Magnetic Heart - Salvation in a Loop | An electronic music performance

video upload by Magnetic Heart

Gear used:
Elektron Analog Four
Novation Peak (sequenced by A4)
Elektron Analog Rytm
Suonobuono nABC+ (used for sidechain compression)
Elektron Analog Heat+ FX (for some saturation)
Recorded straight into my iPhone using an UMC1820, no postprocessing whatsoever!

Magnetic Heart Elektron Novation Peak & Korg Minilogue XD Demos

video uploads by Magnetic Heart

"Dawless electronic music performance"

1st four videos with the Novation Peak, last one with the Korg Minilogue XD. You can use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:
Magnetic Heart - Surge | Elektron Analog Rytm // Elektron Analog Four // Novation Peak
Magnetic Heart - Rumination | Elektron Analog Rytm // Elektron Analog Four // Novation Peak
Magnetic Heart - Longing | Elektron Analog Rytm // Elektron Analog Four // Novation Peak
Magnetic Heart - Lichtmaschine | Elektron Analog Rytm // Elektron Analog Four // Novation Peak
Magnetic Heart - Jamuary | Elektron Analog Rytm // Elektron Analog Four // Korg Minilogue XD

The Blue Marble Synthesizer Project Plans to Put a Music Synthesizer Controller in Space

video upload by Physical Synthesis

Blue Marble Synthesizer Project: Andrew Huang


Physical Synthesis, the makers of Cicada, wrote in to let us know of a new project soon to be seeking funding on Kickstarter.

I asked them what the platform would be based on. They replied:

"The web-based interface will be an adapted version of Patatap to which we’ll add a video feed and other interactions that will be possible to trigger inside the space capsule (i,e agitate the marble by turning on a fan, LED array, microphone, speaker, etc).

The space capsule has a set of different elements that allows to change the position of the physical marble floating inside the zero-gravity chamber (a set of sensors that calculates the position, a fan that agitates the position of the marble, a microphone that records those interactions, etc). All that data is then being sent back to us on earth (or in reverse sent to the capsule from earth using the Live mode). In other words, the web-interface receives data/interactions from the capsule and the Live mode allows to send data/interactions directly to the capsule. Lastly we’re building a VST plug-in allowing to receive MIDI and hook up data directly into your DAW or other synth."

In short the interactive hardware controller w/ microphone to capture audio is in space, while the synth engine and processing is done on earth.

Addtional details from the Kickstarter/Press Release follows.



The Blue Marble Synthesizer is the first-ever music synthesizer that can only work in space and that is playable from here on earth. It’s a synthesizer for making music and experimenting with sound. The system consists of a pressurized capsule in a low earth orbit satellite, a network of sensors, and a web-based interface for people to play with here on earth.

1. The Blue Marble Synthesizer Capsule consists of a pressurized CubeSat module configured with a control computer, camera, sensor array, fan, LED array, a microphone, and a speaker. It measures the behavior of a marble floating in a zero gravity synth capsule and sends sensor data, audio feed, and video feed back to us on earth.

2. The Web-Based Interface is an interactive and self-contained web audio synthesizer designed for everyone. Through a collaboration with the creator of Patatap, this application blends interactions from the Blue marble Synthesizer Capsule data with a traditional interactive music synthesizer. This web-based interface is a way to explore the interactions between the Blue Marble Synthesizer Capsule and people’s own musical creativity.

● When does the space mission start?
The Kickstarter campaign is set to start on Wednesday, October 4 for 30 days until the rocket launch which is set for Wednesday November 1 aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket. Once in orbit, the Blue Marble Synthesizer Space Capsule will be rotating around earth every 90 minutes.

● Why does this project matter?
The Blue Marble Synth Project is intended for all those who share a passion for space, music, and the intersection of science and art. Music has always been a universal language that transcends cultural barriers, connecting people on a deeply emotional level. By introducing a music synthesizer to space, we expand the horizons of artistic expression and create a new dimension for human creative endeavors off-planet.

● What is the experience like for supporters?

1. Two primary ways: people will have the chance to make music with the audio and the data captured by the Blue Marble Synthesizer in two primary ways: through an interactive web-interface or via a VST-plug-in. Some supporters may also have the chance to play and interact with the system directly in space.

2. The Blue Marble Web-Interface: is a self-contained web based application that works from here on Earth. Inspired by Patatap, this application blends interactions from the Blue Marble Synth Capsule Data with a traditional interactive music synthesizer.

3. The Blue Marble VST Plug in: this feature allows to receive MIDI and control data from the Blue Marble Synth Capsule to use with other digital synthesizers and digital audio workstations such as Ableton LIVE, FL Studio, Presonus Studio 1, etc.

● Who are the artists involved?
Andrew Huang, Benn Jordan, Trovarsi, and MAYSUN, are invited artists who will compose original music with the Blue Marble Synthesizer during this orbital mission. They each possess the adventurer's spirit that we believe is at the heart of this project.

Andrew Huang
We are thrilled to have Andrew Huang, the YouTube phenom and Toronto-based artist join the Blue Marble Synth Project. As a highly acclaimed music and video producer, Andrew's unique ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles with captivating visuals aligns perfectly with the innovative vision we seek to bring to life. His creativity, coupled with his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, makes him an invaluable addition to this project

These 4 artists will compose original music using the Blue Marble Synthesizer and the resulting tracks will be released for project supporters on an exclusive LP post-mission.

● What else can supporters get by supporting?
Beyond accessing the Web-Based interface and Artist Album, supporters also get access to a range of branded Blue Marble Synthesizer merchandise designed by Physical Synthesis. The collection features a sticker and mission patch, hoodie, t-shirt, cap, tote bag, and more.

● What goes inside the Blue Marble Synthesizer? Technical Breakdown
The Blue Marble Synthesizer Capsule consists of a pressurized CubeSat module configured with a control computer, camera, sensor array, fan, LED array, a microphone, and a speaker. The module allows supporters to receive data so they can control other synths and interfaces as well as initiate actions that affect what happens inside the capsule

1. Zero Gravity Dynamics: to make the Blue Marble Synthesizer an instrument that can truly work in space, it requires harnessing the power of zero-gravity. To do this, the synthesizer relies on interactions between a spherical piece of glass – the blue marble – and an array of accurate laser sensors that measure the distance and location of the marble as it floats around a small pressurized chamber.

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New Rossum SP-1200 Officially Announced at $3,999.00

"Why did you take this approach with the SP-1200 reissue?" video upload by Rossum Electro-Music


"What are some challenges working with vintage digital technology vs vintage analog designs?" video upload by

via Rossum:

"This is a pre-order for the second lot of SP-1200 reissue units. We fully expect to be able ship the units from the second lot by the end of January 2022. Your payment method will be charged immediately. Limit 2 per customer.

The latest in the SP-12™ family, the Rossum SP-1200® is an authentic reissue of the iconic classic SP-1200 sampling percussion system. Building on the engineering of 2020’s 35th Anniversary SP-1200 Renovation, including study and analysis of many vintage units using modern technology not available during SP-1200’s original production run, the team determined that virtually all original components ought to be used in order to deliver the sound at the very highest standard of precision. E-mu Systems co-founder and original SP-12 and SP-1200 designer Dave Rossum has duplicated the original analog and digital electronics of the landmark 12-bit drum machine sampler as closely as is possible thirty-five years after its debut. Throughout the process of creating the SP-1200 reissue, Dave was delighted that with very few exceptions, authentic components exactly the same as those found in the vintage classic instrument could be used throughout and took great care to maintain the classic SP-12 and SP-1200 circuit board layouts. Inside and out, SP-1200 is faithful to the original operation and preserves the coveted, authentic sound and character of the classic vintage instrument. Through this labor of love, Dave was able to create an instrument that should sound exactly the same even to the most discerning ears.

Changes and enhancements were made where they were compatible with the original design, without compromising the classic vintage sound. Sampling memory has been expanded to the maximum capability of the original sound engine. An all-new memory card storage solution with new functions seamlessly integrated into the operating system allows musicians to conveniently save, rename, and delete files and folders, and supports importing vintage SP-1200 disk images packaged in the popular .HFE format. Also included in every box, a 3.5” “floppy” disk 💾 containing modified software for original vintage SP-1200 units adds a new Set-up Special function allowing users to transfer all sounds and sequences from an original SP-1200 to the Rossum SP-1200 reissue over a standard MIDI cable. Whether using 3.5” disks or the popular floppy drive emulator modification, users of classic SP-1200 units are able to recall and remix their work on the SP-1200 reissue.

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Gamechanger | Audio launches crowdfunding campaign for electro-mechanical MOTOR Synth

"RIGA, LATVIA: having successfully showcased MOTOR Synth as the world’s first electro-mechanical desktop synthesizer at SUPERBOOTH19 in Berlin, May 9-11 — wowing well-known attendees like legendary French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre and Atlanta-based American electronic musician and acclaimed sound designer Richard Devine in doing so, uncharted music electronics territories explorer Gamechanger | Audio is proud to announce that its IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign starts on Tuesday, May 28 (at 4PM GMT)…

Once its IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign commences, MOTOR Synth will be available to pre-order — prices starting at $749.00 USD — for 30 days. After the crowdfunding campaign closes, MOTOR Synth will only be available for online and in-store purchase at an MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) of $1,299.00 USD when shipping starts, scheduled for around November/December 2019.

As the world’s first electro-mechanical desktop synthesizer, MOTOR Synth really represents a new method of analogue audio signal synthesis since digitally-controlled electromotors (used to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy) have never before been used as the principal sound source for a commercial musical instrument. In a nutshell, MOTOR Synth produces sounds by accelerating and decelerating eight electromotors to precise RPMs (revolutions per minute) that correspond with specific musical notes. Each electromotor is fitted with a magnetic pickup/inductor and an infrared photosensor that reads a spinning optical disc with printed sine, sawtooth, and square wave-shapes. Besides using motors as oscillators, the rest of the synth’s features are designed in the best tradition of analogue gear.

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ETHER by SOMA laboratory

Published on Feb 20, 2019 Vlad Kreimer

"ETHER is a wide-band pocket receiver that turns the electromagnetic landscape around you into a live soundscape that you control and manipulate by walking around and moving ETHER with your hand."

via SOMA laboratory

The net price of ETHER is 120 euros. The total price including shipping to most countries, PayPal transfer fees and VAT will be around 150 euros. We will specify the exact price when we receive your shipping address.


"ETHER is a kind of anti-radio. Instead of being tuned to a specific radio station, it receives all the interference and radiation that a traditional radio tries to eliminate in order to create a clean signal. It captures the radio waves “as is” from hertz to gigahertz, because it doesn’t contain the tuned input circuit that filters out all frequencies except the narrow band of a specific station. This allows ETHER to perceive the invisible electromagnetic landscape that humans created unintentionally, making possible live electromagnetic field listening and recording.
As the inspiration for this project, I took the design of the very first radios (early 1900s) that had no tuning wheel. At this time there weren’t many radio stations, and all of them used Morse code. It was possible to distinguish each transmitter by ear, as each one had its own specific timbre or “voice”.

ETHER is pocket-sized (105x65x20mm) and light-weight (93g). It consumes very little power and runs on two AAA batteries. How long it can run on two batteries is unclear, because I still use the very same set of alkaline batteries I put into the first ETHER prototype 6 years ago! (yes the project has taken 6 years). All I can definitely say is that battery life is more than 300 hours if you using alkaline or lithium batteries.

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ARTURIA ANNOUNCES KEYLAB MKII MIDI CONTROLLER KEYBOARD

Uploaded on Jun 21, 2018 Arturia

"Pioneering audio hardware and software creators Arturia are thrilled to unveil the latest generation of their legendary KeyLab MIDI controller line.

KeyLab MkII combines the comprehensive control of Arturia’s classic original KeyLab with the streamlined workflow and smart features of KeyLab Essential, while adding exciting new features and a new level of quality, expression, and luxury. KeyLab MkII is the must-have controller for professional music-makers.

Full-featured
KeyLab MkII combines the comprehensive control of Arturia’s classic original KeyLab with the streamlined workflow and smart features of KeyLab Essential, while adding exciting new features and a new level of quality, expression, and luxury. KeyLab MkII is the must-have controller for professional music-makers.

MIDI and USB compatible controller with recording software control thanks to the MCU/HUI protocol.

49 or 61 Arturia Pro-Feel semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and pressure sensitivity

Rugged aluminium chassis

Metal pitch bend and modulation wheels

4 CV outputs and 1 CV input for modular connectivity

DAW Commands with magnetic overlays

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KOMA's Field Kit launched on Kickstarter!

"After a year of development, testing and prototyping, KOMA Elektronik is proud to present the latest addition to the KOMA family: the KOMA Elektronik Field Kit! On Kickstarter now! The new KOMA Elektronik Field Kit is the perfect tool for everyone who would like to experiment with electroacoustic sound. Use everyday objects, amplify them and use them to make sound, like our heroes John Cage and David Tudor used to do!

The Field Kit is optimized to process signals from microphones, contact microphones, electromagnetic pickups and able to run DC motors and solenoids. On top of that it can receive radio signals and convert signals from switches and sensors into control voltage. The Field Kit boasts 7 separate functional blocks all focussed on receiving or generating all types of signals. They are designed to operate together as a coherent electroacoustic workstation or alternatively together with other pieces of music electronics with the ability to use control voltage signals:

Four Channel Mixer
Envelope Follower
DC Interface
Analog Switch Interface
Analog Sensor Interface
AM/FM/SW Radio
Low Frequency Oscillator
You can easily interface the Field Kit with a Eurorack modular system. At the backside of the PCB you will find a power connector you can use to power the unit from your system. The total panel width is 36HP. You can buy the Field Kit as a finished unit or build one yourself with the DIY Version."



"All audio has been recorded straight from the Field Kit, using a DC Motor, Solenoid Motor, a DC powered fan, Roland TR-8 and Berlin's local radio station Antenne Brandenburg as audio sources."

Additional details via Kickstarter.

"The KOMA Field Kit

The new KOMA Elektronik Field Kit is the perfect tool for everyone who would like to experiment with electroacoustic sound. Use everyday objects, amplify them and use them to make sound, like our heroes John Cage and David Tudor used to do!

The Field Kit is optimized to process signals from microphones, contact microphones, electromagnetic pickups and able to run DC motors and solenoids. On top of that it can receive radio signals and convert signals from switches and sensors into control voltage!

We have finished development of the Field Kit, are ready for production and we need your support to make it happen!

[Pictured:] The final Field Kit prototype, ready for production!

It's all about the things you connect to the The Field Kit! To get you started we decided to offer an Expansion Pack with a bunch of different sources that you can use and connect to create your own signature sounds.

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Madrona Labs Introduces Virta Sound Controlled Synthesis and Effects

We have a new synth app from Madrona Labs, the maker of the Buchla inspired Aalto. This one uses audio to synthesize new sounds. The synthesis and effect can be subtle or extreme as you can hear in the demos above.

Via the Madrona Labs website:

"Virta is a patchable toolbox for turning your voice or other instrument into wild new synth sounds."

And from the manual:

"Synthesizers and effects. In this crazy mixed-up world, what could be better? On and on, we tweak and twist, searching for something. Smiles creeping across our faces all the while. The roiling sea of knobs and buttons and lights are magnetic. We seek, pure of heart, to merge with the world of sound.

Alas, we sometimes find ourselves stopped short.

It can be a tall order to get the level of expression and immediacy that you crave with traditional synthesizers and processors. is goes double if you’ve got to work quickly, but want to maintain a satisfying amount of complexity and variance in your sound. Perhaps, in the heat of a creative moment, you have wished to simply dive into a synth or effect and command it by thought. There is no shame in that.

This, to a large degree, is why we’ve created Virta - a modular synthesizer and effects processor that responds directly to you.

When you route your voice (or any kind of audio) into Virta, the sound analysis engine precisely extracts information about its pitch, timbre, and dynamics over time. These new signals can control nearly any parameter in Virta, just the same as you can with MIDI or OSC.

Tis makes for an instrument that can easily follow your every twist and turn. Living the dream, really. Then again, Virta is modular, so audio-controlled synthesis is just one road you can travel. You can also make stuff like:

• Expressive vocal processing chains
• 4-voice MIDI-controlled pitch shi ers
• MIDI/OSC-controlled synths (with or without audio control)
• Drones for days
• First-ever faithful emulation of the mating call of the Space Pony

A Quick Overview
Virta’s interface has four main sections, from top to bottom:
• The header section, where you’ll nd the patch menu, along with the version and registration status of your copy of Virta.
• The signals and shapes section, where AUDIO and MIDI/OSC (KEY) signals ow into Virta, and where the oscillators (OSC1 and OSC2) and modulators (LFO, and ENVELOPE) reside.
• The patcher section, where connections between modules are made and unmade.
• The processing and output section, where the sounds you make are massaged and processed to perfection by the FORMANT, GATE, DE- LAY, and OUTPUT modules"

Moogfest 2014 Presenters Include Makers Roger Linn, Dave Smith, Tom Oberheim, Don Buchla, Forest Mims & More

"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.

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Monomatic - Modular Music Box, Electromagnetic Music Sequencer 2010

YouTube Uploaded by MediaArtTube on Mar 13, 2011

"The Modular Music Box consists of several interconnected, plug-and-play devices that collectively reproduce the functionality of the familiar 19th century clockwork musical instrument.
At the heart of the piece is a custom-made electro-magnetic rotary sequencer. Melodies are stored on a series of interchangeable, acrylic, 10" disks embedded with small magnets arranged in a regular circular grid. In the same way vinyl records are located on a turntable these disks are centered on a spindle and rotate over a 'play head' made up of a line of magnetic field sensors -- effectively replicating but superseding the set of pins on the revolving cylinder that pluck the tuned teeth of a steel comb in the traditional device. Additional units are 'daisy-chained' to each other via single cables and include a self contained and controllable sound source (to hear and effect the musical output) and an animated representation of a dancing ballerina automaton -- realised as a modern-day interpretation of the praxinoscope (the successor to the zoetrope -- the popular visual parlour toy of its era -- but which improved on it by replacing its narrow viewing slits with an inner circle of mirrors).
Monomatic : Nick Rothwell and Lewis Sykes
http://www.monomatic.net/"

RIP Milton Babbitt

Milton Babbitt passed away yesterday January 29, 2011. He was 94 years old. Via Wikipedia:

"Babbitt later became interested in electronic music. He was hired by RCA as consultant composer to work with their RCA Mark II Synthesizer at the Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center (known since 1996 as the Columbia University Computer Music Center), and in 1961 produced his Composition for Synthesizer. Babbitt was less interested in producing new timbres than in the rhythmic precision he could achieve using the Mark II synthesizer, a degree of precision previously unobtainable in live performances (Barkin & Brody 2001).

Babbitt continued to write both electronic music and music for conventional musical instruments, often combining the two. Philomel (1964), for example, was written for soprano and a synthesized accompaniment (including the recorded and manipulated voice of Bethany Beardslee, for whom the piece was composed) stored on magnetic tape."

Babbitt: "Occasional Variations"

YouTube via NewMusicXX | October 24, 2008 |
Re-Published on Sep 15, 2009 Karin Schneider

"Milton Babbitt: "Occasional Variations"
Realized on the RCA Mark II Sound Synthesizer, 1968-1971"

image via Perfect Sound Forever

Update:


RCA Synthesizer comes in at 12:51. Do watch up to it. Only calling it out so you know when it comes in.
Full article on NPR

Update:

Milton Babbitt on Electronic Music

YouTube via echasalow | January 29, 2011 |

"1997, from the Video Archive of Electroacoustic Music. Barbara Cassidy and Eric Chasalow curators.

more videos at:

http://cec.concordia.ca/econtact/12_2...

copyright 1997 Eric Chasalow, all rights reserved"

Update:

milton babbitt- vision and prayer

"NewMusicXX | February 02, 2011 | 3 likes, 0 dislikes
Re-Published on May 25, 2015 Joe

Milton Babbitt: "Vision and Prayer"(1961) for soprano and synthesized tape. Bethany Beardslee, soprano. The text and title are from a 1945 poem by Dylan Thomas, the first section of which reads: Who Are you Who is born
In the next room So loud to my own That I can hear the womb Opening and the dark run Over the ghost and the dropped son Behind the wall thin as a wren's bone? In the birth bloody room unknown To the burn and turn of time And the heart print of man Bows no baptism
But dark alone Blessing on The wild Child.

RIP Peter "Sleazy" Christopherson

Sad news in via http://www.throbbing-gristle.com/

"We are saddened to announce the death of Peter Christopherson.

Sleazy passed away peacefully in his sleep on the 24th November 2010 at his home in Bankok."

Image via The Wire
Photograph by Leon Chew

Below via @chris_carter

He will be greatly missed.
His influence will live on.

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Mellowtron

flickr by lightgazer

full size

Note the desktop Prophet-5 minus keys in the background and the Minimoog's knobs.

"The Beatles used a Mellowtron prominently in "Strawberry Fields Forever"

The heart of the instrument is a bank of magnetic audio tapes. Each tape has approximately eight seconds of playing time. Playback heads (underneath each key) enable the playing of pre-recorded sounds."