A Visit to Synthesizers.com

video upload by George B.

"I had the privilege to visit the folks at DotCom. I brought my camera just to get some video of the large 110 space modular in their showroom and I'm trying to learn this new camera. Mike suggested I video behind the scenes and encouraged me to post it so the public can have a peek. This is in no way an advertisement and I'm not compensated in any way other than to get to see my favorite synthesizer company making modules!

I have an 88 space system that I bought and love what they do."

Chaotic sequencer improv

video upload by George B.

"All analog sounds aren't necessarily smooth and clean. You can get raunchy if you want. This sequence is just showing some clanging type sounds with me improving over it with tuned fifths."

65 Must-See Synths & Keyboards: Ultimate Studio Tour

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Step into the iconic Greystoke Studio in West London, owned by renowned record producer Andy Whitmore! In this exclusive tour, Andy reveals one of the largest analog keyboard collections in the UK, featuring gems like the legendary Jupiter-8 and Yamaha CS80. Discover the studio's rich history of creating chart-topping hits with artists like Boy George, Lemar, and Peter Andre.

This video is Part A of the studio tour, showcasing Andy’s unparalleled synth collection. Stay tuned for Part B, featuring rare keyboards like the Steinway & Hammond, along with his guitar collection.

🔑 Studio Highlights:
• The birthplace of Peter Andre’s #1 hit 'Flava' and Lemar’s triple-platinum album Time to Grow
• Recent projects include Ben Hemsley’s 'Every Little Thing' with over 5M Spotify plays
• Home to iconic TV theme music for ITV Champions League and tracks featured on The Simpsons, Top Gear, and Frasier If you're a synth enthusiast, music producer, or just curious about where the magic happens, this tour is for you!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Adding option switch to Q962 Sequential Switch module

video upload by George B.

"Taking a feature already in the Q962 and bringing it out to the front panel so it can be used as a option setting or in a performance. The only "big" thing is drilling a hole in the panel for the switch. Not that big really...

Switch assembly can be found here; https://shop.synthesizers.com/product....

0:00 Intro
1:20 Demo
1:51 Modification Description
3:06 Outro"

Metropolis - Dark Theme Modular Music

video upload by George B.

"Well I woke up with this riff in my head, the first riff. I accidentally discovered the slow chord change while programming. That gives it the dark feel. I added two arps and the weird bass riff. All was programmed except the bass riff and the noise. Those two tracks were added live. Lastly I added the "clock" sound which also accidentally sync'd up with the heartbeat of the robot near the end.

Often you start in one direction and by accident end up somewhere else completely different.
Let me know what you think...Any good? Too weird?"

There are many ways to get to your goal.

video upload by George B.

"Presenting my thoughts on finding different ways to get to a goal. This example starts out with the 'normal' way of making a sequencer pattern and discovering alternative ways that require less hardware, but with the same results.

0:00 Opening
0:53 Intro
2:17 First example using traditional sequencing
3:03 Second attempt to reduce sequencer steps
4:28 Removing the gate math module
5:46 Removing the Q128 Switch
6:21 Sorting out a problem
7:28 Inverting the clock fixes the problem
7:42 Outro

New Synthesizers.com Module Q201 FXLP Effects Loop Module

video upload by George B.

"Introducing a new release from synthesizers.com. The effects loop module.
Add connections to your modular for effect processors. It adds several controls for balancing channels, balancing signal levels for most any FX device, and CV control of effect level.
Don't miss the 10% one time discount using the code BENTON10 up to $500.00 for a $5000.00 purchase. ($50.00 off for $500.00 etc.)

0:00 Intro
0:41 Introduction of new module
0:56 Setup for a Stereo effect
1:26 Explanation of controls
2:29 Blend Control and CV demo
3:46 Using a mono effect
5:00 Creating stereo from a mono FX pedal
6:35 Wrap up
6:55 Outro"

This appears to be the first in a Q200 series.

Modular Morphing (filters)

video upload by George B.

Referenced OB-X8 vs OB-6 video just posted here.

"A proof of concept exercise transitioning filter outputs using the Gate Math 4 step sequence, 4 Envelope Generators and 4 VCA's. Inspired by the Dave Smith OB-6 with it's State Variable type filter that can morph between filter types."

0:00 Intro
0:22 Andertons Synths video clip
0:46 Method explained
1:29 Sound Examples
2:57 Conclusions
3:30 Outro

Q173 Gate math synthesizers.com

video upload by George B.

"Use BENTON10 code to get 10% off up to $500.00! at synthesizers.com Purchase $5000, get $500 off. ($6000, $500 off max) A one time gift so purchase wisely.

An overview of the Gate Math Module. It divides, multiplies, generates patterns, drum patterns, and random patterns. Fully programmable and programs are kept through power cycles.

0:00 Music Intro
0:14 Introduction
0:36 Overview of features
3:06 I made a Drum Pattern w/sequencer
3:29 Built in Drum Patterns
4:12 Random Gates
4:58 Built in pattern
5:24 Ratcheting a sequencer with Gate math
5:42 Example song using Gate math for varying speeds
6:23 Outro
6:41 Music playout..."

Creating Random Gates from noise!

video upload by George B.

"Q110 Noise generator into the Q117 Sample and Hold. Output of S&H to the Q156 Comparator.
The Sample and Hold is clocked by the Sequencer (Q960) clock output. Both Noise output level and Sample and Hold input levels are all the way up for maximum dynamic range. The output of the Sample and Hold is going into an envelope generator controlling a second voice. Adjusting the Threshold on the Comparator will control the density of random gates. The gates will always hit on the beat.
Since I'm triggering a second voice with this random gate, the pitch is controller by the Q960's second row. In the ending section, the random gated voice is being panned by the Q148 Panner/headphone module driven from the LFO++ Q167 creating a stereo effect.
Effects are Reverb from the DAW."

Modular Panning with Sequencer and LFO

video upload by George B.

"Use promo code BENTON10 for a 10% discount code. This is limited to one time use per customer and capped at $500.00. So if you spend 5k you get $500 off. If you spend 6k they get $500 off. There is no minimum purchase amount - get what you need - but it makes sense to make your one time purchase with code BENTON10 count.
Using a sequencer row as a control voltage to control panning. Also panning with an LFO. Adding two pan channels, LFO driven and Sequencer driven makes a beautiful stereo effect.
Modules used
Voice one - 2) Q106 Oscillators, Q107a Filter, Q109a ADSR, Q960 Sequencer
Voice two - Q106a Oscillator, Q107a Filter Q109a ADSR, Q119a Sequencer, Q173 Gate Math
Voice three - 2) Q106 Osc, Q107a Filter, Q157 S&H++ for LFO (Bass Drone)
Q156 Comparator used for LFO in panning.
Q148 and Q158 both for panning."

Making Modular Music

video upload by George B.

"Just wanted to make a sequence using all three and as many modules as I could. Nearly used all my cables!

Forgot to mention in the ending credits the use of 4 LFO's."

The first recording with Minimoog synthesizer - Sun Ra – ‘My Brother The Wind’ (1970)

video upload by George Greene

"The first recording with Minimoog synthesizer (Model B prototype) - Sun Ra And His Astro Infinity Arkestra – ‘My Brother The Wind’ (1970)

In 1969, Sun Ra had recorded on Moog Modular synthesizer at the New York midtown studio of Gershon Kingsley. Those recordings were issued on My Brother the Wind, Vol. 1 (although it was not titled 'Vol. 1'— it only achieved that reference after 'Vol. 2' appeared). The following year, drummer Tommy Hunter arranged a meeting between Sun Ra and synth pioneer Robert Moog in upstate Trumansburg, New York. Bob and his crew were testing prototypes of the Minimoog at that time, inviting Sun Ra to explore its sounds. A recording of this test session was made and, although not originally intended for commercial release, partly released many years later in 1992 (My Brother the Wind, Vol. 2, CD tracks 7-11: The Wind Speaks, Sun Thoughts, Journey to the Stars, World of the Myth 'I', The Design - Cosmos II). But more significantly, it was during this visit that Moog loaned Sun Ra a prototype Minimoog (Model B), several months before the commercial instrument (Model D) was introduced in March 1970. Ra immediately added the instrument to his repertoire of keyboards, later acquired a second, and featured the Minimoog prominently on many of his recordings of the early 1970s. Sun Ra sometimes played two Minimoogs at the same time to achieve a duophonic synthesizer sound.

#ElectronicMusic #SunRa #Minimoog #MyBrotherTheWind #BobMoog #Synthesizer

All rights belong to their respective owners."

You can find dditional posts mentioning Sun Ra and the Minimoog here.

You can find Sun Ra – ‘My Brother The Wind’ on Amazon here.

Found this one updating this old post, after posting AutomaticGainsay's The History of the Minimoog Prototypes. Down the rabbit hole I went...

New SYNTH-WERK 3P-2020 Modular System

"Price: 19.500 Euro + optional Sequencer Complement B: 5.560 Euro"

Click the pics for full size.


From the PDF:

"A TRYPTICH OF SONIC SUPERIORITY - DEDICATED TO KLAUS SCHULZE

In 1969 Robert Arthur Moog transformed his mighty and complex 3C studio synthesizer system - due to popular demand - into a stage ready triptych of extraordinary beauty and sonic superiority. No wonder the roadworthy Tolex covered 3P rose immediate attention among artists worldwide, and therefore found its way into the hands of artists like George Harrison and bands like The Rolling Stones or Tangerine Dream. One of the most famous 3P users of all time and pioneering founder of berlin school, Klaus Schulze, bought his system in 1975 from German Artist Glorian Fricke and used it for several years for live performances as well as studio recordings. Kindly dedicated to Klaus, we considered it is about time to reengineer and resurrect this wonderful instrument to the very last detail to bring back the authentic sound and feel of the highly sophisticated beauty. With greatest respect to the spirit of the old Trumansburg days, there will be a pristine model but no such thing as a stock 3P-2020, since everything remains customizable to your very own personal taste."

List of modules per block:

SEQUENCER SYSTEM

SW960 x2
SW961CP
SW962CP x2

SYSTEM SW-3P-2020

SW914 Fixed Filter Bank
SW905 Reverberation Unit
SW994 Multiples
SW991 Filter and Attenuator
SW901A Oscillator Driver
SW901B Oscillator x 6
SW901A Oscillator Driver
SW CP3 Mixer x 2
SW904B Voltage Controlled High Pass Filter
SW904C Filter Coupler
SW904A Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter
SW992 Control Voltages
SW912 Envelope Followr
SW901A Oscillator Driver
SW901B Oscillator x 3
SW901 Voltage Controlled Oscillator
SW903A Random Signal Generator
SW CP3 Mixer x 2
SW902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier
SW993 Trigger and Envelope Voltages
SW911 Envelope Generator x 3
SW911A Dual Trigger Delay
SW984 Four Channel Matrix Mixer
SW CP Multiples & Attenuators
SW Control Interface
SW Balance Output
Power Switch

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Synth Sounds of Parliament-Funkadelic's Bernie Worrell | Reverb

video upload by Reverb

Published on Feb 25, 2020

"Bernie Worrell is most known as the man behind some of the funkiest keyboard lines ever recorded. A musical prodigy from an early age, he went on to become the keyboardist for Parliament-Funkadelic, a collaborator with musicians like Fred Schneider of the B-52s and groups like the Talking Heads, and even had a prolific solo career. In the video above, we're digging into some of Worrell's famous keyboard and synth sounds and how he put them together.

Worrell was a musical prodigy from an early age. He was born with perfect pitch and was a quick study of classical music, even composing and performing a concerto by age eight. He continued on to Juilliard and then to the New England Conservatory of Music before meeting George Clinton. After joining The Parliaments, as they were then known, he'd forever change the future of funk as a player, composer, and sonic voyager.

Here, we look at some of his famous keyboard and synth sounds and how he put them together. Worrell played vintage Moog MiniMoogs, a Hohner D6 Clavinet, an ARP Solina string synth, and a Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, among other instruments. In our video above, we're using a Moog Model D Reissue, a Nord Piano 3's Hohner D6 Clavinet patch, the Arturia V Collection's Solina V soft-synth, and a Prophet-6."

Patch notes at here

Starter - Lunapark/Minijupe

Published on Feb 11, 2008 de1998

Pure, vintage, gold, synth spotting in via @bengoldacre: "MS20, VC10 and more, in their natural habitat"
There are two sets in the video. See what else you can spot, and do not miss the transition.

"Taken from Starter's CDR/DVDR 'Start', the original Songs can be found there oron their 1981 LP 'Starter'"

Found them on BandCamp (they are also on Spotify and iTunes):

"STARTER was a minimal electronic/synthpop group from Switzerland, formed in 1980 by vocalist and fashion designer Francis Foss, Claudine Chirac (from fellow Swiss Wave group Grauzone) and Jet Harbour. Originally the band also included Stephan Eicher who co-wrote two songs but departed before the band recorded their debut album. STARTER began in the city of Bern when Francis, Claudine and Jet decided to create their own brand of New Wave music inspired by Gary Numan and Kraftwerk.They released their debut, self-titled album STARTER in the summer of 1981, making this summer the 30th anniversary of this long out-of-print and extremely hard to find LP!

Using early analog Roland and Korg synthesizers, STARTER’S music seamlessly merges wistful electronics from Germany’s Neue Deutsche Welle movement and powerful vocal stylings from French Chanson. Alongside their Swiss Wave contemporaries like Grauzone, Yello, Liliputt/Kleenex, STARTER created a new brand of hallucinatory ‘Techno-Pop’ made up of chopped rhythms, energetic and almost epileptic vocals that are immediately catchy and hypnotic, perfect for the dance-floor. In 1985 STARTER reformed as a duo with Francis Foss on vocals again and Gary Grey on synth/rhythm programming. Their first single “Victim” took cues from Italo Disco and Bobby Orlando’s Hi-NRG dance sounds and is the bonus track on Side B of this LP. The song “Part of You” was chosen as the lead track on the Gomma compilation CD Teutonik Disaster 2 in 2003 recruiting new fans worldwide and ushering Francis Foss to release a homemade CD-R/DVD compilation of the entire STARTER discography in 2004.

All songs have been remastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley in 2011. Each LP includes a lyrics sheet with unreleased photos and a STARTER badge/button.

Includes unlimited streaming of Starter via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more."

Update: Some solo tracks from Claudine Chirac added below. She played sax as well as synths.


Claudine Chirac - Nautilus (1981) Published on May 5, 2011 sineadoconnickjr

CLICK FOR MORE »

Waldorf Demos with Saga's Jim Gilmour at the Frankfurt Musikmesse in 1992

Saga - Jim Gilmour Demo - Musikmesse Frankfurt 1993 1992 Published on May 12, 2013 MadSevenFilms

"Jim Gilmour ( Saga keyboardist) in a demo at the Waldorf stand during the musikmesse in Germany.
Humble Stance, Wind Him up, Don't be late, Careful where you step, On the loose,etc ...."

Update: according the swissdoc, these videos are actually from 1992. That would make the appearance of the prototype Wave in 1992, not 1993. This post has been updated to reflect that. Note swissdoc's write-ups are from 1993 as you can see in the datestamps for the links, and I believe the production model Wave was indeed released in 1993.

Here's a blast from the past featuring a bit of Waldorf history in via swissdoc. This may very well be the only Waldorf footage from the event. Check out the non-working prototype of the Waldorf Wave in the background. 1992 was the year it made its first appearance to be released in 1993. Note the Microwave rack was released earlier in 1989. Further below you will find some notes on Musikmesse 1993 (the following year after these videos) from swissdoc, followed by a transcription of the Wave flyer. This is a fascinating look back on synth history. But first, one more video from the 1992 Musikmesse.

Update2 via swissdoc: "In addition, for those who can read and understand German, there is a big series of three articles available for download (email has to be provided) from the German Keyboards magazine. Inside Wave. Amazing level of detail plus in part three an interview with developers and users plus additional interviews with the people behind the Wave.

https://www.keyboards.de/heftarchiv/1994-10/inside-wave-1-wave-intro/
https://www.keyboards.de/heftarchiv/1994-11/inside-wave-2-tech-talk/
https://www.keyboards.de/heftarchiv/1994-12/inside-wave-3-wave-story/"

Update3: The following scans have been added to the bottom of this post:
Messe.1992.TSI.Messeinformation
Messe.1992.Preliminary.Wave.Info
Messe.1993.TSI.Show.Information
Messe.1993.Wave.Flyer

Saga - Jim Gilmour Scratching the surface - Musikmesse Frankfurt 1993 1992

Published on May 13, 2013 MadSevenFilms

"Jim Gilmour ( Saga keyboardist) in a demo at the Waldorf stand during the musikmesse in Germany.
Scratching the surface"

---

The following is a Musikmesse 1993 recap via swissdoc aka George Mueller, who attended, from way back in 1993 (you'll find a transcript of the Waldorf Wave flyer text further below). P.S. for a quick look at the gear released at the 1993 Musikmesse see here and here, both from swissdoc.

"Before I go into this Wave stuff, I'd like to tell you a little about the Frankfurt Musik Messe. Those restless gear junkies, skip the next 24 lines.

The Frankfurt International Music Fair was held for the 14th time and was attended by a record number of exhibitors: 1194 from 40 contries. So it's the leading event for the music business.

The Messe Frankfurt has 10 halls of different sizes, three of them are used by the Musik Messe. Hall 9.0 is the most interesting, it's for electronic instruments, 9.1 is for guitars and amps, 9.2 is for stage light, sound and mixers. These halls are middle in size, rows range from A to F, with booth numbers up to 90 each. Hall 8 is for acoustic instruments and publishers; it's funny, all that noise from test-playing violins, flutes and so on. This is the biggest hall, rows from A to P. The monster booth of Yamaha is in the back of this hall with all their synths, FXs and personal keyboards. So it's a long walk to Yamaha. It's a bit risky in this hall, if you enter one booth, browse thru the pages of some book, after talking to the salesman you probably lost your orientation. Hall 10.1 is reserved for grand pianos and uprights. No elctricity allowed there.

It's funny, when you change from 9.0 to 9.1, all those long haired heavy metal guys. One amp or guitar company has a Hard Rock Cafe at their booth, evertime overcrowded with guys drinking cocktails or beer.

So, here we are, the promised report on the TSI shows WAVE MUSIC DEMO and INSIDE THE WAVE.

CLICK FOR MORE »

$199.99 EMS "Synthi and the Composer" Album

This one is not an April Fools joke. You can actually find this album for sale behind the counter at Silver Platters Seattle. Call them if interested.

From the back cover
(note Peter Zinovieff is the man behind EMS):

"Synth and the Composer

Extracts of music realized with EMS Synths equipment.

SIDE A

Concert Music by:

Harrison Birtwistle
Peter Zinovieff
Tristram Cary
Delia Derbyshire
George Whitman

SIDE B

Television, Radio and Computer Music by:

Dudley Simpson
Delia Derbyshire
Malcom Clarke
David Vorhaus
Peter Zinovieff
Brian Hodgson

Demonstration record - Not to be sold or performed in public.

Stereo 33 1/3 rpm"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Newbeat live tribute to Brussels terror victims, w Minilogue Machinedrum Volca etc

Published on Mar 23, 2016 Shimanski Beats

"This Newbeat live performance is dedicated to the victims of the terrorist attacks in Brussels on March 22 2016. No to terrorism!

The track with the title "SMOKE 'EM OUT" is part of the Newbeat Revival movement, located in Belgium but open to join and contribute for everybody! Music against violence!

Instruments used:
Elektron Machinedrum: Drums
Electribe Sampler: sequencing the other instruments, vocal samples (George W B.)
Volca Bass: bassline
Microbrute: pwm-sequence
Minilogue: synth guitar / lead
Streichfett: strings
MAM MB33 retro: acid line

external effects: TC Electronic M350, TC Electronic M One XL, Lexicon MX200

Thank you for watching! Comments, likes and subscriptions are always welcome!

(c) Shimanski Beats 2016"

Snap - Rhythm is a Dancer (Live synth cover)

Published on Aug 24, 2015 Synt5

"This is our live performance of the classic 1992 eurodance hit Rhythm is a Dancer, by German group Snap!

Every synth line was played live, without resorting to computers or sequencers. No midi. Our syncing was based on a revolutionary metronome-to-earphones system :)

From left to right, gear list and synth players were:

Korg M1 - França Guimaraes - Choir pad, strings lead, piano solo
Sequential Sixtrak, Sp404 - Guillermo Caceres - Bass, drums triggering
Korg Microkorg - George Frederick - 16th note synth
Yamaha An1x - Anderson Freitas - Main synth phrase, synth solos
Clavia Nord Lead 2x - João Marcos - Bell-like synth line
Vocals - Quésia Carvalho

The arrangement was based on a combination of the Radio Edit and the 12'' versions. We decided to leave out Turbo B's rap verses to favour the instrumental lines.

This time we had available one of the original synths known to have been used in the original track - the Korg M1. This allowed us to recreate the voice choir, the strings and the piano exactly as they appear on the original recording. The original bell-like sound played by the Nord Lead could also be found on the M1 library, but we would've run out of keyboard space to map the sound appropriately.

The versatile Microkorg was programmed with a sixteenth note repetition, which prevented the player from dying of muscle cramps and helped to keep us in sync during the instrumental interludes.

The drums were reconstructed with 909 samples using Reaper, bounced to audio, and played back by the Sp404. The only sample was the hit sound that can be heard during the intro and instrumental parts.

Again, please forgive the grainy quality, the shaky hands and the few misplaced notes, we were just having fun."