Mark Smart Haken Continuum Compilation

video uploads by Mark Smart

"A collection of my performances on the Haken Continuum over the years."

Baby Audio Introduces BA-1 Soft Synth Based on a Poylphonic Yamaha CS01

video upload by BABY Audio

"BA-1 is a modern re-imagination of a cultish 1982 analog synth that looked like a toy but sounded like a beast. It brings you pure and authentic lo-fi textures that are fast to program and dripping with color."

"BA-1 is based on a portable 1980s synth with a toylike appearance and a gritty sound. Despite its small size, it left a big mark on music history, while still flying somewhat under the hype radar. The original has been used as a secret weapon for bubbly synth textures by some of Sweden’s most successful pop producers of the past two decades. It was also a staple of 1990s digital dancehall and beloved by the indietronica scene for its raw lo-fi quality. The ‘CS01’ - as the original is called - has never been properly captured in software form. So for our first ever synth, we started there.

In keeping with our motto 'it’s an evolution, not an emulation', we modeled the hardware with the greatest possible accuracy, before carefully upgrading it with new and useful features. A second analog-modeled oscillator, FM, polyphony, and more, help to vastly expand the sonic palette of the original. All while keeping its signature sound unspoiled.

Additionally, BA-1 lets you drain the battery, bend the circuits, and use the built-in speaker – for an authentic lo-fi aesthetic that you could normally only get with hardware.

If you know our company, you’ll know that effects are our specialty. So we’ve treated BA-1 with an FX section worthy of its own plugin. The effects chain is inspired by budget 1980s rack hardware and captures the lo-fi charm of the home studio scene of the era. The overdrive is modeled after a guitar pedal, while the delay, reverb and chorus effects are based on cheap, but amazing, digital rack units.

In BA-1, the effects are not an afterthought but an ingrained part of the sonic signature. So tweak, use, and abuse them.

BA-1 is simple, but surprisingly tweakable. We’ve put great effort into tuning all parameters to be in the perfect sweet spot. This results in a rewarding programming workflow where tweaking BA-1 is a lot of fun and you’ll create new patches on repeat.

And if a simple interface is not fast enough, you can always use the smart ‘Re-Gen’ feature. Hit Re-Gen and BA-1 will automatically create new and musically tuned patches with every click."

The NAMM Show Announces Return to Anaheim in June 2022

via NAMM

"We are excited to announce that The NAMM Show, the annual 'family reunion' of the global music, sound, and entertainment technology industry, will reconvene in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Convention Center on June 3–5, 2022.

Previously scheduled for January 20—23, the new dates will offer global industry leaders, buyers, sellers, music educators, artists, media, and music makers the opportunity to reconnect and renew their businesses while taking greater advantage of reimagined indoor and outdoor events, activations, professional development sessions, an expanded digital reach and more at the crossroads of business opportunity."

And the press release:

CLICK FOR MORE »

New from Native Instruments

Published on Jan 24, 2019 Native Instruments

Playlist/Products:
Introducing KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1 – For the Music in You | Native Instruments
Introducing KOMPLETE START – For the Music in You | Native Instruments
Introducing KOMPLETE KONTROL M32 – For the Music in You | Native Instruments
Introducing KOMPLETE AUDIO 1 and 2 – For the Music in You | Native Instruments

Press release (KONTROL M32 hardware pics below):

NI announces new entry-level hardware, a free tier of KOMPLETE, TRAKTOR DJ 2, Sounds.com integration for MASCHINE and KOMPLETE KONTROL, and more

Berlin, January 24, 2019 – Following its biggest ever release in September 2018, Native Instruments today announces four new easy-to-use, affordable, and powerful products. Included are two new KOMPLETE audio interfaces, the most portable KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to date, a new free tier of the KOMPLETE production suite, and a new generation of the TRAKTOR DJ app. These new products are accompanied by a refresh of Sounds.com, the expansion of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) to include loops and samples, and tighter integration of Sounds.com with updated MASCHINE and KOMPLETE KONTROL software – further integrating NI’s connected ecosystem of creative tools into one seamless workflow.

With some of Native Instruments lowest price points and most user-friendly products to date, these releases mark another major milestone in the company’s journey towards making musical creativity more intuitive and accessible to all.

New starting points for producers and DJs
For producers, the release includes new hardware and software in the KOMPLETE range. A new 32-key portable keyboard, KOMPLETE KONTROL M32, is designed to provide the same hands-on workflow and comprehensive Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) integration as the S-Series and A-Series controllers, but with a smaller footprint and a lower price point. Available in March, the M32 comes with everything a new producer needs to sketch out, tweak, and finalize a track. The package includes MASCHINE Essentials, Ableton Live 10 Lite, NI’s acclaimed MONARK synthesizer, and more.

The M32 is joined by KOMPLETE AUDIO 1 and 2 – the first two offerings in a new range of slick, easy-to-use audio interfaces. Both are available from March 19, and offer pristine sound quality with different in/out connection options. The interfaces include a generous software package, featuring synths, effects, MASCHINE Essentials, and Ableton Live 10 Lite – again providing everything a producer needs to create full tracks from start to finish. KOMPLETE AUDIO 1 and 2 will also be welcomed by a wide community of singer-songwriters, YouTubers, podcasters, and gamers looking for great sound.

Now everyone can explore the acclaimed sound of NI's KOMPLETE production suites, with the introduction of KOMPLETE START – an entirely free collection featuring 15 studio-quality instruments, 2 effects, and a best-of selection of nearly 1,500 loops and samples from Expansions sound packs. Included is the floor-shaking low-end of TRK-01 Bass, the vibrant synth sounds of MIKRO PRISM, and expertly-crafted sampled instruments ranging from electric pianos to drum machines. The collection also includes creative sound design tools, essential effects like the SUPERCHARGER tube compressor, and more.

CLICK FOR MORE »

ContinuuCon Coming to Asheville NC This Week, Starting June 8

You might recall ContinuuCon, the event focused on the Haken Continuum fingerboard and MPE or Multidimensional Polyphonic Expression devices was announced here on MATRIXSYNTH back in October of last year, and again in May of this year. The event begins this Thursday, June 8. Russell Hoffman of Evaton Technologies who will be presenting at this year's event, sent in the schedule which follows. P.S. If you are new to ContinuuCon you can check out posts from previous year's events via the ContinuuCon channel label here.

via Russell Hoffman of Evaton Technologies on this year's ContinuuCon: http://www.continuucon.com

"There are lectures and workshops on all things Continuum, and the culminating event is the ContinuuConcert (free to the public).

Located at the UNC Asheville campus in Asheville NC.

SCHEDULE

All talks and workshops take place in UNCA, Lipinsky Hall, room LH044

Thursday – June 8

5:00-7:00pm – Check-In and Reception at UNCA, Lipinsky Hall (in lobby) – Music by Mark Smart

Friday – June 9

9:30-9:40am – Welcome by ContinuuCon Hosts
9:40-10:30am – Lippold Haken – History of the Continuum and its Forerunners
10:40am-12:00pm – Ed Eagan – EaganMatrix Introduction and Programming

12:00-2:00pm – Lunch Break (see restaurant suggestions below)

2:00-2:30pm – Russell Hoffman – CV Eurorack Interface – Product Introduction and Demo
2:30-3:00pm – Christophe Duquesne – EaganMatrix Effects Design
3:10-4:15pm – Ed Eagan – EaganMatrix Version 8 and Beyond

6:00pm – Dinner and Jams at Sally’s – (Non-ticketed guests $25)

Saturday – June 10

9:30-10:20am – Lippold Haken – Spreading The Word
10:30-11:30am -Ed, Rob, Sally, Benedict – Playing Techniques – (used in the ContinuuConcert)
11:40am-12:00pm – Benedict Slotte – Pitch Shifting Preset

12:00-2:00pm – Lunch Break (see restaurant suggestions below)

2:00-2:50pm – Jesse Chappell – iOS and the Continuum + Controllers and Visualization Prototypes
3:00-3:30pm – Christophe Duquesne – State Space Based Physical Modeling Algorithm
3:40-4:30pm – Closing session – Eagan Matrix, Performing, The Future
4:30-5pm Q&A and discussion

8:00pm ContinuuConcert – UNCA, Lipinsky Hall"

http://www.continuucon.com

Moogfest 2017: Program Themes & Lineup Announcement

Just a heads up, the lineup for Moogfest 2017 has been announced. As always, check out moogfest.com for full details on the event. The following is a small capture for the archives via the Moogfest newsletter.

"Hailed as 'the most adventurous and cutting edge' festival of 2016, Moogfest returns with a commitment to futurist conversations and performances that wrestle with our historic moment, and reflect on the festival’s home in North Carolina.

In celebration of its 11th iteration, Moogfest will unveil its lineup over the next 11 weeks through their weekly “Future Thought Future Sound” email newsletter, inviting the Moogfest community to explore program themes like Transhumanism, Techno-shamanism and Protest.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Native Instruments Introduces MASCHINE JAM

Published on Sep 8, 2016 Native Instruments

"Berlin, September 8, 2016 – Native Instruments today announced MASCHINE JAM – the modern production and performance system created for fluid, intuitive track sketching and the latest member of the MASCHINE family. MASCHINE JAM offers versatile workflow designed to swiftly capture and develop creative ideas using tactile step sequencing and touch-sensitive performance controls for the latest MASCHINE 2 software. Advancing the same seamless hardware-software integration found throughout the world of MASCHINE, MASCHINE JAM not only enhances music production with existing MASCHINE hardware, but also with DAWs, NKS-ready plug-ins, and the KOMPLETE range of software and hardware. MASCHINE JAM will be available at the NI Online Shop and at retailers worldwide starting September 29, 2016.

“Inspiration has always been the most energizing, yet transient moment in the creative process,” says Mate Galic, CTO of Native Instruments. “MASCHINE JAM narrows the gap between idea and execution and introduces an innovative piece of hardware that draws from the power of software in a deeply integrated way. It will stimulate more creative experimentation, drive quick results and deliver the flow of a truly tactile digital instrument for advanced track building and performance”.

MASCHINE JAM offers a unique set of hardware features that reinforces the creative process. Its workflow centers on an 8x8 multicolor click-pad matrix where producers and performers can experiment with arrangement possibilities using patterns and scenes. In Step Mode, the matrix becomes a powerful multi-track step-sequencer for one, four, or eight sounds simultaneously. In Pad Mode, sounds are entered in real time, while Piano Roll Mode makes step-sequencing melodies in a wide variety of available scales possible. When the Variation Engine is enabled, inspirational beats and melodies are randomly generated based on customizable values and then modified on the matrix. A built-in humanizer adds natural rhythmic fluctuations to programmed sequences.

MASCHINE JAM’s eight dual-touch Smart Strips feature an impressive set of functions unlocked with the free MASCHINE 2.5 software update. All-new Perform FX map one of several effects to JAM’s touch strips. Each strip responds to simultaneous finger gestures to alter the motion, space, and dynamics of sounds in real time. The Smart Strips each feature multi-color LED meters to monitor the level of the assigned function, and can be used to alter macros, key instrument parameters, and even play melodies and chords with the unique Notes function. A powerful Lock function stores parameter snapshots that can revert back to their original settings or morph between multiple lock states.

MASCHINE JAM includes a substantial repertoire of sound from MASCHINE 2 software and the KOMPLETE 11 SELECT* instruments and effects bundle - including NI's legendary synths MASSIVE and MONARK - so producers can start creating right out of the box. Along with the powerful MASCHINE Drum Synth modules, version 2.5 of the acclaimed MASCHINE software features a revised 9 GB library updated with all-new sounds and macro controls.

MASCHINE JAM not only boasts united workflow across included sounds and instruments, but also creates a workflow complementary to existing MASCHINE hardware. In addition to seamless browsing through the advanced tag-based MASCHINE and KOMPLETE sound libraries, full support for NKS-ready plug-ins makes native in-app browsing for third party software possible. MASCHINE JAM integrates seamlessly within any DAWs as a plug-in, and provides extensive DAW control as a dedicated controller in MIDI mode. A template for Ableton Live is included. It can also be custom-mapped to control any other MIDI capable software.

To mark the release of MASCHINE JAM, Native Instruments is offering MASCHINE 2 software owners the choice of two MASCHINE Expansions from an eligible 20** – free with registration of MASCHINE JAM. The introductory offer runs until December 31, 2016.

MASCHINE JAM will be available for $399 / 399 € / ¥ 49,800 / £319 / AU$ 549 at the NI Online Shop and at local retailers on September 29, 2016.
Preorder is also available.

The free MASCHINE Expansions introductory offer is only available at the NI Online Shop until December 31, 2016 for existing MASCHINE 2 software owners after registration of MASCHINE JAM hardware.

Additional information on MASCHINE JAM is available at:
www.native-instruments.com/maschinejam"

And a jame from ask.audio:

NI Maschine JAM First Look

Published on Sep 8, 2016 Ask.Audio

u-He RePro Demo

Published on Jun 19, 2016 Mark Ireland

"u-he RePro demo - using the bassline from the theme to Get Smart (a 60s spy parody TV show)

brought to you by http://carrier.band"

The Harmonic Tone Generator from 1964

You might remember James Beuchamp's Harmonic Tone Generator posted back in December (be sure to see that post for other bits of synth history). Skot Wiedmann, the man behind Motus Mavis and the Hyve touch synthesizer, wrote in to let us know a new article on the story behind the Harmonic Tone Generator, including an NPR piece, just went up today on the University of Illinois' Public Media website here. Be sure to click through for the audio and the full post. Below is just an excerpt for the archives.

"One of the earliest synthesizer structures was invented in the University of Illinois’ Experimental Music Studio in the early 1960s as part of one of the first computer instruments – The Harmonic Tone Generator.

From Left to Right: The Original Harmonic Tone Generator, James Beauchamp constructing the Harmonic Tone Generator, a close up of one of the original instrument's panels
James Beauchamp sits at a workbench tuning three circuit boards before installing them in the Harmonic Tone Generator. This picture was taken in 1964.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of James Beauchamp
“A lightbulb went off and I decided: we build electronics for audio, we record using electronics in playback, but what about making music or sounds from electronics to begin with?” said James Beauchamp, a research professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois.

He completed the Harmonic Tone Generator in 1964 as part of his PhD project in electrical engineering."

Pictured: "James Beauchamp sits at a workbench tuning three circuit boards before installing them in the Harmonic Tone Generator. This picture was taken in 1964.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of James Beauchamp"

Pictured: "The original Harmonic Tone Generator and its next generation counterpart side by side in the Sousa Archive

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mark Smart"

Harmonic Tone Generator Exhibit Pics

Click here for some pics, in via Skot Wiedmann, of the debut of the Harmonic Tone Generator exhibit, at the Sousa Museum in Urbana-Champaign

Left: The original Harmonic Tone Generator.

via illinois.edu: "The Sousa Archives acquired one of the earliest instruments that composed synthetic music, created by Professor Emeritus James Beauchamp in 1964.

Beauchamp's machine will be exhibited and preserved at the archives, accompanied by a recreated digital version created by ECE electronics services technician Mark Smart.

The instrument was used to compose some of the earliest compositions in electronic music, such as "Underworld" by Salvatore Martirano [embed below]. This type of music would evolve over the years into today's DJ scene."

You'll find articles about the exhibit at the following links:

https://www.ece.illinois.edu..
https://archives.library.illinois.edu..
https://archives.library.illinois.edu...

Below: "Scott Schwartz, Mark Smart, and Jim Beauchamp with the original Harmonic Tone Generator at the Sousa Archives - University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign."

The Sal-Mar is pictured further below. You'll find previous posts including some video of it here.

"The SalMar Construction is displayed next to the Harmonic Tone Generator at the Sousa Archives - University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. What an exciting time in electronic music, with such cross disciplinary collaboration on these instruments and music."

Published on Nov 5, 2014 #SalvatoreMartirano

Eowave Persephone Mark II Synthesizer SN 621031

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Eowave are rethinking instruments from the past with smart sensor technology. The result is a new innovative instrument with real analogue oscillators, a duophonic ribbon, 100% compatible with the computer environment with a USB I/O, MIDI I/O and 4 CV out.

Sensor technology now enables to recreate controls like ribbons with a new accuracy and a new duophonic process. The ribbon enables to play glissando like on a Theremin, les Ondes Martenots or a Trautonium. The addition of 1 x oscillator takes all its dimension with the new duophonic ribbon which extends the instrument sonorities spectral to play simple chords, but also enables numberless modulations, e.g. FM of one oscillator on the second one.

The Persephone markII has 2 x analogue oscillators with a waveform from triangle to saw, going from 1Hz to more than 20000Hz. An analogue resonant 12dB low-pass filter inspired from the filters from the 70s-80s enables to shape the sound. With its entire analogue audio signal path, the Persephone markII can generate notes with a continuous variable range up to 10 x octaves to create deep and resonant cello tones on the lowest notes to ultrasonic frequencies on the highest pitches. An optical modulation key will transmit the slightest vibration for expressive modulations.

16 x routing presets enable to select different routing architectures between the sound parameters and the 7 controls available (ribbon pressure, ribbon position1 & 2, key, pedals 1 & 2, LFO) for 8 destinations (lo pitch, hi pitch, filter, VCA lo, VCA hi, filter mod1, filter mod2 and VCA). 8 x presets are fixed and 8 are editable users presets configurable thru a free software. Users routing presets will be stored in the Persephone2 internal memory. This new section significantly increases the instrument control and modulation possibilities.

The A/D conversion is made with Eowave ESS DSP. This process assures a 12 bits resolution (4096 values) conversion for an accurate musical gesture. It's 100% MIDI compatible and uses USB full speed 12 MB/s. This makes the Persephone2 compatible with all MIDI compatible softwares whilst the latency is reduced at less than 1.5ms.

With a complete I/O section featuring 4 x CV outputs, 2 x pedals inputs, MIDI in & out, audio out, USB (MIDI), the Persephone markII can be turned into a powerful and unique controller to control most of your analogue or digital synths."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Haken Introduces the Continuum EaganMatrix Expander (CEE)

VlnVlaCelBass Published on Mar 19, 2013 HakenAudio·28 videos

Video example of the EaganMatrix in action. Official press release further below.

"This video is a demonstration of the VlnVlaCelBass sound on the Continuum Fingerboard, performed by Edmund Eagan. This EaganMatrix string sound has been programmed to take advantage of the Continuum's fast and accurate pressure sensing. Playing this sound with low velocity finger movement will create a smooth gentle start to each note. After the note starts volume and timbre changes can be applied by changing the pressure on the surface.

When played with a harder finger velocity, the sound gets more aggressive in it's attack. This is due to the inclusion of timbre data that represents a real string attack.

The name of the sound includes the four names of the orchestral string family, violin, viola, cello, and double bass, reflecting the combined pitch range of these instruments. The sound is equally convincing and expressive at all pitches, even at the extremes.
Pressing the first foot pedal activates a mono mode which makes it easier to play fast monophonic intervals, such as whole tone or minor third trills.

The overall tonal character of the instrument can be changed by moving the Size barrel. Lower values of Size will create a larger sounding instrument, higher values a smaller one.

The VlnVlaCelBass uses the GrainSilo in the EaganMatrix, with a timbre element called Vla Sustained. The original source for this timbre element came from the first 100 milliseconds of a single note preformed by Rudolf Haken on a Pellegrina 5 string viola. This 100 milliseconds contains essential attack and sustain spectra. Through the power of the EaganMatrix formula structures, control of the timbre elements reference point, fundamental, spectral rolloff, spectral shift, and amplitude is mapped to the playing surface. The three dimensional performance of each finger can translate into exquisite control of this finite piece of data."

Press release:

"Haken Audio’s Continuum EaganMatrix Expander (CEE) provides increased polyphony for EaganMatrix sounds. The EaganMatrix Expander triples the computation power of the Continuum Fingerboard, thereby tripling the polyphony of EaganMatrix sounds. This increased polyphony is most useful for EaganMatrix sounds that require polyphony greater than the number of fingers simultaneously touching the surface, such as percussive sounds with releases that continue to sound after the finger is lifted from the playing surface.

In addition to this increased polyphony, the EaganMatrix Expander also provides balanced analog audio outputs and localized i2c connections to the other Continuum Fingerboard accessory, the Continuum Voltage Converter. The EaganMatrix Expander can be used as a desktop device, or mounted in a standard 19 inch rack using the optional rack ears."

New Firmware version 6.00

New System Presets

Firmware 6.00 includes 23 new EaganMatrix System Presets handcrafted by Edmund Eagan. A video demonstrating some of these new sounds will be online at Haken Audio soon. In addition, the Pluck Tine specialty sound is now available again.

New Mode for EaganMatrix Oscillator: Expose Phase

Expose Phase will output the oscillator’s internal phase value. This is equivalent to a non-bandlimited sawtooth. The oscillator’s phase value is a sum of 7 detuned phase generators. The resulting sound is similar to the layered sound of mutiple detuned saw tooth oscillators.

New Type of Shape Generator: Phase from Amplitude

The existing Single Cycle and Continuous Cycle SGs are Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs), with Frequency and Trigger input columns in the matrix. In contrast, the new Phase from Amplitude SGs are Low Frequency Waveshapers (LFWs), with a Phase input column in the matrix.

Phase from Amplitude SGs can be used to implement an amplitude follower. Connect the audio-rate signal to be followed to the SG’s P column. Then select this SG in a formula, select a Ramp SG shape, and adjust the formula's persistence and interpolation controls for smooth following.

Extended BiqMode and BiqBank: 48 Resonances

The existing BiqMode and BiqBank modules have 8 resonances. With the new Extended option, these now have 48 resonances; the Extended BiqMode Amplitude Graphs allow you to specify 48 mode amplitudes, and the BiqBank computes 48 biquad bandpass filters.

New Module Names: Spectral Manipulator and SineSpray

The GrainSilo has been renamed Spectral Manipulator, and the MultiGrain module has been renamed SineSpray. Several matrix columns in these modules have also been renamed, to better reflect their functions.

New Capabilities for the Ancillary Formula Mechanism

The Ancillary Formula Mechanism now has a Domain option, so it can affect just one formula component. Also, incoming Midi Clock can be referenced in the Ancillary Formula Mechanism; this can be used to synchronize envelopes, delay times, or adjust timbral parameters according to the performer’s tempo.

Y-Dependent Instant Round Pedals

Two new switch pedals will turn on Instant Round (Round Rate 127) for fingers at low or high Y position:

cc18 on ch 16: instant round for finger y < .5 cc19 on ch 16: instant round for finger y > .5

This pedal functionality is available for the Continuum’s pedal jacks, when InstRnd is selected in the Editor. This functionality was requested by Mark Smart.

ESI MidiMate II

The Editor will automatically detect the ESI MidiMate II, and automatically connect without any configuration required. The MidiMate II is an attractive USB-Midi interface, but it will only work with Continuums running firmware version 6.00 and later.

Additional Editor Improvements

The Overload Protect indicator can be enabled or disabled for overload protection.


The Editor’s System Preset popup now lists the Internal Sound Number for each preset.

The Z Encoding allows you to select Channel Pressure.

In the future, when you update your version 6.00 firmware to a later firmware number, your Continuum will automatically power cycle after Update File 1. This is the last firmware update that requires manual power cycle.

Available now!

Version 6.00 firmware is available for free in the resources section of the Haken Audio site. Before using the new firmware we recommend you check out the newly-revised user guides for the Continuum, EaganMatrix, EaganMatrix Expander, and CVC."

Mark Mosher's 9 Box Instrument / Installation at Mountain Oasis Festival 2013 w/ Bob Moog Foundation

Published on Nov 3, 2013 Mark Mosher·58 videos

"The Bob Moog Foundation invited me to bring my "9 Box" installation / instrument to the Mountain Oasis Festival 2013 to be part of Dr. Bob's Interactive Sonic Experience. The 9 Box ran for 18 hours over 3 days and was played by 100s of festival goers of all ages.

The 9 Box is a Collaborative AudioCube Jam Instrument with Music, Sound & Light by Mark Mosher (http://www.MarkMosherMusic.com & http://9box.modulatethis.com). Part collaborative instrument, part interactive installation -- the 9 Box allows up to six casual players to instantly make music and shape sound by manipulating blocks called AudioCubes.

This video to youtube which will give you a taste of 9 Box in the booth area. It was so rewarding see people's reactions to the 9 Box and to hear their creations throughout the weekend.

AudioCubes, made by California based Percussa (http://www.percussa.us), are smart wireless cubes capable of sensing each other's location and orientation as well as distance to your hands, fingers and other objects. They also emit feedback in the form of light as you interact with them.

Ultimately this hands-on approach allows players to manipulate sets of sounds in 3x3 grids -- hence the name 9 Box. The 9 Box supports also supports user creatable "refills" allowing for unique and endless sonic possibilities.

Mountain Oasis Festival was just an incredible experience all the way around. One of the coolest music-related trips ever!!! HUGE thanks to:

- Michelle Moog-Koussa for inviting me out and including the 9 Box in Dr. Bob's Interactive Sonic Experience!!! It was so great to be a part of a vibrant music education program.
- All the players throughout the weekend
- Ken Jones from mountainsongguitars.com who provided the PA
- The Bob Moog Foundation's wonderful staff and volunteers (http:www.moogfoundation.org)
- BMF's Andi Morell & Marc Doty for helping me with logistics
- Geary Yelton and Susan Granados for being such amazing hosts.
- Bert Schiettecattefor inventing the incredible AudioCubes
- Ableton for creating Live
- TheGigEasy for providing mic stand cube mounts"

Eowave Persephone Mark II

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"A 100% analogue audio signal path
The Persephone markII has two analogue oscillators with a waveform from triangle to saw, going from 1 Hz to more than 20 000 Hz. An analogue resonant 12dB low-pass filter inspired from the filters from the 70s-80s enables to shape the sound. With its entire analogue audio signal path, the Persephone markII can generate notes with a continuous variable range up to ten octaves to create deep and resonant cello tones on the lowest notes to ultrasonic frequencies on the highest pitches. An optical modulation key will transmit the slightest vibration for expressive modulations.

8 factory routings, 8 users routings: a modular architecture
16 routing presets enable to select different routing architectures between the sound parameters and the 7 controls available (ribbon pressure, ribbon position1 & 2, key, pedals 1 & 2, LFO) for 8 destinations (lo pitch, hi pitch, filter, VCA lo, VCA hi, filter mod1, filter mod2 and VCA). 8 presets are fixed and 8 are editable users presets configurable thru a free software. Users routing presets will be stored in the Persephone2 internal memory. This new section significantly increases the instrument control and modulation possibilities.

Compatibility with computer music environment
The A/D conversion is made with Eowave ESS DSP. This process assures a 12 bits resolution (4096 values) conversion for an accurate musical gesture. It’s 100% MIDI compatible and uses USB full speed 12 Mb/s. This makes the Persephone2 compatible with all MIDI compatible softwares whilst the latency is reduced at less than 1,5ms.

A smart controller
With a complete I/O section featuring 4 CV out, 2 pedals in, MIDI in & out, audio out, USB (MIDI), the Persephone markII can be turned into a powerful and unique controller to control most of your analogue or digital synths.

CLICK FOR MORE »

GK-Expander DEMO Waltz by Carulli Reaktor 5.0 Guitar Synthesis Schecter Stiletto Classic with GK-3

Published on Jan 23, 2013 WayneJoness·251 videos

"http://www.joness.com/gr300/GK-Expander.htm The GK-Expander is a Roland 13-pin guitar synthesizer format break out box. In this demo, the six outputs from the GK Expander are recorded directly into Digital Performer, using a Native Instruments Reakor guitar synthesizer plug-on. The track was recorded in one pass, with no overdubs. The Reaktor plug in used is GSynth designed by Mark Smart."

AudioCubes Featured at Electro-Music Festival 2012 in New York

"The Electro-music festival 2012 has been confirmed, with acts from several electronic musicians from all over the US and Europe, such as Mark Mosher, Lux Seeker, Shivasongster, and many others.

The festival organized by electro-music.com takes place in Huguenot, New York at the Greenkill Retreat Center. Last year over 60 artists performed live at the festival, and this year's edition is expected to be even greater. The event will span 3 days in September (7-9), and alongside the musical performances, workshops, jam sessions, laptop battles will take place.

The Electro-Music festival is also called “the Woodstock of electronic music” by the Philadelphia Inquirer. It is an annual event festival organized by electro-music.com, a “cooperative community where artists and enthusiasts participate and benefit together” as they describe on electro-music.com.

One of the highlights of this event will be the live performances with Percussa AudioCubes. Electronic musicians Mark Mosher, Jeremy dePrisco aka Shivasongster, and John Morley aka Lux Seeker, will bring their AudioCubes to the festival to perform live with the cubes. In addition, Jeremy will demonstrate the AudioCubes during a workshop he's organizing about Reason 6.

More information about the performances and the schedule can be found here.

About AudioCubes and Percussa

AudioCubes by Percussa are smart light-emitting cubes that can detect each other's location and orientation in a network, as well as sense distances. The AudioCubes can be used for sound design, music composition, live performance, as well as many other uses, because of the several software applications Percussa created for the AudioCubes. More information about Percussa and the AudioCubes: http://www.percussa.com

Interesting Links
Music Mark Mosher: http://markmoshermusic.com
Music Shivasongster: http://shivasongster.com
Music Lux Seeker: http://soundcloud.com/lux_seeker"

Tesla Coil Music - "Risky Business: A Tribute to Nikola Tesla"

YouTube Uploaded by marksmartus2 on Sep 27, 2011

"'Risky Business: A Tribute to Nikola Tesla' for electroacoustic music, Tesla coils, and live Continuum performance. Performed as the last piece of the University of Illinois New Music Ensemble (http://www.glennweb.net/somsite/ensembles.php#newmusic) Concert at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (http://www.krannertcenter.com/) on September 26, 2009. Continuum and tesla coil parts composed by Mark Smart (http://www.marksmart.net/). Electroacoustic music parts composed by Scott Wyatt (http://ems.music.uiuc.edu/people/wyatt/), director of the University of Illinois Experimental Music Studios (http://ems.music.uiuc.edu/). Tesla coils built by Steve Ward, Jeff Larson, and Terry "Dr. Zeus" Blake (http://www.mastersoflightning.com/). Tesla coil synthesizer control system designed by Steve Ward and Mark Smart. Mark Smart performs on the Continuum Fingerboard designed by Lippold Haken (http://www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/). The piece was the recipient of a University of Illinois College of Fine and Applied Arts 2008 Creative Research Award."

Continuum Controls Moog Synthesizer - All Blues [& Jazz] Miles Davis

YouTube via marksmartus2 | January 22, 2011 |

"Mark Smart uses the Haken Continuum Fingerboard and a modular Moog synthesizer to play Miles Davis' tune.

Continuum Fingerboard: http://www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/i...
Mark Smart: http://www.marksmart.net
Pogo Studio: http://www.pogostudio.net/
Pogo Studio's Moog: http://www.marksmart.net/gearhack/pog..."

Continuum Fingerboard - In a Sentimental Mood

YouTube via marksmartus2 | January 18, 2011 |

"Duke Ellington's beautiful tune played on the Haken Continuum Fingerboard driving Native Instruments' Reaktor software. I did the background track using an Ibanez AR-250 guitar with a Copeland hexaphonic pickup and a pedalboard I built for solo jazz performances.

Continuum Fingerboard: http://www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/i...
My home page: http://www.marksmart.net/"

The pogomoog

Haken Continuum Meets Tesla - Risky Business, Moog, The Cars Let's Go

Tesla Coil Music - Island at the Center of the World - Part II: The Strangers

YouTube via marksmartus2 | January 22, 2011 | 0 likes, 0 dislikes

"Recorded live in Urbana, Illinois on March 7, 2008. This outdoor concert was part of a student-run open house for the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois. Tesla coils were used to create musical pitches via a control system designed by university student Steve Ward. Two coils were used. The right coil is playing a prerecorded Midi track, acting as the bass, and the left one is performed live as a lead sound via the Continuum fingerboard. In spite of the frigid temperatures (4 degrees Fahrenheit, 26 mph winds), the concert was well attended and was voted the most popular event of the open house.

This is the second part of a prog-rock piece by Mark Smart about the history of Easter Island."

Tesla Coil Music - "Risky Business: A Tribute to Nikola Tesla"

marksmartus2 | August 10, 2009 |

"This piece was composed by Scott Wyatt and Mark Smart and was performed during the SEAMUS (Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States) conference at Sweetwater Sound in Fort Wayne, Indiana on April 18, 2009."

Tesla Coil Music - "Let's Go" by The Cars

marksmartus2 | May 02, 2009 |

"This tune was was played as an encore to "Risky Business: A Tribute to Nikola Tesla" (also on YouTube) at the 2009 SEAMUS conference at Sweetwater Sound in Fort Wayne, Indiana on April 18, 2009. Credits: Tesla coil parts arranged by Mark Smart; coils built by Steve Ward, Jeff Larson, and Terry Blake; control system designed by Steve Ward and Mark Smart. The video was made by jenaber27; I just added some of the original Cars track to balance the sound."

Continuum Fingerboard - Funk Loops

YouTube via marksmartus2 | January 22, 2011 |

"Mark Smart plays funk on the Continuum Fingerboard.

Continuum Fingerboard: http://www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/i...
My home page: http://www.marksmart.net"