A Totally Unique Roland Modular Synth Oozing

video upload by Memetune Studio

"The Roland custom modular from their finest period is coming along nicely!

Enjoy the creamy sounds it oozes 😁"

BENGE - FORMS16 Watercolour on Paper

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Music from the Serge Modular Paperface

This is an album exploring the interplay between random events and deliberate human intervention, something which, in the electronic music field, I call cybersynthesis. I saw it’s creation as being analogous to creating pictures using the medium of Watercolour, whereby the various pigments are allowed to flow randomly in water with the hand of the painter guiding the proceedings with an eye on satisfying various criteria. These criteria define the artist's intention. The work is the result

The music was made on the Serge Modular Paperface system, with most of the modules being made in the early-to-mid 1970s. However, one panel of the nine used is a modern unit formatted to the Serge standard, made by the British synthesiser manufacturer Loudest Warning. This panel was assembled on my instruction, a service happily provided by the manufacturer, and contains cybernetic functions that I felt were lacking in the other modules in my system, but which fit in with the spirit of the Serge. They were designed to aid in the composition of self-generating melodic and rhythmic patterns as found on this album

Note that the original paintings featured in this video are available to buy via Benge's Bandcamp page: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com/album..."

Autumnism - Benge on the Buchla 100

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Benge Buchlaisms - 'Autumnism'

https://modulisme.bandcamp.com
https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com

This is a multi-tracked piece made exclusively on the Buchla 100 synthesiser

The modules in the left-hand cabinets are all original vintage units made in the 1960s (apart from the middle 144 VCO which is my own clone made before the current slew of clones released since 2018)

The patch makes use of many oscillators going into the 191 Sharp Cutoff Filter, in bandpass mode, as well as other layers using the Frequency Shifter and Noise Sources

The Random module is a big part of the patches, as well as the Sequencers

But perhaps the most important modules in any patch on the 100 are the 156 CV Processors. This is because of the way Don designed the system, leaving off the CV processing from most modules. So for example, most functions on the modules have voltage control inputs, but no scaling knobs or mixers on them, so the 156 modules are used for this task

In general, I approached the patching for this piece in a fairly ad-hock manner, and just enjoyed patching and playing with the system as I went along, with no particular goal other than exploring the Buchla's warm sonic possibilities, on a very cold, wet, autumnal day"

Rolanded - SH5 breakout-module in action

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Here is the Roland SH5 breakout panel that I designed in action - alongside my customised Roland System 100, the CR8000 drum machine (its a beast) and some eurorack sequencing stuff - YEAH!"

Gater - Serge Gated Comparator Sketch

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Using the Loudest Warning versions of the Ken Stone Gated Comparator to play the Serge system. The GC takes 2 inputs (any time-varying voltage source and a clock source) and sends out a variety of CVs and Gates based on the incoming clock, using 8 shift registers that sequentially pass the voltages along. Its hard to explain what's happening, because there are a few extra details that complicate it. One is that each of the 8 steps can have an offset voltage added with a knob setting. Also there is a loop function which can be different to the inputs. Then there are different outputs - a mix of all the voltages on each step, or random voltages per step. A range knob sets the general voltage range its going to output, and there is a sensitivity knob to control how much of the variable cv input is setting off the stages. Its pretty hit and miss, and is one of those modules that is best just experimented with, but it can give amazing results that can't be done on anything else (apart from other modules based on this idea, such as the Rungler, Klee sequencer, Turing Machine, etc). Its great for semi-random sequences of notes and other cvs, as well as gates and timing pulses

In this patch I'm using one GC (on the right of the panel) to do the pitches and a second one (far left) to send out cvs to control the timbre of the oscillator. This second GC is a slimmed down version with less controls and no individual gate outs, but its the same thing in principle

The strange wonky rhythms are being made with a combination of the window comparators and the EG which has an equally baffling array of input and output options

So in other words, this is a an extremely fun panel to experiment with when making aleatoric music 😁"

Background Modulars No.3 - Serge Paperface

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Can't find a Serge Modular system to create a self-generating Cybersynthesis patch on? No worries! Just put this video on in the background (in full-screen mode), and have the next best thing 😁

In this background piece, I’m using a 1970s Paperface system with some Loudest Warning Serge clone modules to help with the AI composition process (top panel)

The usual VCO / VCF / ENV things are set up, being triggered from a combination of Positive Slew, 73 EG and the mysterious Fenetre module (a Window Comparator designed by Charlie at Loudest Warning, inspired by a tiny bit of the Destiny+ Czochralski Cells thing - Google it), which takes a CV-variable input and sends out staggered pulses, all CV-able. Some of these go to a 4-input AND module which is combined with the other clocks to give varying rhythm to the piece. The pitches are being generated from the Gated Comparator (Ken Stone design, Mk2) which is being altered as the piece develops by various interrelated CVs from the other modules and the vintage Programmer, set to 4 steps on a very slow clock, again related to the main clock via an 8-way divider, then into a 2HP Tune quantiser, which I supplanted into a spare hole in the cab. The Programmer also has its other outputs slowly changing things, such as timbre and LFO of the main oscillator. The reverb is from the Serge spring units (stereo) and there is a tiny bit of Boss SE70 delay in there (all being mixed via one of the Serge Universal Audio Processors)

The general idea is that its one great big interrelated cybersynthesis patch, and the sequence changes slightly each rotation. I think if you listen through to the end, you will hear a very satisfying melodic development, one that I was not expecting to happen. I had no idea how the melody would evolve, and for the first time in my patching life I was genuinely surprised by the melodic resolution this self-generating Serge patch produced"

Serge Sea Anatomy

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Trying out something on the Serge system: using the direct pulse inputs to the Programmer taken from the pulse outputs from the 1050 cloned Mix Sequencer, then changing the direction of the 1050 with the Serge Clock Divider every 5 times through the sequence, thus giving an evolving sequence of notes over more than the normal 8 steps an ordinary sequencer gives. I'm getting into some interesting generative (Cybersynthesis) techniques today"

Sercan

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Wrangling on the Serge and Modcan"

Moog Wrangle

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Moog Modular 3C and Lexicon Model 300"

Background Modulars No.2 - Modcan A-Series

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Can't find a real vintage Modcan A-Series modular system? No worries! Just put this video on in the background (in full-screen mode), and have the next best thing 😁

Here is 10 minutes of self-playing modular synthesiser niceness. Why not put it on loop - then you can have it bubbling away in the background while you do other things

This is the second Background Modular video - the first featured the ARP2500 - [posted here]

A note on the patch: two VCOs (one of which is the Miniwave) go into the Modcan 02A LPF then to the output mixer. Various AD and ADSR envelopes control the filter cutoff coming in at various levels. The melodic notes are being chosen by sending a VC LFO into the Cyndustries Gated Comparator which is like a S&H crossed with a shift register and analog switch. It throws out notes that are semi-random. This output goes into a Quantiser to keep the notes sort of in tune. The Sequencer is used to vary the timing of the notes. A second signal path consists of the above going into the Modcan CV Recorder / Sampler which is the lower set of notes you can hear. I quite like the way its all a bit out of time and wonky. The stereo output goes into my mixer (Sony DMX-R100 with GA 1073 analogue preamps/eqs), with a bit of reverb (Lexicon Model 300)

Actually the patch is more complex than this, but it's too much to explain here - it would take my word count over the limit 🤣"

TMP-2-04 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

00:00 Opening Titles
00:32 Introduction
01:22 Little Black Boxes
07:49 Switched On Cybersynths
14:55 Synthesiser Club
18:30 Commercial Break
21:52 Patching Today
35:05 Video Lab
40:34 Outro

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Episode four of the second series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses it on his productions and collaborations

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It is divided into the following sections:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at some classic rack mount synths of the 80s and 90s

SWITCHED ON - This second series looks at a type of synthesis based around the ideas of Cybernetics, which Benge calls CYBERSYNTHESIS

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In THIS episode:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - The Casio VZ10M Phase Distortion synth from 1988

SWITCHED ON CYBERSYNTHS - Euclidean Rhythms. We get the abacus out and do some maths in this episode, trying to work out Euclid’s infamous algorithm

SYNTHESISER CLUB - Today, its Club Yamaha!

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Benge’s latest album The View from Vega, released on the DiN label; FORMS SERIES albums on Bandcamp; Polyrythmic Electronica vinyl from the Systems of Objects label; Memetune merchandise - T-Shirts, Tote Bags and Badges

PATCHING TODAY - on the Paia 4700, made in Oklahoma City in 1974. Is this the WORST modular system ever made? Maybe, maybe not!

VIDEO LAB - In this episode - a look at vintage video cameras, and why the Three Tube system rules


////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LINKS:

The View from Vega album: https://dinrecords.bandcamp.com/album...

Polyrythmic Electronica vinyl / Systems of Objects: https://systemofobjects.bandcamp.com/...

Benge's Studio Blog: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com

Memetune Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memetunestu...

Benge FORMS / Memetune Merch on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com


////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2023

Benge: The View From Vega

video upload by Memetune Studio

"New Benge album 'The View From Vega'
Preorder Friday 3rd November 2023
Release date 17th November 2023
Listening party on Bandcamp, Friday 10th November at 8pm GMT

Available on vinyl, CD and Download: https://dinrecords.bandcamp.com/album...

Also available: Giclée Print on Fine Art Rag Paper of the album cover artwork

=====================

Release details:

Benge The View From Vega DiN82

Limited to 300 copies 180g Vinyl / 300 copies Digipak CD

Ben Edwards, better known by his pseudonym Benge, has been exploring the sonic possibilities of electronic instruments since he was a young boy, in the1970s. After graduating from art school in 1990 he set up his own music studio and started recording his unique blend of experimental electronica, culminating in his debut album "Electro-Orgoustic Music" and the formation of Expanding Records in 1995. Since then he has released dozens of albums as Benge, as well as collaborating with various luminaries from the electronic music world on many other album projects. He has formed several notable and ongoing bands such as John Foxx & The Maths, Wrangler (with Stephen Mallinder / Cabaret Voltaire and Phil Winter / Tunng), Fader (with Neil Arthur / Blancmange), and his most recent project Creep Show (Wrangler + John Grant). Benge's creative output now centres around his Memetune Studio Complex, located in one of the UKs remotest moorland locations, writing and producing his various music projects as well as making video art and TV programmes about his activities.

“The View From Vega”, his debut solo album on the DiN imprint, is primarily an ambient suite of tracks inspired by the space-music typically produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It uses a selection of vintage synthesisers, sequencers and FX units to provide a fertile sonic landscape to explore. The idea was to use simple sequences (using both analogue and digital units), sustained synthesiser pads and electronic piano improvisations, alongside various ancient delay, flange and reverb units. The beautiful, warm quality of the tones that exude from such instruments are very evident on the six tracks that slowly unfold their oscillations in organic, melodic soundscapes.

An unashamedly vintage sounding album in all its analogue glory, “The View From Vega” is released both as a 180g Vinyl edition and a Digipak CD with stunning artwork from Wendy Carroll that matches the music perfectly.

01 The View From Vega (Part I) 06:44
02 The View From Vega (Part II) 05:07
03 The View From Vega (Part III) 06:14
01 The View From Vega (Part IV) 06:54
02 The View From Vega (Part V) 05:21
03 The View From Vega (Part VI) 07:32

Total Running Time : 37:54

Thanks to: Ian Boddy at DiN Recordings
Artwork by Wendy Carroll
Video by Benge / Memetune VideoLab"

Background Modulars No.1 - ARP 2500

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Can't find a real vintage ARP 2500? No worries! Just put this video on in the background (in full-screen mode), and have the next best thing 😁

Here is 10 minutes of self-playing modular synthesiser goodness. Why not put it on loop - then you can have it bubbling away in the background while you do other things

I might do more of these - what do you think?

Cheers! Benge'

Arpells

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Using the ARP2500 1005 Modamp to create some bell-like tones

I do hope you enjoy its beautiful ringings"

Rubberland

video upload by Memetune Studio

"I just LOVE the vintage Roland sound - and it was there right from the start in these mid-70s beauties:

Roland System 100 (101 & 102)
SH5
RE201 Space Echo
Behringer 184 sequencers x 2 + Doepfer Sequential Switch, Mixer and Clock Divider
ALM ASQ1 (used as Quantiser)

Enjoy the rubbery squidges!"

Polycan

video upload by Memetune Studio

"I have tidied up my Modcan cab a bit - and freed up a bit of space below the modules so I can put a keyboard under there to play it with

At the moment I have put the Roland 184 there, which can do 4-note polyphony - which is especially nice when using the arpeggiator 😁"

TMP-2-03 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

00:00 Opening Titles
00:32 Introduction
01:29 Little Black Boxes
05:54 Switched On Cybersynths
13:24 Synthesiser Club
16:24 Commercial Break
17:33 Patching Today
31:51 Video Lab
36:22 Outro

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Episode three of the second series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses it on his productions and collaborations

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It is divided into the following sections:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at some classic rack mount synths of the 80s and 90s

SWITCHED ON - This second series looks at a type of synthesis based around the ideas of Cybernetics, which Benge calls CYBERSYNTHESIS

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In THIS episode:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - The Roland Super JV-1080 layersynth from 1994

SWITCHED ON CYBERSYNTHS - Electronic Tonalities and The Krell. We go deep underground on the planet Altair IV to explore the beguiling "Krell Patch" on a giant Buchla 200 system

SYNTHESISER CLUB - An assortment or Arps!

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Brand new Memetune Merch - T-Shirts, Tote Bags and Badges - support this channel and search for BENGE BANDCAMP and look for the merchandise section

PATCHING TODAY - The EMS VCS3 (and friends) from the late 1960s

VIDEO LAB - In this episode - a look at ALIEN WORLD BUILDING, based upon the world of Benge’s short film “Proof of Hyper-travel”

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LINKS:
Todd barton & the Krell Patch (Buchla tutorials): http://www.toddbarton.com
Benge's Studio Blog: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com
Memetune Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memetunestudio
Benge / Memetune Merch on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2023

Buchani

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Krell Krell Krell"

Melcan

video upload by Memetune Studio

"A melodic sequence on the Modcan A-Series

Some added reverb: Lexicon Model 300 and tiny bit of EMT 140 Plate"

Polyfusion Modular Patch

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Melodic patch on the Polyfusion Modular. As seen on TV (The Memetune Programme Series 2 Episode 2)"

Additional Vintage Synth TV episodes by Benge