Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Roland JX-8P Aftertouch Repair
"If you have a JX-8P, and haven't repaired the aftertouch feature (or had it repaired by someone else), then most likely the aftertouch feature doesn't work on your synth. Either that, or it is very difficult to get it to "kick in", say applying an ungodly amount of pressure to the keys to get it to work."[link]
Update: new link.
1972 Moog Minimoog Synth Brochure
images via this auction. via Bill."Extremely rare brochure from 1972. 8 1/2 x 11", 4 pages. Extremely bad graphic design. A little water damage and a pen doodle on the front. The inside features photos of Minimoog users, including Keith Emerson in full Rock God mode. I like the guy in the tux, I wish I could have caught his act."
Admin: New Link Behavior
I just changed all links on the site to open a new window rather than replace the window. This should help a bit with performance in not having to wait for the site to reload every time you hit back from visiting one of the links. Thanks goes to mpeake for the suggestion.
Mattson Mini Modular Perched on a Synthesizers.com Modular
The MMM Phoenix series on top of a Synthesizers.com modular at this year's PNW Synth Gathering. Image via Carbon111 in this VSE thread. Be sure to check out Carbon111's updated Syntar page now with the MMM. The modules on the MMM are all the same size whereas the synthesizers.com varies based on the modules. The dotcom uses 1/4" jacks and is based on the MOOG modular. The MMM uses 1/8" jacks and is based on the Syntar (more info on Carbon111's site).
click the image for the full size shot.
Note the MMM pictured is the base system at 12 modules. You can add an aditional 12 modules on the right for 24 modules total. The PSU and MIDI to CV take up two spaces in the default system and are used for the additional 12 modules. You can latch on additional cabinets and each system can be folded into a closed and protected modular suitcase for on the go.
You can find more info on the Mattson Mini Modular here and synthesizers.com here.
901a 7-22-66
MOOG 901a scan via mpeake.click here for the full size shot.
click here for more scans via mpeake.
Update via mpeake on AH:
I've added by request a 1/3 size grayscale version.
And also uploaded the amplifier/oscillator page from Bob's 1964 AES paper."
Crumar Spirit
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
serial number 50
Not the best images, but you don't see these come up often.
via this auction
serial number 50
Not the best images, but you don't see these come up often.
Freaks at Home - Hajo Liese of EL-KA
click the pdf icon above for the article. Note that it is in German and there are some nice shots. Hajo Liese of EL-KA.
Giant Roland Jupiter 8
flickr by thingstocomerecordsclick here for the full size shot.
via wire to the ear where you can read more abou this shop.
"There are a few good places to buy pro-audio equipment in Berlin. If your looking for a personal touch and boutique equipment head to Kruezberg and visit City Sound Pro. Berlin has the worlds greatest analog synthesizer store at Alexanderplatz called Schneider’s Buero. When you walk in a Theremin will track your moves and greet you. From there Mr. Schneider himself will show you his vast collection. For used vintage stuff you can try a small shop on Schönhauser Allee called Musikinstrumente & Design."
via Oliver Chesler (The Horrorist).
A First Look at Max 5
"The first thing you might notice about Max 5 is the new look of the objects. We've redecorated with a new appearance to ensure you can immediately identify the basic elements of a patch. It doesn't try to be photorealistic, primarily because the interface scales so you can look at a patch at any resolution. That includes zooming out as well as zooming in."click here for more including videos. via cakeface.
Monome
flickr by anthonymckay"The monome lights arranged like a moonenite."
If you don't know what a moonenite is, click here.
click here for the full size shot.
What they Do...
YouTube via sanhozeezee.
Traxxpad on PSP.
"For all the Roots fans... Shout out to Quest Love. My rendition of one of their hits."
Monday, October 22, 2007
trash_audio - artists and their workspaces
Click here to check out a new blog via surachai. They are currently featuring artists and their workspaces. Pictured:Richard Devine:
"I have been working on music for almost fifteen years now. I started when I was 16 just recording tons of strange sounds and things to tape, then I eventually moved to working with digital samplers in the early 90’s. From there I progressed to working with computers and digital signal processing. I have always considered my self more of a sound collage artist. Dealing more with sound design, and creating an unusual space or experience for the..."
The Thomas Henry Mega Percussive Synthesizer
via Scott Stites on this electro-music thread. Keep an eye on the thread for updates. If images or samples come in, let me know.
"I guess I better extricate this from the Clangora thread before it derails that fine conversation. I hope I don't sound like I'm hyping this thing unnecessarily, but I truly am buzzed by this design. This one has been as hard to keep quiet about as the Mankato Filter. In fact, I often think about this as the Mankato of drum voices, it's that good. I'll start at the top:
This summer (summer 2007), Thomas quietly developed a drum voice that just sat me back in my seat. I'm not sure I've ever seen him work so hard on a single design - I'm sure he has, but in my experience breadboard testing things, I'm certain this one took more work than I've experienced with any other project. He literally designed this thing from the ground up, and we very thoroughly rung it out.
In the Clangora thread, Thomas mentioned how versatile it was (and it is extremely versatile). On top of that, the sound of this drum voice for me is simply stunning. A good deal of that is due to an innovation Thomas threw in there; it's something that I've never seen on any other drum voice. It was an idea that he picked up from an interview with Roger Powell years ago (it was Roger Powell, wasn't it Thomas? I'm kinda fuzzy here). It has to do with the impact circuit - I swear, it literally sounds like someone is striking this think with a real stick/mallet/hand/sledgehammer (depending on how it's tuned).
Just to give a rundown of the elements: the voice has three oscillators, a noise source, a balanced modulator (that can be unbalanced as well), three envelope generators, two VCAs, a noise source, a LP/BP switchable resonant VCF, and a versatile mixing section with send/receive loops. This one is a blast to tweak as it plays, BTW. It's the only drum voice I've played that can dissolve from a cowbell to a landing alien craft in a very non-seventies, non-disco-era Simmons way (though it can do that, too, if that's your thing).
Fortunately, Thomas designed it, so it is a very elegantly designed circuit (translation, it will fit on a single PCB). There are a lot of controls, so it won't be a small panel.
Right now, the target for the project is as the next electro-music PCB series, in the same vein as the Klee project. We're working on drafting a certain man from Nambucca Heads to crank out a PCB, and we're going to Klee team it to make sure what you get will be the best quality PCB we can offer. The documentation part already is very well done - can't beat those Thomas Henry schematics! I'm hoping to avoid the whole reservation process which is really a pain, but this is all in the prelim stage so far.
Expect samples. Very Happy
Cheerio,
Scott"
"I guess I better extricate this from the Clangora thread before it derails that fine conversation. I hope I don't sound like I'm hyping this thing unnecessarily, but I truly am buzzed by this design. This one has been as hard to keep quiet about as the Mankato Filter. In fact, I often think about this as the Mankato of drum voices, it's that good. I'll start at the top:
This summer (summer 2007), Thomas quietly developed a drum voice that just sat me back in my seat. I'm not sure I've ever seen him work so hard on a single design - I'm sure he has, but in my experience breadboard testing things, I'm certain this one took more work than I've experienced with any other project. He literally designed this thing from the ground up, and we very thoroughly rung it out.
In the Clangora thread, Thomas mentioned how versatile it was (and it is extremely versatile). On top of that, the sound of this drum voice for me is simply stunning. A good deal of that is due to an innovation Thomas threw in there; it's something that I've never seen on any other drum voice. It was an idea that he picked up from an interview with Roger Powell years ago (it was Roger Powell, wasn't it Thomas? I'm kinda fuzzy here). It has to do with the impact circuit - I swear, it literally sounds like someone is striking this think with a real stick/mallet/hand/sledgehammer (depending on how it's tuned).
Just to give a rundown of the elements: the voice has three oscillators, a noise source, a balanced modulator (that can be unbalanced as well), three envelope generators, two VCAs, a noise source, a LP/BP switchable resonant VCF, and a versatile mixing section with send/receive loops. This one is a blast to tweak as it plays, BTW. It's the only drum voice I've played that can dissolve from a cowbell to a landing alien craft in a very non-seventies, non-disco-era Simmons way (though it can do that, too, if that's your thing).
Fortunately, Thomas designed it, so it is a very elegantly designed circuit (translation, it will fit on a single PCB). There are a lot of controls, so it won't be a small panel.
Right now, the target for the project is as the next electro-music PCB series, in the same vein as the Klee project. We're working on drafting a certain man from Nambucca Heads to crank out a PCB, and we're going to Klee team it to make sure what you get will be the best quality PCB we can offer. The documentation part already is very well done - can't beat those Thomas Henry schematics! I'm hoping to avoid the whole reservation process which is really a pain, but this is all in the prelim stage so far.
Expect samples. Very Happy
Cheerio,
Scott"
Modded Creamware Prodyssey
YouTube via SillonS. Follow up to these posts: SillonS Prodyssey, Creamware Prodyssey Videos and MP3s.
Jomox Sunsyn Demos and Mini Review
Matti posted the following on the Analog Heaven List. I asked him if I could put up a post and he gave me the ok along with a few more audio samples to put up. Thanks Matti! The Sunsyn is probably the one high priced synth I still really, really want. I was fortunate enough to play with one in person and I really liked the sound of it. What's interesting is it reminded me of the early Oberheim SEMs as well. That said here are some words and samples from Matti:
"In short, I love the Sunsyn. If I had to compare it to an another synthesizer, well... Like you all know, talking and writing about how one experiences sound isn't that easy, but I'll give it a shot.
IMHO, the Sunsyn has a little bit of that early discrete Oberheim sound, but the tonality also reminds me of some modular systems. I have never played an early Obie and I have only a little experience with modulars, so this is opinion is largely based on recordings and demos I've heard.
In general, the sound is clear, defined and very much "alive". It doesn't always sound very "vintage-ish", but the sound is 110% pure analogue (unless you use the RCOs). One thing that makes the sound comparisons a bit hard, is that the filter is very configurable. You can easily make different timbral variations (softer, harder) of the same sound just by tuning the individual filter poles. Here's a couple of softer, PWM Sunsyn sounds:
If you are thinking about buying a Sunsyn, I really recommend trying before buying. Although I really love the sound and interface, I know there are people who don't. Some people have even compared it to a VA. My main gripe with it is that it's very picky about the MIDI signal it's receiving. some controllers and sequencers just don't go too well with the sunsyn. Otherwise, I haven't had any problems with it. Not even with the multimode. For me, the price was totally worth it.
- Matti"
You can also grab the mp3s here.
"In short, I love the Sunsyn. If I had to compare it to an another synthesizer, well... Like you all know, talking and writing about how one experiences sound isn't that easy, but I'll give it a shot.
IMHO, the Sunsyn has a little bit of that early discrete Oberheim sound, but the tonality also reminds me of some modular systems. I have never played an early Obie and I have only a little experience with modulars, so this is opinion is largely based on recordings and demos I've heard.
In general, the sound is clear, defined and very much "alive". It doesn't always sound very "vintage-ish", but the sound is 110% pure analogue (unless you use the RCOs). One thing that makes the sound comparisons a bit hard, is that the filter is very configurable. You can easily make different timbral variations (softer, harder) of the same sound just by tuning the individual filter poles. Here's a couple of softer, PWM Sunsyn sounds:
If you are thinking about buying a Sunsyn, I really recommend trying before buying. Although I really love the sound and interface, I know there are people who don't. Some people have even compared it to a VA. My main gripe with it is that it's very picky about the MIDI signal it's receiving. some controllers and sequencers just don't go too well with the sunsyn. Otherwise, I haven't had any problems with it. Not even with the multimode. For me, the price was totally worth it.
- Matti"
You can also grab the mp3s here.
JH Triple Chorus Sring Ensemble Available for Order
Remember the JH Triple Chorus (post with samples)? It is now available for order. via JH:"Hi,
I'm now ready to take orders for the Triple Chorus PCBs.
(See this link for details about the project.)
Pricing is EUR 27.00 per board,
plus a single EUR 4.00 shipping flat charge for worldwide shipping, regardless how many boards you are ordering and where you live. It does *not* include any customs fees or tax that you may (or may not) have to pay in your county.
What you get is a double-sided printed circuit board with component overlay, approx. size 160mm x 100mmm.
You have to buy the electronic components for this, and build the device, yourself. (Check the above website regularly for updates and building hints, bill of matrials etc. A PDF with the component overlay is already there.)
Most components are easily available and cheap standard parts. In addition to that you need 3 (three) TDA1022 chips. These are BBD chips that are no longer in production, but which are still available as I type this.
Important: I am having these PCBs custom-made to your order - it's likely that there will be only one single production run. If you're in, you're in - if not, you're not. I have no influence on the availability of TDA1022 chips, however, so if you place an order, I expect you to actually buy the PCB, and make sure for yourself that you get the required ICs.
I'll wait for the orders to come in for about 2 weeks from now, so you can check the availability of the ICs.
Estimated time line:
2 weeks for taking orders
2 ... 5 weeks for PCB manufacturing and verifying
Call for payment (don't pay before you get that mail!)
Shipping of boards when payment arrives
If you want to place an order, please send me an email (bottom of this page) and use the FOLLOWING FORM (fill in your data instead of [], for instance: "2 Boards" instead of "[quantity] Boards")
===== Start of Email Order Form ===============
Subject line: Triple Chorus PCB order: [quantity] boards
Email text:
I'm ordering [quantity] pieces of the Triple Chorus PCB
for EUR 27.00 per board + EUR 4.00 single shipping flat charge for any
number of boards.
I'm aware that I may have to pay additional amounts of customs and tax in my
country.
My shipping adress is
[Your Name]
[Your street, number, city, ZIP code, in exactly the form
that is generally used in your country]
[your country]
My paypal adress is [your paypal adress].
I have either already bought the required TDA1022 chips, or I'm confident
I'll get them in the future; I will buy the ordered PCBs in any case.
[your name]
===== End of Email Order Form =========
Looking forward to hear fom you :)
JH."
The Original Analogue Heaven Compilation Tapes I & II
Back in the earlier days of the Analog Heaven mailing list, two synth compilations were made, one in 1994 and one in 1995. You can listen to each track in the compilation here. Be sure to check out the Liner Notes for synths used.via swissdoc.
David Bowie - Ashes to ashes
YouTube via marychild.
The question as to what synths were used for the end of Bowie's Ashes to Ashes came up on this VSE thread. The below was uncovered. I'm curious if this is actually in reference to the main line that runs through the song. Note Steve Strange of Visage (who also included Midge Ure and Billy Currie of Ultravox fame) is the left most extra of four when they first appear.
via Marching Pig on the VSE thread:
"Wiki has this to say:
'Perhaps Bowie's most sophisticated sonic work to date, its choir-like textures were created by Chuck Hammer with four multi-tracked guitar synthesizers, each playing opposing chord inversions; this was underpinned by Bowie's dead-pan, chanted background voices.'
Though, I've also read that they recorded it, and made 4 copies on tape; 2 were played "right side up", one backwards, and 2 were played with the "wrong/bottom side" up, again, with one of these backwards. Though, just thinking about that makes me think it's just plain wrong.
the page on Chuck Hammer, it says this:
"In March 1980, Hammer recorded guitar-synth tracks for David Bowie on the album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), including multiple textures across "Ashes to Ashes", 'Teenage Wildlife' and 'Up the Hill Backwards", all of which marked the earliest use of guitar-synth in Bowie's catalogue. The actual instruments utilized on these tracks included a Roland GR-500 with an Eventide Harmonizer. Textural tracks such as those on 'Ashes to Ashes' exhibited a multi-layered, approach, to recording and composing with the guitar.'"
AudioWeevil07 Prototype Demo
YouTube via BugBrand.
"Here's the 1st demo of the new AudioWeevil. This demo is just using the internal speaker, so the sounds are quite gnarly! Also, the soon-to-be-released version will have a few more features in there (mainly adding to the modulation LFO).
The demo begins with no-input Weevil-ing & touchyness and then moves on to plugging a Hohner Pianet through the box for filtering and noisy ringmod action.
Visit www.bugbrand.co.uk for further details of the AudioWeevil - there's diagrams and such-stuff..."
After A Dream - theremin
YouTube via ooo6.
"Aprés Un Rêve (After A Dream) by Gabriel Fauré. Enjoy. Randy George, theremin The piano was played by tadasuke from Vocalise piano tracks, Masami Takeuchi and Mandarin Electron Co., Ltd. If you don't know what a theremin is please look it up on Wikipedia. It is fascinating to say the least. I'll be here, cooking up some more music soon: www.myspace.com/etherandaether"
Arse Elektronika 2007
Not work safe. Moaning Lisa MAX/MSP controller. All your knob jokes realized.
"Donald Bell, CNET's Senior Editor for MP3 players and digital audio, reports from the Arse Elektronika conference held at Kink.com's Porn Palace in San Francisco, CA. He interviews Matt Ganucheau about his Moaning Lisa project, and also talks with Kyle Machulis about an iPod-ready vbratr." YouTube via chachijones.
Pro_one_03
YouTube via practicalsampling. Follow up to this post.
"This is the third part in a tutorial on creating sampled instruments using the Sequential Circuits Pro-One."
Ensoniq Fizmo
images via this auction"The FIZMO is prone to having the regulator and power supply fail. The regulator on this FIZMO has been professionally replaced and upgraded by Muzik Elektronix. Included in the auction is a US Robotics power supply which is superior to the original."
KORG DW8000
images via this auction"The Korg DW8000 is the bigger brother to the DW6000.... It was released a year or so before the M1. Have analog synthesis sections... with very nice filters... this DW8000 model doubles the waveforms of the DW6000 to give you 16, doubled at 2 per voice to give 8 note poly of 2 osc' voices........ but..... Like the 106, you can do a Unison mode to stack the 16 oscillators !... The 8000 also has excellent Korg analog filters... they go to self-resonance for squeel-appeal. The 8000 even has an onboard arpeggiator which can clock to midi, and is velocity & aftertouch sensitive.... Other features include Midi In, Out and Thru; cassette interface; stereo outs; foot switch control for patch changing, portamento and sustain; 64 memories; aftertouch keyboard; arpeggiator and ... yup !!....a built-in digital delay unit."
Note the KORG Voice Editor Software.
SUZUKI UNISYNTH XG-1 GUITAR SYNTHESIZER
via this auction"vintage 80's era SUZUKI UNISYNTH XG-1 GUITAR SYNTHESIZER, these are somewhat hard to find, uses (6) C batteries or power pack, the strings are actually some kind of rubbery plastic rails that you fret like a normal guitar, they do not bend though, the guitar
has a tremolo bar that sounds pretty wacky, this instrument has 2 different guitar sounds, 2 vibes sounds, a synth sound and brass, has chord, attack, rhythm and demo functions, also has some percussion and auto bass functions"
Sequential Circuits Prophet 2002
via this auction
"This is the rack mount version of the legendary Prophet 2000. It is a 12-bit sampler with analog filters and sound generation. It has twice the memory of the original Prophet 2000. The built in floppy drive allows you to store settings and samples. It's a big, heavy piece of gear."
Marion Systems ProSynth
images via this auction"Marion ProSynth Analog/Digital Synthesizer
Built in 1996 By Tom Oberheim
Owners Statement:I had read in keyboard magazine that Tom Oberheim was designing a new synth module. I was a fan after listening to his earlier Oberheim synths. I later saw an advertisement in keyboard magazine that the synth was completed and shipping. I called the listed phone number to order the Marion prosynth and got a answering machine. Later that day I got a return phone call and to my surprise it was Tom Oberheim. He said he would put one together for me. I asked him to sign it for me and he did. It has been in my studio ever since."
Oberheim OB-12 Review on Celiar Structures
"Although a vast majority of users said this synthesizer is a poor imitation of the classics created by Oberheim Electronics in the 70's and 80's, many others, including me , have praised the quality of this blue beast.One of the reasons claimed by those who dislike it is that "it is not a true Oberheim". That's mostly true because it seems that no one of those who worked At Oberheim Electronics was involved in the creation of this synth, but that doesn't means it's a bad synth at all."
link to the full review. Be sure to click on the images when you get there for the full size shots.
Yamaha CS80 With MIDI
via this post on craigslist. Anyone know what that switch is in the uper left photo? The listing only mentions MIDI.Update: it's the MIDI Switch. Lager shots.
More info on the kit on Kenton's site.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
John Bowen Solaris Upate
The following in via the AH list:"From the Planetz forums...
[John Bowen]:
'An update on pricing and availability has been posted on my Purchase page.
Here's an excerpt from a message I sent to all those who had made pre-order deposits, to clarify the situation:
"Klaus is the ideal candidate to oversee the conversion and upgrade of the special Scope modules that I hoped to add to the Solaris system (even though we originally had no idea we would one day have access to these). This last point is important, in that the process is not nearly as simple or easy as I thought it would be, and in fact, has caused a bigger delay than I expected.
"When I arrived in Germany last week, it was clear that I had a choice - either release the Solaris around late December (as I've been planning) but without the Minimax, SSM, and CEM filter (and oscillator), or give it more time to get the 'goodies' from the Scope library that I had wanted...
"So, this is where we stand: I am going to take more time on it, to give Klaus plenty of opportunity to get things as best as possible, because we all desire to have a product that holds to the high quality and excellence that has been at the core of what I've always tried to represent in my products. This delay will add 3 months to the schedule, with production starting in February and delivery as soon as possible thereafter (end of Feb. or early March)."
cheers,
john b.'"
Creamware Prodyssey Videos and MP3s
via SillonS:
"I finally made some videos of the Creamware Prodyssey. VIdeo quality is quite bad, I used a pic camera, don't have a real camera. Audio was recorded on the laptop soundcard, mono since the unit FX is bypassed (the synth is mono but the FX unit is stereo). Mp3 sounds of the videos are available too and I made some extra mp3 files. I tried to upload to YouTube but so far it doesn't work, seems there servers are having pb.I'll try later or tomorrow. Meanwhile here is the link."
I will put the YouTube vids up as well, as they go up. Thanks ScillonS!
Update: here they are.
"I finally made some videos of the Creamware Prodyssey. VIdeo quality is quite bad, I used a pic camera, don't have a real camera. Audio was recorded on the laptop soundcard, mono since the unit FX is bypassed (the synth is mono but the FX unit is stereo). Mp3 sounds of the videos are available too and I made some extra mp3 files. I tried to upload to YouTube but so far it doesn't work, seems there servers are having pb.I'll try later or tomorrow. Meanwhile here is the link."
I will put the YouTube vids up as well, as they go up. Thanks ScillonS!
Update: here they are.
Tweaking the Paia 9700S
Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 Manual from 1979
images via this auction"Written by Tom Darter in 1979, it's a loose leaf three ring binder with a clear vinyl cover. Contains patch sheets of all the factory presets, as well as several blank patch sheets, which is a bit odd considering that it was one of the first fully programmable synths. It says that this is Model 1000, so I don't know what Rev Prophet this is for. I assume it's one of the early ones."
via bill
Update via Micke in the comments: "The operation manual pictured is for the Rev 2 Prophet. Afaik, the first rev 2 shipped in May '79."
Doepfer
via Hédi of hielo patagonia sounds:"Here is again a link of an other Live Sampler patch done last night that analog synth lovers and ableton Live users could enjoy. There are short audio demo and link for downloading the Live project with all the A-100 samples. This one is really more crunchy!"
"Created on a Doepfer A-100 analog modular synthesizer. Sampling done on 6 velocity layers modulating the filter frequency with AutoSampler software and a RME FireFace 400 audio interface.
Modules analogiques utilisés | Eurorack analog modules used:
# A-111 High End VC Oscillator
# A-110 Standard VC Oscillator
# A-138 Mixer
# A-140 ADSR
# A-101-1 Vactrol VC Filter
# A-136 Distortion/Waveshaper
# A-131 Exp. VC Amplifier"
click here for the sample page. Follow up to this post.
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© 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
