DSP Audio Nortron 1.2 UB - Virtual Notron

"Nortron is a new type of vertical sequencer that fully combines performance and composition.

With Nortron exploring difficult musical structures is simple and addictive. The timing matrix and 4 fully independent yet linked sequencer arrays provides full spectrum control of entire sequencing structures as opposed to the constrained yet popular timeline editing format.

Nortron is the tool for deep experimentation into beats and rhythmic juxtaposition.

* High-yield interface takes very little energy to program with great results
* Behaves as an instrument rather than an editing platform
* Improvisation is natural and the same as creating a song
* Quality beat construction with VST Plugins, Soft-synths and MIDI hardware gives your productions a unique edge over sample based loops
* Timing and event templates conform rapid sequence transitions to an overal theme
* Unique Performance Modes allow MIDI triggering sequences, Quantize Playthrough and custom arpeggios
* Full integration with Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Live and other popular timelines
* Nortron breathes life into whatever instruments it controls

Performance is now the same as composition. MP3 of "Sculpture soft-synth" performed by Nortron"

You can find a comparison with the Latronic Notron here.

Also check out this link for demos using the following synths:
Oberheim Xpander
Nord Modular
Tr-909
Tr-808+Midikit
Omega 8
Serge Modular
Synton Fenix
Synthacon
Kawai K5000
Juno 106

via Niall

Latronic Notron Mk1 version 2.0 (upgraded firmware)

This Notron is now up for auction.

"This is the original, ultra-rare version 1. There are only about 100 of these in existence, many in the hands of famous musicians. If you are looking at this auction you probably already know what this is!

Despite being produced int he late 90's there are still unique features on this sequencer not found anywhere else (not even on the Genoqs Octopus). My favorites are the cumulative transpose and supersteps.

from Sound on Sound:

"Its moulded plastic case has no fewer than 87 tri-colour LEDs, 10 stylish knobs, four equally stylish control wheels and 103 switches that rattle like marbles on a solitaire board. The Notron is a step-time MIDI sequencer with four rows of up to 16 steps. Each of these is capable of sending note information, MIDI controllers, chords and arpeggios on separate (or, indeed, the same) MIDI channels. Unlike older analogue sequencers, it doesn't have a separate pitch knob for each step; instead a switch toggles notes on or off.

Designed for lap-top operation, the Notron feels comfortable and is light enough (at 2.2kg) to leave propped against a convenient wall when not in use. Or to wear as an impressive codpiece, come to think of it. (Dimensions are approximately 14 inches by 18 inches by 2.5 inches high.) Let's complete the obligatory tour quickly so we can get to the interesting stuff: the Notron has a MIDI In and Out, two auxiliary inputs (for future developments such as controller devices) and an input for the external power supply. Construction is to a high standard, so there's no doubt that you're dealing with a serious piece of kit."
I bought this a few months ago from a guy in England (who was friends with David Spowage one of the creators) for research purposes only (I am an engineer and I am designing a sequencer). It has served it's function so now it is time to pass it on to someone who will get some use out of it! The original owner had this unit upgraded to the much improved version 2.0 software. Unfortunately to do this with the Mk1 (the enclosure is made from sealed plastic) they had to cut the edges of the Notron to open it up. This is the same way all Mk1's have been upgraded. The result is that there was a rubber edging glued on afterwards. It looks totally pro from the top but in the underside you can see he was a bit sloppy with the rubber cement. The upside is that the glue is easily scraped away (rubber) if you are neat freak. There is also a tiny 1" long hairline crack in the bottom right side (underneath), it is almost invisible but I feel it is important to disclose all details! Those are the downsides to the upgrade, the upside is that they replaced many switches and pots and the new firmware functions fantastically and includes many improved features detailed in the V 2.0 manual.

It is well used but everything functions perfectly. Included is the the old firmware rare, extra memory chip and extra switches. I also have a UK and US power supply and all the manuals.

See why Bjork, Howie B, Richie Hawtin, The Orb, Jeff Mills, The Advent, Claude Young, Girogio Moroder and many others love theirs."

Latronic Notron Sequencer

images via this auction
"The features of this fantastic device are too numerous to mention, everything is described in the manual which is linked [here]. There are four step sequencers, each of which can be controlled independently and adjusted while sequences are playing. Each sequence can have a different length and tempo. There are three-color LEDs for each step to indicate different states. Sequences can be forced to any of a large variety of scales, including some unique ones. Pitch bend, aftertouch, or other midi controllers can be sent in addition to notes. Velocity and note length are adjustable. Patterns can be saved and chained. The four wheels allow sequences to be "played" by transposing the notes - combined with force-to-scale, this is a great performance feature, something I have not seen on any other sequencer. The layout of the wheels makes it easy to play all four at the same time."

Latronic Notron Sequencer

click here for more shots of the Latronic Notron via Danjel.

Latronic Notron Sequencer

via this auction. via Sascha of SubtleNoiseMaker. Note that this is his.

"Details:
* Parts -
- 4 step time sequencer "Elements" with 16 steps per element.
- Each element is completely independent but can interact with others when they share the same Midi Channel.

* Maximum data generated at any instant -

- Up to 4 Midi Channels with total of up to 24 Note On or Note Off messages plus up to 3 other Midi messages of Pitch Bend, Aftertouch or Controller; all user-definable for Channel / type.

* Effects (generated by Midi data) -

- Echo - up to 4 simultaneous different settings (Delay Time and Number of Repeats-user definable)
- Super Step Soundshapes ( user manipulates wave forms to control Pitch Bend, Aftertouch or Controller messages)
- Beatcreep adds "swing" to steps or whole Elements or both.
- Kill consecutives for special echo effects.
- Scale correction (45 available).
- Events (user "draws" own shape of effect on Note Numbers, Pitch Bend, Controller, Aftertouch, Sequence Skip or Sequence Pause.) Other Events can be Transpose, Chord or Strum up/down
- Midi Kill for "broken midi lead" effects.
- "Inverse" muting.
- Loop Point flipping with "Inverse".
- Copy and Paste element data.
- Creepmap & Velomap algorithms (approx: 29,000,000,000,000,000 per element)
- CreepMute /un-mute.
- Volume and Panning with "Inverse".
- Preset & Custom instant recall Controllers.
- Re-assign Controllers and or Aftertouch.
- ... All settings can be saved and retrieved as System Exclusive data.

* Internal Memory -
- Chords 16 (5 are pre-set) plus extra functions see Patterns...
- Patterns 16
- Setups 16
- Chained Patterns 16
- Scales 45
- Super Step Soundshapes 16

* Connectors -
- Midi Connectors (In and Out)

* Display -
- 87 triple colour LEDs

* Power Consumption -
- D.C. 5v up to 1 AMP

* Dimensions -
- Approximately 14 inches wide x 18 inches long x 2.5 inches high.

* Weight -
- 5kg

* Accessories -
- Instruction Manual
- Notron Power Supply
- Aluminium case

mehr info unter:
http://www.technomage.freeserve.co.uk/notron.htm"

Latronic Notron

Image via SubtleNoiseMaker. Note it is currently up for sale. If you are interested, click through to SubtleNoiseMaker. You can find more info on the Notron in general at Information from TechnoMage.

Latronic Notron

images via this auction. via philip.
"This is probably the best step sequencer ever made, its very sought after and very rare. Only about 100 of these were made. This one is in great condition. I'm the original owner, bought it new back in 1998. Has MIDI inputs and outputs. I have a US power suply for the unit and also comes with the owners manual. It fits very nicely in a standard guitar stand (like shown in the photo's), or can sit flat on a table. I will Ship the item with UPS. No PO boxes. Paypal payment prefered.

Some well known Notron user's are Goldie, The Orb, Jeff Mills, The Advent, Joey Beltram, Bjork, Claude Young, etc. Its great for making techno, electro and some incredibly unique basslines.

If you want to know what this machine does and how it works, you can read Paul Nagle's review from 'Sound on Sound' here

Also, some info from Wikipedia, here"

Latronic Notron

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Details:
"4 elements of 16 steps each. 4 wheels. 4 knobs for note length and 4 knobs for velocity. There's a transpose area, and some specialty sections for saving/loading and setting up various wheel functions. You can set each element to the same or to different MIDI channels. You can pretty much do everything without ever hitting the Stop button.

So why is the Notron better than the Zeit, P3, Octopus, etc? In my opinion, it has a great balance of hardware and functionality. There's just enough tools to completely mutilate your MIDI sequences and enough hardware control to give you awesome live capabilities. You don't spend time and lose focus by paging through menus on screen and the functions that are built in give you a lot of control over what's happening without getting you lost in the details. There's also simple dedicated controls that make a huge difference. These include dedicated Note length controls and the Sustain, Mute, and MIDI Kill buttons. In addition, the Notron handles MIDI slightly differently than most other boxes. The Notron spits out MIDI CC data inbetween steps. A lot of other hardware MIDI sequencers only send MIDI CC data at discrete intervals (ie - on each step). If you watch the Notron data, you'll see the CC data coming out between steps for smoother changes.

Other cool functions include Supersteps, Events (automated changes as if the wheel was manually moved each time), Scales, Sequence Shifts, BeatCreep (swing), and more. I used to have the manual on-line (before the latest ISP crash wiped out the site) and maybe you can still find a copy to look at somewhere."

Modcan MIDI Sequencer

Click here for more shots via this auction

Details:
"highly coveted Signal Arts brand MIDI Sequencer once offered in Modcan A-Series modular synthesizer format. While the desktop box versions of these fabulous polyphonic sequencers are still being offered by the Signal Arts Company for $1,300.00, the Modular Modcan format unit above is no longer available which is why this unit is so very special!

Below is quoted directly from the Modcan website
(it is still listed on their site, however no longer available!) Modcan.com

More Info here

http://www.bigcitymusic.com/product.asp?cat=New&pid=1000540

and here

http://www.signalarts.ca/

"Overall, for the money, nothing even comes close to touching this [MAPS]. It's an amazingly powerful device. Given the legendary status that machines like the Latronic Notron have gained over the years (and price tag), I believe that this is a similar device at a much lower price "new", than what people are asking for old Notrons. Plus this has 3 cv/gate outs and can operate as a totally independent midi/cv converter. Sounds too good to be true really." Simon Birds, Australia. MAPS owner/user review on harmony-central.com

~~Modcan version of the Performance Sequencer available from Signal Arts~~

The versatility of the Signal Arts Performance Sequencer for sequencing, complex modulation and as a processor based event generator is unparalleled for the modular world.

Bridges the gap between Software and traditional Analogue sequencers.
Real-time control over all sequence parameters with tons of interactive performance features unavailable to analogue sequencers.
Built in Voltage and Gate outs and real knobs..unlike any software sequencer.
Backlit LCD display shows info for note value, duration, step length etc.
Sequences can modulate each other for true madness.

Playable and controllable in Real Time for live performance as well as in the studio!
Three Analogue outs with three gates.
Stores 99 sequences of 8 steps, chained to make longer sequences.
Nine different trigger modes.
Can be clocked with an LFO module for sync to Modcan
Sequences are accessed in real-time using panel switches
Also functions as a full feature MIDI to CV converted and as a MIDI
control device for use with other midi gear.
Can be used with other MIDI>CV converters for up to 32 channels of Voltage control
Module is three units wide

http://www.cyndustries.com

The Formicarium

Studio shot via The Formicarium. Check out the site for audio, info and a few more shots. There are some really good soundscapes.

Synth Gear Pictured:
Elektron Machinedrum
Sherman Filterbank
Elektron Monomachine
Latronic Notron Sequencer

Latronic Notron

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Details:
"In the words of Paul Nagle from his Sound On Sound (June 1997) review: "Is it a hi-tech bathroom scale? Is it a 21st-century computer game? Is it Darth Vader's toilet seat? No, it's an innovative LED-laden MIDI step sequencer, with the power to wring new life from your old synths".

via Johan.

Sneak-Thief Notron and DIY Modular

Michel Morin (seak-thief / polygamy boys), sent in a couple of shots of his Latronic Notron and DIY modular. The following are his thoughts on the Notron.

"I bought the Notron new back in 1998 and manually upgraded it to the Mk2 ROM a year later. Cutting the rubber rim around the base was extremely difficult, not to mention carefully separating the two halves which were hot-glued together. I haven't replaced the rubber trim yet even though Latronic sent me a replacement piece along with the Mk2 ROM.

Notron's have generally had issues with static electricity and will sometimes reboot as a result. I think this might be solved if a proper star-grounding topology is used on the inside board along with a decent 5V DC power supply. I don't perform with it live anymore so fixing this is no longer a pressing issue for me.

I don't ever plan to sell my Notron, despite it currently being worth almost 3 times as much as I paid for it. Besides, how many sequencers do you know that can run at 1500bpm? When I first got it, I remember simultaneously crashing an SC-55, Juno 106, AN1x and TX81z due to some kind of insane midi stream that the Notron was spitting out. Most impressive!

What really stands out about this sequencer are the compelling ergonomics - it feels so damn good to use."

"p.s. It's crazy to think that I bought the Notron in 1998 for the equivalent of $950 USD and it's recently sold for over $3000 USD!"

DIY Modular from top to bottom:

1. 22-channel diy-passive mixer with FETBoy preamps
2. CGS + Oakley
3. Blacet
4 & 5. ASM-2 + Tonepad FX
6. Midibox CV + CGS
7. Henry/Stites + CGS + Papareil

Previous Notron posts

DSPaudio Nortron

Soft synth version of the Latronic Notron. Note the extra "r."
Mac only.

"A software sequencer inspired by classic hardware, Nortron goes further into new sequencing dimensions while retaining tight timing, quick navigation, and instrument like playability. Through IAC and CoreMIDI, Nortron controls Softsynths and standard MIDI devices. Nortron breathes new life into old instruments and otherwise dull synthesizers by playing them in ways not previously possible."

Title link takes you to more info and samples. Seen on Music Thing.

Grey Latronic Notron Mk1

Title link takes you to more shots pulled from this auction. Via trobly1000. Thanks trobly1000!

Two Latronic Notron Sites

Title link takes you to the TecnoMage Latronic Notron Site. Note this is the same host for LIFE. Just like the way that sounds. ; ) The Latronic Notron is a rare and somewhat exotic step sequencer. You can find an overview of the Notron on SOS.



The second site worth checking out is the synthservices page, which has manuals for download and upgrade information if you were lucky enough to score one of these before they disappeared.

GenoQs - OCTOPUS

Interesting new sequencer coming out. Click here for more info.

It reminds me of a mix between the Latronic Notron Sequencer and Buchla's 250e pictured below.