Signal Loss - DSI Prophet 08, Roland SP-404

Published on Apr 19, 2015 traxus12

"Percussion chopped with an SP-404 over a dense chord progression on the Prophet 08. Gets a bit industrial in the second half with some distortion and reverb/feedback. Kick drum is layered with a Korg ER1. Everything's controlled via MIDI through Ableton. Thanks for listening!

The spectrogram on the television is a visualization in foobar2000 with a component called foo_record to monitor incoming audio. Foobar doesn't use ASIO so the visualization lags behind the audio a bit. Haven't figured out a way to get around that yet...

Please subscribe, and feel free to post below if you have any questions or comments!

---Instruments---
DSI Prophet 08
Roland SP-404 SX
Korg ER1 mkii

---Effects---
Alesis MIDIVERB II
Alesis Quadraverb
A little black box I got from a thrift store a while back labeled "Realistic Electronic Reverb" but actually only produces distortion


---Other---
Mackie LM3204
RME Babyface
Ableton Live, Audacity
Foobar2000 spectrogram and the foo_record component to monitor incoming audio
Panasonic GH2 camera for filming"

Sunset Reversal & Prophet Acid II by traxus12

Sunset Reversal - DSI Prophet 08, Casio SK-1, Korg ER-1 MKII

Published on Nov 12, 2013 traxus12·8 videos

"A little sketch of a song! Really just jamming on a progression I've had rolling around in my head the past few days. Thanks for listening! Feel free to post any questions or comments.

The Prophet 08 patch is pretty simple. Triangle waves in a stacked two-layer patch with the arpeggiator clock divide set to eighth notes on one layer and sixteenth notes on the other. I was playing with the Boomerang III looper's "reverse"' feature near the end.

Gear: DSI Prophet 08, Casio SK-1, Korg ER-1 MKII, Boomerang III Phrase Sampler, Boss RE-20 Space Echo, Mackie LM3204"

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A Progression of Angels

Published on Oct 2, 2013 davidryle·128 videos

"A new Encore Electronics Frequency Shifter prompted me to patch the modular synthsizer for this piece. This consists of a single vco (Synthetic Soundlabs 1200) with PWM from a Segwencer and CGS dual LFO. The pulse wave goes direct to the Encore FS and the Up and Down outs are routed to the Modcan 73B Dual Delay. The Frequency Shifter has a cv input from a Yusynth voltage controlled Quadrature LFO to make the bowed or pulsing sound.

The pitch voltage is from a synthesizers.com Q960 and Q119 sequencer pair. The Q960 is run into the Q119's ADD INPUT and the Q119 is shifted every 16th division of the Q960 by way of an SSL TTLFO and Moon Modular 554 Octal Divider. The divider also sends sync timings to the 73B delay

A final mix of the outputs of the FS are routed to the studio mixer through a panner and each channel is split off to a Strymon Blue Sky reverb. A final pair of reverbs are the Lexicon MX200 and TC Electronic D-Two.

Recorded in Cubase 6 and video processed by Apple Final Cut Pro."

Tone2 Soundsets

Published on Dec 19, 2012 Tone2Audiosoftware·31 videos

Playlist (descriptions for the first 5 below - click through a video for the description on YouTube):

1. The Futuron expansion for RayBlaster
2. Analog for Saurus
3. Vocalic for ElectraX
4. Ambisphere for Rayblaster
5. Wavetables expansion for ElectraX
6. Top of the Clubs for Saurus
7. Dark Toxic for Saurus
8. Chiptunes for ElectraX
9. Dance & Trance for ElectraX
10. Morphing for ElectraX
11. Voltage! for ElectraX
12. Drums! for ElectraX
13. Vintage for ElectraX
14. Dance & Trance expansion for Gladiator2 (pt.2)
15. Dance & Trance expansion for Gladiator2 (pt.1)
16. The Electronic expansion for Gladiator2
17. State of Art expansion for Gladiator2
18. Progression for Gladiator2
19. Workstation for Gladiator2 (pt.1)
20. Workstation for Gladiator2 (pt.2)
21. Workstation for Gladiator2 (pt.3)
22. Abstracts for Firebird+ (pt.1)
23. Abstracts for Firebird+ (pt.2)
24. Electricity for Firebird+
25. Spectrals for Firebird+
26. Uniquity for Firebird+

1. The Futuron expansion for Rayblaster - http://tone2.com/html/futuron.html

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Foundations of Synthesis Series by The Bob Moog Foundation

Published on Feb 11, 2013 moogfoundation·82 videos

Featuring Marc Doty, aka AutomaticGainsay

http://moogfoundation.org

Playlist:

1. The Synthesis of Synthesis - "This is the introductory video for the Bob Moog Foundation/macProVideo series "The Foundation of Synthesis." In it, Marc Doty sets the stage for the intent of these videos, which is an integrative instruction which not only describes synthesizer function and operation, but also gives a historical foundation for the functionalities and their implementation."

2. The Synthesis of Synthesis- Sound - "No instruction in synthesis would be complete without some explanation of the physics of sound! This video is one of several videos which outline the physical principles upon which synthesis is based."

3. The Synthesis of Synthesis- The Hammond Novachord - "The progression of devices which led to the modern synthesizer is diverse and interesting. The Foundation of Synthesis covers a number of them which portray a progressive development. One of these synthesizer precursors was the Hammond Novachord, a tube- based keyboard device whose groundbreaking technology is still present in some synthesizers today. More than most, this proto-synthesizer resembled what we came to think of as the modern synthesizer."

4. Foundation of Synthesis- Oscillator Introduction - "The Foundation of Synthesis dives into synthesizer technology with the Oscillator— the origin of sound in synthesis! Marc leads us through the history of this device from its beginning— as a lightbulb!— to its implementation in electronic musical instruments."

5. Oscillators- Pulse Width Modulation - "Pulse Width Modulation is a pleasing aural effect generated by the voltage-controlled adjustment of the width of a square wave. In this Foundation of Synthesis video, Marc demonstrates this function on several classic synthesizers. The video includes an oscilloscope, which shows you exactly what is happening when the width of the square wave output of the oscillator is changed!"

6. Filter- Introduction - "In this part of the 3rd Tutorial of the Foundation of Synthesis, Marc outlines the history of the filter from its origin in the telephone to its application in electronic devices in order to give a firm understanding of how the filter came to be an important part of modern synthesizers. The filter is a function which removes harmonics from a sound. Since harmonics define the timbre of the sound, this is a fast and easy way to create new timbres."

7. Filter- Cutoff Control - "Adjustment of the cutoff point of the filter is such a popular process that it has spawned whole genres of music. In this video, Marc shows the sound and functionality of this particular aspect of the most popular module in the modern synthesizer."

8. Filter-Voyager Serial Resonance - "The Moog Voyager design of Bob Moog includes some unique and useful functionalities. In this video, Marc explores the dual-filter nature of the Moog Voyager by demonstrating some unique ways to apply its filter arrangement."

9. Control Voltage Explanation Part 1 - "For the average musician, control voltage is an abstract concept. Of all the aspects of synthesis, it seems to be the most confusing. In this video, Marc gives a straight-forward and easy-to-understand description of the functionality using concrete examples. With a firm grasp of control voltage, synthesis becomes considerably easier and fun!"

10. Control Voltage Explanation Part 2 - "Here is part two of a video where Marc gives a straight-forward and easy-to-understand description of the process and application of control voltage. With a firm grasp of control voltage, synthesis becomes considerably easier and fun!"

11. The Amp Introduction - "In this video, Marc gives us a basic history of what can be the least-exciting module in the modern synthesizer, but then goes on to show what can be done when this module includes a fair amount of functionality. The Amp is the last step in the synthesis process, and can give you a variety of power over the timbre you create!"

12. The ARP Envelope Follower - "The Envelope Follower is one of the most fun control functions to exist. It takes the amplitude of a given signal and converts it to a voltage. As the amplitude rises, the control voltage rises. This can be used to control any function in the synthesizer which can be controlled via control voltage... which, in an analog synth, is most of them! In this video, Marc gives a demonstration of this under-implemented synthesizer function using the ARP 2600."

13. Designing Timbres- Introduction - "This video introduces the "Designing Timbres" tutorial by explaining exactly what is going to happen within it. It features some of the music and synthesizers used in the rest of the tutorial."

14. Designing Timbres: Major/Minor Chord - "'It doesn't play chords!' -This is the complaint most heard in regard to monophonic analog synthesizers... but wait... if you have three oscillators and some awesome functionality like the Moog Voyager, there is an answer to this complaint. In this video, Marc shows you how you can generate a sort of controllable polyphony using the monophonic Moog Voyager!"

15. Designing Timbres: Duality - "In this video, Marc demonstrates the the functional benefit of a synthesizer like the Yamaha CS-15, which is essentially two different synthesizers stacked together. By altering settings in each division, interesting timbres can be created."

Analogue electronica studio jam - rozz3r: Bonfire Calm

YouTube Uploaded by rozz3r on Nov 6, 2011

"Getting away from the Mac/PC to make music is a joy. In the last year or so I've been making gear purchases with the goal of writing electronic music 'live', with the computer doing nothing except acting as a glorified tape recorder. The whole rig is based around a Sequentix P3 sequencer which provides a gloriously stable midi clock as well as midi sequences. The nice thing about the P3 is it can do generative sequencing in quite a controlled manner, which suits my repetitive yet evolving music style.

My various synths and effect boxes are hooked up to a Soundtracs Topaz 24 track mixer, which allows me to do dub-style 'playing the mixer', riding faders and jamming with effects sends, feedback loops etc. The cast list is pretty much this:

- Sequentix P3
- Suzuki SX-500 (poly analog)
- Kurzweil PC3
- Moog Little Phatty
- Dave Smith Evolver
- Eurorack Modular
- Korg ER-1
- Kurzweil Mangler
- Eventide TimeFactor
- Eventide Space
- hand built dual 1176 compressor clone
- Golden Age Pre-73 Mic pre-amp

The video is really my first attempt at using all this together and performing a song live. It uses pretty much everything on the list above except the Kurzweil PC3 and the Evolver. The modular is doing the melody, the ER1 is on drums (going through the Pre-73 and the 1176 to give it some balls), the SX500 is doing chords and the Moog I play live. The Eventide Space is doing all the reverb work. I used Presonus's Studio One 2 to record everything to separate audio tracks and then did some basic mix tweaking. No additional effects were used. I'm new to Studio One and I'm impressed so far, I haven't had to look at the manual once, which means they got it right. It also feels solid and hasn't crashed once.

This experiment was proof of concept really, I have a Dave Smith Tempest on the way which will make drum performances a lot more fun and dynamic. I also need to use Parts on the Sequentix more in order to make more structured changes in the song progression. Expect more live jams soon :)"

Suzuki Omnichord System Two OM-84 synthesizer w Manual

via this auction
"From the manual:
The Omnichord system two by Suzuki makes it possible for you to sound like a pro, even if you've never played before. This electronic musicomputer provides you with the ultimate combination of musical instruments in a light-weight, portable and dynamic sounding package never before available.

Advanced microtechnology allows you to program all the background chords, rhythms, bass and drums to your favorite songs without knowing one note from another. And, as the background is played back automatically, you can add the melody line. The new Omnichord System Two can even be strummed like a guitar to add depth and expression to your music with the amazing SonicStings strumplate. Your pre-selected chrod is electronically matched to the 4 octave strumplate so you can actually strum any songs correct chord progression - just like a guitar! All of Omnichords functions can be used individually or in exciting combinations. There's no end to the music you can make! In just a few minutes you'll be playing guitar, organ, piano, bass and drums all at the same time! Imagine the music you'll make!"

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Rhythm Core Alpha: a Music Synthesizer / Sequencer on Nintendo DSi : How to do it!

YouTube via rhythmcorealpha | September 15, 2010

"Rhythm Core Alpha is a fun and powerful music creation system for Nintendo DSi. This video shows how to create your own music quickly and easily, explaining every step of the process. It starts with creation of a simple drum loop in a matter of seconds! Then it adds simple bass and melody parts, and shows how to build an automated chord progression. Finally, simply solo over the top of your backing tracks using the stylus.
Finally, a musical instrument for everyone!
Rhythm Core Alpha comes with 122 drum sounds and 166 instrument sounds from synths to orchestral instruments, allowing you to make many not just electronic trance music and chiptunes, but almost any style of music.
Rhythm Core Alpha is available for 500 Nintendo Points in the Nintendo DSiWare shop.
For more info: http://www.rhythmcorealpha.com"

Nintendo DSi on Ebay
Nintendo DSi on Amazon


Rhythm Core Alpha: Sequencer / Synthesizer on Nintendo DSi: Unrehearsed Jam at Kulak's Woodshed

rhythmcorealpha | September 30, 2010

"This was the very first ever live performance using the Rhythm Core Alpha music creation system for the Nintendo DSi. Performing at Kulak's Woodshed open-mike in North Hollywood, California, Timon creates a complete synth track out of nothing, and then solos over it with the stylus.
Rhythm Core Alpha is a complete music sequencer and synthesizer for the Nintendo DSi console gaming system. It includes a a 12 track drum machine with 122 drum sounds, an 8 track MIDI-style sequencer with 166 instrument sounds, and a live solo mode where you can play along with the stylus. You can make up to 100 loops of up to 64 beats and then sequence them in the pattern mode. You can even change the key and scale of any loop block live using the +Control Pad buttons.
http://www.rhythmcorealpha.com"

MIDIbox SEQ V4 Teaser #2

YouTube via ucapps

"MIDIbox SEQ V4 has reached beta state, let's celebrate this with a new demo!

[0:00] The electronic harp is played by Sculpture (part of Logic Audio) - a Physical Modelling Synth which I really like!
[0:00] MBSEQV4 plays the 16-step sequence with a new "step progression" feature: on each 4 step interval, the step is triggered twice. In addition, a customized groove template is applied on the velocity to accent the notes based on the master measure. This results into a more complex sequence which varies on each beat, but still sounds nice and not too random!
[0:01] to understand the "step progression" feature watch the GP LEDs - they are stopping each 4th step
[0:11] an Echo Fx is added with 64T delay. Note value is increased by +3 and forced to scale
[0:17] an additional VST synth is added which gets use of the new "step progression" feature as well
[0:21] Echo Fx: temporary increased to 6 repeats with +3 Note Value and +150% delay on each echo - let's scrub the harp!
[0:31] adding drums
[0:41] adding more synth lines, again with "step progression" to vary the sequence
[1:04] adding a chord sequence played by MIDIbox SID V2 (a typical arpeggio patch is used)
[1:48] probably you haven't noticed it due to the bad video quality, but I switched to another pattern which plays the electronic harp at C-3 on each step - the groove template is still enabled (boring?)
[2:05] now something completely different: a LFO is applied on the harp sequence with sine waveform and an interval of 4 steps. Force-to-Scale is enabled
[2:07] the LFO also sends a CC to Sculpture to vary the timbre.
[2:13] adding Echo Fx (1 repeat, 64ppqn delay, +150% tick) to this "modulated sequence"
[2:19] changing LFO waveform to Triangle
[2:31] changing LFO waveform to Sawtooth
[2:36] changing Echo Fx to 6 repeats
[2:46] slowly changing LFO the period to 16 steps (enjoy the change-over effects!)
[2:52] slowly changing LFO reset to 16 steps (enjoy the change-over effects!)
[3:00] changing LFO waveform to Sine, play drums again
[3:14] changing LFO waveform to Triangle
[3:21] changing CC offset of LFO
[3:33] unmuting the other instruments
[3:56] switching back to original sequence (my favourite moment ;-)
[4:16] muting/unmuting the toms...
[4:30] slowly muting the tracks
[4:40] thanks for listening! :-)

This track is the result of a rainy saturday afternoon."

AMIN BHATIA DEDICATES NEW ALBUM TO BOB MOOG

"Film Composer / Synthesist Amin Bhatia announces the release of 'Virtuality', the long-awaited sequel to his synth orchestral epic 'The Interstellar Suite', on the anniversary of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog's birthday, May 23 2008.

The album is dedicated to Moog, who was a friend of the composer and is endorsed by the Bob Moog Foundation. Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director and daughter of the late Bob Moog says:

'My father's genius and passion was taking the synthesizer out of the laboratory and making synthesis accessible to musicians, and through them, to the world. Amin Bhatia’s 'Virtuality' is another fine example of that accessibility.'

True to Bhatia’s obsession with orchestral music and science fiction, the first half of the album explores the micro-universe that exists inside the computer. Titles like 'World Wide Web', 'Virus' and 'Second Life' portray aspects of our modern virtual world through music and sound design. Artwork was provided by the award winning digital artist Alexander Preuss.

The second half of the album features 'Bolero Electronica', a one-of-a-kind journey through 75 years of synthesizers through an innovative realization of Maurice Ravel’s 'Bolero'. In Bhatia’s version, instruments as early as the Ondes Martenot and Theremin begin the work, and the piece progresses through generations of synthesizers from Moog, Roland, Yamaha and others chronologically. The work builds in size and power decade by decade ending in present day virtual instruments and technologies. Guest artists include veteran keyboardists Steve Porcaro and Patrick Moraz. Many of the instruments used were from the Cantos Music Foundation. The album was recorded and mixed by award winning producers David Greene and Jeff Wolpert.

Bob Moog had been scheduled to provide a special feature narration track for “Bolero Electronica” but sadly that recording never happened. True to Bob’s mission to document, celebrate and teach innovative thinking, Amin instead employed noted synthesizer historian Mark Vail to create additional liner notes. The result is an illustrated guide which allows the listener to follow along stanza by stanza through Bhatia’s elaborate rendition, complete with a timeline chart of every synthesizer used.

'The Timeline of synthesizers in Bolero Electronica looks like the Moog Legacy to me and I only wish Dad were around to hear this project come to fruition', says Michelle. 'I think he would be delighted in the artistry Amin used to employ so many different instruments.'

Says Amin 'Electronic music to me is like animation. It’s a portrayal of reality through an innovative use of non-reality. When done right it creates beautifully animated images in the mind of the listener. And Bob was the greatest animator of them all.'

'Virtuality' will be released via CD and download on the anniversary of Bob Moog's birthday, May 23rd 2008. A portion of each sale will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation."

My Notes:
I have been fortunate enough to listen to the CD in full. I have to say the experience of listening to "Bolero Electronica" while viewing the "Timeline of Synthesizers" is an extremely rare and satisfying treat. I literally could not stop smiling throughout the piece. I do not want to spoil this track for anyone, but let's just say there is nothing I have experienced quite like it. The intro delivers in a way that is simply beyond cool and it just keeps on giving. It is an absolutely brilliant composition for the synth enthusiast. Trust me, you will be able to appreciate this one like no one else. Be sure to click on the timeline image in this post.

If you know "Bolero," it is a piece that starts with just a few instruments and then builds with layered instruments into a triumphant finish. When you listen to "Bolero Electronica" and watch the timeline, you instantly make the connection and realize that this isn't just Bolero done with synths, but literally a redefinition of Bolero as the triumph of synthesizers over time. "Commercial synths" essentially began with MOOG, Buchla, EMS and eventually grew into the myriad of synths we have today. Click on the image in this post that looks like a track listing. That is the actual progression of the piece. When you listen to it, you can literally listen to the evolution of synthesizers over time. Utterly amazing. There are very few tracks that will go down as pivotal in the history of synths. I honestly believe this will be one of them considering what it conveys, the history it speaks. You simply have to hear it to experience it in full. You will find yourself going back to focus on different synths and sound evolution through time via synthesis. It is simply just brilliant.

You can find more info including clips and how to get this CD via The Bob MOOG Foundation.

Update 4/27/17:

The Making of The Interstellar Suite

Published on Apr 27, 2017 Amin Bhatia Composer

The Making of The Interstellar Suite
Directed and produced by Byron Kent Wong
Additional Interviews directed by Saul Pincus
This 18-minute featurette of Amin Bhatia's epic album The Interstellar Suite features interviews with noted artists and engineers:
Steve Porcaro, Patrick Moraz
Frank Morrone, James Porteous, David Greene and Mark Vail
Roland’s esteemed president, the late Ikutaro Kakehashi
The Carolina Crowns Drum Corps!
and many others…

This video is a bonus feature from the The Interstellar Suite Anniversary Limited Edition
Remixed by Frank Morrone from the original multi-tracks.
Under exclusive license from Capitol Records, Inc.
Publishing Bhatia Music Inc.
DVD & Blu-ray Dual Pack and Companion Guide Book available only until May 7, 2017 at http://aminbhatia.com/is25mayday/