"Michael George Dean (born March 1, 1965) is an American record producer, audio engineer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for his synthesizer-heavy instrumentation and audio mixing for high-profile music industry artists. He began his career in 1992, producing albums for rappers such as Scarface, Willie D, and Geto Boys, but has since worked on records for artists including the Weeknd, Beyonc茅, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, Jay-Z, Drake, Madonna, Selena Gomez, and Lana Del Rey, among others. As a non-vocal lead artist, Dean has released four solo studio albums: 4:20 (2020), 4:22 (2021), Smoke State 42222 (2022), and 4:23 (2023)."
"Even if you don't know his name, you know Mike Dean's sound. The super-producer and "Synth God" solo artist is a pillar of modern music production. The Weeknd, Beyonc茅, Kanye West, Travis Scott, Madonna, Jay-Z, Christine and the Queens—these artists and more have made classics with Dean, and that's just his recent work.
Before that, he helped craft a whole era of Southern hip-hop with the likes of Scarface, Geto Boys, UGK, and Devin the Dude, after getting his start as Selena's keyboardist and musical director.
Ahead of an upcoming solo performance at Los Angeles' Wiltern Theatre on March 1, we got the chance to see the genius at work, learning first-hand exactly why so many artists seek him out.
Cumberland, RI USA (April 3rd, 2023) – Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, and Beatclub, the premier global marketplace for music creators, and home to the most talented and sought-after producers, songwriters, and artists in the music business, announced today the exclusive, limited edition MPC Live 2: Beatclub “Timbaland Edition”.
Loaded with the iconic drum kit sounds of legendary producer Timbaland, the MPC Live 2 boasts a collection of over 12GB of Beatclub samples and sound packs, an exclusive customized Beatclub/Timbaland Signature boot experience, along with loops and melodies that will fire your creativity like never before. The content includes Timbaland’s official “Bounce Coming Up” Drum Kit, along with sounds inspired by Mike Dean, CashMoneyAP, Tainy, Mike Will Made-It, Rance from 1500 or Nothing, and many more.
Just 500 units have been produced, each individually numbered. This limited MPC Live 2 Beatclub “Timbaland Edition” will be available Monday, April 3rd. Given the quality of them, and the limited number they are going to go very quickly.
Creative A&R Director for Akai Professional, Andy Mac shared “This exclusive Timbaland Edition MPC Live 2 delivers the ultimate library of hard-hitting drums into the hands of the next generation of beat makers. This gives them the same sonic bounce Timbaland is known for, heard on countless hit records spanning over 3 decades.”
Timbaland said “I am pumped for this new collaboration. We have Akai, one of the most legendary music production brands in the game, and the MPC has been an iconic instrument in hip hop history. Beatclub mixing it up with Akai is taking your potential up several notches and shows what you can do with a powerful partnership. We’re talking power, precision, and creativity all mixed together. This is going to be epic. This is the peak of when technology, culture and excellence come together.”
MPC Live 2 Beatclub “Timbaland Edition” Features
• Standalone MPC – No Computer Required
• Built-in Stereo Monitors
• 16 Full-size Velocity Sensitive RGB Pads
• Brilliant 7-inch Multi-Touch Display
• Timbaland’s Bounce Coming up MPC Edition Expansion
• 3 Beatclub Essential MPC Edition Expansions
• 32GB Exclusive Beatclub/Timbaland SD Card loaded with Drumkits, Loops, and Melodics
• 16GB Internal Storage / Factory Content.
• Includes MPC 2 Desktop Software for Mac or PC
• Signature Beatclub/Timbaland Splash Screen
• Custom Serialized Plate With Production Number
• Exclusive Beatclub Merch Bundle
• Full 12 Month Subscription to Beatclub.
MPC Live 2 Beatclub “Timbaland Edition” will only be available exclusively at the inMusic Store on akaipro.com Monday April 3, 2023 for $1399. To learn more, please
"Some sounds from the Osmose. An initial impression of what it sounds like straight out of the box. This will no doubt be making an appearance on my next solo album on DiN records."
"This is different. It's a new journey to embark on. and I love it. Please hang out with me on my first proper sit down with the production model Osmose. I love how expressive you can be with every patch."
"After a perfect storm of COVID and global parts shortages. The Osmose instrument from Expressive E is now shipping to the backers, next step is full production.
The instrument has an incredibly sensitive playing action with a custom keybed combined with the Eagan Matrix - a highly expressive and complex sound engine offering physical modelling, FM and a lot more besides.
We had a visit from Christopher who's the main product guy for the Osmose to show Gaz Williams where this exicting new instrument has got to.
00:00:00 Start
00:01:59 GPU Sponsor Mac Support
00:02:51 Overview
00:06:15 Eagan Matrix
00:09:01 Sounds
00:11:52 Controller?
00:15:42 Pedals
00:17:56 Control Section
00:22:18 Macros
00:25:59 Sensitivty
00:33:12 Portamento and Arp
00:36:49 Percussive voices
00:41:47 MPE
00:45:09 Case and Wrap"
And the press release with pics:
"Expressive E is proud to announce Osmose, the new universal standard for musical expressivity. Osmose is a polyphonic synthesizer that unlocks new ways to control sound and features a powerful sound engine created in collaboration with the leading-edge audio company, Haken Audio.
The conclusion of an epic adventure
Three years ago, Expressive E embarked on an ambitious adventure by opening the pre-orders for their standalone synthesizer, Osmose.
Osmose elevates a player始s experience by introducing a new landscape of features for musicians to interact with sound and produce music in new ways. It does this while not only respecting, but also enhancing the player始s existing keyboard skills. Every note can be articulated independently with unique expressive possibilities, such as those seen in this Osmose gesture compilation video: https://youtu.be/AA5xe7k4OrM
To achieve that goal, the Expressive E engineers set out to industrialize a new generation of expressive keybed which is at the core of Osmose始s playing experience. The biggest challenge was to implement all expressiveness-related technologies into the familiar keybed form factor of the piano that musicians have been using for centuries. Creating a new kind of keybed generated many industrial production obstacles and ultimately required a total symbiosis between DSP and hardware to connect all players to Omose始s sound through the use of natural gestures.
Expressive E engineers conducted hundreds of on-field test sessions to fine-tune the complex design of the synthesizer. Artists played a tremendous role in the refinement of Osmose by providing precise feedback about playing sensations and helped shape a new ergonomic tool, relevant for musicians from various music scenes and cultural horizons. Thanks to their support as well as the early adopters and partners, the wait is finally over: Osmose has now started to ship.
First deliveries and re-opening of preorders Expressive E are thrilled to announce the delivery of the first Osmose units to early adopters of the project. The first products had already been delivered in late 2022 and early backers始 shipments will keep flowing continuously.
Expressive E have thus decided to reopen pre-orders on January 5th 2023 for all musicians interested in purchasing Osmose. The pre-order scheme has been reconducted to allow Expressive E to anticipate demand as efficiently as possible and organize their production schedules accordingly. Despite a tense economical environment driven by inflation, component shortages and the resurgence of epidemics, the company will still commit to guaranteeing a $/€1,799 retail price, within the limits of allocated stocks.
Interested musicians can now pre-order their Osmose on Expressive E始s website or through an affiliated dealer. [see the dealers on the right]
A new kind of synthesizer From its inception, Osmose was designed as a solution to connect musicians with electronic instruments more intimately while still retaining the sound-design abilities of modern-day and vintage synthesizers.
Backed by a powerful sound engine made in collaboration with pioneering audio company Haken Audio, Osmose offers more than 500 creativity-boosting presets. Each of them was fine-tuned to offer performance and recording-ready macros. Preset curation covers many musical genres including modern pop, urban, film scoring, electronic music, sound design, and traditional instrumental music. Made to inspire, Osmose offers a playful experience based on familiar features and thus presents a gentle learning curve. It offers the benefits of MPE instruments without the need to relearn the instrument entirely.
From the beginning, Osmose has been a collaborative project with artists from many musical backgrounds. They have been involved in the development of Osmose to make it a musical companion to fit their creative and ergonomic needs. Expressive E celebrates these artist collaborations with the release of a video series recapping the Osmose adventure and the reaction of artists to the new, dynamic, inspiring synthesizer.
Shot in Chennai (India), Paris (France), and Los Angeles (USA), the video series features musicians and producers like Flying Lotus, AR Rahman, Jean-Michel Jarre, Mike Dean, Cory Henry, Andr茅 Manoukian, and Tarik Azzouz. It shows their approach to musical expression, how they interact with Osmose, and how this new synthesizer has influenced the way they play. A trailer for the series is now available on YouTube.
During Q1 and Q2 2023 Expressive E will regularly release clips focusing on each individual artist from the main trailer video. The first three episodes of the series are now available on YouTube. They feature musical icon A.R. Rahman (Grammy winner and film scorer for 127 Hours and Slumdog Millionaire), jazz virtuoso J3PO (a prolific solo artist and keyboardist for Marcus Miller), and trap beatmaker veteran Tarik Azzouz (a Grammy winner who has worked with Jay-Z, DJ Khaled, 2 Chainz, and many more)."
"My son is a fan of Mike Dean, who does videos in his studio demoing his impressive collection. I figured I’d try the same, on a smaller scale. A bit of 70s prog rock showing off. Recorded live, two parts to the video, each with a pad and a lead. Hit “Show More" for the equipment list.
Oberheim FVS – drone pad ARP Odyssey – second lead ARP Axxe – second lead ARP Little Brother – second lead Roland A90 – second pad Mutable Instrument Shruthi (6 of them) – second pad Animoog – second pad Korg Microstation – second pad Roland Alpha Juno 2 – second pad Roland A37 – first pad Full Bucket Tricent Mk III – first pad Full Bucket qyooo – first pad Analogue Solutions Oberkorn - bass Division 6 Business Card Sequencer - noodle D:Machinery Black Seq - noodle Pamela’s Workout – main clock Animodule Tik Tok – clock divider / multiplier Mutable Instruments Anushri – first lead PM Foundations SEM Tribute modules – first lead PM Foundations resemble panels (2 of them) – bass and noodle PM Foundations RingFolder - noodle PM Foundations 3080 VCO - noodle Bastl ABC - noodles Kassutronics VCO3340 - noodle Frequency Central WaveRunner - noodle Manhattan Analog SVVCF - noodle Doepfer A-143-2 - noodle MFOS VCA – noodles Barton Stereo Out Mixer – noodles and bass Behringer X32 Dynaudio BM5 MkIII A few other Eurorack Utility modules
"Earlier this year, legendary hip-hop producer Mike Dean invited us into his LA home studio to capture the making of what would become 'The Eighth Night,' a standout track included in his newly released solo album.
Watch Dean flex his production prowess by building the track using sounds created with only one instrument: the Moog Grandmother. Every 808-style kick, bassline, lead, and Yeezus-style distortion effect comes from this instrument recorded in a single session.
Dean's 28-track instrumental mixtape is now available to stream or purchase. For details, visit https://mikedean420.com.
This video contains low frequency harmonic content that cannot be reproduced via phone or laptop transducers. Use a pair of headphones or monitors for an optimal listening experience."
Expressive E - Discovering Osmose with Junkie XL (prototype unit)
Published on Feb 12, 2020 Expressive E
"Osmose was made by musicians, for musicians. We’ve been on the road asking some of our favorite artists to try our prototypes."
Expressive E - Discovering Osmose with Kaela Sinclair (prototype unit)
Published on Feb 12, 2020 Expressive E
"Osmose was made by musicians, for musicians. We’ve been on the road asking some of our favorite artists to try our prototypes.
'Kaela Sinclair is a singer-songwriter, musician, and producer, based in LA with Florida roots. A classically trained instrumentalist and vocalist, she creates cinematic pop music with a deep and unusual touch. In the last two years she has released two EPs, and is currently working on a full-length album, coming into a mature, but decidedly unconventional sound. Sinclair joined French electronic band M83 in 2016, and within weeks was performing on the main stage at Coachella, gracing the likes of Glastonbury Festival and Jimmy Kimmel as well as touring four continents over the course of a year. Her vocals and arranging can be heard on M83’s latest album, DSVII which came out September of 2019. Sinclair has also spent significant time touring with Australian pop artist Troye Sivan, as a featured singer and synth player.'"
Expressive E - Discovering Osmose with Mike Dean (prototype unit)
Published on Feb 12, 2020 Expressive E
"Osmose was made by musicians, for musicians. We’ve been on the road asking some of our favorite artists to try our prototypes.
Mike Dean is a legendary producer, working with major artists across the American hip hop industry such as Kanye West, 2Pac, Scarface, Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, Jay-Z, Nas, Beyonc茅 & Jay-Z, Madona..."
The original promotional film (1975) for the Polymoog Synthesizer, featuring Dr. David Luce, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Michael Boddicker.
Moog One - A Meditation On Listening
Published on Oct 8, 2018
"Moog One - A Meditation On Listening" is a film introducing the new Moog One Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer, the first analog polysynth released from Moog in over 35 years. Shot on both 8mm film and contemporary digital video, the film is a modern re-imagining of the original 1976 demo video for the Polymoog, Moog’s first polyphonic synthesizer. Exploring the electronic sound of the Moog One, and the transformational power of Listening, the film features some of the world’s most accomplished and creative artists: Jeff Bhasker, Suzanne Ciani, Chick Corea, Mike Dean, Robert Glasper, Dick Hyman, Dev Hynes, Mark Mothersbaugh, Mark Ronson, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Paris Strother.
Moog One Deep Dive, Live from the Moog Factory
Started streaming 8 minutes ago
"A look at The Moog One live from inside the Moog Factory."
Moog One Deep Dive, Live from the Moog Factory Part 2
Started streaming 2 minutes ago - starts at 24:14, audio cuts out and comes back at 25:07.
"A look at the Moog One live from inside the Moog Factory."
"Moog One is a tri-timbral, polyphonic, analog dream-synth with nearly unlimited sonic potential. Bringing the ultimate Moog synthesizer to life has been our most ambitious project to date -- an electronic odyssey encompassing years of research and decades of exploration, culminating in the birth of a new flagship synthesizer: Moog One."
Streamed live 112 minutes ago Sweetwater
This one was sent my way via Soviet Space Child. The overview starts at 2:20.
"After years of waiting and anticipation, we're proud to finally bring you the MOOG One analog synthesizer, live and in action with our very own mad scientist of synth, Daniel Fisher."
Mike Dean knows his way around a beat. The Houston native has been is a veteran hip-hop producer, who's worked with not just with the likes of Kanye West, Jay-Z and Travis Scott, but who has a long CV teeming with legends like Scarface, UGK and E-40, among other.
After Moog invited us to their synth shangri-la, House of Electronicus, to see their new semi-modular analog percussion synth Drummer From Another Mother, we got to see Dean take the DFAM for a spin in his own studio where he showed off the rest of his hardware collection and showed us exactly what happens when you get him on the keys."
Mike Dean | Three Jewels Published on Jun 28, 2017 Moog Music Inc
Sad to see it go. There is nothing like the original Minimoog Model D except the re-issue Minimoog Model D. This marks the end of the Minimoog line, and the three oscillator Moogs for now. The Minimoog Voyager was discontinued in 2015, and the Minimoog Voyager XL in 2017. I am fortunate enough to own an original 70s Minimoog Model D and a Minimoog Voyager Signature edition. Both are beautiful synths - in sound, playability, and build quality. If you ever wanted a brand new and updated Model D, now might be the time.
"Today, we announce that after a whirlwind year back in production, our limited re-issue run of the iconic Minimoog Model D synthesizer is coming to a fast end. To commemorate the close of production of the world’s first portable synthesizer, we invited prolific producer Mike Dean to spend one day creating a new Minimoog Model D track at the Moog Factory in Asheville, NC.
Dean wrote and recorded the new track 'Three Jewels' on the Minimoog build line while Moog production engineers crafted some of the final Model D synthesizers beside him. With the track completed in just five hours, Dean walked out of the Moog factory with its employees at the end of their shift.
To get your own Minimoog Model D before they are all gone, contact your local Moog Dealer [see the dealers on the right]
'Three Jewels' Credits:
Artist - Mike Dean
Writer - Mike Dean
Publisher - Warner Chappel / Pappa George Music BMI
Recording and tech support - Trent Thompson, Kez Khou, and Jess Jackson at the Moog Music Factory, Asheville, NC
Mixed by - Mike Dean at Dean's List House Of Hits, Studio City, CA
Minimoog Model D & DFAM - Mike Dean
Art - Louise Donegan
Art Layout - Jess Jackson"
And via the Moog Newsletter:
"The Final Countdown: Minimoog Model D Production Ending
Today, we announce that after a whirlwind year back in production, our limited re-issue run of the iconic Minimoog Model D synthesizer is coming to a fast end. To commemorate the close of production of the world’s first portable synthesizer, we invited prolific producer Mike Dean to spend one day creating a new Minimoog Model D track in the Moog Factory in Asheville, NC. Dean arrived in the factory last Monday at noon, and wrote and recorded the new track Three Jewels on the build line while Moog production engineers crafted some of the final Model D synthesizers beside him. With the track completed in just five hours, Dean walked out of the Moog factory with its employees at the end of their shift--last year Dean spent a weekend at the Moog factory, crafting Grande Faucon in 48 hours. [see the video here]
The Minimoog Model D was originally introduced in 1970 and built until 1981. Then in May 2016, we resumed building the Minimoog Model D for the first time in 35 years. Orders for the synthesizer quickly outpaced our initial estimates, leading to the addition of a night-shift to meet demand for the iconic instrument. Our parts-inventory for the Minimoog Model D project was originally expected to span multiple years of manufacturing, but is being consumed at a much higher rate than anticipated. Thus, this second historical production run of the Minimoog Model D will reach completion much earlier than intended, and this marks the final opportunity to acquire a new Minimoog Model D.
The Minimoog Model D has been a part of our daily lives here at the Moog Factory for over a year now, and is woven into the fabric of our history. As we draw closer to the end of this limited production run, we reflect on this labor of love as one of the most rewarding and joyful projects we have ever undertaken.
Thank you for sharing in this creation and joining us on this magical journey.
Contact your local authorized Moog dealer or distributor to inquire about purchasing one of the final Minimoog Model D analog synthesizers."
"Today we say goodbye to the Minimoog Voyager XL, the last of the Minimoog Voyagers in production at the Moog Factory.
The Minimoog Voyager family of synthesizers holds a special place in our hearts--the Voyager was the final synthesizer that Bob Moog designed from start to finish and the culmination of his life's work; his DNA runs through the circuits of this family of instruments, which includes the Voyager, Voyager RME, Voyager Old School, and Voyager XL. The XL is the last member of this family currently in production, and as of today, we are announcing its official discontinuation.
Introduced in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Minimoog Model D's release, the Minimoog Voyager XL combines the heart of the groundbreaking Minimoog Voyager with a patch bay, informed by the original Moog modular systems.
Since its release in 2010, the Minimoog Voyager XL has made its mark in film scores, sound design, on platinum records, and on stages the world over. Artists and producers ranging from Trent Reznor to Kanye West have used the legendary warmth and versatile patchability of the XL to craft their unique sound.
As we bid a bittersweet farewell to the Minimoog Voyager XL, we keep the spirit of its circuits front of mind as we design the instruments in our future, acknowledging that the XL is the last of the Voyager family but not the last of its legacy.
We will build a highly limited number of units while parts and materials last, before bringing production to a close. Contact your local authorized Moog dealer or distributor to inquire about purchasing one of the final Minimoog Voyager XL analog synthesizers."
"Mike Dean, one of the rap game's most prolific producers and its reigning master keyboardist, spent a weekend in the Moog Music Factory.
Surrounded by analog synthesizers and immersed in an environment of experimentation, Mike selected 6x Mother-32 synthesizers to create his sonic palette and a Voyager XL as his master controller.
Moogfest 2016 Talent Announcement with Reggie Watts
Published on Dec 8, 2015 Moogfest
"Headlining performances include Gary Numan playing a three night residency of his trailblazing early albums, a two-night residency by GZA, ODESZA, Laurie Anderson, Oneohtrix Point Never, Suzanne Ciani, Blood Orange, and Sun Ra Arkestra; with keynote presentations by transhumanist activist and pharma tycoon Dr. Martine Rothblatt, and computer scientist Jaron Lanier, a pioneer in the field of virtual reality.
More than one hundred other acts are already confirmed to perform, while the conference program continues to develop in partnership with a range of esteemed universities, innovative businesses, and art/technology organizations. Program partners include MIT Media Lab, Google, Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, The New Museum’s New Inc., IDEO, Gray Area, and the EyeO Festival.
For the first time ever, Moogfest will take place in Durham, NC. Moogfest activates seventeen venues, throughout the walkable downtown core, from intimate galleries to grand theatres, including a free outdoor stage with participatory, all-ages programming. Durham promises to be an ideal setting for Moogfest: a city uniquely blending diversity, authenticity, world class innovation, and culture, with a long history of great music.
Program highlights:
Pioneers in Electronic Music
Electronic music pioneer Gary Numan will perform his first three albums (Replicas, The Pleasure Principle, and Telekon) over three consecutive nights in three different venues. Musical experimentalist Laurie Anderson weaves stories and song in her solo performance, “The Language of the Future” and then returns to the stage the next day to hosts a daytime conversation.
Future Pop
Headlining talent also charts a zig-zagging course across today’s synthesizer infused pop landscape, from the vibrant electronic duo ODESZA, to the future soul of Blood Orange (playing in North Carolina for the first time), a return of utopian rockers YACHT, and even the comic stylings of Reggie Watts.
Experimentalists
Immersive noise and minimalist sonic-scapes from some of today’s most progressive experimental artists, including sunn O))), Ben Frost, Tim Hecker, Silver Apples, Oneohtrix Point Never, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Olivia Block, Alessandro Cortini, and Lotic.
Ambient Music Innovators
A rich program of sustained tones and cascading moods led by Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno’s prolific Grammy winning protege, Suzanne Ciani, and the UK’s originators of ambient house The Orb.
Hip-Hop
GZA leads Moogfest’s strongest ever hip-hop and rap lineup, supported by a roster of emerging talent including Lunice, Tory Lanez, Denzel Curry, Dr. Dre protege King Mez, and Well$.
The Future of Creativity
Futurist philosophers set the tone for a mind-expanding conference. Keynotes by Dr. Martine Rothblatt, author, entrepreneur, transhumanist, inventor of satellite radio, and Jaron Lanier, a computer scientist and composer who has pioneered the field of virtual reality. Other visionaries include sound explorer Onyx Ashanti and his 'exo-voice' sonic prosthesis, Tod Machover from MIT Media LAB presenting his work in HyperInstruments, and Gil Weinberg and The Robotic Musicianship Group at Georgia Tech performing with Shimon, an improvising robotic marimba player that uses artificial intelligence.
Orchestral Ensembles
The intergalactic voyagers of Sun Ra Arkestra channel the cosmic philosopher himself. Arthur Russell’s Instrumentals ensemble, making their US debut. Floating Points’ live project veers fluidly from warm electronic to jazz to sonic space rhythms.
Hi everyone! As you know Barry Schrader will be giving his farewell concert at CalArts on September 26. The following is the beginning of my interview with him. I opted to post the questions and answers as they come in. New QAs will get a new post so you do not miss them and they will be added to this post so we have one central post for the full interview. This should make it easier for all of us to consume in our busy lives, and it will allow you to send in any questions that may come to mind during the interview process. If you have anything you'd like to ask Barry, feel free to send it in to matrixsynth@gmail.com. This is a rare opportunity for us to get insight on a significant bit of synthesizer history, specifically with early Buchla systems, and I'd like to thank Barry for this opportunity. Thank you Barry!
"The first Guthman Musical Instrument Competition presented by GTCMT and Harmonix (makers of Guitar Hero and Rock Band) will award $15,000 to the best novel musical instruments as judged by a panel of experts from Harmonix, Wired, and Georgia Tech. There will be a $5,000 grand prize — all participants eligible — given by Sharon Perry Galloway in honor of her husband, Dr. Thomas D. Galloway, Dean of the College of Architecture, 1992-2007. A copy of the Rock Band® video game, courtesy of Harmonix, will be awarded as a prize to places 4, 5 and 6." Submissions closed on Jan 15th. You can find a gallery of images, sound and video on Wired.
Pictured above: "Jaime Oliver's Silent Drum uses a technique somewhat akin to shadow puppetry to create stunning and engaging music.
As his fingers press the flexible drum head, it forms black shapes in front of a white background. Those get picked up by a video camera and piped to a laptop where Max/MSP software turns the shapes into sound in real time.
The patches are pre-programmed, but Oliver's analog, light-based interface offers a surprisingly expressive range and precision. The judges were impressed; Silent Drum took home the $5,000 first prize."
Silent Drum Controller - Demo02
YouTube via jaiolix "Demo02 - improvisations on 5 environments of the Silent Drum Controller.
"Jan Perschy's SGSX-H 750 is just what it looks like: a motorcycle engine with a keyboard attached.
As the teeth of the engine's gears travel at varying speeds past pick-ups that normally detect piston position, they generate tones that can be controlled with a keyboard. The third component, pictured to the left of the keyboard in the photo, is the voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) that makes up for relative discrepancies in volume.
Perschy said his goal was to play the gears in a motor the same way that a Hammond organ plays its spinning tone wheels. The VCA module wasn't working when we made the recording below, an apparent victim of rough travel, but this was still a fascinating display."
Craig Hanson and Mike Gao
Be sure to see the Wired gallery for more. via CDM who held a similar contest "judged by drum machine pioneer Roger Linn and the members of tech-loving band Freezepop" See the post for more.
