MATRIXSYNTH

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

BX-13 V3 Expanded Bus Converter Version 3

images via this auction.

"For about ten years, Roland Corporation and other manufacturers produced a range of unique, very high quality 24-pin guitar synthesizer controllers. With the advent of the contemporary Roland 13-pin standard, vintage guitar synth owners could only access the latest in guitar synthesizer technologies with the incredibly rare, hard-to-find Roland BC-13 Bus Converter.

The BX-13 V3 is the answer for vintage guitar synthesizer players who want to access modern guitar synthesizer technology while playing their treasured vintage guitar synth controller. The BX-13 V3 is more affordable than the typical "collector" prices on the Roland BC-13, and it has more features.

This diagram shows how the Roland BC-13 uses the Resonance knob to switch guitar and synth on and off. The BC-13 uses the Resonance Knob (CV#2) in a way that is very similar to the Mode switch on the vintage GR-series guitar. But rather than having a three-position switch, the knob has three "zones." The first zone is guitar only, the middle zone is guitar and synth, and last zone is synth only. Confusing? Yes.

As you can imagine, it is almost impossible to quickly and accurately turn guitar and synth signals on and off.

The BX-13 V3 improves on the BC-13 by adding two dedicated foot switches with LEDs instead of using the Resonance knob. One foot switch is for Synthesizer Output, and one is for Guitar Output. Nothing could be simpler for controlling the outputs of your Synth and Guitar signal. In addition, the BX-13 V3 in enclosed in a rugged, stomp-box type enclosure. The BC-13 is an inline design, basically a giant lump in the middle of your guitar cable, much like the AC transformers popular with some manufacturers.

Top Panel Controls
The BX-13 V3 adds top panel controls for synthesizer and direct (humbucker) guitar output, plus a switch to select from guitar or hex fuzz sound for Roland G-202, G-303, G-505, or G-808 players. All three outputs can be accessed by selecting the hex fuzz sound with the BX-13 V3 and using the 1/4” Guitar output jack on the guitar.

A look at the schematics of various Roland guitar controllers reveals that no two are wired exactly the same. Likewise, the internal circuitry of a Roland GI-10, GI-20 and GR-20 differs with each unit. As a result, maximum volume levels can change with different guitars or different synthesizers. The original BX-13 used a "one-size-fits-all" calibration like the BC-13. Now, the BX-13 V3 adds a top panel control to easily fine-tune to synth volume output for maximum sensitivity and maximum output.

The BX-13 V3 also adds a top panel control for the direct (humbucker) output of the guitar as well. With the original Roland BC-13 and BX-13 this volume was fixed. Also, if you are using a Roland G-202, G-303, G-505, or G-808 you can also select the hex fuzz guitar output instead of the direct (humbucker) output. And, by plugging a Roland EV-5 volume pedal into the BX-13 V3 you can control the volume of the direct (humbucker) or hex fuzz output.

Buffered Electronic Connections:
The early Roland Guitar synth controllers, such as the G-202, G-303, G-505 and G-808, do not buffer the output of their volume controls. Later guitars, like the Roland G-707 and the Ibanez IMG2010, added a buffer stage to their volume controls. As a result, early guitars tend to "load" the input to the Roland BC-13, resulting in only 80 to 90 percent of the full volume output.

The BX-13 V3 solves this problem by adding an electronic buffer stage for the volume signal. The electronic buffer stage isolates the volume control signal so that any vintage guitar works smoothly with any modern guitar synthesizer.

Inputs and Outputs
Like a Roland BC-13, the BX-13 V3 has a 24-pin Guitar Synth a 13-pin Guitar Synth output connector. With only the 24-pin cable plugged in, the level of the direct (humbucker) guitar sound is controlled by the top panel guitar volume knob, and by the optional EV-5 volume pedal. If you want to vary the level of the direct (humbucker) sound using the volume knob on the guitar, then a second cable is connected from the 1/4” Guitar output jack on the Guitar Controller to your mixer or amplifier.

Compatible with Vintage Bass Guitar Synthesizers:
The BX-13 V3 has also been thoroughly tested with the vintage Roland bass guitar synthesizer controllers like the G-88. To test for compatibility, the G-88 was plugged into the BX-13 V3, then the BX-13 V3 was connected to a GI-20. The Roland GI-20 supports bass guitar synths with a switch on the back panel for bass operation.

Other Roland guitar synths, such as the GR-50 may not work properly, since they were not designed to handle to lower frequencies of a bass guitar.

Roland Vintage Guitar Service Manuals - 1978-1989

images via this auction.

"econd Edition! With BX-13 Series Schematics! Plus Complete Technical Specifications, Parts Listings, Schematics and More of ALL Roland Vintage Guitar Synthesizer, Controllers! Vintage 24-pin and Earlier Synthesizers Included! Almost 300 pages!

# Guitar Synthesizer/Guitar:
# 001-030 GS-500/GR-500
# 031-054 SPV-355
# 055-072 GR-100
# 073-098 GR-300, G-303/G-808

# 099-122 GR-33B/G-33/G-88
# 123-150 GR-700
# 151-180 GR-77B
# 181-200 GM-70

# Guitar:
# 201-210 G-202
# 211-222 G-505
# 223-232 G-707
# 233-238 G-77

# Other:
# 239-244 GK-1
# 245-266 LPK-1/STK-1
# 267-268 US-2
# 269-272 BC-13
# 273-276 NEW This Edition! BX-13 Versions 1, 2 and 3

Be sure to check out the sellers' other items.

Roland GR-88 Bass Guitar and GR-33

images via this auction.

"This is a complete Early 1980's Roland GR-series bass guitar synthesizer system. Included is an Ibanez-built G-88 bass guitar synthesizer controller with original hardshell case, Roland GR-33B bass synthesizer, 24-pin cable, and original manual.

The G-88 was Roland's deluxe neck-through-body (ash and walnut) model, with a maple and mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard, polycarbonate nut, active EQ, Gotoh tuners, 34" scale, one single-coil pickup, and one Roland synth pickup. Neck width is 1-11/16", body width 13", body depth 1-3/4" and overall length is 45-1/2".

For more specs visit this great Roland synthguitar website (includes video demonstrations!). This bass has both regular 1/4" and 24-pin Roland output plugs, so it can be played as a conventional electric bass with a standard cord, and as a synthesizer controller guitar (standard guitar sounds also pass through the 24pin cable). Please note: this is not a recent GK guitar, it will not work with recent GK-compatible Roland guitar synthesizers as it does not have a GK2 or GK3 pickup. There may be some Roland adaptor units available, you will have to do the research on this.

The GR-33 is a fantastic-sounding synth with an awesomely resonant multimode filter (reminds me of a 303), plug in a voltage control pedal (not included) for some mindblowing hands-free sweeps and wah sounds! The controls for filter cutoff and resonance are on the bass so these settings are right at your fingertips. The synth is housed in a rugged, gig-worthy steel casing. As noted all synth functions work exactly as they should, this system is quite inspiring to play and the synth-response is lightning fast!

You can download the GR-33B manual here"

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Mochika Sequencer Synth

"This synth features one square and saw waveform VCO (voltage controled oscillator) with a huge pitch range, from subsonic to ultrasonic sound One square and triangle waveform LFO (low frequency oscillator), that modulates the VCO for the vibrato effect creating old school arcade Atari-like sounds."

More shots and info on AtomoSynth.

YouTube via atomolab.
Mochika analog sequencer synth
"this is the new analog sequencer syhthesizer by Alfredo Aliaga"

MMM 4 X Mixer

Mattson Mini Modular 4 X Mixer

Voyager Mahogany Lunar 002

flickr via ikazlar

click here for the full size shot

JH. Compact Clone

"If you listen to German records from the 1970's, you often hear a rather unique phasing that comes from a device called "Compact A Phaser" from the Berlin company "Gert Schulte Audio Elektronik". It's often referred to as "Schulte Phaser", and I have heard it being called "Krautrock Phaser", "Schulze Phaser" (because it's prominent on many early KS albums), "TD Phaser" (because of Tangerine Dream). In my opinion, this phaser has been important to the sound of these early electronic musicians almost as much as the synthesizers the used."

More info including a nice shot of this in a "Moogerfooger" type encasing and samples can be found here.

Terratec Audio System Waldorf microWAVE PC Synthesizer

via this auction. I haven't seen one of these in a while.

Google translated (Whale Village is Waldorf):
"The audio system EMS 64 is the consistent advancement audio maps - of the best-seller EMS 64. The function range so far ungeschlagene in this Preisklasse, by 64stimmiges the Sampling, digitally I/O, outstanding transducers, effects and software package co-ordinated in the detail with the hardware is available, through whale village DSP unit microWAVE of the XT-Synthesizers again by so far undreamt-of possibilities one extends. The exclusive extension module contains complete electronics of the legendary Kultsynthesizers whale village microWAVE II. Additionally by the EMS admitted digital and MIDI interfaces integrated, it are available also still all possibilities of the map together with the new sound production: Sampling, effect processor, Harddiskrecording, digital and similar entrances and exits etc. The 10stimmige Wavetablesynthese supplements the Samplerteil with its typical and alive sound outstanding and inserts themselves smoothly into the concept of the audio system EMS. The associated software with Look & Feel '' the original '' - hardware in 19 '' - format unites clear and comfortable programming with the possibilities it modern PC-Recording-system. Necessary operating system: Windows 98 /ME/2000/XP. Drivers, manuals and federation LED applications are free of charge available with Terratec."

via Inteliko.

MMM VCA

Mattson Mini Modular VCA

Roger Linn Adrenalin III

I missed this one when it was announced, so here it is. Via brian comnes.

What’s new in AdrenaLinn III?

If you're familiar with AdrenaLinn II, here's what's new:
* 40 amp models, all enhanced for accuracy, presence and improved tube saturation
* Stereo reverb
* Compression
* Tuner
* User presets increased to 200 & filled with great new sounds. (For details, download our Preset & Drumbeat Listing.)
* User drumbeats increased to 200 & filled with great new beats. (For details, download our Preset & Drumbeat Listing.)
* Right foot switch is now named EFFECT and may be assigned per-preset to enable any specific effect or combination. Functions of both foot switches may be reassigned.
* Greatly enhanced MIDI pedalboard control: up to 10 MIDI footswitches and 2 MIDI expression pedals may be assigned to control nearly all internal settings and commands
* A variable Amp Drive Boost has been added, actuated by panel or MIDI foot switches
* Stereo width of modulation effects and delay are now adjustable
* Envelope attack & decay times are now adjustable for random filter & random tremolo effects
* Four new Modulation Effects are added: Auto Pan, Wah Pedal, Fixed Filter and Sci-Fi
* Simple guitar amp distortion now exists for drumbeats, independent of guitar amp models
* Internal drums may be triggered from MIDI
* Variable- frequency lowpass filters have been added to output of amp models, delay & drumbeats
* Improved drum sounds
* Noise gate is improved to be virtually unnoticeable
* And much, much more (Download the manual for details.)

You can find the links and more on the Roger Linn Design Adrenalin III page.

Contradiction

flickr by elettricistaliquido.

click here for the full size shot.

MKS80 Service Note via Mike Peake

click here for more.

PAiA Oz

via this auction

"The Oz was sold by PAiA back in the mid 80s. it takes 8AAs"

via brian comnes

PAiA Gnome

via this auction

"This is a little synth from PAiA back in the mid 80s. The Gnome uses 2 9v batteries."

via brian comnes

PAiA Programmable Drum Set

via this auction

"he sound of the drums was nowhere near what current units deliver, but remember, this was somewhere in the mid-80s. It takes 4AA and 1 9v battery (this was before the learned about energy efficiency)."

via brian comnes

PAiA Synthspin MK-II

via this auction

"The idea behind this device was to give a Leslie effect to your guitar (or whatever). You're not gonna fool anyone into thinking you've got a Leslie hidden behind the curtain, but it does work and gives a swirling effect."

via brian comnes

PAiA Phlanger

via this auction

This is an AC-powered flanger.

via brian comnes

Appliancide

via Appliancide

"I just put up a new track on my myspace page. It's one pass on my 2 suitcase eurorack modular. No external sequencing or sounds. I just made the track stereo and added a little compression in an audio editor. It's the first track on my page (myspace.com/appliancide) very aptly named '2 minutes too long'."

MMM 4X-1X2 Buffer

Mattson Mini Modular 4X-1X2 Buffer
Remember to click on the MMM link directly below to see all of these together as they come in.

KORG OASYS OS 1.3 Details and Samples

Follow up to this post. Comments disabled here to keep them all under that previous post.

Samples [Scroll to bottom when you get there]

Details via KORG (there's a flash demo and more on site as well):
"Korg is pleased to announce the release of system version 1.3 for Korg's flagship OASYS synthesizer, delivering the next level of the sound-creating and performance potential of this acclaimed instrument. In addition to new features and enhancements, version 1.3 includes a new version of KARMA (2.1), and makes available two more optional expansions: the MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer, and the EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds Expansion sample library.

Main features
- The new EXi MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM synthesizer takes a classic form of synthesis into new and uncharted territories. A demo version is included in OASYS system version 1.3.

- KARMA 2.1 adds support for User GEs, selectable quantization for Scene changes and Module triggering, enhancements to the Note Map feature, and many other new functions.

- The optional new EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds Expansion Sample Library, available separately, provides over 700 Mbytes of expressive, natural-sounding brass and woodwind instruments.

- EXs expansion sample sets can now be loaded and unloaded immediately in OASYS memory, without restarting the OASYS, a great time-saver!

- EXs-1 and 2 are now loaded into RAM using a new, lossless compression technique. This yields a modest reduction in size: EXs-1 now uses 284 MB instead of 313 MB, and EXs-2 uses 464 MB instead of 503 MB. With 2 GB installed and both EXs loaded, this increases the available user sampling RAM by about 68 MB. You’ll notice that this is much milder than the dramatic size reductions of mp3, or the PCM compression sometimes found in other synthesizers. There is a strong advantage over these other methods, however: the OASYS compression is completely lossless, and causes absolutely no degradation in audio quality whatsoever.

Note: This compression applies only to EXs samples, and not to RAM samples.

- Each EXi in a dual Program can be transposed separately for greater sonic flexibility.

- All Step Sequencers now provide separate "smoothing" parameters for attack and decay, allowing you to create more complex tonal changes.

- In Sequencer mode, a play button has been added to MIDI Event Edit, allowing you to play back the currently-edited measure while keeping the dialog box open.

- Other improvements and enhancements have been made to the operation of and stability of the Operating System.

OASYS software version 1.3 will be available in October 2007, as a free download from www.korguser.net. EXs-3 is expected to be available in mid-November."

Synth Advertising

Click here for a collection of synth adverts on polynominal. There is also a poll at the bottom of the page for the ugliest advert. Check out this French ad for the Oberheim SEM line.

BTW, be sure to search for "advert" minus the quotes at the top left corner of this site for more.

via catsynth

MMM Noise Module

Mattson Mini Modular Noise

ARP 2500

images via this auction

"super-rare ARP 2500 from the personal collection of Phil Cirocco of CMS / Discrete Synthesizers. It features a rare, vintage ARP 2002 cabinet, a 3000 series four voice keyboard and a full compliment of 1000 series modules. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a fully functional, killer sounding synthesizer, as well as a rare piece of electronic music history. The 2002 cabinet is in good condition. It is all original and has not been restored. It was made in 1970. It is a very early and rare version featuring 10 patching tracks on the top section instead of the 20 that later versions use. The top section of a 2500 is only used for CV, gate and trigger etc. so 10 tracks is usually adequate for most situations. It has 20 tracks on the bottom as all 2500s do. Also, this early unit is more compact and uses its space more efficiently than later versions. (Many people complain about the large amount of real estate that later version 2500 cabinets use up.) The power supply was upgraded here at CMS about 2 years ago to a 1.5 Amp, low noise high performance unit. The separate 12v lamp power supply was also recently rebuilt. The Keyboard is a standard ARP 2500 4 voice split keyboard. The rubber mounts of the key contact PCB have been replaced. The key contacts have been cleaned. The rubber pads of the keyboard are intact. The keyboard is fully functional. The keys are in very good condition. The hardwood keyboard cabinet is in very good condition. There is a very small ding on the left keyboard control panel. It includes the keyboard connection cables as well as the AC cable. The 1000 series modules are fully functional and have been meticulously maintained here at CMS for the past decade. The module compliment includes the legendary ARP 1047 Multimode Filter and the ARP 1027 sequencer. The 1004T VCO and the 1036 Dual Sample Hold were originally owned by the ARP factory as production samples. The dual VCO is a super-rare prototype developed at ARP by Roger Powell and Clark Ferguson.

1004T VCO
1027 3 x 10 Sequencer
1023 Dual VCO
1005 Ring Mod / VCA
1047 Multimode Filter
1033 Dual EG with delay
1016 Noise / Random Voltage
1006 Lowpass filter / VCA
1036 Dual S/H, Clock
1003 Dual EG
1002 Power Control

This system has been fully calibrated recently here at CMS. If you want to hear an example of a 2500 system in action go to: discretesynthesizers.com

Several modules have a former owners name and serial # engraved the corners of the front panels. The veneer cabinet has 2 corners that have been rounded slightly, but they are in the back. The left side has some broken veneer on the front edge. I was planning to refinish the cabinet myself, but I never got around to it. It’s quite easy to separate the electronics from the cabinet. When all the modules are out of the case, the matrix switch/shelf assembly slides right out the back. The upper left matrix switch assembly looks like it took a small impact at one time, but it functions normally. This is a vintage instrument from 1970"

ARP 2600 Grey Meanie

via this auction.

"super-rare ARP Gray Meanie otherwise known as the ARP 2600C from the personal collection of Phil Cirocco of CMS / Discrete Synthesizers. It also includes the super rare 3604C matching keyboard. It was made in 1971. It still has the original ARP serial # on the front panel. The front panel has been restored and has been fitted with all new chrome hardware including all new Switchcraft jack hardware. All the

sliders are intact and move freely. It features an original, fully functional ARP 4012 filter and a rare ARP 4010 VCA. The filter main board has spring loaded sub-module sockets for easy service. It also features the very rare and better sounding 4027 VCO’s. This unit also features the Audio Path Upgrade from CMS. This upgrade combined with the special VCOs and VCF and VCA make this unit one of the best sounding 2600s of all time. The power supply was recently rebuilt here at CMS and is good for the next 20 years. The Keyboard is a super rare ARP 2600C monophonic keyboard. It also features a stainless steel cabinet. The keyboard is fully functional. The keys are in fair condition. It includes the keyboard connection cables as well as the AC cable. This system has been fully calibrated recently here at CMS. This is a vintage instrument from 1971. See the bottom of the CMS 2600 page for additional info."

Solartron Atari Axe Synth Theremin

images via this auction.

"Up for auction is " Solartron ", a custom built, one of a kind, Experimental Synth Theremin Midi Controller. I recently sold Solartron's big brother, " Zontar ", here on Ebay for $ 1,500, so for those of you who missed Zontar, here is your chance. The band Mute Math uses a much simpler version of this device, and this unique proto-type is being offered to the most discriminating electronics collector. Solartron is actually two separate electronic devices which can be controlled independently, or simultaneously for additional sonic madness, all housed in a space-aged frame.

The first function of Solartron is as an experimental Midi Ribbon Controller. These controls are located in the middle section of the device. The black knob on the left hand side of the front panel is the Midi Rate, or Speed knob, which also provides Arpeggiator-Type patterns. The black knob in the middle is the Master Volume control. The green push-button to the right of the Master Volume is the " Rate Burst " control. This control instantaneously increases the Rate or Speed. The green button on the lower portion of the middle front panel is the Power On/Off Switch for the Midi Controller, and the black knob on the right hand side of the front panel is the Midi Patch Selector, which allows you to switch the Midi Patch Program on the fly. The Midi Controller section is powered by a 9-volt battery, located on the left side panel, an LED light indicates that it is powered up, and the Midi Output Jack is located on the right hand side panel.

The second function of Solartron is a Light Sensitive Photocell Theremin. The Photocell Theremin is housed in a small Red Dome, located in the top portion of the device, directly above the Midi Controller section. The green button to the left of the Red Photocell Dome is the Photocell Theremin On/Off Switch. The Photocell Theremin operates off of the same 9-volt battery as the Midi Controller section.

A third feature of " Solartron " is quite unique, and was not offered on " Zontar ". The lower section of Solartron features a Red Radioactive Symbol on clear plexiglass, and behind the plexiglass are Red Flashing LED lights. The upper portion of Solartron also features a row of Red Flashing LED lights behind a clear plexiglass panel. A green button on the left side panel near the Theremin Controller activates the Red Flashing LED lights, and are independently powered by a 9-volt battery located on the left side panel. A large Black Knob is located on the right side panel, and with this knob you may control the rate, or speed at which the Red LED Radioactive Symbol and row of LED's flash. This is a very cool feature, which allows you to sync up the rate of the flashing Radioactive Panel and LED lights with the rate or speed of notes generated by the Midi Controller Ribbon or Photocell Theremin. This would be quite effective visually in live performances, yet can always be shut off with the power button if not required.

Solartron features guitar strap lugs, which enables the user to strap Solartron on like a guitar. Solartron is approximately the length of a guitar, yet weighs less due to it's lightweight, aluminum housing. Solartron features a silver/gray post on the left-side of the neck which is decorative in nature, but also serves to stabilize and balance the neck portion of the device. Please note that Solartron sounds and reacts differently with each Midi device, which can be considered part of it's charm. If you wish to hear sound samples of Solartron, please send an e-mail, where I can direct you to the appropriate site."

If anyone has the link, feel free to comment.

Studio Electronics MIDIMOOG

images via this auction.

As always, be careful with auctions. Be sure to read the details in full.

Yamaha SK15

images via this auction.

Details:
"It was manufactured in 1979, hard to believe when you see the synth, it looks almost new. This synth has 3 sections : string synth, organ and polyphonic synth. The strings are very close and in some ways better than the Solina (i compared them side by side when i had the Solina) [not me, the seller] The organ sounds great and has

drawbars so you can dial in many organ sounds. The Polyphonic synth section, while very basic, sounds great and unmistakably vintage. The best feature of this synth is that all these sounds are stackable, creating nice unique texture. This is also helped by the fact that the effects section sounds amazing : it has vibrato, tremolo and an "ensemble" type chorus similar to the Solina. The vibrato actually slows down and speeds up to create a leslie-type effect. This synth is a good way to get the 'typical string sound of the 70s and beyond (from Pink Floyd to the Cure to Sigor Ros), it's built really well, better than most other string synths, making a good long-term investment."