MATRIXSYNTH

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

MIDI2SDS(X) (normal)

YouTube via denha
"AVR was exchanged with the normal goods."

SCI Prophet VS test run

YouTube via AnalogSweden
"Just a quick test after cleaning and assembly at Analog Sweden Studio.

Read more and more analog stuff: http://analogsweden.com/blog/"

Prophet T8 Sequencer test

YouTube via AnalogSweden
"These are some of the preset patterns in the Prophet T8 sequencer .

Read more and more analog stuff: http://analogsweden.com/blog/"

Prophet T8 test run

Prophet T8 test run 2

YouTube via f...gharpsichord
"This is a technics drumcomputer (!) that i own now allready for one year. I knew the bends well but didn't made a good device to control it. So I went to the attic and took meself an old cigar-box.

There are 5 bents (infact 6, but the wire from switch 6 came loose). Infact all destruction mods except for the one I call 'the-808-bass-drum-switch'.

I think there is a little amount of people who own this one !"

"Yes my M P has midi so it's very handy and easy to make fun sequences. I use my bent box allso on Technics."

Black Hit Out Of Space

YouTube via analoguecrazy4
"Here is my cover of Black Hit Out Of Space by The Human League. All sequencing by Roland W-30 and all sequencer parts (except drums) from my vintage Jupiter-4."

juno+dr-55+doepfer+delay+feedback+me

YouTube via analogueak
"every track in the mixer can be sent through the "send out". The send out is routed to the external input of the modular. I have the delay effect output as a channel in the mixer, so it too can be sent to the external input. The modular output is on two separate channels in the mixer so those can be sent back through the external input as a feedback loop which can re-trigger the sequencer in odd ways. Add my mic and random gibberish and the whole thing just gets silly. and there's a little bass drum patch with the ribbon as a trigger/pitch controller which was built the same way as the "simple analog modular patch - How to - part 1" video."

Innovation - Vinyl Life studio recording session

YouTube via vinyllifevideo. Some synth and album spotting. Kraftwerk.
"Innovation baby! The second Vinyl Life single on Tape Theory. This video shows the VL crew in the lab recording the song for their upcoming album. Directed by WashMachine.

vinyllife.com | tapetheory.com |myspace.com/vinyllife"
via Twitter/Vinyl_Life
Roland HS-60 / Juno-106S, Roland TR-808, Future Retro Raveolution, SCI Six-Trak, boxing robots...

Monday, March 16, 2009

Daft Punk - Something About Us - Daft Loop Love

YouTube via ooo6
"Ableton Live looped cover of Something About Us by Daft Punk, performed on Nintendo DS Ubisoft Jam Sessions, Midi controlled software electric bass, drums, synth, vocoded vocals, and solo theremin, recorded in a single pass, with a single camera."
You can find more details including how to get the MP3 in the full description.

x0xb0x Bases Stand Alone Sequencer?

via Amos on the AH list:
"John Emond and I have been chatting recently about the possibility of taking the excellent analog sequencer found in the x0xb0x (q.v: http://www.ladyada.net/make/x0xb0x) and adapting it into a standalone x0x-style pattern sequencer.

This would be a simple affair, 1 octave of key-switches, 16 steps per pattern, control voltage and MIDI output, MIDI clock sync... the x0xb0x firmware would be used as a starting point, which means features like real-time or step-time pattern editing while the pattern is playing and synced to clock, pattern shift backwards or forwards by steps, on-the-fly transpose, realtime adjustment of pattern length.

Output is V/Octave by default, although John suggests adding a switchable Hz/V output option, which would certainly be a nice touch. He's also in favor of expanding the rather small output range of the x0xb0x to a range of 5 octaves.

So, before we get too deep into this project, it seems like a good idea to find out the general level of interest for such an animal. Who wants one?

I am presuming this would be offered as a PCB + bill of materials, source the parts and build it yourself kind of affair. At least, I'm not immediately volunteering to order and kit up a bunch of parts myself. Although, if a lot of people express an interest (as in, "I will definitely pay extra for a full kit") then it's definitely something to take into consideration.

So, please reply and let me know:

Do you definitely want a standalone, DIY sequencer like this?
Are you OK with a bare PCB and parts list, or is it important to get a
"complete kit?"
(note that a sequencer-only would not have any rare parts like the x0xb0x
uses - the rare bits are all in the synth section)
Has somebody already done this and we haven't noticed yet?

Tell me what you think. It's an exciting possibility, and I'm glad John has
stepped up to lend his enthusiasm to something I've been wanting to get
around to for a while...

Cheers,
Amos"

feel free to comment

Live Music Mess Around Canon 5d Mark II

Live Music Mess Around Canon 5d Mark II from corsiglia on Vimeo.
"Live Music Mess Around Canon 5d Mark II
Featured:
Korg Microkorg
DSI Mopho
Elektron Machinedrum"

Mapping the Ensoniq Fizmo

Dave Cornutt has taken on the daunting task of mapping out the Ensoniq FIZMO's MIDI implementation.

"I've done a bunch more work on identifying how to edit Fizmo patches via MIDI. I've got the NRPNs worked out for about half of the sound parameters, including some of the ones not accessible from the panel. I'll post an update in a few days with all of the ones I've managed to identify. The internal architecture turns out to have some similarities to the Ensoniq MR series."

You can find the full post on Sequence 15.

New Rhodes Chroma Paramater Chart

You can find the full size paramater chart with the list of updates on the excellent Rhodes Chroma site.

Kutiman-Thru-you - 03 - I'm New

YouTube via kutiman. Roland RS-09 and SH-101 in this one.

Source synth vids:

Roland SH-101 Analog Synthesizer by RetroSound

YouTube via retrosound72

Roland RS-09 like Arp Solina (oddly, I just posted this one earlier below)

YouTube via Sketchboxx

Moog MULTIMOOG Checkout by Mike the Teacher

YouTube via MikeTheTeacher

Non synth source vids in the description here.
http://thru-you.com/ for more.

x0xb0x add-ons - WIP

flickr by SineSurfer
(click for more)

full size

Miniwaveinstalled

flickr by sduck409
(click for more)

full size

Future electric

YouTube via mik300z
"experimental fusion of electro/disco/dance/prog rock/ambient......or in other words I was just having fun!"

Moog Prodigy

YouTube via Sketchboxx
"All sounds made with the prodigy, except the drums."

Roland Juno 106

YouTube via Sketchboxx

Fender Rhodes + Moog Prodigy

YouTube via Sketchboxx. "inspired by an old samurai movie"
A little train interlude there as well...

* * * Korg MS-50 * MS-20 * MS-20 * SQ-10 * * *

YouTube via Newueel
"Another interesting experiment with only original live created MS-20 / MS-50 sounds (incl. beat), no FX at all!

The SQ-10 triggers and sequences all synths:
- The MS-50 plays a rythmic bass pattern (SQ-10 channel A+B).
- The MS-20 plays another rythmic pattern using 2 different tuned VCO's, also sequenced by channel A+B, but using the inverted signal, which also goes through the MS-50 integrator for portamento purposes. EG1 controls the VCO frequency and swaps between 2 CV values every 32(!) steps, by using step 1 trigger output (which triggers once every 8 steps) divided by 4 (MS-50 divider) to generate a trigger once every 32 steps.
- The other MS-20 plays a simple beat, a bass drum with hi-hat pattern (channel C)."

acidlab miami bassline tr-909

YouTube via pac209. "more shuffle here"

midi-din sync jam session

"tr727 is master, midi goes to miami, from there din to 909 from there midi to bassline from there din to 606, it all works with no glitch or delay in timing. I chose this "exotic" wiring on purpose to demo the whole "hook up some din sync" thing. Some live programming is hard to do with one hand sorry! at the end you can see the 909 and the miami both in shuffle mode, really great."

muzik4machines's QuickCapture Video - March 16, 2009, 07:17 PM kaossilator and Mini KP

YouTube via muzik4machines
"muzik4machines's QuickCapture Video - March 16, 2009, 07:17 PM"

muzik4machines's QuickCapture Video - March 16, 2009, 05:58 PM kaossilator and mini KP

more here

The FREAKENSPEAK CIRCUIT BENT SPEAK & SPELL

via eBay

"Features Of The 'FREAKENSPEAK':
The Versatile Texas Instruments Speak & Math Electronic Voice Chip Is The Basis For Synthesis.
Candy Colored Soft Grip Base Pitch Knob.
Opto Theremin For Wild Pitch Swooping & Whammy Style Effects.
Loop Engage & Hold Switches For Creating Looping Electronic Rhythms & Repeating Percussive Effects.
Synthesizer Sound Freeze & Sustain Switches.
Two Glitch Switches Generate Random Speech & Synth Effects Dependent On Mode Of Operation.
Gold Body Contact Dish & Gold Hologram Contact Sensitive Facade For Sensitive Whammy Style Effects, Warbles & Natural Musical Phrasing.
1/8 Inch Output For Connection To Recording, Effects & Amplification Devices.
Twin Bright LEDs For Dramatic Performance Gestures In Low Light & Dark Venues.
Anamorphic Design With Positionable Segmented Legs & Segmented Claws; & Two Holographic Eyes Make This A Truly Unique Display Object Device When Not In Use.
Runs On Four 'C' Batteries... Not Included To Lower Shipment Cost To The Buyer.
Secure Fitting Battery Compartment Cover & Clean Battery Compartment."

ROLAND GR88 NECK THROUGH BASS + GR77B MIDI SYNTH

via this auction

Roland TR77 Rhythm Machine

via this auction
"Roland TR77 Rhythm synth.
The Roland Rhythm 77 drum machine was Roland's first product (formerly Ace electronics) - released in 1972. It is actually an updated and relabelled Rhythm Ace FR-8L.

It was one of a trio of drum machines released by Roland that year, offering features intermediate between those of Rhythm 33 (TR-33) and Rhythm 55 (TR-55).

It comes in a flat wooden case with a metal base and has a holding for scorebooks - was dedicated to put at top of an organ for rhythm accompaniment.

General Product Information:
Contents
* 1 Rhythms:
* 2 Instruments:
* 3 Some technical inside:
* 4 External Sync

Rhythms:
· Latin: rhumba, beguine, cha-cha, mambo, samba 1&2, bossa nova, baion, bolero, tango
· Rock: rock'n'roll 1&2, slow rock, ballad, western, march, jazz waltz, waltz, cancel
· 2beat & 4beat: bass drum, snare, fox trot, swing, parade, shuffle

Instruments:
Bass drum, snare drum, lo conga, low bongo, high bongo, rim shot, maracas, high hat, cymbal, tambourine, guiro, cow bell. Rim are used for metronome, too.
has a little mixer for: bass drum, snare drum, guiro, high hats.
has a tempo & volume fader; and a fade-out option : for start there's no button, it's a finger-sensitive touch-bar, supports double tempo.
the power switch is not a primary AC-switch.

Some technical inside:
There's no IC inside - only one VCA...
Left: transformer, rectifier, softstart.
Mid: master clock, 5 dividers, reloop & down-beat LED, diode matrix.
The 1st divider is connected to the tempo-up switsch for a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, the 2nd ones for switching between the 4/4 and 3/4 clock - 1:2 or 1:3 ratio.
Right: the voice board, mixer & output stage. BD, LC, LB, HB, rim are passive circuits.
Bottom: the rhythm switches...
External Sync
There's a little possibility to use din-sync on this device.
Logic board: leftest transistor, on its right the base resistor, solder on lower pin the clock line. For start/stop - its like a pedal switch - just put a transistor serial into the male connector: gnd=emitter, top=collector, base=start/stop line.

Works best at 8 ppm clock, up-tempo off for best results. On up-tempo on the guiro & tambourine it sounds bad as they have a 2nd trigger input which they get from the 1st divider."

KORG MS2000R

via this auction

Alesis ION Reversed

via this auction

0 feedback, so be careful

Roland MC505 Groovebox

via this auction

Key takeaway: Roland owns the term "Groovebox"

"MC-505: Groovebox
Features
The MC-505 Groovebox® builds upon the successful MC-303 as a self-contained, retro-styled dance music sequencer and sound module with powerful new sounds and realtime controls. New features include the revolutionary D-Beam light-sensing controller and a MEGAMix function for intuitive realtime pattern mixing.

* Professional Groovebox featuring high-performance sound engine: 64-voice polyphony, steeper multi-mode resonant filters, front-panel ADSR envelope controls
* Revolutionary D-Beam controller allows for effects and sound/note control via hand movement over infrared light beam
* 714 onboard dance music patterns developed by cutting-edge sound designers worldwide

* 512 built-in sounds and 26 rhythm sets, including the latest dance, hip-hop and techno music sounds and classic drum and synth sounds (TB-303, TR-808, JUNO, Jupiter, etc.)
* Three independent, synchronizable effects processors with powerful new effects
* Onboard arpeggiator
* MEGAMix function allows for intuitive pattern creation by combining rhythms and parts of one pattern with another
* Enhanced MIDI implementation, powerful sequencer section with increased note storage, multiple outputs (3 stereo/6 mono), new assignable part Mixer sliders
* SmartMedia slot accepts external 2MB and 4MB SmartMedia cards for unlimited pattern and patch storage and direct pattern playback"

Sequential Circuits Six-Trak

via this auction

Magneticring (synthi AKS) & Osama "Sam" Shalabi

via echo7even

"Feed&Seed Records just released 2 CDrs featuring some music made by humans with rare synths.

Magneticring (synthi AKS) & Osama "Sam" Shalabi

also a rare live recording of Shasta Cults an elusive modular synth duo who use Buchla and Serge performance instruments.

info here"

Moog Prodigy Patch Sheets and Documentation

via echo7even on the AH list:
1 - original owners manual (some spine wear and highlighter inside)
1 - original service docs
1 - Norlin service center list (march 1979)
15 - photocopied blank patchsheets
8 - original sound overlays (synthdrum, heavy hammer, bass, elephant and flea, thin reeds (sync), bowed strings, ring mod effects: gong/chime, sample and gold)
Note these are for sale, if interested contact rick @ echo7even @yahoo.com

ElectroHarmonix Mini-Synthesizer Sample Track

You can find the track on David Kronemyer's blog. Be sure to see the rest of the site for other synth related posts including some words and another image of the ARP String Ensemble, Logan String Melody, and Freeman String Symphonizer below.

Club Of The Knobs Bode Frequency Shifter C1630

via this auction

click the image for the full size shot.

COTK

New Serge M-odule released: the 'Stereo Mixer' M-odule

via Bakis of Parallel Worlds

"a new Serge M-odule has been released: the 'Stereo Mixer' M-odule.

it contains (from left to right):
Quadrature Oscillator module, Dual Transient Generator module, Dual VCA (ac-coupled), Dual Channel Stereo Mixer module (with level and panning voltage controlled).

with this M-odule, the user is presented with a bank of six VCA's (two in the stereo mixer module, two in the Dual VCA, two hardwired in the two outs of the Quad Osc) and two transient generators plus a quadrature sinewave Osc.

so, he has plenty of cv sources to use for modulating volume (or AM synthesis) and for modulating Pan Position, etc...

the Quad Osc goes into well into Audio range, so it can be used as Audio source as well.

Price is 1700 USD."

Memories of green (Vangelis cover)

YouTube via mik300z
"short excerpt from bladerunners atmospheric piece. I used a little flange effect on the Juno g's piano as Vangelis did for the original.(I think he used a guitar flange pedal) As usual excuse the bad playing, oh, and turn the volume down, I had the levels up way too high for the recording.oops!

Roland Juno G-piano
Roland juno 6- whoopy sound
Roland Juno 106- beeps
Korg X5- random computer sound"

Note the Ensoniq ESQ-1 appears to only be used as a MIDI controller.

Trash_Audio: video_Output Series (Teaser)

Trash_Audio: video_Output Series (Teaser) from Justin McGrath on Vimeo.
"trashaudio.blogspot.com/

We may or may not be working on something. This is only a test."

Bird-synth-MKIV2

flickr by Cpt.Credible

full size

"Epileptic Bird Synth built for customer"

Casio Tape Boombox

See the full post on Retro Thing

"The keyboard is nothing special - it's the same guts as their MT-68. It's got those same lovable analog "blip blip" rhythms that you fell in love with on the organ at your grandma's. The tones aren't anything really remarkable either, though the built in mixer to adjust the volume on the various automated parts of your performance are a nice touch. To get started, just hit a punch-button to dial up your instrument sound, then select between a dozen rhythms and auto-accompaniment styles."

Arturia Origin Review on Create Digital Music

full review on CDM
excerpt:
"modules are sourced from the modeling of the Moog Minimoog, Yamaha CS-80, ARP 2600 and Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, as well as additional Arturia originals. Each has its distinctive quirks and allows for some interesting combinations, with features like self-oscillation on the Moog and the smooth response of the Jupiter filters. The manual becomes useful here, with examples and reference points for understanding the characteristics of each.

Beyond creating your own patches, the unit comes packed full of preset programs. Each program contains one synth structure as well as up to three effects settings and one sequence. Up to four Programs can be combined as a Multi, allowing for multi-timbral sound module use with MIDI note, channel and split functionality. The synth structure can be either a user-built modular environment or a template synth. At time of writing, the Origin is shipped with only the Minimoog supplied, with no clear date from Arturia when they will supply the rest. This does seem a curious omission given not only the cost of the unit, but the idea that all these units are already modeled in other Arturia software, requiring only a programmer to port the modules to the Origin. Add another thing to wait for in “the future”."

also see the Arturia Origin review on Synth.nl.
Update: and this video review on Sonic State.

P150309_18.06

flickr by F7200
(click for more)

full size

Nextbeat Wireless DJ Controller

http://91.121.155.171/prerelease/

No word on whether this can be used as a wireless MIDI controller.

via technabob

via Sam

Sequential Circuits Pro-One "I feel love..."

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo by RetroSound

I feel love with this synth... ;)

Sequential Circuits Pro-One Analog Synthesizer with different settings (OSC-Sync, PWM, VCF, Envelope...); internal sequencer is triggered by the Roland TR-808:
drums: Roland TR-808

For me one of the best monophonic analog synths ever."

iXY MIDI Controller

YouTube via jetdaisuke
"iXY has X/Y pads on iPhone/iPod touch.
It works as a Wi-Fi remote MIDI controller."

Sunday, March 15, 2009

JJ Abrams Synthwood Sequential Circuits Pro-One

Yes, this JJ Abrams

THE JJ Abrams of Bad Robot that brought us Alias, Lost, Fringe and is about to bring us the new Star Trek film. If you were a fan of Music Thing you might remember that JJ Abrams is actually a synth aficionado from this post.

THIS IS his Pro-One redone by Synthwood. You can find more images of it here.

So... My question is... When are we going to see an obscure synth on Lost! Come on JJ, it would fit right in, you can do it! :)

Labeling this one as "Featured." If it's not worthy of the label, I don't know what is... Think about it, the guy behind Bad Robot is into synths! [Lost is my favorite show on TV BTW]

Note the inscription on the modwheel casing in the bottom shot.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Serge Creature

YouTube via hexenduction
"This is the Serge Creature M-odule by Sound Transform Systems. All sound was generated by the Creature.
A touch of delay was added by the Moog MF104 on some sections.
Shot with a Kodak Zi6 in Macro."

A series of (Metasonix) tubes

YouTube via hexenduction
"Metasonix gas tube oscillator (TM3) and vacuum tube multimode filter (TM6) in action. The TM3 has 2 thyratron tube oscillators and a sub circuit that sounds bone crushingly bone crushing. The multimode filter is very unique sounding, especially with modulation into the resonance and it sounds warm-warm-warm.

TM3 triggered by Mobius and modulated by the envelope of the Red Square. Filter resonance and tune are being modulated by CP251 and Red Square LFO. Output into MF104 delay."

A Different Angle - Muzik 4 Machines Live Electro Tech

YouTube via muzik4machines
"MP3, Forum
gear used
Korg ESX1: All Sequences/Drums
Yamaha TX81z: Reverby/Pumpy Sawtooth Bass (chain:TX81z-Boss V-Wha-Akai MFC42-DBX266 ch2 (Compression/distortion)-Alesis Nanoverb-DBX266 ch1 (pump)--Mixer)
Roland MKS50: Hoover/Saw/Lead/Pumpy Synth (Chain MKS50-DBX266-Boss SL20-Zoom RFX2200-Mixer)
Redsound SoundBite Pro: Vocals/looping
Korg Kaoss pad 2: Tempo Delay
Korg Kaoss Pad 3: Loops, Looper(snare rolls), Grainshifter
Korg Kaossilator: Noise Sweeps (path: K01-Mini KP(Delay)-Mixer)
Korg ER1: Beatbox AND sidechain signal (Chain: left out-ProCo Turbo Rat-Boss V-Wha-Mixer)
DX200: Fm E-piano, pads, 303-esque sequences, etc (Chain: Left Out-Boss DD5 delay-Mixer)
Motu Midi Mixer 7s: My mixer, controlled by the BCF2000)
Kawai Midi Patchbay:Guess
DBX MC 6: Output Compressor

NOT used:
a computer, besides recording it; no edition"

acidlab miami

YouTube via pac209
"similar pattern to the mfb 522 demo(hence no live programming here)! please check both out, simply for the sound"

YouTube via nirvanabeach

Update via synthetic in the comments: "This appears to be a better recording of the MFB-522 demo. It sounds much better than the YouTube version to me:

http://greenempire.hypnotix.de/download/mfb/522_B.mp3"

SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS TOM - 8-bit vintage drum machine 1985

YouTube via AnalogAudio1
"The Sequential (Circuits) TOM is a great drum machine - similar to the SCI Drumtraks. Also it could be the little brother of the Studio 440. It has a decent MIDI implementation and understands MIDI SysEx. The TOM's memory contains 8 samples; inserting a sound cartridge, you can have 7 additional samples. The crispy 8-bit samples sound great. In this video you will hear the following cartridges: "basic percussion", "special effects", "latin percussion" and "contemporary"."