Inside a DK SYNERGY II

via Cameron

"photos of the inside of my Synergy II. These photos have been taken for a possible sale of the instrument. I opened it up to see if both the RS232 port and MIDI daughter boards were inside. There is no board that supports MIDI but there is the RS232 port that allows it to connect with a Kaypro computer for full control over all voices. The fact that it has the RS232 port and not the MIDI makes this a Synergy II and not a Synergy II+. I have received some interest in it from potential buyers but nothing certain. I live in the San Francisco bay area and am taking serious cash offers for the Synergy II."

Musikmesse: Frankfurt Musikmesse 2010

flickr set by ElektronMusicMachines
(click for more)

"Elektron unveiling the Octatrack and the +Drive at the 2010 Frankfurt Musikmesse."

VCPS-8 1U Sequencer

flickr set by fonitronik
(click for more)

"ADC controller 8-step sequencer for voltage controlled pattern change, providing: attenuatable CV out, trigger out, gate out, manually controllable steps, clock in, reset in, pattern cv in,"

Metasonix r54 Supermodule Vacuum Tube Oscillator and Filter

YouTube via bigcitymusic
"This is the new and incredible sounding Metasonix r54 Supermodule vacuum tube oscillator and filter. This is a very simple patch just to give you and idea of the tones. The Analogue Solutions Oberkorn III is sequencing our pitch and gate control voltages. The Malekko/Wiard Envelator is our envelope generator and it's controlling the Metasonix r51 VCA. All tube modular sounds! More videos soon, including processing audio through the r54's filter and crazy FM and gnarly Metasonix tones."

Musikmesse: Rhizome Sequencer preview

YouTube via synerjee
"Testing the prototype of the Feeltune Rhizome sequencer at the Frankfurt 2010 Messe on Thursday. This is a really intriguing concept - lots of steps and lots of tracks and your existing plugins just work. See also http://www.feeltune.com/. Yes - I'm very much aware that the sound is sub-par, but that's what you get with a camera phone on a busy fair. The plugins used were Karnage, E-phonic Drumatic and Voltkitchen Minimogue."

via Rhizome

"Easy to use like a groove machine, powerful like the latest computer technology, and empowered by the versatility of plugins. Today the Rhizome is the only box combining samplers, mixing desk, sequencers and synthesizers, totally open and compatible with VSTs.


* . Unique large display areas
* . Optimal user experience
* . Advanced real-time capabilities
* . Innovative interface
* . Wide range of instruments and effects available"

ether^ra vs OTO MACHINES BISCUIT

YouTube via potterpaint2000
"first improv using the Biscuit processing a Genoqs Octopus/Nord Lead combo along with a Bitrman MFB Drumcomputer. Enjoy"

JoMoX xbase 999 (crazy pattern)

YouTube via acidgus
"just a simple video of jomox xbase"

Jamming like maniac with my keytar

YouTube via zapallalla
"Self built. Self played. The coolest synth sound.

Running Arduino, transimitting MIDI wirelessly to my Juno-G.

Even if you play like beginner you cannot go wrong with keytar."

Musikmesse: Musikmesse_2010_EigenLabs_EigenHarb_1.mov

YouTube via FrequencyTestSystem
"Die Eigenharf von Eigenlabs ist wahrscheinlich neben dem Ractable DAS ambintionierteste Unterhnehmen um Musikinstrumenten und -Kontrollern einen Weg in die Zukunft zu weisen."
"The Eigenharf of Eigenlabs is probably beside the point Ractable THE ambintionierteste Unterhnehmen to musical instruments and controllers a way into the future."

Musikmesse: Musikmesse_2010_Mellotron-Mellotron digital

YouTube via FrequencyTestSystem

"Mellotron stellt das neue digitale Mellotron Chamberlin vor. Wenn der neue Prozessor im April geliefert wird findet auch bald die Produktion statt. Für ca. €1800 ist es zu haben.
THe World NEEDS more Mellotrons!!!"

"Mellotron introduces the new digital Mellotron Chamberlin. If the new processor will be delivered in April will soon be held to production. For about € 1800, it is to be had.
The world needs more Mellotron!"

Musikmesse: Musikmesse_2010_Elektron_Octatrack

YouTube via FrequencyTestSystem
"Das worauf alle gewartet haben. Das neue Teil von Elektron. Kosten ca.1200Euro. Ab Juni"
"That which have all been waiting for. The new part of the electron. Cost ca.1200Euro. From June"

Musikmesse_2010_Elektron-Octatrack-Features.AVI

"Jon Mårtensson explaining Feature of the Octatrack"

Musikmesse: Musikmesse_2010_Akai-Synthstation

YouTube via FrequencyTestSystem

Musikmesse: Musikmesse_2010_Waldorf_PPG_V3_ALPHA.AVI

YouTube via FrequencyTestSystem
"Völlig unerwarte Präsentierte uns Waldorf eine ALPHA Version des Waldorf PPG V3. Die Prognose weist auf eine Juni Veröffentlichung und eine Preis von €150 Euro hin. Einen Upgrade von der Waldorf Edition wird es NICHT geben!"

Googlish:
"Totally unexpected Presented us an alpha version of Waldorf Waldorf PPG V3. The forecast has a June release and a price point of € 150. An upgrade from the Waldorf Edition, it will NOT be!"

Update via Qwave in the comments: "I heard it at the Messe and talked to Wolfram Franke, the programmer of this and the old 2.V. I complained about the different aliasing since the old days of betatesting the 2.V. Now, the new version with totally changed oscillator's inside code, the high frequency sample rate of the PPG wave 2.2 and 2.3 (slightly higher) is recreated more accurate. And then downsampled to the 44 kHz or what ever you use on your computer audi interface. The difference is easy to hear. The original aliasing was well in the hearing range of everybody. So the downsampling is much like hearing the PPG wave as recorded in high digital quality of an uncompressed CD format or even better. The sounds get all the gritty harshness of the real PPG waves. And I know what I am talking about, because I used to have a 2.2 and 2.3. And a waveterm B.
Right now, only the sample loading is implemented. I don't think the world will need all those outdated and very abstract to handle sequencer stuff of the original PPG waveterm. Or the resynthesis, which only worked for a single spectrum, not for a whole sound like on the Waldorf WAVE. Or the formant mode to create a single spectrum that is calculated to fill all slots of the wavetable to use a formant corrected version of the spectrum across the keyboard. Not that much needed.
I think most PPG waveterm users used sampling, because this was the new thing then. And every body hated the sequencer, but there were not so many alternatives available to us, then now.
On display was an alpha version. So things may change. Some features might be added.
The FX section is much like the one of the Largo. So you get the 6 stage chorus as well as some long delays and a reverb. But only one FX a time per part. The PPG 3.V is of cause multitimbral as the PPG wave 2.3. : 8 sounds a time. But with the very same limitations of the real PPG wave 2.3: a multi sample is only max 8 parts and uses up all 8 multi slots (named "bank" in the PPG wave 2.3). You may load multiple instances of the plug-in, to get more sounds at the same time. Or run the old 2.V plug-in side by side with this new one."

Musikmesse: Limited Edition Green Future Retro Orb Sequencer

"Introducing the limited edition UV Orb...

Only 40 units will be offered with this UV green finish that glows brightly under blacklight. Same features and functions as the standard Orb unit.

The Orb is an easy to use, single track, step-based digital sequencer, ideal for controlling our XS semi-modular synthesizer as well as other analog CV/Gate or MIDI synthesizers. The Orb is also a perfect solution for controlling 303 clones which often lack the essential sequencer."

Full details on the Future Retro website here.

Again, giving this one the Musikmesse header and label so it doesn't get missed with the product announcements during the messe.

Update: larger pic added.

ROLAND SH-101 SYNTHESIZER

via this auction

Red Bull Music Academy Radio - Don Buchla

"You all know about the Moog. But what about Don Buchla, the Californian synthesizer designer who's Buchla Series 100 was released mere months after Dr. Bob's first synth? His electronic music equipment company, Buchla & Associates, were commissioned by avantgarde composers Morton Subotnik and Ramon Sender to create something they could use in live performance - and since then he's been creating and designing a whole range of unusual electro-acoustic instruments and deeply desirable modular synths. That includes the intruiging Marimba Lumina, the classic 1970 200 Series Electric Music Box or indeed the hot little analogue cutie, 1972s Music Easel. Buchla's sonic toys combine a colourful aesthetic with supernatural sonic abilities. Genius alert!"

Click here for the audio on RBMA Radio. Not to be confused with the video lecture series previously posted here.

The Learned Nerd Synth Rig

Trippy shot of exposed synths on racks via The Learned Nerd. See if you can ID them. Hints in the labels.

Ultra Electronic Archive

Not much to say on this one other than explore. Tons of stuff...

via Smoov-E in the last post.

Modded Ace Tone Rhythm Ace

via Smoov-E

"Here are some pictures of my modified Ace Tone Rhythm Ace. The 16 rhythm presets are re-programmed, the 3 instrument cancel buttons function as variations buttons, and all instruments have individual 1/4 inch outs powered by mini op amps. Also attached is the Logic Output Timing Chart I used for the re-programming process.

Thank You Marc Handschuh of Ultra Electronic Active, who I consulted multiple times for this job. His knowledge in the world of vintage gear is truly priceless."

CLICK FOR MORE »

ESTRADIN-230 3-VCO SOVIET ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

via this auction
"ESTRADIN-230 is a Soviet Minimoog equivalent.
If you are familiar with Soviet synths you might know that ESTRADIN-230 has absolutely identical schematics (all 6 PCBs) with ALTAIR-231.

ESTRADIN-230 is powerful monophonic 3-OSC synthesizer produced by Elektroizmeritel, millitary radio plant in Zhitomir, USSR, 1984. Synth has 4-octave keyboard (F-C) with velocity (sensitivity assign to vibrato effect). For live performance there is a wheel which provides pitch shift. ESTRADIN 230 is based on 3-VCO (OSC-3 can work as the modulator), 1 VCF (lowpass 24dB/oct) with ADSR, 1 VCA, 3 LFO, noise generator (white/pink), glide, memory. It has an EXTERNAL INPUT allowing to use FILTER and GENERATORS with OTHER INSTRUMENTS such as guitars, synths, etc! ESTRADIN-230 consists of 5 main sections - OSC, MIXER, MODULATION, FILTER and AMP.

OSCILLATORS section:
— OSC 1,2,3 registers - 2", 4", 8", 16", 32", LF
— OSC 1,2,3 waveshape select - triangle, saw, square, pulse, sine
— OSC frequency
— freq 1..3, freq 2, freq 3
— linked to keyboard pitch on/off (OSC 3 ONLY as MAIN OSC)

MIXER:
— OSC 1,2,3 on/off, level
— ext input level, on/off
— noise generator level, on/off
— noise mode switch: white/pink MOD section:
— portamento on/off, rate;
— mod mixer knob: balance between modulated by OSC3 and noise, depth amount;
— pitch wheel (glissando)

FILTER:
— mod on/off
— cutoff, resonance, brightness
— attack, decay, sustain
— keytrack on/off

AMPLIFIER:
— attack, decay, sustain
— key hold memory on/off
— global section: main volume, phones volume, phones, A-440Hz tone on/off, power.

Connections: input, output, pedal input, phones.
Power supply: 220V/50Hz, 127V; fuze 0,125A

— Dimensions (mm) 754x466x110 (29.6"x18.3"x4.3")
— Weight: 18 kg (39.68 pounds)

Some examples of how it really sounds you will find here:
http://ruskeys.net/eng/base/estrdn230.php#sn"

Homebuild Synth 5 - Sequencer

YouTube via organfairy. All Hombebuild Synth videos here.
"I still have a way to go but this time I build an 8-step sequencer which means that I can actually start to make something that could resemble music with my little modular synthesizer. I do a short demo with the sequencer and the modules I have build so far at the end of the video.

Again the music is played on the Elka X-1000"

Musikmesse: JazzMutant Lemur at MusikMesse 2010

YouTube via gearjunkies

"Demonstration of the JazzMutant Lemur during the MusikMesse 2010 at Frankfurt. We got a demonstration from the guys from JazzMutant."

Syndrum vintage 80's analog drum synthesizer

via this auction

"Here is the Grand Daddy of all electronic drums, the Syndrum. I love the syndrum because of its quality of sound and it looks like a real drum. It has a great "real" feel that will fit right in with your acoustic drum set and can easily be attached to existing drum hardware.

This vintage made in the USA analog drum synthesizer will rattle your windows with its sub sonic lows, make the famous laser sound that you heard on many disco songs in the 70's, plus much more. These are hard to come across and were used by open minded musicians in the 70's like Frank Zappa, Keith Moon, Queen, etc. I am including a pair of drum sticks so you can get started right out of the box. Everything functions as it should. The syndrum includes its original power supply, box, and a syndrum catalog. THe syndrum catalog has a rip in the front cover, but all pages are intact and it shows all the cool gear that was available from syndrum at the time and the artist that were using it. The original box looks like a thirty year old box but works. And the syndrum is in great condition with a small amount of wear on the drum head from normal use."

Original Roland SH-3a Analog Synth

via this auction
"These monophonic synths came with a collection of new and interesting features, but also retain solid analog synth sound... Think SH-101 in terms of sound. The filter is also somewhat Moog-y, real smooth. The SH3 combines subtractive and additive synthesis, using a 5-octave mixable source oscillator. I've never seen anything quite like it. There is also a pink/white noise generator. This routes into the envelope and amplifier sections, each can be enveloped with the ADSR section, or with preset envelopes. These can also all be modded by 2 LFOs with 3 possible wave forms! And finally, add to this the craziest feature of them all, the "Sampler" Section. I'm still not entirely sure how this works, but it's roughly like an arpeggiator. In any case it can do some craaaazy sounds!"

Update via fanwander in the comments: "This is a long living misinformation:
The SH3 has a diode based ladder filter with five stages.
The SH3a has Ladder Filter with four transistor stages (more moogish than the SH-3).

The rumours that the version change of the SH-3a were caused by a law suit with moog, are wrong. In fact the SH-2000 is the only Roland synth which used a quite complete clone of the moog cascade filter. According to several knwoledged people on Analogue Heaven maillist the SH-2000 was the instrument that caused infringment of Robert Moogs patent.

Btw: I made a webpage with an overview on most of the filters of analogue roland synths including filter schematics. http://fa.utfs.org/diy/roland_filters/index.html"

CLICK FOR MORE »

[iPhone Beats] Technobox

YouTube via siedgey

"Thanks for watching!

Here's a wee track I made this morning in bed! Ah...the joys of technology. The app is called Technobox and features emulators of a TB-303, and a switchable TR-808 / 909. The latest update also includes various effects.

Of course, this is just a wee noodle but I reckon you could probably make something pretty decent if you put your mind to it! I've used the bit crusher effect on the 303 here, hence why it sounds really crunchy - without any effects the 303 reproduction is none too shabby for a phone!

Cheers,

Simon"

Technobox on iTunes:

N7Studio

flickr set by PulseWidthMod
(click for more)

Moog Cabinet, MacBeth M5, and Moon Modular

via Aliens Project where you will find more. Googlish

Musikmesse: Bonjour Biscuit!

Bonjour Biscuit! from Calvin Cardioid on Vimeo.

"CL516 Blog checks out the new OTO Biscuit pedal. Sound clips also available, please visit the blog." [LINK]

Arduino Modular Synthesizer Demo

YouTube via davitr0n
"All sound is being generated by the arduino. The only thing the computer is doing is power and recording.

Demonstrated in this video:
2 voltage controlled square wave oscillators
1 envelope (also can be controlled by voltage)
1 clock (speed controlled by voltage)
1 sequencer (S&H voltages)

Two of the knobs are controlling VCO pitches and the last is helping send voltage to the S&H sequencer.

There's still another envelope on it that can be used as an LFO.

We are in the progress of designing an interface so a lot of parameters are hard coded in due to lack of components. We'll do another demo soon with everything connected. It should be a beast by then.

Talks of selling such a device have come about, also. Stay tuned to learn more."

ADASYNTH Prototype Demo

YouTube via davitr0n. via ADASYNTH Tumblr
"ADASYNTH is an arduino based modular synthesizer.

This video displays a heavily updated version of the previous video I uploaded."

WavedrumX + Modular

WavedrumX + Modular from katavist on Vimeo.

"Just some attempts at creating a bit of aural atmosphere. I'm not a drummer or percussionist, so forgive my dilletante dabbling. I had taped an Eowave ribbon sensor onto the Korg WavedrumX for pitch modulation (via A-177 foot controlled CV/gate-source). I used a Roland expression pedal for rate modulation of the f(h) SoS delay module and a Doepfer A-179 (Light-to-CV) for controlling cutoff of the A-124 Wasp-Filter."

Musikmesse: new mochika filter tweaking

YouTube via AtomoLabs. AtomoSynth on Ebay
"New Mochika 2.1 with low pass filter!!!"

SCI Pro-One + Roland Juno-60 + Small Stone

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo by RetroSound

I recorded this vid in 03/2009.

main sound: Roland Juno-60 thru EHX Small Stone pedal
bassline: SCI Pro-One, triggered by the TR-606
drums: Roland TR-606"

Musikmesse: Musikmesse 2010: Elektron Octatrack in depth demonstration

YouTube via gear4music1
"Jon from Elektron talks to http://www.gear4music.com about the features of their awe inspiring Octatrack device to be released in Q4 2010. After the talk, he plays an awesome live set for us."

Musikmesse: Musikmesse 2010: Novation Launchpad

YouTube via musotalk
"Am Stand von Novation haben wir uns zusammen mit Dankmar Klein das Launchpad im Zusammenspiel mit Max For Live angeschaut. Dazu demonstriert Dankmar für uns den Step Sequencer."

Googlish:
"At the booth of Novation, we've looked at in conjunction with small Dankmar the launchpad in conjunction with Max For Live. This Dankmar demonstrated for us the step sequencer."

Musikmesse: Musikmesse 2010: Da Fact Karlax Hardware MIDI Controller

YouTube via musotalk. This one is in English
"Video in High Quality auf http://www.musotalk.tv

Das Karlax ist Instrument und schnurloser MIDI-Controller mit integriertem Bewegungssensor in einem. Um das Prinzip zu verstehen führt der Hersteller "Da Fact" das Instrument gleich zu Beginn kurz vor. Auf der Website von Da Fact befindet sich ein sehr schön gemachtes 3D-Modell des Karlax, bei dem alle Details erklärt werden (leider nur auf französisch).

..make more music :)
http://www.musotalk.tv"

Googlish:
"The instrument is Karlax and wireless MIDI controller with built-in motion sensor. To understand the principle of the manufacturer is "Because Fact" the instrument just before at the very beginning. On the website of Da Fact is a beautifully-made 3D model of the Karlax) are explained in which all the details (unfortunately only in French."

Musikmesse: Musikmesse 2010: SPL DrumXchanger

YouTube via musotalk
"Video in High Quality auf http://www.musotalk.tv

Der SPL DrumXchanger nutzt die Technik des Transient Designers zur Erkennung von Drum-Hits. Dabei sollen Anschläge unabhängig von der Dynamik erannt werden, sogar Ghost Notes. Bei der Ersetzung fügt der DrumXchanger die Samples phasengenau in das Originalsignal ein. Wahlweise kann man das Sample dem Originalsignal auch zumischen.

Der DrumXchanger wird laut SPL Website 356,- Euro kosten (laut David ca. 390,- Euro) und als Plugin im RTAS-, VST- und AU-Plugin für Windows und OSX erhältlich sein. Der Veröffentlichungstermin der finalen Version steht noch nicht fest, wahrscheinlich aber noch im April 2010. Weitere Informationen und Screenshots findet ihr auf der Produktseite von SPL.

..make more music :)
http://www.musotalk.tv"

Googlish:
"DrumXchanger The SPL Transient Designer uses the technique of detection of drum hits. These attacks should be independently erannt of the dynamics, even ghost notes. When replacing the inserts DrumXchanger the samples phase-in the original signal. Alternatively, one can admix the sample to the original signal as well.

The DrumXchanger is loud SPL website 356, - Euro costs (according to David about 390, - Euro) and as a plugin in RTAS, VST and AU plug-in for Windows and OSX to be available. The release date of the final version is not yet clear, but probably still in April 2010. For more information and screenshots please check out the product page of SPL."

Musikmesse: Musikmesse 2010: Waldorf PPG Wave 3.V

YouTube via musotalk
"Video in High Quality auf http://www.musotalk.tv

Non Eric und die Produzenten Luca Anzilotti und Philippe van Eecke waren am Stand von Waldorf und haben sich von Wolfram Franke die neue Version des PPG Wave 2.V zeigen lassen. Noch sind auf der Waldorf Website keine Informationen zum PPG Wave 3.V zu finden.

..make more music :)
http://www.musotalk.tv"

Googlish:
"Non Eric and producer Luca Anzilotti and Philippe van Eecke were at the booth of Waldorf and have helped to show by Wolfram Franke, the new version of the PPG Wave 2.V. Still available on the website, no information on the Waldorf PPG Wave 3.V found."

Musikmesse: Moog Taurus en la Musikmesse 2010

YouTube via Hispasonic
"El stand de Moog Music en la Musikmesse contaba con un invitado de honor: el Moog Taurus, una pedalera/sintetizador cuyos orígenes se remontan a 1976. Moog Music anunció la resurrección del Taurus a finales de 2008, presentando su tercera generación un año después."

Googlish:
"Moog Music booth at the Musikmesse had a guest of honor: the Moog Taurus, a foot / synthesizer whose origins date back to 1976. Moog Music announced the resurrection of the Taurus in late 2008, introducing its third generation a year later."

Musikmesse: Roland Lucina AX-09 en la Musikmesse 2010

YouTube via Hispasonic
"Roland ha presentado en la Musikmesse el nuevo Lucina AX-09, un teclado de bandolera o keytar que sigue los pasos del AX-Synth."

Googlish:
"Roland has presented at the Musikmesse Lucina's new AX-09, a keyboard or keytar strap that follows in the footsteps of the AX-Synth."

Musikmesse: KORG ELECTRIBE MX and SX SD

YouTube via Denkitribe
"It's coming out soon -- updated ELECTRIBE MX with SD card storage. EMX SD contains my patterns and a song used in this video. For details, visit http://korg.com/Product.asp..."


"It's coming out soon -- updated ELECTRIBE SX with SD card storage. ESX SD contains my patterns and a song used in this video. For details, visit http://korg.com/Product.asp..."

BRATIGEL Modularsystem mit 16 x 8 Dual Stepsequencer

YouTube via heidibeerbel

Doepfer A-100 + R2M Jam

YouTube via plague1715
"Today is my first day with my new Doepfer A-100 analog modular synthesizer. Currently my eurorack system consists of a Basic System 1 with a R2m (from NIN).
This patch uses the A-160 Clock Divider and A-161 Clock Sequencer playing different intervals with two A-110 VCOs. There is also some colored noise being sent through the A-121 Multimode Filter, with a tuned resonance bleep set off by the A-161. The envelopes are being fired by the A-161 also."