MATRIXSYNTH

Monday, September 24, 2007

Come See the Mattson Mini Modular

Via John L Marshall on AH. If you want to see and here it, drop by.

"The Mattson Mini Modular will be live and in person at:

5th Annual Pacific Northwest Synthesizer Meeting:

Saturday, 29th of September
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Renton Technical College
Building C, Room 111
3000 NE 4th St
Renton, WA 98056

Bulgarian Pizza at Noon

All are welcome to attend.

Take care,
John
www.sound-photo.com
www.antenna-farm.com"

1967 Moog Keyboard Schematic

via Mike Peake on AH:
"I've seen the note on Matrixsynth regarding the need for an archivist at the Moog Foundation, and that much of Bob's archives were discovered to be moldy, so I emailed them but haven't heard back. The thing is, I've got some original documentation in decent condition that I'm willing to donate if they want it.
I don't know if it's anything special or not, so I'm running it past you folks in the meantime, if anyone's interested in such things. I'll see if Mr. Luther wants it if the Foundation has no need.

For your enjoyment, if it's indeed enjoyable, just one of several 1967 "blueprint" schematics. Most are two to four page foldouts, and I only have a legal-size scanner at my disposal. I of course know that the Moog Service Manual (which is online) supercedes such things, but just in case this is interesting to anybody...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11165691@N03/1431120032/

As always, click on "all sizes" for the large size.
Sorry, just this one as I don't know if they're that interesting or not.

Easier,

-Mike"

click here for the full size shot
click here for more

Vactrol Synth V_2.0

YouTube via cretin4321.
"More info soon @... http://cliplead.blogspot.com/"

Yamaha CS15

images via this auction.

"Monophonic, 2VCO, 2VCF, 2VCA, 2ENV, 1LFO synthesizer

It's actually a duophonic / bitimbral synth but you have to connect it to CV (Hz/V like Korg not V/Oct) to get the extra voice.

Each of the two VCOs has its own CV/Gate control.

The best things about it are the flexibility of the VCFs and the routings to the filters and envelopes.

You can rout VCO 1 to both VCFs and the VCFs to any of the envelopes positive or negative voltage.

The VCFs are 12 dB/Oct and are switchable between low, band or high-pass. They are the key to the nice sound of the Yamaha CS family.

Other nice features are noise, external-in for processing other sounds,

LFO with Sample & Hold for those bubbling sounds and an individual auto-bend for the VCOs."

RedSound Elevata

images via this auction
"16-voice polyphonic and has 8 multi-timbral parts. There are two analog modelling oscillators per voice with square, sawtooth, sine & formant waveforms. The filter is a 2-pole (12dB/oct) with switchable low-, high-, or band-pass modes. There are ADSR envelopes for the filter and VCA sections and two syncable LFOs with multiple waveforms. You will also find portamento, a basic arpeggiator, chorus and flange effects, and a joystick controller assignable to any modulatable parameter. There are no reverb or delay effects unfortunately.

Every parameter has a knob or switch just a hand-grab away, so creating sounds is quick and easy on the Elevata. The Sound Wizard is a cool function that randomizes various parameters. This allows you to experiment with creating random sounds, hopefully leading to some happy accidents! Your custom creations can be stored in any of 127 user patches. There are also 127 preset patches and 90 multi-patches (aka performances). The Multi-patches can have up to eight different patches for creating some very lush arrangements.

The Elevata is also upgradeable via EPROMs you can buy for a little over $100 each and install yourself. The Vocoda EPROM adds vocoder capability. Additional EPROMS are on the way and there is room for up to 3 EPROMs. With multiple (6) outputs, stereo inputs for processing external audio, and full MIDI implementation, the Elevata's at home in any studio environment. It makes an interesting alternative to other virtual analogs in its price range such as the Nord Leads and Novation SuperNovas.

Specs:
Polyphony - 16 voices
Oscillators - Two with square, sawtooth, sine & formant waveforms plus pink/white/blue noise
LFO - Two with ramp, triangle, square, sine, pulse, sample + hold, random waveforms.
Effects - Chorus, Flange
Filter - 12 dB/oct resonant filter, low-, high-, or band-pass modes
Keyboard - None
Memory - 127 preset, 127 user patches, 90 multi-patches with 8 programs each
Control - MIDI IN/OUT/THRU (8-parts), Joystick Controller with independent socket input
Date Produced - 2001"

Yamaha FS1R

images via this auction.

8-Op FM and Formant synth. The Yamaha DX7 was only 6-Op (had only 6 operators to generate sounds).

ROLAND JUNO-60 MD-8 MIDI/DCB Converter and JSQ-60

images via this auction.

"The Juno-60 is a six-voice polyphonic synthesizer that is coveted for its fat analog filter. Many musicians say the Juno-60 is fatter than a 106. I totally agree. The basses have an unmistakable boom and punch that have to be heard to be appreciated. The organs have that retro sound that sets any track apart and the pads and strings are nothing short of spectacular with an organic thickness that breathes thru your speakers. And don't forget the legendary Roland Chorus. This setup will inspire and catapult your Electronica/ Ambient/ Techno/ Hip Hop/ Experimental compositions to a whole new level. Be prepared to be transported to another dimension!

Because the Juno-60 is not midi-equipped it is hard to incorporate into a studio environment. Enter the Roland MD-8 Midi-To-CV Converter. You can now trigger the Juno-60 from your midi controller or whatever sequencing program you use. You can go midi to DCB or DCB to midi - and you designate which midi channel as well! You can also use it to interface with a DCB equipped Jupiter-8. This MD-8 works perfectly.

The JSQ-60 sequencer is a blast to use and is a must for the true collector. You can enter notes in step or real-time. It is a perfect tool to complete your Juno-60 setup. Its ideal for sketching your creations - and its old-school vibe just has a "feel" to it. There are also two sync outs on the back to interface with a TB-303, TR-808,909, 606, CR-8000, or anything else with (DIN) Sync. The sequencer comes with its own DCB cable...and you get the original factory manual for it."

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Should I ban Anonymous Comments

It's that time again....

NOTE: If you do not have an account on blogger/gmail, this means you will need to sign up for one to comment. I'm curious how people feel after the slew of comments over the last week.

The MMM Mattson Mini Modular DEMO

YouTube via redmartian. Volume is a bit low on this, so turn it up, and don't forget to turn it down.
"Mattson Mini Modular Portable Modular Analogue Synthesizer demo"

The MMM Mattson Mini Modular TAKE 2!

YouTube via redmartian.
"Mattson Mini Modular Portable Modular Analogue Synthesizer." Follow up to this post.

Mystery Keyboard

via this listing.

"ORGUE DE QUALITÉ SUPÉRIEURE (( impeccable ))"

Anyone know specifically what this is?

via JB.

An Interview with Peter Grenader

"There are three Peter Grenaders. The first one is a renowned composer, whose works have secured wins at several festivals all over the world and whose artistic friends include some of the greatest names from the field of electronic music: Morton Subotnick, Steve Roach, Barry Schrader and many others. The second one is an instrument designer and Head of Plan B, a company producing modular analogue synthesizers. This Peter Grenader enjoys the immediate interaction between these machines and the performing musician, the way in which they allow a composer to have his instruments really do what he wants them to. Customers of his have included Nine Inch Nails and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers - again among many others. The third and final Peter Grenader is a former student at CalArts, now, retrospectively, probably considered the most important faculty of experimental media in the USA at the time. With stars like Harold Budd and John Cage working closely together with students, this was an exciting era of departure, of fresh beginnings and of discovering new technologies, timbres and tools. As a CD project and a string of new Plan B products are approaching, the first and second Peter Grenader are sure to make headlines soon. But until then, we're sitting down for a chat with the last one, talking about the "good old times" and life as a student at CalArts in the 70s."

click here for the full interview on Tokafu.

Elektrolysis Assemblage

click here for a track featuring the Elektron Machinedrum by Mr. Array.

Commodore 64 with Prophet 64 cartrige and SID2SID

images via this auction.

"Commodore 64 synthesizer
Very early model of the C64. Ideal for someone who is starting out modding and soldering. Most of the work has been done for you. It comes with the following

A PSU, A cable for connecting the commodore via RF, Prophet 64 cartridge, Keyboard Cover, SID2SID adaptor (second SID is needed)

the following mods have been done

fitted SID2SID hole cut out of metal box, metal box re-applied and fresh heatsink compound applied
4 x Analogue pots added for direct control of the Prophet 64's software parameters
jack added ( has not been soldered in, this is used for the second SID or it could be soldered to the first for direct sound from the first)"

YouTube via clackbeetle.

MMM Phoenix Series Samples

click here for some samples and templates. You will need to download Serif DrawPlus to view the templates.
Update: Looks like the links changed: samples, templates

Wacky Wonky

via Dennis, aka mono-poly.

"Fridaynight i did this noodle witch is completely generating it's own melody and variation. Sorry for the boring beat but it's just a little idea with this noodle.

Drums DR55 trough an EMT 266 limiter
Noisering used for the melody generation
Clockdividers for dividing clock signals.
Logic module to merge the clock from my dyn sinc with the noise ring clock.
Slope generator for envelope firing to the noisering inputs.
Wiard vco to modulate the Cyndustries Zero oscilator."

The MMM Mattson Mini Modular

YouTube via redmartian.
"Mattson Mini Modular Portable Modular Analogue Synthesizer"

MMM Faceplate Decals

via Guy D2.
"Been following the Mattson Mini Modular thread intensely for the last week, and saw the whole thing coming together nicely on George's new website...

Fascinating stuff.

The faceplates are designed in Illustrator, and I reckon they're fairly accurate (the holes and dimensions), give or take a few pixels. Since I've set up a rigid template, it is now very easy for me to design and re-design new decals... I can do one module in less than half an hour or so... Done the VCO and EG so far...

If there is any interest in this, I will finish the rest of the modules, and make them available [in different printable formats] for free. Right now I am not able to fullfill any requests for other decals designs, since I'm a bit overloaded with (paid for) work. That might change later though.

If everything works out ok, I will make the template available to the public for free (in different, editable formats), so to make the enthousiastic musician-designer's life just a tad more easy.

Cheers,
Guy D2"

Episode 2: Sequencing drums and melodies using LFOs

YouTube via williamenroh of inside synthesis.

"Not many synths have a mod sequencer like the Korg MS-2000 (demonstrated in Episode 1). But that doesn't mean you can't use LFOs to trigger drumbeats and melodies.

This video features an ESQ-1. While it has a sequencer, it doesn't have an arpeggiator, or any decent internal drum sounds, and certainly no way to key-trigger those sequences. This tutorial will show how to get decent drums and even simulate an arpeggiator, all dynamically triggered via the keyboard.

Plus, the techniques are relevant to almost any synthesizer."

Oberheim Two Voice Demo Part 1

YouTube via therealretrosynth.
"Noodling on the Oberheim Two Voice to demonstrate its sonic abilities."

Roland JX-8P and PG-800

images via this auction.

"Six voice, two oscillators per voice. Poly, Unison, and Solo modes. Unison operates with all 12 oscillators firing on one note or 6 oscillators firing on each of two notes or 4 oscillators firing on each of 3 notes, etc. (depending on the number of

keys held down) The Solo mode is 2 oscillators on a single note. Because the JX-8P has extensive cross-mod capabilities you can get really fat bell timbres - anything from melodic to clangorous illness

Future Retro Revolution

via this auction. Interesting choice of knobs.

Roland MC-202

more images

Livewire Electronics Audio Frequency Generator

"General info regarding the new Livewire
Electronics Audio Frequency Generator:

- The AFG is planned to go into production in October 2007 (next month)

- The target US retail price is $395.00 USD

- There are 2 FM CV inputs, both switchable between linear & exponential

- There are a total of 9 CV inputs, all of which have attenuation knobs
except for the 2 1v/oct inputs

- The AFG will only be offered in Eurorack format initially

- The AFG has 9 output waveforms, including 2 switchable sub-octave
waveforms

- The Harmonic Animation section of the AFG offers a type of timbral
modulation unseen on any other modular VCO

More information will be available soon at the main Livewire website and on the Livewire Yahoo group.

Thanks for your interest!

Mike Brown
Livewire Electronics

Metasonix TX-1D Agonizer

image via Deviant Synth

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Xelius Project - Retrò electronique "Live Version"

YouTube via albatronia. info@xeliusproject.com
Spot the synths. Hints in the label. Let me know if I missed any.

Sequence Time with Gazdatronik

YouTube via Gazdatronik. Sent my way via E. S.
"As I live here in 1986, I goof around with some coded passages in real-time.

Korg dw-8000 on bass
Roland JX-3p on more bass
Yamaha TX81Z on random arpeggio
Oberhiem Matrix 6 on atonal, gong, and occasional lead.
Emu SP-12 on drums

Available on videocassette or laserdisc" No link though. Hmm...
Remember, if you want me to put up a post it MUST feature specific synths either showcasing them in video, pics or audio. I've been getting a few requests for stuff that may feature a given synth or two, but don't really showcase them. This video does. BTW, you are free to post your synth music on SYNTHWIRE along with anything else synth related. Just shoot me an email and I'll sign you up. Contact info just under the right search box on SYNTHWIRE or down below on the right here on MATRIXSYNTH.

Introducing the MMM "Phoenix Series" (Micro-Mini) Modular Synthesizer

The new MMM “Phoenix Series” (Micro-Mini) Modular Synthesizer
By Mattson Mini Modular.

The MMM Phoenix series synthesizer incorporates true-analog modules encased in a “grab and go” housing format.

Each of the two system cabinets contain space for 12 modules fed by a common power supply, providing for a truly portable, 24 module, analog modular system. When you’re ready to go, the cabinets latch face-to face into a compact, protective enclosure measuring 11-3/8” (28.89cm) W X 15” (38.1cm) H X 7” (17.78cm) D. Roughly, the size of 6 packages of printer paper stacked 3 high, side by side.

Open, the system measures 23” (58.42cm) W X 15” (38.1cm) H X 3.5” (8.89cm) D. As your budget and needs grow, the system has been designed to interlock with additional systems, horizontally and vertically, for virtually infinite system expansion. Each system responding to one of 16 MIDI channels if so desired. Grow your system into a larger system with more creative power available than is available in a larger format system of the same size. When it’s time to go, the entire system breaks down easily into independent, easy to transport cases.

The modules conform to the electrical audio and CV standards of most of the currently available systems and can be cross-patchable with other manufacturers systems.

Initially, the system will only be available in the US and in limited, built-to-order production runs. Individual modules won’t be immediately for sale but will be available to be purchased in addition to the “basic system” order.

The basic system consists of the case, power supply/MIDI module and the 10 modules highlighted on Matrixsynth over the past week, these modules fill the entire first cabinet providing for a plug-and-experiment, complete basic modular synthesizer. The second cabinet contains space for 12 additional modules of your choice.

The basic system is offered for $1,595.00. Additional “core” modules for the second case will be offered for $105.00 each, regardless off the module. Since the additional modules must be ordered initially with the basic system, the modules will be discounted $5.00 from the retail module value.

The Power Supply/MIDI module is a 2-space module that is integrated into the system and will not be available for individual purchase.
Visit us at http://www.mattsonminimodular.com"

Roland JD-800 Digital Synthesizer - Pad Sounds

Youtube via retrosound72.
"Some Pad-Sounds from the Roland JD-800 Synthesizer. used by: Vangelis (1492 Soundtrack), Underworld, Pet Shop Boys, Jarre, Genesis and many more more info: www.retrosound.de"

Ken Stone (CGS) Seqencer

via this auction

4 channel 8 step Sequencer
MOTM format

Unisynth XG-1

via this auction.

Chamberlin M-300

images via this auction.

"For your consideration is this 1959 Chamberlin M-300 electro-mechanical keyboard in 100% ALL ORIGINAL condition. This one-of-a-kind Chamberlin M-300 was invented and crafted by Harry Chamberlin for the great Bobby Darin. This exact Chamberlin is the one which was later used on Darin's 1960 hit "Mack the Knife." Harry Chamberlin only made ONE M-300, which is essentially the better half of an M-600.

This Chamberlin has been completely restored to factory specs and is ready for professional studio recording use. In the early M-600s, and in this M-300, the tapes themselves have much more dynamics and detail than the later tapes found in the M1s. This is probably due to fewer generations of copies to the original masters. Additionally, the vacuum tube preamp and amplification stages are far superioir sounding to the transistorized amplifcation stages found in the M1.

The sound of this M-300 is far superior to that of an M1 and M4, and it sounds most similar to a Mellotron Mk II. The keyboard action on the 300 is much better suited for the mechanical tape keyboard system. The keys have much better response to the tapes than an M1.

Recording directly off the speaker is much more dynamic than going direct, as both the amplification stage and quality of the speaker are amazing.

There were a couple owners between myself and the great Bobby Darin- none of whom are very interesting musicians are who were able to express the greatness of this keyboard.

None except the notorious and legendary Vincent Gallo who used it for recording and performance on several occasions. I tried to buy this unit from Gallo for years offering cash or whatever it would take to get it, but finally during a restoration Gallo was doing on his Universal Audio board I was able to offer the unfindable parts he needed to complete the task. So I acquired this machine from Gallo after he relucatantly did a deal with me, even insulting me as I left.

I expect him to bid if he finds out it is for sale."

KORG Poly-61

images via this auction.

Linn LM-1

images via this auction. via kerry

Note the "Linn and Moffett Electronics Inc." on the front panel.

inside the MG 1 Realistic Moog synth

via alka
"I recently borrowed my friend's half-working Realistic Moog MG 1and decided to clean it up for him. Upon opening, I was greeted with about a pound of hair (cat and human), bits of paper, an army figure and a horribly decomposing "foam" dust guard. As I'm not too familiar with this synth, I am unaware if this is a common problem or if something was perhaps spilled into this machine at one point. My friend that owns the board said he purchased it from a coffee shop and that it never did work correctly." Click here for more shots.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Hail, Stanford, Hail: Keytar Hero / Guitar Hero

YouTube via tyhsu. This gem sent my way via Ian.
TV commercial from Stanford University, showcasing the FM synthesizer. See http://hailstanford.stanford.edu for more like this."

Three Fracs of Fun

flickr by lesser_inc.

Click here for the full size shot
Click here for mouse overs for each module.

Dueling Retake - Appliancide

Remember Applieancide? Click here for another track featuring his 2 suitcase eurorack modular.
"This one is two passes of the same patch being tweaked as it plays. One pass is panned left and the other right. I didn't set out to do this. I justed wanted to see if I could get a better take and as I was comparing the two (the first one was better of course) I decided that I liked the way they sounded together. Other than EQ and compression, no effects were used/added."

ARP Ensemble Organ

This image was sent into AH via Ivan (link). Anyone know more about this particular unit?

MMM PS Module

Mattson Mini Modular
Power/ MIDI set
MIDI I/O- Mode Select

Note this marks the last module in the series. Click here for the full module list.

5th annual Pacific Northwest Synthesizer Meeting

"The 5th annual Pacific Northwest Synthesizer Meeting will be:

September 29th
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Renton Technical College
Building C, The Technology Resource Center Room 111 3000 NE 4th St Renton, WA 98056

Late breaking news: The Mattson Mini Modular will be unveiled at this meeting. Yes, the happily married Jim Patchell will be present.

More information about the meeting is available at www.sound-photo.com. Unfortunately I have not updated the site from last year. Lazy or busy. The room has changed 111 which is the larger room next door.

I know that someone wants to carpool from Vancouver Island. It is probably okay to make one solicitation on these lists. In the past people have carpooled from Portland.

Take care,
John
www.sound-photo.com
www.antenna-farm.com"

Note: This will be the first public appearance of the Mattson Mini Modular, so if you want to see it and you are in the area, please come. If you have a synth to bring, feel free to bring it as well.

Serge Modular

This beauty was sent in via Peter Grenader of Plan b on the AH list. I asked him if I could put it up and he gave me the thumbs up.

1. 24 channel comb filter
(4) Quad VCA
(4) 4 channel unity gain mixers
(4) 2 channel unity gain mixers

2. (8) Extended ADSR

3. (8) Extended ADSR

4, Touch Activated Keyboard, w/mod 16 inputs, 1 output

CLICK FOR MORE »

Modified Linn LM-1

images via this auction. via Bill.

"Extremely rare, only 500 were ever made. This is the machine that changed the way we record, and became the voice of pop music in the eighties. It’s the classic sound heard on Prince’s When Doves Cry, 1999 and others. It was used by The Human League, Art of Noise, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and just about everybody else back then. It was the first programmable drum machine to feature samples of real drums. It retailed for $4995.00, and is the only piece of equipment that I ever paid list price for—there was a waiting list, and I was lucky to get one! Yes, I am the original owner. Auction includes the original owner’s manual.

About this particular unit, serial no. 00331: It has been sitting in its Anvil case in the garage for about twenty years. Sad, but true, how fickle we are with equipment. It worked perfectly when I put it away, and after bringing it back to life, I am happy to say that it is about 97% fully functional. Here’s what’s going on:

The batteries are possibly (probably) dead, and one of the connecting leads has come away from the battery pack. It appears that a screw is missing. Not being a tech, I don’t want to risk hooking up this lead in case I’m wrong. I don’t have a schematic for the machine, and probably couldn’t read it if I did. Therefore, the machine will not retain anything programmed into it when the power is turned off. Be that as it may, the unit still records, and functions as it did back in the day. I haven’t gone through and tested every single function such as swing, and linking up patterns, but recording a pattern works fine. The sliders on the mixer are a little bit dirty, and the upper conga will disappear from the mix sometimes because of this. It comes back from moving the fader up and down, so I assume a good cleaning will take care of that. I haven’t tested the individual outs, they need cleaning as well. After sitting in the Anvil case all that time, some of the foam from inside the case dried up and stuck to the outputs. The left and right stereo outs work fine, as do the pan switches for each individual channel.

Long ago, I had the machine modified to allow more chips to be installed, and there are three switches on the back panel that change the kick, congas and snare. There are two kicks installed, and the snare channel has a nifty fingersnap sound when one of the switches is thrown. There is also a ¼” unlabeled jack on the back that I have no idea what it’s for—it was all a long time ago.

Cosmetically, it’s not too bad; a few scratches on the top panel, most likely from other gear being set on top of it. This machine was only used in the studio, and only transported in the case, but it IS 25 years old, and shows some wear and tear that you can see in the photos."

HarriL - Electronic Tripping (Live)

video upload by HarriL

NOTE: The above is a 10 minute version of the following:

"Hey again!
No testing this time! Here's a (rather long - 14minutes!) electro-house jam/song mixed with live guitar and harmonica sounds.

Gear used:
Video here (in stereo)
Mp3 here

Gear used:
Quasimidi Rave-o-lution 309, FutureRetro Revolution fed through EMX for effects. ESX for some samples. K-station as an effects unit for the harmonica and the guitar. I had a sequence planned for KS, but actually forgot to play it."