MATRIXSYNTH

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Sequential Circuits PROPHET-VS Vector Synthesizer

via this auction

Roland Model GR-300 Polyphonic Guitar Synthesizer

via this auction

"The unit measures16" by 11½" and 3½" high (or 4½" including the metal bars)."

Friend-Chip MrLab RhythmLab Modular Synthesizer-System

via this auction

details in Googlish:

"Music computer system. Historically, to document the development of the former German Synthi-scene, this is a very important and unique exhibit. It probably dates from the time of the Berlin School synth in the 70s.

Here was a complete music system in a professional Flightcase to a transportation unit, consisting of

1. Level:
modular synthesizer unit
The special synthesizer module in the upper part of the set:
This elaborate special Anferigung duo consists of a digital generator
with exact half-way voice and several envelope-formers such as filters.
These are the underlying Mr.LAB-linking system.

2. Level:
MR.LAB
computer sequencer unit.

3. Level:
RHYTHM LAB
Trans Poser
a drum sequencer trigger unit.
Right there is a button for immediate octave transpositions of
top generator unit, linked with the MR.LAB.

4. Level:
FC350 (RhythmLab extension of the individual outputs)
Cassette interface
In the bottom row left the digital DRUM module FRIENDSHIP.
It is with the RHYTHM LAB-driven and has individual outputs,
and a stereo-OUT with mixed field.
Right there is a cassette recorder for the UP / DOWN-LOAD the Trig / Tone data.

The Rhythm Lab Friend Chip first came to one device on the market, on the one hand the functions of traditional rhythm and other devices offered the old desire fulfilled, even rhythms freely invent them.

You could also still usual 32 programs and select any combination. There are Drumpart and percussion (both 12 cycles) separate presets, so that here a variety of combinations available. Over a foot switch or through a break-probe 1 may also 8 bars breaks are retrieved.

The computer now allows 32 bars free program. For rapid work to copy a preset to the "Bar On Program" to him after his own tastes change.

With another break switch 2 may break sequences are retrieved, breaks with as many bars in the sequence as they occur in music pieces, strung together.

Modern technology offers not only an imitation of the toms, bass drum, etc. but also shares the metallic sound of snare drum and cymbals.

In addition to the stereo out, there is a clock-out for synchronization with sequencers.

As an optional modification, a cassette interface offered to prepared programs on tape to store and quickly retrieve, and an extension with individual outputs for each instrument and the possibility of the amplitudes separately regulated. This is here with us.

Mr.Lab was a computer sequence of the new generation, in which one up to 2048 tones could save (in the 16th represents udn Triplets The 64 bars), and at a range of 4 octaves and individual design for each tone (filter, loudness, Sustain). A novel computer-linked keyboard melody and rhythm input. With only musical instruments (any programmer working with numerical codes deleted) Mr.Lab offers a previously unheard clarity and flexibility. This new approach then, and the extensive Composer software Mr.Lab recommended not only for quick, creative work in the studio and trouble-free use in life performances, but also as a composition, arrangement and notation help.
Rhythm: 2048 Steps, with three voltages, program, and four Gate Trigger! Input clock for clock the chip by Friend developed rhythm keyboard, any Tonlängen, triplets, all types of stroke, continuously variable, optical acoustic monitor

melody: four octaves, input directly playable on Melody keyboard, a visual indicator in the keys assigned to the rhythm is displayed, fast, smooth Correct LOUDNESS, filter, sustain: to be assigned to the displayed tone, dynamics, accents, accurate Tonlängen, optical monitor, continuously variable multi-trigger: four from the melody tracks are independent trigger for controlling an electronic drum, etc. available, 64 free programmable cycles

tempo: digitally adjustable, four-digit display, seconds to milliseconds

At the Trans Poser, I can actually say very little, except that a button is missing a button. He has a 20-key keyboard (quasi 1 1 / 2 octaves), as well as octave up / down. Interesting find here the Porta Mentor Egler, possibly to Transpose to perform smoothly.

The cassette device appears at first glance a little suspect, so far it seems from a hi-fi unit seems to come, but if it's because its purpose ...

About modular synthesizer unit I could find no information, whether by friend-chip comes from. The push-button recall. It is a modular system consisting of 2 VCOs, PWM, VCF, VCA, Trigger, ADSR and LFO that has a separate bar with standard jacks patched."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Elektron Musik Studion 1974 Stockholm

YouTube via ungvary36. sent my way via Johan
Note this is NOT the same EMS as the makers of the EMS Synthi, System 100, etc.
"Stiftelsen Elektronmusik Studion (EMS, Stockholm)

1974. EMS was founded in 1968, but existed since 1964 as a department of the Swedish Radio.
It is the very first computer music centers in Europe,

The digital music production was based on a a DEC PDP 15/XVM computer (similar to the Utrecht studio)

At that time the main software for the PDP-15 were the real-time interactive program IMPAC (Michael Hinton) and the universal purpose program EMSETT. Both developed at the EMS. The software controlled the analog synthestizer with its 24 tonegenerators, filterbanks etc.

The film shows both the huge Synthetizer occupiÿing a whole room, the PDP 15/XVM with Tamas Ungvary programming and the fameous control consol."

Future Of Sound / Future Of Light - Tuesday 24th March - Goldsmiths, London

"Hosted by Martyn Ware, founder member of The Human League and Heaven 17

Future Of Sound / Future Of Light
Tuesday 24th March 2009
Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, London SE14 6NW
Symposium: Media Resources Building, Screen 1, 2pm-6pm, Free
Showcase: The Great Hall, 7pm-10pm, Free
To book and for more info: Amie Ouzman - a.ouzman@gold.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7919 7640
Nearest tube: Canada Water - replacement buses to New Cross/New Cross Gate
Nearest overground: New Cross/New Cross Gate
www.futureofsound.org

Presented by Future Of Sound, Goldsmiths Screenschool, Sound Practice Research Unit and Centre for Contemporary Music Culture, Illustrious and Sonic Arts Network

SYMPOSIUM ON SYNESTHESIA
Media Resources Building, Screen 1, 2pm to 6pm

Keynote speaker: Andrey Smirnov - asmir.theremin.ru
"Graphic Sound: technology, music and science"
Andrey Smirnov is an interdisciplinary artist, composer and researcher and developer of electronic music techniques. He is a founding director and the Senior Lecturer of the Theremin Center for Electroacoustic Music at Moscow State Conservatory. His SOUND_in_Z project was recently on at the Palais de Tokyo, Paris.

Presentations from experimental artists, including:
Andy Cameron - www.futureofsound.org/4.htm
Dr Mick Grierson: Oramics - www.mickgrierson.co.uk
Derek Holtzer: Tonewheels - www.umatic.nl/tonewheels_historical.html
Rob Mullender: Photophonics - silentlight.blogspot.com

SHOWCASE
Great Hall, 7pm to 10pm

Hosted by Martyn Ware, founder member of The Human League and Heaven 17 and a pioneer in electronic music. Using a ground breaking 3D surround sound system, this multi-sensory show fuses an international collective of cutting edge audiovisual practitioners.

body>data>space - www.bodydataspace.net
Andy Cameron - www.futureofsound.org/4.htm
Sophie Clements - www.sophieclements.com
Tal Rosner - www.talrosner.com
Scanner - www.scannerdot.com
The Sancho Plan - www.thesanchoplan.com
Andrey Smirnov - asmir.theremin.ru
United Visual Artists - www.uva.co.uk"

via fabio

Search Upload * Video File * Quick Capture Francis Monkman demonstrates Yamaha DX7

YouTube via Artmuzz
"Here is a clip of Francis Monkman (Sky. Curved Air) trying out the Yamaha DX7"

You might remember Francis Monkman from this demo of the Prophet-5 previously posted here.

Prophet 5 demonstration by Francis Monkman

YouTube via analoghell
"An extract from the BBC's 1980's "Micro Live" special on electronic music. Francis Monkman played in 70's prog'ers Curved Air and 80's neo-classical noodlers Sky."

Ellatron v1

YouTube via OmenieSoftware
"Ellatron - the sound of the 60s in your hip pocket!

Ellatron is a musical instrument for iPhone and iPod Touch, drawing inspiration from the classic Mellotron M400."
available here:

Nord Lead 3

YouTube via rpb1966. sent my way via fischek.
"The Nord Lead 3 can re-create a wide palette of sounds, these patches, Vox Humana, Laser Harp and Billys Screaming Lead, were all programmed by myself."

More Nord Lead 3

"Just have a listen, I thought I would do a longer one this time, a nice tribute for Billy for starters, and a few other surprises."

Thingaperformance 1.0

YouTube via br0therl0c0
"A short performance using a Thingamagoop through a Moog MoogerFooger analog delay pedal."

Sinclair ZX Spectrum Great Music Collection by Pentagram

YouTube via SuperClr via http://www.synthesizers.se/
"http://www.theblondejoke.com
Sinclair ZX Spectrum Great Music Collection of Agent X by Pentagram."

D16 Group Nithonat

"Nithonat is a classic drum machine box (606 emulation this time). All instruments are fully synthesized and with a way more advanced and extended sound shaping capabilities than its predecessor. Whole functionality of Nithonat is very similar to the other drum machines from D16 Group, which makes it very easy-to-use and creative instrument.

Nithonat has stunning GUI kept in the same fashion as well known Phoscyon's interface. Since the both small brothers are back together shoulder to shoulder.

Nithonat is planned to be released as both VST and AU simultaneously. More information about it is coming soon." Note D16 Groups makes the highly respected Phoscyon, Nepheton, Drumazon TB303, TR808, and TR909 emulations. Click on the d16 Group label below for more including video comparisons.

dsPIC based VA Synthesizer

YouTube via Acidcoder

"Running some VA algorithms on a 16bit Microchip dsPIC DSC. Just for fun & still under development."

Godwin Supersonic Digital Synthesizer

flickr by Mark Cochrane via bunker on the forum: "Here are some images of my poorly Godwin digital Synth. Its currently built into an SC600 organ but I intend to build it into its own case. I ve never seen one before let alone found any info on the net. It seems to be a hybrid with a digital oscillator and patch storage combined with VCF, non VC HPF, VCA, 2x ADSR, aftertouch, good modulation options and some SSM chips. Problem is no waveform and poorly trigger and gate signals. The microprocessor is an 8035 and I think the problem lies here. I've got some on order at the moment so we shall see. From what I can gather the same micro was also used in the Jupiter 4 amongst other synths, as well as the Donkey Kong arcade game!. If anyone needs one of these chips let me know. they are brand new unused and not pulled from something else."

some additional info from bunker on electro-music.com: "I have a Godwin Digital Synthesizer built into my Godwin SC600 organ. The day after I took delivery the synth died or more precisely the oscillator died. At first I was expecting the synth to be built around the m110 chip that was used in other Italian synths of the time such as the Jen SX1000 and Siel Mono/Cruise. However on closer inspection the synth is made up of 9 seperate PC boards that slot into a motherboard. The basic features are Square/Sawtooth waveforms, LFO controlling vibrato, tremolo and filter, A Low Pass VCF, a High Pass filter (not VC), ADSR's for both VCA and VCF, repeat function, manual control of PWM, spring reverb and a crude form of aftertouch called sensitivity control which affects pitch and VCF. The only digital part seems to be the 8035 microprocessor which controls keyboard scanning, preset control and gate and trigger signals.

Ive poked around and when the board with the 8035 on is removed I get the frequencies that the schematic tells me I should be getting from the oscillator output on the Master Generator board. The oscillator looks to be built around 74132 logic chip and 4558 op amp which, I guess makes it a digital oscillator? With no 8035 however I have no gate or trigger hence no sound. When I replace the board the osc. freq. drops from the 200 odd kHz in the schematic down to About 1kHz. there is a wave form generator that is fed from the osc and this must divide the freq down to normal audio. The gate seems to be "stuck" but with no sound. The filter will self oscillate and the mod controls affect it as does the repeat function so im guessing its the 8035. There is A UV EPROM on the same board but my guess is that this is for storage of the preset patch controls and as all these seem to be okay, albeit with no sound, I dont think this is the problem.

I am still learning my was around repairing and building synths so please be gentle! I want to rehouse the synth in a custom case and modify it with maybe a VCO or two along side the 8035 osc. there are SSM 2020 and 2040 chips on the VCA/VCF/HPF board and there looks to be some scope to really mod this synth or maybe turn it into a fully analog instrument.

If anyone has any ideas or has even seen/played one of these before please let me know. I can see this baby in a cherry or oak case sat on stage being played!" This is only the second Godwin synth posted on MATRIXSYNTH as of this post. Click on the label below for Godwin 849 String Concert.

"Block diagram of the synth [Supersonic] functions "

gakken sx-150 blank template

flickr by HopHedz via the MATRIXSYNTH Flickr Pool, via DJ BackBone on the forum.

"gakken sx-150 blank template from the kit, lay it out 8 to a page =)"

Building the worm of stuffs

flickr by olofw
(click for more)

See the video here.

ARP Odyssey MKIII + Roland TR-808

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo by RetroSound

ARP Odyssey Mk III Analog Synthesizer
(Osc-Sync, Osc Pitch Modulation, Sample/Hold)
drums: Roland TR-808"

Thalassa - Synthevski "synthesizers.com modular synth"

YouTube via Thalassa77
"http://switchedonsynthesizer.blogspot.com/

This song was composed yesterday ( 18/03/2009 ) in three ours using only the synthesizers.com modular synthesizer. No other synths or drum machines were used, just the modular and a computer with soft sequencer. The drum sounds were sampled and sequenced.

Six different tracks were recorded. On this video I was recording the sound FX track. I know that the video is nothing special , but it's an excuse to upload the music to youtube ;)

Thanks for watching. If you like the video remember to subscribe.

More music here :

http://myspace.com/thalassas"

Update via Thalassa in the comments: "All modules are black. The white one is a DIY Yusynth sample and hold and noise generator. The video quality is not good because is a phone camera :)"

Novation KS Rack Factory Demo

Roland JD990 Demo Sound Synth Parte A

YouTube via morpheus2027
"Prima parte della demo sound Roland JD990, in stile soundtrack!!

http://nonsolosynth.blogspot.com/
http://digilander.libero.it/solurghhomestudio/"

Roland JD990 Demo Sound Synth Parte B

Messing around with a microKORG

YouTube via ergonueve
"Me attempting to play a microKORG. Sound was made from an init not a preset. If you're gonna comment about how I suck I'll save you some time and accept that I do. Now off you go, there's many other people go insult on youtube.

Someone asked how I got that sound. Kinda simple.

On timbre 1
I have
osc1 at dig: wave 1
osc2 with a saw wave.
a 24Lowpass filter

On timbre 2
I have a
sine wave on osc1
a tri wave on osc2
A highpass filter

I got lfo1 going to the cut on timbre1's filter. lfo2 going to timbre2's filter cut.

The delay is on triplet 16th and the arpeggiator is doing 16ths.

The wierd sound at the end is just the delay going out of keysync mode to manual and turning the delay time down to the shortest time. I think that's it."

Maquina IV - microKorg test

"An Idea for maquina IV. and testing out a microKorg i just got.

I played guitar and synths.

All synth/drum sounds made from scratch using a microKorg
Except synth in the beginning, that was Massive.
Guitar is running through guitar rig 3 via rig control 2

Video is made with mbp webcam and cheesy imovie effects.

No penguins were harmed during the making of this video.

And yes, youtube commenters. I suck. My guitar sounds crappy, my arpeggios are not in time, The mix is horrible, I suck at music, My penguin isn't that good at dancing, blady blah."

Roland Juno-106 and MSQ-100

Great shot from Strellis on how much the two match. One more here.

Baltimore Electronic Music Fest 2009 Date Change

"The 06/13/2009 date for the Baltimore Electronic Music Fest 2009 has now been changed to 06/27/2009 which is still on a Saturday so please check out the website which also shows everyone's performance times. http://sites.google.com/site/baltimoresdiygroup/Home/group-shows/baltimore-electronic-music-fest-2009"

A Seq-Ratchety Switch-Racket

YouTube via JohnLRice
"Just some more fun with sequencing, switching, pulse dividing, etc etc. I'm way behind after being sick for over a week and I wanted to post something new quickly. Sorry for the lack of details, please ask if you have questions.

As always, thank you very much for watching, listening, rating, and commenting!!! :-)"

Keyboard Solo Video - Fixation solo on Nord Lead 3 ( Music by Sebastian Persini )

YouTube via Space4Keys
"Keyboard Solo Video - Fixation solo on Nord Lead 3 ( Music by Sebastian Persini )
www.keyboardsolo.com"

tabletron9

YouTube via arrowbang

tabletron8

Roland Juno D workstation Demostration, www.space4keys.com

YouTube via Space4Keys
"Demostration
Keyboard: Roland Juno-D
Patches: Factory Presets

Performed by S4K

www.space4keys.com"

The Sherman/Moog "vinylistic" pulses (Filterbank 2 + Analog Delay) w/ TENORI-ON (by Smith)

YouTube via znshn
"Creating electronic "vinylistic" pulses and digital percussion patterns w/ traditional samples from midle-Orient (used on TENORI-ON) w/ Sherman Filterbank 2, Moog Analog Delay + digital manipulations via Korg Kaoss Pad KP3. Contents : analog filtering, micro-pulses, timbric percussion patterns, ethnic digital drum machine, real-time vinyl textures rendition, loop capture inserts... IF POSSIBLE USE HEADPHONES OR CONNECT YOUR COMPUTER TO A QUITE DECENT SOUND-SYSTEM.

Material in this video:
- TENORI-ON
- Sherman Filterbank 2
- Jomox M-Resnator
- Korg Kaoss Pad KP3
- Moog Analog Delay (MF-104SD)

http://www.odiolorgnette.com
http://www.myspace.com/sthintosmithereens
http://www.myspace.com/znshn"

Analogue Haven's photostream

Analogue Haven has a new flickr stream. You can find it here. It will feature "new products and more interesting stuff up there, instead of gear already for sale on our page (of course that changes as the products eventually come out)."

Pictured:
Make Noise Wogglebug
"This is the production version of the Make Noise Wogglebug. Original circuit by Grant Richter of Wiard, "updated" by Tony Rolando at Make Noise. PCB is flat behind the panel- one circuit board. Price: $270, modules will ship around 4/06/09 in the order that they are pre-ordered. 14 HP in size, 50mA current cousumption. LINK"

and

Bleep Labs Bit Blob
"The Bit Blob is a digital noise maker that's controlled by connecting its contacts together, allowing you to bend your way through unlimited sonic madness. You can also connect LEDs, audio outputs, or other Bit Blobs between control pins! Limited Edition, only one remains in-stock. $250 each. Link."

Hillwood Blue Comets 73

flickr set by transanalog (click for more including shots of the inside)

"WWW.TRANSANALOG.COM This is one of the rarest and most unique vintage synthesizers I own. It's one of those rare finds in that it broke back when it was new then put in storage for 30 years until it finally changed hands. it is in excellent condition, not only for it's age but also considering how awful Hillwood products were made. The Blue Comets is a single oscillator monosynth with a 12db filter. The osc has both sawtooth and square wave that can be selected individually or combined with the four rocker switches simply labeled "Wave 1", "Wave 2", "Wave 3" or "Wave 4". It can be modified with 7 presets assignable with rocker tabs labeled "Effect 1", "Effect 2", etc. There are no descriptions to the tabs as to what they actually sound like. Luckily there is a tab labeled "Control" that allow you to tweak the sounds with the control panel to the left of the keyboard. Not that any of this helps. This synth sounds aweful. The keyboard tracking is so bad that Hillwood included a knob labeled "Slope" so you can almost keep the keyboard in tune as you play. The filter only has decay, and the AR VCA is very limited. But it does have some charm. Select all four "Wave" tabs and it will randomly distort. Add in noise and "Growl" and it can get downright nasty.

The circuitry of the synth is definitely amusing! The circuit boards look hand made and the components look cheap, even by 1970 Japan standards. Each board is held by only two screws so I can't imagine any of these staying functional or in tune very long in a gigging environment. Still, if you want something very unique for ambient lo-fi bleeps and bloops, you can't go wrong with one of these."

How to pack a synth

flickr set by transanalog
(click for more)
"www.transanalog.com

I put this together because I've come to expect a certain amount of shipping damage when I receive a synth in the mail. It's as if the person who sent it to me thinks that the delivery people will treat packages as they were made from their mother-in-laws antique china or something. In reality most delivery people, ESPECIALLY UPS, seem to want to see how high they can drop a package on it's side. The result is a damaged synth if it's not packed properly. So, spend a little extra cash - hell, I'll SEND you a little extra cash - buy the packing stuff and pack it like it's going to be dragged from Cousin Bubba's 1978 Dodge Ram 4X4.

I've been packing synths like this for years and I've never had a customer report any damages.

A quick note: If you use that expandable foam in a bag packing stuff then you probably already know what you're doing and can ignore this. That stuff is awesome!"

KORG MicroPreset pictured

My Note: Remember, DO NOT TAPE THE BUBBLE WRAP TO THE SYNTH. Tape it to the bubble wrap when it overlaps. I once picked up a beautifully wrapped ARP Odyssey MKIII, until I got down to the synth. The bubble wrap was taped to the side panels and the Orange font. I managed to get it off one panel and the font without a problem, but on one panel a fingernail sized bit of the finish came off. Scared for life...

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

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