Thursday, November 22, 2007
Novation Supernova 2 II Power
YouTube via Gtechture.
"Hi, this is a video of the Novation Supernova 2. I am going through the presets. The third patch in the video was created by me."
Alesis Micron Control Knob Encoder Replacement
"On the left is a replacement encoder which I obtained from Alesis for $4.00 USD. You'll have to email their support, who after several days will forward your email to someone who can help you, who will then ask that you send your credit card details via unencrypted emails. I suggest inquiring about paying with a money order.On the right is an encoder I obtained from Newark for $1.09 USD. (I ordered ten, so I got the price break.) Newark will request unnecessary personal information and send you several pieces of spam even before your parts arrive. I suggest that you use a disposable email address.
In the center is one U.S. penny, for size comparison."
click here for more info.
Kurzweil VA-1 Finally Arrives... in the PC3X
Anyone remember the Kurzweil VA-1? Well, it looks like it is finally here, but instead of the knob laden stand alone synth, it is an upgrade for the Kurzweil PC3X.
"In another huge development, we've resurrected the ** VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer, having built it's synthesis engine right into the new system. Hear the VA-1's power-shaped, anti-aliasing oscillators combined with a newer, larger set of V.A.S.T. filters and non-linear processors and you'll understand why the internet is buzzing about this feature."
"** VA1 Inside: anti-aliasing, power-shaped oscillators and DSP processing from Kurzweil's VA1 prototype synth, capable of delivering authentic analog emulations as well as incredibly complex new sounds. (** VA-1 Synthesis Engine - included FREE for a limited time! A $599.00 value - offer ends 12/31/07.)"Click here for more.
Thanks goes to aves for sending this one in.
243 Programmable Pulser new panel version
flicrk by verbos (click for more including the inside)."Here's a shot of the new version of the Programmable Pulser. The panel has also been redone. It is now silk screened, rather than etched by Front Panel Express. It's a bit more hassle, but it looks better I think."
You might recognize this from way back.
Minimoog Adriano demo solo
Roland JP-8080 video demo by Velvet Acid Christ.
YouTube via hexfix93.
"Showing off the strings, some patches i made for it. I love this synth, not analog, but still, it works for me well in the string dept.. For the full review of this synth check out http://www.velvetacidchrist.com. For Pro Audio, Synths, Video Games, Movies, Anime, Gear, and Music Reviews."
SCI Pro-One + Roland Juno-60 + Roland TR-707 by RetroSound
YouTube via retrosound72.
"audio test with the Roland Juno-60, SCI Pro-One and Roland TR-707, hand-played. more info: www.retrosound.de"
Roland SH-1000
images via this auction
"Roland SH-1000 Vintage Analog Synthesizer synth RARE
Up for Auction is a amazing Rare Roland SH-1000 Analog Synthesizer (1973). Retail price was 165,000 (yen)!!!
If you have been waiting for one of these gems, you have finally found it. Very clean and in seemingly great Aesthetic condition. Just looking at it, you can tell it has mad analog skills. There is a good chance that it had been modified by "Dayton" back in the day. (It has a Dayton Badge above the "SH-1000".) This might have very well been one of the fist tweeked synths out there.Quick Info: The Roland SH-1000, introduced in 1973, was the first compact synthesizer produced by Roland in Japan. It features colorful sliders and simple functions, yet it produced decent bass and lead sounds that many professional musicians sought after."
Formanta ROKTON UDS
images via this auction"One of the rarest and most unique instruments from Soviet Union, produced in Katchkanar factory (of Polivoks fame) - ANALOGUE DRUM SYNTH WITH BUILT-IN BEATBOX AND 7 TRIGGER INPUTS (FOR PADS OR OTHER TRIGGERING DEVICE). MADE IN 1986! ALL PARTS ARE ORIGINAL!
ROKTON UDS (OTHER NAME FORMANTA UDS) - RARE SOCIALIST VERSION OF ROLAND TR-909! IT SOUNDS BETTER THAN TR-909 AND THIS MACHINE IS ALSO MUCH MORE RARE. Seven editable generators: kickbass, three tomtoms, snare, hihat and cymbal. All inputs / outputs are 1/4" jack. Editable parameters: sensitivity to the triggering signal, tone, decay time, octave (range), balance, lowpass filter, accent and volume. Built-in beatbox with 16 patterns. The beatbox and the synthesizer are independent modules so they can work at the same time freely. And you can tweak the generators of the beatbox patterns. Full freedom. This is an armoured antitank piece of gear and the sounds it produces is very unique. I've heard many rhythmic tracks in about 15 years of hearing music... including detroit techno, chicago house, drum n bass.. etc.. and i didn't heard tracks in which a drum synth like this was used.It's fat, original freq response are very authentic and pleasing to an ear, including Bass drum, cymbal, hihats, etc. It sounds like a flawest drum synth i ever heard.Again, every piece of that hardware i used, sounded different, i think it's a common thing to soviet synths. So every piece of hardware has it's own face.You CAN tune it to sound like famous Roland drumboxes but you cannot tune a Roland drumbox to sound like this device. THE DRUM SYNTH WAS MANUFACTURED BY FORMANTA, A SOVIET MILLITARY RADIO PLANT AT KACHKANAR CITY, NEAR SVERDLOVSK CITY. The same one which manufactured now legendary POLIVOKS synth. It is built like a rock, pure military technology. The body is solid and the knobs feel nice. There is an original soviet factory structure - i.e. method of synthesis, knob resistors, parts, connections, voltage etc. It runs on 220V AC (US customers will need an adaptor). NO MIDI OR SYNC."
MP3, 256 KBPS, mono: low kick.mp3(108kb)
MP3, 128 KBPS, stereo: formanta_beatbox_factory_preset_rythms_in_sythesis_mode.zip (2,1 mb)
MP3, 192 KBPS, mono: formanta_beatbox_factory_presets_rythms_factory_sounds_settings.zip (1,92 mb)
FORMANTA TRIGGERED FROM INDIVIDUAL OUTPUTS OF EXTERNAL CV-GATE SEQUENCER. ALL SAMPLES IN MP3, 192 KBPS: formanta_and_external_cv-gate_sequencer.zip(6,9 mb)"
POKMOH
AXON AX100 MKII
via this auction"The improved and extra precise Guitar to MIDI controller: AXON AX 100 MKII
MIDI and guitar - two different worlds until now. With the AXON AX 100 MKII, the technical problems involved in connecting electric or acoustic guitars and basses to the MIDIfied studio world are finally a thing of the past.
The ultra-fast guitar-to-MIDI controller in a single-unit rack mount has an early-recognition system which evaluates the impulses from the strings as soon as they are picked and converts them into values for pitch, dynamics and length. A 32-bit RISC processor makes it possible, opening up a whole new world of music to the guitarist.
Never again will you have to change guitars to produce a different sound - just switch the MIDI channel. On the AXON AX100 MKII, you can either choose from over 500 internal sounds, 10 drum kits and an SFX kit or trigger external sound devices such as samplers and synthesizers. Then, depending on the sound generator you are using, a guitar can become a synthesizer, an electric piano or a saxophone. Everything is possible - even at the same time. With the 12 play area zones, the AXON AX 100 MKII even makes your guitar multitimbral - you can play different instruments by splitting the fretboard, strings or pick position!
Optional connecting pedals and buttons add effects and even more variety to your playing - as does the built-in arpeggiator. Listen for yourself: the AXON AX 100 MKII marks the beginning of a whole new era for guitarists and bassists.
* Extremely fast guitar-to-MIDI controller with impulse early-recognition system
* Compatible with electric and acoustic guitars and electric basses
* Automatic pick position recognition
* 12 play area zones
* 128 programmable presets
* 32-bit RISC processor
* Built-in tuner
* Arpeggiator
* Over 500 high-quality sounds (GM and XG-sound compatible)
* 10 drum kits and one SFX kit
Technical Data
* Guitar to MIDI converter
* Extremely fast tracking
* Pick position recognition
* Works with steel, nylon or bass strings
* 256 memory positions
* 128 programmable presets
* More than 500 high-quality sounds
* 10 drum kits and 1 SFX kit
* 12 play area zones (segments)
* Programmable foot switch connections (hold and preset)
* Arpeggiator with programmable rhythm sequences
* Built-in tuner
* 32-bit RISC processor
* Pickup systems for electric and acoustic guitar (6-string) and bass (4-string)"
Yamaha VL1-m
images via this auctionSome useful links from the auction:
Sound On Sound magazine's original 1994 review of the VL1 (the keyboard version)
Ken Barry's web page devoted to the VL1-m, including sounds generated by his Yamaha WX7
International Wind Synthesis Association
A couple of Harmony Central user reviews
Patchman Music patch samples for the VL1
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Blacet WC2700 Window Comparator
"A voltage controlled window comparator with complete control of output setpoint and width. Use with envelope or LFO type signals to generate delayed gates and triggers. Or use with audio waveforms for many interesting permutations. Normal, inverted and trigger outputs with green and blue LEDs. Input normalled to built-in ramp generator for stand alone delayed gate/trigger timing. Precision, ultra stable Ramp generator has bonus Rate CV, Gate and separate output for use by itself! A very unusual and useful module!"
Video
Price: $124 assembled
$92 kit
Also note the last run of Kanlgwerks are in.
Analogic - DSI Prophet '08 Track
http://www.voispectra.com/, click on "PROPHET '08 EXCLUSIVE!" in green when you get there. The track is Analogic and is the pink link right below this image on the site. Below that are some Prophet '08 samples. via alchemist on the Matrixsynth Forum.
The War Machine VSTi
"All The Ammunition You’ll Need To Launch A Sonic Attack!Now you can play War right from within your sequencer using “The War Machine” Machine guns, missile launchers, single shots, rocket blasts, cannons, flame throwers, tanks, jet fighters and earth shattering explosions are just some of the weapons of mass destruction loaded into this powerful VSTi plugin! Download Size: 254 MB"
http://www.powerfx.com/
Synthesis Bike
"A combination of two of my interests. This isn't actually a bike: it's merely a finely woven collection of sine waves which look like a bike."
Funny aside, you will find more actual synth shots on webbox's flickr stream. There's a nice Putney with metalic knob caps.
Modified Boss DrRythm DR-110
YouTube via lazenbleep.
"A Haha-fresh special. Modified DrRythm DR-110 by boss, now with added tweakability. Tonal Mods for all sounds mounted on breakoutbox along with trigger inputs for all the drums. More info on mods on www.haha-fresh.blogspot.com" Do check it out there actually is quite a bit more there. You will find, "The unbelievable world of George Lazenbleep and his noise toys. Non stop action and adventure with home made guitar amps, fx, synths and modified childrens toys. Hahafresh" I'm subbed. I added hahafresh to my blogroll on the right as well.
Micro Performance Poly-MIDI.1
images via this auction
Details Google Translated:
"I versteigere in this auction, a fairly unknown desktop sequencer from the year 1984. This device is built in France. The company is Micro performance and the sequencer is Poly-MIDI.1.
On the Internet, I learned that the sequencer a 6500 notes memory. Total 5 sequences and recorded with a chain-linked function.
I have recently purchased this device, but it could not only elicit sequenz. Thus versteigere I use this device as expressly DEFECT.
The hardware is very solid. The storage battery was replaced. The running lights shine all. So think that the remedy to the problem experienced by an electrician not really expensive can be.
For his age, the appearance of this part really sehrt well and it is somewhat reminiscent of the old Oberheim optic devices (OB-XA, DMX, etc.).
Unfortunately, there is no service documents or operating manuals. The device will not function as offered by me, because I have no time for me to worry about such things. For collectors, but the part of an enrichment."
legoluft - Circuit Bending and Synths
Jason posted a link on the Analog Heaven list to this Dr. Bohm Digital Drums image. Of course I had to check it out. I backtracked to the root of the site and I found legoluft. The site is in German, but of course you can use Google translator to browse the site in English. There's some pretty cool stuff there worth checking out. Gotta love Google translation - informative and humorous at the same time.The description for the Boehm Digital Drums Google translated:
"Dr. Boehm Digital Drums can perhaps as German Linn drums, since they sound similar, and very high quality. Neben den eigentlichen grossen und programmierbaren Digital Drums gab es 2 Preset-Versionen, die für Alleinunterhalter als kleines Zusatzgerät benutzt werden konnten. Besides the actual big and programmable digital drums were 2 preset versions, the entertainer as a small device could be used. Sie bieten je nach Typ die besten Presets des grossen Bruders mit einigen Variationen. They offer depending on the type presets of the best big brother with a few variations.
Der Sound dieser kleinen Drummachine ist wirklich fett und die Pattern sind solide programmiert. The sound of those little drum machine is really bold and solid patterns are programmed. Die Chip-Architektur ist, typisch für die Zeit, sehr offen und leicht nachvollziehbar. The chip architecture is typical of the time, very open and easy to understand. So sind z.B. For example, die einzelnen Drumsamples in einem Rom-Baustein gespeichert und lassen sich relativ leicht manipulieren, so dass interessante Effekte möglich werden. Each drum samples in a Rom-Baustein stored and can be relatively easy to manipulate, so interesting effects. Bei meinem Exemplar habe ich bisher eine 8 Schalter-Matrix eingebaut, die für schöne Noise-Effekte sorgt. In my copy, I have been an 8 switch matrix built, the fine for noise effects by itself."
Synth Restore ARP Sliders
Bookmarking this one for the day I need it. Synth Restore. They also have tons of other synth repair items.
MB808
Roland TR-808 clone with MidiBox sequencer. This is hardware."As of October 2007, the first batch (of 15?) has shipped and the second batch (of 50) is on its way. Jeff is currently counting transistors and packing things up for shipment. There is plenty of discussion on the forum about the front panel and the case. I'll be taking requests for the switch group buy up until November 1st."
click here for more info including samples. via philip.
Update: another link via philip the comments. What's odd is the links are different along with the images but the text and layout of the rest of the site look identical. Anyone know what's up with this?
Blip Festival 2007
"Are You Ready for Blip Festival?Manhattan art space The Tank and New York artist collective 8bitpeoples announce the Blip Festival 2007, a four-day music and multimedia event taking place in New York City November 29 - December 2, 2007. Focusing on the modern artistic exploration of primitive video game and home computer technology and featuring 40 musicians and visualists from around the world, the Blip Festival showcases artists adopting and repurposing familiar but forgotten hardware - such as the Commodore 64, the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Atari game console and home computer line, and the Nintendo Game Boy - exploring their untapped potential and unique aesthetic character. The festival's nightly concerts and daytime screenings, workshops, and presentations are supplemented by B I T M A P : as good as new, an adjunct visual art exhibition, held at acclaimed Brooklyn gallery vertexList. The Blip Festival 2007 offers a fascinating cross-section of the chiptune musical aesthetic and related low-bit visual art, in an explosive event taking place at the epicenter of the creative world.
The festival will host evening concerts on all 4 nights. Each night's concert will cost $10 and include 8 musical acts and a variety of live visualists. Tickets will be available online starting in early November and will also be available at the door. Festival passes will also be available for sale in early November.In addition to concerts there will also be daytime workshops and screenings on Saturday and Sunday. A complete schedule of those events is forthcoming."
click here for more info. via brian c.
Novation Supernova 2 sounds
YouTube via shaft9000.
"More sounds from the Novation Supernova 2 digital synthesizer. All videos posted by Shaft9000 on YouTube are for demonstration purposes only. I have no affiliation with Novation or any other synthesizer manufacturer."
POLIVOKS Soviet Analog Synth
images via this auction.
"Great sound. Very fat lows, crystall mids, icy highs. Very good for agressive bass, weird modulations, cool FXs & agressive sounds. Impressive fat saw & cool glidings. Killer 2-Voice mode.
2 VCO with classic waveforms, Noise oscillator and external source. Very strong sounding Analog LP/BP filter with ADSR Envelope, which can play in loop (retrig). You can process external sound through it, such as guitar, vocal, drums or another synthesizer. Amplifier Envelope is ADSR with loop function.Modulator section is a low frequency oscillator with multiple waveforms and changable rate. LFO roots to amplifier, filter, VCO-1, VCO-2. Polivoks can play like a classic monophonic synth or in 2-voice mode. And also You can modulate VCO-1 with VCO-2 (ringmodulator).
No pitchbend & modulation wheel.
There is a custom made CV/gate modification on the board (1 voice).
Now You can connect analog sequencer (1 volt per octave)
This is very usefull function. Feel free to use it with Your analog sequencer.
I had use it with my Roland TB-303 sequencer.
CV/Gate - is the first step to MIDI
You can find in the web how to do that.
Of course You can play with keyboard.
There is a tumbler. You can see it at the photo.
Choose CV/gate or Keyboard.
Roland GR-700 Pedals
images via this auction"The most common problem with the GR-700 are broken foot pedals. Hey, you stomp on them all the time!
Below is a video clip of replacing a GR-700 pedal. All you need is a soldering iron, some solder, and a large, flat tip (standard) screwdriver. First you will remove the twelve 3x15 mm self-tapping screws that hold the side panels on the GR-700, and then remove the 3 4x6 mm screws along the front of the unit. You can now open the GR-700 up. Carefully lift the lid. I placed the unit on the side for my repairs.
You will reheat the solder that holds the wires to the switches with a soldering iron. You may need some fresh solder to help the joint to soften.
After you have the wires off, you need to remove the pedal itself. This is the hardest part. Start with one of the plastic tabs and gently push the tab in. You do not need to push the tab in all the way. While holding the pedal in position with your free hand, do the same with the opposite tab as shown in the video. By alternating between the tabs you can gently work the pedal out. After you remove the existing pedal, the replacement pedal will snap into place. When you press the new pedal in, make certain that the four plastic clips "click" into place. Then resolder the wires and you are done.
Here is a video clip of one pedal replacement: link"
The video is from the excellent Roland Guitar Synth site. Do check it out if you haven't before.
Motif XS6
images via this auction. Some of these shots are so clean they look rendered. Be sure to check them out full size.Update: scam alert in the comments.
ARP 2600
images via this auction"Arp 2600 (serial # 261324) with 3604P keyboard (serial # 361324)... you can go here to listen to a demo made using only this 2600"
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
EDP Gnat Synthesizer Schematics
Tim Stinchcombe reverse engineered the EDP Gnat and has posted the schematics online."I originally bought one of these out of idle curiosity - having read all about the Wasp and its use of digital inverters in the analogue section, I couldn't resist buying a Gnat (a 'Special' in fact) when the opportunity arose. It was sold as none-working, and after replacing a few chips, I got it working. On acquiring a Wasp, and then a second Gnat, it became clear there were differences between both the Gnat and the Wasp, and between the Gnats themselves. Nothing for it to but to reverse-engineer the whole thing, and have a look-see myself! The schematics are only hand-drawn, and I make absolutely no guarantees to their correctness whatsoever (more notes follow)"
click here for the for more including a link to the schematics.
Scream 2007: AnalogLive! Images via Amateur Chemist
Click here for the full set of images on Amateur Chemist.
Pictured: Peter Grenader's setup. Peter Grenader organized the event and is the man behind Plan B.
Be sure to check out the comments of this previous post for some good reviews over the show. There are also more shots added to the set.
Prophet '08 Desktop
Before you get too excited, this is only a photoshop via babic via sequencer.de. What do you think?
Technicians - NAMM Diaries Day 1 and 2
Technicians - NAMM Diaries Day 1
Technicians - NAMM Diaries Day 2
YouTube via museumoftechno.
"Back in January we went to California, USA, to attend and report on the NAMM 2007 music trade show, in association with our sponsors, Novation. We're going to put them on Youtube now: have at you!"
Technicians - NAMM Diaries Day 2
YouTube via museumoftechno.
"Back in January we went to California, USA, to attend and report on the NAMM 2007 music trade show, in association with our sponsors, Novation. We're going to put them on Youtube now: have at you!"
EMS VCS3 MKII & Universal Sequencer
YouTube via buchla300.
"Very simple patch and sequence.
VCO 1 to the left speaker through the reverb
VCO2 to the right speaker through the filter"
E-Mu Proteus Pack
"Digital Sound Factory has reissued the original Proteus sample content for use with Cakewalk's Dimension Pro and Dimension LE synthesizers. Founder Timothy Swartz is a 20-year veteran of E-MU Systems and producer of the original Proteus sound sets used in their hardware products. Using the original sample content, combined with the advanced parameters available in Cakewalk's Dimension, these new instrument programs were perfectly matched and tuned to the original hardware products.The E-MU Proteus Pack consists of over 3,500 immediately useable, go-to sound programs, perfect for any style of music you can imagine. And when you combine them with the infinite synthesis options of Dimension Pro, they also provide the perfect springboards for custom sonic creations."
click here for more info including samples. This pack has been making some buzz. At first I thought it would be a VST of the full blown synths, but briefly looking at the site it appears to just be a sample pack. If anyone knows more, feel free to comment.
Pearl Syncussion SY1
via this auction, via Magneteyez. Note this is a re-listing of this auction. It fell through so it's up again. New post for the new shots and as a courtesy for the support. 
Brian Kehew of The MOOG Cookbook Looking for a Website Designer
Via Brian Kehew of The MOOG Cookbook.
"I have some good info collected on old Minimoog, lots of details of the variations/changes over the years. It was intended for a website that never happened. Also have good info on the 360 Systems keyboard - which is a constant mystery to people who own one. I have spent some years doing research on it. Finally, the Con Brio restoration/documentation is going on - and also need a good website. I want simple stuff, nothing tricky, but would like it to look good. This is nothing "for pay" as these sites would be just to disseminate good information to people who need it. I want help from someone who is quick at website work. Just text and photos, maybe hosting and playing a few soundfiles?"
You can reach Brian at briankehew at gmail.com
"I have some good info collected on old Minimoog, lots of details of the variations/changes over the years. It was intended for a website that never happened. Also have good info on the 360 Systems keyboard - which is a constant mystery to people who own one. I have spent some years doing research on it. Finally, the Con Brio restoration/documentation is going on - and also need a good website. I want simple stuff, nothing tricky, but would like it to look good. This is nothing "for pay" as these sites would be just to disseminate good information to people who need it. I want help from someone who is quick at website work. Just text and photos, maybe hosting and playing a few soundfiles?"
You can reach Brian at briankehew at gmail.com
Pink Floyd - On the Turning Away (1988)
YouTube via JimmyToast. Sent my way via Xavier. Roland JX-10 with PG-800 programmer.
"Live from 'Delicate Sound of Thunder'."
Roland Juno-60 + Sequential Circuits Pro-One + Roland TR-707
YouTube via retrosound72. Sent my way via Marko.
"short sync-test with the Roland TR-707 and the SCI Pro-One built-in sequencer. The Pro-One was triggered by the TR-707 and the Juno-60 was played the melody. recorded only with a small pocket cam. more info: www.retrosound.de"
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
