MATRIXSYNTH


Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Suzanne Ciani on Gearwire

click here for the video on Gearwire. It's a good one. It of course touches on her introduction to electronic music at MIT followed by meeting Don Buchla and going to work for him. She talks about how she was very committed to non-keyboard synths and how she thought keyboards were an inappropriate interface for synthesis. Fascinating stuff. And... She pronounces Buchla, Boo-kla. So much for those that told me it was Buck-la. ;) I can finally go back to pronouncing it the way I had been all these years... life is better.

Roland System 100m Patch Book



Click the pics for the full size shots.

You can find a PDF here. via synth ollie

click here for all scans via synth ollie

Rare 1971 EMS Synthi Brochure

images via this auction. via Bill.

Vangelis - The Dragon


YouTube via mugensx. Sent my way via John. The Dragon '1979

Before Nortec Collective and Latinsizer / moog/oberheim/seq


YouTube via pepemogt.
"Back in 1988-1996 in Tijuana( US-Mexico Border) i was involved in diferent industrial, Noise Electronic Local Acts before i started with "Nortec Collective"(1999). At the same time i was working with Ramon Bostich to do an Ambient Noise Music Duo with a more analog synth touch, this poject called "Monithor" wich later become Latinsizer as a solo alias, this footage i founded in lost tapes from back in 1996,
this video was taken at Monterrey city at an abandoned wharehouse from 1905 before it become a cultural park today (Parque Fundidora), Ramon and i did a total Analog Synth live set there in 1996 using using a couple of Moog Synths, Oberheims, analog sequencers and modified drum machines.
enjoy
;)"

Yamaha Tenori-On Episode 1


YouTube via DjPuzzle73.
"The Yamaha Tenori-On is a unique visual approach to step sequencing. It is only available on the UK but I managed to get my hands on one. This is a short film/demonstration of the Tenori-On"

Super Mario Bros - Gakken Theremin Mini


YouTube via ooo6. You might recognize the theremin from this post.
"I'm taking us back to 1985 with this one.

The theremin is a Gakken Theremin Mini. It came as a kit in a recent volume of a Japanese Mook (magazine/book) Otona no Kagaku. I consider myself lucky to know thereminist, Masami Takeuchi in Japan who sold me a copy. He said the initial edition of 40,000 copies sold out within days!

Apologies for the gnarly buzzy sound. Yeah, it sounds, er, bad. I put a piece of tape on the speaker so I could calm the sound down a bit. If you are familiar with theremins you know that most theremins have a volume/expression control. This theremin is a pitch only theremin so the sound is non-stop, hence the wacky dips and bends. Also, apologies to the 8-bit purists, who may have decide within seconds of watching that I have desecrated a classic.

If you don't know what a theremin is, please go look it up on Wikipedia. WTF comments will be laughed at. Also, don't waste your time commenting on how bad this sounds. This is not a performance instrument. It's a toy! I'm just playing around!"

Inside a Roland Juno-106

images via this auction

Roland GR-1 Brochure

via this auction

"GR-1 fold-out page catalog with color pictures and settings."

reads:

"It just might be our greatest feet ever"

feet... ha... ha...

Yamaha DX100 with BC-1 Breath Controller

images via this auction

# Yamaha DX-100 Synthesizer
# Yamaha BC-1 Breath Controller w/ Bag
# Yamaha DX-100 Manuals (3)
[Play Book pictured]
# Yamaha AC Adapter
# Original Shipping Box

Inside a Roland TB-303

via this auction

Monday, October 15, 2007

JH Triple Chorus Sring Ensemble

via JH on AH:
"many of you have shown interest in my PCB project to emulate the string ensemble effect of Solina, Crumar, and other similar keyboards. I have finished the prototype and have put up some sound samples.

Setup for demos: OB-8 (mostly set to a boring single-oscillator, unmodulated sound) -> JH Triple Chorus / String Ensemble Effect -> Reverb (String Ensemble Effect is sometimes bypassed to show the dry sound.)

Plain and simple string sound (1.1 MB mp3)
I start with a dry sound just to show you how much the Ensemble Effect is altering it, and I switch back to the dry sound towards the end for the same reason.

Enhancing a bell sound (740 kB mp3)
I think the effect is interesting for other sounds than just mere strings, as well.

Chorale sound (equalized ensemble effect) (470 kB mp3)
I wouldn't sell this as a specialized choir effect device, but it's certainly an alternative to the straight Solina-like stuff.
All done with the on-board 3-band Equalizer (which was inspired by the Crumar Performer).

Stereo effect using individual outputs (390 kB mp3)
Yes, we can do Stereo, with the individual outputs.
My first thought was to take the 3 individual outputs and mix them, one panned left, one center, and one right. But then the "Ensemble" effect falls apart, and the modulation sounds overly strong. I think you can do a lot of experiments with mixing the individual outputs, and will find interesting configurations.
The above sound sample was made with a very simple setup, however:
The full mix (main output) goes to one channel, and one individual channel goes to the other. The two channels are then panned almost (but not totally) left and right on the mixing desk.

Playing around with the EQ section (1.5 MB mp3)
Just some aimless turning of the 3 potentiometers in the EQ section, while my OB-8 arpeggiates away. I obviously change the OB-8 sound to something percussive towards the end, and I also adjust the OB-8's filter envelope setting slightly for the percussive sound, but I think it's quite clear what comes from the OB-8 and what comes from the Crumar-like 3-Band EQ.

Adjusting the waveform pot to find the "sweet spot" (790 kB mp3)
What is "the Solina Sound"? I think without any modulation waveform clipping (like the sound sample starts; please also see the discussion of this topic above!), is a tad overly lush for a solina. Or maybe it isn't. During this sound sample, I chance the modulation waveform from no clipping to almost totally clipped and back, and I think the "Solina sound" is where the waveform is just ever so slightly clipped.
This soft clipping (the "waveform" trimpot on the board) is different from a simple attenuation of the modulation CV. It's possible to attenuate (or to
boost) the modulation CV, too, by changing 3 resistors on the board, if you want to make further experiments.

More information, and pictures of the prototype, here.

JH."

JUNO-106 TEST PROCEDURE

"'IF' your JUNO-106 has (a) broken VCF/VCA chip(s) or WAVE-GENERATOR chip(s), then this simple test procedure will show you which one(s) it is/are. Other problems with the circuitry around these chips is also possible, but in 95% of all cases, it will be one of them that causes the problems. This test is by no means final. Only an experienced synthesizer technician can perform the necessary tests to check what the exact problem is with you JUNO-106."

click here for the procedure. Be sure to check out the rest of The Analog Renaissance while there.
via Jeroen of The Analog Renaissance.

Simian Mobile Disco Goes Gear


via XLR8R TV, via Seppe.
Doepfer modular, Sequential Circuits Drumtraks, KORG MS20, Synare drum synth.

Roland RS-202 Schematics

via Loscha

1.7 meg pdf scan.

"In posts on Synth-DIY, I have asserted that the RS-202 and the VP-330 were very similar, as this was told to me by a Roland service engineer. After seeing this, and the VP-330 schematics, I'm not so sure anymore."

If anyone knows, feel free to comment.

Pics of the VieuMikro 2007 event (Toulouse-FRANCE)

stamba put up a few shots on the Matrixsynth forum.

Pictured here is the MOOG Song Producer. There are also shots of his C64 and SX64 based setup.

BTW, stamba mentioned there hasn't been much traffic on the forum in another post. He is right. The forum is there for you to use, so, please feel free to use it. If you have any suggestions for new categories or other, feel free to put up a post in the Everything Synth section.

Update via Stamba on the Matrixsynth forum post:
"Yes the C64c looks like the C128.. and btw the C128 is quite the same size as an Amiga500

Some audio examples :
http://stamba.free.fr/c64/Stamba_-_p64_REC0066.mp3
http://stamba.free.fr/c64/Stamba_-_p64_REC0069.mp3

In these 2 mp3s.. bassline is 100% c64 with any external effect."

Me @ Industrial Records Studio 1980

flickr by Chris_Carter_. You can find some general info on Chris Carter on wikipedia and of course his official website. He is probably best know for his work in Throbbing Gristle and Chis & Cosey. Throbbing Gristle is considered to be the foundation of industrial music. Chris has been known to drop by Matrixsynth.



click here for the full size shot.

caption:
"I recently found this self-portrait of me and my gear at the Industrial Records studios (Martello St.) in 1980.
The gear is...
(Left side - top down): Boss PH-1 phaser pedal, Simmons ClapTrap, Roland SRE-555 Chorus Echo, Roland SH-7 Synth, Boss DR-55 Dr.Rhythm, Roland CSQ 100 sequencer, Roland CR-78 CompuRhythm.
(Centre - top down): Self-built digital delay, Accesit Noise Gate & Compressor, Roland System 100M (M-191J): incl. Gristleizer, BBD Module, VCO, VCF, ADSR etc., Roland System 100M (M-191J) rack containing self-built modules: incl. VCO, VCF, ADSR etc.. Boss KM-4 mixer, Self-built effects unit, Boss CE-2 Chorus, Boss BF-2 Flanger, Roland 100M M-181 Keyboard.
(Right side - top down): Auratone 5C speakers, JVC amplifier, TEAC cassette deck, Seck 6-2 audio mixer, Casio M10 keyboard.

NOTE: I still have (and still use) the Boss pedals, the BBD module and the Auratones."

AESNYC07: Arturia Origin

click here for a video overview of Arturia's Origin on Sonic State. The video covers the latest design, some audio and touches on the architecture, shipping dates and price.

Top 5 Greatest Samplers - Episode 2


via Sonic State. You can find the episode 1 here.

Oberheim Matrix-12 Modded

images via this auction. Spotted by Chris.
"This is a classic Oberheim synthesizer! It belonged to a professional musician and powers on. It has been modified for pressure sensitivity and separate audio out."
Anyone know what the pressure sensitivity mod might be? The audio outs I'm guess are the individual outs for each voice on one of the side panels of the Matrix-12 although there aren't any shots in the set.

Navs Modular Lab - Livewire Modulators

via Navs:

"given the current interest in Livewire, I've uploaded some tests of the Vulcan and Dalek modulators. Files can be found here."

The Hampshire Jam 'Jam'

"an evening of improvised electronic music will once more take place on: Friday 19th October 2007 at The Millennium Hall, Liphook, Hampshire"

click here for more info.

MOOG Meets Taco Bell and Goes to Church


I'm currently reading "Analog Days" by Trevor Pinch and Frank Trocco. You can find the book in the Synth Books section on the right of this site. I just got to the part were the Minimoog Model D finally came into fruition in 1970. According to the book, it was first introduced to music stores by David VanKoevering. David was putting on a show with a theremin when he first met Bob Moog. Bob went to his show and invited him to come see Gershon Kingsley perform at Carnegie Hall with the MOOG modular. Soon after, David ended up picking up a MOOG Model 10 according to this site. What was particularly interesting was how David first began to promote MOOG.

"Like a traveling medicine show, Van Koevering moved thousands of Minimoogs by using innovative marketing techniques. In Florida, he hooked up with Taco Bell, handing out free coupons to the restaurant, and then showing up later in the evening to play to diners. He promoted the "Island of Electronicus," an artificial land mass connected by a causeway to the Florida coast, where a Moog concert was scheduled. The radio ads announced, 'Where is the Moog synthesizer? It's here now ... to stimulate your feelings, thought, and your love for your fellow man.'"

Yes, this Taco Bell. :)

The above quote comes from this article from the San Antonio Current. BTW, I couldn't find an image of the Taco Bell flyer although there is one pictured in Analog Days. If anyone knows where I can find one online, feel free to comment. The image in this post is of David's "The Island of Electronics" which he formed shortly after. You can also read more about this on VOTAGE::MAIN where I found the image. Be sure to check out all the links in this post for more of the fascinating story and of course "Analog Days."

David later repackaged the Memorymoog as the "Sanctuary Synthesizer" and sold them to a number of churches. I wonder how many are still sitting in storage... (image via this post)

Note: according to some on AH and other sites there are inaccuracies in the book, "Analog Days." I haven't discovered a comprehensive list. If you know of such a list, please comment. If you know of the inaccuracies also feel free to comment. If there is enough interest I could create the list with a sticky post for us. Regardless, the book is a great read. It is well written and a fascinating story of the birth of MOOG, and it touches on Buchla.

Update via marr in the comments:

"There's a scan of the flyer on moogarchives...
http://moogarchives.com/vako2.jpg
http://moogarchives.com/vako3.jpg"

3aaasp flickr set via zonkout


click here for more shots of the 3rd Annual Austin Analog Synthesizer Party!.

pictured:
3aaasp: Beamer Wall
3aaasp: Crumar Spirit

Yamaha CS80 Brass Preset 1 & 2 Samples

click here for a zip of the samples via Scott.

private rodentia via Appliancide

demo track featuring:
"the Banalogue VCS being used as a filter. It's most apparent after the break. The "break" was me unplugging the mixer (Doepfer A-135 VCMIX) that had the drum sounds and the VCS running into it, flipping the cycle switch on the VCS, turning the cv on the VCS' mixer channel down, turning the gain up and plugging the mixer back in."

via Appliancide where you can find more info and previous tracks.

Yamaha CS30 Demo

click here for the demo by plankalkul who also put up this flickr shot.

Synthorama Swiss Synth Meeting Pics


more images here. The image below is the Airbourne modular synth by Martin Hollinger, the owner/curator of the Synthorama Museum. via yusynth in the comments of this post.

TB-303 VS Acidlab Bassline

flickr by DJ Axis (click for more synth shots).

click here for the full size shot.

"Audio Samples?
Just go on my website"

Ionic_Performer_1971


flickr by Al Q.

click here for the full size shot.

"This was a very early synth that I'd never heard of until I saw this promo piece. A web search brought up this amazing page...which not only has a pile of data and photos, but also features a downloadable, playable emulation! Cool!"


V-Synth GT - Drums variphrasing


YouTube via Deweak.
"From a sampled drum pattern, some tweeking, arp sequencing and realtime variphrasing demo."

Devo - Mongoloid (Electribe MX)


YouTube via Denkitribe. "EMX + mini-KP"

Roland CMU-800R

via this auction
"The following is from a Roland data sheet from 1983: **** The CMU-800R is a new dimension computer peripheral which allows free composing and arranging, as well as automatic performance. This unit features a host of functions, real musical instrument sound from its build-in sound source, and a wide variety of musical nuances such as slur, staccato, accent, and legato, plus an added function to control eight external synthesisers. Its is not an extention of a simple hobby computer as represented by conventional games. The CMU-800R is the very first unit to proclaim the arrival of a real computer age in the musical genre. Each computer is provided with a software package for easier programming and advanced editing functions. Now, music fans with no particular knowledge of computers or computer operators who cannot play a musical instrument can both compose and arrange at their option as well as enjoy automatic playback. **** The CMU-800R delivers its maximum performance with its separately available software package. With this software package, anybody will be able to handle the CMU-800R efficiently. The software package includes the CMU-800R control function and edit function for music data preparation. The edit function allows you to do difficult types of screen editing on the CRT monitor connected to the computer. So, sequence editing and modification can be done in amazingly short time. **** Complete built-in sound source for a real music sound **** In addition to melody, bass and chord (4 notes), the CMU-800R has seven percussion instruments sounds, i.e. bass drum, snare drum, low tam, high tam, cymbal and open/closed hi-hats for rhythm patterns. All other sounds have decay and sustain (melody only) effects. In addition, each part can be level-mixed with a slider volume control, and playback tempo can be varied as you desire. The CMU-800R is a product of Roland DG, an electronic musical instrument manufacturer, and built to give a new dimension in sound creation. **** Expandibility, a more sophisticated music system **** The CMU-800R needs an amp and speaker to produce sound. In combination with an effect unit, mixer, tape deck or the like, a more complete sound is created. The CMU-800R is able to operate up to eight external synthesiers simultaneously with its CV & gate outputs. Clock In/Out permit synchronous performance with external rhythm machines and percusion synthesisers. The more-you-play-the more-fun-you-have CMU-800R is superbly expandible into a more sophisticated computer music systems."

See previous posts here

Waldorf MiniWorks 4Pole Filter


via this auction

"Without doubt, no other synthesizer component has such a decisive effect on sound quality as does the filter. All of us at Waldorf, and of course the owners of Pulse's and Pulse Plus', know all about the exceptional qualities of our analog filters. We would obviously like all musicians to have the chance to access this quality component, so we simply implemented it as a separate module. The 4-pole is our four pole cascade filter, combined with incredibly fast envelopes and a stereophonic amplifier stage. You are free to apply this filter to any audio signal that you manage to patch into the device via a 1/4" jack. So if your favourite sampler or sample player lacks that special quality, you can give it a sonic boost via the 4-pole. You can even overdrive the audio input to get distorted signals, if you like. Cutoff Frequency, Resonance, Volume and Pan may be modulated by numerous modulation sources, eg. LFO, envelopes, MIDI or the built-in envelope follower.


Technical Features:
Waldorf 24 dB lowpass filter with variable resonance up to self-oscillation
40 programs, divided into 20 ROM presets and 20 user programs
24dB analogue low pass filter with resonance up to self-oscillation
Filter input can be overdriven
stereophonic VCA with real-time panning modulation
VCF ADSR envelope
VCA ADSR envelope
LFO (5 different waveforms; tri, sin, saw, pulse, sample&hold)
15 modulation sources
Envelope follower
4 edit knobs
1 gain knob
1 trigger level knob
5 buttons
Large 3 x 7 segment LED display
monophonic audio input
seperate trigger input
stereophonic audio output pair
MIDI In/Out/Thru
Waldorf Blue Suede Coat, alloy console chassis
Dimensions: 11" width, 5 3/8" to 5" height, 1 7/8" to 1 3/8" depth including 1/8" rubber feet"

Doepfer A-155 Analog Sequencer

via this auction

Analog Solutions SY02 MS20 Filter

via this auction

Analog Systems RS60 VC ADSR

via this auction.

Octave CAT

images via this auction

Sunday, October 14, 2007

MOOG System 12 Manual from 1973

images via this auction. via Bill.
"Another obscure item from the Garage Archives. The Moog company was gracious enough to send me this manual in 1973 for me to learn more about modular synthesis. It's sixteen pages, 8 1/2" x 11", and gives a good general overview of patching the modules, and the basics of subtractive synthesis. It's interesting as a historical piece, but would also be useful to anyone using the excellent Arturia Moog Modular V virtual synth."

the squarewave parade updates

Some updates from the squarewave parade: "its been a while, there has been a lot of new work in and out of the store in the past month or two. i have a few new things in there now and more on the way soon.
http://tsp.bigcartel.com/

CONSTANT - analog VCO parasite

PARADE - 6 voice squarewave parasite

the CONTUSION - bent keyboard with a shiver parasite installed.

the PARADE - 6 voice squarewave oscillator - prototype

the SLOSH PARADE - 6 voice squarewave oscillator and low pass filter - prototype

Blast Fed Disaster Joystick - digital synth / noise generator
- samples and detailed explanations of everything can be found on their pages

over the next few weeks i'm going to try to release batches of the new SLOSH BOX - ST which is a stereo variable resonate low pass filter. a batch of the new MING-MING a dual ( stereo ) version of mingrod passive analog ring modulator / octave up. as well as some more PARASITES - the CONSTANT, PARADE, and possibly some others, and as soon as i can swing it a couple more brand new regular boxes with fantastic names.
sorry for holding off on releasing the new DOWNGRADE i want to be 100% happy with it before it leaves my hands. i hope to have the first batch available in a few weeks as well. also i saved over my page on accident and lost my write up. if by some odd chance you saved it could you please send over the text. it would save me a lot of time.

GETLOFI did a little interview with me regarding the parasites. it might answer some of your questions.

there now PARASITE wiring diagrams, manuals, and a couple walk through available -
http://thesquarewaveparade.com/paratut.html
http://thesquarewaveparade.com/other.html
http://thesquarewaveparade.com/sloshtut.html
http://thesquarewaveparade.com/MMM.html

i just signed up to be one of the sponsors of the Circuit Bending Challenge hosted by GETLOFI and Create Digital Music - the winner gets a PARADE ( 6 voice osc ) parasite and a hand full of stickers and buttons from me. Rodney from Tiger Claw Records is throwing in some CDs, a shirt and stickers. FutureKomp is putting in a stack of CDs and i’m sure there will be more great gifts from the others as well. so read the directions and clear your sunday schedule.
getlofi
CDM

i posted some more schematics on the scheme page. there is the BFD, TLLYWCKR, MIMEO, and a basic res filter diagram

i started a little mailing list for people to post their latest experiment electronics escapades called TRY http://la-ac.com/mailman/listinfo/try_la-ac.com its quiet right now but as soon as you subscribe and start telling people what you are up to i'm sure it will get interesting.
- more soon"

Doepfer A-100 Taurus Bass - Live Sampler patch

Google translated from Hielo Patagonia Sounds:
"Here is a free patch for Ableton Live's Sampler Instrument. Celui a été créé à partir d’un synthétiseur modulaire Doepfer A-100 . He was created from a modular synthesizer Mini A-100. La séquence a été jouée “live” sur un P3 Sequentix . The sequence was performed live on a P3 Sequentix. L’échantillonage a été effectué sur 3 niveaux de vélocité modulant la fréquence du filtre à l’aide du logiciel AutoSampler et d’une interface RME FireFace 400 . The sampling was carried out on three levels of velocity modulation frequency filter using the software AutoSampler and interface RME FireFace 400.

Modules analogiques utilisés | Eurorack analog modules used:
# A-111 High End VC Oscillator
# A-110 Standard VC Oscillator
# A-118 Noise Source
# A-138 Mixer
# A-140 ADSR
# A-101-1 Vactrol VC Filter (a creamy one !)
# A-131 Exp. VC Amplifier
# A-138 Mixer
# A-138 Mixer"

You can listen to the samples via a player under this section on the site. Click on the Google translated or the Hielo Patagonia Sounds link above to get to the page. via Hédi of Hielo Patagonia Sounds.

VEMIA Nov 3-10

Via Peter Forrest:

"Advance warning of another load of high-ticket items that will be in the next VEMIA auction (www.spheremusic.com) Nov 3-10 - delete this if you've had enough already.

Felix Visser, founder of the legendary Synton company, will be selling off some of his collection of synths, including his own personal Syrinx, vocoders and modular gear.

More details and pictures when I return from Europe at the end of the week - please email me offlist if you'd like me to email you when I get back.

Peter F"

I will post the pics and details as they come in.

Roland Saturn SA-09

Two images sent my way via LDT.

I'm curious how different these are to the organ section of RS-09. The SA-09 is an organ synth, the RS-09, organ and strings.

Creamware Minimax ASB

flickr by Head into music (click for more).

click here for the full size shot.

Polyphonic Minimoog VA

Innovative Synthesis - Introduction to Vocoders

"Vocoders are an instantly recognizable synthesizer sound, having been used in popular music since the 1960s. They allow you to ‘talk like a robot’, which while fun, is often not musically useful. However, used properly within a song they can work well, and add a (now rather retro) techno-effect to a piece of music. So how does it all work?"

click here for the full post. Be sure to check out the rest of the posts for more tips on synthesis.

MacBeth M5N Demo

click here for the demo on streetelectronics.

MOOG Memorymoog and The Source Demo


via Scott. "The Moog source starts at 4:02.. Just messing with presets." MP3 on YouSendIt.

HarriL - Synchron Blue (Live)


video upload by HarriL

"MP3. So, another one of these midnight tunes. Gear used: 309, ESX, EMX, K-station and the lovely Revolution on acid. Genre is house-ish. Enjoy and please do leave a comment :)"

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Red Light


YouTube via scythrop. Yamaha CS5. Anyone know the drums?
"Promotional video for album track from 1980 album Kaleidoscope."

THE CURE - Pornography München 84


YouTube via sisterM123. Roland Juno-60 and I'm guessing a JX-3P which you can see in the following video during the same time period:

The Cure - The Walk (live, Glasgow 1984)

YouTube via adz1962.

Note this Top of the Pops vid looks like the Maxi-Korg again:

YouTube via craigatcof.

And the original (no synths pictured but definitely synth heavy):

YouTube via SethOmac. Posts inspired by this VSE thread.
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