"Premier provider of virtual instrument technology teams up with industry legend to form new research and development arm.
SONiVOX ®, the Boston based virtual instrument manufacturer, today announced the formation of NEMESYNTH™ Research & Development Group, SONiVOX’s new research and development arm dedicated solely to the exploration and innovation of new audio technologies.
To lead this new group, SONiVOX has hired Jim Van Buskirk as Chief R&D Technologist. Van Buskirk, a co-inventor of the very first computer hosted virtual instrument, is a legendary figure in the music software industry. Inventor, creator, and publisher of Gigastudio™, GigaSampler™, GigaViolin™, GigaPiano™, and GigaPulse™, Van Buskirk has invented and co-invented many music and audio related US patents, including the patent for low-latency direct from disc sample streaming.
'Joining the SONiVOX team is much like coming home to an innovation-driven atmosphere,” said Van Buskirk. “Now we are in the process of brining the first of many significant new technologies to the table and have a dream team assembled to bring them out. Our vision is that SONiVOX’s NemeSynth™ technology will do for the next generation of instruments what disk-based streaming did for sampling, blowing it wide open with 100 times the potential.'
Under Jim Van Buskirk’s leadership the NEMESYNTH™ R&D group will focus solely on the development of new enabling technologies for computer based musicians. These technologies will be integrated into SONiVOX’ premier line of end-user software products as well as its OEM offerings. The first of these products will be previewed and released in early/mid 2010.
To find out more about the NEMESYNTH™ Research and Development Group, come meet Jim Van Buskirk at SOONiVOX’s NAMM Booth #6828 or visit www.sonivoxmi.com
About SONiVOX SONiVOX ® provides a multi-tiered suite of premier sound products that give voice to consumers ranging from professional musicians to over 100 million cellular users worldwide.
For years, SONiVOX ®, formerly Sonic Implants, has provided leading musicians and composers in the film and television industries with the tools needed to create world-class audio content for chart-topping movie, music and television projects.
Whether it’s high-end sound libraries & virtual instruments for leading Hollywood film composers, home-studio musicians, or millions of cell phone users, SONiVOX ® enjoys a worldwide reputation as a company producing "sound that rocks." For review copies and more information please contact SONiVOX at 617 718-0202 | info@sonivoxrocks.com. Follow SONiVOX ® on Twitter www.twitter.com/SONiVOX"
"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.
"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."
"SONiVOX SHIPS VOCALIZER – Vocal Production Synthesizer SONiVOX ships new technology synthesis engine coupled with input based synthesis delivers creative new tool for vocalists and non-vocalists alike.
SONiVOX, Boston MA, based award-winning music software company today announced the immediate worldwide availability of the first instrument from their new NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group, VOCALIZER - Vocal Production Synthesizer.
VOCALIZER is a completely new concept in modern music production that couples a new technology synthesis engine with an open input based architecture. VOCALIZER is one part effect plugin and one part virtual instrument. Vocalists, non-vocalists, & producers feed VOCALIZER any audio source, and it re-pitches, effects, and re-synthesizes the original source into a whole new sound.
Primarily designed for vocal use, vocalists will enjoy the vast options afforded by VOCALIZER to add previously unattainable dimensions to their voice. Inversely, non-vocalists will enjoy the opportunity to use their voices in musical ways that they previously thought impossible.
VOCALIZER also works well with other types of inputs. Drum & percussion tracks fed through VOCALIZER result in complex synth lines that perfectly sync to the original dry drum & percussion parts. Other input sounds afford a powerful and flexible new approach to sound design. VOCALIZER users can take any sound and use it as a shaping tool to be VOCALIZED.
The VOCALIZER marks the first release from SONiVOX’s NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group. Spearheaded by noted audio guru and scientist Jim Van Buskirk, pioneer inventor of the virtual instrument, modern computer driven sampling, and real-time low-latency convolution, SONiVOX’s NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group’s sole purpose is to discover, research, & develop revolutionary new enabling technologies for musicians everywhere.
VOCALIZER - Vocal Production Synthesizer is MAC & PC compatible and will work with most major DAW software as a VST, AU, and RTAS plugin.
VOCALIZER - Vocal Production Synthesizer is available now with a MSRP of $149.99 and an estimated street price of $99.99
SONiVOX claims that VOCALIZER must be heard to be believed and invites all to checkout the VOCALIZER videos and mp3 examples at www.sonivoxmi.com
About SONiVOX
SONiVOX provides a multi-tiered suite of premier sound products that give voice to consumers ranging from professional musicians to over 100 million cellular users worldwide.
For years, SONiVOX, formerly Sonic Implants, has provided leading musicians and composers in the film and television industries with the tools needed to create world-class audio content for chart-topping movie, music and television projects.
Whether it’s high-end sound libraries & virtual instruments for leading Hollywood film composers, home-studio musicians, or millions of cell phone users, SONiVOX enjoys a worldwide reputation as a company producing "sound that rocks." For review copies and more information please contact SONiVOX at 617 718-0202 | info@sonivoxrocks.com. Follow SONiVOX on Twitter www.twitter.com/SONiVOX"
"SONiVOX Unveils TWIST – Spectral Morphing Synthesizer New technology synthesis engine coupled with intuitive GUI design delivers new control paradigm & unmatched sonic possibilities
SONiVOX, Boston MA, based award-winning music software company today announced the release of the newest instrument from their NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group, TWIST – Spectral Morphing Synthesizer.
TWIST™ is a new tool for musicians, producers, and sound designers that combines a brand new type of synthesis, intelligent performance controls, and an intuitive GUI designed to give the user control over a new and unique sound engine which sounds can easily personalized to meet each user’s individual needs.
TWIST – Spectral Morphing Synthesizer - Features:
New Patent Pending Spectral Morphing Synthesis engine
Ultra-user-friendly graphical user interface that makes sound creation and personalization easy
Over 200 factory presets that can be easily personalized into thousands
MIDI Learn & Save Function – Lock TWIST’s controls up with any midi controller.
TWIST marks the second release from SONiVOX’s NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group. Spearheaded by noted audio guru and scientist Jim Van Buskirk, pioneer inventor of the virtual instrument, modern computer driven sampling, and real-time low-latency convolution, SONiVOX’s NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group’s sole purpose is to discover, research, & develop revolutionary new enabling technologies for musicians everywhere.
TWIST – Spectral Morphing Synthesizer is MAC & PC compatible and will work with most major DAW software as a VST, AU, and RTAS plugin.
TWIST - Spectral Morphing Synthesizer is available now with a MSRP of $149.99 and an estimated street price of $99.99
SONiVOX claims that TWIST must be heard to be believed and invites all to checkout the TWIST video and mp3 examples at www.sonivoxmi.com/twist
About SONiVOX
SONiVOX provides a multi-tiered suite of premier audio technology products that give voice to consumers ranging from professional musicians to over 100 million cellular users worldwide.
For years, SONiVOX, formerly Sonic Implants, has provided leading musicians and composers in the film and television industries with the tools needed to create world-class audio content for chart-topping movie, music and television projects.
Whether it’s high-end sound libraries & virtual instruments for leading Hollywood film composers, home-studio musicians, or millions of cell phone users, SONiVOX enjoys a worldwide reputation as a company producing "sound that rocks." For review copies and more information please contact SONiVOX at 617 718-0202 | info@sonivoxrocks.com. Follow SONiVOX on Twitter www.twitter.com/SONiVOX"
"SONiVOX Unveils VOCALIZER – Vocal Production Synthesizer New technology synthesis engine coupled with input based synthesis delivers creative new tool for vocalists and non-vocalists alike.
SONiVOX, Boston MA, based award-winning music software company today offered a pre-release preview complete with MP3 and Video examples of the first instrument from their new NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group, VOCALIZER - Vocal Production Synthesizer.
VOCALIZER is a completely new concept in modern music production that couples a new technology synthesis engine with an open input based architecture. VOCALIZER is one part effect plugin and one part virtual instrument. Vocalists, non-vocalists, & producers feed VOCALIZER any audio source, and it re-pitches, effects, and re-synthesizes the original source into a whole new sound.
Primarily designed for vocal use, vocalists will enjoy the vast options afforded by VOCALIZER to add previously unattainable dimensions to their voice. Inversely, non-vocalists will enjoy the opportunity to use their voices in musical ways that they previously thought impossible.
VOCALIZER also works well with other types of inputs. Drum & percussion tracks fed through VOCALIZER result in complex synth lines that perfectly sync to the original dry drum & percussion parts. Other input sounds afford a powerful and flexible new approach to sound design. VOCALIZER users can take any sound and use it as a shaping tool to be VOCALIZED.
The VOCALIZER marks the first release from SONiVOX’s NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group. Spearheaded by noted audio guru and scientist Jim Van Buskirk, pioneer inventor of the virtual instrument, modern computer driven sampling, and real-time low-latency convolution, SONiVOX’s NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group’s sole purpose is to discover, research, & develop revolutionary new enabling technologies for musicians everywhere.
VOCALIZER - Vocal Production Synthesizer is MAC & PC compatible and will work with most major DAW software as a VST, AU, and RTAS plugin.
VOCALIZER - Vocal Production Synthesizer is slated for a release date of October 1st 2010 with a MSRP of $149.99 and an estimated street price of $99.99
SONiVOX claims that VOCALIZER must be heard to be believed and invites all to checkout the VOCALIZER videos and mp3 examples at www.sonivoxmi.com
About SONiVOX
SONiVOX provides a multi-tiered suite of premier sound products that give voice to consumers ranging from professional musicians to over 100 million cellular users worldwide.
For years, SONiVOX, formerly Sonic Implants, has provided leading musicians and composers in the film and television industries with the tools needed to create world-class audio content for chart-topping movie, music and television projects.
Whether it’s high-end sound libraries & virtual instruments for leading Hollywood film composers, home-studio musicians, or millions of cell phone users, SONiVOX enjoys a worldwide reputation as a company producing "sound that rocks." For review copies and more information please contact SONiVOX at 617 718-0202 | info@sonivoxrocks.com. Follow SONiVOX on Twitter www.twitter.com/SONiVOX"
"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!"
"New technology synthesis engine coupled with pattern sequencer modulation control serves up the first virtual instrument dedicated to Dubstep production
SONiVOX, Boston MA, based award-winning music software company today offered a pre-release preview complete with MP3 and Video examples of the newest instrument from their NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group, Wobble – Dubstep Grime Generator.
Premiering the next generation of the spectral synthesis engine that powers SONiVOX’s TWIST and VOCALIZER, Wobble offers up a whole new control paradigm designed to deliver time/pattern-sequencer control over modulation parameters. This results in unmatched control and flexibility in creating new, unique, and evolving sounds, perfect for dubstep as well as most other electronic music creation.
Wobble features:
- New Spectral Synthesis Engine creates traditional or blazing new dubstep sounds
- First of its kind Tempo-Synced Modulation Generator/Sequencer
- Over 200 fat & juicy dubstep presets that can be easily tweaked into thousands
- New interface design for seriously fast and easy sound designing
- Fully automatable via hardware or software control
- SONiVOX’s Intelligent Rhythm Control (I.R.C) putting your performance in perfect time in realtime
- Onboard chorus, tempo sync delay, and reverb fx
- PC Standalone, VST and RTAS Compatibility
- MAC Standalone, AU, VST, and RTAS Compatibility
Wobble marks the third release from SONiVOX’s NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group. Spearheaded by noted audio guru and scientist Jim Van Buskirk, pioneer inventor of the virtual instrument, modern computer driven sampling, and real-time low-latency convolution, SONiVOX’s NEMESYNTH Audio Research Group’s sole purpose is to discover, research, & develop revolutionary new enabling technologies for musicians everywhere.
Wobble – Dubstep Grime Generator is MAC & PC compatible and will work with most major DAW software as a VST, AU, and RTAS plugin.
Wobble – Dubstep Grime Generator is slated for a release date of October 1st 2011 with a MSRP of $149.99 and an estimated street price of $99.99
SONiVOX claims that Wobble must be heard to be believed and invites all to checkout the Wobble videos and mp3 examples at www.sonivoxmi.com
About SONiVOX
SONiVOX provides a multi-tiered suite of premier sound products that give voice to consumers ranging from professional musicians to over 100 million cellular users worldwide.
For years, SONiVOX, formerly Sonic Implants, has provided leading musicians and composers in the film and television industries with the tools needed to create world-class audio content for chart-topping movie, music and television projects.
Whether it’s high-end sound libraries & virtual instruments for leading Hollywood film composers, home-studio musicians, or millions of cell phone users, SONiVOX enjoys a worldwide reputation as a company producing "sound that rocks." For review copies and more information please contact SONiVOX at 617 718-0202 | info@sonivoxrocks.com. Follow SONiVOX on Twitter www.twitter.com/SONiVOX"
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."
"With the new Digitakt II, Octatrack, Syntakt, Analogue Heat+FX and a small modular synth rack for extra spice, we've assembled a powerful Elektron performance rig. This configuration demonstrates the Digitakt II and Octatrack's sampling capabilities and how well they work together. With 12 tracks of digital and analogue machinery, the Syntakt is just as capable of producing rocking beats and synth work. Not to be overlooked is the Analogue Heat + FX, the sonic processing palette that glues everything together. This is a live, improvisational jam that was captured in one take without any additional post-production or processing.
Set-up details: Octatrack: master clock, mixer, resampling and providing some performance effects for the Syntakt and modular synth. Digitak II: main drums and rhythmic loops. Syntakt: additional percussion and minimal synth sounds. Modular Synth: percussive bleeps and atonal sounds from voices LIP and SY0.5. Analog Heat +FX: end of chain audio processing. Also some filtering and reverb effects.
Audio Routing: Modular synth into external input on Syntakt Digitakt II and Syntakt running into the Octatrack. Octatrack output (stereo) into Analog Heat +FX.
MIDI Routing and Sequencing: Octatrack is the master clock, sending MIDI clock to all other boxes. Internal sequencers on each box are in use, no external sequencing."
"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."
"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.
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"The Bob Moog Foundation Announces 'Moogus Operandi' Fundraising Event featuring Synthesizer Virtuoso Erik Norlander and his Massive Wall of Doom Modular Synthesizer
April 19, 2010 – For immediate release The Bob Moog Foundation is proud to announce Moogus Operandi, a concert event honoring the pioneering work and legacy of synthesizer maverick Robert Moog, to be held on May 27, 2010 at the Orange Peel in Asheville, North Carolina. The event will be a celebration of the Moog legacy through music, art and mulitmedia entertainment. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door the night of the event.
Northern California based synthesizer virtuoso Erik Norlander (ASIA featuring John Payne, Rocket Scientists, Lana Lane) will headline the evening, performing songs from his new album, The Galactic Collective. Norlander, an accomplished rock, electronic and symphonic keyboardist known for his command of vintage and cutting edge synthesizer technology alike will bring the Moog legacy alive with his synth-heavy instrumentals and his “Wall of Doom” modular synthesizer (so named by his roadies). The Wall of Doom, a massive analog modular synthesizer with restored 1967 Moog modules at its heart, will grace the stage of the Orange Peel as the musical and historical representation of Bob Moog's legacy of pushing the boundaries of sonic reality. This marks Norlander's first performance in Western North Carolina.
Norlander states "I have been a fan of the Moog instruments since I was kid, and I had the great privilege of knowing Bob Moog in his later years. Moog is, without a doubt, the most iconic name in synthesizers, and to many, the word Moog is synonymous with the word synthesizer. I am really looking forward to this stellar event for The Bob Moog Foundation in Asheville where we will celebrate the legacy of Bob Moog through music using his wonderful, timeless instruments."
Norlander will be joined on stage by a host of Asheville's top musicians including percussionists, brass and string players as well as a choral group of four vocalists. The exact lineup of will be announced in the coming weeks.
Opening for Norlander and accompanying musicians will be Asheville street musician sensations Blind Boy Chocolate and the Milk Sheiks featuring Dwight Hawkins (Saw, Guitar, Vocals), Nicky The Squirrel (Mandolin, Harmonica, Kazoo, Vocals), Tony Costa (Guitar, Kazoo, Vocals), Alex Brady (Gut Bass) performing ragtime, jug band, early blues & country. Furthering the spirit of celebrating musical genres and technologies, the Bob Moog Foundation is proud to feature this group whose sound incorporates the musical saw, an instrument whose sound is much like the theremin, an early electronic musical instrument upon which the Moog legacy was founded.
In addition to fantastic music, Moogus Operandi will explore the Moog legacy through visual art. The Bob Moog Foundation has issued a call to Asheville artists to donate original works of Moog-inspired art to raise funding for the Foundation through an online auction. In the week leading up to the celebration, the foundation will hold an eBay auction featuring the unique pieces of Moog-inspired art. The eBay format will be used to provide an opportunity for the local artists to have their work showcased to a multi-national audience. It will also give the worldwide community of Moog enthusiasts a chance to bid on one-of-a-kind pieces of art created in the pioneer's hometown.
The auction, which will begin on May 20th, is scheduled to close at the end of the May 27th Moogus Operandi event at 10 pm; attendees will be able to participate through bidding stations set up by CityMac. Artists can register their pieces of art through May 1, 2010 at www.moogfoundation.org/artist-registration/. Submissions must be received by May 15 at 2pm. More information about the auction can be found on the Foundation's website.
Additionally, visitors will be treated to a multimedia presentation by Gene Felice, the graphics artist who created the Moogseum 3D conceptualization for the Foundation's hallmark project, the Moogseum. Felice will be highlighting the profound impact of Moog’s inventions on the music industry and on the musicians who have taken his instruments far beyond Bob’s wildest expectations. Felice will be using media directly from Bob Moog's archives, such as vintage photos, schematics, movie clips and more.
Attendees of the event will be able to participate in a raffle, with generous prizes given by Asheville area businesses. Raffle prizes include an Ipod Touch courtesy of CityMac ($250 value), an Mp-201 Multi-Pedal from Moog Music, Inc. ($499 value) and a chance to lay down some tracks and pull shapes in a day session at the world-class facility of Echo Mountain Recording ($1000 value).
Finally, guests will be able to explore the sonic boundaries of the Moog sound in the Foundation's MoogLab interactive experience. Theremins and synthesizers will be set up in the back of the Orange Peel, with BMF volunteers standing by offering instructional advice.
Moogus Operandi promises to be a unique opportunity to be immersed in a rich musical experience that blends musical genres and showcases musical technology from its most primal form to its most cutting edge. The combination of talent that will be found on the Orange Peel stage on the 27th will be as unique as the Moog Legacy itself.
As a small non-profit, the Bob Moog Foundation creates unique fundraising events to fulfill its mission and to raise much needed funding for its three projects. The funding supports the Foundation's staff and many volunteers who are painstakingly working to carry Bob Moog's legacy forward to future generations.
Erik Norlander is a self described “keyboardist, composer, producer and engineer”, but despite his humble admission, he is a prolific artist. With 32 albums under his belt over the last 15 years, he has embodied the sound of Moog and his works are a great testament to the beast that is securely encased within the heart of his levethian “Wall of Doom” analog synthesizer…a 22 oscillator custom 1967 Moog Modular. Keyboard Magazine describes Erik's work this way:
“From lightning-fast, Bach-like synth leads and arpeggios to thunderous rhythm beds and sci-fi lyrical themes (2003’s Music Machine chronicles the rise and fall of a genetically-engineered rock star, for example), Norlander’s solo work gleefully summons the operatic spirit of ’70s prog. At the same time, it displays the kind of originality, virtuosity, and cohesion best achieved by one artist taking a vision from conception to final mix.”
Erik has been a valued contributor to the foundation as well as a musician who speaks through the vessel of Moog and thus, the sound that Bob created over 50 years ago will continue to make waves through him for many years to come.
The Bob Moog Foundation is a 501 c (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and inspire people through the intersection of music, science and innovation. The Foundation's goals include creating a MoogLab interactive educational experience and curriculum that teach children science through electronic music, preserving a fast decaying collection of electronic music memorabilia contained in Bob’s archives, and creating a Moogseum facility where its educational and preservation efforts will come alive in an innovative, interactive experience for people of all ages.
An important aspect of the Foundation's work is to embrace the local and international communities to which Bob was so deeply dedicated. In this spirit, the foundation works to promote the cultural richness of the local artists and musicians and to act as a converging force for musicians around the world. Moog believed strongly in the music as a unifying force. He wanted people to get out from behind the confines of their garages and home-studio headphones to bring their music to the world. He felt strongly that music is meant to be performed and art is meant to be seen. He was fond of working in his garden in his spare time, and the key to a healthy garden is fertile soil and tending. Part of the Foundation’s goal is to help create fertile minds in young people and adults with exposure to the convergence of music and science. In this time of economic crisis, when arts and music are being eliminated from the schools, the Bob Moog Foundation aims to fill a void and elevate the level and quality of music and science education; the foundation seeks the support of the local and international communities to bring this project to fruition.
TICKETS For ordering information please call the Orange Peel at 1-866-468-7630, visit their website or visit their box office at 101 Biltmore Ave. in Asheville. Hours are from Wed-Sat 12 noon to 5:30pm."
"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.
"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]"
"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."
"Moogfest 2014 Announces Daytime Presenters Including Futurists, Musicians, Scientists, Authors, Filmmakers, and Pioneers of Electronic Music Instrument Design
Phase 1 tickets start at $199 for 5-Day General Admission, and $499 for 5-Day VIP Admission while supplies last through December 19 when Phase 2 GA tickets go up to $299. All prices exclusive of applicable fees.
ASHEVILLE, NC – November 14, 2013 – Moogfest is a five-day festival dedicated to the synthesis of technology, art and music. Since its inception in 2004, Moogfest has been a magnet for artists, engineers, and enthusiasts of Bob Moog. With an experimental lineup of daytime conference programming featuring cultural, artistic and technological luminaries and punctuated by a diverse line up of landmark nightly performances, Moogfest honors the creativity and inventiveness of Dr. Robert Moog and pays tribute to the legacy of the analog synthesizer. This is no ordinary festival.
"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.'"
via this auction "This is a newly developed (modern) replacement CPU for the Sequential Circuits Pro One 8021. Bring that old Pro One back to life or simply have a spare for the "unobtanium" 8021.
MTG Turbo CPU Features: * Plug n Play. No soldering required. * Supports the original functionality including the sequencer and arpeggiator. * 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 mode and arpeggio gate time. * Sequence Tie mode allows for a variety of note lengths. * Sequence End mode lets you "chain" the two sequences. * Optional: If you want to make your own MIDI interface, instructions are in the manual. If you want MIDI hardware included, see my CPU+MIDI eBay ad."
More info at Music Technologies Group Blog Tiny pics. If anyone has a bigger one, feel free to comment or send it in.
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)
"Abeem Live Technologies has updated Rack Performer to version 0.96-alpha.
This update includes many stability improvements especially around VST support, and should address all reported issues. The keyboard mapper is now completely functional, including all submap types, new simplified mapping types (control focus vs action keys) and a brand new configuration dialog to select layout and numeric pad mode.
New features: * Major rework of the keyboard mapping types (simpler, more consistent and uniform) * New keyboard layout selection and configuration dialog allows to setup the keyboard mapper easily * Keyboard follows and can also change module control focus (aka Keyboard control focus) * Keyboard focus lock can force keyboard control focus to stay on a given module until manually unlocked * Control combo mode for numeric pad keys adds extra controls to interact with the focus target
New modules: * New mini blank GUI wrapper, smallest possible GUI while retaining full control focus ability
Follow-up to this post. The Dodecaudion is now available at hedoco.com. The first 100 customers will receive a 10% discount on their orders. The Dodecaudion is available as a DIY project or completed.
Traditional musical instruments rarely require the artist to engage his/her entire body. Dodecaudion, a Polish invention, challenges this stereotype and brings a new quality into the world of professional music.
What is Dodecaudion? It is the effect of collaboration of panGenerator group and the Hedoco brand. In a nutshell, Dodecaudion is a musical instrument – a spatial controller in the form of a regular dodecahedron. Each face of this device has an ”eye” with integrated infrared sensor which collects information on the presence and distance of the musician’s hands. Therefore, Dodecaudion is a gesticulative instrument which requires the artist to move his/her hands and the entire body, get the palms closer to the device and take them away, and shape them in various configurations. In this way Dodecaudion offers novel, extraordinary stage possibilities: while generating sounds, the user can dance and at the same time open a new dimension of music during a performance or concert.
The heart of Dodecaudion is Arduino, an electronic platform integrated with the device, which could be used thanks to the idea of open technologies (Open Source as well as Creative Commons and MIT licences). Arduino collects data from all sensors and transfers them to the computer, so they can be used not only during live concerts, but also in any other way, from sound processing and synthesis to creating visual effects.
The use of open Arduino platform gives artists an unlimited access to the functions of the instrument, and allows for its reprogramming and adjustment to individual needs. It is an asset of the Open Source which gives the users a possibility to find new solutions and applications by themselves.
Currently, we are working on the production of the first Dodecaudions intended for sale. The target clients are professional musicians from all over the world, DJs, performers, and people fascinated by this unique electronic instrument.
How was Dodecaudion created? The concept developed by four visionary artists forming panGenerator group emerged in autumn 2010. Six month later, Modern Arts Management company joined the project and the works accelerated. The financial support of the Hedoco brand owners brought results: in July 2011, Dodecaudion’s prototype was constructed, and in August, the first concert was held to test the instrument.
"Premier provider of virtual instrument technology teams up with industry legend to form new research and development arm.
