pre-populated PCB up for grabs right now. See the above page for details on that."

There is a 1U and 3U version. 3U pictured.

SynthMaker

"SynthMaker is an audio programming tool that allows anyone to create their own sounds, virtual instruments and effects without having to write any code. These instruments and effects can then be used for playing live via MIDI or as VST plugins for use in making music using any of the popular recording software."

Title link takes you there.




Update via adam s in the comments: check this out:

Racked Roland MC-202

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction. Note the auction is for the rack, not the MC-202.

Korg Micro-Preset

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction. "Korg micro-preset monophonic analog synth from 1976. This is the earlier version, with all black faceplate and no built-in speaker. It’s a preset synth but the sounds can still be modified."

I don't recall ever seeing the white face before. BTW, check out this video to see the Korg Micro-Preset in action.

Update via Brandon Daniel in the comments: "I don't think it's a white face, just a preset overlay card." Indeed. And that would probably help explain why I've never seen a white face Micro-Preset before. Yep... : )

Roland PG-1000

Slider box for the Roland D50 and D550 LA synths. Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Korg 770

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Oberheim TVS

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Roland JP-8000

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Live Every Moment - Buchla 100 Composition

Via Mok in the comments of this post?

"wow, that is a blast from my past! I went to that school and learned synthesis on that Buchla back in '95. It was in a room they named Studio E and I was one of the only 'kids' who seemed to get sounds out of it back then. That room was in such poor shape...I remember nothing quite worked. The pics I've seen here look like things are much improved. I remember when I was leaving, they were just starting to renovate some of the rooms there. Repainting was going on, and the doors and walls were being stripped. Just before my departure, I managed to grab the sign that room had on its door - "ANALOG SYNTHESIS". I still have it - better than my diploma! Anyway, here's a link to a composition I made using that Buchla back in '95. The Buchla is making that sequenced loop that runs throughout. Also has the (broken) Octave CAT in there, along with the opening and closing windows of Studio E. Ah, nostalgia."

flickr via Bennett 4 Senate.

Blue Resonance - Song For Lene

Title link takes you to an all Andromeda A6 track titled Song For Lene via Blue Resonance. Lacid of Ach features the Korg Z1 and Korg Extreme.

fantom

flickr by odditonic.

Oberheim Cassette Interface

via this auction.

Details:
"I have only seen 3 of this unit in my 20 years playing synths. Its very rare, and Vintage. Its the Cass-1 Interface for the OB-1 and the 4, 6, 8 Voice SEM synthesizers. Its the only way to load, save sounds into the memories of these synths. It also has check errors for the sound memorries. I dont have my 4 Voice any more so I am selling this unit. I cant test it , as I sold my 4 voice so its as is. It worked fine when I had my 4 voice. I have a copy of the manual that I will send with it. The Cass-1 came out in 1978 from Oberheim. I have only seen 3 unit total, and have never seen one on Ebay. A must if you have a 4, 6, 8 voice Oberheim. I payed $500 and it was worth every penny."

via brian comnes

EML 200 S&H Sample

Title link takes you to a 1.4M mp3 via vgemuse.

"Here's a "flight of the killer bumble bee" via an EML 200 S&H circuit
with some fun flexibility."

cheers,
vgermuse

SMS MARS - Samples

Remember this post? Chris came through with a couple of samples as promised and this shot. Title link takes you to the samples. Thanks Chris!

Minimoog Voyager Solar

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction

The Solar is functionally the same as the other Voyagers. Solar previously posted here.

via s o n i c b r a t.

Matrixsynth via Carlo

No title link. Roland vk7. via Carlo.

EMS Polysynthi

The Polysynthis is the Red, Blue and Yellow on black synth.

Via sequencer.de. One more shot of a modular after the hop.

Korg Poly 800 Update

"The Korg Poly 800 and its EX 800 companion module were great synthesizers for their time. I've owned several over the years. But their MIDI implementation is very short on features. Furthermore, there are several features that are just plain missing and on top of that, there are some excellent modifications that people have been doing that require drilling holes in your treasured keyboard. This I hope to change by disassembling the original software and perhaps designing and then short batch manufacturing a retrofit kit whereby we increase the total memory (both RAM and ROM) and thus provide the additional features via the original 80C85 processor.

The basic idea is going to be to add additional ROM and RAM. We'll make sure that the instrument can be booted up in its original configuration using its original software. But, when you want to access the new features, you will boot the instrumnet up into the new ROM's and RAM.

We may also provide some additional interface chips that are able to integrate some of the well known modifications into the new software. This will make the mod's more useful and programmable rather than having to drill holes in your keyboard to fit new knobs or switches."

Title link takes you there. via mikael.

ARP Omni

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction.

Roland RS-202

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

via loscha.

mok's space on twango

Title link takes you to mok's space on twango. You'll find a number of audio demos showcasing the Multimoog, PEK, and XBase09SE. Be sure to check out Song For Duets. I particularly like that one. And there's more to come:

"Hi, it's Mark (cutandcover at nyc.rr.com) from the AH list - just wanted to say thanks again for steering me onto this site. I found your spot, so I'm sending you a link to mine - I've been putting just some demo-y type stuff up here quietly... hope you find something fun. And I just found the channel podcast link, which totally makes this site. Anyway, enjoy..."

Spacey sounds on the Yamaha GX-1

Title link takes you to more videos of the GX-1 via Mattias of RothHandle.

AH Bay Area Gathering 2006

One week to go folks. If you are in the area, check this out:

"In addition to the usual Bay Area synth head suspects our confirmed special guests are David Smith (DSI) , Eric Barbour (Metasonix), Peter Grenader of Plan B, Robotspeak of SF, and Barbara Golden (local electronic music radio host). Other local luminaries ave been invited and may bless us with their presence

We are also having a raffle to benefit the Moog Foundation. Michelle Moog-Koussa (Bob Moog's daughter) is the exec director of the foundation and she is providing some Moog promo goodies for the raffle."

Wish I could be going to that, but times are tight, the budget is locked, and my wife and kid would kill me. : ) But don't worry, there will be plenty of shots I'm sure. Brian Comnes, who contributes a bit to this site, will be attending and taking shots. It's worth noting he is the man behind this year's event.

NYU's Buchla 100 series

flickr by Bennett 4 Senate.

Title link takes you to a couple more shots.

Check out the little man in there. Here's another shot.

Update: Make sure to check out the comments.

Poylyphatty?

Title link takes you to a fun post on Music Thing, speculating a polyphonic Little Phatty at Winter's NAMM. Hmm... Is he really just guessing or does Tom have himself a source? Image of course is Photoshopped.

My take?
They should come out with a cheap knobless rack that you can slave to your Little Phatty or Voyager. As for Mood modular? The audience would be too small, but they should come out with more Moogerfoogers to finish the set. All they need at this point is a good dual Oscillator based Moogerfooger and Envelopes. We have Ring mod, filter, delay, phaser and MURF already, so why not finish the set.

There's also a Little Phatty rack to consider. They did it with the Voyager.

fdiskc

Title link takes you to the fdiskc synthesizer gallery page. I've referenced fdiskc a few times, but realize I never put up a post specifically on fdiskc itself. fdiskc is Brandon Daniel's site. Title link takes you the gallery where I found this shot of the ARP 2500. Be sure to check out the root of the site after the gallery for more.

Type U73

via this auction:

"You are looking at a new TYPE-U73 synthesizer hand wired (in limited quantities) by MONOTONIC LABS with a 90 day factory warranty for parts and labor. Please read everything and ask all questions before buying.

The U73 is a new tool for experimental sound synthesis. The output is line level quarter inch mono, and all of the sound parameters are controlled through 2 knobs. The U73 does not have an input. Each knob effects the sound in multiple ways and has various results depending on where the other knob is positioned. The Type-U73 synthesizer creates low frequency sweeps, areggiated stepped tones, feedback, thermin effects, as well as many other indescribable noises. You'll be amazed at the surprising number of sounds capable from only 2 knobs! Feed it to other effects and stomp boxes and the possibilities grow exponentially. Usually with delay and (insert your favorite effect here) you can't go wrong. A must for any experimental musician! Great for adding interesting background noises or transitions between songs live or in the studio.

L I N K S

A) SOUND CLIPS

B) TESTIMONIALS

C) USERS GUIDE

D) MONOTONIC MUSIC"

Steiner Parker Synthacon Sample

You can find the sample in via vgermuse here. Be sure to check out these posts on the Synthacon if you haven't already.