New STG Soundlabs Dual-output EG and LFO

This one sent my way via Atomic Shadow

"The world's most advanced ADSR. Features 3 different EG models: 911 style DADSR/AHDSR, Synthi 100 Trapezoid with quadrature outputs, and our own ADSAR/DASAR we call the Pyramid Blaster. If it's confusing why there are multiple shapes mentioned for each model, it is because this envelope generator outputs two shapes simultaneously!

There are 4 modes of operation: Hold, Trigger, LFO A and LFO B. "Hold" means the envelope will move to the sustain stage and wait until the trigger input returns to 0V to move to the next stage. "Trigger" means the envelope will move through all time stages on a leading edge at the trigger input, "LFO A" means the envelope will free-run in a loop and restart on a leading edge at the trigger input, and "LFO B" means it will loop only while a gate signal is present at the trigger input.

Envelope Generator has 4 different time scales: X.1, X1, X10, and Tempo Sync. The Xn scales are based on the absolute time markings on the front panel dials, 1 second, 10 second, and 100 second ranges. "Sync" will tempo syncronise the stage times to musical values based on tempo information received over the STG Clock Bus connector on the back of the unit.

Additionally the module supports full voltage control of time and sustain level, slope control and cv, and gate outputs for each stage via a sidecar module."

New Tasty Chips GR1 Demos

These spotted and sent in via Atomic Shadow.

Follow-up to this post.

New Tasty Chips GR1 Pricing

This one was spotted and sent in via Atomic Shadow.

€749 for early bird orders, €799 for 1st batch orders, and €849 for second. In US, that would roughly translate to $893, $953, and $1012 respectively. The prices of course would likely be adjusted for import/export fees.

See this post for previous details.

Amalgame Multi-Effect Plugin - Streamlined Complex Signal Processor

This one was sent my way via Atomic Shadow.

"Amalgame is a multi-effect plugin that aims to streamline the creation of complex signal processing chains. Offering an intuitive workflow with all the functions easily accessible and logically laid out, Amalgame makes mutating sounds beyond recognition a breeze.

Amalgame provides a library of 23 effects ranging from bread and butter filters and delays to more esoteric and glitchy processors, which are always accessible and ready to be dropped on 6 XY pads where their key parameters are mapped to each axis.

The X and Y parameters of each pad can be sequenced from within the plugin with independent rate and length for each sequence giving you the opportunity to create insanely complex modulations in a few clicks.

And for an instant creativity boost, a versatile randomizer lets you alter the parameters, sequences and effect selections of any slot, or even regenerate the whole processing chain at the press of a button."

Baseck Jamming with a Rare Pearl Fightman FM8

jus some ol fashion rock n roll! pearl fightman fm8 analog drum brain. @matrixsynth Have any idea when these were produced? #drummachine pic.twitter.com/OUQ9AaxHD6

— BASECK (@baseck) June 29, 2017

There have only been four previous posts to this one featuring the Pearl Fightman FM8. Anyone know when these were produced? Wikipedia doesn't even mention the Fightman FM8.

Update via Atomic Shadow:

"I bought a brand new Pearl Fightman drum set in 1984, just before my son was born. It cost $400.00. It had 5 identical 10 inch trigger pads with black, Remo drum heads. The sides of the pads were blue and the stands that came with it were crap. The sound module had one, sampled sound for the toms, bass, snare, hit, cymbals, etc. The adjustments were very basic. Pitch, sustain, volume. That's about it."

Atomic Shadow's Command Center

I just started watching Lost again. An interesting side note is that JJ Abrams is into synths. It's too bad he didn't add any synth related easter eggs in the show.

via @AtomicShadow

"After two days of work, the Command Center is back in operation."

http://www.atomicshadow.com

When Robots Started Dreaming

Published on Feb 26, 2017 Atomic Shadow

"Shot live in Chicago at the 2014 KnobCob synthesizer convention. The live rig consisted of two signal generators through guitar pedals, EMW-200 mini-synth, Roland SP-404 and a mixer. The track is a live version of When Robots Started Dreaming from the album City Of Chrome And Glass. See atomicshadow.com for more."

Way Stations To Mars

Published on Jan 2, 2017 Atomic Shadow

"Original soundtrack for a short film that I made by editing an old educational movie called Way Stations In Space. The soundtrack was created with HP 200 series signal generators, Moog MF-102 ring modulator, various effects, EMW-200 synthesizer, and Strymon El Capistan tape echo pedal."

Modulations by Atomic Shadow

Published on Dec 10, 2016 Atomic Shadow

"The main audio track for this composition began as a ring modulation experiment. I fed various oscillator sources (signal generators, modular) through modulation effects pedals (chorus, flange, vibrato and phasers) through the Moog MF-102. Effects depths and oscillator pitches were controlled in real time. A second audio track was added to go with the film. As the modular, tape, Pro2 and King Korg machines appear I added sound sources from each one to go along with the picture."

Jim from @Five12Inc with Atomic Shadow

via @AtomicShadow

"Jim from @Five12Inc in the Command Center yesterday. Check out his Numerology 4 sequencer! http://www.five12.com/hq/N4"

http://www.atomicshadow.com

Gorgon Hat by Atomic Shadow

Gorgon Hat from Atomic Shadow on Vimeo.

"This piece features the RCA tone burst generator, played live through effects pedals (including Strymon El Capistan). The EMW-200 is playing through a Lexicon Vortex unit. The modular synth is being controlled by the SynthCube 266 SOU and clocked with a Krisp 1 LFO. The other modules in the patch are the STG Soundlabs Sea Devils filtering a DotCom Q106, Analog Crafstman Gristlier filtering the SSL DDVCO. Both Oscillators are routed through the Krisp 1 Ring Mod. The modular patch is mixed through the STG mixer on it's way to the Yamaha AW-1600 recorder. PSP Audioware plugs used in the mixing stage included the Spring Box and their excellent new EMT 244/245 reverbs.

No Gorgons were harmed in the making of this picture."

http://www.atomicshadow.com

Update: you can find a write-up on the Making of Gorgon hat here.

RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow Edition Available March 2016

"The wait is nearly over! The finalized aluminum RF Nomad Atomic Shadow Edition faceplates recently arrived from the sheetmetal vendor, and they look fantastic! Only a few more components remain to arrive before the first batch of 5U RF Nomad modules will begin to roll off the assembly line.

Each RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow Edition module will be hand-built and individually calibrated and tested by Evaton Technologies' founder, engineer, and chief bottle-washer: Russ Hoffman.

There is an email list signup sheet at www.evatontechnologies.com/5u-signup for folks interested in purchasing the RF Nomad Atomic Shadow Edition module when it becomes available.

Once modules are available to ship, I will send out another emailing to announce the finalized price and payment options.

The final module will include a length of coax cable with PL-259 connections on each end, and a hand crafted dipole antenna suitable for indoor installation. By using standard RF connectors, third-party outdoor antennas can also be used, for increased reception.

I'm looking forward to shipping a great product, and also to seeing what music all of you will create with it.

Acknowledgements

I'd like to thank Rod Mitchell (Atomic Shadow (www.atomicshadow.com)), Consulting Artist on this project, for all his input, inspiration, and encouragement. Rod's been twisting my arm to make some more modules in 'Man-Sized' 5U format, as he calls it. His efforts on that front may have succeeded; stay tuned!

Cheers,

Russ Hoffman
Evaton Technologies

www.evatontechnologies.com/5u-signup"

John Bowen's Custom Moog Sonic Six at NAMM

Pic of John Bowen's custom Sonic Six at NAMM sent in via Atomic Shadow.

Update via Seth in the comments: "The bottom row is a Sequential Model 700 Programmer and a Model 800 Sequencer. The sequencer was modded to add a patch bay when it needed some repairs. "

A Few NAMM Pics & Comments in via Atomic Shadow Including the New VOX!

These in via Atomic Shadow

"The Vox keyboard is styled after the classic Continental combo organ. It has CX3 and Farfisa models as well as the classic Vox. It also has piano, clavs, Trons, and staple synth sounds. So it's in the same ball park as the Hammond SK-1 or the Roland thing.

The OB6 sounds fabulous! I am really impressed with the musicality of this thing. While I was there who wandered in but Tom Oberheim himself. I stepped back and fumbled with my phone but caught the moment. It was as if two unicorns had wandered in to a clearing. How often do you see something like this?

The Arturia Matrix Brute is a 3 oscillator mono synth with a Steiner filter and a classic ladder filter. The push button matrix is similar to a VCS3 pin matrix for connection modulation sources and destinations. Has CV options on the back. Again, this thing sounds incredible! The other photo is from a panel discussion about the future of synthesis. Check the roster! There was enough brain power on that stage that they could build an atomic bomb from items found in the room! Axel Hartman was in the audience."

CLICK FOR MORE »

RIP Else Marie Pade

Atomic Shadow wrote in to let me know that one of his favorite artists, Else Marie Pade, has passed away at the age of 91. Many of you should recognize her name from previous posts here on MATRIXSYNTH. She was an early electronic music artist, one of the pioneers of Musique Concrete. For those not familiar with the term, via Wikipedia: "Musique concrète (French pronunciation: ​[myzik kɔ̃.kʁɛt], meaning 'concrete music') is a genre of electroacoustic music that is made in part from acousmatic sound, or sound without an apparent originating cause. It can feature sounds derived from recordings of musical instruments, the human voice, and the natural environment as well as those created using synthesizers and computer-based digital signal processing."

Wikipedia on Pade: "Pade was born in Aarhus, and was educated as a pianist at the Kongelige Danske Musikkonservatorium (Royal Danish Academy of Music) in Copenhagen. She studied composition first with Vagn Holmboe, and later with Jan Maegaard, from whom she learned twelve-tone technique. In 1954, she became the first Danish composer of electronic and concrete music (Bruland 2001). She knew and worked with Pierre Schaeffer and Karlheinz Stockhausen as well as Pierre Boulez.[1]" See the full article for more on her incredible life.


Else Marie Pade - Faust (1962) Published on Oct 18, 2013 Mors Mea

Prolog I Himlen 0:00
Faust Og Mefisto 4:21
Faust Og Magrethes Kærlighed 11:22
Magrethes Fordømmelse 18:46
Rejsen Til Bloksbjerg Og Valborgsnat 23:03

http://www.discogs.com/Else-Marie-Pad...

Else Marie Pade - "Syv Cirkler" (1958)

Published on Feb 27, 2015 One Eyed King

"From "Electronic Works 1958-1995".
Label: Important Records.
2014."

New From Atomic Shadow - Shortwave Robot Pants

Atomic Shadow has a new album out, Shortwave Robot Pants. Click through for details and of course you'll find the embed above.

RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow Edition 5U Synth Module Status Update

Evaton Technologies RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow Edition Faceplate Teaser

Published on Dec 6, 2015 Russ Hoffman

http://www.evatontechnologies.com/

"The first major step in the progress on the production version of the RFN:ASE synth module is complete -- mechanical design of the faceplate and PCB carrier mechanical outline.

The PCB carrier will house a PCB from a Eurorack version of the RF Nomad, and provide power connector conversion to allow the Eurorack board to be plugged into 5U power.

I've posted up this quick video animation of the 3D CAD model as it stands today.

Consulting Artist, Atomic Shadow, (www.atomicshadow.com) helped to transform the popular RF Nomad Eurorack module into 5U format. Hundreds of Eurorack customers already enjoy the eerie sounds of the RF Nomad Shortwave Receiver module; soon 5U musicians will, too!

The RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow Edition (RFN:ASE) is going to be made in a short production run, the number of which is to be determined by interest expressed on the Evaton Technologies 5U signup form.

Also, please watch for Atomic Shadow's new album, "Shortwave Robot Pants," which features the prototype RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow Edition module."

Evaton Technologies Announces the "RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow Edition" 5U Synth Module

via Evaton Technologies:

"About a year ago, Atomic Shadow (Rod Mitchell) contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in doing a 5U version of the RF Nomad voltage-controlled shortwave receiver module. He then pointed me to his music, and I was blown away. The RF Nomad would be a perfect fit, and so a single one-off prototype of the RF Nomad was hand-made into a 5U format, and christened "RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow Edition."

That module now resides in the Command Center, and is part of Atomic Shadow's secret lair.

( RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow Edition, operated by its namesake, in the Command Center. )

The RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow Edition (RFN:ASE) is going to be made into a short production run, the number of which is to be determined by interest expressed on the Evaton Technologies 5U signup form. If you are interested in purchasing the RFN:ASE when it becomes available, or you know someone who might be interested, please have them sign up. http://www.evatontechnologies.com/5u-signup

Current Status
At present, several things are under development - An adapter board is being designed to allow a Eurorack version of the RF Nomad printed circuit board to be used in 5U format. This will be a high quality PCB with both Dot Com and MOTM power connectors available, and circuitry to correct the voltage levels as required by the Eurorack circuit. (This is how the original prototype was made, and has been in service at Atomic Shadow's Command Center for the past year.)

Also, a mechanical dimensioned drawing of the faceplate is underway, to be fabricated using the popular Metalphoto™ process. Artwork will be very similar to that shown in the attached photo of the prototype, and will include the "Atomic Shadow Edition" logo at the top of the panel!

The original prototype RFN:ASE used genuine vintage 1970's knobs. While I have located a possible source for those exact knobs, the lead times are horrible. I have found some similar knobs which are readily available and are also quite attractive.

Here is that similar knob, shown installed on a Synthesizers.com Q109, for scale:

A test bench is needed in order to perform final QA testing on the RFN:ASE, and so this little beauty was constructed this weekend. Note the empty slot, reserved for the RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow Edition!

Availability and Pricing
The RF Nomad: Atomic Shadow is expected to be available this winter. Pricing is yet TBD, but as a ballpark, probably around $250-275, depending on final costs.

In addition to the module, a length of antenna coax cable will be included, and a small, but high quality receiving antenna. The antenna connection will be made via a standard SO-239 socket on the front of the module, which means that the RFN:ASE will be compatible with commerically-available shortwave / ham radio receiving antennas and accessories.

http://www.evatontechnologies.com/5u-signup"

Update: RF Nomad Testing 1,2,3... by Atomic Shadow:


"This track was composed entirely from sounds generated by the RF Nomad module from Evaton Technologies. EQ, reverb and delay were added during mixing. The RF Nomad is a voltage controlled shortwave radio module. The tuning frequency can be swept with an LFO or other voltage sources to produce unique textures. Many thanks to Russ Hoffman for agreeing to produce this (so far), one of a kind, MU sized version."
previously posted here.

When Robots Started Dreaming by Atomic Shadow

When Robots Started Dreaming by atomicshadow

"This is the third piece from a live performance at KnobCon, September of 2014. It is an abridged version of When Robots Started dreaming from the album City Of Chrome And Glass on Auricular Records. The live performance rig includes EMW-200 synthesizer, test oscillators, effects units and SP404 (subbing for tape machines). The main background element of the composition began as a live recording of open faced control relays in an elevator control room. This recording was manipulated, and abused with various effects."

http://www.atomicshadow.com

New Synthesizers.com Q167 LFO++ Low Frequency Oscillator

via synthesizers.com

"Preliminary information
This is a Pre-Order Project.
Technical details may change as the design progresses.

The Q167 LFO++ is a Low Frequency Oscillator and universal modulator with a wide range of interesting features. This functionally-dense module creates complex modulation with a variety of common and unusual waveforms. The built-in envelope generator produces spring-like decays for both frequency and amplitude - increasing or decreasing.
Direct patch points for both frequency and amplitude make it easy to control modulation with a wheel, expression block, keyboard pressure or a sequencer.

The envelope generator provides control over sustain time to produce delayed modulation, a partial section of a waveform, or a burst of waves including pulses useful for programming sequencers and creating multiple gates.
The unique waveform control section starts with simple familiar waves and curves them into waves you haven't heard before.

The Q167 can also act like an audio oscillator with 1V/Octave response, amplitude control, and harmonically rich waveforms.

Cross patch two Q167 modules together for mind-bending FM and AM sounds.
The Q167 makes patching modulation from controllers and within a system much easier. The same functionality would require 3 or 4 modules in a typical system - VCO, EG, VCA, Signal Processor, and multiple patch cables.
$222.00 USD"

This one in via Atomic Shadow.