Future Sound Systems Portland Percussion Synthesizer

via @FutureSndSystem

"Here it is, in all its glory.
Portland, the first percussion synthesizer from FSS.
Come jam with it at @MachinaBris #TOMORROW!"

The Portland percussion synthesizer has been designed as a drum complement to the Brunswick synthesizer. Like the Brunswick, Portland has been designed with affordability and flexibility in mind, allowing for the ultimate performance from relatively basic electronics. Portland is also presented as a "sandbox" for percussion and drum synthesis, giving several different analogue sound generation and shaping elements in a patchable unit. The elements are normalled together on the patchbay, allowing for minimal patching to arrive at a kit of drum sounds, but this normalling can be overridden for more complex drum sound synthesis.

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DSC - DIGITAL SOUND CHIPS OPUS MAX BOARD

DSC - DIGITAL SOUND CHIPS

From the creators of the Bluebox synthesizer comes a new project for DIYers. Currently on Kickstarter here.

"A short introduction to the OPUS MAX BOARD music computer and development board for making music gear with the STM32H750 micro controller. https://digitalsoundchips.com It will come with a profession grade synthesizer and audio effects unit to loop sounds through the board externally. And with information on how to make your own music gear like synthesizers and audio effect units."

"Back in 2011 the worlds smallest synthesizer DSC Bluebox was made, but vent by unnoticed. This time Digital Soundchips that made the synthesizer is back, and want to solve the problems that they once went through for you and others.

Now we a ready to present a single-board computer for audio plugins and music gear. And with one profession grade synthesizer plugin, and a multi effects unit to loop audio through. That uses a open plugin standard with plugins on microSD card.

Imagine making professional music hardware gear, based on a super simple audio plugin format. And develop music gear that can use several plugins simultaneously.

We want to make a pre-configured scalable solution, so you can start writing your audio code and run ready-made plugins. And lower the development time for new music gear from years or month's, to weeks.

Lets make it faster and fun to develop commercially viable professional music gear.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Behind Bloom - Vintage Synths

video upload by Minimal Audio

"Bloom - An ethereal sound FX library with 1000+ designed sounds.
Learn more → https://www.minimal.audio/products/bloom

Discover evolving atmospheres, nuanced drums, melodic loops, foley textures, vocal SFX, and more. Whether you're looking for deep soundscapes or subtle sonic embellishments, Bloom offers an unparalleled library of expansive sound design elements.

Free Sample Drops → https://www.minimal.audio/sample-subs.."

New Tiptop Audio - VCA

Tiptop Audio - VCA from Tiptop Audio on Vimeo.

via Tiptop Audio

"The Tiptop Audio VCA is a full featured, precision calibrated, analog Voltage Controlled Amplifier. At its heart is a novel design of a control circuitry—a function that lets you sweep continuously through three different response curves: Logarithmic, Linear, Exponential—giving you all three shapes in a single module. This special control circuitry design by Mr. Osamu Hoshuyama was adopted into the VCA module to make it a great sounding synthesizer VCA with flexibility to address all duties: level control for both audio and CV modulation, gating audio into silence, and amplitude modulation effects.

A VCA, Voltage Controlled Amplifier, sometimes referred to as an audio gate, is an essential module to any Eurorack and no system is complete without one. The concept is an input, an output and a control that sets how much of the input signal passes through to the output.

A great VCA means minimum feedthrough of the control signal bleeding into the passing signal and minimum distortion applied to the passing signal. An excellent audio gate means minimal leakage of signal from IN to OUT when the control tells the VCA to fully close. These are the most critical conditions for a good sounding, good responding VCA and are what the Tiptop Audio design carefully addresses. 2 LED peak indicator lights on the front panel light up with incoming CV or audio signals. While a clipping indicator for audio is expected, clipping of CV is often overlooked and it’s included here to visually maintain the full dynamic range of an envelope driving the VCA.

The Tiptop Audio VCA lets you concentrate on creative uses rather than figuring out the module’s anomalies. The result is an excellent sounding synthesizer VCA that’s a joy to use and pleasing to hear."

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Spitfire Audio Introduces EVO GRID 004 WOODWINDS for their EMS VCS3 Inspired Virtual Instrument

Published on Sep 3, 2015 Spitfire Audio

"Spitfire Audio adds another ‘off-grid’ twist to evolving, EMS VCS3-inspired VIs for its Producer Portfolio

LONDON, UK: Spitfire Audio, purveyors of the finest virtual instruments from the finest musical samples in the world, is proud to announce availability of PP025 EVO GRID 004 WOODWINDS, the latest creative chapter in its evocatively-named, evolving EVO GRID series of ‘off-grid’ sample-based virtual instruments initially inspired by the trailblazing late-Sixties-vintage EMS VCS3 portable analogue monosynth and perfectly executed for the Native Instruments KONTAKT platform-compatible Producer Portfolio range — itself launched to satisfy repeated requests for drier-sounding, more manipulative samples for more non-orchestral material, as of September 18…

Following on from the success of Spitfire Audio’s prototypical PP017 EVO GRID 001 STRINGS and its phenomenal PP020 EVO GRID 002 STRINGS followup, as implied by name, PP025 EVO GRID 004 WOODWINDS takes the so-called ‘Evo’ concept from its inception in strings into the wonderful world of woodwinds. What is an Evo, exactly? Evos are hyper-long, sample-based articulations that evolve — sometimes subtly, sometimes severely — over time before looping. These are then organised on a grid so users can plot which evolution or ‘Evo’ sits on which key range, resulting in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) inspired by the breakthrough British EMS VCS3, which made musical history upon its introduction in 1969 by being the first commercially portable synthesiser available anywhere in the world, thanks to its innovative modular matrix-based patchboard dispensing with the telephone exchange-like cabling of other (much larger) modular systems in favour of making space-saving connections with (removable) coloured pins.

PP025 EVO GRID 004 WOODWINDS heads on a similarly flexible sonic bearing, but within the computer-hosted context of a truly 21st Century sample-based virtual instrument fit for ‘off-grid’ minimal musical explorations. Employing some of the UK’s finest, most progressive, and avant-garde woodwind players performing beautifully-orchestrated long notes that increase in intensity and expression, evolving into out-of-this world soundscapes, this eclectic collection of woodwind evolutions designed by Ben Foskett foster an exceptional edge to anyone’s musical endeavours. Returning to record at the ultra-dry, yet warm-sounding surroundings of Central London’s Air-Edel Recording Studios using the finest vintage microphones, Neve preamps, and the last Cadac studio console ever built, ‘Foskett & Co.’ set about creating a product that oozes originality and positively provides inspiration to all that use it. The result? 3,312 superlative samples — some 18.5GB of uncompressed .WAV files — that do just that by doing things with woodwinds that are totally unexpected, yet uniquely musical in execution.

At Air-Edel Recording Studios two subtly different performing lineups — Band A comprising FLUTE (3), ALTO FLUTE (1), BASS FLUTE (1), CONTRA BASS FLUTE (1), Bb CLARINET (3), and Bb BASS CLARINET (3); Band B comprising OBOE (3), COR ANGLAIS (2), Bb CLARINET (2), Bb BASS CLARINET (1), Bb BASS CLARINET (1), BARITONE SAX (1), and BASSOON (3) — led Spitfire Audio to ultimately provide PP025 EVO GRID 004 WOODWINDS users with a nuanced selection of sounds. Some are more reedy-sounding, others more flutey. This time the resultant Evo count stands at a healthy 48 spread across 12 pitch regions — including an additional five grids of wonderfully-warped, saturated, and totally transformed versions of each and every Evo — resulting in an almost infinite number of possibilities. Pressing the save button is important… all the more so given the many randomisation options that are also provided!

Fortunately for (potential) PP025 EVO GRID 004 WOODWINDS purchasers, Spitfire Audio has helpfully seen fit to carefully curate those extraordinary Evos into a number of spring-right-out-of-the-box-style patches — from seemingly-simple tutti-type affairs, featuring all Evos evenly spread across the keyboard, through to various diagonal patterns, as well as a handy feature for randomly creating pinned patterns from the near-infinite number of configuration possibilities — perfectly demonstrating not only the tense and extreme elements of the library but also the effortlessly-engaging ‘episodic’ Evos! Easily-accessible front panel-positioned FX controls (for Reverb, Delay, and Tape Sat.) help make this into a tool truly designed for producers — hence the Producer Portfolio range association, as well as composers, editors, and sound designers alike. Anyone needing a spellbinding solution from the moment they touch the keyboard, in other words! Like the self-explanatory SIMPLE TENSE SCARY subtitling of the PP017 EVO GRID 001 STRINGS and TRADITIONAL EPISODIC EXTREME subtitling of PP020 EVO GRID 002 STRINGS before it, PP025 EVO GRID 004 WOODWINDS can be as time-saving as the trailblazing EMS VCS3 was once space-saving.

Saying that, PP025 EVO GRID 004 WOODWINDS perfectly compliments that recently-released PP017 EVO GRID 001 STRINGS sample-based virtual instrument — an extraordinary collection of long, evolving chamber strings orchestrated by Ben Foskett before being given Spitfire Audio’s adventurous Evo treatment — and its PP020 EVO GRID 002 STRINGS sibling. Says Spitfire Audio Director Paul Thomson: “We’ve got a collection of incredible players here — very progressive, avant-garde wind players, playing beautifully-orchestrated long notes from Ben Foskett that evolve with increases in intensity and expression and different techniques to give you a really beautiful series of long, evolving tones that you can use to work with in a similar way to the STRINGS EVO GRID releases. The EVO GRID GUI is the same as before, so you’ll recognise all of the controls. There are lots and lots of possibilities — millions of possibilities, in fact, so it’s a really creative tool. We’re very proud of it. It’s very different from the strings evolutions that we’ve put out so far, but it’s very, very useful.”

Indeed it is. In this day and age of delivering more musical content against a backdrop of diminishing deadlines and budgetary constraints, composers are often asked to engage the listener by doing very little — least of all changing notes, all those EVO GRID releases represent Spitfire Audio’s masterplan for providing them with a solution to this taxing conundrum. Just ask award-winning composer — and fellow Spitfire Audio Director Christian Henson. Commissioned to write 13 hours of music for a sprawling, epic TV series, but with no budget for orchestra and only three months in which to do it, a quick string sampling session subsequently ensued, during which he fortuitously recorded a series of greatly differing long strings evolutions. Staggered by the resulting sample instrument, where the chaotic nature of different evolutions placed over different intervals made for exciting and unexpected results, he semi-seriously stated, “I could literally hit a big C minor chord, hold my sustain pedal down, reach for my sandwich, and the thing would still be writing itself a minute later while I was wiping mayo off my beard!” From the smallest seed… and all that jazz.


PP025 EVO GRID 004 WOODWINDS and its PP017 EVO GRID 001 STRINGS and PP020 EVO GRID 002 STRINGS sample-based virtual instrument siblings can be purchased and downloaded directly from Spitfire Audio for £179.00 GBP (subject to VAT within the EU) from here:
http://www.spitfireaudio.com/products-page (Note that Spitfire Audio’s free Download Manager application for Mac or PC allows you to buy now and download anytime while a full version of Native Instruments KONTAKT 5 is needed to run these Producer Portfolio products.)


For more in-depth info, including an ear-opening audio demo, please visit the PP025 EVO GRID 004 WOODWINDS webpage here: http://www.spitfireaudio.com/pp-evo-grid-4-woodwinds"

Pulse - Beat Making Music Studio / Audio Sequencer Now Available

Published on May 26, 2017 Pulse Code [previously posted]

iTunes: Pulse - Beat Making Music Studio / Audio Sequencer

"Make your next big beat wherever inspiration hits!

Pulse is a must have app for electronic music producers. Pulse refines the standard audio sequencer workflow into a fluid mobile experience. On the surface is a minimal interface, thoughtfully laid out to keep your creative inspiration flowing. Explore and find a complex audio engine capable of deep manipulation.

Not light on features, Pulse has everything you need in a modern mobile music app. Play the built-in keypad or connect a MIDI device. Step edit. Undo. Erase. Record parameter automation. Manually edit parameter automation. Change key and scale at any time.Top it off with master reverb.

Take control of your sound. Then take it to the next level with Pulse.

Highlights:
• Three ways to make your beat: Play notes - Draw notes - Use MIDI
• Tweak sound parameters and record the changes
• Manually edit everything to make it perfect
• Export loops or bounce them back into your song
• Create complex timing with the dynamic quantizer
• Stay in tune with key and scales
• Connect to other MIDI apps and devices
• Share your music and collaborate

General Specifications:
• 32 bit Audio Engine
• Full Stereo Signal Path (All FX and Channels)
• Sound Channels: 16
• Polyphony: Unlimited
• Background Audio Support
• MIDI: In / Out
• Dynamic Key and Scale (31 Scales)
• Quantizer Engine (60-240 ppm, 2-32 steps, and 50-75% swing)
• Master Reverb
• Undo

Sound Channel Specifications:
• 3 Octave Range
• Waveform
• Amplifier
• Filter(LPF, HPF, or BPF)
• Wave Shaping FX (Distortion, Lo-Fi, or Foldback)
• Time FX (Delay Flanger, or Chorus)
• Dynamics (Pump or Choke)
• Reverb Send
• Mixer (Pan, Volume, Mute, and Solo)
• Full automation on any sound channel parameter!


I/O Specifications:
• Import sound files via AudioShare
• Export audio song file via AudioShare
• Export loops via AudioShare
• Bounce loop back into Pulse
• Record and transmit MIDI data
• Import / Export audio files via email
• Import / Export song files via email


Compatibility:
• Audiobus 2
• AudioShare
• AUM
• CoreMIDI
• Inter-App Audio

Requirements:
• iPhone X, iPad X or higher, iOS X or higher."

CLICK FOR MORE »

How to Setup iConnectivity's iConnectAUDIO4+ with an iPad as a Looper

I recently picked up an iConnectivity iConnectAUDIO4+ as an all-in-one audio and MIDI interface for my iPad in the studio. It was initially a bit tricky setting it up for my specific needs, so I thought a post might help others looking to do the same or similar. I had four primary goals:

1. I wanted to be able to use the interface in stand-alone mode without the need to hook up an iPad or computer.

2. I wanted a good audio interface for the iPad in the studio for playing synths on it.

3. I wanted to use the iPad as a dedicated looper running Loopy HD (and the option to use the iPad as an effects processor for my external hardware synths).

4. I wanted a solid MIDI interface for the iPad so I could control and sync apps with external gear.

All of this was possible separately with my Line 6 Sonic Port and a MIDI USB cable, but I got tired of swapping things out and I decided to dedicate the Sonic Port for video capture only. I wanted an all-in-one solution that allowed me to configure things once, and just have it work for most scenarios I might need in the studio. Size was also a consideration. You can see my Moog Minitaur sitting on top of the iConnectAUDIO4+. It's a perfect fit!

The iConnectAUDIO4+ is an extremely flexible device, but with that flexibility comes a bit of complexity. The device is pre-configured out of the box to work with a DAW setup, and to even get audio out of the box you have to have a DAW or USB device like the iPad connected to route the audio out. You also need to adjust audio levels on the device itself which can be a little tricky. See the using the touch panel tutorial here.

Here's how I wanted things configured (you can find my adjusted template/s here but be sure to back yours up first!):

1. Main mixer AUX out to effects to iConnectAUDIO4+ then back into my main mixer AUX in.
2. iPad connected to iConnectAUDIO4+ via USB audio in the middle of the chain.
3. iPad connected to iConnectAUDIO4+ via USB MIDI to receive MIDI clock and notes via iConnectAUDIO4+ MIDI DIN In for internal apps.
4. iPad connected to iConnectAUDIO4+ via USB MIDI to send MIDI clock and notes via iConnectAUDIO4+ MIDI DIN Out for external gear.

Aside from watching out for MIDI loops, MIDI routing out of the box worked as expected. Audio, however, was a bit tricky.

If you look at the image to the left from iConnectivity's website you will see a row of input sections on the top (USB1, USB2, Analog, and Analog Mixer), each with their individual audio ins underneath. On the far right you will see a column of matching sections. These are your audio outs. The points you see are the patch points between the two. You can essentially configure any input to go to any output, but there is one caveat - you cannot have more than one input going to one output. You can, however, have an individual input in going into multiple outputs as you can see. Note that none of the analog ins are routed to the analog outs. Instead they are routed to USB outs only. What that means is you have to have a USB device connected and turned on to hear anything. Out of the box iConnectAUDIO4+ will not work in stand-alone mode.

To the left is a screenshot of how I configured the routing to meet my needs. You can see I patched iCA4 USB D1 (my iPad) into iCA4 Analog I/O Mixer channels 1 and 2. I then have my Analog inputs 3 and 4 (as pictured in the top image of this post) patched into both iCA4 USB D1 (iPad) channels 1 & 2 as well as iCA4 Analog I/O Mixer channels 3 and 4. I left all channels of iCA4 Analog I/O Mixer going to the analog outs. Simple, but believe me, along with setting the the audio mixer levels and forgetting to save to the device, it took a bit of trial and error.

For the mix levels be sure to watch the "Using iconfig Mix Buses" video here. Also, I found that double clicking the bottom level slider "cap" for each bus brought the level to 0 db which seemed to work fine for me. Just remember, you have to adjust the levels via the using the touch panel tutorial here as well. The tricky part is you can set the level for each line in, followed by each line out, followed by overall level in and overall level out. At first it seems overly complex but then when you realize the level of control you have you can appreciate it.

The most important thing to remember is that once you have everything set, you have to save your settings on the device itself or they will be lost the next time you turn it on! You'll want to save both via File / Save Preset and via Device / Save Current Settings. Again, you can find my templates here. Note there are two files, a 1.ica4 file and a 1.ica4.aux file. You load the 1.ica4 file from within iConnectivity iConfig, Open / File Preset. Remember to back up your settings first and remember to adjust the levels after.

Also, I found my iPad would sometimes not recognize the iConnectAUDIO4+. I'm not sure why that was, but unplugging and replugging the iConnectAUDIO4+ power cable seemed to solve the problem. I would disconnect the iPad first just to be safe. I don't want to risk blowing out my iPad with an inadvertent power surge. Regarding MIDI, I found certain apps seemed to sync better than others for whatever reason. Loopy HD synced like a champ and was my go to app for testing sync on the iPad.

Anyway, I hope this post helps others looking to do the same. Note my template is a minimal configuration specifically set for using the iPad as described in this post. There are patch points for USB D2 for the laptop or second iOS device as well, but they are there for future use. My template can be seen as a starting point. The levels are configured for my studio, so they might need adjustment in yours.

iConnectAUDIO4+s on eBay

Innerclock Systems Grid-Lock Now Available for Download

via Innerclock Systems

"Grid-Lock is a useful utility when used in conjunction with Sync-Gen II allowing accurate delay/offset calculation between your externally synchronised hardware and the DAW quantise grid with minimal fuss.

There are two separate causes of this delay:-

1: External Hardware Start Lag – Slave Sync External Start Lag is the time it takes for any hardware sequencing device to respond to external tempo-sync and begin playback.

2: DAW/Audio Interface Driver Processing Delay – All computer audio interfaces and audio software processing applications take a certain amount of time to get sound in and out of the computer. Depending on the computer specification and hardware audio interface driver design, you will have various options to adjust this processing time using the audio driver buffer value – less means faster real-time I/O processing but this pushes the computer to prioritise audio throughput above other tasks and it will eventually trip over itself and start to glitch and drop audio. Larger Buffer settings work well for mix down where real-time soft synth playing latency is less of an issue. It also means large track counts and heavy plug-in use will not compromise the audio playback. However, there will always be some DAW I/O processing delay and getting an accurate value is indispensable for creating rhythmically tight productions."

Dr. Blankenstein's ILLUMIRINGER Kit For Any Audio Instrument

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

via this auction
Dr. Blankenstein on eBay

"'ILLUMIRINGER' Motion Controlled Ring Modulator Pre-Built Kit Add THEREMIN style controlled FX craziness to ANY AUDIO DEVICE!"

"FINALLY! For the first time ever... I am able to offer the ILLUMIRINGER - Motion Controlled Ring Modulator to everyone at an affordable price (I still haven't been able to work out the costs of the pedal).

What is an ILLUMIRINGER you ask? Check out THIS LINK for more information on how this circuit got started. This auction might even be cooler, why? This modification kit can be built into ANY DEVICE THAT PRODUCES AUDIO. Doesn't matter if it has an output jack (guitar, bass, keyboard) or if it has a speaker (iPod dock, guitar amplifier, baby toy etc) this sucker can be installed with only 6 SOLDER POINTS!

I have come up with a simple to follow diagram (shown below) to help illustrate how completely easy it is to install this thing.

To sum it up quickly (which isn't hard)...
STEP 1: You remove the two output wires of your device from the speaker or jack, you solder the output wires of the ILLUMIRINGER mod in their place.

STEP 2: You take the devices output wires you just removed and solder them to the input wires of the ILLUMIRINGER mod kit. We are almost done!

STEP 3: Next we drill holes in the device to mount the LED bezel, 3 selector switches, control knob and LDR Light Sensor and screw them into place.

STEP 4: Next we solder the last two remaining wires to the two leads of the LDR Light Sensor. DONE! Installed!

A Motion / Light controlled Theremin style instrument modification in less than an hours work. And btw... this thing is BEYOND COOL... nothing else like it out on the market.. and at this price you will want to install it into EVERY device in your studio you play out with.

FEATURES:
- 1st of it's kind modification kit!
- Adds a THEREMIN style MOTION CONTROLLED effect to ANY AUDIO DEVICE!
- Super SMALL circuit board (about 1.5" x 1.5") so it is easy to fit into ANY device
- Switch 1 Turns the Effects Circuit On / Off (this is done to save battery when not in use)
- Switch 2 is a Wet / Dry selector. Wet activates the Effect, Dry is the clean audio signal
- Switch 3 allows you select either Motion / Light control over the effect or Knob Control
- HUGE 12mm LDR Light Sensor to get MAXIMUM motion control
- Red professionally Bezel Mounted Power Indicator LED
- SIMPLE to install into ANY AUDIO DEVICE with a speaker or mono output jack!
- Device will work & sound EXACTLY as it did before the mod when FX are off (True Bypass)
- Minimal / Basic Soldering Skills needed (entire install can take less than an hour)
- 9V Battery Powered (EXTREMELY long battery life, circuit will run with less than 3V!)
- Professionally designed, built and tested before arriving to you
- ADDICTIVE TO PLAY WITH! Brings a completely new life to audio gear your are bored of!
- Adds ENDLESS now tone and performance possibilities to ANY AUDIO DEVICE!
- MEGA AFFORDABLE!!!!!!!!!!"

Coming Soon - Pulse - the minimal beat maker with maximum features from Pulse Code

Published on May 26, 2017 Pulse Code

Pulse Code are the makers of Rhythm Studio, Modular Synthesizer, and Boom 808!

"Make your next big beat wherever inspiration hits!

Pulse is a must have app for electronic music producers. Pulse refines the standard audio sequencer workflow into a fluid mobile experience. On the surface is a minimal interface, thoughtfully laid out to keep your creative inspiration flowing. Explore and find a complex audio engine capable of deep manipulation.

Not light on features, Pulse has everything you need in a modern mobile music app. Play the built-in keypad or connect a MIDI device. Step edit. Undo. Erase. Record parameter automation. Manually edit parameter automation. Change key and scale at any time.Top it off with master reverb.

Take control of your sound. Then take it to the next level with Pulse.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Futurisk & ‘Lonely Streets’ Remix 12 Featuring Chris Carter & More

This one in via Minimal Wave's Cititrax sublabel. You might remember Veronica Vasica's Minimal Wave label from this previous psot.

"The Futurisk ‘Lonely Streets Remixes’ includes remixes by four of the band’s biggest fans, each of whom have a sound as iconic as the band themselves: Chris Carter (Throbbing Gristle, Chris & Cosey), Tom Furse (The Horrors), Prince Language (DFA, Editions Disco) and Complexxion from the UK."

The release comes out April 28. You can find more info on takako here. The following is the original track from 1982 followed by some live performances of Futurisk. Moog Liberation gets the post here vs. C.

Update: SoundCloud and new, alternate video below.

Minimal Wave · CITI004 A1 Futurisk-Lonely Streets (Prince Language's Fantasy Mix) Sample

Minimal Wave · CITI004 A2 Futurisk-Lonely Streets (Chris Carter Mix) Sample

Minimal Wave · CITI004 B1 Futurisk-Lonely Streets (Complexxion Version) Sample

Minimal Wave · CITI004 B2 Futurisk-Lonely Streets (Tom Furse Mix) Sample

Futurisk - Lonely Streets (1982 Ocean Sound)
YouTube Uploaded by theinnernerd on Apr 27, 2009

"FUTURISK was a pioneering synth-punk group that recorded and performed in the pre-midi era of the early 1980s. As of yet, the Player Piano EP has not been reissued, but you can pick up a copy of a live performance of "Meteoright" at minimalwave.com on The Found Tapes LP. The audio for this video was taken from a 24bit/96kHz vinyl rip. Highly recommended.

http://www.innernerd.de
obscure music for nerdlings"

Futurisk - Army Now (1982)

YouTube Uploaded by minimalwave on Aug 6, 2007

"Live footage of South Florida synthpunk band, Futurisk, featured on the Ed Rich Rock Show. Buy the LP on Minimal Wave or download it via iTunes"

Futurisk Meteoright

Uploaded by DrMabuse66 on Jun 14, 2006

"Very obscure American synth-punk/wave band,circa 1982. No doubt influenced by ndW groups such as DAF."

CMS Cirocco Discrete Synthesizers MC-24 Modular System

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

via this auction

"For your consideration is a custom built CMS MC-24 modular discrete analog synthesizer, housed in a solid Honduran red mahogany cabinet.

Brief Description:

The MC-24 comes equipped with 8 ultra-linear discrete VCOs, 2 Phatron filters - 24Db lowpass/highpass, 2 discrete Super-Transistor filters -24Db lowpass, 4 discrete VCAs, a discrete 10 input stereo mixer, a voltage controlled 14 stage phaser, a 10 band fixed / comb filter, V.C. balanced modulator, V.C. harmonic multiplier, a fully decked out sample and hold section, a Gentle Elctric 101 Pitch to Voltage and Envelope follower, a voltage controlled clock, etc.

2 rows of twelve modules are mounted on custom, 36" extruded aluminum rails. These sturdy assemblies are then mounted in a furniture grade, hardwood finished, laminate slant cabinet. The MC-24 features a 3 amp, ultra fast, linear power supply. The MC-24 uses the military grade potentiometers, front panels, knobs and mil-spec components found on all CMS/DiscreteSynthesizers.com instruments.

This is the ultimate in studio synthesizers. This is the ultimate in sound."

You can find details on the individual modules at the bottom of this post.

CLICK FOR MORE »

From Which the Gristleizer Came

Update: be sure to check out the comments of this post for more, including some comments and links to more info from Chris Carter.

In case you missed the update to this post, BugBrand dropped by the comments with the following:

"I'm just about to meet up with Roy Gwinn (literally in a couple of hours time) who wrote the original article back in the 70s for Practical Electronics magazine (he was 16 when he published it!) from which the Gristleizer came.

If you're interested, Clone Analog Gear have a pdf of the article::

http://rubidium.dyndns.org/cag/pdf/gep.pdf

It was published as the Guitar Effects Pedal."

You can see a video of the Gristleizer here.

Update via kapnkrunk23 in the comments:
"Sorry to everyone for the delay. I know everyone is excited about this. We at the shop are super stoked to be doing this. We have had a pretty awesome response from minimal advertisement. So due to the over whelming emails, We are going to start an email newsletter dedicated to replying to your questions. A few of which are about the CV mods. We are still up in the air, but leaning towards adding them. And as you all were wondering about prices, here it is….

PCB $30
Kit without box $100 (PCB and parts)
Kit with box $220 (PCB, parts, box drilled, no powder coating)
Kit with box and powder coating $250 (same as above with finish, and control labeling)
Pedal version $325 (complete. Will be similar to the PE version only with cool graphics)
Table top version $350(A modern reproduction of the original TG black box)

Kits will not come with instructions. Sorry. But will come with the parts list and layout.
The completed versions will come with a limited lifetime warranty against parts and workman ship. Owner will be responsible for shipping.

Please inquire about custom powder coating or using you own artwork. We will have a website up for the shop as well as a dedicated page with a secure checkout. We will be taking pay pal. We will also take check or money order. Pay Pal order will add 3%. Debit and credit cards can be taken over the phone. Pictures and sounds will be up as soon as we complete the first one. Which will be soon!!!!!

If you have more questions feel free to email us. I hope everyone is as excited about these as we are!!!!! I personally have wanted one for a loooong time. THEE return is soon.

Charles Howes
Smashing Guitars

P.S. I would like to thank Both Chris Carter and Roy Gwinn for supporting, and allowing me to do this."

Updates via Chris Carter:
"My original Gristleizers were based around the PE kit (PCB & components) produced by Phonosonics in the UK in 1977. I've never made any secret of this, and in fact for a while had the PE schematic on my site. However, I added some mods of my own and designed a completely new case and made units for myself, the band and friends, probably about 10 in total. Cosey's still works to this day but mine was unfortunately 'lost' shortly after appearing in a exhibition in London a couple of years ago. I'm going to upload some photos of an original Gristleizer to my site soon and I'm currently in the process of building myself a replacement. See here: http://www.myspace.com/ChemistryLessons"

"OK original Gristelizer photos and additional info now available here: www.throbbing-gristle.com/gristleizer and/or here: myspace.com/chemistrylessons"

Update via kapnkrunk23 in the comments:
"Here is a link to our myspace www.myspace.com/theegristleizer . This weekend I will be driving to Chicago to deliver the first of The Gristleizers to Throbbing Gristle. Which will be the official release. Our website will be up VERY VERY soon. I have to say. This has been a very intense project. Which has been a team effort of Endangered Audio a division of Smashing Guitars in Asheville, NC. The passed month and a half Todd Kelley(owner) has been working super late nights removing quirks, looking at waveshapes, turning things, and adjusting them. Truly the brains of it all.

Everyone will be super pleased. We will be publishing mods for it on the EA/SG website. CV in and out pads are included on the boards. We ran tests using Moogerfoogers, and man was it sweet. Keep an eye out on our myspace, TG's website, and as soon as it is up, The EA/SG website where orders will be taken, through a secure checkout. In the meantime, feel free to email us at smashingguitarsasheville@hotmail.com. Thank you all for waiting. It is now time for THEE GRISTLEIZER!!!"

Update: some pics and notes on the new Gristleizer from vav: "Smashing Guitars/Endangered Audio are indeed making a fully authorized Gristleizer available. At the TG show last night in Chicago at the Logan Square Auditorium , 7 were made available for sale. I picked one up, and TG was kind enough to sign it. I even requested Gen sign it next to the AC input, as it's kind of male but kind of female :P She seemed pleased. Here are the photos, and i'll try and get some demos up soon."
Update: audio via vavmusic:

Gristleizer by vavmusic

"Easy-peasy: Korg ER1 left/mono out to Gristleizer in. Gristleizer out to interface in. Recorded straight into Tracktion with no effects applied. Apologies for any digital clipping, Gristleizer is quite unruly. TG fans will recognize the drum pattern. Start of clip effect is bypassed, then put into VCF mode, manual tweaking of Speed, Depth, waveform type, Bias, Level. Switch is thrown from VCF mode to VCA at 1:08, manual tweaking of all controls again." Update via kapnkrunk23 in the comments: "For Immediate Release Smashing Guitars/Endangered Audio Releases The Gristleizer ASHEVILLE, NC APRIL 27, 2009ó Smashing Guitars has announced the release of the first of their new product line, the Gristleizer. The flagship of the newly formed Endangered Audio (a subsidiary of Smashing Guitars), the Gristleizer is an extremely rare and unique unit. Originally designed by Roy Gwinn in 1976, the Gristleizer is based on a design published in Practical Electronics and sold in kit form by Phonosonics. Chris Carter of the British industrial music and visual arts group Throbbing Gristle modified the kit in 1977, unleashing what is known as the Gristleizer. Lost to time, the unit has been re-designed and produced by Smashing Guitars Owner/Engineer Todd Kelley, with assistance from Charlie Howes. After months of research and consultation with Gwinn and Carter, the audio path has been kept original-- "we've taken what people love about the sounds of the original Gristleizer, and given them much more" says Kelley. The Gristleizer had its initial release at the sold out Throbbing Gristle performance at Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago on April 25, 2009, one of their first performances in the USA in 28 years. Features of the Gristleizer include: table top design; 18VAC power supply with dual 9-volt battery operation option; professionally etched PCB board; LFO controlled VCA and VCF filters with four wave forms; chassis mounted bias control; bypass switch; and LED for speed. Pads have been left on the PCB board for mods, with on-line releases of these mods to be made available by Endangered Audio. The Gristleizer will be available from www.smashingguitarsasheville.com, and from the retail store of Smashing Guitars located at 103 Broadway St. in downtown Asheville, NC. The unit will be made available in small batches and will be announced from both the website and www.myspace.com/thegristleizer. The table top version retails for $374.95, PCB circuit board available for $49.95, with a stomp version available soon. Owned and operated by local musicians and engineers, Smashing Guitars is a full service music shop, repair and building facility servicing Asheville, NC and vicinity since 2002. Endangered Audio is their handmade, in house product line. EA is recreating obscure classics as well as interesting original designs of a number of effects, instrument tube amps, tube hi-fi and pro audio projects. All of this occurs by their own staff on the second floor of their facility, "the lab." Any outsourcing is kept local or within the USA. For more information, press only: Dave Harris, smashingguitarsasheville@hotmail.com General Inquiries: Smashing Guitars 103 Broadway St., Asheville, NC 28801 www.smashingguitarssheville.com www.myspace.com/smashingguitarsasheville www.myspace.com/thegristleizer" flickr group shot by Chris_Carter_

A brief demo of Minimal Audio's new synth CURRENT

video upload by DATABROTH

"Check out my full review here: https://www.databroth.com/blog/curren...

check out my wavetables and presets at https://gumroad.com/databroth
join my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/databroth
join my discord as well https://discord.gg/8XVBCYpv8e

00:00 Intro Wavetables and Effects
01:47 Chord and Arp
03:45 Sampler
04:52 Granular"

Follow-up to 6 presets with Minimal Audio CURRENT

Polyverse Filterverse (public beta) & Minimal Audio Flex Chorus

video upload by DATABROTH

"Read my review here: https://www.databroth.com/blog/filter...
pick up Filterverse here: https://polyversemusic.com/?ref=datab... (this is an affiliate link)"

Minimal Audio Flex Chorus

video upload by DATABROTH

"Read my review here: https://www.databroth.com/blog/flex-c..."

Modular Synthesizer for iPad and iPhone Now Available

Don't miss the video below.

iTunes:
Modular Synthesizer - Pulse Code, Inc.

"TAKE YOUR MUSIC TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Modular, the ultimate synthesizer that will revolutionize your sound.

• High fidelity virtual analog synthesis using band limited oscillators and oversampled filters
• Audiobus and background audio modes
• CoreMIDI control with external devices or internal sequencers
• Beautifully rendered graphics
• Dynamic workspace with intuitive navigation
• 10 octave keyboard with classically styled arpeggiator
• Extensive in app help with detailed module descriptions and guides
• Record and export live performance to Soundcloud, Sonoma Audio Copy, email and iTunes file sharing

Modular is a powerful sound design tool which allows you to build your own custom synthesizer by connecting different sound modules together. By separating each synthesis process, modules can be connected in any way. You are no longer limited to fixed synthesizer design, you are now in full control of your sound. This is the beauty and power of modular synthesis. Whether you are a professional musician or a beginner who just loves sound, modular offers you an incredibly powerful synthesizer experience.

Modular looks, acts, and sounds like a hardware modular synthesizer to give you features that musicians want such as pulse width modulation, oscillator sync, 4 pole ladder filters, and 1v/oct filter tracking. Traditional modular systems are expensive and out of reach for the average artist. Modular is here to bridge that gap and allow everyone the opportunity to use these powerful synthesizers.

Modular provides modules in every category for free. Enough to build a vast array of sounds. Buy only the modules you need or get the bundle which includes all modules including future modules. Owning a module means you use as many as can fit in the modular rack. You want to build a monster 6 oscillator synth? You can.

What makes modular special is the audio and visual experience you have with it. Beautifully minimal menu systems and interface along with ultra realistic synthesizer graphics are just the beginning. The real beauty is not what you see, but what you hear. Pristine and punchy oscillators that sound great, even at the extreme ends of the frequency spectrum. It starts with band limited oscillators. Not just traditional methods of band limiting, but band limiting that enables each note you play to have the maximum number of harmonics without distorting.

Every detail of the audio has been analyzed to provide you the most amazing sound possible such as buttery smooth filter sweeps and resonance so stable you can use the filter as an oscillator!

Modular goes a step further with connectivity and supports Audiobus, Soundcloud, CoreMIDI, as well as Sonoma Audio Copy so that your music making workflow is streamlined and integrated."

iTunes:
Modular Synthesizer - Pulse Code, Inc.

1st user video further below.

Modular Synthesizer para iPad/iPhone: conceitos básicos (MusicApps.com.br)
Published on Sep 11, 2013 Marcus Padrini·192 videos

The video is in Portuguese, however it will give you an idea of the interface if you do not speak the language. Audio starts at 11:14.

Update: I originally stated this was the first user video.  It actually wasn't.  I believe the first was by discchord posted here.

Tiptop Audio Launches New Record Label - Tiptop Audio Records

Tiptop Records presents Various Artists 001 - Official Teaser from Tiptop Film on Vimeo.

http://www.tiptoprec.com
http://www.tiptopaudio.com

"Tiptop Audio is proud to introduce a new project for 2015: Tiptop Audio Records.
In the recent years musical productions have seen a remarkable return to the use of hardware through analog synthesizers and digital control interfaces. This trend has proven so strong that it prompted a rebirth of modular synths in a new format (eurorack). Tiptop Audio has made a name producing sophisticated but easy to use modules, designed to form a complete system that is especially effective for dance-oriented productions and live sets.

Tiptop Audio Records selected for its first issue some of the most groundbreaking artists using such systems, to present a range of artists who, through their tracks, explore the landscape of dance music in a very fresh perspective. These are the artists who inspire the Tiptop team to make more innovative devices, which in turn make new music (a nice feedback loop).

ANGLE, BLAWAN, CHRISTIAN BURKHARDT JOAO CESER, JOHN TEJADA, JOSEPH FRAIOLI, MOE ESPINOSA (DRUMCELL), KINK, RICHARD DEVINE and SURGEON each contribute a track stamped with their own style and vision. Tracks range from Surgeon’s trademark hard minimal beat, to Kink’s gauzy dreamscape, while Richard Devine and Joseph Fraioli explore the outer reaches of beat based music. The Phase VI team (John Tejada and Moe Espinosa AKA Drumcell) produces an endlessly shifting set of percolating rhythms, Christian Burkhardt and Joao Ceser put some 21st century twists on classic dance floor patterns, ANGLE lay down effortless, sophisticated Continental style and Blawan adds some industrial toned menace.

The release will initially come as a double vinyl edition, with a cover painted by the artist Matteo Giampaglia, and a digital download version will follow.
An original video teaser will introduce the compilation, then other videoclips of the individual tracks will be realized by exciting new visual artists."

New Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms Percussion Sequencer Eurorack Module

Pittsburgh Modular Crew - Behind The Scenes With Ask.Audio

Published on Sep 13, 2016 Ask.Audio

"Some Of The Pittsburgh Modular Crew drop by the Ask.Audio Academy for a Live Masterclass featuring their Lifeforms Series of analog synths. See the full MasterClass here: https://ask.audio/academy?nleloc=lect..."

And a couple of pics via @Perfect_Circuit

"Stop by our showroom tomorrow at 7pm to say "Hello"to Richard Nicol from Pittsburgh Modular and win a Phase Shifter"

and @pghmodular:

"New #eurorack module tomorrow with a performance and demos @perfectcircuitaudio tomorrow too"

https://www.perfectcircuitaudio.com/

Update: details via Pittsburgh:

"The Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms Percussion Sequencer is a seriously featured, 4 channel eurorack beat programmer with a classic drum machine style interface. The familiar interface allows for quick mastery of all the features leaving the focus on the music. Seamlessly move around the module tweaking patterns and effects without ever stopping the beat. Easily create new patterns using the live performance or step recording modes, then add one of the powerful pattern effects to each channel to take the sequence to a new level. Eurorack drum programming has come to life.

Lifeforms Percussion Sequencer Features include:

32 Step, 4 Channel Sequencer
32 Sequence Non-Volatile Memory
6 Adjustable Pattern Effects (Shift, Glitch, Density, Morph, Swing, Add/Drop)
4 Percussion Tuned Analog Envelopes
4 High Quality Analog VCAs
Seamlessly Switch Between Play and Record Modes
Live Performance and Step Recording Modes
Internal Tap Tempo or External Clock Source
Variable Sequence Length
Channel Mute

Four Channel Programmable Drum Controller
Suggested Retail Price $349

The Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms Percussion Sequencer is a seriously featured, 4 channel eurorack beat programmer with a classic drum machine style interface. The familiar interface allows for quick mastery of all the features leaving the focus on the music. Seamlessly move around the module tweaking patterns and effects without ever stopping the beat. Easily create new patterns using the live performance or step recording modes, then add one of the powerful pattern effects to each channel to take the sequence to a new level. Designed to integrate into any size eurorack system, simply patch 4 audio signals through the integrated high quality VCAs to create a set of unique percussion voices. Eurorack drum programming has come to life.

Anything is a Drum
Traditionally, patching up a modular drum kit was constrained by the amount of envelope and VCA modules in a system, restricting the number and complexity of percussion voices in most systems. Another option was to use dedicated drum modules that offer a limited sonic palate and few modulation options. The Lifeforms Percussion Sequencer breaks through these barriers by including a percussion tuned analog envelope and VCA on each channel. Patching anything from a basic sine wave to heavily modulated and processed noise sources through the Lifeforms Percussion Sequencer will quickly create a distinctive drum kit that takes full sonic advantage of the unique synthesis options available in any system.

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Access Virus TI Polar Virtual Analog Synthesizer

via this auction

" • 37-note polyphonic programmable synthesizer with light-weighted synth-action keys, velocity response and Aftertouch

• Dual DSP system with over 80 stereo voices under average load, extended memory with 512 RAM patches and 2048 rewritable ROM patches

• Wavetable and HyperSaw(TM) synthesis; HyperSaw oscillators with up to 9 sawtooths each with parallel sub oscillator per voice for thick voice layering, no additional polyphony required

• 3 LFOs with 68 selectable waveforms, 2 high-speed ADSTR envelopes; 2 multi-mode filters(HP, LP, BP, BS) and Analog Filter model with 6-24 dB Slope and self-oscillation)

• Supplied VirusControl(TM) VST and Apple Audio Unit Plug-for Mac OS X and Windows XP; remote software integrates Virus TI into external software sequencer, creating plug-in feel and operation for hardware synth

• 33 controller knobs, pitch and modulation wheels, 43 controller buttons

• Dedicated remote mode turns unit into universal remote controller keyboard for VST/ AU plug-ins and external synthesizers

• Audio and MIDI inputs and outputs of keyboard may be used by sequencer application as an audio and MIDI hardware interface

• Sample-accurate timing and delay-compensated connection to external sequencer for minimal-latency response

• Dedicated Tap Tempo button, programmable arpeggiator pattern for each patch, independent delay and reverb for all 16 multi mode slots

• 129 parallel effects include reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, ring modulator, distortion, 3 band EQ and Analog Boost bass enhancer

• 6 balanced 1/4" audio outputs with switchable soft limiting algorithm, high-res 192KHz D/A converters with S/PDIF digital I/O

• Dual 24-bit 1/4" TRS balanced audio inputs"

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K-Devices Introduces Shaper for iOS

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Jun 15, 2017 kdevices

iTunes: Shaper : smart audio destroyer - K-Devices

"Shaper is now available at just €3.49/$2.99 (instead of €6.99/$5.99). The offer is valid until June 24th.

Shaper is a multi-fx processor that allows you to redefine or totally destroy any kind of source.

Shaper is perfect in any iOS music workflow:
- as stand alone app to process your outboard equipment
- as inter-app audio in Aubiobus or other compatible daw apps as AUM, Modstep, GarageBand, and so on
- moreover, Shaper is also an awesome Audio Unit Extension!!

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