MATRIXSYNTH

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

InnovativeSynthesis Send Synth To Service.mpg

YouTube via InnovativeSynthesis
"Taking apart a Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 before sending it in for service."

Racked Eurorack Modular

Nice shot of a Eurorack modular via the music of sound where you'll find the module listing under this shot.

You might recall from this prior post that Metasonix was going Eurorack. Here is an image of one in the works via Deviant Synth. It's the prototype for a "combined tube distortion/VCA, using variable-mu pentodes (26A6s to be specific)" that will hopefully be shown at NAMM.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Appendage Touch Ribbon Eighth Video: More S&H Mode 1

YouTube via ScottStites
"Mixed output is controlling one VCO, Slide output is controlling another. S&H Mode 1."

ARP 2600 Demo for Nadafarms

YouTube via zibbybone
"Just a simple demo of some "regular" sounds. Controlled by Roland SH-101 via CV/GATE. I think the ADSR envelope is messed up again."

Univox MiniKorg K1 Synth

YouTube via zibbybone

MFX24 MULTI FX PROCESSOR

YouTube via human202
"MFX24 MULTI FX UNIT, COMPLETLY HOMEBREWED, FOR SALE ON EBAY.

The MFX24 is a portable effects processor that has been designed with the circuit bending and electronica culture in mind, with a retro design, straightforward interface and small form factor makes it the perfect companion for the studio and live performances.

Don't be fooled by its size! It has a full blown 24 bits processing engine with 15 amazing presets like reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser,tremolo, pitch shifter,high and low pass filters...it also acts like a synthesizer with a sine wave generator that can create an extremely low powerful bass and also a random lfo generator!

Three independent potentiometers for real time manipulation, control 3 different aspects of the selected preset for unique sounding effects in real time! * Straightforward operational interface designed for quick access * Ultra-compact 4.5" stereo multi-effects processor * Retro L.E.D. display with preset info and graphical pot positioning display * 15 amazing presets including 2 synthesizer like effects sine wave generator and a low frequency oscillator * Three independent REAL TIME potentiometers, controlling three different aspects of the selected preset * Wall power supply"

Jomox XBase09

images at this auction. Note this is the one from this video.
"This is a special edition Jomox XBase09 analog kick/snare/noise drum machine with four sample sets for the Hat section which include samples from the CR-78, TR-808, TR-909, and special Jomox samples. The special sets include samples of the Closed/Open HiHat, Rim Shot, Handclap, Ride, Crash, and analog noise. The samples for the hihats, rimshots, claps, and crashes can all be played in reverse as well.
The specs otherwise are identical to the stock XBase09 except the DinSync port does not function.
Software version 2.09 (last and fully stable release), absolutely 100% mint with owner's manual and original power supply (110V).
Perfect and unstoppable internal clock and syncable to external MIDI clock.
Triophonic (kick, snare, 'hat' section) but can edit individual sounds per step (all parameters!).
Kick has eight editable parameters (Env Tune, Pitch, Decay, Harmonics, Pulse, Noise, Env Attack, EQ Rolloff).
Snare has five editable parameters (Tune, Snappy, Decay, Detune, Noise Tune).
Hat section has Tune and Decay editable for all samples.
X0X-style sequencer with pattern and kit saving.
A true beast, and no longer made.

More audio demos can be heard here"

Inside an ARP Omini-2

flickr by tubmyk2
(click for more)

Mochika2 raw random noises

YouTube via atomolab

Atari Punk Dreamcast version 3

YouTube via frostedminipete
"On ebay. The last one that I'm building, get it while you can folks ;] I really like this one."

iDrum for Mac and PC - Creating Kits

YouTube via izotopeinc
"Learn how to create your own kits for iDrum, the virtual drum machine for Mac and PC."

iDrum: Virtual Drum Machine for Mac and PC

It looks like they've expanded beyond the iPhone/iPod Touch.

iDrum is currently available in three editions
You can get iDrum Hip Hop Edition here:

You can get iDrum Club Edition here:

You can get iDrum Ministry of Sound Anthems here:

2-finger minimalistick :-)

YouTube via feelda303. follow-up to this post.

Casio VL-TONE VL-1

via this auction
"COMPLETE WITH:
Neat leatherette case, in great shape.
Operation Manual
Assorted Melodies booklet
Limited Warranty flyer
Color 11x17" brochure from Casio, folded up
Styrofoam insert for box
Original Color Box (used, a bit beat up, but overall quite nice)

Way back in 1981 the geniuses at Casio decided to create a calculator synthesizer combo. Genius! Now, this is not simply a novelty toy mini organ. This is a proper fully programmable monophonic synthesizer, with a drum machine, and a recording sequencer!

Here are some features:
8-digit voice program entry - you can enter variables for voice (waveform), ADRS, and (LFO) modulation! SERIOUS!
(more info here with links for the manual in pdf form.)
Bleep blip drum machine.
One key play (a 2-button sequencer trigger)
The octave switch, for 3 full octaves of real-time switchable fun!
The pseudo-vocoder/wah, cup the speaker and "talk" for hours of "EE AH OH OO"!
On the back it has master tune and a reset button."

JoMoX Air Base 99 Analog Drum Synth

images at this auction

PPG WAVE 2.2

images at this auction

"Serial # 01433 Actual Dimensions 38" x 22"x 6 1/2" Weight 38 lbs."

Start Instruments Synare 3

images at this auction

Roland System 100 Modular and More

via Q960 on the sequencer.de forum

Sequential Resonation Machine

I saw this one on sequencer.de with no decription. Anyone know what it is?

Update: samples, images and more info here.

"Created by Joseph Casbarian, the Sequential Resonation Machine routes any amplified sound source through a twelve position switch located on the top of the unit.

This switch is controlled by a variable speed DC motor. The signal path is accessed from the patch panel via switch jacks in the center of the panel (2 jack groups).

Next, the user can patch the switched signals into any one of the pipe jack multiples (4 jack groups).

From these outer jacks, the signal is sent to separate speakers underneath each of the twelve pipes spanning an octave C# 4 up to C5 (4’ pipe).

The result is a very simple sequencer, using pipe resonance to produce pitch. "

Update: also see the Odd Music Galary.

x0xb0x 909

The 9th run is on and someone will be lucky 909.

via ladyada's ranting

diy* Festival 2008 - Zurich Switzerland

"Friday 5th until Sunday 7th December 2008, Zurich

* do it together, the culture of collaborative art-making

Exhibition, concerts, talks, workshops and a juried prize: the festival of Making Art is being held for the 4th time and is once again conceived as a transdisciplinary platform for those who aren’t satisfied with commercial products and artwork, as well as people who prefer to tailor their tools by themselves to fit their own wishes.

The venue is Dynamo and its open workshops in the center of the city of Zurich. The festival is being organized by the Swiss Mechatronic Art Society, SGMK, in partnership with the Cycle Opérant art collective."

more info here

THREE KINGS

Be sure to click on the image for the full size shot. The mosaic is made with transistors, chips and other parts. Absolutely amazing.

You can find more info on it at Mitch Wells Art.

"Three Kings is a triptych that celebrates the work of three electronic instrument designers: Tadao Kikumoto, Robert Moog, and Roger Linn." via Mitch Wells

Update: it looks like Blogger shrunk the image. You can find a larger version here.

The Birth of a CS80 Replica Controller

This one is via Anders who brought us the recent Arturia Origin videos. He is building himself a custom hardware controller based on the CS80. It will consist of the following:

Ensoniq TS-10 for poly aftertouch
2*Doepfer USB-64 cards merged to convert sliders to midi cc.
a Doepfer RM2 ribbon controller

Andrew is still looking for CS80 colored sliders. If anyone has any leads, please let me know either via the comments or my contact info on the bottom right of the site.

First modular film

YouTube via RothHandle

Modular seq vs the utopia synth

The q960 vs the teaspoon

Reactable (used by Bjork) - Soundtrack Music Demo

YouTube via OfficialDeathCubeK
"Reactable (used by Bjork) - Soundtrack Demo

http://www.VOLUMEN11.com - ONE LOUDER!

Reactable is a collaborative electronic musical instrument with a tangible interface based on a table, and inspired by modular synthesizers of the sixties. It was developed by the Music Technology Group at the University Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona.

Multiple simultaneous users share total control over the instrument by moving and rotating physical objects on the surface of a bright circular table. Manipulating these objects, representatives of the classical components of a modular synthesizer, users can create complex and dynamic sound typologies, generators, filters and modulators, in a kind of tangible modular synthesizer. There are only 5 reacTable, which included it was sold to Icelandic singer Bjork."

Playing megaman - airman theme on an atari punk console

YouTube via frostedminipete
"Well, trying. Obviously you can't do anything too musical with a single oscillator but hey, I tried."

Arturia Origin Live Tweaking 1

YouTube via rcmusic35

Arturia Origin Live Tweaking 2

ARTURIA ORIGIN

"A small video about the new synth from Arturia: ORIGIN. All sounds from the Origin. At the end, some pictures!"

Simmons Clap Trap

images at this auction

"Simmons Clap Trap, also known as the Musicaid Claptrap. This is one of the later originals, as it is already screen-printed 'Simmons'... This differs from the later Clap Traps in that every part of the sound generation is analogue - the later ones had a digital clap sample in them. Nasty... Has two elements to the sound - Ensemble and Crash, with a Balance control between them.

Ensemble simulates the actual clap sound, with controls for Ragged/Tight (time between hands coming together) and High/Low (pitch). There is also a Humanizer control to add a random element to the sound.

Crash is a noise generator, with controls for Long/Short (decay) and High/Low (pitch).

There is a Manual Trigger button and an Automatic repeat button, with variable speed. The Clap Trap can be triggered from just about anything - mic, sensor, tape, synth, footswitch.

Power switch on the rear with Audio Out, Foot, Synth and Audio trigger inputs (with adjustable Sensitivity). Also an input to switch the triggers in and out."

SX-150 synth controlled by Arduino

YouTube via kbroom. You might remember this from this flickr shot post.
"A Gakken SX-150 analog synth controlled by Arduino. The SX-150 has a little reverb and delay added to it for good measure. For a more detailed explanation of what's happening, go to: http://mrbook.org/blog/2008/11/22/con..."

Doepfer Schaltwerk Sequencer and Vermona DRM Mk II

via Andrew of Vedic Space Program
"The Doepfer Schaltwerk is an amazing sequencer, because it can run eight different MIDI track sequences simultaneously with 3 cv outs per track (1 pitch, 1 velocity and 1 gate) for a total of 24 cv outs. Each of the eight tracks has sixteen steps that can be turned on or off by pushing the LED buttons which turn red when set to trigger. There were 317 of the now discontinued Schaltwerks made according to an e-mail from Dieter Doepfer. I use it for sequencing drum patterns to the Vermona DRM Mk II. MIDI track 1 triggers the bass drum, MIDI track 2 triggers the snare and MIDI tracks 3 and 4 trigger the high hats. I like a very basic drum sound, but you could have a track to trigger all eight of the DRM's drum channels. Because of the push button LED grid, it is easy to change patterns while playing a sequence. The patterns can be save into 4 banks of 32 patterns each. The patterns can be saved as songs or linked as a set of 2 or 4 patterns. I also use it to do chords patterns for my Vermona Performer. The Schaltwerks are rare and I haven't seen any reviews or videos of it in operation so I thought that Matrixsynth readers would enjoy seeing a picture and a description. I need to borrow a video camera and post a Schaltwerk video. Apparently "schaltwerk" translates as "switching device" in English."

Little Boots and the Moog Voyager

via The Fader: Freeload: Little Boots, "Meddle" (Baron von Luxxury Remix)

Little Boots

via Bridge

Pentode tube VCA

YouTube via Crashlander42
"J Baars pentode tube VCA witha couple of minor changes. Seems to act more like a PWM but sounds neat anyway.

Yes, I realized I spelled "J. Baars" wrong in the video. I am retarded.

Visit my music page @ http://www.myspace.com/isaciongun"

Groovebox & Electribe « MC303 - Korg ER1 »

roland mc303 session

YouTube via amenbreak
"mc303 in action. 'Whats in the box that always rocks?'"

Watari.wmv

YouTube via siemprelaluna
"The construction and installation of the MIDI2600 MIDI interface board into a fully functional Atari 2600. The soundtrack is composed and performed on the Atari through the use of a Synthcart cartridge."

My Juno-106.

YouTube via untouchable888
"Just wanted to show it off and show off the FM and filters. I love it. Sounds awesome. Sequencer I used is a Kawai Q80. Sequences courtesy of Jess Deverse.

I've had my juno-106 for quite a while, but I just love it so much i had to show it off. Sad day when the voices go out... :[
The bass can punch like awesomesauce too..."

My Juno-106 #2.

Workspace and Environment: Kamoni

You'll find the full interview on TRASH_AUDIO.
"What are your current favorite pieces of hardware?
The Doepfer modular and Machinedrum have to be my favorites. With the Doepfer, I don't feel any restrictions and I can fluidly patch together any type of sound I want. The Machinedrum has very intuitive programming. I can hack out a beat or even melodies on the MD very efficiently. I've been using the MD for three years now and it never ceases to inspire me."

A sunday in Riga

via the Jean Michel Jarre blog where you will find more info and images.

Moog Memorymoog
EMS Synthi x 2

Cracking Open the Yamaha DX7

flickr by ClockworkGrue

full size

inside a Yamaha DX7

ROLAND SH-32

flickr by yoheiyamashita

full size

L.L.Electronics Rozzbox One V2

flickr by making_sound
(click for more)

full size

Rhodes Chroma original EES Midi Interface

via this auction Note this is not the newer CPU Plus (CC+) available under the MIDI section of the Rhodes Chroma site.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

KAZE NO TANI NO NAUSICAÄ NAUSHIKA WITH VOCODER

KAZE NO TANI NO NAUSICAÄ NAUSHIKA WITH VOCODER from RED MARTIAN on Vimeo.
"This song was never used for Nausicaä. It was composed by Haroumi Hosono of YMO and the original recording featured the actress Narumi Yasuda on vocals.

This recording was made using the Mattson Mini Modular, an ARP Axxe, a Roland SVC-350 Vocoder, a Prophet-5 rev 1, a Prophet T-8, a Roland Jupiter-6 and a Prophet-600. I am sorry for the poor approximation of the acoustic orchestra.

金色の花びら散らして
振り向けば　まばゆい草原
雲間から光が射せば
身体(ｶﾗﾀﾞ)ごと宙に浮かぶの

やさしさは見えない翼ね
遠くからあなたが呼んでる
愛しあう人は誰でも
飛び方を知ってるものよ

風の谷のナウシカ　髪を軽くなびかせ
風の谷のナウシカ　眠る樹海(ﾓﾘ)を飛び越え
青空から舞い降りたら
やさしくつかまえて

花や木や小鳥の言葉を
あなたにも教えてあげたい
何故(ﾅｾﾞ)人は傷つけあうの
しあわせに小石を投げて

風の谷のナウシカ　白い霧が晴れたら
風の谷のナウシカ　手と手固く握って
大地けって　翔び立つのよ
はるかな地平線

風の谷のナウシカ　眠る樹海(ﾓﾘ)を飛び越え
青空から舞い降りたら
やさしく抱きしめて"

MaxMSP Processing my Modular

YouTube via dkimcg
"Just documenting a test of getting the audio from my modular into MaxMSP for further processing. The video is an example Jitter patch from Cycling 74's website that reacts to audio, and the max patch is one of the examples modified with my simple A-192 input patch. There's big problems with sync (Max is too slow) and some noise, still have to find the right audio hardware buffer settings and compensate for latency. Bummer. Semi successful, at least the computer and the modular are talking to each other fairly well, except for the lag in audio processing. Could be that I had a Jitter patch and an MSP patch running at the same time on my notebook.

The patch basically takes two LFO inputs from the CV to MIDI converter, does some simple math and spits out a note which the pitch shifting uses to give the modular a new note. Having the LFOs control effects like reverb, delay, mix levels, etc wouldn't be too difficult. I gotta get back into MaxMSP and write some cool stuff for my modular to control. Modular controlled video and realtime sampled granular synthesis are high on the list. :D

Also in the video I take a look at what a few different LF generators do in a signal through Max."

Appendage Touch Ribbon Seventh Video: Sample & Track Noise

YouTube via ScottStites
"This is S&H/T&H Mode 1 (there are three modes): Mixed output to VCO, trigger to EG. Noise input to Appendage from Blacet DSC2000."

Modular Synth Pic and Roland RE 200

via Andrew:

"The Future Retro Revolution 2 is sequencing the CV 1 input of the Voice of Saturn Oscillator. CV 2 input is coming from the Moog CP251 which is also sending CV into the Moogerfoogers. The output from the Voice of Saturn Oscillator is running into the Metasonix TM-6 which adds some bulk to the signal. I use the Voice of Saturn Sequencer to sequence the CV inputs on the Moogerfoogers which are processing drum beats from the Boss DR880 and the SP505. The Freq Box adds some snarl to the DR 880 which on its own is quite generic sounding. The SP505 sequencer is going into the MWD Geiger Counter before going into the Ring Modulator and Low Pass Filter."

Björn live at BassLab part 1

YouTube via jonka258
"Björn performing on his Elektron setup as part of the Dogma Noveau project. Read more and listen at www.basslab.net.
This is part 1 of the set."

Björn live at BassLab part 2

KAWAI vintage analog drummachine

via this auction

"Kawai pin-matrix programmable vintage analog drummachine with internal amplification and loudspeaker... Crazy, old top rare vintage stuff for educational purposes: With the pins you can very visibly program the rhythm while it loudly plays."

via Hajo