The Mojave Desert Modular Experiment: Patrick Shiroishi

Published on Jul 15, 2019 Perfect Circuit

"In the Mojave Desert Modular Experiment, we worked with local artists to create modular systems suited to their own styles and workflows...despite the fact that none of them had ever used modular synths before. Each artist/group had two weeks to get to know their system and prepare a performance.

Experimental saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi is no stranger to peculiar sounds: his own free improvisations feature unbridled woodwind tones, often augmented with the use of effects pedals. Patrick's modular system, centered around a Make Noise Morphagene, was built to sample and mangle sax signals while acting as a semi-autonomous improvisational partner, co-creating webs of wild noise in response to his playing.

Come by our showroom to try out these systems for yourself, and keep an eye out for more results from the experiment each Monday this month! Read more about Patrick's system and get links to his music here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal..."

Guy Gets High Working on Legendary Buchla Covered in LSD

Update: video is back. I switched to their YouTube upload thinking it would be a better option long term for the archives, but apparently not.

Update2: bonus video on YouTube while it's up:

Web Extra: Buchla Model 100 Synthesizer at Cal State University East Bay

Published on May 23, 2019 KPIX CBS SF Bay Area

"Here more about the groundbreaking musical instrument at Cal State University East Bay and what it can do. Interviews with retired professor and composer William R. Shannon, electronic music pioneer Suzanne Ciani, musician and Buchla representative Joel Davel, and CSUEB Associate Professor Inés Thiebaut."

This one is in via Brian Comnes. The legend of the CSU Hayward acid/LSD soaked vintage Buchla 100 is true. Apparently it was dipped in LSD back in the 60s. It wasn't clear, however, if all panels or just the red one was dipped. You can find some additional pics of the infamous CSU Hayward Buchla 100 here. BTW, this was likely some Owsley Stanley LSD.

Left image via Todd Barton: "I love that the red panel is a 156 Control Voltage Processor which can blend, invert and mix up to 6 different CVs! You’re only as trippy as your CVs. Oh, and I love the squiggly line pattern on the faceplate 🤩"

And the article via KPIX5 San Franscico for the archives:

"SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) — For years, an urban legend circulated online and in documentaries, purporting how part of a groundbreaking musical instrument — versions which are stored at a Bay Area university and other institutions — was dipped in a psychedelic drug.

Online chatter detailed how musicians who used the instrument would wet their finger, touch the device, and then lick their finger to get a little bit of mind-expanding inspiration.

Now this supposed myth may turn out to be a reality.

—

At the helm of KPIX Television, Broadcast Operations Manager Eliot Curtis tackles all sorts of technical problems to keep Channel 5 on the air. Recently however, a strange electrical transmission threw him for a loop. It happened inside his brain.

“It was … felt like I was tripping on LSD,” remarked Curtis.

It turns out that Curtis was indeed tripping on the infamous psychedelic drug known as lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD for short. He got dosed by accident at home in his workshop — in front of his wife.

“I think it’s super wild. I think this whole situation is a nice chapter in the history of the counter culture,” commented Curtis’ wife Holly.

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Moog Sample Hold Controler 1125 SN 2860

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Apr 6, 2015 JW GT

"Seconds after this video I broke off the slider on the far right. Still works 100%, just needs a slider."

via this auction

"Super-rare Moog Sample & Hold controller for sale in working order and good condition. This is a great accessory for your vintage Moog.

The 1125 adds a random/staircase waveform pattern generator, and sample and hold options to your vintage Moog (Minimoog, Sonic Six, Modular etc). Power is drawn from the synth itself so this will work anywhere in the world. Great and creative tool that generates all kinds of wild patterns and sequences…

CONDITION: In good condition. “RANDOM-SAWTOOTH” slider post has snapped off. It still works, and can be moved with a jewelers screwdriver. The wooden end cheeks are custom made. Included with sale are one of the original cheeks with the original slider cap that came off (the snapped off post is in the cap).
The cable was created by a tech in Nashville; it is more stable than the original."

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Arturia Announces V Collection 7 w/ EMS SYNTHI & Casio CZ-101 Based Synth Engines

Published on Apr 25, 2019 Arturia

Update: mini press release added below.
Update2: User videos added below.

"24 timeless instruments lovingly recreated in #software, and modernized with contemporary features. This is the most comprehensive anthology of classic #synth and #keyboards ever made. This is decades of passionate research, modelling, and development. This is your chance to take your place in music history."

Playlist:
Arturia announces | V Collection 7
Arturia announces | Synthi V
Arturia announces | CZ V
Arturia announces | Mellotron V
Arturia announces | B3 V 2
Tutorials | Synthi V - Episode 1: Overview
Tutorials | CZ V - Episode 1 : Overview
Tutorials | Mellotron V - Episode 1: Overview

New Synths in V Collection 7

Synthi V
BRITISH SILVER MACHINE

Synthi V completely captures the spirit of the unique analog synth that burst out of ‘70s London to inspire the entire emerging electronic music world—and it has new superpowers to inspire your world today.

Synthi V brings you all the experimental excitement of EMS’ legendary 3-oscillator analog synths—now infused with thoroughly modern enhancements. Venture beyond unusual lead and bass sounds to create soundscapes and sci-fi effects ranging from beautiful to bizarre and everything in between.

The British-born EMS family of synths—featuring the sonically identical Synthi AKS and VCS3—were among the first to distill modular synthesizer functionality into a more portable form. Where most competitive designs like the Minimoog sacrificed flexibility to size and simplicity, EMS retained a modular heart through the genius of one of the first matrix patchbays to grace a synth. That additional versatility led to more experimentation outside of melodic norms and into the more electronic realms of psychedelia and sci-fi effects. Cue Pink Floyd’s “On the Run” from “The Dark Side of the Moon” LP.

Synthi V is the perfect evolution of the synth that turned a lot of heads. Now you can use it to turn some heads of your own.

Main Features
A component-level model of the EMS Synthi AKS
3 oscillators with waveform mix, noise generator, 18 dB/oct resonant filter, output section with spring reverb modelling
Modular architecture, allowing to route signals in unexpected ways
Ring Modulator, loopable Envelope Shaper, 2 axis Joystick and Sample and Hold modules for advanced modulations
Original keyboard sequencer module with sync to DAW tempo
2 matrix behavior modes: modern and vintage for cross-talk simulation
5 assignable voltage functions to create multi-point envelopes and LFOs synced to DAW tempo
Advanced joystick automation module for modulating parameters in a 2D space
Matrix pin amounts modulations possibilities (with 4 independent groups)
10 effects, Reverb Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Overdrive, Delay, ...
Up to 4 voices of polyphony
Over 250 factory presets

CZ V
PHASE DISTORTION CULT CLASSIC
The budget synth that became a legend in its own right. The instrument that brought the digital synth revolution to the masses is now at your command.

A simpler kind of powerful digital synthesis

Released in 1984, the CZ-101 was Casio’s answer to the wildly popular Yamaha DX7. It was significantly less expensive and infinitely easier to program than its rival. Instead of frequency modulation, Casio’s phase distortion (PD) used various user-selected waveforms to modulate the timing of simple carrier waves at the cycle level in order to create more complex wave shapes. This simplified form of digital synthesis made it comparatively easy to perfect a wide variety of timbres spanning warm pads, natural percussion, buzzy digitalia, sci-fi effects and even analog synths. While PD could sound similar to FM, it also had a unique sonic signature all its own.

The CZ sound helped propel artists like Salt-N-Pepa, Was (Not Was), and Vince Clarke into the spotlight. Let’s add your name to the list.

Classic Casio Phase Distorsion
+ cutting-edge Arturia modeling
= infinite sonic possibilities for you

Imagine a virtual instrument that realistically models every nuance of the CZ-101—and with four times the polyphony and zillions more presets. What if it gave you an intuitive graphic interface that unlocked of all the hidden jewels in this unique digital synth? And what if it now had additional envelopes, filters, LFOs, effects, and extensive beat-sync-to-host parameters? Oh, and what if you could interconnect all that via a new super-flexible modulation matrix? We’ve faithfully reproduced the instrument that brought ‘80s pop to new heights.

Yeah... we did that!

Main Features
Two synthesis lines and independent noise source
All CZ-101/CZ-1000 original parameters
8 original waveform and custom waveform editor
Original CZ SysEx import
CZ, DADSR and Multi-Segments envelopes (syncable and loopable) to control pitch, DCW and amplitude
2 Modulation envelopes
4 assignable macros
Advanced modulation matrix
A Sample and Hold module, 2 LFOs with 6 waveforms, 3 sources combinators and an Arpeggiator
4 FXs slots that can be routed in serie or per synthesis line
A synthesis line state viewer for real-time feedback
Emulation of the original CZ DAC
32 voices of polyphony
Up to 8 voices of unison with unison detune
Over 400 factory presets

Update: and the mini press release:

"Arturia have announced the arrival of the latest edition of V Collection : their flagship anthology of reimagined historic synths and keyboards.

Containing 24 premier software instruments and thousands of preset sounds, V Collection 7 is the must-have reference for musicians, producers, sound designers, and keyboard fans.

Legendary keyboards reinvented
In V Collection 7, Arturia have used cutting-edge modelling techniques to create the most accurate software versions of dozens of time-honored instruments. Their exclusive True Analog Emulation® (TAE) and advanced physical modelling put these legendary instruments at your fingertips as software. Over 100 years of music history are now yours to explore, and use to shape the sound of the future.

Launch offer
To celebrate its release, and only for a limited time, V Collection will be available for an incredible price. Whether you are new to Arturia products, want to upgrade from a previous version of V Collection , or own any other Arturia products, you will have access to an exclusive deal that will put the very best synth and keyboard recreations ever made at your fingertips.

Intro offer from $399/399€, ends June 10th.
Street price $499/499€

NEW INSTRUMENTS

MELLOTRON V
LEGENDARY TAPE KEYBOARD
The original instrument redefined what keyboard players could do, unlocking the doors to orchestral and choral sounds at the touch of a key. Arturia’s reinvented versions not only features all original Mellotron tapes, but also lets you import and play your own samples with authentic tape emulation.

SYNTHI V
BRITISH SILVER MACHINE
The quirky British “silver machine” that put a new spin on modular synthesis, reborn in software with exciting new tricks up its sleeve. Advanced component modelling let Arturia model even its wild, unpredictable nature, with advanced modulation and powerful effects added to the mix.

CZ V
PHASE DISTORTION CULT CLASSIC
The budget synth that became a legend in its own right. The instrument that brought the digital synth revolution to the masses is now at your command. Easy to program phase distortion synthesis with custom editor, huge modulation potential and awesome effects.

EXCITING UPDATES
ANALOG LAB 4
INSPIRE, CREATE, COMBINE, AND PERFORM
A treasure trove of amazing synth and keyboard sounds with effects, easy to browse, fun to control, with a new built-in live mode. Your go-to choice for inspiration and performances.

B-3 V 2
THE MOST POPULAR ORGAN REBORN
Our recreation of Hammond’s legendary organ has received a total sound engine overhaul, making it the most authentic, vibrant electric organ virtual instrument ever.

SYNTHOPEDIA
CUTTING EDGE PRESETS
Over 800 brand new, modern sounds created for legacy V Collection instruments. The hottest synths and chart-topping keys are yours to explore.

Arturia have created a series of promotional videos and tutorials to whet your appetite, and get you familiar with the exciting new instruments. Each software instrument also features an in-app tutorial mode, too! Just another one of the fantastic new features in V Collection 7.

To discover more about Arturia V Collection 7 , the stories behind the vintage instrument recreations, and to start your free trial, visit the Arturia website."

Update2: First user videos:



Arturia V Collection 7 - Played by a LEGO Robot - Carl-Mikael's Cabinet of Curiosities
Arturia SYNTHI V Synthesizer (EMS Synthi AKS Emulation) First Look & Sound Demo - SYNTH ANATOMY
Arturia MELLOTRON V First Look & Sound Demo - SYNTH ANATOMY

Korg Volca Modular Patch Demo 12 Mins

Published on Feb 15, 2019 Dj Puzzle

"Just got a Kord Volca Modular and had some time to experiment with it for the first time today. This is pretty much my very fisrt impression. Created this patch and then turned knobs to get many different variations and sounds. Yes it’s a lot of wild and crazy synth noises but that’s what it’s all about baby! Lots of fun. I got it from Amazon here"

AE Challenge #4 - Journey thru space

Published on Feb 1, 2019 TheTechnobear

Eigenharp Alpha and Madrona Labs Soundplane for the controllers.

"This weeks challenge was to create an ambient piece with the help of the AE Modular.

This was new to me, and honestly, the piece got more complex than I imagined...

I started with the FX / drone made on the AE modular, this was a mix of FM, noise, and feedback, and fed into the Multi FX - it was made so with changing various module parameters had pretty wild changes.

Next, I created a new AE patch, for what would become the arp, trying to create a kind of berlin school vibe.. this was relatively simple, using the NYLE filter, and then playing with Delay and MultiFX to get some flavour to it....
I layered this with a bit more of a pluck sound from the Virus TI.

Finally, I recorded some short-wave radio on a Koma Field Kit, and put this thru a spring reverb...

all the above I recorded on a Tascam 244 4-track, which I then recorded out in single tracks to Ableton.

I arranged this in Ableton in sections I wanted, then could improvise over this, with l two tracks both using Madrona Labs Aalto.

the first was played with the Madrona Labs Soundplane, as its great for fluid, expressive pads.

the other, was played on the Eigenharp Alpha which I prefer for more responsive, lead type sounds.

It's funny, whilst both are expressive controllers, they play so differently, even using an identical patch, the result will be completely different.

Things I learnt, to plan it better!.. with more layers, it got confusing to improvise over the top of, and become problematic to mix :) "

Arturia Announces the MicroFreak - Hybrid Hardware Synthesizer Like No Other

Published on Jan 24, 2019 Arturia

Update: be sure to see this post.

Priced at $349/299€, available this Spring.

"A synthesizer like no other, MicroFreak is a peculiar, exceptional instrument that rewards the curious musician. It blends wavetable and digital oscillators with analog filters. It features a unique poly-aftertouch flat keyboard. It adds controlled randomness to sequences. This isn’t a revolution, it’s a mutiny."


Whether you’re looking for your first, affordable hardware synth or are collector looking for original sounds and unique interface, MicroFreak is the synth you need.

This out-there little music machine features a versatile digital oscillator so you can create rare and interesting sounds with ease. Modes like Texturer, KarplusStrong, Harmonic OSC, and Superwave give adventurous musicians the chance to explore totally new, unheard possibilities. Like having dozens of synths in just one instrument, both wild-eyed newcomers and seasoned professionals will fall in love with MicroFreak’s flexible, powerful synth engine.

Small but fierce

MicroFreak packs so much in to such a compact instrument, you'll wonder how we did it. We'd love to say it was magic, but it was pure skill and passion.

Physical modelling, wavetable synthesis, virtual analog, there is nothing as complete and exciting as the MicroFreak oscillator on the market. It's hard to believe from such a small synth, but here it is, ready for you to explore. Excite your creativity and reward your curiosity with a large, diverse sound palette. MicroFreak features 13 awesome oscillators, 5 bespoke Arturia engines, and 8 modes from our partners at Mutable Instruments.


There's a little freak inside you, and this instrument will bring it out.

The best of both worlds

Even though MicroFreak has a digital oscillator at its heart, “opposites attract” as the saying goes. That’s why we’ve included a lush-sounding analog filter.
Inspired by the trailblazing 12-dB Oberheim SEM filter, you can make MicroFreak’s filter scream or whisper to taste. The filter is state-variable, and can even auto-oscillate! You can use this is any way you like, from taking the edge of the razor-sharp wavetable sounds, or automating the cutoff by modulating it with keyboard pressure or the in-built sequencer.

Wait. Did we mention that MicroFreak has a sequencer? And a mod matrix? Things are about to get seriously interesting...

Taste the spice, throw the dice

MicroFreak is packed with unique, exciting features that let you create music with a fresh perspective.
Record up to four automations, edit notes per step or use the innovative Spice and Dice sequencer functions to find happy accidents. Add randomization to create evolving, original patterns, and virtually rewire and reconfigure its signal chain and controls with the 5x7 modulation matrix.

This truly is a budget-friendly synth like no other.

“That’s a funny looking keyboard”

That’s right, it is. It isn’t really even a keyboard. It’s a PCB. Super-flat, with no moving parts. Will it track lightning-fast synth solos? You bet. Better than a traditional keyboard, actually.
Will it let you be expressive? Of course, it’s not only pressure sensitive, but also offers poly-aftertouch. This means each key can control parameters in a different way depending on how much you touch.

You can also use its USB, MIDI, and CV outputs to control instruments in your DAW and modular synths. This also means that you can also use MicroFreak as a controller to experience polyphonic aftertouch with cutting edge software instruments.

MFOS WP-20 Experimental Analog Synthesizer & 8 Step CV/Gate Sequencer

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

via this auction

See this post for a demo of one in a different case.

"WP-20 experimental analog synthesizer which also comes with a 8 step CV/Gate sequencer, along with N.American power supplies and two 1/8" cables for connecting the CV and Gate input/outputs together. Please check out the pictures of this unit as it has a very unique hand made look. The cases are aluminum with hand stamped labeling.

This is one wild unit, capable of much more than its humble specs indicate. It really shines in wild FM sounds, but can also play nice warm analog tones as well. But please be aware, if you are looking for a traditional synthesizer - keep looking! There is no MIDI and its VCO does not scale to V/Oct. Although it is certainly will play nice melodies using the 8 step sequencer you should not buy this thinking you are getting a Novation Bass Station, this is an 'experimental' synthesizer instead.

- VCO with square and triangle
- A VCF with resonance switchable
- VCA
- Loopable A/R generator with a manual trigger button (can get into audio range in loop mode)
- LFO with saw/triangle and square waves (which can also get into audio range).

There are 1/8" inputs for CV (pitch) and Gate (to trigger A/R).

The 8 Step sequencer has, you guessed it - 8 steps. But you can switch between 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 steps via the "steps" knob. 1/8" outputs for CV and Gate as well as a 1/8" input for external clocks (but note - some of the clocks from my modular would trigger the WP-20, and others would not).

If you would like to hear some of what this machine is capable of, I recorded a 10 minute track using the WP-20 as the sole sound source along with the 8 track sequencer (I also ran the WP-20 through some effects pedals, including a Cimmerian Caves and a home made spring reverb - plus some VST effects). Listen Here:

https://soundcloud.com/artificial-noise/wp-20-sessions

It is an odd unit, certainly not perfect - but if you use its for its strengths (and not focus on its limitations) you can create some very interesting sounds. Lo-fi, warbly and weird is how I would describe it."

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MOOG vintage analog Sonic Six 6 demonstration

Published on Jan 8, 2019 OFR

"Since I enjoyed doing the older Sonic V so much, I decided to do something on the later brother, the Sonic 6. I plugged it into a mixer for better quality than the little onboard speaker. I think these are very underrated and highly capable of making wild sounds; MUCH more like a modular Moog than anything sold as a small commercial synth."

O Christmas Tree - modular synth

Published on Dec 22, 2018 Joe Miller - Xin

"A simple tune made while testing Hermod (in other case). Well wishes to all, and happy holidays.

In Memoriam A. H. H. OBIIT MDCCCXXXIII: 106
BY ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be."

New Product Teasers from Pittsburgh Modular

View this post on Instagram

New sounds in the works at PittMod HQ This is going to be a wild one #eurorack #modular #synth #prototype

A post shared by Pittsburgh Modular (@pghmodular) on Dec 3, 2018 at 8:43am PST

View this post on Instagram

Richard and Michael are working on a very angry monster for 2019. #prototype #eurorack #modular #synthesizer

A post shared by Pittsburgh Modular (@pghmodular) on Dec 15, 2018 at 6:49pm PST

Sewn -- A Solar-Powered Analog Modular Synthesizer

Published on Dec 17, 2018 ellis tronics

"Etsy Listing::: https://etsy.me/2rIFnfS

Sewn is a Solar-Powered Analog Modular Synthesizer. Consisting of 3 Internal Synth Modules, this Musical Instrument specializes in exploring audio chaos hidden within the infinite Analog Spectrum.

The 3 Internal Modules are to be interconnected via patch wires in various and experimental ways. These connections create new circuit pathways that often result in wildly unexpected sounds and textures.

The 3 Internal Modules are: (2) Independent Primitive "Push/Pull" Oscillators and (1) Mixer/Amp with 5 Unique Gain Stage Inputs to shape incoming Signals.

The Oscillator Modules Pitch Range is set by Selecting and Plugging in Different Sized Capacitors into the "Capacitor-Slots". The Larger the Chosen Capacitor is, the Lower the resulting Pitch/Frequency will be. Each Oscillator contains 2 Slots for Inserting the provided Capacitors, by Mixing and Matching different Capacitor types and sizes, many variations of Waveform Symmetry and Resulting Tonalities are Possible. Playing the Sewn Synthesizer is all about Experimentation!

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Psytrance Eurorack Experiments #2 - Hexinverter Modular Dungeon Jams

Published on Oct 30, 2018 Hexinverter Électronique

"I've been having a lot of fun lately trying out different psy processes on the eurorack modular synth! Here's my latest jam. Some 142bpm stuff. Hope you enjoy! I went a little more minimal with the grid on this one and went a little more wild with the noodling on the delay and feedback.

Some patch notes:
- Bassdrum: Mutant BD9 - http://www.hexinverter.net/mutant-bd9
- Bass is a simple sawtooth with some phase adjustment which is phase locked using hard oscillator sync. The punch/attack is due to overdriving the Red Dragon's analog filter core - it really bites in this way! http://www.hexinverter.net/red-dragon
- Mutant Hihats are providing both open and closed hihats
- Everything is sequenced from a Digitakt over MIDI, through the Mutant Brain! http://www.hexinverter.net/mutant-brain"

Psychedelic Eurorack Experiments #1 here.

Gestrument Pro for iOS Now Available

Gestrument Pro - Release Day Trailer Published on Sep 25, 2018

Gestrument Pro Tutorial

Published on Sep 25, 2018 Tim Webb

"Gestrument Pro is a new gesture-based instrument and sequencer for iOS! I was asked to do the official tutorial. Gestrument Pro can be a fun way to explore new song ideas without getting bogged down in music theory. I help you jump in by explaining some of the key features.

Gestrument Pro was developed by award-winning composer Jesper Nordin and Jonatan Liljedahl (AUM, AudioShare, AUFX), and is available now on iTunes: https://goo.gl/FDMbK9"

---

Description for the top video above:

"Today's the day! We've finally released Gestrument Pro into the wild!
Everything in this video was performed live using the Gestrument Pro factory presets.

Gestrument Pro:
Play, improvise and compose in real-time within a framework of interactive generative musical systems.

Award-winning composer Jesper Nordin and leading iOS developer Jonatan Liljedahl (Kymatica) has completely re-invented their unique app from 2012 and taken the concept to the next level.

Gestrument Pro takes everything we loved about Gestrument and improves on its original functionality while introducing a host of new features such as multi-touch, recordable automations, advanced scale editing and our unique system of highly tweakable modular generators that define the pitches and rhythms.

With Gestrument Pro you can Play, Improvise and Compose music with deeper levels of personal expression than ever before.

Features:

• Up to 16 individual Instruments.
• Each Instrument can be controlled by any of up to 8 Cursors.
• Instruments can use internal high quality sounds or play other synthesizers or apps via MIDI.
• Modular swappable Generators for producing the rhythms and pitches per Instrument, each with their own set of tweakable parameters and settings.
• 8 performance sliders that each can control one or more parameters in the Instruments and their Generators.
• A highly flexible modulation system allows assigning Sliders and Cursor position/pressure to any parameter in the Instruments.
• Advanced microtonal Scale editor with several standard scales included.
• 8 Scale Slots for fast switching between scales and tonalities during performance.
• Sliders, Cursors and Scale Slots can be recorded into automated loops, or controlled via MIDI.
• Supports Inter-App Audio and Audiobus, including host sync for following the hosts transport and tempo."

EML ElectroComp 101 Synth, Vintage Synthesizer SN 1027

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

via this auction

This one was listed back in 2014.

"Excellent condition, one of the best older vintage monos ever. A true monster. Serial # 1027.

4 oscillators, 3 with continuously variable wave shapes, and variable bandwidth filter to die for, and imo the BEST ring mod ever, controlled by the 4th osc - beautiful, harmonicly rich, metalic distored tones.

Capable of very unique raw and large sounds and very flexible to get wild harsh or suble electric sounds with the modular side of things. Very sad to see this go but I am committed to the few things I have and use more frequently.

Tuned up before I bought it three years ago by a tech in SF who has lots of experience with EMLs, no issues since buying. These are considerably more stable in the long run than say, an arp 2600, due to the high spec (military grade I believe) components used.

Only things of note are slightly yellowed keys (dont know from what, these don't clean, maybe can be replaced) and a few small dings in the original case - been this way before I got it. Handle and all latches intact, working."

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Oberheim Xpander

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

via this auction

"Wonderfully versatile
you can split the 6 voices into any combination such as 6 mono synths, 6 sequentially triggered synths,
a 3 note poly and a duophonic and a monophonic....the list goes on. Huge pads, gnarly monosynths,wild SFX,
funky early 80s sounds, all you could wish for.
Multiple outputs, multiple CV GATE ins.
It was designed as a modular without the bother of wires."

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How Not to Fry Your Modular Gear & 7 Semi-Modular Ideas, Tips and Tricks for Synths

7 Semi-Modular ideas, tips and tricks for synths like MatrixBrute, Mother-32, MiniBrute 2 and more Published on Jul 11, 2018

1:00 TIP #1: Safely connecting CV to the Expression inputs of synths and guitar pedals using a floating ring cable

6:45 TIP #2: Using external envelopes to vary your synth sounds

9:25 TIP #3: Using MIDI to CV for sound layering and external control

11:45 TIP #4: Modular sequencing

15:05 TIP #5: Extending your sequencer with internal patching

16:55 TIP #6: Combining multiple mod sources

18:40 TIP #7: Adding external modular effects

Here's the clip I reference in my video: [embed further below]

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Crumar Spirit 1983 Analog Synthesizer designed by Bob Moog SN 00085

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

via this auction

"#085 of 200 units ever made!! This is a special piece of analog synth history. One of the rarest most exotic monophonic synths ever made.

The Crumar Spirit was originally designed by Bob Moog (himself), Jim Scott & Tom Rhea and released back in 1983. It is a full featured analog semi-modular monophonic synthesizer with 2 VCO's so it's got a pretty fat tone that is considerably more flexible than the Minimoog. It has a basic 37-note keyboard. The two oscillators feature basic sawtooth, triangle and square waves and can be synced together.

The filter section is very nice featuring low-, high- and band-pass filters and switchable 12dB or 24dB slopes. Other features of the filter include an independent envelope with inverted and normal ADSR, key tracking and single or multiple triggering of the filter. Some other features of the Spirit include a built-in ring-modulator, an Arpeggiator with 3 different patterns and that can be linked to the LFO, and there's an external audio input for running external sounds through its filters, LFOs or Ring Mod.

For the hands-on approach, the Spirit is sure to please. There are 24 knobs, 10 switches and 15 sliders to start. There are 3 performance wheels for controlling the Pitch, Mod-X and Shaper-Y modulation effects (see LFO specs below). Using those with the Arpeggiator can get pretty wild. The Arpeggiator features 3 modes: Ripple (Up/Down), Arpeggio (Up several octaves) and Leap (Goes up 1 and then 4 octaves). There are also Auto and preset Glide modes for getting some elasticity or bending effects. Since all the LFOs, envelopes and filters are quite flexible you are sure to get some weird noises, fat basses, synths, etc. with the Spirit."

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Endorphin.es - Shuttle System by Audio_units / Beatworx from Bangalore, India

Published on Jun 25, 2018 TheEndorphines

"In the framework of our interviews within the final of Life is a trip contest, we spoke with our participants are from Bangalore, India: two talented brother duo - Ashwin Baburao and Ashrith Baburao: Audio Units / Beatworx Studio.

- How did you come to use synthesis in your music?
When we first started making music, about 8 years ago we would use more loops than synthesized sounds and were quickly running out of new ideas. We realised for electronic music to sound good and uniquely ours, we needed to use traditional (subtractive synthesis/sampling, etc) and non-conventional methods (additive/FM/granular, etc) alike to generate ideas and sounds.
We also figured that these sounds could be more human-like if we incorporated modulations to add expression like with most physical instruments. Besides, we come from a background that’s more about curiosity and being musically inclined rather than being formally trained so making electronic music seemed like the right choice and a whole lot more fun than learning to play the piano, no regrets!
Out of sheer need to be more creative and to find "our" sound, we started to mess around with VSTs and quickly got into the analog and semi-modular realm and the rest is history.

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2018 The Synthesizer Show Episode #6 "The End" HIGHLIGHTS & Morton Subotnick's The Wild Bull

Published on Jun 20, 2018 Vince Clarke Fanpage

This one caught my attention for a number of reasons. Obviously, Vince Clark and Reed Hayes, as well as the title, and... the set starts out with an excerpt of Morton Subotnick's The Wild Bull composed on the Buchla 100. You can find it in full further below.

Details for the live set above:

The Synthesizer Show Episode #6 "THE END" HIGHLIGHTS
hosted by Vince Clarke and Reed Hays
June 20th, 2018 on http://www.makerparkradio.nyc

The Show Highlights:
- Jingle
- Buchla and Hawaii dancing Girl
- Erasure "Solsbury Hill"
- Alka "Betablockers"
- Reed & Caroline "Entropy" exclusive
- Yazoo / Yaz 'Nobody's Diary'
- Jingle
- Outro "THE END"

NEW ALBUM "Hello Science" from Reed & Caroline
out on July 6th, 2018 on http://www.veryrecords.com

Reed & Caroline support Erasure on their
North America Tour 2018 in July and August
More information on http://www.erasureinfo.com/concerts

more info about Vince Clarke on http://www.vinceclarkefanpage.de

Morton Subotnick - The Wild Bull (Full Album 1968)

Published on Mar 3, 2017 sound light

1. The Wild Bull (Part I) 13:00
2. The Wild Bull (Part II) 14:50

A composition for electronic-music synthesizer
A Nonesuch Records commission

Composed on the modular electronic music system originally built for Morton Subotnick by Donald Buchla at the San Francisco Tape Music Center.
Composed By – Morton Subotnick