Moog and Buddha Machines

flickr by Maggie Osterberg.

Title link takes you to more.

KORG Kaoss Pad KP3 Review on Analog Industries

Click here. Good, and more importantly, bad points expressed.

"The I/O on this machine is a joke. Just stereo RCA on the back, and a quarter-inch jack on the front that is ostensibly a "mic" input with a trim knob. This may be fine for a weekend warrior/DJ/whatever, but for a professional user, it's annoying in the extreme."

Yep... I was hoping they would include 1/4" jacks this time. The audience still appears to be DJs.

MOOG Rogue

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Maplin ETI 4600 and Custom Controller

flickr by jelliffe_rick.
Title link takes you to more.

Notes on the (modular) controller:
* a nice wooden box, covered in leatherette
* four removeable panels on top, each for separate controls
* three jacks on each side (right for CV in, left for switches in)
* a USB kit from Velleman to connect to a computer (I am writing a driver which will route control signals to MIDI)

Becoming of SID sinth - TB303 patch

flickr by fibra.

Title link takes you to more.

New Nord Coming

Looks like a dual keyboard Electro? We'll find out at winter NAMM on January 18.

Metasonix S-1000 Wretch Machine Demos by ReWire

Two tracks featuring the Metasonix S-1000 by ReWire:

REwire_-_Step_Into_The_Wretch_Machine.mp3
REwire_-_Wretch_Demo_2.mp3

Last Minute Xmas Tunes

Christmas is over for most, however if you just need a little more synthi xmas music here are a couple of links sent my way:

Table's Xmas on MySpace (warning: this site is flashy, as in epileptic seizure flashy). This is a cool track featuring various xmas samples you should recognize. Via Carl.

Sounds of Christmas 1986 by a German group, Apolleon. This is the full album, and is really good stuff. Via Andre.

Enjoy!

BTW, I hope everyone had a good Holiday this year. I got me a Yamaha DD55 to bang on. Every now and then I just feel the need to take a stick to something...

Yamaha DD55 on Amazon

Merry Christmas!!!

One more via this set. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, et al! May your Holidays be synthfully warm.

Unititled

flickr by elephants_will_kiss_me.

I see a Korg MS2000.

EMS Synthi AKS Keyboard Transfer

No title link. Just these two shots pulled via this auction.

Highly Liquid

Title link takes you to Highly Liquid, home to MIDI retrokits, modular expansions and more for your circuit bending susceptible gear including the Casio SK-1.

Korg DW8000 Modded

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.
















via sequencer.de.

Details Google Translated:
"First characteristic is the memory expansion of the company Musictonics. Thus this DW-8000 has now unbelievable 512 (!) Sound on board, instead of only 64. Also the exchange of individual sounds between the banks, and the change-over of the banks are possible by Midi! Those are already times sufficient arguments to purchase this super Synthesizer. Because this extension was not cheap straight and is only with completely few DW-8000 to be found. But which makes this copy finally singular then, those is affectionate, and with much trouble modification of the Erstbesitzers arranged this DW-8000. And does the whole out-looks also still correctly geil. With the turnable regulators and rocker switches it concerns tunable, similar filters. For each filters 2 potentiometers and 1-2 rocker switches. Adjustable are in each case Gain and frequency. The modifications within the range of the Joysticks serve its for the influence. One can “freeze” here the position of the Joysticks in the horizontals as well as in the vertical one. If one does not wish this, one surrounds the switches simply. Even turnable regulators for the individual volume adjustments are inserted. In the back there is also still a few additional exits, with which I am not safe, which function it has. The Erstbesitzer was an electrical engineer, and here really great work carried out. Which concerns the sound of the DW-8000, it remains noting that this is one the most versatile Synthesizer at all. 4 weeks ago ago the storage battery was replaced; is thus a completely new battery in it. Unfortunately thereby the sounds were lost; and there to me the time is missing to provide these 512 sounds again leave I this creative job to the buyer."

Roland SH-3A

flickr by jelliffe_rick.

"Here's some photos of the insides of my Roland SH-3A with some construction comments. The filter is actually a kind of Moog transistor ladder, contrary to what all the material on the WWW says."

Title link takes you there.

White Christmas via Till Kopper

This one in via Till "Qwave" Kopper (shared here).

"Because there is no snow here at all, here is a link to my personal white christmas. I just received my Manikin Memotron with the serial #007. It is a beautiful instrument. I love it! And the white parts of the housing except the backpanel with the jacks are very well white painted wood. The keyboard on the top is a Hohner String Vox. This is a ELKA 490 sold by Hohner International. Built 1974! see here for more info about it.

Have a peaceful and healthy christmas and 2007!"

Thanks Till!

Bank Step Now Free

Remember Algorithmic Arts

John Loffink of Microtonal Synthesis and Wavemakers wrote in to let me know that their Bank Step analog style sequencer is now free.

Oberheim DMX insides

flickr by asbestosis.

Ensoniq SQ1

flickr by aaronazz.

Title link takes you to more.

SyNtH MaNtRa SeSSiOn II

Remember this Synth Mantra session on SoNiCbRaT? Title link takes you to the second session featuring the "coctail party" effect.

"Cocktail-Patry Effect is the ability of the human ear to perceive a distinctive sound out of a collage of sounds. The ability to filter out a single sound from a collective of sounds. Sounds which are masked by a myriad of noised can be perceivable by the human ear through the exercise of this effect."

Gear used: KORG Prophecy, Moogerfooger MF105 MurF, KORG EM1, BOSS VF-1 multi-effects processor, and KORG Koass Pad III.

Sherman QMF

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

via SoNiCbRaT

Happy Holidays via Nikos

"HELLO THERE!

THE SOUNDLAB AND I WISHING HAPPY CHRISTMAS, GOOD HEALTH, HAPPINES, PEACE, LOVE AND SYNTHS TO EVERYONE!

NICK"

Yamaha DX200

Title link takes you to some gorgeous shots of the Yamaha DX200 sent my way via Tom. Now that looks like a "Matrixsynth Edition" synth if I ever saw one. : )

Roland Super JX-10 & PG-800

Title link takes you to images pulled via this auction.

Sequential Circuits Pro One Wood Case

More pics here via this auction.

Note the auction is not for an actual Pro One, but the custom wood case built by Synthwood, along with a new mod and pitch wheel case from Dave Smith Instruments.

Details:
"This is a custom ALL NEW WOOD CASE for the Sequential Circuits Pro-One analogue synthesizer. The case is complete with screws, mounting hardware and a newly designed pitch / mod wheel box. It is designed to replace the flimsy original plastic case with very little or no alteration to the original sheet metal bottom case. You will need to align your keyboard tray to accommodate the new wheel box. This can be done by either machining or drilling new holes in the keyboard tray about 1/2" offset from the originals.

Dave Smith Instruments has designed a brand new pitch / mod wheel box which we are including with the kit. The new wheel box allows you to use your existing Pro-One pitch / mod pots and wiring harness with a brand new set of acrylic wheels.

Its important to note that the images below are of our second PROTOTYPE and while it does have a couple of noticable blemishes they WILL NOT show up on yours. Yours will be even more beautiful and unique.

When you are doing the installation you will also need to replace your old plastic SwitchCraft jacks with more durable metal switched jacks that can be mounted to the back of the case. Typically these jacks will be broken anyway, so the conversion is a great opportunity to wire in replacements. We can include these 7 pre-wired jacks if needed for $15, or you can just make them yourself by following our installation guide.

What is included:

# A completely finished and assembled wood case
# Black Walnut (shown), Cherry or Mahogany - Your Choice
# Brand new wheel box designed by Dave Smith Instruments
# Two new clear acrylic pitch / mod wheels
# Pitch / Mod pot brackets (You use your existing pots)
# Four black head machine screws to replace your old ones
# 6 T-Nuts with 6 washers to mount your control panel
# 8 black wood screws (installed)
# Installation guide with a step by step process with pictures Nameplates will be available very soon. Shipping is $25 in the USA, $55 via airmail elsewhere"

Previous posts on Synthwood

Waldorf XT Christmas

Title link takes you to a Quicktime video of Derek putting up his Christmas tree. The music in the background is a Waldorf XT sample track. The video with the music playing in the background is pretty cool, so be sure to have your sound turned up.

Thanks Derek!

ARP Quadra

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

THEREMANIA

For those of you in Washington D.C. This one via George Mattson.

"Friends of El Possible--Mark your calendars and prepare yourselves for
THEREMANIA!!

Sunday January 7, 2007--THEREMANIA!!
All-theremin show with Coven of One + Rupert & Art + Echolalia + Dave Vosh

You know the SOUND of the theremin, even if you've never seen one: the Beach
Boys used one on "Good Vibrations" and it's featured on the soundtrack to
more than one science fiction B-movie (like Forbidden Planet). The theremin
is a unique instrument that the musician plays without touching it. It's all
done with electric currents coming out of two antennas. You have to see it
to believe it. And at THEREMANIA you will see and hear what the theremin is
all about! Five DC-based experimental musicians bring their theremin chops
to the stage!!

THEREMANIA!! featuring:
Coven of One--Solo project of Nicoletta Stephanz incorporating
voice,theremin & other instruments. Nic has played theremin with Legendary
Pink Dots, Daevid Allen (Gong), and with three groups at the recent Gong
Reunion Festival in Amsterdam. Check these props: "Thank god we had a REAL
thereminist!" - Wendy Carlos; "Nic is one of the most creative people I
know." - Bob Moog. link

Rupert & Art--Duo of Ruppert Chappelle & Art Harrison plays homemade & Moog
theremins plus other electronic gadgets. Formerly known as legendary late
70's group Jobs for America. Art currently plays theremin for The Cassettes.

Echolalia-- Scene favorite doing lots of shows & collaborations of late,
bringing the latest advance in her solo theremin + electronics experiments.

Dave Vosh--Analog electronics improvisation with a set up that includes a
theremin module.

more artist info and weblinks on website!

$5--all money goes to the artists!
8:00 pm, Sunday, Jan 7, 2007
Phillips Hall, 801 22nd St, NW
Rm B120 (in the basement)
(22nd and H Streets/GW Metro)
George Washington University
703/533-3423"

Image via this site.

Oberheim Xpander From NightBird's Studio

flickr by NightBirds (Electronic Music).

Just saw this in the set after putting up the last post. Wow! There are some really good shots in this set - don't miss them.

P.S. I love that the Matrix-12 and Expander both have the "Matrixsynth Edition" look going for them. : ) They should have made the blue lines green though. The Matrix-6 was my first synth, hence the alias and name of this site. The Matrix-12 was and still is my dream synth.

Update: NightBird's MySpace Page

PS3100 , RSF Kobol & Modular system

NightBirds studio - Promotional N°3

flickr by NightBirds (Electronic Music).

Title link takes you to more.

Update: NightBird's MySpace Page

casperelectronics Vocal Processor

New VP from Casperelectronics. Title link takes you to another shot and some more info.

Folktek Walking Stick on SubtleNoiseMaker

Title link takes you to more info and samples via sascha.

Previous Folktek posts

Casio PT-7 on Synthwire

I told myself I wasn't going to put up every Synthwire post that comes in, but this is just too cool. Click here for a video of the CAsio PT-7 by Inverseroom. The very beginning made my jaw drop. You have to see this video. I want one of these!

Waldorf Microwave Green Machine

You are looking at serial number #1 of the Waldorf Microwave limited green edition. This one is indeed real, and not a "Matrixynth Edition." : ) Title link takes you to the thread on synthforum.nl where this was posted. BTW, the post is for the unit for sale - 475 Euros.

Also pictured: Waldorf Rack Attack and Waldorf Wave.

Update via Qwave in the comments: "The picture shown here is not by the seller of the Waldorf. The picture is hijacked from here, from this site"

PSP Rhythm 7.0

"The homebrew audio sequencer for the PSP has beed released just in time for the holidays. PSP Rhythm 7.0 is a complete music workstation in the palm of your hand. PSP Rhythm features include sample playback, sample manipulation, audio effects, grid sequencer, and song arranger. PSP Rhythm enables you to take audio samples, arrange them, effect them, and record your songs to CD quality audio files.

Major Improvements for version 7.0:
- Wave Table Synthesizer (with user defined oscillator)
- Sample Volume Envelope
- Improved Audio Engine
- Song files have replaced bank files
- Improved file user interface

Thank you!
The PSP Rhythm Development Team"

http://www.psprhythm.com Some direct links:
Windows Installer
Manual Installer
User Manual
Quick Reference Guide
Rhythm 7.0 Demo Song (song file and samples included with release)
Previous Posts

SIGHUP Drum Macine

"Drum machine emerges as an extension of the ideas developed by SIGHUP in the Machines series, which has aimed to create music entirely guided by the distinct qualities of any given sound source. While the drum machine series touches on more familiar and conventional sounds--and an effort was made not to modify the basic sound of the drum machines with many effects--structurally the tracks are intended not to follow conventional forms, or the ecstatic punctuation of meter of popular beats, but rather to weave sounds and phrases like vine formations. The structures are not dissimilar from SIGHUP's noisedrone work, but the change in the type of sounds used brings a new perspective to the SIGHUP style."

Title link takes you there. You'll find five tracks of audio.

A Little Phatty Christmas Card via Eric Frampton

Title link takes you to Eric Frampton's cover of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" performed with a Little Phatty.

"Merry Christmas and happy holidays, y'all!

Remember the piece that Steve Porcaro did back in the early 80's for
a Keyboard Magazine soundsheet, the one that was nothing but
Minimoog? I thought that might be fun to do with a newer instrument...

This is all Little Phatty except for the Hammond (CX-3), piano (S90),
and drums (Stylus RMX). No MIDI anywhere.

Cheers,
Eric"

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays folks! Hope it's a warm, safe and happy one. : )

Title link takes you to a few more shots. BTW, if you have any synthy holiday shots, feel free to send them in or post them in the comments.

Pictured: My Clavia Nord Lead.

Poly Evolver "Matrixsynth Edition"

Two more via Bee Jay.

Poly Evolver "MatrixSynth"


Poly Evolver "MatrixSynth Darkside"

Update: Looks like Blogger shrunk them. Here are bigger versions: Poly Evolver "MatrixSynth" and Poly Evolver "MatrixSynth Darkside". I also archived them on flickr and here. I particularly like the Darkside version. Something about green on black. : )

Rhodes Chroma Voice Card

via this auction.

-Contains 1 CEM3360 dual VCA
-Contains 1 CEM3350 dual VCF
-4 1.87k Tempco's
-Could be used as a replacement or spare for your Chroma.
-My last Chroma Voice Card.

BTW, if you have a Rhodes Chroma, you probably already know about this from the Rhodes Chroma list. If you don't because you haven't joined it yet, do take the time to check it out. It's a great list.

BINSON Pre Echo Tube Mixer

This one via KONEY.

"Inside there are 7 tubes and a signed diagram, dated 1963! I use is as a dostortion unit, by feeding the signal in and out, or as a analog 7 way summer... More pictures here."

'Closer' (music video) - bit|bin 'Alias EP'

Matt Hodson, the man behind TLSO (London Synthesis Orchestra), sent me a link to this mesmerizing video of his track, Closer, featuring an oscilloscope throughout. The music and the video are hypnotic; it's fascinating watching the waveforms as the track is being played. His latest release is out on herb recordings. It is a 5 track EP available for download, and due out on CD with 3 more extra tracks. You can find more info on the EP on Matt's MySpace page or www.bitbin.co.uk, where you'll also find a higher res version of this video. Enjoy.

Roland Guitar Pickups

No title link, just shots pulled via each auction.


G=707/700 Pickup.



Roland GK-2A Pickup.

Keeping that Wood Looking Good

Bob posted the following on how to keep that analog wood looking good, on the Rhodes Chroma list. I asked him if I could post it and he said yes, so here it is. Thanks Bob!

"I used "orange glo" (made with orange oil) on mine when I first got it, and
it cleared enough of the scuffs and minor scapes up, that I decided not to
even sand mine. Another product that works great is "liquid gold" which is a
lemon oil based product. I used that on my Arp Axxe, and it also worked
great. I guess if I had to choose one it would be the liquid gold, but only
because it smells better. They pretty much work the same functionally.
Anyone who hasn't done this to their Chroma yet should do it. Even if your
Chroma looks fine, she can look finer, plus it will keep the wood
moisturized, and looking good for alot longer. I use it every other month or
so. Just apply a little to a folded paper towel, (in quarters) and rub it in
untill it looks like just a little too much, then turn the paper towel
around to the drier side, and rub the excess out. I know this from my day
job cleaning peoples houses. This is the same thing I would do with high end
furniture. Don't ever use anything like pledge, or probably anything in an
aerosol can, it will cause a waxy buildup on the wood which will be hard to
remove, and most probably uneven. Also never spray anything directly onto
the wood, always use some sort of towel to apply the oil evenly. If the wood
is actually dirty and needs a cleaning before adding the orange or lemon
oil, you can use Murphey's oil soap first, but I'd mix it a little weak, and
make sure the wood is completly dry before adding the oil, since the
Murphey's oil soap is a concentrate mixed with water. Hope someone finds
this to be useful! Merry Christmas!!!"

STG Gate Delay

A little Holiday cheer from Suit and Tie Guy: "it's a yusynth.com module i'm building and selling with the license of Yves Usson. it's a custom board designed by Detachment 3 Engineering which utilizes the Synthesizers.com conventions of having the connections to the front panel on standardized MTA100 connectors, and adds an MOTM/Frac style power connector which makes this module electrically compatible with a majority of currently- produced American modular formats, in addition to being physically compatible with both Moog and Arrick systems. the front panel is consistent with the conventions of Trumansburg-era Moog modules." Title link takes you to a page with more info to come. You can find more images here, pulled via this auction

BTW, check out the STG logo at the bottom. Very nice.

KORG Radias "Matrixsynth Edition"

This one via Wingo. Click image for full shot. Cool LCD. : )

Howard Goodall

Just thought this was a pretty classy shot. Click image for the full effect. I found it on this VSE post. The synths are a Roland 100m, T8 and P5. Title link take's you to Howard Goodall's website.