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Thursday, February 22, 2007
Highly Liquid MPA: MIDI Potentiometer Array
MIDI to Potentiometer
Applications:
* MIDI control for DIY filter & oscillator circuits
* MIDI-to-trigger and MIDI-to-DIN Sync conversion
* MIDI-controlled circuit bending
Features:
* 4 x Independent 128-step variable resistance output
* 8 x 5V digital logic output
* Control via MIDI notes, controller, program change & other messages
* Fully programmable via MIDI SysEx command
* Dual MIDI THRU ports
* Power and activity LEDs
* Operates on 7.5-12 VDC from batteries or wall adapter (not included)
* Regulated 5 VDC output for powering additional circuitry
* Optional screw clamp terminals for easy external wiring
* Measures only 76mm x 73mm (3.0" x 2.9")
* Fits SERPAC enclosure models 051, 151, 251, 052, 152, 252, 053, 153, 253 (available at Mouser and Digikey)
Kit Contents
* Printed circuit board
* Pre-programmed microcontroller
* All required components
* 1 x Standard panel-mount MIDI jack
Title link takes you there. Via GetLoFi.
Click on the Highly Liquid label below for previous posts.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Roland CMU-800R with IF-C64 Interface
I almost put this one up on MATRIXSYNTH-B, and then I realized something seemed a little off - the C64 interface and mention of C64 software. If you remember the previous CMU-800R posts, including video, you will note it required an interface for the Apple II. Does anyone know more about the IF-C64? Could you use this instead of the Apple II interface? Title link takes you to the shots pulled via this auction.
Electronic Music: Klas Katt (Live)
Robert Fripp Frippertronics
Title link takes you to a video of Robert Fripp demonstrating Frippertronics in 1979, on SoNiCbRaT. Anyone know if this indeed was the start of live sample based looping? Live being the key difference from previous forms of looping.
Synthwood Pro One Modwheels
Remember the Synthwood clear modwheels from DSI? Here's an image of one lit. They come as part of the Sequential Circuits Pro One Wood case. Note these are the same modwheels used in the DSI MEK and PEK as well as the MOOG Voyager. Title link takes you to a few more shots of the Synthwood Pro One Case extras.
# Each custom Pro-One wood case includes: A Dave Smith Wheel box with new acrylic wheels
# Two New Pro-One spec pitch/mod potentiometers
# Pro-One, Sequential Circuits and Synthwood.com nameplates
# LED backlit (red, blue, yellow, orange, white .. et cetera) in the works
The Attic feat. Therese - The Arrival
YouTube via 2006Norway.
Saw this one on Music Thing. Damn there's a lot of vintage gear in this set. It's a trip seeing it in a current performance. Apparently Eurovision none-the-less.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Yamaha CS40M with MOOG Filters
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.Update: samples via the seller in the comments: one, two, mirrored here.
Details:
"This was once a Yamaha CS-40M, a rare and exceedingly PHAT 3-voice polysynth used by the likes of Juan Atkins, Vangelis and Stevie Wonder...(for more info, see [link])
BUT THEN!...
Quite a skilled engineer/ geek/ synth nerd got his hands on it, and modded/ retroffited it out so that:
1. The filters (high pass, low pass, band pass) have all been replaced with original analogue MOOG filters - most likely from a Moog Rogue or Moog Source, but you'll have to open it up to verify! Suffice to say that it's...well, 'phatter' than your momma. Exteremely creamy, grunty. I guess that's because its....a Moog! I invite you to take a listen...
2. There are an additional 2 banks of sound/memory locations, accessible via the front panel using 2 small switches. These have already been programmed with some crazy-ass synth bass/acid/pad sound. Gorgeous."
via synthcat.
Realton Variophon
via this auction.
Details: "very rare Realton Variophon gig. 19inch 3u rack analogue wind instrument synth made in the early 80s with 6 different instrument expansion cards that slot into the back of the rack. the cards that are included with this unit are tuba, trumpet, clarinet, alto saxaphone, soprano saxaphone, trombone. the sounds can be played individually or you can choose to play any combination (including all of them) at the same time. this is not multi timbral so you can't play a bass line with the tuba a lead line with the trumpet etc. the rack unit has 4 knobs for editing each individual sound
* Upper Partials: for changing the amplitude of the high partials, (Sharpness of the sound),
* Lower Partials: for changing the amplitude of the low partials and the fundamental
* Formant Frequency: for selecting a spectral band which could be attenuated or amplified with the formant level knob.
* Formant Level: for attenuating or amplifiing the choosen spectral band (formant frequency).
includes flightcased 32 note keyboard with cable to connect to the rack unit breath controller with 7 spare mouthpieces and the cable to connect to the keyboard mono and stereo output every instrument card works,the breath controller works,all of the knobs have a nice smooth action and the keyboard plays great. this synth doesn't produce moog type analogue sounds it only makes wind instrument sounds,so if you need a synth to make bonkers noises look elsewhere. there is an enthusiasts website that you can look at to find extensive information about this synth and play a virtual version.the address is www.variophon.de"
Cat Girl Synth Modules
CGS Synare (shots pulled via this auction
Details:
"The face plate is MOTM style and MOTM style knobs. The CGS Cynare Analog Drum Synth is perfect for making analog snares, hi-hats, claps and any metal sounds!! Comes with two optic cells to really make the sound shimmer!!! Has built in HP/LP/BP filter with VCF input and output, so can be used as a seperate VCF!!! Has input and output for the VCA also, so can be used as an extra VCA, too!! It was professionally built and comes with a MOTM power connector cable. I purchased it new from the Bridechamber online about 6 months ago. Info and specs: http://www.cgs.synth.net, http://www.bridechamber.com.
CGS Dual Chime Simulator
Details:
"The face plate is MOTM style. The CGS Dual Chime Simulator is perfect for making analog cymbals, hi-hats, and any metal sounds!! Comes with an optic cell to really make the sound shimmer!!! It was professionally built and comes with a MOTM power connector cable. Info and specs: http://www.cgs.synth.net"
Waldof Micro Q Phoenix In the Flesh
technikaszakkor.hu sent in this shot of the Waldorf Micro Q Phoenix edition to the Waldorf list. This is the first image of the Pheonix in the flesh that I am aware of. Title link takes you to a much larger shot or click the image for a medium sized shot. BTW, technikaszakkor.hu gave me the ok to back up the large shot, so if you find this post months from now in the archives and the link is down, just post a comment and I'll take care of it.
Roland SPV-355
Shot sent my way via
danmcp.
You might recognize danmcp from this post. He is the man behind the miniature modulars and more. You can see more of his work on his official website and you can find his flickr sets here.
JH. Matrix FX
Remember the JH. Matrix FX? JH. sent the following into AH:
"I got the wooden enclosure from my Brother today, and the front panel fits perfectly (see picture at top of the page).
Finished the last module - the Phaser - (see my raw design papers as a pdf at the bottom of the page, plus a description obout the 6 different modes).
Still a lot left to do: bug fixes, fine tuning of the circuits ... but after one and a half year I'm almost there !!"
Title link takes you to the details. Absolutely gorgeous. Update: Check out this post from October 27 of 2005. Pretty cool watching it come this far.
Soundgin
Remember the SoundGin? Here's a shot of it's UI editing console. Title link takes you to a good article on Retro Thing where I found the image. Note the Soundgin is hardware.
Malekko Heavy Industry B:ASSMASTER
Remember the Maestro Bassmaster clone referred to in this post? Well, the pedal is ready. Title takes you to Malekko Heavy Industry where you will find more info on the BarkerASSMASTER. Nice name. Heavy Industry is a venture of Ministry's Paul Barker and Josh Holly. The B:ASSMASTER is Heavy Industry's first pedal. You can find an mp3 of a TB-303 and TR-606 running through the B:ASSMASTER here. update via paul in the comments: the demo is by Jason King.via Josh.
Backlit Lounge SF
Via Mark:"Back Lit Lounge SF is a semi-monthly live electronic music event. It is conceptualized as a place where local electronic artists can share their unique artistic musical/visual vision with other like minded artists.� Anyone can choose one of five 45 minutes performance timeslots listed in the blog section at www.myspace.com/backlitloungesf or by sending an email to backlitloungesf[at]gmail.com. Video's from past events can be found on the backlit lounge myspace page. This weeks Backlit Lounge SF is set to be featured in San Francisco Magazine's April edition!! Apparently they heard about the party and liked the concept so their photographers will be on hand to snap some pictures for the Mag!"
Update: A couple of images of the event here.
Gas - Microscopic
Remember GAS 0095? Title link takes you to a video of the track Microscopic on Synthwire. It's pretty amazing, trust me. Just go check it out.
the squarewave parade
Title link takes you to "the squarewave parade" where you will find a number of gadgets including this Atari Punk Console, "contari unsol," the mingmod ringmod, the downgrade sample rate reducer and more. 
Swimming Upstream - Yamaha RM1x Track
Title link takes you to rid's MySpace page where you will find an RM1x track titled Swimming Upstream.
Miniature Modular Studio
Remember Daniel McPharlin and his mini modulars via these flickr shots? Paul Sop, aka Doktor Future commissioned this mini modular studio from him. Title link takes you to more images.Update: I added a miniature label to the site. You'll find Daniel McPharlin's miniatures as well as others.
http://www.danmcpharlin.com
Maestro Woodwind Synthesizer
No title link, just the shot and details pulled via this auction.Details:
"Very Rare Maestro Woodwind Synth for Woodwinds & Guitar.The unit also comes with an original Maestro carrying case with John Klemmer's name on it. It was used on several recording sessions in the 70s and will come with a letter from Mr Klemmer. It was designed in the early days of effect pedals / devices as a primitive synthesizer for woodwind instruments but can be used with guitars with no problem at all."
Casio PG 380 Synth Guitar
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
Details:
"The PG-380 electronics include a built-in, monotimbral, playback-only synthesizer using VZ technology, with 64 preset sounds in internal ROM (See the above website for a listing of all the sounds). However, a door on the back of the guitar allows insertion of a RAM card for playback of sounds created on a VZ-1, VZ-8M, or VZ-10M.
The internal synth does offer one useful feature: It operates in legato mode. That is, while in chromatic mode, if you pick a fretted string and then slide your finger up the fretboard, you won't get a new attack from the synth at each fret, as you will with an external MIDIed synth."
You can find more info here.
via this auction
Details:
"The PG-380 electronics include a built-in, monotimbral, playback-only synthesizer using VZ technology, with 64 preset sounds in internal ROM (See the above website for a listing of all the sounds). However, a door on the back of the guitar allows insertion of a RAM card for playback of sounds created on a VZ-1, VZ-8M, or VZ-10M.
The internal synth does offer one useful feature: It operates in legato mode. That is, while in chromatic mode, if you pick a fretted string and then slide your finger up the fretboard, you won't get a new attack from the synth at each fret, as you will with an external MIDIed synth."
You can find more info here.
Solaris 314
No title link, just the shots and details pulled via this auction.Details:
"This is a rare russian analog polyphonic synth. It uses organ style drawbars to create the basic tone, and has a analog filtering as well. Inside it has 12 voice boards that correspond to each key in an octave, and then uses a divide down system to get to the other octaves. Because of this the sound of the oscillators are really thick and meaty. There is only one filter and envelope in it which means when you hit another note it will retrigger the envelope like many other synths with full polyphony, The filter itself is really extreme and sounds fantastic, as well the envelope is really punchy, so you get great synth stabs, sweeps and percussive organy sounds. The synth is not that big but it is full of electronics and neatly organized wiring, it looks like someone spent many labourous hours at a soldering iron to build it. It is also quite light because the casing is aluminum.
The basic panel layout is as follows from left to right: pitch bend, envelope amount, cutoff, resonance, attack, sustain, release, harmonics 1-5, lfo speed, lfo pitch amount, lfo filter amount, amp release, filter blend, and tune.
For better playability, replaced a couple of the sliders with knobs because i found the sliders didn't give fine enough control, especially with the resonance control, where alot of great sounds are just around where it begins to oscillate. Also the pitch controller which will sweep up and down by an octave, this one still takes some practice though. A volume knob has also been added at the top.
I would describe the overall sound of the synth as 70's funky. Its smooth and buttery, not harsh. It would work well for italo disco, or early style hip hop, or 70s fusion jazz. If you use the envelope section carefully you can get great moogy leads out of it (without portamento), in the high resisters it can sound like a string machine, or even a theremin if you crank the resonance. It has tons of character.
The unit is powered by 220v volts but i have an adapter i will include. the output is a standard 1/4"
The Development and Practice of Electronic Music
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction. The shots include a Buchla 200, ARP 2600 and EMS.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Something Completely Different - 25
Remember SCD and 25 Years? Well, the DVD is finally out. It will feature 25 years worth of music from Boele Gerkes' Something Completely Different along with exclusive videos. Here's an example of one (note I believe this one was done after the DVD and is not included but Boele ensures me the others are just as good if not better. What's great about the DVD and Boele's track listing is that he lists out the synths used. There's a ton of Waldorf on this so if you are looking for a good showcase of Waldorf synths, this is it.Congrats Boele! I can't wait for my copy.
And, for the record, I did purchase it; this is not a promo for a free copy.
Ensoniq SQ-80 MP3 by Boele Gerkes
Title link takes you to a simple demo of the Ensoniq SQ-80 sent my way via Boele Gerkes of SCD. BTW, his 25 Years DVD is now available. More info on the site and a post with a shot of the DVD coming up next.
Atari MiniMOO - Church of the 16th Bit
"a look at the screen a mini moog software-synth"
Title link takes you to the Church of the 16th bit. via sequencer.de.
Furious Stick and Furious AM Noise
Remember the FracSID? Here are a couple new modules via gerald.On the Furious joystick:
"A simple, nearly completely passive component joystick."
On the Furious AM Noise:
"I wanted some noise other than white, pink, or brown, and with a character of its own, so I bought a $0.25 AM transistor radio and frac-racked it."
Title link takes you to more info and shots on each.
Waldorf AFB-16
Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.Details:
"Waldorf AFB-16
* 16 analog lowpass filters with self oscillation and overdrivable VCA, 12/24 dB per octave.
* Connects to the computer with USB 2.0.
* Included are the following plug-ins: PPG Red, Rot and Messing.
* Comes with original box, manual, installation CD, USB cable and power cable.
* In fantastic condition!
* Works perfectly (recently tested), but still as with all old equipment sold "as is". Does not work with all USB2 chipsets, but I have used it with Intel (a Dell computer) and NEC chipsets without problems.
* A Google search will provide you with lots of information about it."
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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
