What the Future Sounded Like

Via Ross: "Adelaide Australia will show a world premier short film about the
history of the mighty EMS VCS3 in March 2007."

Title link takes you there.

Synopsis:
"Post-war Britain was a period of intense scientific and industrial experimentation where art participated in, and reflected, wider social change. Out of this context came Electronic Music Studios (EMS), a radical group of avant-garde electronic musicians who composed a futuristic soundscape for the New Britain. Comprising of pioneering electronic musicians Tristram Cary (famed for his work on Dr Who) and Peter Zinovieff, EMS was one of the world's most advanced computer-music facilities. Its great legacy is the VCS3, Britain’s first synthesizer and rival of the American Moog. The VCS3 was a uniquely British invention, which changed the sounds of popular musicians including Brian Eno, Hawkwind and Pink Floyd. Almost thirty years on, the VCS3 is still used by electronic artists like Aphex Twin and Chicken Lips. Local filmmakers Matthew Bate and Claire Harris uncover a lost chapter in music history, emphasising a group of composers who used technology to re-think the boundaries of music and sound.

Matthew Bate, Claire Harris and Tristram Cary are Guests of the Festival"

Serge TKB

This one via Ross. Title link takes you to one more image.

Buchla Milton and Touch Plate

No title link. Just the shot sent my way via Reed.

Plan B Touch Keyboard Coming This Year

Via Peter Grenader on the Plan B list:

"The Model 21 is slated to have a complementry touch keyboard sometime after it's release. There will only be one type produced - geared toward 16 keys, so it's best suited for the Venti.

The thoughplate will be a single rack width high unit which will come in two flavors - with or without rack ears. On it will be 16 touchplates, an internal connection to the Venti's VC direction input, a duplicate external direction input so one does not lose that functionality, pressure out, linear voltage out (sixteen equal divisions of ground to 8 volts - so a 1/2 volt increment per key) and gate out. If there's rtoom, this is wherethe veertical sequencing will also be housed.

OK< so what ever happened to symmetrry?

If you happen to use two rows of rack mounted EUro and don't want the MIUlton touchkeys wo send one rack and inch anf three quarters wack form the other, simultanious to it's release will be a one rack unit high multiple gang - all the mults you could ever dream of. By using both, then your adcecent cabinets will; linw up as they should.

when is this all going to happen?

this year.

We've got five modules to release in short time: The M's 16, 25, 26, 27 and Miltons. Once that occurs, the touchplates are next in the development pipe, along with the release and completion of the M18 and M23 ASR.

Sorry for the delay on these things. Only two guys here, orders to fill, disrupting daily group Starbucks runs to make (my fault), not to mention Tim's periodic defibulation requirements due to his Monster and Rockstart cold beverage usage.

...Just kidding about Tim. That's not fair. (He usually doesn't require the pads).

toodles -

- P"

Thanks to ross healy for reminding me to put this up.

KORG PSS-50 Super Section

Title link takes you to one more shot pulled via this auction.

Details on Keyboard Museum.com

Roland SH-101 with Chrome

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

P.S. I put up the seller's MC-202 on MATRIXSYNTH-B

Custom Analog Tube Synth

Here's one for Thomas Dolby. No title link, just this shot pulled via this auction.

Details:
"Easily the most destructive and crazy piece of equipment ive ever built or played. Take a loud a/rhythmic synthesizer, self oscillating distortion (with 1.4" input) and white noise generator being fed into a modified Tube Amp! There is no need to plug it into an amp if youre just looking to play at home because its builtin speaker is obnoxiously loud! in fact ive never wanted to turn the Tube Gain (master) up past 20!

The Synthesizer portion is great for anti rhythms of piercing whistles or rumbles down to nothing. this part really needs a better speaker to show all of its range. the pre patched LFOs can be brought up to audible levels for frequency modulation which gives a thick 4 oscillator sound. the total shutdown knob in the far right bottom can create tons of randomness depending on the other controls setting. at times it can control the master clock of all oscillators by speeding up frequencies and slowing down LFOs in unison. fun times for drones and melodies!

Following the audio chain you have a choice between sending the oscillators to the distortion or your 1/4" input. Depending on the level of your incoming signal, the sound is mangled by a high gain distortion with a unique self oscillator. Plugging in a cable and touching the end creates WHITE NOISE with variable frequencies and tones depending on your settings. Plugging in a mic creates almost octave up and down tones with a heavy heavy fuzz. turns your voice into pure evil!!!

Last is the TUBE portion of the synth for that extra grime. Always take it easy on the gain! there is a tube on the front which lights up green after warming up and has a Level indicator similar to a VU Meter for watching how strong your signal is. (if you have any gear with Photocells you can use this as a envelope controller). The first Tube level meter ive ever seen!

Please! Check out the diagram for Control Specs.

Unit Runs off of 120vac and a single 9V. I will try my best to get a video up of the unit glowing and blasting tunes by saturday afternoon."

I'll most likely forget about the video, so if anyone sees it and remembers this post, please come back and comment.

Korg éléctribe

flickr by tomaksound.

Andromeda A6

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

So has any uber poly synths come out since the Andromeda? : )

Tomislav Babic's KORG Trident Page

Title link takes you there, where you will find more images, info and samples. Make sure to track back to the home page and checkout the studio while there.

Previous Babic posts.

KORG Trident

Title link takes you to images pulled via this craigslist Vancouver listing.

The Zeroscillator

YouTube via Cyndustries.
Link to one more

Previous Zeroscillator posts
Previous Cyndustries posts

The Haken Audio Continuum Fingerboard NAMM Video

Title link takes you to the video on Gearwire.

Schippmann Ebbe und Flut Video

Title link takes you to the video on Sonic State.

Previous Schippmann post

Rhodes Mk VII: WNAMM '07 Demo Video #2

Title link takes you to the video on Gearwire.

Sneak-Thief Notron and DIY Modular

Michel Morin (seak-thief / polygamy boys), sent in a couple of shots of his Latronic Notron and DIY modular. The following are his thoughts on the Notron.

"I bought the Notron new back in 1998 and manually upgraded it to the Mk2 ROM a year later. Cutting the rubber rim around the base was extremely difficult, not to mention carefully separating the two halves which were hot-glued together. I haven't replaced the rubber trim yet even though Latronic sent me a replacement piece along with the Mk2 ROM.

Notron's have generally had issues with static electricity and will sometimes reboot as a result. I think this might be solved if a proper star-grounding topology is used on the inside board along with a decent 5V DC power supply. I don't perform with it live anymore so fixing this is no longer a pressing issue for me.

I don't ever plan to sell my Notron, despite it currently being worth almost 3 times as much as I paid for it. Besides, how many sequencers do you know that can run at 1500bpm? When I first got it, I remember simultaneously crashing an SC-55, Juno 106, AN1x and TX81z due to some kind of insane midi stream that the Notron was spitting out. Most impressive!

What really stands out about this sequencer are the compelling ergonomics - it feels so damn good to use."

"p.s. It's crazy to think that I bought the Notron in 1998 for the equivalent of $950 USD and it's recently sold for over $3000 USD!"

DIY Modular from top to bottom:

1. 22-channel diy-passive mixer with FETBoy preamps
2. CGS + Oakley
3. Blacet
4 & 5. ASM-2 + Tonepad FX
6. Midibox CV + CGS
7. Henry/Stites + CGS + Papareil

Previous Notron posts

The first M21 mounted in the mothership

Image via Peter Grenader on the Plan B list.

The Model 25 and 26 Multi-tasking Processor product pages are up on the EAR site as well.

MOOG Voyager Jade Black

The new customer color Voyagers are up on the MOOG site. Here's the Jade green in black. Looks nice. The green in this shots is a bit closer the the green on my site compared to this. I'm curious what it will look like in person.

This one sent my way via Andy_Squirrel.

Kraftwerk - Aerodynamik

YouTube via TokyoNightingale. I love the green. : ) The matrix reminds me of my old site.

ARP Odyssey Serial Number 1?

Title link takes you to a listing for this gold on black ARP Odyssey with serial number 0001.

Technics WSA1R Expansion Card

Title link takes you to a post on Synthwire by brian comnes on the Technics WSA1R Expansion Card. The synth is also up for auction.

SENSUS - SENSUS (MUSIKLADEN 1984)

YouTube via roeek. Roland SH-101.

Update 3/12/2010:

Sensus - Sensus 1984

YouTube Uploaded by fritz51335 on Nov 29, 2010

"Sensus - Sensus 1984"

Acid Cat

"Apu really likes the TB-303 acid sounds of the Future-Retro Revolution demos"

YouTube via audioel

modularsynth total view

flickr by janvanvolt.

title link takes you to more.

Resurgence of Hardware on RetroThing

One of my favorite blogs, Retro Thing has a post up on the resurgence of hardware at NAMM.

"The recent development of stupidly powerful and stunningly affordable personal computers caused many people to loudly declare that hardware music synthesizers are a dying breed. It's true that software has virtually obliterated the low end of the market, but there were some fantastic "real" synthesizers at the 2007 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim last week."

It's interesting to think of hardware as retro. James definitely has a point. I have to admit, before the show I had pretty low expectations. It was great to see all the hardware shown this year.

Synth

flickr by Sandro O.o.

Korg MicroKorg

Don't Forget to Brush Your Teeth

flickr by michiel berk aka NL.

Novation X-Station

GMedia Virtual String Machine Video on Sonic State

Title link takes you there. Don't miss the easter egg. : )

EMS Rehberg on EMS Synthi

Title link takes you to a post with a sample of the EMS Rehberg soft synth on EMS Synthi. The verdict? It actually sounds close.

Previous Rehberg psots

NAMM via Amateur Chemist

Title link takes you to some images and thoughts of this winter's NAMM on Amateur Chemist. There are two videos of the E-MU modular pictured.

Silver Star Organ Record Radio Combo

This is a shot from the previous set. I think this one deserves it's own post. : )

via ben of mus-ok.

Ben Moves

Ben of mus-ok sent me some great shots of gear he is moving. Check out this sea of bubble wrap! Title link takes you to the set of shots which includes the EML 101, 200, and 400, a Future Retro 777, Sherman Filterbank, Korg MiniKorg 700, Roland SVC-350 and more.

The Waldorf-User Frequently Asked Questions

Title link takes you there.

Update: according to Till "Qwave" Kopper in the comments of this post, this image was taken by none other than Boele of SCD. : )

Sunrise at Tapewarm Studio

Pharmacon Studio

Title link takes you there.

SDIYcut Minimoog

Too many shots in the previous post to add these two, so I decided to go with another post. These pulled via this auction.

via Peter Forrest

thingamagoop!

YouTube via somnml. Title link takes you to Bleep Labs, makers of thingamagoop.

Previous thingamagoop posts
Thingamagoops on SoNiCbRaT

SDIYcut

Synthesizer Do It Yourself Cut Outs.

"Cut-outs ?
These "cut-outs" are faithful counterparts paperboard kits of some mythical synthezisers which make me dream since ages * (I'm almost vintage too !). Today four models are available and others are in hand **. I'm still dreaming..."

Title link takes you there. via Peter Forrest.


Update: There is and SDIYcut Minimoog up for auction.

Update: Also check out mini-synths on Music Thing (links to Music Thing are at the bottom of the post). There are some really good ones including YMO, Rick Wakemen, GI Joe, Barbie, and Mr. Waldorf.

Roland Jupiter-8 Demo

According to this thread, title link takes you to a 7.09M mp3 of a track featuring nothing but the Roland Jupiter-8. mirrored here

Virus TI OS 2.0 Demos

Title link takes you to a couple of demos on sequnecer.de.

Little Boy Blue Deluxe

"Little Boy Blue is a compact modular synthesizer, designed for live performance. This powerful instrument combines voltage-controlled synthesizer modules and no-input mixing capabilities with the simplicity of an effects pedal.

The first edition of Little Boy Blue consisted of six units, 4 standard and 2 deluxe."

Title link takes you there.

via KONEY.

Studio Electronics Omega 8 Demos

Smith Toppleton posted some Omega 8 demos on this VSE thread along with the following:

"I recorded about 20 minutes of Omega pads, strings, basses, fx, and other sounds, with plenty of cross modulation and arpeggios. I didn't use any external effects or processing so everything you hear is straight from the synth. My keyboard playing isn't the best, but hopefully it's enough to get a general idea of the character and sound of the Omega. This is a 4-voice model with the standard OB SEM and Moog filters."

I asked him if it would be ok to put up a post here for others to check out and he gave the thumbs up. Here are the links:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

I also mirrored them here for when the links are gone.

MIKADO Analog Sequencing System

Prototype analog sequencer project on the Techno Toys site. Title link takes you to more info including a sample, details for each module and an image of the hardware in the flesh.

"Mikado is a configurable analog sequencing system, optimized for controlling a small (2-4 voice) analog modular synthesizer.

Mikado was designed to meet the need for a flexible, non-traditional hardware sequencer. A primary design goal was to include several modules for creating and manipulating rhythms using dividers, logic, and manual input. Flexible voltage sequencing, quantizing, signal routing, and manual inputs were other necessities.

Mikado is a "semi-modular" sequencer ala the Fenix or Serge systems, rather than discrete modules as other systems are. This is in keeping with the goal of controlling a small system, and reflects the designer's needs. Mikado could also serve as the heart of a larger sequencer system by adding modules from other manufacturers. In the present design, banana jacks are used for patching, though other types of jacks could be used by changing the front panel drilling accordingly.

Mikado's module complement and front panel were designed and specified by Jim Johnson. Electronic design and PC board layout are by Jim Patchell. PC boards for this project will be made available, and a customizable front panel is also available. It should be noted that, while the remaining material on this page describes the sequencer's specified configuration, the circuit and PC boards will have some additional capabilities, such as extra LED drivers, some additional sequencer modes, etc.

Modules
Mikado's module complement is as follows:

* 1 Master Clock
* 2 8x2 Sequencers
* 2 Quantizers
* 1 Pattern Generator
* 1 Transposer
* 2 Analog Switches
* 1 Sequential Switch
* 2 2-input Logic Gates
* 1 4-input Logic Gate
* 3 Logic Inverters
* 1 Type D flip-flip
* 1 One-shot
* 1 Binary Divider
* 1 Prime Divider
* 1 Divide-by-N
* 2 Gate Switches
* 2 Gate/Trigger Buttons
* 3 Toggle Switches"


Via Exsurdo in the comments of this post.

Metasonix Scrutum Smasher and Wretch Video on Sonic State

Title link takes you to the full set of NAMM 2007 videos on Sonic State. Scroll and you will find the scrotum.

BTW, the artwork on the TM-7 might look familiar. It's from none other than Dave, creator of The Packrat.

As usual, the Wretch sounds like it's about to burst and ooze bubbly tar out of the vacuum tubes. Raunchy, raunchy synth.

Analogics

I was looking at this auction for a Korg PS3100 wood case and noticed it was from Analogics. I did a quick search here and no post, so here it is.

"Analogics has been involved in analog synth repair and refurbishing since 1990. We also sell analog synths. I have added a custom woodworking page for the furniture, clocks, and jewelry boxes I build for customers. It's a passion of mine. Take a look around. If you have a question or can't find what you're looking for, please feel free to email Analogics or give me a call at Analogics."

EML 101

via this auction

"Like the ARP 2600, the EML-101 was a patchable (1/4'' patch cords) quasi-modular synth with a hard-wired voice path. The synth offered 4 oscillators (2 of which could go sub-sonic) with multiple or variable waveforms, a voltage controlled 12 dB/oct multi-mode filter with resonance, 2 envelope generators, ring/amplitude modulator, noise and sample-and-hold. In addition, the synth makes no distinction between control voltage and audio paths allowing just about any source to be patched to any control or audio input in any order. With the 4-oscillator architecture, multi-mode filter, and elaborate patch control the EML-101 was undoubtedly the most flexible of all of the portable patch-synthesizers available at its time of manufacture. It is used by Skinny Puppy, Tommy Mars, Download, Weezer, Foreigner, and Ohm."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Korg M3 Video

Title link takes you to the video on Gearwire.

Korg Poly-61M

Another synth up for auction by Dave of The Packrat and umop.
Pics saved here.
Update: Dave mentions it's digital in the video. The Poly-61 is actually analog with digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs) to keep them in tune. They are not digitally generated. The filter is also analog from what I understand. Not sure about the modulation such as LFO and Envelope.

Nord Lead 2x

This Nord Lead 2x is up for auction via Dave of our synth favorite, The Packrat and umop.
Images saved here.

Don't Mess With The Wretch

Metasonix Bear and his Wretchrosonix.

Title link takes you to more shots sent my way via Michael.