MATRIXSYNTH: Search results for Learning Modular


Showing posts sorted by date for query Learning Modular. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Learning Modular. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Rare ARP 2600 Blue Marvin Discovery w/ Ryan Hawkins & Rob Rosen


video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

Also see Rare ARP 2600 Blue Marvin Jam (w/ Cameron Graves)

"Join Ryan Hawkins and me for an in-depth look at an extremely rare ARP 2600 called the "Blue Marvin". It was the first ARP 2600 prototype created in 1971 before the later gray faced Tonus versions of the instrument were made for sale to the public. There are a lot of quirky physical aspects to this beauty since it was never really completed for final production, but in spite of that, it sounds magnificent! In particular, there is a type of harmonic distortion that it delivers only to be found on the original R.A. Moog modular synths from the late 1960's through the early 1970's.

You'll also hear the back story about how it was found in a post office, changed hands and then how it was restored by Ryan. We'll explore the front panel by comparing it to the first production Tonus model and also give you a Hands-on demonstration of the compelling sounds that it delivers. All music in this video is composed and performed by Ryan.

00:00 Intro
00:08 Music Interlude 1
00:19 The Story: Finding the Blue Marvin
06:11 Rob Rosen @RosenSound replaces the power jack
07:36 About the original modules (rectangular vs later square versions)
08:25 Under he Hood with Rob Rosen
10:21 Music Interlude 2
10:31 "Blue Marvin": 2600 vs Tonus 2600 Differences
16:36 Music Interlude 3
17:10 Missing Items compared to later models
22:40 Who was "Marvin"
23:05 @AlexBallMusic Story of "Blue Marvin"
24:16 13-note chromatic scale
25:12 Keyboard Differences - "Blue Marvin" Keyboard vs ARP 3620 Keyboard
26:31 Face Differences - "Blue Marvin" 2600 Face vs Tonus 2600 Face
27:16 Making Sounds on the "Blue Marvin"
27:36 Incredible Harmonic Distortion on the "Blue Meanie" 2600
30:03 Ryan's Favorite Sounds on the "Blue Meanie 2600
31:12 Sample and Hold with a sine wave
31:45 "Blue Marvin" - Reverb
33:25 "Blue Marvin - The Way it's Built
34:33 Plugging in a Microphone
35:40 ARP 2600 Layout Designed for Learning
36:52 "Blue Marvin" at Synthplex
38:03 About Ryan Hawkins
38:21 Conclusion
39:17 End Credits Music by Ryan Hawkins
45:20 AMM Logo"

Friday, February 02, 2024

Exploring the 1st Buchla 100 Modular Synthesizer


video upload by Sarah Belle Reid

"This video is a historical, technical, and musical deep dive into the Buchla 100 Series Modular System at the Mills College Center for Contemporary Music. This instrument was the first voltage controllable modular synthesizer built by Don Buchla—it was delivered to the San Francisco Tape Music Center in the mid-1960s.

In this video we’ll start with a brief historical overview of the Buchla 100 Series Modular System and the San Francisco Tape Music Center. Then, we’ll unpack everything that’s inside the instrument module by module. Finally, I’ll share some of the quirks of this particular instrument, and lots of patch examples to illustrate its unique voice and character.

As I was getting to know this instrument, I tried to keep in mind the circumstances surrounding its development—the people who contributed to it, the time in which it emerged, and the state of electronic music at the time of its invention. These thoughts greatly inspired my approach to working with the instrument and are present throughout this video.

It’s a rare opportunity to be able to work with a historical instrument like this one. I have always been super inspired by Buchla’s work in general, but like many people have had few opportunities to work with his original instruments. Instead, much of my experience has been through newer instruments inspired by his designs. Being able to work closely with this instrument was an incredibly inspiring and clarifying experience that allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Buchla’s own creative and technical development, as well as the multitude of music, modern modules, and instruments that have been inspired by his work.

Special thank you to Mills College for letting us spend a week in the electronic music studio working with the Buchla 100; to The Buchla Archives and Ryan Gaston for helping to put this video together; and also to all of the amazing folks in my Patreon community for your support in helping to bring educational projects like this one to life!

Learn more / join the waitlist for Learning Sound and Synthesis, my online modular synthesis and sound design class: https://www.soundandsynthesis.com

Join my Patreon community for behind-the-scenes content, unreleased music, and extended tutorials: sarahbellereid

Thank you to:
Mills College Center for Contemporary Music https://www.performingarts.mills.edu
The Buchla Archives https://www.buchlaarchives.com
Ryan Gaston (co-producing + filming) https://gastonsounds.com
Hainbach (tape slicing footage)

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Historical Overview: Buchla 100 + the San Francisco Tape Music Center
7:38 Mills Buchla 100 System Overview
14:27 Timbre in the Mills Buchla 100
18:29 Chaos in the Mills Buchla 100
21:52 Voltage Control Quirks
25:00 Sequencing Tactics: Triggered Segments
30:40 Sequencing Tactics: Extended Sequences
32:06 More Patches + Sounds
32:36 Ring Modulated Reverb Patch
34:40 Keyboard Chaos Patch
36:55 Gated Voice Patch
38:29 Wonky Drum Machine Patch
38:57 Triggered Gestures Patch
39:14 Transposed FM Sequence Patch
39:48 Bell Tones Patch
40:27 Touch Controlled Ratchet Patch
41:00 Sequenced Melodic Patch

Sarah Belle Reid is a performer-composer, active in the fields of electroacoustic trumpet performance, intermedia arts, music technology, and improvisation.

www.sarahbellereid.com"



"In the Spring of 2024, Reid spent a week at the Center for Contemporary Music at Mills College, where she worked closely with their original Buchla 100 modular synthesizer system. This specific instrument’s historical significance can’t be overstated. It was the very first voltage controllable modular synthesizer that the now-famous artist, inventor, and electronic musical instrument designer Donald Buchla built in the mid 1960s—indeed, one of the very first modular synthesizers altogether. In its time, this specific system has been used by countless inspiring and influential musicians, such as Pauline Oliveros, Morton Subotnick, Suzanne Ciani, Warner Jepson, and others.

The video begins with a brief historical overview of the Buchla 100 Series Modular System and the San Francisco Tape Music Center. Then, Reid unpacks everything that’s inside the instrument module by module, with sound demos and examples. Finally, she shares some of the unique quirks of the Mills Buchla 100 instrument, and patch examples of how the instrument can be used to create a wide range of music and sounds."

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Panharmonium | by Rossum Electro-Music


video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Spectral processors are hot these days thanks to the Spectraphon and the mighty 296T. It's easy to skip the Rossum Panharmonium and I got many questions like 'how does it compare...' So I checked a few Chris Meyers Learning Modular videos and many I don't remember. What I heard was pure magic. It's been quite an investment again, especially with the Morpheus.

This is a 'first patch' video so there's not much explaining and too much exploring. I simply don't have the time for a deep dive during #jamuary2024 but it's a perfect opportunity to share the experience of learning by tweaking knobs. I started recording/shooting around noon today, and I am happy I can post it before midnight so it's a genuine Day 23. I may have to shoot something simple tomorrow. Or maybe I'll do the dreaded Strega multi sample that will break reality in two."

Sunday, January 21, 2024

KORG Reveals Upcoming PS-3300 FS



Update: I'm hearing the PS-3300 will be available in late 2024, built-to-order, for an etimated price of $13,000.

KORG is bringing out a full-size reissue of the PS-3300. Details follow.

The PS-3300 FS is a full-scale reissue of the original Korg PS-3300, a legendary and ultra-rare synthesizer designed by legendary Korg engineer Fumio Mieda and produced by Korg in very limited numbers from 1977 to 1981.

The PS-3300 FS reissue marks a new milestone in synth history, and the latest achievement by the same Korg engineering team that brought back iconic machines such as the MS-20, ARP ODYSSEY, miniKORG 700 FS and ARP 2600.

“Bringing back to life these legendary machines is not only a process of reproducing circuits and sounds, but also of learning and embracing the essence of the philosophy and development of synthesizers.

Through this project I was able to relive the history of Korg and a critical moment in the evolution of our synthesizers. This was an extremely valuable experience that provided an opportunity for Korg's philosophy and technology to be carried on to future generations.”

- Yoshihito Yamada, Chief Engineer of Korg Analog Synthesizers

Key features
49 keys / 49 voice analog polyphony (the original model had 48 keys / voices)

3 Layers: The PS-3300 consists of three synthesizer units (PSU-3301) and a mixer & utility section (PSU-3302)

Three independent oscillators, plus multiple filters, envelopes and amplifiers for every note on its keyboard, for a total of 147 synth voices of raw analog power

Microtuning knob x12 on each PSU-3301 unit

New panel memory function (16 programs per bank and 16 banks = 256 slots)

Modernised for contemporary music use with the inclusion of USB / MIDI jacks, and a dedicated librarian app for easy preset management

Semi-modular

3-Band Resonator: Three frequency bands can be emphasised, a feature unique to the PS-3300 (original was a Cadmium sulfide circuit, but it was replaced with modern components for safety and to comply with regulations)

Keyboard unit (PS-3010) included

You can find an audio demo on KORG's website here.

Friday, December 22, 2023

What is The Vanilla Synthesizer? It's Ready, That's What



via the STG Soundlabs/muSonics Electronic Newsletter:

Is it The Vanilla Synthesizer or the muSonics TVS?

I started working on this project a year and a half ago.

Originally my thought process was to make a new American format synthesiser that could be sold as modules, kits, and bare boards. I was concerned about the future of the format, and I felt a new line of basic modules and infrastructure at a variety of price points was important. I still do.

STG Soundlabs was a failure because I made things that ultimately the eurorack market simply did not want. Yes, I sold some, and will continue to maintain the line as best as I can, but it's very hard to find photos of eurorack installations with STG Soundlabs modules in them, but rare to find a nice big man-sized synthesiser without my modules in it.

Another thing I wanted to do was teach myself how to do my own engineering. It didn't start that way, but it became that way. I'd been a hardware product developer since 2005 but never actually laid out a circuit board. That is no longer true, and I've done things beyond this project that I haven't even talked about.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

A synth design masterclass by SOMA SYNTHS Vlad Kreimer.


video upload by mylarmelodies

"In this talk, Soma's Vlad Kreimer explains the unique difference behind 'organismic' synths like the Lyra-8 or Terra vs. everything else. He also explains how other synth brands could be more organismic - and why they may want to be. I believe ideas in this can inspire synth designers as well as anyone designing modular patches..."

This was delivered at Machina Bristronica 2023, check out the event and attend the next event in 2024 here:
▶︎ https://ra.co/events/1788966

CHAPTERS
00:00 Opening thoughts
1:50 What is 'Romantic' Engineering?
5:28 The need for imperfections
9:46 Static digital oscillator
10:22 ...vs analog oscillator
12:30 ...vs a violin.
15:47 Musician vs The Sound They Want
22:15 The secret of Lyra-8
25:12 Triggering Emotional Resonance
27:39 What is an Organismic synth?
31:08 Organismic: The Visual Analogy
32:31 Linear Synth vs Organismic
36:10 Vlad's Challenge to Synth Brands
37:19 Q&A: Macro controls vs Organismic
40:23 Q&A: What synths does Vlad admire?
41:47 Q&A: What is TOO MUCH 'organismic'?
43:02 Q&A: How do you know when a synth is done?
45:16 Q&A: Can we truly perform synths that aren't organismic?
48:19 Q&A: Beyond touch, what other ways can we control synths?
50:29 Q&A: Will people commit to learning to play instruments?
51:47 Q&A: Vlad's Dream: The brain-to-music interface!
53:10 Q&A: What is the Soma design 'difference'?

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Luminous Trilogy & A CATALOGUE OF FM MATERIALS by Element433 ( a.k.a. Pere Villez)


via Element433 (Pere Villez)

"When I made the popular YouTube series 'FM Catalogue of Materials', many viewers commented that they would love to see some more of the 'music tech as cinema' style created in the videos.

My new project 'Luminous Trilogy' release, does exactly that. In part 1 'WTD', synths and synth technical diagrams, together with Pure Data/Max patches, become casual parts of the film's environment, which is set in an alt near future. Part 1 was realised with analogue modular, whereas Part 2 "Breath" was scored using binaural audio, VCV rack and live Indian tablas. Part 3 'Contrails' uses physical models, Samplicity's Berlin Studios and vintage FM hardware."

Update: Element433 has made the VCV patch and assets used in the film "Breath" below a free download. You can find instructions on downloading the patch and setting it up here: http://tinyurl.com/e433WpBrvcv.

Luminous Trilogy

video uploads by Element433 ( a.k.a. Pere Villez)

"Three music shorts around the theme of light, from incandescent urban folklore set in the near future, electric neon glowing medussae to impossible skies, all to the sound of dark ambient and techno-world music"

Playlist:

Walking The Dulzaina - Luminous Trilogy - Part 1
Walking The Dulzaina is an edited one-shot music film which details the manic walkthrough time-lapse of an imaginary synthesised dulzaina (Spanish folkloric instrument) being taken for a walk through the "Las Vegas" like dressed streets of a small village festive celebration set somewhere in the near future.

The visuals are nods to the Bladerunner, Lynch, Weirdcore and Kubrick where the glow of transparent neon CRTs, display technical diagrams with a music technology theme. Some suddenly slide up from the ground, while others cross from one side of the street to another.

The music is inspired by minimalism, industrial techno synth-folk where Steve Reich and Techno meet Raymond Scott and 1960's BBC radiophonic.

Musical Equipment Detail:

Intro: Moog Subharmonicon through Fairfield Randy's Revenge ring modular - into two crunchy Elby Systems stereo valve preamps and out into a stereo pair of Doepfer A-199 spring tanks).

Dulzainas: Buchla Easel Command sometimes untreated and sometimes solo through a J.H. 'Son of a Storm Tide' stereo analogue studio flanger (built by Van Daal Electronics (second dulzainas and very low transition whoooses). Buchla and Subharmonicon sync locked and clock divided by Ornaments and Crime clock divider.

Final wormhole sequence: Subharmonicon through stereo A-199 Doepfer spring reverbs and Paulstretched.

This work is not sponsored by any the manufacturers mentioned. They are personally purchased pieces of equipment.

Album:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ele...

Friday, November 17, 2023

Modbap Modular Osiris WavPak Volume 3 by Learning Modular’s Chris Meyer



Press release follows:

Modbap Modular announces availability of Osiris WavPak Volume 3, carefully crafted by Chris Meyer to integrate seamlessly with Eurorack module namesake

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA: Modbap Modular is proud to announce availability of Osiris WavPak Volume 3 — carefully crafted by Learning Modular’s Chris Meyer to integrate seamlessly with the black-owned electronic music instrument manufacturer’s own Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC (originally introduced to a captive audience at Knobcon Number Nine, Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, IL, USA, September 10-12, 2021), providing four banks of all-new custom 32 x 32 wavetables which have been meticulously curated and designed to expand anyone’s approach to wavetable synthesis using its Eurorack module namesake — as of November 2…

As the owner of Learning Modular, an online resource to help anyone master their modular synthesizer, Chris Meyer is perfectly positioned to help expand anyone’s approach to wavetable synthesis using Modbap Modular’s Osiris, operating powerfully in and of itself as a (frequency modulation- and phase modulation-including) seven-plus TIMBRE MODE 12HP BI-FIDELITYTM WAVETABLE OSC (oscillator) module, neatly-packed with an independent sub-oscillator, LOFI processing, extensive CV (control voltage) modulation capabilities, a PITCH quantiser, four banks of 32 x 32 wavetables, the ability to load user wavetables via Micro SD card (not included), and its own free open-source wavetable editor (OsirisEdit). After all, Chris Meyer is the talented individual responsible for creating the-then-trailblazing Vector Synthesis technology behind the 1986-vintage Prophet VS DIGITAL VECTOR SYNTHESIZER, supposedly intended to revive the flagging fortunes of US synth ‘giant’ Sequential for whom he worked in an engineering role. Subsequent stints at Digidesign, Music Maker Publications, and Tom Oberheim’s Marion Systems soon ensued, before becoming the Chief Engineer at the now-defunct Roland R&D US while serving also as Technical Chairman of the MIDI Manufacturer’s Association. A transition into the video and film industries followed thereafter as his storied career continued, coming full circle to ultimately end up where he originally started — playing with modular synthesizers.

Duly derived from Chris Meyer’s sizeable studio modular synthesizer — affectionately called The Monster, the four banks of all-new custom 32 x 32 wavetables included in Osiris WavPak Volume 3 are a result of undergoing a meticulous sampling process drawing upon the talents of one of the industry’s leading experts to offer Osiris owners a wide range of timbral possibilities catering to different sonic aesthetics: BANK A — otherwise known as the ‘East Coast’ bank — features wavetables that have been carefully crafted as a result of working with Livewire Electronics AFG’s Animated Pulses and Alien Saws waveforms, as well as Serge-filtered waveforms, using techniques such as audio rate waveform crossfading to offer a diverse palette of sounds, ranging from smooth and evolving textures to aggressive and cutting tones; BANK B — the ‘West Coast’ bank — incorporates techniques like Serge rectification, wave folding, and Serge resonant EQ, the resultinwavetables providing a more experimental and abstract sonic experience suited to those interested in pushing the boundaries of sound design and diving into harmonious tones and textures; BANK C — Formants — focuses on different vowel sounds with a sound design approach anchored around both digital and analogue formant filters for creating expressive vocal-like textures and tones that are ideal for adding a human touch to compositions or exploring more abstract and otherworldly sounds; and BANK D — Harmonics — utilises tube overdrive, filter banks inspired by both Buchla and Moog stylings, as well as featuring analogue and digital additive oscillators.

On the face of it, then, the results are all a testament to the expert craftsmanship involved in ensuring the highest-quality sound production possible. Put it this way: Osiris WavPak Volume 3’s four sound banks were sampled at 96kHz, perfectly aligning with the Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC module’s unique, high-quality 96kHz sample rate operation. Ultimately, users can enjoy pristine audio clarity, enabling exploration of full depth sonic landscapes.

Lending themselves a knowing nod in the direction of Chris Meyer’s trailblazing achievements, the X-axis in all the banks contain different waveforms, while the Y-axis introduces different harmonics for each X-wave; the harmonic series used in Osiris WavPak Volume 3 are: H1 (root up), H2 (one octave up), H3 (one octave, plus perfect fifth), H4 (two octaves up), H5 (two octaves, plus major third), H6 (two octaves, plus perfect fifth), and H8 (three octaves up). It is worth noting that in some cases — especially the filter banks, formant filters, and resonant EQ — the waveform also changes with ‘harmonic’ on the Y-axis, allowing for sculpting and refining patches with extraordinary detail thanks to this precise control over harmonic content. Modbap Modular encourages experimentation with different modulation sources patched to its Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC module’s WAVE Y to further enhance sonic explorations with the texture-rich Osiris WavPak Volume 3 — think velocity/accent from a sequencer or keyboard, a mod wheel, aftertouch, ribbon controller, or even a sample & hold triggered on each new note to create dynamic and evolving timbres that respond to playing style.


Osiris WavPak Volume 3 is available for free as a digital download exclusively from Modbap Modular’s online Shop here: https://www.modbap.com/products/osiris-wavpak-vol-3-by-chris-meyer

Watch Learning Modular’s Chris Meyer mentioning the-then-upcoming Osiris WavPak Volume 3 — while talking about Modbap Modular’s Osiris BI-FIDELITY WAVETABLE OSC module as a new way to wavetable — at Knobcon Number Eleven, Chicagoland, USA, September 8-10, 2023 here: https://youtu.be/tYkDT82wxx0

a NEW way to WAVETABLE! with Alias Zone & Osiris // Chris Meyer & ModBap at Knobcon 2023

video upload by DivKid

"Chris Meyer of Learning Modular & Alias Zone has A NEW WAY TO WAVETABLE!

Chris has been working on a new X and Y based wavetable systems that does two fascinating things, firstly it "samples" his whole large studio system while keeping that performable and responsive in the ModBap Modular Osiris and secondly he's using harmonics and interval sets to create morphing tunings within those sounds too.

The WavPak is out now through the ModBap site here // https://bit.ly/WavPak3-ChrisMeyer"

Monday, November 13, 2023

DivKid Showcase | Mutes | Ochd | Rnd Step | Ochd Expander | Ochd + Ochd + Expander


video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"One of the first voices I heard when I started modular in 2018 was Ben DivKid Wilson's and it's been my goto channel for learning a new module ever since. The DivKid modules are simple, affordable and small, but offer something that wasn't there before they were released. I used them in almost all my patches, often off-screen or underexposed. In my first Ochd video (January 2020) it doesn't even show. With the release of the Ochd expander I realized how important these modules are for my case. This DivKid Show is a contribution to the contributions Ben already made to the modular community. For those who are new to modular it's cool to have all modules in one video (except Stereo Strip, I don't have it). The shots from his videos are used without kind permission but I am sure it's OK. As always I am not affiliated with anyone or anything.

The opening music is an adapted remix of one of Ben's youtube music library tracks (empty moons of Jupiter), free for everyone to use on videos."

Wednesday, November 01, 2023

00- The Pittsburgh Modular Taiga- Performance of Taiga Music- the creation of the demo theme


video upload by AutomaticGainsay

"Here is a video that portrays how the theme to the Automatic Gainsay Pittsburgh Modular Taiga demonstration series theme was created using the Taiga.

This video was funded by the Patreon supporters of Automatic Gainsay. Support the creation of this video and all of the Automatic Gainsay videos that have helped you by becoming an Automatic Gainsay supporter on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/automaticgainsay

If you are interested in learning about the history of synthesizers and/or how to become a synthesist being taught by a synthesist and synthesizer historian, check out the OTHER Automatic Gainsay Patreon:

http://www.patreon.com/automaticgains..."

AutomaticGainsay Pittsburgh Modular Taiga posts

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Exploring QU-BIT MOJAVE! Live Granular Processing!


video upload by The Unperson

"Today's video explores a new player on the granular scene - the Qu-Bit Electronics Mojave! I've only had the module for about a week or so and I was learning on-the-go while making this video - the manual was never far away. There's definitely more to explore with this module so stay tuned for more videos!

Ally

#eurorack #granular #modular #synth

CONTENT
0:00 - Intro
2:26 - Overview
7:16 - Instant Polyphony
10:37 - Feedback Madness
14:30 - Radio Sampling
18:59 - Orchestral Sounds
22:32 - Outro"

Monday, October 16, 2023

Knobcon 2023 DivKid Vids


video upload by DivKid

"All DivKid videos from my trip to Chicago, USA for Knobcon 2023"

Playlist:

1. 73-75 era Serge in the black panel 'Quasar' system // Prism Circuits at Knobcon 2023
Here we meet Sky from Prism Circuits who takes us through what he offers in the 4U Serge format, specifically taking us through his black panelled QUASAR system which uses classic 1973 - 1975 era Serge circuits.

2. Uncontrollable Rhythms from Moon Cycles and beyond // Pet Rock at Knobcon 2023
Here's Jonah from Pet Rock taking us through his sell out, sold at cost, first Eurorack module 'Pet Rock'. The module uses moon cycle data and random number generations to create two complimentary or drifting rhythms of varying step lengths and pattern densities. It's a fascinating concept that could lead to "good days and bad days" for your rhythms.

3. QV-L a POWERHOUSE of a Eurorack modulation source // Five12 at Knobcon 2023
Here's Jim Coker of Five12, of numerology and Vector fame, taking us through his new QV-L 'quad variable LFO'. It's a real powerhouse of a modulation module with 4 outputs, multiple clocking and frequency options, internal modulation, random generators, customisable control/performance options, syncing to the Vector sequencer for additional program changes and lots more.

4. NEW way to WAVETABLE! with Alias Zone & Osiris // Chris Meyer & ModBap at Knobcon 2023
Chris Meyer of Learning Modular & Alias Zone has A NEW WAY TO WAVETABLE!

Chris has been working on a new X and Y based wavetable systems that does two fascinating things, firstly it "samples" his whole large studio system while keeping that performable and responsive in the ModBap Modular Osiris and secondly he's using harmonics and interval sets to create morphing tunings within those sounds too.

This wavetable pack will be released for free through the ModBap site in the near future.

5. A Modular Approach to Eurorack Mixing with BARTENDER & BARBACK // After Later Audio at Knobcon 2023
Here we have several new modules from After Later Audio from Knobcon 2023. Lenny takes us through Bartender, Barback and Cast Iron which make up a new expandable, modular approach to Eurorack format mixing.

6. Simple solid clock sync! The Missing Link & ML:2 (Ableton Link) // Circuit Happy at Knobcon 2023
Giving the demo without any audio to listen to is a big move. A bold move made possible by rock solid behaviour from the devices from Circuit Happy. We have The Missing Link Junior and ML:2 Eurorack modules that are both Ableton Link enable devices for not just clock sync and reset but bar position aware behaviours for triggering and syncing to the patterns too. Impressive all round.
7. Better Spring Reverb! (with more filter features than your filter?) // Bubblesound at Knobcon 2023
It was great to meet David from Bubblesound at Knobcon 2023. I've been a long time user of his modules and he's consistently made quality modules over the years. The upcoming Spring Reverb module looks at Spring Reverb options in existence and aims to make them better, a fully featured SEM style multimode filter is on the module so you can really shape what's going into the physical spring, changing it's behaviour and sound. There's on board feedback which David is leaning into in this video too for more experimental patching.

Wednesday, October 04, 2023

Bob Moog Foundation Livestream Featuring Innovators Dave Rossum and Chris Meyer 7 p.m. ET. Today



"We’re just hours away from The Evolution of Modular Synthesis, available by livestream and in-person at Citizen Vinyl in downtown Asheville, NC starting at 7 p.m. ET.

Modular synthesis educator, musician, and inventor of vector synthesis Chris Meyer (Learning Modular, Alias Zone) and legendary synthesizer pioneer, innovator, and E-mu co-founder Dave Rossum (E-mu Systems, Rossum Electro-Music) will discuss the history and modern resurgence of modular synthesis with the Bob Moog Foundation Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa.

Between discussions, Meyer will perform music from his project, Alias Zone, which merges world music sounds with the limitless sonic possibilities of modular synthesis.

Tickets are $20 for entry at Citizen Vinyl, or pay-what-you-can starting at $10 for the livestream. We welcome our global supporters — the livestream will be available for 72 hours after the event for all ticket holders.

BUY IN-PERSON TICKETS HERE

BUY LIVESTREAM TICKETS HERE"

Monday, September 11, 2023

A History of Synthesizers.com by Creator Roger Arrick Himself



Roger Arrick, the founder of Synthesizers.com, wrote a history of his business. It's a fascinating look at the inception of one of the first modular makers of the new gaurd. You can find the full the full article on his website here. The following are just a few excerpts. I included an interesting bit on an almost stolen system.

Friday, September 01, 2023

ALAN R. PEARLMAN FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS



Press release follows:

The ARP Foundation Strengthens its Mission

Kingston, NY, AUGUST 31, 2023– The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation has welcomed three new appointees to its Board of Directors: Chris Meyer, Collin Russell, and Andrew Schlesinger.

Chris Meyer
As a teenager in the 70s, Chris Meyer took lessons on piano, bass, and modular synthesizers. He went on to write code and help design products for Sequential Circuits, Digidesign, Tom Oberheim, and Roland R&D where he was chief engineer. He is perhaps best known as the creator of Vector Synthesis. >

Chris also taught synthesis at UCLA Extension, wrote numerous articles for Music Technology Magazine plus a column for Keyboard Magazine, and was technical chairman of the MIDI Manufacturers Association where he authored several additions to the spec including MIDI Time Code.

After a two-decade detour in the video and film industry, he recently returned to modular synthesis, creating videos, courses, and articles under the name Learning Modular, and co-authored the popular book Patch & Tweak. Proving that one who teaches can also “do”, most recently he has been focusing on composing and performing sweeping, emotional electronic music under the name Alias Zone which combines synthesizers, samplers, field recordings, and percussion instruments.




Collin Russell

Collin Russell is a composer, sound designer, and educator specializing in modular synthesis and through-composed electronic music. In addition to creating sound libraries and scoring music for films, Collin releases his own personal music in genres ranging from ambient to harsh noise. His process is rooted in the melding of traditional harmonic and rhythmic structures with organic modulations, bridging the gap between familiar and explorative sound.

Synth Gems 1 and Inspire the Music – 50 Years of Roland History.




Andrew Schlesinger

Drew Schlesinger is a renowned professional sound designer who has been involved in creating patches for synthesizers, effects and software products beginning with the Casio CZ-101 in 1984. He’s developed internal presets for over two hundred devices from thirty different manufacturers including Roland, Korg, EMU, Kurzweil, Alesis, Sony, Yamaha, Eventide, Lexicon and Sound Toys among many others.

He's recognized as one of the most prolific and accomplished sound programmers in the MI industry and has created seminal sounds and effects that include “Crystal Echoes” (Shimmer), the “Black Hole” reverb for Eventide and “Prophetic Steps” for Korg’s Prophecy synthesizer.

Drew was recently presented with the Golden Knob Lifetime Achievement Award at the Knobcon 2022 for his work in synth sound design and the contributions to the electronic music community. He’s also included in NAMM’s Oral History Series and is a frequent podcast guest.


___________________

"We’re very excited to welcome these talented professionals into our Board of Directors," said Dina Alcalay Pearlman-Ifil, founder and Executive Director of the ARP Foundation and daughter of Alan R. Pearlman. "These three new Directors are well-recognized in their fields and we’re looking forward to their contributions bringing the Foundation’s efforts to the next level.”

The ARP Foundation continues its work with contributors, collaborators, vendors, manufacturers, venues, and synthesizer owners to provide music students with access to vintage ARP synthesizers to explore the endless possibilities of electronic music. The Foundation relies on donors to continue its mission, and encourages everyone who understands the importance of music education to visit https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org to learn more and pledge their support.

Beyond the Basic Sample & Hold


video upload by Chris Meyer: Learning Modular + Alias Zone

"Sample & Hold modules are a lot of fun. However, there are variations on the basic sample & hold available that give you a lot more control – from sounding more 'human' to creating sequences to providing you with an expressive performance control. Here are three of my favorites.

00:00 - Normal Sample & Hold
01:09 - RND STEP - overview
01:32 - RND STEP - bipolar output
02:24 - RND STEP - unipolar output
03:36 - Marbles - overview
04:34 - Marbles - initial settings
05:14 - Marbles - Y (smooth) output
05:41 - Marbles - Steps
07:14 - Marbles - Spread
09:01 - Marbles - Bias
10:06 - Marbles - Deja Vu + Steps
12:48 - Marbles - review
14:33 - Sapel - overview
15:27 - Sapel - initial settings
16:01 - Sapel - smooth random output
16:36 - Sapel - sample & hold output
16:55 - Sapel - 2n stepped random (semitones)
17:17 - Sapel - n+1 stepped random output (octaves)
17:34 - Sapel - Probabilty Distribution
19:00 - Sapel - "n" value controls
22:44 - conclusion

An article that fleshes out more of the background behind sample & hold modules is available to my Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/posts/88103012"

Monday, August 07, 2023

Reco-Synth - Unboxing and assembly of the cabinet / Abertura do produto e montagem do gabinete


video upload by Fernando Costalonga - Keyboards, Synthesizers...

"Saudações! Este é um kit para montar da #Reco-Synth. Será um synth #monofônico modular. Nesse vídeo, efetuei a abertura da embalagem e montei o gabinete.

É uma experiência nova: montar o próprio #sintetizador, peça por peça. Também, ao mesmo tempo, vi que estou aprendendo o nome dos componentes de eletrônica e manusear solda é algo novo para mim. Mais à frente, estarei fazendo os próximos módulos e irei postar o progresso dele."

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Greetings! This is a kit for assembly from Reco-Synth. It will be a monophonic modular synth. In this video, I performed the unboxing and assembled the cabinet.

It's a new experience: assembling your own synthesizer, piece by piece. Also, at the same time, I realized that I am learning the names of electronic components, and handling soldering is something new to me. Further down the line, I will be assembling the next modules and will be posting their progress."

Saturday, July 22, 2023

FM in Modular: Types, Patches, and Tips


video upload by Chris Meyer: Learning Modular + Alias Zone

"How do you patch frequency modulation (FM) in a modular? What are the differences between exponential, linear, and through-zero FM? How do you deal with pitch shifts when increasing the FM depth? What happens when a VCO frequency-modulates itself, or is patched in a feedback loop? All of that is explained in this movie. (For more details, subscribe to patreon.com/learningmodular and view the post: https://www.patreon.com/posts/basic-c...)

index:
00:00 introduction
Exponential FM
00:29 patching exponential FM
02:07 varying modulation depth
02:48 frequency modulation explained
03:22 tuning ratio between modulator and carrier
04:28 changing source waveforms
05:00 pitch shift with exponential FM
05:53 tuning challenges with exponential FM
06:55 sync and FM
08:09 enveloping modulation depth
Linear FM
10:56 how linear FM works
11:38 varying modulation depth
12:06 pitch shift with linear FM
13:09 AC coupling to improve linear FM
Through Zero FM
15:11 how through zero FM works
17:18 enveloping modulation depth
17:59 changing waveforms
18:30 tuning ratio
19:35 FM summary
Feedback
20:40 self modulation
21:06 cross modulation"

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Erica Synths & Richie Hawtin's BULLFROG



Press release follows:

Created by Erica Synths & Richie Hawtin, Bullfrog is an educational electronic music instrument designed to captivate and inspire both youth and professionals alike. Bullfrog invites you to unlock musicality while combining the thrill of electronic music production with a comprehensive learning experience.

Bullfrog is a classical subtractive synthesiser – it consists of several "modules" for sound generation – VCO, NOISE GENERATOR - and treatment – VCF, VCA/DELAY, as well as "modules" that generate control and modulation signals to control them – ENVELOPE GENERATORS and SAMPLE & HOLD. The Bullfrog will not make the sound on its own unless it is patched – using eurorack patch cables to interconnect the “modules” or by inserting voice cards that create internal connections between the “modules” in a specific way and add extra functionality, like sampler/looper, sequencer, groovebox, etc. This approach better helps to understand functionality of a subtractive synthesizer and the principles of sound design with instruments like these.

In order to provide a well rounded understanding of the functionality of this synthesizer and sound synthesis in general, a comprehensive user manual is created to accompany the learning process.

Bullfrog will be available via ericasynths.lv and the best electronic music retailers across the globe on 10th of August 2023



Thoughts on Bullfrog by Richie Hawtin

''Electronic Music is as popular as ever and its traditions and frequencies now stretch around the world, uniting people across language and cultures. For me, one of the most exciting parts of creating with a synthesiser is the playful experimentation that inspires and pushes the imagination. Whether the intention is to create abstract frequencies or sounds inspired by real-life, the route one takes is personal and often surprising. It is within these investigations where the beauty of synthesis really comes alive, and which often unlocks a new sense of creative purpose. This journey of discovery is what originally pulled me deep into the world of electronic music and continues to be part of the fascination I find when working in the studio or performing on stage. As a teenager I felt like I was searching for the right outlet to transit my creativity and in synthesis I found a path.

These memories and concepts are at the heart of our Bullfrog synthesiser. Whether someone’s experience with Bullfrog points them down a career in electronic music or not, our goal is to both nurture a passion for electronically produced sounds and promote a fun easy learning path into basic sound synthesis.

We believe that the hands-on approach and problem solving that is innate to synthesis on a semi-modular synth like the Bullfrog, contains life lessons that go beyond what we can hear. The Bullfrog encapsulates the foundations of synthesis and is built with an immediate, intuitive design and a unique expandable architecture that grows and expands together with our user's imagination.

This instrument feels at home anywhere - as an educational tool in music and physics classes, as an addition to your basement studio or even as a tool for performance on a stage.

Learn. Produce. Perform.''

- Richie Hawtin

Additional details: https://bullfrog.ericasynths.lv

Monday, May 22, 2023

Stereo Patch From Scratch with Panic Girl featuring XPO, Buchla 258t Dual Oscillator and the Touché


video upload by Perfect Circuit

"Eurorack modular synthesizers are embracing stereo sound in new ways—over the last few years, we've seen a ton of stereo-oriented modules come out from top brands like Make Noise, SSF, and plenty more!

In this video, Panic Girl walks us through a stereo patch on her personal system, featuring the Make Noise XPO, Mimeophon, and the Tiptop Buchla 258t Dual Oscillator. This mix of mono and stereo modules makes a great learning ground for getting into the stereo mindset—so grab some headphones, tune in, and space out!

Learn about electronic music, techniques, and gear on our blog, Signal: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal"
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