late night machinedrum jam with prophet 600

YouTube via radambe
"Here's a stupid little single pattern workout @ ~ 5am

Gear used:
elektron machinedrum (drums, sequencing, efx)
sequential circuits prophet600

My Jomox xbase 888 arrives tomorrow.... excited i am indeed"

Roland SH3 Synthesizer

Roland SH3 Synthesizer - Part One from wiretotheear on Vimeo.

Roland SH3 Synthesizer - Part Two from wiretotheear on Vimeo.

Roland SH3 Synthesizer - Part Three from wiretotheear on Vimeo.

"The hands of Oliver Chesler, The Horrorist in his recording studio in Berlin, Germany using his Roland SH3 synthesizer.

The Roland SH3 was produced in 1974. It is more rare than the SH3A which was put into the market after Moog sued Roland for the original SH3's filter design. This is one reason the Roland SH3 sounds so incredible. Rumor has it that less than 100 of these were ever made.

Visit the popular pro-audio weblog: wiretotheear.com/"

Mod Is Murder

I thought this was a great shot via this VSE thread. I used to think the same, however some mods can actually be good, very good. Below are a few more mods from the thread. If you click on the DIY label you will see hundreds if not thousands of DIY posts, some including mods.

The mods pictured here:
Patch points
The Alesis Aurora
Rhodes Chroma with the CC+ Process Upgrade that adds full MIDI, and cosmetic improvements

Note the thread was originally on the rare Roland SH-3 vs. the newer SH-3A. Word is that Roland had to change the filter design on the SH-3 as it was too close to Moog's ladder filter. You can find some mp3s in the thread while it's up.

Update via Hajo on the SH3 rumors:
"My first Synth in 1976 was the Roland SH3a. I know all the stories about the differenes between the SH3 and the SH3a. So somebody talked in the WEB that a SH3 has gone for a huge amount of money (something like 12.000 US$) an VEMIA. In my opinion this is a hoax! I talked to Roland tech-men in Germany. He told me: There is a difference between the SH3 and the SH3a. The difference is only the design of the board internal. Some parts are arranged in a different way to improve the layout of the board. There was never a Moog Filter inside!!!"

Modular Synth Panels - Yahoo Group

via Deviant Synth

"Members include just about all the well-known DIYers. They post FPD files for their custom modules. FPD is Front Panel Designer, the software used by Schaeffer USA to allow hobbyists to design and order their own machine-engraved aluminum panels. All you do is load the proper FPD file in the program, and then you can order finished panels directly via internet connection. Or, use the panel layouts as masters to design your own custom panels. It’s a very easy-to-use, basic CAD program."

Modular Synth Panels

plug-unplug

flickr by delayreverb
(click for more)

full size

yellow noise

flickr by Squarenoise
(click for more)

full size

SynthInvent System Layout Software

synthesizers.com has a beta modular planner similar to the Mega Eurorack Modular Planner. You can find it here. The following are some specs and requirements.

Features
* Easy to learn and fun to use
* Select from any style of cabinet, up to 9 per system
* Drag and drop modules into cabinets effortlessly
* Add controllers, patch cords, etc.
* View front or back of cabinets
* Show modules as pictures or as function text
* Automatically totals price as you add/remove products
* Automatically adds power components if desired
* Calculates power supply and consumption
* Save and recall system configurations
* Start with a standard system or create your own from scratch
* Produces a complete product listing with pricing and shipping weight
* Creates a web page (HTML) of your custom system
* Exports product listing to a spreadsheet program

System Requirements
* The current version of SynthInvent runs on a Windows PC running XP
* SynthInvent will probably run on Vista, 98, ME, 2000 also
* Your monitor must be at least 1024 pixels wide
* A mouse or other pointing device
* Microsoft .Net framework V2 (Already on many modern Windows computers)
* 2 MB hard disk space"

Roland System 700 Sells for $50,100.99

images via this auction

"Roland System 700 Modular Analog Synthesizer

The System 700 was aimed at high end studios in Japan and the USA. The System 700 was first produced in 1976 and was Roland's flagship product well into the 80's. The system sold in the US for $14,500 in 1979 and was a major player in the modular synth market. Truly a professional instrument, even by todays standards, only around 40 of these great systems were ever built. These extremely rare units still demand large money whenever one appears on the market. Here's your chance to own a piece of musical history.

This particular System 700 was originally owned by Tom Beckman, founder of Roland USA. It was used for 4 years and has been in storage ever since. It appears like it is brand new. The Tolex is near perfect, the panels are beautiful and it shows very little, if any, signs of wear. Storage has taken a bit of a toll on some switches, faders and selectors. Everything can be repaired with cleaning and maintenence. We've had it set up and played it a few times and it is truly amazing. We are selling it "as is". We are a factory authorized Roland Service Center and can do any repairs that may be needed, but that would be a different deal worked out after the sale. This is a large system in 7 enclosures and in all, is 220 pounds."

Andreas Tilliander - Bonnadub

YouTube via repeatle.

"Tilliander dubbing in the studio. All hardware."
"Andreas Tilliander Repeatle Acidub Acid Dub TB-303 RE-201 RE-301 RE-501 MC-202 Korg MS-20 MS-50 Machinedrum"

Jamming in the studio

YouTube via repeatle.

"Just some jamming with parts of the Repeatle Studio"
"Machinedrum UW Monomachine TB-303 DSI Evolver Boss RE-20 Novation Nova Andreas Tilliander Acid Dub"

Comparing x0xb0x, TB-303 and ABL 2.10

YouTube via repeatle
"I'm playing around with x0xb0x, TB-303 and Audiorealism ABL 2.10. I really love all three machines and wanted to compare them."

Comparing Acidlab Bassline, TB-303 and ABL

YouTube via repeatle
"I'm comparing the sound of the original TB-303 to Acidlab Bassline MK1 and Audiorealism ABL2. For some reason the 808 is lagging. I probably managed to move the 808 in Ableton after I'd recorded it. Live with it or skip to the end of the clip. Sorry for this."

Comparing TB-303 with Futureretro Revolution

YouTube via repeatle. "I'm comparing the Roland TB-303 with the Futureretro Revolution"

Future Retro Revolution

via this auction

Gakken Analog Synthesizer SX-150

via this auction

You might remember the SX-150 from this post. It's a recent "free" analog DIY synthesizer kit from Gakken magazine in Japan.

Studio Electronics SE-1

images via this auction
"The Studio Electronics SE-1 is a programmable monophonic synth faithful to the heritage of the original Minimoog. The synth captures the essence of the orignal Minimoog, while adding programmability, oscillator sync, dual-slope multi-mode filters, two extra envelopes, and three additional LFOs. If you've always dreamed of a hot-rodded MIDI Minimoog.

The SE-1's front panel is laid out in the familiar Minimoog style. On first glance the SE-1's front panel appears similiar to the Minimoog, however, while controls for the three oscillators now reside in the middle of the panel, the mixer section is no longer seperate and the envelope and filter controls have been shuffled around. The voice architecture of the SE-1 consists of three multi-waveform oscillators with sync and ring modulation, a mixer with noise source, dual-slope multi-mode filter, VCA, four envelopes, and three LFOs. Each oscillator is capable of generating one or all of the waveforms simultaneously which opens up some new sonic possiblities, while tuning range has been expanded to five octaves. The SE-1 has two filters: one the classic Moog 24db/oct filter, and the other a low-pass/band-pass switchable 12db/oct SEM type filter. With the addition of three LFOs, oscillator 3 no longer needs to be dedicated to LFO, allowing even thicker basses. The three LFOs have a multitude of waveforms including sample and hold, and the modulation destinations are also quite generous. Envelopes 1 and 2 are hardwired to VCF and VCA respectively, but envelopes 3 and 4 can be routed to several destinations. It is also worth noting the envelopes 1 and 3 can be inverted and envelope response can be linear or exponential. MIDI capabilites include aftertouch, pitchbend, modulation, and several continous controllers routable to almost any destination, in addition to velocity response."

1975 Minimoog

images via this auction

"This unit has 6 holes on the back indicating it has the more desirable "famous" osc board which supposedly produces fatter richer sounds than then newer model osc boards. I pulled the back metal cover off and the date of manufacter is written inside on the back of the front panel as 1/29/75."

relaxed 120bpm

via brian c
"here is my prophet 2002 with a wine country minimoog sample, tweeked of course, and it is 8 bars plain, then 24 bars on the t-resonator reverb setting, that low ripping is the t-resonator ...not sure I like that so much

a simple loop (it gets boring after a while) unless you're doin repetitive work , but the sounds are nice"

klee 404

YouTube via D22D21. via Scott, via this electro-music.com thread.
"Beginning of the system. This one is Scott Stites E-M Klee sequencer and Thomas Henry XR VCO trough Yusynth Minimoog VCF clone. It all ends in TH VCA-1. Fun!"

UD-1 not quite done

flickr by Collin Mel
(click for more)

full size

Pixelh8 @ HAC, Ipswich Pulse Festival

YouTube via Hiddenfortress
"'The Master' performed by
Pixelh8 @ HAC, Ipswich Pulse Festival
Camera Tom Juby
Visualisations Martin Russ
Copyright Hidden Youth Records UK"

Roland TR-909 Customsynth.co.uk

more images here

CustomSynth

Bugs-galore - Weevils, TShirts, Raffles, Pics

BugBrand Newsletter:

"***
Weevil08s - new batch of 18 released today

A fresh batch of Weevil08s has just been added to the shop

Strike now if you want one in Red or Green. (a further batch will follow before too long)

***
TShirts
I've begun screen-printing my own shirts and they're now available from the shop in a few different colours.
Great if you live somewhere where it doesn't rain all the time (.....)

***
Workshop Oscillator Machines & Raffle
The two workshop events (Berlin and Lisbon) went really well with about 30 people, many of whom had zero electronics knowledge, successfully building their own machines.
I have now ordered a further batch of PCBs so that I can do more workshops and also offer kits for people - due around the end of the month!
(These new PCBs will have silk-screening on the boards to make part placement easier)

I've now made up the final few 1st-run boards and am offering four of them for sale (in case you don't want to make your own with the forthcoming kit).
These also have better dials on them - the standard kit just has little dials like on the PostcardWeevil, but these ones have nice dials as shown here:
http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/pages/sounddevices.htm#workshoposc
There are three MP3 sound examples too, showing some of the sonic possibilities.

Ok, but I only have four of these so we're going to do another raffle!
Email me back to say you want to enter and then on Monday (14th July) around midday (UK time) I'll pull four names out of a hat (a real hat, not a virtual one).
-> the price is £65 plus shipping (£3 UK, £4 Euro, £5 Worldwide) and I'll sort Paypal payment with the winners of the raffle.

Hope that makes sense?! Email me back if you've got questions..

***
Photos
I just started a BugBrand Flickr account and will be plopping things up there gradually - today, tomorrow, the next day, etc... http://flickr.com/photos/bugbrand
(at the moment there's just a couple of pics from the recent Portugal trip)

***
Other buildings
- there aren't any fixed plans as yet for AudioWeevils / BugCrushers / other things -- you'll hear by BugMail when other things are moving more.
Sorry for slowness...

***
***
That's it for now!
Best to all!
Tom"

Pictured:
Suitcase - Jul08
flickr by bugbrand
full size

Voice of Saturn Sequencer demo

Voice of Saturn Sequencer demo from Peter Speer on Vimeo.

"My VERY newly finished Voice of Saturn Sequencer kit, with a Moog Rogue and a couple of Frostwave pedals.

1.
S-Trig out to Rogue
CV Out to CV In on the Blue Ringer

2.
S-Trig out to Rogue
CV Out to Low Pass Cutoff Frequency In on The Resonator

3.
S-Trig out to Rogue
CV Out to High Pass Cutoff Frequency In on The Resonator

Head to theshamblers.blogspot.com for a review"

DX7 Logo Art

via liam

http://www.myspace.com/luchumusic
http://www.flickr.com/photos/liamcloyd/

Oberheim Matrix-1000

images via this auction

GLEEMAN PENAPHONIC

images via this auction
"Here is an altra rare synthesizer from the early 1980's, the Gleeman, Black with a serial number 0055."

Oberheim 4 Voice Vintage Synthesizer Shell

images via this auction

Moog Micromoog

via this auction
"This is Moog Music's 'synthesizer for everyman. [The] design approach for the Micromoog was to use a minimal number of functional building blocks and to configure the instrument for the greatest amount of performer control over these blocks. The Micromoog consists of the basic necessities: one voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), one voltage controlled amplifier (VCA), two contour generators, and one sample and hold. The 'open system' inputs and outputs make this Micromoog a basic musical building block which can be expanded to meet the performer's growth.'----[from Micromoog Operation Manual ---by Tom Rhea]"

CLICK FOR MORE »

x0xb0x tb-303 clone

images via this auction

Me and my Beast

flickr by -shook-

full size
(check out the belt buckle)

"photography by T. Paassen"

www.myspace.com/shookshookshook
www.shookmusic.com

sn76477-based synthesizer (continued)

flickr by zeni666
(click for mouseovers)

full size

"Added the capacitors selectors, switches for the mixer and the envelope select logic, a switch for external/internal VCO and logic ICs for controlling LEDs of the envelop select logic."

Rhythm 8.0 Commercial

YouTube via rconlives

"Rhythm version 8.0 Free Homebrew Drum Machine Synthesizer for the PSP! http://www.psprhythm.com"

Severed Heads - ABC's Rock Arena - Part One.

YouTube via QRhuggies. via Waveformless. Spot the synths.

nemo sequencer TR-808 acidlab evolver

YouTube via pac209. follow-up to this post
"day 1 with the nemo sequencer www.genoqs.com"

5 DIY Panels by ericcoleridge

via ericcoleridge on this electro-music.com thread: "Following the tradition here of people posting pictures of their progress, I'm submitting a few pictures of my first 5 panels, not long ago delivered from Schaeffer. There are a lot of small problems, errors of mine, but all in all I'm very happy with the way they are coming along. I'm completely(?) done with 2 of the 5. I've assembled tons of circuit boards, many of them home made, alot of CGS stuff and others, that I'm now trying group into various modules. I'll probably attempt a dual 259-style VCO next. These panels are:
a Control Voltage Processor and Mixer (Fonik and CGS)
a Control Voltage 'Array' with Noise, Pulse, Mixer, S+H, Analog Shift Register (MFOS, CGS)
a Dual Band Pass Resonator, with mix (Fonik and CGS)
a Quad Low Pass Gate with Mixer (Fonik and CGS)
and a Quad Function Generator (Topp)"
see the thread for more.

Kurzweil K150

via this auction

"It features real time additive synthesis with 240 oscillators, 16 voice polyphony, upwards of 240 oscillators and extensive programmability. The K150 implements a unique editing method in which you mix, combine and alter the 150's 22 resident voices and 69 preset programs. You basically manipulate sounds on a harmonic level for creating various new timbres. With extensive layering effects and abilities you can get some thick and unique sounds. There's 186 patches for memory storage and you can get up to 255 when you remove the installed sound blocks or overwrite presets.

The Fourier Synthesis (FS) is an upgrade (included in this device) to the standard K150 which allows you to define new instrument models by editing their velocities and envelopes, tuning intervals and more further expanding creative and unique sound synthesis potential.

Everything is modifiable and controllable about this synth. Pitch bending, vibrato, EQ, chorusing, polyphonic after-pressure and full 16 channel MIDI implementation with almost everything being MIDI controllable.

You can have up to 3 keyboard regions with up to 7 layers for each region for all sorts of splits/stacks/velo switches and so on. For every layer you can select one of the low-level instrument models and then globally assign controllers, set up the very flexible pitch LFO, add chorus/delay effects (not via DSP but by stacking up voices) and apply timbre shifts.
I find the parameters offered quite nice and very "musical": e.g. the response to attack velocity and the timbre is nicely adjustable - even via MIDI CCs if you like. Together with a fader box and maybe an arsenal of pedals, switches, joysticks and wheels you can do what the terminology implies: adjust an instrument to the musical context or playing style. It is really a fun to play expressively.

The sound hardware uses a 16 bit DA converter at about 20 kHz. The rolloff of the anti aliasing filter is rather smooth but the instrument models may compensate for this. Main CPU is a 10MHz 68000.

The user interface is - well - usable. The one line display and the OS have their limits but after a few days you get everywhere with a few button pushes. What leaves most other synths way behind is that all parameters are in real units: semitones, cents, dB and Hertz. This adds up to the general impression that someone was really trying to do it right.

Polyphony - 16 voices
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oscillators - 240 osc! (sine and noise)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LFO - Yes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DCF - Yes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DCA - 256 stage envelopes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keyboard - None (rackmount)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Memory - 186 patches (up to 255)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Control - MIDI (16 parts)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Produced - 1986"

My Chroma is not happy - Repairing a Rhodes Chroma

A thread recently came up on the Rhodes Chroma list regarding problems storing patches. Most synths have batteries that last for years, but eventually they run out and you have to replace them. The person on the list was pointed to this thread on the excellent Rhodes Chroma Site. It's an interesting thread that goes through a few problems on a particular Chroma. I noticed the standard Duracel batteries being used. I'm curious what others think of replacing batteries on synths with them. Is it safe or are you risking the battery linking over time? I'd imagine you'd noticed before there ever was a problem as the memory would be dead beforehand, however, if you don't play the synth for a while...

Updated JH Interpolating Scanner and Scanner Vibrato

via JH on AH:
"I hope it's ok when I post even another message about this project.
I've made an update of the web page, showing how to configure this PCB as an ordinary Interpolating Scanner, a Tracking Generator, a Waveshaper, and a hybrid of Scanner and Waveshaper. The latter produces sounds that are less static than are common in normal waveshapers. Here's a sound sample (first dry, then thru the Scanner/Waveshaper):

It's all explained on the web page, here.

I hope you like it. :)" follow-up to this post.

Roland SH-2 Monophonic Synthesizer External Input Demo

YouTube via zibbybone
"The SH-2 is not only a powerful dual oscillator monosynth, but an excellent signal processor. First I control the SH-2's sound from a red SH-101's keyboard and sequencer. Next, I run the audio output of a TR-626 drum machine through the SH-2's filter and modulate the filter cut off with the SH-2's enverlope follower. Lastly, I trigger the SH-2 filter with the 626's trigger out to the SH-2's Gate In."

Vermona DRM1 MkIII Sequenced

YouTube via bigcitymusic
"Here's the Vermona DRM1 MkIII sequenced with the Elektron Machinedrum. The DRM1 is an amazing analog drum synth which puts it in a class all of it's own. Dedicated knobs for each parameter make programming simple. The new kick channel sounds great!

http://www.bigcitymusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/bigcitymusicdo...
http://www.bigcitymusicblog.blogspot.com"

Waldorf X-Pole

images via this auction

- TRUE analog - not digital emulations or models
- FULLY midi controllable - all parameters
- User assignable presets
- Syncable LFOs to midi clock
- Midi-controllable Envelopes

For more info on this model, click HERE.

Access Virus TI Atomizer - Remix Hotel NYC 08

YouTube via pong2600. sent my way via /m.
"Footage from Remix Hotel NYC 2008 at the Access Music booth. The Access boys were showing Atomizer running on a Virus TI Polar. GREAT tracks and sounds coming from this room."

wolves

flickr by roderico
(click for more)

full size

Roland JX-3P

Ode to Narf

flick by _mpd_

"Are you pondering what I'm pondering Pinky?

I think so Brain, but if the Moody Blues had access to Prozac, what would we call them?"

full size

TTRNS Live Gig @ Gramaphone Bar - Track: Tenshi

YouTube via thetenorions. You might remember the Tenorions from this post.

SERGE MODULAR

YouTube via cray56 aka ghostdog. Nice MATRIXYSNTH plug. :)
"97% Serge 1% doepfer spring reverb, 1% Plan B VCO 1% Dual Cyclotron"

EMS SYNTHI AKS

YouTube via cray56 aka ghostdog

aurora Open Source DJ Mixer\MIDI Hardware w/ Ableton Live

aurora Open Source DJ Mixer\MIDI Hardware w/ Ableton Live from aurora mixer on Vimeo.
"This is a DJing demonstration using aurora to control Ableton Live. The video is an overhead shot of the user adjusting the mixer's faders, knobs, and buttons to mix the music. The video cuts between two types of scenes. The lit scenes show a user controlling the music. The dark scenes highlight aurora's ambient lighting system.

About aurora:
aurora is an open source USB powered mixer in a typical DJ form factor. Using Max\MSP or PD the device can control your favorite MIDI software. aurora features 24 backlit knobs, 3 linear sliders, and 8 backlit buttons. These devices are for sale. You can find out more about the project here at auroramixer.com

Song Credits:
Gabriel & Dresden - Tracking Treasure Down
Volta - Robot Needs Oil (Olivier Giacomotto Mix)
Cass & Slide - Lost Life"

MFOS Weird Sound Generator

images via this auction

"Home made DIY synth/noise box based on Ray Wilson/Music From Outer Space's fantastic Weird Sound Generator. Details of the WSG can be found HERE. Basically it is a box containing oscillators and LFO coupled to a resonnant filter and that interact between each others to create some pulsing, bleeping and droning noise. Great for ambiant, electronica, industrial or D'n'B. It works on a 9v battery MP3 DEMOS HERE."