Bob Moog - Synthesizer Theory

via 36 15 MOOG
Track list:
01 - Intro To The Studios
02 - Intro To Moog Synth
03 - Oscillator Waveshapes
04 - Oscillator Pitch Control
05 - White Noise
06 - Keyboard Control
07 - Subaudio Oscillator Control
08 - Combination Tones
09 - Filters
10 - Filtered White Noise
11 - Filtered Music
12 - Filter Control
13 - Amplitude Control
14 - Amplitude Envelopes
15 - Timbre Envelopes
16 - Amp-Timbre Envelopes
17 - Envelope Follower
18 - Sequencer
19 - Conclusion

Analogue Systems EMS Synthi Trapazoid Generator

YouTube via dkimcg
"One use of the RS-510E...
Here I use it as a filter sweep for the PlanB Model 11 and to trigger a Model 10 Env Generator and a Doepfer A-141 VCADSR. When I invert the env output on the trapazoid generator, timings end up changing too, but never going out of time, just kind of being flipped in time. After your ears get used to one rhythm, the inverse envelope sounds almost in reverse, I think it's the filter flipping doing that to my perception. Whatever it is, it's kinda cool. I think I may get the filter too, to get that babytalk filter going with the envelope. Bababababa.... The Cwejman mixer is handling all the stereo panning from LFOs and evnelopes."

Roland X-106

flickr by micromoogman

full size

Some notes via the comments:

"it's my top secret Roland prototype X-106... Actuually it's a chopped Juno 106 that plays thru midi. I did that custom work a couple of years ago and it works fine."

"I had in mind to use a smaller part of the kbd but it was too much work at the time, I still have it saved so maybe... The main problem when keeping the keyboard is to find a space for one of the circuit bords that I put under that panel. The only way to do this is to make a new box form of base plate that would extend it downwards.

As I recall it I made two L-shaped mounts to fasten the sides to the main panel. I got some more pics I believe...

My main concern was heat as you put two circuit bords on top of each other, but it works fine as is..."

Z'Vex Ringtone Pedal with Step Sequencer

via this auction
"Here is a review from Analogman:
This is a sequencing ring mod with a "random" function.

Introduced in March 2006, the Ringtone by Z.Vex Effects is the world's first dedicated sequenced ring modulator for guitar use.

Controls: The controls are as follows: from the upper left, there is a run/step switch to select sequence/random operation or manual stepping operation, a speed control for the sequence/random mode, 8 individual carrier pitch adjustment knobs, the sequence/random stomp switch which doubles as a manual step control, and the true-bypass stomp switch on the right. Also, inside there is a trim-pot adjustment to set the mix of ring-modulated sound versus direct guitar... when shipped from the factory, this is mix is set for pure ring-modulation.

Setup: The way the Ringtone in the setup video on the zvex.com website is as follows: Set the upper left switch to "S" for step mode. Switch the bypass stomp switch to on, so that ring modulation begins. Turn the first carrier knob (with the illuminated led) to a pitch which matches your first chord or note selection on the guitar and gives a pleasing tone. The pitch of the carrier is lower to the right, with the extreme setting resulting in tremolo-like pulsing. Push the left stomp switch to advance to the next carrier knob and repeat the process until you have prepared all of the carrier knobs to pitches which work with your chord or note progression. For sequenced operation, set the small upper left switch to the left for Run mode, and adjust the speed knob next to it for the proper speed. The left stomp switch selects sequenced or random action in this mode."

Anyone know which Analogman this is? I thought it might be here, but I'm not seeing it.

RITM-2

images via this auction
This one is in the UK
"A rare subtractive analog synth, manufactured from 1982 by the Kirov radio plant in the former Soviet Union.
• This auction synth was made in August 1984 in USSR.
• 32-note (F-C) 1 - VCO monophonic synth..
• Neat little synth with a mix of knobs and sliders. Sprung pitch-bend wheel; modulation slider.
• Portamento / glissando; LFO - saw, triangle or random.
• VCO: three waveforms; noise; VCF with resonance, switchable key follow. Two ADSRs.
• Connection on the rear panel : OUTPUT with standard 1/4' jack, power wire connection (220/240V), fuse (0,5A)."

Moog Minimoog with Kenton MIDI

images via this auction
"serial number #11233, made in 1979. This Minimoog has been bought new in 1979 by Derek Holt from historical Climax Blue Band, who always kept it until few weeks ago... The Kenton MIDI interface installed was, in the 90s, one of the most complete and expensive midi conversion kit for the Minimoog. I checked it connecting
the synth to my Logic Pro 8 software and it responds precisely, so that I am sure that the interface is in perfect state!

Anyone know what the holes on the back are for?

Roland MPG-80 Programmer for MKS-80 Super Jupiter

images via this auction
"You can use one MPG-80 to program several modules as long as they are in the same MIDI chain - just change the MIDI channel on the MPG for the unit you wish to program."

Synthesizer Basics by Keyboard Magazine

via this auction
"COPYRIGHT 1984
In this easy to read reference, Brent Hurtig takes you through the basic concepts and parts of the basic monophonic analogue synths of the 60's and 70's. This book is a wonderful introductory guide into the world of eletronic music and its origins. Just after reading the first few chapters out of a copy I got from the local library, I can now tell what makes an analogue synth tick. It also gives you a look at MIDI basic principles and the invention of digital synthesis.This book has sparked my imagination about electronic music and made me want to get out there and make some noise. My only negative comment is that it's a little out of date, but if your looking for information on modular synthesis, Moogs or analogue basics, this is the place."

Also on Amazon
and added to the Synth Books section.

Keyfax: The Guide to Electronic Keyboards

via this auction

by Julian Colbeck
Product Details
* Paperback
* Publisher: Amsco Music (1985)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0825610575
* ISBN-13: 978-0825610578
* Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches

Also on Amazon

and added to the Synth Books section.

THE WHOLE SYNTHESIZER CATALOGUE

via eBay

Edited by Tom Darter
Product Details
* Paperback: 158 pages
* Publisher: Hal Leonard Corp (1985)
* Language: English

Also on Amazon

I added this one to the Synth Books section as well.

Moog Memorymoog +

images via this auction

"This is the + version so there's a MIDI interface."

Mankato Filter

via this auction
"The Mankato Filter is a four-pole lowpass filter with positive and negative outputs at every pole, giving you slopes of 6 dB/oct, 12 dB/oct, 18 dB/oct, and 24 dB/oct simultaneously. the negative slope outputs allow you to use the Mankato as a quadrature sine oscillator with 8 available phases. the Mankato will self-resonate from subaudio to superaudio, and responds to one volt per octave through its unattenuated control inputs. the signal inputs are DC coupled, which allows you to use the Mankato as a voltage-controlled slew limiter.

An audio demonstration of the filter can be found here. it is a 5-track composition using the Mankato for something on every track, and it is the only filter used in the piece.

it is powered from Synthesizers.com power supplies and fits into Synthesizers.com rack frames and cabinets. it also physically fits into Moog modular cabinets but a Synthesizers.com power supply will be needed."

THE JOHN BOWEN CHRONICLES

on SONIC CORE
"Starting later this month, we will run the John Bowen Chronicles on our Website, with new installments every few weeks, leading up to the release of the SOLARIS synthesizer. We hope you find it a fun and fascinating look into the synthesizer design process, and perhaps inspire some of you to take your own adventure exploring and creating with the SCOPE design software."

The History of Uncertainty

via Reed:
"A panoply of not-quite-randomness from 1970 to the present. On the left is the Model 265 with its mesmerizing lamps and undisputibly the best sounding noise generator of the series. At center is the pinnacle of late-1970's Buchla, the model 266, a 6-in-one box of wholesome goodness with some extra not-so-uncertain features as a duophonic sample & hold and a voltage-controlled integrator (glide). On the right is the 266e from 2004. Although it looks a lot like its predecessor, the e-series uncertainty module is really its own animal. It does equal divisions of the voltage sweep in the "quantized" section. The original 266 does some sort of wacky binary equation that yields irregular but western-friendly relationships. For example, if you set an oscillator's mod range to an octave, setting the range to 4 steps will give you a major second, perfect fifth, dominant 7th and octave. If you do the same setting from the 266e "quantized" section, you'll get a diminished arpeggio (4 equal divisions). And then there are the stored random voltages....the original 266 has a "time correlation" control, which is kind of a hat-tip to the last-note "correlation" control on the 265. The 266e gives you vc skew, which sort of lets you approximate a s&h sometimes if you've had enough scotch. And by that time it's a good idea just to call it a night."

MFB-Synth Lite - jas_review001

YouTube via unklekarma
"MFB-Synth Lite
(JAS_review001)
A review video from justastudio
The MFB-Synth Lite was tracked through Joe Meek ThreeQ, recorded using TC konnekt8 and edited in Cubase (a bit distorted peak on purpose).
Three beats were added:

1. Housy beat with a bit of distortion
2. Lo-fi beat with 1/1 stereo chop
3. Filter beat using Kjaerhus auto filter

Some minor EQ and compression were added to the MFB-Synth Lite in the mixing process.

Please keep in mind that this track was entirely done for showing some of the possibilities of the MFB-Synth Lite.

Please visit www.justastudio.net

Video recorded with Panasonic NV-GS50
Thanks to Martin Craggs for video camera support
www.craggs.dk"

Analog Synthesizer DIY Keyboard Test

YouTube via Redled72
"Test der Keyboardinterface und eines Antilogconverters. Die ersten verwertbaren Klänge können sich hören lassen =). Hier über das Moogfilter."

Moog & Clavia Mini Live

YouTube via kaizokuhousou. sent my way via fischek
"2008 15th June I demonstrate Moog & Clavia Synthesizer @ Nakai Gakki in Osaka Japan, Visit here and gonna be a nice experience and xperimental for you!"

Manikin Schrittmacher sequensing monomachine

YouTube via enapa1apa

Nord Lead 2x Synthesizer - Pitch Bend & Mod Wheel

YouTube via residentproducer. follow-up to these posts.

Nord Lead 2x Synthesizer - Portamento

First sequence with my synthesizers.com

YouTube via Thalassa77
"First days with my new synthesizers.com modular synthesizer. It's a basic system with only 1 VCO , 2 Env , 1 Vcf and 1 Vca"

escape out of the black hole

YouTube via vonhaulshoven "von haulshoven on orbit strings."

Thingamagoop vs. Tenori-On part I

YouTube via zinoff "Thingamagoop, meet Tenori-On, Tenori-On meet Thingamagoop"

dual darf

another flickr by citizenmori
(click for more)

full size

MMM Demos

Just some fiddling with the MMM. No music, just sound. Be sure check out the Mattson Mini Modular Forum for a note from George on the one year anniversary yesterday. If you missed it see this post for images. Note the following all feature the Syntar SSM 2040 filter. The final filter is the last remaining item. I do have to say the quality of the system has come a long way since it was first announced. If you remember it was messaged to be a bare-bones, budget modular with a finish on the panels meant to be replaced. It now has a very proper finish (same panel overlays as DSI and Moog) and it feels rock solid. The oscillators are new and based on the Syntar, EML style OSCs. To be honest I was a little worried the new OSCs would not live up to the Syntar's. To my surprise they do and they are much more stable, tracking a full six octaves. With just two OSCs it actually gives my Voyager a run for the money. These are very bold oscillators. The final filter will of course have to prove itself, however if the OSCs are any sign, I am sure they will come through. This is a very nice modular system. Again, the following is just some tinkering. You can see prior posts for more demos and videos by clicking on the MMM label below. Apologies for the heavy reverb on the first couple of demos. http://mattsonminimodular.com/

CLICK FOR MORE »

Hammond Novachord

via Milo:

Update: image of the four Novachords."This is Hammond Novachord #1431, one of the last of the instruments made, most likely built in 1940 some time. It was originally purchased by CBS Studios in New York City. In the early Seventies, a retiring CBS engineer acquired the instrument and kept it at his home for the next few decades. I acquired it through an estate buyer about three years ago. It has not been powered on since I got it and I do not intend to do so until the internal restoration is complete, but over the last few days I cleaned it up for a photo shoot and figured you might like to see the results. Phil Cirocco documented the restoration of his instrument on his website and it is a truly painstaking process which I will be getting entirely too familiar with over the next few years. You see, I have three more of them..." Photograph by John Phelps, www.johnphelpsphotography.com. You can read about the Novachord Restoration Project here. Be sure to click on the Novachord label below for prior posts.

Patch Bay 101

I have a pretty hard rule on synth only posts, however, I thought this one would be of use to many out there. Sequence 15 has a great post up on patchbays.

If you ever wondered how they work or if your synth collection has grown to the point it is no longer flexible, this might be worth a look.

"So what does a patch bay do? It gives you a place to bring all of your signal sources and destinations together, so that you can connect things in any arbitrary order using short patch cords. In that respect, it's no different from a modular synthesizer. However, a well laid out patch bay can also make your life easier by having pre-made 'default' connections that correspond to the way you normally connect things in the studio, but can be easily overriden when desired. And, by making it more convenient to change connections, it can enable the use of things that might otherwise be too much trouble to cable up -- like auxiliary outputs from synths."

memory

flickr by citizenmori

full size

Buchla 200e memory cards

~flight of harmony~ September mini-newsletter

"The revised Plague Bearer boards are in and they are great! They have been redesigned for the coming modules; smaller, more compact, and multiple power connector options. The boards have holes for either a 4-pin 0.156” Amp header (Blacet) or a 5-pin 0.100” AMP SIP header (one side of the Doepfer 10-pin power connector). The lesson on this one is: Any automated process will malfunction occasionally, so pay the extra bit for electrical testing when you order a run of PCBs.

Now available: Plague Bearer Barebones pack. There were a few requests for this and it sounds good to me: A fully-assembled single-channel board plus knobs, jacks, and connectors. $35.00 USD each plus S&H.

Coming soon: Plague Bearer modules. Parts and boards are in stock, just waiting on the panels. They will be 0.090”/2.2mm photo-anodized aluminum Eurorack format (but you can pick your preferred power connector as mentioned above).
There will be two models: PB-1E (single) and PB-2E (double)."

http://www.flightofharmony.com

iPhone OSCemote Controlling Thor

YouTube via PeffTV
"Another demo of OSCemote controlling Reason 4.0. A FM tone generator is triggered using the multi-touch control. This one is a bit long and gets redundant after awhile...."
You can get OSCemote here:

Yogi - The Knob Tweaking Cat

YouTube via PeffTV
"My cat loves to play with the Rotary control on the eventide H3000 harmonizer."

Buchla 200 Modular Synthesizer Patching

YouTube via PeffTV
"Demonstration of patching a Buchla 200 Modular Synthesizer. This is a video for my lecture at the Producers Conference in Atlanta this weekend."

Nord Lead 2x Synthesizer - Envelope & Filter Sections

YouTube via residentproducer

Nord Lead 2x Synthesizer - Appregiator

Korg R3 Demo

YouTube via SynthMaster2000

RIP Richard Wright

via Pink Floyd.com
"Richard Wright
15 Sep 2008
The family of Richard Wright, founder member of Pink Floyd, announce with great sadness, that Richard died today after a short struggle with cancer.

The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

Richard Wright
Born 28 July 1943 (65)"

flickr by syd*barrett

via BBC News
"Pink Floyd keyboard player and founder member Richard Wright has died aged 65 from cancer.

Wright appeared on the group's first album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, in 1967 alongside lead guitarist Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and Nick Mason.

Dave Gilmour joined the band at the start of 1968 while Barrett left the group shortly afterwards.

Gilmour said: 'He was such a lovely, gentle, genuine man and will be missed terribly by so many who loved him.'"

Two video documentaries to remember his impact by:

The Making Of The Dark Side Of The Moon Part 1 - 6

YouTube via foresthillier

Pink Floyd - Behind the Wall 1-7

YouTube via sabeltann
"This documentary looks at the conception, design and live shows of The Wall performed by Pink Floyd in 1980 and 1981. It features in-depth 1980s era interviews with Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason and shows footage of The Wall performed at Earl's Court in 1980. It also features archival footage of the Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd and discusses how David Gilmour was brought into the band to initially augment their live shows when Syd became unreliable due to his drug problem and how Gilmour ultimately replaced him. A short retrospective of Pink Floyd post-Syd in included. The documentary also discusses is how Roger Waters' concept of The Wall came about and how Pink Floyd, the band, were on the verge of breaking up while performing The Wall concerts. Included are interviews with Mark Fisher (stage designer), Jonathan Park (stage designer), Gerald Scarfe (animation designer and director) and Bob Geldof and Alan Parker in relation to the making of The Wall Movie."

This post will remain on top out of respect and memory of Richard Wright. See below for new posts throughout the day. Originally postedd 9/15/08 11:15 AM at 11:50 AM.

Richard Wright Tribute RIP

YouTube via PhahtFluury
"Richard Wright of Pink Floyd passed away 9/15/08. I felt like making a tribute for him because of his contribution to music let alone Pink Floyd. Rick contributed in Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Synthesizer, Trombone, Vocals, Guitar, Fiddle, Harpsicord, Saxophone, Cello, Mellotron, Farfisa, Vibraphone"

Hardcore Modular Synthesizer Porn

YouTube via synthesizerman
"Nasty sounds vomit out of this modular sythesizer. The drums are analog Roland Dr. Pad I thru III, triggerd from the Moon 563; the snare was chanel if you cant tell."

Powertran Transcendent 2000

images via this auction
"This is an ETI (Electronics Today International) magazine project I built back in the very early 80's.
I used this synth for several years at home and remember it had been fully working before putting into long term storage (20 years) in my loft. I have recently replaced the mains transformer but that did not get it up and running. I now believe the fault to be a component on the power supply circuit board. This could be a lucrative project for anyone with knowledge of testing and repair of electronic circuit boards.

The Synthersizer is complete and externally in a clean condition, I have included the original filter sweep foot pedel. There are a couple of pages missing from the ETI project instruction manual but I have found and printed the pages from a file (which I can forward on in pdf format allowing you to zoom in for greater detail) on the internet which I believe completes the information. The original Powertran 79/80 catalogue has some writing on but is complete and is also included."

buchla 200e led exposure

flickr by citizenmori
(click for more)

full size

"12 panel buchla 200e. octopus pirate."

and

model 208 in 200e cabinet

full size

Cwejman S1 Demos

via doctorvague on electro-music.com

"Demos of the S1Mk2 controlled by 2 Doepfer A-155 sequencers and a few other support modules including a Modcan dual quantizer. The sound is S1Mk2 with no patch cords other than Gate/Trigger and CV in. Nothing on the audio except a UA 140 plate reverb and a stock plug-in limiter to bring levels in line. Triggers generated by a DIY interface described geekily here: http://www.electro-music.com/forum/topic-28737.html"

demos here

Kawai SX-210 synthesizer

YouTube via oggdawg

MochikaMIDI + Roland + Korg = IntiWarp

YouTube via atomolab. Mochika on Ebay
"Live jam IntiWarp by 'El hangar de los mecanicos'. Thanks to Dante Droid and Max Autobahn303"

Sequential Circuits Prophet-600 Analog Synthesizer

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo by RetroSound

The first synth with midi!

Sequential Circuits Prophet-600 Analog Synthesizer (demo of various filter and envelope settings, PWM, Sync, VCF-FM, Crossmodulation and more);
sequenced by the MFB Step64 step sequencer and sync with the Roland TR-707;
drums: Roland TR-707

This video demo is not a musical statement, only demonstration of the sound possibilities of the instrument."

ARP Avatar

This one is for sale via Todd. You can reach him at sines_tr at scale.gs.

"$850 or $950 with a Doepfer MCV-4 MIDI to CV converter [which can do both linear and logarithmic CV control, plus gate & trigger output].

Here are the links I have for the Arp stuff:

Phil Cirocco
discretesynthesizers

Here's the guy in the Netherlands that does a ton of Mods: link

These are some general Odyssey mods that can most likely be applied to the Avatar: link"



YouTube via scalenyc
"me testing out the ARP Avatar and running a drum loop through it."

Update via Todd in the comments: "It's been sold.. thanks for everyone's interest."

Synthesizers.com Portable22+ modular synth w/Q118

via this auction
"Synthesizers.com Portable 22 system with bonus Q118 Instrument Interface module (a $92 value), allowing for external signal processing (voice, guitar, etc.) and triggering, similar to a Korg MS20. I received this system brand new from the manufacturer a few months ago, but recent bills are forcing me to sell. The item is in like new condition with everything 100% fully functional. The system has very rarely been used and kept in a smoke free studio. Will be packaged professionally with all information materials, patch cables, power cord (see below for everything included). Any questions please feel free to ask, bid with confidence.

These items are built to order, direct from the manufacturer and wait time can be in the many months. Here is your chance to own a modular synthesizer system without the wait, and for a lower price!

for more information please see:
http://synthesizers.com/portable22.html
http://synthesizers.com/q118.html

System Includes

Cabinet
1) QCP22 Vinyl-covered 22 space cabinet.

Internal Power Components
1) QPS1 Power Supply
1) QDH20 DC Power Harness Modules
1) Q104 MIDI Interface
1) Q105 Slew Limiter
3) Q106 Oscillator
1) Q107 State Variable Filter
2) Q108 Amplifier
2) Q109 Envelope Generator
1) Q110 Noise Source
1) Q112 4-Channel Mixer
1) Q116 Ring Modulator
1) Q118 Instrument Interface
1) Q117 Sample & Hold
1) Q124 Multiples
1) Q125 Signal Processor
1) Q137 Power Control/Interface
1) Q138 Logo Panel
Cables
2) QP4MM-12 Patch Cable, 1/4" Plugs, 12"
10) QP4MM-24 Patch Cable, 1/4" Plugs, 24"
6) QP4MM-36 Patch Cable, 1/4" Plugs, 36"
2) QP4MM-48 Patch Cable, 1/4" Plugs, 48"
1) QP4MM-72 Patch Cable, 1/4" Plugs, 72"

Dimensions
25"w x 7"d x 20"h
about 40 pounds"

Roland D-50 sounds

YouTube via apoena313. sent my way via fischek

AudioWeevil08 release

"The first batch of AudioWeevil08s has just gone into the shop. 10 of them for now - priced at £190 plus shipping. Please read the description here first. And move fast if you'd like one! Luckily there will be further batches before too long - I just took delivery of a stack more circuitboards for them. That's the briefy update for now....

Big Thanks!
& all best,
Tom

PS Notes:::::
1 - Keep your eyes on the BugBlog over the next days/weeks -> there's exciting new stuff brewing!

2 - I've been having lots of trouble with emails to the bugbrand.co.uk account recently. You can always use my gmail account to reach me if you have problems - bugbrand AT gmail.com(and if you DO get any email bounces - if you could forward any error messages to my gmail account I'd be very appreciative)

3 - If you don't want to receive these BugMails then just reply with the subjectline REMOVE and I'll take you off the list."

Sorry, you are gonna get them here anyway. ;)

Play AGRESSIVELY with KORG DS-10

YouTube via kaizokuhousou. This one does pick up.
"I wannna you to play KORG DS-10, even you have compose TECHNO POP sound! I tell you how to program and play!"

buchla 200e

YouTube via emssynthi100

Pro-One - LFO-powered leds

flickr by DeadZone

full size

deadzonemusic.com / SCI Pro-One Synthwood project

Elektron MonoMachine SFX-6

flickr by DeadZone
(click for more)

full size

Elektron MonoMachine SFX-6 / deadzonemusic.com