MATRIXSYNTH

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Collin's Lab: Guitar pedal hacking with Arduino

YouTube via makemagazine — August 19, 2009 —

"Instead of chaining multiple guitar effects in search of a new sound, I decided to mod just one. Using an Arduino microcontroller board + digi-pot chip, I was able to add a variable gating effect to a fuzz pedal.

source code + more infos here:
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009...

video, audio, & riffs by Collin Cunningham"
Features wavetables.

Moog Source Synth art (Sharpies)

flickr by TheSynthFreq
(click for more)

Roland JP-8 Jupiter-8 Vintage Analog Synthesizer w/MIDI

via this auction

Lo-d (Hitachi) Vintage Analogue Synthesizer HMS-30

via this auction

"I have never seen one of these synths before, and there is very little info on the internet about it. Seems to be a rarity. Made sometime around the start of the 80's by Lo-D, which seems to be an offshoot of Hitachi in Japan. Reasonably large and well built machine, with classic wooden panels from the vintage era.

Here's what i have observed:
it is FULLY POLYPHONIC. not 4 or 6 or 8 voice polyphonic, but 100% polyphonic. Every key produces a note.

Each voice consists of 2 layers:
a sustained wave for the body of the sound, and an enveloped wave for the dynamic attack of the sound. each of these layers has the following 8 controls:
filter cutoff, filter resonance, pan, volume, warble speed and depth, tremolo speed and depth.
('warble' is an LFO which modulates the filter cutoff.)

so, basically, you build the sound from 2 layers, which are mixed together. each layer has its own filter and modulation options, and can be panned, so you can make nice stereo by putting one part to the left and the other to the right.

There is a global LFO for vibrato on the pitch. Rate and Depth can be altered with knobs. Total pitch can also be quite significantly altered using a knob which sweeps from bass right up to very high tones.

As if that's not enough, there is also a built-in rhythm machine, which consists of various simple drum patterns and a simple analogue drum engine which makes some simple bass, kick, hihat sounds. Certainly not going to replace you

So, a quick roundup so far of what this baby contains:

5 LFO's (global pitch, plus tremolo and warble for each of the 2 layers), 2 VCF's, One VCA, and a drum machine.

For an early 80's machine, that stuff by itself is pretty cool, but it seems to have gone a fair bit further than that with a whole section of buttons for controlling and editing an inbuilt sequencer. The LED's on that section are sadly not lighting up anymore, so one can only wonder to the full capabilities of this synth. I'm guessing it would have been quite expensive with all these options. The build is also very nice. The keyboard volume seems to change at a point 2 octaves up the keyboard. I assume this is to keep the volume of bass a bit lower than the melody when playing."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Fundamental Technologies of the Synthesizer

via this auction
Review via Amazon:
"Although a little dated, this book offers both the novice and intermediate student of the synthesizer a great foundation for the basics of sound structure and synthesizer functionality. It utilizes clear, concise language that is not overly academic or boring. It is written in a friendly fashion that makes you feel that the author is talking to you as if he was standing right next to you. It is very relaxed.
It has been used at Modesto Junior College (I am a former student) as the primary textbook since 1995.

It covers all of the basic forms of synthesis as well as a chapter on the synthesizer's basic relationship with computers and a chapter on how to look for and purchase a synthesizer based on your needs and finances.

It also covers the fundamental principles of MIDI.

If you are wondering about how you are going to learn about your new syntheizer without taking a college course, this book is definately the way to go.

It is absolutely packed with an incredible amount of very useful information. Do not hesitate to purchase this book. It is well worth the money."

Also added to the Synth Books section.

x0xb0x

via this auction
"XB303 aka x0xb0x
somatic circuits custom version
http://somaticcircuits.com/xb303.html

http://www.ladyada.net/make/x0xb0x/"

"selected high beta transistors
audio grade polyester capacitors
1% metal film resistors with matched DAC
multi-turn trims for precise tuning
genuine NOS 2sc1583, 2sc2291, 2sk30A,
BA6610, LA4140 and AN6562.
complete with all the electronic voodoo"

Circuit Bent E-mu MP7 Command Station

via this auction
"-circuit bent with freely routeable 24 point rotary patchbay for the maximum in flexibility.
-points were carefully researched and arranged in order of harmonics whenever possible. very intuitive interface.
-chrome chickenhead knobs
-heavy duty toggles activates rotary patchbay connections
-db25 connector added- adds the option of expanding the e-mu commandstation units with the spunkytoofers mm1 midi module.

connector supplies power to the mm1 as well as allows circuit bending over midi via added midi circuitry.

the mm1 allows a tightly integrated system with the e-mu that can trigger it's own bends and other compatible bent devices.

all spunkytoofers instruments are now all compatible with mm1.

mm1 is sold seperately.
-unit is expandable with up to 3 more e-mu rom cards
-2 blue jewel lenses with bright blue lighting
-solid build and and quality components used throughout
-don't have a way to check the spdif output but should be fine.
-comes with power cord, bend diagram, and pdf manual
-support and warranty work covered for modifications

the e-mu command stations are perfect companions for the mm1 for a centerpiece for modular circuit bending over midi. there is no better way to sequence all your circuit bent devices than starting with one of the most powerful hardware sequencers ever made. modular sequencing and circuit bending is all possible through the e-mu command stations. the internal synthesizer in the command station is truly a powerful synthesizer and practically all waveforms within respond to the pressures of circuit bending. there are complex filters onboard and can virtually create any kind of circuit bent sound so long as you can picture it in your head. want a circuit bent speak and spell looping sound in one of the 32 sequencer tracks available? no problem. bend vocal roms applied with formant filters and will sound like a bent speak and spell. it does a whole lot more and covers alot of sonic territory within the onboad circuit bent synthesizer. the synthesizer sports a huge modulation matrix both in synthesis and circuit bending.

simple drum patterns are reconfigured rhythmically, tonally, and you can shape the circuit bent sounds any way you like with the powerful proteus 2000 synth engine onboard. 128 voices of sequenced mayhem is possible on this device. you can also add your controllers on top of the sequencer to any of the 16 voice parts. in addition to onboard sequencing you can sequence outboard midi gear. this makes it perfect companions with any spunkytoofers instruments with midi since they can integrate seamlessly."

circuit bent e-mu command station- rhythmic by spunkytoofers

circuit bent e-mu command station- melodic by spunkytoofers

video here

Quickswitch - World's First Turntable Controller

Turntable with built in keyboard and pads.
YouTube via QuickSwitchTV — May 31, 2010 — "This is the first look at Quickswitch, the world's first turntable controller. Quickswitch allows users to control any software without having to touch the computer. Quickswitch allows users to perform normally impossible tricks with lightning fast speed and accuracy. Quickswitch turns your computer to an engine running in the background, and allows you to focus on your instrument. This video shows the original prototype version & extension modules. The final production version is now ready for market. An HD video with full introduction, upclose shots & explanation to come in the following weeks.

You can pre order here
http://quickswitch.myshopify.com/coll...

For investment opportunities:
http://blog.quickswitches.com/?page_id=6

Demonstration + Music by Ruckazoid
http://www.listencompute.com"

Jean Michel Jarre -Equinoxe Pt. 7 - Live in Braunschweig 03.03.10

YouTube via theultimatefly — March 04, 2010 — "Fantastic Concert Evening of Jean Michel Jarre split in various parts. Have Fun. Captured with my TZ7 by MR MV. Many thx for doing this man. I hope you like it. Be sure to check out my other new HD vids. If you like my videos, please feel free to write a comment and also to rate it. ;)"

Native Instruments Launches the "Kickstart Your Summer" Special for Producer and DJ Products

"Native Instruments Launches the "Kickstart Your Summer" Special for Producer and DJ Products

Berlin, June 1st, 2010 – Native Instruments today launched the "Kickstart Your Summer" special, which offers a 50% discount on all software updates and upgrades across the NI product range in June.

For producer products, the special offer includes the update versions of the KOMPLETE 6 bundle, the KORE 2 software and those of ABSYNTH 5, BATTERY 3, FM8, GUITAR RIG 4, KONTAKT 4 and REAKTOR 5, including the KONTAKT 4 crossgrade for owners of any KONTAKT PLAYER-based third-party software instrument.

For DJ products, the special offer applies to all update and upgrade versions of TRAKTOR PRO, TRAKTOR DUO and TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO, including the "TRAKTOR SCRATCH Certified" upgrade for selected DJ mixers.

The "Kickstart Your Summer" special offers are available exclusively in the NI Online Shop from June 1st to June 30th.

Additional information on "Kickstart Your Summer" is available at www.native-instruments.com/kickstartyoursummer

A digital press kit including picture material is available at www.native-instruments.com/press

About Native Instruments:

Native Instruments is a leading manufacturer of software and hardware for computer-based music production and performance. The company's mission is to develop innovative, fully integrated solutions for all professions, styles and genres. The resulting products regularly push technological boundaries and open up new creative horizons for professionals and amateurs alike."

BOSS LAUNCHES LOOP STATION WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

"Los Angeles, CA, June 1, 2010 — Guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, beatboxers, looping musicians of all sorts: BOSS® wants you to bring it on. BOSS Corporation is pleased to launch the Loop Station World Championship. Start by submitting a video performance with any BOSS RC-Series looping product, and the result could be a trip to the U.S. Finals in Hollywood, California. Or, better yet, $3,000 in BOSS gear and a trip to the International Championship at Winter NAMM 2011 in Anaheim, California.

Open Competition — June 1, 2010 — August 31, 2010
* Upload a video performance using any BOSS RC-Series Looper to Youtube.com that is five minutes or less.
* Visit www.BossUS.com/LoopStation to fill out entry form.
* Entries will be judged and selected by BOSS, who will be looking at the creativity, musicianship, stage presence, and technical skill of the looping performance.

U.S. Finals — October 23, 2010

* Top six entries will be flown in to compete at the BOSS U.S. Loop Station Finals at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA.
* Performances will be judged by a panel of music industry insiders, including:
o Jeff Baxter (The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan)
o Michael Molenda (Editorial Director — Guitar Player, Bass Player, EQ, Keyboard Magazines)
o Paul Youngblood (Vice-President of BOSS U.S., Director of BOSS Japan)
* Prizes include:
o 1st Prize - $3,000 in BOSS Gear; trip to the International Championship
o 2nd Prize - $2,000 in BOSS Gear
o 3rd Prize - $1,000 in BOSS Gear

International World Championship — Winter NAMM, January 13-16, 2011

* Winner of the U.S. Finals will represent the United States in the BOSS International Loop Station Championship in Anaheim, CA.
* Performances will be judged by a panel of music industry insiders and celebrities.
* Prizes include:
o 1st Prize - $3,000 in BOSS Gear (2,500 EU)
o 2nd Prize - $2,000 in BOSS Gear (1,500 EU)
o 3rd Prize - $1,000 in BOSS Gear (750 EU)

To enter the U.S. division of the BOSS Loop Station World Championship, please visit: www.BossUS.com/LoopStation."

Access Music Virus TI OS4 has been released

"2010-06-01, Recklinghausen, Germany
Access Music, the company behind the multiple award winning Virus TI series of synthesizers today released their new operating system OS4 (version 4.0.5.01). During an extensive public beta test phase over the last three month, the recently added algorithms were refined and improved even further.
The new version, which is compatible with the entire Virus TI range of synthesizers, features stomp box style distortion effects, a vowel and comb filter and an enhanced arpeggiator which acts similar to a modulation sequencer. Also, a new setup tutorial was added focusing on getting the best out of Total Integration with modern PCs or Macs.

The new operating system can be downloaded free of charge from the Access Music website, here: http://www.virus.info/"

Waldorf Wave OS 1.901 Released

via Werner on the Waldorf email list:

"Dear Wave Users,

I like to announce the brand new OS 1.901 for the Waldorf Wave. This version introduces
- a third LFO ("chopper") which allows a step sequencer type of rhythmic effects to as a modulation source
- extended support of the transport buttons which leads to almost endless possibilities to remotely control your software sequencer
- personalization of your Wave if desired
- a lot of small changes, improvements and bug fixes.

More and detailed information can be found as usual on Till's unofficial web page at http://www.unofficial.waldorf-wave.de/ (Thank you Till for your support). Of course the new OS is free of charge for all users who have OS 1.8x. If you are interested in this OS, please send me an email off list.

Cheers,
Werner"

"Moog-Tastic!" Podcast Pt. 1

YouTube via happymoogman — May 31, 2010 — "Part One of the "Moog-Tastic!" video Podcast.

Mark Griswold of Oglio Records interviews musician Dana Countryman about his first Solo Moog release.

More info at http://www.danacountryman.com"
All posts featuring Dana Countryman here.
All posts featuring Jean-Jacques Perrey here.

Lovesick Martian Boy.mov

previously posted

Update:

"Moog-Tastic!" Podcast Pt. 2

happymoogman — June 05, 2010 —

Part Two of the "Moog-Tastic!" video Podcast. Mark Griswold of Oglio Records interviews musician Dana Countryman about his first Solo Moog release.

"Moog-Tastic!" Podcast Pt. 3 (Final segment)

YouTube via happymoogman — "June 06, 2010 —

Part Three (the FINAL part) of the "Moog-Tastic!" video Podcast.

Mark Griswold of Oglio Records interviews musician Dana Countryman about his first Solo Moog release.

http://tinyurl.com/23e24t2

More info at http://www.danacountryman.com"

ANimALOGICA 2 Bologna Synth Meeting - GRP A8 Synthesizer

YouTube via NoctivagaMusica — June 01, 2010 — "ANimALOGICA 2 Bologna Synth Meeting Presentazione del GRP A8 Synthesizer 01.11.2009"

Weary dog and Synthiefrau played with sprained hands;-))

YouTube via Synthiefrau — June 01, 2010 —

"Hi lovely Synthvolks. I played a theme of ryden from YMO with my sprained hands. (I had an accident with my motocycle).

The sequenz comes from the Dot.com Modular, Leadssounds comes from the Minimoog and Moog Prodigy, Effects"

Someone Told Me That Chicks Dig Modular Synths, So I Bought A Really Big One!

YouTube via JohnLRice — June 01, 2010 — "After many weeks of battling 'home' projects I finally was going to let myself have some fun today with my modular synth . . . unfortunately it was windy and the power kept going off! ARRG!!! Needless to say, I didn't get much done so this is just another quickie demo for fun.

The M569 is in 2x16 mode so half of it is controling the pitch of the single MOTM-300 VCO via the Modcan 55B quantizer. The other half of the M569 is controlling the scale of the 55B.

Thanks for watching and commenting. One of these days I'll get everything together and start composing some 'real' music . . . ."

Tags: analog modular synthesizer Moon Modular Synth Tech MOTM Modcan quantizer 55B M569 M563 MOTM-300"

cokabit doepfer maq 16/3 jp 8080 jp8080 dub session mix 1juni 2010

YouTube via Cokabit — May 31, 2010 — test with doepfer maq16/3 & Roland JP8080 DUB SESSION ;)

Sick of me yet?

YouTube via dkimcg — May 31, 2010 — "my explorations for the first weekend with the 200e...

New camera, new sync issues, I tried to get good audio on this one and failed with the sync."

Trigger interface test for a DR110.mp4

YouTube via karelpostthuis — June 01, 2010 — "First test run of a trigger interface for the DR110.

Driver is the D-Tronics trigger interface board.
Whilst there are a few problems with the driver, this trigger interface is absolutely fine! Can even trigger on audio"

Stylophone Beatbox (Plug In Baby)

YouTube via psychopath3000 — June 01, 2010 — "Here is my submission for the 100 milligrams stylophone beatbox competition.

It is a brief cover of the intro to 'Plug in Baby' by Muse. All sounds are produced by the Stylophone Beatbox and looped/effected by the Kaoss Pad 3.

Please vote for me!

http://www.myspace.com/johnjamesgarner"
Stylophone Beat Boxes on Ebay

RC-1324-VX with Roland US-2, GR-300, GR-700 and VG-99

YouTube via WayneJoness — June 01, 2010 — "Guitar synthesizer indulgence! A modern 13-pin guitar plugs into a RC-1324-VX, which drives a VG-99, and then a US-2. The US-2 connects to a GR-300 and GR-700"

Circuit Bent Speak & Spell Vintage Analog Glitch Synth w/LFO PART 2

YouTube via
Part 1 here.

via this auction

SittingQuietlyInTheBushlandsSector7Planet5.mov

YouTube via richardbates1 — May 31, 2010 — "Music composition created using my Access Virus C for rhythm and choir voice, Roland JP8080 for lead sounds and Roland JD800 for strings and distorted horn sounds."

Korg iElectribe v1.1 Update (for Apple iPad)

YouTube via KorgUSAVideos — June 01, 2010 — "The iElectribe iPad app has been updated with some cool new features, and our iPad has gained a very useful protective cover from Incase. For more information, please visit www.korg.com, and for details on the protective cover, visit www.goincase.com."

iElectribe on iTunes
iPads on Ebay

aurora iPhone.avi

YouTube via 4pockets — June 01, 2010 — "Aurora Sound Studio is our pattern based sequencer for the iPhone. This video demonstrates how to create patterns, edit instruments and use patterns to make songs. Find out more at: http://aurora.4pockets.com/ http://twitter.com/4pockets"
on iTunes:

Monday, May 31, 2010

cokabit doepfer maq 16/3 jp8080 dub session mix 1juni 2010

YouTube via Cokabit — May 31, 2010 — "test with doepfer maq16/3 & Roland JP8080 DUB SESSION ;)"

FPC Generator

YouTube via imageline — May 31, 2010 — Learn to work with FL Studio's FPC Generator

Sytrus Introduction

YouTube via imageline — May 31, 2010 — Introduction into FL Studio Sytrus Synth

Deeper Into Sytrus

ROLAND JP-8000: U14

YouTube via betteroffted23 — May 31, 2010 — Custom patch for Roland JP-8000.

ROLAND JP-8000 UA21

betteroffted23 — May 31, 2010 — Custom Patch for Roland JP-8000. 1 Part, 2 Oscillators. Triangle/Pulse.

Launchpad + 7up

YouTube via evenfloyd — May 31, 2010 — Launchpad 7up

memorial day 200e sequence

YouTube via dkimcg — May 31, 2010 — little sequence for memorial day

Wooden Spoons Etc.

YouTube via boobtube356 — May 31, 2010 — "This started out as a min/max experiment using the 256e. The 250e's are used to convert voltage changes into triggers."

Arturia Minimoog V Sounds

Cyber People - Digital Signal Processor - cover by Yarosystems

YouTube via yarosystems — May 31, 2010 — "Laserdance style version of this rare composition with live solos and original Polish lyrics."
KORG R3. Fairlight samples?

Vintage Paia Synthespin

via this auction

"This is an old diy kit that someone put together. It is an leslie speaker rotation effect simulator that also sounds a lot like chorous/flanger etc... It was primarily intended for old analog synthesizers as well and 2 mono foot pedals are also included."

Korg iElectribe my skin

flickr by S_Ishimaru

iElectribe on iTunes
iPads on Ebay

Analoger Synthesizer B/W

flickr by PicSlug
(click for more)

"analoge Photographie"

Berna Jam

Berna Jam from Charlie Visnic on Vimeo.

"One creative thing today in a year of creative things.

theb-roll.com/day-85-sweet-sweet-berna/ [click for more details]

Berna is this really rare application that emulates a 1950’s electronic music studio. It’s based on the methods used in the early days of sound synthesis to make musique concrete. You have 4 reel to reel tape recorders in the upper right hand corner that you can route anything to. You record loops and play with playback speed all the while sending it through vintage radiophonic-style filters. It sounds amazing and last night I really had to stop myself or else I would’ve been up all night messing around with it."

click here for all posts featuring Berna.

Columbus - Lovemachine - A Casio CZ-1000 Saves the Galaxy

Columbus - Lovemachine from The Crystal Beach on Vimeo.

synth spotting comes in at 1:52 but watch the whole thing (see note from Alex below).
"The official music video for Columbus "Lovemachine"
And my MA moving Image graduate Film.

cast: Amos, Bartellow, Sarah Keller;
artist: Columbus (Amos & Bartellow)
album: Lovemachine EP
label: Estrela
production: thecrystalbeach.com
year: 2010"

via Alex: "I've made this video which worships the power of synths - since the last battle of the galaxy is fought through an arresting synth-battle... I know a casio cz1000 wouldn't be the saviour of the galaxy when push comes to shove, but it is kind of a part of the humor of the video ;)" Love it!

Dream Age Part 1-Alnitak

YouTube via Kobolnova — May 24, 2010 — "I have split this long piece of music into 2 parts,this is part 1 of the"Dream Age-Alnitak" song,it is a journey tru time,space and the mind,we al have dreams,they are sometimes strange and mysterious,il keepon dreaming :)
hope you to,hope you like this "dreamy"music;HINT: use a headphone and close your eyes to listen."

"Tags: roland super jx-10 jx8p juno 106 jd-800 creamware minimax asb gem s2 korg radias new age dream dreams"

Dream Age Part 2-Alnitak

YouTube via Kobolnova — May 31, 2010 — And back again:this time you can see this video in 720p for a better quality and i have did some better editting in Pinnacle videostudio,i hope you like this second Part i made,maybe later i upload Part 3 and 4

Synthwood Roland Juno-6 / Juno-60 Wood Case

Top: Original particle board
Bottom: Synthwood solid walnut

More pics and details here.
Update: better pics added.

http://synthwood.com

Leisuresonic SynthTopia Spectral Synthesizer for iPad Demos

PlanetMaster by Leisuresonic
"SynthTopia Leisuresonic electronic synth spectral iPad
Performed live with SynthTopia, the spectral synthesizer for iPad. PlanetMaster is considered moderately accessible to most listeners. Created with pythagorean tuning."

EmphaticSurnames by Leisuresonic
"Performed live with SynthTopia, the spectral synthesizer for iPad. EmphaticSurnames is considered quite accessible to most listeners."

Leisuresonic on iTunes:

http://leisuresonic.com/
http://twitter.com/Leisuresonic

Drumtrack8 - Demo Rhythm

YouTube via StrumentiMusicaliTV — May 06, 2010 — "Jacopo Mordenti ci propone alcuni esempi sonori delle potenzialità di questo piccolo applicativo musicale per dispositivi portatili Apple quali l'iPhone, iPod e iPad."
on iTunes:

iPads on Ebay

Demo CRUMAR Bassman

YouTube via SacherStudioTV — May 30, 2010 —

"Il nuovo Bassman di CRUMAR in combinazione con una base ritmica realizzata con la drum machine Korg Electribe."

via Rifulge's Favorites

JH_filterbank_914.mp4

YouTube via Filterbank914 — May 31, 2010 — "Playing around with the 914-style prototype of my filterbank. Sorry for the messy setup :)"

Roland GAIA SH01 Review on Synth.nl

full review here

"The are 3 oscillators that you can layer and they each have their own LFO, filter, AMP. It is nice that you can select just one part and edit it, but you can also select all three parts at the same time and do editing on all of them. Sound design is a real breeze on this machine... And then the part I love the most. You can put batteries in it :)"

And if I was water, I'd flow in the Nile

flickr by Bradley Allen
(click for mouseovers)

flickr set here

impOSCar 2 Hardware Controller - Keyboard Version

Link to more pics on Synth-Project

"This Controller is NOT for sale !! It´s NOT a second commissioned work for GForce. It´s for myself.

....... and now .... 4 Weeks later ..... i´m thinking about, maybe it´s for sale ...... what do you bid ?? ?? ;o)"