Thursday, January 11, 2007
Modular Synthesizer - Gating and Effects
"The Doepfer A-143 Quad Envelope gating oscs through a Cwejman Filter and then through ASystems Reverb and Echo."
YouTube via REwire. http://www.REwireMusic.com
the synthesizers new clothes
No title link. Just this amazing shot sent my way via daddio. The left is obviously Doepfer. I asked daddio what the heck was on the right. He answered:"Speck SSM mixer and expander, Orban paragraphic eq and gated
comp/lim/de-esser, assign box for the mixer.
like:
this auction
and
this auction
Link to manual"
The rack enclosures are Chatsworth"
Yamaha SY1
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.Details:
"The SY1 is a cracker of a synth. I believe this is Yamaha's first mass produced analog synth with some killer sounds. I mean, any synth with a preset called "Growlpet" should be considered a classic.
Anyway, being an analog synth you have control over things as attack & sustain, portamento, cutoff frequencies and resonance. You can also control the filter with the included expression pedal. Awesome. The SY1 is heaps of fun to play and sounds like no other synth I've ever played, let alone owned. As stated it comes with the expression pedal, cover, and music stand (not pictured)."
via Loscha.
The New Roland V-Synth


via baba.
Update: More pics on Gear Junkies. Sent my way via Marc of Gear Junkies.

Nice Jupiter-8. Note the media player type effect.
The Bear Wants Video
Cool shot sent my way via brian comnes. Brian payed a visit to Metosonix with daddio this weekend. While there he took this shot and talked shop with Eric Barbour. One thing that came up was the lack of Metasonix videos out there on YouTube and the like. He has tons of audio sent his way, but not video. If you own a Metasonix product and a have a video recorder handy, take a vid and send it my way or directly to Metasonix.Previous Metasonix posts
Previous Metasonix posts with video
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Highly Liquid MIDI kit for Atari 2600
It doesn't have a screen, but... it has MIDI.Applications
* MIDI control for Synthcart synthesizer cartridge—more info
* MIDI-scripted & synchronized game performances
Features
* Use MIDI notes to send joystick or keypad control signals to any Atari 2600 console
* Additional outputs for Select & Reset control
* Powered by game console—no separate power supply required
* User-selected MIDI channel
* Power and activity LEDs
* Compact size: 83mm x 57mm (3.25" x 2.25")
Title link takes you to more info.
via GetLoFi.
Previous HighlyLiquid posts:
HighlyLiquid
Casio SK Site
The Picadore 64

I just saw this on one of my favorite blogs, Retro Thing. Check this bad boy out! A Commodore 64 mini laptop/PDA. Title link takes you to the source thread on the Petscii Forums. I grabbed the shots and backed them up here so we don't lose them.
Some details from the thread:"Here are a few pics of my own DTV Hummer project. I had an old PSOne LCD screen lying around and I thought I'd make a C64 laptop. Actually, it's more like a C64 PDA! It measures 6.5 x 6 x 1.5 inches (15.5 x 16.5 x 4 cm) when closed. It can run from an AC wall adapter or 6 NiMH AA batteries. The keyboard is hacked from a portable folding keyboard for a Jornada PDA which outputs RS-232. I'm using a PIC 16F88 to decode the signals and re-encode them to PS/2 (that was an ordeal to figure out). The PIC checks to see if an external PS/2 keyboard is connected on power up. If one is hooked up, it will route data from that instead. There is an internal ampilfied speaker as well as connections for audio and video output on the back. There's a serial connection for a disk drive and an SD card slot in the side for a 1541-III but I haven't been able to get that to work yet. I also have a connection for a userport/joystick. The joystick in the picture is a hacked Atari keychain joystick. The mini joystick wasn't in the original plan but after I accidentally discovered it on ebay, it seemed perfect."
MOTM 650 Stuffing
Ever wanted to see how a PCB was made? Here's a video of the MOTM 650 from start to finish. MOTM's Paul Schreiber sent a link to the video to the AH list. I asked if I could put it up and he gave me the all clear. You can find more info on the MOTM 650 here.
Update: The person in the video is Pat McGarrity. He is the owner of the pcb shop. Paul Schreiber is the one taking the video. The pcb shown is actually 4 MOTM-650 CPU cards, that are in a 2x2 array. Once soldered, they are snapped apart.
Drones - Nord Modular G2 Track
"Drones" by Onosendai, features nothing but drones from a Nord Modular G2, hence the title of the track.
download here
Enjoy.
"'Drones' is a track i have done with a Nord Modular G2. I created 15 drones sound, recorded them in Ableton live, and mixed them "DJ Style" as if i was live. All the sounds are 100% G2, no sample. I just used a compressor and normalize before render to disk."
Note: if the embedded player in this post does not work, click on the title link to get to the track on Twango.
download here
Enjoy.
"'Drones' is a track i have done with a Nord Modular G2. I created 15 drones sound, recorded them in Ableton live, and mixed them "DJ Style" as if i was live. All the sounds are 100% G2, no sample. I just used a compressor and normalize before render to disk."
Note: if the embedded player in this post does not work, click on the title link to get to the track on Twango.
Bananlogue ARP 4075 Filter Clone
ARP 4075 filter clone by Seth Nemec of bananalogue. Title link takes you to the details on Muff Wiggler.Previous bananalogue posts
Update via the comments: "this clone of the 4075 is made by rob at the emulatorarchive, nemeth puts it all together..."
Living Room Invasion!
This one via Massimiliano. No title link, just the shot.Left to right:
-Yamaha SU700
-Sequential Circuits Prophet 5
-Yamaha CS50
-Oberheim OB-Xa
-EMS VCS3 from 1974
-ARP 2600
-ARP 2600 keyboard
-EMS DK1
-Roland MKS-100
-Yamaha A5000
-And the organ. : ) If you know what it is feel free to comment.
Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Rack
No title link, just this shot via this auction. Click image for full size.
Radikal Technologies SPECTRALIS
No title link, just this shot via this auction. Click image for full size.
Cyndustries "WAR & PEACE" Winners Announced!

And... Luca Capozzi won!!! Very cool seeing someone that has contributed to this site win. Title link takes you there. BTW, I love that picture. Cynthia comes up with the best images for her site.
Update: A little background on the image via Cynthia in the comments of this post:
"Thanks for the compliment! (I really do enjoy doing the graphics for the Cyndustries web site).
Actually in this case, the image started with a postcard sent to me by my good friend Seth Nemec of Bananalogue.com in Texas. Seth sent me a postcard with the two lipstick clad Chinese Soldiers saluting as an absured gag gift, (he knows my sense of humor!) and I stuck it up on the company fridge for a few months until I had to come up with a new graphic for our War & Peace Winners... and then, "Quick, into a nearby scanner, and it's super Photoshop to the rescue!"
Thanks Seth!!
Cynthia"
Previous Cyndustries posts
Previous Cynthia posts
Doepfer 'micro' modular (aka the 'Jimmy Box')
This in via Simon"I bought this from Schneider's Beuro while holidaying in Europe last year. I was missing my modular and just had to spend money while in the shop so this filled in the gaps while travelling (sad I know).
Schneiders Beuro call it the 'Jimmy Box' because with certain settings and with the attached Doepfer A-198 ribbon controller thing then a passable imitation of a certain legendary guitarist is possible..."
I like it! Thanks Simon!
The antenna is the A-178 THER (theremin)
Module list: A-178 THER (theremin), A-198 TRC, Dual VCA, A-124 VCF5
Modular Synth DIY
Remember this gorgeous modular? Previous Posts
Title link takes you to matthias [fonik] herrmann's Modular Synth DIY page with more.
"Rather a musician than an electronics engineer I was always looking for new sounds. This finally(?) let me to modular synth. Once I purchased some Dopefer modules for a modular guitar effect the plan rose to build my own modular synth... this was about 2 years ago and I never held an soldering iron in my hands before.
I (accidentally) decided to build the synth in eurorack format, so I built a cabinet from ProMa (actually the provider of Doepfer) and incorporated a Power One Dual Output Power Supply. That spared me a lot of money if I really would have spent a thought of the expensive Doepfer cabinets, though I use a Doepfer Bus PCB for the first cabinet. For the 2nd cabinet I etched my own Bus PCBs.
The modules are built from Ken Stones (CGS Synth), Ray Wilsons (MusicFromOuterSpace) and Tom Gambles (EFM) PCBs mainly.
The following pages will show my efforts. And remember, the page is still under construction..."
MPC 1000 Box
More boxes. BTW, before I get inundated with pictures of boxes... I actually don't have a synth box fetish. Sure I get a kick out how manufacturers market their synths, but... Just be sure they are really, really good, or rare box shots before you send any in. : )BTW, this ended up selling for $40.
Synare 3 Service Manual
Title link takes you to the Synare 3 Service Manual sent to AH via greg. I backed it up here just in case the link disapears over time.
Update: Here's the Manual in PDF format. I added it to the back up share as well.
Update: Here's the Manual in PDF format. I added it to the back up share as well.
Boxes
Title link takes you to a couple more sent my way via brian comnes. You gotta like boxes to appreciate this post. : )
Modified x0xb0x
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.Modifications via the auction:
"- installed custom faceplate
- use of extremely rare, original Roland BA662A VCA to further increase this unit's claim as one of the most authentic TB-303 clones available
- bass boost mod
- filter modulation (VCO acts as modulation source, waveshape controlled by a three-pole switch to choose from square, saw, or off; modulation amount controlled by a designated potentiometer)
- envelope amount modifications (increased range controlled by a 2-pole switch)
- filter cutoff range modification (allows the filter cutoff to reach lower frequencies than would be otherwise possible)
- installation of custom EvilX0X 0.5 firmware, which, among other things, implements swing, "pattern nudge," use of real-time pattern end-points, etc. See this page for more details.
- a supposed mod to increase the grit in the sound by overtaxing the power supply, although this mod, when engaged, does not appear to affect the sound at all"
There's an audio sample of the unit on the auction page. I mirrored it here for when it goes away.
miniTamTam demo
"This is a demonstration of miniTamTam, a music application for the OLPC XO computer." You might remember the OLPC XO computer being toted as the "$100 laptop" for children around the world that cannot afford a full laptop or PC. Click here for more info.
Update: I finally got around to watching this in entirety. At the end he talks about the "synth lab" where you can create your own sounds. It looks interesting. He said there will be another video of it coming. I'll keep an eye out for it.
YouTube via natcl. Via Thumbuki.
AralkdFX DKS Pro Drum Synth
"DKS is born after three years of studying the classic analogue drum machines, which were able to produce convincing drums sounds with simple electronic means.By joining the "classical" oscillator-based electronics drum synthesis approach with simple FM synthesis, physical modeling of the drum shell, a powerful set of effects, and a beautiful user interface DKS is an unique, easy to use, and incredibly versatile drums synthesizer.
This synthesizer can accurately emulate many of the classic electronic drums machine sounds, but through its extra FM and physical drum shell modeling features can go much further, even giving an interesting acoustic touch to synthesized sounds."
Title link takes you to more info and samples.
Guess The Electronics
PeoplesTank of CatSynth.com just joined Synthwire. He has a post up on a number of samples you can guess what was used to create each. What's different about this one is rather than it being a "guess the synth" exercise, it's actually a "guess the instrument type" exercise. Title link takes you to more info.
New Moog Teaser
video upload by MoogMusicVideo
"Moog Music is known for innovative, sonic masterpieces- now comes a new product that share's the spotlight with no other. Care to hazard a guess on what the bleep this is? See for yourself at www.moogmusic.com on Jan. 18th and also when it is introduced at the 2007 National Association of Music Merchants(NAMM)show."
The Moog Teaser is up and it's audio. Here's a link to the forum where people are discussing what it might be.
Sent my way via HarriL and Amos.
Firstman SQ-01
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction. Samples pulled here.Details:
"The MULTIVOX SQ-01 Mini Music Lab SEQUENCE SYNTHESIZER is a monophonic multi-sound producing source (a synthesizer) and a digital recording device ( a computer memory storage sequencer) in one compact control box. The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab is to music what the calculator is to math. A.C. or 12 Volt D.C. power and memory storage backup help make the SQ-01 mini Music Lab a complete self contained unit, allowing the composer/performer to create sounds and compositions anywhere and record them for immediate musical background to compose and playback compositions flawlessly."
"The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab allows standard musical notation to be transferred to simple graphic notation that instructs the programmer/performer to enter a pitch and the length of time that pitch will be held. The music is recorded and stored into any one or all of sixteen possible channels for a possible 1024 note capacity. The seven octave range oscillator, pulse and sawtooth waveform generator, 24 dB low pass filter and envelope controls interact for the infinite sound creation we have come to expect from the finest and most sophisticated synthesizers. Optional BS-01 Bass Pedal controllers provide a unique automatic controllable bass pedal synthesizer that can transpose complete bass patterns of your creation."
"The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab can be interfaced and synchronized with other labs and synthesizers for full Mini Lab ensembles and infinite creative potential."
The unit is in good working condition. Only one scatch on the backside"
via Loscha
Previous Firstman posts
Akai SG01v Vintage Synth Sound Module
flickr by jimmy_t.Title link takes you to more black and whites, including E-Mu ESI 32, Yamaha TG33, and Alesis NanoCompressor.
Yamaha CS5
Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

Click here for shots pulled via this auction.

Click here for shots pulled via this auction.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Oberkorn Sequencer
No title link. Just the shot via this auction.Details (I'm guessing this is the whole manual):
"Overview
Whilst most new analogue sequencers only offer a limiting 8 steps, the Oberkorn offers the all important 16 steps. It is a multi-channel true analogue sequencer with some remarkable features. Below are a list of main features:
1 Control Voltage channel.
2 separate Gate channels. The switches are 3 position providing the 2 Gate outputs, with centre being off.
Clear step LEDs. The 16 step LEDs are colour coded so locating whole note steps is easy.
Reset to 16. Just about all other analogue sequencer have an inherent error, in that after resetting the machine (to step 1), when restarting the sequencer, it actually starts on step 2! With our Reset to 16, this problem is overcome.
For more details on all features of Oberkorn , please read the whole manual - don’t miss any of it’s cool features!
About Analogue Sequencers
ARP 2500 (wing cabinet - NightBirds studio)

flickr by NightBirds (Electronic Music - France).
Title link takes you to more.
NightBird's MySpace Page
ARP Sequencer
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.Details:
"Features (copied from Music Machines):
The ARP sequencer is a 2 * 8 step or 1 * 16 step analog sequencer.
A couple of features make it really cool:
• You can add a (keyboard) CV to the output voltages
• A 3-position switch for each slider can be used to trigger other devices
• It has 2 independent voltage quantizers that round off voltages to the nearest 1/12 V. This comes in very handy, because the CV's are set using sliders.
• Best of all: its REALLY fast: if you connect the output of a VCO to the Step input, and listen to the sequencer unquantized output (A or B), you hear a waveform 3 or 4 octaves below the VCO's pitch, depending on the setting of the 8/16 switch.
• You can draw your own 8/16 step waveforms with the faders!"
Sent my way via polyconnect.
Custom Modular
flicker by fonik2000.Third post from the set today. This one appears to be a custom modular. Absolutely stunning. Do check out the rest of his set for more. Each shot is worth a post and I'm not about to put up every single one. : )
KORG RaDiAs
Cool shot of the Korg Radias on SoNiCbRaT. Title link takes you to some initial thoughts. Looks like more shots are coming as well. : )
XS Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer
"Coming in 2007, the new XS from Future Retro.The XS is a true semi-modular analog synthesizer with a universe of sonic possibilities just waiting to be discovered. Our versatile design allows it to be used as either a desktop or rack mounted instrument, and it’s compact size makes it ideal for musicians on the go.
In it’s simplest form the XS is an extremely powerful monophonic synthesizer including 46 controls with internal signal routings pre-wired in a way which allow the unit to act similar to traditional synthesizers. The unit also provides 7 inputs and 15 outputs which can be connected in various ways to override the pre-wired signal routings, and interface the unit with other instruments in a modular fashion, and even process external audio.
The XS can be controlled by both MIDI and CV/Gate control signals simultaneously in a variety of ways. The XS can also act as a MIDI to CV/Gate converter with outputs including CV/Gate/Mod Wheel/Velocity signals for controlling other analog instruments.
With a single unit you can easily create basslines, leads, drones, percussion, and sound effects. Connect multiple units together to form larger systems and the possibilities are endless.
The XS provides 2 ultra stable wide range voltage controlled oscillators. Oscillator A generates saw tooth, and square waveforms, ring modulation and a white noise source. Oscillator B generates sine, triangle, saw tooth, pulse width/square waveforms, and it’s own sub oscillator waveform which can be 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, or 1/16th the frequency of the main waveform. The pulse width shape of oscillator B can be set manually or modulated with an internal or external control voltage, and oscillator B can also sync it’s frequency to oscillator A. Each oscillator can be frequency modulated independently by both internal and external signals to create more complex waveforms. Dedicated outputs are provided for oscillator A and B as well as the sub oscillator and noise.
A dedicated LFO generates triangle, saw tooth, square, and random waveforms, to modulate internal parameters. The LFO can act in a free-running mode, or sync it’s rate to divisions of an external MIDI clock. The LFO has it’s own output to modulate external circuits as well.
The mixer section sets the levels of the oscillators and sub oscillator waveform or any external audio signal to be sent to the input of the filter.
The 2-pole multimode filter provides 4 filter types including low pass, band pass, high pass, and notch settings. With high resonance settings the filter will self oscillate allowing it to act as an additional audio source. The cutoff frequency can be modulated by both internal and external signals. And the filter’s input and output can be overdriven independently giving it unique tone characteristics. A dedicated output for the filter is also provided.
The XS includes our unique velocity sensitive ADSR type envelope with additional attack and decay time settings for accented envelopes. It’s like having two envelopes in one, and capable of some truly funky sounds. This is the main modulation envelope internally routed to the modify the oscillators and filter. The envelope can be triggered by internal or external logic signals. Both normal and inverted polarity envelopes are available at the output.
And finally a voltage controlled amplifier is provided to process the amplitude of signals. The amplifier normally affects the filter’s output but can also be used to process external audio signals. The amplifier has it’s own dedicated envelope with 4 selectable shapes, velocity sensitive amplitude, and independent accent times. The amplifier also has a volume control for attenuating signals sent to the main output.
A universal power supply is also included, which allows the unit to be used in all countries.
Note: This is preliminary information only for this product. Actual features and design of this product may change at any time before production begins. Pricing and release date for this product is TBA."
XS Audio Demos
Previous Future Retro XS posts
ARP Piano
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction."16 PRESET SOUNDS WITH CONTROL FOR VOLUME DETUNE, A PHAZER AND VIBRATO."
Monday, January 08, 2007
Indigo - Novation Supernova II Track
Title link takes you to Star-System, Parker Walker's video game music page. You will find a number of tracks and more including a track named Indigo. According to this VSE post: "This little song was done entirely on my Novation Supernova II (which was obtained by a contact here at VS!). Everything in the song is from the Supernova except the stereo FX in the beginning and the small vocal samples toward the end." I asked Parker if he'd like me to up up a post and he gave me the all clear. Enjoy.
Korg EX-800
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.Korg Poly-800 rack
Details:
"The EX-800 is a programmable synth-module that works as a sound source for any MIDI keyboard (DW8000, Poly-80011, RK100, etc.) or other MIDI control device such as computer or synthesizer. For real versatility, it responds to eight kinds of MIDI data: key data, pitch bends, modulation, sequencer clock, program change, volume, computer dump, and active sensing. The MIDI THRU jack allows series connection with additional EX-800s or other MIDI units.
This is an easy way to add extra musical power to your system with but a small investment. The EX-800 has eight voices, 64-program memory, and a built-in 256-step polyphonic sequencer. Dual DCOs and triple ADBSSR DEGs permit rich tonal variation and flexible envelope shaping. There's even a tape interface."
More NitroTracker
YouTube via NotNotOminous. Seen on Chip Collection. Title link takes you to more.
Previous post on NitroTracker
Novation BassStation
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.Details:
"Rare monophonic synthesizer with velocity sensitive keyboard.
Full midi (In/Out).
Two oscillators, versatile LFO, self oscillating 12/24dB filter with cut-off & resonance controls, separate envelope generators for the VCF & VCA, Seven memory locations storing patches plus a manual position (Sysex dumps also possible).
Fantastic analogue bass, leads and effects.
One of the great things about this synth is that the keyboard transmits full polyphonic midi data complete with velocity so it can be used a controller keyboard for soft synths/sound modules etc.
Operates using 6 x ‘AA’ batteries (new set included – battery compartment clean and cover intact) or external 9V DC standard ‘wall-wart’ power supply.
Manual available to view here
Sound on Sound Review here."
Blacet News for January 2007
Patch Cable Kits are back in stock after a long wait for spiffy new plugs to be built--worth the wait.
Now taking preorder emails (no charge) for the next run of the Klang Werk. Grab your production slot now!
More news:
http://www.blacet.com/news.html
Now taking preorder emails (no charge) for the next run of the Klang Werk. Grab your production slot now!
More news:
http://www.blacet.com/news.html
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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


































