Tristan Perich: Noise Patterns Coming to NYC This Wednesday, April 2

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2
Tristan Perich: Noise Patterns
Daniel Wohl w/ Iktus Percussion
Lucky Dragons
This Wednesday: a special intimate NYC performance of Tristan Perich's "Noise Patterns", with performances by Lucky Dragons and Daniel Wohl + IKTUS.
April 2, 2014 at 8:00pm
Baby's All Right
146 Broadway (at Bedford Ave), Brooklyn, NY

Info on Noise Patterns (click through for audio and more pics)

"Expanding on Perich's 1-Bit Symphony and tonal works for electronic circuits and acoustic instruments, Noise Patterns is a composition for sequenced 1-bit patterns of white noise, programmed for and performed by microchip. Instead of synthesizing definite frequencies, the code in Noise Patterns outputs random sequences of 1s and 0s. The 'notes' of Perich’s 'score' are then varying probabilities of randomness—ranging from the sound of white noise to sporadic instantaneous pops—which he composes into rhythmic patterns. In a tidal wave of 1-bit noise, the music is an investigation into the foundational limits of computation, which surface in the seemingly simple world of randomness."


And other events featuring Tristan's work:

MAR 29
Ensemble 0 performs Tristan Perich's "Observations" (with other works by Billy Martin, John Cage, Steve Reich, Angelica Negron)
Médiathèque André Labarrère
Pau, France

MAR 30
Unwind Concert Series: Mark DeMull performs Tristan Perich's "Momentary Expanse"
The Avenue, Lansing, MI

APR 2
Frontiers Festival: the festival's Resident Ensemble presents a program of works by Birmingham Conservatoire students alongside music by Tristan Perich, Anna Clyne, and Missy Mazzoli’s Orrizonte.
Birmingham Conservatoire
United Kingdom

MAY 30
FIVE: junctQin keyboard collective plays Tristan Perich's "qsqsqsqsqqqqqqqqq" (and works by Thierry De Mey, Elisha Denburg, Chad Martin, and Tomi Räisänen)
Gallery 345
Toronto, Canada

JUNE 5
Ensemble 0 performs Tristan Perich's "Observations"
Carcassonne, France

JUNE 12
Open Ears Festival: junctQin keyboard collective performs Tristan Perich's "qsqsqsqsqqqqqqqqq" (with works by Thierry De Mey, Elisha Denburg, Chad Martin, and Tomi Räisänen)
Registry Theatre
Kitchener, Canada

JUNE 21
Socrates Sculpture Park: SOUND EVENT
Socrates Sculpture Park
Queens, NY

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Lady Ada Original Run x0xb0x #150

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Feb 5, 2014 Brian Comnes·7 videos

via this auction

Note this is Brian Comnes x0xb0x previously featured on the site here.

"Lady Ada original run x0xb0x #150 TB303 clone with power supply.
This is the original run with brass medallion serial number 150. I built this as a kit using good solder and soldering iron, everything is functional , no issues - see video

The kit came with the presoldered USB board which is surface mount so there are no issues with soldering those close connections. The OS is the original.

This has CV pitch (Octave/volt) and gate out so you can sequence other analog gear, it also has MIDI out for the same purpose, it even has audio in so you can run your other tracks through the x0xb0x filters.

The x0xb0x is not just another MIDI-controlled TB-303 clone. x0xb0x is a full reproduction of the original Roland synthesizer, with fully functional sequencer. The sequencer can be programmed just like the original 303 (ok its actually a little easier, we think) and can be used to control other synthesizers via any of its various output formats. 128 banks of track memory and 64 banks of pattern memory are stored in onboard EEPROM, no battery-backup is needed! blinky! No less than 40 LEDs adorn the x0xb0x. Computer Controlled Plug this baby into your computer, using a standard USB port. Our Java software will control the x0xb0x, or let you save/edit stored patterns and tracks in the onboard memory. Input/Output x0xb0x has all the I/O you could ever need: MIDI in, out, and thru DIN Sync (in or out, selectable) CV and Gate (1/8" jacks) Audio: headphone, mix-in and line-level out (1/4" jacks) USB for computer interface & control

Random mode: fill a pattern bank with random notes, or have it just play random notes
Keyboard mode: just like those casios you had as a kid. Press the keys and sound comes out!
Rotary encoder tempo knob: for finer control over the tempo, or you can set the tempo via computer control mode

Firmware upgradable: the C code is written for AVR-gcc, any Mac/Linux/Windows computer can be used to recompile new code for the x0xb0x. Reprogram using the x0xb0x software with USB. Mess something up? You can always revert back to the original firmware."

Delptronics Modular Test B

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Adam Reeves·18 videos

"All Percussion provided by: Delptronics LDB-1e w/Expansion for individual outs, Delptronics Thunderclap

Noises courtesy of the following units ( modded for use with the Bender Sequencer): Bleep Labs Pico Paso, MFOS WSG, Korg Monotribe

IR Chain (all the green modules with blinky lights)= Wooster Audio Midi-IR2 + Space Baby, Delptronics Bender Sequencer x2, Delptronics Ring Mod (This is the first kit I ever built, and it's not pretty, but you can hear what the effect sounds like, this unit is also available in Eurorack form now). As the expansion provides individual outs and an additional main out (corresponding to the level pots), there is tons of routing options for the drums. I choose one main out as my Dry bus, then routed the other main to 2 separate FX buses in the modular, and one signal to the Ringmod and layered it up..."

New Round of Arturia MicroBrute Videos

Arturia Microbrute - new analog Synthesizer - Demo

Published on Oct 24, 2013 MrSynthmania·21 videos

"Some sounds taken from Arturia´s new baby - the MicroBrute. A very tiny 100% analog synthesizer with the same sound like his big brother MiniBrute. There are several new features like the Stepsequenzer and the Patchfield with CV for some Modulations. The very good sounding Steiner-Parker-Filter with HP, BP and LP is also present. The MicroBrute is the perfect complement to his Big Brother or a Modular-System. More info at:
http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/p..."

Arturia MicroBrute

Published on Oct 25, 2013

"Première découverte / First discovery"

Arturia MicroBrute Jam with Delay

Published on Oct 25, 2013 sonicstate·568 videos

"MicroBrute into Audio interface, live plugin from Logic Pro (tape delay) and some Square wave LFO pitch mod got me lost in this synth for a few minutes."

Arturia MicroBrute - Exclusive Audio Samples

Published on Oct 25, 2013 pixelsoundstudio·3 videos Audiofanzine·941 videos

"Exclusive samples coming from the Arturia MicroBrute.

Read the full and in-depth review on www.audiofanzine.com.

In english : http://en.audiofanzine.com/analog-syn...

In french : http://fr.audiofanzine.com/synthe-ana..."

Click here for all MicroBrute posts to date.

KORG ms-20 mini jamming vs MicroKorg XL - its groovy (or something)

Published on Oct 12, 2013 ollilaboratories·10 videos

"Another KORG ms-20 jam - made some playing errors and stuff.. but who cares. This baby synth rocks like no other machine out there today. Seriously.. thinking of buying a second one.. haha :)

ms-20 through ibanez echo shifter (get an analogue delay if plan on getting the ms20, its a perfect match) Drums and extra sequencer track in the monotribe... plus the minikorg, vanilla unision solo sound w ddl FX.

High quality audio at : https://soundcloud.com/ollilab/ollila..."



KORG MS20 Minis on eBay | MicroKORG XLs on eBay

KORG ms-20 (another JAM)
Published on Oct 12, 2013

"another ms20 jam... high speed arpeggiator style with some attack on the envelopes

second synth sequence, is the monotribe

-crappy picture due to bad lighting conditions, but sound is straight to DAW

high quality audio here: https://soundcloud.com/ollilab/ollila..."

SPUTNIK DUAL DEFECT PROCESSOR MODEL 289

Published on Sep 4, 2013 romanfilippov·10 videos

This one in via Roman Filippov.

Playlist (use the controls on the bottom of the player to forward through videos - 4th video on shows module):
SPUTNIK DUAL DEFECT PROCESSOR MODEL 289 - SAW CORE OSCILLATOR
SPUTNIK DUAL DEFECT PROCESSOR MODEL 289 - SINE CORE OSCILLATOR
SPUTNIK DUAL DEFECT PROCESSOR MODEL 289 - DUAL FM OSCILLATOR SCOPE
SPUTNIK DUAL DEFECT PROCESSOR MODEL 289 - DUAL FM OSCILLATOR DEMO
SPUTNIK DUAL DEFECT PROCESSOR MODEL 289 - HARMONIZER / PITCH SHIFTER
SPUTNIK DUAL DEFECT PROCESSOR MODEL 289 - BITCRUSHER / SONIC DECIMATOR
SPUTNIK DUAL DEFECT PROCESSOR MODEL 289 - KARMINUS-WEAK SYNTHESIZER
SPUTNIK DUAL DEFECT PROCESSOR MODEL 289 - PLATE REVERBERATOR
SPUTNIK DUAL DEFECT PROCESSOR MODEL 289 - HALL REVERBERATOR
SPUTNIK DUAL DEFECT PROCESSOR MODEL 289 - TALKER

Some details via Roman on Muff's:

"we (Roman Filippov and Alex Pleninger) are glad to introduce the result of almost a year of development, coding, electronic tests and just complex work in general - Sputnik Defect Processor Model 289.

this device is crafted to precisely comply the modular standards of Buchla Electric Music Box better known as Buchla 200 and Buchla 200e.

the core of the 289 is a Digital Signal Processor which takes all the computations in sound transforming and generating. around it one may observe some controllable analogue parameters such as Balance and Regeneration, they are independent for each audio channel. both DSP cores have 8 independent Programs or Algorithms per core and each such algorithm has three voltage controllable parameters, varying from program to program. each core can be expanded via another 8 programs on external EEPROM chip. one of the most exciting feature is the variable Timebase which affects a lot of nuances in every algorithm's behavior.

apart from conventional stuff like reverbs, delays and various modulations the Model 289 offers quite unique solutions such as fm-synthesis, wide sonic range generators, human throat modelling, simple spectrum transfer facility, pitch-to-cv conversion, pitch shifting, audio looping, several sound destructors, pitch class generator, karplus-strong synthesis and many others, including some auxiliary programs. and the program list is ever-growing, new programs are always on the way.

we hope this module will take its place in every Buchla system whether it is a baby 4U boat or two 18U cabinets mighty electronic workbench.

ALGORITHMS

OSCILLATORS

we offer two oscillator programs, both of them work in audio range from 25 to approximately 3000 hz.

the controls are the following:
x - pitch.
y - wavemorphing.
z - wavefolding.

audio inputs 1 and 2 support amplitude and frequency modulations respectively.
on the output 1 you'll get final waveform morphed and folded, if any.
the second output provides the sub-oscillator one octave below the main one.
as for y and z controls, the first one continuously morphs the osc core (saw or triangle, depending on chosen program) from saw through triangle to half-inverted saw or from triangle through sine to square. in the case the wavemorphing is set to square, the wavefolding performs as pwm controller. in any other situations z-pot folds the wave in a manner of mathematical reflection at the given threshold. all these are pretty straight-forward, even if sounds a bit messy. you may observe the oscillators behavior in the attached [above] video footages.

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Secret Life by Peter Grenader

via Peter Grenader on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

"It is with humility and pride that I can announce that my CD - Secret Life - is now available from Coda Recordings on CD Baby and iTunes. (note: only CD Baby includes high resolution FLAC file downloads)

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/petergrenader

Expanded notes including a bio and description of the compositional and technical considerations for each piece, booklet/traycard/label art templates and alternate audio samples can be found at:

http://www.secretlifeonline.com/"


Peter Grenader is the man behind Plan b.

STAR WARS GUITAR FX PEDAL - ILLUMIRINGER V1.4 DEMO

Published on Feb 28, 2013

http://www.drBlankenstein.com
Dr. Blankenstein on eBay (RSS)

"STAR WARS GUITAR FX PEDAL - ILLUMIRINGER V1.4 DEMO

________________________________________­___________

EPISODE SELECTION SHORTCUTS

OPENING SCROLL: 00:01
EPISODE I - Pedal Walk Through : 00:46
EPISODE II - Distortion Effect Demo : 05:44
EPISODE III - ILLUMIRINGER Effecr Demo : 08:57
EPISODE IV - Distortion + ILLUMIRINGER : 10:44
EPISODE V - Light Sensor Demo : 15:00
EPISODE VI - Expression Pedal / Touch Cable : 16:59

________________________________________­___________

Well folks, after almost a years worth of experimenting.... the moment we have all waited for has arrived! The first real demo of the ILLUMIRINGER concept pedal in action! As I am sure you have noticed by now, it's LONG! Please understand this has been a lot of work to get this pedal to where it is.. it's EXTREMELY VERSATILE.. and there is a lot to show. Also, once you get going on a Star Wars theme... it's hard to just leave it at that ;) That being said, feel free to use the shortcut links above to jump around to different parts of the video (highlighting different features of the pedal). BUT if you want to get the full idea of what this baby can do... I suggest giving it a full watch.

I would like to take a second to thank my Cousin Mikey who helped me put this demo together for all of you (I couldn't have done it without you bro)! AND of course.... Trey Anastasio for being such an amazing positive inspiration in my life for the past 20 years, for the revolutionary guitar style he has created for us all to enjoy... that in which was a HUGE inspiration to me for the ILLUMIRINGER concept as a whole (how's that for a thank you speech.. run-on sentence? lol). In short, thank you!

Things to keep in mind... this video was recorded on a Sony Bloggie, audio via it's on-board stereo mic. The guitar pedal is plugged DIRECTLY into a 24 year old bass amp... and the guitar directly into the pedal. NO OTHER EFFECTS ARE BEING USED. The use of delay, reverb and other rig effects would of course add new and different character... to the already elaborate sonic palette of the ILLUMIRINGER. BUT for a demo like this, best to keep things as clean as possible. I would go on about the details of the pedal, but I think that is made pretty clear by the 24 MINUTE video about it (ha) so I will just leave it at... enjoy the show...

and MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU..... always!

~Dr. Blankenstein"

Modded Commodore 64 with Mssiah and Cynthcart Catridges

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

"Up for grabs we have a modded Modded Commodore 64 (details of mods below) with both Mssiah and Cynthcart Catridges, as well as a blank Sid2sid board from 8bitventures, the makers of the MSSIAH Cart. I never got around to purchasing another sid chip and installing it, but it's a good idea to max out the polyphony for MSSIAH. I am also including (2) PC ONLY VST Controller Plugins by Total Kontrol (total-kontrol.websCOM):

1) Mssiah Mono Synthesizer Controller (realtime editor which allows you to control every parameter found on Mssiah Mono Synthesizer. Mssiah Mono Synthesizer Controller operates as a standalone editor or as a VSTi plugin (Windows), and offers a preset manager and other extra features not present on the hardware).

2) Mssiah Drummer Controller (lets you control every parameter found on Mssiah* Drummer on one single screen. No more frustrating sub menus, full control over 2 SID chips (if installed) filters and voice mapping. Drummer operates as a standalone editor or as a VSTi plugin (Windows).

I purchased the C64 modded off eBay less than a year ago with the following modifications:
-1/4" Output for Audio (to amp, soundcard, etc.)
-RCA plug for Colored Video (you can still hook up the original output for B+W if need be), Output is very nice in color (please see pics)

Just to recap, in addition to the Modded C64 with it's original PSU, Paddle Joystick, and an AV cable for the color output, this unit comes with an 8bitadventures Mssiah Cartridge, Brand New Sid2Sid Board (8bitventurescom/mssiah/), current version of Cynthcart Cartridge (v1.2.4), and (2) PC-only VST plugins to control MSSIAH from your DAW (automation baby!)"

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Amin Bhatia "Interstellar Suite" Indiegogo Campaign

Interstellar Suite Needs You!

Published on Sep 6, 2012 by interstellarcrew

Some synth spotting with Amin Bhatia.  Read below and click through to Indiegogo for additional details and pics.  One of the benefits will be a private Bob Moog Foundation dinner.

"Amin Bhatia is feverishly transforming his original analog baby into a 25th Anniversary 5.1 Surround Edition in a special commemorative package but he can't do it alone www.indiegogo.com/is25"

And the official press release:

"Dear "Interstellar Suite" Listener,

The launch has begun!

After twenty-five years of cards, letters and emails The Interstellar Suite is getting remixed in 5.1 surround sound. Amin Bhatia is working with award winning producer/engineer Frank Morrone (Lost, The Kennedys and Sleepy Hollow) to transform his original analog baby into a 25th Anniversary 5.1 Surround Edition. It’s not straightforward and it’s not easy but it’s already blowing the ears and minds of everyone involved on the project.

But that's only the beginning of Amin's vision - imagine bonus audio, all sorts of video extras, and a glossy, full color collectors edition hardcover book.

Starting today* you can pre-order the DVD and get other exclusive perks through a respected fund-raising website called Indiegogo. Starting at $10 every participation level has a cool gift like a binaural mix, the upcoming DVD, a collector's T-Shirt, the collectors edition hardcover book, early synth experiments (Roland synth users will recognize this stuff), your name in the credits, exclusive listening parties in Toronto and LA, a private Bob Moog Foundation dinner with special (secret) guests, and even one of the last ten remaining vinyl LPs from the original release. There's something for every level of support!

Whatever level of participation you choose, The Interstellar Suite 25th Anniversary 5.1 Surround Edition by Amin Bhatia is something you’re going to treasure, savor, hoard and gloat about for at least another 25 years—much in the same way you held your very first Interstellar Suite vinyl album so many years ago. It's the least we could do to thank you for making the Interstellar Suite such a wonderful journey for Amin Bhatia and for you, his fans.

With thanks from the Interstellar Crew

PS. Do you know other gearheads, audiophiles and fans who'd like to hear about this project? Go ahead and share this info via email, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, Pinterest or that old fashioned device we used to call the telephone!

*offer expires November 15th"

Roland SH-09 Analog Synthesizer SN 983125

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

via this auction

"The SH-09 excels at killer monophonic bass, and has a real unique sound, one of the better in the Roland SH series. Great for bass sounds, rocking leads, as well as sequencing sounds from older CV/Gate enabled synths/sequencers. It is architecturely on par with the Roland SH-101, and is very fat & analog sounding. It's VCA can switch between gate or envelope and there's a sample & hold function used for VCF filtering acid type sounds. Hook the SH-09 up with one of Roland's CSQ-100 or CSQ-600 Sequencers, and this thing kicks some major sequencing you know what. Another great thing about the SH-09 is the CV/Gate IN & OUT jacks used for sequencing with other analog synths. Also, cool is the external Audio IN input jack used for processing all types of instruments and external audio (guitar, bass, drums, field recordings, other synths, you name it) through the VCF filter.

All sliders move smoothly, no crackling pots, noisy knobs or sticking keys.
For a vintage synth of it's age, this baby is in tip top shape, physically & sonically."

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Cyndustries FOUR TRANSIENTS MOTM FORMAT

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

via this auction

"Brand New FOUR TRANSIENTS All-Analog Synthesizer Module in MOTM Format!

Fastest Envelope Generator available in MOTM Format Includes mounting screws and Standard MOTM 4-Pin Power Connector.

The Cynthia® brand, Four Transients Envelope Generator and Sound Processing Module may appear very simple on the surface, but it's simple appearance belies its versatility. Face it, one thing you always come up short on is envelopes. You try using square or triangle waves from LFOs and gates when you need more, but that doesn't really cut it. It would be great if one little module could be the last word in filling this gap.

Four Transients (4T) gives you four simple, independent envelopes that can each be either the AD or AR type. In AR mode, there is an attack phase up to 5v which holds as long as the gate input is held high. The release phase returns the output to 0v when the gate falls. All very familiar, and this is probably the most general and widely used envelope type. You get four of these puppies!

However, the AD mode is something not usually seen. In a conventional ADSR unit, if the gate falls before the attack & decay phases have completed, the unit enters the release phase. This means if you have a slow attack and a brief gate, the envelope might not ever even get off the ground. This is fine if that's what you want. However, Four Transients does something different. The AD transient is self-completing. In response to the rising edge of the GATE input, the envelope goes through the entire attack and decay phases from 0v to +5v and back to 0v, no matter how long that takes. This makes it perfect for those self running, automated patches we all love to create. In AD mode, the attack cannot be re-triggered during its own phase, but is available for re-triggering during the decay phase. You get four of these!

Ins Outs and Knobs

The A knob controls the attack time in the usual way. If you pull it, all times will stretch by about 100 times for those ssssslllllllooooooowwwww events.

The D knob controls the decay time in the usual way. If you pull it, the section changes from AD to AR operation, and the knob controls the release time instead.

The GATE jack inputs any waveform and derives a gate signal from it. If it crosses above +2.5v, it's a gate.

The TIME jack accepts a control voltage that makes all times (for that section) longer or shorter. Higher voltages make things faster (just like a VCO).

The OUT jack, well, you know.

The button is for manual firing and the brightness of the LED in the button tracks the transient.

The UP Output jack, presents a logic high signal during the attack phase of the transient. The behavior is the same in AD and AR modes. This UP PULSE will drop after the attack phase and not hold even though the GATE is still high.

Remember how we said that its simplicity is deceiving? Here's what else this baby can do. In addition to AD and AR modes, you can create ADSR behavior by mixing two transients together. Set one section to AD mode, the other to AR mode. Panning between the two outputs (with a simple mix or pan) varies the sustain level. Set the A's equal. When you do this, you will have simultaneous AD, ADSR, and AR signals available. You can make two ADSRs with this module!

You can create AHD envelopes as well. Patch the PULSE output of one section into the GATE of another. The A knob gives you your Hold time. The second section is set for AR operation and the knobs there will give you your A and D times. You can make two AHD generators with this module! Remember, the AHD will self-complete...

You can create a gate delay with two sections as well. Do the following: Set both transients to AR mode. The A knob on the first will be your delay (set R to zero). Patch the output of this transient to the GATE input of the second. Set A and R to zero to create instantaneous edges. This is what happens; when the input GATE appears, the first transient rises slowly from zero. When it reaches 2.5v, the second transient will fire and stay on creating a delayed gate signal. When the input GATE falls, both transients instantly fall. You can make two gate delays with this module!

Since you get Four Transients, you have enough to create a DADSR or DAHD envelope and still have one section left over!

You can extend the principle outlined above by patching more than 2 sections in series or even in loops. You can get the transients to self-perpetuate in a pseudo quadrature sort of way. Play with staggering the times and modulating the TIME jacks. Swinging rhythms await...

The UP output acts as a one-shot. You can use this to time events. A quick flick of the GATE, and the UP PULSE output remains high for a pre-determined time, controlled by the A knob, and then falls. You could plug that into something...

You can make radical, ultra snappy, hyper-sloped envelopes by feeding an OUTput back into its own TIME jack. When output values are high, the slopes will be steeper and vice versa. This is like self-modulating a VCO. The TIME jack has a huge range and responds exponentially.

How about audio uses. The transients can be made to run so fast that you can use them to process audio. Wha? Yeah, turn any signal into a stream of shaped transient pulses. Run a VCO square wave in and get a constant-time transient pulse per cycle out. Get tracking with the TIME jack if you want it. Changing A and/or D changes the timbre of the pulse, and modulating the TIME jack creates VCF-like effects. Crazy mixed waveforms in, equals crazy, confused transients out. We bet you're not used to listening directly to your envelope generators! (I guess you just broke another rule :)"

PPG WaveGenerator Submitted to Apple & Death of Digital Hardware Synths

Wolfgang Palm posted the following on his website (see my notes below)

"The first time I thought about an iPad project was last autumn. The more I got into it and the more information I collected, it sounded interesting to me.

I first did a pilot project on PC, just to check out the possibilities of a creative wavetable construction system, where you draw your waveforms and spectra and hear the result directly. This is especially challenging with the touch panel on the iPad.

When I had done this and convinced myself that it is a great tool and gives fantastic audio results, I bought a Mac and an iPad, and started programming for the real device. I inducted Cornel Hecht into the project, and he helped with the cool graphics and had many great ideas as well.

Later I invited some very experienced people like Peter Gorges and Jay de Miceli to help me with beta-testing and sound design. We also have 'nachtsmeer' and Kenneth Abildgaard in the team who have also contributed countless ideas.

I am also very thankful for the help of Russ Hughes who runs Sociatech, a specialist marketing and PR company, his expertise in helping get the message out has shown amazing results. If you have any kind of tech product you need to tell people about, then I recommend him to you.

So yesterday the WaveGenerator app was sent to Apple for approval, and we hope that it will be in the Apple App Store soon.

It is good to be back and to be able to share my creative ideas with the world in these new ways – I had a vision and here it is, it has the DNA of my first baby, but this grandchild has a 21st century personality.

Thank you for your support!"

It's great to see him back and it's great to see him embrace the iPad.

------

On the Death of Digital Hardware Synths:
Traditional digital hardware synths that is. The iPad is hardware after all. (see Update2 below)

For a while I've been thinking the iPad will be the death of traditional digital hardware synthesizers for several reasons - lower cost, size, ability to morph into whatever you want it to be, and it acts and feels like real hardware because it is real hardware. It's just as much hardware as any other traditional hardware synth running digital synthesis software. The iPad should not be equated with running software emulations on the PC or Mac, it should be equated with hardware synths with touch interfaces like the Korg Kronos and Jupiter-80, or the PPG Realizer. All digital synths are software based. My lust for digital hardware diminished ever since I picked the first gen iPad and Sunrizer and compared it with my Roland JP-8000. I picked up the JP-8000 new for about $1100 back when it came out. I picked up Sunrizer when it was called Horizon Synth for $4.99. Think about that.  $4.99 for a full blown VA synth with a morphable touch interface and it sounds great. The cost of the iPad and Sunrizer was less than the JP-8000 and you have access to a plethora of other synths, sequencers and controllers. Hook it up to your MIDI keyboard of choice and with the likes of Animoog, NLogSynth Pro, Magellan, Cassini Synth, Peter Vogel CMI (a Fairlight for $50!!!), Korg's iMS20, SynthX, and now the PPG WaveGenerator and Waldorf & Tempo Rubato's upcoming synth, and you have a hardware synth. With the iPad in it's third generation, older models will only continue go down in price, so the ability to have multiple iPads for cheap isn't too far off. There is one concern I had lingering though. Battery life. Eventually I'm guessing the batteries in the iPad will die, but I say had, because with something like the Alesis iO dock this may not be an issue. You can power it and have all your IO available at the same time. I should note my first gen iPad battery is still going strong.

It will be interesting to see what hardware synth manufacturers do next. They will have to offer synthesis methods not available in apps for the iPad, and as time goes on those differences will only shrink. You can't replicate analog, so maybe we will see more of that including hybrid synths. As for full blown digital, I can see manufacture's having a flagship synth for the pro musician on the road, a flagship controller for the iPad, and apps to go along with it. I think there will always be an audience for each, but there is no denying the iPad has become a option for digital hardware synthesis.

Picked up on Synthtopia as well.

Update1 6/30/2014: And it happened with the iconic Akai MPC line.  Via @TomWhiwell of MusicThing modular shared via Twitter:

"The Akai MPC is dead; no more standalone hardware, just iOS apps and controllers: http://www.akaipro.com/category/mpc-series …"


Update2 6/30/2014: I wanted to expand on my initial commentary on the "death of digital hardware" above. If you read it, you might think I prefer the iPad to dedicated hardware synths when it comes to digital only. Far from it.  It was written from the perspective of the potential impact the iPad could have on the world of hardware synthesis.  It was a look into the possible future and not meant to be a look into the present or even the near future.  The thought was that if you had a portable hardware device capable of turning into any digital hardware synth you might need, at a fraction of the price of a full blown hardware equivalent, what would you do?  The answer?  It depends on your needs, preferences and funds.  Personally, I like the convenience and portability of the iPad but I love the feel and tactile relationship dedicated hardware instruments have to offer.  The iPad offers the engine, but lacks the body unless you're Synth-Project.  The new Akai MPC line tries to bridge some of that, but is it enough?

Use Audio Plugiator Tabletop Desktop Synthesizer with Original Box

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

"This auction is for a Use Audio Plugiator. For those of you who do not know what this is, basically you have 8 different synthesizers in one box. Each one of those synths has 100 presets built in. Each one of those presets can be changed using the plugiator software. New sopunds can be downloaded from the plugiator mcommunity forum and installed instead of the the standard presets. Basically you can have every sound you have ever loved from classic analogue synths in one small box. It is made of metal / steel and built to last.

Installed on the plugiator are all 8 plug ins. These are all activated and all work fine. The four extra plug ins (Prodyssey, Pro-12, Fmagia and Drums 'n 'Bass) were all purchased at approx £39 each. The activation keys for all the plugins are written into the section at the back of the manual. If you ever have to reinstall them, the activation keys are all there. The Plugiator is registered to me as are the plug ins, but I will provide you with my log on details to the server so you can change the details to you and download new sounds etc.

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x0xConcept Exclusive Camouflage & Green x0xb0x

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. via these auctions
video below

Details for Camo listing:
"Original x0xb0x by Limor Fried, Adafruit Industries - http://www.adafruit.com
Very LTD Cammo panel
Leds teinted non glare, Green, White, and Orange for tempo
Custom 'Knob Soft touch
Professional Assembled Hand and tuning with Oscilloscope by a qualified technician
OS Sokkos 1.9.1
Cd Contents: USB Drivers/ Pc control software 1.1/ Firmware/ Manuel, Notice
DyncSync24 & MIDI
All worldwide AC 110v or 220v adapter
2 years warranty

The x0xb0x is not just another MIDI-controlled TB-303 clone. x0xb0x is a full reproduction of the original Roland synthesizer, with fully functional sequencer. The sequencer can be programmed just like the original 303 (ok its actually a little easier, we think) and can be used to control other synthesizers via any of its various output formats. 128 banks of track memory and 64 banks of pattern memory are stored in onboard EEPROM, no battery-backup is needed!

Features: Using all the original components, with a sequencer that behaves like the original, but with key improvements and more! CV / Gate and DIN sync, full MIDI implementation and a USB port.

Our x0xb0x is fully assembled by hand and tune to the oscilloscope in the state of the art by a professional audio, components selected with high quality poly, electrolytic capacitors and ceramic non Pollar!

Polyphony - Monophonic Multitimbral - 1 part Oscillators - 1 VCO Waveforms - saw, square Filter - 18 dB/oct analog low pass Envelope - Control pots for Decay time and Accent intensity Sequencer - 1-Track Patterns - 64 banks of user patterns Songs - 128 banks user tracks Memory - No sound patch memory Control - MIDI In/Out, DINSYNC, CV, Gate, USB VCA - BA6110

Some Vintage Components Inside:
NEC 2SA733AP high beta transistors hand-selected for high gain
1% Thin-film resistors
2SC536F transistors
2SC1583 and 2SC2291 matched-pair common-base transistors
2SK30AO and 2SK30AY JFETs
AN6562 and BA6110 Op-Amps LA4140 ...

No less than 40 LEDs adorn the x0xb0x.
Computer Controlled - Plug this baby into your computer, using a standard USB port. Our Java software will control the x0xb0x, or let you save/edit stored patterns and tracks in the onboard memory.
Input/Output:
x0xb0x has all the I/O you could ever need:
* MIDI in, out, and thru
* DIN Sync (in or out, selectable)
* CV and Gate (1/8" jacks)
* Audio: headphone, mix-in and line-level out (1/4" jacks)
* USB for computer interface & control
DC Jack, Headphone, CV, Gate, USB, Mix-in, MIDI jacks, Line out, DIN Sync
Extras

xoxbox added a couple extra modes to make the x0xb0x more fun than the rest:
* Random mode: fill a pattern bank with random notes, or have it just play random notes
* Keyboard mode: just like those casios you had as a kid. Press the keys and sound comes out!
* Rotary encoder tempo knob: for finer control over the tempo, or you can set the tempo via computer control mode
* Firmware upgradable: the C code is written for AVR-gcc, any Mac/Linux/Windows computer can be used to recompile new code for the x0xb0x. Reprogram using the x0xb0x software with USB. Mess something up? You can always revert back to the original firmware.

Possibility of added Mod's on request
Questions or information, do not hesitate contact us.

For example add pack 4 Essential mod's for 70$:
1)Mod's: Devilfish Filter Overdrive control with pot
2)Mod's: Bass boost mod on,off with switch
3)Mod's: Filter low end on,off with switch
4)Mod's: Resonance Boost control with pot"

Only x0xb0x Essential mod's www.x0xConcept.com

YouTube Published on Mar 19, 2012 by x0xconcept

"Play x0xb0x only, no add plug 'in or hardware treatment, nothing at all
x0xbox with 4 Essential Mod's with x0x concept. www.x0xconcept.com

1° Mod's: Devilfish Filter Overdrive control with pot
2° Mod's: Bass boost mod, on, off with switch
3° Mod's: Filter low end on,off with switch
4° Mod's: Resonance Boost control with pot

www.x0xconcept.fr"

MATRIXSYNTH Turns 7!!!

Today marks the seven year anniversary of MATRIXSYNTH! The original matrixsynth.com actually launched way back in October of 1997 as MATRIX SYNTH. I never took it down, BTW. Click here to see it in all it's old school glory. If you thought there was too much green on this site, just check that baby out. BTW, check out the manufacturers list under MFG. I stopped updating it about the time I started this site in 2005. You can see what modular manufactures, and of course others were around back then. It's an interesting look back in time... Kind of why I started this version of the site actually. I'll get to that further below.

Last year I skipped the site stats and kept the anniversary post relatively short. I used to post stats for the site and a general blurb on what makes the site tick, but it began to feel redundant so I skipped it last year. Well, I kind of missed it, and I know some of you enjoy the stats thing, so I'm bringing it back. And CatSynth did it for their six year anniversary post yesterday, so there you have it. Actually I was planning on including stats before I read that post, but I do like CatSynth. The site has grown quite a bit and we have a ton of new readers who don't really know the background of MATRIXSYNTH so I thought I would share some of that as well. I've also had a few people ask me to do personal interviews. I always turn them down as I do my best to keep myself out of the site so I don't ruin it for anyone. It's kind of like the whole Wizard of Oz thing. Enjoy the Oz in MATRIXYSNTH, and don't let the wizard ruin it for you is my only advice. That said, I decided this year to reveal a little more about my synth history than I normally do. Don't worry though after this post that's it. This site is about the gear only. I see it as my job to bring it to you unbiased and get the heck out of the way. Seriously though, I really do my best to present what is out there free of bias for you to consume and form your own opinion. I do this for three reasons; one, out of respect for the person that created the content, two, so I don't accidentally prevent you from getting your own experience out of the post, and three, because of how much goes up on a daily basis - it saves you and me time.

But, in the anniversary and New Years posts I do tend to make up for my lack of words big time, so bear with me or just skip to what you like.

Before I begin with the stats I do want to give a big thanks to everyone that visits, supports and contributes to the site. THANK YOU!!! It really is a tremendous amount of work, so all the kind words and support make a huge difference. Every single post you see here is hand posted. There is no automation. The site takes roughly four to eight hours on average a day (closer to eight) and sometimes up to ten hours. This is every single day, including weekends. Out of the seven years running the site I have only missed one day (by accident - more on that below), and the only day I take off is Christmas day when I put up only one post, which surprisingly can be torture in not posting. The posts you see here are a combination of stuff I find out there on my own and stuff people send in, which is quite a bit. The site started as a hobby and has fortunately grown into a small business with the help of sponsors. Note sponsors are always on the right. In the history of the site there has never been a paid post on the main site, and if there ever is, I will be sure to call it out in the post. That said, THANK YOU SPONSORS! It's one thing if the work only consumed my time, but it in turn consumes my family's time, so every little bit helps. THANK YOU! You make the site possible!


First the stats!

We still haven't reached world domination. Everything you see with a shade of green is a visit to the site. Check out Africa! The few in white mean no visit came in. The top map is for the seven year history of the site and the bottom is for this last year. Click on each for the full size shots. As you can see they are pretty much the same. Still no hits from North Korea.

On the other hand we had 122 visits from Syria within the last year along with traffic from other war torn countries. Incredible! Please keep safe out there! You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

The top 10 visits by country:

1. United States 982,943
2. United Kingdom 258,070
3. Germany 183,138
4. France 168,649
5. Canada 142,553
6. Italy 109,605
7. Japan 84,202
8. Sweden 76,948
9. Australia 73,881
10. Netherlands 72,680

And the overall stats:

Source: Google Analytics for the year (July 20, 2011 - July 20, 2012):

6,364,538 pageviews
2,838,084 visits
972,065 unique visitors.

Source: Site Meter for the life of the site:

32,734,610 pageviews (18,557 average per day)
15,658,114 visits (7,822 average per day)

Google Analytics (started April 5, 2006):
30,795,628 pageviews
14,313,210 visits
4,258,879 unique visitors.

Note unique visitors can be a bit misleading as I believe it's based on the individual browser and cookies vs. IP Address or individual, so for people checking in on multiple devices and even multiple browsers on the same machine, each one counts as a unique visitor. The numbers are likely lower.

Unfortunately I do not see a top posts for the last year in Blogger so we will have to go with the top posts for all time:

New Schmidt Analog Synth Debuts at the Musikmesse
Apr 5, 2011, 22 comments 13,412 Pageviews

RIP Mr. Tsutomu Katoh - Founder of KORG
Mar 15, 2011, 6 comments 12,542 Pageviews

New Tom Oberheim SON OF 4 VOICE
Jan 25, 2011, 10 comments 7,811 Pageviews

M-Audio Venom Review and Interview with Product Manager Taiho Yamada
Mar 23, 2011, 6 comments 7,186 Pageviews

New KORG Monotribe In the Flesh
Apr 4, 2011, 26 comments 7,149 Pageviews

-------

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EML POLY-BOX KEYBOARD REMOTE CONTROLLER

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. via this auction
"This is an excellent working condition EML POLY-BOX. This is remote control keyboard. Super clean unit with that has very little use. This unit was tested and works perfectly. Devo was well known for using one of these.This was owned by a musician who is having financial problems, he is forced to sell this rare gem. It has just 2 tiny nicks near the front left(See photo 17), rest is virtually flawless. It looks like it is 1 year old not over 30. Only 130 of these were ever produced, trying to fnd one is this condition, nearly impossible.

Back in the day, most synthesizers were monophonic - that is they could play only 1 note at a time. EML realized this limitation and came up with the Polybox. This rare little box has built in oscillators which track the pitch of an incoming audio signal really well - even following vibrato and portamento successfully. Take any monophonic synthesizer audio output, patch it into this synth and play the Polybox's keys along with the mono melody to convert it to chords. Or lock the chord memory so it follows your melody automatically with a set chord that's transposed along with the melody's pitch. Or play its internal oscillators as their own instrument. This is a very cool, unique and extremely useful tool!

ONLY LISTING ON EBAY OR THE ENTIRE NET

Specifications Polyphony - 26 voices (13 per bank) Oscillators - n/a
LFO - n/a
Filter - n/a
VCA - n/a
Keyboard - 13 keys
Memory - 26 patches
Control - CV/Gate
Date Produced - 1977-84

This is info gathered from one of EML's founders, Jeff Murray. This is reprinted from Vintage Synthesizers. [on Amazon]

The Poly-Box.
On the heels of introducing some fairly straightforward synth equipment, EML did an about-face and came out with one of the strangest accessories ever designed for mono- and duophonic synths: the Poly-Box, which had only a one-octave keyboard (C to C ). If you sent one or more notes into the Poly-Box’s audio input and played a chord on its keyboard, the Poly-Box would output a chord based on the incoming note (the root) and the notes depressed on the Poly-Box keyboard. Each key was programmable within a four-octave range, and memory could store up to 26 notes for automated pitch-following of a synthesizer. “The Poly-Box was kind of a cool instrument,” says Murray. “A lot of early synthesizers were just one- or two-note devices, but with the Poly-Box you could play chords. It had phase-lock-loop circuitry so that it could follow the frequency of an incoming audio signal. Then you could hit a chord on the Poly-Box and it would synthesize all the other frequencies of the chord.” EML made around 130 Poly-Boxes between 1977 and 1984. It originally listed for $475.

'It's more for those old mono's you can't get to be poly. sure there's poly synths falling out of trees these days, but there's no polyphonic version of vintage synths falling out of trees and that's where this baby fills the gap!'

'This is a very rare and unusual keyboard that acts as a unique accessory for any monophonic synthesizer or sound source. Plug a mono source into the input of the Poly Box and it will take the input waveform and allow you to play chords with it, effectively turning a mono source into a polyphonic output. It also has its own internal oscillators, so it can generate polyphonic sound all by itself. You can lock a chord on the Poly Box and then vary the pitch of the mono input, thereby changing the root pitch of the output chord. Additional controls allow you to add an additional tone either one or two octaves below the input, and to transpose everything down an octave, as well as adjust brilliance and add phasing. This unit takes your mono synth into a whole new world of polyphony.'

'I blame DEVO for my lust of the EML.'"

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NAMM: Mode Machines and Livid Instruments at NAMM

via Peter Nyboer on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

"Hey, just wanted to give a plug for Mode Machines and Livid Instruments - showing at NAMM in E1009. Come check it out!"

Some of what to expect...

http://lividinstruments.com/
"CNTRL:R is a contemporary MIDI performance instrument for creative music production. Housed in a lightweight aluminum body, this controller is ideal for live performance and studio production. Create rhythms, sequence and perform drums, launch clips, mix tracks, and have complete control over your performance with CNTRL:R’s advanced set of features. High quality faders, push button encoders, rotary knobs, expression pedal inputs, and keypads backed with RGB lights give you all the controls you need for an interactive performance. With scripts available for Ableton Live and NI Traktor, the CNTRL:R meets the needs of anyone looking to perform electronic music. CNTRL:R is designed and hand crafted in Austin, TX."

"Our XPC Expansion Controllers are a perfect addition to your Block or OhmRGB. These hand-held controllers plug right into your expansion jack and extend your realm of control. The XPC controllers are plug and play and don't require any special setup. Housed in a sleek anodized aluminum case, these handy modules come in a variety of configurations that adds more continuous control to your rig."

See http://lividinstruments.com/ for more.

Some of the synthy items from http://www.modemachines.com/. Be sure to see their site for more.

MODE MACHINES BBQ BaBy SeQuencer
Analog style step sequencer with MIDI and USB

"The Socksbox MK2 is the consequent onwards devolopment of the perfect TB-303 Clone. We have improved the production flow of this model and switched the production to exclusive 100% German hand made quality.
This fact will guarantte you a much better sound by full discrete analogue signal processing. We also guarantee that our chief technician will calibrate each unit personally and by hand to sound like a real TB-303."

"SID is an 8-Bit desktop synthesizer with a double personality.

It's simplistic layout and ease of use delivers pleasure at the first touch and it's familiar step sequencer will have you programming patterns and beats in no time. 3 expression knobs control the key features of each Patch for instant results.

But don't let it's simplicity fool you:
The supplied SID STUDIO SOFTWARE enables you to tweak every parameter under the hood! Draw and design your patches with instant feedback from the SID. Also check out the NERD-PANEL, a powerful interactive blueprint which enables you to address the chip one pin at a time - also a great educational tool.

Features

100+ Patches
50+ Wavetables drum sounds/effects
AUDIO IN
AUDIO OUT
MIDI IN
MIDI OUT"

Qneo - Voice Synth : Demo & Tutorial

YouTube Uploaded by QneoDotNet on Jan 6, 2012

"Voice Synth is an innovative synthesizer controlled by voice and keyboard. Available for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch in the Apple AppStore"

Playlist:
Qneo - Voice Synth : Demo & Tutorial
Qneo - Voice Synth : Play Modes
Qneo - Voice Synth : Presets
Qneo - Voice Synth : Performance Recorder
Qneo - Voice Synth : Effects
Qneo - Voice Synth : Audio Samples


iPads on eBay
iPod Touch on eBay

"Voice Synth is a specialized synthesizer for creative voice sculpting
✭✭✭ Introduction offer: 50% off ✭✭✭


✭✭✭ Ideal tool for creative voice expression ✭✭✭
Voice Synth is much more than your average voice changer app. Create and design your own incredible voices that live, breathe and evolve in real-time as you play. Sound like famous pop artists, "deep" movie voices ("Soon… in this theatre"), a close harmony choir, a robot, a church organ, a baby, lion, guitar, old telephone or anything else you can create. Sing in the mic and become a true artist by tweaking the controls of the vocoder, sampler, pitch and formant shifter, automatic tuning and harmony arranger, distortion, delay, stereo chorus and reverb.


✭✭✭ Voice Synth is a smart instrument ✭✭✭
We spent more than a year designing easy controls optimized for voice sculpting. So you don't have to deal with the technical complexity of conventional vocoders or synthesizers:

✔ Intuitive voice design: you can tweak every aspect of your voice separately. No experience required, your ears will guide you
✔ Intuitive interface: no scrolling through menus, all voice controls and display information are always available
✔ One app, two interfaces: a dedicated interface designed for iPad and a compact interface for iPhone and iPod without any loss of features so you can create anywhere you go.

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Modular fun with my new baby ;) [DSI Tempest Sighting]

YouTube Uploaded by LofiFreq on Sep 21, 2011

"Modular synthesis tiptop audio Dalek modulator Zdsp Z8000 Make noise maths & pressure points"