Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field: House music on a deserted island

video upload by Freedom of Movement

"Today I went to a tiny deserted island in the Swedish archipelago- just a rock in the sea. I had my @teenageengineering OP-1 Field with me & made some house music. It was tricky to film though as there wasn’t a single flat surface on the entire rock.

While I was filming I got attacked by ants and ticks. You gotta suffer for your art I guess…

It is what it is, short & sweet. Enjoy!"

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field | Minidisc & Vocoder test (NO TALKING) ’Mini Melody Safari’

video upload by Freedom of Movement

"Another ​⁠​⁠@teenageengineering OP-1 Field video |

This time testing the Minidisc - or Disc Mini if we’re avoiding trademark infringements - and doing some live Vocoder chords.

Recorded in one single take with audio out from the OP-1 USB-C directly into the iPhone 13 Pro Max

The vocoder is being triggered by me going ’boodly bop’ into the room & through the onboard OP-1 mic as I didn’t have a headset mic handy

I used to have a minidisc at the turn of the Millenium which was a time when I listened a lot to ​⁠​⁠@RoyksoppMusic’s Melody AM & ​⁠​⁠@AIRfrenchbandofficial’s Moon Safari so I thought it would be fitting to make a tune in that vein. Let’s call it ’Mini Melody Safari’"

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field. Sampling guitar through the onboard mic

video upload by Freedom of Movement

"A quick outdoor video of a loop I made late last night sampling me playing a nylon string guitar directly in through the field’s onboard mic…which is surprisingly good

Dog & boarders nothing to do with me #analog #beat #breakbeat #op1field #op1 #teenageengineering #outdoors #dogs #surfsup"

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field sunset fieldwork

video upload by Freedom of Movement

"Day 2 with the @teenageengineering OP-1 Field that I bought from their garage sale

Getting the hang of it now"

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field. 1st improv after one day

Dreamy Moogy Doom

video upload by Freedom of Movement

"#jamuary #jamuary2023 Day 24 ’Courage’

100% pure @MoogMusicInc Matriarch

Just needs @thomyorke5885 @anohnivevo5746 or @Bjork singing over it"

#jamuary #jamuary2023 Day 12 ‘Bromine Ghosting’

video upload by Freedom of Movement

"The Oblique Strategies prompt was ‘Do Something Boring’ so I made a modular patch

Here it is played live

Ingredients;

100% @MoogMusicInc Matriarch with nothing added"

Native Instruments Introduces New MASSIVE X Virtual Synthesizer

Introducing MASSIVE X | Native Instruments Published on Jun 27, 2019 Native Instruments

"What does the future sound like?

Rethought, rewired, and reincarnated – MASSIVE X is the successor to an iconic synth that helped spawn entire genres. Designed and built from scratch, the new instrument builds on its heritage to rethink and redefine the possibilities of a virtual synth."

First Look: Massive X From Native Instruments

Published on Jun 27, 2019 sonicstate

"We got a late Beta of Massive X, last week and have been playing around with it. The all new synth is not a replacement for the original and well loved Massive, but rather a more complex and flexible synthesizer - a sound designers dream.
We had a play through some sounds and took a look at some of the features."

"NEXT-GENERATION FLAGSHIP SYNTHESIZER

Immaculate sound and complete sonic freedom for advanced sound design
Create with a new level of dynamic, shifting sound, with truly flexible routing and extensive modulation
Based on the DNA of MASSIVE, built for a new decade and designed to evolve

MODULES

Dual wavetable oscillators form the core of MASSIVE X’s sound. Choose from over 170 wavetables and 10 different oscillator modes – each with their own sub-modes. These determine how each wavetable is read, with unique controls to shape the resulting sound, which can – of course – be modulated. Dial in two additional phase-modulation oscillators, assign them to the primary oscillators to introduce movement, or even use an external sound source to do the same.

Two noise modules – with sources ranging from synthesized sounds to rain, choirs, voices, and machines – make MASSIVE X a powerful engine for textures and left-field sound design.

FILTERS

Sculpt your sound in different ways with all-new filters – including the acid-perfect Asimov, aggressive and distorted Creak, formant and flange-style Groian, series and parallel dual filters, a comb filter, and more. Each filter type has its own sub-modes, and all controls are included in the flexible modulation framework

CLICK FOR MORE »

Meet the New KORG volca modular - Details & Demos

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Korg

It's real. Looks like a mini Buchla Music Easel with the red on blue touch panel "keys".

Updates: Reverb video, audio demos, hi-res pics & additional details added below.

"KORG volca modular is a semi-modular analog synthesizer in the KORG volca format that makes modular synthesis more accessible and understandable than ever before. Featuring 50 patch points for using the 20 included patch cables to connect the eight onboard modules in any way imaginable, volca modular was created with 'West Coast Style' synthesis in mind, to offer a unique sound and design that deviates from traditional synthesis norms."

Korg Volca Modular - Demo with Nick Kwas

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Kraft Music

"Find exclusive Korg Volca Modular BUNDLES at Kraft Music.

Nick Kwas Demos and jams out on the Korg Volca Modular at Kraft Music.

The Korg Volca Modular is a semi-modular analog synthesizer with eight independent internally-connected modules, 50 patch points, and digital effects. Although focused on the complex and experimental sounds of the West Coast school of modular synthesis, the Volca Modular is equipped with the familiar 16-step Volca sequencer with parameter automation capabilities, as well as flexible scale and key settings. Sync and CV in jacks allow for connection to other Volca units, select Korg synths and sequencers, and modular systems. Like other Volcas, the Volca Modular features a built-in speaker and battery operation.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Korg Volca Modular bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new micro modular synth, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please give us a call. Our knowledgeable sales advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

Korg Volca Modular - Clock Divider

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Rishabh Rajan

"Tutorial on creating a multi-voice pattern using the clock divider."

Korg Volca Modular - Step Sequencer

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Rishabh Rajan

"A tutorial on some of the functionality of the step sequencer on the Korg Volca Modular."

Korg Volca Modular Micro Modular Synthesizer | Reverb Demo Video

Published on Jan 14, 2019 Reverb

"The synth masters at Korg just announced the Volca Modular, Minilogue XD, and Volca Drum. Starting with the Volca Modular micro modular synth, check out this video demo (as well as those linked below) to learn more about the features in this trio of new offerings from the dream team that created so many of the top-selling synths on Reverb in the past couple years.
Read More on Reverb"

"An analog synth composed of modules

Eight modules

The volca modular is a semi-modular synthesizer consisting of independent analog synth modules, digital effects, and a sequencer. Each of the modules has been carefully selected for its stand-alone completeness. The modules are internally connected so that sound can be produced even before connecting the included pin cables, and the routing is shown by white lines on the panel. Module connections via a pin cable take priority over the internal connections, bypassing them.

SOURCE：

This consists of a triangle VCO carrier and a modulator. The complex overtones generated by FM modulation are sent through a wave folder circuit to add additional overtones, producing a distinctive sound. This module is important in determining the basic character of the sound of volca modular.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Enhancia: The Connected Ring for Musicians

Published on Jan 11, 2018 Enhancia

If your keyboard lacks aftertouch, or if you ever wanted an additional expression control without having to interrupt your playing, this just might be for you. Don't miss Stevie Wonder with one below!

"Enhancia has developed a connected ring which allows you to control sound effects through simple hand gestures. It is here to complete your experience and express your creativity with your own favorite digital keyboard.

We will be exhibiting at the NAMM show from January 25th to 28th. We will also be at the NAMM preview day on January 24th. Our booth number is 12127 - stop by and see our product!"

“How a connected ring enhances musical expression and creativity”

The project was born in France three years ago from a freshly graduated young team of passionate musicians. At the beginning, a musical glove was developed in collaboration with a Music Conservatory in France with a purpose of helping disabled children interact with music. With this glove, one was able to explore a new dimension of control, for instance, playing drums by banging in the air. It was the beginning of our development, then we asked ourselves: how can we make this technology available for musicians and add value in the process of making music? So, we started to work with the idea that we could provide a device that would help musicians exceed the technical limits of their instruments: offering them the opportunity to push their creativity beyond limits.

The connected ring is capable of controlling musical effects through predefined movements of the hand. Thus, while using a keyboard, the musician can freely add different variations to the notes played by a simple movement of the hand. For instance, keyboardist can add a vibrato by wavering the hand. Finally, musicians will enjoy more freedom and more possibilities in their composition.

Thanks to nine integrated sensors and real-time gesture recognition algorithm, a motion library especially design to complete keyboards was developed. We work closely with our community of diverse musicians which helps us to understand their need and design a product adaptable to all playing styles.  

The ring comes with a hub which could be connected to a computer or directly to a keyboard. The signal recorded by the sensors is sent to the hub through a proprietary wireless protocol optimized for low latency. The overall system is a patented technology.

The first generation of the ring will be launched through a Kickstarter campaign in March 2018. The pricing of the ring is not defined yet. The goal is to deliver the product by the end of 2018. The product will be officially introduced during the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) which will take place in Las Vegas in January 2018. We are honored to have received a CES innovation award in the “Wearable Technologies” category. The company will also exhibit at the National Association of Music Merchants Show (NAMM) by the end of January in Anaheim."

A Few Artist Videos


Some Prototype Development Videos

Roland Introduces New SP-404A Linear Wave Sampler

Roland SP-404A & TR-8 Performance
RolandChannel
Published on Aug 8, 2017

"Watch the powerful combination of sampling and rhythm synthesis with the Roland SP-404A and Roland AIRA TR-08 Rhythm Performer in this video.

The Roland SP-404A Linear Wave Sampler can now expand the sounds of the Roland AIRA TR-8 Rhythm Performer (with latest TR-8 update v1.5) for a combination of sample and percussive synthesis.

The SP-404A can be triggered from the TR-8 Rhythm Performer via MIDI for integrated beat and sample production. Users can incorporate samples from the SP-404A and use them in conjunction with drum patterns, and each of the TR-8’s 11 tracks can trigger a sample on the SP-404A, play a TR-8 sound, or both.

In addition, the TR-8 can be used as an audio sub-mixer and processor for the SP-404A. In this configuration, all samples played on the SP-404A can be effected using the TR-8’s Scatter feature to reverse, glitch, gate, truncate, stutter, and perform all types of rhythmic variations in perfect sync. Samples can also be controlled by the TR-8’s per-step Side Chain function for rhythmic ducking and gating effects.

To get users started with sample looping, the SP-404A comes with an SD card loaded with a library of new sounds created by Loopmasters, a leading sample developer. The samples in the library have been designed specifically to complement the TR-8, but also work well in standalone applications."

Details via Roland

"A LEGENDARY SAMPLER MEETS AN ICONIC SEQUENCER
Designed for live use, the SP-404A Linear Wave Sampler expands the sounds of the Roland AIRA TR-8 Rhythm Performer for a powerful combination of sample and percussive synthesis. The fast, hands-on approach of the acclaimed SP-series performance samplers is a perfect fit for the impressive rhythmic effects and iconic step-sequencer of the Roland AIRA TR-8.

All of the functions and features of the popular SP-404SX are contained in the SP-404A, including its distinctive 16-bit linear sampling, 29 onboard DSP effects, smooth FX switching, and 12 professional performance pads. Plus, a new library of sounds curated by sample-industry leader Loopmasters are provided via the included SD card.

Whether used standalone or controlled by the TR-8, the SP-404A makes for an intuitive and inspiring addition to the AIRA range of performance instruments for DJs, musicians, and producers.

Sample anytime, anywhere with the built-in mic and battery power
Can be triggered from the 16-step sequencer in the TR-8 Rhythm Performer (TR-8 system version 1.50 or later required)
AIRA black-and-green color scheme to match existing AIRA hardware
“Sounds by Loopmasters” SD card includes over 100 new stereo samples, effects, and one-shots
29 DSP effects, including filter, delay, unique voice effects, subsonic, looper, and more
Three control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid-repeat triggering
Seamless effects switching for smooth, perfect performances
Pattern sequencer with quantize mode and shuffle feels
Import audio files from a computer and assign samples to pads with free Mac/Windows software

TR Sequencer Meets SP-Style Sampling

CLICK FOR MORE »

Joey Gage in the studio with the Hyve Touch Synthesizer

Published on Aug 12, 2016 Skot Wiedmann

"Joey Gage pursues freedom of expression and gets a hands-on experience with the Hyve Touch Synthesizer. "It’s just interesting to go from trombone and guitar, which are almost similar in a way where the tone you are going to get on a guitar is based on your finger movement and how you are playing it, same with a trombone. It kind of makes the Hyve synthesizer feel more natural and organic in a way that what you put into it and how you touch the instrument actually affects the sound."

Sign up for updates at http://tiny.cc/hyve"

Buchla Lightning MIDI controller with 2 wands

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

via this auction

"The very rare MIDI controller was designed and hand built by synethizer pioneer Don Buchla in 1991. The BUCHLA LIGHTNING is a unique MIDI controller that senses the position and movement of handheld wands and transforms this information to MIDI signals for expressive control of electronic musical instruments. The full set of pictures can be found here

Don Buchla stopped making synthesizers between 1990 and 2000 and started making amazing and unique MIDI controllers. These included the Lightning, the Thunder control surface, the Piano Bar, and the Marimba Lumina. This model here, the first Lightning, was the start of this journey.

First produced in 1991, I bought this unit (serial # 1037) from the original owner in 1993 with the original infra-red rings. I then bought a pair of brand new, upgraded "wands" from Don Buchla in 1998. (The rings no longer work and are not included in the sale.) Don Buchla himself gave this unit a tune-up (replacing batteries, etc) in 2003. I have used it carefully and sparingly. I just tested it today and it works like a charm. This package includes the Lightning itself, two (left/right) "wands," the original manual, and the power supply. Oh, also the original box it came in, with Buchla's return address on it (a PO box).

Please note that this is the original LIGHTNING, not the Lightning II or III, and is strictly a midi controller. This unit does NOT make any sound on it's own but can control any midi instrument or software synth via midi. It can work with any MIDI hardware instrument, any computer (with a MIDI to USB cable) and even an iOS devise (with the right connectors).

The bulk of LIGHTNING's electronics is housed in a metal cabinet designed to be mounted on a standard mike stand in front of a performer. Based on principles of optical triangulation, LIGHTNING gathers its information by tracking tiny infrared transmitters that are built into baton-like wands. Unencumbered by wires, these wands provide complete freedom of movement within a performance space.

Basically, LIGHTNING senses the horizontal and vertical position of each hand, for a total of four independent coordinates. From this information, LIGHTNING’s digital signal processor computes instantaneous velocity and acceleration, and performs detailed analysis of gesture. An easily mastered, musically oriented interface language allows the user to define relationships between various gestures and potential musical responses.

Frankly, it's not often you find a piece of electronic music gear that works great AND will increase in value. I am offering free shipping to the 48 contiguous states."

CLICK FOR MORE »

BUCHLA LIGHTNING I MIDI MOVEMENT CONTROLLER w/four wands

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

via this auction

"This unit was produced in 1993 and was only used for 2 - 3 years. It is in excellent condition and all the NiCad rechargeable batteries in the four wands have just been replaced. (Charging is done via the unit itself by plugging the wands into the two charging jacks on the back of the unit, all cables are included for this). Original manual also included.

LIGHTNING I is aspecialized MIDI controller that senses the position and movement of handheldwands and transforms this information to MIDI signals for expressive control ofelectronic musical instrumentation. Incredibly versatile in it’s MIDI programming, you can control sound onmultiple channels simultaneously and achieve remarkable triggering andcontinuous control of MIDI sounds using only the two wireless wands.

The bulk ofLIGHTNING’s electronics is housed in a half rack cabinet that can be mounted ona mic stand (comes with the fitting on the bottom). NOTE: this is a Lightning 1 and does not comewith any built in sounds. Lightingtriggers via MIDI sounds resident in your computer or external MIDI soundmodules. It also uses rechargeablebatteries and the battery charger is built into the unit (unlike Lightning II& III).

Very deep MIDIimplementation and user programmability to easily achieve complex triggeringand continuous control of ANY MIDI controller parameter in any dimension of thethe X/Y spatial axis. MIDI back-up andrestore via reliable MIDI SYS EX to any computer or MIDI storage device.


Based on principles ofoptical triangulation, LIGHTNING gathers its information by tracking tinyinfrared transmitters that are built into baton-like wands. Unencumbered bywires, these wands provide complete freedom of movement within a performancespace that can be as large as 10 feet high by 16 feet wide.

Basically, LIGHTNINGsenses the horizontal and vertical position of each hand, for a total of fourindependent coordinates. From this information, LIGHTNING's digital signalprocessor computes instantaneous velocity and acceleration, and performsdetailed analysis of gesture. An easily mastered, musically oriented interfacelanguage allows the user to define relationships between various gestures andpotential musical responses.

In one sort ofimplementation, LIGHTNING's coordinates might be mapped to various MIDIcontrollers on multiple channels. Spatial pitch wheels, pan pots, level slidersand modulation wheels are easily defined and great fun to play. Performancegestures can be analyzed for direction and velocity and can be used to generatea variety of notes as well as other musical events. Multi-dimensional zoningcapability can be used to create different musical responses in differentregions. Everything you need to create the conceptual ensemble (an invisible,acoustic virtual reality).

User definable scaleand tuning tables allow one to determine the range and selection of notesoccurring along a horizontal or vertical axis. Pitches can be in any order, andthe boundaries can be set where ever desired, facilitating the creation ofspatial instruments and imaginary orchestras.

To facilitate its usein conjunction with other controllers, LIGHTNING possesses intelligent MIDImerging capability. A complete system exclusive implementation enablesLIGHTNING presets to be stored and edited via external computers andsequencers.
"

CLICK FOR MORE »

NAMM: Alesis Vortex USB/MIDI Keytar

The Features:
- Dynamic, shoulder-worn performance keyboard with attention-grabbing looks
- The first USB keytar controller—works with all of your software instruments & synths on Mac, PC, & iOS* devices
- USB and traditional MIDI jacks for use with virtually any synth, sound module, or other MIDI hardware or software
- Embedded, MIDI-assignable accelerometer for performance parameter control by tilting the neck
- Thumb-controlled volume slider, sustain button and pitch-bend wheel on neck
- Finger-controlled MIDI-assignable touchstrip, sustain, and octave-control buttons on neck
- 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch for compact, yet complete melodic range
- Eight velocity-sensitive drum pads/sample triggers enable you to create beats or trigger clips
- Large transport & patch-select controls for instant access
- Includes strap; standard guitar strap pegs are compatible with virtually any strap
- Bus powered when USB-connected to Mac or PC; battery compartment for use with MIDI modules and iOS devices

The Description:
"STORM THE STAGE
It's time to experience outrageous, unprecedented keytar performance with the Alesis Vortex. The Vortex eliminates the barrier between you and your audience by giving you the freedom to move around the stage and take the lead. With an extensive layout of touch-sensitive keys and velocity-sensitive pads on its pearlescent white body, and radical pitch and modulation controls on its neck, the Vortex empowers you to rule the stage.

WHIP IT
The Vortex is the first keytar to include a MIDI-assignable accelerometer. Now, you can get out from behind your keyboard stand and be just as visual as guitarists and singers with an instrument that will respond to your motion. You’ll be able to create incredible volume swells, amazing pitch bends, vibratos, filter cutoffs and more by tilting the Vortex’s neck in the heat of the moment during live performances.

KEYS, CONTROL AND MORE
The Vortex includes even more features never before found on any keytar: both traditional MIDI and USB MIDI are onboard, empowering you to use the Vortex with all of your software instruments and synths on Mac, PC, and iPad*. You'll have a virtually unlimited palette of sounds, ready to command with one of the most exciting keytar controllers ever.

The Vortex comes ready for instant performance, automapped for today’s most popular software synths and DAWs. Plus, you can customize and create your own mappings for virtually any MIDI software.

FULL EXPRESSION
Breathe new life into every performance with the most expressive keytar ever produced. The Vortex’s neck controls are laid out ergonomically: your thumb controls a volume slider and pitch-bend wheel while your fingers command nine front-facing controls that include a MIDI-assignable touch strip, and buttons for octave selection and sustain. Large transport and patch-select controls are centrally located on the Vortex’s body for instant access, and synth lovers will be happy to know that the Vortex’s 37 velocity-sensitive keys feature aftertouch to enable instant creative flourishes.

EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD

But you can rule the stage. The Vortex is for controllerists, for those who want to perform without limitations to their movement or their sound set. The Vortex is bus powered when connected to a Mac or PC, and can also be powered by batteries when used with MIDI modules and iOS devices including the iPad. Standard strap pegs are located on the Vortex's neck and body, and an adjustable strap is included.

Outrageous keytar performance in a pristine, pearl-white body—the Vortex is the perfect storm of stunning design and incredible performance capability.

Your audience won't know what hit them."

Buchla Lightning III

via Noisebug on eBay
"LIGHTNING III is a specialized MIDI controller that senses the position and movement of handheld wands and transforms this information to MIDI signals for expressive control of electronic musical instrumentation. In addition to functioning as a powerful MIDI controller, LIGHTNING III, with its self contained 32 voice synthesizer, comprises a complete, ready to play instrument.

The bulk of LIGHTNING III's electronics is housed in a half rack cabinet.

A remote head, designed to be mounted on a standard mike stand in front of a performer, contains specialized optics, as well as graphic and numeric displays.Based on principles of optical triangulation, LIGHTNING gathers its information by tracking tiny infrared transmitters that are built into baton-like wands. Unencumbered by wires, these wands provide complete freedom of movement within a performance space that can be as large as 12 feet high by 20 feet wide.

Basically, LIGHTNING III senses all three coordinates of each hand, for a total of six independent coordinates. From this information, LIGHTNING's digital signal processor computes instantaneous velocity and acceleration, and performs detailed analysis of gesture. An easily mastered, musically oriented interface language allows the user to define relationships between various gestures and potential musical responses.

In one sort of implementation, LIGHTNING's coordinates might be mapped to various MIDI controllers on multiple channels. Spatial pitch wheels, pan pots, level sliders and modulation wheels are easily defined and great fun to play. Performance gestures can be analyzed for direction and velocity and can be used to generate a variety of notes as well as other musical events. Multi-dimensional zoning capability can be used to create different musical responses in different regions. Everything you need to create the conceptual ensemble (an invisible, acoustic virtual reality).

User definable scale and tuning tables allow one to determine the range and selection of notes occurring along a horizontal or vertical axis. Pitches can be in any order, and the boundaries can be set where ever desired, facilitating the creation of spatial instruments and imaginary orchestras.

LIGHTNING III features a conducting facility that can analyze a conductor's gestures, display deviations from a preset tempo, and signal errors such as missed beats. Simultaneously, LIGHTNING can transmit a synchronous MIDI clock for controlling external sequencers and output programmed note data to accompany specific beats within a measure.

Those tiny, postage stamp size boxes hanging out with the peace dove are memory cards for storing presets. As many as thirty presets can be stored on one card. An additional thirty presets can be stored in RAM, and yet another thirty ROM based presets are provided as tutorial examples (good places to begin the LIGHTNING experience).

To facilitate its use in conjunction with other controllers, LIGHTNING possesses intelligent MIDI merging capability. A complete system exclusive implementation enables LIGHTNING presets to be stored and edited via external computers and sequencers."

This Won't Crash!

YouTube via notepool2

"Trying Out the User-Programmable menu on Opal Chameleon 001. Not the most complex tuning as you can hear, but lots of freedom of movement!"

Eduard Artemyev, Coil, and the ANS Synthesizer

Mr. Array wrote in after coming across this gem. "I think the original score was written in the 70's, so the photos of the Emulator and such are a bit anachronistic. Cool track. This theme was later remixed in 2001 by the group PPK"

Eduard Artemyev - Siberiade theme

YouTube via gobodrodiont

"Эдуард Артемьев - музыка к фильму Сибириада"
"Eduard Artemiev - music for the film Sibiriada"

After a little digging Mr. Array found an interesting bit of history regarding Eduard Artemyev. He was one of the few composers that used the ANS Synthesizer.

Regarding the ANS via Wikipedia [per GNU Free Documentation License]: "The ANS synthesizer is a photoelectronic musical instrument created by Russian engineer Evgeny Murzin from 1937 to 1957. The technological basis of his invention was the method of photo-optic sound recording used in cinematography (developed in Russia concurrently with America), which made it possible to obtain a visible image of a sound wave, as well as to realize the opposite goal - synthesizing a sound from an artificially drawn sound wave.

In this case the sine waves generated by the ANS are printed onto five glass discs using a process which Murzin (an optical engineer) had to develop himself. Each disc has 144 individual tracks printed onto it, producing a total of 720 microtones (discrete pitches) available to the user. These are arranged vertically from low frequencies at the bottom to high frequencies at the top. The convolved light is then projected onto the back of the synthesizer's interface.

This consists of a glass plate covered in opaque black "mastic" which constitutes a drawing surface upon which the user makes marks by scratching through the mastic, and therefore allowing light to pass through at that point. In front of the glass plate sits a vertical bank of photocells which send signals to band-pass amplifiers, each with dB trim switches.

The glass plate can then be scanned left or right in front of the photocell bank in order to transcribe the drawing directly into pitches. In other words, it plays what you draw. This process can be aided with a step geared motor drive (strangely similar to an engineering lathe) or can be performed manually. The speed at which the score scans has no relation to pitch, but serves only as a means of controlling duration. The ANS is completely polyphonic and will generate up to all 720 of its pitches simultaneously if required.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Buchla and Associates LIGHTNING III

"LIGHTNING III is a specialized MIDI controller that senses the position and movement of handheld wands and transforms this information to MIDI signals for expressive control of electronic musical instrumentation. In addition to functioning as a powerful MIDI controller, LIGHTNING III, with its self contained 32 voice synthesizer, comprises a complete, ready to play instrument.

The bulk of LIGHTNING III's electronics is housed in a half rack cabinet.

A remote head, designed to be mounted on a standard mike stand in front of a performer, contains specialized optics, as well as graphic and numeric displays.Based on principles of optical triangulation, LIGHTNING gathers its information by tracking tiny infrared transmitters that are built into baton-like wands. Unencumbered by wires, these wands provide complete freedom of movement within a performance space that can be as large as 12 feet high by 20 feet wide.


Basically, LIGHTNING III senses all three coordinates of each hand, for a total of six independent coordinates. From this information, LIGHTNING's digital signal processor computes instantaneous velocity and acceleration, and performs detailed analysis of gesture. An easily mastered, musically oriented interface language allows the user to define relationships between various gestures and potential musical responses.

In one sort of implementation, LIGHTNING's coordinates might be mapped to various MIDI controllers on multiple channels. Spatial pitch wheels, pan pots, level sliders and modulation wheels are easily defined and great fun to play. Performance gestures can be analyzed for direction and velocity and can be used to generate a variety of notes as well as other musical events. Multi-dimensional zoning capability can be used to create different musical responses in different regions. Everything you need to create the conceptual ensemble (an invisible, acoustic virtual reality).

User definable scale and tuning tables allow one to determine the range and selection of notes occurring along a horizontal or vertical axis. Pitches can be in any order, and the boundaries can be set where ever desired, facilitating the creation of spatial instruments and imaginary orchestras.

LIGHTNING III features a conducting facility that can analyze a conductor's gestures, display deviations from a preset tempo, and signal errors such as missed beats. Simultaneously, LIGHTNING can transmit a synchronous MIDI clock for controlling external sequencers and output programmed note data to accompany specific beats within a measure.

Those tiny, postage stamp size boxes hanging out with the peace dove are memory cards for storing presets. As many as thirty presets can be stored on one card. An additional thirty presets can be stored in RAM, and yet another thirty ROM based presets are provided as tutorial examples (good places to begin the LIGHTNING experience).

To facilitate its use in conjunction with other controllers, LIGHTNING possesses intelligent MIDI merging capability. A complete system exclusive implementation enables LIGHTNING presets to be stored and edited via external computers and sequencers."

via Lundi

Air Synth Shirt

Well, technically it's an air guitar t-shirt, but I'm hijacking it. I need to make my Matrixsynth T out of this stuff. Then we can have a Matrixsynth rave with everyone actually creating the music as they dance in a trance.

"Our air guitar consists of a wearable sensor interface embedded in a conventional 'shirt' which uses custom software to map gestures with audio samples. Freedom of movement is a great feature of these textile-based interfaces. It’s an easy-to-use, virtual instrument that allows real-time music making – even by players without significant musical or computing skills."

via CDM and Gizmodo. Title link takes you to an article on the shirt with contact info. Also see this article on the BBC.

Buchla Lightning II

Title link takes you to some shots pulled via this auction. They aren't the greatest, but there you have it.

Details:
" LIGHTNING II is a specialized MIDI controller with built in tone generator that senses the position and movement of handheld wands and transforms this information to MIDI signals for expressive control of electronic musical instrumentation. In addition to functioning as a powerful MIDI controller, LIGHTNING II, with its self contained 32 voice synthesizer, comprises a complete, ready to play instrument.

The bulk of LIGHTNING II's electronics is housed in a half rack cabinet.

A remote head, designed to be mounted on a standard mike stand in front of a performer, contains optics and numeric displays.

Based on principles of optical triangulation, LIGHTNING gathers its information by tracking tiny infrared transmitters that are built into baton-like wands. Unencumbered by wires, these wands provide complete freedom of movement within a performance space that can be as large as 12 feet high by 20 feet wide.

Basically, LIGHTNING II senses the horizontal and vertical position of each hand, for a total of four independent coordinates. From this information, LIGHTNING's digital signal processor computes instantaneous velocity and acceleration, and performs detailed analysis of gesture. An easily mastered, musically oriented interface language allows the user to define relationships between various gestures and potential musical responses.

In one sort of implementation, LIGHTNING's coordinates might be mapped to various MIDI controllers on multiple channels. Spatial pitch wheels, pan pots, level sliders and modulation wheels are easily defined and great fun to play. Performance gestures can be analyzed for direction and velocity and can be used to generate a variety of notes as well as other musical events. Multi-dimensional zoning capability can be used to create different musical responses in different regions. Everything you need to create the conceptual ensemble (an invisible, acoustic virtual reality).

User definable scale and tuning tables allow one to determine the range and selection of notes occurring along a horizontal or vertical axis. Pitches can be in any order, and the boundaries can be set where ever desired, facilitating the creation of spatial instruments and imaginary orchestras.

LIGHTNING II features a conducting facility that can analyze a conductor's gestures, display deviations from a preset tempo, and signal errors such as missed beats. Simultaneously, LIGHTNING can transmit a synchronous MIDI clock for controlling external sequencers and output programmed note data to accompany specific beats within a measure.

To facilitate its use in conjunction with other controllers, LIGHTNING possesses intelligent MIDI merging capability. A complete system exclusive implementation enables LIGHTNING presets to be stored and edited via external computers and sequencers."

via robert.