Music Thing on Hiatus

And this is what I woke up to today. This is a sad day for us fans. Music Thing along with Create Digital Music and Analog Industries were the first music blogs I visited and still the top three in my opinion.

They also helped me during rough times - site issues and figuring out how to find the balance in blogging. I will always be thankful of Tom for his support, guidance and of course a few beers in London last summer! :)

Read Tom's post on why he is taking and indefinite break. Although, I am definitely crossing my fingers that MT will come back one day, I congratulate Tom on his success and wish him the best. Sometimes you just need a break and a change in perspective. Family and life should always come first.

Tom, thank you for Music Thing, your support and the great memories. I wish you the best of luck and hope to see you online or in person again one day.

cheers,
matrix

Kurzweil K250 synth FULLY RESTORED with Pedal Board

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Pics of the inside below.

"Up for auction a Kurzweil K250 synthesizer in fully working, fully RESTORED condition. it looks awesome, works the same.

Keyboard:

K250 has an unique full height wood keyboard which is built on the same way as a piano with balance-beams. It was cleaned with the passion, every wooden key was checked, adjusted and lubricant was added to the mechanics. It fills like new when you play it with right action and the response.

Technical:

Keyboard is running OS6 and has all motherboard sockets populated with sound banks. These are Soundblocks A, B,C, D. It also has QLS interface installed, and QLS -to- Macintosh cable is included. I can make an Apple Macintosh with the programs and sound sets for K250 if required.

Front panel has all sliders cleaned up and the LCD display was replaced to VFD one. it looks nice and bright.

Power Supply was also cleaned (looks as brand -new) and was completely recapped. It runs very stable.

Other details:

K250 comes with its original stand, which is hard to find item, and the ORIGINAL shipping box which has a palette directly attached(yes, it's fun box). It was stored in the box most of its life and has minimal wear. This also means that I can ship it anywhere without additional packaging. But the shipment will come in two packages anyways, - huge box on palette with K250 and Power supply (incl. manuals) in another separate box.

You'll receive:
1. Kurzweil K250 in the original box
2. Original keyboard stand
3. Power Supply (combined with foot pedals)
4. Many Manuals
5. QLS cable to connect it to Macintosh"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Waldorf Q+ Analog Filter Demo (Raw Sound)

Published on Jun 27, 2016 Amazing Synth

"This is a short recording I made when I used to own this synth, a simple arpeggio with a bit of tweaking.

Only analog filters are employed, I can't recall whether those were 12 or 24 dB, usually I preferred the 12 dB.

Dry sound, no FX whatsoever, either internal or external.

However, it is rather specific, maybe a little too sweet and dizzy.

This may be partly caused by A/D-D/A conversion in the Analog Filter Module.

But it feels like a kind of psycho-acoustic expander or enhancer is in place which makes almost anything sound pleasing to our ears.

(Waldorf Pulse being one of the worst examples probably).

This is not necessarily good for our brains though as we have little control over it.

The perception of things in general gets altered and it's even harder to figure out which is which.

There is something morbid about Q+. The calming effect it has closer resembles paralyses than tranquillity.

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Personality Test: Steve and Ami Sciulli

On the Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Check out the favorite website. :)

Life In Balance

You might recognize the image from prior posts of here.

Korg Delta Vintage 80s Analog String Synth DL-50

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"These are cool little synths for a certain kind of sound, along the lines of a Moog Opus III, being a fully mixable 'synth' & 'string' section, fairly straightforward, but still characterful.

The synth is more like an organ with slider volumes for various footages, which can be put through the ADSR & analogue filter.

The strings have a balance, EQ & AR envelope knobs.

Tones are nice & strong as is, can be wonderful through a delay, reverb or phaser!

Soundwise, I think if you're a fan of the instrumental side of 'Low' (the album) you'll get the idea. Deltas were also used by Broadcast & The Human League (the reason I kept an eye out for one), so darn fine company, I'd say.

Condition, I'd say good for age, there are marks & scrapes but nothing too extreme, some of the lettering has worn away in places, but no cracks or dents.

There are 2 things that affect at least half of all the Deltas I've seen..

Sure enough, the joystick is snapped off at the top. It is still useable & fully working. If you wanted you could add a sleeve of metal tubing to extend it's length again, that could crimp on at the bottom. Another solution is simply to pop a biro lid on the top, fits a treat!

The other really common issue is a fault on the filter which causes the synth section to stop working. This one was no exception, but I replaced the offending capacitors (did a good job!) & it's been perfect ever since (about 2/3 years).

This particular synth is fully functional apart from one slider, which has never worked in those 2/3 years, but after 6 months of inactivity has suddenly burst back into life.. The noise slider in the synth section is (was) inactive, but now seems to be fully working. But I'd still look at this as 'Noise not working'. You can absolutely live without it, but it does sound nice for those filtered White Noise sweeps. I reckon this would have to be the slider or a solder joint in that section, can't think of any components that would die then come back to life again.

Worth pointing out that I always clean everything I get, so no gunk on the knobs, no dirty keys, all the switches, jacks & sliders were Servisol'd & the front panel was polished while I repaired the filter."

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NAMM: Behringer iSTUDIO iPad Dock

"Professional iPAD Docking Station with Audio, Video and Midi Connectivity
Universal Docking Station for APPLE iPAD and iPAD2
Connect your microphones, instruments and audio sources to virtually any audio/MIDI app with the iSTUDIO
Core Audio/MIDI compatible for use with any iOS App
Versatile I/O functionality with adjustable headphone output and direct monitoring control
Separate Video output for connecting your iPAD to TVs and projectors
Standard MIDI I/O plus USB-to-host connectors for ultimate MIDI connectivity
iPAD powering and battery charging via the iSTUDIO dock
Ergonomic design layout – all control elements on top panel with headphone connector on front
Slide-in access for mating with iPAD dock connector (suitable for iPAD 1 & 2)
Locating holes for BEHRINGER P16-MB mounting bracket to attach iSTUDIO to a standard mic, music or drum stand (P16-MB not included)
Universal switch-mode power supply with country-specific wall socket adapter included
High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany

New from BEHRINGER, the iSTUDIO iPad Docking Station is the perfect music production tool for both home studio and live recording. So much more than just a convenient way to recharge your iPad, iSTUDIO lets you create, produce and perform music using your favorite audio gear and musical instruments. iSTUDIO also includes two phantom-powered Mic/Line inputs (one switchable for Hi-Z inputs such as electric guitar or bass, no DI required), so you can use studio-grade condenser mics for stunningly professional results.

Flexible Functionality
iSTUDIO makes it easy to unleash your creative spirit, giving you access to iPad's powerful internal processor, touch-screen interface and vast array of available apps. With the iSTUDIO and your iPad, you can record, perform, or craft and create music in virtually any situation or location. A convenient onboard MIDI USB interface allows the transfer of MIDI data to and from your iPad for even more creative possibilities. iSTUDIO bridges the gap between your instruments and professional audio devices, creating a dynamically creative environment that will continue to grow as even more apps become available.

Vitally Versatile
The iSTUDIO features two combination XLR - 1/4" inputs, each with its own Gain control and switchable phantom power for use with condenser microphones. These inputs will accept analog signals from virtually any piece of audio gear including amps, mixers and external preamps. A guitar or electric bass can be connected directly to the iSTUDIO thanks to the built-in Hi-Z switch, enabling performers to play, perform and record straight into amplifier- and FX-modeling apps. We've also included a stereo Aux Input, allowing you to connect a wide range of line-level sources, even a turntable perfect for DJs or for archiving your precious vinyl collection.

Recording has Never Been Easier
In the old days when you wanted to record the band, you needed lots of gear and cables, or you had to spend gobs of money renting studio time. iSTUDIO takes all of the hassle out of recording, letting you concentrate on your performance and creativity. Just connect your mixer's outputs to iSTUDIO, open your favorite recording app and hit the button, nothing is easier. You can also use iSTUDIO's MIDI capability to control your external keyboards, samplers, drum machines and sound modules.

We've Got Connections
iStudio provides balanced stereo 1/4" TRS outputs for connecting to your studio monitors, PA systems and much more. Musicians can monitor tracks via dual independently controllable phones outputs, equipped with our adjustable direct monitoring controls for the ideal balance between incoming and playback signals. Two footswitch connectors are available for application-defined remote control of input selection and an expression pedal. If video is part of your production, iSTUDIO's RCA composite connector works with all standard video projectors, as well as most television and computer monitors.

Road-Ready and Rugged
When it comes to rugged reliability, BEHRINGER is an industry leader. Because your reputation, as well as ours depends on it, quality control is the first thing we build into each and every new product. As a result, the iSTUDIO is designed to withstand the rigors of the road and provide dependable performance for many years to come, and we back it with a comprehensive warranty program.

A+ Value
Value is defined as the point where price, features and dependability meet. Providing exceptional value to our customers is goal #1 at BEHRINGER. Compare us to the competition and we think you'll choose BEHRINGER."

via Huskypop Huskypopo on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Stevie Wonder. Live. NYC. 1972.

Published on Oct 6, 2013 Charlie Brad·6 videos

ARP 2600. Spot the rest.

1. For Once In My Life
2. If You Really Love Me
3. Superwoman
4. You And I
5. Interview
6. What's Going On/My Cherie Amour
7. Blowing In The Wind
8.With A Chid's Heart
9. Love Having You Around
10. Signed Sealed Delivered/Papa Was A Rolling Stone
11. Superstition
12. Maybe Your Baby/Superstition Outro
13. Uptight Everything's Alright

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976,
allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism,
comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship,and research.
Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Stevie Wonder. Live. NYC. 1972.

Billy Corgan's Ichabod Delivered!

Update:
Some audio below.

Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins received his custom monster modular system aptly named Ichabod this Monday, 9/14/2009. It was hand delivered by the creator of Ichabod, George Mattson of Mattson Mini Modular along with Stephen Jones of Synthwood. Note today marks the second anniversary of the Mattson Mini Modular introductory post. Congratulations guys!

Billy Corgan on Ichabod: "It sounds as good as it looks. I'm very excited to see this synthesizer come to life. It's been a real pleasure to work with George MMMattson on this, I highly recommend anyone even casually interested in modular synthesis to go to MattsonMiniModular.com and poke around.

This synth is a dream come true because it embraces all of the sonic dimensions of the old school synthesizers with the upside of modern technology.' - Billy Corgan. Sept 14, 2009

Be sure to click on the images for the full size shots.

Top: Stephen Jones, George Mattson, and Billy Corgan.

Middle: Ichabod patched, lit and ready to go.

Bottom: Ichabod paying tribute to Devil's Tower. A Close Encounter of the Synth Kind!

Again, congrats to Billy Corgan on receiving a beauty of a one of a kind, massive modular system. Congrats to George Mattson on completing such a massive endeavor, and congrats to Stephen for all his support and help. This is a significant moment in synth history.

Special thanks to George: Thanks for wearing the MATRIXSYNTH T! That is too cool. I am not worthy, I am not worthy... :) And more importantly, thanks for making the MMM.

Update: one more pic with Stephen.

Update: three lute patches from Ichabod

Update: some people question the physical stability of Ichabod standing. I've played with it and it is stable. via George Mattson: "The main cabinets are thicker than the satellite cabinets which helps with the stability but, gives an illusion of being thin. The main cabinets are 5.5” deep while the satellites are 3.5” deep. All cabinets are interlocked vertically to create solidity between cabinets and the satellites being angled forward provide a good counter balance. It’s stable."

Introducing Modbap CLRS (pronounced colors)

video upload by Modbap Modular

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Drive effect
01:19 - Mag effect
01:37 - LoFi effect
02:04 - Compressor
02:35 - Width (stereo widening control)
02:53 - CV input and stereo i/o
03:00 - Colors is?
03:15 - Demonstration

"Introducing the CLRS (pronounced colors) module by Modbap, a powerful 10HP reimagining and expansion of the HUE eurorack module, now expanded to stereo with a few tricks up its sleeve.

At the core of CLRS is our versatile DJ-style filter, equipped with a single large top-center knob that controls both the high pass and low pass filters. With the low pass to the left and the high pass to the right, effortlessly sculpting your sound in the stereo field becomes second nature. Find the ideal frequency balance and bring your audio creations to life with a seamless and harmonious blend.

Experience a transformative sonic journey with the Drive effect, Mag (tape saturation) effect, LoFi effect, stereo widening, tape artifacts, and an expanded compressor with switchable ratios and ducking input.

FEATURES
* Audio processing effect
* DJ Style Filter (HP and LP)
* Tape Saturation (mag), Drive, and Lofi effects
* One knob compressor with switchable ratio
* Ducking input
* Width Control - stereo field widening parameter
* CV inputs for Filter, Mag, Drive, Lofi.
* Stereo input and output
* Preset saving."