Tangerine Dream Live Rig & Interview Bristol 2022 w/ Sonic State

video upload by sonicstate

"Tangerine Dream were recently in Bristol as part of their Virgin To Quantum Years Tour.
Gaz Williams caught up with band leader Thorsten Quaeschning for an interview (see other video) and a look at his live setup."

Tangerine Dream Thorsten Quaeschning Interview - Sonic State

video upload by sonicstate

"Tangerine Dream played in Bristol as part of thier Virgin TO Qauntum Years tour, Gaz Williams caught up with Thorsten Quaeschning for a chat - we have also posted a separate live rig tour."

The Gaz Williams Show - Geert Bevin and the story of MPE

video upload by Gaz Williams

"Tonight's guest is the fabulous Mr Geert Bevin, We discuss Eigenharp and the journey to MPE."

Introducing Crazy Chain! New approach to daisy chaining

Gaz Williams

New Crazy Chain from myVolts. They are running a promo for the day: "Buy any Ripcord and get one free Crazy Chain, add code CRAZYVOLTS at checkout, code's good to midnight 22nd October." Link: https://myvolts.co.uk

"What is myVolts Crazy Chain?

Did you ever want to power a number of synths and pedals, but find that your existing daisy chain cable just didn't cut it? Wrong size connectors, wrong size polarity, unused connectors, unsuitable cable lengths can all be a hassle you don't need when you just want to make music.

Crazy Chain is a flexible, mix and match cable solution to let you power your gear just the way you want to. Choose tip: You choose which DC power tip size each Crazy Chain connector has, so you can plug, for example, a Korg Volca (1.7mm inner diameter / 4.7mm outer diameter) in the same chain as a Boss guitar pedal (2.1mm inner diameter / 5.5mm outer diameter). Mix and match tips to suit exactly your devices.

Change polarity: You can change polarity from positive to negative as you go along the chain, you can even change it back! Polarity change is identified by an orange DC input, so whenever power passes through this connection, it will change polarity. Make sure to check your instrument specification to ensure it receives the correct polarity. Chain devices: Crazy Chain lets you power only the devices you want to power, whether that's 3 devices or 12 devices. This means no more looking for extra connectors to suit your specific setup, and no more hanging dog-leg connectors adding noise into your audio.

The right lengths: Choose from 3 different cable lengths to suit your setups."

MC-707 Groovebox SONIC LAB Review

sonicstate

"Roland’s new Grooveboxes (well new as of last year) just got a significant OS update to v1.5 and as a result they’ve come a long way since they were first introduced.

Gaz Williams and Nick Batt took a look at the MC-707 which is an 8-track groove box with tone tracks, drum tracks and Looper tracks.
At the heart of both the MC boxes is the Zen Core engine. This is common to many new Roland machines - the Jupiter X and Xm and the AX Edge specifically (though without the synth specific expansion engines) and as such can share the basic core patches across all models, including integration with the Roland Cloud."

Moog Releases the Subharmonicon

Moog's Subharmonicon orginally introduced at Moogfest 2018 with a silver front panel is now available in black for the masses. See the dealer banners on the right for availability. Above is a playlist with the following videos from Moog and members of the synth community, followed by the press release. You can find additional posts featuring the Subharmonicon here.

Playlist:
1. Moog Subharmonicon | Suzanne Ciani + Scott Kiernan | Music as Living Matter
2. Subharmonicon | Using Subharmonicon with Mother-32 & DFAM
4. Subharmonicon | Pitch Sequencer
5. MOOG SUBHARMONICON REVIEW: Unique Semi-Modular Polyrhythmic Synthesizer - BoBeats
5. The Moog Subharmonicon Semi-Modular Polyrhythmic Synthesizer - Reverb
6. Sonic LAB Moog Subharmonicon - sonicstate
7. Moog SUBHARMONICON Full Tutorial with 9 patch ideas and pairings // New version reviewed - loopop
8. MOOG SUBHARMONICON - Inside and out, Playing It and Tearing It Down - LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER
9. Brand New Moog: The Subharmonicon! - Gaz Williams
10. The new Moog Subharmonicon - HAINBACH
11. A Moog Subharmonicon Explainer followed by Mother-32 + DFAM + Eventide Jams - mylarmelodies
12. Moog Subharmonicon - The Minor 11 - Noir Et Blanc Vie
13. Moog SubHarmonicon: Rowdy Distortion with Hudson Electronics Broadcast - Rishabh Rajan
14. Moog Subharmonicon: 3 Pulse Width Modulation Options - Rishabh Rajan
15. Moog SubHarmonicon: Ambient Jam with Avalanche Run - Rishabh Rajan
16. 1st Day with Moog SubHarmonicon Analog Synth 1-4 - Sound Provider
17. Baseck Moog Subharmonicon Bliss [Demo] (no talking)
18. Moog Subharmonicon Semi-Modular Synthesizer Sounds (with DFAM) - Perfect Circuit - previously posted
19. Moog Mother 32 - Subharmonic Video Game Music Patch - RemixSample
20. Mycelium // moog subharmonicon & modular - ann annie

"Today, we're excited to announce that the newest addition to our family of semi-modular synthesizers, Subharmonicon, is now available worldwide.

Subharmonicon is an intensely creative analog synthesizer capable of complex sounds and patterns, yet is incredibly simple to use. With two VCOs, four Subharmonic Oscillators, two 4-Step Sequencers, and four Rhythm Generators, this new musical machine is designed for the exploration of sequences that unfold and evolve over time, spiraling through six-tone subharmonic chords and organic polyrhythms.

Although no patching is required to start creating, Subharmonicon can be patched into itself, expanding its onboard capabilities, or interfaced with Mother-32, DFAM, and other external Eurorack-compatible gear for endless possibilities."

"Subharmonicon is a semi-modular polyrhythmic analog synthesizer that employs a 6-tone sound engine and multi-layered clock generator to explore the world of subharmonics, polyrhythms, and the unique relationships they create.

Subharmonicon’s characteristic sound starts with two analog VCOs and four Subharmonic Oscillators for a total of six powerful sound sources. Each subharmonic tone is mathematically derived from one of the two main VCOs, giving the resulting chord shapes a beautifully coherent quality. Onboard quantization lets you dial in perfect intervals every time with selections for multiple tuning systems. Choose from contemporary Equal Temperament settings, the heavenly intervals of Just Intonation, or the unlimited freedom of no quantization at all.
Animating Subharmonicon’s distinctive chord shapes is done through a polyrhythmic pair of 4-Step Sequencers. Each sequencer is clocked by any or all of four Rhythm Generators that output mathematical divisions of the master tempo. Layer multiple Rhythm Generators on top of each other to create complex polyrhythms and discover inspiring new patterns and styles. Delve into Subharmonicon’s dual Envelope Generators, Moog Ladder Filter, and analog VCA to call up dynamic articulations ranging from lush pads and blurred edges to percussive plosives and ritualistic rhythms.

Although no patching is required to start creating, exploring Subharmonicon’s modular patchbay unlocks worlds of possibilities as you make novel connections and plug into new ideas. The 32-point 3.5mm patchbay can be patched into itself, expanding Subharmonicon’s onboard capabilities, or interfaced with Mother-32, DFAM, and other external Eurorack-compatible gear (MIDI Type A adapter included for DIN to 3.5mm MIDI input). Use as a standalone synth with included +12V DC power supply or simply remove the front panel to install into any Eurorack system.
The Moog Subharmonicon is a versatile analog labyrinth of subharmonically derived synthesis and polyrhythmic sound, equally suited for losing oneself and simultaneously finding oneself."

OP-Z in Vegas! Master track transpose tip

Published on Mar 10, 2020 Gaz Williams

"I had two hours spare in a hotel room in Las Vegas so I thought I’d make a quick video about my little traveling companion, Teenage Engineering’s tiny powerhouse the OP-Z. In this video I demonstrate how the master track can transpose the note tracks in a very musical way. I place chords on the master track which force the other chords I entered on the chord track to mutate!"

The Utterly Unique Feature of the Medusa Hybrid Synth

Published on Mar 3, 2020 Gaz Williams

"On the eve of the release of Polyend’s new Tracker, I thought it was high time to demonstrate what is one of the Medusa’s most original features!"

BoBeats BEST SYNTHS & MUSIC GEAR 2019 w/ Special Guests

Published on Dec 8, 2019 BoBeats

"What is the Best Synths & Music Gear of 2019? Let’s find out! Sponsored by DistroKid, a great way to release your music on Spotify/Apple Music. Get 7% off using my link: http://distrokid.com/vip/bobeats

If you enjoy my videos consider supporting them on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/bobeats

GUEST APPEARANCES
Voice over guy: http://bit.ly/JakeGVoiceOver
Alex Ball http://bit.ly/AlexBallXBo
Sanjay C: http://bit.ly/sanjayXbo
Hainbach http://bit.ly/HainbachXbo
Courtney Hawkins http://bit.ly/CourtneyXBo
Gaz Williams: http://bit.ly/GazWilliamsXBo
Simon Magpie: http://bit.ly/SimonXBo
Lightbath: http://bit.ly/LightbathXBo
GeoSynths: http://bit.ly/GeoSynthsXBo
Starsky Carr: http://bit.ly/StarskyCarrXBo
White Sea Studio: http://bit.ly/WhiteSeaXBo
Oscillator Sink: http://bit.ly/OscillatorSinkXBo
Podcastage: http://bit.ly/PodcastageXBo
Carlos: http://bit.ly/CarlosXBo
Look Mum No Computer: http://bit.ly/LookMumXBo
Omri Cohen: http://bit.ly/OmriXBo"

New Arturia Keystep update - New Sequencer tricks!

Published on Aug 21, 2019 Gaz Williams

"Here I take a look at the recently released v.1.1 free firmware update for everyones favourite midi and CV controller, the Arturia Keystep. I have it hooked up via MIDI to my Dreadbox Abyss to demonstrate some of the funky new features. I haven't fully figured out some of the new stuff especially the random modes within the arpeggiator so instead I focus on the new sequencer stuff."

Meet The Makers - Extra: Axel Hartmann

Published on Aug 8, 2019 sonicstate

Update: mention of new designs coming from Access gets a brief mention starting at 25:25. Their last synth of course was the Access Virus Ti2. Axel does state it might not be what people are hoping for, striking out the notion of a new Access Virus.

Fascinating history on the start of both Axel Hartmmann's career designing synths and Waldorf. The first synth he designed? The Waldorf Microwave, followed by the massive Waldorf Wave - two Microwaves with full control panel and keyboard.

"While we were in Berlin for the Superbooth show, we had the chance to talk to some interesting folks as part of our Meet The Makers Series:
So as part of this Meet the Makers EXTRA series, Gaz Williams talks with Axel Hartmann about his work and and challenges of synthesizer interface design. Axel is responsible for the design of many successful synthesizers and music technology - probably more than you think...

https://www.design-box.de"

Meet The Makers Extra: Dave Smith of Sequential

Published on Jul 30, 2019 sonicstate

"While we were in Berlin for the Superbooth show, we had the chance to talk to some interesting folks as part of our Meet The Makers Series:
Here, Gaz Williams talks to Dave Smith (Sequential.com) and one of the main inventors of the MIDI standard about music."

SonicLAB: Behringer RD-8 Drum Machine - First Look

Published on Jun 18, 2019 sonicstate

"Gaz Williams had his hands on an early bird version of the new Behringer RD-8 Rhythm Designer drum machine, an analogue remake of the classic TR-808"

Ess and the Digitone - King of FM! #TSR19

Published on Apr 1, 2019 Gaz Williams

"I am a self confessed Elektron nut and it was my great pleasure to chat with Ess from Elektron about the Digitone FM synthesizer. Although not new (it was released last year), I felt that the way the Digitone offers a fresh look at FM it deserved another look. Ess also makes superb music that reminds me of the early 90s electronic music scene I was part of.

This video is from Thomann's fabulous Synth Reactor event that I took part in.

Ess's music can be found here: https://auvrel.bandcamp.com"

Sonic LAB: Roland AX Edge Keytar Review

Published on Nov 27, 2018 sonicstate

Even if you aren't into keytars, don't miss Gaz's spacey rainbow psychedelic performance starting at :25. :)

"Gaz Williams takes a look at the new Roland Keytar. A premium product, with on board sounds and wireless MIDI - does it take you to the edge when it comes to live performance?"

HOT TIP - AC Tester from myVolts

A cool and simple AC tester for your gear via myVolts. It also has a polarity tester that lights up BLUE for centre positive polarity, and RED for centre negative polarity. Click through for details.

Also, myVolts Caroline Swords was featured in the latest Korg MicroKAST podcast chatting about it and upcoming projects. You can check it out below.

"I was a guest on the latest Korg MicroKAST podcast chatting about it, Ripcord (I know its been a while, but it's gonna be soon, and its gonna be great), and some other stuff we're developing - a cheap little passive mixer with noise filtering called the mickXer (that we decided to develop from chatting with Gaz Williams from Sonic State), and a few other bits."

NAMM 2018: Gaz Williams and Cuckoo Pocket Operators Sampler

Published on Jan 27, 2018 sonicstate

The bearded brothers. That's some massive hair going on right there. Gaz clarifies he is not Cuckoo's dad. :)

NAMM 2018: Arturia New Hardware Standard With Gaz Williams

Published on Jan 27, 2018 sonicstate

Sonic LAB: Isla Instruments KordBot

Published on Jan 19, 2018 sonicstate

"Gaz Williams takes a look at Kordbot - a MIDI Chord Controller with arpeggiator. Originally launched on Kickstarter, Gaz has been putting it through its paces."

Sonic LAB: Roland Tr-08 Boutique Drum Machine

Published on Dec 26, 2017 sonicstate

"Another Roland reboot of the classic 808 drum machine, this time in Boutique format - its a pretty authentic recreation of the classic, with some nice modern features - multi-channel USB audio for one. Gaz Williams, takes a trip down memory lane."

Sonic LAB: Roland Boutique D-05

Published on Dec 21, 2017 sonicstate

"Gaz Williams takes a look at the Roland Boutique D-05 - the reboot of the classic D-50 synthesizer from the 1980s.
With all the PCM library expansions, its like a fully loaded D-50 but in smaller form."