MATRIXSYNTH

Friday, February 08, 2008

Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald LIVE 1977

YouTube via fritzritz. "Echoes Of Love" Sent my way via Brian Kehew of The Moog Cookbook.
Note how he is playing the Oberheim 4-Voice polyphonically. Each SEM is an independent synth, meaning there is no auto-tuning between voices - each one has to be independently tuned to line up correctly.

Terrorize Your Neighbor - Blacet Drone

via Kwote:
"It was specifically crafted for an independent [horror] film. It was composed with a very small blacet based system consisting of an I/O, VCO, Filthy Filtre, 2 Micro LFO's, Dual Linear VCA, Multi, Klangwerk & Stonzphase." You can find the mp3 here.

Asphodel and Recombinant Media Labs

Episode 10 - In the Studio: Asphodel and Recombinant Media Labs

The Synth Room comes in at 2:33 and lasts for about a minute. There's some massive modular goodness in there along with some analog synths.

via Matia:
"It's a video profile of the studio I work for. I designed and curate the synth room (a lot of that stuff is my equipment configured for the purposes of the studio work) as well as being an in-house synthesist and producer (per needs of client)."

Update: some links via Matia:
"No website for the studio itself but there is a myspace for the performance room.

http://www.myspace.com/recombinantmedialabs

we use the facilities and in particular the synth room to create our music:

http://www.myspace.com/redyouth

on that particular song there is quiet a bit of serge and the serge sequencer sequencing the filter and oscillators of the moog.

Update via Wavedeform in the comments (be sure to check out the comments for more):
"Naut has perhaps the largest Salamander (SMS) synthesizer in existence. The black-faced wall to the left of the Serge wall is all SMS.

SMS info:
http://www.xfade.com/gear/Salamander/"

Analog Synthesizers by Mark Jenkins

brian c found this one on analog synths. If anyone knows if it's any good feel free to comment. The following is the description on Amazon. I also added it to my Synth Books section.

"Analog Synthesizers: Understanding, Performing, Buying- from the legacy of Moog to software synthesis (Paperback)

Book Description
In this book, the technical explanation of the nature of analog sound creation is followed by the story of its birth and its subsequent development by various designers, manufacturers and performers.

The individual components of analog sound creation are then examined in detail, with step by step examples of sound creation techniques. Then the modern imitative analog instruments are examined, again with detailed instructions for programming and using them, and the book is completed with appendices listing the major instrument lines available, hints on values and purchasing, other sources of information, and a discography of readily available recordings which give good examples of analog sound synthesis.

The CD which accompanies the book gives many examples of analog sound creation basics as well as more advanced techniques, and of the abilities of the individual instruments associated with classical and with imitative analog sound synthesis.

* A complete history of analog sound in one work
* Interviews with industry Legends and developers of of analog synthesizers
* Audio CD of demo sounds and tuitional pieces to illustrate the processes discussed in the book"

The Fentix Cube

Remember the Spaceman Technologies Multitouch Tactile Sequencer by Andrew Fentem?

Directly below is a video of another one of his devices, The Fenix Cube. There is no mention of musical application but you can definitely hear the audio. Further below is some of his musical experiments. You can find more info on ANDREWFENTEM.COM. Also check out this post on Gizmodo which has an extensive game oriented piece on his work.

The Fentix Cube - an electronic emulation of a Rubik's cube

Click here for more videos featuring Andrew Fentem's work.

Wiard/Blacet miniwave in MOTM Adaptor Panel

flickr by sduck409

full size

This image should give you a good idea of the size comparison between Frac and MOTM. The darker inner module is Frac and the outer MOTM.

"The front of my Wiard/Blacet miniwave. I've kept the original Blacet front panel, but added 1/4in phone jacks. It's installed into a Blacet> MOTM adaptor panel that Blacet used to sell. The row of 8 jacks at the bottom are 2 sets of 4 jack multiples."

verstaerkers audioexperiments - new audio samples

Remember verstaerkers audioexperiments? The site has been updated with three more samples featuring the Cwejman Res-4, Cwejman S1, Doepfer, Plan B, and more Cwejman modules.

Innerclock Systems - The Litmus Test

Innerclock Systems, makers of "Precision Musical Synchronization Devices" has a page up ranking the timing of various drum machines and sequencers. Click here to see the results. [See update below for new links].

"'Litmus Test - def: any kind of indicator used to classify something either favorably or unfavorably'

Over many years of testing and checking the timing performance characteristics of different electronic event sequencing devices I rely on a very simple test that gives a very accurate indication of just how well a musical sequencing device keeps time."

via Analog Industries.

Update: the litmus test has been expanded and moved here, and Innerclock Systems is now hosted at http://www.innerclocksystems.com

Casio Sk-1 Atari 2600 circuit bending project

via Chad Burger on perthband.com where you will find more info and shots.

"I have modded a casio sk-1 keyboard with a circuit bent patch bay which is linked to the switches on the atari part of the controls. The two silver dials control a pitch bend and a poly voice filter bend. I also installed a 1/4" guitar jack out and a red reset button as sometimes the bends cause the sk-1 so freak-out and freeze requiring a deep reset."

From what I can tell, only the controls of the 2600 are used.
via GetLoFi where you can find some more info as well.

Custom MacBeth M5N "Blue Meanie" / "Blue Marvin"

via Ken MacBeth:

"Hi Matrix! ...well to continue with the custom panel thread- a prolific german client asked to have 2 M5N synths built for him- but with a special blue color that I ordered in- this color was swatched against the color type of the very first ARP 2600s. We discussed whether or not they originals were called 'blue meanies' or 'blue marvins' - maybe the viewers of the matrix synth blog know this stuff! I am currently offering direct sales of two Process Red M5Ns (...there will be a fire in the disco!) that go as a pair-both hand built by myself, and not the factory I'm using- there is a premium for this- but interested parties can enquire- pics to follow soon. Best To All- Ken Mac."

click here for more pics. Regarding the "Blue Meanie" vs. "Blue Marvin," if you know, feel free to comment. Via this post: "The very first model 2600 was produced in early 1971 and is known as The Blue Marvin. It has mistakenly been called the "Blue Meanie" but according to Alan R. Pearlman, the Blue Marvin is so named after Marvin Cohen, head of engineering at ARP at the time."

JoMoX T-Resonator 2-channel Processor

YouTube via bigcitymusic
"Here is the new Jomox T-Resonator processor. Mike has the Casio VL-Tone and a drum loop running into the T-Resonator which really screws up the sound in a very interesting way."

pad sounds

YouTube via raulsworldofsynths. If you like this be sure to check out the rest.
"very convincing virtual analog sounds from native instruments reaktor"

Analogue Solutions TBX-303

YouTube via bigcitymusic
"Here's a quick demo of the new Analogue Solutions TBX-303. It has built in overdrive, filter resonance and squelch controls and a lot more features that go beyond the original 303. www.bigcitymusic.com"

bach take1

YouTube via spmaspma
"attempting to learn Bach Prelude in C on the Monome using NoteGrid5-7 in MonoChrome (4ths left-right, 5ths up-down). Its a little easier on piano."

Technics SY-1010

via this auction

click the image

"SY-1010 is extremely rare monophonic analog synthesizer manufactured by Technics in 1977.

i'ts very hard to find even in Japan nowadays difinitely synthesizer collectors dream! [are Japanese synths easier to find in Japan? :) Never really thought about it until now]

cute! very small and light weight analog synthesizer it has full sized 32keys 1VCO, noise,VCF(resonance self-oscillating),ADSR,LFO,and each various controls VCO is free scale(not change by octave range)like modular synth simple architecture but very easy to use and can creates versatile sounds fat analog bass sound to warm leads,retro SFX sounds etc good synth for both recording and live performance(small and light weight and looks cute)"

Update via museslave via the comments: "Automatic Gainsay has a video demo of this keyboard on YouTube." Indeed he does, you can see it here. Note the one up for auction is not the same as the one in the video - at least I think so. :)

KORG MS10

images via this auction

Note the Korg Sigma sticker

KORG X-911

images via this auction

* Filter effect
* Fuzz effect
* Pitch to CV converter
* Voltage controlled mini-synth
* Guitar synthesizer
* Envelope follower

Looks like this is via ZonkOut. You can see some videos of the unit at the auction or here.

Roland SH-1000

images via this auction

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Minimoog Accessories and Minimoog Manuals

Click here for the following MOOG manuals via Marcos:

MOOG Accessories
Accessories Service Manual
Minimoog Technical Service Manual
Minimoog Operation Manual
User Manual

I also copied over the Minimoog Service Manual previously posted here, so they are in one location. I left the old share for anyone that bookmarked it.

Synth Chips

"We specialise in supplying those hard to find components used in a variety of vintage instruments.

We hope you'll have a good look around and find the information relevant.

Our current stock you'll find on our Spares page.
New stock items have been added 15/07/06.
Always WANTED CEM and SSM devices
please mail with details."

http://www.synthchips.com/

Be sure to check out their circuits page for diagrams of some classic synths. via brian c.

Siel DK-600

flickr by Neil Vance (click for more).

full size

AnalogSuicide.com at Big City Music: French Connection!

YouTube via tarabusch
"http://www.analogsuicide.com
http://www.bigcitymusic.com
http://www.analoguesystems.co.uk
Tara Busch leads us through a mini tour of the fabulous Analogue Systems French Connection...a sweet remake of the classic Ondes Martenot."

The chicks hanging out at my place

flickr by therealshaunhicks

full size

Look closely at the MOOG modular.

Casio CT-638 CircuitBent

YouTube via a2sidedcoin
"I just finished adding on a switchboard and one pot. to the growing monster.. After it is completely done, I will post part 2 of this video.."

Update:
Casio and Xiosynth Jam

YouTube via a2sidedcoin
"Took an arp that I made with the xiosynth, and jammed along with the newly bent casio ct-638"

MOOG SL-8

Another shot of the MOOG SL-8 via Neil Vance

"Looks like this was scaled down cheaper version of the rather expensive MemoryMoog? an attempt to grab some market and compete with the likes of the yamaha DX7?"

full size

I disabled comments here to keep them all in the previous post.

BTW, also check out this post by jared on the Matrixsynth Forum, for some interesting insight or rather suggested discussion on the impact of the Yamaha DX7.

roland v-accordion demo with extensions

YouTube via oove999. You can thank Music Thing for finding this gem.
"uwe steger proudly presents his extensions for the roland v-accordion. if you are looking for a christmas gift for YOUR accordion, here you will also find the contact to the guy who gets the work done"

Produceren

flickr by cityanimals

full size

KORG MicroKontrol

The ARP 2600: A Short Overview Part One

YouTube via AutomaticGainsay. follow up to this post.
"Here is a demonstration of the sound and functionality of the ARP 2600 analog synthesizer. Something about the source material (despite having been recorded in the same fashion as all of my videos) has resulted in the YouTube compression generating a lot of audio artifacts. No attempt I've made has resulted in a removal of this effect. Hopefully, you can listen past the effect of YouTubes compression to hear the sound of this synthesizer in these two videos! Hopefully, this problem won't exist in subsequent examples."

Recomendaciones

YouTube via complexy. Sent my way via fischek.

Yamaha DX7 Harps demo

YouTube via DX5.

Sent my way via fischek.

"Me playing a DX7 Harps brief demo. Bronski Beat "Smalltown Boy" and Enya "Caribbean Blue" type harps.
Recorded several months ago for Sonicstate.com (you can see some of that demos at "Top 20 Greatest Synth" series).
Sorry, It was recorded with my old cam, so the sound doesn't come directly into the cam, but thru a speaker.

A "Smalltown Boy" cover coming soon..."

Strumenti Vintage: Korg Trident + Wem Copicat

YouTube via zioguido. sent my way via fischek.
"Video girato per gli amici del forum di SupportiMusicali.it - il primo di una lunga serie :-)

Qui vi mostro il mio Korg Trident MK1 e il bellissimo delay a nastro Wem Watkins Copicat.

Perdonate i tagli ma per farlo entrare nei 100 Mb e nei 10 minuti ho dovuto troncare alcune parti... comunque il succo c'è... buon divertimento :-)"

Minimoog Service Manual

Click here for the full Minimoog Service Manual sent to the Lords of the Mini list via Marcos.

Update: Marcos sent in the following as well. I've created a new share for all.

MOOG Accessories
Accessories Service Manual
Minimoog Technical Service Manual
Minimoog Operation Manual
User Manual

GE/Serge PEF from the early 80's

via vgermuse

Reformat The Planet - Chiptune Documentary

BLIP FESTIVAL: REFORMAT THE PLANET trailer from 2 Player Productions on Vimeo.
Click here for more. via Peter.

MOOG Posters

Two Moog posters sent in via Tangent Electronic Studio.

"here's a couple pics of my Moog posters... i've never seen the MiniMoog poster anywhere else before. got them both from Medley Music in Bryn Mawr, PA in the early 80s. [the store, incidentally is still there, under the same family ownership.]"

MOOG Minimoog

TANGENT ELECTRONIC STUDIO

"visit: http://www.tangent-project.com/ and choose: TANGENT ELECTRONIC STUDIO from the menu on the left. there are thumbnails in the 'gallery'that you an choose from. i'll be putting up some new pics in the coming days, including some more shots of the Serge - i just built a custom interface panel for attaching other gear to it so i can exploit some of its peculiar abilities. i've been collecting since my fist synth in 1978 - the Odyssey that i still have and use [though i do need to put in the replacement sliders i bought recently...] i have two Mellotrons here right now - both mine and one i am working on for a friend, no pics of the second one - it won't fit in the studio right now anyway ;0)

...and there are also some nice things in Harrison's studio." (bottom image here - click on Harrison's Studio on the left menu there)

AKAI S900 resource page

"This page is dedicated to those of us who are broke and make great music with what they have available."

http://xfader.com/akai/

via Regend in the comments of this post.

Voice Of Saturn Sequencer

flickr by recompas. You can find more images here. Note these could come up for sale. If you are interested, keep reading. Update: more info on the recompas website.

"Hi, I'm an avid reader of Matrixsynth and was curious if you'd be interested in my little analog sequencer project i'm working on currently. I basically want to get some feedback from people to see if its worth my time making these to sell (i've got a few prototypes for myself which i'm having a lot of fun with). There's a lot of components and it takes me quite a while to put one together and I was wondering if there is enough interest out there for something like this for around $250-$300 depending on the case. Its a 10 step analog sequencer (actually, can loop from 1-10 steps) with gate outs for each step, 0-~9v cv output, s-trig or regular trig output, clock output/input, and runs off a 9v battery - and yes, its based more or less off the Baby10 sequencer. I'll have some sound samples up soon on my website, it works great with my Korg MS-10 as well with my Voice of Saturn synth box that I'm also in the process of developing. I'll have more info on everything up soon."

eagleroad - machinedrum uw MDUW

YouTube via eagleroad
"gear used:
elektron machinedrum UW (drums+MIDI sequencers),
nord modular G2 engine (wonky synth+MIDI step sequencers,
juno-106 (bassline)
jx-8P (klang synth)
dx-7 (percussion/bass)
Boss Dr Pad (hand claps)
some analog echo boxes, and distortion.

sorry for the bad image qulaity. the camera was hanging from a mic stand hence the shakes..."

And a little more info directly from eagleroad:
"semi-improv hardware only. used a g2 patch i made emulating the sequencer in an sh101 to trigger a roland juno 106, jx-8P and yamaha dx-7. all triggers and drums from the machinedrum."

Mostly

Mostly on MySpace

More Pics on MySpace

You can thank gerald for this one.

Spot the synths.

Plan B Model 23 First Listen

via Peter Grenader on the Plan B list:

"As the Model 23 Analog Shift Register nears design completion, I've posted some sound samples to give you an idea why it's got us sort of excited. Before I do, let me go into a few details on the things about ASR's which I've personally found aggravating:

A) Outputs do not track the input voltage, making driving them with a keyboard problematic.

B) Output taps not tracking one another so that a voltages vary as they are passed down the line of outputs.

C) Incoming clock causing a droop in held voltages at it's falling edge.

I'm glad to say that the Model 23 does none of these things. As the following sound samples indicate, four separate VCOs driven by the (now) four outputs of the ASR track to the quantized input of an envelope generator: asr1.mp3

Same patch, but slower, giving you a clear indication of the uniformity of the voltages as they go down the line of outputs: asr2.mp3

Same patch, at even a slower pace: asr3.mp3

Having a little melodic fun, now with the four VCOs gated through a Model 13: asr4.mp3

Screwing around with the update speed, this time with the M23 sampling quantized random voltages via the Model 24 give the 'classic ASR' effect: asr5.mp3

Design Changes/Improvements:

The M23 now has four independent outputs taps Clock distribution to the four S+H's is now performed by an Atmel 2051 microcontroller. The analog memory (the capacitors) are monolithic laser-trimmed semiconductor junction type. The added expense yields the resolution you're hearing while cutting down on the overall part count.

For more information of the M23, go here.

We will be seeing these along with the other first wave of ELF devices coming in the late Spring/Early Summer."

Dave's Dilema

"Help Dave find a synth for his '80s band, with....

1) awesome sounds both new & vintage, including good organs and pianos
2) budget-minded, bare-bones... like an M3 with no unnecessary features
3) good live gigging interface, ease of patch change and assignable banks, etc.
4) joystick style bender preferred
5) it'd be for live use, it'd be cool if it had architecture set up to make changing sounds quick and easy."

He recently picked up the White VSynth here, but the sound character wasn't what he was looking for. If you have any recommendations, feel free to post in the comments or contact him directly via his site.

Friday, February 08, 2008

Thursday, February 07, 2008

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