Elektron Digitakt II: 3 New Features We're Loving - Comb Filter, Stretch Machine and Performance Kit

video upload by Group Technologies Australasia

"Elektron Digitakt II is here and its only been a hot minute since we received this powerful little groovebox sampler. Elektron have managed to pack a stack of great new features that we are making our way through and having too much fun with. In this video we go through 3 new features that have piqued our interest in the short time we've had it.

1. Comb Filter — Elektron have added more filters in the way of FLTR Machines, where one chooses the type of filter they want per track. There are 5 to choose from with the Comb filter sounding amazing and a first for an Elektron box. Comb filter can twist the timbre and transform any sound into something totally new, foreign, or alien like. Throw any sound through the Comb filter and you'll have fun seeing and hearing how far you can take it. Great for sound designers wanting metallic type sounds with rich resonant overtones.

FLTR Machines have 5 different filter types to choose from; Multi-Mode, where you can morph from Lowpass to Bandpass to Highpass filter. EQ, is a parametric equalizer for some precision filtering. Lowpass 4 is a 4-pole lowpass filter with a 24 dB slope for that extra bite. Legacy is the filter from the original Digitakt switchable between lowpass and highpass. The Comb filter has that metallic sound, pitch tuned and crazy resonant overtones as demonstrated in this video.

Similarly on other Elektron boxes, one chooses a 'machine' that relates to the type of synth engine you assign per track. Although here Elektron have adopted that method for different filters. This is a smart way to manage a number of new filters and parameters specific to those filters.

2. Stretch Machine — Elektron have added a new sample playback engine, Stretch machine that allows samples and loops to automatically stretch to the tempo of your pattern/project. It's a granular engine that works extremely well and a feature many Digitakt users have been craving!

3. Performance Kit Mode — here you can make changes to the parameters of a saved kit over several patterns and then smoothly recall the kit and continue jamming. Think of it as an 'undo' function for your sounds and kits. The Digitakt II can also save 1024 kits, so there plenty of flexibility to tweak your kits whilst performing and not be worried about losing the great kits you've created.

There's way more to explore on the new Digitakt II such as 3x LFOs, 128 steps per pattern, the assignable Control All Config, 4x Trig Modes, Euclidean Sequencer and much more. And did someone mention the audio fidelity, outstanding! We'll have more on the Digitakt II real soon.

For more on Elektron please visit: http://www.elektron.se

GT Lab is your new home for exploring music tech tips, tricks, and jams for electronic music creatives.

Follow us here for the latest from all our brands:
https://grouptechnologies.com.au/"

New Elektron Digitakt II: Unboxing and First Play with the Stereo Sampler and Drum Machine

video upload by Group Technologies Australasia

"Elektron's new Digitakt II is here! One of Elektron's most successful drum machine samplers has grown up with a plethora of new features beat makers are going to love. Most notably the Digitakt II is a 16 track, stereo sampler with 16 MIDI tracks, 128 step sequencer, 20GB of storage, 400MB RAM with access to 1024 samples per projects. In this video we unbox the new Digitakt II and have our first play with this sampling powerhouse. All the sounds on this video are purely from the Digitakt II, no additional processing or external sound sources were used.

The Digitakt has gained almost cult like following since its release in 2017. Beat makers across the spectrum of electronic dance music have loved how immediate the original Digitakt was at sampling and performing especially with that legendary parameter locking Elektron sequencer, all in a neat little package. The original Digitakt truly fulfilled its potential to the max.

Elektron have listened and designed the new Digitakt II in a familiar shape, with all the same recognizable playfulness, but now offering so much more than before. Original Digitakt users will salivate over the new Digitakt II features with more machines, more LFOs, more filters, more effects, more everything! The new features on the Digitakt II makes it more of a groovebox; a potent addition to your studio and for performing live with.

Here's what Elektron are saying:
Send yourself to another sampling dimension. With Digitakt II, you can weave splinters of sound in stereo, ripped from the moment and brought to your fingertips for marvelous audio manipulation and beat arraying. Preserve or distort reality as you so desire with 16 tracks ready for stereo or mono samples, or MIDI. Choose from several swappable filters for each track and utilize a wide assortment of effects and modulation, pull on enhanced processing power, and enough memory for a lifetime of samples. Further tasty features like a Euclidean sequence generator, an extended 128 step sequencer, kits, trig modes, an extensive sample library, and a modular workflow to play with ensure your sonic-montage sculpting potential will know no beat-making bounds."

Tips & Tricks: Elektron Analog Heat +FX with a MIDI Sequencer For More Creative Control

video upload by Group Technologies

"We are all aware of how versatile the Analog Heat+FX dynamic sound processor from Elektron is at processing, manipulating, enhancing, and twisting sounds. The Analog Heat+FX is truly a mighty palette for processing sound; either as an end of chain mastering tool or spicing up your drum machine, synth, vocals and anything else you can throw at it. In this video we look at how to use MIDI CC via the MIDI track(s) on the Syntakt to control various effect parameters on the Heat+FX. Effectively we sequence the different type of effects and parameters, going a little nuts in the process. Whilst this is great fun, it’s also a great way of experimenting with sound design and creating new sounds!

The heart of the Heat+FX is a stereo distortion unit with 8 fully analog circuits that offers everything from clean boost to total annihilation. The additional digital effects; delay, reverb, warble, bits, chorus, compressor and bass focus offers endless possibilities to sculpt your sound even further. There are over 100 effect parameters that can be controlled via MIDI CC on the Heat+FX, and pairing it with an external MIDI sequencer opens up a huge range of creative possibilities. Any Elektron MIDI sequencer, as found on the Syntakt, Digitakt or Octatrack are all great at complimenting the Heat+FX. MIDI tracks on any Elektron sequencer can control up to 4x MIDI CC parameters per track. In this video we use 2x MIDI tracks, controlling 8 parameters across reverb, delay and chorus effects, although the potential to mangle and twist your sound is almost limitless making the Heat+FX a fantastic sound processor!"

Tips & Tricks: Class Compliant USB Audio Interface with Elektron Drum Machines and Synths

video upload by Group Technologies Australasia

"Did you know that almost all Elektron devices* are USB class compliant? That means you can easily send audio out from your Elektron drum machine or synth directly to your Apple iOS or OS device and record proper line-level audio. This is great for quickly capturing that beat you've been working on and sharing it with friends or for posting on social media like a pro. In this video we look at how easy it is to plug and record audio to your Apple device with no additional drivers, app or software required! It's also possible to send any incoming audio from external sources routed through to your Elektron box, out to USB as well. In this video we jam the Elektron Syntakt together with a vintage Roland TR-606. The TR-606 audio is running into the external input of the Syntakt and all the sounds from both devices are being routed directly via USB audio into an iPhone.

Elektron firmware provides options for choosing what audio source output you want to route to your iOS device. The default setting will send the main stereo outs, whereby the mix of all your tracks inside your Elektron box is sent out via USB. Alternatively, there are options to choose a specific track out via USB; perhaps you just want to send your sick bass line without the kick drum — yes you can! The Analog Heat+FX also has the option to process incoming audio from USB, offering a two-way audio solution that has many creative applications. Your iPhone or iPad microphone might be good at recording your voice, but they're not great at capturing and representing your latest beat creation.

*except the Octatrack"

Note this video is by supporting member David Haberfeld aka Honeysmack.

Quick Jams with Elektron Analog Rytm MKII, Digitakt, Digitone, Syntakt, MachineDrum and Monomachine

video upload by grouptechnologiesoz

"Exciting stuff as Group Technologies Australasia has been appointed the new exclusive Australian distributor of @WeAreElektron Music Machines. What better way to start things rolling by plugging in a stack of Elektron boxes and start jamming? Here we go with the Analog RYTM MkII, Digitakt, Digitone and Syntakt all playing nicely together. And for good measure @Honeysmack (Elektron fan boy) threw in the old MachineDrum and Monomachine."

Novation - 30th Anniversary | Podcast

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"An Illustrated Podcast
Novation - 30th Anniversary: Grooveboxes, Controllers and Synths

2022 marked the 30th birthday of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of synths, samplers and hardware controllers. In this podcast, Novation Product Specialist Chris Calcutt looks back over three decades of innovation and explores the key products, technologies and partnerships behind a British music technology success story.

SHOW NOTES
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:26 - 30th Anniversary
01:02 - The First Product
03:24 - The Launchpad
06:58 - Automap
09:25 - Friendly Relations
13:08 - The BassStation
17:50 - Hands-On Control
19:07 - Analogue Sound Modelling
21:41 - The Resurgence Of Analogue
30:43 - From The Rack To The Desktop
34:33 - Moving Away From Computers
38:02 - The Focusrite Group
45:25 - 40 Years of MIDI

Novation - Biog
In 1992, Ian Jannaway and Mark Thompson founded Novation Electronic Music Systems and created the MM10, a keyboard controller designed to be used with the Yamaha QY10 music workstation. The BassStation was launched in 1993 and was used by many top artists of the day. ASM (Analogue Sound Modelling) technology was introduced in 1995 and designer Chris Huggett joined the team full-time in 1998, with the popular Supernova synth being released that year.

30 years later, while still creating grooveboxes, controllers and synths, Novation is now part of The Focusrite Group, along with ADAM Audio, Focusrite and Sequential.

https://novationmusic.com/en/30-years...

Novation - Chris Calcutt
Chris Calcutt has been the Product Specialist at Novation for over a decade. Despite coming from a more traditional background of classical music composition and playing the trombone, Chris has always been heavily involved and passionate about music tech.

As a kid, Chris would play with synthesizers and a four-track recorder on the living room floor and has since gone on to work with Novation, collaborating closely with the product developers, designing and building new and innovative electronic instruments.

Chris is responsible for representing multiple brands under Novation's parent company, The Focusrite Group, working with their European distribution partners to deliver training, product presentations, and live performances both online and at in-store events.

Chris also produces and performs live as CALC and is an active member of the experimental electronic music scene in Brighton, UK.
About The People & Music Industry Podcast Channel
Listen to experts in the field, company founders, equipment designers, engineers, producers and educators.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts."

Sequential Circuits Pro-One SN 5573

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

via this auction

"Great working pro one. Nice keyboard (j-Wire). Has some scratches and dings, check the pictures.
Fully working properly.

MTG TURBO + Midi is a huge boost to this unit. All the original features, and all the original analog circuitry plus the following:

Check out music technologies group dot com
Each sequence can be up to 256 steps (compared to total of 40 steps on the original).
Sequences are retained in memory even after power-down. The CPU module does not use a battery.
Power-on settable parameters for clock start mode, arpeggio up/down end notes, arpeggio down mode and arpeggio gate time.
Sequence Tie mode allows for a variety of note lengths.
Sequence End mode lets you chain the two sequences.
Firmware update (�re-flashing�) over MIDI (using MIDIOX or similar).
Monophonic MIDI output of arpeggiator and sequencer data.
Polyphonic MIDI output of keyboard data.
Arpeggiator and sequencer sync-able to MIDI Sync In (settable clock rate).
Load/Save sequence data over MIDI.
MIDI In, MIDI Out and optional MIDI Thru.
Optional MIDI In/Out activity LEDs.
This unit also includes a 3 prong power supply and a ground loop fix. (look into Pro One hum grounding mod, the units have some issues with that for some people).
All mods professionally installed and are done with connectors, so the voice board can be removed for any future service."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sequential Pro One w/ Original Box & MIDI

via this auction

"Original vintage Pro-One in absolutely amazing condition. Works perfectly.

The Pro-1 serial number is 2645, all models before 1500 have a power supply problem, and all numbers after 8500 do not have the correct J-wire keypad. This one is therefore perfect.

Delivered in its original box!

Some modifications made by Mécanik Synthétik (Mtl) in March 2021:

- CPU upgraded with the TURBO CPU of 'Music Technologies Group,' which allows having in particular for the arpeggiator to have sequences up to 256 steps. Also used to retain sequences in memory.

- Midified with the Midi kit from 'Music Technologies Group.'"

CLICK FOR MORE »

SUPERBOOTH Berlin Presentations & Recap - SUPERBOOTH23/SOOPERgrail Set for May, 2023

video uploads by Superbooth Berlin

Playlist:
Oberheim OB-X8 - Gesprächskonzert @SUPERBOOTH22
Erica Synths Syntrx II & Perkons - Gesprächskonzert @SUPERBOOTH22
SOMA Terra - Gesprächskonzert @SUPERBOOTH22
UDO Super 6 - Gesprächskonzert @ SUPERBOOTH22
Verbos Electronics Polyphonic Envelope - Gesprächskonzert @SUPERBOOTH22
ALM/BusyCircuits presenting the ASQ-1 - Gesprächskonzert @SUPERBOOTH22
Quanalog - Gesprächskonzert @SUPERBOOTH22

And the recap press release from SUPERBOOTH:

"SUPERBOOTH SUMMER SUN & SYNTHESIZER

SUPERBOOTH22 and SOOPERgrail welcomed around 6000 trade visitors, day guests and over 170 international exhibitors at FEZ-Berlin. In the year of the 20th anniversary of the Superbooth, for the first time innovative guitar builders were represented in larger num- bers and with their own exhibition space under the name SOOPERgrail.

The expanded concept of the largest trade event for electronic musical instruments in Europe has proven successful, and Superbooth Berlin GmbH has overcome the worst obstacles resulting from the Corona crisis. This clears the way for next year‘s planning - the date is set:
SUPERBOOTH23 and SOOPERgrail #2 at FEZ-Berlin: May 11-13, 2023. with even more innovative instruments and music, concerts, workshops, presentations, indoors and outdoors

Andreas Schneider: "For the anniversary version of Superbooth, as it turned out after all obstacles and difficulties, we can really only be grateful to everyone and congratulate everyone who was able to be there. The delicate little flower called #SOOPERgrail also made a successful start and the international events - above all the presentation with Hainbach for the Goethe Institute Tokyo and the partici- pation of Tom Oberheim and Dave Smith with their new instrument - were im- portant factors of culture and economy alike. We are already excited to see what will develop from this next year!"

The various areas of the anniversary edition each convinced with their very own at- mosphere, which always meandered between music festival, nerd get-together and a group trip with friends. The basis for relaxed encounters, lively exchange and a good mood was provided by the extended event area in the park, the large number of exhibi- tors and the summery weather.

Live:
The stage program represents an enormous variety of musical variation. Early electronic instruments such as the Trautonium were on display. Hainbach presented how electro- nic music was made by artists like Stockhausen in the 1960s, and many concerts fea- tured modular synthesizers, which can be seen as modern successors to the featured instruments. From the stages you could hear great live electronic music from ambient to techno, a lot of experimental and innovative works. Surprisingly for many guests, there was a performance by Richie Hawtin on the last day of the event.

The Modular Synthesizer Ensemble gave the mostly young participants their first stage experience with a composition they had previously developed together in a work- shop lasting several hours.
Within the framework of SOOPERgrail, there were many outstanding concerts and workshops, with individual instruments presented. In addition to traditional crafts, the artists and exhibitors also showed possibilities that enable expanded artistic expression. With the presented technologies, external devices can be controlled and microtonal music can be played.

The main stage for diverse guitar music was located in the circus tent. There was, among others, a blues concert by DobBroMan with spontaneous support from Thorsten Quaeschning of Tangerine Dream, the performance of Nagen & Kotzmann, who blurred the line between drone, ambient and free jazz, and Linalab, who brought along a drummer for her electronic post-rock, processed the sound of her electric guitar with a synthesizer, thereby ideally united the concepts of SOOPERgrail and SUPERBOOTH22.

Dokumentation:
The lecture-concerts (Gesprächskonzerte) recorded during the event are now available on Superbooth Berlin‘s YouTube and Vimeo channels, and the recordings of the other concerts will be released in the coming weeks.

Lecture-concerts are a combination of concert and presentation, where new inst- ruments are introduced in a concrete musical context. This year, legendary synthesizer manufacturer Oberheim made a comeback and presented a new instrument in this for- mat that, like its predecessors, seems to have the potential to become a classic.

We would like to expressly thank all exhibitors, artists, media representatives, trade vi- sitors and last but not least the numerous private visitors for their great support and the wonderful three days and are already looking forward to SUPERBOOTH23 and SOOPER- grail next year.

Save the date now: SUPERBOOTH23 and SOOPERgrail from May 11 to 13, 2023 at FEZ-Berlin!"

See the SUPERBOOTH label below for more.

INSPIRE THE MUSIC - 50 YEARS OF ROLAND HISTORY

via Bjooks

"More Than 70 Interviews with Music Makers

INSPIRE THE MUSIC gets up close and personal with world-famous artists and their relationship with Roland products, production and performing. The book shows the tools in the hands of the creators — tools that have been created by visionary product designers and engineers who’ve sought to design the future.

In this celebration of innovation and creativity, readers are introduced to a world of artists, DJs and producers through insightful stories and interviews, including: Thomas Dolby, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Ali Stone, Omar Hakim, Sister Bliss, Howard Jones, Orbital, Richie Hawtin, Peaches, Culture Club producer Steve Levine, Guy Fletcher of Dire Straits, Clive Deamer of Radiohead, Gingger Shankar, Swizz Beatz, Rachel Z, Nick Rhodes and Roger Taylor of Duran Duran, Nita Strauss, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Steve Stevens, Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Buffy Sainte-Marie, electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, Yana Reznik, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter of the Doobie Brothers, Rance Dopson, Bonnie McIntosh, Egyptian Lover and many more.

Insights, Instruments & Innovators

Going beyond just products alone, INSPIRE THE MUSIC is a visual story of the Roland brand and the world it created, with exciting new insights on every page, including a rare glimpse into the world of the innovators who helped design the gear that made Roland what it is today.

Multiple chapters examine the evolving world in which Roland products came to be, and how their inventive and innovative approach to the art and craft of music led to machines that the world often didn’t know they needed until they had them. INSPIRE THE MUSIC tells the story of how Roland gear helped inspire entire musical genres, from 1980s New Wave to today’s EDM and hip-hop scenes.

Beyond the obvious icons — such as the Jupiter-8 that helped redefine pop music, the TR-808 and TB-303 that became the rhythmic voice of everything from rap to acid house, and the BOSS Compact Pedals that forever changed the sound of electric guitar — readers will get to know the context and history of uncommon yet influential technologies. They’ll be introduced to guitar synthesizers and electronic percussion like the V-Drums. They’ll learn how the Octapad became a mainstay of modern music in India and be introduced to the Grooveboxes that added new dimensions to beat making.

'We’re extremely excited to launch INSPIRE THE MUSIC this summer, with the blessing and enthusiastic cooperation of Roland itself,' said Kim Bjørn, founder and CEO of Bjooks. 'We’ve been privileged to gain access to the company’s vast archive of interviews and technical information, interview the quiet geniuses that design the musical future, and connect with the worldwide Roland community. Dozens of enthusiastic creators have helped put together this monument of music tech history, documenting decades of tech innovation and artistry, told by the people who used the instruments and the engineers who made them come alive.'

'Roland is thrilled to collaborate with acclaimed music tech publisher Bjooks to create a special book that honors the culture, people, and technology of Roland as we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year. It is exciting to see such a diverse group of artists share their experiences with our products,' said Gordon Raison, CEO and representative director of Roland Corporation.

INSPIRE THE MUSIC will be available through authorized resellers, and here at bjooks.com this summer."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oops They Did it Again - Behringer Introduces the Swing USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

Update: see Arturia's & interface designer Axel Hartman's response further below.

Look familiar?

"32-Key USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with 64 Step Polyphonic Sequencing, Chord and Arpeggiator Modes

The Behringer SWING gives you full control over any synthesizer or virtual instrument in your DAW via USB or MIDI. Featuring a 64-step sequencer with an 8-note polyphonic sequence combined with 32 compact-sized keys and pitch and modulation touch-strips provide unlimited ways to express yourself in a compact and portable package.

The SWING’s 32-compact-sized keys create a perfect balance between size and playability. The keys give you the ability to create more nuanced and colorful passages with velocity and after-touch functionality. Use the Pitch and Modulation touch-strips to add even more character to your music. Chord Play Mode allows you to play a chord with up to 16 notes with one single key for some really enchanting Trance music. The SWING also features a 64-step polyphonic sequencer so you can create any progression imaginable and even play over it. Switch to Arpeggiator mode and create an amazing string of notes that can sync to the clock of any device the SWING is connected to.

The Mode knob on the SWING can select up to 8 saved programs in Sequencer mode, while in Arpeggiator mode, you can select different playing orders such as up, down, inclusive, exclusive, random, note order, double up and double down modes. Select from 8 different time signatures with the Scale knob and adjust the tempo with the Tempo knob or the Tap button. Press the Record button to start recording a sequence. This also doubles as an Append button when holding down Shift. Use this along with the Stop/Clear Last button and you can edit your sequences and arpeggios on the fly.

Update: And a response from Arturia followed by Axel Hartman who designed the physical look of the Keystep:

Arturia:

"Hello everyone,

We have been informed on Sunday November the 22nd of the upcoming release of a new product called Swing, by Behringer. This product is in no way the result of a partnership between Arturia and Behringer.

We have worked hard to create the _Step range. We have invested time and money to imagine, specify, develop, test and market the KeyStep. Along our distributors we have been evangelizing this product, placing it in stores, explaining it, servicing it.

Of course we accept competition, and would absolutely understand that Berhinger give their own interpretation of a small and smart controller that would also be a sequencer. Others do, we have no problem with that and see good for the customer, as well as for the industry, in fair competition.

But this is not fair competition here.

Coco Chanel once said: “If you want to be original, be ready to be copied”. So we could in a way consider the Swing as a compliment.


We could.

In any case, thank you, everyone who came out and supported us these past 36 hours! It's been very helpful, very much appreciated.

Frédéric Brun
Co-founder and CEO, Arturia"

Axel Hartman:

"I do feel the need to comment on the many postings I can find here @ Facebook in several places regarding my thoughts, feelings, but also the truth about the blunt Behringer copy of the Arturia key step.

Arturia and myself, aka my company design box are designing instruments, synthesizers, controllers, interfaces since many years. As industrial designer, I contribute mostly my services on the asthetical side of a product. This is true for almost all hardware products that you know from Arturia. In all cases, Arturia is buying my services - I never licensed any of the designs. Arturia always pays, and naturally owns the output of my work, that - by the way - is alway the result of an in-depth cooperation with their internal team of specialists.

Arturia and myself are working together since many years, and we share the deep desire of designing innovative products. I could never share any of the designs, that came out of that cooperation with any body else, legally not, and not from my personal high attitude in that regards. So anything, pointing in that direction is simply fake information. Neither the company Behringer, nor Uli himself have ever approached me with a request like that. And I would also never ever do something like that - I can not license anything that is not in my possession.

Personally, I feel sad, and am also upset about that sheer copy of a design, that I once created for, and together with Arturia, the team around Frederic Brun. These people have spent lots of efforts and great energy in building a brand and all that belongs to a brands assets. It is simply not right, somebody else is taking advantage of that hard work (which is not only true for Arturia, but for all great brands, that must see their most successful products being copied) I do not understand (Uli) Behringer - with his huge company and the power of many great R&D teams - some of the best and most respected and innovative companies we know in our business, that Uli was able to simply buy in the past with his money. A product like that copy simply can not represent the core values of the people, he could convince to be part of his company. It is simply sad, and I can not understand that move (like many, it seems)."

And then there's the following mock-up from Atomic Shadow that pretty much sums it up:

Update via Wikipedia: "Music Tribe, formerly Music Group, is a holding company based in the City of Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines.[2] It is chaired by Uli Behringer, founder of Behringer. Music Group rebranded to Music Tribe in December 2017.[3]...

In 2015, Music Group's portfolio included Midas, Klark Teknik, Behringer, Bugera, Eurocom, Turbosound, TC Electronic, TC-Helicon, Lake, Lab.gruppen, Tannoy, TC Applied Technologies and CoolAudio[6]"

Update: And Behringer's response via Musictribe:

"Since various magazines and Arturia have publicly called us out over the launch of our Swing MIDI Controller, we would like to respond and share some facts around the principles of competition and clear up some misconceptions.


Competition is a highly effective tool to drive innovation by empowering Customers to make their best choices and force manufacturers to constantly reinvent themselves. Innovation means progress and this happens on many levels, whether it relates to customer experience, functionality or cost efficiencies etc.
There are 4 established marketing strategies: market leader, market challenger, market follower and market nichers. Here is a great article: https://aytm.com/blog/brand-positioning-for-a-competitive-edge-part-3/


The competition law was designed to avoid companies creating a market monopoly and stifle innovation, which would be detrimental to the rights of the Customers to expect better offerings. The law was specifically designed to encourage everyone to fiercely compete, even when it means over the same functionality and design, provided intellectual property such as utility (functional) and design patents as well as trademarks etc. are respected.


How many Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul clones are out there in the guitar world and how many SM58 clones are available? How many cars or mobile phones look alike? It is not surprising that Gibson recently lost a substantial legal case trying to prevent others from making V-shape guitars or Fender, who lost all trademark cases related to their Stratocaster design.
The reason is simple: the law encourages competition and provides maximum freedom for companies to engage head-on, all for the benefit of the Customer.


We are spending large amounts of resources on innovation, which is reflected in products such as X32, XR18, Flow, DDM4000, etc. This made us the global market leader for analog and digital mixers and over the years we have built an extensive patent portfolio:
https://community.musictribe.com/pages/intellectual-property
However, we also clearly choose to follow successful brands and products, while adding more features and/or competing on price. Much of our innovation is invisible to the Customer as it relates to our highly advanced and automated design and manufacturing processes and for that we are spending hundreds of millions of US$.
For this reason, we have become strategic partners with Microsoft, Siemens, Adobe and many other Tier 1 companies as we are pushing for extreme digitization and automation.


The follower marketing strategy is a very common business model in any industry, which is enabled by law to encourage competition. With our new Swing MIDI Controller, we followed an established concept, but of course wrote our own firmware with added functionality. However, these unique features will only come to life when we launch our free DAW.


The free Music Tribe DAW will form the heart of an incredible eco-system, where all our controllers, synthesizers and drum machines etc. will integrate seamlessly, thus dramatically improve connectivity and workflow. This will make it incredibly easy for our Customers to create, edit and share their music.
Only our upcoming controllers will feature total integration with our synthesizers, drum machines, digital mixers and other Music Tribe equipment, while also offering standard functionality with all 3rd party products.


For anyone familiar with the industry landscape, Arturia has been cloned for years (Worlde MiniMidi, etc.), while the company has also been “borrowing” from others with their VST replicas of legendary hardware synths, open-source code from Mutable Instruments, the “Expressive Touche” controller or the registration of known “DX7” and “Synthi” marks. Equally, our own analog Xenyx mixers and many other products have been widely cloned.
¬We will absolutely continue to deliver innovative products but also follow our competitors as we expect our products to be cloned - fair play.


We are very cautious when it comes to our follower approach and employ expert intellectual property firms to ensure our products stay within the boundaries of the law; we are committed to never intentionally infringe on other companies’ intellectual property.


Many years ago, we were entangled in bitter lawsuits with Mackie and Pioneer, which we all won. But we also recently lost a case against Yamaha in China related to a simple fader knob design that involved a design patent we were unfortunately not aware of. We changed the design, we will pay the fees and move on. Notably, Yamaha themselves were sued by Dr. Dre over their headphone designs (https://www.cnet.com/news/dr-dre-sues-yamaha-over-headphones/) or entangled in other legal matters (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/musical-instrument-firms-to-pay-millions-after-breaking-competition-law), which clearly shows how competitive business is. The heated Apple versus Samsung disputes are a prime example.


It is our Purpose and Mission to empower Customers who don’t have deep pockets and provide them with the best possible equipment at fair prices. We do understand that we are a fierce competitor and at times controversial as we’re relentlessly push the envelope.


We would like to thank all our Customers who have supported us over the past 30 years. We are absolutely committed to continue to deliver the best possible products at the lowest possible cost."

Vector Synthesis: a Media Archaeological Investigation into Sound-Modulated Light

You might remember some of Derek Holzer's aka macumbista's vector oscilloscope videos, including a couple from Hainbach featuring the Vextrex, previously posted here.

Derek wrote in to let us know he has a new book coming out, currently seeking funding on Kickstarter here. Click through for additional details and demos.

"Vector Synthesis: a Media Archaeological Investigation into Sound-Modulated Light is a computational art project inspired by theories of media archaeology, by the history of computer and video art, and by the use of discarded and obsolete technologies such as the Cathode Ray Tube monitor. This text explores the military and techno-scientific legacies at the birth of modern computing, and charts attempts by artists of the subsequent two decades to decouple these tools from their destructive origins. Using this history as a basis, I then describe a media archaeological, real time performance system using audio synthesis and vector graphics techniques to investigate direct relationships between sound and image using analog CRT displays. Key to this system is a didactic, open source approach which encourages reuse and modification by other artists. The conclusion of the book reflects on how the project and the research surrounding it has contributed to the larger experimental audiovisual arts community through events such as the Vector Hack Festival.

Example videos from the project can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/macumbista

Artists discussed include Mary Ellen Bute, Ben Laposky, Lyn Lye, Norman McLaren, Desmond Paul Henry, James Whitney, John Whitney Sr., Dan Sandin, Steina Vasulka, Woody Vasulka, Larry Cuba, Bill Etra, Mitchell Waite, Rosa Menkman, Cracked Ray Tube, Andrew Duff, Benton C. Bainbridge, Philip Baljeu, Jonas Bers, Robin Fox, Robert Henke, Ivan Marušić Klif, Jerobeam Fenderson, Hansi Raber, Ted Davis, Roland Lioni, Bernhard Rasinger, and the Kikimore group.

I wrote this book over the period of 2017-2019 as part of my MA thesis in Sound in New Media at Aalto University in Helsinki. It is 122 pages long, has 21 illustrations, links to several video examples online, and was fabulously designed by Claire Matthews.

I'm launching this Kickstarter because so many of you expressed interest in having a printed copy of this work. The proceeds of this Kickstarter (after covering the printing costs) will be used to get copies of this to people who have assisted in its creation, and just as importantly to organizations who deserve one -- places like Signal Culture in Owego NY; Cirkulacija 2, Ljudmila, and Project Atol in Ljubljana; the Radio Belgrade Electronic Studio in Serbia; the Media Arts and Technology Department at the University of California Santa Barbara CA; or the Media Archaeology Lab in Boulder CO, who either have directly contributed to the development of this project over the years, or whose missions correspond strongly with my own. My aim is to print and distribute 100 copies, or more if there is additional interest. Your support of this publishing project will help make that possible.

REVIEW

'The aesthetics of the Vector Synthesis project are timely and capturing: when our world has become as politically and environmentally problematic as it is, with the whole Enlightenment project under threat, art somehow has to express this, and Holzer does this by applying the aesthetics of the glitch, the broken, the old and dirty, but with the belief that there within we find meaningful contemporary expression. This is an aesthetic that questions the techno-progressive ideology, the perfect technological society of the future, and admits that our universalising narratives of simulation, control, truth and identity have become problematic.' Thor Magnusson, Senior Lecturer in Music, University of Sussex, UK, author of "Sonic Writing: Technologies of Material, Symbolic, and Signal Inscriptions" (2019, Bloomsbury)."

On Kickstarter here.

Roger Powell "Cosmic Furnace" (1973 synthesizer album)

Published on Apr 23, 2017 Cosmic Pickle

ROGER POWELL "Cosmic Furnace" (1973)
This is synthesist Roger Powell's first solo album, originally on LP in 1973, here taken from the 2005 CD re-issue, which is currently out of print.

Roger Powell worked during this period for the ARP synthesizer company and after as a programmer for the Apple computer company for a number of years (1997 to 2009) . More recently he works at Electronic Arts as a Senior Producer on emerging music technologies.

In between he played with Todd Rundgren's Utopia group, from the mid 1970's to the mid 1980's.

Roger Powell: ARP Synthesizers, Electric Clavichord, Electric & Acoustic Pianos

All tracks composed by R. Powell-

1)"Ictus: Primordial Pulse"(0:00)
2)"Lumia: Dance Of The Nebulae"(4:55)
3)"Fourneau Cosmique: The Alchemical Furnace Of Cleopatra"(10:01)
4)"Hermetic Enigma: The Fixed Volatile"(17:38)
5)"Queene Enfineska: Serenity Of The Lion In Summer"(23:23)
6)"Tensegrity: A Dymaxion Triptych"(26:44)

Introducing the X-Bay Ultimate Synthesizer & Patchbay by Anatal Electronics

The X-Bay Ultimate Synthesizer by Anatal Electronics is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. Note you can find a banner link to the X-Bay campaign in the top right banner section here on MATRIXSYNTH, so you can get back to the campaign anytime.

In short the X-Bay is an analog modular synthesizer and patchbay in a 4U rack mount enclosure. It will host analog modules featuring designs from classic vintage synths, for example Roland oscillators and Oberheim filters. You can freely patch and route the modules as you would on a classic modular system, however you do so in a software editor. One way to think of it is as a true analog version of Clavia's Nord Modular, or a software modular with an analog synth engine. What is the main advantage? Size, flexibility, true analog synth engine, and of course, the ability to save patches, all at a lower cost; and it will be expandable. Interestingly, the system can also be used as a cable free patchbay for full integration with your other gear, including other modular hardware and software. The X-Bay offers a cost effective and space saving way to expand your current system or to explore the world of modular from scratch.

The following is the description from the Kickstarter campaign. Be sure to check out the campaign for additional demos and images.

Imagine that you can capture all the patch capabilities of your analog modular in one magic box. Maintaining the full analog signal path, configuration and recall via software. Imagine that you can put together an analog synth like a car in a computer game. A Jupiter oscillator, an Oberheim filter, a Korg envelope ... assembled in a few clicks and with endless routing options.

Nothing virtual, genuine vintage analog sound with famous synth chips from the 70's and 80's.

Completely modular with cable-less analog patch matrix.

Patch cable-less with analog switching chips and software, full digital control.

Without AD/DA conversions between matrix input and output for 100% analog signal path and true zero latency.

Option to function partly or fully as cable-less patchbay for all external devices too.

Option to cable-less patch and control other 3th party modular synths too.

Total analog recall, switch between cable-less wiring configurations instantly. Option to work with downloadable presets too.

Extendable cable-less patch matrix with switching cards, can grow to your needs and desires.

Extendable sound with vintage module cards.

Compact and robust 19" enclosure with optional custom front plate for enclosure pledges that fill up our goal.

Xtreme price break, affordable automated analog audio matrix (search ebay on "64 audio matrix" and see for yourself).

Hard gold plated pcb's assembled in Europe, build to last a lifetime.

We from Anatal Electronics worked for many years on an extendable analog patching matrix that works with chips and software. Upon that patch matrix we build a modular synthesizer with real analog sound that can be controlled with chips and software instead of cables. All analog settings and patch configurations can be saved and restored. For your reference it can be seen as a real analog Nord Modular, an extendable polyphonic Arturia Matrix Brute or a modular Omega infinity with up to 256x256 modulation matrix size.

X-Bay works with cards for extending the matrix and also for adding more of our our vintage modules. The matrix can be extended from 32x32 to 256x256 IO.

Affordable quality

Because every aspect can be controlled digitally there is no need perse for physical buttons or sliders, they are optional not mandatory. This saves a lot of development time and production costs and is the reason why we don't need to compromise on quality for an affordable price. We use ddr pc memory connectors for all extension cards because they are around for decades and many are familiar with their ease of use. Another benefit of not having physical knobs or sliders is that they cannot wear out and cause noise.

The price of components and connectors often depends on how many are sold. Because the connectors we use are in every pc they are affordable and reliable.

Our offer is so generous compared to comparable products that one might wonder if it can be any good. Our pricing is partly business strategy but for the greater part the result of having the right group of people get together at the right point in history. Over a century of combined experience in electronics, software development and vintage synthesizer technology, ignited with passion and the desire to make a difference, can cause a true genuine revolution in a significant industry. We did it because we can and now we need you to make it happen. Be part of something majestic!

Proven technology and components

The underlying concepts for the switching modulation matrix is like other networking technologies, complex but around for many decades. The audio signal switching chips we use are in production for more than 25 years. Our effort made it possible to have such a matrix in a small enclosure so that it will fit in a 19" rack.

The synthesizer modules are implemented with reissued, cloned or original chips from Curtis Electronics and SSM. By many considered as the best choice and many well known vintage synthesizer from the 70's and early 80's are implemented with these chips.

How to play

Connect a midi keyboard or midi software like cubase and control it like any other midi device. Modular connections and analog settings can be applied with our software that runs on devices with internet browsers. Also over WIFI for phones and tablets. Separate mouse and touch interface is provided. It does not mean that X-Bay cannot be controlled by knobs or sliders. It is even remarkably easy to make a true analog controller with direct contact pots. Mind you many, if not most, synthesizer have encoding controllers which is basically digital control and differs not much from a midi controller that you can already use since X-Bay is midi controllable. For sure in the near future an analog controller will be provided by either us or 3th parties."

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/anatal

Sequential Circuits Pro One J-wire MTG MIDI SN 4566

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

via this auction

"This J-wire Pro One was serviced on 11-30-16 by Greg Montalbano via Music Technologies Group.

Routine service included pots, switches and key contacts cleaned, bypass caps were replaced, and the synth was tuned & scaled. Furthermore an IEC Power Connector was installed, Key Bushings were replaced, and the MTG MIDI Mod was installed (Midi In, Out and Thru)!

The serial number is 4566."

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Moogfest 2017: Program Themes & Lineup Announcement

Just a heads up, the lineup for Moogfest 2017 has been announced. As always, check out moogfest.com for full details on the event. The following is a small capture for the archives via the Moogfest newsletter.

"Hailed as 'the most adventurous and cutting edge' festival of 2016, Moogfest returns with a commitment to futurist conversations and performances that wrestle with our historic moment, and reflect on the festival’s home in North Carolina.

In celebration of its 11th iteration, Moogfest will unveil its lineup over the next 11 weeks through their weekly “Future Thought Future Sound” email newsletter, inviting the Moogfest community to explore program themes like Transhumanism, Techno-shamanism and Protest.

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TSM2016 - Torino Synth Meeting - Video Riassunto - Extended

Published on Sep 6, 2016 Torino Synth Meeting

Torino Synth Meeting
28-29 Maggio 2016 - Sesta edizione

PATROCINI

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TSM2016 - Torino Synth Meeting 2016 - Video Riassunto

Published on Aug 21, 2016 Torino Synth Meeting

"Torino Synth Meeting
28-29 Maggio 2016 - Sesta edizione

PATROCINI

COMUNE DI TORINO
DAMS DELL’ UNIVERSITÀ DI TORINO
IMSTA (International Music Software Trust Association)

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RIP Dennis Colin, Co-Designer of the ARP 2600 & the Aries Modular

Some sad news in via Grant of Music Technologies Group. It has come to his attention that Dennis Colin of ARP and Aires fame has passed away. There is a GoFundMe page set up to help his daughter with the funeral and travel costs. Click through for details.

Dennis Colin not only designed the ARP 2600 with Alan R. Pearlman, he also built the Aries Modular (see this post and this post for reference), and he later ran Colin Electronics.

The image to the left is from an article in Guitar World from this year, back on February 9. The following is a short excerpt:

"The short story goes like this: Dennis spent several years at the ARP company, creating the 2600 and other strange instruments. Eventually the company changed hands and he moved on to other work away from music.

Years after retiring, Dennis now lives alone in a small house somewhere in New England. He recently lost his wife and has been having a rough time. A chance meeting between his daughter and my guitar-building buddy, Ben "C.B. Gitty" Baker, led to my eventual visit to his house. I stood on his doorstep feeling like Ralphie about to meet Santa Claus.

A frail man at 71, Dennis has sharp mind of a teenager. Although he left ARP Synthesizers many years ago, he never left music and he enthusiastically showed me his secret lab upstairs in the house. There were oscilloscopes, strange strobe lights, a homemade 500-watt amp (!) and model airplanes scattered about. The dude lights his cigarettes from a Tesla coil! When he talked about music, he referenced everything from da Vinci to string theory.

Forget Ralphie...I was in the inner-sanctum of the musical Willie Wonka!"

A great man behind some great synths. He will be remembered. Be sure to see the GoFundMe page.

Update: Memorial Service to Be Held at the MIT Chapel on Friday, December 18th at 1PM.

Radikal Technologies SAC 2.2

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

via this auction

This one made me to a double take. It is not a synth, but is indeed from the synth company Radikal Technologies, as you can see here. I thought it was worth capturing for the archives.  It's always interesting to see what other products interest boutique synth manufacturers.

The SAC 2.2 is a "Multi-platform Moving-fader USB / MIDI Control Surface

Full info:
Gain instant hands-on control of your audio software with the SAC-2.2 Software Assigned Controller!

There's no need to install or program this sleek control surface for interaction with your favorite music software. The SAC-2.2 connects to your computer via USB bus, and you instantly gain a new operational surface. Then, the SAC-2.2 lets you perform all your essential audio production operations - EQs, dynamic processing, effects, etc. There are plenty of motorized faders, rotary encoders and buttons. The rotary LEDs of the 12 encoders and 2x40 symbol displays further facilitate your music production. And the USB bus gives you an enormous advantage in speed of transmission compared with MIDI transfer of data. It's compatible with Pro Tools, Cubase, MOTU's Digital Performer, Logic, and many others!

One of the coolest new features of the SAC-2.2 is that you can control several different programs simultaneously and switch between them in real time. The SAC-2.2 will automatically update itself with the correct operating mode and parameter settings as you switch between programs! In addition, this feature is networkable, meaning it will allow you to control different programs on different computers on your network! Got a great Mac-based sequencer and an awesome PC-based sampler? No problem. One SAC-2.2 integrated into your network means you can control them both at the same time - without the need to re-configure and re-boot! Save time and money with the versatile Sac 2.2 control surface!

• 9 touch sensitive motorized faders

• 12 rotary encoders with 31 step LED displays

• 3 2x40 symbol displays

• 1 locator-Display

• 9 track select buttons

• 8 mute/solo switches

• 10 buttons for selection of mixer-parameters (pan, send/insert selector switch, send/insert 1-4, 4 EQ select buttons)

• 6 buttons for track-selection (audio, MIDI, input, instrument, bus, group)

• 4 buttons for track bank selection (1-8,9-16,17-24,25-32)

• 12 software navigation buttons, which can also be used for numeric input

• 5 channel-strip buttons • 5 transport-control buttons (play, record, stop, rewind and forward)

• 1 jog wheel

• 4 location markers

• 1 scrub-button

• 1 system button

• 1 shift button

• USB port with one input and a 4 way HUB for connection of additional USB devices

• MIDI port with MIDI-in, out, thru and power jack"

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