genoqs_tutorial01

YouTube via ripe909.
"this is a short tutorial on the genoqs octopus. I show how to use custom direction maps and step events to perform a simple modification on how a sequence plays"

enapa monomachine and machinedrum uw jam

YouTube via enapa1apa.
"made a small jam today, monomachine and MDuv... bleep!! mono: 2xfm+saw MD: RAMr/p + bd2, 3roms..."

Elka Synthex

images via this auction

Octave The CAT

images via this auction

"This is the best of the 3 different Cat's made. It has the super thick -24 db low pass filter. It has the coolest Sample and hold features. You can S&H osc 1,osc 2, & the filter or any combo of the 3. I really like how the sine waves are on sliders so you don't have to change between them, you can use all of them if you like at the same time. You can even control the the glide with a foot switch. and/or Cv the filter, osc 1 ,lfo. Polyphony - Mono/Duo-phonic Oscillators - 2 VCO's (2 sawtooth, 2 square wave, and 1 triangle) plus 2 sub-oscillators LFO - 1 with sample-and-hold Filter - 1 with sample -and-hold VCA - 1 VCA, 2 EGs- AR and ASDR Keyboard - 37 keys Memory - None Control - CV/Gate Date Produced - 1980-81"

Update via microtonal in the comments:
"There are a few inaccuracies in the description. You can APPLY S&H to VCO1, VCO2 or the VCF. You cannot S&H VCO1, VCO2 or VCF, only Noise or VCO1. Also, there are no sine waves on the Octave CAT.

Note the missing knob caps in the photo. These white knobs are impossible to find today."

MOOG Prodigy

images via this auction

KORG MS20

images via this auction

Motorola Scalatron Synthesizer

images
via this auction

Anyone know what this is?

Update: be sure to check out the comments for more info.

MUSE Receptor

images via this auction

"version 1.0. The unit comes with a 160gb hard drive and 256mb of RAM. You can easily upgrade the specs through MUSE. For those of you who do not know what the Receptor is, here is a brief overview.

The Muse Receptor Rev C is a 2U rack-mountable module that runs standard Windows VST instruments and effects. Receptor can process and play back 16 simultaneous audio sources, which can be either internal VSTi instruments or external analog/digital inputs. It can also run up to 57 VST effects at one time. But that barely hints at what you can do with Receptor!

* Play, edit and store VST plug-in effects and instruments on a hardware device
* Incredibly powerful and versatile
* Intuitive mixer-style interface handles up to 16 audio sources at once
* Connects to your Windows or Mac computer for downloading and editing presets
* Comes with free VST plug-ins!

This is the perfect tool for either live performance or in the studio. You can now use all you virtual instruments without the limitations of your CPU."

Kratzhaus

YouTube via acidmoongfx. Via sequencer.de.
"1st blood: Korg Kaossilaor and Kaoss Pad 3. Bank C sound is re-re-resampled with KP3 itself. A, B and D are Kaossilor sounds."

Two Wiard Wogglebug Samples

Both by mono-poly

Come sei veramente - Jazz vsn su Clavia NS

YouTube via liar82. Sent my way via fischek.
"Come sei veramente riarrangiata in chiave jazz sul Clavia Nord Stage"

The Mae Shei - Run To Your Grave

Some Suzuki Omnichord action and more.
"Directed by: The Mae Shi Edited by: Jay Trautman Shot by: Jessica Brower
Co-Starring members of: Health, 14 Year Old Girls, Holi Buffaglo, and DJ Kyle H. Mabson"
The Mae Shei on Virb.com. Sent my way via Roberto.

Update: Interesting Buchla tie in via sir_dss in the comments:
"This is a great band from LA that Ezra Buchla founded with his friends. Ezra only makes appearances now and again with them and now is in the equally amazing Gowns.

http://www.myspace.com/gowns

It was crazy/awesome to see them with $10k worth of 100/200 system modules at a show at The Smell(local all ages punk venue) doing this totally modern hardcore with fucked up electronics in the mix.

I really geeked out when I first met Ezra and just wanted to talk about Lo Pass Gates...I was pretty annoying. If you meet Ezra don't bother him about his family business!

The Mae Shei are all great chaps! "

Jungfrau

flickr by Easy Skywalker

Yamaha DX9
Novation BassStation

full size

Hollow Sun - Akai AX80 and AX60 for the Alesis Fusion

click here for the free downloads as well as good overviews of the two synths on Hollow Sun.

via Gwenhwyfaer in the comments of this post.

The Three Blomigos

George (swissdoc), Till and Boele at it again. They sent some images to the Waldorf list and of course this is what came to mind. Mini escapade by me.

In order:

Earning their lunch with the Blofeld

Lunch at McDonalds

Blofeld Road - A good days work is complete!

And their three Blofelds. Note the MicroQ knobs on one. Close-up shot here.

Update: Three more knob types:
evoblo.jpg
pulseblo.jpg
saffireblo.jpg
bloP08.jpg

You should be able to guess these based on thier names.

Udpate: More info from Georg on the three Blofelds

"Blofeld Messe Prototype
Frank Schneider hat to tinker around here during last night before the Messe to make the display fit (somehow the wrong displays have been delivered)


Blofeld Pre Series Version
Different labeling on the Matrix and the right display, so quite tidy internally

Blofeld Production Version
Midi LED added, Power Switch added

Non Waldorf content, upper row:
Electro Harmonix Phasers, two different black Russian Small Stones,
two different green Russian Small Stones (older model), a new USA
version and a Behringer UP100

We did in fact recordings of the Phasers (incl. a DOD one, not shown)
driven by the noise of the Blofeld. Maybe more on that later..."

Three Waldorf 4-Poles

image via Till Kopper on the Waldorf list.

"Boele, Georg (swissdoc) and Till having fun."

I'm guessing this is one of each.
See if you can spot the differences.

Below are the 4-Poles, Small Stone pedals, and of course the Waldorf Blofeld.

Update via Till in the comments:
"These are 5 (five) small stones. And only two of them are the same revision. Only the two black russians are identically. But soundwise the are all close, but not identically."

Update via Georg aka swissdoc:
"Again some detail on the 3 versions of the 4-Pole, from top to bottom:

4-Pole Beta Unit (Curtis)
This one was used by me during the beta phase back in time, hey, I was using once a postcard to report some bugs to Stefan while beeing on vacation in the "Fränkische Schweiz".

As you can see, the labeling was changed later to fit the features which have been packed in during development.

4-Pole Production Unit (Curtis)
The buttons are swapped, correct. I assume that happened during all the swapping of EPROMs during beta phase.

4-Pole Production Unit (Pulse Filter)
Silkscreening slightly changed here, most important is the change from 9V AC power input to 12V DC. Usefull when you are chasing up one or the other version.

Looks like this version has a green/red LED to show the overdrive status of the gain stage.

Again, we did some recordings, 3 saws from the Blofeld run into the 4-Pole (Curtis vs. Pulse Filter). More on that later plus detail shots from the interior and back of all tree units. Georg."

Anxiety Psychosis

YouTube via SynthKraft. Follow up to this video. www.synthkraft.de
"Another prerelease of my upcoming album. This time a more psycho one, hope you like it."
"Synths used: Moog Rogue, Clavia NordModular, Oberheim Matrix 6, Korg Trident. For those strange soundeffekts is recorded the unfinished track via my Rode NT-2A mic and deliberately overload the signal. Lots of distortion and filtering did the rest."

Major Developments in the History of Computer Music

YouTube via kikyan. Sent my way via Thumbuki.

Happy Knobbing 07

click here for some shots of the Happy Knobbing event back in May of 2007. These shots just went up. You can find previous shots and videos here (scroll to see all posts).

Leslie Sanford - Cobalt VST

"Cobalt is a VSTi software synthesizer inspired by many of the digital synthesizers from the 1980s.

In the early 80s as digital technology became cheaper, many manufacturers designed synthesizers that combined earlier analog technology with newer digital technology. These were known as hybrid synthesizers. Well-known hybrid synthesizers are the Korg DW8000 and DW6000, the Ensoniq ESQ-1, and the Kawai K3.

In analog/digital hybrid synthesizers, the oscillators responsible for generating waveforms are digital while the filter section remains analog. This approach freed designers to use any kind of waveform; they were no longer restricted to traditional analog waveforms such as sawtooth, triangle, and pulse. However, by using an analog filter, these synthesizers retained the warmth earlier analog synthesizers were known for.

Though Cobalt is a purely digital synthesizer, its overall architecture is very much like those early hybrid synthesizers. It features a wide selection of waveforms, most of which were resynthesized from actual hybrid synthesizers, while providing traditional subtractive synthesis capabilities for sculpting its sound.

Key Features
* GUI created by grymmjack
* 26 waveforms - many of which were resynthesized from 80s hybrid synths.
* Flexible modulation routes.
* Apply PWM to any waveform.
* LFO delay.
* Polyphonic Portamento.
* Key tracked envelopes.
* Rich overdrive effect based on a custom algorithm.
* Stereo delay effect with MIDI synchable delay times.
* Easy to use.

Cobalt can sound at times warm and rich while at other times cold and stark. From gentle pads to screaming leads, Cobalt's gotcha covered."

Click here for more info.

New Modular Rack

click here for more images on SoNiCbRaT.

Vermona RM-1 Ring Modulator
Doepfer A-100 Modular
Sherman Filterbank 2

Sequential Circuits Poly Sequencer

This one is labeled as a Tape Sequencer on Lt. John J. Rambo where you'll find another shot and other posts featuring more including the TB-303 vs. TBX-303 and Pro-One Circuit Board Art.

Anyone know what size tape this took?

Update via Stephen Jones in the comments:
"It takes BRAEMAR Mini Data Cassettes which were used in a few other data recorders such as one used in a medical system. I've seen new old stock go as high as $50/ea. There is a medical equipment supplier that sells new old stock, but I think they sell them 5 for $90. "

max monomusic

via maxmonomusic on VSE.

"All synthsounds except drums in these song comes from a yamaha cs 10 monophonic analog synthesizer."

LINK

2008 A100 New Photos #09

flickr by unyo303 (click for more)

full size

One of NightBirds in studio (2008).

flickr by NightBirds (Electronic Music - France) (click for more shots)

Tom - An Oberheim Two Voice System

images via this auction
"An Oberheim Two-voice (TVS-1) SEM synthesizer, built sometime in the 1977-1979 time frame. The serial number is #224, visible in the pic showing the AC plug-in. I have been the proud owner of "Tom" for 20 years now, ever since I found him as a tot abandoned in a music store during the digital blitzkrieg of the '80's.

I have kept him in my home all of this time; no gigging whatsoever. The unit is perfect, as if placed in a time capsule in 1977, and just now re-opened. All knobs, switches and other sundry controls function as new. The sequencer works, as does the portamento, unison/voice selection switch, transposition switch, tuning, etc. All LED's work correctly, as do all Vernier pots. The keyboard works completely, just a little noisy (typical Pratt-Read !!!). The SEM's are things of beauty, and, just thinking about the rich, astounding sounds they produce, it is difficult to continue typing this; I have loved "Tom" as a son. But, some things are just more important, and, as a good friend of mine keeps reminding me, we are but stewards of these items, keeping them as new, enjoying them, and then passing them on. The original power cord is included, just not in the pics. Neither the Fender Rhodes 73-key suitcase electric piano nor Tango the Bengal cat are for sale, nor should they be deemed to be included (!:P) Nevertheless, due to his age, "Tom" must be sold AS-IS, and with no return, as he works just fine. You will not be disappointed in his condition or operation.

"Tom" is not inexpensive. A similar Two-voice, once belonging to Billy Cobham, sold here on Ebay last year for a substantial amount of money. While not owned by a famous drummer, "Tom" is in much nicer condition. It breaks my heart to offer him for sale, but that, as they say, is that. Please do not bid on him if you do not intend to pay within 24 hours of winning (PayPal or by Cashier's Check overnighted to me; no other arrangements will be accepted). "Tom" weighs 45 lbs., and probably will tip the scales at around 50 lbs."

Yamaha SK50D

images via this auction

"Enormous analog synthesizer featuring two keyboards, a string section, two FM organ sections, a bass section, a polyphonic synthesizer section and a lead synth section. All the parts can be layered and played at the same time using the mixer section. This thing sounds great. It has built in tremolo and ensemble (chorus) effects. The organ is great. It can go from a B3 to the most haunting organ sounds ever made. The strings are very nice, and the synth parts need no introduction if you're familiar with the CS range of synthesizers. There is a lot of control over all the different sections. All the parameters you would expect to find on a synthesizer are there for the synth parts. Both organ sections have sliders that work as drawbars."

MOOG Minimoog

images via this auction

Zerosum Inertia 2 - DSI Evolver Tracks

click here for tracks featuring the DSI Evolver via Zerosum Inertia.
"I made a (rough under construction) page for Evolver sounds. Of course it would be better if I would finish stuff and only post songs but these live jams were really exciting that I decided to share them in there live form, the way they were created. Its a little overwhelming, 30 tracks, but some are real short. I recommend the guitar tracks with the evolver processing my guitar and Truly Beautiful Disaster."

AX80

flickr by polaranta aka jexus of syntezatory.prv.pl.

full size

PTheremin demo

YouTube via obeythehypnotoad
"This is a software audio synthesizer that mimics a Theremin that I wrote. It also let's you lock the output to particular notes in a scale so that you can play it as if it has "frets". You can't make it out in the video but first it is played "fretless", then the chromatic (equal tempered) scale, then diatonic, and finally a "blues" pentatonic scale.

The setup is a Linux PC with a normal sound card run into a digital reverb pedal and then into a guitar amplifier. The reverb really helps get that 50's sci-fi sound.

The program was written in Python and will be released as open source as soon as SourceForge approves my application."

Nick's LA Adventures (Moog)

"JJ Blair , Lisa Harriton keys (Smashing Pumpkins), Nick Maybury LEad guitarist (MINK), Rod Stewart, Moog synth Happy New year, dog, Selmer, Gibson Les Paul special"

Roland JD-800 + Oberheim Matrix-1000 + Roland TR-707 (part2)

YouTube via retrosound72

Part 1 previously posted here.

"synth demo by RetroSound

bassline: Oberheim Matrix-1000, triggered by the MFB Step64 step sequencer
drums: Roland TR-707
fx sounds and pads: Roland JD-800

hand-played"

One drumulator, One Tenori-on, one Four voice

YouTube via pepemogt.
"Here is another jam with the tenori-on as Midi-CV-Gate controller for Drumulatorr and Oberheim FVS-1 Four voice, using the MPU-101 and Analogue solutions MT16 midi to trig interface. noise and distortion included ;) enjoy! http://www.myspace.com/latinsizer"

The Commodore 64 DAW

"The Commodore 64, to my mind, truly introduced ‘real’ music to the world of home computing. Its impressive inbuilt SID synthesizer was capable of much more than the bleeps and pops common to other machines. As a musical tool, the Commodore 64 could boast an impressive array of add-ons, which included Commodore’s SFX Sound Expander synth’ cartridge and keyboard, MIDI interfaces and sound sampling devices. Even today, new products are available, such as the Cynthcart and the Prophet 64. But despite the generous selection of hard-and software, it has only been during the past few years that the unique sound of the Commodore has been utilized professionally."

click here for the full post on C64Music! Anyone know more about the keyboard pictured?

Update via heliospace in the comments:
"http://www.atarimagazines.com/v4n2/ProductReviews.html
Talks about the colortone. Pretty cool looking setup there!"

Cube Quest Update

There are links to some good videos of the game at the bottom of the previous post.

CV Tremolo

YouTube via IranContras.
"Using a Frostwave ring modulator as a voltage controlled tremolo."

Tenori-on as a controller for Analog Drums and Synthesizers

YouTube via pepemogt.
"Here is a jam with the tenori-on as Midi-CV-Gate controller for Analogue Solutions tr-808 and tr-909 drums, the EML modular synth, Drumulator and Oberheim Xpander.
it is just live improvisation, out of tune riffs and offbeats included ;) enjoy! http://www.myspace.com/latinsizer"

NEW ORDER Blue Monday Live Australia 1982

YouTube via PlastikOD. I see an ARP Quadra and a Prophet-5. I forget when the Voyetra Eight came in. Someone get micke. :)
"NEW ORDER Live in Australia, Melbourne (Seaview Ballroom, 27. November 1982) Poor quality (it's from an 25 year old videocassette). "

Update via ross in the comments: "my friend video taped this. it was the first time they played B M live "

Update via David Bulog on AH: "The info is wrong--thats the second time or third time they played Blue Monday They played Blue Monday at a club in Auckland NZ a week before for the first time---I was at the concert That really was the birth of alternative electronic dance music-- right at that moment"

Mindburner Prophet 5 demo song

YouTube via waheex

"A demo of a new song I wrote under the name Mindburner featuring my recently midi'd prophet 5. Not a great vid but my first youtube effort."

tekfunk studio B

YouTube via shagghie.
"atb wired up finally... we will never surrender!"

Waldorf Word Wrap

images via this auction

Waldorf Microwave XTk

Bananalogue Serge VCS

images via this auction

"The Serge VCS module from bananalogue.com is an extremely versatile control voltage generator and audio source. In the early 1970s, Serge Tcherepnin developed the Positive Slew and Negative Slew modules for the original Serge synthesizer. In time these merged into the classic Dual Universal Slope Generator. The Bananalogue VCS is an adaptation of Serge's original circuit with a few new features."























A Trigger input. Trigger fires envelope, gate sustains level
B Input.
C Cycle switch. Connects "End Out" to "Trigger"
D AC Out. AC coupled output.
E Output LED
F Output.
G Both. VC control both Rise and Fall
H Exp CV. Approximately 1V/Oct scaled input.
I Rise knob. Manual control of rise time.
J End Out. Outputs a trigger pulse when the envelope completes a cycle.
K Fall knob. Manual control of fall time.
L VC Rise. Voltage control of Rise
M VC Rise Knob. Attenuates VC Rise amount. Pull the knob out for non-linear slopes.
N VC Fall. Voltage control of Fall
O VC Fall Knob. Attenuates VC Fall amount. Pull the knob out for non-linear slopes.

Roland SC-55 Remote Control

via this auction

I never knew these existed. Anyone confirm this is for the Roland Sound Canvas?

Hmm... Makes me wonder what more synths don't have this. A little remote sequencer and arp would be nice. :) The first thing that obviously comes to mind of course is cost, but... wasn't the Sound Canvas line relatively affordable?

Update: according to Zero and silent king in the comments this was for the Sound Brush MIDI filer/sequencer. You can find some more info on the SB55 on Sonic State.

Update via zontar in the comments:
"It's listed in the manual [on page 10] for the SC-55 as "HOW TO USE THE REMOTE CONTROL" and it appears identical as pictured. The lower portion is for the Sound Brush [transport controls] - they are "companion" units. But it IS also meant to control the SC-55.

see:
http://media.rolandus.com/manuals/SC-55_OM.pdf

[note: might require registration to access]"

More in the comments.

Roland JX-8P

images via this auction

ARP Avatar

via this auction
"The Arp Avatar is a synthesizer that lets the guitar player achieve a range of timbres and textures never before attainable on the electric guitar. The Avatar produces string, brass, reed and percussive instrument sounds, wind, rain, explosions, and other startling sound effects; stagerattling bass and super-synthesizer lead solos; plus dramatic combinations ofstraight or processed guitar with synthesizer. The sounds generated by the Avatar are controlled directly from your guitar and are responsive to a variety of playing techniques. At the heart of this process is the digital pitch extractor. The pitch extractor follows every nuance of the guitar signal, including finger bends, finger vibrato, hammer- downs and glissando. The pitch extraaor receives its signals from a specially-designed pickup which can be mounted on most solid-body electric guitars between the treble pickup and the bridge. This hexaphonic pickup transmits a completely separate signal for each string. The pickup connects to the main synthesizer console through a miniature connector. Each string is connected to its own low-noise preamplifier with adjustable gain so that each string can be perfectly balanced with the others. Each string also has its own fuzz circuit which permits clean fuzz. You can play a full chord without any string crossover, talk-back or distortion. The Avatar is also touch responsive. An envelope follower translates the strengh of the guitar signal into a control voltage that can be used to control dynamics. Adjustable trigger sensitivity allows the musician to set a minimum picking force necessary to trigger the synthesizer. When you play softly on the guitar, j ust the straight guitar sounds are produced. When the strings are picked harder, the synthesizer is activated and follows the pitch being played. LED status lights give you a visual representation of the trigger sensitivity. The control panel of the Avatar is human engineered in the Arp tradition. A logically arranged system of sliders and switches gives you quick access to every control function. Several other features add to the Avatar's performance flexibility. Mono performance and split-stereo studio outputs are available on the rear panel. In stereo, the E, A and D strings can be sent through one channel, while the G, B and E strings are sent through a second channel.

Systems interface jacks on the rear panel permit expansion of the Avatar with other Arp synthesizers. The Avatar also accepts a filter pedal, sustain switch and portamento switch, which allow foot control of various effects in live performance, including infinite sustain. Controls 1. VCO 1: Creates raw pitch. Sawtooth (brassy), square (hollow) and pulse (reedy) available. Pitch control sliders create variable vibrato and trill depth or sample/hold and envelope control. Pulse width controls create nasal, chorus or saxophone sounds. 2. VCO 2: Similar to VCO 1. Input for pedal-controlled preset intervals. Phase-sync switch slaves VCO 2 to VCO 1 for dramatic emphasis of harmonic series. Touch sensitive via envelope follower control. 3. LFO: Creates vibrato, trill, tremolo and repeat. Controls VCOs and VCF. Variable rate. 4. VCF: Adds, subtracts or emphasizes harmonics. Controllers include: pedal- controlled wah-wah; ADSR; sample/hold; LFO for tremolo; and envelope follower for touch responsive wah-wah. 5. HPF: Removes all low harmonics from sound to create thin textures. 6. ADSR, AR: Envelope generators that control articulation from percussive to lethargic. 7. S/H: Controls either VCOs or VCF for random patterns or rhythms. 8. Ring Modulator: Creates gongs, chimes or special ethereal effects. 9. Noise Generator: Used to create sounds of wind, surf, steam, bombs, trains, etc. 10. Guitar to VCF Switch: Processes guitar audio through VCF for polyphonic effects. 11. Portamento: Creates automatic glissando or- sliding sound between any Interval. Variable speed. 12. String Select Controls: Designates strings to "trigger" synthesizer; f.g., select low E only to control synthesizer snd play chords on remaining strings. 13. Trigger Sensitivity: Adjusts to each guitarist's playing style. 14. Hex Fuzz/Preamp Select Switch: Allows guitarist to choose clean sound with extended high frequency range or polyphonic "clean" fuzz."

AKAI EWI 3020 Wind Controller & 3020M Analog Synth

images via this auction

"The EWI3020 is a wind controller that lets you play naturally and with emotions. The EWI3020m is an analogue synthesizer module featuring warm, expressive sound.

No keyboard instrument can match the ease and flexibility of our wind synthesizers. The Wind Controller: Recreating the playing style of woodwind instruments The EWI3020 responds precisely to the feeling of the player through breath, lip and touch sensors. Controls include pitch, volume, pulsewidth, vibrato and glide that infuse life into sound modules. Unlike keyboard-type controllers, the wind controller can provide a subtle, natural wind sound. Together with the EWI3020m or EWI3030m [digital] sound module, it puts at your command a versatile instrument with colourful sound and flexible styles. The Analogue Sound Module: Flexible expression and rich sound The EWI3020m is an analogue synthesizer featuring 2 VCOS, 1 VCF, 1 VCA and 2 EGs. It boasts the ability to realistically express a wide range of sounds, from subtle to powerful. The modulation function lets you combine any of seven modulation sources with any of 10 destinations, to add up to tremendous flexibility, There are also string and bassoon filters that help create natural string and woodwind sounds. What's more, the synthesizer comes with 50 preset banks with select sounds that you can use immediately just by connecting it with the EWI 3020 controller."

The Stribe

"The Stribe is an 8-channel multi-touch controller for music or video software.

1024 individually-addressable LEDs provide animated visual feedback."

More info here. via tobsenteque.

videos below

Stribe 0.1 (xenome) proto, sorta


stribe 0.1 - prototype works
YouTubes via soundwidgets (click for more)

Johan Timman - Look Out For The Killer - Promotion Tour 1980

YouTube via JohanTimman. Sent my way via Boele of SCD.
"Look Out For The Killer, South Square Mall, Rotterdam, Netherlands (1980). Promotion Tour For V&D www.timmany.com"

Update: Sound of the Prophet-5 Rev 2 and Rev 3

click here for an update to the Rev 2 post. Clusterchord added some samples of the Rev 3 as well as a comparison of the two. Comments disabled in this post, to keep them on that post.